bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental gradients explaining the prevalence and intensity of infection with the amphibian chytrid fungus: the host's perspective
Authors: Rödder D. , Veith M. , Lötters S. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractChydridiomycosis is an infectious emerging disease in amphibians that has been directly linked to mass mortality, drastic population decline and extinction. The understanding of the factors limiting the distribution and the abundance of its biological agent, the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd ), is still limited. It has been suggested that climate plays a key role. A recent study conducted infection surveys at 31 lowland sites on the Australian East coast and searched for climatic variables explaining Bd prevalence and intensity in Stony creek frogs Litoria lesueuri (complex). A link between the prevalence of infections and latitude was advocated, exclusively focusing on the pathogen. Beyond this, the prevalence and intensity of Bd infection may also depend on the climatic suitability of a given site for the amphibian host. Herein, we extend the previous study using a set of long‐term bioclimatic variables and assess climatic suitability for Stony creek frogs at the sites previously studied for Bd. We ran a Climatic Envelope Model for our target amphibian based on those variables with the most explanatory power for prevalence and intensity, thus representing the link between climatic suitability for both the pathogen and the host. Our findings allow the hypothesis that there exists a significant correlation between climatic suitability for Stony creek frogs at the previously studied sites and latitude. At the same time, this was congruent with the latitudinal gradient of the number of zoospores per frog.
CGG‐repeat length and neuropathological and molecular correlates in a mouse model for fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome
Authors: Brouwer Judith R. , Huizer Karin , Severijnen Lies‐Anne , Hukema Renate K. , Berman Robert F. , Oostra Ben A. , Willemsen Rob 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe 5′untranslated region (UTR) of the FMR1 gene contains a CGG‐repeat, which may become unstable upon transmission to the next generation. When repeat length exceeds 200, the FMR1 gene generally undergoes methylation‐mediated transcriptional silencing. The subsequent absence of the gene product Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP)causes the mental retardation seen in fragile X patients. A CGG‐repeat length between 55 and 200 trinucleotides has been termed the premutation (PM). Predominantly elderly male PM carriers are at risk of developing a progressive neurodegenerative disorder: fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). All PM carriers have elevated FMR1 mRNA levels, in spite of slightly decreased FMRP levels. The presence of intranuclear ubiquitin‐positive inclusions in many brain regions is a neuropathological hallmark of FXTAS. Studies in humans attempting to correlate neuropathological outcomes with molecular measures are difficult because of the limited availability of tissue. Therefore, we have used the expanded CGG‐repeat knock‐in mouse model of FXTAS to examine the relationship between the molecular and neuropathological parameters in brain. We present Fmr1 mRNA and Fmrp levels and the presence of intranuclear inclusions at different repeat lengths. Contrary to existing hypotheses, our results suggest that inclusion formation may not depend on the elevation per se of Fmr1 transcript levels in aged CGG mice.
Odorant receptor (OR) gene choice is biased and non‐clonal in two olfactory placode cell lines, and OR RNA is nuclear prior to differentiation of these lines
Authors: Pathak Nidhi , Johnson Paul , Getman Michael , Lane Robert P. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe have investigated two clonal mouse olfactory placode (OP) cell lines as a model system for studying endogenous odorant receptor (OR) regulation. Both lines can be differentiated into bipolar neurons with transcriptional profiles consistent with mature sensory neurons. We show that single cells exhibit monogenic OR expression like sensory neurons in vivo. Monogenic OR expression is established in undifferentiated cells and persists through differentiation, but OR gene choice is not a clonal property of either cell line. Interestingly, OR RNA shifts from predominantly nuclear to cytoplasma during differentiation of both cell lines. Finally, our data indicate that a restricted subset of OR genes and OR clusters are over‐represented in cell populations, suggesting either a pre‐existing intrinsic bias in OP founder cells or extrinsic influences arising from culture conditions.
Vision and hearing impairments and their associations with falling and loss of instrumental activities in daily living in acute hospitalized older persons in five Nordic hospitals
Authors: Grue Else Vengnes , Ranhoff Anette Hylen , Noro Anja , Finne‐Soveri Harriet , Jensdóttir Anna Birna , Ljunggren Gunnar , Bucht Gösta , Björnson Leif Jan , Jonsén Elisabeth , Schroll Marianne , Jónsson Palmi V. 
Published: November 2008

Background:  Many older people believe sensory problems are inevitably, a part of growing old, and avoid assessment and help. Such problems are often also overlooked by health professionals. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of hearing and vision impairment and their associations with loss of instrumental activities in daily living (IADL) and risk of falling in patients aged 75 years or older, admitted to a medical ward in an acute hospital in each of the five Nordic countries.Method:  The Minimum Data Set for Acute Care was used for data collection in 770 patients. Premorbid data, admission data and history of falls over 3 months were obtained on admission by interview and observation. Hearing impairment was present if the patient required a quiet setting to be able to hear normal speech. Vision impairment was defined as unable to read regular print in a newspaper.Results:  Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. Forty‐eight per cent of the patients had a hearing impairment, 32.3% had vision impairment and 20.1% had both. Hearing impairment was associated with falling but not in the logistic regression model. Hearing and vision impairment were associated with loss of IADL but only combined impairment was independently.Conclusion:  Hearing and vision impairments were frequent among older patients in the medical wards. Falling was associated with hearing loss and IADL loss with hearing, vision and combined impairments. Sensory loss was also associated with fear of falling. It is recommended routinely to screen sensory functions in older patients in a medical setting. Intervention studies are needed to determine whether improvements in hearing and vision can prevent falls and further loss of function in this patient population.
Sustainability assessment of national rural water supply program in Tanzania
Authors: Giné Ricard , Pérez‐Foguet Agustí 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Sustainability of rural water supply programs in developing countries is still an elusive goal. It is widely accepted that, as a rule, they have failed to deliver benefits to society in the long run. Emphasis has frequently been placed on the short‐term activities. Fast production of new schemes is thus a common strategy, prioritizing the engineering component, while sidestepping social and participatory issues and community empowerment. In 2006, the Government of Tanzania launched a national program to meet water sector targets set out in the Millennium Development Goals by the year 2015. In this study we evaluate key features of the program on a sustained basis. There is evidence that the Government is promoting more sustained facilities, focusing on cost recovery and on ‘decentralization by devolution’. Nevertheless, there are several shortcomings which threaten the long‐term functionality of the infrastructure that has to be built. In light of the implementation of the program, and based on the outputs of its pilot phase, we review the factors that can determine its sustainability.
Long‐Term Clinical and Hemodynamic Evaluation of the Ionescu‐Shiley Pericardial Xenograft Heart Valve
Authors: Ionescu Marian I. , Tandon Anand P. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTPericardial xenograft heart valves have been used in 469 patients for single or multiple valve replacement. Early in the series, valves were made in‐house, but since May 1976, valves have been made by Shiley Laboratories, Inc. During the eight‐year observation period, there were 7% early and 7.9% late deaths. Although no anti‐coagulants were used on a long‐term basis, there were only eight mild embolic episodes. Preoperatively, 56–98% of all patients were in class III or IV of the NYHA classification; postoperatively, all surviving patients have been found to have improved by at least one classification.
Long‐Term Performance of Homograft and Autograft Valves
Authors: Bodnar Endre , Wain William H. , Martelli Valentino , Ross Donald N. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTFive hundred and eighty homograft valves have been inserted into the aortic position as isolated valve replacements, and followed up for 7–14 years. After ten years 90% of frozen homografts, 80% of autografts and 70% of freeze‐dried homografts were free of valve‐related death. There was only one embolism reported giving an incidence of one embolism per 143,928 patient months. Degeneration occurred in 14% of the autografts, in 30% of the freeze dried and in 60% of the frozen homografts after ten years. Eighty per cent of the fresh homografts have been free of degeneration after seven years, and 54% of freeze‐dried valves have been free of degeneration after 14 years. Long‐term performance of homograft and autograft valves in the aortic positon is comparable to that of any prosthetic or bioprosthetic valve. In addition, they are non‐thrombogenic and excellent in terms of patient survival.
Clinical Results of Valve Replacement by the Starr‐Edwards Prosthesis
Authors: Stolf N. A. G. , Dallan L. A. , Puig L. B. , Tsuzuki S. , Lavitola P. , Pillegi F. , Bittencourt D. , Verginelli G. , Zerbini E. J. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTHeart valve replacement has initiated special research efforts and has led to debate among surgeons from different surgical services. It is in this area of cardiac surgery that complications are frequent. This paper is a summarized review of the problems related to valve replacement by the Starr‐Edwards prosthesis at the University of São Paulo Medical School Heart Institute. It describes the difficulties which led the authors to abandon its use in 1971. Clinical experience is from July 1958 to January 1974.
Multifactorial Evaluation of Hernofiltration Therapy in Comparison with Conventional Hemodialysis
Authors: Nakagawa Seinosuke 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTIn order to ascertain if the potential benefits claimed for hemofiltration (HF) are supportable, chronic thrice‐weekly HF therapy has been assessed in a group of nine uremic patients who had previously been stablized on conventional hemodialysis (HD) for a mean of 17.8 months at a frequency of 3 × 5 hours/week. Changes between the termination of HD (= initiation of HF) and the last three months were observed in multifactorial parameters.No significant differences were observed in any parameter except the frequency of hypotensive episodes and the pretreatment levels of conventional waste metabolites.The latter were higher on HF than HD and the frequency of hypotension, 2% in HF, was less than the 8% frequency observed in HD, despite much larger body weight reductions per HF treatment. Also, the effects of HF on hypertension and hyperlipidemia were not significantly better than observed on HD therapy. Our preliminary conclusions are that HF is superior to HD in both the ease and safety of fluid removal and there is virtual elimination of the disequilibrium syndrome. However, HF offers no other obvious advantages over conventional hemodialysis therapy.
Simultaneous Hernofiltration/ Hernodialysis (HF/HD): Short‐ and Long‐Term Tolerance. Introduction of a System for Automatic Fluid Replacement
Authors: Leber Heinrich‐W. , Wizemann Volker , Techert Franz 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTData are presented concerning our experiences with simultaneous hemofiltration and hemodialysis (HF/HD) in uremic patients. Ten randomly selected patients have been treated for two and a half to three yeare with either conventional hemodialysis (HD, 3×4 hour/week, 1.4 m2 surface area Cuprophan dialyzer) or HF/HD (RP‐6, 3×3 hours/week). No differences could be detected with regard to the blood chemistry or the blood pressure between the two groups of patients. During HF/HD the well‐being of the patients was better than during HD, which can be attributed to a greater stability of the blood pressure and of the serum osmolarity and to a decrease of the intraocular pressure during treatment. An apparatus is described which is in use enabling the automatic replacement of the required substitution fluid. With regard to the performance and the tolerance, HF/HD is comparable to hemofiltration, but the treatment sessions are shorter.
Uremic Neurotoxin in the Middle Molecular Weight Range
Authors: Man N.K. , Cueille G. , Zingraff J. , Boudet J. , Sausse A. , Funck‐Brentano J.‐L. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTAmong the middle molecule fractions obtained by high performance gel chromatography on Sephadex G‐15 combined with gradient ion exchange chromatography on DEAE Sephadex A‐25 from plasma ultrafiltrates of six polyneuropathic patients, only peak b4–2 was at a significantly higher concentration than that obtained from uremic patients with neuropathy. Purification of the b4–2 solute allows its quantitative determination in biological fluids. The b4–2 plasma concentrations are 1 mg/L in healthy subjects (n=30), 4.6 ± 0.2 mg/L in uremic patients (n=67) and 13–19 mg/L in six polyneuropathic patients. The 24‐hr urinary excretion is 13 ± 1 mg. The weekly removal rates in hemofiltration or in hemodialysis, using high permeability membrane three times a week, are 38–40 mg. In an in vitro sural nerve test for the evaluation of middle molecule neurotoxicity, the b4–2 solute exhibits a neurotoxic effect at concentrations similar to those found in plasma of neuropathic patients. Preliminary results of an attempt to identify the neurotoxin indicate that it is an acid‐polyo derivative.
The Effect of Coumadin Upon Thrombus Forming on Foreign Surfaces
Authors: Madras Peter N. , Thomson Chiquita L. , Johnson Webster R. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTExperience with the Stagnation Point Flow Experiment has revealed the earliest microscopic events surrounding thrombus inception and growth on foreign surfaces in a perfectly defined flow field. Using 40 and 80 × magnification, the effects of Coumadin upon these events was studied. These events include leukocyte adherence, fibrin deposition and platelet aggregation, deviation of flow streamlines around these aggregates, and subsequent downstream thrombus growth. Surface density of leukocytes was measured as a function of time and shear, and served as an index of the quantity of thrombus on the surface, which in turn, allowed direct comparisons of thrombus growth rate between experiments. Coumadin decreases the adhesive force between leukocytes or thrombi and the foreign surface. Emboli are more frequent with Caumadin, but are smaller. Thrombus inception is not altered. These results suggest that clinical benefit obtained from use of Coumadin derives from reduction in size of emboli.
Residual Formaldehyde in Dialyzers: Quantity, Location, and the Effect of Different Methods of Rinsing
Authors: Lewis K. J. , Ward M. K. , Kerr D. N. S. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTWhen formalin‐sterilized dialyzers were rinsed by our standard technique (similar to that used in many other dialysis centres) undesirable concentrations of formaldehyde were found in the dialyzers at the start of dialysis. When the technique was modified by passing part of the saline through the blood compartment immediately before connection and discarding the saline left in the dialyzer at the time of connection, the concentration of formaldehyde infused into the patient fell below 2 μg/ml. However, the dialyzers still contained up to 13 mg of formaldehyde which leached slowly from the dialyzer during simulated dialysis. Some residual formaldehyde was found in several components of the dialyzer but the great majority was contained in the cellulose membrane.
Effect of Moisture on and Kinetic Features of the Ultrafiltration Rate of Dialysis Membrane
Authors: Sato Hiroshi , Kidaka Teruhisa 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThe kinetic features of ultrafiltration of cellulose dialysis membrane stored under various humidity and temperature conditions were studied to obtain basic information on shelf‐life characteristics of dialyzers. The ultrafiltration rate (UFR) decreased with time and the UFR‐time curve suggested that the UFR would approach a certain equilibrium value. This phenomenon could be simulated well by the following equation: UFR = a.b.t/(1 + a.t) + c, where a, b, and c are constants and t is time. The effect of moisture adsorption onto the membrane on the UFR is discussed. A hypothesis is that in the amorphous region of cellulose, adsorbed water molecules would serve as molecular crosslinks through hydrogen bonding, and as this would reduce size of fine pores in the amorphous region, the UFR decreases.
Continuous Enrichment of Albumin in Relation to Globulins in Plasma
Authors: Shettigar U. R. , Mann H. , Gressner A. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThis in vitro study deals with the problem of continuous separation of albumin from globulins in patient's plasma and reinfusion of the useful components of the plasma to the patient as the substitution fluid during a plasma exchange (PE) treatment. A cascade filtration system is developed to generate continuously two plasma fractions, one rich in globulins and the other rich in albumins, using two filters (H1P100 filter with a molecular weight cutoff 100,000 and Diafilter 20 with a molecular weight cutoff 30,000). For example, the system is able to increase the albumin/globulin ratio of plasma from 0.42 to 1.98, and the albumin concentration in the secondary plasma fraction is about seven times higher than that in the primary plasma fraction. This system is expected to be clinically useful in eliminating the side effects inherent in the usage of any other substitution fluid during a PE treatment.
The TM Bubble Oxygenator: Development and Clinical Application
Authors: Tamiya Tatsuo , Kitagawa Shiroshi , Yamashiro Toshiyuki , Takemasa Atsuo , Sadamitsu Takeo , Nishizawa Tadashi , Suzuki Ichiro , Shiramatsu Kazuyasu 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTA bubble oxygenator (the TM or the OCVC oxygenator) has been produced with development efforts focused particularly on reduction of the nonphysiological characteristics of this type of oxygenator. The structural features of the apparatus are: (1) a reduction to the minimum of adequate priming volume, (2) an oxygen disperser designed to ensure evenly dispersed, uniform‐sized bubbles, (3) a volume‐control system for the oxygenating chamber (the OCVC system) based on extensive experimental oxygenation studies, and (4) an integrated double microfilter of the gravity‐drainage type. Clinical features are: (1) ease of operation in perfusion, (2) reduction in hemolysis and postoperative blood loss, and (3) fewer complications associated with microemboli. Clinical use on over 200 infants and children proved generally very satisfactory. The background of its development is briefly described as are future modification plans.
Heart Substitution: Transplantation and Total Artificial Heart. The Texas Heart Institute Experience
Authors: Cooley Denton A. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract: Two methods of heart substitution have been used at the Texas Heart Institute: cardiac transplantation and the total artificial heart (TAH). Cardiac transplantation is an effective means of saving patients with end‐stage heart disease and, since the introduction of the immunosuppressive agent cyclosporine, survival has increased significantly. In a recent series from July 1982 to May 1984, 25 patients underwent cardiac transplantation at the Texas Heart Institute. Nineteen of these patients are alive, in Functional Class I, and leading normal lives.A major disadvantage of cardiac transplantation is that it cannot be used on an emergency basis for postcardiotomy patients. In this situation, TAH has been used twice (1969 and 1981) as the first stage to maintain circulation prior to subsequent cardiac transplantation. In both instances, the TAH functioned well until a satisfactory donor was found. This demonstrates the feasibility of the two‐staged concept and encourages further development of cardiac prostheses.
Nonthrombogenic Polymer Vascular Prosthesis
Authors: Nojiri Chisato , Senshu Kazuhisa , Okano Teruo 
Published: November 2008

Abstract: Although many synthetic vascular grafts have been developed and evaluated experimentally or clinically, none of them have met long‐term patency when applied as a small diameter vascular substitute. We have recently developed a small caliber vascular graft (3 mm i.d.) using a nonthrombogenic polymer coating. The graft consists of three layered structures: Dacron for the outer layer, polyurethane in the middle layer, and a HEMA/ styrene block copolymer (HEMA‐st) coating for the inner layer. HEMA‐st is an amphiphilic block copolymer composed of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate and styrene which has demonstrated improved blood compatibility over existing biomedical polymers in both in vitro and ex vivo experiments. Ten grafts were evaluated in a dog bilateral carotid replacement model. The grafts were electively retrieved at 7, 14, 30, 92, and 372 days after implantation.All grafts were patent without detectable thrombi along the graft length including anastomotic sites. Scanning electron micrographs of retrieved graft lumen showed fairly clean surfaces covered with a homogenous protein‐like layer without microthrombi or endothelial cell lining. The thickness of the surface protein layer measured by a transmission electron microscopy was what can be described as monolayer protein adsorption regardless of implantation periods of as much as 372 days. A stable monolayer adsorbed protein layer formed on HEMA‐st surfaces demonstrated nonthrombogenic activities in vivo and secure long‐term patency of small caliber vascular grafts with the absence of an endothelial cell lining.
Is the Choice of Membrane Important for Patients with Acute Renal Failure Requiring Hemodialysis?
Authors: Kurtal Hanife , von Herrath Dietrich , Schaefer Klaus 
Published: November 2008

Abstract: It has recently been reported that patients with acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis have an improved recovery of renal function and a higher survival rate when the dialysis treatments are performed with a biocompatible membrane rather than a bioincompatible membrane. Our data, obtained in 57 patients with acute renal failure, do not support these findings since neither the mortality nor the required number of dialysis sessions could be influenced by using a biocompatible membrane.The survival rate was similar in both groups (64 versus 72%), and renal function was regained in both groups after 6 dialysis sessions. We conclude that when reviewing the literature as well as other factors, the underlying clinical condition or the skill of the physicians is probably more important than the theoretical superiority of biocompatible membranes.