bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting the validity of the standard blood pressure cuff,
Authors: Stolt M. , Sjönell G. , Åström H. , Hansson L. 
Published: April 2008

Summary. Fifty‐eight patients, 31 women and 27 men, with a wide range of upper arm circumferences (20.43 cm), ages (16.82 years) and body mass indices (16.55 kg m˜2) were studied. The direct blood pressure was measured in the brachial artery in one arm and simultaneously the indirect pressure was measured in the other arm using a large standard cuff (rubber bag 12 times 35 cm).The mean intra‐arterial blood pressure was (systolic/diastolic) 13725 mmHg (SD)/7610 mmHg. With the cuff the mean blood pressure was 13423 mmHg/85ll mmHg.The cuff significantly underestimated the systolic blood pressure (3.2ll.4 mmHg, range ‐25–30 mmHg) while the diastolic pressure was overestimated significantly (8.88.5 mmHg, range ‐32.14 mmHg).The direct/indirect blood pressure difference correlated significantly to the intraarterial systolic and diastolic pressures (systolic/diastolic; r=0.44, P= 0.0006/r=0.36, P= 0.0062), but only to the auscultatory diastolic pressure (r=‐0.02, P= 0.9/r= ‐0.45, P= 0.0004).The direct/indirect difference correlated significantly to the arm circumference (r= ‐0.33, P= 0.01/r= ‐0.30, P= 0.02) as did the diastolic direct/indirect difference to pulse rate (r= 0.34, P= 0.009).Age did not correlate significantly to the direct/indirect blood pressure difference in this study (r= ‐0.02, P= 0.9/r=‐0.10, P= 0.5).It can be concluded that in addition to the ratio between the arm circumference and the width of the cuff (rubber bag), there are other sources of systematic errors of indirect blood pressure measurement, in particular pulse rate and the level of indirect blood pressure. If corrections could be made with regard to these variables, it is obvious that the reliability of the indirect method, especially when used in epidemiological contexts, would increase.
Cerebral vasodilation capacity: acute intracranial hypertension and supra‐ and infra‐tentorial artery velocity recording
Authors: de Bray J. M. , Tranquart F. , Saumet J. L. , Berson M. , Pourcelot L. 
Published: April 2008

Summary. This experiment is the first to compare cerebral vasomotor reactivity in the supra‐ and infra‐tentorial regions in baseline conditions and during progressive acute intracranial hypertension. The increase in intracranial pressure was performed using liquid pressure transmission in two groups of 16 rabbits by elevating a saline infusion bottle connected to the subdural space. Cerebral microvessel dilation capacity was studied using acetazolamide arterial infusion during three stages of 20 min: at baseline conditions, with an intracranial pressure value equal to half the diastolic arterial pressure and with an intracranial pressure equal to the diastolic arterial pressure. The effects of acetazolamide in the basilar artery and in the carotid siphon were simultaneously monitored by transcranial Doppler sonography during all the experiments.The changes in cerebral vasomotor reactivity occurred with the same intensity and latency in both vascular compartments in baseline conditions. The maximum amplitude of changes happened 30 s later in the basilar artery than in the carotid siphon. When intracranial pressure was above half the diastolic arterial pressure, the vasomotor tone began to decrease in the carotid siphon which supplies a small region of the rabbit brain, whereas it was maintained in the basilar artery. This effect could be explained by brain tissue hypertension. Vasomotor reactivity had nearly disappeared in all the cerebral arteries investigated when intracranial hypertension was equal to the diastolic arterial pressure.These results show evidence of a direct and late effect of acute elevation of intracranial pressure on cerebral microvascular tone. This begins in the supra‐tentorial region but there is an early local effect on the carotid siphon due to the brain tissue pressure.
Does abnormal single‐breath nitrogen wash‐out predict an accelerated decline in FEV1 in lung‐healthy subjects?
Authors: Dahlqvist M. 
Published: April 2008

Summary. Single‐breath nitrogen wash‐out and forced expirograms measured on two occasions, 8 years apart, were analysed for 24 subjects with varying degrees of peripheral airway involvement. Correlation analyses were carried out between closing volume in percentage of vital capacity (CV%), the slope of the alveolar plateau (phase III) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) for both occasions. The correlations between CV% and phase III measured on the first occasion and the long‐term change in FEV1 were also studied.It is concluded that large deviations are required for CV% as well as phase III before any pathological decreases in the large airways will occur. The prognostic value of an abnormal single‐breath nitrogen wash‐out seems to be limited, at least in lung‐healthy subjects.
Pharmacokinetics and dosimetry of [111In] F(ab‘)2 fragments against prostatic acid phosphatase after intraprostatic injection for immunoscintigraphy in prostate cancer
Authors: Nielsen J. T. , Poulsen J. , Flø C. , Marqversen J. , Rehling M. 
Published: April 2008

Summary. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and dosimetry of using [111In]‐labelled F(ab')2 fragments against prostate acid phosphatase (FC‐3001, Orion Corporation Farmos, Finland) for the detection of metastatic prostate cancer.Five patients in all were subjected to intraprostatic injection of 1 mg FC‐3001 labelled with 85–100 MBq [111In]. In four of the patients the biodistribution was studied by sequential whole‐body counting, gamma‐camera scintigraphy of the abdomen in anteroposterior and postero‐anterior projections. Blood and urine samples were collected sequentially up to 72 h after injection.Initially, significant amounts of antibody fragments were released from the site of injection. After the first 4 h, 22.0% of injected antibody (2.2–41.3%ID) remained in the prostate and was slowly released with a final half‐life of 80.4 h (49.9–141.8 h). Labelled antibody appeared in the blood shortly after injection and was cleared from the blood with a final half‐life of 27.7–300.9 h. The liver, the bone marrow and, in two patients, the kidneys accumulated antibody fragments in significant amounts during the period of investigation. An apparent relationship between the initial whole‐body clearance and renal uptake is described. The effective dose averaged 0.37 mSv/MBq (range 0.24‐0.52 mSv/MBq). The highest equivalent doses were received by the kidneys (0.46‐2.81 mGy/MBq) the liver (0.44‐1.59 mGy/MBq) and the bone marrow (0.37‐0.57 mGy MBq). Only in two of the patients with known metastases were pathological foci seen.The disappointing imaging results were probably caused by the biphasic release of antibody from the prostate, and indicates that intraprostatic injection of this antibody has no advantage for imaging, as well as being unpleasant for the patient. The biodistribution of the antibody following release from the prostate is similar to but more variable than the biodistribution seen in patients after intravenous injection of labelled antibodies.
The velocity distribution in the aortic annulus at different times during systole is mainly determined by the pattern of flow convergence in the left ventricular outflow tract ‐ An experimental study using Doppler colour flow mapping
Authors: Zhou Y.‐Q. , Faerestrand S. , Birkeland S. , Matre K. , Koller M.‐E. , Husby P. 
Published: April 2008

Summary. An experimental study in 10 open chest normal pigs (body weight: 24 ±1 kg) was carried out to explore the relationship between the velocity distribution in the aortic annulus and the pattern of flow convergence in the left ventricular outflow tract. The cross‐sectional velocity profiles in the aortic annulus were constructed by using Doppler colour flow mapping with a previously validated time‐interpolation method. The pattern of flow convergence in the left ventricular outflow tract was quantified by measuring the colour flow areas on the anterior and posterior sides of the central axis of the aortic annulus, and calculating their difference. The dynamic changes of the velocity distribution, the pattern of flow convergence and the septal angle throughout systole were observed.The velocity distribution in the aortic annulus changed according to the pattern of flow convergence in the left ventricular outflow tract. During early systole, the pattern of flow convergence was most asymmetrical. With the central longitudinal axis of the aortic annulus as a reference, the main part of the converging flow was along the anterior wall of the left ventricular outflow tract. Consequently, the velocity profile in the aortic annulus was most skewed during the early systole, with the highest velocity along the anterior wall. Towards late systole, the pattern of flow convergence became more and more symmetrical, and the velocity distribution in the aortic annulus gradually became flat. A significant correlation was found between the extent of asymmetry of the pattern of flow convergence in the left ventricular outflow tract and the extent of skewness of the velocity distribution in the aortic annulus (r=0.69, P<0.001). Throughout systole, septal angle increased very slightly (from 35 ±3 to 38 ±3 degrees, P<0.01).
Improved gas exchange during exercise after weight loss in morbid obesity
Authors: Hakala K. , Mustajoki P. , Aittomäki J. , Sovijärvi A. 
Published: April 2008

Summary. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of weight loss induced by 6 weeks very‐low‐calorie‐diet (VLCD) and behavioural intervention on pulmonary gas exchange during exercise in non‐smoking morbid obese (BMI>40 kg/m2) otherwise healthy patients. Seven obese patients underwent a maximal bicycle ergometer test with continuous analysis of expired air and arterial blood sampling before and after a mean weight loss of 18% (25.7 kg, range: 10.50 kg). Body mass index (BMI) decreased with weight loss from 46.6 (6.3) kg/m2 to 38.0 (4.7) kg/m2 (P < 0.01). Oxygen consumption (VO2) at low and submaximal exercise levels decreased after weight reduction, but the change was not statistically significant. The peak oxygen consumption related to body weight (VO2/kg) increased 22% from the initial 16.2 (3.6) ml/min/kg to 19.8 (3.1) ml/min/kg (P < 0.05). Decrease in VCO2 was significant at submaximal exercise level. Ventilatory equivalent for CO2 increased significantly after weight reduction (P < 0.05). Standing up and light exercise resulted in a significant increase in the mean arterial oxygen tension (PaCO2) (P < 0.05) and a significant decrease in the mean alveolar‐arterial difference P(A‐a)O2 (P < 0.05) when compared to supine values. The mean increase in PaO2 with weight loss was not significant. The peak P(A‐a)O2 decreased significantly after weight reduction.In conclusion, weight reduction induced by VLCD and behavioural intervention without exercise therapy can improve gas exchange during exercise in morbid obesity. Increased wasted ventilation, and a tendency to alveolar hyperventilation, after weight loss may reflect a delay in the adaptation of regulation of breathing to rapid weight loss.
Obesity as a Predictor of Vascular Access Outcomes: Analysis of the USRDS DMMS Wave II Study
Authors: Chan Micah R. , Young Henry N. , Becker Yolanda T. , Yevzlin Alexander S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractArteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are widely regarded as the preferred vascular access in hemodialysis patients due to their primary patency and patient survival benefits. While the obesity paradox has been associated with improved cardiovascular morbidity and all‐cause mortality in dialysis patients, its long‐term vascular access outcomes are less clear. Recent literature has suggested that obese patients may have increased early and late fistula failure. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between obesity and vascular access outcomes. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis using the USRDS DMMS Wave 2 data set. All incident dialysis patients as of January 1, 1996, over the age of 18, receiving only hemodialysis as mode of renal replacement therapy were eligible for inclusion. Among other variables, data collected for the DMMS Wave 2 included: type and location of vascular access, AVF maturity, vascular access revision, and failure. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between obesity and vascular access outcomes, adjusting for important covariates. In all, 1486 hemodialysis patients were included. Using body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2 as reference, obesity did not emerge as a factor in predicting vascular access revisions or failures. An increased risk of AVF failure to mature was found only in the highest BMI quartile (≥35 kg/m2) (aOR 3.66 [95% CI 1.27–10.55], p = 0.017). Peripheral vascular disease was independently associated with an increased risk of AVF failure (aOR 2.78 [95% CI 1.01–7.63], p = 0.047) and arteriovenous graft (AVG) failure (aOR 1.65 [95% CI 1.03–2.64], p = 0.036). Obesity was not associated with increased AVF or AVG revision rates or failure and only associated with poorer AVF maturity at highest BMI quartile. We conclude that obesity should not preclude placement of AVF as vascular access of choice, except in the very obese where assessment should be individually based.
Editorial Focus: Thrombosis with Erythropoietic Stimulating Agents—Does Iron‐Deficient Erythropoiesis Play a Role?
Authors: Dahl Naomi V. , Henry David H. , Coyne Daniel W. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThrombocytosis is common in iron deficiency and resolves following iron repletion. Increased platelet number, whether from iron deficiency or from other causes, may increase the risk of thrombovascular events. One mechanism thought to mediate iron deficiency‐induced thrombocytosis is increased erythropoietin production. Similarly, erythropoietic stimulating agents (ESA) have long been known to increase platelet number and frequently lead to functional or absolute iron deficiency. This state of relative or absolute iron deficiency may be the mechanism whereby ESA increase the platelet count. If correct, co‐administration of iron should prevent or diminish ESA‐driven thrombocytosis. Data from the DRIVE trial in hemodialysis patients do, in fact, suggest that this is the case. Platelet counts in patients receiving IV iron decreased, while they remained unchanged in patients not given iron (mean change −29,000/μl vs. −0/μl; p = 0.017). Other supporting data have been observed in IV iron trials in oncology patients. The harm from higher hemoglobin targets and higher ESA doses may be mediated in part through induction of iron deficiency and thrombocytosis. The major anemia trials of ESAs have not reported platelet data, but should examine the relationship of platelet count, iron deficiency, IV iron administration, and cardiovascular events in greater detail.
EFFECTS OF SODIUM CASEINATE AND WHEY PROTEINS ON WHIPPING PROPERTIES AND TEXTURE CHARACTERISTICS OF WHIPPED CREAM
Authors: ZHAO QIANGZHONG , ZHAO MOUMING , WANG JINSHUI , WANG CAIHUA , YANG BAO 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT In the present study, different concentrations of sodium caseinate and whey proteins were used to prepare whipped cream. Determination of the average particle size of whipped cream by integrated laser light scattering instrument suggested that both proteins could cause an obvious decrease in it. Partial coalescence of fat globules and overrun during whipping were analyzed to evaluate the effects of sodium caseinate and whey proteins on the whipping properties of whipped cream. Sodium caseinate and whey proteins showed dose‐dependent effects on the partial coalescence of whipped cream and overrun during the whipping process. The partial coalescence of whipped cream with 0.3% of sodium caseinate was 20.28% after whipping for 6 min, while the sample with 0.9% of sodium caseinate reached 65.40%. More significant (P < 0.05) increase in the partial coalescence of whipped cream with sodium caseinate was found than those with whey proteins. The highest overrun value of whipped cream was reached when it was whipped with 0.7% of sodium caseinate for 6 min. The effects of sodium caseinate and whey proteins on texture characteristics were also investigated by texturometer. Using both proteins could result in increased firmness, consistency, cohesiveness and viscosity of whipped cream . A bigger improvement in texture characteristics was observed for whipped creams with sodium caseinate than for those with whey proteins.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSIn the present study, different concentrations of sodium caseinate and whey proteins were used to prepare whipped cream. The effects of sodium caseinate and whey proteins on the texture characteristics of whipped cream using a texturometer were investigated. Using both proteins could result in increased firmness, consistency, cohesiveness and viscosity of whipped cream. The changes in average particle size distribution, partial coalescence of fat globules and overrun of whipped cream during whipping were also evaluated. The average particle size of whipped cream decreased obviously after adding sodium caseinate or whey proteins. Both proteins showed dose‐dependent effects on the partial coalescence of whipped cream and overrun during the whipping process.
Locomotor Activity in Drosophila Melanogaster
Authors: Scharloo W. , Van Stolwijk H. , Van Dijken F.R. 
Published: April 2008

The effects of various experimental conditions on locomotor activity of adult Drosophila melanogaster flies of both sexes were measured in the locometer. This apparatus measures linear progression of flies and is based on the fractionating principle of mazes used for behavioural studies. Groups of approximately 100 flies are tested simultaneously but every individual fly is assigned a locomotor activity score. This score is positively correlated with open-field behaviour as measured in the Elens-Wattiaux-chamber. Strong lasting effects of ether anaesthesia were demonstrated. Other anaesthetics (c.q. CO
2
and N
2
) did not show such profound effects. The effects of culturing conditions, density, age and sex were measured. The locometer proved to be useful for the investigations of the effects of different stimuli on the locomotory behaviour of fruitflies.
Singapore Political Cartooning
Authors:   Lim Cheng Tju
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe lack of research on the history of political cartoons in Singapore and the kind of tradition it has evolved is what prompted this thesis to perform its rudimentary search through 36 years of The Straits Times (1959-1995) in a basic attempt to fill in some of the gaps. It has taken upon itself to identify the trends - thematic and stylistic - of this tradition, by looking at the political context behind the cartoon's production. The assumption here is that the kind of tradition an art form has evolved can be understood by studying it from a historical viewpoint, that is, from its political context. A political cartoon is more than just a summing up of the day's issues. In Singapore, it has a consensus-shaping role as well. It reflects the times and political space and how things are run here. That is why its history is important to any society.
The Politics of Ageing: Perspectives from State and Society in Singapore
Authors: Rappa Antonio L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAn understanding of the extent and degree of political influence on the elderly is crucial in any constituency. The paper analyses how state and civil society actors (1) anticipate the problems associated with an increasingly ageing population; and (2) provide solutions that reconcile the importance of material sustenance through economic performance while preserving traditional kinship ties through familial bonds. The article hopes to encourage more academic analyses on the issues, prejudices and biases associated with ageing and the elderly in Singapore. A politics of ageing exists because the state and society are faced with a question of governance for this cohort of citizens: (1) What policies and resources from state and society should be devoted to their needs? (2) Where will these resources be derived from? (3) When should such policies be implemented and resources delivered? (4) How will we know that policies implemented are effective? Ultimately, a politics of ageing dependent on materialism will succeed or fail by those materialist standards.
The Enticement To Re-Read: Repetition as Parody in 2 Samuel
Authors: Pyper Hugh S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe story of Nathan's parable in 2 Samuel 12 and the story of David's encounter with the woman of Teqoa in 2 Samuel 14 bear striking structural similarities. In both, the king is enticed into committing himself by an oath in response to a fictional story retailed to him on behalf of a third person. The argument of this paper is that the relationship between the two is parodic; 2 Samuel 14 contains a bathetic reprise of motifs and devices from the earlier story. Once the reader has registered this, the effect is to raise questions as to what is going on in the earlier story. Rereading 2 Samuel 12 in the light of 2 Samuel 14 raises questions about David's capacity to read events clearly. Both stories provide an internal model of text reception, which is complicated by the parodic reflection of the model. Drawing on studies of similar devices in ancient Greek novels, I argue that the result for the reader is to throw into question the categories of reading strategies we apply to the text.
What Did the Prophets Think They Were Doing? Speech Acts and Prophetic Discourse in the Old Testament
Authors: Houston Walter 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe texts in the prophetic books which suggest a consciousness of the power of the divine word form the starting-point for an investigation of prophetic discourse in these books in terms of J.L. Austin and J.R. Searle's theory of speech acts. R.P. Carroll's suggestions on the topic are critically examined, and a study is then undertaken of judgement prophecy to demonstrate that it should be understood as having the illocutionary force of a declaration placing the hearers (or a third party) under judgement. The response narrated or expected to such prophecies in prophetic narratives is shown to be ambiguous as between mourning over an accomplished act of judgement and prayer for mercy, and this is seen to be appropriate to an illocutionary act of that kind.
Second Temple Judaism, Jesus, and Women Yeast of Eden
Authors: Levine Amy-Jill 
Published: April 2008

AbstractReconstructions of first-century Judaism frequently depict a systemic patriarchy that oppressed and repressed Jewish women; such studies also argue that Jesus' message liberated women from their hierarchical, misogynistic social context and located them within an egalitarian community. Addressing the various data on women in formative Judaism and exploring the sayings material of the Gospels that might reflect the Palestinian Jesus movement, this article suggests revisions of both models.