bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracellular DNA in cord blood plasma and applications in cord blood banking for sample identification
Authors: Albano Maria S. , Scaradavou Andromachi , Stevens Cladd E. , Rubinstein Pablo 
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: Human cord blood (CB) units donated for transplantation require testing for various markers in blood and plasma aliquots. Although the identity link between the CB unit and the labeled aliquots with the same identifiers can be confirmed by HLA‐DNA assays, these methods have not been used for CB plasma. We have previously reported that viral DNA sequences are present in the CB plasma of carrier babies and now hypothesize that human genomic DNA may also be present in CB plasma.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The aim of the study was to determine whether human genomic DNA is also present in CB plasma in quality and quantity able to support human genetic identification by short tandem repeat analysis (STR).RESULTS: The presence of extracellular DNA (EC‐DNA) in CB and adult peripheral blood plasma was confirmed by HLA‐DR polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real‐time PCR of Alu (SB2) genes. High concentrations were seen in CB plasma (0.131 ng/µL vs. adult 0.005 ng/µL; p < 0.001). EC‐DNA increased over time while CB was stored at room temperature; this increase was associated with decreasing cell viability. STR‐PCR of EC‐DNA showed good signal strength and accurate allele calling so that linkage between the infant donor, the collected CB unit, and CB plasma aliquots could be established.CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that infant‐derived EC‐DNA is present in CB plasma and provides a useful tool for the unambiguous confirmation of plasma aliquot identity, as routinely used in CB banking, by the use of a sensitive and highly accurate DNA assay.
A novel mouse model of red blood cell storage and posttransfusion in vivo survival
Authors: Gilson Christopher R. , Kraus Teresa S. , Hod Eldad A. , Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Spitalnik Steven L. , Hillyer Christopher D. , Shaz Beth H. , Zimring James C. 
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: Storage of red blood cells (RBCs) is necessary for an adequate blood supply. However, reports have identified potential negative sequelae of transfusing stored RBCs. An animal model would be useful to investigate the pathophysiology of transfusing stored RBCs. However, it has been reported that storage of rat RBCs in CPDA‐1 resulted in an unexpected sudden decline in posttransfusion survival. A mouse model of RBC storage and transfusion was developed to assess survival kinetics of mouse RBCs.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: RBCs expressing green fluorescent protein were collected in CPDA‐1, filter leukoreduced, adjusted to a 75% hematocrit, and stored at 4°C. At weekly intervals, stored RBCs were transfused into C57BL/6 recipients. RBC survival was measured by flow cytometry and chromium‐51 labeling. Phosphatidylserine externalization and CD47 expression was also evaluated.RESULTS: Mean 24‐hour survivals of transfused RBCs were 99, 91, 64, 54, 30, and 18% after 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days of storage, respectively. Stored RBCs showed an initial rapid clearance with subsequent extended survival. Increased surface phosphatidylserine and decreased CD47 expression were also observed.CONCLUSIONS: Mouse RBCs showed a progressive decline in survival, as a function of storage time, unlike the precipitous loss of viability reported for rat RBCs. Moreover, changes in the measured surface markers were analogous to trends reported for human RBCs. Together, these findings provide an initial characterization of a novel mouse model of RBC storage with the potential to serve as an experimental platform for studying the pathophysiologic consequences of transfusing stored RBCs.
One‐year experience of nucleic acid technology testing for human immunodeficiency virus Type 1, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus in Thai blood donations
Authors: Phikulsod Soisaang , Oota Sineenart , Tirawatnapong Thaweesak , Sakuldamrongpanich Tasanee , Chalermchan Wilai , Louisirirotchanakul Suda , Tanprasert Srivilai , Chongkolwatana Viroje , Kitpoka Pimpun , Phanuphak Praphan , Wasi Chantapong , Nuchprayoon Chaivej ,   the Working Group for NAT Study in Thai Blood Donations
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: Blood donations collected at the National Blood Center, the Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, in 2007 were tested by nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) using the Chiron TIGRIS/Procleix Ultrio test and the Roche cobas s 201/cobas TaqScreen multiplex (MPX) test.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The sensitivity, specificity, and robustness were determined by testing 486,676 seronegative blood donations. Samples from each day of collection were divided into two sets; the odd‐numbered samples were tested individually on the TIGRIS and the even‐numbered samples were tested in pools of 6 on the cobas s 201. The status of reactive samples was confirmed by duplicate testing of samples from the plasma bag to calculate the test specificity. Reactive samples were tested on the alternate system and followed up.RESULTS: The analytical sensitivity of both systems met the 95% limits of detection claimed by the respective package inserts. No cross contamination was seen with either system. Test specificity was 99.93 and 99.90% for the Procleix Ultrio and cobas TaqScreen tests, respectively. The NAT yield rates for human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 (HIV‐1), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) were 1:97,000, 1:490,000, and 1:2800, respectively. Several occult HBV donors, the majority of whom were detected by both tests, were also identified. The HIV‐1 and HCV window cases were detected with both tests.CONCLUSION: The performances of the systems and tests indicated that both were acceptable for routine NAT by the National Blood Center, the Thai Red Cross Society. However, the Procleix Ultrio test appeared to be less sensitive than the cobas TaqScreen test for HBV.
One Man Two Hats: What's All the Commotion!
Authors: Dahya Jay , Garcia Laura Galguera , Van Bommel Jos 
Published: April 2009

AbstractWe examine performance in publicly listed U.K. companies over a period that encompasses the issuance of the Cadbury Committee's Code of Best Practice, which calls for the abolition of the combined CEO/COB position. We find that companies splitting the combined CEO/COB position to conform to the Code's requirement did not exhibit any absolute or relative improvement in performance when compared to various peer‐group benchmarks. We do not necessarily scoff at mandated board structures, but the evidence suggests that this particular legislature coerced the abandonment of the combined CEO/COB position and appears to be wide of the mark.
Corporate Sustainability Performance and Idiosyncratic Risk: A Global Perspective
Authors: Lee Darren D. , Faff Robert W. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractDoes investing in sustainability leaders affect portfolio performance? Analyzing two mutually exclusive leading and lagging global corporate sustainability portfolios (Dow Jones) finds that (1) leading sustainability firms do not underperform the market portfolio, and (2) their lagging counterparts outperform the market portfolio and the leading portfolio. Notably, we find leading (lagging) corporate social performance (CSP) firms exhibit significantly lower (higher) idiosyncratic risk and that idiosyncratic risk might be priced by the broader global equity market. We develop an idiosyncratic risk factor and find that its inclusion significantly reduces the apparent difference in performance between leading and lagging CSP portfolios.
The “Best Corporate Citizens”: Are They Good for Their Shareholders?
Authors: Filbeck Greg , Gorman Raymond , Zhao Xin 
Published: April 2009

AbstractSince 2000, Business Ethics magazine has published a list of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens. Our event study finds significant positive abnormal returns for new companies added to the annual listing on the press release date of the survey, both initially and in subsequent survey releases. Over longer holding periods, the top 100 companies consistently outperform the S&P 500, yet are not significantly different from a matched set of companies, with the exception of the initial survey year (2000). However, a rebalancing strategy based on new additions outperforms both the S&P 500 and a matched portfolio.
The Pricing of IPOs Post‐Sarbanes‐Oxley
Authors: Johnston Jarrod , Madura Jeff 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX) imposes new requirements for firms going public. Many provisions of SOX should improve the transparency of U.S. firms going public and therefore reduce the uncertainty surrounding their valuation. We find that initial returns of initial public offerings (IPOs) in the United States have declined since SOX. Furthermore, the aftermarket performance of IPOs since SOX is significantly higher. While the expense of public reporting has increased in the United States because of SOX, the valuations of newly public firms at the time of the IPO are subject to less uncertainty and smaller aftermarket corrections.
Emergency Medicine Residency Applicant Perceptions of Unethical Recruiting Practices and Illegal Questioning in the Match
Authors: Jason Thurman R. , Katz Eric , Carter Wallace , Han Jin , Kayala Eve , McCoin Nicole , Storrow Alan B. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectives:  The authors hypothesized that unethical recruiting practices and illegal questioning occur during emergency medicine (EM) resident recruitment. The objectives were to estimate the prevalence of specific unethical recruiting practices and illegal questioning by EM programs based on the perceptions of residency applicants and to measure the effect of these perceptions on applicant appraisal of programs.Methods:  This was a cross‐sectional survey of all applicants who matched to U.S. EM programs in 2005 and 2006. The survey questionnaire was developed by the study authors and was validated by pretesting on a small group representative of the study population. The survey addressed specific questions regarding program recruiting behaviors and interview questioning. The hyperlink to the secure anonymous online survey questionnaire was distributed to all EM program directors, asking them in turn to forward the hyperlink to their newly matched incoming residency class. All data were calculated with Score method with continuity correction and reported in proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results:  The authors received 671 survey responses. Among respondents, 56 (8.3%, 95% CI = 6.4% to 10.7%) stated that they were specifically asked to disclose at least one program’s position on their rank list by a program representative, and 44 (6.6%, 95% CI = 4.9% to 8.9%) reported that they matched at a program residing lower on their rank list than at least one other program that had informed the applicant they were ranked to match. Furthermore, 201 respondents (30.0%, 95% CI = 26.5% to 33.7%) believed that they were asked at least one illegal question during their interviews, the most common of which was inquiry into their marital status (189 respondents: 28.2%, 95% CI = 24.8% to 31.9%). Respondents were 11 times more likely to move a program to a lower position of preference on their rank order list (12.2%, 95% CI = 9.8% to 15.0%) rather than a higher position (1.1%, 95% CI = 0.5% to 2.3%) as a result of perceiving unethical recruiting behaviors or illegal questioning.Conclusions:  These results demonstrate that among survey respondents, some perceived unethical recruiting behaviors and illegal questioning in the 2005 and 2006 Match. Perceptions of such behaviors appeared to have a negative impact on applicant appraisal of EM residency programs.
Time‐dependent Variations in Ischemia‐modified Albumin Levels in Mesenteric Ischemia
Authors: Gunduz Abdulkadir , Turkmen Suha , Turedi Suleyman , Mentese Ahmet , Yulug Esin , Ulusoy Hülya , Karahan Suleyman Caner , Topbas Murat 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectives:  The objective was to determine the value of ischemia‐modified albumin (IMA) in the diagnosis of mesenteric embolism. The authors investigated whether or not plasma IMA levels rose in the acute period in a rat model of mesenteric ischemia and the related time‐dependent changes.Methods:  In this randomized, controlled, nonblinded trial, 36 mature female Wistar rats were divided into six groups: three control (Groups I, III, and V) and three ischemia (Groups II, IV, and VI). In the control groups, blood was sampled at 30 minutes (Group I), 2 hours (Group III), and 6 hours (Group V) following a simple laparotomy. In the ischemia groups, following laparotomy, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was clamped using a bulldog clamp, and blood samples were taken at 30 minutes (Group II), 2 hours (Group IV), and 6 hours (Group VI).Results:  Plasma IMA levels in the ischemia groups were significantly higher compared to those of the control groups (p < 0.004). In addition, levels were higher in the 6‐hour blood samples of the ischemia group than in the 2‐hour and 30‐minute samples (p < 0.001). Serum IMA was also higher in the 2‐hour blood samples of the ischemia group than in the 30‐minute samples (p < 0.001).Conclusions:  These preliminary findings suggest that serum IMA levels may represent a significant parameter in the early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia and that further studies are necessary.
The Incremental Benefit of a Shortness‐of‐breath Biomarker Panel in Emergency Department Patients with Dyspnea
Authors: Singer Adam J. , Thode, Jr Henry C. , Green Gary B. , Birkhahn Robert , Shapiro Nathan I. , Cairns Charles , Baumann Brigitte M. , Aghababian Richard , Char Douglas , Hollander Judd E. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectives:  The objective was to determine the incremental benefit of a shortness‐of‐breath (SOB) point‐of‐care biomarker panel on the diagnostic accuracy of emergency department (ED) patients presenting with dyspnea.Methods:  Adult ED patients at 10 U.S. EDs with SOB were included. The physician’s estimates of the pretest clinical probability of heart failure (HF), acute myocardial infarction (MI), and pulmonary embolism (PE) were recorded using deciles (0%–100%). Blood samples were analyzed using a SOB point‐of‐care biomarker panel (troponin I, myoglobin, creatinine kinase‐myocardial band isoenzyme [CK‐MB], D‐dimer, and B‐type natriuretic peptide [BNP]). Thirty‐day follow‐up for MI, HF, and PE was performed. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.Results:  Of 301 patients, the mean (±standard deviation [SD]) age was 61 (±18) years; 56% were female, 58% were white, and 38% were African American. Diagnoses included MI (n = 54), HF (n = 91), and PE (n = 16) in a total of 129 (43%) of the patients. High pretest clinical certainty (≥80%) identified 60 of these 129 (46.5%) cases. The SOB point‐of‐care biomarker panel identified 66 additional cases of MI (n = 24), HF (n = 31), and PE (n = 11). The overall adjusted sensitivity for any diagnosis was increased from 65% to 70% with the addition of the SOB point‐of‐care biomarker panel (difference = 5%, 95% CI = −1.1% to 11%) while specificity was increased from 82% to 83% (difference = 1%, 95% CI = −4% to 7%). The model containing pretest probability and the results of the SOB panel had an area under the curve (AUC) of 83.4% (95% CI = 78.4% to 88.5%), which was not significantly better than the AUC of 80.4% (95% CI = 75.1% to 85.7%) for clinical probability alone.Conclusions:  The addition of the SOB panel of markers did not improve the AUC for diagnosing the combined set of clinical conditions. Using the disease‐specific SOB biomarkers increased the sensitivity on a disease‐by‐disease basis; however, specificity was reduced.
Long‐term pheromone‐mediated mating disruption of the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella, in a flourmill
Authors: Sieminska Edyta , Ryne Camilla , Löfstedt Christer , Anderbrant Olle 
Published: April 2009

AbstractSeveral studies have indicated that mating disruption (MD) successfully reduces population densities of stored product moths, for example, the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). However, practical issues, such as finding control plots, replication, and lack of similarity between replicates, often incur problems in full‐scale investigations and often draw focus from the added results. We here present results from long‐term monitoring of E. kuehniella populations in two similar flourmills in Poland, one treated with pheromone for MD and one left untreated and used as control. Pheromone‐mediated MD was applied during 2 years. Thirty pheromone dispensers (one per 100 m3 factory volume), each releasing about 2 mg (Z,E)‐9,12‐tetradecadienyl acetate per day, were used. Pheromone‐baited traps were used to monitor the moth populations in the MD mill and in a nearby untreated mill. The reduction in trap catch during the MD treatment was about 90% or more, compared with the untreated mill or pre‐treatment periods of the MD mill. The reduction was larger during the 2nd year of MD than during the 1st year. These results contribute to the picture that MD is an effective method to control moth species infesting stored products.
Prejudice against obesity among 10‐year‐olds: a nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Hansson Lena M , Karnehed Nina , Tynelius Per , Rasmussen Finn 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAims:  Population‐based research on children's possible prejudice against thin, obese and average body sizes is scarce. This study examined children's prejudice against various body sizes of both sexes. The effects of sex, body size, place of residence and socio‐economic status (SES) on children's prejudice were also investigated.Methods:  In 2005, a nationally representative sample of 10‐year‐old children (N = 1409) responded to a questionnaire measuring stereotypes and prejudice against thin, average‐weight and obese silhouettes.Results:  As estimated by odds ratios (ORs), children were more likely to report prejudice against obesity (OR = 53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 42–67) and thinness (OR = 20, 95% CI: 16–26) than against average body weight. The risk of being prejudiced varied with child's sex and with sex and body size of the silhouette figure. No association was found between own body weight and prejudice against various body sizes. Children with high SES were more likely to be prejudiced against obesity compared with children with low SES (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1–1.4).Conclusion:  This large, population‐based study showed that Swedish 10‐year‐old children hold stereotypical attitudes and are prejudiced against not only peers with obesity but also those with thin body sizes. Interestingly, no association was found between own body weight and prejudice against various body sizes.
Effect of dietary dried milky sludge on productive performance and egg quality in laying Japanese quails
Authors: SUPPADIT Tawadchai , JATURASITHA Sanchai , SELASAT Wirote , NORKEAW Rakkeart , POUNGSUK Pukkapong , PRIPWAI Nakarin 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTThe experiment was conducted to study the effectiveness of dried milky sludge (DMS) as a feed source for laying Japanese quails. The DMS was incorporated into the experimental diets at levels of 0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0%. Four hundred quails were used in a completely randomized design. The results revealed that the daily egg‐laying rate, feed cost/100 egg weight, egg width, egg length, egg weight, shell quality characteristics in terms of breaking time, Young's modulus, work, max force, fracturability, breaking stress, stiffness and power, as well as color intensity and yolk height improved significantly with increasing levels of DMS in the diet (P < 0.05), while feed intake/bird/day, mortality and eggshell thickness showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). From this experiment, it was found that DMS incorporated into the experimental diet at the 20.0% level yielded the most productive performance and best egg quality.
Plasma concentration of anti‐diuretic hormone and urine volume in response to intraruminal administration of acetate, propinata and butyrate in suckling calves
Authors: IRIKI Tsunenori , NAKAMURA Tomomi , OBIGATA Rui , ONDA Ken 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTAcetate, propionate, and butyrate were intraruminally administered to dry feed‐fed suckling calves to evaluate their effects on plasma ketone bodies, anti‐diuretic hormone (ADH) concentrations, and urine volume. Four male Holstein calves (5–7 weeks old) were given 1.0 L of warm water or 0.5 mole of one of the acids in 1.0 L of warm water. A 4 × 4 Latin square design was adopted for the experiment. The acetate group showed significantly higher plasma acetate concentrations than the other three groups between 0.25 h and 2.0 h after administration (P < 0.01). Plasma glucose concentrations did not differ markedly among the groups. The butyrate group showed significantly higher plasma ketone body concentrations than the other three groups until the end of the experiment (P < 0.01). Plasma ADH concentrations quickly rose in the butyrate group and remained significantly higher than in the other three groups from 0.25 h to 2.5 h after administration (P < 0.05). In accordance with the elevation of plasma ADH levels, the butyrate group showed decreases in urine volume and increases in urine osmolarity (P < 0.05). Plasma osmolarity and hematocrit values (Ht) were not different among the groups. These results suggest that the administration of acetate and propionate had little effect on ADH secretion.
Crystal structures of open and closed forms of cyclo/maltodextrin‐binding protein
Authors: Matsumoto Naoki , Yamada Mitsugu , Kurakata Yuma , Yoshida Hiromi , Kamitori Shigehiro , Nishikawa Atsushi , Tonozuka Takashi 
Published: April 2009

The crystal structures of Thermoactinomyces vulgaris cyclo/maltodextrin‐binding protein (TvuCMBP) complexed with α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD), β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and maltotetraose (G4) have been determined. A common functional conformational change among all solute‐binding proteins involves switching from an open form to a closed form, which facilitates transporter binding. Escherichia coli maltodextrin‐binding protein (EcoMBP), which is structurally homologous to TvuCMBP, has been determined to adopt the open form when complexed with β‐CD and the closed form when bound to G4. Here, we show that, unlike EcoMBP, TvuCMBP–α‐CD and TvuCMBP–β‐CD adopt the closed form when complexed, whereas TvuCMBP–G4 adopts the open form. Only two glucose residues are evident in the TvuCMBP–G4 structure, and these bind to the C‐domain of TvuCMBP in a manner similar to the way in which maltose binds to the C‐domain of EcoMBP. The superposition of TvuCMBP–α‐CD, TvuCMBP–β‐CD and TvuCMBP–γ‐CD shows that the positions and the orientations of three glucose residues in the cyclodextrin molecules overlay remarkably well. In addition, most of the amino acid residues interacting with these three glucose residues also participate in interactions with the two glucose residues in TvuCMBP–G4, regardless of whether the protein is in the closed or open form. Our results suggest that the mechanisms by which TvuCMBP changes from the open to the closed conformation and maintains the closed form appear to be different from those of EcoMBP, despite the fact that the amino acid residues responsible for the initial binding of the ligands are well conserved between TvuCMBP and EcoMBP.