bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Video‐Taped Images in Microcirculation Research Using Inexpensive Imaging Software (Adobe Photoshop)
Authors: Brunner Joachim , Krummenauer Frank , Lehr Hans‐Anton 
Published: September 2002

ABSTRACTBackground: Study end‐points in microcirculation research are usually videotaped images rather than numeric computer print‐outs. Analysis of these videotaped images for the quantification of microcirculatory parameters usually requires computer‐based image analysis systems. Most software programs for image analysis are custom‐made, expensive, and limited in their applicability to selected parameters and study end‐points. Methods and Result: We demonstrate herein that an inexpensive, commercially available computer software (Adobe Photoshop), run on a Macintosh G3 computer with inbuilt graphic capture board provides versatile, easy to use tools for the quantification of digitized video images. Using images obtained by intravital fluorescence microscopy from the pre‐ and postischemic muscle microcirculation in the skinfold chamber model in hamsters, Photoshop allows simple and rapid quantification (i) of microvessel diameters, (ii) of the functional capillary density and (iii) of postischemic leakage of FITC‐labeled high molecular weight dextran from postcapillary venules. We present evidence of the technical accuracy of the software tools and of a high degree of interobserver reliability. Conclusions: Inexpensive commercially available imaging programs (i.e., Adobe Photoshop) provide versatile tools for image analysis with a wide range of potential applications in microcirculation research.
Reliability and sensitivity measures of the Greek version of the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire
Authors: Georgoudis George , Oldham Jacqueline A. , Watson Paul J. 
Published: September 2002

The translation of existing healthcare measurement scales is considered a feasible, efficient and popular approach to produce internationally comparable measures. The short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire is one of the most widely used and translated instruments to measure the pain experience. The Greek version of the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (GR‐SFMPQ) has recently been developed and demonstrated satisfactory levels of internal consistency.The objective of the present study was to assess the instrument';s reliability and sensitivity.Eighty patients with spinal or knee pain were included. The test–retest reliability of the instrument was estim‐ated for measurements within the same day and after 15 days. The sensitivity of the measure was examined before and after the application of a physiotherapy therapeutic regime.The correlation coefficients (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and Spearman';s) ranged from 0.87–0.98 for within‐day measurements and from 0.70–0.92 for administrations between days. All indexes of the GR‐SFMPQ (total score, sensory and affective scores, total count of used words, visual analogue score, present pain index) managed consistently to detect the changes in pain experienced (p<0.05), after a therapeutic intervention, when assessing for the sensitivity of the questionnaire. An explorative discriminant analysis of the GR‐SFMPQ indexes managed to correctly classify up to 85% of the patients; a classification rate comparable to the full version MPQ rating capacity.It can be argued from the results of this study that the Greek version of the SFMPQ fulfils the criteria of reliability and sensitivity to fluctuations of pain and can be utilized with confidence in cross‐cultural comparative research trials.
Opioids in cancer and non‐cancer pain management in Korea: the past, present and future
Authors: Han TaeHyung 
Published: September 2002

Opiate consumption in Korea has risen exponentially, mainly due to the improved awareness of patients as well as the medical community of the need for pain control. As education grows and the numbers of oncology patients increase, this trend is expected to continue in the area of cancer pain management. It will, however, take some time before it reaches further into the chronic non‐cancer population.The current situation and problems of analgesic use in Korea are discussed in detail in this article. For the medical community, a lack of proper education appears to be the main issue. The stigma attached when using narcotic medication seems to be a psychological burden for patients. Bureaucracy in the legal and administrative systems hampers the adequate supply of drugs. The importance of proper education for everyone in these areas cannot be overemphasized. As many new health care systems are introduced in the future, change will be imposed upon the medical field.
Control of non‐malignant chronic pain conditions in Japan and the possible future role of tramadol
Authors: Itoh Tatsuo 
Published: September 2002

Pharmacological treatment is the most common treatment for non‐malignant chronic pain diseases such as lumbar and/or cervical spondylosis and osteoarthritis of the knee or hip joint. In Japan, opioid analgesics cannot be used for non‐malignant chronic pain syndromes because of the strict regulations for opioid use by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) do not have sufficient effect as analgesics for some painful conditions as well as having possible serious side‐effects on the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. According to the Japanese Rheumatism Foundation report on NSAID‐induced gastrointestinal lesions in 1991, gastric ulcers were found in 15.5% of 1008 patients who underwent endoscopic examinations. In multicentric questionnaire research, it was discovered that 63% received NSAIDs for longer than 3 months.New drugs having stronger effects for chronic pain and less severe adverse side‐effects are expected within the decade. Tramadol hydrochloride controlled‐release is a long‐ and centrally‐acting analgesic without serious side‐effects for which we are currently going on to the phase II trial in collaborative studies between Japan and the United States for non‐malignant chronic pain diseases.
Children's pain at home following (adeno)tonsillectomy
Authors: Hamers Jan P. H. , Abu‐Saad Huda Huijer 
Published: September 2002

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of children's pain at home following (adeno)tonsillectomies. The subjects were parents of 161 children (86 boys, 75 girls) undergoing myringotomies, adenoidectomies and (adeno)tonsillectomies. The mean age of the children was 5.5 years (SD = 2.4; range 1–14). Parents were asked to assess the child's average pain on the day of operation and 7 days after the operation, using a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Parents from (adeno)tonsillectomy patients were also interviewed by phone on day 7.The mean VAS pain intensity scores by period (day of operation until 7th day after operation) differed between the myringotomy (3.2), adenoidectomy (10.6), and (adeno)tonsillectomy (22.1) group (F2,133 = 31.65; p < 0.001). The VAS ratings were highest for the tonsillectomy group (p < 0.001). There was a trend that pain intensity scores for adenoidectomies were significantly higher than scores for myringotomies (p = 0.07). In the interviews, 81% of the parents stated that their child suffered pain at home. However, this was not necessarily a reason to administer an analgesic. Furthermore, parents reported pain‐related problems like problems regarding eating, fluid intake, vomiting and sleep disturbance. Finally, 67% of the children at home recalled severe pain experience in the hospital.It was concluded that especially following (adeno)tonsillectomies children suffer clinically significant pain at home and that the management of pain and related problems needs to be clearly improved. © 2002 European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Unexplained severe chronic pain in general practice
Authors: Kerssens J. J. , Verhaak P. F. M. , Bartelds A. I. M. , Sorbi M. J. , Bensing J. M. 
Published: September 2002

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of unexplained severe chronic pain (USCP) in general practice and to report medical as well as psychological descriptions of patients suffering from this condition.A total of 45 GPs in 35 different practices included patients throughout the year 1996. Patients were included according to the following criteria: between 18 and 75 years of age; pain which had lasted at least 6 months; pain is the most prominent aspect in the clinical presentation; pain is serious enough to justify clinical attention; pain has led to obvious discomfort and disability in daily life for at least for 1 month. Medical aspects were measured with the IASP taxonomy while psychological aspects were derived from the MPI.The overall prevalence of USCP was 7.91 per 1000 enlisted patients. Estimates ranged between 1.87 in the youngest age group and 13.50 in the 55–59 age category. The lower back and lower limbs were most frequently affected and 31% of the patients had pain in more than three major body sites. Pain was most frequently associated by the musculoskeletal system and most often (nearly) continuous. Mean severity of current pain was 3.7 on a scale from 0 (indicating no pain) to 6 (indicating a lot of pain). Mean rating of ‘average pain in the last week’ was 4.1. Regarding the psychosocial and behavioural aspects of pain, 27% of the patients could be described as perceiving severe pain while gaining social support for it. Fourteen per cent felt in the category ‘pain combined with affective and relational distress’ and 10% was classified as ‘coping well with pain intensities lower than those of the other groups’. The other half of the patients were on average or not classifiable on these aspects.Unexplained severe chronic pain lasting more than 6 months had on overall prevalence of 7.91 per 1000 enlisted patients, ranging from 1.87 in the youngest to 13.50 in the oldest patients in these 35 general practices in The Netherlands. Our prevalence estimate of USCP is low compared to other studies on chronic pain. Probably for three reasons: Firstly, our study was confined to unexplained pain and not all chronic pain. Secondly, our inclusion criteria focused the attention of very severe chronic pain patients, and thirdly, we have defined ‘chronic’ as more than 6 months, while others have been using shorter time spans. © 2002 European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Stimulation of the left ventricle through the coronary sinus with a newly developed ‘over the wire’ lead system — early experiences with lead handling and positioning
Authors: Sack S. , Heinzel F. , Dagres N. , Enger S. , Auricchio A. , Stellbrink C. , Neuzner J. , Potty P. , Maarse A. , Tockman B. , Michel U. , Erbel R. 
Published: September 2002

Abstract

Aims
This report describes the initial clinical results with a newly designed guiding catheter and an ‘over the wire’ pacing lead based on angiolasty technology to stimulate the left ventricle using the transvenous route via the coronary sinus (OTW-CV lead).

Methods and Results
In 75% of the 15 patients (6 males, 9 females, mean age of 53±9 years) with congestive heart failure, access to coronary sinus required less than 2 min; in one patient, the attempt failed. Mean R wave amplitudes plus or minus the standard deviation, measured at apical, mid-ventricular and basal positions in the anterior (11·4±9·2, 10·8±6·2, 9·3±6·3 mV) and lateral or posterior veins (10·1±10·7, 8·6±6·4, 7·7±4·3 mV) showed a trend favouring the apex without statistical significance. Pacing impedance, measured at the same sites and vein tributaries, ranged from 670±191 to 915±145 ohms. Pacing thresholds measured at apical and mid ventricular sites were significantly lower than at the base in the anterior vein 2·5±2·8 and 2·8±1·8 vs 5·6±2·7 V at 0·5 ms, P&lt; 0·001). Thresholds in the lateral/posterior veins showed a similar trend but did not reach statistical significance (3·0±1·7, 3·6±1·4±1·8 V at 0·5 ms). In patients, in whom thresholds were determined in more than one vein, the ‘best’ mean threshold was 1·6±0·7 V.

Conclusion
The new ‘over the wire’ lead and guiding catheter system allows uncomplicated access to the coronary sinus and the depth of the coronary vein tributaries. Left ventricular sensing and pacing thresholds are acceptable for chronic use in implanted cardiac rhythm management systems.
Primary Right Atrium Haemangiosarcoma in a Cat
Authors: Merlo M , Bo S , Ratto A 
Published: September 2002

Primary cardiac neoplasms are rare in animals. Hemangiosarcoma is the most common primary cardiac tumour in the dog, but has not been reported in the cat. We describe the clinical signs, the gross examination, and the morphological and immunohistochemical features of a haemangiosarcoma in the right atrium of a 13-year-old domestic shorthair cat. In addition, a distant metastasis was found in the liver.
Ultrasound Aspects of Fetal and Extrafetal Structures in Pregnant Cats
Authors: Zambelli D , Caneppele B , Bassi S , Paladini C 
Published: September 2002

Prenatal feline fetal growth and utero-placental development were ultrasonographically evaluated using an ultrasound scanner with a 10 MHz sector probe. Uterus, placenta, embryo, fetus and fetal membranes in 16 pregnant cats were monitored during the course of pregnancy; 13 subjects underwent an ovariectomy on specific days while three subjects went to term. Various anatomic structures, fixed in Carson-buffered formalin, were sectioned and then compared to ultrasound images. By ultrasound examination it is possible to evaluate every stage of the fetal development; the gestational chamber can be seen on the 10th and the embryo inside the chamber on the 14th day. By the 20th day it is possible to evaluate all the fetal membranes, and later it is possible to appreciate organs and structures such as the stomach, intestine, eyes (crystalline lens), kidneys and the cerebral choroid plexi, on the 30th, 40th, 50th, 39th and 40th day respectively. Based on our observations, it will be simpler to locate anomalies of development or pathologies during ultrasound examination of pregnant queens.
Dietary Chromium Tripicolinate Supplementation Reduces Glucose Concentrations and Improves Glucose Tolerance in Normal-weight Cats
Authors: Appleton DJ , Rand JS , Sunvold GD , Priest J 
Published: September 2002

The effect of dietary chromium supplementation on glucose and insulin metabolism in healthy, non-obese cats was evaluated. Thirty-two cats were randomly divided into four groups and fed experimental diets consisting of a standard diet with 0 ppb (control), 150 ppb, 300 ppb, or 600 ppb added chromium as chromium tripicolinate. Intravenous glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance and insulin sensitivity tests with minimal model analysis were performed before and after 6 weeks of feeding the test diets. During the glucose tolerance test, glucose concentrations, area under the glucose concentration-time curve, and glucose half-life (300 ppb only), were significantly lower after the trial in cats supplemented with 300 ppb and 600 ppb chromium, compared with values before the trial. Fasting glucose concentrations measured on a different day in the biochemistry profile were also significantly lower after supplementation with 600 ppb chromium. There were no significant differences in insulin concentrations or indices in either the glucose or insulin tolerance tests following chromium supplementation, nor were there any differences between groups before or after the dietary trial. Importantly, this study has shown a small but significant, dose-dependent improvement in glucose tolerance in healthy, non-obese cats supplemented with dietary chromium. Further long-term studies are warranted to determine if the addition of chromium to feline diets is advantageous. Cats most likely to benefit are those with glucose intolerance and insulin resistance from lack of exercise, obesity and old age. Healthy cats at risk of glucose intolerance and diabetes from underlying low insulin sensitivity or genetic factors may also benefit from long-term chromium supplementation.
Review of experimental studies in allergy: 1) Clinical studies
Authors: Poitevin Bernard 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe incidence of allergic conditions is increasing. The treatment of allergic conditions by homoeopathy is one of the most extensively investigated aspects of clinical homoeopathy. The author reviews the use of isotherapy and other homoeopathic therapeutic strategies in homoeopathy. Open studies of homoeopathic treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis, asthma and sensitivity to Cotrimoxazole are discussed. Controlled clinical trials of Galphimia glanca in hayfever and specific isotherapy in hayfever and asthma are discussed and criticised.
Preliminary research for testing Baptisia tinctoria 30c effectiveness against salmonellosis in first and second quality broiler chickens
Authors: Sandoval CH , Morfin LL , Lopez BB 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe aim of this research was to compare the effectiveness of Baptisia tinctoria 30c and Ciprofloxacin against salmonellosis in fowl. Eight hundred (400 first quality and 400 second quality) poultry birds were used. All were the same commercial brand. There were two treatments, both with four repetitions. Treatment began when chickens were eight days old; two drops/kg live weight/d Baptisia tinctoria or 15 mg/kg live weight/d of Ciprofloxacin. Both treatments lasted ten days and were given in the drinking water. Salmonella diagnostic tests were made on day 0, day 8 and day 49 of age and death rate was when treatments had finished. Death rate values were applied a square root transformation and a 2×2 factorial analysis was made.The mortality for first and second quality fowl in the Baptisia tinctoria group were 0.7125 and 2.037, respectively, and in the Ciprofloxacin group, 0.7245 and 2.1848, respectively. No significant statistical difference was observed (P>0.1) regarding treatments, only regarding different quality fowl (P<0.01). After comparing, Baptisia tinctoria 30c and Ciprofloxacin treatments against salmonellosis, it was concluded that there were no meaningful differences between outcomes.
The ammonia remedies: their homoeopathic use in head injuries and other head conditions
Authors: Richardson-Boedler Cornelia 
Published: September 2002

AbstractThe ammonia remedies, deriving from a gas, show distinct head symptoms, generally characterized by a cerebral congestion, heaviness and confusion. Case experiences, presenting with a similar symptomatology after a traumatic impact to the head, alerted to the remedies’ use in head injuries. Ammonium carbonicum and Ammonium muriaticum were found curative. Unlike the Natrum remedies, the ammonia remedies have not been specifically linked with this particular effect, although Clarke’s Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica describes the successful use of Ammonium picricum in the head injury.The two cases are described and an overview of the materia medica of Ammonia remedies is given, with special attention to head and face symptoms. Nerve-related head symptoms are also apparent in the materia medica.Respiratory illness, often with a suffocative character, a diminished vitality, and impeded circulatory functions are further typical manifestations of the ammonia compounds.
Homoeopathic medicine test according to the crossover design: from theory to practice
Authors: Koster Dick , Van Haselen Robbert , Jansen Gerard , Dicke Martin 
Published: September 2002

AbstractAn homoeopathic pathogenic trial (HPT, proving) was carried out using a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover method. The name of the medicine was also unknown to the volunteers. A number of subjects withdrew at the last minute, leading to an unbalanced randomisation. A strong period effect was observed, which makes results difficult to interpret. Most subjects were able to guess correctly which treatment was active and which placebo.
Reduction of alcohol induced sleep time in albino mice by potentized Nux vomica prepared with 90% ethanol
Authors: Sukul A , Sinhabau SP , Sukul NC 
Published: September 2002

AbstractMale adult albino mice were administered potentized Nux vomica 30 c (Nux v). The drug was mixed with sterile distilled water at 0.05 ml/2 ml water and given at 0.05 ml/individual. Control consisted of blank ethanol solution. Ethanolic extract from the seeds of
Strychnos nuxvomica
L was mixed with 90% ethanol 1:100 and sonicated for 30 s at 20 KHz. This was further diluted and sonicated in 30 steps to produce Nux v 30 c. Six hours after treatment, mice were given 25% ethanol i.p. at 4 g/kg body wt. The duration of sleep time starting from the loss of righting reflex until its restoration was recorded for each mouse. The duration of sleep time with ethanol was recorded in four sessions for the same group of mice with an interval of 10 d between sessions. Treatments: session 1 with control solution, 2 with
Nux v
(oral), 3 with control solution and 4 with
Nux v
(i.p.).
Nux v
(oral) produced the shortest sleep time as compared to other treatments which did not differ from each other significantly with respect to sleep time.In another experiment Nux v 30 c was prepared with distilled water and pure absolute ethanol by the above process of successive dilution and sonication. These two preparations together with
Nux v
30 c, prepared with 90% ethanol, were tested on mice for their effect on alcohol-induced sleep time. Only
Nux v
30 c prepared with 90% ethanol was effective in reducing the sleep time in mice. It is concluded that the solution structure of ethanol/water mixture carries the specificity of the
Nux v
at ultra high dilution. It is further concluded that the effect is mediated through oral receptors.
Homeopathy in HIV infection: a trial report of double-blind placebo controlled study
Authors: Rastogi DP , Singh VP , Singh V , Dey SK , Rao K 
Published: September 2002

AbstractObjective: This study was aimed to evaluate the immuno-modulator role of homeopathic remedies in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.Methodology: A randomised double blind clinical trial was conducted to compare the effect of homeopathic remedies with placebo, on CD4+ve T-lymphocytes in HIV infected individuals, conforming to Centres for Disease Control (CDC) stage II & III. 100 HIV+ve individuals between 18–50 y (71% males) were included in the study. 50 cases conformed to CDC stage II—Asymptomatic HIV infection, and 50 cases to CDC stage III—Persistent Generalised Lymphadenopathy (PGL). Cases were stratified according to their clinical status and CD4+ve lymphocyte counts. The randomisation charts were prepared much before the start of the trial by randomly assigning placebo and verum codes to registration numbers from 1 to 50. A single individualised homeopathic remedy was prescribed in each case and was followed up at intervals of 15 d to one month. A six months study was performed for each registered case. Assessment of progress was made by evaluation of CD4+ve lymphocyte counts, which was the prospectively-defined main outcome measure of the study; the results were compared with the base line immune status.Results: In PGL, a statistically significant difference was observed in CD4+ve T-lymphocyte counts between pre and post trial levels in verum group (P<0.01). In the placebo group a similar comparison yielded non-significant results. (P=0.91). Analysis of change in the pre and post trial counts of CD4+ve cells between groups was also statistically significant (P=0.04).In asymptomatic HIV infection, differences in absolute CD4+ve lymphocyte counts between pre and post trial levels were not significant. Analysis of changes in pre and post trial CD4 levels of placebo and verum groups for combined strata of asymptomatic and PGL groups was also not significant.Conclusion: The study suggests a possible role of homeopathic treatment in HIV infection in symptomatic phase, as evidenced by a statistically significant elevation of base line immune status in persistent generalised lymphadenopathy.