Altered Expression of Somatostatin Receptors in Pancreatic Islets from NOD Mice Cultured at Different Glucose Concentrations In Vitro and in Islets Transplanted to Diabetic NOD Mice In Vivo

Somatostatin acts via five receptors (sst1–5). We investigated if the changes in pancreatic islet sst expression in diabetic NOD mice compared to normoglycemic mice are a consequence of hyperglycemia or the ongoing immune reaction in the pancreas. Pancreatic islets were isolated from NOD mice precultured for 5 days and further cultured for 3 days at high or low glucose before examined. Islets were also isolated from NOD mice and transplanted to normal or diabetic mice in a number not sufficient to cure hyperglycemia. After three days, the transplants were removed and stained for sst1–5 and islet hormones. Overall, changes in sst islet cell expression were more common in islets cultured in high glucose concentration in vitro as compared to the islet transplantation in vivo to diabetic mice. The beta and PP cells exhibited more frequent changes in sst expression, while the alpha and delta cells were relatively unaffected by the high glucose condition. Our findings suggest that the glucose level may alter sst expressed in islets cells; however, immune mechanisms may counteract such changes in islet sst expression

Cardiac adaptation to hypertension in adult female Dahl salt-sensitive rats is dependent on ovarian function, but loss of ovarian function does not predict early maladaptation

Aim of study was to examine experimentally the adult female hypertensive heart in order to determine the role of ovary function in the response of the heart to salt-dependent hypertension. Dahl salt-sensitive rats, age 12 weeks, with/without ovariectomy were fed a standard (0.3% NaCl) or high-salt diet (8%) for 16 weeks. Mean arterial blood pressure monitored noninvasively in conscious state increased significantly by high salt. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and endpoint. Heart function and molecular changes were evaluated at endpoint by left ventricle catheterization, by sirius red staining for collagen and by gene expression using quantitative RT-PCR for selected genes. At endpoint, significant concentric hypertrophy was present with high salt. Increase in relative wall thickening with high salt compared to normal diet was more pronounced with intact ovaries (0.33 0.02 and 0.57 0.04 vs. 0.29 0.00 and 0.46 0.03) as was the reduction in midwall fractional shortening (20 0.6 and 14 2 vs. 19 0.9 and 18 1). Ovariectomy increased stroke volume and decreased the ratio of mitral peak velocity of early filling (E) to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E0 ) (E/E’ ratio) when compared to hearts from intact rats. High salt increased expression of collagen I and III genes and perivascular collagen in the heart slightly, but % interstitial collagen by sirius red staining remained unchanged in intact rats and decreased significantly by ovariectomy. Added volume load but not deterioration of function or structure characterized the nonfailing hypertensive heart of salt-sensitive females ovariectomized at mature age when compared to corresponding intact females

Surgical Treatment of Distal Radial Fractures with External Fixation Versus Volar Locking Plate A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The use of volar locking plate fixation (VLP) for unstable extra-articular distal radial fractures has increased in the last decades. External fixation (EF) is less frequently used. This change of surgical approach has only to some extent been evidence-based. Methods: In this multicenter, randomized controlled trial, we compared VLP and EF in patients between 18 and 70 years of age who had a displaced extra-articular distal radial fracture (OTA/AO type A3). The patients were examined at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was the Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation score (PRWHE). Secondary outcomes were the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), pain score on a visual analog scale (VAS), and radiographic measurements. Range of motion, grip strength, finger stiffness, complications, and reoperations were also recorded. Results: One hundred and fifty-six patients were included. One hundred and forty-two (91%)—127 women (89%) and 15 men (11%)—completed 1 year of follow-up. Sixty-nine patients were treated with VLP and 73, with EF. The mean age was 56 years. At 6 weeks, the median PRWHE score was significantly higher in the EF group (44) compared with the VLP group (27) (p < 0.001). At 3 months and 1 year, the difference between groups was not significant. The median QuickDASH score was 27 in the VLP group and 43 in the EF group at 6 weeks (p < 0.001), and a significant difference persisted at 3 months (p = 0.023). The VLP group had superior results in terms pain during activity, wrist extension, and ulnar and radial deviation at 1 year, whereas the number of major complications was similar in the 2 groups. Conclusions: Patients treated with VLP had earlier recovery of function compared with patients treated with EF. One year postoperatively, we found no significant functional difference.publishedVersio

Somatostatin Receptor Expression and Biological Functions in Endocrine Pancreatic Cells

Type 1 diabetes is resulting from the selective destruction of insulin-producing beta-cells within the pancreatic islets. Somatostatin acts as an inhibitor of hormone secretion through specific receptors (sst1-5). All ssts were expressed in normal rat and mouse pancreatic islets, although the expression intensity and the co-expression pattern varied between ssts as well as between species. This may reflect a difference in response to somatostatin in islet cells of the two species. The Non-Obese Diabetic (NOD) mouse model is an experimental model of type 1 diabetes, with insulitis accompanied by spontaneous hyperglycaemia. Pancreatic specimens from NOD mice at different age and stage of disease were stained for ssts. The islet cells of diabetic NOD mice showed increased islet expression of sst2-5 compared to normoglycemic NOD mice. The increase in sst2-5 expression in the islets cells may suggest either a contributing factor in the process leading to diabetes, or a defense response against ongoing beta-cell destruction. Somatostatin analogues were tested on a human endocrine pancreatic tumour cell line and cultured pancreatic islets. Somatostatin analogues had an effect on cAMP accumulation, chromogranin A secretion and MAP kinase activity in the cell line. Treatment of rat pancreatic islets with somatostatin analogues with selective receptor affinity was not sufficient to induce an inhibition of insulin and glucagon secretion. However, a combination of selective analogues or non-selective analogues via co-stimulation of receptors can cause inhibition of hormone production. For insulin and glucagon, combinations of sst2 + sst5 and sst1 + sst2, respectively, showed a biological effect. In summary, knowledge of islet cell ssts expression and the effect of somatostatin analogues with high affinity to ssts may be valuable in the future attempts to influence beta-cell function in type 1 diabetes mellitus, since down-regulation of beta-cell function may promote survival of these cells during the autoimmune attack

Sjuksköterskors upplevelser av patientsamtal i perioperativ omvårdnad

Validerat; 20101217 (root

Bthere or be Square: A Method for Extreme Contextualization of Design

In this paper we describe the Bthere method aiming to increase the context awareness among designers. The method and a workshop scenario will be presented, as well as the results and evaluation from that. Based on the methodology from contextual and participatory design, the paper describes a method for dividing the context in different layers, observed from different perspectives. This reveals hidden structures in the inhabitants everyday life and the environment among them, using a full scale context and user study as background material for brainstorming and design choices. The aim of the workshop was to accomplish an expanded notion and awareness of some of the aspects of the city environment that are invisible or unnoticeable.We claim that the Bthere method increases awareness of a richer full scale context, and points to an alternative approach to user involvement in the design process

Performance measurement systems as management control in R&amp;D organizations : A case study

Background: Management control systems (MCS) are used to control organizations and make employees behave and act in the desirable way. Performance measurement (PM) systems one type of MCS and are used to communicate company strategies throughout the organization, motivate the employees to work towards company goals, and measure the outcome. PM systems can be a powerful tool, but if used in the wrong way they can have adverse effects. Aim: This thesis focused on the use of PM systems for management control purposes in research and development (R&amp;D) organisations with the question: How can performance measurement systems be utilized in R&amp;D organizations? Method: The thesis is based on a literature study, complemented by a case study (metric analysis, survey and deep interviews) at a R&amp;D department. The department was investigated at two time points, in between which the PM system was re-designed. In the metric analysis, the performance targets of the PM system were categorized into quantitative-objective, quantitative-subjective and qualitative-subjective targets. Results: The results from the case study were in line with findings from the literature. At study point 2, when the PM system had been re-designed, the employees felt more involved in shaping and influencing the goals. Also the follow-up of the goals was experienced as more implemented at study point two. The types of measured targets had shifted from quantitative to qualitative, including soft values such as team spirit, at study point 2. However, the members did not feel that the goals motivated them at any time point. . Conclusion: In the literature review it was evident from the number of publications that there is a great interest in measuring R&amp;D performance, and that PM systems are an important tool to R&amp;D managers. Just as the company in this case study, each organization needs to analyze its own needs and adopt the PM system thereafter. Moreover, no system should be seen as static, instead it should be continuously evaluated and adjusted to make sure it measures what it is intended to measure and that it does not cause adverse effects on the organization

Performance measurement systems as management control in R&amp;D organizations : A case study

Background: Management control systems (MCS) are used to control organizations and make employees behave and act in the desirable way. Performance measurement (PM) systems one type of MCS and are used to communicate company strategies throughout the organization, motivate the employees to work towards company goals, and measure the outcome. PM systems can be a powerful tool, but if used in the wrong way they can have adverse effects. Aim: This thesis focused on the use of PM systems for management control purposes in research and development (R&amp;D) organisations with the question: How can performance measurement systems be utilized in R&amp;D organizations? Method: The thesis is based on a literature study, complemented by a case study (metric analysis, survey and deep interviews) at a R&amp;D department. The department was investigated at two time points, in between which the PM system was re-designed. In the metric analysis, the performance targets of the PM system were categorized into quantitative-objective, quantitative-subjective and qualitative-subjective targets. Results: The results from the case study were in line with findings from the literature. At study point 2, when the PM system had been re-designed, the employees felt more involved in shaping and influencing the goals. Also the follow-up of the goals was experienced as more implemented at study point two. The types of measured targets had shifted from quantitative to qualitative, including soft values such as team spirit, at study point 2. However, the members did not feel that the goals motivated them at any time point. . Conclusion: In the literature review it was evident from the number of publications that there is a great interest in measuring R&amp;D performance, and that PM systems are an important tool to R&amp;D managers. Just as the company in this case study, each organization needs to analyze its own needs and adopt the PM system thereafter. Moreover, no system should be seen as static, instead it should be continuously evaluated and adjusted to make sure it measures what it is intended to measure and that it does not cause adverse effects on the organization

Associations between materials used and work-related musculoskeletal hand complaints among haemodialysis nurses

Background One in every two haemodialysis nurses has reported musculoskeletal complaints concerning their hands, which is twice that reported for hospital nurses in general. It is possible that there is an association between the materials used by haemodialysis nurses and the occurrence of hand complaints. Objectives To examine the association between the type of dialysis machine and disposables used with the occurrence of hand complaints among haemodialysis nurses. To compare occupational risks of developing work‐related musculoskeletal disorders based on the materials used for haemodialysis. Design Cross‐sectional. Participants Two hundred and eighty‐two nurses working in 27 haemodialysis centres in Sweden participated in a survey, and 19 nurses at five centres were observed during priming procedures. Measurements Nurses supplied demographic data and answered the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Centre level data regarding machines and disposables used for haemodialysis during the past year were also collected. Results There were no differences in the prevalence of hand complaints based on the type of haemodialysis machines, dialysers or tubing used. There were no differences found in physical exposure to the hands during priming, based on machine type used. Conclusion The results of this study could not reveal any association between disposable materials used and the occurrence of hand complaints among haemodialysis nurses. Additionally, there were no occupational risks detected based on the types of machines used. Hence, the results of the present study strongly indicate that a deeper ergonomic analysis of the work environment is needed to understand the prevalence of hand complaints among nurses working in haemodialysis settings

Prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among haemodialysis nurses - a comparison between Danish and Swedish samples

Objective. The repetitiveness of priming and dismantling disposables for haemodialysis treatments might be an important contributor to musculoskeletal complaints. The objective was therefore to compare the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among haemodialysis nurses in Denmark and Sweden. Methods. For this cross-sectional study, nurses were recruited from haemodialysis centres in Denmark (n = 194) and Sweden (n = 351). Prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints was evaluated using the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. Results. The percentage of nurses reporting musculoskeletal complaints from at least one part of their body was 90.2% in the Danish sample and 88.9% in the Swedish sample. The anatomical locations with the most complaints were the neck, lower back and hands. Except for the proportion of complaints concerning the neck, there were no differences between the countries. Absenteeism from work was mostly due to complaints regarding the hands. Conclusion. The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints seems to be higher among haemodialysis nurses than among nurses in general. Because complaints concerning the hands are common, and also related to absenteeism from work, it is of particular importance that manufacturers of dialysis equipment and nurse managers acknowledge these occupational health and safety hazards in their efforts to create a good work environment