bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of CD26 protease activity in recipient mice during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation results in improved transplant efficiency
Authors: Yoo Eunsun , Paganessi Laura A. , Alikhan Wasfia A. , Paganessi Elizabeth A. , Hughes Frank , Fung Henry C. , Rich Elizabeth , Seong Chu Myong , Christopherson 2nd Kent W. 
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: A firm understanding of the biology of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSC/HPC) trafficking is critical to improve transplant efficiency and immune reconstitution during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Our earlier findings suggested that suppression of CD26 (dipeptidyl peptidase IV) proteolytic activity in the donor cell population can be utilized as a method for increasing transplant efficiency. However, factors in the recipient should not be overlooked, given the potential for the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment to regulate HSCT.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We first evaluated CD26 expression and then investigated the effects of the CD26 inhibitor diprotin A and the absence of CD26 (CD26−/−) in recipient mice on HSC/HPC homing and engraftment using an in vivo congenic mouse model of HSCT.RESULTS: A significant increase in donor cell engraftment into the peripheral blood (PB), and to a lesser extent homing into the BM, was observed in CD26−/− mice or CD26 inhibitor–treated mice. Increased PB engraftment of CD26−/− mice was significant at 3 and 6 months, but not 1 month, after transplant. It was noted that the increased homing was statistically greater with donor cell manipulation (CD26−/− donor cells) than with recipient manipulation (CD26−/− recipient mice). Conversely, donor and recipient manipulation both worked well to increase PB engraftment at 6 months.CONCLUSION: These results provide preclinical evidence of CD26, in the HSCT recipient, as a major regulator of HSC/HPC engraftment with minor effects on HSC/HPC homing and suggest the potential use of CD26 inhibitors in HSCT patients to improve transplant efficiency.
The clinical significance of platelet counts in the first 24 hours after severe injury
Authors: Stansbury Lynn G. , Hess Aaron S. , Thompson Kwaku , Kramer Betsy , Scalea Thomas M. , Hess John R. 
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Admission platelet (PLT) counts are known to be associated with all‐cause mortality for seriously injured patients admitted to a trauma center. The course of subsequent PLT counts, their implications, and the effects of PLT therapy are less well known.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Trauma center patients who were directly admitted from the scene of injury, received 1 or more units of uncrossmatched red blood cells in the first hour of care, survived for at least 15 minutes, and had a PLT count measured in the first hour were analyzed for the association of their admission and subsequent PLT counts in the first 24 hours with injury severity and hemorrhagic and central nervous system (CNS) causes of in‐hospital mortality.RESULTS: Over an 8.25‐year period, 1292 of 45,849 direct trauma admissions met entry criteria. Admission PLT counts averaged 228 × 109 ± 90 × 109/L and decreased by 104 × 109/L by the second hour and 1 × 109/L each hour thereafter. The admission count was not related to time to admission. Each 1‐point increase in the injury severity score was associated with a 1 × 109/L decrease in the PLT count at all times in the first 24 hours of care. Admission PLT counts were strongly associated with hemorrhagic and CNS injury mortality and subsequent PLT counts. Effects of PLT therapy could not be ascertained.DISCUSSION: Admission PLT counts in critically injured trauma patients are usually normal, decreasing after admission. Low PLT counts at admission and during the course of trauma care are strongly associated with mortality.
Transfusion‐related biologic effects and free hemoglobin, heme, and iron
Authors: Ozment Caroline P. , Mamo Lisa B. , Campbell Mary Lee , Lokhnygina Yuliya , Ghio Andrew J. , Turi Jennifer L. 
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is common in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and is associated with complications that appear related to the duration of blood storage. We hypothesize that hemolysis of stored RBCs results in increases in the availability of non–heme‐bound iron, which inhibits macrophage activation.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: RBCs were sampled at multiple time points to evaluate hemolysis and iron release. Activation of THP‐1 monocytic cells was assessed in the presence of plasma from aged RBCs. Age of transfused blood in our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) from 2001 to 2006 was analyzed to assess relevance to our patient population.RESULTS: Hemolysis increased significantly during storage time as demonstrated by increases in free heme and hemoglobin. While there was a trend toward elevated levels of non–heme‐bound iron, this was not significant (p = 0.07). THP‐1 cell activation was inhibited by exposures to both plasma and a ferric compound; the effect of plasma on macrophage activation was not reversed by the iron chelator desferroxamine. Thirty‐one percent of our PICU patients received blood older than 2 weeks.CONCLUSION: Hemolysis products increased significantly over time in our stored RBCs. Ferric compounds and plasma from stored blood inhibit THP‐1 cell activation. Plasma inhibition does not appear to be due primarily to increased iron. Further studies are needed to define the inhibitory effect of stored blood plasma on macrophage function. Complications related to blood storage are relevant to our PICU patients.
Maintenance of storage properties of pediatric aliquots of apheresis platelets in fluoroethylene propylene containers
Authors: Skripchenko Andrey , Myrup Andrew , Thompson‐Montgomery Dedeene , Awatefe Helen , Wagner Stephen J. 
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Platelet (PLT) aliquots for pediatric use have been shown to retain in vitro properties when stored in gas‐impermeable syringes for up to 6 hours. As an alternative, PLT aliquots can be stored for longer periods in containers used for storage of whole blood–derived PLTs. These containers are not available separate from whole blood collection sets and PLT volumes less than 35 mL either have not been evaluated or may be unsuitable for PLT storage. Gas‐permeable fluoroethylene propylene (FEP) containers have been used in the storage of cell therapy preparations and are available in multiple sizes as single containers but have not been evaluated for PLT storage.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A single apheresis unit was divided on Day 3 into small aliquots with volume ranging from 20 to 60 mL, transferred using a sterile connection device, and stored for an additional 2 days either in CLX (control) or in FEP containers. PLT storage properties of PLTs stored in FEP containers were compared to those stored in CLX containers. Standard PLT in vitro assays were performed (n = 6).RESULTS: PLT storage properties were either similar to those of CLX containers or differed by less than 20% excepting carbon dioxide levels, which varied less than 60%.CONCLUSION: Pediatric PLT aliquots of 20, 30, and 60 mL transferred on Day 3 into FEP cell culture containers adequately maintain PLT properties for an additional 2 days of storage.
In vitro and in vivo quality of leukoreduced apheresis platelets stored in a new platelet additive solution
Authors: Dumont Larry J. , Cancelas Jose A. , Graminske Sharon , Friedman Kenneth D. , Vassallo Ralph R. , Whitley Pamela H. , Rugg Neeta , Dumont Deborah F. , Herschel Louise , Siegal Alan H. , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. , Fender Logan , Razatos Anna 
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Platelets (PLTs) stored in additive solutions (PASs) may reduce the risk of several plasma‐associated adverse transfusion reactions such as allergic reactions and potentially transfusion‐associated lung injury. The objective of this study was to determine the in vitro characteristics and the in vivo radiolabeled recovery and survival of apheresis PLTs (APs) stored in a new PAS and compare the latter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criteria.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Hyperconcentrated APs were collected from healthy subjects in a paired crossover study comparing PAS (35% plasma) and 100% plasma‐stored APs (Part 1) up to 7 days and, in Part 2, to determine the in vivo recovery and survival of PAS stored AP at 5 days compared to fresh PLT controls. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed following standard methods.RESULTS: Sixty‐six and 25 evaluable subjects successfully completed Parts 1 and 2, respectively. pH for PAS AP was maintained above 6.6 for 5 days of storage. P‐selectin values were consistent with published values for commonly transfused PLT products. The PAS in vivo PLT recovery (54.3 ± 8.1%) was 86.7% of the fresh control, and survival (6.4 ± 1.3 days) was 78.0% of the fresh control, both meeting the FDA performance criteria.CONCLUSION: APs stored in PAS with 35% plasma carryover maintained pH over 5 days of storage and met current FDA criteria for radiolabeled recovery and survival. The use of PAS for storage of single‐donor PLTs in clinical practice represents an acceptable transfusion product that reduces the volume of plasma associated with PLT transfusion.
Impact on storage quality of red blood cells and platelets by ultrahigh‐frequency radiofrequency identification tags
Authors: Wang Quan‐Li , Wang Xiao‐Wei , Zhuo Hai‐Long , Shao Chun‐Yan , Wang Jie , Wang Hai‐Ping 
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Compared to ISBT128 code labels, radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags have incomparable advantages and gradually applied in blood management system. However, there is no global standard for the uses of RFID frequency. Even though ISBT recommended high‐frequency RFID with 13.56 MHz, 820‐ to 960‐MHz ultrahigh frequency (UHF) RFID technology in many ways has even more advantages. For this reason, we studied the effect of UHF RFID tags with 820‐ to 960‐MHz exposure on storage quality of red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets (PLTs).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty units of collected and prepared suspended RBCs (sRBCs) and PLTs were divided into two bags, one each for the test and control groups. The sRBCs were stored in 4 ± 2°C refrigerator and the PLTs in a 22 ± 2°C rocking box. The test groups were exposed to RF reader continuously during storage. Sampling at different time points and biologic changes were tested.RESULTS: As the extension of storage and the pH and chlorine levels in the supernatant of sRBCs were reduced, free hemoglobin, potassium, and sodium increased, but were not significant between test and control groups (p > 0.05). During the storage period, the pH levels, PLT count, and PLT aggregation rate were decreased in both test and control groups, but were not significant (p > 0.05).CONCLUSION: When exposed to 820‐ to 960‐MHz RF, the biologic and biochemical indexes are not found to be exacerbated during 35 days of storage for sRBCs and 5 days for PLTs, respectively.
A Savings Plan With Targeted Contributions
Authors: Owadally Iqbal , Haberman Steven , Gómez Hernández Denise 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTWe consider a simple savings problem where contributions are made to a fund and invested to meet a future liability. The conventional approach is to estimate future investment return and calculate a fixed contribution to be paid regularly by the saver. We propose a flexible plan where contributions are systematically adjusted and targeted. We show by means of stochastic simulations that this plan has a reduced risk of a shortfall and is relatively insensitive to errors in the planner's estimate of future returns. Sensitivity analyses in terms of parameter values, stochastic return models and investment horizons are also performed.
Corporate Insurance With Safety Loadings: A Note
Authors: Arnold Lutz G. , Hartl Johannes 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTIn a article in this journal, Schnabel and Roumi () assert that if uninsured debt is risky, a levered firm takes a casualty insurance with a positive safety loading if, and only if, the amount of debt is sufficiently high. This note shows that in marked contrast to this assertion, the correct conclusion from their model is that the firm generally takes insurance for low levels of risky debt, and it depends on the magnitude of the loading whether it also takes insurance for high levels of debt.
An Investigation of Model Forensic Bone in Soil Environments Studied Using Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Howes Johanna M. , Stuart Barbara H. , Thomas Paul S. , Raja Sophil , O'Brien Christopher 
Published: August 2012

AbstractInfrared spectroscopy has been used to examine changes to bone chemistry as a result of soil burial. Pig carcasses were buried as part of a controlled field study, and pig bone was used in soil environments established in the laboratory. The variables of species type, bone pretreatment, soil type and pH, moisture content, temperature, and burial time were investigated. The crystallinity index (CI) and the organic and carbonate contents of the bones were monitored. The data revealed decreasing trends in the organic and carbonate contents and an increase in the CI of the bone with burial time. An acidic soil environment and soil type are the factors that have the most influence on bone chemistry as a result of burial. The study demonstrates the potential of infrared spectroscopy as a straightforward method of monitoring the changes associated with aging of bones in a variety of soil environments.
LSD and 9,10‐dihydro‐LSD Analyses in Street Drug Blotter Samples via Easy Ambient Sonic‐Spray Ionization MassSpectrometry (EASI‐MS)
Authors: Romão Wanderson , Sabino Bruno D. , Bueno Maria Izabel M.S. , Vaz Boniek G. , Júnior Amadeu C. , Maldaner Adriano O. , de Castro Eustáquio V.R. , Lordeiro Rogério A. , Nascentes Clésia C. , Eberlin Marcos N. , Augusti Rodinei 
Published: August 2012

AbstractNormally, the identification of the LSD drug is performed by forensic laboratories, using the Ehrlich spot test. However, this is a nonspecific analysis. Additionally, the Brazilian Federal Police has identified the presence of a new compound in seized blotters: 9,10‐dihydro‐LSD, an uncontrolled substance. In this work, easy ambient sonic‐spray ionization mass spectrometry in the positive ion mode, EASI(+)‐MS, was used to characterize LSD and 9,10‐dihydro‐LSD compositions directly from the surface of blotters. The presence of LSD in the seized blotter samples were also confirmed via high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector. In a set of 41 blotters analyzed by EASI(+)‐MS, 28 showed positive results for LSD, seven for 9,10‐dihydro‐LSD, and another six samples showed negative results for both LSD and 9,10‐dihydro‐LSD. The combination of thin layer chromatography with EASI‐MS also demonstrated to be a relatively simple and powerful screening tool for forensic analysis of street drugs.
The Identification of Chlorinated Acetones in Analyses of Aged Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP)
Authors: Fitzgerald Mark , Bilusich Daniel 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe organic peroxide explosive triacetone triperoxide (TATP) is regularly encountered by law enforcement agents in various stages of its production, storage, or usage. In a previous study, it has been demonstrated that isolated, rigorously purified, TATP may degrade to form a series of chlorinated acetones when directly treated with excess concentrated hydrochloric acid. The current study extends this work to examine whether this phenomenon may be measured during the more feasible scenario of aging of rudimentarily purified TATP contaminated with trace reaction mixture. It was demonstrated that solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses of aged TATP that was synthesized utilizing hydrochloric acid catalyst may identify the presence of the degradation products chloroacetone and 1,1‐dichloroacetone. Upon aging of TATP synthesized utilizing either sulfuric or nitric acid catalyst, no acid specific degradation products could be identified. These findings may be exploited by forensic chemists in the analyses of TATP samples.
Production technology option value: the case of rbST in Michigan
Authors: Olynk Nicole J. , Wolf Christopher A. , Tonsor Glynn T. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAgricultural producers are increasingly required to adjust production practices to satisfy retailer, and ultimately consumer, preferences. This article highlights the option value that underlies decisions related to production technologies using the case of Michigan dairy farmers and recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST). Welfare impacts were calculated for dairy producers when milk production systems which allowed the use of rbST were eliminated from the producer choice set. Those dairy producers using rbST just before its elimination realized a higher welfare loss than those not using the technology. However, significant welfare impacts were found for all dairy producers indicating that all producers valued the option to use this production technology.
Do stronger intellectual property rights promote seed exchange: evidence from U.S. seed exports?
Authors: Galushko Viktoriya 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWith increased private investment in crop breeding research in the developed world, intellectual property rights have gained importance in seed sector. Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)‐plus provisions included in recent free trade agreements between the developed and developing countries show a tendency of the developed world to impose their high standards for protection of plant intellectual property on the developing world. While stronger intellectual property rights can increase international exchange in seed, market power effect can lead to a reduction in exports of seed to foreign markets. This article estimates the impact of intellectual property rights on U.S. seed exports. The estimation is performed at a crop level using Heckman selection model. The results reveal that the impact of intellectual property rights varies across different types of crops—open‐pollinated, genetically modified, and hybrid crops. While TRIPS provisions are important to facilitate transfer of genetically modified crops, they play a minor role for open‐pollinated and hybrid crops. The results also show that plant breeders’ rights envisioned by the UPOV system can be important to promote seed exchange when proper mechanisms are put in place to enforce these rights.
Attitudes of general dental practitioners towards implant dentistry in an environment with widespread provision of implant therapy
Authors: Lang‐Hua Bich Hue , Lang Niklaus P. , Lo Edward C. M. , McGrath Colman P. J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo determine attitudes of general dental practitioners in a community where provision dental implants is a well‐known treatment modality; and to identify variations in the attitudes with respect to dentists' factors, training factors and implant provision factors.MethodsA questionnaire survey to a random sample of registered dentists In Hong Kong was performed. Attitudes towards implant dentistry with respect to (i) perceived superiority of implant therapy, (ii) perceived outcomes of dental implant therapy, (iii) perceived complications & maintenance issues and (iv) placement issues were ascertained. In addition, information was collected on dentists' factors, training factors and implant provision factors. Variations in attitudes towards implant dentistry were explored in bivariate and regression analyses.ResultsAmong eligible practitioners (n = 246), the response rate was 46.3%. Dentists perceived implants to be superior to conventional prostheses for the replacement of a single missing posterior tooth (80%, 67) and likewise, for the replacement of a single missing anterior tooth (67%, 67), P < 0.05. Variations in attitudes with respect to attitudes exists with respect to dentists' factors (years in practice [P < 0.05]), place of graduation (P < 0.05); implant trainings factors (“hand‐on” training [P < 0.05]); number of days of training (P < 0.05) and implant experience factors (Number of patients treated [P < 0.05]) and number of implants placed (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn a community where provision of dental implants is widespread among its General Dental Practitioners (GDPs), their attitudes are not wholly in line with evidence‐based knowledge. Variations in their attitudes existed with respect to dentist factors, training and experience issues.
Influence of surface properties of resin‐based composites on in vitro Streptococcus mutans biofilm development
Authors: Ionescu Andrei , Wutscher Elisabeth , Brambilla Eugenio , Schneider‐Feyrer Sibylle , Giessibl Franz J. , Hahnel Sebastian 
Published: August 2012

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of physicochemical surface properties of resin‐based composites on Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation. Specimens were prepared from each of four resin‐based composites by polymerization against Mylar strips. Half of the number of specimens received no further surface treatment, whereas the other half were subjected to a polishing treatment. Surface roughness (SR) and topography were assessed using profilometry and atomic force microscopy. Surface free‐energy (SFE) was determined, and the chemical surface composition was analysed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). S. mutans biofilms were formed on the surface of the resin‐based composite specimens for either 48 or 96 h using an artificial mouth system (AMS). Polishing caused a significant decrease in SFE, and XPS analysis indicated an increase of surface silicon and a decrease of surface carbon. Only for Grandio was a significant increase in SR identified after polishing, which was probably related to the higher concentration of filler particles on its surface. Significantly less S. mutans biofilm formation was observed on polished resin‐based composites than on unpolished resin‐based composites. These results indicate that the proportions of resin matrix and filler particles on the surface of resin‐based composites strongly influence S. mutans biofilm formation in vitro, suggesting that minimization of resin matrix exposure might be useful to reduce biofilm formation on the surface of resin‐based composites.
Fluoridated toothpaste: usage and ingestion of fluoride by 4‐ to 6‐yr‐old children in England
Authors: Zohoori Fatemeh V. , Duckworth Ralph M. , Omid Narges , O'Hare William T. , Maguire Anne 
Published: August 2012

Fluoridated toothpaste is effective for dental caries control, yet may be a risk factor for dental fluorosis. This study aimed to quantify fluoride ingestion from toothpaste by children and to investigate the effects of age, gender, and social class on the amount of fluoride ingested per toothbrushing session. Sixty‐one children, 4–6 yr of age, were recruited: 38 were from low socio‐economic (LSE) areas of Newcastle, UK, and 23 were from high socio‐economic (HSE) areas of Newcastle, UK. All expectorated saliva, rinse water (if used), and residual toothpaste were collected after brushing at home and were analysed for fluoride. Of the children, 74% and 69% from HSE and LSE areas, respectively, claimed that they brushed twice per day. The mean (SD) weight of toothpaste dispensed was 0.67 (0.36) g. The mean (SD) amount of fluoride ingested per toothbrushing session and per day was 17.0 (14.7) and 29.3 (32.8) μg kg−1 of body weight, respectively. Daily fluoride intake per kilogram of body weight did not differ significantly between children from LSE and HSE areas. Fluoride intake per toothbrushing session was significantly influenced by weight of toothpaste, its fluoride concentration, and the child's age. Whilst the average amount of toothpaste used per toothbrushing session was more than twice the recommended amount (of 0.25 g), only one child had a daily fluoride intake that exceeded the tolerable upper intake level of 0.1 mg kg−1 of body weight for this age group.