bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcome of Patients With Coexistent Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies and Antibodies Against Glomerular Basement Membrane
Authors: Lindič Jelka , Vizjak Alenka , Ferluga Dušan , Kovač Damjan , Aleš Andreja , Kveder Radoslav , Ponikvar Rafael , Bren Andrej 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAntineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and antibodies against glomerular basement membrane (anti‐GBM) rarely coexist. Both antibodies may be associated with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage. We describe the clinical, serological and histological features of our patients with dual antibodies. From 1977 to 2008, 48 patients with anti‐GBM antibody‐associated renal disease were observed. Eight out of the 30 tested patients (26.7%), all females, had positive myeloperoxidase (MPO)‐ANCA coexistent with anti‐GBM antibodies. The patients' mean age was 63.4 ± 7.8 years. Five presented with pulmonary‐renal syndrome, all but one were dialysis‐dependent on admission. They had constitutional symptoms and different organ involvement. The kidney biopsies revealed intense linear staining for immunoglobulin G and C3 along the glomerular and distal tubular basement membrane associated with irregular diffuse or focal extracapillary crescentic glomerulonephritis with necrosis of varying extent. Lesions of varying ages were characteristically expressed. Seven patients were treated with methylprednisolone and plasma exchange, four with cyclophosphamide, and one with intravenous immunoglobulin. After 28–74 months, there were three dialysis‐dependent survivors and one patient with stable chronic renal disease. Two clinical relapses with pulmonary involvement and MPO‐ANCA positivity without anti‐GBM antibodies occurred in two dialysis‐dependent patients. In summary, screening for ANCA and anti‐GBM antibodies should be undertaken in patients with clinical signs of systemic vasculitis. In dialysis‐dependent patients, the goal of treatment is to limit the damage of other involved organs and not to preserve renal function. Careful follow‐up is necessary due to the relapsing nature of the ANCA component of the disease.
Blood Pressure Measurements and Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ekart Robert , Hojs Radovan , Pečovnik‐Balon Breda , Bevc Sebastjan , Dvoršak Benjamin 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIn hemodialysis (HD) patients, routine dialysis center blood pressure (BP) measurements may be a poor indicator of BP control. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) improves the predictability of BP as a risk factor for target organ damage. Carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) is an important indicator of asymptomatic atherosclerosis and a predictor of cardiovascular events. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the possible association between different BP measurements and carotid IMT in HD patients. Eighty‐five HD patients were included in our study. BP was measured with a standard mercury sphygmomanometer before and after each HD session. The average one‐monthly values of routine BP measurements were also analyzed. 24‐ and 48‐h ABPM was performed after the end of each HD session using non‐invasive ABPM. The average values of systolic and diastolic BP were analyzed separately for the first (HD) and second (interdialytic) days ABPM, and for both days together. Using B‐mode ultrasonography, carotid IMT was measured and plaque occurrence investigated. We found a statistically significant correlation between carotid IMT and the average one‐monthly pre‐HD diastolic BP (P < 0.05), diastolic BP on the HD‐day ABPM, the interdialytic‐day ABPM, and during 48‐h ABPM (P < 0.05). By multiple regression analysis, we found a statistically significant correlation only between carotid IMT and diastolic BP on the HD‐day ABPM, the interdialytic‐day ABPM, and during 48‐h ABPM (P < 0.05). Only longer BP measurements (24‐ and 48‐h ABPM) were associated with carotid IMT in HD patients.
Antioxidant Enzymes Show Adaptation to Oxidative Stress in Athletes and Increased Stress in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Knap Bojan , Prezelj Marija , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Ponikvar Rafael , Bren Andrej F 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe aim of the study is to compare oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients in controls and in rowers. The patients are a model of decreased antioxidant capacity, and the athletes (rowers) are a model of the highest antioxidant capacity due to their chronic adaptation to demanding training. Thirty‐five subjects participated in the study, 9 patients with end‐stage renal disease treated by hemodialysis, 12 healthy young subjects from the normal population, and 14 rowers. The antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as non‐transferrin‐bound iron as a promoter of free radical damage, were determined. Blood analysis was taken in dialysis patients in the morning, before the dialysis procedure. There was significantly higher activity of catalase in dialysis patients (catalase 4.26 ± 0.35 mkat/g Hb) compared to the controls (catalase 2.73 ± 0.38 mkat/g Hb) and rowers (catalase 1.71 ± 0.30 mkat/g Hb). Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly lower (10.42 ± 1.46 µkat/g Hb) than in the controls (11.94 ± 1.18 µkat/g Hb) and rowers (14.09 ± 0.92 µkat/g Hb). There was no significant differences between glutathione peroxidase activities in the three groups. Superoxide dismutase and Se were higher in rowers than in dialysis patients (P < 0.05). The concentrations of both non‐transferrin‐bound iron and ferritin were significantly higher in dialysis patients. Hemodialysis patients might have increased oxidative stress, which is characterized by significantly higher erythrocyte enzyme activity of catalase and lower activity of superoxide dismutase. Top rowers had increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, perhaps because of adaptation during training, which was not the case in dialysis patients and controls.
Regional Citrate Anticoagulation for Intermittent Predilution Online Hemofiltration
Authors: Gubenšek Jakob , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Škofic Nataša , Ponikvar Rafael 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThere is no consensus on the optimal renal replacement treatment in intensive care units. Among intermittent dialysis methods, hemofiltration (HF) is preferred by some because of better hemodynamic stability and cytokine removal. We report our experience with regional citrate anticoagulation for intermittent predilution online HF. Forty‐one patients (age 69 ± 10 years, 73% male) with acute renal failure and an increased bleeding risk in intensive care units were included in this retrospective analysis. Citrate anticoagulation was performed with 4% citrate (starting at 400 mL/h) and 1 mol/L calcium chloride (starting at 7 mL/h). Calcium‐containing (1.25 mmol/L) infusate, prepared online, was used. Anticoagulation was assessed visually after HF in a subgroup of 36 procedures using a score of 5 (no clotting) to 1 (total occlusion). The duration of the 94 HF sessions performed was 4 h 50 min ± 47 min, and the infusate volume reached was 77 ± 9 L. During HF, ionized calcium increased (1.01 ± 0.14 to 1.13 ± 0.09 mmol/L, P < 0.001), and the increases in sodium (141 ± 5 to 143 ± 3 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and bicarbonate (23 ± 6 to 25 ± 4 mmol/L, P < 0.01) were significant, but small. There were two cases of metabolic alkalosis (pH > 7.5) not requiring any intervention. None of the circuits clotted. The mean anticoagulation assessment scores were 4.6 ± 0.6 at the arterial bubble trap, 4.2 ± 1.0 at the dialyzer, and 4.2 ± 0.9 at the venous bubble trap. To conclude, regional citrate anticoagulation for predilution online hemofiltration with calcium‐containing infusate provides a good anti‐thrombotic effect and has rare metabolic side effects.
Comparison of Citrate Anticoagulation During Plasma Exchange With Different Replacement Solutions
Authors: Antonič Manja , Gubenšek Jakob , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Ponikvar Rafael 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe aim of our retrospective study was to compare the application of regional citrate anticoagulation and citrate‐related side‐effects in plasma exchange (PE) with different replacement solutions. We included 35 patients treated with PE with regional citrate anticoagulation and divided them into three groups according to the replacement solution used: human albumin (HA) group (40 PE treatments), fresh frozen plasma (FFP) group (86 PE treatments), or a combination of the two (63 PE treatments). The citrate anticoagulation parameters, ionized calcium and metabolic consequences of citrate were compared. The blood flow and citrate infusion rates were similar in all groups. To maintain comparable values of ionized calcium during PE, significantly more calcium was replaced in the combination group (7.6 ± 1.3 vs. 6.2 ± 2.7 mL/h, P < 0.001) and even more in the FFP group (10.8 ± 1.7 vs. 6.2 ± 2.7 mL/h, P < 0.001) as compared to the HA group. The pH increased significantly and comparably in all groups, but the increase in bicarbonate was significantly higher in the FFP group (4.4 ± 3.0 vs. 2.6 ± 2.1 mmol/L, P = 0.01). A short, heparin‐free hemodialysis session was performed after the PE treatment, because of significant metabolic alkalosis (mainly with pH ≥ 7.5), significantly more often in the FFP group (14/86 PE, P < 0.01) as compared to the HA group (0/40), and only rarely in the combination group (2/63). To conclude, when FFP is used as a replacement solution during PE with citrate anticoagulation, significantly more calcium needs to be replaced and the increase in bicarbonate is greater during PE. The additional citrate contained in FFP, combined with frequent PE treatments, often causes significant metabolic alkalosis, which can be efficiently corrected with a short heparin‐free hemodialysis.
Preoperative Ultrasonographic Mapping of Blood Vessels Before Arteriovenous Fistula Construction in Elderly Patients With End‐stage Renal Disease
Authors: Peršič Vanja , Ponikvar Rafael , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the ultrasonographic mapping of both arm and forearm vessels before primary arteriovenous fistula (AVF) construction in elderly patients with end‐stage renal disease. There were 129 patients aged 75 ± 6 (65–93) years, 58% men, 37% diabetics, who participated in the study. The inner diameter of veins (under compression) and arteries, and the arterial peak systolic velocity (PSV) were measured. The presence of arterial calcifications was noted. The positions for possible native AVF construction (radiocephalic and brachiocephalic) were suggested and an AVF was constructed by a trained nephrologist. An adequate cephalic vein was present in 76 (59%) patients (diameter 4.9 ± 1.1 mm) in the right arm, and in 83 (64%) patients (4.7 ± 1.2 mm) in the left arm. Suitable veins in the forearm were recorded in 73 (57%) patients on the right (3.7 ± 0.7 mm) and in 76 (59%) patients on the left (3.5 ± 1.0 mm) side. The inner arterial diameter was: brachial—right 4.6 ± 0.6 mm (calcifications in 26%), left 4.6 ± 0.7 mm (calcifications in 20%); radial—right 2.3 ± 0.4 mm (calcifications in 36%), left 2.3 ± 0.5 mm (calcifications in 29%). In 32% of patients, one native AVF was possible, in 17% two, in 23% three and in 18% four, while in 10% no AVF was possible. In 84% of patients an AVF was constructed, with no significant difference in non‐diabetic vs. diabetic patients (88% vs. 80%) or females vs. males (87% vs. 83%). Native AVF can be constructed in the majority of elderly patients, often in multiple positions, with no significant differences in terms of sex or diabetic status.
Ultimate synchrotron cut-off in gamma-ray spectra of blazars as a signature of the converter mechanism
Authors: Stern Boris E. , Tikhomirova Yana Y. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
There is a robust upper limit on the energy of synchrotron radiation in high-energy astrophysics: ∼mec2/α, where α= 1/137 is the fine structure constant and the value refers to the comoving frame of the fluid. This is the maximal energy of synchrotron photons which can be emitted by an electron having an arbitrarily high initial energy after it turns by angle ∼π in the magnetic field. This upper limit can be naturally reached if the converter mechanism contributes to the jet radiation and can be imprinted in spectra of some blazars as a cut-off or a dip in the GeV range. We use numerical simulations to probe the range of parameters of a radiating jet where the ultimate synchrotron cut-off appears. We reproduce the variety of spectra depending on the source luminosity and on the scale of the emission site. We also compare our results with the EGRET blazar spectra in order to illustrate that the agreement is possible but still not statistically significant. The predicted feature, if it exists, should be observed by Fermi in spectra of some blazars.
No visible optical variability from a relativistic blast wave encountering a wind termination shock
Authors: Van Eerten H. J. , Meliani Z. , Wijers R. A. M. J. , Keppens R. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Gamma-ray burst afterglow flares and rebrightenings of the optical and X-ray light curves have been attributed to both late-time inner engine activity and density changes in the medium surrounding the burster. To test the latter, we study the encounter between the relativistic blast wave from a gamma-ray burster and a stellar wind termination shock. The blast wave is simulated using a high-performance adaptive mesh relativistic hydrodynamic code, amrvac, and the synchrotron emission is analysed in detail with a separate radiation code. We find no bump in the resulting light curve, not even for very high density jumps. Furthermore, by analysing the contributions from the different shock wave regions we are able to establish that it is essential to resolve the blast wave structure in order to make qualitatively correct predictions on the observed output and that the contribution from the reverse shock region will not stand out, even when the magnetic field is increased in this region by repeated shocks. This study resolves a controversy in the recent literature.
QUALITY OF ORANGE JUICE DRINK SUBJECTED TO A PREDICTIVE MODEL‐BASED PASTEURIZATION PROCESS
Authors: GABRIEL ALONZO A. , AZANZA MARIA PATRICIA V. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT The utility of a previously developed predictive model for the decimal reduction time (D72C) of Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC 13311) in citrus systems was validated by establishing a pasteurization process (P72C) for Philippine native orange juice drink (POD). Quality characteristics of the pasteurized POD were evaluated and used as bases for assessing the utility of the developed model. The pP72C for POD was calculated by multiplying the model‐generated D72C of the reference strain with the recommended order of lethality (m) of 5.00 log10 cycles. A aP72C was likewise calculated based on D72C that resulted from actual thermal inactivation study of the reference strain on POD. Pasteurization resulted to PODs with significantly (P < 0.05) altered color, microbial quality and sensory profile. Except for the overall quality, differences in the consumer acceptance of various unpasteurized and pasteurized PODs quality characteristics were found to be not significant.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSA mathematical model was developed to estimate the thermal death times of the pathogen Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC 13311) from the pH, titratable acidity (% citric acid) and soluble solid (°Brix) values of suspending citrus systems. In this study, the utility of this model in establishing a pasteurization process for a test orange juice drink was determined. As the establishment of specific thermal process schedule for individual food products can be difficult, utilization of the validated model shall be a convenient alternative to the traditional but rigorous process.
OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESSING CONDITIONS FOR KUNUN‐ZAKI, A SPONTANEOUSLY FERMENTED CEREAL‐BASED BEVERAGE
Authors: EDEMA MOJISOLA OLAYINKA , ANETOR OBEHI HELEN 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTKunun‐zaki production was monitored at six sites for the evaluation of microbiological quality, potential hazards and identification of critical control points, with the aim of setting critical limits for process optimization. Samples were collected at various stages of production and examined microbiologically for potential pathogens, before and after optimization. Critical limits were established for the critical control points identified, and two producers were selected for testing the effectiveness of corrective actions in an optimized process. Samples of kunun‐zaki recorded total viable counts ranging from 3.84 to 4.80 log10 cfu/mL. Bacillus cereus, salmonellae and staphylococci were isolated in samples at 0.00–0.01, 0.57–0.76 and 1.70–2.04 log10 cfu/mL, respectively. The application of corrective measures, such as hand‐washing practices, washing of processing areas and utensils, hygienic handling of materials during processing and pasteurization of final product proved effective in significantly reducing (up to 80%) the microbiological hazards associated with kunun‐zaki.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe findings of this study have shown that with minimum hygienic food‐handling practices, the incidence of food‐borne pathogens in local foods and drinks can be reduced if not eliminated, even at household level of production. The work itself is practicable at the current level of kunun‐zaki production and holds application for pilot‐scale processing. The results can be used to set national standards for this and other related drinks. It also provides baseline data for standardization of kunun‐zaki production, the focus of ongoing research by the authors.
Using gaming workshops to prepare nursing students for caring for older people in clinical practice
Authors: McLafferty Ella , Dingwall Lindsay , Halkett Ann 
Published: July 2009

mclafferty e., dingwall l. & halkett a. (2009) Using gaming workshops to prepare nursing students for caring for older people in clinical practice.International Journal of Older People Nursing 5, 51–60 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2009.00176.xBackground. Older people are the least satisfied with the care they receive when they are acutely ill. Furthermore, within nurse education, nursing older people has been submerged rather than embedded in the acute focus of nursing curricula. Lecturers designed a 1‐day gaming workshop to stimulate interest in nursing older people.Aim. To explore the influence of gaming workshops on undergraduate nursing students’ learning about nursing older people.Methods. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. A survey questionnaire was distributed pre‐ and postgaming workshops to a cohort of second year nursing students (n = 100, 86% response rate). Students (n = 9) were invited to participate in a semi‐structured interview on completion of their placement.Findings. Responses were significantly more positive for the questionnaire postworkshop when compared with the responses of preworkshop. Five themes were identified from the interviews, they included teacher interaction; level of student engagement with the topic; the effect of the teaching method; influence of the workshops on practice; working with older people.Implications for practice. Nursing students preferred this novel teaching method to lectures. They learned about appropriate and relevant care of older people, however, they seem to struggle to apply concepts related to caring for older people in the acute settings.
Use of Defatted Soybean Meal and Blue Mussel Meat as Substitute for Fish Meal in the Diet of Tiger Puffer, Takifugu rubripes
Authors: Kikuchi Kotaro , Furuta Takeshi 
Published: July 2009

Abstract A feeding experiment was conducted to examine the potential use of defatted soybean meal (SBM) and freeze‐dried meat of blue mussel (BM) as partial replacement of fish meal in the diet of tiger puffer. Eight experimental diets were formulated, in which 0, 20, 40 and 60% fish meal protein were replaced with SBM (S0B0, S20B0, S40B0, and S60B0), and 40 and 60% with a combination of SBM and BM (S30B10, S20B20, and S45B15, S30B30). Fish of 11 g initial body weight were fed the diets to satiation twice daily, 6 d/wk for 8 wk at 20 C. Specific growth rate, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of fish fed diets containing SBM as an alternative protein source for fish meal decreased with increasing level of SBM, and these parameters of fish fed S40B0 and S60B0 diets were significantly lower than those of the control. Growth of fish in dietary groups containing BM were statistically identical to those in the control, and tended to increase with increasing level of dietary BM both at 40 and 60% substitution levels. Growth and feed utilization of fish fed S20B20 were almost the same to those in the control.
Sedimentation of Soils from Three Physiographic Regions of Alabama at Different Salinities
Authors: Ozbay Gulnihal , Lambert Mary S. , Polioudakis Emanuel 
Published: July 2009

Abstract This study evaluated the rate of sedimentation from water under various salinities, over a time period of 72 h. The particles come from soils that are commonly found in shrimp growing areas of Alabama: Black Belt Prairie, Piedmont Plateau, and Upper Coastal Plain. Different salinity treatments and settling times resulted in significant differences (P≤ 0.05) in the reduction of turbidity and TSS for each soil type. Solutions containing 2 ppt salinity had a similar rate of turbidity reduction as the solutions with 5, 10, or greater ppt treatments. Concentrations of turbidity and TSS decreased rapidly between 1 and 12 h of sedimentation; very little decline was observed during the time intervals 12–72 h. Higher salinity treatments yielded settling patterns similar to the 2 ppt salinity treatment. After 1 h, turbidity was removed by 65% in the control compared with 85% salinity treated samples. Variations in turbidity and TSS among the three sediments suggest that finer particles, the Piedmont Plateau soils, settled at a slower rate than larger particles. This difference occurs because the percentage of turbidity and TSS removed was significantly higher in mineralized waters compared to freshwater. Therefore, a small amount of salt, 2 ppt, can be used in pond aquaculture treatments to reduce the turbidity and TSS concentrations in shrimp ponds.
Dietary Lipid Requirements for Optimal Egg Quality of Redclaw Crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus
Authors: Rodríguez‐González Hervey , Villarreal Humberto , García‐Ulloa Manuel , Hernández‐Llamas Alfredo 
Published: July 2009

Abstract The effect of three crude dietary lipid levels (4, 8, and 12%) on egg quality of the female redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, was evaluated. Three replicate groups of 40 crayfish (mean initial weight ± SD, 23.0 ± 3.0 g) per diet treatment were stocked in 15,000 ‐L tanks, at 28 C. After 75 d of culture, there were significant differences (P < 0.001) in egg area (3.52–3.90 mm2), volume (34.0–39.3 mm3), weight (4.81–5.36 mg), and diameter (2.15–2.27 mm) in response to dietary lipids in the diet. Using the quadratic equation, the maximum responses of these parameters corresponded to lipid levels from 8.60–8.84%. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in survival (82.1–86.9%), final weight (41.0–43.7 g), number of spawning females (18.12–27.38%), and fecundity (9.07–10.31 eggs/g female). Additionally, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in egg mean protein (2306.87 ± 440.08 μg/egg), lipid (441.95 ± 83.23 μg/egg) and carbohydrate (74.81 ± 10.12 μg/egg) contents, and energy (13.49 ± 2.25 kcal/egg). The optimum overall response was obtained for dietary lipid content of 8.7%, which we recommend to optimize egg quality of this freshwater crayfish.