AIM To investigate potential triggering factors leading to acute liver failure(ALF) as the initial presentation of autoimmune hepatitis(AIH).METHODS A total of 565 patients treated at our Department between 2005 and 2...AIM To investigate potential triggering factors leading to acute liver failure(ALF) as the initial presentation of autoimmune hepatitis(AIH).METHODS A total of 565 patients treated at our Department between 2005 and 2017 for histologically-proven AIH were retrospectively analyzed. However, 52 patients(9.2%) fulfilled the criteria for ALF defined by the "American Association for the Study of the Liver(AASLD)". According to this definition, patients with "acute-on-chronic" or "acute-on-cirrhosis" liver failure were excluded. Following parameters with focus on potential triggering factors were evaluated: Patients' demographics, causation of liver failure, laboratory data(liver enzymes, MELD-score, autoimmune markers, virus serology), liver histology, immunosuppressive regime, and finally, outcome of our patients.RESULTS The majority of patients with ALF were female(84.6%) and mean age was 43.6 ± 14.9 years. Interestingly, none of the patients with ALF was positive for antiliver kidney microsomal antibody(LKM). We could identify potential triggering factors in 26/52(50.0%) of previously healthy patients presenting ALF as their first manifestation of AIH. These were drug-induced ALF(57.7%), virus-induced ALF(30.8%), and preceding surgery in general anesthesia(11.5%), respectively. Unfortunately, 6 out of 52 patients(11.5%) did not survive ALF and 3 patients(5.7%) underwent liver transplantation(LT). Comparing data of survivors and patients with non-recovery following treatment, MELDscore(P < 0.001), age(P < 0.05), creatinine(P < 0.01), and finally, ALT-values(P < 0.05) reached statistical significance. CONCLUSION Drugs, viral infections, and previous surgery may trigger ALF as the initial presentation of AIH. Advanced age and high MELD-score were associated with lethal outcome.展开更多
Aim: To compare blood pressure in neonates obtained from three different osci llometer blood pressure monitors (DinamapTM, CriticareTM, Hewlett- PackardTM) w ith arterial blood pressure (Hewlett- PackardTM invasive un...Aim: To compare blood pressure in neonates obtained from three different osci llometer blood pressure monitors (DinamapTM, CriticareTM, Hewlett- PackardTM) w ith arterial blood pressure (Hewlett- PackardTM invasive unit). Study design: A total of 32 randomized, non- invasive blood pressure series, each consisting o f three measurements from each monitor, were obtained from 20 neonates (birthwei ght 531- 4660 g). Each measurement was compared with the invasive pressure. Res ults: Two factors appear to have a systematic effect on the difference between o scillometric and invasive pressure (the measurement deviance): the size of the i nfant, e.g., the arm circumference, and the monitor system. For small infants, t he non- invasively measured value tends to be too high. The deviance is partly reversed for larger infants (dependency on size significant for mean and diastol ic pressure, p < 0.001). The difference between monitor systems is clearly signi ficant (p < 0.001). Hewlett- PackardTM gives the lowest pressure values for all pressures. Thus, CriticareTM and DinamapTM tended to show values too high in th e smallest infants,while Hewlett- PackardTM tended to give values too low in la rger infants. Birthweight, present weight and arm circumference affected measure ment deviance approximately equally strongly, while factors such as the infant s sex, need of breath support and umbilical or radial arterial line were non- significant. Conclusions: Blood pressure should preferably be measured invasivel y in severely ill neonates and preterm infants, being aware of pitfalls with mea surements using different oscillometer monitors and the size/arm circumference o f the infant.展开更多
Zeolite synthesis was studied using two silica rich filtration residues (FR 1 and FR 2) as Si-source and sodium aluminate in a direct synthesis at 60°C at strong alkaline conditions (8 M - 16 M NaOH). In addition...Zeolite synthesis was studied using two silica rich filtration residues (FR 1 and FR 2) as Si-source and sodium aluminate in a direct synthesis at 60°C at strong alkaline conditions (8 M - 16 M NaOH). In addition to these one-pot syntheses, a two-step process was investigated. Here, an alkaline digestion of FR at 60°C was followed by gel precipitation with sodium aluminate and gel crystallization under usual conditions of 80°C - 90°C. The results show that the substitution of chemical reagent sodium silicate by a waste material like FR as Si-source is possible but requires fine tuning of the reaction conditions as zeolite crystallization is a process under kinetic control. The solubility behaviour and impurities of the inserted filtration residues strongly influenced the course of reaction. Thus zeolites like hydrosodalite or intermediate zeolite between cancrinite and sodalite, or zeolite NaA or Z-21 in cocrystallization with hydrosodalite could be observed in the one pot syntheses already in a short time interval between 1 - 4 h depending on the alkalinity. The two step process yield to zeolites NaA and NaX in very good quality. The reaction process of FR in both reaction methods was characterized by chemical analyses, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy. Surface area and water content of selected products were further characterized by the BET-method and by thermogravimetry. Summing up the results, we can show that zeolite formation from filtration residues is possible by several reaction procedures as model cases for a re-use of industrial waste materials. Beside the importance for environmental protection, the reactions are of interest for zeolite chemistry as the re-use of FR is possible under economically conditions of low energy consumption at 60°C and short reaction periods.展开更多
Background： Indigestible markers are commonly utilized in digestion studies, but the complete disappearance or maximum appearance of a marker in feces can be affected by diet composition, feed intake, or an animal＇s...Background： Indigestible markers are commonly utilized in digestion studies, but the complete disappearance or maximum appearance of a marker in feces can be affected by diet composition, feed intake, or an animal＇s BW.The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of previous（Phase 1, P1） and current-（Phase 2, P2）diet composition on marker disappearance（Cr） and appearance（Ti） in pigs fed 3 diets differing in NDF content.Results： When pigs were maintained on the 25.1, 72.5, and 125.0 g/kg NDF diets, it took 5.1, 4.1, and 2.5 d, respectively,for Cr levels to decrease below the limit of quantitation; or 4.6, 3.7, or 2.8 d, respectively, for Ti to be maximized. These effects were not, however, independent of the previous diet as indicated by the interaction between P1 and P2 diets on fecal marker concentrations（P 〈 0.01）. When dietary NDF increased from P1 to P2, it took less time for fecal Cr to decrease or fecal Ti to be maximized（an average of 2.5 d）, than if NDF decreased from P1 to P2 where it took longer for fecal Cr to decrease or fecal Ti to be maximized（an average of 3.4 d）.Conclusions： Because of the wide range in excretion times reported in the literature and improved laboratory methods for elemental detection, the data suggests that caution must be taken in considering dietary fiber concentrations of the past and currently fed diets so that no previous dietary marker addition remains in the digestive tract or feces such that a smal amount of maker is present to confound subsequent experimental results, and that marker concentration have stabilized when these samples are col ected.展开更多
Brazil is responsible for 27% of the world production of soybeans and 7% of maize. Mato Grosso and Para states in Brazil are among the largest producer. The viability to the cultivation of maize (Zea mays) and soybean...Brazil is responsible for 27% of the world production of soybeans and 7% of maize. Mato Grosso and Para states in Brazil are among the largest producer. The viability to the cultivation of maize (Zea mays) and soybeans (Glycine max), for future climate scenarios (2070-2100, GHG) is evaluated based on crop modeling (DSSAT) forced by observational data and regional climate simulations (HadRM3). The results demonstrated that a substantial reduction in the yield in particular for maize may be expected for the end of the 21st century. Distinct results are found for soybeans. By applying the A2 climate changes scenario, soybean yield rises by up top 60% assuming optimum soil treatment and no water stress. However, by analyzing the inter-annual variability of crop yields for both maize and soybean, could be demonstrated larger year-to-year fluctuations under greenhouse warming conditions as compared to current conditions, leading to very low productivity by the end of the 21st century. Therefore, these Brazilian states do not appear to be economically suitable for a future cultivation of maize and soybeans. Improved adaptation measures and soil management may however partially alleviate the negative climate change effect.展开更多
文摘AIM To investigate potential triggering factors leading to acute liver failure(ALF) as the initial presentation of autoimmune hepatitis(AIH).METHODS A total of 565 patients treated at our Department between 2005 and 2017 for histologically-proven AIH were retrospectively analyzed. However, 52 patients(9.2%) fulfilled the criteria for ALF defined by the "American Association for the Study of the Liver(AASLD)". According to this definition, patients with "acute-on-chronic" or "acute-on-cirrhosis" liver failure were excluded. Following parameters with focus on potential triggering factors were evaluated: Patients' demographics, causation of liver failure, laboratory data(liver enzymes, MELD-score, autoimmune markers, virus serology), liver histology, immunosuppressive regime, and finally, outcome of our patients.RESULTS The majority of patients with ALF were female(84.6%) and mean age was 43.6 ± 14.9 years. Interestingly, none of the patients with ALF was positive for antiliver kidney microsomal antibody(LKM). We could identify potential triggering factors in 26/52(50.0%) of previously healthy patients presenting ALF as their first manifestation of AIH. These were drug-induced ALF(57.7%), virus-induced ALF(30.8%), and preceding surgery in general anesthesia(11.5%), respectively. Unfortunately, 6 out of 52 patients(11.5%) did not survive ALF and 3 patients(5.7%) underwent liver transplantation(LT). Comparing data of survivors and patients with non-recovery following treatment, MELDscore(P < 0.001), age(P < 0.05), creatinine(P < 0.01), and finally, ALT-values(P < 0.05) reached statistical significance. CONCLUSION Drugs, viral infections, and previous surgery may trigger ALF as the initial presentation of AIH. Advanced age and high MELD-score were associated with lethal outcome.
文摘Aim: To compare blood pressure in neonates obtained from three different osci llometer blood pressure monitors (DinamapTM, CriticareTM, Hewlett- PackardTM) w ith arterial blood pressure (Hewlett- PackardTM invasive unit). Study design: A total of 32 randomized, non- invasive blood pressure series, each consisting o f three measurements from each monitor, were obtained from 20 neonates (birthwei ght 531- 4660 g). Each measurement was compared with the invasive pressure. Res ults: Two factors appear to have a systematic effect on the difference between o scillometric and invasive pressure (the measurement deviance): the size of the i nfant, e.g., the arm circumference, and the monitor system. For small infants, t he non- invasively measured value tends to be too high. The deviance is partly reversed for larger infants (dependency on size significant for mean and diastol ic pressure, p < 0.001). The difference between monitor systems is clearly signi ficant (p < 0.001). Hewlett- PackardTM gives the lowest pressure values for all pressures. Thus, CriticareTM and DinamapTM tended to show values too high in th e smallest infants,while Hewlett- PackardTM tended to give values too low in la rger infants. Birthweight, present weight and arm circumference affected measure ment deviance approximately equally strongly, while factors such as the infant s sex, need of breath support and umbilical or radial arterial line were non- significant. Conclusions: Blood pressure should preferably be measured invasivel y in severely ill neonates and preterm infants, being aware of pitfalls with mea surements using different oscillometer monitors and the size/arm circumference o f the infant.
基金the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft for funding this research project.
文摘Zeolite synthesis was studied using two silica rich filtration residues (FR 1 and FR 2) as Si-source and sodium aluminate in a direct synthesis at 60°C at strong alkaline conditions (8 M - 16 M NaOH). In addition to these one-pot syntheses, a two-step process was investigated. Here, an alkaline digestion of FR at 60°C was followed by gel precipitation with sodium aluminate and gel crystallization under usual conditions of 80°C - 90°C. The results show that the substitution of chemical reagent sodium silicate by a waste material like FR as Si-source is possible but requires fine tuning of the reaction conditions as zeolite crystallization is a process under kinetic control. The solubility behaviour and impurities of the inserted filtration residues strongly influenced the course of reaction. Thus zeolites like hydrosodalite or intermediate zeolite between cancrinite and sodalite, or zeolite NaA or Z-21 in cocrystallization with hydrosodalite could be observed in the one pot syntheses already in a short time interval between 1 - 4 h depending on the alkalinity. The two step process yield to zeolites NaA and NaX in very good quality. The reaction process of FR in both reaction methods was characterized by chemical analyses, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy. Surface area and water content of selected products were further characterized by the BET-method and by thermogravimetry. Summing up the results, we can show that zeolite formation from filtration residues is possible by several reaction procedures as model cases for a re-use of industrial waste materials. Beside the importance for environmental protection, the reactions are of interest for zeolite chemistry as the re-use of FR is possible under economically conditions of low energy consumption at 60°C and short reaction periods.
基金the National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment (Ames, Iowa) for laboratory assistance. Appreciation is also expressed to H. J. Monegue and W. Patton (University of Kentucky, Lexington) for assistance in the care of pigs and to D. Higginbotham (University of Kentucky, Lexington) for help in diet preparation and to Akey Inc. (Lewisburg, OH) and DSM Nutritional Products Inc. (Parsippany, N J) for ingredients used in the diets. Mention of a trade name, proprietary product, or specific equipment does not constitute a guarantee or warranty by the USDA, Iowa State University, or the University of Kentucky and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other products that may be suitable. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
文摘Background： Indigestible markers are commonly utilized in digestion studies, but the complete disappearance or maximum appearance of a marker in feces can be affected by diet composition, feed intake, or an animal＇s BW.The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of previous（Phase 1, P1） and current-（Phase 2, P2）diet composition on marker disappearance（Cr） and appearance（Ti） in pigs fed 3 diets differing in NDF content.Results： When pigs were maintained on the 25.1, 72.5, and 125.0 g/kg NDF diets, it took 5.1, 4.1, and 2.5 d, respectively,for Cr levels to decrease below the limit of quantitation; or 4.6, 3.7, or 2.8 d, respectively, for Ti to be maximized. These effects were not, however, independent of the previous diet as indicated by the interaction between P1 and P2 diets on fecal marker concentrations（P 〈 0.01）. When dietary NDF increased from P1 to P2, it took less time for fecal Cr to decrease or fecal Ti to be maximized（an average of 2.5 d）, than if NDF decreased from P1 to P2 where it took longer for fecal Cr to decrease or fecal Ti to be maximized（an average of 3.4 d）.Conclusions： Because of the wide range in excretion times reported in the literature and improved laboratory methods for elemental detection, the data suggests that caution must be taken in considering dietary fiber concentrations of the past and currently fed diets so that no previous dietary marker addition remains in the digestive tract or feces such that a smal amount of maker is present to confound subsequent experimental results, and that marker concentration have stabilized when these samples are col ected.
基金This study has been sponsored by the National Institute of Science and Technology Climate Change and by the SoCoCA project funded by the Research Council of Norway(contract 190159)Moreover support has been provided by the sub-rede Agricultura do MCTI and by the INCT-Mudanças Climáticas.
文摘Brazil is responsible for 27% of the world production of soybeans and 7% of maize. Mato Grosso and Para states in Brazil are among the largest producer. The viability to the cultivation of maize (Zea mays) and soybeans (Glycine max), for future climate scenarios (2070-2100, GHG) is evaluated based on crop modeling (DSSAT) forced by observational data and regional climate simulations (HadRM3). The results demonstrated that a substantial reduction in the yield in particular for maize may be expected for the end of the 21st century. Distinct results are found for soybeans. By applying the A2 climate changes scenario, soybean yield rises by up top 60% assuming optimum soil treatment and no water stress. However, by analyzing the inter-annual variability of crop yields for both maize and soybean, could be demonstrated larger year-to-year fluctuations under greenhouse warming conditions as compared to current conditions, leading to very low productivity by the end of the 21st century. Therefore, these Brazilian states do not appear to be economically suitable for a future cultivation of maize and soybeans. Improved adaptation measures and soil management may however partially alleviate the negative climate change effect.
