bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Event Calendars” in the Early Imperial Era: A Re-Assessment (關於秦漢“質日”的新考察)
Authors: Wei (陳偉) Chen
Published: April 2018

The article explores the newly discovered calendrical materials from the Qin and Han eras to argue that the so-called “event calendars” were used by local authorities to monitor and control the efficiency of subordinate officials’ performance. The analysis is based on a new interpretation of the Qin record on the conduct of shrine services (tablet 8−138+8−174+8−522+8−523) and the “Statute on the checking of convicts” from the Yuelu Academy collection of Qin manuscripts.

文章梳理秦漢時期簡牘資料，從對于里耶“行廟”文書（由8−138、8−174、8−522、8−523等四個殘片綴合而成）和岳麓秦簡《獄校律》(232−236號簡）的分析着手，認爲“質日”是當時官府督察、考核官吏工作效率的一種文書。
Rediscovery of Terebratulina austroamericana Zezina, 1981 (Brachiopoda: Cancellothyrididae) from off northern Chile
Authors: ARAYA JUAN FRANCISCO , BITNER MARIA ALEKSANDRA
Published: April 2018

Phylum Brachiopoda, shelled marine invertebrates, is currently represented by about 400 extant species; a tiny fraction of the ca. 30,000 described fossil species (Emig et al. 2013; Bitner 2014; Nauendorf et al. 2014; Logan et al. 2015). Only twenty of these Recent species are known from the Chilean coasts (Lee et al. 2008), most of them from subtidal waters. Of these, only Magellania venosa (Dixon, 1789) (the largest extant brachiopod) and Discinisca lamellosa (Broderip, 1833) are common species found in the southern and central-northern coasts of the country, respectively. As with other marine invertebrates, brachiopods from the region have been reviewed in few studies, apart from some classic nineteenth century works by Sowerby (1822); Broderip (1833); Davidson (1878, 1888); Dall (1895, 1902, 1908), and by Dall and Pilsbry (1891). More recent studies include Cooper (1973, 1982) and Foster (1989) reviewing brachiopods from the Southern Hemisphere and the extreme South Pacific; Zezina (1981, 1989) describing species from the underwater ridges of the Eastern Pacific; Moyano (1995) who revised all the literature dealing with Brachiopoda in Chile; and most recently Baumgarten et al. (2014) who studied the population structure of Magellania venosa in the fjord region of southern Chile.
Merothripidae from Malaysia: Merothrips with one new species and two new species records
Authors: NG Y.F. , MOUND L.A.
Published: April 2018

The family Merothripidae is recorded for the first time from Malaysia. Three species of Merothrips, the largest genus in the family, are recorded here, with the description of Merothrips yii sp.n.
Squamapion alpinum n. sp. from Austria (Coleoptera, Apionidae)
Authors: GIUSTO CARLO
Published: April 2018

Squamapion alpinum n. sp. from Austria (type locality: Virgen: Marin, Osttirol) is described and figured. It is compared with Squamapion vicinum (Kirby, 1808) and Squamapion atomarium (Kirby, 1808). Clinopodium alpinum (L.) Kuntze (Lamiaceae) is the host plant. A key to European species related to S. vicinum is provided.
OCMS Library in Transformation
Authors: Bates Ralph
Published: April 2018

A librarian’s view of adapting an academic reference library to a Grade I listed church in North Oxford
Effects of bismuth breast shielding on iodine quantification in dual-energy computed tomography: an experimental phantom study
Authors: Jang Hyunsik , Hur Jin , Choi Byoung Wook , Im Dong Jin , Hong Yoo Jin , Kim Young Jin , Lee Hye-Jeong
Published: April 2018

Background

Although the bismuth breast shield can reduce radiation exposure to the breast during dual-energy computed tomography (DECT), it can potentially affect material quantification on DECT due to artifacts.

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of bismuth breast shielding on iodine quantification and radiation exposure in DECT.

Material and Methods

Small balloons were made with 0.2%, 0.6% and 1.0% blended iodinated contrast (370 mg/mL of iodine) with water. The balloons were located at both anterior and posterior lungs in an adult anthropomorphic chest phantom. DECT was performed with and without breast shielding. Afterwards, iodine concentration values were measured for each balloon on the iodine maps. Absorbed radiation doses in the breast were measured with the optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter.

Results

After shielding, we obtained significantly decreased iodine quantification for all three concentrations with 0.78 ± 0.13 to 0.46 ± 0.13 mg/mL, 2.31 ± 0.17 to 1.68 ± 0.19 mg/mL, and 3.82 ± 0.10 to 2.84 ± 0.20 mg/mL at the anterior location, and 0.72 ± 0.11 to 0.48 ± 0.09 mg/mL, 2.24 ± 0.13 to 1.87 ± 0.21 mg/mL, and 3.75 ± 0.16 to 3.15 ± 0.14 mg/mL at the posterior location for the 0.2%, 0.6%, and 1.0% balloons, respectively ( P = 0.001 for all). After shielding, absorbed radiation doses to the breast significantly decreased by 14.8% (4.32 ± 0.33 to 3.68 ± 0.30 mGy; P = 0.005).

Conclusion

Although using the bismuth breast shield may decrease radiation exposure to the breast on DECT, it may also significantly affect iodine quantification.
Cystic Transformation of End-Stage Kidneys in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Mirahmadi M.K. , Vaziri N.D.
Published: April 2018

We studied 32 patients with chronic renal failure for cystic transformation of the diseased kidneys. All patients had been maintained on hemodialysis and none had primary cystic kidney disease. On necropsy, 15 patients were found to have developed cysts in their kidneys. Cystic transformation was not necessarily associated with an increase in size or weight of the kidneys. The main determinant of the cystic changes were duration of kidney disease and the length of time on dialysis. The acquired cysts seemed to lack significant exocrine and endocrine activities.
Tyrosinase Immobilized within Artificial Cells for Detoxification in Liver Failure: Ii. in Vivo Studies in Fulminant Hepatic Failure Rats
Authors: Shu C. D. , Chang T.M.S.
Published: April 2018

Galactosamine-induced fulminant hepatic failure rats were used for in vivo studies of the removal of tyrosine and total free phenol by means of hemoperfusion over immobilized tyrosinase within artificial cells. The elevated plasma tyrosine level was decreased to about half the value after one hour of hemoperfusion. The studies of tyrosine clearance suggest that it is efficient and remains constant throughout the one-hour hemoperfusion. In those galactosamine-induced fulminant hepatic failure rats with increased total free phenol levels hemoperfusion over tyrosinase artificial cells significantly lowered the level.
The Evaluation of a Haemoperfusion Device in Conscious Dogs
Authors: Lang S. M. , Eglen R.M. , Henry A.C. , Fennimore J.
Published: April 2018

A newly designed charcoal haemoperfusion device was evaluated by repeated haemoperfusion of conscious dogs. The procedure was tolerated well and the incidence of side effects was low. Alterations to haematolo-gy were small with platelet drops of only 9% and only minor disturbances to plasma chemistry were seen.
Accelerated Hypertriglyceridemia in Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis - A Preventable Abnormality
Authors: Turgan C. , Feehally J. , Bennett S. , Davies T.J. , Walls J.
Published: April 2018

Increasing hypertriglyceridemia is a recognised complication of CAPD. To investigate the etiology lipid clearance studies using the intravenous fat tolerance test were performed in control subjects and in uremic patients before and after six months CAPD treatment. Oral carbohydrate intake was restricted and the use of hypertonic dialysate kept to a minimum. Although serum triglycerides were elevated in the uremic patients before CAPD (3.1 ± 0.3 mMol/L) no further increase occurred during therapy. Oral carbohydrate intake was restricted to 240–250 Gms/24 hrs and hypertonic dialysate to 5.7 ± 4.1% of the total. There were no significant changes in fractional removal rate of lipid. Therefore further increases in serum triglycerides in CAPD may be prevented by simple dietary manoeuvres.
Plasmapheresis in Rh Hemolytic Disease: The Danger of Amniocentesis
Authors: Grant C.J. , Hamblin T.J. , Smith D.S. , Wellstead L.
Published: April 2018

We have treated 25 women with poor obstetric histories and high levels of anti-Rh antibodies by plasmapheresis during pregnancy. One baby was Rs negative, but 13 of the remaining 24 babies survived. Most of the foetal deaths were associated with a rapid rise in antibody level uncontrollable by plasmapheresis and which followed either amniocentesis or intra-uterine transfusion. Plasmapheresis throughout pregnancy with early delivery and avoidance of amniocentesis is recommended.
A Method for the Study of Cryoglobulin Solubilization Curves at 37°C. Preliminary Studies and Application to Plasma Exchange in Cryoglobulinemic Syndromes
Authors: Valbonesi M. , Florio G. , Montani F. , Mosconi L.
Published: April 2018

A simple method for the study of kinetic solubility curves of cryoglobulins is presented. In its first application to the study of 21 patients with cryoglobulinemia, it was possible to ascertain that clinical condition roughly correlates with decreased solubility whereas no correlation is found with per cent cryocrit.

In the group of patients we studied, 6 underwent plasma exchange treatment when glomerulonephritis, acute renal insufficiency, cerebritis and polyneuropathy appeared: in these patients, following 2 to 5 apheretic sessions, solubility increased showing a sort of correlation with clinical benefits determined by treatment. The preliminarity of this study is underlined.
New Perspectives in Myringoplasty
Authors: Kohn F.E. , Feijen J. , Feenstra L.
Published: April 2018

Until 1950 the treatment of a perforated eardrum consisted of covering the drum permanently with artificial material. Since then a surgical technique to establish a functional reconstruction of the eardrum was developed (myringoplasty). A survey of the biological grafting materials used in this technique is given.

Biodegradable and non-degradable synthetic materials may prove to be a valuable supplement of the existing biological grafting materials. Artificial eardrums made from several biodegradable poly(α-hydroxy acids) and poly(α-amino acids) and made from a number of microporous poly(tetrafluorethylene) membranes and from a microporous bisphenol-A poly(carbonate) membrane were implanted into the ears of rats and dogs and as a reference subcutaneously. The implants were histologically examined for periods up to one year. From the biodegradable polymers studied poly(β-benzyl-L-aspartate-co-L-leucine) 50/50 evoked the least tissue reaction and the newly formed eardrums were the best in terms of thickness and overall integrity. The formation of a reinforced eardrum may be accomplished by the support of an inert, very thin, highly porous poly(tetrafluoroethylene membrane) preferably implanted as a composite graft with a biodegradable polymer.
Arteriovenous Hemofiltration in Children with Multiple Organ System Failure
Authors: Zobel G. , Trop M. , Ring E. , Grubbauer H.M.
Published: April 2018

In the last year nine critically ill children with multiple organ system failure (MOSF) were treated by continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration (CAVH). The mean number of organ systems involved was five per patient (range 4 to 7). Mean duration of hemofiltration was 136 hours (range 10 to 432 h.). Mean ultrafiltration rates of 6.4 ± 3.0 ml/m2 b.s./min achieved mean serum creatinine levels of 2.39 ± 1.49 mg/dl. Hypervolemia and pulmonary edema were corrected rapidly by CAVH. Total parenteral nutrition with a mean caloric intake of 62 ± 15 kcal/kg b.w./day was provided throughout the hemofiltration period. In addition high ultrafiltration rates allowed delivery of large amounts of i.v. medications. CAVH is an ideal extracorporeal renal replacement system to control azotemia, fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base status in critically ill children. It carries the potential to improve survival rate in children with MOSF.
Effect of Dialyzer Membranes on in Vitro Generation of Eicosanoids
Authors: Schultze G. , Wagner K. , Neumayer H.-H. , Fitzner R. , Molzahn M.
Published: April 2018

Eicosanoids are potent substances released from blood cells after contact with foreign materials. Eicosanoid generation, in addition to complement fragment formation, may be a valuable indicator of the biocompatibility of dialyzer membranes. In the present in vitro study, eicosanoid generation induced by several different flat dialyzer membranes [polyacrylonitrile (PAN), cuprammonium cellulose (CC), and polycarbonate (PC)] was evaluated and compared using blood from non-uremic healthy volunteers.

Generation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) was greatest with PC followed by PAN and CC. The formation of C3a des arg with PAN was less than with either CC or PC.

Our results suggest that dialyzer membranes affect complement activation and eicosanoid generation differently; biocompatibility as expressed by a low level of complement fragment formation does not necessarily translate into biocompatibility when considering eicosanoid generation.
A Digital Computer Model for Optimal Programming of Hemodialytic Treatment
Authors: Lamberti C. , Sarti E. , Santoro A. , Spongano M. , Zucchelli P. , Rossi M.
Published: April 2018

A mathematical model of hydroelectrolyte exchanges and arterial pressure regulation in the human body during dialysis has been set up. It is conceived as a tool for a new dialysis unit which will be able to “interpret” the signals supplied by suitable instruments connected to the patient and modify the machine set-points in real time in order to obtain clinical results defined by the physician. The main aim is the prevention of hypotensive episodes during treatment. An experimental protocol has been developed for parameter estimation of each patient during a single dialysis. Clinical tests illustrated the model's ability to fit the patient's state during dialysis. This is the first step in the more general task of validation of the model, necessary for the achievement of a closed-loop dialysis unit.
Leukocyte Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Activity in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Nishimoto K , Kishimoto T. , Yamagami S. , Sugimura T. , Mori K. , Tanaka H. , Maekawa M. , Okada K. , Matsuo O.
Published: April 2018

Plasma fibrinopeptide Bβ15–42 was significantly high in undialyzed and hemodialyzed chronic renal failure (CRF) patients, indicating that the fibrinolytic system as well as the coagulation system is stimulated. There are two kinds of plasminogen activators (PA) for the fibrinolytic system: urokinase (UK) and tissue-type PA (t-PA). PA activity of peripheral leukocytes from healthy volunteers, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients and hemodialysis (HD) patients was measured and compared.

Peripheral leukocyte PA in the euglobulin fraction was purified using zinc-chelate-Sepharose 6B column and Concanavalin A-Sepharose column chromatography. The different PA activity was quantitatively identified by electrophoretic enzymography and was confirmed using antibody against UK and t-PA. PA activity of peripheral leukocytes was significantly higher in HD patients on the cupro-ammonium processing membrane dialyzer than in CAPD patients and healthy volunteers. All PA activity in the three groups was UK, and t-PA was not detected. This suggested that the inflammatory response was continuously induced in HD patients, resulting in the induction of PA activity of the leukocytes and plasma, and that different mechanisms were involved for the synthesis or secretion of UK and t-PA.
Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction with Cardiogenic Shock using Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Noda H. , Takano H. , Taenaka Y. , Nakatani T. , Umezu M. , Kinoshita M. , Tatsumi E. , Yagura A. , Sekii H. , Kito Y. , Ohara K. , Tanaka K. , Kumon K. , Hiramori K. , Yutani C. , Beppu S. , Fujita T. , Akutsu T. , Manabe H.
Published: April 2018

We have treated ten cardiogenic shock patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). These patients were later divided into three groups: the first group with ventricular septal perforation, the second with aorto-coronary bypass grafting (ACBG) before LVAD implantation and the third group without ACBG. LVAD maintained the systemic circulation in each group, and cardiac function recovered enough to remove LVAD in 70% of the total patients. Two of three patients in the first group were discharged from hospital. Two weaned cases in the second group died of multiple organ failure and one was discharged, and hemorrhagic necrosis was seen in the bypassed area of the myocardium. One patient of the third group could not be weaned from LVAD because of respiratory failure though his heart function began to recover. Another case in the third group underwent bypass grafting after removal of LVAD. However ACBG surgery should be done very carefully because a patient in shock is occasionally intolerant to major surgery. In all groups, the major cause of death was multiple organ failure which was probably caused by the prolonged low output condition prior to LVAD application. In the light of this experience, it appears that LVAD should be applied before irreversible damage occurs to major organs, including the heart itself. To ensure the timely application of LVAD, some way must be found to introduce systematic application of LVAD into the normal course of AMI treatment.
Interstitial Correction of Blood Volume Decrease during Hemodialysis
Authors: Kouw P.M. , De Vries P.M.J.M. , Oe P.L
Published: April 2018

The etiology of hypotension during hemodialysis is multifactorial. Probably a decrease in blood volume caused by ultrafiltration, and acetate are both involved, while refilling from the interstitium acts as a compensatory mechanism. An osmotically induced transcellular fluid shift to intracellular might reduce the refilling capacity. This study investigated the effect of ultrafiltration on blood volume, blood pressure and refilling. The role of acetate and blood volume decrease in hypotension was established and intra- and extracellular fluid changes were calculated. Blood volume decrease depended on ultrafiltration: at high ultrafiltration rates refilling failed, apparently more so at high acetate plasma levels. An isolated blood volume decrease did not lower blood pressure. Concomitant high acetate levels caused hypotension and also seemed to reduce refilling. Nearly all refilling fluid came from the extracelullar compartment. Only high dialysate sodium concentrations gave rise to an intracellular loss.
Red Blood Cell Function and β2 Microglobulin Kinetics during Cuprophan Hemodialysis: A Hypothesis
Authors: Lins R.L , Zachée P. , Daelemans R. , Broecke E. Vanden , Boogaerts M.A. , De Broe M.E.
Published: April 2018

The exact role of β2microglobulin (β2m) in dialysis amyloidosis is yet not known. Local release of β2m from the endothelial cells of the lung and other tissues as a consequence of acute-phase activation due to the contact of blood with membranes has still to be considered a possible pathogenetic factor in this syndrome. β2m kinetics and decrease of glutathione content in RBC were studied in 41 chronic hemodialysis patients during cuprophan dialysis. The latter test reflects the RBC scavenger function for free oxygen radicals. Only 30% of patients showed a clinically significant increase in β2m. The change in β2m in this group between the start and 180 minutes, corrected for plasma volume, was 23.1±3.6% and the change in gluthathione content between the start and 15 minutes was 4.5±3.4%. In these patients there was a significant correlation between β2m production and decrease of gluthathione (R= -0.61, p= 0.0299). It is possible that the production of free oxygen radicals during bioincompatible dialysis leads to cellular toxicity with release ofβ2m which may be prevented to some extent by the scavenger role of RBC.
Scant Reliability of Co/Ct Ratio in Urea Kinetic Formulas
Authors: Alloatti S. , Bosticardo G.M. , Torazza M.C. , Gabella P. , Gaiter A. , Nebiolo P.E. , Bonfant G.
Published: April 2018

The ratio initial/final urea value is used in urea kinetic formulas. To assess its reliability we employed mass balances and urea clearances to study 15 hemodialysis treatments divided in several parts. The mass balances clearly indicated urea disequilibrium. In the first phases of dialysis, urea extraction, measured by dialysate collection, was lower than the corresponding change in urea pool, whereas in the later phases the opposite occured. On account of this lack of equilibrium, clearances bases on the Co/Ct ratio (K2) are less reliable than standard clearances derived from total dialysate collection (K1): in the first quarter of dialysis, K2 is greater than K1 (p< 0.01), while in the 3rd and 4th quarters it is lower. The comparison of clearances in a cumulative way showed a significant fall in K2 (p< 0.01) while K1 remained stable. From a practical point of view, aberrations induced by non monocompartmental urea behaviour are negligible, and do not invalidate the usefulness of the single-pool Gotch model in clinical practice. However, at least in experimental work, the limits of urea kinetic formulas must be taken into account.
Temperature Effect on Bilirubin Adsorption with the Anion Exchange Resin BR-601
Authors: Tang D.H. , Malchesky P.S. , Omokawa S. , Matsushita M. , Davies C.R. , Nosé Y.
Published: April 2018

Plasma perfusion with the anion exchange resin BR-601 is an effective method to treat patients with hepatic failure and hyperbilirubinemia. To assess the temperature dependency of bilirubin sorption in vitro, isotherm studies with human pathologic plasmas and an albumin-bilirubin solution were carried out. Results showed that BR-601 was more effective at 37°C and 42°C than at 4°C and 25°C for sorbing bilirubin. Therefore, plasma sorption at near physiologic temperature would be expected to be more efficient for plasma treatment than sorption at ambient temperature.
Lupus Nephritis Patients on Maintenance Dialysis in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan P.C.K. , Wong W.S. , Wong K.L. , Cheng I.K.P. , Chan M.K.
Published: April 2018

Eleven patients with lupus nephritis required maintenance dialysis. Two were on haemodialysis (HD), 9 on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). One was subsequently transplanted and recurrence of lupus nephritis occurred at 9 months post-transplant. One discontinued CAPD after 6 months; 4 died and the remaining 7 were fully rehabilitated. There was marked regression of extra-renal lupus activity post-dialysis
Isolation of Vascular Endothelial Cells for Investigations on Hybrid Prostheses
Authors: Gerlach J. , Westmeyer K. , Schauwecker H.H. , Kreusel K.-M. , Bücherl E.S.
Published: April 2018

Hybrid vascular prostheses are coated with vascular endothelial cells (EC) in an attempt to reduce thrombogenicity through the metabolic activities of living cells. The present studies were planned to develop a standardized method of isolating bovine aortic EC with high yield for studies of endothelial coating of vascular prostheses. The best results were achieved using a combination of incubation with collagenase and mechanically scraping the mobilised cells from the donor vessel. Isolated adult male bovine endothelial cells were identified by the typical “cobble stone” morphology in culture and characterized by factor VIII related antigen immunofluorescence microscopy. The cells were seeded successfully on PTFE vascular prostheses
The use of Dual Lumen Jugular Venous Catheters as Definitive Long Term Access for Haemodialysis
Authors: Blake P.G. , Huraib S. , Wu G. , Uldall P.R.
Published: April 2018

We describe the long term use for haemodialysis of the PermCath (Quinton, Seattle, Washington) dual lumen, jugular venous catheter (DLJVC) in 21 patients who had no apparent alternative means of access. The nineteen patients maintained in this manner for periods of 30 to 600 days (mean 233.2) included 6 patients dialyzed for over 12 months. Blood flows exceeded 250 mls/min and recirculation rates averaged 5.9%. Infection and insufficiency due to thrombosis were the major problems. In 8 patients (38.1%) infection required DLJVC removal; in three the catheter was immediately replaced over a guidewire along the same track under antibiotic cover and infection has not recurred. Insufficiency occurred in 10 patients (47.6%) and was successfully managed with oral anticoagulants, local instillation of urokinase (4 cases), systemic streptokinase (2 cases) or by changing the DLJVC over a guidewire (2 cases). We believe that the DLJVC is the long term access method of choice for patients in whom conventional access cannot be constructed.
Particle Spallation and Plasticiser (DEHP) Release from Extracorporeal Circuit Tubing Materials
Authors: Hoenich N.A. , Thompson J. , Varini E. , McCabe J. , Appleton D.
Published: April 2018

Particle spallation and plasticiser (DEHP) release from medical grade polyvinylchloride (PVC), co-extruded PVC-polyurethane (PIVIPOL)R and an experimentally produced co-extruded PVC-ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) has been studied when used with manually occluded and self-occluding peristaltic pumps over a six hour pumping period. The shore hardness of the tubings studied were similar but the luminal coating thickness differed (0.2 mm polyurethane, 0.99 mm EVA).

The pattern of particle release was similar for all materials on the pump type used with the majority of particles released being less than 5 microns in diameter. The number of particles greater than 5 microns released was independent of the tubing material but depended on the pump type. Particle release with self-occluding pumps was significantly higher (p<0.001) than for the manually occluded pump. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the particles released originate from the repeated compression and flexing of the insert during pumping which leads to material structural failure. The higher release observed in the case of self-occluding pumps is suggestive of over-occlusion by the springs utilised in the pump.

DEHP release (ppm) over a six hour period while perfused at 300 ml/min was significantly reduced for co-extruded tubing (0.56 ± 0.05 mg (PVC-polyurethane) and 0.12 ± 0.04 mg (PVC-EVA) compared with PVC (0.74 ± 0.05 mg).
Long Term Survival on Haemodialysis in Primary Hyperoxaluria
Authors: Skinner R. , Tomson C.R.V. , Tapson J.S.
Published: April 2018

Results of treatment of end-stage renal failure (ESRF) in patients with primary hyperoxaluria have been generally poor, largely due to the inability of any treatment regime to match the endogenous overproduction of oxalate. The severity of the disease varies widely, as reflected by the differences in age at onset of ESRF. This variability may influence the results of treatment of ESRF in these patients. The longest reported survival on haemodialysis of a patient with primary hyperoxaluria is eight and a half years. We report a patient who survived for eleven years on haemodialysis after reaching ESRF due to primary hyperoxaluria, and suggest that this prolonged survival was due to relatively mild disease severity rather than exceptional treatment.
Mineralization of Polyurethane Membranes in the Total Artificial Heart (TAH): A Retrospective Study from Long-Term Animal Experiments
Authors: Dostál M. , Vašků J. , Vašků Jan , Šotolová O. , Vašků A. , Doležel S. , Hartmannová B.
Published: April 2018

The degree of mineralization of TAH membranes in animals is directly related to the survival time of animals with a TAH. Large differences in mineralization of the membranes among individual animals have been observed. These differences can be explained by the simultaneous presence of infection on biomaterials (polyurethane) as well as by different levels of natural inhibitors of mineralization. No positive influence of applying sodium warfarin for the inhibition of the mineralization was observed.
Long Term Cardiopulmonary Bypass without Systemic Heparinization
Authors: von Segesser K. , Turina M.
Published: April 2018

Cardiopulmonary bypass over 24-hours using heparin surface coated equipment, without systemic heparinization was analyzed in comparison to standard equipment with systemic heparinization in 8 open-chest canine experiments (37 ± 7 kg). Mean duration of perfusion was 21 ± 2 hours for the group perfused without versus 21 ± 6 hours with systemic heparinization. The group without systemic heparinization could be perfused for 13 ± 1 hours without transfusion of blood components whereas the pumpsucker was necessary during the whole procedure with systemic heparinization. Hematocrit dropped with systemic heparinization from 40 ± 7% to 18 ± 5% at 12 h versus a decrease from 38 ± 4% to 15 ± 1% without (with versus without: ns). Free plasma hemoglobin increased with systemic heparinization from 0.1 ± 0.0 g/l to 1.4 ± 1.2 g/l at 12 h compared with an increase 0.1 ± 0.0 g/l to 0.3 ±0.1 g/l without (with versus without: p < 0.05). Platelet levels dropped with systemic heparinization from 100 ± 36% to 41 ± 17% at twelve hours versus from 100 ± 29% to 82 ± 14 without (with versus without: p < 0.05). Mean aortic pressure dropped with systemic heparinization from 73 ± 12 mmHg to 53 ± 4 mmHg at 22 hours whereas it remained at the same level without (83 ± 6 mmHg). Improved hemostasis during long term open-chest cardiopulmonary bypass without systemic heparinization resulted in superior hemodynamics.
Use of the Microdialysis Technique in the Monitoring of Subcutaneous Tissue Glucose Concentration
Authors: Meyerhoff C. , Bischof F. , Mennel F.J. , Sternberg F. , Pfeiffer E.F.
Published: April 2018

For some time the subcutaneous (s.c.) tissue has been the target for continuous glucose measurement. The microdialysis technique permits an extracellular region approach, which has been used for about two decades for measuring various metabolites in dialysates obtained from different body regions. By connecting a s.c. implanted microdialysis probe to a flow chamber of an amperometric glucose sensor, the procedure of glucose sensing was transferred to ex vivo. Using this device it was possible to obtain, for up to 24 hours, s.c. tissue glucose profiles of healthy and diabetic people. The microdialysis theory, the calibration process and other microdialysis technique applications are discussed in this paper. Although the combination of the microdialysis technique and amperometric glucose sensing requires certain technical equipment, the combination of microdialysis and glucose sensor seems to be a promising approach to a continuously functioning glucose sensing system.
Minimization of Hemolysis in Centrifugal Blood Pumps: Influence of Different Geometries
Authors: Schima H. , MÜller M.R. , Papantonis D. , Schlusche C. , Huber L. , Schmidt C. , Trubel W. , Thoma H. , Losert U. , Wolner E.
Published: April 2018

Centrifugal blood pumps are of substantial importance for intraoperative extracorporeal circulation and for temporary cardiac assist. Their development and improvement raises many specific questions, especially on mechanical blood properties, flow distribution, and the resulting biocompatibility. In this comprehensive study the influence of various pump geometries on blood trauma was investigated. For this purpose analytical calculations, hydrodynamic performance, numerical simulation, in vitro hemolysis tests and in vivo experiments were used. The gap between rotor and housing was found to be crucial showing a distinct minimum of hemolysis at a gap of 1.5 mm (in vitro increase of plasma free hemoglobin per 100 ml plasma an hour: ΔfHb/hour = 2.4±0.83 mg%/h at 1.5 mm versus 12 ± 2.2 mg%/h at 2.5 mm; p < 0.05). Housing diameter and shape of the vanes were of less importance for blood traumatization (d = 60 mm: ΔfHb/hour = 6.36 ± 1.8 mg%/h; d = 70 mm: fHb = 7.1 ± 1.9 mg%/h; straight radial vanes: 5.2 ± 1.8 mg%/h; straight inclined vanes: 6.8 ± 1.2 mg%/h; flexed vanes: 6.1 ± 2.0 mg%/h). Three animal experiments confirmed the optimization of geometry, with a mean fHb of 2.5 to 3.2 mg% in steady state. Hydrodynamic efficiency revealed to be a necessary, but not a sufficient and sensitive criterion for hemolysis minimization (e.g. changes of η < 10% for changes of fHb > 500%). Numerical simulation gives an improved insight in flow distribution, but can not yet be applied for quantification of blood trauma. The study supports theories on mechanical hemolysis predicting a hemolysis at shear levels of less than 500N/m2 depending on exposure time.

With the methods used it was possible to develop a pump with very low hemolysis potential. For further reduction of blood trauma and correlated thrombus formation basic studies on cell damage in recirculating blood and also advanced flow studies in rotary pumps would be desirable.
A New Model to Test Platelet Adhesion under Dynamic Conditions
Authors: Dion I. , Baquey C. , Havlik P. , Monties J.R.
Published: April 2018

In order to evaluate under dynamic circumstances the in vitro platelet adhesion induced by rigid materials such as ceramic coatings deposited on selected substrates, a new model simulating a tube has been designed. In vitro platelet adhesion was assessed with this new model: the material was titanium nitride (TiN) deposited on Ti6A14V (TA6V) titanium alloy by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process. The results were compared to those obtained with complete titanium carbide (TiC) graphite tubes coated with TiN by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. The difference observed (less than 25%) in favour of the new system, could be due to the better surface state of the construction materials of this system. In fact it is a systemic error. However TiN confirms its good performance as a blood-contacting biomaterial.
Growth Factors and Biological Supports for Endothelial Cell Lining: In Vitro Study
Authors: Sirois É. , Côté M.F. , Doillon C.J.
Published: April 2018

Endothelial cell covering over the vascular prosthesis luminal surface is a process that may require the presence of growth factors (GFs) and extracellular matrix supports. Endothelialization could be improved by combining both GFs and an extracellular matrix analog. In the present study, different biological substrates made of type I or IV collagens, gelatin, fibronectin, fibrin, laminin, chondroitin sulphate, heparan sulphate, heparin or hyaluronic acid were used to support endothelial cell culture. An endothelial cell growth supplement (ECGS) was incorporated in (group 1) or overlaid on (group 2) the substrates; or present in medium (group 3); or absent (group 4). GF binding assay using 125I bFGF showed that more GF remained combined to the substrates in group 2 than those in group 1. Growth and morphology of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were sequentially analyzed in vitro for 8 days using DNA (nuclei counts) and F-actin labelings. Growth was relatively stable for the first 48 hours, later in groups 1, 2 and 4, cell death was observed on all the substrates except for fibronectin. Growth failure could be related to the degradation or inefficient release of ECGS. In group 3, growth increased and confluency was reached within 5–8 days on all the substrates except for gelatin and type I collagen. Confluent cells containing actin filaments were organized on glycoproteins and disorganized on glycosaminoglycans and fibrin. Despite that glycoproteins can enhance cell adhesion and lining pattern, GFs continually delivered in a fresh soluble form seem to be the appropriate condition to obtain an endothelial cell lining.
Temporary Extracorporeal Liver Support for Severe Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis Using the Biologic-DT
Authors: Ellis A.J. , Hughes R.D. , Nicholl D. , Langley P.G. , Wendon J.A. , O'grady J.G. , Williams R.
Published: April 2018

Patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis develop multiple organ failure which is associated with production of inflammatory cytokines and a poor prognosis. The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate the effects of the BioLogic-DT sorption-suspension dialyser in patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis. Ten patients with encephalopathy (grade II-IV) were entered into the study, 5 received treatment with the BioLogic-DT for 6 hours daily for 3 days and 5 received conventional treatment as controls. The system was biocompatible with no adverse effects on blood pressure or platelet counts, factor V, fibrinogen or antithrombin III. No bleeding episodes were observed even with the use of small doses of heparin. After 3 days, blood ammonia was lower in the BioLogic-DT treated patients than in the controls, although blood lactate was higher. There were slight increases in plasma TNF and IL-8 during treatment over and above the higher levels present initially, possibly as a result of activation of white cells in the extracorporeal circuit. The further development of the BioLogic-DT dialyser with the addition of a plasma treatment module capable of removing cytokines would be worth evaluating in acute alcoholic hepatitis.
Musculoskeletal multibody dynamics simulation of the contact mechanics and kinematics of a natural knee joint during a walking cycle
Authors: Hu Jiayu , Chen Zhenxian , Xin Hua , Zhang Qida , Jin Zhongmin
Published: April 2018

Detailed knowledge of the in vivo loading and kinematics in the knee joint is essential to understand its normal functions and the aetiology of osteoarthritis. Computer models provide a viable non-invasive solution for estimating joint loading and kinematics during different physiological activities. However, the joint loading and kinematics of the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints during a gait cycle were not typically investigated concurrently in previous computational simulations. In this study, a natural knee architecture was incorporated into a lower extremity musculoskeletal multibody dynamics model based on a force-dependent kinematics approach to investigate the contact mechanics and kinematics of a natural knee joint during a walking cycle. Specifically, the contact forces between the femoral/tibial articular cartilages and menisci and between the femoral and tibial/patellar articular cartilages were quantified. The contact forces and kinematics of the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints and the muscle activations and ligament forces were predicted simultaneously with a reasonable level of accuracy. The developed musculoskeletal multibody dynamics model with a natural knee architecture can serve as a potential platform for assisting clinical decision-making and postoperative rehabilitation planning.
Comparative analysis of strong and weak acid pretreatment methods under pressurized and non-pressurized conditions for agro-industrial waste of apple pulp
Authors: Deveci Ece Ümmü , Gönen Çağdaş
Published: April 2018

It is well known that energy-related emissions have been increasing the global warming and pushing the climate change. In the face of this situation biomass-based biofuels, which is a kind of renewable energy source, are great alternatives instead of fossil derivative fuels. Moreover, biomass can be found easily and widely, which makes it an economical alternative. Biological conversation rate of the biomass to the biofuel is insufficient because of the molecular structure of the biomass. Pretreatment is required to increase the bioavailability of the biomass as the raw material. In this study, weak and strong acid pretreatments are studied under pressurized and non-pressurized conditions for apple pulp as biomass, which is an agro-industrial residue coming from industrial plants. Box-Behnken statistical design is used to determine the optimum level of some factors as time, chemical dose, and raw material dose. While the maximum total sugar concentration was found to be 23.71 g/L with sulfuric acid pretreatment, the reduced sugar concentration under pressurized conditions with strong acid pretreatment was found as 17.00 g/L.
What’s in a name? The language of workplace bullying
Authors: Ballard Allison , Easteal Patricia
Published: April 2018

In this article, we show that how we name, label, define, categorise, and speak (or not) about a social issue may be critical to how we do (or do not) organise, understand, and describe what we deal with as individuals and as a community. We focus on workplace bullying to highlight how definitions and synonyms may interfere with our comprehension of the problem and avenues of redress.
Exploring Methodological Challenges of Using Participant-Produced Digital Video Diaries in Antarctica
Authors: Nash Meredith , Moore Robyn
Published: April 2018

Technological advancements have created new methods for conducting research. In this article, we explore the benefits and challenges of using participant-produced video diaries as a research method in a remote environment. Participant-produced video diaries provide rich ethnographic data of lived experiences. Moreover, video diaries allow data collection without researchers needing to be physically present, which facilitates research in remote locations. Therefore, we chose video diaries as one method of data collection for our study of a leadership programme for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine conducted in Antarctica. However, the remote location of this study raised methodological challenges beyond the routine issues associated with video diaries. In this article, we critically reflect on these challenges, highlighting implications for using participant-produced video diaries in other remote settings.
Exploring sustainable learning and practice of digital citizenship: Education and place-based challenges
Authors: Ghosn-Chelala Maria
Published: April 2018

Digital citizenship is broadly viewed as the ability to participate effectively in online communities. Since information and communications technology is pivotal to societal participation and development, the role of digital citizenship is significant. Formalizations guiding learning and practice for digital citizenship foster ideals and concepts that are essential to development and participation. Because learning and practice occur within wider political, socioeconomic and educational settings, associated place-based struggles stand to influence their sustainability. These struggles are particularly challenging in developing and post-conflict countries. This article operationalizes notions of sustainable practice and learning for digital citizenship and explores associated challenges within wider environmental settings. Taking Lebanon as a case, data indicate that place-based challenges within socioeconomic, political and educational settings compromise sustainable digital citizenship practice and learning among public school students. Recommendations for moving forward are offered in light of this finding.
Hydrogen peroxide promotes the activation of preeclampsia peripheral T cells
Authors: Lv Jingzhu , Zhang Xiaojie , Wang Caizhi , Wang Hongtao , Wang Ting , Qian Zhongqing
Published: April 2018

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy disorder with a high mortality rate. Patients with PE exhibit systemic high oxidative stress status and inflammatory immune activation. This study aims to define the role of H2O2 in the activation of neutrophils and T lymphocytes in PE patients. CD3+/HLA-DR+ cells in blood from PE patients are remarkably increased compared with those of normal non-pregnancies or normal pregnancies, while the percentage of CD3+/CD62L+ cells is significantly reduced in PE patients compared to normal pregnancies. Furthermore, CD62L levels in granulocytes of periphery blood of PE patients are significantly higher than non-pregnancies, but significantly lower than normal pregnancies. To characterize the effects of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) on T lymphocyte activation in PE patients, PBMCs from normal pregnancies were challenged with H2O2, and intracellular ROS levels in neutrophil granulocytes, as well as T cell surface marker levels, have been determined. We confirm that H2O2 exposure increases intracellular ROS levels in neutrophil granulocytes, and increases the proportion of CD3+/HLA-DR+ cells, but does not alter the percentage of CD3+/CD62L+ cells in PBMCs. Our study has confirmed dysregulated CD3+/HLA-DR+ and CD3+/CD62L+ T lymphocytes in PE patient peripheral blood, and the dysregulative effects of H2O2 on T lymphocyte activation, suggesting a novel mechanism of immune activation in PE.
Toxoplasma gondii exposure and epilepsy: A matched case-control study in a public hospital in northern Mexico
Authors: Alvarado-Esquivel Cosme , Rico-Almochantaf Yazmin del Rosario , Hernández-Tinoco Jesús , Quiñones-Canales Gerardo , Sánchez-Anguiano Luis Francisco , Torres-González Jorge , Ramírez-Valles Eda Guadalupe , Minjarez-Veloz Andrea
Published: April 2018

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine the association between infection with Toxoplasma gondii and epilepsy in patients attended to in a public hospital in the northern Mexican city of Durango.

Methods:

We performed an age- and gender-matched case-control study of 99 patients suffering from epilepsy and 99 without epilepsy. Sera of participants were analyzed for anti- T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassays. Seropositive samples to T. gondii were further analyzed for detection of T. gondii DNA by polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

Anti- T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 10 (10.1%) of the 99 cases and in 6 (6.1%) of the 99 controls (odds ratio = 1.74; 95% confidence interval: 0.60–4.99; p = 0.43). High (> 150 IU/mL) levels of anti- T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 6 of the 99 cases and in 4 of the 99 controls (odds ratio = 1.53; 95% confidence interval: 0.41–5.60; p = 0.74). Anti- T. gondii IgM antibodies were found in 2 of the 10 IgG seropositive cases, and in 2 of the 6 IgG seropositive controls (odds ratio = 0.50; 95% confidence interval: 0.05–4.97; p = 0.60). T. gondii DNA was not found in any of the 10 anti- T. gondii IgG positive patients. Bivariate analysis of IgG seropositivity to T. gondii and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and related Health Problems, 10th Edition codes of epilepsy showed an association between seropositivity and G40.1 code (odds ratio = 22.0; 95% confidence interval: 2.59–186.5; p = 0.008). Logistic regression analysis showed an association between T. gondii infection and consumption of goat meat (odds ratio = 6.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.22–34.64; p = 0.02), unwashed raw vegetables (odds ratio = 26.3; 95% confidence interval: 2.61–265.23; p = 0.006), and tobacco use (odds ratio = 6.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.06–36.66; p = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Results suggest that T. gondii infection does not increase the risk of epilepsy in our setting; however, infection might be linked to specific types of epilepsy. Factors associated with T. gondii infection found in this study may aid in the design of preventive measures against toxoplasmosis.