bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of the haematopoietic progenitor cell parameter in optimizing timing of peripheral blood stem cell harvest
Authors: Padmanabhan A. , Reich‐Slotky R. , Jhang J.S. , Dael S. , Crowder T. , Colovai A. I. , Schwartz J. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground and objectives Timing of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) harvest is typically based on quantification of peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ cells. CD34 enumeration is expensive, requires expertise and takes a minimum of 1–2 h to perform. The Sysmex XE2100 is an automated haematology analyser that can rapidly and inexpensively identify haematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) populations in PB. The aim of this study was to examine if HPC can be used to optimize timing of PBSC harvest.Materials and methods White blood cell (WBC), HPC and CD34 counts were determined in a total of 60 mobilized donors. Data were analysed to examine the utility of WBC and HPC counts in predicting preharvest CD34+ counts.Results In adults presenting for autologous collection, a PB HPC threshold of > 30/µl predicts a preharvest CD34+ count of > 20/µl with sensitivity of 86% and positive predictive value (PPV) of 100%. Among paediatric patients with a diagnosis of neuroblastoma, an HPC threshold of > 16/µl yielded sensitivity and PPV of 100%, while in children with other diagnoses, an HPC cut‐off of > 44/µl yielded sensitivity and PPV of 67% and 100%, respectively. Eighty per cent of adequately mobilized allogeneic donors were identified using an HPC threshold > 15/µl, with a PPV of 100%. PB WBC can also aid in predicting CD34 counts in most patient groups, albeit with lower sensitivity than HPC.Conclusion By virtue of being a sensitive and accurate predictor of preharvest CD34+ counts, our data support the use of the HPC parameter in optimizing the timing of PBSC harvest.
DNA array analysis for red blood cell antigens facilitates the transfusion support with antigen‐matched blood in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Ribeiro K. R. , Guarnieri M. H. , Da Costa D. C. , Costa F. F. , Pellegrino Jr J. , Castilho L. 
Published: April 2009

Background  Blood samples from patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) present to transfusion service with numerous antibodies, making the searching for compatible red blood cells (RBC) a challenge. To overcome this problem we developed an effective strategy to meet needs of supplying RBC‐compatible units to SCD patients using DNA arrays.Methods  We selected DNA samples from 144 SCD patients with multiple (receiving > 5 units) transfusions previously phenotyped for ABO, Rh(D, C, c, E, e), K1, Fya and Jka. We also selected DNA samples from 948 Brazilian blood donors whose ABO/RhD phenotype matched that of the patients. All samples were analysed by DNA array analysis (HEA BeadchipTM, Bioarray Solutions) to determine polymorphisms associated with antigen expression for 11 blood group systems (Rh, Kell, Kidd, Duffy, MNS, Dombrock, Lutheran, Landsteiner‐Wiener, Diego, Colton, Scianna); and one mutation associated with haemoglobinopathies.Results  Based on genotype results we were able to predict phenotype‐compatible donors needed in order to provide compatible units to this group of patients. Based on their ABO/Rh phenotype we were able to find in this pool of donors compatible units for 134 SCD patients.Conclusion  Blood group genotyping by DNA array contributes to the management of transfusions in SCD patients by facilitating the transfusion support with antigen‐matched blood. It has the potential to improve the life of thousands of SCD‐transfused patients by reducing mortality due to transfusion reactions and immunization.
Not every PRP‐gel is born equal Evaluation of growth factor availability for tissues through four PRP‐gel preparations: Fibrinet®, RegenPRP‐Kit®, Plateltex® and one manual procedure
Authors: Mazzucco L. , Balbo V. , Cattana E. , Guaschino R. , Borzini P. 
Published: April 2009

Background  The rationale for using topical platelet gel therapy is to provide the healing tissues with concentrated platelet‐derived factors. Several systems are available to prepare platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and from these, the platelet gel. These systems produce two‐ to six‐fold platelet and growth factor‐enriched concentrations. The bioavailability of growth factors in tissue healing depends on the amount of growth factors stored in platelets but a portion of these is lost during platelet manipulation. Very few data have been reported on the kinetics of growth factor release from PRP‐gels. The aim of this study is to assess the growth factor recovery and its bioavailability to tissues in four different PRP and PRP‐gel preparation techniques.Materials and methods  Three commercially available devices (Fibrinet®, RegenPRP‐Kit®, Plateltex®) and one manual procedure (home made, HM) were evaluated with reference to resulting platelet concentration, growth factor content and the kinetics of growth factor release from gel.Results  Platelet concentration increased from 1·65‐ to 4·4‐fold in comparison with whole blood initially used. The final platelet concentration (× 103/µl) was: Fibrinet 1358 ± 419, Regen 430 ± 109, HM 1196 ± 188, and Plateltex 1160 ± 164. A high variation (5‐ to 27‐fold) was found in growth factor concentration in relation to the method used and also a high variation in the kinetics of growth factor release from gels.Conclusions  Similar methods for platelet gel preparation revealed different performances concerning growth factor recovery and the kinetics of its release from the gel. It is unclear whether these noticeable differences are important for clinical management.
Platelet concentrates produced from whole blood using the Atreus processing system
Authors: Thomas S. , Beard M. , Garwood M. , Callaert M. , Cardigan R. 
Published: April 2009

Background  The Atreus 2C+ system automates whole blood (WB) processing into a red cell concentrate, plasma and buffy coat (BC) suitable for platelet concentrate (PC) manufacture. This study compared the quality of PC made from BC using the Atreus, with those made by a manual method.Study design and methods  WB was collected into Atreus disposables or standard bottom and top processing packs and held without active cooling for 26 h at 22 ± 2°C before processing, either with the Atreus, or using a centrifuge and press. BC were rested for 3 h and then 4 BC were pooled with one unit of plasma, mixed, centrifuged and pressed to make a pooled PC. The PC were analysed for quality markers to day 9 of storage.Results  Platelet quality was good in both Atreus 2C+ derived PC and control units throughout storage. Metabolic markers (pH, ATP and HSR) and activation markers (CD62P, sCD62P, annexin V binding, microparticles, GP IIb/IIIa) did not differ between the Atreus and control units. Atreus‐derived PC had significantly lower platelet yields (302 ± 59 × 109 platelets/unit; mean ± standard deviation, n = 8) than control PC (411 ± 76 × 109 platelets/unit; P < 0·01), but met the UK guidelines for platelet yieldConclusion  From these in vitro data, PC produced from buffy coats prepared using the Atreus appear suitable for clinical use, and WB may be held at ambient temperature overnight without the use of active cooling devices. Optimizing the secondary processing conditions to handle Atreus 2C+ derived BC may increase the platelet yield.
Biochemical quality of the pharmaceutically licensed plasma OctaplasLG® after implementation of a novel prion protein (PrPSc) removal technology and reduction of the solvent/detergent (S/D) process time
Authors: Heger A. , Svae T.‐E. , Neisser‐Svae A. , Jordan S. , Behizad M. , Römisch J. 
Published: April 2009

Background and Objectives  A new chromatographic step for the selective binding of pathological prion proteins (PrPSc) to an affinity ligand, developed and optimized for PrPSc capture and attached to synthetic resin particles (PRDT, USA; ProMetic BioSciences Ltd, Isle of Man, UK) was implemented into the manufacturing process of the solvent/detergent (S/D) treated biopharmaceutical quality plasma Octaplas®.Materials and Methods  Pilot batches of Octaplas® with the implemented chromatographic step [labelled as OctaplasLG® (ligand gel)] were manufactured by Octapharma PPGmbH, Vienna, Austria. The biochemical quality was compared directly after manufacturing as well as after 18 months storage. All samples were tested on global coagulation parameters, fibrinogen levels, activities of coagulation factors and protease inhibitors, ADAMTS13 levels, as well as markers of activated coagulation and fibrinolysis. In addition, von Willebrand factor multimeric analysis was performed.Results The incorporation of this novel chromatography into the large‐scale routine manufacturing process was shown to be technically feasible and the performance of the column was assessed to be excellent. The biochemical studies showed that Octaplas® and OctaplasLG® produced without and with the new column, respectively, demonstrate an identical biochemical quality. OctaplasLG® remained stable over a period of 18 months stored frozen. A parallel reduction of the S/D virus inactivation step from 4–4·5 to 1–1·5 h led to significantly higher activities of plasmin inhibitor.Conclusion The studies confirmed that the affinity ligand chromatography under the developed conditions can be introduced into the Octaplas® manufacturing process, as a mean to reduce potentially present PrPSc, without hampering the proven quality of this product.
Genetic Diversity of Iranian AG1‐IA Isolates ofRhizoctonia solani, the Cause of Rice Sheath Blight, Using Morphological and Molecular Markers
Authors: Khodayari Mahdiyeh , Safaie Naser , Shamsbakhsh Masoud 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe cause of rice sheath blight,Rhizoctonia solaniAG1‐IA (teleomorph:Thanatephorus cucumeris), is one of the most important rice pathogensworldwide including Iran. Due to the importance of the disease and lack of knowledge on the genetic diversity of this pathogen in Iran, 25 out of 47 isolates ofR. solanicollected from rice paddies in northern (mostly Guilan province) Iran were examined for anastomosis grouping, colony morphology, growth rate and genetic diversity. Based on growth rate data analysis, isolates were categorized into two distinct groups with low and high growth rate. The anastomosis group of the isolates was determined using microscopic hyphal fusion examination with standard the AG1‐IA tester and confirmed using AG1‐IA‐specific primers in 10 selected isolates in which a single band of 265 bp was amplified. Genetic diversity was estimated among 25 isolates using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and enterobacterial repetitive consensus (ERIC) analysis. DNA bands of four ISSR and a pair of ERIC primers ranged from 0.25 to 3 Kb in all isolates. Cluster analysis of the resulting data were performed using the Unweighted Pair‐Group Method with Arithmetic Average method, Jaccard`s coefficient and NTSYS‐pc software. The resulting dendrogram categorized the isolates into two groups with low and high growth rates at the 36% similarity level. At 80% similarity level, the isolates were categorized into 24 groups, which indicated a high genetic diversity of rice sheath blight fungus as revealed by ISSR and ERIC primers. Whereas the results of molecular analysis showed the correlation between isolates sclerotial size and growth rates, there was no correlation between genetic diversity, pathogenicity and geographical origins of isolates. While the results of molecular analysis categorized isolates into two distinct groups, which were superimposed on two groups of low and high growth rate isolates, no correlation was observed between genetic diversity, pathogenicity and geographical origins of isolates.
Vegetative Compatibility Groups in Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris and F. oxysporum Non‐pathogenic to Chickpea
Authors: Nogales Moncada Ana M. , Jiménez Díaz Rafael M. , Pérez Artés Encarnación 
Published: April 2009

AbstractForty‐seven isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.ciceris, representative of the different pathogenic races and originating from California, India, Tunisia and Spain, and twenty‐five non‐pathogenic F. oxysporum isolates obtained from chickpea roots in Algeria, Italy, Morocco, Pakistan and Spain, were analyzed for vegetative compatibility. Only one vegetative compatibility group (VCG) was found among the 47 isolates of F. oxysporum f.sp. ciceris, although some isolates failed to complement with one or more isolates in this VCG. Among the twenty five non‐pathogenic isolates, we found three multi‐member VCG, each group containing two to five isolates. Pathogenic and non‐pathogenic isolates complemented sporadically. Most of the non‐pathogenic isolates were compatible with a yellowing‐type low virulent F. oxysporum f.sp. ciceris isolate (Foc USA 3/1 JG), thus suggesting the possibility of the existence of transition isolates between pathogenic and non‐pathogenic populations. Heterokaryon formation between compatible isolates was shown by both pathogenicity and molecular tests. The virulence pattern displayed by the heterokaryons indicated the presence of genetic factors controlling pathogenicity from both parental races. RAPD‐PCR analysis of total DNA of the heterokaryon also showed the presence of the two genomes in it. The existence of a single VCG in the F. oxysporum f.sp. ciceris population support the hypothesis of its monophyletic origin.
Characterization of Phytoplasmas Associated With Almond Diseases in Iran
Authors: Zirak L. , Bahar M. , Ahoonmanesh A. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIn recent years, almond witches’‐broom disease has been prevalent in almond growing areas in the centre and south of Iran. Furthermore, almond trees showing different symptoms of phytoplasma diseases such as little leaf, leaf rolling, dieback of branches, rosette and yellowing were observed in the central regions of Iran. DNA isolated from symptomatic almond trees was used to amplify 16S rDNA and 16S‐23S rDNA intergenic spacer (IS) fragments by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using phytoplasma universal primer pairs (P1/P7, R16F2/R2, PA2F/R and NPA2F/R). Phytoplasmas were detected in symptomatic almonds in two major almond‐growing regions, Isfahan and ChaharMahal‐O‐Bakhtiari. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses of nested PCR products using endonuclease enzymes HpaII and TaqI revealed that phytoplasmas associated with infected almonds are genetically different. Sequence analyses of amplified fragments of 16S rDNA and IS region indicated that the almond phytoplasmas in Iran are closely related to ‘Candidatus (Ca.) Phytoplasma aurantifolia’, ‘Ca. Phytoplasma phoenicium’, ‘Ca. Phytoplasma solani’ and ‘Ca. Phytoplasma trifolii’. The phytoplasmas related to ‘Ca. Phytoplasma aurantifolia’ were more prevalent than other phytoplasmas in the central regions of Iran.
Application of ISSRs for cultivar identification and assessment of genetic relationships in rose
Authors: Crespel L. , Pernet A. , Le Bris M. , Gudin S. , Oyant L. Hibrand Saint 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) technique was evaluated for its applicability to cultivar identification and assessment of genetic relationships in rose. Nine ISSR primers that revealed informative patterns were selected to fingerprint (by Resophor agarose gel electrophoresis) 33 cultivars, including unrelated cultivars, sports and offspring obtained by sexual propagation from the same initial variety. A total of 159 fragments were generated using these nine primers, 149 of which (93.7%) were polymorphic. All 33 rose cultivars, except for the known colour sports, were differentiated. A Jaccard’s dissimilarity coefficient matrix of the cultivars showed a low dissimilarity level between them (mean dissimilarity: 0.45). An unweighted pair group method with the arithmetic averages dendrogram and principal coordinates analysis separated them into four main groups according to their horticultural classification and pedigree. The ISSR technique is therefore a potentially useful tool for cultivar identification and assessing genetic relationships in rose because it is simple, fast, cost‐effective, reliable and highly discriminating.
Sclerosing haemangioma with lymph node metastasis
Authors: CHIEN Nai‐Chuan , LIN Chih‐Wen , TZENG Jeh‐En 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTSclerosing haemangioma (SH) of the lung is an intrapulmonary tumour composed of polygonal and cuboidal cells arranged in a heterogeneous pattern. SH is generally regarded as benign or very low‐grade; only rarely have cases of lymph node metastasis been reported. We report a case of SH with metastasis to the regional lymph nodes in an 18‐year‐old male, whose left lung tumour was identified incidentally on routine CXR. The left upper lobe was removed and the regional lymph nodes dissected. The tumour consisted of proliferative cuboidal and polygonal cells arranged in a papillary pattern within the sclerotic stroma. Subcapsular metastasis was observed in a lymph node. SH with lymph node metastasis was diagnosed. The patient was disease‐free at follow up after 2 years. Lobectomy with nodal dissection is suggested for the treatment of pulmonary SH, especially in the case of large tumours with enlargement of regional lymph nodes. Investigation of more cases and long‐term follow up are necessary to assess the clinical significance of lymph node metastasis.
Association between cholesterols, homocysteine and silent brain infarcts
Authors: Öncel Ç. , Demir S. , Güler S. , Cenikli U. , Tabak E. , Kıroğlu Y. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground:  The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between total plasma homocysteine, cholesterol levels, vitamin B12, folate, thyroid hormones, urea, ferritin, uric acid, C‐reactive protein, cardiovascular risk factors and silent brain infarct (SBI) in patients without any neurological disorder. Whether the factors of interest were associated with SBI is investigated.Methods:  One hundred and forty‐two subjects with a mean age of 52.1 ± 13.1 years (21–87 years) without any history of stroke, transient ischaemic attack and neurological abnormality were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. The subjects underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and blood chemistry determinations. Student’s t‐test was used to compare differences in means of laboratory results between the groups with and without SBI. The χ2‐test was used for categorized variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of SBI.Results:  The group comprised 56 men and 86 women. SBI were found in 40 patients (28%). The low‐density lipoprotein levels were significantly higher in the infarct group (P = 0.019), homocysteine concentrations were significantly higher in the men‐infarct group (P = 0,029) and total cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the women‐infarct group than the women non‐infarct group (P = 0.006).Conclusion:  Serum low‐density lipoprotein, total cholesterol and homocysteine levels were associated with SBI.
Barriers to the implementation of evidence in osteoporosis treatment in hip fracture
Authors: Levinson M. R. , Clay F. J. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAn audit at a private tertiary hospital showed low rates of assessment and treatment of osteoporosis in minimal trauma patients of hip fracture. A survey sent to all doctors involved in hip fracture care to establish medical beliefs about effective management of osteoporosis in minimal trauma hip fracture patients showed a lack of ownership for investigation and beliefs influencing treatment choices. Understanding the barriers to the translation of evidence into practice is vital to improve patient care.
Use of premedication for intubation in tertiary neonatal units in the United Kingdom
Authors: CHAUDHARY RAJIV , CHONAT SATHEESH , GOWDA HARSHA , CLARKE PAUL , CURLEY ANNA 
Published: April 2009

SummaryBackground:  Endotracheal intubation and laryngoscopy are frequently performed procedures in neonatal intensive care. These procedures represent profoundly painful stimuli and have been associated with laryngospasm, bronchospasm, hemodynamic changes, raised intracranial pressure and an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage. These adverse changes can cause significant neonatal morbidity but may be attenuated by the use of suitable premedication.Aims:  To evaluate current practices for premedication use prior to elective intubation in UK tertiary neonatal units.Methods:  Telephone questionnaire survey of all 50 tertiary neonatal units in the UK.Results:  Ninety percent of units report the routine use of sedation prior to intubation and 82% of units routinely use a muscle relaxant. Morphine was the most commonly used sedative and suxamethonium was the most commonly used muscle relaxant. Approximately half of the units also used atropine during intubation. Seventy seven percent of units had a written policy for premedication. Ten percent of the units did not routinely use any sedatives or muscle relaxants for elective intubation.Conclusions:  In comparison with data from a 1998 survey, our study demonstrated an increase in the number of units that have adopted a written policy for premedication use, and in the number routinely using premedication drugs for elective intubation. There remains little consensus as to which drugs should be used and in what dose.
The new air‐QTM intubating laryngeal airway for tracheal intubation in children with anticipated difficult airway: a case series
Authors: JAGANNATHAN NARASIMHAN , ROTH ANDREW G. , SOHN LISA E. , PAK THOMAS Y. , AMIN SAPAN , SURESH SANTHANAM 
Published: April 2009

SummaryThe air‐Q intubating laryngeal airway (ILA) is a new supraglottic airway device which may overcome some limitations inherent to the classic laryngeal mask airway for tracheal intubation. We present a case series of patients with anticipated difficult airway in whom the air‐Q ILA was successfully used as a conduit for fiberoptic intubation.
Does elevated testosterone result in increased exposure and transmission of parasites?
Authors: Grear Daniel A. , Perkins Sarah E. , Hudson Peter J. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractMale‐biased infection is a common phenomenon in vertebrate‐parasite systems and male‐biased transmission has been experimentally demonstrated. One mechanism that is hypothesized to create male‐biased transmission is the immuno‐suppressive effect of testosterone because it increases susceptibility to infection. Testosterone also influences host behaviour and, consequently, may increase exposure to parasites. To test how testosterone could increase exposure and transmission, we undertook a longitudinal mark‐recapture study where we experimentally elevated testosterone levels in wild male rodents. Individuals in control populations reduced the average number of contacts over the treatment period, while populations with experimentally elevated testosterone levels maintained the number of contacts between hosts. As a result, the transmission potential was higher in testosterone treated populations compared to controls. Our results indicated that males with high‐testosterone levels alter the population‐level contacts, producing different social networks and increasing transmission potential compared to those where testosterone is at background levels.