bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Functions of Clusterin Expression in Renal Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Macrophage Activation
Authors: weng xiaodong , Li Jing , Guan Qiunong , Zhao Haimei , Wang Zihuan , Gleave Martin E. , Nguan Christopher YC , DU Caigan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe expression of clusterin (CLU) in mice increases resistance to renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and promotes renal tissue repair. However, the mechanisms underlying of the renal protection of CLU remain largely unknown. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), found in different compartments of the kidney, may contribute to kidney cell turnover and injury repair. This study investigated the in vitro functions of CLU in kidney mesenchymal stromal cells (KMSCs). MethodsKMSCs were isolated by digestion of kidney tissues with collagenase type 1 and growth in plastic culture plates. Cell surface markers, apoptosis and phagocytosis were determined by flow cytometry, and CLU protein by Western blot. ResultsKMSCs isolated from both wild type (WT) and CLU knockout (KO) mice positively expressed CD133, Sca-1, CD44, and CD117, and negatively of CD34, CD45, CD163, CD41, CD276, CD138 and CD79a. There was no difference in trilineage differentiation to chondrocytes, adipocytes and osteocytes between WT and KO KMSCs. CLU protein was expressed in and secreted by WT KMSCs, and it was up-regulated in response to hypoxia, but the degrees of hypoxia-induced apoptosis in WT KMSCs were not significantly different from those in KO KMSCs. The WT KMSCs proliferated faster than KO KMSCs in cultures. Furthermore, the incubation of macrophages with CLU-containing culture medium from WT KMSCs increased the CD206 expression in the macrophages and their phagocytic capacity. ConclusionOur data for the first time demonstrate the functions of CLU in the promotion of KMSCs proliferation, and may be required for KMSCs-regulated macrophage M2 polarization and phagocytic activity.
Differentiation of PEDV Classical Attenuated Vaccine Strains from Wild-type Strains using One-Step Real-Time Fluorescent Reverse Transcription PCR Assay Targeting ORF1 Nucleotides Deletion Region
Authors: Wang Zhilin , Li Xuerui , Shang Youjun , Wu Jinyan , Dong Zhen , Wang Wanning , Liu Yongsheng , Lan Xi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPorcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a pathogen causing serious disease and resulting in severe economic losses in the swine industry. In recent years, although China has adopted a large-scale vaccine immunization strategy, many types of PEDV strains, including classical attenuated vaccine strains, have been discovered in the immunized pig herds. Therefore, monitoring the prevalence of different types of PEDV strains is particularly important for the production of pigs and the safety evaluation of related attenuated vaccines MethodsIn the study, a one-step real-time fluorescent reverse transcription PCR (one-step real-time RT-PCR) assay targeting 24-nucleotide deletion in the ORF1 region of three PEDV classical attenuated vaccine strains (derived from classical strains) was established, which could effectively distinguish PEDV classical attenuated vaccine strains and wild-type strains. ResultsIn our study, the RNA detection limits for PEDV wild-type strains and classical attenuated vaccine strains were 3.0×103 copies and 3.0×102 copies, respectively. This assay was highly specific for PEDV, with no cross-reactivity for other viruses, causing diarrheal disease. A total of 117 swine fecal samples were analysed by this established real-time RT-PCR assay, indicating that classical attenuated vaccine strains were present in the swine herds in Gansu province, China. Additionally, a pair of primers and two probes of the established assay can be placed in one reaction tube to distinguish PEDV classical attenuated vaccine strains and wild-type strains. ConclusionOur results provided an effective and cheap technology platform for clinical rapid identification testing and epidemiological investigations of PEDV wild-type strains and classical attenuated vaccine strains
Surgical Management of Obstructive Urolithiasis and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopic Identification of Uroliths in Dogs: A Report of Six Cases
Authors: S Thajunnisa A , Philip Laiju M , M. Dileepkumar K. , S. Anoop , Venugopal Syam K. , D. John Martin K. , A. Abdul Lathief K. , B. Devanand C. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Six dogs with signs of obstructive urolithiasis presented to University Veterinary Hospitals Mannuthy and Kokkalai, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University over a period of two months formed subject for the present study. All the animals were having history of difficult urination with clinical signs like stranguria, pollakuria, anuria and/or haematuria. Haemato-biochemical investigations, blood gas analysis, urinalysis, survey radiographs and ultrasonography were performed to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis. Surgical interventions were done under general anaesthesia using either urethrotomy, cystotomy or a combination of both, depending upon the site of obstruction. Post-operative pH modulators, anti-spasmodics, antibiotics and analgesic therapy were employed depending upon the condition of patient and all the animals had an uneventful recovery. When stones retrieved through surgery were subjected to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) to identify the chemical composition, three samples were identified as a combination of struvite, calcium oxalate dihydrate and calcium apatite crystals and three samples were a mixture of calcium oxalate monohydrate and calcium phosphate. Identification of specific calculi composition using spectroscopy was helpful in prevention of recurrence through management practices and therapeutic diet postoperative.
The Compound LG283 Inhibits Bleomycin-induced Skin Fibrosis and Vascular Injury via Antagonizing TGF-β /Smad/Snail Mesenchymal Transition Pathways
Authors: Utsunomiya Akira , Chino Takenao , Utsunomiya Natsuko , Luong Vu Huy , Matsushita Takashi , Sasaki Yoko , Ogura Dai , Niwa Shin-ichiro , Oyama Noritaka , Hasegawa Minoru 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a collagen disease that exhibits intractable fibrosis and vascular injury of the skin and internal organs. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling plays a central role in extracellular matrix (ECM) production by myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts may be derived from epithelial and endothelial precursor cells in addition to resident fibroblasts. Recently, our high-throughput in vitro screening discovered a small compound, LG283, that can disrupt the differentiation of dermal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. This compound was originally generated as a curcumin derivative. MethodsIn this study, we investigated the effect of LG283 on inhibiting fibrosis and vascular injury. The action of LG283 on TGF-β-dependent fibrogenic activity, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), and endothelial cell mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) was analyzed in vitro. The effects of LG283 were also examined in a bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis mouse model.ResultsLG283 suppressed TGF-β-induced ECM expression, Smad3 phosphorylation, and expression of transcription factors responsible for the mesenchymal transition, Snail 1 and 2, in cultured human dermal fibroblasts. LG283 was also found to block EMT and EndoMT in cultured human epithelial cells and endothelial cells, respectively. During these processes, Smad3 phosphorylation and/or expression of Snail 1 and 2 were inhibited by LG283 treatment. In the bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis model, oral administration of LG283 efficiently protected against the development of fibrosis and vascular injury without affecting cell infiltration or cytokine concentrations in the skin. No apparent adverse effects of LG283 were found. LG283 treatment remarkably inhibited the enhanced expression of phosphorylated Smad3 in the bleomycin-injected skin. Increased expression of Snail 1 and 2 were reduced by LG283 treatment in the mouse model. ConclusionsThe LG283 compound exhibits antagonistic activity on fibrosis and vascular injury through inhibition of TGF-β/Smad/Snail mesenchymal transition pathways and thus, may be a candidate therapeutic for treatment of SSc. Furthermore, the screening of EMT and/or EndoMT regulatory compounds may be an attractive approach for SSc therapy.
Intra-Abdominal Multicentric Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumors Mimicking Ruptured Appendicitis.
Authors: Yang Fu-Fei , Chan Ren-Hao , Lee Chung-Ta , Li Tsung-Hua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are a rare soft tissue neoplasm, usually seen in children and adolescents, which are predominantly found in the pulmonary region. The extrapulmonary multicentric lesions are exceedingly rare. We herein report the case of a 19-year-old female who developed acute bowel obstruction which caused by multicentric IMTs. We described her clinical presentations, operative finding, and pathological finding.
Performance Evaluation of Mobile Liquid Cooled Thermoelectric Refrigeration System for Storage-cum-Transportation of Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Chavan Prasad , Sidhu Gagandeep Kaur 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The performance of a liquid-cooled thermoelectric refrigeration (LCTR) system for the storage of summer fruits and vegetables, viz., bitter gourd, okra, mango, and papaya indicated impressive results for physiological loss in weight, firmness and colour values, and overall acceptability of the crop. The LCTR system significantly reduced (p < 0.0001) the physiological loss in weight (PLW) of bitter gourd, okra, mango, and papaya to 11.51%, 10.99%, 12.29%, and 19.17%, respectively, compared to conventional ambient storage of the crop. A lesser change in colour was observed for the crop subjected to LCTR, recording 14.04, 11.46, 16.41, and 23.68 for bitter gourd, okra, mango, and papaya, respectively. All the crops witnessed a nonsignificant effect (p < 0.0001) on the quality attributes of the crop stored in LCTR and a vapour compression refrigeration system. LCTR enabled a pronounced increment in the shelf life of bitter gourd, okra, mango, and papaya by 7, 8, 10, and 13 days, respectively, compared to the storage at ambient conditions. The system is economical, has a higher coefficient of performance (0.85) compared to the coefficient of performance (COP) of the existing thermoelectric refrigeration system, and maintains the freshness and quality of perishable agricultural produce during marketing and transportation.
Clinical Impact of Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Retrosternal Reconstruction After Esophagectomy
Authors: YAMADA LEO , Saito Motonobu , Suzuki Hiroya , Mochizuki Shotaro , Endo Eisei , Kase Koji , Ito Misato , Nakano Hiroshi , Yamauchi Naoto , Matsumoto Takuro , Kaneta Akinao , Kanke Yasuyuki , Onozawa Hisashi , Hanayama Hiroyuki , Okayama Hirokazu , Fujita Shotaro , Sakamoto Wataru , Watanabe Yohei , Hayase Suguru , Saze Zenichiro , Momma Tomoyuki , Ohki Shinji , Kono Koji 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is relatively rare but cannot be negligible because it can cause fatal complications. Although it is reported that the occurrence rate of UEDVT has increased due to central venous catheter (CVC), cancer, and surgical invasion, there are still limited information for esophagectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical factors, including CVC placement and thromboprophylaxis approach, as well as retrosternal space’s width as a predictive factor for UEDVT in patients receiving esophagectomy. Methods This study included 66 patients who underwent esophagectomy with retrosternal reconstruction using a gastric tube. All patients routinely underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) on the 4th postoperative day. Low-molecular-weight-heparin (LMWH) was routinely administered by the 2nd postoperative day. To evaluate retrosternal space’s width, (a) The distance from sternum to brachiocephalic artery and (b) the distance from sternum to vertebra were measured by preoperative CT, and the ratio of (a) to (b) was defined as the width of retrosternal space. Results Among all patients, 11(16.7%) suffered from UEDVT, and none was preoperatively received CVC placement, while 7 were inserted in non-UEDVT cases. Retrosternal space’s width in patients with UEDVT was significantly smaller than that in patients without UEDVT (0.17 vs. 0.26; P < 0.0001). A cutoff value of the width was 0.21, which has high sensitivity (87%) and specificity (82%) for UEDVT prediction, respectively. Conclusion The existence of CVC may not affect the development of UEDVT, but preoperative evaluation of retrosternal ratio may predict the occurrence of UEDVT.
A Dialogue on Fifth Dimension, Empty-SPace
Authors: Chauhan Prashant 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Gravity and space-time are relative to each other because gravity or more precisely a gravitational wave is the only candidate responsible for empty-space around a mass and empty-space is the only candidate responsible for the mass of an object. It is true that a gravitational wave is a ripple in space-time but space-time is a result of a web of gravitational waves is also true and hence it is more appropriate to call space-time as gravitational-space-time and its known word to us is empty-space. Smallest unit of this web of gravitational waves is known as kaushal constant (K) [1]. Gravity is a result of the force of attraction in between two adjacent kaushal constants of the adjacent planes at a relative point in gravitational-space-time and hence this can be nicknamed as a web of gravity. The slower you move through space, the smaller your gravity web (or weaker the relative gravity) and hence the faster you move through time and vice versa. This paper is a solution to both mathematical and theoretical problem encountered in the field of quantum gravity [2] using theory of special connectivity [3].
Frequency of thrombocytopenia associated with gentamicin therapy
Authors: Leach M.F , AuBuchon J.P 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Many drugs, including antibiotics such as gentamicin, have been associated with the development of a drug-induced thrombocytopenia. Serologic methods for detection of drug-dependent plateIet antibodies (DDPAs) are not routinely performed, and the incidence of such antibody-mediated thrombocytopenia is not known. As we routinely perform solid-phase red cell adherence assays for the detection of DDPAs, a study was designed to determine the incidence of gentamicin-associated platelet antibodies (GAPAs) in our institution. Adult patients who received gentamicin from 1/1/98 to 7/31/98 were evaluated for inclusion in the study. Testing for the presence of GAPAs was performed if the patient had a decrease in platelet count while receiving gentamicin or if the platelet count increased or decreased within 3 days of the last gentamicin therapy. Patients receiving gentamicin without development of thrombocytopenia were tested as controls. During the study period, 926 patients received gentamicin, with 324 (35%) being evaluated for the presence of GAPAs; GAPAs were identified in 25 of 659 patients (4%) eligible for the study. All control samples were found to lack GAPAs. If only patients exhibiting changes in platelet counts are considered, the incidence increases to 7.7 percent, with females apparently being almost twice as likely to develop GAPAs than are males. Gentamicin-associated thrombocytopenia is not an infrequent occurrence in hospitalized patients.
Immunohematalogy
1999;15:167-170.
Immunoprophylaxis using intravenous Rh immune globulin should be standard practice when selected D-negative patients are transfused with D-positive random donor platelets
Authors: Ewing C.A. , Rumsey D.H. , Langberg A.F. , Sandler S.G. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A 67-year-old female developed excessive bleeding and thrombocytopenia following cardiovascular surgery. Her blood type was group A, D–. The only platelet products available in the transfusion service were random donor platelet concentrates from D+ donors. She was transfused with a pool of 6 D+ random donor platelet concentrates. Anti-D undetected in her pretransfusion serum by solid-phase antibody screen was present 11 days later. Retrospectively, the patient provided a history of having two pregnancies more than 40 years ago, prior to the availability of immunoprophylaxis by Rh immune globulin (RhIG). Although studies have shown that as many as 19 percent of D– people may develop anti-D following transfusion of platelets from D+ donors, there is no specific standard requiring immunoprophylaxis with RhIG to prevent Rh alloimmunization after transfusion of random donor platelet concentrates from D+ donors. In contrast, vigorous efforts are routine for preventing Rh alloimmunization in D– patients requiring red cell transfusions or D– females during pregnancy or after delivery of D+ newborns. The absence of a comparable practice standard for platelet transfusions is based, in part, on concern that intramuscular injections of conventional RhIG may cause local hemorrhage in thrombocytopenic persons. The recent availability of a Food and Drug Administration-approved preparation of intravenous RhIG makes Rh immunoprophylaxis in thrombocytopenic patients safe and practical. We recommend that intravenous RhIG be considered if it is necessary to transfuse random donor platelet concentrates from D+ donors to D– recipients. As a minimal standard, intravenous RhIG should be administered to all D– females of childbearing age who are recipients of pools of random donor platelet concentrates from D+ donors.
Rapid screening of platelet donors for PlA1 (HPA-1a) alloantigen using a solid-phase microplate immunoassay
Authors: Procter J.L. , Vigue F. , Alegre E. , Honda J. , Matsuo K. , Reid D. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
PlA1 and PlA2 are alternative platelet-specific alloantigens in the PlA1 system. Sensitization to PlA1 underlies most cases of neonatal alloim- mune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) and posttransfusion purpura (PTP) in white populations. A rapid and simple method for large-scale platelet phenotyping is desirable for identifying expectant mothers at risk of allosensitization and for identifying PlA1-negative donors when transfusions are indicated for treatment of NAIT or PTP. We investigated the effectiveness of a solid-phase microplate immunoassay for this purpose. Platelet-rich donor plasmas were tested using the Capture-P® kit (Immucor, Norcross, GA). Platelet monolayers in microtiter wells were incubated with anti-PlA1, washed, and exposed to red blood cells (RBCs) precoated with anti-human IgG. Adherence of RBCs in a diffuse pattern across the well surface indicated the attachment of anti-PlA1 to PlA1-positive platelets whereas sedimentation of unattached RBCs into a central pellet indicated the platelets were PlA1-negative. Of 520 donors, 15 (2.88%) tested PlA1-negative, which correlates well with the reported PlA2,2 frequency in whites of 2.25 percent. Results were confirmed by DNA genotyping and/or immunoblotting. This screening technique permits phenotyping donors for PlA1 alloantigen with minimal specialized equipment. Confirmatory testing for PlA2 alloantigen can be reserved for donors that test negative for PlA1.
Comparison of affinity column technology and LISS tube tests
Authors: Champagne K. , Spruell P. , Chen J. , Voll L. , Schlanser G. , Moulds M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Proteins G and A coated on agarose have been extensively used in affinity chromatography. Protein G will bind to all four subclasses of human IgG and protein A to the subclasses IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4. This IgG binding ability of protein G and protein A has been used in a red cell affinity column technology developed for the detection and identification of IgG red cell antibodies. When serum or plasma is incubated in a microcolumn with red blood cells (RBCs) that express the appropriate antigens, the antibodies become attached to the RBC surface. When the microcolumns are centrifuged, the RBCs pass through a viscous barrier into an active matrix containing proteins G and A. Positive tests adhere at the top of the gel and negative tests pass through, settling to the bottom. This study was undertaken to compare affinity column technology with low-ionic saline solution (LISS) tube tests in a reference laboratory setting. Over a 1-year period, 314 samples were tested in parallel by affinity column technology and by LISS tube technique. Both methods detected antibodies directed at common RBC antigens, high-incidence and low-incidence RBC antigens, and warm-reacting autoantibodies. IgM antibodies were not detected by affinity column technology. Affinity column technology compares favorably with the LISS tube technique for IgG antibody detection and identification.
Comparison of gel technology and red cell affinity column technology in antibody detection
Authors: Chanfong S.I , Hill S. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Both column (gel) agglutination technology and red cell affinity column technology (ReACT™) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for antibody detection and identification. Parallel studies using these two methods were performed on 100 samples to evaluate their sensitivity, advantages, and disadvantages. Sixteen significant antibodies, anti-D(2), -C(1), -E(1), -c(1), -C,D(1), -K(4), -S(1), -Fya(3), -Jka(1), and -Jkb(1), were found during the study. MTS-Gel detected one anti-D due to Rh immune globulin but missed one anti-Jka. ReACT missed one anti-D and one anti-Jkb. MTS-Gel detected one anti-I and one anti-H whereas ReACT detected two anti- H but not anti-I. No false positive reactions were found by either method. Sensitivity based on this study for MTS-Gel is 93.3% and ReACT is 86.7%. Advantages for MTS-Gel included the small volume needed for testing, and the reaction was stable for 48 hours; for ReACT, there was less spin time and no special pipette was needed. Disadvantages for MTS-Gel included the need for a special pipette and manual preparation of 0.8% RBC suspensions, and the disadvantages for ReACT included the small column for reaction reading and the reaction was stable for only 24 hours.
A comprehensive IgA service provided by a blood transfusion center
Authors: Munks R. , Booth J.R. , Sokol R.J 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
IgA is best known in transfusion practice for its deficiency when anti-IgA antibodies cause severe anaphylactic reactions. Following the realization that IgA deficient products were needed on demand, blood donors were routinely screened, initially by latex agglutination inhibition and subsequently by hemagglutination inhibition using an Olympus PK-7200™ blood grouping machine. IgA deficiency (<.0016 g/L) was found in 357 (with anti-IgA in 28%) of 301,310 donors, an incidence of 1 in 844. By screening new donors and directed call-up, group O, D-red blood cell (RBC) units are always in stock. During 1 year, the center supplied 79 units of RBCs and 64 units of fresh frozen plasma to a variety of patients with IgA deficiency, including three undergoing liver transplantation. The center also provides a reference service for IgA/anti-IgA status. The technique used (hemagglutination inhibition) has a sensitivity well below the threshold of standard quantitation methods. Samples were most commonly referred from departments investigating possible immunodeficiency and suspected transfusion reactions. Of 247 patients investigated, 122 had IgA deficiency, 43 with anti-IgA (of whom 5 had suffered a transfusion reaction). Donors and patients with anti-IgA were issued blood group cards warning that they should only receive IgA deficient products.