bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Variations of Chronic Hemodialysis Dose in South Croatia
Authors: Kovacic V. , Roguljic L. 
Published: January 2018

Introduction The dialysis parameters are used for prescribing the dose of dialysis therapy. Delivered dialysis dose could be calculated from predialysis and postdialysis blood urea concentrations. Seasonal variations in some clinical and laboratory variables occur among chronic hemodialysis patients. Seasonal variations in chronic hemodialysis dose have not been investigated. We prospectively compared hemodialysis adequacy parameters in order to demonstrate its seasonal differences. Subjects and methods Data were processed on 201 single dialysis treatments involving a group of 51 anuric chronic hemodialysis patients. The study period was 12 months. Four measurements per subject were obtained (in January, April, July, and October). Results We could not demonstrate seasonal variability in prescribed and delivered hemodialysis dose, in “delta” values (absolute differences between prescribed and delivered dialysis doses for the same hemodialysis treatment), or in ultrafiltration per hemodialysis. Seasonal differences were found in blood urea concentrations before and after hemodialysis (p=0.001, p=0.010). When the data were grouped into two groups: cold (January and October) and mild (April and July) months; we could not demonstrate significant differences in dialysis adequacy parameters, but there were differences in blood urea concentration before hemodialysis (26.06±14.73 vs. 24.35±4.50, p=0.004), blood urea concentration alter hemodialysis (10.24±2.96 vs. 9.43±2.60, p=0.019), and ultrafiltration per hemodialysis (3.36±1.13 vs. 3.10±1.11, p=0.046). Conclusion Based of the results of this investigation conducted on chronically hemodialyzed patients in the mild Mediterranean climate in South Croatia, Europe; we have concluded that clinicians should not pay attention to season when they prescribe hemodialysis dose or analyze delivered hemodialysis dose.
Preadipocyte-Loaded Collagen Scaffolds with Enlarged Pore Size for Improved Soft Tissue Engineering
Authors: Von Heimburg D. , Kuberka M. , Rendchen R. , Hemmrich K. , Rau G. , Pallua N. 
Published: January 2018

Extended soft tissue defects after extensive deep burns or tumor resections are still an unresolved problem in plastic and reconstructive surgery. There is a clinical need for an adequate solution to this problem but currently, no adequate implant material is available for the correction of these defects. Since the autologous transplantation of mature adipose tissue gives poor results, this study explores the advantages of using human preadipocytes in collagen sponges for tissue reconstruction purposes. Human preadipocytes of young adults were isolated, cultured, seeded onto collagen sponges with uniform pore size, and implanted into immunodeficient mice. After 24 hours of incubation in vitro and after explantation at 3, 8, and 12 weeks, sponges were examined for macroscopic appearance, weight, thickness, histology, immuno-histochemistry, and ultrastructure. We find good penetration of cells into the scaffold, layers of adipose tissue, and new vessels on all grafts while controls appear unchanged. These results are promising for improving the reconstruction of soft tissue defects.
Robln Heart 2003 - Present State of the Polish Telemanipulator Project for Cardiac Surgery Assistance
Authors: Nawrat Z. , Podsędkowski L. , Mianowski K. , Wróblewski P. , Kostka P. , Pruski R. , Małota Z. , Religa Z. 
Published: January 2018

The Polish telemanipulator (RobIn Heart), for use in cardiac surgery, has been realized by the Foundation of Cardiac Surgery Development in Zabrze, Poland, in cooperation with specialists from the Technical University of Lodz and Warsaw University of Technology. The brief history of robotic surgery and fundamental advantages of employing robots in this field – safe, reliable and repeatable operative results with less patient pain, trauma and recovery time – follow the assumptions of the Polish Cardio-Robot project. The cardiac surgery robot, RobIn Heart, is an original construction with a segment type structure which allows the various combination of its parts for different types of surgery. The telemanipulator for cardiac surgery will consist of two arms equipped with tools and one arm holding the camera. Several models suitable for surgeon contact systems, using the experience of centers designing the artificial hand and haptic systems have been worked out. The detailed mechanical analysis and original construction of main parts of the robot and development of the surgical planning system are presented in further sections.
Endovascular Stents: Market Vigilance and Risk Factors
Authors: Grigioni M. , Daniele C. , Abbate M. , D'avenio G. , Morbiducci U. , Del Gaudio C. , Barbaro V. 
Published: January 2018

With the aim of enhancing the safety and reliability level of coronary stents, we analyzed data collected from accident reports drawn from the MAUDE database (Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience Database) of the FDA from 1996 to 2000. This analysis allowed us to highlight problems related to the use of coronary stents by means of the analysis of these reports at different levels, beginning from the causes that can lead to a certain type of accident up to the possible complication related to that event. Moreover we analyzed the procedure outcomes in terms of stent position inside the patient's body and the possible therapies adopted to solve the problems. The results showed that the most probable event that can lead to an accident is the stent separation from the balloon which, alone, turns up in a number of cases equal to the sum of all the others. This result highlights the importance of the technical skill of the operators accomplished by special training and of the importance of clarity and completeness in the instructions for the use of the device. Another critical point is the reliability of the device which must guarantee an adequate safety level when it is used according to the instructions.
A Simple Method for Emax Evaluation: in Vitro Results
Authors: Ferrari G. , De Lazzari C. , Guaragno M. , Tosti G. , Mancini A. 
Published: January 2018

Emax is an important parameter to evaluate the state of the heart and of its contractile capability. Its determination is not easy and rather inaccurate: However, it can be clinically relevant during mechanical and/or pharmacological heart assistance as it can suggest how to modify pharmacological therapy or the control strategy of the device. Aim of this study is to develop a method based on ventricular energetics to evaluate Emax. If arterial elastance line slope is modified, for example by a slight peripheral resistance increase, Emax (assuming that it is constant) can be evaluated computing the energy transferred to the arterial elastance before and after the change. The corresponding equation contains known or easily computable variables and the difference Δ between end diastolic volume and ventricular rest volume. If the ratio of s before and after the disturbance is near to 1, the equation returns a fair estimation of Emax. The method was tested in vitro, in different circulatory conditions, using an open loop numerical model of the circulation built out of a variable elastance model of the ventricle connected to a modified windkessel representing the systemic arterial tree. The results obtained in in vitro experiments suggest clinically testing this method.
Maintenance of Residual Renal Function 10 Years after the Start of Hemodialysis: The Advantage of Tailored Schedules?
Authors: Piccoli G.B. , Burdese M. , Mezza E. , Consiglio V. , Mangiarotti G. , Thea A. , Bermond F. , Gai M. , Lanfranco G. , Jeantet A. , Segoloni G.P. 
Published: January 2018

Maintenance of residual renal clearance is a clinical advantage, protecting against the long-term effects of uremia: although demonstrated in peritoneal dialysis, the strategies in hemodialysis are less clear. This case suggests that dialysis schedules individualized on the basis of renal clearances may help preserve residual function. SB is a 58 year-old male who started dialysis in emergency (creatinine 30.7 mg/dL) in 1993. He had a history of gout, small shrunken kidneys and moderate hypertension. The clinical diagnosis was vasculointerstitial nephropathy. Eighteen months after starting hemodialysis on a conventional thrice weekly schedule, the patient was switched to 2 sessions/week (creatinine clearance increased to 6 ml/min). Thereafter, clearances were checked in alternate months and treatment was tailored to an equivalent renal clearance 12 ml/min (1–2 sessions, 2-3.30 hours/week). Ten years after beginning dialysis, he is on a twice weekly schedule (3.30 hours), is normotensive, works full-time and does not want to go on a transplant waiting list.
Cutaneous Plasmacytoma in a Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Fabbian F. , Tessari G. , Colato C. , Cavallini L. , Martino F. , Ortalda V. , Loschiavo C. , Lupo A. , Maschio G. 
Published: January 2018

Background Extramedullary plasma cell dyscrasias are rare. Case report We report a case of a 56-year-old male Caucasian hemodialysis patient with cutaneous plasmacytoma. The diagnosis was made a few months after surgical removal of his renal graft due to chronic rejection. Investigations for the presence of an associated myeloma were negative. He underwent local radiotherapy with complete resolution of the skin lesion. Conclusions Nephrologists should be aware that the frequency of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders is increasing in the dialysis population, especially in those previously or currently treated with immunosuppressive drugs.
Hydrodynamic Stimulation and Long Term Cultivation of Nucleus Pulposus Cells: A New Bioreactor System to Induce Extracellular Matrix Synthesis by Nucleus Pulposus Cells Dependent on Intermittent Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Gokorsch S. , Nehring D. , Grottke C. , Czermak P. 
Published: January 2018

A novel bioreactor system was constructed to induce extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis by intervertebral disc (ID) cells due to intermittent hydrostatic pressure. The developed system is completely sterilizable and reusable. It is viable for cultivation, immobilization, and stimulation of various other cell types and tissues especially for cartilage. The custom made lid allows long-run cultivation through semi-continuous operation. Manual interferences and therefore the risk of contamination are reduced. Sampling, medium changing and addition of supplements are easily performed from the connected conditioning vessel, which could be placed in an incubator. For the present investigations nucleus pulposus cells from pigs were taken and immobilized in agarose to obtain three-dimensional cell matrix constructs which were subjected to intermittent hydrostatic pressure. Afterwards the construct was biochemically examined. The proven constituents of ECM were found to be released in dependence of the magnitude and profile of the applied pressure.
Tissue Models of Peritoneal Fibrosis
Authors: Jiménez-Heffernan J.A. , Cirugeda A. , Bajo M.A. , Del Peso G. , Pérez-Lozano M.L. , Perna C. , Selgas R. , LÓpez-Cabrera M. 
Published: January 2018

Objective To evaluate the utility of peritoneal pathologic samples, unrelated to peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment, for the study of peritoneal fibrosis and inflammation. Methods Comparative morphologic and immunohistochemical study of peritoneal pathologic samples unrelated to PD with peritoneal biopsies from PD patients with special emphasis on the expression of myofibroblastic and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers. Results Regarding morphology, PD-related simple fibrosis was less cellular, with greater stromal hyalinization, determining a homogeneous, hypocellular aspect of the submesothelium. In contrast, non-PD fibrosis was more cellular with an extracellular matrix showing a dense and fibrillar quality with wide bundles of collagen. Hylinazing vasculopathy was only present in PD samples. Myofibroblastic differentiation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition were common findings in all situations of peritoneal fibrosis. Calponin and calretinin are useful cellular markers to study such fibrogenic mechanisms and correlate with other well-known markers such as α-SMA and cytokeratins. Their expression was much more intense in those samples showing acute inflammation (peritonitis). Conclusions Non-PD models of peritoneal fibrosis seem very useful to evaluate important features of human peritoneal pathology such us fibrogenesis, and inflammation. Fibrogenic events such as myofibroblastic differentiation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition are evident in these tissue samples allowing us to use them as an accessible source for in vivo and ex vivo studies. Both events show their maximal expression in situations of acute inflammation supporting the important role that peritonitis episodes play in the progression of fibrosis.
Simple Peritoneal Sclerosis and Sclerosing Peritonitis: Related or Distinct Entities?
Authors: Di Paolo N. , Sacchi G. , Garosi G. , Taganelli P. , Gaggiotti E. 
Published: January 2018

Aim The etiopathogenesis of sclerosing peritonitis is still debated, with some sustaining that it is a rare form of progression of simple peritoneal sclerosis and others that it is a primitive form. The aim of the present research was to clarify this question. Material and Methods 438 peritoneal biopsies from 253 patients were re-examined. 174 were obtained prior to peritoneal dialysis and 224 after various periods of dialysis. Forty biopsies were from peritoneal dialysis patients who developed sclerosing peritonitis. Peritoneal morphology was studied for signs of transition from simple sclerosis to sclerosing peritonitis. Results Evidence was found sustaining the hypothesis that simple sclerosis to sclerosing peritonitis patients have distinct pathologies. Conclusions The results confirm previous observations, excluding the existence of any type of relation between simple peritoneal sclerosis to sclerosing peritonitis.
Atorvastatin Improves Peritoneal Sclerosis Induced by Hypertonic PD Solution in Rats
Authors: Duman S. , ŞEn S. , SÖZmen E.Y. , Oreopoulos D.G. 
Published: January 2018

Background Peritoneal sclerosis is a complication of peritoneal dialysis and results in ultrafiltration failure. It is related to chronic peritoneal injury due to dialysis solution content and recurrent peritonitis. Statins have anti-inflammatory properties which may be of value in modulating responses to injury. We evaluated the capacity of atorvastatin to modify peritoneal alterations secondary to hypertonic glucose. Methods Thirty-two non-uremic rats were divided into three groups: group I (Sham) rats received no treatment (n=11), group II received hypertonic (3.86%, 10 ml/day) PD solution (n=10) and group III received hypertonic PD solution (10 ml/day) plus 80 mg/L atorvastatin in drinking water (n=11). After four weeks, a one-hour peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was performed with 3.86% PD solution. Dialysate-to-plasma urea ratio (D/P urea), glucose reabsorption (D1/D0 glucose), ultrafiltration volume (UF), dialysate protein, TGF-ß1 and VEGF levels were determined. Results Administration of atorvastatin resulted in preserved UF (4.9±0.8 vs 7.5±0.6 mL, p <0.01), protein loss (2.2±0.2 vs 2.1±0.1 g/L, p >0.05), and peritoneal thickness (53±3 vs 26±4 μm, p <0.01). D1/D0 glucose was significantly reduced in the dextrose group (0.70±0.02 vs 0.56±0.04, p <0.01). Both higher levels of TGF-ß1 (206±40 vs 474±120 pg/mL, p<0.05), and VEGF in dialysate effluent (4±0.4 vs 7.9±3 pg/mL, p>0.05), was determined in the dextrose group. Conclusion Exposure to hypertonic glucose solution resulted in alterations in peritoneal transport manifested by a rapid dissipation of the glucose gradient and resultant impaired UF response. Administration of atorvastatin led to prevention of these alterations. We suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of statins are useful in providing protection of the peritoneal membrane from the effects of hypertonic glucose.
Prevention of Peritoneal Sclerosis: A New Proposal to Substitute Glucose with Carnitine Dialysis Solution (Biocompatibility Testing in Vitro and in Rabbits)
Authors: Gaggiotti E. , Arduini A. , Bonomini M. , Valentini G. , Sacchi G. , Sansoni E. , Salvo D. , Di Paolo N. 
Published: January 2018

Aim Commercial glucose peritoneal dialysis solutions expose the peritoneum to hyperosmolar glucose containing variable amounts of non-enzymic breakdown products of glucose. These solutions are toxic for the peritoneum. The aim of the present study is to compare in vitro and in vivo characteristics of a new dialysis solution containing carnitine, a naturally occurring compound, as substitute of glucose. Material and Methods We compared in vitro and in the rabbit a new peritoneal dialysis solution containing carnitine, with two standard bicarbonate glucose peritoneal dialysis solutions and a solution containing icodextrin. Results In vitro and in vivo the solution containing carnitine seems to be more biocompatible than standard glucose solutions and those containing icodextrin. Conclusions In our study the peritoneal dialysis solution containing carnitine seems to prevent the mesothelial changes observed with solutions containing glucose. Since carnitine has been extensively studied and seems to be well tolerated by hemodialysis patients, even at high doses for long periods, clinical trials in humans may be planned in the near future.
Low-dose Citrate Continuous Veno-venous Hemofiltration (CVVH) and Acid-base Balance
Authors: Naka T. , Egi M. , Bellomo R. , Cole L. , French C. , Wan L. , Fealy N. , Baldwin I. 
Published: January 2018

Objective To evaluate the acid-base effect of low-dose regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) during continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH). Design Prospective observational study. Setting ICUs of tertiary public and private hospitals. Subjects Thirty critically ill patients with acute renal failure at risk of bleeding or with a major contraindication to heparin-CVVH and/or short filter life. Methods We used a commercial citrate-based fluid (11 mmol/L, sodium: 140 mmol/L, chloride: 108 mmol/L and 1 mol/L of potassium) as pre-dilution replacement fluid during CVVH. Further potassium was added according to serum potassium levels. We measured all relevant variables for acid-base analysis according to the Stewart-Figge methodology. Results Before treatment, study patients had a slight metabolic acidosis, which worsened over 6 hours of RCA-CVVH (pH from 7.39 to 7.38, p<0.005; bicarbonate from 23.2 to 21.6 mmol/L, p<0.0001 and base excess from −2.0 to −3.0 mEq/L, p<0.0001) due to a significant increase in SIG (from 5.8 to 6.6 mEq/L, p<0.05) and a decrease in SIDa (from 37.5 to 36.6 mEq/L, p<0.05). These acidifying effects were attenuated by hypoalbuminemia and a decrease in lactate (from 1.48 to 1.34 mmol/L, p<0.005) and did not lead to progressive acidosis. On cessation of treatment, this acidifying effect rapidly self-corrected within six hours. Conclusions Low dose RCA-CVVH induces a mild acidosis secondary to an increased strong ion gap and decreased SIDa which fully self-corrects at cessation of therapy. Clinicians need to be aware of these effects to correctly interpret changes in acid-base status in such patients.
PMEA Polymer-Coated PVC Tubing Maintains Anti-Thrombogenic Properties during in vitro Whole Blood Circulation
Authors: Yoshizaki T. , Tabuchi N. , Van Oeveren W. , Shibamiya A. , Koyama T. , Sunamori M. 
Published: January 2018

Poly(2-methoxyethylacrylate) (PMEA) is a new coating material that appears to reduce protein and platelet adsorption. However, the exact performance of PMEA coated circuit remains to be revealed in well-controlled experiments. Therefore, we compared its hemocompatibility with covalent-bound heparin-, and non-coated circuits during 6 hours of in vitro circulation, using donor blood from six volunteers. In our model, simple tubing circuits containing one-way ball valve were placed on the rotary table, which moved alternatively to generate pulsatile recirculation of heparinized human blood inside the tubing. Using this model, we expected fine assessment of the material surface, because we could reduce blood damage by avoiding air and a blood pump. Moreover, the small capacity of circuit allowed us to compare three kinds of circuits using a single unit of donor blood, eliminating effects by possible variations between blood donors. The anti-thrombin capacity of the PMEA-coated circuits was maintained even after six hours blood circulation, whereas surface thrombin generation increased markedly after use in non-coated circuits (P<0.05). Deposition of fibrin onto PMEA circuits was reduced more than 30% compared with heparin and non-coated circuits (P<0.05). However, the increase of plasma Factor XIIa was similar in all circuits. Increase of CD11b expression on circulating leukocytes and of plasma C3a was ameliorated in the heparin- and PMEA-coated circuits (P<0.05). PMEA-coated circuits appear to maintain their anti-thrombogenicity during use, otherwise PMEA-coated and heparin-coated circuits showed a similar character in hemocompatibility. This long-standing anti-thrombogenicity might be attributable to less adsorption of activated blood components onto the surface.
Biofilm in Implant Infections: Its Production and Regulation
Authors: Costerton J.W. , Montanaro L. , Arciola C.R. 
Published: January 2018

A significant proportion of medical implants become the focus of a device-related infection, difficult to eradicate because bacteria that cause these infections live in well-developed biofilms. Biofilm is a microbial derived sessile community characterized by cells that are irreversibly attached to a substratum or interface to each other, embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances that they have produced. Bacterial adherence and biofilm production proceed in two steps: first, an attachment to a surface and, second, a cell-to-cell adhesion, with pluristratification of bacteria onto the artificial surface. The first step requires the mediation of bacterial surface proteins, the cardinal of which is similar to S. aureus autolysin and is denominated AtlE. In staphylococci the matrix of extracellular polymeric substances of biofilm is a polymer of β-1,6-linked N-acetylglucosamine (PIA), whose synthesis is mediated by the ica operon. Biofilm formation is partially controlled by quorum sensing, an interbacterial communication mechanism dependent on population density. The principal implants that can be compromised by biofilm associated infections are: central venous catheters, heart valves, ventricular assist devices, coronary stents, neurosurgical ventricular shunts, implantable neurological stimulators, arthro-prostheses, fracture-fixation devices, inflatable penile implants, breast implants, cochlear implants, intra-ocular lenses, dental implants. Biofilms play an important role in the spread of antibiotic resistance. Within the high dense bacterial population, efficient horizontal transfer of resistance and virulence genes takes place. In the future, treatments that inhibit the transcription of biofilm controlling genes might be a successful strategy in inhibiting these infections.