bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ASDIN Original Investigations: Salvage of a Severely Dysfunctional Arteriovenous Fistula with a Strictured and Occluded Outflow Tract
Authors: Achkar Katafan , Nassar George M. 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTArteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) created for the purpose of hemodialysis are frequently lost due to various vascular lesions. Endovascular therapies with percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty have become very valuable in treating AVF dysfunction due to vascular stenosis. Experience with these therapies is relatively limited. In this case report, we present a patient with a severely dysfunctional AVF. The vascular lesions affecting his AVF were numerous and severe. We show how the application of aggressive endovascular treatment succeeded in restoring use of his AVF. Throughout the discussion we share observations and personal experiences that may be useful for interventionalists and health care practitioners involved with the maintenance, use, and treatment of dialysis vascular accesses.
ASDIN Clinical Case Focus: Retrieval of a Fractured Piece of Tessio Catheter with a Snare Using a Transcutaneous Transvenous Approach
Authors: Zaman Fahim , Pervez Aslam , Murphy Sara , Abreo Kenneth D. 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTApproximately 20% of end‐stage renal disease patients requiring hemodialysis have central dialysis catheters as their vascular access. The major cause of central dialysis catheters removal or revision is infection or occlusion. Catheter occlusions may occur as a result of thrombosis or fibrin sheath formation. However, the presence of a fractured dialysis catheter tip requiring immediate extraction to prevent serious complications is rare. Herein we present the case of a central dialysis catheter referred to us for malfunction. An incidental finding was a piece of catheter that had broken off the venous port and was seen in the right atrium. The retrieval and subsequent placement of a new central dialysis catheter are outlined.
The Effects of Glibenclamide, a KATP Channel Blocker, on the Warm‐Up Phenomenon
Authors: Ferreira Beatriz M. A. , Moffa Paulo J. , Falcão Andrea , Uchida Augusto , Camargo Paulo , Pereyra Pascual , Soares Paulo R. , Hueb Whady , Ramires Jose A. F. 
Published: July 2005

Background: The warm‐up phenomenon observed after the second of two sequential exercise tests is characterized by an increased time to ischemia and ischemic threshold, and the latter is related to ischemic preconditioning. Previous studies have demonstrated that a single dose of glibenclamide, a cardiac ATP‐sensitive K (KATP) channel blocker, prevents ischemic preconditioning. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic treatment with glibenclamide during two sequential exercise tests. Methods: Forty patients with angina pectoris were divided into three groups: 20 nondiabetics (NDM), 10 patients with diabetes in treatment with glibenclamide (DMG) and 10 diabetic patients with other treatments (DMO). All patients underwent two consecutive exercise tests. Results: Heart rate and rate‐pressure product at 1.0 mm ST‐segment depression significantly increased during the second exercise test in NDM group (121.3 ± 16.5 vs 127.3 ± 15.3 beats/min, P < 0.001, and 216.7 + 43.1 vs 232.1 ± 43.0 beats·min−1·mmHg·102, P < 0.001), and in DMO group (114.1 ± 19.6 vs 119.6 ± 18.1 beats/min, P = 0.001, and 199.8 ± 36.6 vs 222.2 ± 29.2 beats·min−1·mmHg·102, P = 0.019), but it did not change in patients in DMG group (130.7 ± 14.5 vs 132.1 ±14.7 beats/min, P = ns, and 251.7 ± 47.2 vs 250.3 ± 42.8 beats·min−1·mmHg·102, P = ns). In the three groups, NDM, DMO, and DMG, the time to 1.0 mm ST‐segment depression during the second exercise test was greater than during the first (225.0 ± 112.5 vs 267.0 ± 122.3 seconds, P = 0.006; 187.5 ± 54.0 vs 226.5 ± 74.6 seconds, P = 0.029 and 150.0 ± 78.7 vs 186.0 ± 81.9 seconds, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The chronic use of glibenclamide may have mediated the loss of preconditioning benefits in the warm‐up phenomenon, probably through its KATP channel‐blocker activity, but without acting upon the tolerance to exercise.
Simulated Microgravity Induces Microvolt T Wave Alternans
Authors: Grenon S. Marlene , Xiao Xinshu , Hurwitz Shelley , Ramsdell Craig D. , Sheynberg Natalie , Kim Christine , Williams Gordon H. , Cohen Richard J. 
Published: July 2005

Background: There are numerous anecdotal reports of ventricular arrhythmias during spaceflight; however, it is not known whether spaceflight or microgravity systematically increases the risk of cardiac dysrhythmias. Microvolt T wave alternans (MTWA) testing compares favorably with other noninvasive risk stratifiers and invasive electrophysiological testing in patients as a predictor of sudden cardiac death, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation. We hypothesized that simulated microgravity leads to an increase in MTWA. Methods: Twenty‐four healthy male subjects underwent 9 to 16 days of head‐down tilt bed rest (HDTB). MTWA was measured before and after the bed rest period during bicycle exercise stress. For the purposes of this study, we defined MTWA outcome to be positive if sustained MTWA was present with an onset heart rate ≤125 bpm. During various phases of HDTB, the following were also performed: daily 24‐hour urine collections, serum electrolytes and catecholamines, and cardiovascular system identification (measure of autonomic function). Results: Before HDTB, 17% of the subjects were MTWA positive [95%CI: (0.6%, 37%)]; after HDTB, 42% of the subjects were MTWA positive [95%CI: (23%, 63%)] (P = 0.03). The subjects who were MTWA positive after HDTB compared with MTWA negative subjects had an increased versus decreased sympathetic responsiveness (P = 0.03) and serum norepinephrine levels (P = 0.05), and a trend toward higher potassium excretion (P = 0.06) after bed rest compared to baseline. Conclusions: HDTB leads to an increase in MTWA, providing the first evidence that simulated microgravity has a measurable effect on electrical repolarization processes. Possible contributing factors include loss in potassium and changes in sympathetic function.
Searching behaviour of an omnivorous predator for novel and native host plants of its herbivores: a study on arthropod colonization of eucalyptus in Brazil
Authors: Grosman Amir H. , Van Breemen Marjolein , Holtz Anderson , Pallini Angelo , Rugama Adrian Molina , Pengel Harvey , Venzon Madelaine , Zanuncio Jose C. , Sabelis Maurice W. , Janssen Arne 
Published: July 2005

AbstractAdaptation to novel host plants is a much‐studied process in arthropod herbivores, but not in their predators. This is surprising, considering the attention that has been given to the role of predators in host range expansion in herbivores; the enemy‐free space hypothesis suggests that plants may be included in the host range of herbivores because of lower predation and parasitism rates on the novel host plants. This effect can only be important if natural enemies do not follow their prey to the novel host plant, at least not immediately, thus allowing the herbivores to adapt to the novel host plant. Hence, depending on the speed with which natural enemies follow their prey to a new host plant, enemy‐free space on novel host plants may only exist for a limited period. This situation may presently be occurring in a system consisting of the herbivorous moth Thyrinteina arnobia Stoll (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) that attacks various species of Myrtaceae, such as guava (Psidium guajava L.) and jaboticaba (Myrciaria spp.), in Brazil. Since the introduction of eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) species into this country some 100 years ago, the moth has included this plant species in its host range and frequently causes outbreaks, a phenomenon that does not occur on the native host plant species. This suggests that the natural enemies that attack the herbivore on native species are not very effective on the novel host. We tested this hypothesis by studying the searching behaviour of one of the natural enemies, the omnivorous predatory bug Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). When offered a choice between plants of the two species, the predators (originally collected in eucalyptus plantations) preferred guava to eucalyptus when both plant species were clean, infested with herbivores, or damaged by herbivores but with herbivores removed prior to the experiments. The bugs preferred herbivore‐damaged to clean guava, and showed a slight preference for damaged to clean eucalyptus. These results may explain the lack of impact of predatory arthropods on herbivore populations on eucalyptus and suggests that eucalyptus may offer an enemy‐free space for herbivores.
Glare sensitivity and professional drivers' safety: a case of rod‐cone dystrophy with negative electroretinogram
Authors: Jägle Herbert , Besch Dorothea 
Published: July 2005

Abstract.Background:  To obtain a driver's licence certain requirements for visual acuity and visual field have to be fulfilled. Mesopic contrast and glare sensitivity are not regularly tested and are not crucial to passing the driving test. Case report:  We report a case of a 39‐year‐old professional bus driver whose only complaint was increased glare sensitivity. After he had been involved in four traffic accidents, ophthalmological investigations revealed binocular annular scotomata and night blindness, leading to the diagnosis of rod‐cone dystrophy. Discussion:  Enhanced glare sensitivity is a common complaint in elderly people or people with the beginnings of cataract but may also represent an initial symptom of a retinal disorder. It is therefore advisable for traffic safety if drivers with such complaints undergo a complete ophthalmological investigation including visual field testing.
Stromal architecture and immune tolerance in additive corneal xenografts in rodents
Authors: Quantock Andrew J. , Sano Yoichiro , Young Robert D. , Kinoshita Shigeru 
Published: July 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To examine immune tolerance and corneal ultrastructure following additive corneal xenografts in rodents. Methods:  We carried out surgical implantation of excised BALB/c mouse corneal tissue, either freshly isolated (n = 6) or after storage at −20°C for 1 week (n = 7), into the corneas of Wistar rats at approximately mid‐stromal depth. Corneal opacity and neovascularization were evaluated postoperatively, and stromal ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Results:  Corneal opacification and neovascularization in the weeks after surgery were less prevalent in grafts of frozen‐then‐thawed tissue than in grafts of fresh tissue. In a well tolerated frozen‐then‐thawed xenograft, the matrix architecture was normal throughout most of the recipient and donor tissue, but pronounced fibrillar disorganization was evident adjacent to Descemet's membrane. Conclusion:  We attribute the improved tolerance of frozen‐then‐thawed xenografts over fresh xenografts to a reduced cellular immune response.
Refraction, axial length and age‐related maculopathy
Authors: Ulvik Solveig Otteren , Seland Johan H. , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore 
Published: July 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To study the relationship between age‐related maculopathy (ARM)/age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and phakic refraction and between ARM/AMD and axial length. Methods:  The study was a point prevalence study that included 663 randomly selected persons aged over 65 years. We measured axial length and refraction. Fundus images were graded for ARM according to a modified Wisconsin Age‐related Maculopathy Grading System standard. Data from both eyes were available from most participants. We analysed the results for both individual eyes and pairs. Results:  The mean axial length was 23.22 mm for right eyes and 23.21 mm for left eyes. Women had a 0.57‐mm shorter mean axial length than men. The mean refraction was +1.0 dioptres (D) for right eyes and +0.9 D for left eyes. At 70 years of age women were more hypermetropic than men by 0.66 D. There was no significant difference in refraction or axial length among the groups with different ARM stages. Conclusion:  We found no statistically significant relationship between axial length/refraction and AMD/ARM. There was a statistically significant sex difference in axial length and refraction, where women had shorter axial lengths and were more hypermetropic than men.
Towards objective evaluation of the skin aspect: principles and instrumentation
Authors: Sandoz Patrick , Marsaut David , Armbruster Vincent , Humbert Philippe , Gharbi Tijani 
Published: July 2005

Background/aims: The aim of this paper is to propose an objective procedure for the evaluation of the skin aspect. This work is based on light scattering phenomena and in‐vivo measurements of the skin profile and of the skin Bi‐directional Reflection Distribution Function (BRDF).Methods: We consider the basic mechanisms of light reflection and scattering by a surface to extract the key surface‐parameters of aspect. It appears that the surface relief is determinant for the local surface orientation while the light scattering properties of the skin are responsible for the visibility of that skin relief. The first part presents the principles of skin‐image formation on the retina and describes the actual roles of the BRDF and of the skin relief. The second part is dedicated to experimental measurements on the skin in vivo. The 3D relief is reconstructed by a fringe projection method and numerical processing. The angular distribution of light reflected by the skin is also measured by means of a different set‐up.Results: The knowledge of both the skin relief obtained by 3D optical profilometry and the skin scattering behavior measured for regularly distributed set angle values, allows an objective aspect evaluation as well as a prediction of the skin images that an observer will receive.Conclusion: This paper presents both the principles and instrumentation elements suitable for the setting up of an objective evaluation procedure of the skin aspect.
Coping with mild inflammatory catamenial acne
Authors: Petit Ludivine , Piérard‐Franchimont Claudine , Uhoda Emmanuelle , Vroome Valérie , Cauwenbergh Geert , Piérard Gérald E. 
Published: July 2005

Background: Acne is a multifactorial disease exhibiting distinct clinical presentations. Among them, the catamenial type is a matter of concern for young women. Some oral contraceptives may help without, however, clearing the skin condition.Aim: The present open study aimed at evaluating the effect of overnight applications of a paste made of petrolatum, 15% zinc oxide and 0.25% miconazole nitrate.Method: The split‐face trial was conducted in 35 women. A non‐medicated cream was used as control. Clinical evaluations and biometrological assessments on cyanoacrylate follicular biopsies were performed monthly for 3 months. Comedometry and the density in autofluorescent follicular casts were used as analytical parameters. In addition, the five most severe cases at inclusion were tested at the completion of the study for follicular bacterial viability using dual flow cytometry.Results: Compared with baseline and to the control hemiface, the medicated paste brought significant improvement of acne. The number of papules and their redness were reduced beginning with the first treatment phase. A reduction in the follicular fluorescence was yielded beginning with the second treatment phase. The ratios between injured and dead bacteria, on the one hand, and live bacteria, on the other hand were significantly increased at completion of the study.Conclusion: A miconazole paste applied for 1 week at the end of the ovarian cycle has a beneficial effect on catamenial acne.
Assessment of spray application of Saint GERVAIS® water effects on skin wettability by contact angle measurement comparison with bidistilled water
Authors: Elkhyat Ahmed , Courderot‐Masuyer Carol , Mac‐Mary Sophie , Courau Stéphanie , Gharbi Tijani , Humbert Philippe 
Published: July 2005

Background: The skin is responsible for protecting the body from physical, chemical and microbial injuries. The stratum corneum is the top layer of the epidermis and it plays a key role in helping to contain moisture. When the skin becomes damaged, its ability to perform these functions is compromised. Dry skin is a common form of skin damage. Contact angle θ between a surface and water is a good indicator of hydrophobic or hydrophilic tendency of surfaces.Objective: To quantify the influence of spray application of an isotonic mineral water (Saint GERVAIS® water) on the hydrophobic tendency of dry skin and to compare spreading of both types of water on the skin through θ measurement of each water drop on the skin before and after mineral spray application.Materials and Methods: Contact angles θ between skin surface and the two types of water (bidistilled and mineral water) were measured before and after application of mineral water by a system allowing the measurement of θin vivo and in vitro. The cutaneous hydration, the temperature and pH were also measured before and after mineral water application.Results: As for the application of mineral water, the cutaneous pH significantly increased so the strong skin acidity decreased. The cutaneous temperature was modified (a decrease of 2°C was noted) and the cutaneous hydration was also increased (+47 AU). The hydrophobic tendency of the dry skin tested in this study was strongly decreased after mineral water application. This parameter was illustrated by a decrease of contact angle θ value.Conclusion: Saint GERVAIS® water application allowed a regulation of skin pH, a fresh sensation on the skin and an increase in the cutaneous hydration. Moreover, the contact angle measurement with bidistilled water illustrated the increased wettability of the skin.
Therapeutic Strategy and the Role of Apheresis Therapy for ABO Incompatible Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kozaki Koichi , Egawa Hiroto , Kasahara Mureo , Oike Fumitaka , Yoshizawa Atsushi , Fukatsu Atsushi , Tanaka Koichi 
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  Although in Japan, transplant organs obtained from brain‐dead donors (BDD) has been allowed since October 1997, to date only 27 liver grafts from BDD have been obtained. The severe shortage of transplantable organs is a big problem, not only in liver transplantation but also other organ transplants. Liver transplantation is a fundamental treatment for end‐stage liver disease. In order to perform living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in a safer manner, apheresis (plasmapheresis) plays a major role in Japan because of the prevalence of LDLT wherein later re‐transplantation is difficult. Therefore, because of a limited donor supply and because the need of patients with end‐stage liver disease is critical, use of grafts from ABO‐incompatible donors may be the only available option.From June 1990 to November 2004, 1010 patients underwent 1060 LDLT cases at Kyoto University Hospital. Of these, 139 LDLT cases (13.1%) received ABO‐incompatible living‐donor liver grafts. The role of apheresis in ABO‐incompatible LDLT is the reduction of antibody titers such as anti‐A or anti‐B antibody. We perform preoperative apheresis as a general rule for incompatible cases, and the recipient's antibody level against the donor's blood type is decreased to one eighth of the baseline value before LDLT. Up to the present, baseline antirejection regimens included steroids, tacrolimus and cyclophosphamide. At first, splenectomy was performed during operation to suppress antibody production, and intraportal infusion therapy was performed to control local disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurring in ABO‐incompatible grafts. At that time, three agents—methylprednisolone, prostaglandin E1, and gabexate mesilate—were infused continuously for 3 weeks after LDLT. At present, instead of intraportal infusion therapy, hepatic artery infusion therapy without splenectomy is adopted because of portal thrombosis, and two agents—methylprednisolone and prostaglandin E1—are infused continuously for 3 weeks after LDLT. Recently, we introduced an anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody (Rituximab) instead of splenectomy for B cell deletion before ABO‐incompatible LDLT. In this article, we describe our therapeutic strategy and the role of apheresis around ABO‐incompatible LDLT.
Simulation of Thermal and Chemical Processes in Annular Layer of ZnO–C Mixtures
Authors: Vishnevetsky Irina , Epstein Michael , Rubin Rahamim 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
A special setup, electrically heated, enabling the simulation of the process conditions encountered in a solar chemical reactor, is described. The setup allows us to study the thermal and chemical processes in different solid (powder or granules) reactant layers from the beginning of the heating until the reaction is completed, in a heating condition typical for indirectly, externally heated solar reactors. The particular case of the ZnO carboreduction process is analyzed in this paper as an example. Tests were executed using different powder mixtures of ZnO–C to demonstrate the layer-wise nature of the process. The results show that the reactivity and the behavior of mixtures strongly depend on their components structures, impurities, and stoichiometry. This method can be generally applied for studying endothermic chemical reactions involving other solid reactants.
Functional avidity directs T-cell fate in autoreactive CD4+ T cells
Authors: Mallone Roberto , Kochik Sharon A. , Reijonen Helena , Carson Bryan , Ziegler Steven F. , Kwok William W. , Nepom Gerald T. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractMajor histocompatibility complex class II tetramer staining and activation analysis identified 2 distinct types of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood of humans with type 1 (autoimmune) diabetes. T cells with low-avidity recognition of peptide-MHC ligands had low sensitivity to activation and inefficient activation-induced apoptosis. In contrast, high-avidity T cells were highly sensitive to antigen-induced cell death through apoptotic mechanisms, and both apoptosis-resistant high- and low-avidity T cells that survived prolonged tetramer treatment were rendered anergic to restimulation by antigen. In addition, however, apoptosis-resistant high-avidity T cells acquired regulatory features, being able to suppress both antigen-specific and nonspecific CD4+ T-cell responses. This suppression was contact-dependent and correlated with the down-regulation of HLA class II and costimulatory molecules on antigen-presenting cells, including B cells and dendritic cells. T cells face a variety of fates following antigen exposure, including the paradoxic maintenance of high-avidity autoreactive T cells in the peripheral circulation, perhaps due to this capability of acquiring anergic and suppressive properties. Regulation via down-modulation of antigen-presenting cell function, a form of cell-to-cell licensing for suppression, also offers possibilities for the application of peptide-MHC therapeutics. (Blood. 2005;106:2798-2805)