bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pleural effusion decreases left ventricular pre‐load and causes haemodynamic compromise: an experimental porcine study
Authors: WEMMELUND K. B. , LIE R. H. , JUHL‐OLSEN P. , FREDERIKSEN C. A. , HERMANSEN J. F. , SLOTH E. 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundAlthough pleural effusion is a common complication in critically ill patients, detailed knowledge is missing about the haemodynamic impact and the underlining mechanisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the haemodynamic effect of incremental pleural effusion by means of invasive haemodynamic parameters and transthoracic echocardiography.MethodsThis experimental interventional study was conducted using 22 female piglets (17.5–21.5 kg) randomized for right‐side (n = 9) and left‐side (n = 9) pleural effusion, or sham operation (n = 4). Pleural effusion was induced by infusing incremental volumes of saline into the pleural cavity. Invasive haemodynamic measurements and echocardiographical images were obtained at baseline, a volume of 45 ml/kg, a volume of 75 ml/kg and 45 min after drainage.ResultsNo difference (all P > 0.147) was found between right‐ and left‐side pleural effusion, and the groups were thus pooled. At 45 ml/kg cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, stroke volume and mixed venous saturation decreased (all P < 0.003); central venous pressure and pulmonary arterial pressure increased (both P > 0.003) at this point. The changes accelerated at 75 ml/kg. At 45 ml/kg left ventricular pre‐load in terms of end‐diastolic area decreased significantly (P < 0.001). The effect on haemodynamics and cardiac dimensions changed dramatically at 75 ml/kg. Cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure and left ventricular end‐diastolic area returned to normal during a recovery period of 45 min (all P > 0.061).ConclusionIncremental volumes of unilateral pleural effusion induced a significant haemodynamic impact fully reversible after drainage. Pleural effusion causes a significant decrease of left ventricular pre‐load in a diverse picture of haemodynamic compromise.
Isoflurane‐induced post‐conditioning in senescent hearts is attenuated by failure to activate reperfusion injury salvage kinase pathway
Authors: CHANG D. J. , CHANG C. H. , KIM J. S. , HONG Y. W. , LEE W. K. , SHIM Y. H. 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundWe investigated the cardioprotective effects of isoflurane administered at the onset of reperfusion in senescent rat in vivo, and the activation of the reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK) pathway to address a possible mechanism underlying age‐related differences.MethodsMale Wistar rats were assigned to age groups (young, 3–5 months; old, 20–24 months), and randomly selected to receive isoflurane (1 minimum alveolar concentration) or not for 3 min before and 2 min after reperfusion (ISO postC). Rats were subjected to coronary occlusion for 30 min followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Western blot analysis was used to assess the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2), Akt, and GSK3β 15 min after reperfusion.ResultsBrief administration of isoflurane 3 min before and 2 min after the initiation of early reperfusion reduced infarct size (56 ± 8% of left ventricular area at risk, mean ± standard deviation) compared with controls (68 ± 4%) in young rats, but had no effect in old rats (56 ± 8% in ISO postC and 56 ± 10% in control, respectively). Phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt, and GSK3β were increased in the young ISO postC group but not in the old ISO postC group compared with control groups of the respective ages.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that isoflurane post‐conditions the heart in young but not in senescent rats. Failure to activate RISK pathway may contribute to attenuation of isoflurane‐induced post‐conditioning effect in senescent rats.
Predictors for postoperative renal function after open partial nephrectomy: Including postoperative biomarkers
Authors: Takagi Toshio , Kondo Tsunenori , Iizuka Junpei , Tomita Eri , Kobayashi Hirohito , Hashimoto Yasunobu , Tanabe Kazunari 
Published: May 2012

Objectives:  To assess the predictors of postoperative renal insufficiency after open partial nephrectomy.Methods:  A total of 195 patients who underwent open partial nephrectomy were the participants in this study. Patients with a decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate of >25% from baseline were evaluated on the basis of multiple factors including patient‐specific, surgical, tumor and postoperative factors. Postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate data were recorded between 3 and 6 months after surgery.Results:  Of the 195 patients, 18 (9%) had a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate of >25%. Percentage of preserved renal parenchyma (P = 0.0078), nearness of tumor to renal sinus (P = 0.0108), location of tumor to middle part of kidney (P = 0.0112), postoperative highest lactase dehydrogenase (P < 0.0001), postoperative body temperature (P = 0.0314) and postoperative acute kidney injury (P < 0.0001) were significantly different between patients with a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate of >25% and those with a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤25% on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that postoperative highest lactase dehydrogenase (P = 0.0408) and acute kidney injury (P = 0.0002) were independent predictors for decrease of estimated glomerular filtration rate >25%. In contrast, patient characteristic factors (chronic kidney disease stage), surgical factors (clamping time and PPRP) and tumor factors (radius, endophytic/exophytic, nearness and location component) were not significant predictors.Conclusions:  Postoperative factors, lactase dehydrogenase and acute kidney injury, were strong predictors for renal insufficiency after open partial nephrectomy. Thus, a strict follow up is advisable in patients showing high postoperative levels of these two biomarkers.
Savanna burning, greenhouse gas emissions and indigenous livelihoods: Introducing the Tiwi Carbon Study
Authors: RICHARDS ANNA E. , ANDERSEN ALAN N. , SCHATZ JON , EAGER ROBERT , DAWES TRACY Z. , HADDEN KATE , SCHEEPERS KELLY , VAN DER GEEST MARIA 
Published: May 2012

AbstractSavanna burning for greenhouse gas abatement presents an opportunity for remote Aboriginal communities of northern Australia to engage with the mainstream economy while fulfilling cultural obligations for land stewardship. The recently established Tiwi Carbon Study aims to identify the biophysical and economic potential of fire management for greenhouse gas abatement on the Tiwi Islands north of Darwin, as a basis for possible livelihood opportunities for the Aboriginal Tiwi people. Recent (2001–2010) fire history for the Tiwi Islands based on AVHRR satellite imagery shows that on average 35% (187 700 ha) of its savanna woodlands and open forests are burned every year, with 72% of burning occurring late in the dry season (August to November). Non‐CO2 greenhouse gas emissions from Tiwi fires average 68 000 t CO2‐e year−1 and we discuss scenarios for greenhouse gas abatement through management of these fires by Tiwi people, consistent with the savanna burning methodology approved under the Federal Government's Carbon Farming Initiative. Changed fire management scenarios produced emissions abatement of up to 46 000 t CO2‐e year−1, with highest savings under a change in both fire frequency and intensity. In addition to abatement of non‐CO2 emissions, fire management has the potential to alter rates of carbon sequestered in soil and vegetation. Current ecosystem C stocks (excluding roots) on the Tiwi Islands range from 60 to 160 t C ha−1. The Tiwi Carbon Study features a long‐term, landscape‐scale fire experiment for informing full carbon accounting in relation to different fire management options, and for understanding their implications for biodiversity. We discuss potential co‐benefits and trade‐offs of fire management for greenhouse gas emissions abatement in relation to biodiversity and Tiwi cultural requirements and livelihood aspirations.
Effect of the umbilical cord blood acid‐base status and gas values on the yield of mononuclear cells and CD34+ cells
Authors: Ebina Satoko , Omori Atsuko , Tarakida Ayako , Ogasawara Tomoka , Manabe Mami , Katagiri Sei‐ichi , Kashiwakura Ikuo 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAim:  To investigate the influence of umbilical cord blood (CB) acid‐base status and gas values on the yield of mononuclear cells and CD34+ cells, pH, pCO2, pO2, HCO3‐ and base excess were measured in arterial CB samples obtained from normal full‐term deliveries. The relationship of these values with the yield of mononuclear cells and CD34+ cells detected in venous CB was analyzed.Material and Methods:  A total of 145 CB units were collected from full‐term vaginal deliveries at a single hospital. Immediately after delivery, a segment of the umbilical cord was double clamped, and arterial CB was analyzed to determine the acid‐base status and gases. Venous CB was collected in a sterile collection bag and processed for cell separation within 24 h of collection. The relationship between umbilical arterial acid‐base status, each gas value, and the yield of mononuclear cells and CD34+ cells was analyzed.Results:  Statistically significant correlations were observed between the net weight of CB and the total mononuclear and CD34+ cell counts. In addition, there was a negative correlation between the mononuclear cell counts and pH, but a positive correlation between the mononuclear cell counts and pCO2. However, no significant differences were observed between the primipara and multipara groups in terms of the net weight of CB, total mononuclear cell counts and total CD34+ cell counts.Conclusion:  The findings of the present study show that the mononuclear cell counts are correlated with arterial CB pH and pCO2, suggesting the involvement of fetal hypoxia on the yield of mononuclear cells.
Genetic diversity within and genetic differentiation between blooms of a microalgal species
Authors: Lebret Karen , Kritzberg Emma S. , Figueroa Rosa , Rengefors Karin 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe field of genetic diversity in protists, particularly phytoplankton, is under expansion. However, little is known regarding variation in genetic diversity within populations over time. The aim of our study was to investigate intrapopulation genetic diversity and genetic differentiation in the freshwater bloom‐forming microalga Gonyostomum semen (Raphidophyceae). The study covered a 2‐year period including all phases of the bloom. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was used to determine the genetic structure and diversity of the population. Our results showed a significant differentiation between samples collected during the two blooms from consecutive years. Also, an increase of gene diversity and a loss of differentiation among sampling dates were observed over time within a single bloom. The latter observations may reflect the continuous germination of cysts from the sediment. The life cycle characteristics of G. semen, particularly reproduction and recruitment, most likely explain a high proportion of the observed variation. This study highlights the importance of the life cycle for the intraspecific genetic diversity of microbial species, which alternates between sexual and asexual reproduction.
Re‐Reading Time‐Geography from a Gender Perspective: Examples from Gendered mobility
Authors: Scholten Christina , Friberg Tora , Sandén Annika 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper is based on qualitative research on commuting and women's everyday lives. In the project ‘Re‐reading time‐geography from a feminist perspective’, labour force mobility is an important way of analysing women's time‐space use and identifying the constraints experienced when organising everyday life. We claim that time‐geography provides a useful set of analytical tools that successfully collaborate with social science theory such as gender studies. Time‐geography has been questioned by feminists as well as others. However, we argue that time‐geography could provide gender studies with a close, empathic and micro‐levelled interventional approach that makes obstacles and constraints due to spatio‐temporal conditions visible and thereby changeable. In this paper we use results from previous research to prove that time‐geography is an approach with several sets of useful concepts that describe and analyse women's everyday struggles and possibilities in an era in which mobility and transport have become undisputed factors of everyday life. In order to do this, time‐geography needs to be read from a gendered standpoint. Although we are still in the formative stages of this re‐reading of original texts and the formation of additional sets of concepts, the indications are that this work is worth pursuing and expanding.
CONTEMPORARY DIGITAL DIVIDES IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: WARF BARNEY 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTWhile cyberspace has become increasingly ubiquitous in American society, enormous class, ethnic, and spatial inequalities characterise access to the US internet. This paper summarises the country's digital divides in the early twenty first century. First it notes major market and policy forces that have led to the growth in internet access. Second, it addresses the changing social and spatial patterns of internet access between 1995 and 2010. Although penetration rates grew among all socio‐demographic categories, significant differences by age, income, ethnicity and educational level persist but not gender. Third, it points to the roles of public schools and libraries as mechanisms to alleviate the divide. Fourth, it examines differentials in broadband access as the most recent manifestation of internet inequality. Fifth, it comments on the mobile internet and urban ‘hotspots’. The conclusion points to public policy measures that could diminish discrepancies in access.
Access to mainstream health services: a case study of the difficulties faced by a child with learning disabilities
Authors: Brown Freddy Jackson , Cooper Kate , Diebel Tara 
Published: May 2012

Accessible summary

People with learning disabilities need to visit the doctor like everyone else, but this is sometimes difficult.
This paper is about a boy who needed to have a blood test.
It took seven appointments and 15 weeks to take a blood sample.
This paper talks about ways that medical services could get better and change to help people with learning disabilities visit the doctor.

SummaryPeople with learning disabilities have higher levels of health needs compared with the general population (Nocon, 2006, Background evidence for the DRC's formal investigation into health inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities or mental health problems. London and Manchester, Disability Rights Commission). Research has shown that these individuals receive less effective health care (Michael, 2008, Tizard Learn Disabil Rev, 13: 28) and has explored the challenges and barriers in accessing health services (Jackson Brown & Guvenir, 2009, Br J Learn Disabil, 37: 110). This case study describes the experience of a child with a severe learning disability and his family accessing mainstream health care for a simple medical procedure. Implications for how healthcare services can be organised to meet the needs of learning disabled people are discussed, addressing issues such as physical environment of surgeries and hospitals, communication between staff teams, staff skills and lack of preparedness.
Evaluating Perceptions of the Effectiveness of the Community Advisory Panel Model for Enhancing Service Delivery to Marginalized Populations
Authors: Ramsay Jason T. , Smith Peter , Thompson Alison , O'Campo Patricia , Nisenbaum Rosane , Watson Priya , Park‐Wylie Laura , Bryant Toba , Tandon Reena , Farah Mohammed 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate perceptions of the effectiveness of the Community Advisory Panels (CAPs) at St. Michael's Hospital, in Toronto, Canada.Design and SampleA qualitative design was employed. Participants included hospital staff, patients, Community Advisory Panel chairs, and key informants from community services in the St. Michael's Hospital catchment area.MeasuresAn online survey about awareness of the CAPs and CAP accomplishments; (2) Key informants interviews; and (3) Review of memos and meeting minutes of the CAPs to assess their impact in the hospital and the community. St. Michael's Hospital was the setting of the study. Descriptive statistics were generated for the survey data. Qualitative interview data were coded for major themes. Participants included hospital staff, patients, CAP chairs, and key informants from community services in the St. Michael's Hospital catchment area.ResultsAlthough the CAPs initiated and implemented an array of programs and services at St. Michael's Hospital, the visibility of the CAPs and their service to the hospital and community were very low. Themes that emerged from the semistructured interviews involved the visibility, effectiveness, and role of the CAPs in the hospital.ConclusionsAlthough the CAPs at St. Michael's Hospital appear to be an effective model for community responsiveness, the visibility of their work in the hospital and community was very low.
A Prospective Study of Outcomes of Nursing Home Residents with Chronic Kidney Disease with and without Anemia
Authors: Binder Ellen F. , White Heidi K. , Resnick Barbara , McClellan William M. , Lei Lei , Ouslander Joseph G. 
Published: May 2012

ObjectivesTo determine whether anemia is a risk factor for functional decline in nursing home (NH) residents with chronic kidney disease.DesignProspective 26‐week observational study.SettingEighty‐two geographically representative NHs in the United States.ParticipantsThree hundred eleven NH residents with chronic kidney disease (CKD; estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2) who had anemia (hemoglobin <12 g/dL for women, <13 g/dL for men, n = 177) or not (n = 134).MeasurementsThe primary outcome was the distance walked or wheeled for 10 minutes. Secondary outcomes were single chair stand time, grip strength, leg extension strength, Dartmouth Primary Care Cooperative Information scores, Modified Barthel Index, falls, hospitalization, and mortality.ResultsMixed‐effects model analysis of distance walked or wheeled showed that changes between weeks 2 and 14 but not between weeks 2 and 26 were significantly different between participants with CKD with anemia and those without anemia. There were no significant differences for the other physical performance or self‐report measures. After adjustment for an anemia propensity score, participants with CKD with anemia did not have higher rates of hospitalization or death at 26 weeks than those without anemia.ConclusionNursing home residents with CKD and anemia experienced greater decline than those with CKD without anemia only for a mobility distance task over a 3‐month but not a 6‐month period and not for other performance or self‐report measures. Anemia may not increase the risk of functional decline in NH residents with CKD, but further research is necessary to confirm these findings and evaluate whether a lower hemoglobin cutpoint confers greater risk for functional decline in this population.
Nonfluoroscopic Catheter Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias in Adults: Feasibility, Safety, and Efficacy
Authors: RAZMINIA MANSOUR , MANANKIL MARIAN F. , ERYAZICI PAULA L.S. , ARRIETA‐GARCIA CARLOS , WANG THEODORE , D'SILVA OLIVER J. , LOPEZ CHRISTIAN S. , CRYSTAL GEORGE J. , KHAN SABA , STANCU MIHAELA M. , TURNER MARIANNE , ANTHONY JOSEPH , ZHEUTLIN TERRY A. , KEHOE RICHARD F. 
Published: May 2012

Nonfluoroscopic Catheter Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias in Adults Background: Catheter ablations are traditionally performed using fluoroscopic guidance, exposing both patients and medical staff to the risks of radiation. Nonfluoroscopic catheter ablation has been used successfully to treat limited types of arrhythmias in children, but whether this approach has broad application in adults is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of fluoroless catheter ablation in adults being treated for a range of arrhythmias.
Methods and Results:
Retrospective analysis was performed in 2 patient groups (both n = 60): (1) the nonfluoroscopy (NF) group consisting of consecutive adult patients, in which catheter positioning was accomplished exclusively with intracardiac electrograms (IE), electroanatomic mapping (EAM), and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE); and (2) the fluoroscopy (F) group, in which catheter positioning was additionally guided by fluoroscopy. The patients in the F group were selected to match the types of arrhythmias in the NF group. All ablation procedures were performed by one operator. The total procedure time did not differ between groups for any specific type of arrhythmia ablated. Acute procedural success was similar in both groups (NF, 59/60 [98%] and F, 60/60 [100%]). The complications were limited to a groin pseudoaneurysm in the NF group, and pericardial effusion and groin hematoma in the F group.
Conclusion:
Catheter ablations were efficiently and effectively performed in adults with a variety of arrhythmias using only IE, EAM, and ICE for catheter guidance. This nonfluoroscopic technique was feasible, posed no additional safety concerns, and should be readily implementable in most electrophysiology laboratories. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23 pp. 1078‐1086, October 2012)
Preparation, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties of TiB2 Using Ti3AlC2 as a Sintering Aid
Authors: Zheng Liya , Li Fangzhi , Zhou Yanchun 
Published: May 2012

Titanium diboride (TiB2) was successfully hot‐pressed at 1500°C using titanium aluminum carbide (Ti3AlC2) as a sintering aid. The mechanisms for the improved sinterability of TiB2 by the addition of Ti3AlC2 involve, first, the Al coming from the decomposition of Ti3AlC2 can eliminate the oxide layer on the surface of TiB2; second, the TiCx (also from the decomposition of Ti3AlC2) has a positive influence on the densification of TiB2 due to its plasticity at high temperatures. TEM observations reveal that the interface between TiB2 and TiCx is coherent and strong, free of amorphous layers and oxide phases. An optimized composition of TiB2‐10 wt% Ti3AlC2 was obtained with the unique combination of mechanical properties, including the elastic modulus of 567 GPa, the fracture toughness of 4.8 MPa·m1/2, the flexural strength of 711 MPa, and the hardness of 25 GPa.
Study of Phase Transformation and Microstructure in Sintering of Mechanically Activated Cordierite Precursors
Authors: Fotoohi Babak , Blackburn Stuart 
Published: May 2012

A cordierite precursor mixture of talc, boehmite, and kaolin was studied with respect to the influence of dry milling intensity per unit time on phase transformation pathways and microstructural development. Three milling methods (ball, ring, and planetary) were used, and the effects of mechanical action and milling times were investigated at different temperatures. Sintering at 1000°C for 2 h resulted in the development of significant mechanically assisted phase transformations specifically related to formation of mullite in the most highly activated materials. Mullite transformation to precordierite mineralogy and the formation of magnesium aluminum silicate were also found to be dependent on the degrees and methods of mechanical processing. Planetary milling resulted in the highest densification of the material, which when sintered at 1300°C for 2 h produced a ceramic body rich in cordierite composition.