bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fatigue in the shoulder muscles during static work at two different torque levels
Authors: Gerdle B. , Edström M. , Rahm M. 
Published: April 2008

Summary. The present study aimed to investigate whether and when a shift in the mean power frequency (MPF) of the electromyogram (EMG) occurs at low torque levels during a maximum endurance test of three shoulder flexors. Twelve clinically healthy women performed two endurance tests of the shoulder flexors (at 50% MVC‐the high torque level, and at approximately 18% MVC ‐ the low torque level) until maximum exhaustion. Surface EMG were obtained and MPF and signal amplitude (RMS) were computed for the trapezius descendens, the anterior part of the deltoid and the infraspinatus. The subjects also rated the perception of fatigue in the shoulder muscles throughout the two tests using a 10‐graded scale.A significantly higher degree of perceived fatigue was found at the low rather than at the high torque level. In contrast significantly lower MPF were found at the end of the endurance times in the three muscles at the high torque level when compared to the low torque level. At the low torque level MPF of the trapezius was constant throughout the test. In the deltoid the most prominent decrease occurred during the initial 30–40% of the endurance time at the low torque level.It is suggested that the MPF shift mainly reflects peripheral fatigue of the type‐2 fibres. The results of the present study question the use of the MPF shift to monitor peripheral fatigue in the fibres active (mainly type‐1) at low torque levels.,
Non‐invasive measurement of pulsatile vessel diameter change and elastic properties in human arteries: a methodological study,
Authors: Hansen F. , Bergqvist D. , Mangell P. , Rydén Å. , Sonesson B. , Länne T. 
Published: April 2008

Summary. A recently developed ultrasound phase‐locked echo‐tracking system makes it possible to measure non‐invasive pulsatile vessel diameter changes, and, in combination with blood‐pressure measurement, to calculate pressure strain elastic modulus (Ep) and stiffness (β). The reproducibility in measurements of pulsatile diameter changes with this system was evaluated. Also the precision of indirect blood‐pressure measurements, as compared to the simultaneously measured intra‐arterial blood pressure was tested. The resulting reproducibility in pressure strain elastic modulus (Ep) and stiffness (β) was evaluated.Intra‐observer variabilities in measuring pulsatile diameter changes were 16% for the abdominal aorta, 10% for the common carotid artery, and 15% for the common femoral artery, respectively. Intra‐observer variabilities for Ep and β were 21% for both in the abdominal aorta, 17% for both in the common carotid artery, and 18% for both in the common femoral artery, respectively.There were only small differences in indirect and direct measurement of systolic blood pressure, whereas indirect blood pressure measurement systematically overestimated the diastolic blood pressure, on average by 20%. The variabilities in indirect blood pressure measurements were 2% for the systolic and 3% for the diastolic blood pressure, respectively.Inter‐observer variability in the investigation of the common carotid artery was 10% for the pulsatile diameter changes, and 21% and 23% for Ep and β, respectively. Thus, the echo‐tracking system represents a reliable system for estimation of pressure strain elastic modulus and stiffness. However, Ep and β are systematically underestimated by 25–30%, when used in combination with indirect blood pressure measurements.
The effect of hyperosmotic solutions on the hepatic blood flow,
Authors: Winkler K. , Henriksen J. H. , Tygstrupt N. 
Published: April 2008

Summary. The present study was undertaken in order to measure the effect of hyperosmotic solutions on portal and hepatic blood flow.In five anaesthetized pigs without arterial blood supply to the liver, portal blood flow rate was measured (electromagnetic flowmeter) during 5 min lasting intravenous infusions of hyperosmotic galactose (50%, 84–100 ml) and mannitol (25%, 100 ml), with physiological saline (100 ml) as control.Portal blood flow increased to a peak value of (39% [P= 0–06] galactose and 37%, [P= 0–06], mannitol) soon after stop of the hyperosmotic infusion. For galactose the change ended somewhat earlier than for mannitol. Saline induced a minor increase (15%). Similarly, increments of, on average, 144% of the hepatic blood flow rate was seen in six patients with cirrhosis, following infusion of hyperosmotic galactose, the increase being more pronounced than in the pigs.The causes for these osmotic effects are not known, but they have to be taken into consideration in studies of the portal and hepatic blood flow.
Subcutaneous noradrenaline concentration increase in normal subjects during cold exposure evaluated by microdialysis
Authors: Grønlund B. , Grønlund L. , Christensen N. J. 
Published: April 2008

Summary. Changes in local noradrenaline level in subcutaneous tissue were measured in four healthy males (23–33 years) during cold stimulation using a microdialysis technique.The subcutaneous dialysate noradrenaline concentration increased during cold exposure by a factor of 3–5 (P<0–003). A correction factor due to plasma overflow of noradrenaline to subcutaneous tissue was calculated from noradrenaline infusion studies. This correction had a minimal effect on the observed increase in dialysate noradrenaline concentration and the level of significance was only slightly altered after correction for plasma overflow.The microdialysis technique in combination with a sensitive radioenzymatic noradrenaline assay may be useful to assess changes in local subcutaneous noradrenaline level in man during physiological stimulation.
Influence of shear on skin oxygen tension
Authors: Goossens R. H. M. , Zegers R. , van Dijke G. A. Hoek , Snijders C. J. 
Published: April 2008

Summary. Since the early studies on decubitus many authors expect significant influence of shear on decubitus risk. In the study described here skin oxygen tension at the sacrum was measured with combined pressure and shear stress on a young healthy population (mean age 25‐5 years, SD 3–4 years).Cut‐off pressure is defined as the level of external pressure exerted on the skin at which the skin oxygen tension is 1–3 kPa. At this level ischaemia of the skin can be expected (Bar, 1988). A mean cut‐off pressure of 11‐6 kPa was found when no shear stress was applied vs. a significantly lower mean cut‐off pressure of 8‐7 kPa with a shear stress of 3‐1 kPa.No significant relationship was found between cut‐off pressure and systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, skin thickness at the sacrum, percentage of fat and skin oxygen tension in the unloaded situation.,
Stretch‐induced myogenic responses of airways after histamine and carbachol
Authors: Thulesius O. , Mustafa S. 
Published: April 2008

Summary. The purpose of the study described here was to determine the possible role of a myogenic response of bronchial smooth muscle in deep inspiration (Dl)‐induced bronchoconstriction.Model experiments were performed on sheep tracheal strips. The effect of sudden stepwise elongation on isometric tension of tracheal muscle was studied in the absence and presence of the bronchoconstrictors carbachol (10‐8 M) and histamine (10‐4 M). In control strips tension increased rapidly with stretch and was followed by stress relaxation which corresponds to creep or bronchial dilatation. In histamine‐and carbachol‐treated strips a reactive contraction with a rhythmic pattern interrupted the process of stress relaxation. These responses appeared after only 20% elongation and were characteristic of a myogenic contraction which in the in vivo situation would correspond to a bronchoconstriction. These findings are interpreted as a functional transformation of multiple‐to single‐unit smooth muscle due to the influence of carbachol and histamine.This suggests that stretching (DI) of bronchial smooth muscle in the presence of carbachol and histamine induces a protracted myogenic contraction, which may explain bronchoconstriction after DI in severe asthma.,
Ventilation‐perfusion inequality in nocturnal hypoxaemia due to chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD)
Authors: Sandek K. , Andersson T. , Bratel T. , Lagerstrand L. 
Published: April 2008

Summary. Nocturnal hypoxaemia is often noted in COLD patients with a daytime PaO2 above 8.0 kPa. It has been assumed that ventilation‐perfusion inequality contributes to nocturnal hypoxaemia. 10 patients with advanced COLD [median FEV1 0.73 (range 0.50‐1.32)1], but without daytime hypoxaemia [median PaO2 8.35 (range 8.0–12.2) kPa] were investigated with regard to possible nocturnal hypoxaemia using polysomnography. Daytime lung function was assessed by spirometry and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO). Daytime ventilation‐perfusion (VA/Q) relationships were measured by the multiple inert gas elimination technique.Dispersion of perfusion and ventilation distributions was increased [log SDQ 1.01 (range 0.80‐1.35) and log SDV 0.91 (range 0.69‐1.86) resp.]. Around 8% of the ventilation was directed towards high VA/Q areas (10< VA/Q<100). All subjects reached all sleep stages, and all but one had a nadir nocturnal oxygen saturation (SaO2) of below 90%. Their median lowest nocturnal SaO2 was 84.0 (range 70.93)% and their mean oxygen saturation in the course of desaturation episodes (Mmin SaO2) was 86.4 (range 83.6–91.5)%. An increased mean VA/Q ratio of ventilation distribution was associated with a reduced DLco Increased nocturnal episodes of wakefulness and of stage I sleep correlated with increased dead space ventilation and dispersion of the ventilation distribution. Patients with deep nocturnal desaturations had a low mean VA/Q ratio of the perfusion distribution (Q mean) (r=0.87, P<0.01) and increased perfusion of inferior VA/Q areas (0.1 VA/Q<0.3). Low Mmin SaO2 was associated with low morning PaO2 and a low Q mean.COLD patients with solely nocturnal hypoxaemia have a high degree of pulmonary hyperinflation and emphysema. Increased sleep disruption is associated with more severe small airway disease. Increased perfusion of sparsely ventilated areas is associated with more pronounced nocturnal desaturations.
Classification of lung sounds in patients with asthma, emphysema, fibrosing alveolitis and healthy lungs by using self‐organizing maps
Authors: Malmberg L. P. , Kallio K. , Haltsonen S. , Katila T. , Sovijärvi A. R. A. 
Published: April 2008

Summary. The performance of the self‐organizing map (SOM), an artificial neural network, was evaluated in the classification of lung sounds.Patients with asthma (n = 8), emphysema (n = 8) and fibrosing alveolitis (n = 8), and patients with healthy lungs (n = 8) were selected for the study. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) spectra from midinspiratory breath sounds recorded at the right lower lobe area were used to construct feature vectors in the learning and classification process of SOM. The sound segments did not contain wheezing sounds.The lung sounds of 25/32 (78%) patients were classified correctly, with an overall kappa (K) value of 0.71. The agreement between the clinical and proposed diagnoses based on classification of lung sounds was good among patients with emphysema (K = 0.92) and those with healthy lungs (K = 0.83), but only moderate among patients with asthma (K = 0.52) and fibrosing alveolitis (K = 0.54). This is due to the limitations in distinguishing breath sounds of asthmatics without wheezing sounds from those with crackles in fibrosing alveolitis by the spectral pattern alone.The results indicate that SOM based on FFT spectra is potentially useful in the classification of lung sounds, e.g. in health screening or in differential diagnosis of pulmonary disorders. To enhance the performance of SOM, other features of lung sounds should be combined with FFT spectra.
Investment Spikes in Dutch Greenhouse Horticulture
Authors: Goncharova Natalia , Oskam Arie , Oude Lansink Alfons , Van Der Vlist Arno , Verstegen Jos 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe presence of investment cycles demonstrates the long‐run policy of firms investing in particular periods (investment spikes) with lower or zero investment levels in between, which contradicts the smooth pattern predicted by a convex adjustment model. This paper investigates the spells between investment spikes in a discrete‐time proportional hazard framework to estimate the probability of observing lumpy investment and factors underlying lumpy and intermittent patterns of investment. Duration models were estimated on two datasets: on an unbalanced panel and on average data of 10 ‘firm size’ groups of Dutch greenhouse firms over the period 1975–1999. Two specifications of the model were estimated: one includes only theoretically grounded variables, and the other specification is extended by empirically grounded variables. Theoretically based models can explain the occurrence of investment spikes. Both specifications of model show an investment cycle of six years. This is also confirmed for the average firm, which exhibits a higher hazard ratio in the 6th, 12–13th and 21st years of duration.
Decreases in HCN mRNA expression in the hippocampus after kindling and status epilepticus in adult rats
Authors: Powell Kim L. , Ng Caroline , O'Brien Terence J. , Xu Sheng Hong , Williams David A. , Foote Simon J. , Reid Christopher A. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryPurpose:  Studies in animal models and patients have implicated changes in hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated cation channel (HCN) expression in the pathogenesis of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, the nature of HCN changes during the epileptogenic process and their commonality across different TLE models is unknown. Here HCN1 and HCN2 mRNA expression was quantitatively measured at different time points during epileptogenesis in two distinct animal models of TLE; the kainic acid (KA)‐induced status epilepticus (SE) and amygdala kindling models.Methods:  Hippocampal subregions (CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus [DG]) and entorhinal cortex were dissected at different time‐points. For KA‐induced SE animals this was 24 h, 7 days (preepileptic), and 6 weeks (epileptic) post status. For amygdala kindling animals this was 2 weeks after reaching either “partially kindled” (one class II/III seizure) or “fully kindled” (five class V seizures) states. Quantification of regional hippocampal neuronal loss in the KA‐treated animals was done using NeuN immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy.Results:  HCN mRNA levels decreased in an isoform and region specific manner at all time points after KA‐induced SE. The decrease in neuronal number could not account for all reductions in HCN mRNA levels post‐KA insult, implicating transcriptional changes. A reduction in HCN2 mRNA levels was also observed in fully kindled animals in the CA3 region.Conclusions:  A reduction in HCN mRNA levels is present in two different models of TLE. This supports the case that a reduction in HCN channel expression is an accompaniment of epileptogenesis in different adult models of TLE.
Peas, beans, and the Pythagorean theorem – the relevance of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in dermatology
Authors: Brandt Oliver , Rieger Armin , Geusau Alexandra , Stingl Georg 
Published: April 2008

Summary Glucose‐6‐phosphate (G6PD) deficiency is a common disease characterized by acute hemolysis induced by oxidative stress. More than 400 million subjects throughout the world carry the hereditary enzyme defect with the highest prevalences in Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean region.In individuals affected by the erythrocytic enzymatic disorder, besides infectious diseases and diet, acute hemolytic crisis can be triggered by numerous drugs frequently used for the treatment of dermatoses.Taking into account the increasing number of immigrants from geographic regions with high preva‐lences of G6PD deficiency, dermatologists should be alert to the presence of disease.
Establishment of nomograms and reference ranges for intra‐cranial ventricular dimensions and ventriculo‐hemispheric ratio in newborns by ultrasonography
Authors: Sondhi Vishal , Gupta Girish , Gupta PK , Patnaik Suprabha K , Tshering Kinley 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim: To establish normal ranges for the lateral, third, and fourth ventricular dimensions and the ventriculo‐hemispheric ratio (VHR) in neonates using cranial ultrasonography.Method: Intra‐cranial ventricles were assessed ultrasonographically using anterior fontanelle as acoustic window. Data were analyzed to determine correlation, coefficient of determination (R2), regression equations and plotted against gestational age (GA).Results: Of total 1483 neonates (25–42 w GA), 372(25%) had GA < 34 weeks. GA strongly correlated with anterior horn width (AHW; 0.92), thalamo‐occipital distance (TOD; 0.94), and third (0.78) and fourth (0.89) ventricular widths. The R2 values were 0.85, 0.88, 0.66 and 0.80, respectively. VHR had weak correlation (0.12, R2= 0.005) with GA and stayed constant (0.27–0.28) across GA. Nomograms of AHW, TOD, and third and fourth ventricular widths were constructed with respect to GA.Conclusion: Intra‐cranial ventricles increase in size with GA but this increase is limited to only a few mm and is proportional to increment in brain tissue. Nomograms and regression equations of AHW, TOD and widths of third and fourth ventricles can assist in objectively assessing ventricular sizes. The almost uniform VHR can be used to screen ventricle size while suspecting hydrocephalus.
Systemic air embolism after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a preterm infant
Authors: Andriessen P , Halbertsma F , Van Lijnschoten G , Weerdenburg H , Oetomo S Bambang 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe report a preterm infant with extensive systemic air embolism after cardiopulmonary resuscitation for cardiac arrest due to an occluding thrombus in the inferior vena cava. After excluding other potential causes (air infusion, necrotizing enterocolitis or pulmonary leakage syndrome), we postulate that the pressure gradient needed for air embolism to occur is related to the resuscitation procedure. An important clue of air embolism was noted on the chest X‐ray taken before death showing intracardial air.Conclusion: Systemic air embolism may occur as a very rare complication after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Shaken baby syndrome and a baby's cry
Authors: Talvik Inga , Alexander Randell C , Talvik Tiina 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between crying of an infant and inflicted head injury by shaking and/or impact.During the period between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2003, 26 cases of shaken baby syndrome (SBS) were identified in Estonia.The incidence of SBS was 28.7 per 100 000 children under 1 year of age during the whole study period. In this group there were four children from twin pairs: two twin boys and a girl from a twin pair and a boy from another twin pair. This represents 15.4% of the 26 cases. Twins in Estonia represent 2.12% of infant births.The mean age on admission was 3.9 months. According to outpatient records almost all parents (88.5%) in the study group (23/26) had contacted their family physicians and other specialists because of excessive crying or irritability of the baby prior to the admission to the hospital with SBS or death. We found that the time curve of crying was similar to the curve of highest incidence of cases of SBS except the crying curve began earlier.Conclusion. Our data confirm that the families with twins are at additional risk for SBS and parent's complaints of excessive crying of their infants should be taken as signal that parents need to be carefully counselled.
Immunogenicity of a reduced dose of A/H3N2 in the 2005 southern hemisphere formulation of inactivated split influenza vaccine
Authors: Burrell Christopher , Booy Robert , Wood Nicholas , Egan Anne‐Marie , Taverner David , Williams Ken , Liauw Winston , Moskwa Alan , Pepin‐Covatta Stephanie , Saville Melanie 
Published: April 2008

Background  The 2005 southern hemisphere formulation of the inactivated split‐virion influenza vaccine Vaxigrip® unintentionally contained a lower concentration of haemagglutinin (HA) than European Pharmacopoeia (EP) and WHO specifications for one of the three strains.Objectives  To evaluate the immunogenicity of the 2005 southern hemisphere formulation of an influenza vaccine containing 9 μg/dose of HA for A/Wellington/1/2004(H3N2) strain, and 15 μg/dose for each of the A/New Caledonia/20/99(H1N1) strain and B/Shanghai/361/2002‐like strains.Patients/methods  In an open, non‐controlled multicentre clinical trial, 75 healthy adults (18–59 years) and 65 healthy older adults (≥60 years) were vaccinated once. Serum samples were obtained on D0 and 21 for haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) antibody titration.Results  A high proportion of adults (64%) and elderly (68%) were already seroprotected (HAI titre of ≥40) against A/Wellington/1/2004(H3N2) before vaccination, probably due to high circulation of an antigenically similar H3N2 strain and a high 2004 vaccination rate. By D21, seroprotection rates against H3N2 attained 93·8% and 96·0% in adults and elderly respectively. The other two immunogenicity criteria for annual licensure of influenza vaccines in Europe were also met in both age groups for the H3N2 strain, and also for the H1N1 and B strains.Conclusions  These results enabled the 2005 southern hemisphere vaccine to be used in expectation that it would provide satisfactory protection against influenza, despite the reduced H3N2 antigen content.
Evidence for avian influenza A infections among Iowa’s agricultural workers
Authors: Gray Gregory C. , McCarthy Troy , Capuano Ana W. , Setterquist Sharon F. , Alavanja Michael C. , Lynch Charles F. 
Published: April 2008

Background Identifying risk factors for zoonotic influenza transmission may aid public health officials in pandemic influenza planning.Objectives We sought to evaluate rural Iowan agriculture workers exposed to poultry for previous evidence of avian influenza virus infection.Methods In 2004, we enrolled 803 rural adult Iowans in a 2‐year prospective study of zoonotic influenza transmission. Their enrollment data and sera were compared with those of 66 adult controls enrolled at the University of Iowa in 2006 by using proportional odds modeling.Results Of the 803 participants 58·8% were male with a mean age of 55·6 years. Forty‐eight percent reported previous poultry exposure. Sera were studied by microneutralization techniques for antibodies against avian H4, H5, H6, H7 and H9 viruses. Touching live birds was associated (OR 1·2; 95% CI 1·02–1·8) with increased antibody titer against H5 virus. Similarly, participants who reported hunting wild birds had increased antibody titers against H7 virus (OR 2·8; 95%CI 1·2–6·5) and subjects who reported recent exposure to poultry had increased antibody titers against H6 (OR 3·4; 95% CI 1·4–8·5) and H7 viruses (OR 2·5, 95% CI 1·1–5·7). There was no evidence of elevated antibody against avian H4 or H9 viruses.Conclusions These data suggest that hunting and exposure to poultry may be important risk factors for avian influenza virus infection among rural US populations. Agriculture workers should be included in influenza pandemic plans.