bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic evaluation of planar and tomographic ventilation/perfusion lung images in patients with suspected pulmonary emboli
Authors: Bajc Marika , Olsson Carl‐Gustav , Olsson Berit , Palmer John , Jonson Björn 
Published: September 2004

SummaryPlanar lung ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy (V/PPLANAR) is a standard method for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). The goals of this study were to test whether the diagnostic information of ventilation/perfusion tomography (V/PSPET) applied in clinical routine might enhance information compared with V/PPLANAR and to streamline data processing for the demands of clinical routine. This prospective study includes 53 patients suspected for PE referred for lung scintigraphy. After inhalation of 99mTc‐DTPA planar ventilation imaging was followed by tomography, using a dual‐head gamma camera. 99mTc‐MAA was injected i.v. for perfusion tomography followed by planar imaging. Patients were examined in supine position, unchanged during V/P tomography. Two reviewers evaluated V/PPLANAR and V/PSPET images separately and randomly. Mismatch points were calculated on the basis of extension of perfusion defects with preserved ventilation. Patients were followed up clinically for at least 6 months. With V/PSPET the number of patients with PE was higher and 53% more mismatch points were found. In V/PSPET interobserver variation was less compared with V/PPLANAR. Ancillary findings were observed by both techniques in half of the patients but more precisely interpreted with V/PSPET. V/PSPET shows more and better delineated mismatch defects, improved quantification and less interobserver variation compared with V/PPLANAR. V/PSPET is amenable to implementation for clinical routine and suitable even when there is demand for a high patient throughput.
Quadriceps strength assessed by magnetic stimulation of the femoral nerve in normal subjects
Authors: Hamnegård Carl‐Hugo , Sedler Margareta , Polkey Michael I. , Bake Björn 
Published: September 2004

SummaryMagnetic stimulation of the femoral nerve is a new technique for assessment of quadriceps strength by measurement of twitch tension (TwQ), a test that is independent of subject motivation. In this study, we sought to establish better define normal values by measurement of TwQ in 45 normal subjects. Supramaximal stimulation, as judged by TwQ, was achieved in 43 of 45 subjects at a mean of 90% of maximum stimulator output. The mean TwQ was 7·3 kilograms force (kgf) (SD 2·3) for women and 9·8 kgf (SD 2·5) for men. The mean maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force was 48·0 kgf (SD 9·2) for women and 70·1 kgf (15·2) for men. The mean TwQ/MVC ratio was 0·15 for both women and men. Significant correlations were observed between TwQ and weight (r = 0·33, P<0·03) and height (r = 0·32, P<0·03) but these were weak and only partially explained observed variance. Our data confirm that magnetic femoral nerve stimulation is generally acceptable to naive subjects. Values are provided as a function of weight in normal subjects.
Pulsed tissue Doppler imaging for the detection of myocardial ischaemia, a comparison with myocardial perfusion SPECT
Authors: Blomstrand Peter , Maret Eva , Ohlsson Jan , Scheike Morten , Karlsson Jan‐Erik , Säfström Kåge , Swahn Eva , Engvall Jan 
Published: September 2004

SummaryIn order to compare the diagnostic ability of pulsed tissue Doppler and myocardial perfusion Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) in patients with a history of unstable coronary artery disease, CAD, 26 patients, 22 men and four women, age 47–76 years, were investigated in a prospective study, 5–10 day after an episode of unstable angina. Tissue Doppler and two‐dimensional echocardiography were performed during dobutamine stress testing and myocardial scintigraphy after bicycle exercise and at rest.Patients with a normal SPECT had higher peak systolic velocity during dobutamine infusion, 18.9 ± 4.1 cm s−1, than patients with ischaemia, 12.2 ± 3.8 cm s−1 (P<0.001) or scar, 8.8 ± 3.0 cm s−1 (P<0.01). In a territorial analysis the difference in peak systolic velocity between areas with a normal and abnormal SPECT was less apparent. Failure to achieve ≥13 cm s−1 in mean‐peak systolic velocity was the most accurate criterion for detection of significant CAD on SPECT. We conclude that pulsed tissue Doppler can be used for objective quantification of left ventricular wall motion during dobutamine stress testing and for identification of patients with CAD on SPECT but not for identification of regional ischaemia.
Plethysmography without venous occlusion for measuring forearm blood flow: comparison with venous occlusive method
Authors: Chuah Seong S. , Woolfson Peter I. , Pullan Brian R. , Lewis Philip S. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryLimb blood flow is widely used as an indicator of the human vascular properties. There are only few non‐invasive methods for its measurement such as venous occlusion plethysmography. However, several authors have questioned its validity. The problems appear to be related to the process of venous occlusion. We developed two methods to measure forearm blood flow by plethysmography without venous occlusion in combination with Doppler velocimetry (without imaging). Method 1: the gradient of a tangent drawn on the latter part of the down stroke of the plethysmographic volume pulse is an approximation of venous blood flow in the absence of diastolic blood flow. At equilibrium, it equals the average arterial flow in a cardiac cycle. The Doppler velocity waveform recorded simultaneously allows improvement of this approximation when there is diastolic blood flow. Method 2: the volume pulse detected by a plethysmograph calibrated in absolute volume is used to calibrate the velocity waveform recorded simultaneously to produce an approximation of arterial volumetric flow waveform. Bland‐Altman analysis shows both methods have good correlation and agreement with venous occlusion plethysmography at rest. Method 1: mean difference (blood flow measured by venous occlusion minus calculated flow) = 0·10 ml/pulse (±0·18), limits of agreement = −0·41 and 0·61 ml/pulse. Method 2: mean difference = −0·041 ml/pulse (±0·15), limits of agreement = −0·45 and 0·37 ml/pulse. During hyperaemia, venous occlusion plethysmography grossly underestimated relative to the new methods. The new methods are not dependent on venous occlusion and produce consistent results with or without hyperaemia.
Beat‐to‐beat oscillations in pulse pressure
Authors: Virtanen Raine , Jula Antti , Kuusela Tom , Airaksinen Juhani 
Published: September 2004

SummaryWe compared 5‐min standard deviations (SD) and frequency domain measures of beat‐to‐beat pulse pressure (PP) variability with those of RR‐interval, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure variabilities, and with cross‐spectral baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in a population‐based sample of 150 healthy individuals, aged 35–64 years. Beat‐to‐beat variability of PP was composed of similar frequency components as the other spectral variabilities, and was closely related to SBP variability. The proportion of high frequency (HF) component from overall variability was higher in PP variability than in SBP and DBP variabilities. The low frequency (LF) component and the SD of beat‐to‐beat PP correlated inversely with BRS (−0·48 and −0·32, respectively; P<0·001 for both). To test a hypothesis that arterial stiffening is associated with increased beat‐to‐beat oscillation in PP, we examined associations of beat‐to‐beat PP variability with risk factors of atherosclerosis, i.e. with age, gender, smoking, blood pressure, body mass index, serum lipids, glucose, insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. The SD of beat‐to‐beat PP variability correlated with age (0·21, P = 0·010), PP (0·31, P<0·001) and body mass index (0·22, P = 0·008). The LF component of PP variability correlated not only with age (0·17, P = 0·041), PP (0·27, P = 0·001) and body mass index (0·22, P = 0·007), but also with serum insulin (0·17, P = 0·042), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (0·18, P = 0·031) and serum triglycerides (0·16, P = 0·048). Our findings suggest that increased beat‐to‐beat oscillation of PP reflects arterial stiffening and impaired baroreflex function.
Photosensitivity in lupus erythematosus
Authors: Scheinfeld Noah , Deleo Vincent A 
Published: September 2004

Background: Lupus erythematosus is a systemic disease process that may manifest with a variety of internal and cutaneous findings. Photosensitivity is one the most common manifestations of lupus erythematosus. In patients with lupus erythematosus, there is a relationship between exposure to ultraviolet light, autoantibodies, genetics and other factors in the development of photosensitivity.Methods: Literature was reviewed on the topics of lupus erythematosus and photosensitivity discussed together and separately. The suggested mechanisms for their relationship were reviewed and analyzed.Results: Photosensitivity's relationship to and influence on the systemic manifestations of lupus remain to be defined. Mechanisms for photosensitivity might include: modulation of autoantibody location, cytotoxic effects, apoptosis induction with autoantigens in apoptotic blebs, upregulation of adhesion molecules and cytokines, induction of nitric oxide sythase expression and ultraviolet‐generated antigenic DNA. Tumor necrosis factor α also seems to play a role in the development of photosensitivity.Conclusion: The basis for photosensitivity in lupus has yet to be fully defined. It is more commonly associated with subacute and tumid lupus erythematosus than with other variants. Anti‐Ro antibodies appear to relate to photosensitivity. Tumor necrosis factor α polymorphisms appear to be important in some variants of lupus with photosensitivity. There is no sin que non antibody or mutation of photosensitivity in lupus. In patients with lupus, more work needs to be done to define the mechanisms of photosensitivity.
Modest in vivo exposure to solar wavelengths induces a visible absorbing chromophore in Skh‐1 mouse epidermis
Authors: Menter Julian M. , Sayre Robert M. , Dowdy John C. , Etemadi Amir A. , Patta Abrienne M. , Chappell Johnathan , Willis Isaac 
Published: September 2004

Background/purpose: In the previous work, we correlated epidermal hyperplasia with increased epidermal absorption in the 250–400 nm region. During a recent review of that work, the apparent formation of a chromophore, with absorption slightly longer than 400 nm, in the epidermis of irradiated animals was noted. In this study, we have extended the transmission measurement to include the 250–800 nm region.Methods: Age‐matched Skh‐1 hairless mice were separated into three groups. One group was irradiated with 6.3 J/cm2 (0.9 minimal erythemal dose; MED) of solar simulating ultraviolet radiation (SSUVR) five times/week for 2 weeks, then increased to 1.1 MED (7.1 J/cm2) for two additional weeks (20‐day group). A second 10‐day group, added halfway through the protocol, was irradiated with 0.9 MED five times/week for 2 weeks. The control group received no UV irradiation. Routine H&E staining and epidermal absorption spectral analysis were carried out on biopsy specimens from each animal.Results: This work confirms the development or enhancement of a visible chromophore with a maximum absorption at ca 412 nm. This peak appears to be radiation dose dependent. It can be discerned in both the groups, albeit more prominently in the 20‐day animals. The absorption is sufficiently strong to impart a yellow to reddish appearance to skin viewed in full spectrum visible light.Conclusions: Accumulation of such a chromophore in humans may contribute to the coloration of chronically exposed skin. The absorption strength and wavelength location of the peak is strongly suggestive of a heme‐like compound. We are currently conducting experiments to further characterize this chromophore.
Blue light phototherapy in the treatment of acne
Authors: Tzung Tien‐Yi , Wu Kuan‐Hsing , Huang Mei‐Lun 
Published: September 2004

Background: Blue light irradiation is known to be effective against acne. However, the profile of a good candidate is still unclear.Methods: Thirty‐one Taiwanese with symmetrical facial acne were irradiated with blue light on one side of the face selected randomly twice weekly for 4 consecutive weeks. The other half of the face was left untreated as control. Parameters, including scar type, pore size, and facial follicular porphyrin fluorescence intensity, were documented. The severity of acne was assessed before the treatment, after two, four, and eight sessions of treatment, and 1 month after the treatment was completed.Results: Compared with the non‐irradiation side, eight sessions of blue light irradiation were effective in acne treatment (P<0.001). Gender (P=0.471), scar type (P‐values of pitted, atrophic, and hypertrophic type were 0.688, 0.572, and 0.802, respectively), pore size (P=0.755), and pretreatment fluorescence intensity (P=0.656) could not be used as predictive factors of therapeutic effectiveness. Compared with pretreatment, nodulocystic lesions tended to worsen despite treatment. In addition, the therapeutic effectiveness was not related to the fluorescence intensity change (P=0.812).Conclusions: Blue light irradiation is effective in acne treatment. Patients without nodulocystic lesions are better candidates for blue light irradiation.
Prevention of ultraviolet‐induced skin pigmentation
Authors: Moyal Dominique 
Published: September 2004

Background/purpose: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases skin pigmentation and usually results in an even darkening of the skin. However, it may also occasionally lead to the development of hyperpigmented lesions due to a local overproduction of pigment. Skin pigmentation is induced both by UVB and UVA rays.Methods: The in vivo protection by sunscreens against pigmentation was studied using the determination of a level of protection against pigmentation based on the standardized sun protection factor (SPF) test method. The method includes delayed UVB and UVA pigmentations. The level of prevention against pigmentation was determined 7 days after exposure to solar‐simulated radiation by visual assessment. It was calculated using the ratio of the minimal pigmenting dose on protected skin to the minimal pigmenting dose on unprotected skin. Broadspectrum UVB/UVA filters, Mexoryl®SX and Mexoryl®XL, and complete formula were tested.Results: Protection against pigmentation correlates with the concentration of Mexoryl®SX. The levels of protection obtained show a synergetic effect of Mexoryl®SX when associated with Mexoryl®XL. When different products having the same SPF (same protection against erythema) and different levels of UVA protection are compared, only sunscreen products with a high level of UVA protection show a similar level of protection against sunburn and pigmentation. Products with low UVA protection have a lower capacity of preventing induced pigmentation compared with their efficacy against erythema.Conclusions: These studies have evidenced that SPF determination was not sufficient to account for the efficiency in preventing pigmentation and that UVA protection was an essential part of this prevention.
Positive photobiological investigation in reticular erythematous mucinosis syndrome
Authors: Adamski H. , Le Gall F. , Chevrant‐Breton J. 
Published: September 2004

Background: Reticular erythematous mucinosis (REM) syndrome is a rare disorder. Its clinical course is cyclic with remissions and exacerbations. In this disease, photosensitivity has previously been noticed but rarely demonstrated. We report three new cases with positive photobiological investigation.Case reports: Three patients (two males, one female) with a mean age 47 years were seen with reticular erythematous papules on the upper chest and or back. After sun exposure, the lesions were exacerbated. Skin biopsies showed dermal lymphocytic perivascular infiltration with mucin deposition between collagen bundles. Direct immunofluorescence was negative. Antinuclear antibodies were absent. In cabin, ultraviolet (UV)A exposure reproduced clinically and histologically REM lesions in our cases. UVA and UVB provocating phototests were negative. In all patients treatment with oral antimalarials and external photoprotection was effective.Conclusions: In our patients, we confirm the photosensitive feature of REM syndrome by provocative irradiation in UVA cabin. The mechanism of triggering is actually unclear. It is supposed that UV radiation, heat, and perspiration are necessary to reveal this affection.
Topical calcipotriene and narrowband ultraviolet B in the treatment of vitiligo
Authors: Kullavanijaya Prisana , Lim Henry W. 
Published: September 2004

Background: Treatment of vitiligo, despite significant advances made in the past few years, remains to be a challenge. Narrowband ultraviolet (NB‐UVB) has emerged as an important therapeutic option for this condition.Objective: To evaluate whether the combination of calcipotriene ointment and NB‐UVB could enhance the efficacy of NB‐UVB alone.Methods: An open, bilateral comparison study was performed in 20 patients with symmetrical vitiligo between August 2001 and October 2002. All patients received NB‐UVB three times per week. Calcipotriene ointment was applied to lesions on the left side of the body. Response was graded visually as significant (66–100% repigmentation), moderate (26–65%), mild (10–25%), and minimal (<10%).Results: Seventeen patients (six females, 11 males) completed the study. Eight patients (8/17=47%) had significant repigmentation after 67–180 treatments, six patients (35%), one patient (6%), and two patients (12%) had moderate, mild, and minimal repigmentation after 40–160, 57, and 14–21 treatments, respectively. Nine of the 17 patients had an appreciably better improvement on the NB‐UVB and calcipotriene side by 29–114 treatments. In six of these patients, differences were still observed at the end of the study period. No side effects were noted.Conclusion: Combination therapy of topical calcipotriene and NB‐UVB is a therapeutic option that could be considered in the management of patients with vitiligo.
Durability of the sun protection factor provided by dihydroxyacetone
Authors: Faurschou A. , Wulf H.C. 
Published: September 2004

Background/Purpose: The sunless tanning agent dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is known to protect against longwave ultraviolet radiation (UVA) and visible light. Recently, our laboratory has shown that DHA in addition offers a modest sun protection factor (SPF) in humans. We conducted this study in order to investigate the durability of the SPF provided by DHA.Methods: Ten healthy volunteers were treated with 20% DHA cream twice in three areas on the volar forearm. One, 5 and 7 days after the second application the participants were phototested with simulated sunlight in each area. Blue reflectance was used to measure the skin coloration by DHA in the test sites.Results: DHA generated a significant SPF of 3.0 at day 1, 2.0 at day 5 and 1.7 at day 7 (P<0.0001). The SPF was positively correlated to the change in blue reflectance (r=0.39, P=0.034). The loss of SPF unit/day was not significantly different between the subjects (P<0.122). However, the intercepts were significantly different (P<0.0001) indicating differences in the initial SPF obtained among the subjects.Conclusions: The SPF of DHA decreases with the same loss of SPF unit/day between humans and the durability of the SPF thus depends on the initial SPF provided.
The Child Manifestation of Śiva in Contemporary Hindu Popular Prints
Authors: Jacobsen Knut 
Published: September 2004

AbstractGod posters have become one of the most visible aspects of popular religious culture in South Asia. In this article I argue that the God poster industry has created opportunities for iconographic innovations, but that the God posters nevertheless build on traditional sacred narratives and conceptions of the Hindu gods found especially in the Hindu epics and the Purānas.. Even if the iconographic representation of the child manifestations of Śiva is something new, these God posters rely on the presence of the child manifestations of Śiva in the sacred narratives of the Hindu tradition. While only some of the episodes of Śiva as a child till now have been depicted in the God posters, it is not unreasonable to expect that more episodes involving the manifestation of Śiva as a child will be depicted in God posters in the future.
The Early Spread of Vedanta Societies: An Example of "Imported Localism"
Authors: Beckerlegge Gwilym 
Published: September 2004

AbstractSri Ramakrishna, in whose name the Ramakrishna Math and Mission were created, and Swami Vivekananda, the disciple largely responsible for their organization, have been recognized as early examples of the "global gurus" who, over the last hundred years or so, have attracted both Hindus and those not born into Hinduism. This article will examine the establishment of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission in the United States and London. As a consequence of its attachment to the ideal of an emergent universal religion, but one linked to the claim that Hinduism is the "mother of religions," the movement has looked to the Hindu tradition for authoritative paradigms. This tendency has been matched by an expectation on the part of followers not born into Hinduism that the movement's belief and ritual activity should reflect practice in India. It will be argued that this pattern cannot be explained adequately in terms of existing theoretical understandings of the interaction between globalization and localization. Instead, it will be argued that Vivekananda's teaching led to the emergence of the related yet distinct phenomenon of "imported localism," which has been at odds with the ideal of a universal religion.
Usages Privés Et Publics De L'incubation D'après Les Textes Hittites
Authors: Mouton Alice 
Published: September 2004

AbstractAn incubation is a ritual during which one sleeps and sometimes tries to get a special dream. The Hittite texts describe two different kinds of incubation: a divinatory one (in order to get a message-dream) and a therapeutic one (in order to heal the sleeper). The contexts in which the divinatory incubation occurs seem different from the ones in which the therapeutic incubation is used.
The Origin of Apollo
Authors: Beekes Robert 
Published: September 2004

AbstractWe shall argue that Burkert's etymology deriving the name Apollo from a Dorian word for 'assembly', απελλα, is linguistically and historically impossible. This means that the possibility of Anatolian origin is open again. It is argued that Apollo is a Pre-Greek-Anatolian name. The expected proto-form of this name is found in the name Appaliunas, a god of Wilusa/Ilios mentioned in a Hittite letter. This strongly suggests Anatolian origin of the name. This is confirmed by the Homeric epithet αυκηγενηζ, which has long been recognised as an archaic formation meaning 'born in Lycia'. This fits well with the strong Anatolian connections of Apollo as well as his mother Leto and his sister Artemis. L'étymologie proposée par Burkert du mot Apollon comme dérivé du mot apella, 'assemblée', est impossible, pour des raisons linguistiques et historiques. Il est donc possible que le mot, et le dieu, est d'origine anatolienne. Le nom est pré-grecanatolien. La proto-forme expectée est trouveé dans le nom Appaliunas, dieu de Wilusa / Ilios mentionné dans une lettre hittite, ce qui est une belle confirmation d'une origine anatolienne. Ceci est confirmé par l'épithéte homérique Lukégenés, 'né en Lycie'. Une origine anatolienne est en accord avec les liens d'Apollon lui meme, sa mére Leto et sa soeur Artemis avec l'Anatolie.