bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biliary atresia with associated structural malformations in Canadian infants
Authors: Guttman Orlee R. , Roberts Eve A. , Schreiber Richard A. , Barker Collin C. , Ng Vicky L. ,   the Canadian Pediatric Hepatology Research Group
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Background: Biliary atresia (BA) is associated with extrahepatic congenital malformations in a minority of affected infants. The term commonly applied to this subgroup is ‘BASM’ for biliary atresia splenic malformation syndrome, as spleen abnormalities are prominent.
Aims and methods: To examine clinical outcome in Canadian BA patients with extrahepatic congenital malformations in the Canada‐wide BA database of patients born between 1985 and 2002, and additionally, to recharacterized the syndrome. Patients had ≥1 of the following: a/polysplenia, abnormal abdominal situs, intestinal malrotation, abdominal vascular anomaly or congenital heart disease.
Results: Among 328 BA patients, 44 (13%) had associated congenital abnormalities. Intra‐abdominal anomalies included polysplenia (n=25), abnormal abdominal situs (n=9), intestinal malrotation (n=19), portal vein anomaly (n=12), hepatic artery anomaly (n=3) and inferior vena cava interruption (n=20). Twenty‐six patients had cardiac malformations including pulmonary stenosis (n=11), ventricular septal defect (n=10), atrial septal defect (n=7), total anomalous pulmonary venous return (n=3), double outlet right ventricle (n=3), tetralogy of Fallot (n=2), atrioventricular canal (n=2), dextrocardia (n=2), bicuspid aortic valve (n=2), hypoplastic left heart (n=1) and partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (n=1). Age at Kasai operation, performance of liver transplant, overall survival, post‐Kasai native liver survival and transplant survival were comparable to isolated BA. Presence of polysplenia or complex cardiac disease did not reduce post‐Kasai native liver survival. Three patients had ≥2 typical abnormalities without polysplenia: thus, splenic malformations are not essential to this BA subgroup. Hierarchical cluster analysis demonstrated characteristic abnormalities grouped in a multiplicity of combinations, consistent with a spectrum of defective lateralization.
Conclusion: We suggest that the acronym ‘BASM’ be redefined as ‘biliary atresia structural malformation’.
Extracorporeal artificial liver support in hypoxic liver injury
Authors: Drolz Andreas , Saxa Reinhard , Scherzer Thomas , Fuhrmann Valentin 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe incidence of hypoxic liver injury, most commonly referred to as hypoxic hepatitis (HH), is up to 10% in critically ill patients. In the majority of cases, HH occurs as a consequence of haemodynamic impairment following cardiogenic or septic shock. A marked, dramatic increase in the aminotransferase levels in a setting of cardiocirculatory failure is the key characteristic of HH. HH may contribute to several complications such as hepatopulmonary syndrome and hypoglycaemia. The overall mortality after the onset of HH is approximately 50–60% within 1 month. We report a case of severe HH that was successfully bridged using the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System. In addition to the possible effects of extracorporeal liver support devices, the recognition of HH and therapy of the underlying disease that led to the occurrence of HH is of central importance.
The clinical challenges of acute on chronic liver failure
Authors: Graziadei Ivo W. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAcute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) encompasses patients with previously well‐compensated liver disease in whom an acute decompensation of liver function occurs because of a precipitating event. There are emerging data on the presentation and course of patients with this profile of liver disease; a clear definition based on precise diagnostic criteria, however, remains difficult to establish. In a high percentage of patients, ACLF is associated with the development of multi‐organ failure leading to high in‐hospital mortality despite costly intensive care therapy. Liver transplantation remains the only curative therapeutic option for the majority of these patients. Therefore, early identification of the precipitating events inducing ACLF and better understanding of the underlying mechanism are key issues for the prevention and treatment of ACLF. However, although there is increasing evidence that cytokines play a major role in the development of ACLF, the pathophysiology remains complex and poorly understood.
Detoxification as a treatment goal in hepatic failure
Authors: Kramer Ludwig , Kodras Katharina 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAcute liver failure (ALF) is a dramatic clinical syndrome with high mortality because of cerebral oedema (type A hepatic encephalopathy) and multi‐organ failure. With intensive care medicine and emergent liver transplantation being the mainstay of treatment, alternatives to transplantation are increasingly needed. Ammonia has been recognised as a major toxin in patients with ALF. It can be effectively removed by haemodialysis, haemofiltration and artificial liver support (a combination of extracorporeal toxin absorption and haemodialysis). Previous studies of extracorporeal detoxification, however, have either not specifically targeted ammonia or were hampered by poor biocompatibility and obsolete pathophysiological assumptions, ultimately failing to improve the prognosis. Moreover, most patients were treated only late after the emergence of advanced HE and multi‐organ failure, while detoxification should prevent these complications. Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (AOCLF) occurs in the setting of chronic liver disease and has an equally poor prognosis. Here, the goals of extracorporeal blood detoxification are renal support and haemodynamic stabilisation in order to support recompensation. Patients with AOCLF, unfortunately, are at a risk for treatment‐related complications including bleeding, thrombocytopenia, hypotension and acute renal failure, making biocompatibility a critical issue. Peritoneal dialysis could possibly emerge as a more biocompatible way of treating refractory hepatorenal syndrome. This article will critically analyse the pathophysiological concepts and goals of extracorporeal detoxification in acute and chronic liver diseases.
Clearing of toxic substances: are there differences between the available liver support devices?
Authors: Krisper Peter , Stadlbauer Vanessa , Stauber Rudolf E. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractToxins accumulating in liver failure split into water solved (e.g. ammonia) and albumin bound substances (e.g. bilirubin). Because the latter cannot be removed by conventional haemodialysis, special liver support systems have been developed. The majority of data concerning elimination efficiency exist for the cell‐free devices Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) and Prometheus, as they have been commercially available in Europe since many years. Overall, Prometheus provides higher clearances for most liver toxins, especially if they are tightly albumin bound. However, for bile acids and cytokines no such differences could be found. Single pass albumin dialysis (SPAD) can be assumed to be equally effective as MARS. None of the bioartificial liver support systems being developed is on the market today and published clearance data are scarce. In general, clearance efficiency for albumin bound substances is relatively low in all systems currently available. Besides optimizing biocompatibility and selectivity, future technologies should also focus on improved detoxification efficiency of liver support devices.
Albumin dialysis: current practice and future options
Authors: Wauters Joost , Wilmer Alexander 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe current management of patients with severe liver failure encompasses treatment of the precipitating event and supportive therapy for extra‐hepatic end‐organ dysfunction while waiting for the liver to recover or for a suitable graft to become available. Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) is an extracorporeal detoxification device that allows the save and effective removal of albumin‐bound as well as water‐soluble substances in an effort to overcome phases of critical organ dysfunction or to bridge patients until transplantation. MARS has proven to be a useful treatment in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure and acute liver failure for improving biochemical parameters and clinical symptoms but benefits in patient outcome have not yet been fully demonstrated. The optimal timing for initiation, frequency and duration of MARS treatment, and the biochemical and clinical parameters on which to base clinical decisions, remain partially unanswered issues.
NADPH oxidase‐mediated platelet isoprostane over‐production in cirrhotic patients: implication for platelet activation
Authors: Basili Stefania , Raparelli Valeria , Riggio Oliviero , Merli Manuela , Carnevale Roberto , Angelico Francesco , Tellan Guglielmo , Pignatelli Pasquale , Violi Francesco ,   CALC Group
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackground:In patients with cirrhosis conflicting findings, inherent to platelet function and its clinical implication, are still matters of discussion. Cirrhosis is characterized by enhanced production of isoprostanes, index of oxidative stress in vivo, that is known to stem from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 2 (NOX2)‐generating oxidative stress and elicit platelet activation.Aim:To analyse the relationship between oxidative stress and platelet activation in cirrhosis.Methods:A cross‐sectional study including 51 cirrhotic patients and sex‐ and age‐matched control patients has been designed. Soluble NOX2‐derived peptide (sNOX2‐dp), a direct marker of NADPH oxidase activation, isoprostanes urinary excretion, platelet isoprostanes and two markers of in vivo platelet activation, i.e. soluble CD40 Ligand (sCD40L) and soluble P‐selectin (sPs), were measured.Results:Compared with controls, cirrhotic patients had higher levels of sPs (P = 0.034), sCD40L (P < 0.0001), sNOX2‐dp (P = 0.0016), urinary excretion of isoprostanes (P < 0.0001) and arachidonic acid‐induced platelet isoprostane formation (P < 0.0001). A significant correlation between sNOX2‐dp and platelet (Rs = 0.39, P = 0.0051) and urinary (Rs = 0.67, P < 0.0001) isoprostanes was detected; also, sNOX2‐dp and isoprostanes significantly correlated with sPs and sCD40L. A stepwise regression analysis revealed that sNOX2‐dp was independently related to sCD40L plasma levels.Conclusions:This study provides evidence that in cirrhosis, platelet isoprostanes are over‐produced and could be implicated in platelet activation.
Risk factors for prolonged stay in cardiac surgery intensive care units
Authors: Giakoumidakis Konstantinos , Baltopoulos George I. , Charitos Christos , Patelarou Evridiki , Galanis Petros , Brokalaki Hero 
Published: August 2011

Aims and objectives: To identify the factors that might affect the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU‐LOS) among cardiac surgery patients. Background: ICU‐LOS forms an important factor for assessing the effectiveness of the provided nursing care. A number of factors can be accused for increasing patient hospitalization. The nursing workload (NWL), among others, was found to play a significant role as it is closely associated with the quality of care. Design: An observational cohort study among 313 consecutive patients who were admitted to the cardiac surgery intensive care unit of a general, tertiary hospital of Athens, Greece from November 2008 to November 2009. Methods: Data collection was performed by using a short questionnaire (for basic demographic information) and two instruments, the Nursing Activities Score (NAS) and the logistic EuroSCORE, for assessing the NWL and the perioperative risk for each patient respectively. Results: ICU‐LOS of more than 2 days increased with age and was more common among females (p < 0·001 and p = 0·02, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a positive association between increased perioperative risk and the increased ICU‐LOS [odd ratio (OR) 1·9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·0–3·5, p = 0·04], while patients with a first day NAS of more than 61·6% had an almost 5·2 times greater probability to stay in the cardiac surgery unit for more than 2 days (OR 5·2, 95% CI 3·0–8·8, p < 0·001). Conclusions: Increased level of NWL and patient perioperative risk are closely associated with increased ICU‐LOS. Relevance to clinical practice: The correlation between patient perioperative risk and ICU‐LOS encourages the early identification of high‐risk patients for prolonged hospitalization. Furthermore, the relationship between NWL and ICU‐LOS allows the early identification of these patients with the use of an independent nursing tool.
Survival and reproduction of Liposcelis paeta (Pearman) (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) when irradiated by electron beams
Authors: WANG Juanjuan , GUO Dongquan , FAN Jialin , CHEN Yuntang , ZHANG Jianwei , YANG Baoan , LI Xuzhao 
Published: August 2011

AbstractElectron beam irradiation has been evaluated for the survival and reproduction of Liposcelis paeta Pearman (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae). All effects increased with increasing doses from 50 to 1000 Gy when the electron energy was 2 MeV. Eggs were unable to develop into adults following a dose of 100 Gy. Complete (100%) mortality was achieved about 5 weeks after adult emergence from nymphs irradiated at 300 Gy, whereas 100% mortality of adults was achieved 9 weeks after irradiation at 300 Gy. The fecundity was greatly reduced to 1.82% of that of control when L. paeta adults were irradiated at 250 Gy. A dose of 300 Gy caused complete reproductive sterility in adults. These results suggest that the most susceptible stage was the egg stage, then nymph and adult stages. A dose of 300 Gy is suggested for quarantine treatment of commodities infested by L. paeta.
Late Pleistocene–early Holocene polychaete borings in NE Spitsbergen and their palaeoecological and climatic implications: an example from the Basissletta area
Authors: HANKEN NILS‐MARTIN , UCHMAN ALFRED , JAKOBSEN STEN LENNART 
Published: August 2011

Hanken, N.‐M., Uchman, A. & Jakobsen, S. L. 2012 (January): Late Pleistocene–early Holocene polychaete borings in NE Spitsbergen and their palaeoecological and climatic implications: an example from the Basissletta area. Boreas, Vol. 41, pp. 42–55. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2011.00223.x. ISSN 0300‐9483Limestone and dolomite bedrock surfaces, together with blocks derived from these underlying bedrocks, at Basissletta, NE Spitsbergen, contain Late Pleistocene–early Holocene, shallow‐marine, spionid polychaete borings Caulostrepsis taeniola Clarke, Caulostrepsis contorta Bromley & D'Alessandro, and Maeandropolydora isp. The borings occur about 9–78 m above present sea level, and this is the northernmost known occurrence of these trace fossils. 14C dating of wood, whalebone and bivalves in the vicinity and in neighbouring areas indicates that the borings have a radiocarbon age spanning from about 7 to 11 ka. Recent borings of these ichnotaxa have not been found in the sea around Spitsbergen. The presence of the fossil borings indicates that invasion of boring polychaetes to the northern part of the Barents Sea region was limited to a Late Pleistocene–early Holocene temperature optimum. The presence of Caulostrepsis and Maeandropolydora on subaerially exposed shallow‐water Pleistocene–Holocene bedrock surfaces in arctic areas can be a valuable tool with which to evaluate both postglacial emergence and climatic oscillations because they indicate a summer surface water temperature of at least 8 °C.
The growth mechanism of the aragonitic stalagmite laminae from Yunnan Xianren Cave, SW China revealed by cave monitoring
Authors: DUAN WUHUI , CAI BINGGUI , TAN MING , LIU HONG , ZHANG YONG 
Published: August 2011

Duan, W., Cai, B., Tan, M., Liu, H. & Zhang, Y. 2012 (January): The growth mechanism of the aragonitic stalagmite laminae from Yunnan Xianren Cave, SW China revealed by cave monitoring. Boreas, Vol. 41, pp. 113–123. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2011.00226.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.Stalagmites from Xianren Cave in Yunnan Province, SW China have visible bands of alternating compact and porous sub‐layers, which have recently been demonstrated to be annual: the compact sub‐layer consists of elongated columnar aragonites with a general longitudinal orientation (parallel to the vertical growth axis), while the porous sub‐layer is composed mainly of needle aragonites forming radiating masses. In order to understand the growth mechanism of this type of stalagmite laminae, factors that could determine the growth rate and crystal structures of modern carbonates, such as cave‐air temperature, CO2 concentration, drip rate and the hydrochemical parameters of drip water, have been monitored systematically. In this study, we selected five active drip sites to monitor for two years at a monthly frequency. Based on the monitoring results and the analyses of stalagmite laminae, we conclude that the compact sub‐layer forms in winter, when the drip rate is moderate and the degassing is slow, continuous and prolonged. The porous sub‐layer forms in early spring, when the drip rate is lower and Mg/Ca is higher than that during the formation of the compact sub‐layer. We also found exceptionally some calcite laminae. Furthermore, we discovered modern calcites precipitating at all study sites in the first hydrologic year when the rainfall was very abundant. Therefore, it is suggested that the occurrence of localized calcites in an aragonitic stalagmite indicates an interval of higher rainfall.
Novel Surface Modifications of Carbon Fiber‐Reinforced Polyetheretherketone Hip Stem in an Ovine Model
Authors: Nakahara Ichiro , Takao Masaki , Bandoh Shunichi , Bertollo Nicky , Walsh William R. , Sugano Nobuhiko 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) is theoretically a suitable material for use in an uncemented hip prosthesis considering it can provide isoelastic environment with the surrounding bone, adequate fatigue strength, and a metal‐free radiographic evaluation. To date, the selection of polymer material and optimization of both design and surface finish of the prostheses for osseointegration has not been accomplished. This study examined radiographic and histologic results of an uncemented CFRP stem manufactured from carbon fiber‐reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR/PEEK) with a roughened surface and a bioactive treatment in an adult ovine model following a 12‐month implantation period. A unilateral hemiarthroplasty of the hip was performed using the CFRP stem or a titanium stem as a control. Four cases with the CFRP stem and five cases with titanium stem were evaluated. Bone on‐growth fixation was achieved in two cases with the CFRP stem and in all the cases with the titanium stem. The CFRP cases showed minimal stress shielding while three of five cases with the titanium stem demonstrated typical osteopenia associated with stiff metal stems. Bone on‐growth to the uncemented CFRP stem was achieved by using the CFR/PEEK for the material and modifying the surface design and the bioactive surface finish. Bone resorption and osteopenia observed with the Ti stems was not found with the CFRP design.
The Influence of Membrane Molecular Weight Cutoff on a Novel Bioartificial Liver
Authors: Zhang Yue , Shi Xiao‐lei , Han Bing , Gu Jin‐yang , Chu Xue‐hui , Xiao Jiang‐qiang , Ren Hao‐zhen , Tan Jiao‐jun , Ding Yi‐tao 
Published: August 2011

AbstractGiven the xenogeneic immune reaction relevant to the molecular weight cutoff of the membrane of a bioartificial liver (BAL) system, we investigated the influence of membrane molecular weight cutoff in our BAL system in this study. Acute liver failure in beagles was induced by d‐galactosamine administration. Eight beagles were divided into two groups by the membrane molecular weight cutoff of the plasma component separator. Group 1 beagles were treated with BAL containing 200 kDa retention rating membrane. Group 2 beagles were treated with BAL containing 1200 kDa retention rating membrane. Each group underwent two 6‐h BAL treatments that were performed on day 1 and day 21. The hemodynamic and hematologic response, humoral immune responses, and cytotoxic immune response to BAL therapy were studied before and after treatments. All beagles remained hemodynamically and hematologically stable during BAL treatments. BAL treatment was associated with a significant decline in levels of complement; however, a longer time of level maintenance was observed in Group 2. Group 2 beagles experienced a significant increase in levels of IgG and IgM after two BAL treatments. Significant levels of canine proteins were detected in BAL medium from Group 2; only trace levels of canine proteins were detected in BAL medium from Group 1. The posttreatment viability of co‐culture cells in Group 2 was lower compared with Group 1, and the viability of co‐culture cells after treatments was associated with deposition of canine proteins on the cells. Xenogeneic immune response was influenced by membrane molecular weight cutoff in the BAL.
Criteria for the Design and Evaluation of Cognitive Architectures
Authors: Varma Sashank 
Published: August 2011

AbstractCognitive architectures are unified theories of cognition that take the form of computational formalisms. They support computational models that collectively account for large numbers of empirical regularities using small numbers of computational mechanisms. Empirical coverage and parsimony are the most prominent criteria by which architectures are designed and evaluated, but they are not the only ones. This paper considers three additional criteria that have been comparatively undertheorized. (a) Successful architectures possess subjective and intersubjective meaning, making cognition comprehensible to individual cognitive scientists and organizing groups of like‐minded cognitive scientists into genuine communities. (b) Successful architectures provide idioms that structure the design and interpretation of computational models. (c) Successful architectures are strange: They make provocative, often disturbing, and ultimately compelling claims about human information processing that demand evaluation.
Modulation and Recruitment of Inducible Regulatory T Cells by First Trimester Trophoblast Cells
Authors: Ramhorst Rosanna , Fraccaroli Laura , Aldo Paulomi , Alvero Ayesha B. , Cardenas Ingrid , Leirós Claudia Perez , Mor Gil 
Published: August 2011

Citation Ramhorst R, Fraccaroli L, Aldo P, Alvero AB, Cardenas I, Leirós CP, Mor G. Modulation and recruitment of inducible regulatory T cells by first trimester trophoblast cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 17–27Problem  The specialized regulatory T‐cells (Treg) population, essential for maternal tolerance of the fetus, performs its suppressive actions in the critical peri‐implantation phase of pregnancy. In the present work, we investigated whether trophoblast cells are able to induce Treg recruitment, differentiation, and whether these mechanisms are modified by a bacterial or viral infection.Method of Study  Human T‐regulatory cells were differentiated from naïve CD45RA+ CCR7+ cells obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured with IL‐2 and TGFβ over 5 days. Induction of iTregs (CD4+ Foxp3+ cells) was evaluated using low serum conditioned media (LSCM), obtained from two first trimester trophoblast cell lines, Swan‐71 and HTR8. Coculture experiments were carried out using transwell assays where trophoblast cells were in the absence or presence of PGN, LPS, or Poly [I:C]. Cytokine production was measured by multiplex analysis.Results  Trophoblast cells constitutively secrete high levels of TGFβ and induced a significant increase of Foxp3 expression accompanied by a specific T‐reg cytokine profile. Moreover, trophoblast cells were able to recruit iTregs in a specific manner.Conclusion  We demonstrate that trophoblast cells have an active role on the recruitment and differentiation of iTregs, therefore, contributing to the process of immune regulation at the placental–maternal interface.