bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The pivotal role of sodium balance in control of blood pressure in dialysis patients
Authors: TOMSON Charles R. V. , SHRESTHA Sarju M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn hemodialysis patients, as in patients with normal kidney function, sodium balance is the major determinant of changes in extracellular volume, and extracellular volume is an important determinant of blood pressure. The osmotic thresholds for thirst and ADH release are normal in kidney failure; pre‐dialysis serum sodium concentration shows a high index of individuality in oliguric hemodialysis patients. Non‐osmotic storage of sodium in vascular walls may also amplify the volume‐sensitivity of blood pressure. The variable relationship between volume removal and change in blood pressure described in clinical studies reflects a state of permanent volume expansion in those whose blood pressure does not fall, or rises, during dialysis, whereas those whose blood pressure falls during dialysis are those who approach normovolemia. Rigorous control of extracellular volume often results in perfect blood pressure control, but may be difficult to achieve safely other than with long, slow dialysis combined with dietary salt restriction.
Renal replacement therapy in the critically ill patient with acute kidney injury
Authors: LEWINGTON Andrew J. P. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe mortality of patients with acute renal failure (ARF) has remained unacceptably high for many years, with renal replacement therapy (RRT) remaining the mainstay of treatment. Clinical research has hitherto been hindered by a lack of a universal definition. However, changes are upon us in the shape of a new term, acute kidney injury (AKI), proposed to encompass the spectrum of ARF, along with a new definition and staging system. There is a renewed optimism that the establishment of clinical databases and the utilization of new clinical biomarkers will catalyze the development of new therapeutic strategies. In the interim, we must optimize the delivery of RRT to patients with AKI. It is remarkable how few studies are currently available in the literature to guide medical practitioners on the key issues of initiation, modality, type of buffer, dose of RRT, vascular access, and anticoagulation. On the horizon, the outcomes of two major clinical trials comparing doses and modalities of RRT in AKI are eagerly awaited.
Which issues should trials address in hemodialysis?
Authors: WHEELER David C. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe number of published randomized controlled trials in nephrology is fewer than in most other specialties in internal medicine. As a consequence, current clinical practice guidelines are based largely on expert opinion, which may prove to be incorrect. Enthusiasm for trials involving hemodialysis patients has been dampened by a series of high profile studies in which a range of different interventions have failed to improve outcomes. Despite these disappointments, recent experience suggests that nephrologists remain willing to participate in clinical studies that address important questions. Previous, ongoing and future trials involving hemodialysis patients are discussed.
Spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage due to acquired cystic kidney disease
Authors: MOORE Ann E. , KUJUBU Dean A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA patient with end‐stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis developed sudden severe abdominal pain and distension. He suffered a decline in his hematocrit and subsequent abdominal imaging revealed a large left‐sided retroperitoneal hemorrhage in the setting of atrophic, severely cystic kidneys. He underwent selective left renal artery angiography and embolization due to continued hemorrhage with stabilization in his condition. However, he became paraparetic within hours of the embolization procedure due to spinal cord infarct. Acquired cystic kidney disease is a very common entity in patients with chronic kidney disease. Complications include cystic hemorrhage or infection, erythrocytosis, and renal cell carcinoma. Screening of patients for cystic disease and malignant transformation remains a controversial topic; however, most advocate abdominal imaging after 3 to 5 years on dialysis.
Isolation of human foetal myoblasts and its application for microencapsulation
Authors: Li Anna Aihua , Bourgeois Jacqueline , Potter Murray , Chang Patricia L. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractFoetal cells secrete more growth factors, generate less immune response, grow and proliferate better than adult cells. These characteristics make them desirable for recombinant modification and use in microencapsulated cellular gene therapeutics. We have established a system in vitro to obtain a pure population of primary human foetal myoblasts under several rounds of selection with non‐collagen coated plates and identified by desmin staining. These primary myoblasts presented good proliferation ability and better differentiation characteristics in monolayer and after microencapsulation compared to murine myoblast C2C12 cells based on creatine phosphokinase (CPK), major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and multi‐nucleated myotubule determination. The lifespan of primary myoblasts was 70 population doublings before entering into senescent state, with a population time of 18–24 hrs. Hence, we have developed a protocol for isolating human foetal primary myoblasts with excellent differentiation potential and robust growth and longevity. They should be useful for cell‐based therapy in human clinical applications with microencapsulation technology.
Early homing of adult mesenchymal stem cells in normal and infarcted isolated beating hearts
Authors: Penna Claudia , Raimondo Stefania , Ronchi Giulia , Rastaldo Raffaella , Mancardi Daniele , Cappello Sandra , Losano Gianni , Geuna Stefano , Pagliaro Pasquale 
Published: September 2007

AbstractLittle is known on the early homing features of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We used the isolated rat heart model to study the homing of MSCs injected in the ventricular wall of a beating heart. In this model all types of cells and matrix elements with their interactions are represented, while external interferences by endothelial/neutrophil interaction and neurohormonal factors are excluded. We studied the morphology and marker expression of MSCs implanted in normal hearts and in the border‐zone of infarcted myocardium. Early morphological adaptation of MSC homing differs between normal and infarcted hearts over the first 6 hrs after transplantation. In normal hearts, MSCs migrate very early through the interstitial milieu and begin to show morphological changes. Yet, in infarcted hearts MSCs remain in the site of injection forming clusters of round‐shaped cells in the border‐zone of the infarcted area. Both in normal and infarcted hearts, immuno‐histochemistry and confocal imaging showed that, besides the proliferative marker proliferating cell nuclear agent (PCNA), some transplanted cells early express myoblastic maker GATA‐4, and some of them show a VWF immunopositivity. Moreover, a few hours after injection connexin‐43 is well evident between cardiomy‐ocytes and injected cells. This study indicates for the first time that the isolated beating heart is a good model to study early features of MSC homing without external interferences. The results show (i) that MSCs start to change marker expression few hours after injection into a beating heart and (ii) that infarcted myocardium influences transplanted MSC morphology and mobility within the heart.
Mosaicism in von Hippel‐Lindau disease: an event important to recognize
Authors: Santarpia Libero , Sarlis Nicholas J. , Santarpia Mariacarmela , Sherman Steven I. , Trimarchi Francesco , Benvenga Salvatore 
Published: September 2007

Abstractvon Hippel‐Lindau disease (VHL) is an autosomal dominant, familial neoplastic disorder with variable interfamilial and intrafamilial expression. VHL is characterized by pre‐disposition to development of a combination of benign and malignant tumours affecting multiple organs. We provide molecular evidence of somatic mosaicism in nearly asymptomatic man whose daughter had VHL. The mosaic subject was found to have a cyst of the kidney and an angioma of the glans penis and had had surgery for a mandibular cyst and epididymal cystadenomas. Mosaicism could provide a genetic explanation for the clinical heterogeneity and variable severity of VHL. The real incidence of mosaicism is still unclear and the identification of mosaicism has important consequences in genetic counseling of VHL patients who appear to have de novo VHL mutations and should be considered when evaluating patients with isolated VHL‐related tumours. Our results strongly suggest a complete and extensive clinical examination in the parents of each patient affected by an apparently de novo VHL germline mutation.We recommend performing a mutation screening of both parents of a proband with techniques that permit detection of low percentages of mosaicism before concluding that the proband has a de novo VHL mutation.
Comparative study of histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in skin biopsies from patients with psoriasis before and after treatment with acitretin
Authors: Werner Betina , Bresch Martina , Brenner Fabiane Mulinari , Lima Hermenio Cavalcante 
Published: September 2007

Background:  Acitretin has been shown to be effective for psoriasis treatment. Its mechanism of action is not completely understood, and there are few studies focusing on histological and immunohistochemical differences before and after treatment of psoriasis with acitretin.Methods:  This is a prospective study of 17 patients with plaque psoriasis treated with acitretin for 4 months with biopsies taken before and after therapy. Histological features and immunohistochemical reactions to cytokeratin (CK) 10, CK16, CK19, Ki67 and CD1a were evaluated and compared.Results:  There were nine men and eight women with median age of 47 years. Epidermal thickness, CK16 positivity, Ki67 and CD1a‐positive cell index reduced after treatment (p < 0.01). Suprapapillary plate thickness stayed the same (p > 0.05) although the epidermal/suprapapillary thickness ratio was significantly higher before treatment (p < 0.01). CK10 positivity was lower and a thicker basal cell layer was seen in the epidermis before treatment (p < 0.01). CK19 was negative in all cases.Conclusions:  Acitretin therapy improved histological and immunohistochemical features typical of psoriasis. In psoriasis, suprapapillary plates are not thin, but the epidermal/suprapapillary thickness ratio is increased. Basal cell layer is expanded in psoriasis. Langerhans’ cells were less frequent after treatment, and that finding has to be investigated further to determine its role in acitretin mechanism of action.
Ber‐EP4 enhances the differential diagnostic accuracy of cytokeratin 7 in pagetoid cutaneous neoplasms
Authors: Sellheyer Klaus , Krahl Dieter 
Published: September 2007

Background:  While cytokeratin 7 is a reliable marker for most cases of Paget’s disease, it is not 100% sensitive. Moreover, cases of cytokeratin 7‐positive pagetoid squamous cell carcinoma in situ are reported in the literature. The monoclonal antibody Ber‐EP4 is diagnostically highly reliable in the differentiation between basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Here we report its application in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous pagetoid neoplasms.Methods:  Biopsy samples from 21 cases of extramammary Paget’s disease, 12 pagetoid squamous cell carcinomas in situ and 10 pagetoid melanomas in situ of the superficial spreading type were examined immunohistochemically with Ber‐EP4, 34βE12 and HMB‐45.Results:  Ber‐EP4 selectively labeled all cases of extramammary Paget’s disease but none of the other pagetoid neoplasms. The majority of cases (18 = 85.7%) displayed strong and three (14.3%) showed moderate immunoreactivity.Conclusions:  Ber‐EP4 reliably differentiates extramammary Paget’s disease from pagetoid squamous cell carcinoma in situ and pagetoid melanoma in situ. The antibody should be included along with a panel of other markers when evaluating for pagetoid cutaneous neoplasms in order to avoid a possible misdiagnosis of pagetoid squamous cell carcinoma in situ.
Liver and lung resection for colorectal metastasis
Authors: Li Wing‐Hong , Cheung Moon‐Tong , Ho Candace N.S. , Fung Ting‐Pong , Ko Kai‐Ming , Yau Kelvin K.W. 
Published: September 2007

Aim:  To examine the survival benefit of liver and lung resection for colorectal metastasis and the potential prognostic factors that affect patient survival.Methods:  All patients who had resection of lung or liver metastasis for colorectal metastasis in Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong from 1995 to 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. The overall and disease‐free survival was analysed, in particularly between liver and lung metastasis. All factors that may have affected the survival were entered into Cox's proportional hazards regression model to identify significant variables associated with survival.Results:  At 5 years, the overall survival of patients who had resection of lung and liver metastasis was 44% and 38%, respectively; the disease‐free survival was 26% and 24%, respectively. Overall and disease‐free survival of patients with resection of lung metastasis was comparable to those with resection of liver metastasis. The differentiations of primary tumour and time to metastasis were shown to be significant prognostic factors influencing overall survival. Those patients with systemic chemotherapy after resection of colorectal metastasis demonstrated a significantly higher probability of overall survival.Conclusion:  Resection of lung and liver metastases from colorectal origin was safe and both procedures improved survival. The use of chemotherapy after resection of metastasis significantly improved the overall survival.
Fruit Availability and Peccary Frugivory in an Isolated Atlantic Forest Fragment: Effects on Peccary Ranging Behavior and Habitat Use
Authors: Keuroghlian Alexine , Eaton Donald P. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTThe goal of this study was to examine seasonal frugivory by two sympatric peccary species (Tayassu pecari and T. tajacu) in a small (2178 ha), Atlantic Forest fragment on the inland plateau region of São Paulo State, Brazil. Fruit availability was determined with systematic ground surveys conducted over a 5‐yr period. Examining fruit availability trends for dry and wet seasons, we found that species diversity was greater in the wet season, but the total number and dry mass of fruits were higher in the dry season. Fruit abundance in the dry season was due to one palm, ‘jeriva’ (Syagrus romanzoffiana), which could be considered a keystone species at Caetetus Ecological Station as it also supported a diverse array of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. White‐lipped peccaries were the only ungulates that ate palmito fruits (Euterpe edulis) at Caetetus. They consumed ripe and unripe fruits and predated the seeds by chewing the pulp and seed. This occurred primarily during the dry season and was associated with a seasonal range shift and a preference for palmito habitat by the white‐lipped peccaries. The dominance of fruits in peccary diets (80% fruit items in scat) has management implications for other plateau forest fragments. Forest fragments with diminished fruit abundance or diversity, or lacking key species such as S. romanzoffiana or E. edulis, will not support the energetic requirements of the characteristically large and highly mobile white‐lipped peccary populations.
Phenology and Stem Diameter Increment Seasonality in a Costa Rican Wet Tropical Forest
Authors: O'Brien Joseph J. , Oberbauer Steven F. , Clark David B. , Clark Deborah A. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTThe relationship between phenology and tree stem diameter increment is largely unexplored in tropical species, especially in wet tropical forests. To explore links between these phenomena, we measured stem diameter increment and phenology of ten canopy tree species from a range of functional types in the Atlantic lowlands of Costa Rica to test for seasonal and interannual patterns. We measured stem diameter increment using band dendrometers and visually assessed leaf and reproductive phenology monthly from 1997 to 2000. We categorized the species into groups based on patterns of leaf exchange and reproduction. Species were either deciduous with synchronous or asynchronous leaf drop, or evergreen with continuous or seasonal leaf flushing. Flowering occurred supra‐annually, annually, or continuously. Of the ten species studied, four species,Cecropia insignis, Dipteryx panamensis, Lecythis ampla,andSimarouba amara, had consistent seasonal stem diameter increment patterns in both years.Dipteryx panamensisandL. amplawere deciduous with synchronized leaf drop. Cecropia insigniswas evergreen and produced new leaves continuously.Simarouba amara, also evergreen, exchanged leaves over a brief period once a year. We tested whether stem diameter increment was correlated to phenology using logistic regression. Leaflessness significantly explained patterns in stem diameter increment but reproductive phenology did not. Deciduous trees were 2.6–9.3 times more likely to grow less than average the month following leaffall than in months when trees had full crowns.
Survival and Scatterhoarding of Frugivores‐Dispersed Seeds as a Function of Forest Disturbance
Authors: Forget Pierre‐Michel , Cuijpers Lonneke 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTThe effect of forest disturbance on survival and secondary dispersal of an artificial seed shadow (N= 800) was studied at Brownsberg Natural Park, Suriname, South America. We scattered single seeds of the frugivore‐dispersed treeVirola kwatae(Myristicaceae), simulating loose dispersal by frugivores, in undisturbed and disturbed secondary forest habitats. Seed survival rate aboveground was high (69%) within 2 wk and was negatively correlated with scatterhoarding rate by rodents, the latter being significantly lower in the undisturbed forest (9%) than in the disturbed forest (20%). Postdispersal seed predation by vertebrates was low (3%) and infestation of seeds by invertebrates was almost zero in all instances. Therefore, secondary seed dispersal by rodents in forest is not as critical for recruitment as observed among other bruchid‐infested large‐seeded species. Secondary seed dispersal by rodents may, however, facilitate seedling recruitment whether cached seeds experience greater survival than seeds remaining above ground surface.
Niche Differentiation in Tank and Atmospheric Epiphytic Bromeliads of a Seasonally Dry Forest
Authors: Reyes‐García Casandra , Griffiths Howard , Rincón Emmanuel , Huante Pilar 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTFactors influencing the niche differentiation of epiphytes have been determined for the epiphytic bromeliads that coexist in the seasonally dry forest of Chamela, Mexico. Over 40 percent of the bromeliad epiphytes were distributed in only 5 percent of the trees. The occurrence of compound leaves in host trees was highly correlated with abundance of epiphytes, as these allow scattered light to penetrate throughout the canopy. The effect of leaf type overrides the effect of bark type, the main factor determining seedling establishment in moist forests. Eight species had the atmospheric life form, while only two species had tanks, formed by overlapping leaf bases and associated to a lower drought tolerance. Distribution in the canopy is counter to that observed in moist forests, since tank species occur in the upper canopy. Tank life forms showed most annual carbon gain during the rainy season, when the newly leafed out trees provide shade to the lower canopy. Atmospheric species had photosynthetic activity for longer into the dry period, possibly supported by dew and fog events. Leaf angles, orientation, trichome, and stomata densities are discussed in relation to water and light use among the species with contrasting ecological strategies.
EVALUATION OF FUNG DOUBLE TUBE TEST FOR CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS AND EASYPHAGE TEST FOR F‐SPECIFIC RNA COLIPHAGES AS RAPID SCREENING TESTS FOR FECAL CONTAMINATION IN RECREATIONAL WATERS OF HAWAII
Authors: FUNG DANIEL Y.C. , FUJIOKA ROGER , VIJAYAVEL KANNAPPAN , SATO DAYNA , BISHOP DANE 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT The previously reported Fung double tube (FDT) for Clostridium perfringens and the newly developed EasyPhage test for F‐specific RNA coliphages were evaluated as screening tests for fecal contamination of fresh and marine recreational waters in Hawaii. These two tests were used to analyze water samples from marine swimming beaches, streams, nonswimming coastal waters and raw sewage. The major advantages of the FDT test include formation of anaerobic conditions without the need of anaerobic chamber systems and enumeration of colonies of C. perfringens in the tubes within 6 h. The results showed that 5 mL of water sample and 20 mL of 2× Shahidi Ferguson Perfringens medium were the best combination for the enumeration of C. perfringens in 5–6 h at 42C. This is a candidate, rapid beach monitoring method which can be used to close the beach on the same day the water samples were collected. The major advantages of the EasyPhage method include the rapid formation of gel without the use of heat, and addition of streptomycin and ampicillin to control interfering bacterial contamination. These two test methods allow most water laboratories to monitor environmental waters for C. perfringens and F‐specific RNA coliphages as indicators of fecal contamination.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSMonitoring fecal contamination in water around the world is of great importance in public health. This paper presents rapid and efficient methods to monitor Clostridium perfringens and F‐specific RNA coliphages in waters in Hawaii, USA. The 6‐hour Fung‐Double Tube (FDT) system for enumeration of C. perfringens in water by use of SFP agar and incubation at 42C was perfected. The EasyPhage method by Scientific Methods, LLC (Grander, IN) for enumeration of FRNA coliphages in water using an ingenious nonthermal gelling system incubated for 12–16 h at 35C was tested. A Fung/Fujioka Scale (I = uncontaminated, acceptable, II = nonpoint contamination, III = sewage contamination, and VI = elevated sewage contamination, unacceptable) was developed to group the contamination level of recreational water for Hawaii. Forty‐six water samples were evaluated by both methods with excellent information concerning C. perfringens and FRNA phage in water in Hawaii.