bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Two Citrate Anticoagulation Regimens for Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration
Authors: Egi M. , Naka T. , Bellomo R. , Cole L. , French C. , Trethewy C. , Wan L. , Langenberg C.C. , Fealy N. , Baldwin I. 
Published: January 2018

Aims To assess the safety and efficacy of two different commercial citrate containing pre-filter replacement fluids during continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) in patients with frequent filter clotting. Setting: Four intensive care units. Patients: Sixty-three critically ill patients with acute renal failure (ARF). Design: Prospective observational study. Methods We used a commercial citrate fluid (citrate: 11 mmol/L - fluid A) as predilution replacement for CVVH. We then changed to a new commercial citrate fluid (citrate: 14 mmol/L-fluid B) as replacement fluid and performed statistical comparisons. Replacement fluid rate was fixed at 2,000 ml/hour. Results Filter life was 12.2 hour with fluid A compared with 17.1 hour with fluid B on average (p=0.0001). Mean post filter ionized calcium concentration was 0.52 mmol/L with fluid A compared with 0.40 mmol/L with fluid B (P&0.0001). Citrate intolerance led to cessation of treatment in one patient with fluid A and one patient with fluid B. Overall ionized calcium levels were higher (A: 1.18 vs B: 1.13 mmol/L; P&0.0001) and bicarbonate was lower (A: 22.4 vs B: 24.5 mmol/L; P&0.0001) during treatment with fluid A. Alkalemia was seen in 10 patients treated with fluid A and 16 patients treated with fluid B (NS). Conclusions We have developed a simple approach to regional citrate anticoagulation for CVVH using a commercial citrate-containing fluid as replacement fluid. Increasing citrate concentration from 11 to 14 mmol/L increased filter life while maintaining relative safety and simplicity.
A Mechanical Model Lung for Hydraulic Testing of Total Liquid Ventilation Circuits
Authors: Bagnoli P. , Vismara R. , Fiore G.B. , Costantino M.L. 
Published: January 2018

A new model lung (ML), designed to reproduce the tracheal pressure vs. fluid flow relationship in animals undergoing total liquid ventilation (TLV) trials, was developed to be used as a mock bench test for neonatal TLV circuits. The ML is based on a linear inertance-resistance-compliance (LRC) lumped-parameter model of the respiratory system with different resistance values for inspiration (Rinsp) or expiration (Rexp). The resistant element was set up using polypropylene hollow fibres packed inside a tube. A passive oneway valve was used to control the resistance cross-section area provided for the liquid to generate different values for Rinsp or Rexp, each adjustable by regulating the active length of the respective fibre pack. The compliant element consists of a cylindrical column reservoir, in which bars of different diameter were inserted to adjust compliance (C). The inertial phenomena occurring in the central airways during TLV were reproduced by specifically dimensioned conduits into which the endotracheal tube connecting the TLV circuit to the ML was inserted. A number of elements with different inertances (L) were used to simulate different sized airways. A linear pressure drop-to-flow rate relationship was obtained for flow rates up to 5 l/min. The measured C (0.8 to 1.3 mL cmH2O−1 kg−1), Rinsp (90 to 850 cmH2O s l−1), and Rexp (50 to 400 cmH2O s l −1) were in agreement with the literature concerning animals weighing from 1 to 12 kg. Moreover, features observed in data acquired during in vivo TLV sessions, such as pressure oscillations due to fluid inertia in the upper airways, were similarly obtained in vitro thanks to the inertial element in the ML.
Our Nine-Year Experience with the Self-Locating Catheter: Comparison of Malfunction Rate with Other Tenckhoff Catheter Variants
Authors: Lanuza M. , Minguela J.I. , Rodado R. , Muriel J. , Ruiz-De-Gauna R. 
Published: January 2018

Objective To evaluate catheter-related complications among self-locating and other variants of Tenckhoff catheters. Patients and Methods We studied all self-locating catheters implanted in our hospitals from May/97 to Dec/05. We extended the follow-up to Jun/05. We collected demographic data, causes of catheter withdrawal and dropping of PD. We studied data about technique and catheter related complications. Results We included 328 catheters in 285 patients. There were 258 self-locating, 55 straight and 15 curled. There was a higher rate of catheter withdrawal due to malfunction in patients with straight or pig-tail catheters than in self-locating ones (log-rank, p<0.001). Conclusion In our patients, self-locating catheters have a lower malfunction rate than other variants of Tenckhoff catheters.
Effects of High-Volume Continuous Hemofiltration on Experimental Pancreatitis Associated Lung Injury in Pigs
Authors: Yan X.-W. , Li W.-Q. , Wang H. , Zhang Z.-H. , Li N. , Li J.-S. 
Published: January 2018

Objective To investigate the effect of high-volume continuous hemofiltration on experimental pancreatitis associated lung injury (PALI) in pigs. Methods Animals had severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) induced by intraductal injection of sodium taurocholate and trypsin and were randomly assigned to three groups: 1) Controls, 2) Low-volume (LV) (20 ml/kg/h) continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) and 3) High-volume (HV) (100 ml/kg/h) CVVH at the onset of the induction of SAP. Systemic and pulmonary hemodynamic index were monitored intermittently. At the same time, arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), cytokines and activated NF-κB levels of peripheral blood mononuclear cell were measured. After the animals died, the degree of microscopic lung injury was judged and scored. Results The median survival times of control, low-volume and high-volume groups were respectively 41 h, 50 h and 65 h. Temperatures in high-volume CVVH group were more steady than in control and LV CVVH groups (p<0.01). MPAP was significantly decreased by 4–5 mmHg in the HV CVVH group after 12 h of treatment. PaO2 was significantly higher in HV group than in LV group at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h (p<0.01). HV CVVH resulted in significant reductions not only in interstitial edema and atelectasis but also hemorrhages, hyaline membranes, microthrombi and total lung injury histology score. Plasma cytokines in the high-volume group were significantly lower than in the LV and control groups. In the HV group, the expression of NF-κB activation at 6 h, 12 h and 24 h was lower than in the control and LV groups respectively. Conclusion CVVH can reduce pulmonary edema and the severity of PALI in pigs with high-volume CVVH being significantly better than low-volume CVVH. The beneficial effects of CVVH on arterial oxygenation and pulmonary function may be connected with improvements in systemic hemodynamics, reduction in plasma cytokine concentration and decreased activity of NF-κB in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Microbially-Influenced Corrosion: Damage to Prostheses, Delight for Bacteria
Authors: Beech I.B. , Sunner J.A. , Arciola C.R. , Cristiani P. 
Published: January 2018

In natural and man-made environments, microbial communities thrive as biofilms on living (e.g. tissue) and inanimate (e.g. plastic, metal, wood, mineral) surfaces. Biofilms are found in a wide range of aqueous habitats, including physiological fluids. Numerous types of microorganisms are able to colonize catheters, implants, prosthetics, and other medical devices manufactured from different metallic and non-metallic materials dwelling within a human body. The development of biofilm is facilitated by the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Biofilms formed on surfaces of metallic materials may alter interfacial electrochemical processes, which can lead to increased corrosion of the colonized substratum. Deterioration of metallic materials in the presence of a biofilm is termed biocorrosion or microbially-influenced corrosion (MIC). In the field of biomaterials, “biocorrosion” is commonly used when describing the effect of host tissue on the corrosion of implant metals and alloys. Therefore, to avoid confusion, we will here use the term MIC as a reference to biofilm-influenced corrosion. It is important to realise that although most metals are prone to microbial colonization, i.e. to biofouling, this does not imply that they are susceptible to MIC. For example, a metal such as titanium, accumulates biofilm, however, it still demonstrates excellent resistance against MIC. Corrosion is, by definition, an electrochemical process, therefore, electrochemical techniques are frequently employed to determine and measure the rate of abiotic, as well as biologically driven corrosion reactions. This communication addresses the use of electrochemical techniques for monitoring (i) biofilm formation on and (ii) MIC of implant metals and alloys.
New Surfaces with Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Characteristics in Relation to (No)Bioadhesion
Authors: Legeay G. , Poncin-Epaillard F. , Arciola C.R. 
Published: January 2018

The possibility of biosurfaces with high or low adhesiveness for protein, bacteria or eukaryotic cells is discussed. At the interface surface object/biological milieu, biocompatibility, (no) bioadhesion and (no) biocontamination are shown to be correlated with physico-chemical surface characteristics. First consequence is the (no) possibility of biofilm formation. Substrates with low surface energy could interact only with hydrophobic biomolecules. On substrates with high surface energy, a water monolayer spontaneously formed. Modification of a surface by plasma techniques is a way for engineering biomaterials. Plasma techniques are dry processes and more suitable for biomedical applications. In the field of biomaterial medical devices, in hygienic prevention of nosocomial diseases, in food packaging, the use of substrates with a very hydrophilic character may help to prevent the proliferation of cells and bacteria. Such a technique is so efficient that antibiotic molecules are not necessary. Therefore, surface engineering is a tool for modifying and adapting materials to specific biological applications.
Wireless Patient Monitoring System for a Moving-Actuator Type Artificial Heart
Authors: Nam K.W. , Chung J. , Choi S.W. , Sun K. , Min B.G. 
Published: January 2018

In this study, we developed a wireless monitoring system for outpatients equipped with a moving-actuator type pulsatile bi-ventricular assist device, AnyHeart™. The developed monitoring system consists of two parts; a Bluetooth-based short-distance self-monitoring system that can monitor and control the operating status of a VAD using a Bluetooth-embedded personal digital assistant or a personal computer within a distance of 10 meters, and a cellular network-based remote monitoring system that can continuously monitor and control the operating status of AnyHeart™ at any location. Results of in vitro experiments demonstrate the developed system's ability to monitor the operational status of an implanted AnyHeart™.
Prognostic Implications of Plasma Myoglobin Levels in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Lenglet Aurélie , Liabeuf Sophie , Desjardins Lucie , Neirynck Nathalie , Glorieux Griet , Lemke Horst-Dieter , Vanholder Raymond , Brazier Michel , Choukroun Gabriel , Massy Ziad A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Poor cardiovascular outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have prompted nephrologists to look for biomarkers that may improve risk stratification in this population. The objective of this study was to evaluate plasma myoglobin (Mb) levels according to the CKD stage and to determine whether they are associated with overall, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, CV events, and renal outcomes. Methods Plasma Mb levels were determined in 140 CKD patients at different stage (mean ± SD age: 67 ± 12; males: 61%) who were prospectively monitored for overall and CV mortality, CV events and CKD progression. Twenty-seven healthy subjects served as controls. Results Plasma Mb levels were higher in CKD patients than in controls and progressively increased as the glomerular filtration rate fell. Hemoglobin levels, CKD stage, the aortic calcification score and brain natriuretic peptide levels were associated with plasma Mb concentrations. In a multivariate analysis, only CKD stage was associated with Mb levels. During follow up (mean duration: 968 ± 374 days), 44 patients died and 63 had a cardiovascular event. In a crude analysis, plasma Mb >73.8 μg/l predicted overall and cardiovascular mortality and the occurrence of cardiovascular events (p = 0.01, 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). However, this association was lost after adjustment for other prognostic factors for mortality. Plasma Mb was not a significant predictor of the progression of CKD either. Conclusions Plasma Mb levels were significantly higher in predialysis or dialyzed CKD patients than in healthy controls. However, we could not identify a relevant clinical outcome associated with this elevation. Larger studies are needed to confirm the present results.
The Prevalence of Persistent Intradialytic Hypertension in a Hemodialysis Population with Extended Follow-Up
Authors: Van Buren Peter N. , Kim Catherine , Toto Robert D. , Inrig Jula K. 
Published: January 2018

Background Intradialytic hypertension, a phenomenon where blood pressure increases during hemodialysis, is associated with increased mortality in hemodialysis patients. The proportion of patients in which intradialytic hypertension persists over time is unknown. Methods In a retrospective cohort study, we studied all patients from our outpatient hemodialysis units that received ≥1 month of treatments during the period from January to August 2010. We reviewed all pre- and post-hemodialysis blood pressure and weight measurements from 22,955 treatments during this study period. We defined intradialytic hypertension as an increase in systolic blood pressure ≥10 mmHg from pre- to post-hemodialysis. Individual patients were defined as having persistent intradialytic hypertension if the change in blood pressure from pre- to post-hemodialysis, when averaged throughout the study period, was ≥+10 mmHg. We calculated weight changes between and during hemodialysis and defined ultrafiltration rate per treatment as ultrafiltration volume divided by minutes on hemodialysis. We compared patients with and without persistent intradialytic hypertension using chi-square analysis and mixed linear models. Results The prevalence of intradialytic hypertension was 21.3 per 100 treatments. The median percentage of intradialytic hypertension treatments per patient was 17.8% (9–31.3%, interquartile range). The prevalence of persistent intradialytic hypertension was 8 per 100 patients. Patients with persistent intradialytic hypertension had lower ultrafiltration rate compared to other patients (10.4 vs. 12.2 ml/min, p = 0.02). Conclusions Intradialytic hypertension is a persistent phenomenon in a subset of hemodialysis patients. Ultrafiltration rate was the only volume-related variable that differed between patients with and without persistent intradialytic hypertension.
Making two plus two equal five
Authors: Sharp Anne 
Published: January 2018

This paper examines ways in which internal data can be used in the evaluation research through data matching. It illustrates this through two case studies involving a three-year longitudinal and a cross-sectional evaluation of two large-scale Australian assistance programs. Discussion centres around ways in which internal data were used to assist the interview process, identify areas where ‘claimed’ (what the respondent says) and ‘actual’ (what the internal data show) data differ, and identify non-response issues. The paper also examines how internal data can be used as an intermediate platform against which the results of two independent surveys can be reconciled. This is useful as many surveys do not use the same measurement scales or cover the same topics. The use of internal data can provide some commonality between the two, again adding value in the overall evaluation process and allowing the organisation to better utilise existing data.
‘A Balancing Act’: Resolving Multiple Stakeholder Interests in Program Evaluation
Authors: Markiewicz Anne 
Published: January 2018

Attempting to balance multiple stakeholder interests in program evaluation presents many challenges. The views of different stakeholders as part of a reference group, or multiple stakeholder voices within a sector, are often diverse and reflect different political and organisational interests. In order to ensure that the evaluation product is widely accepted, and thereby utilised, these differences need to be recognised, and mediated. To work effectively with multiple stakeholders in this manner, the evaluator requires well developed negotiation skills. This paper argues that negotiation is an essential component to the planning stage of an evaluation, and that strategic steps need to be taken early in the evaluation process to ensure consensus is developed in stakeholder expectations regarding methodology and outcomes from the evaluation. This article will put forward a number of negotiation principles for evaluation practice which view the evaluator as enabling stakeholders to appreciate all positions, including that of the evaluator, with consensus emerging from increased understanding and consciousness raising.
Evaluation for management and development
Authors: Bost Jeff 
Published: January 2018

This article examines an evaluation currently being undertaken in Papua New Guinea. The evaluation is designed to assist an organisation (comprising a donor agency, a recipient government department and a managing contractor) with the management and further development of an aid program set in the education sector. The challenge facing the organisation has been how to devise and implement a comprehensive managerial approach that will enable improvement of the existing program, the subsequent design of a new program and, at the same time, support a third objective of creating an ongoing culture of evaluation. In responding to that challenge the organisation has committed to the use of structured evaluation processes. Specifi cally, it has decided to implement a range of ‘front end’ evaluative approaches-developmental, evaluability assessment and program logic-drawn from the interactive and clarifi cative forms presented in Owen's (1999) conceptual framework. The article outlines the interventions that have been undertaken and assesses progress to date. Examples of completed activities are outlined and some innovative monitoring evaluative tools are introduced, such as the ‘capacity scale’ and the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) template. The paper concludes with some thoughts on the role of evaluation for management and development for achieving continuous improvement.
Indigenous Evaluation: A Strategic Objective of the Australasian Evaluation Society
Authors: Wehipeihana Nan 
Published: January 2018

In 2003, the Australasian Evaluation Society (AES) Board identified Indigenous evaluation as a strategic objective of the Society. In coming to this decision, the Board signalled that it believed it was important to consider Indigenous evaluation more fully and its potential implications for the AES, its members, and the practice of evaluation. This article provides brief background information about the factors that gave rise to the emergence of Indigenous evaluation as a strategic objective of the AES, describes the activities and progress for the period 2004-2007, and identifies possible strategies to further progress Indigenous evaluation. It argues that greater engagement on the part of AES members is needed to progress Indigenous evaluation as a strategic objective of the Society; in particular, the need for AES members to consider what Indigenous evaluation means or might mean for the Society and why, if at all, Indigenous evaluation has a place within the AES. The article is set in the context of my role as a past Executive member of the AES Board, with responsibility to progress Indigenous evaluation as a strategic objective of the Society. As such, it is a personal reflection of that journey to date.
Towards Gender Equality through Equity in Community-Level Evaluation
Authors: Donnelly John 
Published: January 2018

The calls by donors for gender equality to be an outcome of community development projects, locally and internationally, have been a constant for many years. While gender equality is not normally an explicit requirement of community-level evaluations, it should be. However, entrenched social and religious mores and economic systems have most often proved too difficult to change and gender equality remains a challenge. When it comes to the evaluation of community development projects, most donors and practitioners call for participatory evaluations to ensure that real input into evaluation findings is obtained from those most affected by the development intervention. However, gender equality in evaluation is faced with the same barriers as in development—the gendered barriers to participation. Gender equality means equal access, equal value, equal numbers and equal rights in participation in the activities. But the barriers to participation are most often the result of the gendered nature of society. These barriers include literacy, time availability, the timing of an activity, public standing and access. Common participatory practices, such as surveys, focus group discussions and positivist approaches, do not break down these barriers. While this situation is very often the case in developing countries, it is also seen as an issue in Australia's multicultural society, in particular among recent refugee groups. This article highlights that participation, together with gender equity (as distinct from equality), in the design, implementation and monitoring of an evaluation is also a requirement for ensuring gender equality in the outputs of evaluations. The article focuses on the importance of the informants’ understanding of what is being evaluated, and minimising the impact of barriers in ensuring gender equity (that is, fairness of treatment for women and men, according to their respective needs), so that all voices are heard. Tools and approaches that bring fairness and justice to participatory evaluation can help to ensure gender equality in the findings, conclusions and resultant recommendations of communitylevel evaluations.
Letter to the editor: Use of cost–benefit analysis in evaluation
Authors: King Julian 
Published: January 2018

I enjoyed reading the article on cost–benefit analysis (CBA) by Liddle, Wright & Koop in the June 2015 issue of the Evaluation Journal of Australasia. As a health economist-turned-evaluator I can vouch for the value of CBA and other economic methods (i.e. cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis) in evaluation. For example, understanding the relationship between the resources invested in a program and the consequences of the investment provides a deeper understanding of the program's worth, rather than examining either side of the equation (e.g. the ‘costs’ or ‘benefits’) in isolation. I also welcome the suggestion by Liddle et al. (2015) that CBA can be used with traditional evaluation approaches, rather than as a replacement for them. However, more guidance is needed for evaluators and economists on how this should be done. To illustrate this point, a few considerations are outlined below. Firstly I will start with the strengths and limitations of CBA, then I will lead on to some considerations about when it might be appropriate to use CBA, when CBA alone might be insufficient to determine the worth of a program, and how CBA might be combined with traditional approaches.