Biologisk mangfold og jernbane : skjøtselsforsøk og kartlegging langs jernbanen i Sør-Norge

Prosjektet ”Biologisk mangfold” pågikk i Jernbaneverket Region Sør fra 2000 til 2005. Hensikten var både å kartlegge biologisk viktige områder langs banen samt å teste ut metoder for skjøtsel av vegetasjon i side terreng. Sluttrapporteringen fra prosjektet er delt i to. Denne rapporten oppsummerer skjøtselsforsøkene langs Sørlandsbanen i 2000-2005 samt registreringer av verdifulle naturtyper i prosjektet. Resultat fra litteratursøk samt en oppsummering av kunnskap om biologisk mangfold og jernbane presenteres i en egen rapport

Use of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy to predict nitrogen uptake by winter wheat within fields with high variability in organic matter

In this study, the ability to predict N-uptake in winter wheat crops using NIR-spectroscopy on soil samples was evaluated. Soil samples were taken in unfertilized plots in one winter wheat field during three years (1997-1999) and in another winter wheat field nearby in one year (2000). Soil samples were analyzed for organic C content and their NIR-spectra. N-uptake was measured as total N-content in aboveground plant materials at harvest. Models calibrated to predict N-uptake were internally cross validated and validated across years and across fields. Cross-validated calibrations predicted N-uptake with an average error of 12.1 to 15.4 kg N ha-1. The standard deviation divided by this error (RPD) ranged between 1.9 and 2.5. In comparison, the corresponding calibrations based on organic C alone had an error from 11.7 to 28.2 kg N ha-1 and RPDs from 1.3 to 2.5. In three of four annual calibrations within a field, the NIR-based calibrations worked better than the organic C based calibrations. The prediction of N-uptake across years, but within a field, worked slightly better with an organic C based calibration than with a NIR based one, RPD = 1.9 and 1.7 respectively. Across fields, the corresponding difference was large in favour of the NIR-calibration, RPD = 2.5 for the NIR-calibration and 1.5 for the organic C calibration. It was concluded that NIR-spectroscopy integrates information about organic C with other relevant soil components and therefore has a good potential to predict complex functions of soils such as N-mineralization. A relatively good agreement of spectral relationships to parameters related to the N-mineralization of datasets across the world suggests that more general models can be calibrated

Biologisk mangfold og jernbane - en kunnskapsoversikt

Prosjektet ”Biologisk mangfold” pågikk i Jernbaneverket Region Sør fra 2000 til 2005. Hensikten var både å kartlegge biologisk viktige områder langs banen samt å teste ut metoder for skjøtsel av vegetasjon i sideterreng. Sluttrapporteringen fra prosjektet er delt i to. Denne rapporten prøver å oppsummere den kunnskap vi har per i dag om jernbaneflora og biologisk mangfold langs jernbanen i Norge, og gir en samlet vurdering av temaet og anbefaling av videre tiltak. Resultat fra skjøtselsforsøk og kartlegging av verdifulle naturtyper langs Sørlandsbanen og Vestfoldbanen er presentert i en egen rapport

Skärbordsspill vid skördetröskning

Field measurements of header losses while harvesting different grain crops, mainly wheat and barley, were performed in Sweden during the harvesting season in 1986. In addition, divider losses in rapeseed were studied on one occasion. Different settings, e.g. reel speed index, reel height, stubble height and forward speed were varied. The header losses were collected manually, cleaned and weighed. The moisture content was measured to make it possible to convert the sample weights to 15 % moisture content (in rapeseed to 18 % water content). At each setting the header losses from a total of 7.5 m2 were collected. This area was divided into 15 plots, each of 0.5 m2. Sometimes also header losses from the divider area were collected. In rapeseed, the losses were collected in chutes placed in the gap between the crop rows. Nine chutes were placed in three adjacent gaps, three chutes in each. Each chute measured 10 cm x 100 cm. The gap between the rows measured about 25 cm. The header losses were divided into loose kernels and parts of or whole ears. In the experiments performed in seed crops most of the collected losses were ears. The header losses, apart from divider losses, were seldom of any magnitude. In most cases they were less than 50 kg/ha. However, in some cases they exceeded 200 kg/ha. Losses in the divider area were mostly of a more considerable size. In an upright standing crop, divider losses generally were between 150 and 300 kg/ha. In a lodged crop they were more than 1000 kg/ha in some cases. In general, divider losses were about 20 to 40 % of the total header losses. In a lodged crop they could make up more than 60 % of the total header losses. The experiments were unable to reveal whether the header losses, except for the divider losses, were constant along the cutterbar width. Neither could it be established whether there were any differences between different header constructions. Header losses increased rapidly in winter barley with increasing stubble height. This depends on the more or less broken straw that characterizes barley. Only a few experiments were made with different forward speeds. Header losses were generally larger at low speeds (about 0.5 m/s) than at normal speeds (about 1 m/s). Quite a few experiments were performed with different reel speed indexes. In general, least losses occurred at reel speed indexes between 1.2 and 1.6. In some experiments with different reel heights, the largest header losses occurred when the reel was positioned as low as possible. Least header losses occurred when the lowest position of the reel bats were level or slightly below the ears. One experiment with different divider equipment was performed in rapeseed. Divider equipment using a fender bar was not suitable in rapeseed. when this divider was mounted, the divider losses considerably exceeded those of the torpedo divider and vertical cutterbar. No particular difference occurred between the torpedo divider and the vertical cutterbar. With the vertical cutterbar mounted, losses tended to decrease with increasing forward speed

Hyaluronan in malignant pleural mesothelioma with special reference to diagnosis, tumourbiology and prognosis

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), the primary malignant tumour of the pleural cavity, is an uncommon and treatment resistant tumour. The prognosis is poor. In many, but not all cases the concentration of hyaluronan (Hya) is increased in pleural effusion. The clinical relevance of Hya in MPM is not clear. The primary aims of the present study were to examine the role of Hya in the diagnosis, the clinical follow-up, the prognosis and to immunohistochemically characterize Hya-producing MPM. A secondary aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of augmenting the antineoplastic effect of cisplatin by combining it with tirapazamine in a phase II trial in patients with MPM.All the cases of MPM in the present study were histologically confirmed. The compatibility of three different methods, a high-performance liquid-chromatographic method (HPLC), a radiometric assay and a semiquantitative precipitationtest for analysis of Hya in pleural effusion was examined. Hya- and non-Hya-producing MPM were immunohistochemically characterized using monoclonal antibodies towards epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), vimentin and cytokeratin (CAM 5.2). Various clinical variables, including Hya in the pleural exudate were evaluated for prognosis in 100 patients with MPM. The relation between circulating Hya and tumourvolume as estimated from serially performed CT scans was investigated in two studies. Twenty-two patients were included into the phase II study.The HPLC-method for analysis of Hya in pleural effusion recognized significantly more cases of MPM than the precipitation test. The HPLC-method and the radiometric assay were comparable in diagnosing MPM although the former in general showed higher values of Hya.The ability of MPM to produce Hya was correlated to strong reactivity towards EMA , CAM 5.2 and weak reactivity against vimentin. Elevated content of Hya in the pleural fluid was identified as a significantly favourable prognostic factor. In the subgroup of Hya producing MPM changes in tumourvolume were related to changes in concentration of Hya in serum. The response to the combination therapy of cisplatin and tirapazamine was poor. In summary, Hya may qualify as a tumour marker for MPM. Analysis of Hya in pleural effusion may serve as a diagnostic aid and analysis of circulating Hya may help monitor patients with increased synthesis of Hya in pleural effusion. The ability of the tumour to produce Hya is a marker for better prognosis. The biological properties, immunophenotype and capacity to synthesize Hya, should be taken into account in future therapeutic trials in MP

Family presence during in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation : effects of an online intervention on self-confidence and attitudes of healthcare professionals

Aims Guidelines support family-witnessed resuscitation (FWR) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hospital if deemed to be safe, yet barriers amongst healthcare professionals (HCPs) still exist. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an educational online video intervention on nurses’ and physicians’ attitudes towards in-hospital FWR and their self-confidence in managing such situations. Methods and results A pre- and post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted October 2022 to March 2023 at six Swedish hospitals involving the departments of emergency care, medicine, and surgery. The 10 min educational video intervention was based on previous research covering the prevalence and outcome of FWR, attitudes of HCP, patient and family experiences, and practical and ethical guidelines about FWR. In total, 193 accepted participation, whereof 91 answered the post-test survey (47.2%) with complete data available for 78 and 61 participants for self-confidence and attitudes, respectively. The self-confidence total mean scores increased from 3.83 to 4.02 (P < 0.001) as did the total mean scores for attitudes towards FWR (3.38 to 3.62, P < 0.001). The majority (71.0%) had positive views of FWR at baseline and had experiences of in hospital FWR (58.0%). Self-confidence was highest amongst participants for the delivery of chest compressions (91.2%), defibrillation (88.6%), and drug administration (83.3%) during FWR. Self-confidence was lowest (58.1%) for encouraging and attending to the family during resuscitation. Conclusion This study suggests that a short online educational video can be an effective way to improve HCP’s self-confidence and atti- tudes towards the inclusion of family members during resuscitation and can support HCP in making informed decisions about FWR

Experiences of family-witnessed cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hospital and its impact on life: An interview study with cardiac arrest survivors and their family members

AimTo explore experiences of cardiac arrest in-hospital and the impact on life for the patient who suffered the arrest and the family member who witnessed the resuscitation. BackgroundGuidelines advocate that the family should be offered the option to be present during resuscitation, but little is known about family-witnessed cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hospital and the impact on the patient and their family. DesignA qualitative design consisting of joint in-depth interviews with patients and family members. MethodsFamily interviews were conducted with seven patients and their eight corresponding family members (aged 19-85 years) 4-10 months after a family-witnessed in-hospital cardiac arrest. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The study followed the guidelines outlined in the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. ResultsThe participants felt insignificant and abandoned following the in-hospital cardiac arrest. Surviving patients and their close family members felt excluded, alone and abandoned throughout the care process; relationships, emotions and daily life were affected and gave rise to existential distress. Three themes and eight subordinate themes were identified: (1) the intrusion of death-powerless in the face of the fragility of life, highlights what it is like to suffer a cardiac arrest and to cope with an immediate threat to life; (2) being totally exposed-feeling vulnerable in the care relationship, describes how a lack of care from healthcare staff damaged trust; (3) learning to live again-making sense of an existential threat, pertaining to the familys reactions to a difficult event that impacts relationships but also leads to a greater appreciation of life and a positive view of the future. ConclusionSurviving and witnessing a cardiac arrest in-hospital is a critical event for everyone involved. Patients and family members are vulnerable in this situation and need to be seen and heard, both in the hospital and after hospital discharge. Consequently, healthcare staff need to show compassion and attend to the needs of the family, which involves continually assessing how family members are coping during the process, and providing support and information during and after resuscitation. Relevance to clinical practiceIt is important to provide support to family members who witness the resuscitation of a loved one in-hospital. Structured follow-up care is crucial for cardiac arrest survivors and their families. To promote person-centred care, nurses need interprofessional training on how to support family members during resuscitation, and follow-up care focusing on providing resources for multiple challenges faced by survivors (emotional, cognitive, physical) and families (emotional) is needed. Patient or public contributionIn-hospital cardiac arrest patients and family members were involved when designing the study.Funding Agencies|Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden [FORSS-931834]; ALF Grants Region Ostergotland [RO-899881, RO-938284]</p