bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disrupted sleep and circadian patterns in frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Anderson K. N. , Hatfield C. , Kipps C. , Hastings M. , Hodges J. R.
Published: December 2008

Background:  A study of the pattern of Sleep/Wake disturbance in frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Methods:  Sleep diaries and prolonged actigraphy were used to record the activity, sleep and wake of 13 patients with a clinical diagnosis of FTD. These were compared with diaries and actigraphy from normal age/sex matched controls and also to a population with probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Results:  There was significant sleep/wake disturbance in FTD. This occurred throughout the course of the illness and the nature of the sleep disturbance was different to patients with AD. FTD subjects showed increased nocturnal activity and decreased morning activity compared with controls, suggesting possible phase delay. Sleep diary data confirmed decreased sleep efficiency and decreased total sleep in all FTD patients.

Conclusions:  We describe significant sleep disturbance in non‐institutionalized patients with FTD and suggest that early sleep disturbance may help differentiate between FTD and AD.
Population‐based case–control study of morale in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Benito‐León J. , Louis E. D. , Bermejo‐Pareja F. ,   on behalf of the Neurological Disorders in Central Spain (NEDICES) Study Group
Published: December 2008

Background:  Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with cognitive, psychiatric, and motor features. Each could contribute to a poor sense of well‐being and low morale. A systematic study of morale in community‐dwelling PD cases has not been performed.

Methods:  A total of 52 PD cases and 260 matched controls from three Spanish communities were assessed using the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS) (range = 0[low morale]–17). The PGCMS includes three dimensions of psychological well‐being: agitation, lonely dissatisfaction, and attitude toward own aging.

Results:  The PGCMS score was lower in PD cases than controls (8.71 ± 3.64 vs. 11.03 ± 2.77, P < 0.001), as were the agitation subscore (3.36 ± 1.91 vs. 4.07 ± 1.59, P < 0.05), lonely dissatisfaction subscore (3.48 ± 1.36 vs. 4.11 ± 1.12, P < 0.01), and attitude toward own aging subscore (1.86 ± 1.37 vs. 2.85 ± 1.13, P < 0.001). In a linear regression analysis that adjusted for depressive symptoms and other covariates, PD cases had a lower PGCMS score than controls (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Morale was significantly lower in community‐dwelling PD cases than matched controls. The detection and possible treatment of this problem may improve the psychological well‐being of patients with this disease.
ON HERESY IN MODERN PATRISTIC SCHOLARSHIP: THE CASE OF EVAGRIUS PONTICUS
Authors: CASIDAY AUGUSTINE
Published: December 2008

Patristics is a lively scholarly domain in which theologians and historians contribute to the study of Christian antiquity. But modern trends in patristic study (especially the application of contemporary critical theory to ancient sources) are not always conducive to theological research. This paper identifies the preoccupation in modern patristic study with heresy as a major source of problems. The modern study of Evagrius Ponticus (c. 345–99) provides an exemplary case in which some of these problems can be identified and explored. The initial presentation of modern scholarship will bring into focus the way that Evagrius' relationship to the sixth‐century condemnations of Origenism is interpreted by most scholars. Next, the paper identifies and evaluates recent indications that Evagrius is prized precisely because he is considered a heretic. In the final section of the paper, attention is paid to the problem of presuming that subsequent events disclose the theological meaning of earlier writings and to the problem of foreclosing independent theological assessment in order to preserve ancient condemnations. The conclusions suggest that preoccupations with alleged heresy can be every bit as detrimental to understanding of theological writings as preoccupations with orthodoxy.
THE PREVENIENCE AND PHENOMENALITY OF GRACE, OR, THE ANTERIORITY OF THE POSTERIOR
Authors: PURCELL MICHAEL
Published: December 2008

This article argues the possibility of a phenomenology of Grace on the basis of response. Its key phenomenological interlocutor is Emmanuel Levinas.

The theology of grace might be said to be the fundamental theological doctrine, embracing as it does all other theologies, yet the theology of grace has been a focus of theological debate and dispute throughout history.

This article suggests that Levinas' ethical metaphysics, when applied to theology, gives theology a new phenomenological voice in which the theology of grace might be articulated.

It begins by arguing the significance of the ordinary and the everyday and the sincerity of intentional life in the world, and then proceeds to develop the notion of the prevenience of grace (gratia praeveniens) in terms of Levinas notion of the posteriority of the anterior/anteriority of the posterior. Grace is known in its effects.
See no evil: Directing visual attention within unpleasant images modulates the electrocortical response
Authors: Dunning Jonathan P. , Hajcak Greg
Published: December 2008

The late positive potential (LPP) is larger for emotional than neutral stimuli, and reflects increased attention to motivationally salient stimuli. Recent studies have shown that the LPP can also be modulated by stimulus meaning and task relevance. The present studies sought to determine whether the magnitude of the LPP can be manipulated by directing attention to more or less arousing aspects within an emotional stimulus. To this end, trials included a passive viewing and directed attention portion. In both Studies 1 and 2, unpleasant compared to neutral images were associated with an increased LPP during passive viewing; additionally, directing attention to non‐arousing compared to highly arousing areas of unpleasant images resulted in a decreased LPP. Results are discussed in terms of the utility of using the LPP to understand emotion–cognition interactions, especially with regard to directed visual attention as an emotion regulation strategy.
Distinguishing range expansions from previously undocumented populations using background data from museum records
Authors: Frey Jennifer K.
Published: December 2008

Aim Knowledge of the distribution of a species is fundamental to understanding the species’ biology, and changes in known distribution may reflect response to environmental change. However, in many cases, purported range expansions are not adequately justified and extra‐limital records may simply reflect previously undocumented populations. Thus, it is critical to distinguish between these hypotheses. This study aimed to provide a simple, conceptual framework for evaluating these hypotheses that depends on the use of museum background data to assess the adequacy of historical sampling.

Location American Southwest and worldwide.

Methods Background data are records of species other than the taxon of interest that are likely to be documented using the same sampling methods. If evaluation of the background group determines that the taxon of interest would have been documented if present, then the extra‐limital record can be considered a range expansion. Conversely, if evaluation of the background group indicates that historical sampling was inadequate to have documented the taxon of interest, then the most parsimonious explanation for the extra‐limital record is an undocumented population, which should be presented as a range extension. As an example, I applied the methods to a purported range expansion of the yellow‐nosed cotton rat (Sigmodon ochrognathus) in the Rincon Mountains in south‐eastern Arizona.

Results Evaluation of the background group revealed that sampling was inadequate to have documentedS. ochrognathusin the Rincon Mountains if present. Thus, the record ofS. ochrognathusin the Rincon Mountains was interpreted as a previously undocumented population rather than a range expansion.

Main conclusion Range expansions can reflect factors that are of important conservation concern, such as climate change or habitat modification. Thus, it is essential that the cause of extra‐limital records be accurately interpreted. The method provides a simple means for testing between hypotheses of range extension and range expansion.
Patterns of taxonomic diversity and relatedness among native and non‐indigenous bryozoans
Authors: Floerl Oliver , Inglis Graeme J. , Gordon Dennis P.
Published: December 2008

Aim  The likelihood of a species successfully passing through all stages of the human‐mediated invasion process and becoming established at new locations is often determined by phenotypic characteristics. Among species, phenotypic similarity is negatively correlated with phylogenetic distance, but examples of independent evolution of traits in unrelated taxa do exist. Using marine bryozoans as model organisms we predict that, given the selectivity of the invasion process, the phylogenetic relatedness among established non‐indigenous species in a region is either higher or lower than that among the native assemblage, but not the same.

Location  Sixteen port and marina environments around New Zealand (the principal sites of establishment of most non‐indigenous bryozoans), and coastal habitats of the entire New Zealand coastline.

Methods  We use average taxonomic distinctness (avTD) as a measure of phylogenetic relatedness and taxonomic ‘breadth’ of species assemblages. We compare values of avTD between native and non‐indigenous bryozoan assemblages at two spatial scales and examine whether assemblages in port environments represent phylogenetically restricted and morphologically distinct subsets of the regional coastal bryofauna.

Results  At a nationwide and a local scale, the phylogenetic relatedness among non‐indigenous bryozoans was no different from that among members of the native assemblage. However, native bryozoans inhabiting port and marina environments had a significantly reduced taxonomic breadth and higher phylogenetic relatedness than the pool of ‘available’ native bryozoans from surrounding coastal habitats. Non‐indigenous species were on average six times more prevalent than native species in ports. There were no differences in morphological characteristics between native and non‐indigenous bryozoans from ports and natural environments.

Main conclusion  We found no evidence that a successful passage through the stages of the invasion process results in a taxonomically distinct non‐indigenous assemblage. However, patterns of relatedness among native and among non‐indigenous species may be influenced by the nature of the study environment.
Adequate language description in L2 research/teaching: the case of pro‐drop language speakers learning L2 English
Authors: Liu Dilin
Published: December 2008

Taking the example of ESL learners’ difficulties in resetting the pro‐drop parameter, this paper explores the need for L2 research and teaching to be based on sound linguistic data and description. First of all, it reviews key studies on the acquisition of non‐null arguments in English, focusing on the varying difficulties that speakers of different pro‐drop languages face in the acquisition process. Secondly, it examines some major English grammar reference books and student textbooks, illustrating the inadequacy of the existing depiction of the English argument parameter. Finally, it suggests how a more accurate description can result in a better understanding of ESL learners’ difficulties and lead to an informed pedagogy, tailored to the unique needs of learners of different L1 backgrounds.
The technologization of discourse and authenticity in English language teaching
Authors: Wee Lionel
Published: December 2008

Enterprise culture puts pressure on individuals to demonstrate their entrepreneurial selves by drawing connections between their identities both inside and outside the workplace to consistently display a high degree of agency, initiative and purpose. This means that school‐based ELT can and should play a greater role in preparing students for the workplace by sensitizing them to the properties of discourse in enterprise culture. To do this, ELT needs to appreciate that such discourse is both increasingly technologized and reliant on the notion of self‐based authenticity. This paper explains how self‐based authenticity is related to, yet distinct from, the text‐based and task‐based authenticities that usually concern ELT, and suggests that a performance‐oriented perspective can help learners come to terms with the demands of technologized discourse.
British Colonial Education in Africa: Policy and Practice in the Era of Trusteeship
Authors: Windel Aaron
Published: December 2008

Historians continue to debate the role of the colonial state in the history of Africa and whether and how the state addressed problems of social welfare. In the early twentieth century, plans for Native Education were central to the construed mission of the state to serve as “Trustees for native peoples.” This article surveys the theories, aims, and practice of British education in Africa, focusing on the period between WWI and WWII when the colonial state took an unprecedented role in crafting an education policy for the whole of its African territory. It examines the role of American philanthropy, the controversy of English vs. vernacular language education, the relationship between settler communities and African labor, and African and metropolitan social movements in forming and executing education policy.
The Formation of National Culture in Egypt in the Interwar Period: Cultural Trajectories
Authors: Armbrust Walter
Published: December 2008

This paper is part of aHistory Compassconference cluster tracing the formation of national culture in Egypt. Guest editor, Walter Armbrust, here introduces the cluster of articles which were originally part of a conference in Oxford on January 12–13, 2007, organized by Walter Armbrust, Ronald Nettler, and Lucie Ryzova, and funded by the Middle East Centre (St. Antony's), The Faculty of Oriental Studies, The Khalid bin ‘Abdullah Al‐Sa’ud Professorship (Professor Clive Holes), and The Centre for Political Ideologies.

The cluster is made up of the following articles:

Guest Editor: Walter Armbrust ‘The Formation of National Culture in Egypt in the Interwar Period: Cultural Trajectories’, Walter Armbrust,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00571.x‘Repackaging the Egyptian Monarchy: Faruq in the Public Spotlight, 1936–1939’, Matthew Ellis,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00572.x‘HowZaynabBecame the First Arabic Novel’, Elliott Colla,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00573.x‘Women in the Singing Business, Women in Songs’, Frédéric Lagrange,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00574.x‘Long Live Patriarchy: Love in the Time of ‘Abd al‐Wahhab’, Walter Armbrust,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00575.x‘Football as National Allegory:Al‐Ahramand the Olympics in 1920s Egypt’, Shaun Lopez,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00576.x‘The Professional Worldview of theEffendiHistorian’, Yoav Di‐Capua,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00577.x
Repackaging the Egyptian Monarchy: Faruq in the Public Spotlight, 1936–1939
Authors: Ellis Matthew H.
Published: December 2008

This paper is part of aHistory Compassconference cluster tracing the formation of national culture in Egypt. Guest edited by Walter Armbrust, this cluster of articles was originally part of a conference in Oxford on January 12–13, 2007, organized by Walter Armbrust, Ronald Nettler, and Lucie Ryzova, and funded by the Middle East Centre (St. Antony's), The Faculty of Oriental Studies, The Khalid bin ‘Abdullah Al‐Sa’ud Professorship (Professor Clive Holes), and The Centre for Political Ideologies.

 The cluster is made up of the following articles:

Guest Editor: Walter Armbrust ‘The Formation of National Culture in Egypt in the Interwar Period: Cultural Trajectories’, Walter Armbrust,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00571.x‘Repackaging the Egyptian Monarchy: Faruq in the Public Spotlight, 1936–1939’, Matthew Ellis,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00572.x‘HowZaynabBecame the First Arabic Novel’, Elliott Colla,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00573.x‘Women in the Singing Business, Women in Songs’, Frédéric Lagrange,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00574.x‘Long Live Patriarchy: Love in the Time of ‘Abd al‐Wahhab’, Walter Armbrust,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00575.x‘Football as National Allegory:Al‐Ahramand the Olympics in 1920s Egypt’, Shaun Lopez,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00576.x‘The Professional Worldview of theEffendiHistorian’, Yoav Di‐Capua,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00577.x
HowZaynabBecame the First Arabic Novel
Authors: Colla Elliott
Published: December 2008

This paper is part of aHistory Compassconference cluster tracing the formation of national culture in Egypt. Guest edited by Walter Armbrust, this cluster of articles was originally part of a conference in Oxford on January 12–13, 2007, organized by Walter Armbrust, Ronald Nettler, and Lucie Ryzova, and funded by the Middle East Centre (St. Antony's), The Faculty of Oriental Studies, The Khalid bin ‘Abdullah Al‐Sa’ud Professorship (Professor Clive Holes), and The Centre for Political Ideologies.

The cluster is made up of the following articles:

Guest Editor: Walter Armbrust ‘The Formation of National Culture in Egypt in the Interwar Period: Cultural Trajectories’, Walter Armbrust,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00571.x‘Repackaging the Egyptian Monarchy: Faruq in the Public Spotlight, 1936–1939’, Matthew Ellis,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00572.x‘HowZaynabBecame the First Arabic Novel’, Elliott Colla,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00573.x‘Women in the Singing Business, Women in Songs’, Frédéric Lagrange,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00574.x‘Long Live Patriarchy: Love in the Time of ‘Abd al‐Wahhab’, Walter Armbrust,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00575.x‘Football as National Allegory:Al‐Ahramand the Olympics in 1920s Egypt’, Shaun Lopez,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00576.x‘The Professional Worldview of theEffendiHistorian’, Yoav Di‐Capua,History Compass6 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00577.x

Despite a long‐standing critical consensus that Muhammad Husayn Haykal's 1914 novel Zaynab was the first ‘mature’ Arabic novel, there is much evidence to the contrary. First, in terms of genre,Zaynabwas not the first book calling itself by the term that later critics would call ‘novel’; second, in terms of the bibliographic record, it was not a unique book on the cultural market in 1914; third, in terms of literary style, it was not at the time a particularly unique formal or thematic experiment in prose fiction; and finally, in terms of reception, it was not recognized as significant even by the small market segment and cultural field in which it initially appeared. This article revisits this critical debate and suggests that the canonization ofZaynabas the first Arabic novel cannot be explained by the work itself, but rather by subsequent developments – most especially, in the film adaptations of the novel and in the nationalization of university curricula during the Nasserist period.
Long Live Patriarchy: Love in the Time of ‘Abd al‐Wahhab
Authors: Armbrust Walter
Published: December 2008

This paper is part of a History Compass conference cluster tracing the formation of national culture in Egypt. Guest edited by Walter Armbrust, this cluster of articles was originally part of a conference in Oxford on January 12–13, 2007, organized by Walter Armbrust, Ronald Nettler, and Lucie Ryzova, and funded by the Middle East Centre (St. Antony's), The Faculty of Oriental Studies, The Khalid bin ‘Abdullah Al‐Sa’ud Professorship (Professor Clive Holes), and The Centre for Political Ideologies.

The cluster is made up of the following articles:

Guest Editor: Walter Armbrust ‘The Formation of National Culture in Egypt in the Interwar Period: Cultural Trajectories’, Walter Armbrust, History Compass 6 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00571.x‘Repackaging the Egyptian Monarchy: Faruq in the Public Spotlight, 1936–1939’, Matthew Ellis, History Compass 6 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00572.x‘How Zaynab Became the First Arabic Novel’, Elliott Colla, History Compass 6 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00573.x‘Women in the Singing Business, Women in Songs’, Frédéric Lagrange, History Compass 6 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00574.x‘Long Live Patriarchy: Love in the Time of ‘Abd al‐Wahhab’, Walter Armbrust, History Compass 6 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00575.x‘Football as National Allegory: Al‐Ahram and the Olympics in 1920s Egypt’, Shaun Lopez, History Compass 6 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00576.x‘The Professional Worldview of the Effendi Historian’, Yoav Di‐Capua, History Compass 6 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-0542.2008.00577.x
Matching Efficacy of Online Hemodiafiltration in Simple Hemodialysis Mode
Authors: Krieter Detlef H. , Hunn Elisabeth , Morgenroth Andreas , Lemke Horst‐Dieter , Wanner Christoph
Published: December 2008

PUREMA H (referred to as PES) is an innovative dialysis membrane for enhanced low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) protein removal. The purpose of the study was to prove whether its efficacy in hemodialysis (HD) matches that of online hemodiafiltration (HDF) with conventional high‐flux membranes. In a prospective, randomized, cross‐over study on eight maintenance dialysis patients, treatment efficacy of HD with PES was compared with online postdilution HDF with the two synthetic high‐flux membranes polysulfone (referred to as PSU) and Polyamix (referred to as POX). Apart from the infusion of replacement fluid, which was set at 20% of the blood flow rate of 300 mL/min, operating conditions in HD and HDF were kept identical. Small solute and LMW protein plasma clearances as well as the reduction ratio (RR) of cystatin C and retinol‐binding protein were not different between the therapies. HDF with POX resulted in a significantly lower myoglobin RR as compared with HD with PES, and HDF with PSU. A 4% higher beta2‐microglobulin RR was determined in HDF with PSU (73 ± 5%) as compared with PES in HD (69 ± 5%). The albumin loss was below 1 g for all treatments. Despite the fact that simple HD did not fully exploit the characteristics of PES, it achieved essentially similar LMW protein removal and albumin loss as compared with online postdilution HDF with the conventional synthetic high‐flux membranes PSU and POX. Therefore, HD with PES may have beneficial effects on the outcome of maintenance dialysis patients similar to high‐efficiency HDF.
Serum Free‐Light Chain Removal by High Cutoff Hemodialysis: Optimizing Removal and Supportive Care
Authors: Hutchison Colin A. , Harding Stephen , Mead Graham , Goehl Hermann , Storr Markus , Bradwell Arthur , Cockwell Paul
Published: December 2008

In multiple myeloma the predominant cause of irreversible renal failure is cast nephropathy, secondary to excess κ or λ serum free light chains (FLCs). These molecules are efficiently cleared by hemodialysis (HD) using the Gambro HCO 1100 dialyzer. To optimize the removal of FLCs by this dialyzer we have studied the effect of dialyzers in series, dialyzer change, and hemodiafiltration in 14 patients with multiple myeloma and renal failure. The clearance rates of both κ FLCs and λ FLCs were significantly increased on two dialyzers from 19 (7.3–34)–15.3 (9–28) mL/min to 47 (17–79)–35.5 (20–57) mL/min, respectively. Clearance rates of both FLCs decreased over the course of the dialysis sessions (both P < 0.001). Changing the dialyzer during a HD session increased λ FLC clearance rates (22.5 [6–41] to 37.6 [9–52] mL/min; P < 0.001) and decreased κ FLC clearance rates (39.6 [9–72] to 19 [8–59] mL/min; P < 0.003). Ultrafiltration during HD increased the clearance rates of κ FLCs (R 0.52, P < 0.01) but not λ FLCs (R −0.25; P < 0.076). Hemodiafiltration increased the clearance rates of both κ (19 [SD 6.8] to 32 [SD 9.8] mL/min) and λ FLCs (15 [SD 7.8] to 20 [SD 7.7] mL/min). Albumin replacement requirements for 8 h of HD increased from 12 g for a single dialyzer to 45 g for two dialyzers in series (P < 0.001). Different protocols are required to optimize the removal of κ and λ FLCs in patients with myeloma and renal failure.
In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of a Silk Fibroin‐Coated Polyester Vascular Prosthesis
Authors: Huang Fuhua , Sun Lizhong , Zheng Jun
Published: December 2008

Silk fibroin (SF) is well known to be biocompatible, degradable, and nontoxic. In this study, SF was impregnated into a porous polyester graft (InterVascular external velour, InterVascular, Inc., La Ciotat, France), 8 mm in diameter. The SF‐impregnated graft was investigated in vitro and in vivo to evaluate its potential for use as a new vascular graft impervious to blood, while retaining high porosity for tissue ingrowth and biological healing. For in vitro investigation, the water permeability, coating weight, morphology, and mechanical properties of the SF‐impregnated grafts were compared with collagen‐coated grafts (InterGard grafts, InterVascular, Inc.). The water permeability of the controls (1388 ± 30.5 mL/cm2/min at 120 mm Hg) was reduced >99% by SF impregnation, rendering the graft impervious to blood. The coating weight of the collagen was 117 ± 22 mg/g of graft, producing a slightly lower value than the InterGard prosthesis (302 ± 23 mg/g). For the in vivo experiment, six SF‐sealed vascular grafts were implanted in the abdominal aorta of dogs for scheduled periods ranging from 4 h to 6 months. Commercial collagen‐impregnated grafts (InterGard) and untreated external velour grafts (InterVascular) were also implanted for scheduled periods ranging from 1 to 6 months for comparison. Gross observation of the explanted grafts and histological examination of the representative sections were conducted for two types of grafts using a light microscope after hematoxylin–eosin staining. These SF‐impregnated grafts showed less foreign body and inflammation reactions, and the SF layer was almost completely absorbed. The average of the values in each period for the SF grafts was 48% neointima at 1 month, 85% at 3 months, and 97% at 6 months, whereas those of the InterGard prostheses was 34, 46, and 90%, respectively. This study demonstrated that the use of a biodegradable SF as biological sealant can be a feasible approach to prepare impervious textile arterial prostheses. The SF‐impregnated graft showed less thrombogenesis and induced host cell migration along the matrix without foreign body or inflammatory reactions. Moreover, it appears to facilitate the development of endothelial‐like cells.
A New Method of In Vitro Wear Assessment of the UHMWPE Tibial Insert in Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Affatato Saverio , Cristofolini Luca , Leardini Walter , Erani Paolo , Zavalloni Mara , Tigani Domenico , Viceconti Marco
Published: December 2008

The wear of the ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tibial insert was determined using a four‐station knee simulator. The bearings were subjected to flexion/extension (between 0 and 58°), anterior–posterior translation (between 0 and −5.2 mm), internal–external rotation (between −1.9° and +5.7°), and a maximum axial load of 2.6 KN, as per ISO 14243−1,2,3. The wear tests were run at a frequency of 1.1 Hz for 5 million cycles, and the wear of the inserts (n = 3) was determined using the gravimetric method. The novelty of the study was a special setup developed to simulate, as realistically as possible, in vivo conditions; this involved fixing the femoral component to the distal end of a synthetic femur model by a qualified orthopedic surgeon using an approved method. After 5 million cycles, the mean weight losses were 11.16, 19.74, and 12.61 mg for specimens #1, #2, and #3, respectively. Visual and nondestructive inspections for each of the test specimens showed similar wear tracks and these were very similar to those seen on inserts retrieved after 2 years in vivo. These results show the efficacy of the new in vitro UHMWPE wear assessment method. Furthermore, a comparison between the present in vitro results and those reported in a relevant previous study provide some insight into the influence of the method used to fix the femoral component to the simulator on the wear magnitude and patterns of the tibial insert.
Score Model for the Evaluation of Dialysis Membrane Hemocompatibility
Authors: Erlenkötter Ansgar , Endres Pia , Nederlof Bernd , Hornig Carsten , Vienken Jörg
Published: December 2008

The interaction of blood with artificial surfaces is of particular interest during hemodialysis treatments with extracorporeal blood circuits. Components of the extracorporeal blood circuit are known to have only a moderate, sometimes even an unfavorable hemocompatibility, and thus may provoke adverse biochemical or clinical sequelae. This article describes a newly established hemocompatibility assessment score. This score is based on on a standardized series of in vitro tests and is applied to commercially available hemodialysis membranes. It relates to a variety of membrane polymers, such as regenerated cellulose, diethylaminoethyl‐modified cellulose, polyethersulfone/polyarylate blends and polysulfone. In order to compare different polymers used in the manufacturing of dialysis membranes, a set of the following hemocompatibility parameters was assessed and assembled to an overall score: generation of complement factor 5a, thrombin‐antithrombin III‐complex, release of platelet factor 4, generation and release of elastase from polymorphonuclear granulocytes, and platelet count. With respect to these parameters, the results reveal major differences between the selected dialysis membranes. This new score model proves to be an efficient tool to derive objective results, and it may, thus, be used in the future to facilitate the selection of membrane polymers with an appropriate hemocompatibility pattern for dialysis therapy.
Acid‐Base Balance and Oxygen Tension During Dialysis in Uremic Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Manca‐Di‐Villahermosa Simone , Tedesco Michela , Lonzi Maurizio , Della‐Rovere Francesca R. , Innocenzi Anna , Colarieti Giovanni , Favarò Antonio , Chamoun Gebran M. , Taccone‐Gallucci Massimo
Published: December 2008

Recent reports on the effects of dialysis on acid‐base balance and metabolic acidosis correction in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are lacking. Here, we compared acid‐base balance and blood gasses among 14 patients with established COPD (group A) and eight patients with normal respiratory function (group B). The two groups were homogeneous for age, time on dialysis, and male/female ratio. At the beginning of dialysis, acid‐base balance and blood gasses were comparable between patients of groups A and B. A significant difference between groups was observed only in pCO2 at 20 min, together with a delay in pH increase. Effective correction of acidosis was reported at the end of dialysis and is not significantly affected by COPD. Nevertheless, weight loss must be carefully monitored in these patients in order to prevent hyperhydration and worsening of respiratory function.
Endothelial Cell Retention on a Viscoelastic Nanocomposite Vascular Conduit Is Improved by Exposure to Shear Stress Preconditioning Prior to Physiological Flow
Authors: Vara Dina S. , Punshon Geoffrey , Sales Kevin M. , Sarkar Sandip , Hamilton George , Seifalian Alexander M.
Published: December 2008

In this study, endothelial cell (EC)‐seeded nanocomposite grafts were preconditioned with 1–2  dynes/cm2 in vitro to establish whether low shear stress resulted in improved cell adherence prior to physiological shear stress (15 dynes/cm2). Alamar blue cell viability was assessed. Polymerase chain reaction was conducted for glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, transforming growth factor beta‐1 (TGFβ‐1), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐1 (VEGFR‐1), platelet EC adhesion molecule‐1, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2). The Alamar blue results demonstrated improved cellular retention following preconditioning (P < 0.001). VEGFR‐2 and TGFβ‐1 expression was up‐regulated, and VEGFR‐1 down‐regulated following preconditioning. This investigation confirms previous findings regarding the potential benefits of preconditioning, and demonstrates that these benefits can be applied to ECs seeded on the nanocomposite employed. It also demonstrates further the suitability and potential of nanocomposite for future use in tissue‐engineered cardiovascular devices.
Effect of RGD‐Immobilized Dual‐Pore Poly(l‐Lactic Acid) Scaffolds on Chondrocyte Proliferation and Extracellular Matrix Production
Authors: Jung Hyun Jung , Park Kwideok , Kim Jae‐Jin , Lee Jin Ho , Han Ki‐Ok , Han Dong Keun
Published: December 2008

Interactions between cell and polymer surface have great implications in tissue engineering. In this study, chondrocyte proliferation and matrix production were examined using porous poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) scaffolds that have different surface characteristics. PLLA scaffolds were prepared using a gas‐foaming method, and subjected to surface modifications through plasma treatment and subsequent in situ grafting of hydrophilic acrylic acid (AA). To immobilize peptide ligands, the AA‐grafted PLLA scaffolds (PLLA‐PAA) were further reacted with either Gly‐Arg‐Asp‐Gly (GRDG) or Gly‐Arg‐Gly‐Asp (GRGD) to produce PLLA‐PAA‐GRDG or PLLA‐PAA‐GRGD scaffold, respectively. The average porosities of the scaffolds were more than 90%, and their pore sizes ranged from 200∼300 to 10∼50 µm for large and small pores, respectively. The concentrations of each bound component were 2.14 × 10−4 mmol/cm2 for AA, 1.87 nmol/g for GRDG, and 1.68 nmol/g for GRGD. When chondrocytes were seeded onto the different PLLA scaffolds, cell adhesion and proliferation were highly affected as the substrate types vary. The RGD‐immobilized scaffolds resulted in higher cellularity and better accumulation of total glycosaminoglycan than the others. Histological staining of Safranin O showed that the deposited extracellular matrix was more intense and widely distributed in the PLLA‐PAA‐GRGD scaffold. The present data suggest that immobilization of RGD peptide on the AA‐grafted PLLA scaffold can be an effective tool for chondrocyte attachment and proliferation, and that it may also be helpful to facilitate cartilaginous tissue formation.
Temperature Control Using a Heat Exchanger of a Cardioplegic System in Cardiopulmonary Bypass Model for Rats
Authors: Kim Won Gon , Choi Se Hun , Kim Jin Hyun
Published: December 2008

Small animal cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) model would be a valuable tool for investigating pathophysiological and therapeutic strategies on bypass. However, the rat CPB models have a number of technical limitations. Effective maintenance and control of core temperature by heat exchanger (HE) is among them. The purpose of this study was to confirm the effect of rectal temperature maintenance and hypothermic control using a HE of cardioplegia system in CPB model for rats. The miniature circuit consisted of a reservoir, HE, membrane oxygenator, and roller pump; the static priming volume was 40 cc. In the first stage of experiment, 10 male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into two groups; HE group was subjected to CPB with HE from a cardioplegia system, and control group was subjected to CPB with warm water circulating around the reservoir. Partial CPB was conducted at a flow rate of 40 mg/kg/min for 20 min after venous cannulation (via the internal jugular vein) and arterial cannulation (via the femoral artery). Rectal temperature was measured after anesthetic induction, after cannulation, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min after CPB. Arterial blood gas with hematocrit was also analyzed, 5 and 15 min after CPB. In the second stage with the same experimental setting, rectal temperatures were lowered in 10 rats to the target temperature of 32°C. After reaching the target temperature, animals were rewarmed. Rectal temperature was measured after cannulation, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min after CPB. Arterial blood gas with hematocrit was also analyzed, 5 and 15 min after CPB. Rectal temperature change differed between the two groups (P < 0.01). The temperatures of the HE group were well maintained during CPB, whereas the control group was under progressive hypothermia. Rectal temperature 20 min after CPB was 36.16 ± 0.32°C in the HE group and 34.22 ± 0.36°C in the control group. In the second set of experiments, the hypothermia targeted (32°C) was reached in 15 min (from 35.56 ± 1.05°C to 31.75 ± 0.47°C). The rats were successfully rewarmed within the observation period of 30 min. Arterial blood gases and hematocrits showed no further significant findings. We confirmed the effect of rectal temperature maintenance and hypothermic control using an HE of cardioplegia system in CPB model for rats. This model would be a valuable tool for further use in hypothermic CPB experiments in rats.
Using Detachment‐Promoting Agents for the Prevention of Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis‐Associated Infections
Authors: Branger Bernard , Marion Karine , Bergeron Emmanuelle , Perret Cécile , Zabadani Bachir , Reboul Pascal , Freney Jean
Published: December 2008

Biofilms are known to be responsible for chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD)‐related infections. Such infections are still frequent among patients in PD. The aim of this study was to develop a new approach in the prevention of chronic PD‐related infection by regular injection of specific formulations containing detachment‐promoting agents. A biofilm reactor system reproducing PD‐like operating conditions was developed. A first set of experiments allowed the assessment of the anti‐biofilm efficacy of various formulations. Then, experiments were performed for a longer duration and selected formulations were tested and compared with taurolidine. Biofilm removal was quantified by calculating the percentage of coverage reduction compared with an untreated control. A regular weekly treatment led to a 97% reduction of the surface coverage although a daily treatment with taurolidine still left 48% of the biomass on the surface. Such treatment is recommended to reduce the frequencies of chronic PD‐related infections.
Oxygen Delivery and Hemoglobin Concentration in Cardiac Surgery: When Do We Have Enough?
Authors: Slight Robert D. , Lux Danielle , Nzewi Onyekwelu C. , McClelland David B.L. , Mankad Pankaj S.
Published: December 2008

For many years it has been assumed that patients undergoing cardiac surgery utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass accumulate an “oxygen debt” that requires a higher postoperative hemoglobin concentration for its reversal. Much of this evidence has now been discredited due to mathematical error with recent research suggesting critical levels of oxygen delivery are lower than previously thought. This article aims to explore the relationship between observed and critical oxygen delivery with an estimation of the minimal hemoglobin required. This was a single‐center observational study. Nineteen adult elective cardiac surgery patients were recruited to participate with four subsequently excluded. Observed measurements of oxygen delivery were recorded and compared with calculated “critical” values adjusted for temperature. The hemoglobin value that represented critical oxygen delivery was compared with the observed value to identify any “hemoglobin reserve.” At no perioperative time point did observed oxygen delivery or critical hemoglobin concentration significantly approach its corresponding critical value. Current transfusion practice in noncritically ill cardiac surgery patients may be considered excessive if systemic oxygen requirement is the sole parameter considered.
Subcutaneous Transposition of the Superficial Femoral Artery for Arterioarterial Hemodialysis: Technique and Results
Authors: Salgado Octavio J. , Terán Nemesio A. , Rosales Beatriz , Garcia Rafael A.
Published: December 2008

We report the use of subcutaneous transposition of the femoral artery (STFA) for placement of both inflow and outflow needles in 14 hemodialysis (HD) adult patients with difficult access. Follow‐up time was 318 months during which a total of 3215 arterioarterial HD sessions were done. Kt/V values ranged between 0.71 and 1.59. Elevated access recirculation and dialysis outflow pressures were common findings to all patients. Complications were: (i) two episodes of bleeding secondary to puncture‐related arterial wall laceration, repaired by stitching; (ii) three episodes of thrombosis in two patients, all successfully declotted; (iii) three puncture‐related complications needing placement of a vein interposition graft, namely, aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, and arterial stenosis; and (iv) one case of arterial ligation because of suppurative puncture site infection, without subsequent distal ischemia signs or claudication. The use of STFA should only be reserved for patients in urgent need for vascular access with no remaining options.
Clinical Perspectives on Lacosamide
Authors: Halford Jonathan J. , Lapointe Marc
Published: December 2008

Despite the advent of new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) over the past 15 years, the treatment of uncontrolled partial-onset seizures remains a dilemma for clinicians. The most recent AEDs offer new mechanisms of action and more favorable safety profiles than the first generation of AEDs. Lacosamide (LCM) is the latest AED awaiting approval by the FDA for adjunctive use in partial-onset seizures. It differs from all other approved AEDs in that it has two novel mechanisms of action and favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. The purposes of this article are to present the significant parameters for its use in clinical practice, by summarizing the preliminary results of phase II and III clinical trials, and to compare its efficacy data with other second-generation AEDs.
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy: More Trials Are Needed to Guide Therapy
Authors: Abou-Khalil Bassel W.
Published: December 2008

Levetiracetam for the Treatment of Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy with Myoclonic Seizures. Noachtar S, Andermann E, Meyvisch P, Andermann F, Gough WB, Schiemann-Delgado J, For the N166 Levetiracetam Study Group. Neurology 2008;70:607–616.

Background

Currently, there are no published randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of adjunctive antiepileptic therapy in idiopathic generalized epilepsy with myoclonic seizures.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial assessed the efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive treatment with levetiracetam 3,000 mg/day in adolescents (12 years) and adults (65 years) with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, who experienced myoclonic seizures on 8 days during a prospective 8-week baseline period, despite antiepileptic monotherapy. The 8-week baseline period was followed by 4-week up-titration, 12-week evaluation, and 6-week down-titration/conversion periods.

Results

Of 122 patients randomized, 120 (levetiracetam, n = 60; placebo, n = 60) were evaluable. Diagnoses were either juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (93.4%) or juvenile absence epilepsy (6.6%). A reduction of 50% in the number of days/week with myoclonic seizures was seen in 58.3% of patients in the levetiracetam group and in 23.3% of patients in the placebo group ( p < 0.001) during the treatment period. Levetiracetam-treated patients were more likely to respond to treatment than patients receiving placebo (OR = 4.77; 95% CI, 2.12 to 10.77; p < 0.001). Levetiracetam-treated patients had higher freedom from myoclonic seizures (25.0% vs 5.0%; p = 0.004) and all seizure types (21.7% vs 1.7%; p < 0.001) during the evaluation period. The only adverse events more frequent with levetiracetam were somnolence and neck pain.

Conclusion

These results suggest that levetiracetam is an effective and well-tolerated adjunctive treatment for patients with previously uncontrolled idiopathic generalized epilepsy with myoclonic seizures.
Patients with Seizure Clusters—Identification of a High-Risk Group
Authors: Garcia Paul
Published: December 2008

Seizure Clustering During Drug Treatment Affects Seizure Outcome and Mortality of Childhood-Onset Epilepsy.

Sillanpää M, Schmidt D. Brain 2008;131(Pt 4):938–944. To provide evidence of whether seizure clustering is associated with drug resistance and increased mortality in childhood-onset epilepsy, a prospective, long-term population-based study was performed. One hundred and twenty patients who had been followed since disease onset (average age 37.0 years, SD 7.1, median 40.0, range 11–42; incident cases) were included. At the end of the follow-up period, 26 (11 boys) of these patients (22%) had recorded clusters of seizures. Fourteen recorded pre-treatment clusters, including 10 patients with clusters as first seizures; and in 12 patients, clusters occurred during treatment. In these 12 patients, first clustering began after 16 (range 0–35; median 15) years of treatment. Compared with the patients without clusters, those with clusters more often had at least one seizure per week at the initial stage (63% versus 32%, P = 0.0178) and during the follow-up period ( P-value varied from 0.0464 to 0.0064). Patients having seizure clusters during drug therapy were more likely to have drug resistant epilepsy compared to those not experiencing seizure clusters (42% versus 13%; P = 0.0102) and had a lower rate of entering 5-year terminal remission ( P = 0.0039) and 5-year remission ( P = 0.0230). In addition, the risk of death was significantly increased among patients with seizure clusters during drug therapy compared with those who had not experienced any clustering (42% versus 14%; P = 0.0299 two-sided Fisher's exact test). The risk ratio for patients with clusters was 3.49 (95%CI1.25–9.78). In contrast, patients with seizure clustering prior to, but not during, treatment versus those with no clustering showed no difference in seizure outcome or mortality risk. In conclusion, clustering of seizures during treatment, but not prior to treatment, is associated with a poorer long-term seizure and mortality outcome.