bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein Loss in On-Line Hemofiltration
Authors: Santoro Antonio , Canova Cristina , Mancini Elena , Deppisch Reinhold , Beck Werner 
Published: May 2004

<i>Background:</i> The albumin serum level is one of the most important nutritional indices and is directly correlated to the uremic patient’s hemodialysis outcome. One of the factors that can interfere with protein metabolism is the possible loss of albumin through the dialysis membrane that can contribute to keeping levels chronically low, especially for high-flux convective treatments requiring high permeability membranes and the removal of high volumes of plasma water. <i>Methods:</i> Twenty stable patients undergoing chronic renal replacement therapy for at least 3 months were included. Each patient performed four hemofiltration treatments, 2 in post-dilution and 2 in pre-dilution (post-D, pre-D) with a polyamide membrane (Poliflux, 2.1 m<sup>2</sup>). <i>Results:</i> The amount of albumin found in the ultrafiltrate was 2.9 ± 1.5 g in post-D and 1.7 ± 0.8 g in pre-D (p < 0.01). Albumin loss during online HF was lower than 3 g per treatment, and significantly lower in pre-D than in post-D. Furthermore, we observed a correlation between the transmembrane pressure and the albumin loss in both techniques, but with different slopes (y = 0.351x – 10.014 in post-dilution and y = 0.0639x + 8.2403 in pre-dilution; p = 0.01): the same transmembrane pressure determines larger albumin losses in post-dilution than in pre-dilution. <i>Conclusions:</i> Convective treatments that utilize high exchange volume can be performed with no risk of a significant albumin loss, particularly in pre-D where the proteic component’s contact with the dialysis membrane is lower. In post-dilution the transmembrane pressure is a relevant factor in determining the protein loss.
The Shadow Sultan: Succession and Imposture in the Mughal Empire, 1628-1640
Authors: Subrahmanyam Sanjay , Flores Jorge 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThis essay explores the problem of imposture in the Mughal empire, through the case of Sultan Dawar Bakhsh, or Bulaqi, who ruled briefly in the late 1620s. Though official Mughal histories had it that he was executed in January 1628 along with several other princes, various persons claiming his identity surfaced, first in India and then in Iran. We examine the views of Mughal, Portuguese, Iranian and other sources on these claimants, and also explore what forms of proof were sought by different early modern agents in order to satisfy themselves of the identity of a returning prince. Cette contribution examine le problème de l'imposture dans l'Empire moghol en étudiant le cas du Sultan Dawar Bakhsh ou Bulaqi, qui a régné pendant quelques mois en 1627-28. Selon les chroniques mogholes de l'époque, Bulaqi aurait été exécuté en janvier 1628 avec plusieurs autres princes. Mais l'on sait que pendant la décennie suivante, plusieurs personnages se sont manifestés, tout d'abord en Inde et ensuite en Iran, prétendant être le sultan disparu. En croisant les informations fournies par les textes et des documents d'archives assez variés, en provenance de l'Etat portugais des Indes, de l'Empire moghol et de l'Etat safavide, l'analyse suit pas à pas le parcours de ce Martin Guerre moghol pour apprécier les preuves apportées sur son identité.
The Determinants of Social Well-being, Economic Development, and Development Index in the Third World Countries
Authors: El-Ghannam Ashraf Ragab 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThis study examines the relationship between social well-being and economic development in Third World countries, thus, involving human resources, economic, social, and technological factors. An attempt is made to answer the following question: What factors contribute to the formation of social well-being and economic development? The patterns of development theory are used to help answer this question. Secondary data were collected from various sources. The sample involved 103 countries from the Third World. The study used hierarchical regression and recursive path analysis as statistical methods. Results suggest that more than 66, 64, and 67 percent of the variance in social well-being, economic development, and development index, respectively, is explained by total population, population growth rate, percent of urban population, total exports, health indicators, and energy consumption per capita. This study suggests that there is more support for patterns of development analysis of structural change. Findings in this research demonstrate that social well-being in Third World countries is responsive to changes in the structure of population policy, technique of international trade, investment in social infrastructure, and improvements in energy efficiency.
Interaction of Hg(II) with kaolin-humic acid complexes
Authors: Arias M. , Barral M.T. , Da Silva–Carvalhal J . , Mejuto J .C. , Rubinos D. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe adsorption and desorption of Hg(II) by humic acid (HA) previously adsorbed on kaolin was studied. In the range of HA concentration investigated (0.0 –26.9 mg g–1), the Hg(II) adsorption capacity of kaolin at pH 4 is enhanced by the presence of HA. For the complexes with the highest HA concentration and for low Hg(II) initial concentrations, adsorption was lower, i.e. as HA concentration on the complexes increases, Hg(II) equilibrium concentration also increases. This behaviour is due to the increasing presence of dissolved organic matter as the HA concentration on the complexes increases. The dissolved organic matter is able to form a soluble complex with Hg, thus decreasing adsorption. Hg(II) adsorption from a 2.5×10–5MHg(II) solution was influenced by pH. For kaolin, a pHmax(pH where maximum adsorption occurs) of 4.5 was observed. At pH values >pHmaxretention decreased with increasing pH. This same behaviour was observed for the kaolin- HA complex containing the lowest HA concentration (6.6 mg g–1). For the other kaolin-HA complexes there was little effect of pH on Hg(II) adsorption between pH 2.5 and pH 6.5. The presence of HA increased the adsorption of Hg(II) on kaolin all along the pH range studied. Desorption experiments showed that the amount of Hg(II) desorbed was quite low (<1%) for all the HA and Hg(II) concentration range studied, except for the kaolin at acid pH (pH 2.5) where the Hg(II) released was >50% of Hg(II) previously adsorbed. The presence of HA dramatically reduced this percentage of desorption to values of <3%, indicating reduced risk of toxicity problems in surface and subsurface waters. The addition of Cu(II) did not favour any Hg(II) desorption, even though Cu exhibits a strong affinity for organic matter.
Predicting spasticity after stroke in those surviving to 12 months
Authors: Leathley M J , Gregson J M , Moore A P , Smith T L , Sharma A K , Watkins C L 
Published: May 2004

Objective: To measure muscle tone in a cohort of patients 12 months after stroke and develop a preliminary model, using data recorded routinely after stroke, to predict who will develop spasticity. Design: A cohort study. Setting: Initially hospitalized but subsequently community-dwelling stroke survivors in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Subjects: One hundred and six consecutively presenting stroke patients surviving to 12 months. Main outcome measures: Spasticity measured at a range of joints using the Tone Assessment Scale. Results: The Tone Assessment Scale revealed spasticity in 38 (36%) patients and more severe spasticity in 21 (20%) of the 106 patients. Logistic regression analysis revealed that lower day 7 Barthel Index score and early arm or leg weakness were significant predictors of abnormal muscle tone; and lower day 7 Barthel Index score, left-sided weakness and ever smoked to be significant predictors of more severe muscle tone. Conclusions: Using the models, it may be possible to predict whether or not spasticity will develop in patients 12 months after stroke. The utility of the models is aided by their use of predictor variables that are routinely collected as part of stroke care in hospital and which are easy to measure. The models need testing prospectively in a new cohort of patients in order to test their validity, reliability and utility and to determine if other data could improve their efficiency.
Measurement properties of the Frenchay Activities Index among individuals with a lower limb amputation
Authors: Miller W C , Deathe A B , Harris J 
Published: May 2004

Objective: To assess the reliability and validity of the original and a modified version of the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) among individuals with a lower limb amputation. Design: Two week test-retest design. Setting: South Western Ontario Amputee Program, London, Ontario, Canada. Subjects: Consecutive sample of 84 individuals, primarily men (78.6%), mean age 56.5 years with a unilateral transtibial (71.4%) or transfemoral amputation related to traumatic (59.5%) or vascular causes. Interventions: All subjects completed a questionnaire containing the FAI and other scales, the 2-minute walk and timed up and go tests during a regularly scheduled clinic visit. Fifty-five subjects completed a second FAI which was mailed to them two weeks later. Twenty-nine others completed the second FAI upon return for testing related to another project. Main measures: FAI, Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire-Mobility Scale, 2-minute walk, timed up and go and walking device aid use. Results: Relative reliability for the FAI (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.79) and FAI-18 (ICC = 0.78) was acceptable, however bias between measurements was detected. Hypothesized relationships (p B=0.001) between both FAI versions and the Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire-Mobility Scale, 2-minute walk and timed up and go test were observed. Significant group differences were observed for amputation cause, mobility device use, age and years as an amputee. Neither version distinguished between amputee level or gender groups. Conclusions: The original and modified FAI are valid and reliable tools for unilateral amputees. Reliability is adequate to detect group but not individual level differences. Additional FAI-18 items did not substantially improve the ability to detect between-amputation-group differences.
Correlation between upper limb functional ability and structural hand impairment in an early rheumatoid population
Authors: Adams J , Burridge J , Mullee M , Hammond A , Cooper C 
Published: May 2004

Objective: To explore the relationship in individuals with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) between self-report upper limb function, therapist-assessed upper limb function and therapist-assessed measures of structural impairment (handgrip, active hand motion and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint ulnar deviation). Design: Thirty-six patients with early RA were recruited across seven outpatient occupational therapy departments. Outcome measures: Upper limb functional activity and ability was measured using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Grip Ability Test (GAT). Upper limb impairment was assessed by bilateral power handgrip using the MIE Digital Grip Analyser, goniometry measures of bilateral metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint ulnar deviation and bilateral active motion of the wrist. Results: Strong correlations (>0.7) were seen between the self-report DASH questionnaire and the therapist-rated GAT assessment. Bilateral power handgrips were also strongly correlated with both functional assessments. Dominant ulnar deviation at the MCP joints demonstrated a weak correlation (0.3-0.4) with both self-report and therapist-rated functional ability and a weak to moderate. (0.1-0.5) correlation on the nondominant side. Conclusion: In this early RA population handgrip strength is an accurate indicator of upper limb ability. Ulnar deviation at the MCP joints shows only a weak to moderate association with upper limb functional activity and ability. Although the DASH and the GAT were strongly correlated, the DASH was a more discriminating measure than the GAT in assessing upper limb ability in this sample population.
Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes in the UK: a national representative survey
Authors: Yohannes Abebaw M , Connolly Martin J 
Published: May 2004

Background: Respiratory disease is a common cause of disability in middle and late life. Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes improve exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic lung diseases. However, currently, in the UK the availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes and their characteristics are unknown. Methods: We surveyed pulmonary rehabilitation programmes in terms of number, size, duration, content of educational and exercise programme, and staffing. We mailed a 17-item questionnaire previously used in Canadian study to 190 physiotherapy departments within acute hospitals in UK. Results: One hundred and seventy-one (90%) responses were received. Sixty-eight centres (40%) run a pulmonary rehabilitation programme (99% outpatient). Mean age of subjects was]=70 in only seven centres (10%), though most cited no upper age limit. Ninety-nine per cent of centres incorporated exercise training. Programmes recruited a median group size of 10 patients (range 4 - 17) at a given time with a median duration of eight weeks (range 5 - 24) weeks. Most (71%) run twice per week with a duration of 2 hours (63%). Only half offered smoking cessation support, and a minority gave advice on coping with disease, travel and sexual matters. Conclusion: Around 40% of surveyed hospitals run a pulmonary rehabilitation programme and most of the programmes are similar in their format, content and staffing. Despite the high prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related disability in old age most programmes chiefly included younger subjects. This may reflect lack of referral. Greater awareness and expansion of availability of programmes is indicated.
Psychological well-being of spouses of stroke patients during the first year after stroke
Authors: Forsberg-Wärleby Gunilla , Möller Anders , Blomstrand Christian 
Published: May 2004

Objective: To investigate whether spouses' psychological well-being changed between the first weeks after their partner's stroke and four months and one year later, and to study the relationship between spouses’ psychological well-being and objective characteristics of the stroke patients. Design: Prospective, longitudinal study. Setting: Hospital care and follow-ups. Subjects: Sixty-seven consecutively enrolled spouses to first-ever stroke patients B/ 75 years. Main measures: The Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB) Index. Clinical examination of the stroke patients. The Barthel Index. Results: The spouses' psychological well-being was significantly lower in the first weeks after their partner's stroke as compared with norms. At four months, it had increased significantly. Between four months and one year, individual changes were observed in both positive and negative directions; thus, the mean level of the group remained constant. The spouses’ psychological well-being in the first weeks was significantly related to the patients’ sensorimotor impairments, while it was related at four months to cognitive impairment and the patients’ abilities in self-care. At one year, psychological well-being was related to remaining sensorimotor and cognitive impairments. A significant relationship was also seen between the spouses’ and the stroke patients’ emotional health. Conclusions: The spouses' psychological well-being increased after the first chaotic weeks. The presence of visible impairments initially seemed to affect spouses’ emotional health, while cognitive and emotional impairments became more evident in everyday life. In the long term, however, the spouses’ individual life situations and coping abilities seem to be of relatively increasing importance for their continued well-being.
Comparison of two ultrasonographic localization techniques for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis with extracorporeal shock wave therapy: a randomized study
Authors: Melegati Gianluca , Tornese Davide , Bandi Marco , Rubini Manuela 
Published: May 2004

Objective: To describe and compare two ultrasonographic localization techniques for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). Design: Forty-one subjects selected through clinical examination were randomly assigned to two groups of treatment. Interventions: Each subject received a three-session ultrasound-guided ESWT (performed weekly). Lateral tangential focusing was used in group A, whereas back tangential focusing was used for group B. Main outcome measures: Total Elbow Scoring System (TESS) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate each subject before the treatment and at six months follow-up. Results: TESS and VAS pretreatment scores were homogeneous between the groups (p/0.05). In both groups there was a significant (p B=0.05) increase in the TESS score and a decrease in the VAS score but there was no resolution of the pain. TESS and VAS follow-up scores were homogeneous between the two groups (p/0.05). Conclusions: There was no difference between the two techniques of using ESWT.
Infection with an Endemic Human Herpesvirus Disrupts Critical Glial Precursor Cell Properties
Authors: Dietrich Joerg , Blumberg Benjamin M. , Roshal Mikhail , Baker Jeffrey V. , Hurley Sean D. , Mayer-Pröschel Margot , Mock David J. 
Published: May 2004

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), a common resident virus of the human CNS, has been implicated in both acute and chronic inflammatory–demyelinating diseases. Although HHV-6 persists within the human CNS and has been described to infect mature oligodendrocytes, nothing is known about the susceptibility of glial precursors, the ancestors of myelin-producing oligodendrocytes, to viral infection.We show that HHV-6 infects human glial precursor cellsin vitro. Active infection was demonstrated by both electron microscopy and expression of viral gene transcripts and proteins, with subsequent formation of cell syncytia. Infection leads to alterations in cell morphology and impairment of cell replication but not increased cell death. Infected cells showed decreased proliferation as measured by bromodeoxyuridine uptake, which was confirmed by blunting of the cell growth rate of infected cells compared with uninfected controls over time. The detailed analysis using novel, fluorescent-labeled HHV-6A or HHV-6B reagents demonstrated strong G1/S phase inhibition in infected precursor cells. Cell cycle arrest in HHV-6-infected cells was associated with a profound decrease in the expression of the glial progenitor cell marker A2B5 and a corresponding increase in the oligodendrocyte differentiation marker GalC.These data demonstrate for the first time that infection of primary human glial precursor cells with a neurologically relevant human herpesvirus causes profound alterations of critical precursor cell properties. In light of recent observations that repair of CNS demyelination is dependent on the generation of mature oligodendrocytes from the glial precursor cell pool, these findings may have broad implications for both the ineffective repair seen in demyelinating diseases and the disruption of normal glial maturation.
Chronology of Deciduous Teeth Eruption in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Duque Cristiane , da Silva Dalben Gisele , Maria Fábio Aranha Andreza , de Carvalho Carrara Cleide Felício , Ribeiro Gomide Marcia , Costa Beatriz 
Published: May 2004

Objective To determine the chronology and sequence of eruption of the deciduous teeth in children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of Sao Paulo, Bauru, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Sample A total of 435 children aged 0 to 48 months who presented with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. Results All teeth on the cleft side in both jaws for both sexes presented a higher mean age of eruption than their homologues at the noncleft side. This difference was statistically significant for the maxillary lateral incisor, maxillary cuspid, and mandibular lateral incisor. There was a statistically significant sex difference regarding the mean age of eruption only for the maxillary second molar for the girls and mandibular cuspid for the boys. The maxillary lateral incisor on the cleft side was the last tooth to erupt, thus modifying the sequence of eruption of the deciduous teeth. Conclusions The results suggest the interference of the cleft on the chronology of eruption of the deciduous teeth that are directly related to it.
Nasalance Scores in Wearers of a Palatal Lift Prosthesis in Comparison with Normative Data for Japanese
Authors: Tachimura Takashi , Kotani Yasuko , Wada Takeshi 
Published: May 2004

Objective This study was designed to examine whether nasalance score is changed in association with placement of a palatal lift prosthesis (PLP) and whether normative data previously reported are applicable to evaluate the effect of a PLP on velopharyngeal function as it relates to nasality. Design Nasalance scores were obtained as subjects read the Kitsutsuki Passage three times with the PLP in place and then removed. Participants Forty-three children (mean age 9.0 years, SD = 3.6 years) with repaired cleft palate who were treated with a PLP were selected as subjects. Their speech was characterized by nasal emission of air, slight hypernasality without a PLP but within normal limits with a PLP in place, or both. Main Outcome Measures Comparisons were made between normative scores and the average mean nasalance score of subjects with and without the PLP. Results Average values of the mean nasalance score for subjects were 17.3% (SD 7.6%) with the PLP in place and 33.5% (SD 13.3%) without the PLP in place. These scores were greater than the mean score of 9.1% (SD 3.9%) obtained from normal controls previously reported. Conclusion A PLP can decrease nasalance scores for speakers with repaired cleft palate who exhibit velopharyngeal incompetence. It was suggested that the normative score obtained from normal adult speakers is not applicable to evaluate the effect of a PLP to improve velopharyngeal function for children wearing the PLP.