bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new blood donation strategy: Automated blood collection (ABC)
Authors: Menichella G. , Serafini R. , Ciarli M. , Paladini U. , Pierelli L. , Bunkens H. , Leone G. 
Published: March 2018

Background The aim of this study was to find out if Cobe Trima, a blood cell separator that automatically collects RBC, PLT and plasma, is adequate for routine multiple blood donation by apheresis. Materials and Methods Eighty donors underwent multiple blood component donations by Cobe Trima. Blood counts were determined on the apheresis products to analyze their quality. Results Eighty procedures were performed collecting 193 products. The average platelet yield was 3.5×1011 (± 0.46) in the 54 single product (SP) procedures and 7×1011 (± 0.88) in the 26 double product (DP) procedures. WBC contamination of the PLT products was 1.7 × 105 (1.2–4.2). The mean platelet efficiency was 60 ± 8.35% for SP and 66 ± 9.59% for DP. The hemoglobin (Hb) content per unit was 46.21 g (± 7.84) in 8 DP and 40.82 g (± 6.41) in 34 SP procedures. Conclusion The production of standardized blood components with good PLT yield and low WBC contamination plus high efficiency makes Trima one of the best blood cell separators of the new generation.
Isolated hemoperfused heart model of slaughterhouse pigs
Authors: Modersohn D. , Eddicks S. , Grosse-Siestrup C. , Ast I. , Holinski S. , Konertz W. 
Published: March 2018

A model of hemoperfused slaughterhouse pighearts is described providing a wide range of applications which leads to a reduction in animal experiments. The size of a pigheart, heart rate, coronary perfusion, metabolism, etc. are more comparable to conditions in patients than those in hearts of small laboratory animals. Global heart function can be assessed either by measuring stroke volume, ejection fraction, Emaxetc. in the working model or by measuring intraventricular pressure with balloon catheters in the isovolumetric model. Regional cardiac function can be measured by sonomicrometry and ischemic and non-ischemic areas can be compared. Local metabolic changes are measurable as well with microdialysis. Cardiac function can be kept on any given functional level by infusion of norepinephrine in spite of the fact that functional parameters are lower without adrenergic drive in vitro than in vivo. Stable heart function can be maintained for several hours with only 500 to 1000 ml of blood because the blood is permanently regenerated by a special dialysis system. This model can be applied in many research projects dealing with reperfusion injuries, inotropic, antiarrhythmic or arrhythmogenic effects of certain drugs, immunological rejection, evaluation of imaging systems (NMR, echocardiography etc.) or cardiac assist devices.
A new semi-automatic endothelial cell seeding technique for biological prosthetic heart valves
Authors: Laube H.R. , Matthäus M. 
Published: March 2018

Background Until today, tissue heart valve prostheses have been made with biological dead porcine or bovine tissue. However, the durability of this tissue is limited due to degeneration and calcification. Surface seeding with vital human endothelial cells (EC) could improve valve durability and bio-compatibility. A new seeding technique that includes a newly developed special seeding device is presented here. Methods The aortic valve, including a cylinder of the aortic root, was prepared from a fresh porcine heart taken from the slaughterhouse. Porcine endothelial cells were removed by surface treatment with chemical detergent solutions. A new seeding device with an integrated CO2-incubator was designed. The device is composed of: the seeding chamber (SC), the rotation unit (RU), and the Control Unit (CU). The porcine aortic root cylinder with the valve leaflets is placed into the SC. A matrix of fibronectin is applied to the acellular valve. The SC is then filled with the endothelial cells suspended in modified Dulbecco's eagle medium (DMEM). Under cell culture conditions, the endothelial cell seeding of the tissue valve is established by rotating the valve around two orthogonal axes simultaneously and independently. This is done following the software controlled preset parameters. Results Using initial endothelial cell seeding concentrations of 6×106 endothelial cells/ml DMEM, it was possible to achieve a seeding efficiency of 80–85% within 3–4 hrs. Cell viability tests proved that 90–95% of the seeded endothelial cells are vital after the seeding procedure. Conclusions This new seeding technique allows the complex warped surface of a tissue heart valve to be covered with vital endothelial cells to form a confluent endothelial cell monolayer.
A mathematical model of the fetal cardiovascular system based on genetic algorithms as identification technique
Authors: Grigioni M. , Carotti A. , Daniele C. , D'Avenio G. , Morbiducci U. , Di Benedetto G. , Albanese S. , Di Donato R. , Barbaro V. 
Published: March 2018

The development of fetal cardiac surgery, considered the ultimate goal in the treatment of congenital cardiac malformations, needs to be supported by detailed knowledge of the blood circulation in the fetal cardiovascular system. The hemodynamic behavior in distal territories is usually inferred from vessel resistance indices, which give limited physiological information. This study presents a mathematical model of the human fetal global cardiovascular system, developed to clarify the relationships and differences existing between upper and lower body circulation. We modelled the heart with two time-varying capacitances, each representing the respective ventricle's pressure-volume relationship. The fetal vascular system was represented using two six-element Windkessel models, for the upper and lower body respectively. We obtained the identification of the set of circuital and elastance function parameters of the model using Genetic Algorithms (GAs), which follow the laws of evolutionary theory. We compared the results of our numerical study on the model identified with data collected from measurements and literature, to validate the proposed global cardiovascular system model of the human fetus. This model is intended as an instrument to investigate the differences in blood distribution between the different vascular districts in the upper and lower fetal body and the role of the aortic isthmus, the small tract of vessel connecting upper and lower fetal vascular beds; it may also represent a useful tool in the assessment of dynamic balance during mechanical assistance of circulation.
Renal Replacement Therapy: Physical Properties of Hollow Fibers Influence Efficiency
Authors: Düngen H.-D. , Von Heymann C. , Ronco C. , Kox W.J. , Spies C.D. 
Published: March 2018

Introduction Physical properties of filters for continous renal replacement therapy have a great impact on biocompatibility. According to Poiseuille's law, a filter with more and shorter hollow fibers should offer a decreased pressure drop and, therefore, lower transmembrane pressure (TMP). The aim of this study was to study the effect of a new filter configuration in terms of TMP and clotting compared with the standard configuration. Methods In a prospective randomized cross-over study 2 polysulphone hollow fiber hemofilters, one handmade, which differed only in length and number of hollow fibers were compared. In each group 12 filters were investigated during continous venovenous hemofiltration in patients with acute renal failure due to septic shock. Pressures were measured every 3 hours and running time until filter clotting was documented. Mediators before and after the filter, at the end of treatment and in filtrate were assessed. Results The standard filter with longer hollow fibers had significantly lower TMPs (106 vs.194 mmHg, p=0.02) and longer running times (1276 vs. 851 min, p=0,04). There were no differences in hematocrit, total protein, cellular and plasmatic coagulation or blood temperature. No significant elimination of mediators was shown. Conclusion In contrast to our expectations, the filter with the longer hollow fibers had a better performance, as it ran longer and had lower TMP. This may be due to slower blood flow leading to an increase in blood viscosity in a filter with a larger cross section.
Severe wear from Retrieved Alumina-on-Alumina Coupled Implant: A Case Report
Authors: Affatato S. , Sudanese A. , Brizio L. , Squarzoni S. , Toni A. 
Published: March 2018

This study details the in vivo wear behavior of an alumina acetabular cup and a femoral head on a retrieved non-cemented hip prosthesis. A commercial alumina ceramic-on-ceramic prosthesis was retrieved from a patient previously treated for bilateral hip arthrosis in “coxa profunda”. Massive wear was found on the retrieved alumina ceramic head and acetabular cup. The total measured penetration depth was 1.9 mm while the total calculated weight loss for the acetabular cup was 6.06 g. The study underlines the head-cup instability caused by cup loosening as major cause of severe ceramic wear.
Determination of Time Delay between Blood and Interstitial Adipose Tissue Glucose Concentration Change by Microdialysis in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Wientjes K.J.C. , Schoonen A.J.M. 
Published: March 2018

For the development and use of subcutaneous glucose sensors it is important to know the time lag between changes in blood glucose and subcutaneous interstitial glucose concentration. To determine the time lag we inserted a microdialysis probe into the abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue of healthy volunteers (n =19) and performed oral glucose tolerance tests (n=39) over a 7-day period. After correction for the microdialysis system time lag, we compared the change in dialysate glucose concentration with the capillary blood glucose concentration. We found no significant delay time between a change in capillary blood glucose concentration and subcutaneous interstitial fluid glucose concentration using the Mann-Whitney test. The substantial interindividual variation of glucose recovery and the changing recovery in time makes it difficult to draw unambiguous conclusions about the exact physiological time lag. Based on the present experimental findings and theoretical calculations of glucose transport in adipose tissue, the physiological lag time is short and negligible compared to the system delay time of a glucose sensor.
Osteoclastic Bioresorption of Biomaterials: Two- and Three-Dimensional Imaging and Quantification
Authors: Winkler Thomas , Hoenig Elisa , Huber Gerd , Janssen Rolf , Fritsch Daniel , Gildenhaar Renate , Berger Georg , Morlock Michael M. , Schilling Arndt F. 
Published: March 2018

Purpose Bioresorbable materials have been developed in the hope that the body will replace them with newly formed tissue. The first step of this remodeling process in bone is the bioresorption of the material by osteoclasts. The aim of this study was to analyze osteoclastic resorption of biomaterials in vitro using the commonly used two-dimensional methods of light-microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in comparison with infinite focus microscopy (IFM), a recently developed imaging method allowing for three-dimensional surface analysis. Methods Human hematopoietic stem cells were cultivated in the presence of the cytokines M-CSF and RANK-L for 4 weeks directly on dentin and a calcium phosphate cement. Osteoclast development was surveyed with standard techniques. After removal of the cells, resorption was characterized and quantified by LM, SEM and IFM. Results Osteoclast cultures on the biomaterials presented the typical osteoclast-specific markers. On dentin samples LM, SEM as well as IFM allowed for discrimination of resorption. Quantification of the resorbed area showed a linear correlation between the results (LM vs. SEM: r=0.996, p=0.004; SEM vs. IFM: r=0.989, p=0.011; IFM vs. LM: r=0.995). It was not possible to demarcate resorption pits on GB14 using LM or SEM. With IFM, resorption on GB14 could be visualized and quantified two- and three-dimensionally. Conclusions In this paper we introduce IFM as a technology for three-dimensional visualization and quantification of resorption of biomaterials. Better understanding of the bioresorption of biomaterials may help in the design of better materials and might therefore constitute an important step on the avenue to the development of artificial bone.
Dose Conversion Ratio one year after Switching from Epoetin Alpha to Darbepoetin Alpha in Japanese Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hirai Takayuki , Nakashima Ayumu , Shiraki Nobuaki , Takasugi Norihisa , Yorioka Noriaki 
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims Darbepoetin alpha is effective for renal anemia when epoetin is insufficient. We previously reported that the dose conversion ratio from epoetin alpha to darbepoetin alpha was 1:350.5 after 24 weeks of follow-up. This study assessed the conversion ratio in stable Japanese hemodialysis patients after 52 weeks. Methods A total of 104 hemodialysis patients who were stable on intravenous epoetin alpha were switched to intravenous darbepoetin alpha according to the 1:200 rule. Then they were followed for 52 weeks to assess changes of hemoglobin and the darbepoetin alpha dose. Results Eighty-five patients completed the study. Their hemoglobin increased very rapidly during the first 8 weeks. The final conversion ratio was 1:286.6 at 52 weeks. Darbepoetin alpha showed similar efficacy in diabetics and non-diabetics. Patients switching from a high epoetin alpha dose (≥4500 IU/week) had a higher conversion ratio compared with those switching from a low dose (<4500 IU/week). Conclusions The dose conversion ratio of 1:200 was unsuitable and led to a rapid increase of hemoglobin. A conversion ratio of 1:250 to 1:300 should be employed when switching from epoetin alpha to darbepoetin alpha in Japanese patients.
Conventional versus Ultrapure Dialysate for Lowering Serum Lipoprotein(a) Levels in Patients on Long-Term Hemodialysis: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Tao Jianling , Sun Yang , Li Xuemei , Li Hang , Liu Shiqin , Wen Yubing , Duan Lin , Li Yan , Li Xuewang 
Published: March 2018

Purpose In patients on long-term hemodialysis, high lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels are difficult to lower with medications, although they remain a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We investigated whether ultrapure dialysate (UPD) could lower Lp(a). Methods: We randomly assigned patients stabilized on long-term dialysis to either a low-flux synthetic polysulphone membrane (the UPD group; n=14) or to a conventional dialysate (the CD group; n=13). Blood samples were collected 1 week before dialysis and 1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 12 months after dialysis; Lp(a) was measured by the immunotur-bidimetry method. Hemoglobin, interleukin-6, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, β2 microglobulin and albumin were also measured. The erythropoietin dosage, Kt/V, and normalized protein catabolic rate were recorded monthly. Results At 12 months, mean (SD) serum levels of Lp(a) in the CD patients increased from 143.46 (125.11) to 283.89 (145.81) mg/L (p<0.01), whereas levels in the UPD group remained unchanged: 131.38 (201.45) to 120.90 (122.11) mg/L. Endotoxin levels in the 10 CD patients who completed the study ranged from 0.116 to 0.349 EU/mL and were undetectable in the 11 UPD patients who completed the study. The cultures were less than 200 CFU/mL in CD patients and negative all the time for all UPD patients. Changes in Lp(a) from baseline values were lower in the UPD group than in the CD group (p<0.05). However, changes in other variables did not differ between groups. Conclusions Ultrapure dialysate can prevent the rise of Lp(a), potentially decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients.
Adverse Effects Secondary to the Treatment with Plasma Exchange
Authors: Puig LI. , Mazzara R. , Torras A. , Castillo R. 
Published: March 2018

Side effects and their relationship with the material used were analyzed in 748 plasma exchanges (PE) performed in 75 patients. The total incidence of acute and mild adverse effects (chills and/or fever, paraesthesias, allergic reactions, acute anaemia, vasovagal reactions, abdominal pain and hypotension) was 18.04%. Two patients developed an episode of left cardiac insufficiency. One patient in whom all PE were performed with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) developed metabolic alkalosis. Three patients developed sepsis during treatment with repeated PE and immunosupressive drugs; in these three patients a permanent vascular inlet was used (shunt or catheter). All patients in whom only FFP was used as replacement solution developed non-A, non-B hepatitis. Neither haemorrhagic nor thrombotic episodes were observed in these patients. It is of the greatest importance to choose the most suitable material for each patient and to develop a careful technique in order to avoid these complicatios during treatment with PE.
Experiments with Continuous Hemofiltration and Hemofiltrate Regeneration in the Rat
Authors: Böttcher M. , Falkenhagen D. , Nebe B. , Holtz M. , Neumann J. , Ryan C. , Wüstenberg P.W. , Dörp E. , Klinkmann H. 
Published: March 2018

Experimental studies were made with continuous hemofiltration treatment for bilaterally nephrectomised rats and initial observations regarding the effects of such treatment on leukocyte and thrombocyte counts are reported. Hemofiltration of unanesthetised rats able to move freely within their cage could be continued for up to 30 h using a pump-driven ECC system. Blood parameters recorded during this treatment indicate that the detoxification was effective. In another series of experiments the water and electrolyte reabsorption capacity of the colon ascendens of healthy rats was tested by continuously supplying NaCI solution into the colon via a fistula. A large proportion, if not all, of the hemofiltrate can be discharged into the colon without diarrhoea. A final series of experiments showed that the three-stage operation (implantation of permanent catheters, connection of a permanent intestinal fistula and bilateral nephrectomy) is possible with the rat.
Depletion Lymphocytapheresis in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemias: Criteria for Predicting Which Patients Will Respond to Treatment
Authors: Rossi P.L. , Alfano G. , D'Onofrio G. , Menichella G. , Mango G. 
Published: March 2018

Depletion lymphocytapheresis therapy using the continuous-flow separator was used in twenty-two cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Applying the Montserrat scoring system, a prediction can be made, to a good approximation, whether the patient will be a “responder” or a “non-responder” to leukapheresis. Criteria have been formulated for decisions on when depletion lymphocytapheresis is absolutely or only relatively indicated, on the basis of total scores from 2 through 6 using the Montserrat criterion.
Total Body Fluid Volume Determination Based on Urea Kinetics in Hemofiltration as an Index of Basal Body Weight in Uremic Patients
Authors: Kimura G. , Satani M. , Kojima S. , Saito F. , Kawano Y. , Ito K. , Omae T. 
Published: March 2018

Assuming that urea is distributed uniformly within the total body water, urea-space or total body fluid volume was determined in six uremic patients based on urea kinetics in hemofiltration. The total body fluid volume before hemofiltration was 36.0 ± 3.6 L (61.8 ± 2.6% BW) and after hemofiltration 32.5 ± 3.4 L (59.3 ± 2.8% BW), suggesting that the total body fluid volume was nearly normalized by hemofiltration. It is concluded that urea-space, easily measurable based on urea kinetics during hemofiltration, is useful in evaluating the fluid balance in patients undergoing artificial kidney therapy.
Preclinical Evaluation of Haemosorbents
Authors: Ryan C.J. , Courtney J.M. , Aslam M. , Falkenhagen D. , Böttcher M. , Klinkmann H. 
Published: March 2018

The selection of assessment procedures for the preclinical evaluation of haemosorbents and the relationship between such procedures and the intended application are exemplified by examination of the design and utilization of procedures based on the rat. Procedures are described for haemoperfusion and for membrane plasma separation followed by on-line sorbent treatment of plasma (plasma perfusion). These procedures are suitable for single or repeated use, with the animal in an unrestrained and conscious state. The relevance to the intended application is demonstrated with respect to artificial liver support by the ability of rat extracorporeal circuits to provide information on the relationship between sorbent properties and liver regeneration as determined by the proliferative response following partial hepatectomy.
Removal of Unconjugated Bilirubin by Macroreticular Resin in Hemoperfusion
Authors: Chang-Zhi Chen , Hui-Ming Wang , Ming-Rong Tong , Yao-Ting Yu , Ji-Chang Song , Shao-Cheng Qian , Hui-Zhen Chang 
Published: March 2018

Macroporous polystyrene and polyvinylpyridine beads with quaternary ammonium and tertiary groups were tailor-made for the adsorption of unconjugated bilirubin. In vitro studies in order to obtain high adsorption capacity, the synthesized macroporous resin should have an average pore size of about 160 Å and with surface area as large as possible. As the crosslinking of the resin increased from 4%-40% the amount of bilirubin adsorbed increased from 0.17 mg/g to 2.0 mg/g. Resins containing strong basic groups have higher adsorption capacities than their corresponding weak base groups. Adsorption mechanism studies showed that both chemical and physical adsorption took place. Adsorption of bilirubin in plasma was some what lower than in buffer solution.
Plasma Exchange with Prostaglandin I2 and ACD Solution: Comparative Effects
Authors: Camici M. , Gremignai G. , Pecori F. , Evangelisti L. , Fosella P.V. 
Published: March 2018

Discontinuous plasma exchange with prostaglandin I2 (5ng/kg/min) and low dosage heparin (5-6 IU/kg/min) (treatment I), and ACD solution alone (treatment II) was studied. During both treatments the activated partial thromboplastin time remained within the normal range. After treatment I platelet count was not decreased but in vitro platelet aggregation was reduced (p < 0.001). After treatment II platelet count was reduced and in vitro platelet aggregation unchanged. Prostaglandin I2 at this dosage caused no cardiovascular complications. The physiopathological implications of these differences are discussed.
Plateletapheresis with “Haemonetics 30” through a new three-way reinfusion set®
Authors: Pennisi S. , Del Fabro E. 
Published: March 2018

The main disadvantages of the discontinuous flow cell separator Haemonetics 30 (Haemonetics Corp. Natick, Mass.) compared to continuous flow separators are that there is a longer course procedure and a larger amount of donor's blood in extracorporeal circulation. These drawbacks can be reduced by means of a simple technical set-up. Since plasma reinfusion may commence as soon as the bowl filling stage is completed, the amount of blood in extracorporeal circulation can be greatly reduced simply by substituting a three-way setfor the two-way reinfusion set (BT 293).