bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial heterogeneity of plant–soil feedback affects root interactions and interspecific competition
Authors: Hendriks Marloes , Ravenek Janneke M. , Smit‐Tiekstra Annemiek E. , van der Paauw Jan Willem , de Caluwe Hannie , van der Putten Wim H. , de Kroon Hans , Mommer Liesje
Published: April 2015

Plant–soil feedback is receiving increasing interest as a factor influencing plant competition and species coexistence in grasslands. However, we do not know how spatial distribution of plant–soil feedback affects plant below‐ground interactions. We investigated the way in which spatial heterogeneity of soil biota affects competitive interactions in grassland plant species.

We performed a pairwise competition experiment combined with heterogeneous distribution of soil biota using four grassland plant species and their soil biota. Patches were applied as quadrants of ‘own’ and ‘foreign’ soils from all plant species in all pairwise combinations. To evaluate interspecific root responses, species‐specific root biomass was quantified using real‐time PCR.

All plant species suffered negative soil feedback, but strength was species‐specific, reflected by a decrease in root growth in own compared with foreign soil. Reduction in root growth in own patches by the superior plant competitor provided opportunities for inferior competitors to increase root biomass in these patches. These patterns did not cascade into above‐ground effects during our experiment.

We show that root distributions can be determined by spatial heterogeneity of soil biota, affecting plant below‐ground competitive interactions. Thus, spatial heterogeneity of soil biota may contribute to plant species coexistence in species‐rich grasslands.
Trophic cascades in an invaded ecosystem: native keystone predators facilitate a dominant invader in an estuarine community
Authors: Needles Lisa A. , Gosnell J. Stephen , Waltz Grant T. , Wendt Dean E. , Gaines Steven D.
Published: April 2015

Determining how various factors contribute to the invasibility of systems is essential for both understanding community formation and informing management of natural areas. Research demonstrating that predators can provide biotic resistance to invasions by consuming invasive species has led to the presence of healthy predator populations being associated with reduced invasion potential of ecosystems. However, predators structure communities in many ways and their presence could also potentially facilitate invasions if they decrease populations of native species that compete with or consume an invader. We considered these two impacts of predators on invasion by analyzing the effects of two keystone predators (Pisaster spp. and Enhydra lutris nereis) on two foundation species (a native mussel Mytilus californianus and the invasive exotic bryozoan Watersipora subtorquata, a putative competitor for space with Mytilus californianus). Both native predators were found to facilitate the invasion of the exotic bryozoan, and the rate of invasion was highest when both predators were present. Facilitation of W. subtorquata occurred via indirect mechanisms that partly involved the removal of a competitor (mussels) via predation. These results illustrate that although predators can provide biotic resistance to invasion, healthy predator populations do not always confer this advantage and in fact may facilitate invasions. Therefore, implementation of management actions to enhance populations of top predators could also potentially increase the invasibility of some ecosystems.
Light and nutrients regulate energy transfer through benthic and pelagic food chains
Authors: Rowland Freya E. , Bricker Kelley J. , Vanni Michael J. , González María J.
Published: April 2015

The amount of energy flowing to top trophic levels depends on primary production and the efficiency at which it is converted to production at each trophic level. In aquatic systems, algal production is often limited by light and nutrients, and the nutritional quality of algae depends on the relative balance of these two resources. In this study, we used a mesocosm experiment to examine how light and nutrient variation affected food chain efficiency (FCE, defined as the proportion of primary production converted to top trophic level production), using a food web with benthic and pelagic food chains. We also related variation in benthic and pelagic efficiencies to the nutritional quality of primary producers, i.e. carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus stoichiometry. As predicted, pelagic and benthic FCEs were highest under low light/high nutrient conditions, the treatment with the best algal food quality, i.e. the lowest C:nutrient ratios. Pelagic FCE and pelagic herbivore efficiency (HEP) were more responsive than benthic FCE to variation in light and nutrients. Furthermore, pelagic FCE and HEP were highly correlated with algal C:P, suggesting ‘carryover effects’ of algal food quality on carnivores (larval fish) via effects on herbivore (zooplankton) quality. Benthic (tadpole) production was primarily explained by primary production rate, suggesting food quantity rather than quality drives their production. However, benthic FCE was also highest at low light/high nutrients and was significantly correlated with food quality. The stronger effect of food quality in mediating pelagic compared to benthic efficiencies, is consistent with differences in the stoichiometric mismatches between algae and consumers. Pelagic FCE and HEP were more likely to be P‐limited, whereas benthic FCE was more likely N‐limited. This study is the first to examine both pelagic and benthic FCE within the same system, and highlights the importance of differential consumer needs in determining how food quality affects energy transfer efficiency.
Specters of Doom
Authors: Nashef Hania A. M.
Published: April 2015

Although Plato's Utopia or ideal city is the non‐place that holds the promise of perfection, it remains the place in which citizens are categorized by a rigid structure. José Saramago, on the other hand, introduces us to a dystopia in his novel Blindness, in which one event leads to the ruin of a city. Yet, as with Plato's Utopia, a similar desirable separation by the higher authorities is enacted. When a strange ailment leads to the blindness of some of the citizens, we begin to witness the disintegration of both the human and the city. In The Cave, which reverberates with Plato's “Simile of the Cave,” Saramago provides an unrelenting criticism of a city's landscape that is changed by a blind capitalist system. In this unnamed city, imitation is more valued than the real. In the simile, Plato questions what would become of the dwellers of the cave if one were to see beyond the screen. In Saramago's novel, the lone potter is the one who is able to see beyond the shadows.
Influence of cyto‐sterility sources of female line on seed quality of Indian mustard (Brassica junceaL.Czern &Coss.) in relation to storage period
Authors: Chakrabarty Shyamal Kumar , Maity Aniruddha , Yadav Jung Bahadur
Published: April 2015

Effect of cyto‐sterility sources on morphology and yield attributes in F1has well been studied in different crops, but not on the seed quality of hybrid. Six cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines,viz. Ogura,Siifolia,Erucoides,Moricandia,TournefortiiandOxyrrhina, which represent six different sources of CMS, were pollinated by a single maintainer line (‘Pusa Bold’) to check whether CMS sources have any marked effect on seed quality. Seeds were collected in 2007–2008 (rabiseason: October–April) from CMS maintenance plot and kept in ambient storage for next 3 years. The results indicated that CMS/cyto‐sterility sources influenced the seed quality parameters in fresh seed as well as after storage.Per centgermination (as means over the storage period) was recorded up to 89.00, 88.25 and 87.88 inMoricandia,OguraandOxyrrhinasystems, respectively, and it was significantly different fromTournefortiiand ‘Pusa Bold’ (70.13 and 74.38, respectively). The CMS sources also had pronounced effect on other seed quality traits,viz. root and shoot length and seedling dry matter, andOguraandMoricandia(green) performed better.
New experimental hosts of Barley yellow dwarf virus among wild grasses, with implications for grassland habitats
Authors: Ingwell L. L. , Bosque‐Pérez N. A.
Published: April 2015

Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), an economically important virus, infects small grain cereal crops and over 150 other Poaceae species. BYDV infection plays an important role in competition among grasses in non‐managed systems, but many grasses remain unexamined as potential BYDV hosts. This study examined grass species that have not been reported as BYDV hosts but are commonly encountered in non‐managed grasslands throughout the United States and Canada. Laboratory inoculations with BYDV‐PAV using the aphid vector Rhopalosiphum padi were performed to examine the ability of 13 grass species and barley to be infected with the virus; eight of the grass species were not documented previously as virus hosts. Serological and molecular assays were used to confirm BYDV‐PAV infection. Plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers and weight were recorded to evaluate susceptibility or sensitivity to BYDV. Infection with BYDV was experimentally achieved for the first time on Achnatherum lettermanii, Achnatherum occidentale, Achnatherum thurberianum, Danthonia intermedia, Poa fendleriana, Sporobolus airoides and Sporobolus cryptandrus, but not on Alopecurus pratensis and Elymus wawawaiensis. Infection was confirmed in Bromus inermis, Elymus elymoides, Poa bulbosa, Poa secunda and Hordeum vulgare, which served as controls. BYDV infection caused reductions in plant height on P. bulbosa and P. fendleriana. BYDV‐infected P. secunda had more leaves per plant compared to healthy plants of the same species. BYDV‐infected A. lettermanii exhibited reduced dry weight in both below‐ground and above‐ground tissue. These findings have implications for the management and conservation of grassland habitats.
Wound healing following surgical and regenerative periodontal therapy
Authors: Susin Cristiano , Fiorini Tiago , Lee Jaebum , De Stefano Jamie A. , Dickinson Douglas P. , Wikesjö Ulf M. E.
Published: April 2015

Clinical studies have evaluated the effect of conventional periodontal surgical therapy. In general, although some clinical gain in tissue support may be attained, these therapies do not support regeneration of the periodontal attachment. Even though the biological possibility of periodontal regeneration has been demonstrated, the clinical application of this intrinsic potential appears difficult to harness; thus also conceptually most intriguing candidate protocols face clinical challenges. In this review, we explore the bioclinical principles, condiciones sine quibus non, that unleash the innate potential of the periodontium to achieve clinically meaningful periodontal regeneration (i.e. space‐provision, wound stability and conditions for primary intention healing). Moreover, limiting factors and detrimental practices that may compromise clinical and biological outcomes are reviewed, as is tissue management in clinical settings.
Periodontal plastic surgery
Authors: Zucchelli Giovanni , Mounssif Ilham
Published: April 2015

The aim of the present article is to summarize current knowledge in terms of the etiology, diagnosis, prognosis and surgical treatment of gingival recession. Whilst the main etiological factors (i.e. toothbrushing trauma and bacterial plaque) are well established, challenges still remain to be solved in the diagnostic, prognostic and classification processes of gingival recession, especially when the main reference parameter – the cemento–enamel junction – is no longer detectable on the affected tooth or when there is a slight loss of periodontal interdental attachment. Root coverage in single type gingival recession defects is a very predictable outcome following the use of various surgical techniques. The coronally advanced flap, with or without connective tissue grafting, is the technique of choice. The adjunctive use of connective tissue grafts improves the probability of achieving complete root coverage. Surgical coverage of multiple gingival recessions is also predictable with the coronally advanced flap and the coronally advanced flap plus the connective tissue graft, but no data are available indicating which, and how many, gingival recessions should be treated adjunctively with connective tissue grafting in order to limit patient morbidity and improve the esthetic outcome. None of the allograft materials currently available can be considered as a full substitute for the connective tissue graft, even if some recent results are encouraging. The need for future studies with patient‐based outcomes (i.e. esthetics and morbidity) as primary objectives is emphasized in this review.
Pre‐clinical in vivo models for the screening of bone biomaterials for oral/craniofacial indications: focus on small‐animal models
Authors: Stavropoulos Andreas , Sculean Anton , Bosshardt Dieter D. , Buser Daniel , Klinge Björn
Published: April 2015

Preclinical in vivo experimental studies are performed for evaluating proof‐of‐principle concepts, safety and possible unwanted reactions of candidate bone biomaterials before proceeding to clinical testing. Specifically, models involving small animals have been developed for screening bone biomaterials for their potential to enhance bone formation. No single model can completely recreate the anatomic, physiologic, biomechanic and functional environment of the human mouth and jaws. Relevant aspects regarding physiology, anatomy, dimensions and handling are discussed in this paper to elucidate the advantages and disadvantages of small‐animal models. Model selection should be based not on the ‘expertise’ or capacities of the team, but rather on a scientifically solid rationale, and the animal model selected should reflect the question for which an answer is sought. The rationale for using heterotopic or orthotopic testing sites, and intraosseous, periosseous or extraskeletal defect models, is discussed. The paper also discusses the relevance of critical size defect modeling, with focus on calvarial defects in rodents. In addition, the rabbit sinus model and the capsule model in the rat mandible are presented and discussed in detail. All animal experiments should be designed with care and include sample‐size and study‐power calculations, thus allowing generation of meaningful data. Moreover, animal experiments are subject to ethical approval by the relevant authority. All procedures and the postoperative handling and care, including postoperative analgesics, should follow best practice.
Defining and evaluating the ecological restoration economy
Authors: BenDor Todd K. , Livengood Avery , Lester T. William , Davis Adam , Yonavjak Logan
Published: April 2015

For decades, industry groups and many media outlets have propagated the notion that environmental protection is bad for business. However, missing from this public debate has been a detailed accounting of the U.S. economic output and employment that are created through conservation, restoration, and mitigation actions, which we call the “Restoration Economy.” In this paper, we review related literature, including 14 local and state‐level case studies of privately funded environmental restoration projects. We also review federal and state government programs that fund restoration throughout the United States, revealing the complex nature of this sector. We find growing evidence that the restoration industry not only protects public environmental goods but also contributes to national economic growth and employment, supporting as many as 33 jobs per $1 million invested, with an employment multiplier of between 1.48 and 3.8 (the number of jobs supported by every restoration job) and an output multiplier of between 1.6 and 2.59 (multiplier for total economic output from investments). The existing literature also shows that restoration investments lead to significant positive economic and employment impacts and appear to have particularly localized benefits, which can be attributed to the tendency for projects to employ local labor and materials. While these initial figures are promising, the extent of environmental restoration activities and benefits at a national level is not yet well understood. Our findings reveal the need for a methodological framework for more accurately and broadly estimating the size of the U.S. restoration sector and its impact on the U.S. economy.
Specific nest box designs can improve habitat restoration for cavity‐dependent arboreal mammals
Authors: Goldingay Ross L. , Rueegger Niels N. , Grimson Matthew J. , Taylor Brendan D.
Published: April 2015

Tree‐cavity‐dependent wildlife faces future shortages of cavities due to a decline in the abundance of large, old trees in many parts of the world. Nest boxes are proposed as a tool to restore habitat value but evidence of their effectiveness for arboreal mammals remains equivocal. This may arise from a poor understanding of design preferences. We conducted investigations in two landscapes in eastern Australia to determine whether species show a preference for specific designs. We observed a preference by some mammal species for particular designs (33–78% occupied/used), suggesting that design refinement can improve the frequency with which nest boxes are used. Although feral species may out‐compete target species for nest boxes, we did not observe this. We recorded feral honeybees (Apis mellifera) in 6–9% of nest boxes but they did not remain, and many occupied boxes were later used by mammals. The introduced common myna bird (Acridotheres tristis) was prevalent in one landscape, but competition for nest boxes was localized. For nest boxes to be an effective habitat restoration tool, they must be able to be occupied over long periods of time. We investigated this for the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis), an arboreal marsupial threatened through part of its geographic range. Squirrel gliders occupied and bred within nest boxes (100% used) at two locations continuously over a 10‐year period with minimal nest box maintenance. Individuals occupied boxes for up to 7 years. This confirms that targeted nest box programs can be an effective restoration tool for cavity‐dependent arboreal mammals.
Tropical reforestation and climate change: beyond carbon
Authors: Locatelli Bruno , Catterall Carla P. , Imbach Pablo , Kumar Chetan , Lasco Rodel , Marín‐Spiotta Erika , Mercer Bernard , Powers Jennifer S. , Schwartz Naomi , Uriarte Maria
Published: April 2015

Tropical reforestation (TR) has been highlighted as an important intervention for climate change mitigation because of its carbon storage potential. TR can also play other frequently overlooked, but significant, roles in helping society and ecosystems adapt to climate variability and change. For example, reforestation can ameliorate climate‐associated impacts of altered hydrological cycles in watersheds, protect coastal areas from increased storms, and provide habitat to reduce the probability of species' extinctions under a changing climate. Consequently, reforestation should be managed with both adaptation and mitigation objectives in mind, so as to maximize synergies among these diverse roles, and to avoid trade‐offs in which the achievement of one goal is detrimental to another. Management of increased forest cover must also incorporate measures for reducing the direct and indirect impacts of changing climate on reforestation itself. Here we advocate a focus on “climate‐smart reforestation,” defined as reforesting for climate change mitigation and adaptation, while ensuring that the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on reforestation are anticipated and minimized.
Experience of anaesthesia nurses of perioperative communication in hip fracture patients with dementia
Authors: Krupic Ferid , Eisler Thomas , Sköldenberg Olof , Fatahi Nabi
Published: April 2015

Background

Perioperative care in hip fracture patients with dementia can be complex. There is currently little scientific evidence on how care should be undertaken.

Aims

The aim of the study was to describe the experience of anaesthesia nurses of the difficulties that emerge in care situations and how communication with patients can be maintained in the perioperative setting of hip fracture surgery.

Methods

Individual interviews were conducted with ten anaesthesia nurses (5 men and 5 women). The interviews were carried out at a university hospital in Gothenburg (Sweden), and the data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings

Three main response categories were discerned: ‘Communication’, ‘Dementia as a special issue’ and ‘Practical issues’. Dementia was viewed as one of the most difficult and shifting diseases an individual may suffer from. Time must be allocated to communicate clearly and patiently, to meticulously plan and carry out care while providing distinct information to enable patient participation. Establishing a mental bridgehead by confirming the patients' perceptions/feelings significantly reduced distress in a majority of the patients. A holistic and respectful approach was deemed mandatory at all times. Patients are sometimes dependent on recognition, so that small personal items brought close to the patient during surgery can calm the patient. State‐of‐the‐art analgesia and anxiolytic medications are mandatory.

Conclusions

Perioperative problems can be overcome with patience, empathy and profound knowledge of how patients with dementia respond prior to surgery. Our results may serve as a source for future care and provide information about hospital settings for better perioperative care in patients with dementia.
Murine typhus in a liver transplant recipient: report of a first case
Authors: Phatharodom P. , Limsrichamrern S. , Kaewwinud J. , Chayakulkeeree M.
Published: April 2015

Zoonoses, especially rickettsial diseases, are rarely reported in solid organ transplant recipients. We report here a case of murine typhus in a 69‐year‐old liver transplant recipient, who presented with acute febrile illness 5 years post transplantation. Although receiving treatment with broad‐spectrum antibiotics, he was still febrile and developed progressive dyspnea. Laboratory results showed elevated transaminases and his chest radiograph revealed bilateral interstitial infiltration. The diagnosis of murine typhus was made by a 4‐fold rise in specific Rickettsia typhi antibody, using indirect immunofluorescent assay. He dramatically improved after treatment with doxycycline for 7 days. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of murine typhus in a liver transplant recipient.
Variation in vital signs resulting from blood component administration in adults
Authors: Gehrie Eric A. , Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Tormey Christopher A.
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Although vital signs are routinely recorded before and after every transfusion, there are few published data on how these variables vary with component administration. Thus, there is very little evidence available to support guidelines that are intended to differentiate “benign” changes in vital signs from transfusion reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation in vitals observed after transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Retrospective data were extracted from blood bank records for 3496 component infusions (red blood cells, n = 2359; platelets, n = 478; plasma, n = 659) over a 1‐year period. The following were collected: recipient pre‐ and posttransfusion vital signs (temperature, pulse rate, and blood pressure) and whether a transfusion reaction was reported.

RESULTS

Transfusion was associated with very mild median changes in temperature (approx. 0°C), pulse rate (<5 beats/min), or blood pressure (<5 mmHg) across all components. The transfusion reaction rate reported by clinical teams was 0.5%, but reported temperature changes indicated a higher reaction rate of 2.1% based on institutional criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood transfusion is not associated with significant changes in recipient vital signs. Our data could be used to develop reference ranges for transfusion‐related vital signs. More than 75% of transfusion reactions may not be reported to the blood bank.
Biphenotypic B‐cell lymphoma in 2 cats
Authors: Granum Liana , Gorman Elena , Ruaux Craig , Vernau William
Published: April 2015

The clinical and pathologic features of biphenotypic B‐cell lymphoma in 2 cats are reported. Clinical presentation varied from multiple cutaneous masses identified on the thigh in one cat to signs of lethargy from acute hemorrhage due to neoplastic infiltration of one kidney in the other. Cytology and histopathology confirmed round cell neoplasia in both cats and immunochemical staining demonstrated expression of both B‐ and T‐lymphocyte markers by the neoplastic cells in both animals. InPCRanalysis of antigen receptor gene rearrangement, clonal rearrangement of B‐cell receptor genes and polyclonal T‐cell receptor gene rearrangement were demonstrated in both lymphomas. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of B‐cell lymphoma with aberrant CD3 expression in both cases. Clinical progression of disease post diagnosis was rapid in both cats, suggesting a poor prognosis for this lymphoma type. Although bigenotypic receptor rearrangement of lymphoma cells appears relatively common, this is the first known report of actual biphenotypic lymphoma in cats.
Using information technology to eliminate wrong blood transfusions
Authors: Chu R. W. , Cheng A. Y. W.
Published: April 2015

Advances in the last three decades have dramatically improved blood safety, and wrong blood transfusion (mistransfusion) has now became the most important serious hazards of blood transfusion. The application of information technology in minimizing mistransfusion has further enhanced transfusion safety through the reduction of human steps that are prone to errors. Electronic bedside identification system using hand‐held computer and portable printer will minimize the risk of mistransfusion caused by blood sampling error for compatibility testing and patient identification error before blood administration. Fully automated blood bank immunohaematology testing systems together with laboratory information system (LIS) would minimize blood bank errors. Remote electronic blood release system can be considered an extension of the blood bank LIS to the point of care in ensuring the safe release of computer cross‐match‐compatible blood. Computer physician order entry (CPOE) would guide physicians in making appropriate requests, and connectivity with clinical data repository and blood bank LIS would provide clinical decision support and thus help to prevent human errors.
Quality management in transfusion medicine: a race without finish
Authors: Strengers P. F. W.
Published: April 2015

Quality management in transfusion medicine, used for the the purposes of compliance with regulations and guidelines involves all processes from the blood donation to the administration and follow up of the blood product, transfused to the patient. Correlated with control, prevention and failures, quality management will help in minimising failures and be the only instrument to guarantee the patient effective, safe and affordable blood products.
Human neutrophil antigens: a nomenclature update based on new alleles and new antigens
Authors: Flesch B. K. ,   the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) HNA nomenclature subcommittee
Published: April 2015

In 1998, the ISBT Granulocyte Antigen Working Party established a new nomenclature for the human neutrophil antigens (HNA) which included five antigen systems and a total of seven antigens. In the meantime, new antigens and new alleles have been described and these now make it necessary for the ISBT HNA nomenclature subcommittee to present a proposal for an HNA nomenclature update. HNA‐1 includes four antigens, HNA‐1a, HNA‐1b, HNA‐1c and HNA‐1d, which can result from five different Fcγ receptor IIIb (FcγRIIIb)‐encoding alleles, FCGR3B*01, *02, *03, *04 and *05. Due to copy number variation, individuals may exhibit between zero and four alleles leading to either the HNA‐1 null type or combinations of the known HNA‐1 antigens. Current data indicate that HNA‐2 is an isoantigen without allelic variation, encoded by the CD177 gene. Individuals without any HNA‐2 expression on their neutrophils are addressed as HNA‐2 null. The two antithetical antigens of the choline‐transporter‐like protein 2 (CTL2), HNA‐3a and HNA‐3b, are encoded by the three different alleles SLC44A2*01, *02 and *03, which discriminate in one or two nucleotide substitutions. HNA‐4a, which is encoded by the ITGAM*01 allele, is an antigen of the αMβ2‐integrin. The αLβ2‐integrin contains HNA‐5a as the only antigen which is encoded by the ITGAL*01 allele. Antigens and alleles other than those listed have to be approved by the ISBT Granulocyte Immunobiology Working Party (GIWP) before they can be assigned to the official nomenclature.
Engineering more efficient multipotent mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells for systemic delivery as cellular therapy
Authors: Moll G. , Le Blanc K.
Published: April 2015

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells (MSCs) harbour great potential for regenerative and immunomodulatory therapies. A major drawback in MSC therapy appears to be the incomplete understanding of cell fate and function following systemic administration. We here summarize our knowledge on MSC interaction with human blood. Analysis of tissues following MSC therapy indicated limited long‐term engraftment. MSCs and other stromal cells trigger an innate immune attack, termed instant blood‐mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR), which has been shown to compromise the survival, engraftment and function of cellular therapeutics. MSCs express hemostatic regulators similar to those produced by endothelial cells, but display higher amounts of prothrombotic tissue factor on their surface, which triggers the IBMIR after blood exposure. This process is dependent on the cell dose, the choice of MSC donor, the cell passage number and cell handling before infusion. Freshly harvested, short‐term expanded bone marrow MSCs trigger only weak blood responses, while extended culture, freeze‐thawing, washing and resupsension in human AB plasma, and co‐culture with activated lymphocytes increases their prothrombotic profile. After MSC infusion to patients, we found increased formation of blood activation markers, but no formation of hyperfibrinolysis marker D‐dimer or acute phase reactants with the currently applied dose of 1–3 × 106 cells/kg, demonstrating product safety. We conclude, that currently applied doses of low‐passage clinical grade MSCs are safe and elicit only minor systemic effects, but higher cell doses, and particularly higher passage cells, should be handled with care. This deleterious reaction can compromise the survival, engraftment and function of these therapeutic cells.
Approach to managing platelet refractory patients
Authors: Lee C. , Ayob Y.
Published: April 2015

The diagnosis of platelet refractoriness is made when at least on two sequential occasions, a 10‐min to 1‐h post‐transfusion, the CCI is less than 5 × 109/l, using ABO‐identical fresh platelets of less than 72 h old. In practice, an increase in the patient's platelet counts of <10 × 109/l after the transfusion can be used. Refractoriness to platelet transfusion can be due to non‐immune and immune causes. Non‐immune causes include sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Twenty percent of cases have a combination of both immune and non‐immune causes. Immune causes include alloimmunization to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and/or human platelet antigens(HPA). The pattern of refractoriness and clinical condition may assist in determining the cause. Patients who are likely to receive multiple platelet transfusion should have their post transfusion platelet count estimated. If refractoriness is suspected, HLA typing and antibody investigation should be done. While waiting for the test result and the supply of HLA matched platelets, ABO compatible platelets may be given. Doubling the dose or giving more frequent transfusion maybe necessary in non‐immune cases. Where patient's HLA type is known, an identical or closely identical platelet can be given. Another approach is by giving platelet from donors lacking HLA antigens that correspond to the recipient's alloantibodies. Crossmatched platelets can be given in the absence of typed HLA platelets. Approximately 20–25% cases may be due to platelet‐specific antibodies, and undetected HLA incompatibility, in which case, the patient can be given antigen negative platelet.
Safety and effectiveness of a Patient Blood Management Programme in surgical patients – the study design for a multicentre epidemiological non‐inferiority trial by the German PBM network
Authors: Meybohm P. , Fischer D. P. , Herrmann E. , Geisen C. , Müller M. M. , Seifried E. , Steinbicker A. U. , Weber C. F. , Zacharowski K. D. ,   the German PBM Network
Published: April 2015

Background

Patient blood management (PBM) concepts aim to identify patients with anemia and optimize their treatment including use of preoperative iron substitution, blood‐sparing techniques and adequate transfusion practice. PBM concepts thus have great potential to increase patient safety and clinical outcome. Nevertheless, up to now, structured PBM programmes have only been implemented in very few hospitals in Germany and safety data regarding clinical outcome parameters is rare.

Methods

The German PBM network was founded in January 2014 and joined by 24 hospitals different hospitals of varying sizes and levels of patient care. An evidence‐based PBM programme will be applied in these hospitals reforming the care of adult patients undergoing surgery, and data will be monitored prospectively. This PBM programme includes the following three main pillars: (1) preoperative optimization of hemoglobin levels in high‐risk patients suffering from anemia, (2) standardization of transfusion practice according to evidence‐based guidelines and (3) wide implementation of alternatives to transfusion of allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) concentrates including blood‐sparing techniques. Primary endpoints are the following composite endpoints: (1) in‐hospital myocardial infarction, (2) stroke, (3) acute renal failure, (4) death of any cause, (5) pneumonia and (6) sepsis until hospital discharge in patients before and after the implementation of the PBM programme.

Conclusions

This trial will determine whether the implementation of a PBM programme is safe and effective in terms of clinical outcome. Data will be compared to data prior to implementation of PBM in (the same?) 20 Germany hospitals.
Next‐generation sequencing: academic overkill or high‐resolution routine blood group genotyping?
Authors: Avent N. D. , Madgett T. E. , Halawani A. J. , Altayar M. A. , Kiernan M. , Reynolds A. J. , Li X.
Published: April 2015

Blood group genotyping (BGG) has been in routine clinical practice ever since the molecular determination of blood groups was achieved, during the early to mid 1990s. These early methods were dependent on allele‐specific PCR to detect simple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) responsible for blood group expression. As our knowledge regarding the molecular background of blood groups advanced, so did the numbers of SNPs requiring detection which necessitated the switch from allele‐specific PCR to array‐based technology, notably slide and bead‐based approaches. All these methods thus described are totally dependent on the predefined genetic basis of each SNP. Hybrid blood group genes (as found in RH, ABO and MNS systems) are difficult to define by all of these aforementioned techniques. With the arrival of cheap next‐generation sequencing (NGS) approaches in the past 5 years, we have conducted long‐range PCR (LR‐PCR) coupled with NGS determination of the major blood group genes. By analysis of these data using an Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine™ (PGM™), it is readily apparent that NGS can highly effectively be applied with high resolution to blood grouping at costs no more than current array‐based platforms. However, the complexity of the data obtained need careful filtering for effective clinical utilization, but provides useful insight on the evolution of blood groups and their environmental impacts which will be of undoubted value as an academic exercise, but of minimal cost (if any) to the original testing.
Implementation of ISBT quality indicators in the quality management and haemovigilance systems
Authors: Vuk Tomislav
Published: April 2015

Quality indicators are an indispensable tool in quality measurement. Monitoring and analysis of quality indicators, along with implementation of appropriate corrective measures, enable continuous product and service quality improvement. Quality indicators have been used for years in health‐care institutions, while in transfusion medicine, they have only recently received due attention. Since 2010, an array of activities in the field of education on quality indicators, their selection and implementation have been launched under the umbrella of the International Society of Blood Transfusion Working Party on Quality Management. Besides historical review of these activities, the place and role of quality indicators in the quality management and haemovigilance systems, methods of their selection, defining quality objectives and action limits, statistical monitoring and reporting are discussed.
The new oral anticoagulants: clinical use and reversal agent development
Authors: Costin J. , Ansell J. , Bakhru S. , Laulicht B. , Steiner S.
Published: April 2015

Warfarin has been the centre of oral anticoagulant therapy for over 60 years. Recent development of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) has provided a safe and effective alternative for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and for prevention of venous thromboembolism. Determination of their use in acute coronary syndrome has been hampered by increases in bleeding events in most large trials, especially when used with antiplatelet therapy. NOACs have equal or superior efficacy and safety profiles compared to warfarin, fewer drug interactions; no dietary restrictions; predictable responses that eliminates monitoring; a rapid onset eliminates bridging with parenteral anticoagulants; and a potential reduction in mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation. There are reports of bleeding events and deaths associated with NOACs. Haemorrhage associated with dabigatran and warfarin were the most common safety issues for anticoagulants reported to the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2012. The lack of a NOAC reversal agent is a significant clinical concern for many physicians. Current reversal agents for unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparins and warfarin are less than optimal, and there are no effective reversal agents for NOACs. Development programs for anticoagulant reversal of the NOACs have three approaches: multiple coagulation factor replacement, large molecules (recombinant antibodies or altered coagulation factors) that either bind to or substitute for the coagulation factor while the anticoagulant itself is either being excreted or metabolized, and a small molecule specifically designed to bind to the NOACs and heparins and prevent them from binding to the coagulation factor targets.
Molecular tools for investigating immunohaematology problems
Authors: Peyrard T.
Published: April 2015

Blood types are classically determined by haemagglutination methods. However, several backgrounds represent limitations for serological techniques, which may be overcome by molecular testing, for example blood typing in recently transfused patients or in case of a positive IgG direct antiglobulin test when indirect antiglobulin testing is required for antisera. A multitude of molecular tools are available and can be separated in five groups: low‐throughput tests, medium‐ to high‐throughput assays, genomic DNA sequencing, high‐throughput DNA sequencing devices and other specialized techniques. The low‐throughput tests especially include PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and manual allele‐specific PCR techniques. The medium‐to high‐throughput systems, mainly real‐time PCR, microarray DNA chips and mass spectrometry, allow for the testing of multiple different SNPs. The so‐called ‘next‐generation sequencing’ technologies can analyse 10 Mb to 1000 Gb per run. Their implementation in transfusion medicine is currently developed by a few teams worldwide, and they may become a major investigating tool in the next future. Standard genomic DNA sequencing may be used when genotyping assays are unavailable or when screening for common mutations by genotyping devices is inconclusive. Specialized techniques, reserved for complex cases or research, are performed after messenger RNA extraction, followed by reverse transcription into complementary DNA, which may be directly sequenced or cloned with plasmid vectors for single‐allele sequencing. Finally, electronic databases are also very helpful tools in molecular immunohaematology, for example the resources from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Rhesus Base and the ISBT Website of the Working Party on Red Cell Immunogenetics and Blood Group Terminology.
Simple deterministic model of the hydraulic buffer effect in septic tanks
Authors: Forquet Nicolas , Dufresne Matthieu
Published: April 2015

Septic tanks are widely used in on‐site wastewater treatment systems. In addition to anaerobic pretreatment, hydraulic buffering is one of the roles attributed to septic tanks. However, there is still no tool for assessing it, especially in dynamic conditions. For gravity fed‐system, it could help both researchers and system designers. This technical note reports a simple mechanistic model based on the assumption of flow transition between the septic tank and the outflow pipe. The only parameter of this model was calibrated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling for a wide range of discharge rates. The resulting model highlights that a septic tank plays a hydraulic buffer role when faced with sudden and large discharge flow, but this role tends to disappear when input hydrographs are smoother. In those cases, there is an observable lag between the input hydrograph and outflow hydrograph.
Evolution of Temperature Distribution and Microstructure in Multipass Welded AISI 321 Stainless Steel Plates With Different Thicknesses
Authors: Nakhodchi Soheil , Shokuhfar Ali , Iraj Saleh Akbari , Thomas Brian G.
Published: April 2015

Prediction of temperature distribution, microstructure, and residual stresses generated during the welding process is crucial for the design and assessment of welded structures. In the multipass welding process of parts with different thicknesses, temperature distribution, microstructure, and residual stresses vary during each weld pass and from one part to another. This complicates the welding process and its analysis. In this paper, the evolution of temperature distribution and the microstructure generated during the multipass welding of AISI 321 stainless steel plates were studied numerically and experimentally. Experimental work involved designing and manufacturing benchmark specimens, performing the welding, measuring the transient temperature history, and finally observing and evaluating the microstructure. Benchmark specimens were made of corrosion-resistant AISI 321 stainless steel plates with different thicknesses of 6 mm and 10 mm. The welding process consisted of three welding passes of two shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process and one gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process. Finite element (FE) models were developed using the DFLUX subroutine to model the moving heat source and two different approaches for thermal boundary conditions were evaluated using FILM subroutines. The DFLUX and FILM subroutines are presented for educational purposes, as well as a procedure for their verification.
Atmospheric pressure nonthermal plasmas for bacterial biofilm prevention and eradication
Authors: Ermolaeva Svetlana A. , Sysolyatina Elena V. , Gintsburg Alexander L.
Published: April 2015

Biofilms are three-dimensional structures formed by surface-attached microorganisms and their extracellular products. Biofilms formed by pathogenic microorganisms play an important role in human diseases. Higher resistance to antimicrobial agents and changes in microbial physiology make treating biofilm infections very complex. Atmospheric pressure nonthermal plasmas (NTPs) are a novel and powerful tool for antimicrobial treatment. The microbicidal activity of NTPs has an unspecific character due to the synergetic actions of bioactive components of the plasma torch, including charged particles, reactive species, and UV radiation. This review focuses on specific traits of biofilms, their role in human diseases, and those effects of NTP that are helpful for treating biofilm infections. The authors discuss NTP-based strategies for biofilm control, such as surface modifications to prevent bacterial adhesion, killing bacteria in biofilms, and biofilm destruction with NTPs. The unspecific character of microbicidal activity, proven polymer modification and destruction abilities, low toxicity for human tissues and absence of long-living toxic compounds make NTPs a very promising tool for biofilm prevention and control.
Technical Note: Measuring contrast‐ and noise‐dependent spatial resolution of an iterative reconstruction method in CT using ensemble averaging
Authors: Yu Lifeng , Vrieze Thomas J. , Leng Shuai , Fletcher Joel G. , McCollough Cynthia H.
Published: April 2015

Purpose:

The spatial resolution of iterative reconstruction (IR) in computed tomography (CT) is contrast‐ and noise‐dependent because of the nonlinear regularization. Due to the severe noise contamination, it is challenging to perform precise spatial‐resolution measurements at very low‐contrast levels. The purpose of this study was to measure the spatial resolution of a commercially available IR method using ensemble‐averaged images acquired from repeated scans.

Methods:

A low‐contrast phantom containing three rods (7, 14, and 21 HU below background) was scanned on a 128‐slice CT scanner at three dose levels (CTDIvol = 16, 8, and 4 mGy). Images were reconstructed using two filtered‐backprojection (FBP) kernels (B40 and B20) and a commercial IR method (sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction, SAFIRE, Siemens Healthcare) with two strength settings (I40‐3 and I40‐5). The same scan was repeated 100 times at each dose level. The modulation transfer function (MTF) was calculated based on the edge profile measured on the ensemble‐averaged images.

Results:

The spatial resolution of the two FBP kernels, B40 and B20, remained relatively constant across contrast and dose levels. However, the spatial resolution of the two IR kernels degraded relative to FBP as contrast or dose level decreased. For a given dose level at 16 mGy, the MTF50% value normalized to the B40 kernel decreased from 98.4% at 21 HU to 88.5% at 7 HU for I40‐3 and from 97.6% to 82.1% for I40‐5. At 21 HU, the relative MTF50% value decreased from 98.4% at 16 mGy to 90.7% at 4 mGy for I40‐3 and from 97.6% to 85.6% for I40‐5.

Conclusions:

A simple technique using ensemble averaging from repeated CT scans can be used to measure the spatial resolution of IR techniques in CT at very low contrast levels. The evaluated IR method degraded the spatial resolution at low contrast and high noise levels.