bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health related quality of life and quantitative pain measurement in females with chronic non‐malignant pain
Authors: Laursen Birgitte S. , Bajaj Priti , Olesen Anders S. , Delmar Charlotte , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to assess, compare, and correlate the pain response to an experimental pain stimulus (hyperalgesia to pressure pain threshold (PPT) measured from different body sites), the pain intensity (VAS) of the habitual pain, and quality of life parameters (SF‐36) in groups of females with chronic non‐malignant pain syndromes. Forty female pain patients with fibromyalgia/whiplash (n = 10), endometriosis (n = 10), low back pain (n = 10), or rheumatoid arthritis (n = 10), as well as 41 age‐matched healthy female controls participated in the study.The fibromyalgia/whiplash patients scored significantly higher (p < 0.04) VAS ratings (median rating = 7.0) than the endometriosis (6.0), low back pain (6.0), and rheumatoid arthritis (3.5) patients. All fours patient groups had significantly lower PPTs at all sites as compared with controls.The fibromyalgia/whiplash patients experienced the highest influence of pain on their overall health status, particularly vitality, social function, emotional problems, and mental health. A significant negative correlation was found between VAS rating and quality of life (p < 0.04). Significant correlation (p < 0.05) was found between pressure hyperalgesia measured at lowest PPT sites and the impairment of SF‐36 physical function as well as mental health parameters.This study demonstrates significant generalised pressure hyperalgesia in four groups of chronic pain patients, correlations between degree of pressure hyperalgesia and impairment of some quality of life parameters, and increased pain intensity of the ongoing pain is associated with decreased quality of life.
Neurological soft signs in homicidal men with antisocial personality disorder
Authors: Lindberg Nina , Tani Pekka , Stenberg Jan-Henry , Appelberg Björn , Porkka-Heiskanen Tarja , Virkkunen Matti 
Published: August 2004

AbstractNeurological soft signs (NSS) are characterized by abnormalities in motor, sensory, and integrative functions. NSS have been regarded as a result of neurodevelopmental dysfunction, and as evidence of a central nervous system defect, resulting in considerable sociopsychological dysfunction. During the last decade there has been growing evidence of brain dysfunction in severe aggressive behavior. As a symptom, aggression overlaps a number of psychiatric disorders, but it is commonly associated with antisocial personality disorder. The aim of the present study was to examine NSS in an adult criminal population using the scale by Rossi et al. [29]. Subjects comprised 14 homicidal men with antisocial personality disorder recruited from a forensic psychiatric examination. Ten age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers as well as eight patients with schizophrenia, but no history of physical aggression, served as controls. The NSS scores of antisocial offenders were significantly increased compared with those of the healthy controls, whereas no significant differences were observed between the scores of offenders and those of patients with schizophrenia. It can be speculated that NSS indicate a nonspecific vulnerability factor in several psychiatric syndromes, which are further influenced by a variety of genetic and environmental components. One of these syndromes may be antisocial personality disorder with severe aggression.
Estimation of myocardial performance in CABG patients
Authors: Poelaert J. , Heerman J. , Schüpfer G. , Moerman A. , Reyntjens K. , Roosens C. 
Published: August 2004

Myocardial performance index (MPI) permits a relative easy estimation of global left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function. It was shown that MPI inversely correlated strongly with the maximum derivative of LV pressure with respect to time (+dP/dtmax). The current study evaluated the change of MPI during and immediately after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) surgery and analyzed the relationship between MPI and hydraulic energy (exemplified by preload adjusted maximal power – PAMP) during that same period. The study was conducted in 45 patients undergoing CABG. After induction of anaesthesia, 10 min after revascularization and 2 h postoperatively, haemodynamics were assessed. Preload was characterized by LV end‐diastolic area indexed for BSA (LVEDAI); afterload was estimated by arterial elastance (Ea) and indexed systemic vascular resistance (SVRI). Global myocardial performance was indicated in terms of MPI and contractility was achieved by PAMP. Myocardial performance index increased postoperatively (0.44 ± 0.13, 0.37 ± 0.17 and 0.50 ± 0.16, respectively; P < 0.001). Preload adjusted maximal power did not alter significantly (1.90 ± 1.24, 2.02 ± 1.34 and 2.12 ± 1.00 W cm−2*104, respectively). Left ventricular enddiastolic area indexed did not change. Arterial elastance augmented to 0.76  ±  0.39, 0.80 ± 0.40 and 1.01 ± 0.43 mmHg ml−1, respectively; P < 0.001. Systemic vascular resistance did not change. A relationship was found between 1‐MPI/LVEDAI2 and PAMP (R2 = 0.50). This study shows that in the setting of CABG surgery, MPI appears to be a good measure of global LV function.
Influence of formulation on propofol pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in anesthetized patients
Authors: Calvo R. , Telletxea S. , Leal N. , Aguilera L. , Suarez E. , De La Fuente L. , Martin‐Suarez A. , Lukas J. C. 
Published: August 2004

Background:  In anesthesia with propofol, variability persists besides sophisticated effect targeting. Drug formulation may be another factor. We have analyzed, retrospectively, the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) in monitored surgery patients anesthetized with one each of five formulations of propofol.Methods:  Propofol 1% (‘form’ 1: Diprivan®(Zeneca Limited, Macclesfield, UK), 2: Recofol®(Schering Espa&#x006e;̄a, Madrid, Spain), 3: Ivofol®(Juste, Madrid, Spain), 4: Propofol Abbott® (Abbott Laboratories, Madrid, Spain), 5: Fresenius® (Fresenius Kabi Espa&#x006e;̄a, Barcelona, Spain)) was administered to 77 ASA I–II patients of age [mean (range) 44 (18–65) years]. Induction of anesthesia was with varying propofol doses up to endpoints of either 60 on the Bispectral Index™ system (BIS) in group I (n = 48, model development) or standard clinical signs in group II (n = 29, validation). Maintenance was with three 10‐min infusions of 10, 8 and 6 mg kg−1 h−1. Three blood samples were obtained from each subject, immediately after induction, and at 15 and 30 min on maintenance, with BIS and hemodynamic variables recorded at these times also. Total and free blood concentrations (Cb) of propofol were determined with HPLC. Pharmacokinetic and PD models with link equilibration rate ke0, were studied with a mixed‐effects procedure (NONMEM).Results:  The induction dose (group I) showed large interindividual variability [mean (range) 163 (90–290 mg)] that correlated significantly with age, basal systolic blood pressure and formulation. The PK of propofol (basic model) was described by a one‐compartment model with (typical value [interindividual coefficient of variation percent (CV%)]) CL=2.30 l min−1 (27%) and V=8.40 l (80%). Weight (WT) and formulation, within NONMEM, were found to be significant covariates for CL and V, reducing their CV% to 25% and 74%, respectively. The final PK/PD model, which includes formulation, showed a 50% reduction in the CV% for both the ke0 and the residual error. This PK/PD model was validated in group II with 33% precision and no bias.Conclusion:  The PK and PD are not equal for all formulations, which contributes to an increase in variability of the observed effect.
Beliefs and reality: detection and prevention of high alcohol consumption in Swedish antenatal clinics
Authors: Göransson Mona , Faxelid Elisabeth , Heilig Markus 
Published: August 2004

Background.  Public antenatal care (ANC) clinics in Sweden contribute to low prenatal mortality and morbidity, through early detection of somatic risk factors, and referral to appropriate specialized care. Available statistics indicate, however, that this system is ineffective in dealing with psychosocial health problems, such as hazardous drug and alcohol use. Factors underlying this failure have not been explored.Methods.  An anonymous survey was carried out among all 207 ANC midwives in Stockholm County to establish their level of training within this problem area, clinical experience, theoretical clinical strategies, and actual clinical actions.Findings.  Responses indicate that ANC midwives:1. are well aware of the health hazards of drug and alcohol use during pregnancy;2. confirm having met and cared for subjects with hazardous substance use;3. are familiar with specialized care resources available for this patient category;4. make adequate choices regarding clinical action, i.e. problem identification and referral to specialized care, in hypothetical situations of encountering this patient category;5. report consistent failure to actually exercise these choices in real clinical situations.Conclusions.  A structured, clinically acceptable methodology needs to be developed in order for ANC clinics to fulfill their mission in the area of hazardous substance use in pregnant women.
Impact of recombinant FSH dose adjustments on ovarian response in the second treatment cycle with IVF or ICSI in “standard” patients treated with 150 IU/day during the first cycle
Authors: Popovic‐Todorovic B. , Loft A. , Ziebe S. , Andersen A. Nyboe 
Published: August 2004

Background.  A dose of 150 IU/day of recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) is commonly used as a “standard” dose for “standard” patients in the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment cycle. In the second cycle, the starting dose is adjusted in those patients who had an inappropriate response during the first cycle. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of dose adjustments on ovarian response.Materials and methods.  Retrospective study including 567 first IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles using the long agonist protocol in “standard” patients. In the second cycle 385 patients who had failed to achieve an ongoing pregnancy were included. The starting dose in the second cycle was adjusted according to the response in the first cycle.Results.  A total of 215 patients (55.8%) had altered starting dose in the second cycle: 193 (50.1%) received >150 IU/day, whereas 22 (5.7%) had <150 IU/day. In the group given >150 IU/day, significantly more follicles (9.8 vs. 8.3, p = 0.002) and oocytes (8.4 vs. 6.7, p <0.0001) were obtained in the second cycle. In the group given <150 IU/day, there were significantly fewer follicles (20.4 vs. 13.5, p <0.0001) and oocytes (16.4 vs. 11.4, p = 0.005) in the second cycle. In the group given <150 IU/day in the second cycle, six (27.3%) had an appropriate ovarian response (5–14 oocytes) in the first cycle compared to 14 (63.6%) women in the second cycle (p = 0.01). The ongoing pregnancy rates in all of the first (32.1%) and second cycles (27%) were similar (p = NS).Conclusion.  In a “standard” patient population, 55.8% needed an altered starting dose in the second cycle and rFSH dose adjustments had a significant impact on the ovarian response.
Identity, narcissism and the emotional core
Authors: West Marcus 
Published: August 2004

Abstract:  This paper describes the course of an analysis which demonstrates how borderline and narcissistic functioning can be understood in terms of a struggle with issues of identity. It shows how such functioning can come to exert a profound hold on the individual and why it seems, at times, a matter of life and death to the patient to avoid states of separation from the analyst. The paper suggests that these complex phenomena can be understood, perhaps surprisingly, in the simple terms of the nature of affect itself. The concept of the emotional core is introduced to embody and highlight that which lies beneath both Jungian and Freudian models (offering a potential bridge between the two models)—namely the psyche’s essentially affective nature. It is suggested that the emotional core can serve as an organ of perception giving the individual both their primary relation to reality and an emotional attachment to others. This emotional core is understood to function in a narcissistic manner to preference experiences of sameness and in aversion to experiences of difference—a view consonant with Stern’s understanding of infant development where the infant is able to distinguish self from other from the beginning of life (as Fordham also held); taking up Stern’s terminology, it gives the individual a ‘core’ sense of being. There is, however, no stable, on‐going sense of ‘I’ associated with this form of functioning as the individual is immersed in the latest affect to enter consciousness (as in the borderline state of mind) and consequently the individual comes to rely intensely on the other to determine their sense of being (the other becomes a self‐regulating other in Stern’s terms). The development of ego‐functioning gives a more stable and on‐going sense of ‘I’ to the individual, giving contact with the broader personality, allowing the individual to be less reliant on the other and orientating them to reality in a way more fitting to their overall needs.The paper describes how consciousness, which is not seen as identical with the ego, moves between the mode of functioning of the ego and that of the emotional core, i.e., shifting in and out of states where projective identification predominates. It elaborates the range of self‐experience encompassing spiritual experience and states of disintegration (which are understood to have a similar structure) on one side, to ego‐based experience (which can itself be defensive and rigid at times) on the other. It explores the consequences of such a view for analytic technique and relates it to the Jungian view of the self and the Freudian unconscious.
The diversity and status of amphibians and reptiles in the Kyoga Lake Basin
Authors: Behangana M. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe research study was carried out between 1999 and March 2001 covering nine study sites, eight of which are satellite lakes of Lake Kyoga and the ninth is a bay on the main lake. Sampling took place during both the rainy and wet seasons. However, the resident time of each visit usually lasted a day or two, which definitely could affect the quality and quantity of the data collected. This was the first time the herpetofauna of the Kyoga Lake Basin was documented. A total of 18 amphibian species were recorded in the whole of the Kyoga Lake Basin. Lakes Nawampasa, Nakuwa and Iyingo on the main lake showed the highest species diversity (12, 13, and 12, respectively) followed by Kawi (10 spp.) and Agu (nine spp.). Lakes Bisina (six spp.) and Nyaguo (five spp.) were species poor.Reptilian diversity was poor with L. Nakuwa being the most species rich site (six spp.). The Nile crocodile was reported in Iyingo, Nakuwa and Bisina only. However, the Nile monitor lizard was recorded in all the lakes sampled.
The distribution and diversity of amphibian fauna of Lake Nabugabo and surrounding areas
Authors: Behangana M. , Arusi J. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractSix major vegetation types surrounding Lake Nabugabo were sampled for amphibians. These types were: shoreline zone (habitat type code A) representing vegetation on the shoreline about 2 m from the shoreline; Miscanthidium violaceum (B); Eragrostis‐Loudetia (C); swamp forest (D); Cyperus papyrus (E); and medium altitude evergreen forest (F). A total of 168 days were spent in the field with a total of 288 1 h counts. Forty‐eight counts were carried out in each vegetation type. Sampling was carried out between 17.00 and 24.00 h to coincide with the time amphibians are very active. Twenty‐four species were recorded during the study period. These account for about 27.9% of total number of amphibian species recorded in Uganda. Four families were identified, which included: Ranidae (12 spp.), Hyperolidae (8 spp.), Bufonidae (3 spp.) and Pipidae (1 sp.). There was substantial variation in observed species composition among vegetation types. The most species rich habitat was the Eragrostis‐Loudetia vegetation zone (17 spp.), followed by the swamp forest zone (14 spp.), then the M. violeceum swamp (11 spp.) and the shoreline (10 spp.). The most species poor sites were C. papyrus swamp (6 spp.) followed by the medium altitude forest (7 spp.). In terms of species abundance, the swamp forest and the M. violecium zones were the most important amphibian habitats for the common species while the Eragrostis‐Laudetia zone stood out as the most important for the rare species. From the data collected, it can be deduced that the three most important habitats for the conservation of amphibian fauna in the study area are the Eragrostis‐Laudetia, M. violeceum and the swamp forest zones.
Induction of vascular endothelial growth factor expression in human pulp fibroblasts stimulated with black‐pigmented Bacteroides
Authors: Yang L.‐C. , Tsai C.‐H. , Huang F.‐M. , Su Y.‐F. , Lai C.‐C. , Liu C.‐M. , Chang Y.‐C. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAim  To investigate the effect of black‐pigmented Bacteroides on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene in human pulp fibroblasts.Methodology  The supernatants of Porphyromonas endodontalis, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia were used to evaluate VEGF gene expression in human pulp fibroblasts. The levels of mRNAs were measured by the quantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis.Results  Black‐pigmented Bacteroides induced significantly high levels of VEGF mRNA gene expression in human pulp fibroblasts (P < 0.05). In addition, the expression of VEGF depended on the bacteria tested.Conclusions  Black‐pigmented Bacteroides may be involved in developing pulpal disease through the stimulation of VEGF production that would lead to the expansion of the vascular network coincident to progression of the inflammation.
Survey of routines for sedation of patients on controlled ventilation in Nordic intensive care units
Authors: Guldbrand P. , Berggren L. , Brattebö G. , Mälstam J. , Rönholm E. , Winsö O. ,   Scandinavian Critical Care Trials Group
Published: August 2004

Background:  Sedation strategies and practice for patients on controlled ventilation is variable from place to place as well as over time. Less sedation results in shorter ventilation time and new ventilatory modes permit more awake patients. Previous works estimated sedative and analgesic use in Nordic ICUs some years ago, but current practice is not known. We therefore designed this study to describe pharmacological and practical routines for sedation of patients on controlled ventilation.Material and methods:  We used an electronic questionnaire about characteristics of the participating ICUs and the routines for sedation of ventilator‐treated patients, and secondly, an Internet‐based 5‐day registration on the use of drugs for sedation and analgesia.Results:  Eighty‐eight of 220 ICUs (36%) responded to the questionnaire and 47 out of these 88 units (53%) used a sedation scale. Written guidelines for sedation were used in 41% of the units. Both daily interruption of sedation infusions and guidelines for weaning from the ventilator were used in 15% of the units. Data on 202 patients (633 patient days) from 55 ICUs were reported. Among analgesics, fentanyl predominated (240/633 days), followed by ketobemidon (160/633 days) and morphine (115/633 days). Propofol and midazolam were the most commonly used agents for sedation (345 and 238/633 days, respectively).Conclusion:  Most units used a sedation scale, although other strategies to reduce the sedation level had not yet been fully introduced. Differences in pharmacological strategies were found between the Nordic countries, and some favourite drugs could be identified.
Anti‐nociceptive and Sedative Effects of Sufentanil Long Acting during and after Sevoflurane Anaesthesia in Dogs
Authors: Polis I. , Moens Y. , Gasthuys F. , Hoeben D. , Tshamala M. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryThe purpose of the present study was to determine the most effective time interval between the administration of sufentanil long acting (LA) and the induction of sevoflurane anaesthesia in dogs. The occurrence of sedation, analgesia and other marked side‐effects were evaluated in addition to the possible dosage‐reducing effect of sufentanil on sevoflurane in dogs. Forty clinically normal beagles aged 1–2 years and weighing between 8.4 and 13.6 kg were included. Two control groups were used: one group of dogs (A) received sufentanil LA (50 μg/kg i.m.) and a second group (B) the sufentanil vehicle followed by standard inhalation anaesthesia of 90 min. After premedication with sufentanil LA immediately before (C0), 15 min (D15) or 30 min (E30) prior to induction with thiopental (i.v.) the dogs were anaesthetized for 90 min with sevoflurane in oxygen. Pain and sedation scores were evaluated every 10 min during sevoflurane anaesthesia and at 2 (T120), 4 (T240) and 24 h (T1440) after initiation of anaesthesia. The occurrence of adverse reactions such as hypothermia, lateral recumbency, ataxia, noise sensitivity, vomiting, defaecation, salivation, nystagmus and excitation was observed at the same time‐points. During the recovery period pain scores were lower and sedation scores higher in the sufentanil LA groups. In many dogs acceptable pain and sedation scores persisted during 24 h. Several dogs showed ataxia, lateral recumbency, arousal on auditory stimulation, defaecation, salivation and excitation at several time‐points after sufentanil LA administration. Sufentanil LA in addition to sevoflurane anaesthesia offered beneficial dosage‐reducing analgesic effects up to 69.8% for thiopental and 78.3% for sevoflurane; although several typical opioid side‐effects occurred. To achieve this advantageous dosage‐reducing effect 15 min should be respected between sufentanil LA administration and induction of sevoflurane anaesthesia.
Effects of Hyperosmolar Ionic and Low Osmolar Non‐ionic Contrast Media on Acid Base, Blood Gas and Electrolyte Status in Dogs
Authors: Izci C. , Ogurtan Z. , Ceylan C. 
Published: August 2004

SummaryThe dogs in groups I, II and III in equal numbers received diatrizoate, iohexol and ioxilan at a dose of 700 mgI/kg intravenously (i.v.) as a bolus, respectively. Blood samples were collected prior to contrast media (CM) administration and thereafter at 3, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 180 min to evaluate acid–base, venous blood gas status (pH, PCO2, PO2, HCO, BE, O2) and electrolytes (Na+, Ca++, K+). Values of pH, PCO2, BE, HCO, Na+ and K+ remained unchanged or within non‐significant fluctuations compared with the baseline values. PO2 was significantly different from the baseline values in group 1 up to 90 min after administration, significant alterations were found for O2 saturation in group 1 up to 90 min, and in group II at 3, 60 and 180 min; and for Ca++ in group 1 at all time points except at 90 min, and groups II and II at 3 and 15 min post administration. It was concluded that none of the CM are considered to cause long‐lasting and major effects on acid–base, blood gas and electrolyte status.