bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of number of apheresis procedures necessary in healthy donors to attain minimally required peripheral blood CD34+ cells
Authors: Namba Noriko , Matsuo Keitaro , Kubonishi Shiro , Kikuchi Tomoko , Maeda Yoshinobu , Niiya Masami , Shinagawa Katsuji , Koide Norio , Ikeda Kazuma , Tanimoto Mitsune 
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation is widely performed as a curative therapy for hematopoietic malignancies. Donors for PBSC harvest (PBSCH) are usually healthy subjects and undergo granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor treatment and apheresis procedures. A considerable proportion of donors experience poor mobilization, necessitating additional harvesting or marrow collection or remobilization. Although some characteristics have been reported to correlate with poor mobilization, they may not be taken into account in selecting PBSC donors. To protect healthy donors, it is preferable to predict the number of apheresis procedures needed for PBSCH before the procedure is initiated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 83 subjects was conducted, using statistical models to predict the probability of obtaining a sufficient number of CD34+ cells (≥2.0 × 106/kg) in the first to the third apheresis procedures and the probability of failure to obtain sufficient cells within three apheresis sessions. This study explored potential candidate factors in an ordinal probit regression analysis.RESULTS: Significant factors predicting successful PBSCH were donor age, donor sex, and body weight difference between donor and recipient. The predictive model showed good agreement with the observed number of apheresis sessions. Simulation tables are presented with this model.CONCLUSION: The statistical model developed to predict the number of apheresis procedures for PBSCH may be useful for planning PBSCH in clinical practice.
Cell viability during platelet storage in correlation to cellular metabolism after different pathogen reduction technologies
Authors: Picker Susanne M. , Schneider Volker , Oustianskaia Larissa , Gathof Birgit S. 
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate if pathogen reduction technologies (PRTs) affect platelet (PLT) viability by alteration of PLT metabolism during storage.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty‐seven split triple‐dose apheresis PLTs were PRT treated using ultraviolet light with either riboflavin‐UVB (M) or psoralen‐UVA (I) or remained untreated (C). Samples were taken on Days 0, 1, 5, 7, and 8 and analyzed for annexin V release (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay), mitochondrial enzymatic activity (MTS assay), transmembrane mitochondrial potential (Δψ; JC‐1 assay), and metabolism based on pH, pO2, glucose, lactate, and ATP content.RESULTS: During storage, Δψ and MTS reduction activity decreased, while annexin V release and acidity increased in all units, more pronounced, however, after PRT treatment, which led to higher lactate accumulation due to acceleration in glycolytic flux. No significant differences were found between C and M, whereas I was significantly different by Day 1 (pH value), Day 5 (annexin V release), and Day 7 (Δψ) of storage. Intracellular ATP content remained similar between C and M but was significantly lower in end‐stored I units. Cell viability markers of I units were highly correlated with the oxidative pathway, which appeared impaired in I but up regulated in M units.CONCLUSION: PRT treatment using M increased both anoxidative glycolytic flux and oxidative phosphorylation. The I‐based technique was associated with an impaired mitochondria‐based respiration. During terminal storage, this resulted in significantly lower maintenance of ATP and cell viability. The impact of these findings for storage prolongation or clinical use must await further evaluation.
TRANSFUSION COMPLICATIONS: Transfusion‐transmitted Babesia microti identified through hemovigilance
Authors: Tonnetti Laura , Eder Anne F. , Dy Beth , Kennedy Jean , Pisciotto Patricia , Benjamin Richard J. , Leiby David A. 
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: Babesia microti, the primary cause of human babesiosis in the United States, is an intraerythrocytic parasite endemic to the Northeast and upper Midwest. Published studies indicate that B. microti increasingly poses a blood safety risk. The American Red Cross Hemovigilance Program herein describes the donor and recipient characteristics of suspected transfusion‐transmitted B. microti cases reported between 2005 and 2007.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Suspected transfusion‐transmitted Babesia infections were reported by transfusion services or were discovered through recipient‐tracing investigations of prior donations from donors with a positive test for B. microti in a serologic study. Follow‐up samples from involved donors were tested by Babesia‐specific immunofluorescence assay, Western blot, and/or real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis.RESULTS: Eighteen definite or probable B. microti infections, including five fatalities, were identified in transfusion recipients, 16 from hospital‐reported cases and two through serologic lookback studies. Thirteen recipients were 61 to 84 years old and two were 2 years old or younger. Two recipients had sickle cell disease and four were known to be asplenic, including one with sickle cell disease. Seventeen antibody‐positive donors were implicated; 11 (65%) were residents in Babesia‐endemic areas, while four (24%) nonresident donors had a history of travel to endemic areas.CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion‐transmitted B. microti can be a significant cause of transfusion‐related morbidity and mortality, especially in infant, elderly, and asplenic blood recipients. These data demonstrate the need for interventions, in both endemic and nonendemic areas of the United States, to reduce patient risk.
Impact of fresh‐frozen plasma from male‐only donors versus mixed‐sex donors on postoperative respiratory function in surgical patients: a prospective case‐controlled study
Authors: Nakazawa Harumasa , Ohnishi Hiroaki , Okazaki Hitoshi , Hashimoto Shiho , Hotta Hajime , Watanabe Takashi , Ohkawa Ryunosuke , Yatomi Yutaka , Nakajima Kazunori , Iwao Yasuhide , Takamoto Shigeru , Shimizu Masaru , Iijima Takehiko 
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:To reduce the risk of transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI), plasma products are mainly made from male donors in some countries because of the lower possibility of alloimmunization; other countries are considering this policy. The advantage of male‐only fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) should be examined in a prospective case‐control study.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:This study compared pulmonary function after the transfusion of FFP derived from either male donors only (FFP‐male) or mixed donors (FFP‐mixed) in informed surgical patients treated at a tertiary university hospital in Japan. The factors contributing to pulmonary distress (PD) after transfusion were then statistically examined.RESULTS:Eighty‐two patients participated in this study (FFP‐male, n = 55; FFP‐mixed, n = 27). Nineteen patients developed PD (PaO2/FiO2ratio [P/F] < 300) within 6 hours after transfusion: seven had congestive pulmonary edema (transfusion‐associated circulatory overload), five had permeability pulmonary edema (possible TRALI), and seven had no apparent pulmonary edema. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and preoperative liver dysfunction were significantly associated with a P/F of less than 300 (odds ratios [ORs], 8.95 [p = 0.004] and 6.54 [p = 0.005], respectively), while the use of FFP‐male was significantly associated with the absence of PD (OR, 0.219; p = 0.022). All the patients with possible TRALI had received either white blood cell or granulocyte antibody‐positive FFP. The lysophosphatidylcholine level was not correlated with PD.CONCLUSIONS:Our data suggests that the use of FFP derived from male donors may be advantageous for posttransfusion pulmonary function, although PD is also determined by background characteristics.
Catastrophe Bonds and Reinsurance: The Competitive Effect of Information‐Insensitive Triggers
Authors: Finken Silke , Laux Christian 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWe identify a new benefit of index or parametric triggers. Asymmetric information between reinsurers on an insurer's risk affects competition in the reinsurance market: reinsurers are subject to adverse selection, since only high‐risk insurers may find it optimal to change reinsurers. The result is high reinsurance premiums and cross‐subsidization of high‐risk insurers by low‐risk insurers. A contract with a parametric or index trigger (such as a catastrophe bond) is insensitive to information asymmetry and therefore alters the equilibrium in the reinsurance market. Provided that basis risk is not too high, the introduction of contracts with parametric or index triggers provides low‐risk insurers with an alternative to reinsurance contracts, and therefore leads to less cross‐subsidization in the reinsurance market.
Perineal extramammary Paget disease responsive to topical imiquimod
Authors: Cecchi Roberto , Pavesi Mario , Bartoli Laura , Brunetti Luigi , Rapicano Valentina 
Published: July 2009

SummaryExtramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare neoplasm that arises in skin rich in apocrine glands, such as the axillae and anogenital region and usually affects the elderly. In most cases, EMPD is an apocrine carcinoma in situ, but it can be associated with internal malignancy spreading to overlying skin. Surgical excision with margin control is the generally accepted standard of care. A 74‐year‐old woman presented with a 1 year history of a pruritic eczematous eruption in perineum which on biopsy was diagnosed as EMPD. Because of the location and extent of the tumor, any surgical approach would have been problematic. Imiquimod 5% cream applied three times weekly for 16 weeks induced complete resolution. Topical imiquimod appears to be a promising treatment option for EMPD, especially when surgery is a challenge, but only a few cases have been reported.
Connective Tissue Growth Factor Knockdown Attenuated Matrix Protein Production and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression Induced by Transforming Growth Factor‐β1 in Cultured Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells
Authors: Xiao Li , Sun Lin , Liu Fu‐You , Peng You‐Ming , Duan Shao‐Bin 
Published: July 2009

AbstractConnective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a downstream mediator of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) inducing fibrosis, has recently been implicated in peritoneal fibrosis. Extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and angiogenesis are characteristic changes in peritoneal fibrosis. In this study we investigated the effect of CTGF knockdown via interference RNA (RNAi) on ECM production and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression induced by TGF‐β1 in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). Four CTGF short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression constructs were generated using the pRetroSuper vector, and infectious retroviral particles were prepared to infect HPMCs. Expression levels of CTGF, fibronectin(FN), collagen 1 (col 1), laminin, and VEGF mRNA and protein were measured by semi‐quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay. CTGF expression was increased after stimulation with TGF‐β1, but inhibited using each of the four independent CTGF shRNA constructs (P < 0.01). Moreover, expression of ECM proteins (FN, col 1, and laminin) and VEGF were upregulated after incubation with TGF‐β1, but elevated levels of ECM and VEGF induced by TGF‐β1 were significantly inhibited by RNAi (P < 0.01), but not by the empty retroviral vector (P > 0.05). From these results, we concluded that retrovirus‐mediated CTGF shRNA can effectively inhibit ECM production and VEGF expression induced by TGF‐β1 in HPMCs. This study suggests that downregulation of CTGF may represent a potential therapeutic approach for peritoneal fibrosis through decreasing ECM accumulation and angiogenesis.
Acute and Subacute Effect of Rheopheresis on Microvascular Endothelial Function in Patients Suffering From Age‐related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Rossi Marco , Puccini Rodolfo , Romagnoli Maria Chiara , Di Maria Cinzia , Mattei Paola , Bernini Matteo , Marconcini Claudio , Santoro Gino 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis study was performed on seven patients affected by the atrophic form of age‐related macular degeneration (AF‐ARMD). The patients under investigation belonged to a larger study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of rheopheresis treatment (RT) on the visual function of AF‐ARMD patients. Following the protocol of the larger study, patients received RT twice a week, every two weeks, for a total of ten treatments, as well as high‐dose supplementation with zinc and vitamins A, E and beta‐carotene. Recruited patients underwent skin laser Doppler flowmetry coupled with skin iontophoresis of the endothelium‐dependent vasodilator acetylcholine (ACh) and a test of skin post‐ischemic reactive hyperemia, before and after the first RT (time 1: all seven patients) and the fifth RT (time 2: six patients). A significantly higher absolute (anova for repeated measures) and relative (percentage change from the baseline) skin blood flux response (SBFR) to ACh iontophoresis was observed after RT, compared to before RT at time 1 (679 ± 43% and 436 ± 78%, respectively; P < 0.05), as well as before RT at time 2 compared to before RT at time 1 (683 ± 74% and 436 ± 78%, respectively; P < 0.05). Absolute and relative SBFR to ischemia did not differ either after RT compared to before RT at time 1, or before RT at time 2 compared to before RT at time 1. These findings are consistent with an acute and subacute beneficial effect of RT on skin microvascular endothelial function in the studied AF‐ARMD patients.
REMOVAL OF LIPID FROM SURFACES OF ROASTED PEANUTS BY SONICATION AS ASSESSED BY FLUORESCENCE AND SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
Authors: WAMBURA PETER , YANG WADE , MWAKATAGE NASSON , HERRING JOSHUA L. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT Peanut oil migrates to the outer surface during roasting, where it comes into contact with oxygen, leading to the oxidation reactions. Because of its cleaning effect, power ultrasound (sonication) was used for removing surface lipid of roasted peanuts. Georgia green runner‐type peanuts were roasted at 178C for 15 min. Roasted peanuts were subjected to lipid extraction in n‐hexane by sonication. Fluorescent and electron scanning micrographs revealed that the surface of sonicated peanuts was free of oil stains, as opposed to that of freshly roasted peanuts. These results showed that power ultrasound could remove the lipids from peanut surfaces very effectively. Details of microstructure of sonicated peanuts as was observed using scanning electron microscope reveal that 10 min sonication was sufficient to extract most of the lipids on the roasted peanut surfaces. Fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy are useful in peanut analysis because they can detect lipids in low concentration. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThere is increasing interest of quick procedures to examine the surfaces of roasted peanut samples after undergoing treatments, such as removal of lipids. This research demonstrated the significant use of fluorescent and scanning electron microscopes to quickly study the extent of lipid removal from the surface of roasted peanuts after power ultrasound treatment (sonication).
COMPOSITION OF SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE EXTRACTS OF PITANGA (EUGENIA UNIFLORA L.) LEAVES
Authors: PEIXOTO CAMILA A. , OLIVEIRA ALESSANDRA L. , CABRAL FERNANDO A. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT The leaves of the Pitanga bush (Eugenia uniflora L.) are considered to be effective against many diseases. Extracts from Pitanga leaves have been found to show pronounced anti‐inflammatory action and to have antimicrobial and antifungal activities, among other properties. In this work, extracts from Pitanga leaves were obtained by hydrodistillation and by extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) at three conditions of temperature and pressure. In the SC‐CO2 extractions also were collected the components that are lost with the CO2 in the exit of the system using Porapak‐Q polymer trap. All extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Thirty‐nine compounds were found in the extracts and twenty‐six were identified. The main components identified in the extracts in decreasing quantitative order were: curzerene, germacrene B, C15H20O2 andβ‐elemene for hydrodistillation; C15H20O2 and curzerene for SC‐CO2 extracts and 3‐hexen‐1‐ol, curzerene, C15H20O2,β‐elemene and germacrene B for SC‐CO2 extracts captured in Porapak‐Q.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe natural extracts are a potential source of compounds possessing biological activities. They can be used in foods, pharmaceutics and cosmetics. Pitanga is an exotic fruit from Brazil and extracts from its leaves have been used against many diseases in Brazilian folk medicine. Supercritical extraction is an interesting process for the production of natural extracts because it is a clean process and the knowledge of composition of extracts is crucial for the identification of the probable active components.
OPTIMIZATION OF MUCILAGE EXTRACTION FROM QODUME SHIRAZI SEED (ALYSSUM HOMOLOCARPUM) USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Authors: KOOCHEKI ARASH , MORTAZAVI SEYED A. , SHAHIDI FAKHRI , RAZAVI SEYED M. A. , KADKHODAEE RASOUL , MILANI JAFAR M. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT Response surface methodology was used to determine the optimum processing conditions that yield maximum apparent viscosity and extraction yield and consistency coefficient with minimum protein content and flow behavior index during extraction of Qodume Shirazi seed gum. Extraction temperature (25–85C), pH (4–10) and water : seed (20:1–60:1) were the factors investigated. Experiments were designed according to Central Composite Face Center Design with these three factors, including central and axial points. The response surfaces showing the interaction of process variables were constructed. Solution with 3% concentration of each gum with different extraction methods were made to evaluate the flow properties of gum extracted from Qodume seeds. The Power‐law model was successfully applied to fit the shear stress versus shear rate data of gum solution. The flow behavior indices, n, varied in the range of 0.25–0.41. The consistency coefficients, k, were in the range of 5.5–8.62 Pa·sn. Applying desirability function method, optimum operating conditions were found to be extraction temperature of 36.3C, pH of 4 and water : seed of 40:1. At this optimum point, apparent viscosity, extraction yield and protein content, consistency coefficient, flow behavior index were found to be 855.9 (mPa·s), 287.3 (g/kg), 1.27 (%), 8.27 (Pa·sn) and 0.29, respectively.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSGrowing use of hydrocolloids in food industries has brought about the need for new sources of these products. Therefore, there could be a substantial market for new source of produced gum. The aim of the present paper was to choose a suitable new source for extracting polysaccharides. Qodume Shirazi is a medicinal seed grown in the Middle East that produces a high amount of mucilage. Thus we optimized the best method for extraction of mucilage from this seed, which is important for producing gum from Qodume Shirazi and assessed the flow behavior of the gum.
Structure and Modification of the South Pacific Eastern Subtropical Mode Water
Authors: Sato Kanako , Suga Toshio 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Using all available temperature and salinity profiles obtained by Argo floats from July 2004 to June 2007, this study investigated the structure and modification of the South Pacific Eastern Subtropical Mode Water (SPESTMW). Based on the observed characteristics of the vertical minima of potential vorticity over the subtropical South Pacific, SPESTMW is defined as water with potential vorticity magnitude less than 2.5 × 10−10 m−1 s−1 and thickness exceeding 40 m. It is found between 35°–5°S and 160°–70°W and has a temperature of 13°–26°C, salinity greater than 34.0, and density of 24.5–25.8 kg m−3 at its core.
This study confirmed that vertical changes in temperature and salinity tend to compensate for each other in terms of density changes, resulting in favorable salt fingering conditions, as previously reported. By analyzing many profiles of Argo data in spring immediately after the SPESTMW formation period, its temperature and salinity are vertically uniform in the formation region, but large vertical gradients of temperature and salinity are found downstream from that region, even in the SPESTMW core. Consequently, the low potential vorticity signature of SPESTMW spread much wider than its signature as a thermostad. The Argo data also captured the seasonal changes of the vertical gradients of temperature and salinity at the SPESTMW core; these gradients increased as the seasons progressed, even in the formation region. Therefore, SPESTMW is truly vertically uniform water (i.e., thermostad, halostad, and pycnostad simultaneously) only immediately after the formation period. Afterward, it is only pycnostad. This seasonal evolution is related to temperature and salinity diffusion due to salt fingering in a manner similar to the rapid modification of interannual anomalies as shown by previous research. The temperature and salinity near the SPESTMW core and lower region decreased soon after its formation.
The Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Fossil-Fuel Use in North America
Authors: Gregg J. S. , Losey L. M. , Andres R. J. , Blasing T. J. , Marland G. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Refinements in the spatial and temporal resolution of North American fossil-fuel carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions provide additional information about anthropogenic aspects of the carbon cycle. In North America, the seasonal and spatial patterns are a distinctive component to characterizing anthropogenic carbon emissions. The pattern of fossil-fuel-based CO2 emissions on a monthly scale has greater temporal and spatial variability than the flux aggregated to the national annual level. For some areas, monthly emissions can vary by as much as 85% for some fuels when compared with monthly estimates based on a uniform temporal and spatial distribution. The United States accounts for the majority of North American fossil carbon emissions, and the amplitude of the seasonal flux in emissions in the United States is greater than the total mean monthly emissions in both Canada and Mexico. Nevertheless, Canada and Mexico have distinctive seasonal patterns as well. For the continent, emissions were aggregated on a 5° × 10° latitude–longitude grid. The monthly pattern of emissions varies on both a north–south and east–west gradient and evolves through the time period analyzed (1990–2007). For many areas in North America, the magnitude of the month-to-month variation is larger than the total annual emissions from land use change, making the characterization of emissions patterns essential to understanding humanity’s influence on the carbon cycle.