bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk and outcome analysis of renal replacement therapies in patients after cardiac surgery with pre‐operatively normal renal function
Authors: Hauer D. , Kilger E. , Kaufmann I. , Kreth S. , Beiras‐Fernandez A. , Briegel J. , Schelling G. , Schmidt M. , Weis F. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryPeri‐operative acute renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy is common (5–30%) after cardiac surgery and associated with a mortality of ∼50%. Pre‐operative renal impairment seems to be the most important risk factor for frank postoperative renal failure. To help evaluate the risk factors, we conducted a prospective observational trial of 1574 consecutive patients with normal pre‐operative renal function (creatinine < 110 μmol.l−1). Renal failure was defined as the need for renal replacement therapy. After univariate analysis of previously described risk factors, those who differed significantly between patients with or without renal failure were enrolled into a multivariate classification and regression tree (CART) statistical model that identifies the most ‘predictive’ risk factors and creates a ranked list of these. In patients with pre‐operatively normal renal function, a serum level of lactate > 1.1 mmol.l−1 in the first 24 h after the operation was the strongest predictor for the development of renal failure.
Comparison of breathing tube connectors during invasive bronchial procedures*
Authors: Rahe‐Meyer N. , Solomon C. , Vial S. , Gruber M. , Weilbach C. , Piepenbrock S. , Winterhalter M. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryBronchoscopy and bronchial suctioning during intra‐operative artificial ventilation often causes leakage from the ventilation circuit with a decrease in ventilatory parameters and possible workplace contamination with anaesthetic gases. Different connectors have been developed to reduce gas leakage. We evaluated the following connectors : VBM 2 mm, 3 mm and 5 mm, Bodai Suction‐Safe, Bodai Bronch‐Safe and Bodai Trach‐Safe, as well as the BE 105‐7, BE 105‐8 and SH 7‐45. Invasive bronchial instruments (catheters, bronchoscopes and bronchial blockers) with 1.67–7.33 mm diameter were used. Pressure‐controlled ventilation was performed on a test lung using a ventilator. Sevoflurane concentration in the room was measured 0.2 and 1.5 m from the connector using a photo‐acoustic infrared‐spectroscope. The VBM connectors caused the least gas leak and ensured stability of ventilation parameters even at peak pressures when combined with smaller instruments. With instruments > 6 mm, BE 105‐7, BE 105‐8 and SH 7‐45 connectors performed best. The Bodai connectors showed a reduced ability to prevent leakage and to keep ventilatory parameters stable. All connectors, excluding the Bodai Trach‐Safe, prevented exposure to anaesthetic gases beyond the current safety recommendations when combined with the fitting instruments. The connectors showed different ranges of tightness, equivalent to different ranges of compatibility with the instruments used.
A randomised crossover trial comparing the i‐gel supraglottic airway and classic laryngeal mask airway*
Authors: Janakiraman C. , Chethan D. B. , Wilkes A. R. , Stacey M. R. , Goodwin N. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryIn a randomised cross‐over study, we compared the performance of the single use i‐gel supraglottic airway and reusable classic laryngeal mask airway (cLMATM) in 50 healthy anaesthetised patients who were breathing spontaneously. Primary outcome was successful insertion at first attempt. Secondary outcomes included overall insertion success rate, ease of insertion, leak pressure and fibreoptic position. Success rate for insertion at the first attempt was significantly different (54% with i‐gel vs 86% with cLMA; p = 0.001). Overall success after two attempts (when the anaesthetist was allowed to change the size of the device) improved to 84% with i‐gel vs 92% with cLMA; p = 0.22. In 14 patients, the i‐gel when used first needed to be replaced with a larger size. Leak pressure was higher for the i‐gel (median [IQR] 20 [14–24] cm H2O than the cLMA 17 [12–22] cm H2O; p = 0.023). The fibreoptic view through the device was significantly better with the i‐gel than the cLMA, which was statistically significant (p = 0.03). We conclude that, with its current sizing recommendations, the i‐gel is not an acceptable alternative to cLMA. However because of the significantly improved success rate after a larger sized i‐gel was used, we recommend the manufacturer to review the sizing guidelines to improve the success rate.
Perturbation of T‐cell development by insertional mutation of a PrP transgene
Authors: Zabel Mark , Greenwood Christina , Thackray Alana M. , Pulford Bruce , Rens Willem , Bujdoso Raymond 
Published: May 2009

SummaryThe normal cellular form of the prion protein PrPC is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐linked cell‐surface glycoprotein expressed primarily by cells of the nervous and immune systems. There is evidence to suggest that PrPC is involved in cell signalling and cellular homeostasis. We have investigated the immune composition of peripheral lymphoid tissue in PrP−/−, wild‐type, tg19 and tga20 strains of mice, which express 0, 1‐, 3–5‐ and 4–7‐fold higher levels of PrPC, respectively, relative to wild‐type mice. Our data show that tga20 mice have a reduced number of spleen T‐cell receptor (TCR)‐αβ+ T cells and an increased number of TCR‐γδ+ T cells compared with wild‐type mice. This was not seen in tg19 mice, which also express elevated levels of PrPC. In addition, we have found that the Prnp transgene in the tga20 genome is located centrally on chromosome 17, in or around genes involved in T‐cell development. Significantly, mRNA transcripts from pre‐TCR‐α (pTα), a T‐cell development gene located on mouse chromosome 17, are drastically reduced in tga20 mice, indicative of a perturbation in pTα gene regulation. We propose that the immune cell phenotype of tga20 mice may be caused by the insertional mutation of the Prnp transgene into the pTα gene or its regulatory elements.
Pathways regulating lipopolysaccharide‐induced neutrophil survival revealed by lentiviral transduction of primary human neutrophils
Authors: Dick Emily P. , Prince Lynne R. , Prestwich Elizabeth C. , Renshaw Stephen A. , Whyte Moira K. B. , Sabroe Ian 
Published: May 2009

SummaryHuman neutrophils express Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) at low levels, and the role of this receptor in neutrophil responses to microbial stimuli has been questioned. Genetic manipulation of these cells to enable the study of the role of proteins such as TLR4 in their function is challenging. Here, we show that primary human neutrophils rapidly express novel proteins such as enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) after transduction with lentivirus. Stimulation of transduced neutrophils with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in increased cell survival, which was inhibited when neutrophils were transduced with a lentivirus encoding a dominant negative (dn) TLR4 protein. LPS‐induced survival was also inhibited by lentiviruses encoding dnMyD88 or a truncated TRIF (Toll/interleukin‐1R homologous domain‐containing adapter protein inducing interferon‐β) molecule, whilst, in contrast, neutrophil survival was enhanced by overexpression of kinase‐mutated interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 1 (kmIRAK‐1), which activated nuclear factor (NF)‐κB. These studies provide proof of the role of TLR4 in human neutrophil biology, have begun to elucidate TLR‐dependent pathways regulating neutrophil survival, and demonstrate that neutrophils can be genetically manipulated to enhance or inhibit survival.
Using broad‐scale, community survey data to compare species conservation strategies across regions: A case study of the Koala in a set of adjacent ‘catchments’
Authors: Crowther Mathew S. , McAlpine Clive A. , Lunney Daniel , Shannon Ian , Bryant Jessica V. 
Published: May 2009

Summary  Managers of wildlife populations with a wide geographical range are understandably interested in the question of whether they can manage a broader population with a single conservation strategy (e.g. covering a set of adjacent management regions, referred to as ‘catchments’ in Australia) or whether separate strategies are required for individual catchments. We addressed this question using data from a statewide, community wildlife survey to quantify Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) habitat relationships in the catchments of four adjacent Catchment Management Authorities or CMA (>10 000 km2) of New South Wales, Australia and then tested whether these habitat relationships were similar across catchments. Although the results were constrained by the coarse resolution of the community survey and environmental data, we were able to model broad‐scale patterns of habitat use. Model explanatory power and cross‐regional predictability was low, but consistent with Koala ecology. Two environmental variables emerged as having a strong relationship with Koala presence – mean elevation and percentage of fertile soils – the importance of which varied among catchments depending on land‐use patterns. The results highlight the need for local wildlife management plans, not a single plan covering multiple catchments.
NICHOLAS WOLTERSTORFF'S JUSTICE: RIGHTS AND WRONGS: AN INTRODUCTION
Authors: Weithman Paul 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTThis introduction sets the stage for four papers on Nicholas Wolterstorff's Justice: Rights and Wrongs, written by Harold Attridge, Oliver O'Donovan, Richard Bernstein, and myself. In his book, Wolterstorff defends an account of human rights. The first section of this introduction distinguishes Wolterstorff's account of rights from the alternative account of rights against which he contends. The alternative account draws much of its power from a historical narrative according to which theory and politics supplanted earlier ways of thinking about justice. The second section sketches that narrative and Wolterstorff's counter‐narrative. The third section draws together the main points of Wolterstorff's own account.
PLURALISM, TOLERATION, AND ETHICAL PROMISCUITY
Authors: Ivanhoe Philip J. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTThis paper argues that from an ethical point of view tolerance, which is simply one of a number of possible responses to ethical pluralism, is not an acceptable ideal. It fails to acknowledge and appreciate the good in other forms of life and thereby does not adequately respect the people who live these lives. Toleration limits the range of goods we might appreciate in our own lives and in the lives of those we care most about, and it tends to lead to a number of deformations or personal failures of character. In place of tolerance, we should embrace ethical promiscuity—a view that not only acknowledges ethical pluralism but also offers good reasons to celebrate this state of affairs.
β‐Blockers protect against spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Senzolo Marco , Cholongitas Evangelos , Burra Patrizia , Leandro Gioacchino , Thalheimer Ulrich , Patch David , Burroughs Andrew Kenneth 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIntroduction: Bacterial infections have been hypothetized to be a trigger of variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients and β‐blockers may have a protective effect by decreasing bacterial translocation, reducing portal pressure. The aim of our study was to evaluate the possible role of β‐blockers in preventing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites.Materials and Methods: Extensive search of the literature including randomized controlled trial (RCT) and non‐RCT of primary and secondary prophylaxis for variceal bleeding in cirrhotics using β‐blockers were evaluated. We performed a meta‐analysis using the occurrence of SBP as endpoint in all the studies, using the random effect model.Results: Three RCT and three retrospective studies in which β‐blockers were evaluated against no treatment for the prevention of SBP in ascitic cirrhotics were included. There was a statistically significant difference of 12.1%, P<0.001 in favour of propranolol in preventing SBP, which was confirmed by sensitivity analysis evaluating only RCTs (7.8% difference). The effect was still present when haemodynamic responders were compared with non‐responders.Conclusions: This analysis suggests a role of β‐blockers in preventing SBP in ascitic cirrhotics, independent of haemodynamic response. Further formal RCTs are needed to confirm this finding.
Potential of Text‐Based Internet Chats for Improving Oral Fluency in a Second Language
Authors: BLAKE CHRISTOPHER 
Published: May 2009

Although a number of studies have reported on the positive effects of Internet chats in the second language classroom, to the best of my knowledge no studies to date have examined the effect of text‐based chats on oral fluency development. This exploratory study addressed the above question by examining the oral fluency development of 34 English as a second language learners who participated in the same 6‐week course but in separate instructional environments: a text‐based Internet chat environment, a traditional face‐to‐face environment, and a control environment that involved no student interaction.The study found that the gain scores of participants in the text‐based Internet chat environment were significantly higher on the phonation time ratio and mean length of run measures than the gain scores of participants in the face‐to‐face and control environments (prior to Bonferroni adjustment). Gain scores on the three other measures were not significant. The author discusses these findings in relationship toLevelt's (1989)model of language production and argues that text‐based Internet chat environments can be a useful way of building oral fluency by facilitating the automatization of lexical and grammatical knowledge at the formulator level.
Effect of genetic SSTR4 ablation on inflammatory peptide and receptor expression in the non‐inflamed and inflamed murine intestine
Authors: Van Op den bosch Joeri , Torfs Pascal , De Winter Benedicte Y. , De Man Joris G. , Pelckmans Paul A. , Van Marck Eric , Grundy David , Van Nassauw Luc , Timmermans Jean‐Pierre 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe recently suggested pivotal role of somatostatin (SOM) receptor 4 (SSTR4) in inflammation and nociception in several non‐intestinal organs and in gastrointestinal (GI) physiology, necessitates exploration of the role of SSTR4 in GI pathophysiology. Therefore, the role of SSTR4 in GI activity was explored by investigating the effects of SSTR4 deficiency on intestinal motility, smooth muscle contractility and on the expression of SSTRs and neuropeptides in the healthy and Schistosoma mansoni‐infected murine small intestine. Functional experiments revealed no differences in intestinal motility or smooth muscle cell contractility between wild‐type and SSTR4 knockout (SSTR4–/–) mice in physiological conditions. As revealed by multiple immunofluorescent labellings, RT‐PCR and quantitative real time RT‐PCR (qPCR), genetic deficiency of SSTR4 considerably altered the expression of SOM and SSTRs in non‐inflamed and inflamed conditions, affecting both extrinsic and intrinsic components of the intestinal innervation, along with SSTR expression in several non‐neuronal cell types. Moreover, substance P and calcitonin gene‐related peptide expression were significantly elevated in SSTR4–/– mice, confirming the modulatory role of SSTR4 on intestinal pro‐inflammatory neuropeptide expression. These data suggest that SSTR4 plays a previously unexpected modulatory role in the regulation of intestinal SSTR expression. Moreover, in addition to the recently described inhibitory effects of SSTR4 on the neuronal release of pro‐inflammatory peptides, SSTR4 appears also to be involved in the neuronal expression of both pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory peptides in the murine small intestine.
Early loading of sandblasted and acid‐etched implants: a randomized‐controlled double‐blind split‐mouth study. Five‐year results
Authors: Roccuzzo Mario , Aglietta Marco , Bunino Marco , Bonino Luca 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectives: The aim of the present split‐mouth study is to assess the peri‐implant conditions around early‐loaded sandblasted and acid‐etched (SLA) implants, 5 years after abutment connection and to compare, in the same patients, the results obtained with a standard protocol using identical implants with a TPS surface.Material and methods: Surgical procedure was performed by the same operator and was identical at test (SLA) and control (TPS) sites, in 32 healthy patients. Abutment connection was carried out at 35 N cm 6 weeks postsurgery for test sites and 12 weeks for the controls. Patients were seen regularly, for control and professional cleaning. At 60 months, clinical measures and radiographic bone changes were recorded by the same operator, blind to the type of surface of the implant, on 27 patients, as five patients were lost to follow‐up.Results: A total number of 106 implants were examined. No implant was lost. No significant differences were found with respect to the presence of plaque [modified plaque index (mPI) 0.27±0.56 vs. 0.32±0.54], bleeding on probing (29% vs. 32%), mean pocket depth (3.2±1 vs. 3.2±1 mm) or mean marginal bone loss (0.32±1.04 vs. 0.44±1.12 mm) between test and control. Four implants that presented ‘spinning’ at the time of abutment connection presented no significant differences from the rest of the test sites.Conclusion: The results of this prospective study confirm that SLA implants, under defined conditions, are suitable for early loading at 6 weeks in both the mandible and the maxilla. Limited implant spinning, occasionally found at abutment connection, produces no detrimental effect on the clinical outcome when properly handled.
Effect of platelet‐rich plasma on the early bone formation around Ca‐P‐coated and non‐coated oral implants in cortical bone
Authors: Nikolidakis Dimitris , Van Den Dolder Juliette , Wolke Joop G.C. , Jansen John A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of local application of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) on the early healing of cortical bone around Ti implants with two different surface configurations.Material and methods: Six goats were used in this study. PRP fractions were obtained from a venous blood sample of the goats and administered immediately before implant insertion. PRP was applied via gel preparation and installation of the gel into the implant site, or via dipping of the implants in PRP fraction before insertion. A total of 36 implants (18 non‐coated and 18 Ca‐P‐coated) were placed into the tibial cortical bone. The animals were sacrificed at 6 weeks after implantation and implants with surrounding tissue were prepared for histological examination. Histomorphometrical variables like the percentage of implant surface with direct bone–implant contact and the percentage of new and old bone adjacent to the implant were evaluated.Results: More interfacial bone‐to‐implant contact was observed for all the three groups of Ca‐P‐coated implants and the Ti/PRP liquid group. All groups revealed similar percentages of old and new bone adjacent to the implant.Conclusions: It was concluded that the additional use of PRP did not have any effect on the early cortical bone response to the Ca‐P‐coated implants, while PRP in a liquid form showed a tendency to increase bone apposition to roughened titanium implants.
Parameters of resonance frequency measurement values: a retrospective study of 385 ITI dental implants
Authors: Karl Matthias , Graef Friedrich , Heckmann Siegfried , Krafft Tim 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectives: There is no proven clinical tool to evaluate the amount of osseointegration and stability around dental implants. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate resonance frequency analysis values of 385 ITI solid screw implants.Material and methods: Both at implant placement and after healing, implant stability quotients (ISQs) were determined. For statistical analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficients, Welch's two‐sample t‐tests and paired samples t‐tests were computed at a level of significance of α=0.05.Results: ISQ values ranged from 39 to 86 at implant placement and from 35 to 89 after healing, showing a significant increase. The highest ISQ values at both stages were obtained in the posterior mandible (P≤0.002). After healing, ISQ values in the anterior mandible were significantly higher than in the anterior maxilla (P=0.005). Implant length had a significant influence on ISQ in the anterior mandible (P=0) at insertion and in the anterior (P=0.005) and posterior mandible (P=0.036) after healing. Implant diameter and ISQ at insertion correlated in the anterior mandible (P=0.037). After healing, a significant influence was found for all regions, except the posterior maxilla (P=0.795). With the exception of the anterior maxilla (P=0.542), ISQ at placement had a significant influence on ISQ after healing. In the anterior maxilla (P=0.002) and in the posterior mandible (P=0.007), healing time significantly influenced ISQ after healing.Conclusions: It appears that only repeated ISQ measurements of a specific implant have some diagnostic benefit, although the parameters influencing the absolute values still remain unclear.
Relationship between impulse oscillometry and spirometric indices in cystic fibrosis children
Authors: Moreau Ludovic , Crenesse Dominique , Berthier Frederic , Albertini Marc 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground: The aim of our retrospective study was to determine the relationship between impulse oscillometry (IOS) data and spirometric tests in cystic fibrosis (CF) children.Methods: Thirty CF children aged 4–19 years have performed lung function tests (LFT). A subset of 15 patients repeated LFT on five separate occasions. IOS parameters were respiratory resistance (Rrs), reactance (Xrs) and impedance at 5 Hz (R5, X5, Zr) and the resonant frequency (Fres). Spirometry indices (SI) included forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), forced expiratory flow during the middle half of FVC (FEF25–75) and forced vital capacity (FVC).Results: An inverse relationship was observed between raw values of R5, Zr, Fres and SI respectively, and X5 correlated positively with SI. Although significant, these correlations were poor. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were constructed to identify cutoff points for IOS parameters to discriminate between children according to predefined FEV1 thresholds (percent predicted), generally used to categorize the level of lung function impairment. No acceptable cutoff points can be found for IOS parameters. Trends analyses in the subgroup of 15 patients showed a significant decline of FEV1 between the first and the fifth evaluation. None of the IOS indices demonstrated a consistent tendency, apart from a slight decrease of Fres.Conclusion: IOS measurements presented an insufficient sensitivity to detect and follow bronchial obstruction in CF patients.