bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PATIENT AND PROFESSIONAL PARTNERSHIP IN DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY
Authors: Cox SA. , Keogh AM.
Published: July 2012

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex multifaceted metabolic disorder characterised by chronic disease processes of hyperglycaemia and changes in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins (1, 2). It holds no boundaries with age, gender, culture or social strata (3). It is a life long disease process, which belongs to the individual (4), impacting on physical, social, psychosocial and spiritual life experiences (5).

Diabetes is a worldwide burden to healthcare providers. In the United Kingdom (UK) 1.4 million people are affected with a suspected million people undiagnosed (6). A significant subgroup of patients with DM are predisposed to developing diabetic nephropathy, and it is now the single commonest cause of end‐stage renal failure, accounting for 16% of new patients taken on to renal replacement therapy each year (7). It is in this subgroup that other diabetes related complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease are also concentrated (8). Microalbuminuria is an early indicator of renal disease in diabetes, and also predictive of total mortality, cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular morbidity (9). These associated macro and microvascular complications can result in high personal, social and financial costs of managing complications associated with diabetic nephropathy and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Some ethnic groups are particularly vulnerable ‐ in the UK, the incidence of ESRD in South Asians and African Caribbean's is three times higher than in White Caucasians, in part due to the high prevalence of diabetic nephropathy (10).
PAIN DEGREE AND SKIN DAMAGE DURING ARTERIO‐VENOUS FISTULA PUNCTURE
Authors: Montero Rodolfo Crespo , Arellano Flora Rivero , Abad María Dolores Contreres , Gómez Angela Martínez , Galán María Isabel Fuentes
Published: July 2012

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of needle bevel position on the degree of pain and damage to the skin covering the vein, in an arteriovenous fistula puncture, in haemodialysis patients.

48 patients with autologous arteriovenous fistula were studied. After puncture the patient was asked about the degree of pain perceived by means of an analogue visual scale and a descriptive verbal scale. When the needle was removed, the length of the cut made by the puncture was measured.

The perceived pain assessed by analogue visual scale was greatest when the needle was punctured with the bevel facing upwards rather than downwards (median: 3 versus 2, p<0.003).

The prick in the skin was greater when the puncture was made with the bevel facing upwards (19.7 ± 5.6) rather than downwards (16.2 ± 3.8, p < 0.0001).

It is concluded that arteriovenous fistula puncture with the bevel facing downward significantly reduces the degree of pain and the skin lesion at the point of puncture, without increasing the number of punctures.
ESTABLISHING NEPHROLOGY NURSING SPECIALIZATION IN JAPAN: A MATTER OF URGENCY
Authors: Terada I. , Hyde C.
Published: July 2012

This paper explores the current situation regarding the provision of renal services to patients with end‐stage renal disease in Japan. The statistical data reveal that Japan is in a predicament regarding the current rate of incidence of end‐stage renal disease in the population. The discussion highlights the fact that nephrology nursing practice is as yet not recognised as a speciality in its own right in Japan. Therefore Japanese nurses who work in the field of nephrology are still struggling to establish their own professional identity and to improve the professional level of their practice. This situation persists in Japan despite support from the literature, which confirms that appropriately qualified nephrology nurses are well equipped to provide specialised care. The recent decision by the Japanese Association of Nephrology Nurses is to establish the position of the specialised dialysis nurse, which does not cover the area of kidney transplantation and will start in 2004. It is expected that it will be an important challenge to improve professional skills and nephrology nursing status in Japan.
SIMPLE PRESSURE MEASUREMENT IS NOT RELIABLE IN DETECTION OF ACCESS STENOSIS IN NATIVE AV FISTULAS
Authors: Portová M. , Hor̆ení J. , Kr̆emenová E. , Nejedlý B. , Válek M. , Lopot F.
Published: July 2012

Dynamic arterial and venous pressures (PA, PV) are used as the simplest tools to assess vascular access quality (VAQ). An increased PV over three consecutive dialyses is believed to indicate a stenosis, a rule devised for synthetic grafts (AVG) but not adequately validated for AV fistulas (AVF). In this study dynamic PV and static intra‐access pressure (calculated by means of the simplified formula PIA=(PA+PV)/2) changes were evaluated in 46 accesses in which balloon angioplasty had to eventually be performed.

The whole group consisted of 30 forearm AVF, 5 upper arm AVF and 11 AVG. Pressures were compared in each patient at a time of satisfactory access flow (QVA) and immediately before the angioplasty and pressure difference over that period (ΔPV, ΔPIA) evaluated. Despite a significant drop in QVA over the follow‐up interval in both AVF and AVG, the mean ΔPV and ΔPIA in AVF were only several mm Hg and the chosen threshold limit of 20 mmHg was exceeded in approximately 10% of patients only.

The results in the AVG group were, however, very different: The mean ΔPV and ΔPIA were close to 20 mmHg and almost 60% of patients in the AVG group exceeded this limit. Evaluation of PIA did not improve stenosis detection in either group. It is concluded that PV and/or PIA monitoring may be useful to detect a stenosis in AVG but not in AVF.
A HAEMODIALYSIS NUTRITIONAL SCREENING TOOL FOR NURSES ‐ A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Bennett P. , Breugelmans L. , Meade A. , Parkhurst D.
Published: July 2012

The purpose of the study was to pilot a nurse‐performed nutritional screening tool (NST) for dialysis patients in order to identify nutritionally at‐risk patients.

Haemodialysis (HD) patients are at risk of nutritional‐related problems. Nutritional screening by nurses may assist in the early recognition of and response to these problems.

An NST was developed using 9 screening parameters. (BMI, weight change, poor appetite, GI symptoms, albumin, pre‐dialysis urea, K+, PO4++, HbA1c). The NST was compared with Standard Dietitian Assessment (SDA).

44 HD patients were screened with the NST and then with SDA.

The tool showed sensitivity of 0.7 (95%Cl+/‐0.21) and a specificity of 0.77 (95%Cl+/‐0.16).

Reliability was low (alpha =.18). Alpha increased to 0.32 if pre‐dialysis urea was removed from the tool and increased to 0.48 if weight loss, appetite, K+ and PO4++ were used alone.

The pilot study showed a low reliability of the NST compared with SDA. With further analysis and modifications, the NST has the potential to assist nutritional screening by nurses in dialysis centres that have limited dietetic access.
A REVIEW OF THE UPDATED EUROPEAN BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ANAEMIA IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE
Authors: Jenkins K.
Published: July 2012

The management of anaemia of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has progressed significantly during the last decade. Research studies show that effective treatment of anaemia in adult patients with CKD can reduce cardiovascular complications (1,2) slow progression of renal failure (3), and improve quality of life (4). To ensure adult patients receive optimum care, evidence‐based practice and recognised guidelines and management strategies are needed to help reduce variations in clinical practice.

In 1999 a working party of European Nephrologists developed the European Best Practice Guidelines (EBPG) for Management of Anaemia in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure to address this issue (5). Since the publication of the guidelines in 1999, over 3,000 papers relating to anaemia in CKD, have been published, many of which have significant implications for the practice of anaemia management. To ensure that the most up to date scientific evidence is available to those who manage anaemia in CKD the guidelines were revised in 2004 (6). These guidelines, look at the anaemia management of adults with CKD and do not include guidelines for children.
ULTRA VIOLET ABSORBANCE ON‐LINE MEASUREMENT UTILIZED TO MONITOR CLINICAL EVENTS DURING HAEMODIALYSIS
Authors: Uhlin F. , Fridolin I. , Magnusson M. , Lindberg L.‐G.
Published: July 2012

Background — On‐line monitoring systems of spent dialysate, used to estimate dialysis dose, have been developed with different instrumentation during the last two decades. The routine use of an on‐line monitoring system has been suggested to provide an adequate dialysis dose to the haemodialysis (HD) patient. The aim of this study was to show that monitoring the spent dialysate using UV‐absorbance might bring new information about the clearance process.

Methods — 108 HD treatments distributed among 16 clinical stable patients were monitored on‐line using ultra violet (UV) absorbance. For the measurement of UV‐absorbance a spectrophotometer was connected to the fluid outlet of the dialysis machine with all spent dialysate passing through a flow cuvette. The UV‐absorbance curves were examined in combination with the recorded observations of events that occurred during the studied treatments.

Results — The study demonstrates that UV‐absorbance visualizes different kinds of events such as hypotension, conductivity alarms and restricted flow in artery needle blood pump stops that often occur during dialysis treatment.

Conclusion — An on‐line UV‐monitoring system with a high sampling rate makes it possible to identify variations in dialysis clearance of different origin and gives feedback after performing interventions during a dialysis session.
THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND THE IMPROVEMENT IN ANAEMIA MANAGEMENT
Authors: Johnson S. , Byrne P.
Published: July 2012

The Renal Anaemia Management (RAM) Programme is a unique service available in 18 major renal centres around Australia. Since its inception some 6 years ago, the software package has been modified to accommodate the needs of the renal team and the renal patient population. In addition, with the support of nephrologists, the RAM software has created a specialised role, that of the Renal Anaemia Coordinator (RAC).

The RAM software collects clinical data and patient characteristics from patients with anaemia associated with renal disease. This is an integral part of a national exchange of information for the optimal management of the overall health of the renal patient population.

The RAM database is a valuable tool that has changed the practice of anaemia management and improved the outcomes of patients with renal insufficiency. RAM provides a rapid method of reviewing haematological and biological parameters on a regular basis with a multidisciplinary approach. At a glance, RACs can now detect trends in determining vascular access programming, dietetic review, and patient education and support services. This has allowed the Renal Anaemia service to reach common goals and improve outcomes. The RAC provides a point of contact and education for patient, family members and their general practitioner's regarding erythropoietin therapy. This advancement in technology has revolutionised the collection of information about individual patients and their presenting history of renal failure. It has also allowed for earlier recognition and treatment of renal disease.
A CARE PATHWAY FOR THE END OF LIFE IN A RENAL SETTING
Authors: Hinton V. , Fish M.
Published: July 2012

Background — A care pathway for the end‐of‐life had been implemented onto the two renal wards. An audit was performed to highlight potential issues and areas for development.

Method — The audit consisted of a base review of documentation from the medical notes of 10 patients who had died an ‘expected’ death prior to commencing the renal Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) for the end of life and then 10 patients who had died whilst using the ICP documentation. A questionnaire was also given out to nursing staff who had used the ICP documentation. The results were collated and analysed.

Results — In the base review 100% of the documentation looked at did not provide a regular documented assessment of symptoms that are common in the terminal phase of life. The ICP provided a documented assessment of all of these main symptoms. The base review indicated a good response by doctors to meet the potential needs of the patient, but the ICP improved on this. This was through the use of a pre‐emptive prescription. 80% of all patients were pain free, not agitated, had no nausea or vomiting or respiratory secretions. The 2 patients that had pain received further analgesia and were then pain free at the next assessment. One of the most positive aspects of the audit was that 90% of relatives were aware that the patient was dying and 100% had the plan of care discussed with them.

Conclusion — Implementing the ICP has generated the opportunity to deliver a hospice model of care to a busy renal unit. It has allowed best practice, and a measurable standard of care, in the final stages of patients' lives. Staff find the documentation easy to use and also see it as enhancing patient care.
TUBERCULOSIS IN HAEMODIALYSIS: A PROBLEM MAKING A COMEBACK
Authors: Zyga S. , Tourouki G.
Published: July 2012

Tuberculosis (TB) accounts for a significant proportion of all deaths by infectious diseases. Controlling tuberculosis is a major public health issue especially in the developing nations, where the rise of the disease's incidence varies between 5–30% and the rise reaches reduplication every 5–10 years. The consequences of the disease in renal dialysis patients vary between 3.7–6%, thus being 12–15 times higher than the rest of the population.
BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
Authors: Vilaplana J.MaG.
Published: July 2012

Blood pressure measurement is the basis for the diagnosis, management, treatment, epidemiology and research of hypertension and the decisions affecting these aspects of hypertension will be influenced by the accuracy of measurement. Although blood pressure measurement is one of the most common clinical techniques, there are some factors affecting it, such as blood pressure variability or blood pressure measuring devices. Blood pressure can be measured in different ways:

Clinic blood pressure measurement is taken in physician's office. The accurate measurement of blood pressure in clinical practice is dependent on the individual, the equipment used and the observer; this is the most common when considering therapeutic decisions.

Self blood pressure measurement provides us with values on different days, in settings as close to daily life conditions as possible, having no white‐coat effect.

Ambulatory blood pressure measurement. With this method, using devices that permit the automatic monitoring of blood pressure in a patients normal life, health professionals are able to have blood pressure values over 24 hours, as well as the possibility of average blood pressure values over a requested period, such as the day or the night.
IMPROVING THE NUTRITIONAL CONDITION OF INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS
Authors: Zioni N.
Published: July 2012

The growing number of infants receiving HD treatment has led to an increased awareness among the nursing staff of the unique and complex needs of children undergoing chronic treatment. As part of the overall treatment, nurses must broaden their knowledge of medical advancements in numerous areas: Increased knowledge in the area of child growth and development and unique formulas and “supplements”.
ON LINE UV‐ABSORBANCE MEASUREMENTS: Summary of the EDTNA|ERCA Journal Club discussion Summer 2006
Authors: Lindley Elizabeth J , Tattersall James , De Vos Jean Yves , Morgan Ian , Murcutt Gareth , Hoenich Nic , Polaschegg Hans , Johnson Andy , Daugirdas John , Wüpper Andreas , Ward Richard , Gorke Alois , Fettouhi Maria , Milo Elisheva , Sramek Jiri , Nilsson Eva‐Lena , Belot Bertrand , Luman Merike , Walker Diane , Gerrish Martin , Harrington Maurice , Francis Veronica , Iwaasa Kathryn , Girak Martha , Eleftheroudi Marianna , Simard Joan Camarro , Fridolin Ivo , Uhlin Fredrik
Published: July 2012

The discussion was initiated by a paper comparing the measurement of dialysis dose (Kt/V) and solute clearance using on‐line ultra‐violet absorbance, blood and dialysate urea and ionic dialysance by Uhlin et al (NDT 2006). Participants from 14 countries discussed the theory behind the UV absorbance technique and the potential for its use in routine practice, the correlation between Kt/V measured using different methods, the use of ionic dialysance and the optimisation of dose monitoring.

The ‘take‐home’ messages from the discussion were that UV‐absorbance could help ensure the delivery of dialysis dose as it provides real time feedback on the effect interventions such as repositioning of needles. The technology is relatively inexpensive and requires no consumables but changes in the dialysis machine settings could lead to misleading measurements if not communicated to the UV monitor.

Session‐to‐session variation in dialysis dose can be measured using on‐line clearance monitoring. If it is already on the machine and costs nothing, why not use it? Alternatively, regular access recirculation checks and a record of the total blood volume processed at each session allow problems with delivered dialysis dose to be picked up between routine blood tests.
CONTINUOUS BLOOD VOLUME MONITORING AND “DRY WEIGHT” ASSESSMENT
Authors: Lopot F. , Nyiomnaitham V. , Švárová  , Polakovič V. , Švára F. , Sulková S.
Published: July 2012

There are two distinct facets of adequate fluid balance control in haemodialysis patients — estimation of dry weight (DW) as the target and adequate ultrafiltration (UF) strategy, i.e. the way to reach the target in a possibly symptom‐free way. The article reviews the continuous blood volume monitoring (CBVM) based procedures to deal with the former facet — DW determination.

The existing approaches are divided in three groups — methods defining certain alert value of relative blood volume (RBV) reduction, methods working with RBV response to constant UF rate, and methods evaluating dynamics of RBV response to UF pulse or chain of UF pulses. While the first and the third approaches are relatively easy to automate, the second group of methods are suitable mainly for observational evaluations only.

All the discussed methods, without exception, need large‐scale verification, as they all were evaluated in the majority by their authors only and on small patient cohorts.
NEEDLE STICK INJURIES — RISK FROM BLOOD CONTACT IN DIALYSIS
Authors: Wittmann A. , Hofmann F. , Kralj N.
Published: July 2012

This paper will examine the experience of Needle Stick Injuries (NSI) in Germany. There is evidence that these experiences have relevance for the whole of Europe (2). The protective measures described in this paper are important for the safety of all health care workers. This paper will describe incidents of NSI with reference to sero‐conversion after the incident. The protection of health care workers is of prime importance and this paper will discuss the most successful methods of protection. The paper will examine briefly the cost of these protective measures.
CALCIPHYLAXIS: CALCIFIC URAEMIC ARTERIOLOPATHY — A CASE STUDY
Authors: Byrne H. , Lloyd S.
Published: July 2012

Having worked in nephrology for more than 20 years, and never encountering this condition before, we came across three patients who had been diagnosed with calciphylaxis in the space of 12 months.

This condition is also known as calcific uraemic arteriolopathy and is a syndrome of medical calcification of the small arteries, which leads to painful ischaemia of the surrounding subcubitis and skin (1). Prevalence of 1–4% has been estimated in various haemodialysis populations (2). Also 1% per year in dialysis patients has also been suggested (3). The mortality rate for distal lesions is 23%, whilst the mortality for proximal lesions is 63% (4). The pathogenesis of this condition remains uncertain. However, vascular calcium deposition is thought to be important, and raised serum phosphate levels were associated with a substantially increased risk of calciphylaxis. Although PTH levels were high, plasma PTH was not consistently higher in patients with calciphylaxis than controls (5).

The important aspect of the condition for the patients is the sheer pain and distress suffered, as well as the high mortality rate. Therefore, the implications for nurses are early detection, to allow speedy treatment to take place and involvement of the multidisciplinary team to enhance care and provide as much support as possible, thus facilitating optimal outcome and comfort.
EVALUATION OF RESPONSE TO VARIOUS ERYTHROPOIESIS — STIMULATING PROTEINS USING ANEMIA MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
Authors: Waterschoot M.
Published: July 2012

Background — European Best Practice Guidelines recommend haemoglobin (Hb) concentration >11 g/dl in patients with CKD stage 5. Hb can be increased with erythropoiesis‐stimulating proteins (ESPs); however, 5–10% of patients respond poorly. The primary aim of this prospective observational study was to educate nurses to assess Hb response to ESPs and to identify potential causes of hyporesponse (blood loss, iron deficiency, infection and inflammation, inefficacious dialysis, medication, vitamin deficiency, malnutrition, secondary hyperparathyroidism, or pure red cell aplasia). The secondary aims were to follow anaemia parameters and identify the frequency and causes of hyporesponse to ESPs for 6 months. Lastly, the various ESPs used in the study population were analyzed separately.

Methods — Dialysis patients (n=402) from 18 centers in Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg were included. Using anaemia management software (ARAMIS™), nurses recorded Hb, ESP dose, and potential causes for hyporesponse every 4 weeks.

Results — The proportion of patients treated with darbepoetin α, epoetinα, and epoetinß was 64%, 19%, and 17%, respectively. After 6 months, 79% of patients had Hb>11g/dl. The patient incidence of hyporesponse during the study was 14%, and a mean 9% of patients were hyporesponsive at any given time. The most common potential causes of hyporesponse were iron deficiency (being reported in 39% of hyporesponse events), medication (immunosuppressive agents, ACE inhibitors), secondary hyperparathyroidism and inflammation/malnutrition.

Conclusions — The ARAMIS™ tool served as an educational tool allowing efficient follow‐up of Hb and ESP dose, and identification of potential causes of hyporesponse. Mean prevalence of hyporesponse was 9%, with iron deficiency as most commonly reported potential causative factor.
HOW TO PREVENT PROGRESSION TO END STAGE RENAL DISEASE
Authors: Riegersperger Markus , Sunder‐Plassmann Gere
Published: July 2012

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD) are severe medical conditions, increasing threats to human health and socio‐economic burdens in industrialized countries. CKD is assessed by an estimation of the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). ESRD is an indication for renal replacement therapy by either dialysis or kidney‐transplantation. Major risk factors for CKD are arterial hypertension, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. The multifactorial pathogenesis of CKD and ESRD offers various therapeutic interventions: treatment of the underlying disease, anti‐hypertensive therapy, glycemic control and anti‐diabetic therapy, anti‐proteinuric therapy, renoprotection, and life style management. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐I) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) lower the systemic blood‐pressure, reduce proteinuria and may slow or even halt the deterioration of renal function. Alert glycemic control is important to avoid or protract diabetic nephropathy. Restricted protein intake, cessation of cigarette smoking and chronic analgesic‐abuse may also prevent the progression of chronic nephropathy.
DIALYSIS AND THE ENVIRONMENT: COMPARING HOME AND UNIT BASED HAEMODIALYSIS
Authors: James R.
Published: July 2012

Dialysis, with its high dependence upon technology, disposable products and transport requirements, presents an unusual perspective for environmental management. This study considers and compares the environmental aspects arising from the provision of haemodialysis (HD) in the hospital and home setting. Resource items were measured at two levels of aggregation — unit and individual patient. Unit level items applied to common resources used for HD and require apportioning appropriately with patient level items that could be attributable to individuals. The data was measured in standard units such as hours and number of treatments or apportioned appropriately. With equivalent emissions calculated as CO2 annually per patient for standard HD. The findings indicate that HD in the home offers a net reduction in CO2 emissions per patient annually compared to hospital based HD, and provides an overview of how healthcare provision and the use of resources can be measured, enabling refinement in environmental management plans.
THIRST DISTRESS AND INTERDIALYTIC WEIGHT GAIN: A STUDY ON A SAMPLE OF HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS
Authors: Porcu M. , Fanton E. , Zampieron A.
Published: July 2012

Severe thirst distress is frequent in haemodialysis (HD) patients, and some studies have noted a positive relationship between thirst and an increased interdialytic weight gain (IDWG).

The goal of this explorative study was to describe the perception of thirst and correlated symptoms in HD patients, and verify the correlation between thirst intensity and the IDWG. The study was performed on an opportunistic sample of patients treated in the dialysis unit of a city hospital in the North‐East of Italy. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing a demographic and a clinical part, the Thirst Distress Scale, and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) 0–10 about thirst intensity.

The sample of 107 patients was composed of 71 males (66%). The average age was 68 years (SD 12, median 70 years). Fluid restriction causes severe physical discomfort and xerostomy. 66% of the respondents declared a thirst level of more than 7 on the VAS scale. The average IDWG was 2,47 kg. The X2 test did not show a significant difference when correlated with thirst intensity (p=0.88).
Elimination and active extrusion of liver mitochondrial proteins during lipopolysaccharide administration in rat
Authors: Unuma Kana , Aki Toshihiko , Matsuda Seiji , Funakoshi Takeshi , Yoshida Ken‐ichi , Uemura Koichi
Published: August 2012

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to identify molecular markers of hepatic damage during lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment.

Methods

LPS (15 mg/kg of bodyweight) or vehicle was injected i.p. into 5‐week‐old male Sprague–Dawley rats. Proteins were extracted from the liver and were electrophoresed to examine the changes in the protein compositions during LPS treatment. Using a proteomic approach, major LPS‐responsible protein in the liver was determined.

Results

A massive reduction in the levels of carbamoyl phosphate synthase‐1 (CPS1), one of the most abundant proteins in liver mitochondria, was revealed during LPS administration. Electron microscopic and immunofluorescence analyses revealed large vacuoles, which were often localized in the vicinity of mitochondria, in the LPS‐treated rat liver. Furthermore, we found that CPS1 is released into the circulation prior to liver damage marker alanine aminotransferase, indicating the active extrusion of CPS1 during LPS administration. Another liver mitochondrial protein, ornithine transcarbamylase, is also released into the circulation, implicating active extrusion of mitochondrial proteins. These phenomena are accelerated by a heme oxygenase inducer cobalt protoporphyrin whilst suppressed by a lysosome inhibitor chloroquine.

Conclusion

Plasma CPS1 should be a possible marker of septic liver damage and may be involved in systemic responses elicited by septic shock.
Cytologic features of normal canine ovaries in different stages of estrus with histologic comparison
Authors: Piseddu Eleonora , Masserdotti Carlo , Milesi Cristina , Solano‐Gallego Laia
Published: August 2012

Background

Cytologic evaluation plays an important role in the diagnosis of ovarian neoplasia in dogs, but is supported by only scant information on cytologic features of canine ovaries.

Objective

The aim of this study was to provide detailed cytologic descriptions of normal canine ovaries in different stages of estrus with comparison to histologic features.

Methods

Client‐owned dogs admitted for elective ovariohysterectomy were studied. For each dog, fine‐needle aspirates of both ovaries were collected, stained, and examined and were compared with histologic sections of the same ovary. The stage of estrus was confirmed by examination of histologic sections and cytologic specimens of vaginal cells collected with swabs.

Results

Thirty‐two ovaries from 16 dogs were examined. Luteal cells were observed in 82% of the dogs in diestrus. In early diestrus these cells were polygonal with amphophilic to deeply basophilic cytoplasm, and in late diestrus luteal cells had blebbed cell borders and clear cytoplasm with numerous small vacuoles. Perivascular arrangements and leuko‐emperipolesis were noted in both phases of diestrus. Granulosa cells and spindle cells were found in cytologic specimens from most of the ovaries, and blue‐gray extracellular material, sometimes associated with granulosa cells, was present. Medium‐sized discrete round cells of undetermined origin were observed in some stages of estrus, and structures classified as corpora albicans were noted occasionally.

Conclusions

Knowledge of specific cytologic features of normal canine ovaries is important for identification of pathologic processes in this organ. The novel findings of luteal cell emperipolesis, extracellular material associated with granulosa cells, and round cells of undetermined lineage warrant further study, which may provide new information on canine ovarian structure and function.
Efficacy of Intranasal Administration of a Modified Live Feline Herpesvirus 1 and Feline Calicivirus Vaccine against Disease Caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica after Experimental Challenge
Authors: Bradley A. , Kinyon J. , Frana T. , Bolte D. , Hyatt D.R. , Lappin M.R.
Published: August 2012

Background

Studies suggest that intranasal vaccination can stimulate nonspecific immunity against agents not contained within the vaccine, but this effect is not reported for cats.

Hypothesis

A modified live feline herpesvirus‐1 (FHV‐1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) intranasal vaccine will reduce clinical signs of disease caused by experimental infection with Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Animals

Twenty specific pathogen‐free 12‐week‐old kittens.

Methods

Experimental study. Cats were randomized into 2 groups of 10 cats each. The vaccinated group was administered a single intranasal dose of a commercially available vaccine containing modified live strains of FHV‐1 and FCV, and the control group remained unvaccinated. All 20 cats were administered B. bronchiseptica by nasal inoculation 7 days later and were observed daily for clinical signs of illness for 20 days.

Results

In the first 10 days after B. bronchiseptica challenge, vaccinated cats were less likely to be clinically ill than control cats with a median clinical score of 0/180 (range 0–5) versus 2/180 (range 0–8) (P = .01). Nine of 10 control cats and 2 of 10 vaccinated cats were recorded as sneezing during days 1–10 after challenge (P = .006).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Intranasal vaccination against FHV‐1 and FCV decreased signs of illness due to an infectious agent not contained in the vaccine. This nonspecific immunity could be beneficial for protection against organisms for which vaccines are not available and as protection before development of vaccine‐induced humoral immunity.
A Russian record of a Middle Ordovician meteorite shower: Extraterrestrial chromite at Lynna River, St. Petersburg region
Authors: LINDSKOG Anders , SCHMITZ Birger , CRONHOLM Anders , DRONOV Andrei
Published: July 2012

Abstract– Numerous fossil meteorites and high concentrations of sediment‐dispersed extraterrestrial chromite (EC) grains with ordinary chondritic composition have previously been documented from 467 ± 1.6 Ma Middle Ordovician (Darriwilian) strata. These finds probably reflect a temporarily enhanced influx of L‐chondritic matter, following the disruption of the L‐chondrite parent body in the asteroid belt 470 ± 6 Ma. In this study, a Volkhovian‐Kundan limestone/marl succession at Lynna River, northwestern Russia, has been searched for EC grains (>63 μm). Eight samples, forming two separate sample sets, were collected. Five samples from strata around the Asaphus expansus–A. raniceps trilobite Zone boundary, in the lower‐middle Kundan, yielded a total of 496 EC grains in 65.5 kg of rock (average 7.6 EC grains kg−1, but up to 10.2 grains kg−1). These are extremely high concentrations, three orders of magnitude higher than “background” levels in similar condensed sediment from other periods. EC grains are typically about 50 times more abundant than terrestrial chrome spinel in the samples and about as common as terrestrial ilmenite. Three stratigraphically lower lying samples, close to the A. lepidurus–A. expansus trilobite Zone boundary, at the Volkhov‐Kunda boundary, yielded only two EC grains in 38.2 kg of rock (0.05 grains kg−1). The lack of commonly occurring EC grains in the lower interval probably reflects that these strata formed before the disruption of the L‐chondrite parent body. The great similarity in EC chemical composition between this and other comparable studies indicates that all or most EC grains in these Russian mid‐Ordovician strata share a common source––the L‐chondrite parent body.
Inhibition of CYP3A4 by 6′,7′-dihydroxybergamottin in human CYP3A4 over-expressed hepG2 cells
Authors: Araki Nobutaka , Tsuruoka Shuichi , Hasegawa Gohki , Yanagihara Hayato , Omasa Takeshi , Enosawa Shin , Yamazoe Yasushi , Fujimura Akio
Published: August 2012

Objectives

We previously established HepG2-GS-3A4, a cell line from hepatoblastoma with overexpression of human CYP3A4 and glutamine synthetase (GS). We further reported that these cells can be applied for screening inhibitors of CYP3A4 in vitro. The purpose of this study was to determine whether our CYP3A4-overexpresed cell could be applied to evaluate mechanisms of CYP3A4 inhibition by 6′,7′-dihydroxybergamottin (DHB), which is one of the major furanocoumarins in grapefruit juice, by using these cells.

Methods

Nifedipine oxidation, activity and protein expression of NADPH-cytochrome reductase (POR) of HepG2-GS-3A4 cell were measured. CO-binding spectrumassay in microsomal fraction of the cells was also evaluated.

Key findings

DHB and ketoconazole, a well-known inhibitor of CYP3A4, inhibited nifedipine oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner. DHB at a concentration of 3.0 µm, sufficient to inhibit the nifedipine oxidation, decreased POR activity; however, ketoconazole at a concentration of 0.9 µm, sufficient to inhibit the oxidation, did not affect the activity. The expression of POR protein in HepG2-GS-3A4 cells was not changed by either DHB or ketoconazole. The expression of CYP3A4 mRNA and protein was not changed by the addition of DHB or ketoconazole. DHB also reduced the absorption rate at 450 nm in a CO-binding spectrum assay without alteration of the wavelength of maximum absorption. The mean absorption value at 450 nm slightly decreased with ketoconazole; however, the difference was not significant.

Conclusions

We concluded that inhibition of CYP3A4 activity by DHB includes the inhibition of POR activity. HepG2-GS-3A4 might be a good tool to evaluate the mechanisms.
Impact of micronutrients on oral and general health
Authors: Chrubasik S , Willershausen B
Published: August 2012

Willershausen B, Ross A, Försch M, Willershausen I, Mohaupt P, Callaway A.

The influence of micronutrients on oral and general health.

Eur J Med Res 2011; 16: 514–18.
An Interactive Boundary Layer Modeling Methodology for Aerodynamic Flows
Authors: Smith Lelanie , Meyer Josua P. , Oxtoby Oliver F. , Malan Arnuad G.
Published: August 2012

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation is a computational tool for exploring flow applications in science and technology. Of central importance in many flow scenarios is the accurate modeling of the boundary layer phenomenon. This is particularly true in the aerospace industry, where it is central to the prediction of drag. Modern CFD codes as applied to modeling aerodynamic flows have to be fast and efficient in order to model complex realistic geometries. When considering viscous flows the boundary layer typically requires the largest part of computational resources. To simulate boundary layer flow with most current CFD codes requires extremely fine mesh spacing normal to the wall and is consequently computationally very expensive. Boundary layer modeling approaches have by contrast received relatively little attention, while having the potential of offering considerable computational cost savings. One boundary layer method which has proven to be very accurate is the two-integral method of Drela (1986). Coupling the boundary layer solution to inviscid external flow is, however, a challenge due to the Goldstein singularity, which occurs as separation is approached. We propose to develop a new method to couple Drela’s two-integral equations with a generic outer flow solver in an iterative fashion. We introduce an auxiliary equation which is solved along with the displacement thickness to overcome the Goldstein singularity without the need to solve the entire flow domain simultaneously. In this work the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations will be used for the outer flow. In the majority of previous studies the boundary layer thickness is simulated using a wall transpiration boundary condition at the interface between viscous and inviscid flows. This boundary condition is inherently non-physical since it adds extra mass into the system to simulate the effects of the boundary layer. Here, we circumvent this drawback by the use of a mesh movement algorithm to shift the surface of the body outward without regridding the entire mesh. This replaces the transpiration boundary condition. The results obtained show that accurate modeling is possible for laminar incompressible flow and that the solutions obtained compare well to similarity solutions in the cases of flat and inclined plates and to the results of a NACA 0012 airfoil produced by the validated XFOIL code (Drela and Youngren, 2001).
A Study of Squeal Noise in Vehicle Brake System
Authors: Wang Xu , John Sabu , Ren He
Published: August 2012

Disc brake squeal can be classified as a form of friction-induced vibration. Eliminating brake noise is a classic challenge in the automotive industry. This paper presents methods for analyzing the unstable vibration of a car disc brake. The numerical simulation has been conducted, and its results are compared with those from the experimental tests. The root causes of brake squeal noise will be identified. Potential solutions for elimination of the brake squeal noise will be proposed. Firstly, new materials and technologies for the disc brake application will be explored, secondly, it will be illustrated how to avoid the brake squeal noise problem from the brake system design. Brake disc design changes for improving cooling performance, and service solutions for brake squeal noise will be presented.
SENARIET, A Water Hammer Software for Analyzing Hydraulic Transients in Complex Circuits
Authors: Vargas-Mun˜oz Marta , Rodri´guez-Ferna´ndez Manuel , Peren˜a-Tapiador A´ngel
Published: August 2012

Water hammer transients are a danger for piping integrity and represent an important safety issue. In the design of pipeline systems it is necessary to take into account the magnitudes of pressure waves associated with water hammer phenomena and, therefore, it is important that these water hammer effects are calculated with the appropriate accuracy. SENARIET is a programme to study fluid transients in pipeline systems to obtain pressure and velocity distributions along a circuit. When a transient process occurs in periods of the same order of the pressure waves’ travelling time along a circuit (the order of the circuit length divided by the effective propagation speed), the compressibility effects in liquids have to be considered. Taking this effect into account, the appropriate equations of continuity and momentum are solved by the method of characteristics, to obtain pressure and velocity along pipes as a function of time. The programme considers different devices that usually take part in complex circuits, such as pumps, motorized valves, check valves, elbows, change of sections, bifurcations, vacuum valves, damping devices, reservoirs, etc. The simulated results have been compared to theoretical and experimental ones to validate and evaluate the precision of the software. The results help to perform efficient and accurate predictions in order to define the pipelines.
Factor Affecting Bubble Creation and Bubble Size
Authors: Alkhalidi Ammar A. T. , Amano Ryo S.
Published: August 2012

This paper presents the factors affecting air bubble size when air is injected through a perforated membrane into a water pool. Critical factors that govern the size of air bubbles are the air pressure and the flow rate as well as the hole size of the diffuser membrane. In order to have a better understanding of how bubble size can be affected and what the most effecting conditions are, the study was conducted in a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) investigation, which was validated by the experimental results.
Nonlinear Dynamic Stability of an Electrically Actuated Microbeam Structure in MEMS
Authors: Chen Changping , Jiang Yejie , Hong Li , Dai Liming
Published: August 2012

In this article, based on the Euler-Bernoulli hypothesis and the Galerkin method, ananalysis of the nonlinear dynamic stability for a clamped-guided piezoelectric laminated microbeam under both a periodic axial force and a symmetric electrostatic load is presented. By using the incremental harmonic balanced method (IHBM), the boundary of the principal region of instability is got. In the numerical calculation, the effect of the environmental damping, geometric nonlinear, piezoelectric effect and the symmetric electrostatic load on the principal region of instability is discussed.
Detection of Elliptical Cylindrical Inclusions by Magnetic Sensing
Authors: Carreon Hector
Published: August 2012

A comparison between reported analytical results with experimental data of the magnetic flux density produced by weak thermoelectric currents around cylindrical inclusions of elliptical cross-section embedded in a copper matrix under external thermal excitation for different aspect ratios b/a of the elliptical inclusions is presented. The aspect ratio of the elliptical cylindrical inclusions varied from 0.5 to 3.250. By changing the aspect ratios b/a of the elliptical inclusions, a wide range of real situation such as slender inclusions, cracks and even porosity can be simulated. A fairly modest 2.3°C/cm temperature gradient in the specimen produced magnetic flux densities ranging from 2 to 100 μT at 2 mm lift-off distance between the tip of the magnetometer probe and the specimen. The experimental magnetic field distribution illustrated the potential for the non contacting thermoelectric technique to detect and characterize metallic inclusions of different geometries based on their magnetic signature.
Effect of Airfoil Shape and Turning Angle on Turbine Airfoil Aerodynamic Performance at Transonic Conditions
Authors: Abraham Santosh , Panchal Kapil , Ekkad Srinath V. , Ng Wing , Brown Barry J. , Malandra Anthony
Published: August 2012

Performance data for high turning gas turbine blades under transonic Mach numbers is significantly lacking in literature. Performance of three gas turbine airfoils with varying turning angles at transonic flow conditions was investigated in this study. Midspan total pressure loss, secondary flow field and static pressure measurements on the airfoil surface in a linear cascade setting were measured. Airfoil curvature and true chord were varied to change the loading vs. chord for each airfoil. Airfoils A, D and E are designed to operate at different velocity triangles. Velocity triangle requirements (inlet/exit Mach number and gas angles) come from 1D and 2D models that include calibrated loss systems. One of the goals of this study was to use the experimental data to confirm/refine loss predictions for the effect of various Mach numbers and gas turning angles. The cascade exit Mach numbers were varied within a range from 0.6 to 1.1. The airfoil turning angle ranges from 120° to 138°. A realistic inlet/exit Mach number ratio, that is representative of that seen in a real engine, was obtained by reducing the inlet span with respect to the exit span of the airfoil, thereby creating a quasi 2D cascade. In order to compare the experimental results and study the detailed flow characteristics, 3D viscous compressible CFD analysis was also carried out.
Numerical Analysis to Predict Dynamic Response of Mini Cantilever Beam Submerged in Viscous Fluids
Authors: Hossain A. , Mian A.
Published: August 2012

This research employed the finite element analysis (FEA) method to predict the dynamic response of a mini cantilever beam partially submerged in viscous media. First, the FEA method was validated by comparing the numerical results with corresponding experiments. Then, extensive numerical analyses were performed to investigate the variation of modal response in terms of resonant frequency and Q-factor with changing fluid viscosity and density. The resonant frequency of the beam was found to be reduced with increasing the fluid viscosity and density. The Q-factor was also reduced with increasing fluid viscosity. However, it did not changed significantly by changing fluid density. Numerical analyses were also repeated with varying the depth of beam (one-third, two-third and full) submerged in viscous media. The beam was found to be the most sensitive to respond in resonant frequency and Q-factor when submerged by one-third in viscous media. Results obtained from this numerical study can be used to design the optimized MEMS based test set up for measuring the rheological properties of viscous fluid.
Analysis and Optimization of Rotor Housing Assembly
Authors: Wang Yang , Kin Yulian , Zahariev Krasimir , Smith Brian
Published: August 2012

The paper presents analysis and optimization of the sonic drill head rotor housing assembly. The project was initiated by Layne Christensen DTC and performed at Purdue University Calumet in cooperation with the company engineers. Full finite element (FE) models of the rotor housing assembly were developed. Real world working conditions were applied onto the FE models in Ansys Workbench. With different Material setups, multiple trials were simulated so that the performances of material changes can be observed. Results of the total deformations were collected and analyzed both graphically and numerically. Based on the analysis results, recommendations on optimization of the rotor housing assembly were provided. A proposed new design was also developed and analyzed, and a numerical comparison of the new and original designs were made to give the company further recommendations. Support of Layne Christensen DTC is greatly appreciated.