bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mirror neuron activation as a function of explicit learning: changes in mu‐event‐related power after learning novel responses to ideomotor compatible, partially compatible, and non‐compatible stimuli
Authors: Behmer Lawrence P. , Fournier Lisa R. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractQuestions regarding the malleability of the mirror neuron system (MNS) continue to be debated. MNS activation has been reported when people observe another person performing biological goal‐directed behaviors, such as grasping a cup. These findings support the importance of mapping goal‐directed biological behavior onto one's motor repertoire as a means of understanding the actions of others. Still, other evidence supports the Associative Sequence Learning (ASL) model which predicts that the MNS responds to a variety of stimuli after sensorimotor learning, not simply biological behavior. MNS activity develops as a consequence of developing stimulus‐response associations between a stimulus and its motor outcome. Findings from the ideomotor literature indicate that stimuli that are more ideomotor compatible with a response are accompanied by an increase in response activation compared to less compatible stimuli; however, non‐compatible stimuli robustly activate a constituent response after sensorimotor learning. Here, we measured changes in the mu‐rhythm, an EEG marker thought to index MNS activity, predicting that stimuli that differ along dimensions of ideomotor compatibility should show changes in mirror neuron activation as participants learn the respective stimulus‐response associations. We observed robust mu‐suppression for ideomotor‐compatible hand actions and partially compatible dot animations prior to learning; however, compatible stimuli showed greater mu‐suppression than partially or non‐compatible stimuli after explicit learning. Additionally, non‐compatible abstract stimuli exceeded baseline only after participants explicitly learned the motor responses associated with the stimuli. We conclude that the empirical differences between the biological and ASL accounts of the MNS can be explained by Ideomotor Theory.
Origins and implications of apid bees (Hymentopera: Apidae) in French Polynesia
Authors: Groom Scott V. C. , Stevens Mark I. , Ramage Thibault , Schwarz Michael P. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIsland plant–pollinator networks are typically simpler than their continental counterparts and this can make them less resilient to disturbance from exotic species. French Polynesia has a very low diversity of bees, but their status as either native or introduced species has been largely speculative. We combine previous studies with new DNA sequence data to show that 11 bee species have now been recorded for French Polynesia. Haplotype variation at the ‘barcode’ region of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) for four of these species, Ceratina dentipes Freise, Xylocopa sonorina Smith, Braunsapis puangensis (Cockerell) and Amegilla pulchra (Smith), indicates that they all represent very recent introductions. Apis mellifera Linnaeus was a purposefully introduced species, and four megachilid species probably arrived due to human‐aided dispersal through maritime activities in the Pacific. The two remaining bee species, an unidentified partial specimen of a halictid bee and the colletid bee Hylaeus (P.) tuamotuensis Michener, are collectively known from only four specimens collected in the 1930s and their provenance is uncertain. French Polynesia therefore comprises a region where recently introduced bee species greatly overwhelm any possible native bee fauna. These introductions are likely to have major ecosystem impacts, including disruptions of existing plant–pollinator networks and facilitating the spread of weedy plant species, as well as positive impacts for agriculture. Future biosecurity initiatives need to consider these potential impacts and the likely routes of dispersal to effectively control any further unintended introductions.
Quantitating Dialysis in the Home Hemodialysis Patient: A Simple and Practical Approach
Authors: Coulis Nancy J. , Gray Barbara A. , Saiphoo Carl S. , Tobe Sheldon W. , Manuel M. Arif 
Published: September 2016

Home hemodialysis is the most cost‐effective form of dialysis and is associated with the lowest mortality. Home hemodialysis patients are usually highly motivated, independent, and actively employed. Because of the minimal supervision they require and the fact that they are not in a controlled environment, it is easy to overlook the measurement of their dialysis adequacy. We studied 6 home hemodialysis patients and demonstrated that blood urea measured 30 min before the end of dialysis (Ct‐30) is equivalent to that measured 30 min after the end of dialysis (Ct+30). The Kt/V results using Ct‐30, Kt/V(Ct‐30), were almost equivalent to Kt/V(Ct+30) (p = 0.5). The Kt/V Kt/V(Ct) using blood urea measured at the end of dialysis (Ct) significantly overestimated Kt/V(Ct‐30) and Kt/V(Ct+30) (p = 0.007) The calculated percent reduction of urea (PRU) was about 5% less when using Ct‐30 compared with Ct (p = 0.001).Taking blood samples 30 min before the end of dialysis for urea kinetics is more convenient for the home dialysis patients, since no other technical aspects of dialysis need their attention. The samples can be delivered to the laboratory the following day, because the blood may be stored in heparinized tubes at 4°C without deterioration of urea and creatinine concentrations. The Kt/V(Ct‐30) was almost equal to Kt/V(Ct+30), so there is no longer any concern for the errors introduced by urea rebound. The blood pump must be reduced to 80 mL/min for about 10 sec to eliminate the errors due to fistula and cardiopulmonary recirculation. A simple programmable calculator will facilitate the calculation of accurate results using the Daugirdas second‐generation formula.
Nightly Home Hemodialysis: Fifteen Months of Experience in Lynchburg, Virginia
Authors: Lockridge Robert S. , Albert Jeanette , Anderson Helen , Barger Terry , Coffey Lisa , Craft Viola , Jennings Floyd M. , McPhatter Lesley , Spencer Maureen , Swafford Angela 
Published: September 2016

What constitutes adequate dialysis has been debated in the nephrology literature over the past eight years. The mortality rate of patients on dialysis in the United States is about 20% per year. We believed that short and infrequent dialysis sessions contributed to poor outcomes. To improve the results, Lynchburg Nephrology started the nightly home hemodialysis (NHHD) program in September 1997.Ten patients were trained in the first 15 months of the program. Patients dialyzed 7 – 9 hours, 6 nights/week, using the Fresenius 2008H machine. A standard dialysis solution with 2.0 mEq/L potassium, calcium concentration of 3.0 – 3.5 mEq/L was used. Dialysis solution flow rates were 200 – 300 mL/min. Serum phosphate levels were maintained above 2.5 mg/dL by adding 0 – 45 mL Fleet's Phosphosoda to the bicarbonate bath.Patients had marked improvement in quality of life as measured with the SF‐36. Blood pressure was better controlled with fewer medications. All phosphate binders were eliminated. Caloric intake and protein intake increased to normal levels as measured by three‐day dietary histories pre‐NHHD, and at 3, 6, and 12 months on NHHD.Epoetin alfa dosages were reduced by about 50%. Nightly home hemodialysis should be considered as a valuable modality option for end‐stage renal disease patients; it is potentially superior to conventional thrice‐weekly hemodialysis.
Daily Hemodialysis versus Standard Hemodialysis: TAC, TAD, Weekly eKt/V, std(Kt/V), and PCRn
Authors: Galland Roula , Traeger Jules , Delawari Ehsan , Arkouche Walid , Abdullah Elias 
Published: September 2016

Seven patients, mean age 42.57 ± 15.69 years (range 21 – 67 years), on standard hemodialysis (SHD), 4 – 5 hours, three times per week for 11.0 ± 6.63 years (range 1 – 18 years), were switched to daily hemodialysis (DHD), 2 – 2.5 hours, six times per week. For each type of treatment similar parameters were applied, and the total weekly time was the same. Mean duration of DHD was 15.4 ± 4.98 months (range 7 – 20 months). We report here our results of quantification in each method, including time‐averaged concentration (TAC), normalized protein catabolic rate (PCRn), equilibrated Kt/V (eKt/V), equivalent normalized continuous standard clearance [std(Kt/V)], equivalent renal urea clearance (eKRn), and time‐averaged deviation (TAD).With DHD, urea TAC was reduced from 19.09 ± 3.47 to 15.16 ± 3.21 mmol/L (p = 0.026), urea TAD diminished from 4.76 ± 1.04 to 2.52 ± 0.57 mmol/L (p = 0.000 53), PCRn increased from 1.11 ± 0.23 to 1.42 ± 0.24 g/kg/day (p = 0.001), weekly eKt/V increased from 4.11 ± 0.31 to 4.74 ± 0.43 (p = 0.000 25), std(Kt/V) rose from 2.17 ± 0.06 to 4.02 ± 0.25 (p = 0.0001), and eKRn increased from 12.96 ± 0.60 to 21.7 ± 3.09 mL/min (p = 0.000 45).On DHD the most important quantitative variation is the decrease of urea TAD (closer to that of a healthy kidney), due to the increased frequency of dialysis; std(Kt/V) practically doubled and represents 30% of that of normal renal function. These changes are probably the main explanation for the clinical improvements, but it is difficult to dissociate the effects of increased dialysis dose from the effects of decreased TAD.
Blood Flow, Negative Pressure, and Hemolysis During Hemodialysis
Authors: Twardowski Zbylut J. , Haynie Jimmy D. , Moore Harold L. 
Published: September 2016

Blood flow, measured by an ultrasound flowmeter, and the extent of hemolysis were assessed during a single, routine dialysis in 100 patients. Before and after the hemodialysis session, blood was drawn for measurements of haptoglobin (HPT), hemoglobin (HGB), albumin (ALB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).The average values were as follows: pump speed 510 mL/ min, real blood flow 422 mL/min, arterial chamber pressure ‐350 mm Hg, and venous chamber pressure 279 mm Hg. Haptoglobin concentrations were higher in patients with central vein catheters compared to patients with arteriovenous access. The meaning of this finding is unclear. Mean HPT concentrations increased significantly less during hemodialysis (2.37%) than concentrations of ALB (11.3%), HGB (9.17%), and LDH (18.2%), indicating that some hemolysis is present in all dialyses. In dialyses with arterial chamber pressures more negative than ‐350 the median concentration of ALB (8.70%) increased significantly more than the median concentration of HGB (7.99%). This indicates significantly more hemolysis in dialyses with more negative pressures compared to those with less negative arterial chamber pressures. Median LDH increased more in dialyses with more negative prepump chamber pressures (16.19% vs 13.78%), but not significantly; however, LDH increases were significantly higher than either HGB or ALB, thus indicating significantly more hemolysis in dialyses with more negative pressures compared to those with less negative arterial chamber pressures. Erythropoietin dose was not significantly different in patients dialyzed with more or less negative arterial chamber pressures (17 645 ± 1226 U/week vs 16 308 ± 1506 U/week).We conclude that dialyses with negative arterial chamber pressures greater than ‐350 mm Hg cause slightly higher hemolysis than dialyses with less negative arterial chamber pressures, but this increased hemolysis is not associated with an increased requirement of erythropoietin dose. Whether this increased hemolysis is of clinical significance is uncertain.
Telematics Service for Home and Satellite Hemodialysis
Authors: Agroyannis Basil , Fourtounas Costas , Romagnoli Gianfranco , Skiadas Marios , Tsavdaris Charalambos , Chassomeris Costas , Tzanatos Helen , Kopelias Ioannis , Lymberopoulos Dimitrios , Psarras John 
Published: September 2016

Home hemodialysis (HD) for the treatment of end‐stage renal disease was first implemented about 30 years ago. In this paper the application of telematics monitoring services for supporting patients who need home HD or satellite HD is described.Two modified HD machines were located in two renal units, and a central control station (CCS, UNIX workstation with multimedia PC terminal) was located in another room of the hospital. Bidirectional communication between the modified HD machines and the CCS was managed using ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) links. Nine patients had 150 HD sessions performed using these HD machines over a period of 5 months. This system, called the HOMER‐D system, provided on‐line, remote supervision of the HD machine‐related functions and the clinical condition of the patients through measurement of blood pressure, pulse rate, PO2 (pulse oxymetry), and ECG from the CCS. Any disturbances in the functioning of the HD machines were both visible and audible in the CCS, and the observer could give teleconsultation to the renal unit staff. No major dialysis‐associated complications were observed; all data and alarms were transmitted correctly; and patients received adequate HD treatment.
Delayed Dialyzer Reprocessing for Home Hemodialysis
Authors: Pierratos Andreas , Francoeur Robert , Ouwendyk Michaelene 
Published: September 2016

Although dialyzer reuse for home hemodialysis (done by patients at home) has been in practice since the 1960s, it is now almost completely abandoned. The need for dialyzer reuse resurfaced with the renewed interest in daily/nightly forms of home hemodialysis and the associated increase in operating costs. We describe a method of dialyzer reuse based on reprocessing of dialyzers at the center, after they had been stored in a refrigerator at home for 1 week by the patient. Transportation of the dialyzers by either the patient or a transportation service was acceptable to the patients. Despite the lower number of reuses, possibly related to the delayed processing, dialyzer reuse in this setting provided significant financial benefits. Experience with this process for 3 years has not disclosed any negative effects after the initial logistical issues related to dialyzer transportation were resolved.In summary, weekly dialyzer reprocessing at the center provides a solution to the need for dialyzer reuse for the home hemodialysis patient.
Does Blood Pressure Control by Gentle Ultrafiltration Improve Survival in Hemodialysis Patients?
Authors: Charra Bernard , Jean Guillaume , Hurot Jean-Marc , Chazot Charles , Vanel Thierry , Terrat Jean-Claude , Laurent Guy 
Published: September 2016

Agentle ultrafiltration can be achieved using a long and slow hemodialysis. It is easier to achieve gentle ultrafiltration if the interdialytic weight intake is moderate ( i.e., if the patient maintains a low sodium diet) and if diffusion allows for a negative or nil sodium balance during the session ( i.e., dialysate sodium < 140 mmol/L). A gentle ultrafiltration allows control of blood pressure by reducing the extracellular volume to its ideal level, the “dry weight,” at the end of the session. Controlling blood pressure reduces cardiovascular mortality, which is by far the foremost cause of death in hemodialysis.Controlling blood pressure means reducing the occurrence of both hypertension and hypotension. Hypotension has been reported to correlate with mortality in hemodialysis as much as or more than hypertension itself. This “U‐curve” phenomenon is not paradoxical. It displays two distinct facts on the same figure: an increased early mortality in hypotensive patients (hypotension is a marker of frailty or congestive heart failure, both of which cause increased mortality) and, on the other hand, the well‐established, long‐term increased mortality in hypertensive patients. Hypotension is not a mandate to undertreat hypertension.
Daily Dialysis: Toward a New Standard in Well‐Being
Authors: Piccoli Giorgina B. , Bechis Francesca , Pozzato Marco , Ettari Giorgio , Alloatti Sandro , Vischi Margherita , Mezza Elisabetta , Iacuzzo Candida , Quaglia Marco , Burdese Manuel , Anania Patrizia , Gai Massimo , Quarello Francesco , Jeantet Alberto , Segoloni Giuseppe Paolo 
Published: September 2016

Daily hemodialysis (DHD) is a promising option; however, logistic obstacles and clinical perplexities limit its dissemination. Understanding the mechanisms of, and the time until, the onset of improved well‐being may help to quantify clinical advantages and to define the minimum length of a “trial” of daily dialysis. By following 30 patients treated in 4 centers, this study aimed to determine how long a period of time is needed until a patient experiences subjective improvement.From November 1998 to November 2000, 30 patients tried at least 2 weeks of short daily dialysis in four Northern Italian centers of Piemonte and Valle d'Aosta. The DHD (2 – 3 hours; blood flow 270 – 350 mL/min; individual HCO3, Na, K) was performed at home or in a center. Motivations to try DHD, fears and concerns regarding DHD, and changes in perceived well‐being were assessed by semi‐structured interview.The main clinical indications for a trial of DHD were poor tolerance of conventional treatment, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension or hypotension; only 6 patients had no comorbidity at start. The patients' main reasons for choosing DHD were related to job problems and the search for a better treatment. Most of the patients continued DHD because of improved well‐being; logistic reasons accounted for the drop‐outs (5 patients). The main fears were related to logistic aspects, vascular access problems, and excessive involvement of the partner on home dialysis. Improved well‐being was reported by 28 of 30 patients; 2 patients reported no difference. Subjective improvement was perceived within 2 weeks in 22 of 30 patients, and within 1 month in 28 of 30 patients.An offer of a 2 – 4 week trial of DHD may help patients and caregivers to determine whether subjective and objective benefits outweigh logistic problems and whether a permanent transfer to DHD is worthwhile.
Surgical Revision and Early Cannulation of the Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients: An Effective Technique
Authors: Lye Wai-Choong , Kour Nam-Wee 
Published: September 2016

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) dysfunction is a common problem in hemodialysis patients. After surgical revision for malfunction, we used AVFs early to avoid complications associated with central venous catheters. In this study, we report experience with surgical revisions of native AVFs with suspected arterial dysfunction as the cause of inadequate arterial inflow for dialysis. Exclusion criteria were presence of a central venous catheter as a hemodialysis access, and clinical or radiologic evidence of stenosis or thrombosis of the distal venous segment of the AVF.We prospectively studied 50 patients (mean age 60.2 ± 10.5 years, 25 men and 25 women) with 59 revisions. The patients were followed until change in the modality of dialysis, transplant, or death. The types of AVFs revised were left wrist radiocephalic in 27 patients (54%), left forearm radiocephalic in 10 (20%), right wrist radiocephalic in 6 (12%), left antecubital brachiocephalic in 3 (6%), right antecubital brachiocephalic in 2 (4%), and right forearm radiocephalic in 2 (4%). The causes of inadequate arterial flow were juxta‐anastomotic thrombosis in 20 patients (40%), inadequate arterial anastomotic flow in 16 (32%), inadequate anastomosis in 7 (14%), and juxta‐anastomotic venous stenosis in 7 (14%). The primary surgical revision techniques were proximal neo‐anastomosis using the semiarterialized vein in 43 patients (86%), thrombectomy and re‐anastomosis in 5 (10%), and resection and repair in 2 (4%).Technical success, defined as successful cannulation of the revised AVF for hemodialysis and avoidance of central venous catheter, was achieved in 44 of 50 patients (88%). Technical failure occurred 6 cases, the causes being inadequate arterial flow in 3 patients, failure to cannulate the veins in 2 patients, and steal syndrome in 1 patient. After primary revisions failed, 9 re‐revisions were done in 6 patients. The 1‐year, 2‐year, and 3‐year primary and overall patency rates were 76.2%, 67.6%, 65.0%, and 85.7%, 75.7%, 65.0%, respectively.In conclusion, surgical salvage of the AVF with inadequate arterial flow is an effective approach that can be performed as an outpatient procedure and allows early cannulation of the semi‐arterialized veins, thus avoiding the use of central venous catheters.
The Clinical Impact of Increasing the Hemodialysis Dose
Authors: Panagoutsos Stelios A. , Yannatos Evangelos V. , Passadakis Ploumis S. , Thodis Elias D. , Galtsidopoulos Omiros G. , Vargemezis Vassilis A. 
Published: September 2016

Good evidence suggests that improvements in dialysis efficiency reduce morbidity and mortality of hemodialysis (HD) patients. Dialysis efficiency has also been related to better control of arterial blood pressure (BP), anemia, and serum phosphorus levels, and to improvement in patients' nutritional status.Over a 2‐year period, the present self‐controlled study of 34 HD patients (23 men, 11 women; age, 52.6 ± 14.5 years; HD duration, 55.9 ± 61.2 months) looked at the effect on clinical and laboratory parameters of increasing the delivered dialysis dose under a strict dry‐weight policy. Dialysis dose was increased without increasing dialysis time and frequency.A statistically significant increase was seen in delivered HD dose: the urea reduction ratio (URR) increased to 60% ± 10% from 52% ± 8%, and then to 71% ± 7% (p < 0.001); Kt/Vurea increased to 1.22 ± 0.28 from 0.93 ± 0.19, and then to 1.55 ± 0.29 (p < 0.001). A statistically significant increase in hemoglobin concentration also occurred—to 10.8 ± 1.9 g/dL from 10.4 ± 1.7 g/dL, and then to 11.0 ± 1.3 g/dL (p < 0.05 as compared to baseline)—with no significant difference in weekly erythropoietin dose.Statistically significant decreases occurred in the systolic and diastolic blood pressures during the first year; they then remained unchanged. Systolic blood pressure decreased to 131 ± 23 mmHg from 147 ± 24 mmHg (p < 0.001); diastolic blood pressure decreased to 65 ± 11 mmHg from 73 ± 12 mmHg (p < 0.001). Serum albumin increased insignificantly to 4.4 ± 0.4 g/dL from 4.3 ± 0.4 g/dL, and then significantly to 4.6 ± 0.3 g/dL (p = 0.002 as compared to both previous values). Normalized protein catabolic rate increased significantly to 1.16 ± 0.15 g/kg/day from 0.93 ± 0.16 g/kg/ day (p < 0.001), and then to 1.20 ± 0.17 g/kg/day (p < 0.001 as compared to baseline).We conclude that the increases achieved in average Kt/Vurea per hemodialysis session by increasing dialyzer membrane area, and blood and dialysate flows, without increasing dialysis time above 4 hours, in patients hemodialyzed thrice weekly, coupled with strict dry‐weight policy, resulted in improvements in hypertension, nutritional status, and anemia.