bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary arterial wedge pressure measurement can modify pulmonary hae mo dynamics in patients with chronic lung disease
Authors: Schrijen F. V. , Serri A. , Chabo F.
Published: April 2008

Summary. In 20 patients with chronic lung disease in stable condition, haemodynamic values were compared during wedging of a Swan‐Ganz catheter, either in a distal branch of the pulmonary artery, or by balloon inflation (with 1 ml) in a proximal branch, mostly excluding right lower lobe perfusion.

Average pulmonary arterial wedge pressure, systemic arterial pressure, transcutaneous and mixed venous oxygen saturation, cardiac output and pulmonary blood volume (PBV) were not statistically different during distal and proximal wedging, but systolic pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance were slightly higher during balloon inflation (P < 0.05). In four patients, PBV decreased by 20% or more; cardiac output was reduced and mean systemic arterial pressure diminished by 10 mmHg or more in three patients. Of the two patients with the lowest PBV, one did not tolerate the balloon inflation because of dyspnoea, and the other showed dramatically haemodynamic changes. These were more likely to occur when the occlusion lead to the exclusion of a still well perfused area.

Our results support optimal matching between ventilation and perfusion in patients with chronic lung disease, although both are inhomogeneous. When pulmonary vascular restriction can be suspected, pressure obtained during catheter wedging by balloon inflation should be interpreted with caution. Monitoring arterial oxygen saturation and systemic arterial pressure before and during the manoeuver could help to diagnose haemodynamic effects of the balloon inflation in a proximal pulmonary artery.
Simulation of ECG from two pairs of action potentials
Authors: Wohlfart B.
Published: April 2008

Summary. A simple model for simulation of ECG is presented with the purpose to mimic some common ECG configurations and to generate a hypothesis regarding their electrophysiological background. Action potentials (AP) were simulated on a personal computer from ion currents as described previously (Wohlfart & Arlock, 1993). The difference between two APs of a pair was used to create an electrogram (EG). The subendocardial AP of the pair was triggered by means of a simulated current injection and the subepicardial AP was triggered from the first AP due to electric coupling within the pair. The subendocardial APs were of longer duration than the epicardial AP because of differences in background currents. A second pair of APs representing another ventricular site was simulated in an analogous way and this pair was activated somewhat later in time. ECG was calculated as the difference between the two EGs. Right‐bundle branch block could be imitated by reducing the coupling between the APs representing the right ventricle. Left‐bundle branch block was generated in an analogous way. ECG in acute myocardial infarction was created after making one of the epicardial APs ischaemic in appearance (reduced amplitude, short duration). Status‐post infarction ECG (Q‐wave and negative T) was produced by reducing the influence from the EG of the infarcted area. Negative T and increased R‐wave as in hypertrophy could also be reproduced. Down sloping ST‐segment and negative T as in subendocardial ischaemia was also possible to imitate. The simulations showed that biphasic T‐waves or T and U‐waves follows when the two EGs are separated properly in time.,
Relationships between exercise ECG and angiocardiographic indices of coronary insufficiency and myocardial fibrosis in coronary heart disease
Authors: Backman C. , Jacobsson K. A. , Linderholm H. , Osterman G.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Patients with coronary heart disease were examined with exercise ECG and angiocardiography. Maximum work capacity expressed as a percentage of the predicted normal exercise tolerance (Wmax%) was significantly associated with the angiocardiographic score of the myocardial mass subserved by obstructed coronary arteries (MCOS). Variables related to myocardial fibrosis (MF) such as post infarction ECG signs, the left ventricular wall motion score (LVMS) and the ejection fraction of the left ventricle (LVEF) correlated significantly as did variables related to reversible myocardial ischaemia or coronary insufficiency (CI), such as ST depression during exercise (STdepr), STAY and ST/HR indices, effort angina (EA/W) index, the extent of collaterals (CollS), and ‘MCOS‐LVMS’. MF variables correlated weakly with CI variables. Wmax% covariated with the variables related to both CI and MF, and most closely with MCOS. Discrepancies between results of exercise ECG and angiocardiography have to some extent been overcome by comparing appropriate parameters.,
Postural effects on diastolic blood pressure are differently recorded by a non‐invasive ambulatory blood pressure monitor and a standard auscultatory device,
Authors: Schwan Å.
Published: April 2008

Summary. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of change of posture on blood pressure as recorded with an automatic ambulatory blood pressure monitor and a standard auscultatory device.

The blood pressure difference between sitting and supine and between standing and supine posture was 1.1/3.9 and 6.5/6.3 mmHg, respectively, for the monitor recordings, and 0.7/6.7 and 7.9/14.8 mmHg, respectively, for the standard recordings. All differences were significant, except the systolic blood pressure difference between sitting and supine posture. There were no significant differences in systolic blood pressure between monitor and standard recordings in any posture. The corresponding differences in diastolic blood pressure were significant in sitting (‐4.6 mmHg) and standing postures (‐10.3 mmHg), but not in supine posture (‐1.8 mmHg).

It is concluded that a change of posture contributes to blood pressure variability, and agreement between diastolic blood pressure in supine subjects, as recorded by an ambulatory monitor and a standard device, does not necessarily mean agreement in standing (or sitting) subjects.
Quantifying the effect of hand preference on upper limb bone mineral and soft tissue composition in young and elderly women by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry
Authors: Taaffe D. R. , Lewis B. , Marcus R.
Published: April 2008

Summary. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect that hand preference has on upper limb bone mineral and soft tissue composition in healthy young and elderly women. Bone mineral content (BMC) in grams, bone mineral density (BMD) in g cm‐2, fat‐free soft tissue (FFST) in grams, fat tissue (g), and percent fat were determined by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) for dominant and non‐dominant upper limbs as well as total body fat (%) in 25 young (26–6 ± 4–3 years, mean ± SD) and 35 elderly women (68–4 ± 2–9 years). For both groups, the dominant upper limb had a greater BMC (P<0–001), BMD (young, P<0001; elderly, P<0–05), and FFST mass (P<0–001), and a lower percent fat (young, P<0–01; elderly, P<0–05) than the non‐dominant limb; however, there was no difference between limbs for total fat mass. BMC, BMD, and FFST in the dominant limb of young women were 7–1%, 1–8%, and 5–1% greater than the non‐dominant limb, while for older women the differences were 5–3%, 10%, and 4–2%. Relative fat of the dominant limb was 3–0% and 1 ‐3% less than the non‐dominant limb for young and older women, respectively. Age did not affect the percent bone mineral or soft tissue difference. A higher bone mineral and FFST mass in the dominant limb is expected due to the greater activity demands placed upon these tissues. However, a larger bone and FFST mass increases the total mass of the dominant limb, resulting in a dilution of the fat tissue mass and hence a reduced fat percent for the limb. This study indicates that hand preference affects the tissue composition of the upper limb in both young and elderly women, resulting in an increased bone mineral and FFST mass with no change in absolute fat mass. Hand preference should be taken into account when upper limb bone mineral and/or soft tissue composition is assessed.
The separate and combined effect of leucine and insulin on muscle free amino acids
Authors: Essén P. , Heys S. D. , Garlicky P. , Wernerman J.
Published: April 2008

Summary. The effect of insulin and leucine on amino acid and protein metabolism in muscle is not fully understood. To characterize their separate and combined effects on free amino acids in muscle and plasma, 11 volunteers received an infusion of either leucine (1 g h‐1, Group 1) or glucose (20 g h‐1, Group 2) for 2 h followed by a combination of the two infusions for an additional 2‐h period.

In muscle both the leucine infusion and the leucine plus glucose infusion increased the concentration of free leucine significantly, while the sum of the other branched chain amino acids (BCAA), of the aromatic amino acids and of the basic amino acids decreased. Glucose infusion alone decreased the sum of the essential amino acids, the BCAA and the aromatic amino acids. The combination of leucine and glucose augmented the decreases, while the concentrations of glutamate, glutamine and alanine were unaffected.

In plasma the leucine infusion doubled the leucine concentration and decreased alanine, valine, methionine, tyrosine, phenylalanine and the sum of the aromatic amino acids. Glucose infusion decreased methionine, serine, isoleucine and the sum of the essential amino acids and of the BCAA. The combination of leucine infusion and hyperinsulinaemia augmented the decreases. The plasma concentrations of the keto acids of valine and isoleucine decreased by the leucine infusion while the concentrations of the keto acid of leucine and isoleucine decreased by glucose infusion. The combination of leucine and glucose had an additive effect.

These effects are attributed to a specific effect of leucine on the other two BCAA and a depression of muscle proteolysis by both leucine and insulin, resulting from glucose infusion.
Effect of physical activity on the day‐to‐day variation in serum digoxin concentration
Authors: Edner M. , Jogestrand T.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Physical exercise has been found to increase digoxin binding in working skeletal muscle along with a concomitant decrease in serum digoxin concentration. In a recent study on healthy volunteers, moderate physical activity during maintenance digoxin treatment was shown to decrease the renal excretion of digoxin secondary to this redistribution of the drug, thereby affecting the body content of digoxin. In the present study the influence of changes in everyday physical activities, carried out during a 10‐h period after ingestion of the daily maintenance digoxin dose, on the steady‐state serum digoxin concentration (24 h after the last dose) was studied in 10 digoxin‐treated outpatients (61–81 years of age). Compared to normal daily activity, complete bed rest for 10 h after ingestion of the maintenance dose did not affect the steady‐state serum digoxin concentration. The lack of such an influence may be explained either by a low degree of everyday physical activity in the investigated patients or to a compensatory increase in the renal excretion of digoxin during the night preceding the serum digoxin measurement. Thus, standardization of physical activity 1–2 h before blood sampling is adequate when analysing the serum digoxin concentration in elderly outpatients.
Is transcutaneous PO2 monitoring during exercise a reliable alternative to arterial PO2 measurements?
Authors: Brudin L. , Berg S. , Ekberg P. , Castenfors J.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Arterial PO2 measurement during exercise is an important part in the evaluation of pulmonary disease but requires an intra‐arterial cannula. However, in clinical work it would be preferable to assess PO2 non‐invasively. To evaluate such a technique, simultaneous measurements of transcutaneous PO2 (tcPO2) and arterial PO2 (PaO2), sampled from an indwelling arterial radial cannula, were made before, during and after a fatigue or symptom‐limited bicycle exercise test in 16 patients referred to hospital because of dyspnoea. In total 181 paired measurements were made. Mean values (range) of PaO2 and tcPO2 were 11‐2 kPa (5–16) and 9‐5 (5–13‐3), respectively. The correlation coefficient between PaO2 and TcPO2 was only 0–36 (P < 10‐5). By normalizing the values of tcPO2 and PaO2 to corresponding values at supine rest before exercise, the correlation coefficient increased to 0–80 (P < 10‐6). Using PaO2 as golden standard, tcPO2 described the trend in pO2 during exercise reasonably well in all cases and this information is often sufficient for assessing the degree of pulmonary insufficiency. Thus, transcutaneous blood gas monitoring during exercise is useful for clinical evaluation of pulmonary disease, but a single arterial blood sample at rest before exercise is recommended for baseline correlation.,
Biochemical features in patients with their first acute inferior myocardial infarction
Authors: Carson W. , Keenany J.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Sixty eight patients with their first acute inferior myocardial infarction were studied within 24 h of the onset of chest pain by vectorcardiography and biochemical indicators. Patients were divided into three groups according to the vectorcardiographic findings: Group 1 (31 patients with inferior myocardial infarction); Group 2 (26 patients with inferior myocardial infarction and right ventricular involvement); and Group 3 (11 patients with inferior‐posterior infarction). Biochemical studies showed that the tendency for the magnitude of enzyme release varied with the site inferior‐posterior > inferior + right ventricular > inferior groups. However, the differences between inferior and inferior plus right‐ventricular groups were not significant. This suggests that the left ventricle dominates enzyme release regardless, with or without right ventricular involvement in patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction. When the enzyme levels in inferior and inferior‐posterior myocardial infarction are compared, the HBDH and CK‐MB were significantly higher (2 P < 0–02 and 2 P < 0–05 respectively). This confirms that when the vectorcardiographic QRS loop changes are large, more enzyme is released during acute myocardial infarction.,
Effect of supine exercise on platelet aggregation and fibrinolytic activity
Authors: Dag B. , Gleerup G. , Bak A. M. , Hindberg I. , Mehlsen J. , Winther K.
Published: April 2008

Summary. In 12 healthy young men, strenuous cycling exercise in the supine position, caused platelet aggregability to decrease and the ADP threshold to rise from 7‐0 (xM resting, to 9‐5 exercising (P < 0–01). At the same time, fibrinolytic activity increased markedly: euglobulin clot lysis time shortened from 178 to 68 min, PAI‐1 fell from 8–91 to 5–16 IU ml‐1, and t‐PA rose from 0–56 to 3–95 IU ml‐1, all three values were significant to P < 001. When the erect posture was assumed after lying at ease for 1 h after exercise, it did not increase platelet activity as expected, but caused a modest increase of fibrinolytic activity. These results suggest that supine exercise will not affect the haemostatic system adversely.,
A bioacoustic method for timing of respiration at cardiac investigations
Authors: Xiong C. , Hök B. , Strömberg T. , Loyd D. , Wranne B. , Ask P.
Published: April 2008

Summary. At cardiac investigations Doppler echocardiography is an established technique for the recording of intracardial and intravascular flow velocities. Transvalvular and venous flows are, however, markedly influenced by respiration. Since the start of inspiration is the important time of reference, accurate recording of the respiratory phase is important when analysing these flow velocities. A bioacoustic technique was therefore adopted to meet this demand and was tested in 10 normal subjects. Oesophageal balloon technique was used as a reference, and the bioacoustic technique was compared with a respiratory inductive plethysmograph. The average delay for the acoustic sensor signal compared to the oesophageal pressure changes was 205±46 (SD) ms, ranging from 160 to 320 ms for normal breathing, and is comparable to that of the respiratory inductive plethysmograph (210±90 ms). The bioacoustic technique is easier to apply than the respiratory inductive plethysmograph. The sensitivity to disturbances can be further reduced by signal processing and the method has clinical potential for the future.
Parameter estimation in six numerical models of transperitoneal transport of potassium in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Graff J. , Fugleberg S. , Joffe P. , Brahm J. , Fogh‐Andersen N.
Published: April 2008

Summary. The mechanisms of transperitoneal potassium transport during peritoneal dialysis were evaluated by validation of different mathematical models. The models were designed to elucidate the presence or absence of diffusive, non‐lymphatic convective and lymphatic convective solute transport. Experimental results were obtained from 26 non‐diabetic patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The validation procedure demonstrated that models including both diffusive and non‐lymphatic convective solute transport were superior to the other models. Lymphatic convective solute transport was not identifiable. Furthermore, it was demonstrated experimentally that the equilibrium distribution of potassium between plasma water and dialysate did not differ from a Donnan equilibrium, although the precondition of the Donnan equilibrium was not fulfilled, i.e. the volumes on each side of the membrane were not constant and dialysate was not an ultrafiltrate of plasma.
Autonomic responses to the Valsalva manoeuvre in healthy subjects
Authors: Piha S. J.
Published: April 2008

Summary. To assess normal autonomic haemodynamic responses to the Valsalva manoeuvre, 158 healthy unmedicated subjects, aged 25–60 years, were examined. For measurement of beat‐to‐beat blood pressure on a finger, the Finapres instrument was used. Phase‐to‐phase changes in instantaneous blood pressure and heart rate and the latency response between the end of a Valsalva manoeuvre and points on the resultant blood pressure and heart rate were calculated, and the reference limits for various indices were determined. Sex had no or only marginal effect on blood pressure or heart rate responses or latencies. Ageing was accompanied by a smaller decrease and smaller partial recovery of blood pressure during the strain, with attenuation of reflectory bradycardia, and lengthening of the latencies. It is concluded that age‐related reference values should be applied in the interpretation of the Valsalva responses. The following responses should be analysed: mean blood pressure decrease and partial recovery during the strain (adrenergic vasoconstrictor function), reflectory bradycardia after the strain (parasympathetic function), and the latencies (sympathetic and parasympathetic function).
Metabolic, thermal and circulatory effects of intravenous infusion of amino acids in tetraplegic patients
Authors: Aksnes A. K. , Brundin T. , Hjeltnes N. , Wahren J.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Metabolic, circulatory and thermal effects of intravenously (i.v.) administered amino acids were studied in eight patients with complete cervical spinal cord injuries, and compared with the effects in eight healthy subjects. Using indirect calori‐metry and catheter techniques, whole‐body and splanchnic oxygen consumption, blood flow and blood temperatures were measured before and at timed intervals during 2.5 h of i.v. infusion of 600 kJ of a mixture of 19 amino acids. Pulmonary oxygen uptake increased from 209±11 to 267±13 ml min‐1 in the patients and from 268±5 to 320±8 ml min‐1 in the controls. The thermic effect of amino acids was 21±3% and 16±2% in patients and controls, respectively. In both groups the splanchnic tissues accounted for approximately half of the rise in whole‐body oxygen consumption. Cardiac output rose by, on average, 0.5±0‐l and 0.8±0.2 1 min‐1 in patients and controls, respectively, while the hepatic blood flow remained unchanged in both groups. Pulmonary arterial blood temperature increased by 0–647±0100°C in the patients and by 0.244±0.174°C in the controls (P<0.05). The whole‐body specific heat was low in the patients, its calculated maximum value being approximately 20% below the normal level. During the amino acid infusion the arterial blood concentration of amino acids rose by approximately 170% and 112% of its basal levels in patients and controls, respectively, indicating a significantly reduced capacity for cellular uptake of amino acids in tetraplegic patients. It is concluded that, in tetraplegic patients, i.v. infused amino acids induce prompt thermogenesis of normal magnitude accompanied by supranormal temperatures and amino acid concentrations in the blood, and that low whole‐body specific heat contributes to the well‐known thermoregulatory instability in tetraplegia.
M‐mode magnetic resonance imaging: a new modality for assessing cardiac function
Authors: Wigström L. , Lindström L. , Sjöqvist L. , Thuomas K.‐Å. , Wranne B.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the heart have been used for some years, but there are few tools available to quantify cardiac motion. A method has been developed that creates an M‐mode MRI image, analogous to the one used in echocardiography, to display motion along a line as a function of time. The M‐mode image is created from MRI images acquired with an ordinary gradient echo cine sequence. In a cinematographic display of the images, a cursor line can be positioned in order to determine the orientation of the measurement. A resampling algorithm then calculates the appearance of the M‐mode image along the cursor line. The MRI method has been compared to echocardiographic M‐mode in a phantom study and by measuring mitral and tricuspid annulus motion in 20 normal subjects. The phantom study showed no significant differences between MRI and echocardiographic M‐mode measurements (difference mm). The annulus motion exhibits a similar pattern using both methods and the measured amplitudes are in close agreement. M‐mode MRI provides similar information to echocardiography, but the cursor line can be placed arbitrarily within the image plane and the method is thus not limited to certain acoustic windows. This makes M‐mode MRI a promising technique for assessing cardiac motion.
Induction of anaesthesia by propofol and hepatic blood flow in the rabbit
Authors: dit Latte D. Demeure , Bernard J.‐M. , Blanloeil Y. , Peltier P. , Francois T. , Chatal J.‐F.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Effects of propofol (12.5 mg kg‐1, i.v. bolus injection) or 0.9% sodium chloride on arterial blood pressure, arterial blood gases and hepatic circulation (radio‐labelled microsphere technique) were studied in 15 conscious and unpremedicated rabbits. No significant changes were observed after sodium chloride. Propofol resulted in anaesthesia, respiratory depression (‐49±14% decrease in PaO2; mean±SD) and hypotension (‐49±13% decrease in mean arterial pressure; mean±SD), but no changes in hepatic arterial and portal venous blood flows. We conclude that propofol does not affect the liver circulation despite marked depression of mean arterial pressure and respiration.
Brain and muscle oxygen saturation during head‐up‐tilt‐induced central hypovolemia in humans
Authors: Madsen P. , Lyck F. , Pedersen M. , Olesen H. L. , Nielsen H. Bay , Secher N. H.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Near‐infrared spectrophotometry‐determined cerebral (ScO2) and muscle oxygen saturations (SmO2) were followed in 15 volunteers during passive 50° head‐up‐tilt‐induced central hypovolaemia, and in nine volunteers during ventilatory manoeuvres affecting arterial carbon dioxide tension. During head‐up tilt, mean arterial pressure [MAP, 88 (77–118) to 97 (80–136) mmHg, median and range] and heart rate [HR; 66 (49–77) to 87 (42–132) beats min‐1 P<0.01] increased, but after 22 (1–45) min they declined [to 61 (40–91) mmHg and 69 (38–109) beats min‐1, respectively, P=0.001] and pre‐syncopal symptoms developed. Central hypovolaemia was indicated by an increased thoracic electrical impedance, and a decreased cardiac output and central venous oxygen saturation. The arterial oxygen saturation, pulmonal oxygen uptake and skin temperatures remained constant. The ScO2 remained stable at 72 (62–77)% until the pre‐syncopal incidence, when it decreased to 62 (31–73)% (P=0–001), and tilt down made it increase to 75 (36–87)% (P<0.05) before the recovery value was established. In contrast, SmO2 decreased during tilting [75 (70–87) to 65 (53–70)%], and recovered to 70 (53–83)%, P<0.01) during the hypotensive episode. The end‐tidal CO2 tension decreased only during tilt‐up. The ScO2 decreased, and SmO2 increased during hyperventilation, and ScO2 increased during breathing of 5% carbon dioxide. Rebreathing from a bag made SmO2 decrease and resulted in a biphasic ScO2 response: it first increased and subsequently decreased. Cardiovascular changes during tilt were not reflected in skin temperature. The ScO2 reflected the maintained autoregulation of cerebral blood flow until the perfusion pressure decreased markedly. In contrast, SmO2 mirrored muscle vasoconstriction early during tilt, and vasodilatation when pre‐syncopal symptoms appeared.
Nocturnal temperature and subcutaneous blood flow in humans
Authors: Sindrup J. H. , Petersen L. J. , Madsen S. M. , Kristensen J. K. , Kastrup J.
Published: April 2008

Summary. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between variations in local skin and body temperatures, and a subcutaneous hyperaemia response during sleep in humans. Nocturnal subcutaneous blood flow (SBF) was measured in the lower legs of 9 subjects for 8–12 h under outpatient conditions. The core temperature was measured by a tympanic membrane temperature sensor, and the local skin temperature was measured by a skin temperature sensor. The 133Xe wash‐out technique with portable CdTe(Cl) detectors was used for measurement of the SBF. The SBF increased significantly (P<0.0001) after 1 h sleep, with the hyperaemia persisting for 2 h. During the hyperaemic phase, the local skin temperature increased significantly (P<0.0001) and then decreased again in the post‐hyperaemic phase (P<0.01). The core temperature decreased significantly during the measurement period (P<0.01). Separate ordinary linear regression analyses revealed no significant correlations between the measured temperature parameters and the blood flow levels during sleep. The results indicate no governing role of the local skin or body temperatures on the local SBF. The local skin temperature increased significantly secondary to the nocturnal subcutaneous hyperaemia (i.e. active vasodilatation), which is believed to be involved in a thermoregulatory effector mechanism.
Static‐charge‐sensitive bed ballistocardiography in cardiovascular monitoring
Authors: Lindqvist A. , Pihlajamäki K. , Jalonen J. , Laaksonen V. , Alihanka J.
Published: April 2008

Summary. We evaluated the autonomic influence on ballistocardiograms recorded by a static‐charge‐sensitive bed for cardiovascular monitoring in nine healthy males (20–44 years) and its clinical use in 11 patients who underwent coronary bypass surgery (51–59 years). The ballistocardiogram displayed a distorted low amplitude from the empty beating heart during bypass surgery, impaired by a reduced effective transmural filling pressure of the heart, and returned to its pre‐bypass level when the preload to the heart and its pumping was restored. Submaximal dynamic exercise and isoprenaline caused the heart rate to rise to 90.114 beats min‐1, and increased the ballistocardiographic amplitude threefold, while at the same time shortening the interval between the R‐wave of the electrocardiogram and the peak of the ballistocardiographic waveform (P < 0.01). In contrast, atropine accelerated the heart rate to 96 beats min‐1, but did not significantly change the amplitude or temporal pattern of the ballistocardiogram. Thus, the ballistocardiogram reflects sympathetic and parasympathetic influence on the contractility of the myocardium and the effect of cardiac filling (e.g. during bypass surgery).
Comparative effects of high‐ and low‐intensity resistance training on thigh muscle strength, fiber area, and tissue composition in elderly women
Authors: Taaffe D. R. , Pruitt L. , Pyka G. , Guido D. , Marcus R.
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. The effects of 52 weeks resistance training at one of two exercise intensities on thigh muscle strength, fiber cross‐sectional area (CSA), and tissue composition were studied in healthy 65–79‐year‐old women. Subjects were assigned to either a control (CO), high‐intensity (HI) or low‐intensity (LO) training group. Exercise regimens consisted of three sets of leg press, knee extension, and knee flexion exercises, 3 days/week, at either 80% of one‐repetition maximum (1‐RM) for seven repetitions (HI) or 40% of 1‐RM for 14 repetitions (LO). Dynamic muscle strength was evaluated by 1‐RM, thigh lean tissue mass (LTM), fat mass, and bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm2) by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and fiber CSA of vastus lateralis m. by histomor‐phometry. Muscle strength increased, on average (± SEM), by 59.4 ± 7.9% and 41.5±7.9% for HI and LO, respectively, compared to l.3 ± 4.8% in CO (P = 0.0001). Type I fiber CSA increased over time (P < 0.05) in both exercise groups, with a trend for increased type II area (HI, P = 0.06; LO, P = 011). There was no significant effect of either exercise program on thigh tissue composition, except for BMD at the 1/3 site (middle third of the femur), where LO and CO groups experienced a decline (P < 0.05) of ‐2.2 ± 0.5% and ‐l.8 ± 0.6%, respectively, while HI maintained BMD (+ l.0 ± l.0%). Both training programs produced significant gains in thigh muscle strength, which were associated with fiber hypertrophy, although these did not translate into appreciable alterations in thigh tissue composition.
Spinal cord injury at birth: a hidden causative factor
Authors: Fenger‐Gron Jesper , Kock Kirsten , Nielsen Rasmus G , Leth Peter M , Illum Niels
Published: April 2008

A case of perinatally acquired spinal cord injury (SCI) is presented. The foetus was vigorous until birth, the breech presented and delivery was performed by a non‐traumatic Caesarean section. The infant displayed symptoms of severe SCI but diagnosis was delayed due to severe co‐morbidity. Diagnostic considerations are briefly reviewed. Ventilatory support was withdrawn at the age of 20 days when the infant had still not exhibited any respiratory effort or spontaneous movements. Autopsy revealed a serious congenital malalignment of the upper cervical vertebrae and at the histological examination extensive reactive changes were observed in the same area. To our knowledge such findings have not been published previously.

Conclusion: In cases of serious perinatally acquired SCI, claim of malpractice is often apparent. In this case a hidden congenital malformation of the cervical vertebrae was revealed, highlighting the need of careful postmortem examinations in such cases.
AQUEOUS EXTRACTION OF SOLUTES FROM FENNEL (FOENICULUM VULGARE) ASSISTED BY PULSED ELECTRIC FIELD
Authors: EL‐BELGHITI KAMAL , MOUBARIK AMINE , VOROBIEV EUGENE
Published: April 2008

Aqueous nonthermal extraction was performed from thin and coarse fennel gratings of seven different sizes in order to obtain extracts, which could be used as natural food preservatives (antioxidants). A moderate pulsed electric field (PEF) with different intensities, E = 0–600 V/cm, and number of pulses, n = 0–850, was used to electropermeabilize the cell membranes and to accelerate the following extraction. The optimal parameters of PEF were found for each size of grating to maximize the yield of solutes. Extract turbidity and color were evaluated.

Additionally, the thermal extraction from coarse gratings was studied at different temperatures (60–90C). The concentration of vitamins C and E in extracts, obtained with thermal and PEF treatments, was estimated.

The PEF treatment was more effective for coarse gratings (the juice yield increased from 60 to 98%, and the obtained extracts were less turbid and less colored) than for thin gratings.

Furthermore, extracts obtained from coarse gratings treated by PEF contained more vitamins C and E than extracts obtained by thermal extraction.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Researches presented in this article should find their entire practical application in the field of food industries. They will permit preparation of fennel extracts, used as food preservatives (antioxidants), by PEF‐assisted aqueous extraction, which preserves better antioxidant substances. Extracts should be of good quality and the energy consumption should be reasonable.
A STATISTICAL APPROACH TO PREDICT THE STERILIZATION VALUE FOR CANNED OLIVES
Authors: GULDAS M. , GONENC S. , GURBUZ O.
Published: April 2008

It is essential that sterilization values be calculated through measurements of temperature from the coldest point of the can during thermal sterilization. However, in practice, the taking of such measurements in an operating food plant can be quite difficult because of time restrictions, and the number of thermocouples and measurements required. For this reason, it is necessary to develop a more convenient way of estimating F values that uses experimental methods through multiple regression models. The distribution of F values and the correlation between the retort temperature and the cold spot temperature of the can were taken into consideration using statistical methods. The estimated results were calculated with very low SD.

It was found that there was a close relation between temperatures of retort and cold spot with a high correlation ratio, and thus it could be concluded that it is possible to use retort temperature in the estimation of F values, statistically.

The experimental and estimated mean averages of F values were calculated as 13.59 and 13.59 for a 0.5‐kg can, 14.15 and 14.16 for a 1‐kg can, and 8.22 and 8.22 for a 5‐kg can. A high correlation was found between the experimental and estimated F values (0.91 for a 0.5‐kg can, 0.86 for a 1‐kg can and 0.96 for a 5‐kg can; P < 0.001). It was also noted that an inversely proportional relation exists between the size of the can and the F value.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In addition to measuring F values through experimentation, a more convenient way of estimating F values is sought using other methods. For this purpose, the relationship between the retort temperature and cold spot temperature of a can was investigated making use of statistical data.

It was found that, according to the statistical findings, it is possible to estimate F values by using the retort temperature.

A new statistical approach to estimating F values was developed, investigating previous statistical methods, such as cumulative histograms, Laplace distribution, Kolmogorov–Simirnov test, etc.
SPLITTING AND BREAKING OF PISTACHIO NUTS WITH STRIKING AND HEATING
Authors: BILIM H.I. CEM , POLAT REFIK
Published: April 2008

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of heating process and striking on splitting and breaking of pistachio nuts and obtaining their kernels without damage. For this purpose, heating process (350C) was applied to pistachio nuts. Heated nuts were dropped onto the rotating disk and then thrown to strike the wall of the container by centrifuge effect . Striking velocity was adjusted with a rotating disk that was driven by an electrical engine. Three different disk rotations (400, 500 and 600/min) with three different moisture contents of pistachios (6.5, 22.0 and 42.5%) were evaluated in the experiments. Results indicated that the highest splitting rate was obtained as 29.33% at 22.0% moisture content with 400 1/min disk velocity. The most healthy kernel percentage obtained from unsplit pistachio nuts was 25.76% at 6.5% moisture content with 500 1/min disk velocity. Additionally, the study results showed that only the heating process had no affect while heating and crushing combinations increased splitting and obtaining the kernels.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Consumption of healthy foods is very important for human health. Kirmizi variety of pistachio nuts contains a high ratio of unsplit pistachio nuts after harvest. These pistachio nuts are either consumed as appetizers or used in the sweets sector after extracting the inner part (kernel). The economical value of unsplit pistachio nuts is very low. For this reason, pistachio nut processing plants try to split them or extract the inner part without causing any damage. Unsplit pistachio nuts are split by hand or by primitive hand tools, such as hammer or pliers, and then extracted. This method is not healthy. This study is one of the limited studies concerning automatic, quick and economic splitting and extraction of pistachio nuts. After handling problems like splitting and extracting the kernel of pistachio nuts, pistachio nut processing plants will achieve a healthy pistachio nut production. This study offers a new system for healthy pistachio nut production, with low initial cost, lower wages and in less time.
The Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus Conservation Breeding Program
Authors: VARGAS A. , SÁNCHEZ I. , MARTÍNEZ F. , RIVAS A. , GODOY J. A. , ROLDÁN E. , SIMÓN M. A. , SERRA R. , PÉREZ MaJ. , ENSEÑAT C. , DELIBES M. , AYMERICH M. , SLIWA A. , BREITENMOSER U.
Published: April 2008

The Iberian Lynx Conservation Breeding Program follows a multidisciplinary approach, integrated within the National Strategy for the Conservation of the Iberian lynx, which is carried out in cooperation with national, regional and international institutions. The main goals of the ex situ conservation programme are to: (1) maintain a genetically and demographically managed captive population; (2) create new Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus free‐ranging populations through re‐introduction. To achieve the first goal, the Conservation Breeding Program aims to maintain 85% of the genetic diversity presently found in the wild for the next 30 years. This requires developing and maintaining 60–70 Iberian lynx as breeding stock. Growth projections indicate that the ex situ programme should achieve such a population target by the year 2010. Once this goal is reached, re‐introduction efforts could begin. Thus, current ex situ efforts focus on producing psychologically and physically sound captive‐born individuals. To achieve this goal, we use management and research techniques that rely on multidisciplinary input and knowledge generated on species' life history, behaviour, nutrition, veterinary and health aspects, genetics, reproductive physiology, endocrinology and ecology. Particularly important is adapting our husbandry schemes based on research data to promote natural behaviours in captivity (hunting, territoriality, social interactions) and a stress‐free environment that is conducive to natural reproduction.
Large-scale responses of nematode communities to chronic otter-trawl disturbance
Authors: Hinz Hilmar , Hiddink Jan G , Forde James , Kaiser Michel J
Published: April 2008

Nematodes, because of their small size and short life cycles, are thought to be less affected by direct trawling mortality compared with the larger macrofauna. However, nematodes may still be indirectly affected by the physical disturbance of trawling through changing sediment characteristics and food web structure. We determined whether nematode communities on two muddy fishing grounds located in the North Sea and Irish Sea were affected by chronic otter-trawl disturbance and quantified these effects. Nematode abundance, production, and genus richness declined in response to trawling within both areas. Nematode biomass did not respond to trawling intensity. Genus composition was affected by trawling only in the North Sea. The responses in abundance of individual nematode genera to increasing trawling intensity were negative as well as positive. These results indicate that despite their size and fast life cycle, nematodes are affected by intensive trawling on muddy fishing grounds. The loss in secondary production from nematodes can have far-reaching consequences for the integrity of the benthic food web. As bottom trawl fisheries are expanding into ever deeper muddy habitats, the results presented here are an important step towards understanding the global ecosystem effects of bottom trawling.
Life history and large-scale habitat use of brown trout (Salmotrutta) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) — implications for species replacement patterns
Authors: Öhlund Gunnar , Nordwall Fredrik , Degerman Erik , Eriksson Torleif
Published: April 2008

Simple models of temperature-mediated interference competition have generally failed to explain salmonid species replacement patterns along altitudinal gradients, a fact that emphasizes the need to link individual features and their relation to habitat characteristics to population-level dynamics. We compared life history parameters in stream-resident populations of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) in eight boreal streams. By use of electrofishing data from 1000 sites, we analyzed and related differences in life history traits to habitat- and interaction-related patterns of growth and densities of brook and brown trout, respectively. Brown trout were competitively dominant throughout the size span of sampled sympatric sites and lowered growth rates in sympatry were mainly caused by environmental factors, revealing a link between brook trout invasions and habitat-related limitations on brown trout performance. Still, the frequency of allopatric brook trout sites increased in the smallest watersheds, indicating that localities with a high degree of brook trout dominance rarely sustain brown trout over time. Brook trout populations had higher turnover rates and proportions of mature females than brown trout populations. Our results suggest growth potential and its effect on population fecundity as a critical factor limiting competitive ability and distribution of brown trout in Swedish brook trout dominated headwaters.
ON MECHANISM OF ENHANCED FLUORESCENCE IN GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN
Authors: STARIKOV EVGENI B. , PANAS ITAI , MOCHIZUKI YUJI , TANAKA SHIGENORI , LUO YI , ÅGREN HANS
Published: April 2008

In spite of the numerous experimental and theoretical studies on green fluorescent protein and its modifications, there is still no definitive answer to the central question: why such systems exhibit enhanced fluorescence. Based upon detailed quantum-chemical estimations, we advocate the following hypothesis. In the green fluorescent protein ground electronic state, the protein surrounding strains the chromophore with respect to its native intramolecular conformational preference in vacuo or in solution. Absorbing a photon of the proper wavelength not only causes a joint proton–electron transfer in and around the chromophore, but also increases the intrinsic strain of the latter. Since conformational relaxation of such a structure will not require any additional energy input, the energy gained by the chromophore cannot be dissipated into the chromophore's internal non-radiative degrees of freedom, and thus it returns as a fluorescence emission.
Notes On Planimetric and Three-Dimensional Muscle Models
Authors: Woittiez R.D. , Huijing P.A.
Published: April 2008

Several people have reacted to our planimetric muscle model (HUIJING & WOITTIEZ, 1984). Before responding to these reactions (e.g. OTTEN, 1985b) we regret to have to correct an error of our article on this model.
Everyday Life in Malaysia: Representations of Social Relationships in Malay Humour Magazines
Authors: Provencher Ronald
Published: April 2008

The pictorial and verbal versions of texts about the routines and problems of everyday life in Malaysia that are featured in Malay humour magazines enjoy immense popularity. Popular acceptance among Malays and the near immunity of such texts from government censorship suggest their relevance to the description and analysis of Malay perceptions of ethnic, lifestyle and class relationships in contemporary Malaysian society. Examples of texts and interpretations of them by Malay informants, cartoonists and humour writers as well as readers, indicate a very broad range of Malay perspectives on class and ethnic relations in Malaysia.
Rethinking Resurgent Christianity in Singapore
Authors: Goh Daniel P. S.
Published: April 2008

In the past two decades, the dramatic growth of Protestant Christianity in Singapore, fuelled by the worldwide Christian Charismatic Renewal, has attracted sociological attention. This paper discusses the historical development of Singaporean modernity and the concomitant rise of the existential self. The argument is that increasing distantiation of individuals from rationalizing societal and cultural institutions in modernity leads to increasing self-consciousness and simultaneously, the transcendentalization of the individual's phenomenological consciousness. This condition threatens to reveal the constructed nature of erstwhile-reified social objects and categories, allowing individuals to realize freedom while posing anguish. The latter is postulated as driving individuals to resolve their existential selves using transcendent or transient cultural resources. Based on ethnographic data from six months of fieldwork, this paper argues that Protestant Charismatic fundamentalism, the most popular option for Christian converts, is particularly suited to resolve the existential self in Singaporean modernity. This is because it offers both resolutions in an intense and balanced combination, while situating these resolutions in relationships of the self with others; and provides a worldview that helps the existential self make sense of everyday life in global modernity.
Boundaries and Polemics in the Gospel of Matthew
Authors: Saldarini Anthony J.
Published: April 2008

The question about whether the late first-century author of the Gospel of Matthew and his group of followers of Jesus were still within the Jewish community or were a community which had recently parted company with Judaism assumes the existence of a clearly defined Judaism and Christianity in the author's social setting and interprets the polemics as evidence for the separation. When Matthew's mode of speaking about the crowds, Israel and the Gentiles and his vituperative attacks upon Israel's leaders are analyzed sociologically, they suggest that he is a member of Israel who still hopes to influence his fellow Jews to accept Jesus and reject their traditional (mis)leaders. Matthew does not reject Israel or oppose Christianity to Judaism; he hopes to convince his fellow Jews to endorse a Jesus-centered Israel. Thus Matthew's group is better understood as a sect or deviant group still within the broader, varied and often ill-defined, Jewish community of the late first century.
Von Der Psalmenexegese Zur Psalterexegese Anmerkungen Zum Neuansatz Von Frank Lothar Hossfeld Und Erich Zenger
Authors: Millard Matthias
Published: April 2008

Der neue Kommentar über Psalm 1-50 von Frank-Lothar Hossfeld und Erich Zenger ist der erste Kommentar in deutscher Sprache mit einem Interesse an kontextueller Auslegung seit dem von Franz Delitzsch (1860; 5. Auflage, 1894). Seine Methode, die Kontextbezogenheit der Psalmen zu erklären, ist aberwiegend die Redaktionskritik; einige Psalmen werden aber auch als kompositorische Psalmen betrachtet. Der Kommentar führt zwei typische Phasen der Redaktionsarbeit aus: eine formative-exilische und eine nachexilische, die ein besonderes Interesse an einer Theologie der Armen hat. Die Kritik dieses Ansatzes, wie sie in diesem Artikel erfolgt, befürwortet überwiegend die Struktur, nach der die Psalmen in chiastischen Sammlungen angeordnet sind (bei Hossfeld und Zenger: Ps. 3-14; 15-24; 25-34; 35-41; 42-49) mit Ps. 1 und 2 als Einleitung zum gesamten Psalter und zu Teilen von ihm. Aus der Perspektive, daß der Psalter aus kleineren formgeschichtlich definierten Einheiten besteht, in denen der Leser von der Klage zu Lob und Dank geführt wird, fragt er weiter kritisch nach der vermuteten redaktionsgeschichtlichen Struktur des Psalters und deren literarkritischen Implikationen.