bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leukocyte Adhesion Molecules and Leukocyte-Platelet Interactions during Hemodialysis: Effects of Different Synthetic Membranes
Authors: Sirolli V. , Ballone E. , Amoroso L. , Di Liberato L. , Di Mascio R. , Cappelli P. , Albertazzi A. , Bonomini M. 
Published: March 2018

Membranes made from synthetic polymers, in general, are considered as being biocompatible membranes and tend to be treated as a homogeneous group. However, all of these membranes have multiple and different characteristics that may contribute to interactions with blood components. As a consequence, the biocompatibility profile of synthetic membranes may vary. In the present cross-over study, we examined by flow cytometry the effects (expressed as % change from predialysis values) of three different synthetic polymers (polysulfone, PSF; polyacrylonitrile-co-sodium methallyl sulfonate, AN69; ethylenevinylalcohol, EVAL) on the expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules (CD11b/CD18, CD15s) and the interactions between leukocytes and platelets under conditions of routine clinical use. For neutrophils, a statistically significant difference was found in CD15s expression for EVAL as compared to AN69 (p<0.05) and in CD11b/CD18 expression for PSF as compared to both EVAL (p<0.01) and AN69 (p<0.05). No difference between membranes was found on the expression of such adhesive molecules on monocytes. Significant differences in platelet-neutrophil (but not in platelet-monocyte) coaggregate formation were observed between PSF and both EVAL (p<0.001) and AN69 (p<0.01). Reactive oxygen species production by neutrophil population during hemodialysis was significantly different between each pair of synthetic polymers (PSF vs EVAL, p<0.001; PSF vs AN69, p<0.001; AN69 vs EVAL, p<0.05). Our data demonstrate that in terms of leukocyte adhesion receptors and platelet-leukocyte interactions, the biocompatibility profile of the synthetic membranes polysulphone, AN69 and EVAL shows many similarities but also several significant differences. Our results support the concept that biocompatibility evaluation of each membrane should be based exclusively on data generated by that membrane in order to avoid errors based on assumptions about group characteristics.
Trillium Coating of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuits Improves Biocompatibility
Authors: Tevaearai H.T. , Mueller X.M. , Seigneul I. , Burki M. , Horisberger J. , Stumpe F. , Von Segesser L.K. 
Published: March 2018

Coating of cardiopulmonary bypass circuits may be a solution to prevent adverse effects induced by contact of blood elements with foreign surfaces. Using an animal model, we investigated the Trillium™ coating of cardiopulmonary bypass circuits (a new process involving polyethylene oxide, sulphonate groups and heparin) at low systemic heparinization, focusing on haemolysis and clot formation. Cardiopulmonary bypass was initiated through jugulo-carotid acess with ACT maintained around 180 sec. Treated circuits (Trillium group) were evaluated in 3 calves (mean weight of 66.0±8.7 kg), vs. untreated circuits in 3 control calves (mean weight of 60.7±7.5 kg). Blood samples were drawn at regular intervals for biochemical, hematological and blood gas analyses. After 6 consecutive hours, the animals were weaned from CPB and were awakened. The circuits were analyzed for clot deposits. After 7 days the animals were sacrificed and an autopsy was carried out. Red cell and white cell counts did not change over the 6 hours. Platelet counts dropped to 75.9±7.3% of the baseline value in the Trillium group after 6 hours whereas counts dropped to 57.2±26.0 in the control group (p<0.05). Plasma free Hb remained constant in the Trillium group but increased significantly to 280±65% of baseline value in the control group (p<0.05). The amount of clots were significantly higher in the control group, in the connectors, the reservoir, the heat exchanger, and the oxygenator. No renal emboli were seen in the Trillium group whereas the mean number of emboli was 3.0±2.4 in the control group. We conclude that Trillium coating significantly improves the biocompatibility of artificial surfaces exposed to blood.
Telemedicine Technology and Applications for Home Hemodialysis
Authors: Agroyannis B. , Fourtounas C. , Romagnoli G. , Skiadas M. , Tsavdaris4 C. , Chassomeris C. , Tzanatos H. , Kopelias I. , Lymberopoulos D. , Psarras J. 
Published: March 2018

Home hemodialysis (HD) for the treatment of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was first put into practice about 30 years ago. In this paper we describe the application of telematics monitoring services (TMS) for supporting patients who need home or satellite HD (SHD). For the clinical trials two modified HD machines were located in the renal unit and a central control station (UNIX workstation with multimedia PC-terminal) was located in another room of the hospital. Bi-directional communication between modified HD machines and central control station was managed via ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) links. Using these HD-machines 150 HD sessions were performed in nine patients over a period of five months. This system enabled on-line remote supervision of the HD machine-related functions (air in the blood, leak of blood, low conductivity etc.) and the clinical condition of patients through measurement of blood pressure (BP), pulse rate, PO2 (pulse oxymetry) and electrocardiogram (ECG) from the central control station (CCS). The user checked the type of alarm/warning, its appearance on HD machines and multimedia terminal units (MTU), the action of the protective system and the appearance of consultative messages from CCS on the remote terminal unit RTU. According to the data collected, the disturbances of HD machine function were visible and audible in the CCS and the user messages were always observed on the RTU. No unusual dialysis-associated complications were observed, all data and alarms/warnings were transmitted correctly and patients had adequate HD treatment.
Thrombosis of Angiographic Catheters in Humans: Experimental Study
Authors: Bailly A.L. , Lautier A. , Laurent A. , Guiffant G. , Dufaux J. , Houdart E. , Labarre D. , Merland J.J. 
Published: March 2018

One of the major problems in the use of catheters is their thrombogenicity since the embolization of clots near the central nervous system or the coronary arteries can cause permanent damage. Catheter thrombogenicity was evaluated in humans during angiographic procedures by their tendency to become occluded. Characterization of catheters was achieved using roughness measurements, FTIR with ATR, DSC and ESCA. The catheters were 5 commercially available catheters, made mainly of polyethylene, Pebax® or polyamide sterilized and ready for clinical use. Thirty-one patients due to have an angiographic procedure and with normal blood and hemodynamic parameters were included in the study. The 50 cm catheter test sample was inserted through an introducer into the femoral artery at the beginning of an angiographic procedure. The outcoming blood flow rate (BFR) was continuously monitored by a special computerized device for 15 min or until the total amount of blood reached 30 ml. The angiographic procedure was then normally resumed. DSC and FTIR showed results consistent with the expected composition of catheters. ESCA results showed very high Si/C ratios and could not be explained in all instances. Occlusion of the catheters occurred in 44 % of the cases and the average time to obtain occlusion was 8.5 min (3–15 min). Values of the decrease rate of BFR in ml/min2 allowed separation of the catheters into 3 groups of low, medium and high thrombogenicity. However, occlusion occurred at least one time for each type of catheter. Blood volume and BFR curves vs. time allowed the determination of 3 main types of thrombotic behavior: type I shows no significant reduction of BFR; type II shows a progressive decrease in flow rate; type III is much less frequent and shows an abrupt decrease of BFR either quickly followed by a compensatory increase and resuming of a steady flow or by abrupt occlusion. In type II curves the pattern of occlusion follows a classical diffusion model because the Peclet number is greater than 1 and then the classical Higbie solution for diffusion could be used (33). The most thrombogenic material was the smoothest. There was no correlation between surface chemical composition and thrombogenicity. However, catheters that were based on PE appeared less thrombogenic than PA catheters in this study.
Influence of Different Assist Devices on Survival after Orthotopic Heart Transplantation
Authors: Tenderich G. , Arusoglu L. , El-Banayosy A. , Morshuis M. , Mirow N. , Hornik L. , Wlost S. , Koerfer R. , Koerner M. M. 
Published: March 2018

Background In 1995, a risk factor of 1.88 was indicated for one-year mortality in connection with bridging to heart transplantation (1). Both one-year and three-year survival rates in patients bridged to transplantation were less than 80% (2). Methods From 3/89 to 12/98, 903 orthotopic heart transplantations were performed at our center in 888 recipients. Bridging was necessary in 142 patients. Results The one-year survival rate was 76% in pts without VAD, 86% in pts bridged with VAD and 66% in pts with VAD due to postcardiotomy syndrome. The three-year survival rates were 73%, 80% and 55% respectively. Conclusions Early and late results in patients bridged to transplantation remarkably improved over 1995 (1). One-year and long-term survival rates are significantly lower when assist devices are used in patients with postcardiotomy syndrome. Despite a high incidence of assist-related complications, electively bridged patients showed significantly better early and long-term results than the control group.
Development of a Non-Transformed Human Liver Cell Line with Differentiated-Hepatocyte and Urea-Synthetic Functions: Applicable for Bioartificial Liver
Authors: Yoon J-H. , Lee H. V-S. , Lee J.S. , Park J.B. , Kim C.Y 
Published: March 2018

There is a need to develop human hepatocyte cell lines which retain both replicating capacity and highly differentiated functions to facilitate the development of an efficient bioartificial liver. The present study was undertaken to differentiate, using sodium butyrate, the actively replicating immortalized human liver cell line. The effects of butyrate on cell growth and cell cycle were analyzed, and the albumin synthesis, cytochrome P450 and ammonia-detoxifying activity of the butyrate-treated cells were measured. Butyrate treatment resulted in G2/M arrest of the cell cycle and polygonal changes in the cell morphology. Neither the control nor the butyrate-treated cells showed transformed characteristics. Butyrate treatment increased the amount of albumin secretion, cytochrome P450 activity, and the urea production rate of the cells. The present study provides non-transformed human hepatocytes, which can replicate unlimitedly and then restore differentiated hepatocyte-specific functions by butyrate, and therefore, have applications for the development of an efficient bioartiflcial liver
Borderline personality disorder: does its clinical features show specificity to differing developmental risk factors?
Authors: Parker Gordon , McCraw Stacey , Bayes Adam 
Published: March 2018

Objectives: To determine if differing developmental factors show specificity to differing manifestations of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Methods: A clinical sample of 73 females diagnosed with BPD undertook a psychiatrist interview and completed self-report questionnaires, including the semi-structured Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV Personality Disorders (DIPD-IV) assessing for BPD status. A set of negative and potentially traumatic developmental factors were included in the assessment. Results: Childhood sexual abuse, affirmed by 49% of the sample, showed specificity in being linked with DIPD-defined affective instability. DIPD-defined identity disturbance also showed specificity in being associated only with reporting significant non-sexual developmental trauma. DIPD-defined anger and paranoia/dissociation showed minimal specificity and were associated with most antecedent developmental factors in adulthood. Conclusions: Differing manifestations of BPD are likely to be shaped by specific and non-specific developmental events. Clarification of such links has the potential to shape more specific therapeutic interventions.
Are we missing dementia with Lewy bodies?: a case report
Authors: Wearne Deborah , Genetti Amanda , Restifo Sam , Harriss Alina 
Published: March 2018

Objectives: We aim to explore the importance of early diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies in order to facilitate effective psychiatric management. We present a case where delayed diagnosis stemming from an atypical presentation illustrates the complex issues involved in identifying and treating this type of dementia. Conclusions: We discuss the difficulty of diagnosis of this disorder in the absence of obvious memory dysfunction or parkinsonian symptoms. We use the case to draw attention to the limited availability of certain investigations and treatment options in Australia.
Ice in the Outback: the epidemiology of amphetamine-type stimulant-related hospital admissions and presentations to the emergency department in Hedland, Western Australia
Authors: Monahan Caitriona , Coleman Mathew 
Published: March 2018

Objectives: Despite research showing higher use of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) in rural areas, limited research has examined the epidemiology of ATS-related presentations and admissions to remote regional centres. To determine the epidemiology of ATS-related (a) Emergency Department (ED) presentations and (b) inpatient admissions over a five-year period at the Hedland Health Campus (HHC) in remote Western Australia. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted. Demographic data including gender, age and indigenous status were captured. Results: Four hundred and eighty-two ATS-related hospital presentations were identified during the study period. The most common reason for ED presentation was mental and behavioural problems. Of those presenting, 66% were male and 69% identified as Aboriginal. ATS-related ED presentations increased seven-fold over the study period. Ninety-nine ATS-related inpatient admissions were identified during the study period. Psychotic disorder was the most common reason for admission. Males made up 75% of admissions and 53% identified as Aboriginal. Conclusions: This study showed a disproportionally high burden of ATS-related harm among Aboriginal people. The number of ATS-related ED presentations and inpatient admissions increased significantly over the study period.
Provider Tools for Advance Care Planning and Goals of Care Discussions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Myers Jeff , Cosby Roxanne , Gzik Danusia , Harle Ingrid , Harrold Deb , Incardona Nadia , Walton Tara 
Published: March 2018

Background: Advance care planning and goals of care discussions involve the exploration of what is most important to a person, including their values and beliefs in preparation for health-care decision-making. Advance care planning conversations focus on planning for future health care, ensuring that an incapable person’s wishes are known and can guide the person’s substitute decision maker for future decision-making. Goals of care discussions focus on preparing for current decision-making by ensuring the person’s goals guide this process. Aim: To provide evidence regarding tools and/or practices available for use by health-care providers to effectively facilitate advance care planning conversations and/or goals of care discussions. Data sources: A systematic review was conducted focusing on guidelines, randomized trials, comparative studies, and noncomparative studies. Databases searched included MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the proceedings of the International Advance Care Planning Conference and the American Society of Clinical Oncology Palliative Care Symposium. Conclusions: Although several studies report positive findings, there is a lack of consistent patient outcome evidence to support any one clinical tool for use in advance care planning or goals of care discussions. Effective advance care planning conversations at both the population and the individual level require provider education and communication skill development, standardized and accessible documentation, quality improvement initiatives, and system-wide coordination to impact the population level. There is a need for research focused on goals of care discussions, to clarify the purpose and expected outcomes of these discussions, and to clearly differentiate goals of care from advance care planning.
Efficacy of Maxillary Anterior Segmental Distraction Osteogenesis in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Tanikawa Chihiro , Hirata Kae , Aikawa Tomonao , Maeda Jun , Kogo Mikihiko , Iida Seiji , Yamashiro Takashi 
Published: March 2018

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of maxillary anterior segmental distraction osteogenesis (MASDO) in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and to identify risk factors for increased relapse. Design: A retrospective study. Patients: Thirty-one Japanese patients with CLP who underwent MASDO were eligible for study inclusion. Main Outcome Measures: We evaluated lateral cephalograms obtained before (T1), at 3 months (T2), and at 1 year (T3) after MASDO, and measured changes from T1 to T2 (δT1T2), from T2 to T3 (δT2T3), and from T1 to T3 (δT1T3). We also evaluated the risk factors associated with an increased relapse. Results: Overall (δT1T3), MASDO improved retrusion of the maxilla. We measured a significant advancement (6.1 mm) of the anterior maxillary segment in δT1T2 (A-McNamara classification) and increases in the overjet and the SNA, ANB, and nasolabial angles. However, skeletal relapse was evident in δT2T3, and the median percentage of relapse was 10%. To explore the risk factors, we subdivided patients with a δT1T2 of >5 mm into 2 groups based on the percentage of relapse (>15% vs ≤15%). There were significant differences between these groups in the vertical positions of the anterior nasal spine and point A, and the angle formed by the SN and palatal planes (SNPP), suggestive of intraoperative counterclockwise rotation of the maxilla. Conclusions: MASDO is effective for correcting midfacial deficiencies, but counterclockwise rotation of the maxilla during surgery may cause relapse.
Strain Distribution in the Anterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament, Posterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament, and Interosseous Membrane Using Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Xu Daorong , Wang Yibei , Jiang Chunyu , Fu Maoqing , Li Shiqi , Qian Lei , Sun Peidong , Ouyang Jun 
Published: March 2018

Background: Ligament repair and augmentation techniques can stabilize syndesmosis injuries. However, little is known about the mechanical behavior of syndesmotic ligaments. The aim of this study was to analyze full-field strain, strain trend under foot rotation, and subregional strain differences of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL), and interosseous membrane (IOM). Methods: Eleven fresh-frozen lower limbs were dissected to expose the AITFL, PITFL, and IOM. The foot underwent rotation from 0° to 25° internal and 35° external, with 3 ankle positions (neutral, 15° dorsiflexion, and 25° plantarflexion) and a vertical load of 430 N. Ligament strain was recorded using digital image correlation. Results: The mean strain on the AITFL with 35° external rotation was greater in the proximal portion compared with distal portion in the neutral position ( P = .009) and dorsiflexion ( P = .003). The mean strain in the tibial insertion and midsubstance near tibial insertion were greater when compared with other regions ( P = .018 and P = .009). The subregions of mean strain in the PITFL and IOM groups were not significantly different. The strain trend of AITFL, PITFL, and IOM showed common transformation, just when the foot was externally rotated. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that a significantly high strain was observed on the proximal part and the midsubstance near the Chaput tubercle of the AITFL when the ankle was externally rotated. All 3 ligaments resisted the torque in the syndesmosis by external rotation of the foot. Clinical Relevance: This study allows for better understanding of the mechanical behavior of the syndesmosis ligaments, which could influence the repair technique and AITFL augmentation techniques
Circulating cell-free DNA does not harbour a diagnostic benefit in cats with feline diffuse iris melanomas
Authors: Rushton Jessica G , Ertl Reinhard , Klein Dieter , Tichy Alexander , Nell Barbara 
Published: March 2018

Objectives Feline diffuse iris melanoma (FDIM) is the most common malignant primary intraocular tumour in cats, with reported metastases rates between 19% and 63%. Currently, the only available diagnostic tool for a tentative diagnosis is histopathological examination of the enucleated eye. Therefore, the veterinary ophthalmologist is often faced with the dilemma of whether to enucleate an oftentimes visual eye or to continue monitoring, with the risk of metastases developing. In the past, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) gained more attention in human medicine, especially in the field of oncology. Prior studies have shown the use of cfDNA as diagnostic or prognostic markers in canine and human cancer patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate cfDNA concentration and integrity in cats with FDIMs compared with cats with benign iris naevi and without ocular abnormalities. Methods cfDNA from plasma of cats with iris melanoma (n = 34), iris naevus (n = 30) and without ocular abnormalities (n = 32) were extracted. Primer and probes for feline amyloid beta precursor protein ( APP) and beta actin ( ACTB) were designed for amplicons of various lengths and quantitative PCRs of extracted cfDNA were performed to measure cfDNA concentration and integrity of the plasma samples. Differences of cfDNA concentrations and integrity levels between the three groups (iris melanoma, iris naevi and controls) were analysed using the Mann–Whitney U-test. Results cfDNA concentration and integrity analysis revealed no significant differences between the cats with iris melanoma, iris naevus or the control group ( P >0.01). Cats with metastases showed similar cfDNA concentration and integrity to cats without metastases. Conclusions and relevance cfDNA concentration and integrity seem to be insufficient as a diagnostic or prognostic marker in cats with FDIMs.