bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Albumin in Chicken Skeletal Muscle
Authors: MÜLLER Gudrun , HEIZMANN Claus W.
Published: July 2010

Albumin was found to be a structural constituent of chicken myofibrils. Its subcellular localization as whown by electron microscopy demonstrated highest concentrations of albumin in the region where the thin and thick filments overlap. In addition, evidence is presented in favour of albumin synthesis in muscle. These results suggest a physiological role of an albumin in muscle, most probably in the fatty acid metabolism.
The Pressure Dependence of the Spin Equilibrium in Camphor‐Bound Ferric Cytochrome P‐450
Authors: HUI BON HOA Gaston , MARDEN Michael C.
Published: July 2010

The spin equilibrium of camphor‐bound ferric cytochrome P‐450 has been measured between 1–1000 bar (105‐108 Pa). Increasing pressure shifts the absorption spectrum from the high‐spin form at 302 nm to the low‐spin form at 417 nm. The molar volume change for the spin states ΔV= ‐RTôln KeôP and the equilibrium coefficient Ke= [high spin]/[low spin] depend on the solvent conditions.

At pH 5.6 the equilibrium coefficient at 1 bar, K1= 0.5 and ΔV = 31 cm3/mol. A sample with 10 mM KCl at pH 7 has K1= 7.0 and ΔV = 52 cm3/mol. Solvent changes producing a larger K1 also result in a larger ΔV which ranged over 16–74 cm3/mol. The correlation can be approximated as ΔV = 36 + 18 log K1. which implies that there is a pressure, 3000 bar, for camphor‐bound ferric cytochrome P‐450 at 4°C, at which the changes in ΔV are compensated by the other thermodynamic parameters leaving Ke independent of the solvent conditions. Although the protein is not stable above 1000 bar for most sample conditions, the extrapolated log Ke versus pressure curves for all sample conditions intersect near 3000 bar. Camphor‐bound cytochrome P‐450 appears to be a rather flexible protein, having a low denaturing pressure, a large volume change, and a high sensitivity to the protein environment.
Transport of N‐Acetylglutamate in Rat‐Liver Mitochondria
Authors: MEIJER Alfred J. , VAN WOERKOM George M. , WANDERS Ron J. A. , LOF Cor
Published: July 2010

The permeability properties of the rat‐liver mitochondrial membrane for N‐acetylglutamate, the activator of carbamoyl‐phosphate synthetase (ammonia), were studied.

Transport of N‐acetylglutamate into the mitochondria was only observed in partially or fully de‐energized mitochondria and when the extramitochondrial concentration was unphysiologically high (in the mM range). However, even under these conditions the intramitochondrial concentration of N‐acetylglutamate was much lower than that outside.

Mitochondria1 N‐acetylglutamate efflux only occurs when the mitochondria are in an energized state. At 25 °C, at an intramitochondrial N‐acetylglutamate concentration of 0.7–1.0 nmol/mg protein, efflux proceeds at a rate of about 0.05 nmol × min−1× mg protein‐′. This is 10‐fold lower than the maximal rate of N‐acetyl‐ glutamate synthesis in the mitochondria.

Homologous exchange between intramitochondrial N‐[14C]acetylglutamate and extrainitochondrial un‐ labelled N‐acetylglutamate could not be demonstrated.

It is concluded that transport of N‐acetylglutamate in vivo is effectively unidirectional, out of the mitochondria. This behaviour is in accordance with the physiological requirement for efflux of N‐acetylglutamate from the mitochondria in order to be degraded in the cytosol.
Differential Synthesis Rates of tRNA Species in the Silk Gland of Bombyx mori Are Required to Promote tRNA Adaptation to Silk Messages
Authors: CHEVALLIER Anna , GAREL Jean‐Pierre
Published: July 2010

In studying the mechanism of tRNA adaptation to silk fibroin and sericin mRNA translation, we investigated the accumulation rates of tRNA species rapidly labeled in vivo in the posterior and middle silk glands of the silkworm Bombyx mori during the last larval instar. We found that the rates of synthesis of total and individual tRNA species labeled with [3H]uridine during the growth and the secretion phases and separated by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels, are specific for each tRNA species and each tissue. We noted continuous variations of the tRNA levels designed to reflect changes in the population of mRNAs. The tRNA adaptation to silk mRNAs is completed roughly at the end of the growth phase and at the beginning of the secretion phase (day four of the Vth instar). Its stabilization during the secretion phase occurs by a reversal of the relative rates of predominant tRNA species, mainly tRNAGly. The sum total of the synthetic rates for each tRNA species corroborates their known adaptive distribution during the secretion phase of silk proteins. In addition, when couplcd to the similarity of their turnover rates, observed previously, the data support a transcriptional control of tRNA genes.
Phosphoribosylpyrophosphate Synthetase of Escherichia coli
Authors: HOVE‐JENSEN Bjarne , NYGAARD Per
Published: July 2010

From an Escherichia coli purine auxotroph a mutant defective in phosphoribosylpyrophosphate (PRib‐PP) synthetase has been isolated and partially characterized. In contrast to the parental strain, the mutant was able to grow on nucleosides as purine source, whereas growth on purine bases was reduced. Kinetic analysis of the mutant PRib‐PP synthetase revealed an apparent Km for ATP and ribose 5‐phosphate of 1.0 mM and 240 μM respectively, compared to 60 μM and 45 μM respectively for the wild‐type enzyme. ADP, which inhibits the wild‐type enzyme at a concentration of 0.5 mM ribose 5‐phosphate, stimulated the mutant enzyme. The activity of PRib‐PP synthetase in crude extract was higher in the mutant than in the parent. When starved for purines an accumulation of PRib‐PP was observed in the parent strain, while the pool decreased in the mutant. During pyrimidine starvation derepression of PRib‐PP synthetase activity was observed in both strains, although to a lesser extent in the mutant. Our data suggest that the mutant harbors a mutation in the structural gene for PRib‐PP synthetase. The mutation responsible for the altered PRib‐PP synthetase was located in the purB‐hemA region at 26 min on the recalibrated linkage map.
The Seminal Vesicle of the Bull:
Authors: HOFMANN Hans‐Dieter , UNSICKER Klaus
Published: July 2010

Evidence is presented that the seminal vesicle of the bull is an important source of a protein which is very similar to nerve growth factor from mouse submaxillary gland. Its chemical and biological properties in vitro are compared with those of nerve growth factor from other sources.
EPR determination of interaction redox potentials in a multiheme cytochrome: cytochrome c3 from Desulfovibrio desulfuricans Norway
Authors: GAYDA Jean‐Pierre , BENOSMAN Haféda , BERTRAND Patrick , MORE Claude , ASSO Marcel
Published: July 2010

In cytochromes c3 which contain four hemes per molecule, the redox properties of each heme may depend upon the redox state of the others. This effect can be described in terms of interaction redox potentials between the hemes and must be taken into account in the characterization of the redox properties of the molecule. We present here a method of measurement of these interactions based on the EPR study of the redox equilibria of the protein. The microscopic and macroscopic midpoint potentials and the interaction potentials are deduced from the analysis of the redox titration curves of the intensity and the amplitude of the EPR spectrum. This analysis includes a precise simulation of the spectrum of the protein in the oxidized state in order to determine the relative contribution of each heme to the spectral amplitude. Using our method on cytochrome c3 from D. desulfuricans Norway, we found evidence for the existence of weak interaction potentials between the hemes. The three interaction potentials which have been measured are characterized by absolute values lower than 20 mV in contrast with the values larger than 40–50 mV which have been reported for cytochrome c3 from D. gigas. Simulations of the spectra of samples poised at different potentials indicate a structural modification of the heme with the most negative potential during the first step of reduction. The correspondence between the redox sites as characterized by the EPR potentiometric titration and the hemes in the tridimensional structure is discussed.
Purification and Characterization of Amyloid‐Related Transthyretin Associated with Familial Amyloidotic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hermansen Leonila F. , Bergman Tomas , Jörnvall Hans , Husby Gunnar , Ranløv Ida , Sletten Knut
Published: July 2010

Analysis of amyloid fibril material associated with familial amyloidotic cardiomyopathy revealed that it contains a mixture of transthyretin‐related polypeptides. The major protein band in SDS/polyacrylamide gel corresponding to a molecular mass of 14.5 kDa, consists of transthyretin fragments starting at positions 46, 49 and 59, the latter not previously identified, and one blocked fragment derived from the N‐terminal part of transthyretin. In reverse‐phase HPLC, the major fragment recovered was that starting at Thr49, indicating a trypsin‐like cleavage (Lys at position 48). Two minor bands, corresponding to 17 kDa and 35 kDa, contained proteins with blocked N‐termini, and migrated as monomeric and dimeric transthyretin, respectively. A 13‐kDa protein band was found to contain transthyretin with a ragged N‐terminus, mainly starting at positions 2 and 5. Three more bands, corresponding to 10, 25 and 29 kDa, consist of transthyretin molecules with blocked N‐termini and most likely of aggregates of truncated molecules.

A point mutation of amyloid transthyretin was identified at position 111 (Met instead of Leu in normal serum transthyretin) which confirms the mutation found for Danish siblings with familial amyloidotic cardiomyopathy. However, the presence of a non‐variant amyloid transthyretin was also observed, indicating that the Danish kindred is heterozygous with respect to this point mutation. Isoelectric focusing of the amyloid fibril material resolved multiple protein bands ranging over pH4.5–6.5, confirming heterogeneities.

Methanol extraction of the cardiac amyloid fibril material prior to the purification steps reveals a methanol‐soluble substance amounting to about 10% (by mass dry material) of the amyloid fibril material. A yellow substance in this fraction shows absorbance maxima (270, 280 and 430 nm) similar to those observed for transthyretin in normal serum. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of the methanol extract revealed the presence of saturated fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0 and C18:0 in the corresponding ratio 2:8:5) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (C16:1, C18:1, C18:2 and C20:4 in the corresponding ratio of 1:2:1:1) as further constituents of the amyloid fibril material.
A Cytochrome‐b5‐Containing Fusion Protein Similar to Plant Acyl Lipid Desaturases
Authors: Sperling Petra , Schmidt Hermann , Heinz Ernst
Published: July 2010

The similarity between oleate and linoleate desaturase sequences from several plants was used lo construct degenerate oligonucleotide primers for PCR experiments with cDNA transcribed from mRNA of ripening sunflower embryos. A DNA fragment was amplified and sequenced. Specific primers derived from this partial sequence were used for rapid amplification of the 3′‐ and 5′‐ends of this cDNA. With appropriate primers derived from these sequences, a full‐length clone of 1377 bp was amplified by PCR which, after sequencing, showed an open reading frame of 458 amino acids corresponding to a putative protein of about 52 kDa.

Comparison with other desaturases showed the conserved three histidine boxes and the characteristic hydropathy profile of membrane‐bound desaturases, but the amino acid identity was restricted to 18 % and the N‐terminal region was about 100 amino acids longer. This N‐terminal extension showed high similarity with cytochrome b5, and, accordingly, the whole sequence can be considered as coding for a fusion protein between cytochrome b5 and a desaturase‐like enzyme. Furthermore, we detected a similar cytochrome b5 fold in the previously sequenced Δ9 acyl‐CoA desaturase from yeast, but in this enzyme it was located at the C‐terminus. An alignment of these fusion proteins with other heme‐binding proteins revealed desaturases to be novel members of the cytochrome b5, superfamily. A truncated DNA representing 366 bp of the 5′‐end was amplified from the cDNA clone and expressed in Escherichia coli. The truncated cDNA coded for a soluble protein of about 12 kDa as shown by SDS/PAGE and N‐terminal sequencing. The enriched recombinant protein exhibited redox absorbance spectra characteristic of plant microsomal cytochrome b5
Mutation at a Single Acidic Amino Acid Enhances the Halophilic Behaviour of Malate Dehydrogenase from Haloarcula Marismortui in Physiological Salts
Authors: Madern Dominique , Pfister Claude , Zaccai Giuseppe
Published: July 2010

In a statistical analysis of the amino acid compositions of 26 halophilic proteins, 24 showed an increase in acidic amino acids and a decrease in basic ones when compared to their non‐halophlic homologues. The role of acidic residues in halophilic adaptation was investigated by site‐directed mutagenesis of malate dehydrogenase (MalDH) from Haloarcula marismortui. In all of 40 non‐halophilic homologous proteins, the position aligned with E243 in halophilic MalDH is occupied by a non‐acidic amino acid, most frequently by arginine. The E243R mutant of halophilic MalDH was constructed, over‐expressed in Escherichia coli, renatured and purified. Its salt‐dependent catalytic activity was not affected compared to the wild‐type enzyme and both proteins have the same Km values for their substrates. The resistance to denaturation of the mutant was compared to that of the wild‐type protein in different physiological salt (NaCl or KCl) and temperature conditions and interpreted in terms of classical quasi‐thermodynamic parameters. The mutant is more halophilic than the wild‐type protein; it is more sensitive to temperature and requires significantly higher concentrations of NaCl or KCl for equivalent stability. These results highlight the role of acidic amino acids in halophilic behaviour and are in agreement with a model in which these amino acids act cooperatively to organise hydrated ion binding to the protein.
Early onset pneumonia in patients with cholinesterase inhibitor poisoning
Authors: WANG Chen‐Yu , WU Chieh‐Liang , TSAN Yu‐Tse , HSU Jeng‐Yuan , HUNG Dong‐Zong , WANG Chih‐Hung
Published: July 2010

Background and objective:  Organophosphates and carbamates are potent cholinesterase inhibitors that are widely used as insecticides in agriculture. Pneumonia is a frequent complication of cholinesterase inhibitor poisoning (CIP) and a risk factor for death. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the risk factors for pneumonia in patients with CIP.

Methods:  The medical records of 155 patients, who were treated for CIP in a 1300‐bed medical centre in central Taiwan, from January 2002 to December 2004, were retrospectively analysed. Pneumonia was diagnosed by a new or persistent infiltrate on CXR, as well as clinical symptoms. Demographic data, comorbidities, acute respiratory failure and in‐hospital mortality were also recorded.

Results:  Of the 155 patients, 31 (20%) died and 92 (59.4%) developed acute respiratory failure. Thirty‐four patients (21.9%) were diagnosed with early onset pneumonia during hospitalization. Acute respiratory failure (OR 12.10, 95% CI: 2.55–57.45), underlying cardiovascular disease (OR 3.02, 95% CI: 1.02–8.91), undergoing gastric lavage at peripheral hospitals (OR 6.23, 95% CI: 1.52–25.98) and development of respiratory failure at the study centre after gastric lavage (OR 3.43, 95% CI: 1.17–10.0) were predictive factors for early onset pneumonia. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OR 23.58, 95% CI: 6.03–92.29), early onset pneumonia (OR 7.45, 95% CI: 2.02–27.5) and lower Glasgow coma score (OR 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08–1.48) were predictive factors for mortality.

Conclusions:  Pneumonia was a significant risk factor for death in patients with CIP. In addition to aggressive management of patients with CIP who develop respiratory failure, careful respiratory evaluation before and after gastric lavage would help to decrease the incidence of early onset pneumonia in patients with CIP.
Aging of the autonomic nervous system and possible improvements in autonomic activity using somatic afferent stimulation
Authors: Hotta Harumi , Uchida Sae
Published: July 2010

There are significant age‐related changes in autonomic nervous system function that are responsible for an impaired ability to adapt to environmental or intrinsic visceral stimuli in the elderly. We review data on changes in autonomic nervous system regulation of cardiovascular and urinary function, as well as data on strategies to improve function. There are data showing alterations in peripheral and central autonomic nerve activity, and decreases in neurotransmitter receptor action that lead to diminished autonomic reactivity (e.g. blood pressure and cerebral blood flow regulation) and poorly coordinated autonomic discharge (e.g. bladder function). Simple strategies for autonomic function improvement and increasing cortical blood flow include walking and somatic afferent stimulation (e.g. stroking skin or acupuncture) to increase sympathetic, parasympathetic and central cholinergic activity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010; 10 (Suppl. 1): S127–S136.
Intersubjective cultural representations predicting behaviour: The case of political culture and voting
Authors: Wan Ching , Tam Kim‐Pong , Chiu Chi‐Yue
Published: July 2010

Research has shown that cultural identification is influenced by the congruence between people's personal values and intersubjectively represented cultural values. The current research extended this finding to voter choice and behaviour. We hypothesized that people whose values and attitudes are similar to the collective representations of the political party that an election candidate belongs to would be more likely to vote for that candidate. Also, this relationship would be mediated by party identification. We found support for our hypotheses in two studies, one on the Legislative Council election in Hong Kong and the other on the 2004 US presidential election.
Role of Cognitively Stimulating Home Environment in Children's Academic Intrinsic Motivation: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Gottfried Adele Eskeles , Fleming James S. , Gottfried Allen W.
Published: July 2010

The short‐ and long‐term, and direct and indirect, relations between cognitively stimulating home environment and academic intrinsic motivation were investigated in a longitudinal study from childhood through early adolescence. Structural equations modeling was used to test the hypothesis that home environment positively predicts academic intrinsic motivation over this period. It was also hypothesized that home environmental processes would positively predict motivation controlling for socioeconomic status (SES). When children were age 8, home environment (comprising both direct observations and parent report) and SES were measured. Academic intrinsic motivation was assessed at ages 9, 10, and 13. Results supported the hypotheses. Home environment had statistically positive and significant, direct and indirect paths to academic intrinsic motivation from childhood through early adolescence, indicating both short‐ and long‐term effects across these ages. Moreover, home environment was significant above and beyond SES. The findings revealed that children whose homes had a greater emphasis on learning opportunities and activities were more academically intrinsically motivated.
1. Multichannel Sequence Analysis Applied to Social Science Data
Authors: Gauthier Jacques-Antoine , Widmer Eric D. , Bucher Philipp , Notredame Cédric
Published: July 2010

Applications of optimal matching analysis in the social sciences are typically based on sequences of specific social statuses that model the residential, family, or occupational trajectories of individuals. Despite the broadly recognized interdependence of these statuses, few attempts have been made to systematize the ways in which optimal matching analysis should be applied multidimensionally—that is, in an approach that takes into account multiple trajectories simultaneously. Based on methods pioneered in the field of bioinformatics, this paper proposes a method of multichannel sequence analysis (MCSA) that simultaneously extends the usual optimal matching analysis (OMA) to multiple life spheres. Using data from the Swiss household panel (SHP), we examine the types of trajectories obtained using MCSA. We also consider a random data set and find that MCSA offers an alternative to the sole use of ex-post sum of distance matrices by locally aligning distinct life trajectories simultaneously. Moreover, MCSA reduces the complexity of the typologies it allows to produce, without making them less informative. It is more robust to noise in the data, and it provides more reliable alignments than two independent OMA.
Exponential Growth and Future of Artificial Organs
Authors: Kolff W. J.
Published: July 2010

One hundred thousand (100,000) people are living—thanks to Artificial Kidneys. We need more emphasis on Home Dialysis. The immediate future will bring us:

WAK (Wearable Artificial Kidney)

FAK (Filtrating Artificial Kidney)

PAK (Peritoneal Artificial Kidney)

HAK (Hemoperfusion Artificial Kidney)

Intra‐aortic balloon pumps and transapical left ventricular bypass may offer patients now dying from heart failure, a possibility to either recover or be maintained until an artificial heart is available. Our aim is to create an Artificial Heart to totally replace the irreparably sick human heart. We have obtained survival times up to more than six months after total replacement of the natural heart in calves. Dr. Steve Jacobsen's Artificial Arm is activated by electromyographic signals that are derived from the shoulder muscles. The Artificial Eye makes use of direct stimulation of the visual cortex of the brain by arrays of electrodes situated against the visual cortex. For the Artificial Ear, we stimulate the fibers of the eighth nerve by threading platinum wires up into the cochlea. Deaf volunteers can hear rhythm, loudness and some pitch.
Uremic Neuropathy: Evidence of Middle Molecule Toxicity
Authors: Milutinovic Jovan , Babb Albert L. , Eschbach Joseph W. , Follette William C. , Graefe Ulrich , Strand Michael J. , Scribner Belding H.
Published: July 2010

Ten dialysis patients were followed in a prospective study to determine the neurotoxicity of metabolites in the middle molecule (MM) molecular weight (mol wt) range of 500–2000 daltons/molecule. In the absence of readily available direct serum measurements of MM concentrations, a theoretically calculated dialysis index, D1(MM), which included the combined effects of dialysis and residual glomerular filtration rate (GFR) on MM removal was used to estimate changes in their predialysis concentrations.

The ten patients were dialyzed on protocols which yielded a D1(MM) less than 1.0. Evidence of uremic neuropathy developed in six of these ten patients, and five of these six also developed a progression in their anemia. Two additional patients with no signs of neuropathy developed a progression in their anemia. One patient developed pericarditis with tamponade. A total of eight patients developed complications. One additional patient developed increased weakness, tiredness and general malaise without change in objective findings. When the dialysis therapy to reduce MM concentrations by increasing the D1(MM) above 1.0 was instituted, the complications were reversed.

Our data support the findings of others, namely, that there are toxic substances in the MM mol wt range of 500–2000 daltons/molecule. However, a synergism between elevated concentrations of small molecules and MM cannot be ruled out.
Sorbent Membranes: Device Designs, Evaluations and Potential Applications
Authors: Malchesky Paul S. , Piatkiewicz Wojciech , Varnes Warren G. , Ondercin Lawrence , Nosé Yukihiko
Published: July 2010

For the biomedical application of sorbents in extracorporeal circulation, the system must be free of particle release and must be biocompatible. In addition, because of the wide range of biochemical abnormalities generally seen in the disease state, the use of multiple sorbents should be possible. Based on these criteria, the Enka sorbent Cuprophan membranes have been selected for evaluation. Sorbent membranes are of two general types: sorption and sorption‐dialysis. Coil, parallel plate and capillary designs have been constructed and tested employing sorption‐dialysis charcoal membranes of film and hollow fiber configurations. The results have indicated potential advantages. By design, the sorbent membranes prevent direct interaction of the sorbent with blood cells and prevent particle release, making chronic applications safe. Devices employing sorbent fibers are particularly suited to select applications where higher sorbent contents are required or ultrafiltration is not desired.

In an effort to optimize the application of sorbents and the sorbent membranes with regard to the quantity of sorbent employed and the length of treatment, a general scheme for evaluation of sorbent systems has been established involving three phases: 1) equilibrium isotherm studies to determine the selectivity and capacity of the sorbent system for the solute, 2) kinetic studies to determine mass transfer properties of the sorbent system in the absence of fluid dynamic resistance and 3) device evaluation to determine overall mass transfer properties. Studies show that, in device designs, it is possible to separate the effects of sorption and fluid dynamics and to design around the limiting parameters.
Influence of Middle Molecules on the Anemia of Uremic Patients
Authors: Leber Heinrich‐Wolfgang , Spiegelhalter Rita , Ulm Anne , Goubeaud Gerhard , Rawer Peter
Published: July 2010

To evaluate their toxicity at the cellular level, middle molecules from uremic serum were incubated with erythrocytes from healthy subjects and the activity of the enzyme Delta‐aminolevulinic acid dehydrase (D‐ALA‐D) and peroxidative hemolysis were investigated. Uremic middle molecules caused a significant decrease of the D‐ALA‐D activity of normal erythrocytes which was not due to differences in the concentrations of Pb, Cd or Zn. The decreased enzyme activity could be restored by adding reduced glutathione (GSH; 5 mmol/L) together with the middle molecules to the assay system. Uremic middle molecules caused a significant increase of peroxidative hemolysis in normal erythrocytes.

Uremic middle molecules contribute to the anemia of uremic patients by impeding hemoglobin synthesis and by increasing peroxidative hemolysis, possibly by affecting SH‐groups. H2O2‐producing compounds should be avoided in uremic patients.
Adsorstion of Selected Biochemicals onto coated and Uncoated Charcoal
Authors: Skalsky Michael , Farrell Peter C.
Published: July 2010

Creatinine, glutethimide and pentobarbital isotherms and preliminary kinetic data have been obtained in vitro on coated and uncoated charcoal from two commercially available hemoperfusion devices (B‐D Hemodetoxifier and Gambro‐Adsorba 300C). The uptake characteristics of these devices were examined in both buffer and plasma environments at physiological conditions (pH:7.4; temperature:37oC), using radiolabelled solutes.

Equilibrium adsorption data were analyzed by both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm equations and isotherm constants determined. For both drugs, buffer and plasma data were well correlated by a Langmuir isotherm (r>0.99) while creatinine data were fitted better by the Freundlich equation (r>0.99). For all solutes, the amount adsorbed was lower in plasma (after correction for protein‐binding) due to reversible competitive inhibition. However, charcoal capacity remained high enough for both coated and uncoated charcoals to enable satisfactory clinical hemoperfusion to be performed.

Kinetic data were reduced assuming a homogeneous model of intraparticle diffusion. Calculated charcoal diffusivities were 0.3–3.8×10‐‐8 cm2/sec, with plasma values four to six times lower than corresponding values for buffer. Charcoal diffusivities were about two orders of magnitude lower than corresponding effective diffusivities through Cuprophan, indicating that the mass transfer resistance of the charcoal coating is inconsequential under conditions of intraparticle diffusion control. It was also deduced that the commonly observed decrease in clearance as a function of time during clinical charcoal hemoperfusion is mainly a consequence of diffusive rather than site‐availability limitations.
Problems with Activated Charcoal and Alumina as Sorbents for Medical Use
Authors: Maeda Kenji , Saito Akira , Kawaguchi Shunsuke , Sezaki Rhozo , Niwa Toshimitsu , Naotsuka Masaaki , Kobayashi Kaizo , Asada Hiroaki , Yamamoto Yukio , Ohta Kazuhiro
Published: July 2010

Although activated charcoal and alumina have been used extensively as sorbents in uremic patients, the following problems remain to be solved: 1) elution of SO,4‐ from activated charcoal which does not adsorb it; 2) production of methylguanidine from creatinine on the surface of activated charcoal; 3) production of lipoperoxide from fatty acids by chemical reaction of activated charcoal; 4) adsorption of Ca++ and Mg++ when alumina adsorbs inorganic phosphate. These problems are studied in vitro and clinically.
Long‐Term Results of Dialysis Therapy with a Highly Permeable Membrane
Authors: Chanard J. , Brunois J. P. , Melin J. P. , Lavaud S. , Toupance O.
Published: July 2010

A five‐year study of short‐term dialysis using highly permeable polyacrylonitrile membrane AN 69 was started in March 1973 to compare the effects of AN 69 and Cuprophan membrane (CM). The time of dialysis was calculated for each patient on the basis of vitamin B12 clearance of the dialyzer and the residual glomerular filtration rate. For the study, 101 patients (38,555 dialysis sessions) who had been dialyzed for more than six months were selected. They were divided into three groups: Group I (n = 31) patients treated with AN 69 only; Group II (n = 31) patients treated with CM; Group III (n = 39) patients treated first with the CM and then with AN 69. Patients treated with AN 69 had higher levels of plasma urea but no particular metabolic disturbances were observed. The dialysis sessions were significantly better tolerated with AN 69 than with CM, however, the main advantage of using AN 69 is the shortening of dialysis time. The duration of dialysis was 9.5 ± 0.2 hours per week with AN 69 and 16.4 ± 0.2 hours per week with CM. Shortening of dialysis time permits better social rehabilitation of the patients. The shorter dialysis was not associated with any recognizable side effects that could be demonstrated by routine clinical and biological analysis.
Bacteria and Endotoxin Removal from Bicarbonate Dialysis Fluids for Use in Conventional, High‐Efficiency, and High‐Flux Hemodialysis
Authors: Oliver Jamie C. , Bland Lee A. , Oettinger Carl W. , Arduino Matthew J. , Garrard Mark , Pegues David A. , McAllister Sigrid , Moone Tim , Aguero Sonia , Favero Martin S.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: The use of bicarbonate‐based dialysis fluids in hemodialysis centers in the United States has increased with the advent of high‐efficiency and high‐flux hemodialysis. However, bicarbonate dialysis fluids can support rapid bacterial growth and high endotoxin concentrations. This study determined the efficacy of an ultrafiltration device in reducing the bacterial and endotoxin concentrations in bicarbonate dialysis fluids. A polysulfone hollow fiber dialyzer was used to ultrafilter bicarbonate concentrate before entering the central proportioner and bicarbonate dialysate after exiting the proportioner in single patient dialysis machines. Pre‐ and post‐ultrafilter samples were collected for bacterial and endotoxin assays over 10 months. Ultrafiltration of bicarbonate concentrate reduced bacterial and endotoxin concentrations from 288,330 colony forming units (CFU)/ml and 42,804 pg/ml too.47CFU/mland 109 pg/ml, respectively. Ultrafiltration of the dialysate in single patient systems decreased bacterial and endotoxin concentrations from 15,889 CFU/ml and 1,746 pg/ml to 0.003 CFU/ml and 0.109 pg/ml, respectively. These results demonstrate that ultrafiltration of bicarbonate dialysis fluids is effective in reducing bacterial and endotoxin contamination inherently associated with the use of bicarbonate‐based dialysates.
Complement Activation During Low‐Density Lipoprotein Apheresis
Authors: Tridon A. , Palcoux J.B. , Jouanel P. , Bezou M.J. , Coulet M. , Betail G.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Complement system activation was investigated in two girls with familial homozygous hypercholes‐terolemia undergoing two monthly sessions on LA15 or LA40 (Kaneka liposorber). We determined blood levels of C3c and C3a, leukocyte counts, and plasma levels of C3c and C3a in the extracorporeal circulation device at the start of the sessions and 15 and either 60 or 120 min into them. Sequential eluates were collected from LA40 at the end of the sessions (0.5M NaCl, 1M hydroxylamine). Anaphylatoxin C3a increased throughout, especially with LA40. As previously reported, C3a was trapped in the dextran column but was noticeably present in efferent plasma. Besides many proteins, nonnative complement fragments bearing C3a and C3d antigens were detected in almost all the eluates, suggesting possible in situ complement activation. Practically, complement activation induced by the first filter is a risk; long‐term side effects may arise from this extracorporeal circulation device.
Granulocyte Superoxide Anion and Elastase Release During Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Haga Yoshiyuki , Hatori Nobuo , Yoshizu Hiroshi , Okuda Eriya , Uriuda Yozo , Tanaka Susumu
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is known to induce several pathogenic responses in cardiovascular surgery. To explore leukocyte activation during PCB, we investigated superoxide anion (O2‐) production by granulocytes in 6 patients undergoing aortocoronary bypass surgery. O2‐ production was determined with chemiluminescence amplified by a cypridina luciferin analogue. Granulocytes collected from the blood in the arterial site of the CPB circuit were stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate, n‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine, and opsonized zymosan. All the stimulators failed to disclose a significant difference between the magnitude of chemiluminescence during and after CPB. However, significant complement activation was detected, and the plasma level of granulocyte elastase increased gradually during and after CPB. This discrepancy between the unchanged O2‐ production by stimulated granulocytes and the increase in inflammatory mediators including granulocyte elastase may be due to sequestration of activated granulocytes in extravascular tissues. Namely, it was highly likely that activated granulocytes responsible for the increased plasma elastase level were sequestered and remained outside the blood circulation.
Heparin‐Free Dialysis with an On‐Line Hemodiafiltration System
Authors: Wamsiedler Ralf , Polaschegg Hans‐Dietrich , Tattersall James E.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: In heparin‐free hemodialysis, the extracorporeal circuit is frequently flushed with normal saline. We report about an on‐line hemodiafiltration (HDF) machine for performing heparin‐free dialysis. The circuit is periodically flushed with fluid produced by filtration of the dialysis fluid. Because the fluid is derived from the volumetric dialysate circuit, it causes an equivalent ultrafiltration from the patient, and there is no need to allow for it in the fluid balance calculation. The use of the on‐line HDF system in heparin‐free dialysis is simple and cheaper than the saline‐flush method. Automation of this system is possible and would result in even easier operation.
Mechanical Blood Traumatization by Tubing and Throttles in In Vitro Pump Tests: Experimental Results and Implications for Hemolysis Theory
Authors: Schima Heinrich , Müller Michael Rolf , Tsangaris Sokrates , Gheiseder Gerald , Schlusche Christoph , Losert Udo , Thoma H. , Wolner Ernst
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Blood has become essential as a test fluid to evaluate hemolysis and biocompatibility of blood pumps in vitro. The blood is usually pumped from a blood bag into a circuit against elevated pressure. A throttle or a length of tubing is used to produce the pressure head. Blood damage caused by the shear stress in these pressure‐reducing devices should be minimal. It is not known whether the high but short‐lasting shear stress in a throttle is more or less damaging to the blood than the low but long‐lasting stress in tubing. In this study, throttles (width 11 mm, minimal height 0.9 mm, length 30 mm; shear stress = 136 N/m2 lasting for 3.23 ms); and tubing (inner diameter 9.5 mm, length 4.5 m, shear stress = 4.5 N/m2 lasting for 3.5 s) were compared at a flow of 5 L/min and a pressure drop of 150 mm Hg. Experiments (n = 10) with bovine blood were performed in two parallel setups using Bio‐Medicus pumps BP80. Free hemoglobin in plasma (fHb) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) were measured. After 6 h, the fHb increase was 31.9 ± 19.1 mg% for the throttle setup and 32.3 ± 16.2 for the tubing setup. The TXB2 release was 296 ± 70 and 305 ± 54 pg/0.1 ml respectively after 4 h. In summary, no significant differences between the two setups for either fHb or TXB2 could be detected. So the use of a throttle, which requires far less priming volume and a smaller blood‐contacting surface while also offering a wider range of adjustment, seems preferable. Furthermore, in contrast to some other in vitro studies, these results strongly indicate that blood is quite insensitive to high shear stress exposure in the millisecond range even if repetitively applied.
A New Therapeutic Approach to Dialysis Amyloidosis: Intensive Removal of β2‐Microglobulin with Adsorbent Column
Authors: Gejyo Fumitake , Homma Noriyuki , Hasegawa Shin , Arakawa Masaaki
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Amyloidosis, in which amyloid protein consists of β2‐microglobulin (β2‐M), is both a common and a serious complication of long‐term hemodialysis. The mechanism of its development is not completely understood. Since (β2‐M is an amyloid protein, it is essential to try to remove as much of it as possible. A specific adsorbent of β2‐M has been developed for use in direct hemoperfusion. The adsorbent is a porous cellulose bead to which hydrophobic organic compound is bound covalently. A combination of a high‐flux membrane dialyzer and an adsorption column (BM‐01) would make it possible to efficiently eliminate β2‐M. Dialysis with a combination of direct hemoperfusion (DHP) and an adsorption column led to the elimination of more than 200–300 mg of β2‐M. We observed 5 patients who received treatment with this column (BM‐01) in combination with high‐flux dialysis 3 times a week for periods of 1 week (3 patients), 6 months (I patient), or 14 months (1 patient). It is demonstrated that the adsorbent column (BM‐01) provides an intensive method to eliminate β2‐M from the blood with no serious adverse effect. It thus has the potential to suppress the progression of dialysis amyloidosis. The use of this adsorbent column (BM‐01) in combination with a high‐flux dialyzer may present an improved approach to removing β2‐M from the body.
Clinical Experience with the Sarns Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Curtis Jack J. , Walls Joseph T. , Demmy Todd L. , Boley Theresa M. , Schmaltz Richard A. , Goss Catherine F. , Wagner‐Mann Colette C.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Since October 1986, we have had experience with 96 Sarns centrifugal pumps in 72 patients (pts). Heparinless left atrial to femoral artery or aorta bypass was used in 14 pts undergoing surgery on the thoracic aorta with 13 survivors (93%). No paraplegia or device‐related complications were observed. In 57 patients, the Sarns centrifugal pump was used as a univentricular (27 pts) or biventricular (30 pts) cardiac assist device for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. In these patients, cardiac assist duration ranged from 2 to 434 h with a hospital survival rate of 29% in those requiring left ventricular assist and 13% in those requiring biventricular assist. Although complications were ubiquitous in this mortally ill patient population, in 5,235 pump‐hours, no pump thrombosis was observed. Hospital survivors followed for 4 months to 6 years have enjoyed an improved functional class. We conclude that the Sarns centrifugal pump is an effective cardiac assist device when used to salvage patients otherwise unweanable from cardiopulmonary bypass. Partial left ventricular bypass using a centrifugal pump has become our procedure of choice for unloading the left ventricle and for maintenance of distal aortic perfusion pressure when performing surgery on the thoracic aorta. This clinical experience with the Sarns centrifugal pump appears to be similar to that reported with other centrifugal assist devices.
Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Galletti Pierre M.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Cardiopulmonary bypass in the clinical setting is barely 40 years old. Yet worldwide, it is used in the operating room in more than 500,000 cases a year. This broad acceptance is a tribute to the vision of gifted investigators who could see beyond the mere technical problems of perfused isolated organs. They integrated mechanical concepts, knowledge of materials, and sheer inventiveness with an appreciation of physiological issues to address the clinical needs of open‐heart surgery.
Clinical Use of Omniflow Vascular Graft as Arteriovenous Bridging Graft for Hemodialysis
Authors: Wang Shoei‐Shen , Chu Shu‐Hsun
Published: July 2010

Abstract: From April 1992 to November 1995, 109 bridging arteriovenous fistulas were performed in 89 patients for hemodialysis at National Taiwan University Hospital. These included 61 Omniflow vascular grafts (OVG) in 47 patients and 48 GoreTex polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts in 42 patients. There were 36 male and 53 female patients, whose ages ranged from 24 to 84 years with a mean of 59 ± 2 years. The operation was performed under lidocaine local anesthesia with antibiotic prophylaxis. The anatomic configurations included 50 (45.9%) forearm loop grafts, 19 (17.4%) forearm straight grafts, and 40 (36.7%) thigh loop grafts. Hemodialysis via the bridging graft was started 2 weeks after the operation. The patients received hemodialysis 3 times a week or more when indicated. No patients suffered from limb loss. Pseudoaneurysm and graft infection requiring operation occurred 0.96% and 1.92% per patient year, respectively, in the OVG group, and pseudoaneurysm and graft infection both occurred 2.38% per patient in the PTFE group. In the OVG group, the thigh loop graft had better patency than the forearm straight graft. The forearm loop graft had a better patency rate than the forearm straight graft. In the OVG group, the 1 to 4 year patency rate was 77 ± 6%, 58 ± 8%, 48 ± 9%, and 34 ± 13%, respectively, whereas in the PTFE group, the 1 to 4 year patency rate was 69 ± 7%, 50 ± 9%, 43 ± 10%, and 26 ± 15%, respectively. Therefore, the Omniflow is a good alternative bridging graft for hemodialysis.
Using Titanium Plate or Meshplate for Chest Wall Reconstruction: Report of 6 Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Luh Shi‐Ping , Lee Yung‐Chie , Lee Jang‐Ming , Lee Chun‐Jean
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Titanium plate has been widely used in several surgical fields, such as craniofacial reconstruction and orthopedic prosthesis. This prosthesis has been proved not only with good biocompatibility and mechanical strength, but also with light weight and low radiological interference. From October 1991 to May 1995, 6 patients underwent thoracic cage reconstruction with titanium plate in our hospital. They included 5 females and 1 male, with ages ranging from 26 to 62 years. Four of them suffered from primary chest wall tumors (2 desmoid tumors, 1 chondrosarcoma, and 1 hemangioma), one had a recurrent chest wall tumor from breast carcinoma, and one had thoracic hypoplasia. The thoracic cage defect ranged from 5 times 6 cm to 10 times 15 cm, and 1 to 3 titanium plates were used for the reconstruction. No paradoxical movement or other prosthesis‐related complications have occurred during the follow‐up period. We conclude that titanium plate is a good material for thoracic cage reconstruction.
In Vitro Investigation of the St. Jude Medical Isoflow Centrifugal Pump: Flow Visualization and Hemolysis Studies
Authors: Mulder Mary M. , Hansen A. Craig , Mohammad S. Fazal , Olsen Don B.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Centrifugal blood pumps have become valuable therapeutic tools for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. In addition, surgeons have used them as temporary ventricular assist devices, and this type of pump is also being developed for use as a permanent assist device and total artificial heart. However, centrifugal pumps create flow patterns that are significantly different from those the blood experiences physiologically. The St. Jude Medical Isoflow centrifugal pump has been used clinically during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, yet no experimental results have been reported that describe the flow patterns within this pump or that quantify the hemolysis generated over a range of operating conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the flow patterns and hemolysis during 4 operating conditions. The experimental operating conditions included the design condition (6 L/min, 2,500 rpm, 350 mm Hg), a high flow condition (10 L/min, 2,500 rpm, 330 mm Hg), a low flow condition (2 L/min, 2,500 rpm, 370 mm Hg), and a near surge condition (2 L/min, 3,000 rpm, 550 mm Hg). The flow visualization results demonstrated that the flow within the impeller was well aligned with the impeller blades except near the inlet at the high flow condition. In contrast, the flow through the outlet was well aligned at the high flow condition while there was evidence of particle impact at the design condition, and the flow was disturbed at the low flow and near surge conditions. The indices of hemolysis (IH) for the 3 operating conditions at 2,500 rpm were 0.0082 ± 0.0026 (mean ± SD) for the design condition, 0.0035 ± 0.0014 for the high flow condition, and 0.0326 ± 0.0050 for the low flow condition. The indices for high and low flow were significantly different from that for the design condition (p < 0.05). The IH for the near surge condition (0.0748 ± 0.0039) was significantly higher than that for all other conditions (p < 0.05). In addition to de scribing the flow patterns within the Isoflow, this study independently validated St. Jude Medical's reported IH at the design condition and showed how that IH significantly changed based on operating conditions.