... Abstract The acidic nature of the skin surface was recognised more than a century ago and has been measured since 1928. Several non-invasive methods for measuring skin surface pH have been developed ever since and have contributed to our understanding of healthy and diseased skin. This chapter...

... Abstract Background: Serum ferritin is one of the most important and widely used markers of iron metabolism, and is a recommended standard index of iron dynamics in guidelines for renal anemia in many countries. However, serum ferritin measurement has several disadvantages. For example...

... measurement of peritoneal glucose and free water osmotic conductances. Kidney Int 2007;72:643-650. 3. Parikova A, Smit W, Struijk DG, Zweers MM, Krediet RT: The contribution of free water transport and small pore transport to the total fluid removal in peritoneal dialysis. Kidney Int 2005;68:1849-1856...

... Abstract Measurement of itch intensity is essential to properly evaluate pruritic disease severity, to understand the patients' needs and burden, and especially to assess treatment efficacy, particularly in clinical trials. However, measurement of itch remains a challenge, as, per definition...

... amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals. b. Consideration of the adoption of limits for the concentrations of the aromatic amines listed in ResAP. c. The extension of measures to restrict the levels of other hazardous aromatic amines, as a consequence of their high percentage...

... influence nutrient intake and nutritional status. Measurement Options There is no universally accepted method to quantify appetite. The most common approach is to assess the sensations via questionnaires. Participants are asked to rate their hunger, desire to eat (generally or for selected qualities...

... Abstract The use of point-of-care (POC) glucose meters has revolutionized the measurement of blood glucose, but the new technologies have also introduced challenges due to interfering factors which may affect the accuracy of the measurements. Although new regulatory standards have just been...

... Abstract Measurement of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) is the current method for diagnosing and monitoring acromegaly. However, the use of commercially available kits needs to be validated. In our study, we have investigated the use of two different IGF-I immunoassays in patients...

... At the top of total body water measurement, utilization of dilutometry (e.g. tritium and deuterium) is implemented in unique centers evaluating plasma activity 3-4 h after isotope ingestion. But estimates are obtained with a relevant within-subject measurement error (up to 10%) even in the absence of delayed...

... Abstract During critical illness, reductions in renal blood flow (RBF) are believed to be a major cause of kidney dysfunction, and therapy is often aimed at restoration of RBF. Despite this, our ability to measure RBF during critical illness has been limited by the invasiveness of the available...

... Abstract Disturbances in neurocognition and social cognition are widely recognized as core features of schizophrenia. In this chapter, we provide a critical review of measurement in these 2 areas. For neurocognition, we compare 3 approaches: (a) hybrid batteries, (b) computer-based batteries...

... Abstract Plasma testosterone concentrations in men, first quantified nearly half a century ago, are now measured routinely as a primary index of androgen status. Most clinical laboratories employ a multichannel, fully automated analyzer. Current evidence suggests that these analyzers...

... Abstract In vivo measurement of airway potential difference (PD)has been shown to reflect the cystic fibrosis electrophysiologicalchanges which can be dissected in more detail in vitro. Itcan also provide useful diagnostic information for the individualpatient.Techniques for measuring PD...

... Abstract Quantitative measurements of serum IGF-I concentrations are extremely useful in thediagnosis of growth hormone deficiency in children and young adults and in the diagnosis ofacromegaly. Similarly, IGF-I measurements have been of great use to clinical investigatorswho are monitoring...

... Abstract The functional residual capacity (FRC) is the only static lungvolume measured routinely in infants. It can be measured usinginfant whole body plethysmography or one of several gas dilutiontests. While plethysmography measures all compressiblegas within the thorax, the gas dilution...

... of the practicalities of these tests.This chapter covers two of the majortechniques utilized in 2- to 5-year-old children, the interrupterand forced oscillation techniques. An overview for eachmethod is given, including recommended measurement protocols,and a summary of available reference data...