bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brief overview of the mounting evidence that atherosclerosis is both preventable and reversible
Authors: Wissler Robert W. , Vesselinovitch Dragoslava 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe major life‐threatening events in advanced atherosclerosis are precipitated by the plaque. Thrombosis in the muscular arteries and rupture of the large elastic arteries usually follows rupture of the plaque's fibrous cap.The smooth muscle cell (SMC) participates in many aspects of the atherosclerotic process: lipid uptake, synthesis of plaque components, and cell proliferation. The latter is a particularly significant aspect of the disease.High serum cholesterol levels stimulate proliferation of arterial medial cells; low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) from hypetiipidemic plaques induce ingress and storage of cholesterol ester. These effects are inhibited by high‐denisty lipoproteins (HDL). Endothelial injury may be an important part of the patnogenesis of some atherosclerotic plaques because powerful growth factors actively stimulate SMC proliferation, even when other risk factors are absent.Utilization of animal models of atherosclerosis, especially nonhuman primate models, has led to great progress in understanding this disease process. In controlled feeding experiments, severe atherosclerosis has been produced in rhesus monkeys by means of a high fat, high cholesterol diet. Animals then placed on a tow fat, low cholesterol diet, or given cholestyramine, or a combination of these two approaches, showed a remarkable decrease in the size of their atherosclerotic plaques.Many cpidemologic studies, as well as more recent prospective intervention studies involving bile acid sequestrants, indicate by imaging techniques that plaque regression takes place in humans.
Treatment of hypercholesterolemia by precipitation of lipoproteins with dextran sulfate
Authors: Antwiler G. Delbert , Dau Peter C. , Lobdcll Donn D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAn on‐line continuous system for the selective precipitation of low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low‐density lipoproteins (VLDL) has been devised and tested. This system conserves high‐density lipoproteins (HDL) and other plasma macromolecules. LDL and VLDL are precipitated from plasma using 10–35 mg/dl dextran sulfate (Mr 5,000) in the presence of 55 mM calcium with a reduced concentration of monovalent cations. The plasma is obtained by membrane filtration of whole Wood using the COBE Gentryr̀ TPE System (Cobe Laboratories Inc, Lakewood, Co.). The precipitated LDL plus VLDL is removed by filtration, and the electrolytes are restored by dialysis. The plasma minus LDL plus VLDL is then returned to the patient.Four patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (type II) were treated 70 times. The mean pretreatment serum cholesterol was 383 mg/dl. The mean reductions in plasma components were: LDL plus VLDL 63%; HDL 27%; fibrinogen 19%; albumin 15%; IgG 20%; IgA 19%; IgM 25%; C3 30%; and C4 27%. The cholesterol returned to near normal values in approximately 2 weeks after each treatment.Four normal volunteers were each treated one time. These individuals had a mean pretreatment serum cholesterol of 201 mg/dl. The mean reduction in plasma components were: LDL plus VLDL 70%; HDL 27%; fibrinogen 24%; albumin 14%; IgG 18%; IgA 17%; IgM 20%; C3 27%; C4 22%; C3 proactivator 12%; alpha1‐antitrypsin 17%; ceruloplasma 17%; transferin 18%; alpha2‐macroglobulin 17%; and orosomucoid 13%.It is our conclusion that dextran sulfate precipitation is an effective on‐line means of selectively removing LDL plus VLDL from plasma while conserving HDL and other plasma macromolecules. The capacity of the system is limited only to the size of the filter (currently estimated at over 30 gm of cholesterol). The reduction of LDL plus VLDL is limited only by the quantity of plasma processed while the reduction in the other plasma components is virtually independent of plasma volume processed.
Apheresis techniques in lymphokine‐activated killer cell production
Authors: Sniecinski Irena , Sentinella Kim , Margolin Kim , Mills Bonnie 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAdoptive transfer of autologous lymphokine‐activated killer cells (LAK) in conjunction with recombinant interleu‐kin‐2 (rIL‐2) has been reported to produce significant regression in metastatic disease in patients with advanced cancer. In an effort to confirm the results reported by the Surgery Branch of the National Cancer Institute, the same IL‐2/LAK regimen was used in cancer patients at six extramural cancer centers.In this report we will review our experience with mononuclear cell removal from the blood of cancer patients using apheresis technology and extracorporeal handling of these cells to generate a selective, highly cytotoxic cell population.
Plateletpheresis concentrates produced in 30 minutes along with plasma and packed red cells: Preliminary results
Authors: Valbonesi Mauro , Frisoni Roberto , Capra Carlo , Lercari Giuseppe , Fella Mauro , Pittaluga Pierantonio 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCentrifugal devices for donor plasmapheresis that collect platelets as a by‐product have recently been introduced. The platelet yield ranges from 1.2 to 2 × 1011 per collection, and the collection time exceeds 50 minutes. An attempt to increase yields and to reduce the procedure time was carried out at our center, taking advantage of the Dideco Eccentriplate (Dideco spa. Mirandola, Italy). Within 30 minutes, 510 ml of plasma were collected along with 3.3 × 1011 platelets. The shift of donors from whole blood to plasma and platelet donation generated a progressive decrease in red‐cell availability. In order to maintain plasma and platelet production without affecting the erythrocyte production, a technique was developed that allows the collection of 3.68 × 1011 platelets, 250 ml of plasma, and 225 ml of packed red blood cells with a hematocrit of 66.5%. The mean procedure time was 31.6 minutes; 2,671 ml of blood were processed at flow rates of 85–100 ml/minute. The cellular cross contamination of the platelet concentrates was 1.76 × 108(leukocytes) and 2.23 × 108 (erythrocytes). Although me procedure was carried out in a selected group of donors, the technical experience has strongly modified our procedure for platelet and plasma collection.
Staphyiococcal carriage and infection in myasthenia gravis patients receiving therapeutic apheresis
Authors: Johnson Richard B. , Muder Robert R. , Kominos Spyros O. , Nasca Thomas J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPopulations exposed to repetitive needle puncture (such as hemodialysis patients, insulin‐dependent diabetics, and parenteral drug abusers) are at increased risk for nasal carriage of Stophylococcus aurais. These groups appear to have increased susceptibility to serious staphylococcal infection as well. We performed a microbiologie survey on a group of patients receiving regular, long‐term therapeutic apheresis for my asthenia gravis (MG), and compared the rate of nasal staphylococcal carriage with that found in control groups of MG patients not receiving apheresis and ambulatory general medical patients without known risk factors for staphylococcal carriage. Medical records were reviewed for episodes of significant staphyiococcal infection occurring since commencement of apheresis. Nasal S. aurais carriage was found in 9/29 (31%) apheresis patients, 8/30 (27%) MG controls, and 8/30 (27%) general medical controls. No significant difference in frequency of apheresis was noted between carriers and noncarriers. A single episode of S. aureus bacteremia occurred in 95 patient‐years of apheresis therapy. We conclude that therapeutic apberesis for MG does not increase the risk of staphylococcal carriage, and mat serious infection is infrequent.
LAK cell generation in normal subjects: Ficoll‐Hypaque vs. light spin purification
Authors: Burgstaler Edwin , van Haelst Carol , Pineda Alvaro A. , Homburger Henry A. , Gonchoroff Nick J. , Kovach John S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractResearch in adoptive immunotherapy such as lymphokine‐activated killer cell (LAK) generation requires a large number of mononuclear cells (MNCs). The original procedure for generation of LAK cells used a Ficoll‐Hypaque (FH) purification of the MNCs collected by a blood separator to remove granulocytes, platelets, and red blood cells. Since the Fenwal CS 3000 blood separator produces MNCs with reduced granulocyte contamination, it is possible that FH purification could be replaced by a light centrifuge spin (LS) purification. We report on a study comparing the MNC recovery, platelet and red cell removal, purification time, in vitro LAK cytotoxicity, and phenotypic characterization of the lymphocytes, collected by FH purification vs. LS purification by using the CS 3000. Six donors were leukapheresed with the CS 3000 using a shortened LAK Cell procedure. Following an LS (3 minutes at 1,000 rpm), the MNC collection was divided into two equal aliquots, one aliquot purified by FH and the other aliquot purified by LS. Both aliquots were then washed, cultured for 5 days in IL‐2, and harvested with the CS 3000. Our findings suggest the LS purification resulted in improved 1) postpurification MNC recovery (89% vs. 60%), 2) purification time (54 minutes vs. 129 minutes), and 3) LAK cell generation by phenotype. LS purification was similar to FH purification in 1) platelet removal and 2) in vitro LAK cytotoxicty. We found the LS superior to FH when considering efficiency, economics, simplicity, and LAK cell genration and comparable in platelet removal and in vitro LAK cytotoxicity.
Counterflow centrifugation apheresis for the collection of autologous peripheral blood stem cells from patients with malignancies: A comparison with a standard centrifugation apheresis procedure
Authors: Schouten Harry C. , Kessinger Anne , Smith Douglas M. , Landmark James D. , Wigton Robert S. , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Armitage James O. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTwo apheresis methods used to collect hematopoietic stem cells from peripheral blood were compared in eight patients with a variety of malignancies. The standard lymphocyte collection method was alternated with the counterflow centrifugation or lymphocyte surge protocol. The number of clonogenic cells (CFU‐GM and BFU‐E), the red cell volume, and the number of mononuclear cells in each collection were assessed as well as the changes in circulating leukocytes, platelets, and blood hemoglobin produced by each apheresis procedure. There was no statistically significant difference found in the number of clonogenic cells collected with either method, but the number of mononuclear cells collected with the standard procedure was significantly higher (P = 0.001). The red cell volume collected with the standard procedure was significantly higher, (P = 0.0001), but corrected for the number of mononuclear cells the difference was not significant. The counterflow centrifugation apheresis produced significantly less thrombocytopenia (P = 0.005). The counterflow centrifugation apheresis procedure used collected fewer mononuclear cells than the standard procedure, however, with less red cell contamination but a comparable number of CFU‐GM and BFU‐E in four hour apheresis procedures. Each collection method resulted in a comparable amount of anaemia and leukopenia but the lymphocyte surge method produced less thrombocytopenia following the collection.
Alpha‐ and gamma‐tocopherol in Plasma, red blood cells, and platelets during plasma exchange
Authors: Van Doormaal Jasper J. , Tijhuis Gerard J. , Zwertbroek Rolf , Muskiet Frits A. J. , Velvis Herman J. R. , Sibinga Cees Th. Smit , Doorenbos Hieronymus 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe effect of a rapid reduction of plasma lipoproteins on the alpha‐ and gamma‐tocopherol levels in plasma, erythrocytes, and platelets was studied. Sixteen successive plasma exchange procedures performed weekly in an adult with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia were evaluated. Plasma exchange was done by intermittent flow centrifugation, exchanging one plasma volume against a 4% human albumin solution. Plasma exchange reduced in plasma alpha‐tocopherol from 41.5 ± 8.9 to 23.6 ± 4.8 μmol/L and gamma‐tocopherol from 4.9 ± 4.1 to 2.4 ± 2.1 μmol/L, without changing their ratios to total lipids. It diminished alpha‐tocopherol in platelets from 12.97 ± 4.37 to 10.03 ± 1.78 μmol/1015 cells and gamma‐tocopherol from 1.43 ± 0.55 to 1.06 ± 0.41 μmol/1013 cells, but did not affect erythrocyte tocopherols. The total amount removed per procedure was 47.57 ± 13.65 μmol for alpha‐tocopherol and 4.70 ± 3.59 μmol for gamma‐tocopherol. Plasma exchange increased the number of erythrocytes from 3.67 ± 0.10.1012 to 4.05 ± 0.13.1012 cells/L, without affecting their volume. Platelet count did not change, but mean platelet volume decreased from 7.7 ± 0.5 to 6.9 ± 0.5 fl and platelet distribution width from 15.1 ± 0.4 to 14.9 ± 0.5. Thus, plasma exchange reduces plasma alpha‐ and gamma‐tocopherol to the same extent as total lipids, and decreases these tocopherols in circulating platelets, along with a reduction in platelet size and, compared to the change in erythrocyte count, a fall of platelet number. The total amount of both tocopherols removed per procedure equals the recommended dietary allowances of 5–11 days for men and 7–14 days for women, assuming an effective absorption of 20–40%. This suggests the need for vitamin E supplementation during long‐term plasma exchange treatment.
Clinical studies on adequate dosage of heparin during immunoadsorption with membrane plasmapheresis
Authors: Hosokawa Shinichi , Oyamaguchi Atsushi , Yoshida Osamu 
Published: February 2007

AbstractHeparin has been used as an anticoagulant during hemodialysis and plasmapheresis. Recently, immunoadsorption with membrane plasmapheresis (IAP) has been used for treatment of myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis. Ten patients were examined. Plasma heparin levels were studied before IAP, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, and 120 minutes after the start of IAP, and at the end of IAP. Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), bleeding time, plasma fibrinogen levels, fibrin degradation products, and complete blood count were measured pre‐ and post‐IAP. In general, plasma heparin levels lower than 1 IU/ml during plasmapheresis are adequate. The dosage of 40 IU/kg/hr of heparin administered during IAP resulted in plasma heparin levels lower than 1 IU/ml. APTT pre‐IAP (36.8 ± 3.4 sec) were nearly one‐half values of APTT post‐IAP (6.2 ± 9.70 sec).In conclusion, 40 IU per kg of the body weight per hour is an acceptable dose of heparin during IAP.
Therapeutic plasmapheresis and protein A immunoadsorption in Malignancy: A brief review
Authors: Nand Sucha , Molokie Robert 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPlasmapheresis is being used with considerable frequency in the management of malignant and non‐malignant disorders. More recently, staphylococcal Protein A immunoadsorption has been employed in similar clinical situations. In patients with malignancy, plasmapheresis has been shown to produce alterations in plasma proteins, decrease circulating immune complexes, remove “specific” and “non‐specific” blocking factors, change immune reactivity, and affect monocyte function. Partial responses have been reported in a small number of patients with carcinoma of lung, colon, and breast following plasmapheresis. In addition, there are reports of favorable responses in patients with melanoma, head and neck tumors, lymphomas, leukemias, and Kaposi's sarcoma in acquired immune deficiency. All these responses were partial and brief, and the treatment did not alter the course of the disease. Plasmapheresis has been useful in the management of hyperviscosity and occasionally of paraneoplastic syndromes. It may also have a role in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with mitomycin‐C therapy. Protein A immunoadsorption, by which circulating immune complexes are selectively removed, can activate the complement system, increase blastogenic responses, and increase the natural killer cell activity. It has been shown to produce partial responses in breast and colon cancer, as well as Kaposi's sarcoma in acquired immune deficiency. It may have a useful role to play in the management of mitomycin‐C‐associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Both plasmapheresis and Protein A immunoadsorption should be considered investigational interventions at this time. Toxicity of plasmapheresis, though uncommon, can be serious and may rarely be fatal. Toxicity of Protein A immunoadsorption is mild, consisting mainly of influenza‐like symptoms and rash.
Application of a new LDL apheresis system using two dextran sulfate cellulose columns in combination with an automatic column‐regenerating unit and a blood cell separator
Authors: Knisel W. , Müller M. , Besenthal I. , Nicuolo A. Di , Rebstock M. , Risler T. , Eggstein M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractExtracorporeal procedures for selective removal of low‐density lipoproteins have become a promising new approach for treatment of severe familial hypercholesterolemia. We tested efficacy and safety of a new LDL apheresis system by using two dextran sulfate cellulose adsorbents (Liposorber LA 15TM from Kanegafuchi) under the control of an automatic column‐regenerating unit for continuous alternate adsorption and desorption. Plasma was taken from a continuous‐flow blood cell separator (model IBM/Cobe 2997) allowing an extracorporeal circuit from one cubital vein to another. A 57‐year‐old male with drug‐resistant heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia accompanied by moderate hypertriglyceridemia and severe coronary artery disease has been treated every 2 weeks for 3 months so far. Treatment of 4–5 liters of plasma resulted in a mean decrease of total cholesterol from 355 to 111 mg/dl (9.20 to 2.88 mmol/l), of LDL cholesterol from 272 to 49 mg/dl (7.05 to 1.53 mmol/l), and of apolipoprotein B from 175 to 44 mg/dl. HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A‐I, and other plasma proteins did not substantially change apart from hemodilution. No side effects were seen. This new technique of LDL apheresis represents a very effective and safe method for treatment of drug‐resistant familial hypercholesterolemia without or with concomitant hypertri‐lyceridemia.
Plasma exchange and vincristine in the treatment of hemolytic uremic syndrome/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Silva Victor A. , Frei‐Lahr Debra , Brown Randy A. , Herzig Geoffrey P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractHemolytic uremic syndrome/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (HUS/TTP) is a rare and often fatal complication of bone marrow transplantation (BMT). In this study, we report eight such cases (seven allo and one auto) treated with plasma exchanges (PE), vincristine (six patients), and discontinuation of cyclosporin A (in allo BMT). This complication occurred in 6.3% of 112 allogeneic BMT and in 0.7% of 146 autologous BMT. In seven patients, the BMT preparatory regimens consisted of cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and total‐body irradiation (TBI). Among the eight patients with HUS/TTP, one allogeneic BMT patient with reversible renal failure, but without central nervous system (CNS) involvement, or systemic mycotic infection, responded completely and is without evidence of disease for a period of >3.5 years. Three patients showed hematologic improvement, and four did not respond. The median duration of survival was 17 days. Six of the seven deaths occurred in a setting of systemic infection, progressive renal failure, and worsening of graft‐versus‐host reaction. In spite of hematologic improvement to PE and vincristine, BMT patients in whom HUS/TTP developed usually succumbed to complications.
Efficacy and safety of fenwal cs‐3000 plateletpheresis performed at a rapid donor blood flow rate: Rapid plateletpheresis with fenwal cs‐3000
Authors: Strauss Ronald G. , Ludwig Gerald A. , Randels M. Joleen , Winegarden Diane C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractResults of 3,214 plateletpheresis procedures, using the Fenwal CS‐3000 cell separator, were reviewed to determine the effects on performance when the donor blood flow rate was increased by 30% (i.e., to 65 ml/min instead of 50 ml/min). Ninety‐two percent (2,962 of 3,214) of procedures completed the rapid flow protocol, and results were compared with those reported by others using the more conventional blood flow rates of 32–55 ml/min. When the rapid flow procedure was used, mean platelet yields (4.07 × 1011) and leukocyte contamination (2.65 × 108) were satisfactory, and major donor reactions were infrequent (0.6% of procedures). Thus, CS‐3000 plateletpheresis can be performed at a relatively rapid, donor blood flow rate of 65 ml/min to shorten the procedure and make it more appealing to donors.
Selective absorption of anti‐DNA antibodies and their idiotype‐positive cells in vitro using an anti‐idiotypic antibody‐affinity column: Possible application to plasma exchange
Authors: Harata Naoko , Sasaki Takeshi , Shibata Shinobu , Kameoka Junichi , Hirabayashi Yasuhiko , Osaki Hirofumi , Tamate Eiichi , Yoshinaga Kaoru 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe examined the possibility of using affinity columns coupled with anti‐idiotype (Id) antibodies to selectively remove nephritogenic anti‐DNA antibodies in order to determine their possible application to therapeutic plasmapheresis. Monoclonal anti‐Id antibodies termed D1E2 or 1F5 were directed to idiotypes of human anti‐single‐stranded and anti‐double‐stranded DNA antibodies. The mixture of D1E2‐ and 1F5‐coupled Sepharose absorbed 26 to 92% of human anti‐DNA antibodies in sera. The affinity columns were also effective in removing anti‐DNA idiotype‐positive cells from the blood samples of patients, especially those with active lupus nephritis. Thus, an anti‐idiotypic antibody‐coupled affinity column could, in theory, serve as a tool for selective plasma exchange in the therapy of autoimmune diseases.
Plasmapheresis and subsequent pulse cyclophosphamide versus pulse cyclophosphamide alone in severe lupus: Design of the LPSG trial
Authors: Clark William F. , Dau Peter C. , Euler Hans H. , Guillevin Loïc , Hasford Joerg , Heer Andreas H. , Jones J. Verrier , Kashgarian Michael , Knatterud Genell , Lockwood C. Martin , Pusey Charles D. , Rifle Gérard , Robinson John A. , Schroeder Johann O. , Tan Eng M. , Wallace Daniel J. , Weiner Steven R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA group of clinics are collaborating in the Lupus Plasmapheresis Study Group (LPSG) to investigate whether repeated plasmapheresis prior to pulse cyclophosphamide improves the therapeutical results in severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The underlying rationale is the hypothesis that plasmapheresis 1) eliminates pathogenic autoantibodies and immune complexes and 2) induces compensatory lymphocyte activation via feedback mechanisms between circulating antibodies and their respective clones (“antibody rebound”). It should be possible to utilize this enhanced activity for increased clonal deletion if pulse cyclophosphamide is applied shortly after plasmapheresis. Accordingly, in a randomized study, the LPSG will be comparing the repeated application of pulse cyclophosphamide alone with a treatment involving repeated plasmapheresis prior to the cyclophosphamide pulses in severe SLE. A third arm of the study will be gathering experience with a more intensified procedure. This overview summarizes the most important details of the planned study.