bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recombinant human granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor–mobilized and apheresis‐collected endothelial progenitor cells: a novel blood cell component for therapeutic vasculogenesis
Authors: Körbling Martin , Reuben James M. , Gao Hui , Lee Bang‐Ning , Harris David M. , Cogdell David , Giralt Sergio A. , Khouri Issa F. , Saliba Rima M. , Champlin Richard E. , Zhang Wei , Estrov Zeev 
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been identified among hematopoietic tissue‐derived progenitor cells that are mobilized into the peripheral blood (PB) as a result of tissue injury. It therefore seems likely that circulating EPCs have therapeutic potential by aiding in the neovascularization of ischemic tissue. This study provides clinical data on the availability of circulating EPCs at steady state and after recombinant human granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (rHuG‐CSF) mobilization and their collection by leukapheresis.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Eight healthy donors underwent rHuG‐CSF treatment over 4 days, followed by leukapheresis. Blood samples taken before rHuG‐CSF treatment and before apheresis as well as apheresis‐collected samples were analyzed by flow cytometry and by real time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction for cells expressing EPC‐specific surface markers and tissue markers, respectively, and for EPC colony‐forming cells.RESULTS: The median PB concentration of CD34+133+ vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2)‐+ EPCs increased 8‐fold from steady state to mobilized, and the concentration of CD34+133‐VEGFR‐2+ EPCs increased by 10‐fold. This mobilization pattern was similar to that of hematopoietic CD34+, CD133+, and CD34+117+ progenitor cells. The increase in the median circulating colony‐forming unit EPC concentration was 10‐fold over baseline. The median absolute number of CD34+133+VEGFR‐2+ cells collected by large‐volume leukapheresis was 0.8 × 106 per kg of body weight. In addition, a small subset of immature CD133+34– cells coexpressing VEGFR‐2 was identified in mobilized PB and in the apheresis collection. EPC‐specific cells contained in the apheresis product were also identified as expressing mRNA for the CD31 antigen, Tie‐2, and VEGFR‐2.CONCLUSION: Circulating EPCs represent a novel blood cell component that can be collected by apheresis in large quantities and can be used clinically, either unmanipulated or EPC‐selected, for therapeutic vasculogenesis.
Neopterin levels during the early phase of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, or hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Nübling C. Micha , Chudy Michael , Volkers Peter , Löwer Johannes 
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: A study was conducted to assess the diagnostic sensitivity of neopterin screening of blood donors with regard to the detection of window‐phase specimens of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In total, 1002 diagnostic window‐phase specimens from 98 seroconversion panels (29 HIV‐1, 52 HCV, and 17 HBV) were analyzed with viral antigen detection, viral nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT), and neopterin quantitation assays. The study was completed by the analysis of 92 anti‐hepatitis B core antigen (HBc)‐reactive and 103 alanine aminotransferase (ALT)‐elevated blood donor specimens.RESULTS: A significant association between elevated neopterin concentrations and the very early phase of HIV‐1 infection was found. No significant correlation could be observed between neopterin levels and the early phase of HCV or HBV infection. Neopterin concentration was not increased in specimens from blood donors with anti‐HBc reactivity or ALT elevation.CONCLUSIONS: Neopterin screening of blood donors may identify window‐phase cases of HIV, but not of HCV or HBV infection. The diagnostic sensitivity of neopterin screening during the HIV window phase is similar to that of the p24 antigen test. With the introduction of viral NATs in blood screening, there is no additional benefit of neopterin screening with regard to the three blood‐borne viruses HIV, HCV, and HBV. Acute phases of other infectious agents, however, have been reported to be detected by neopterin enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.
Estimating blood needs for very‐low‐birth‐weight infants
Authors: Fabres Jorge , Wehrli Gay , Marques Marisa B. , Phillips Vivien , Dimmitt Reed A. , Westfall Andrew O. , Schelonka Robert L. 
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are crucial for the care of very‐low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) infants. These infants frequently require multiple, small‐volume RBC transfusions, with potential exposure to multiple donors. Optimal protocols provide dedicated RBC units to reduce exposures and avoid RBC wastage.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective, single‐institution review of RBC transfusions in VLBW infants. The RBC volume transfused during the entire hospitalization (VTH) and that transfused at 35 days were determined for all infants, 401 to 1250 g at birth, admitted to a Level III neonatal intensive care unit from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2002. Multivariable models identified perinatal factors associated with volume transfused.RESULTS: The 640‐infant cohort had a median birth weight (BW) of 818 g and gestational age (GA) of 26 weeks. Most infants (546 or 85%) required at least one RBC transfusion. Median number of RBC transfusions was 3 (range, 0‐30) and median volume transfused was 82 mL (range, 9‐737 mL). Of 328 infants who received all transfusions within a 35‐day period, only 5 (1.5%) required at least 200 mL. VTH was inversely related to BW and GA. Multivariable models identified BW, GA, age at first transfusion, and use of inotropes as variables associated with higher volume transfused.CONCLUSION: Few VLBW infants use an entire RBC unit. One dedicated unit shared by two or more infants should meet their transfusion needs. GA, BW, and markers of illness severity predict increased RBC volume requirements.
Population‐based audit of fresh‐frozen plasma transfusion practices
Authors: Palo Riikka , Capraro Leena , Hovilehto Seppo , Koivuranta Merja , Krusius Tom , Loponen Elina , Mäntykoski Ritva , Pentti Jussi , Pitkänen Otto , Raitakari Maria , Rimpiläinen Jussi , Salmenperä Markku , Salo Hanna , Mäki Tiina 
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: In contrast to decreasing red blood cell (RBC) consumption in Finland, the use of fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) has been increasing since the 1990s, suggesting that FFP use may not always be optimal. To improve transfusion practices, knowledge of current FFP use and regional, national, and international comparison is necessary.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Nine (of 21) Finnish hospital districts participated. Data concerning FFP‐transfused patients in the years 2002 and 2003 were collected from existing computerized medical records into a yearly updated database as part of a Finnish benchmarking project on blood component use.RESULTS: Data included 11,590 FFP‐transfused patients and 60,240 FFP units (71.2% of Finnish FFP use) delivered to Finnish hospitals during the study period. FFP was transfused most often to surgery patients (62.8% of FFP transfusion hospital visits) with blood circulatory system problems (32.3% of surgically treated and FFP‐transfused patients). In only 65.9 percent of FFP‐transfused patients were coagulation variables measured at any point in the hospital episode, and FFP was usually transfused in paired doses. Mean FFP use in Finland is comparable to other countries.CONCLUSION: Although overall FFP use in Finland is similar to that of international figures, it does not ensure best practice. Perioperative staff, being the largest FFP user, should be encouraged to dose FFP based on coagulation variables and body weight. Improvement efforts should be directed to patient groups transfused with large amounts of FFP.
Electrocardiographic Characteristics of Patients with Ebstein's Anomaly Before and After Ablation of an Accessory Atrioventricular Pathway
Authors: ITURRALDE PEDRO , NAVA SANTIAGO , SÁLICA GABRIEL , MEDEIROS ARGELIA , MÁRQUEZ MANLIO F. , COLIN LUIS , VICTORIA DIANA , DE MICHELI ALFREDO , GONZALEZ MARIO D. 
Published: September 2006

The abnormal development of the tricuspid valve in patients with Ebstein's anomaly results in several activation abnormalities including delayed intraatrial conduction, right bundle branch block (RBBB), and ventricular preexcitation. The aim of the present study was to define the ECG characteristics before and after ablation of an accessory A‐V pathway (AP) in patients with Ebstein's anomaly. Methods: A series of 226 consecutive patients with Ebstein's anomaly was studied. Sixty‐four patients (28%) had documented tachycardia. Thirty‐three patients with recurrent tachycardia were found to have a single right‐sided AP that was successfully ablated (study group). Thirty patients without tachycardia served as the control group. Results: Only 21 of 33 patients (62%) had a typical ECG pattern of preexcitation. In addition, none of the patients had an ECG pattern of RBBB during sinus rhythm. In contrast, 28 of 30 (93%) patients in the control group had RBBB (P < 0.001). Radiofrequency catheter ablation resulted in appearance of RBBB in 31 of 33 (94%) patients. The absence of RBBB in patients with Ebstein's anomaly and recurrent tachycardia had a 98% sensitivity and 92% specificity for the diagnosis of an AP. The positive predictive value was 91% (0.77, 0.97 CI 95%) and the negative predictive value was 98% (0.85, 0.99 CI 95%). Conclusion: One‐third of patients with Ebstein's anomaly and symptomatic tachyarrhythmias have minimal or absent ECG features of ventricular preexcitation. In these patients, the absence of RBBB pattern is a strong predictor of an AP.
Deterioration of Organization in the First Minutes of Atrial Fibrillation: A Beat‐to‐Beat Analysis of Cycle Length and Wave Similarity
Authors: RAVELLI FLAVIA , MASÈ MICHELA , GRECO MAURIZIO DEL , FAES LUCA , DISERTORI MARCELLO 
Published: September 2006

Introduction: It has been recently suggested that many episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF) may be partially organized at the onset and thus more suitable for antitachycardia pacing therapy. Nevertheless, the time course of organization in the first minutes of AF has not been quantified yet. Methods and Results: Twenty episodes of paroxysmal AF were studied. Electrograms were recorded from the right atrium (RA), distal (CSd), and proximal coronary sinus (CSp). The time course of AF cycle length (AFCL) and the regularity of wave morphology (similarity index S) were beat‐to‐beat measured at each recording site during the first 7 minutes of AF. AFCL and S showed a decreasing trend after the onset of AF. AFCL decreased from 208 ± 31 to 171 ± 21 msec (P < 0.001), from 206 ± 40 to 169 ± 23 msec (P < 0.001) and from 190 ± 42 to 152 ± 18 msec (P < 0.05), respectively, in RA, CSd, and CSp. Similarly, the similarity index decreased in CSd from 0.37 ± 0.27 to 0.12 ± 0.09 (P < 0.01) and in RA from 0.40 ± 0.18 to 0.17 ± 0.16 (P < 0.001). The 80% of the decrease occurred during the first 3 minutes of the arrhythmia, while after this time both cycle length and similarity index did not change significantly anymore. Conversely, the electrical activity in CSp was highly disorganized (S = 0.05 ± 0.03) even in the first minute of AF, and no decreasing temporal trend was observed. Conclusion: Higher levels of organization and longer fibrillation intervals exist at the onset of AF. The degree of organization of the electrical activity decays within less than 3 minutes. Since antitachycardia pacing success rate increases with high levels of organization, these results suggest an early delivery of pacing treatment.
The validity and utility of patients’ daily ratings of mood and impairment in clinical trials of bipolar disorder
Authors: Parker G. , Tully L. , Olley A. , Barnes C. 
Published: September 2006

Objective:  Traditional cross‐sectional clinician‐rated measures have limited use in clinical trials of bipolar disorder. We examine the validity and usefulness of patients’ daily ratings of mood and functional impairment during a treatment trial.Method:  Ten subjects with bipolar II disorder completed daily ratings of depression severity, depression, hypomania and functional impairment over a 9‐month trial. Ratings were correlated with clinician‐rated measures at nine time points to determine validity. Mood ratings were contrasted with cross‐sectional data for one subject to determine usefulness of such fine‐grained data.Results:  Moderate to large correlations were found between patients’ and clinicians' ratings of mood and impairment for most of the nine time points. The utility of the patients’ ratings relative to clinician‐rated cross‐sectional measures was also illustrated.Conclusion:  Results support the validity and usefulness of patients’ daily mood ratings.
Comparing running therapy with physiotraining therapy in the treatment of mood disorders
Authors: Judith Haffmans P. M. , Kleinsman Arlette C. M. , van Weelden Corry , Huijbrechts Irma P. A. M. , Hoencamp Erik 
Published: September 2006

Background:Despite various studies, supportive evidence for the efficacy of exercise in treatment of mental illness is still weak.Objective:The aim of this study was to compare two forms of exercise, namely running therapy (RT) and physiotraining therapy (PT), on stationary devices.Methods:Patients in a day treatment programme for treatment of affective disorders were randomly allocated to one of the exercise groups or to a control group. Depression scores, self-efficacy, physical conditions and appreciations of the training programme were measured.Results:After 6 weeks, no significant differences were found between both the training groups and the control group; however, after 12 weeks, the physiotraining group showed significant improvement on scores for blind-rated Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and on scores for self-rated Beck Depression Inventory 21-item version.Conclusions:Our results suggest that PT has advantages over RT. We speculate that an improved feeling of self-efficacy may be a mediating factor.
No borna disease virus-specific RNA detected in blood of race horses and jockeys
Authors: Kim Yong-Ku , Noh Kyung-Bo , Han Chang-Su , Moon Ju-Young , Yoon Do-Kyung , Song Ki-Joon , Kim Dai-Jin , Kubera Marta , Maes Michael , Song Jin-Won 
Published: September 2006

Background:Borna disease virus (BDV) predominantly infects horses and sheep, causing a broad range of behavioural disorders. It is controversial whether BDV infects humans and causes psychiatric disorders.Objectives:We searched for BDV-derived nucleic acids in blood of race horses and jockeys riding the horses.Methods:We assayed for the BDV genome in RNA extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 39 race horses and 48 jockeys. Two polymerase chain reaction protocols [one-tube reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and two-step RT-PCR] were used to assay BDV p24 and p40 transcripts.Results:The p24 and p40 viral nucleic acid sequences were not detected in the PBMC RNAs from any of the race horses or jockeys.Conclusions:These data do not support an epidemiological association between BDV infection, race horses and humans.
Anesthesia for patients with pantothenate-kinase-associated neurodegeneration (Hallervorden-Spatz disease) – a literature review
Authors: Hinkelbein Jochen , Kalenka Armin , Alb Markus 
Published: September 2006

Background:Hallervorden-Spatz disease (HSD) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder; the new and preferred name for HSD is ‘pantothenate-kinase-associated neurodegeneration’ (PKAN). Other suggested names are ‘neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation type 1’ or ‘infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy’. Patients with PKAN have many complications, which lead to numerous anesthetic management challenges. Reports concerning the anesthetic management of patients with PKAN are very limited.Objective:To determine the anesthetic management and techniques as well as relevant complications for patients with PKAN.Methods:In this study, we review previously published literature regarding the anesthesia-relevant clinical symptoms, the anesthetic management and techniques, and possible complications for this disorder.Results:Only four studies describing the anesthetic management and anesthetic techniques in patients with PKAN were found. Anesthesia-relevant symptoms influence the preanesthetic management (eg difficulties in articulation, dementia), the induction of anesthesia (eg oromandibular rigidity, seizures, dysphagia, aspiration) and the postoperative care (eg respiratory disability).Conclusion:Reports concerning the anesthetic management of patients with PKAN are very limited, possibly as a result of the rareness of the disorder. Like many other patients with neurodegenerative diseases, patients with PKAN have many anesthesia-relevant symptoms, leading to numerous anesthetic management challenges. In general, the anesthetic complications associated with PKAN are usually no different from those associated with other neurodegenerative diseases, and the management of these are usually concordant.
The education of health practitioners supporting breastfeeding women: time for critical reflection
Authors: Dykes Fiona 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding has now become a major international priority as emphasized in the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding. Health practitioners, such as midwives, nurses and doctors, have a key role to play in providing support to breastfeeding women. This paper provides a critical discussion of educational requirements of health practitioners to equip them for their supportive role. The effective integration of embodied, vicarious, practice‐based and theoretical knowledge requires opportunities for deep critical reflection. This approach should facilitate personal reflection and critical engagement with broader socio‐political issues, thus allowing for collective understandings and change. Practitioners also need to understand breastfeeding as a biopsychosocial process that is dynamic, relational and changes over time. Recommendations are outlined with regards to multidisciplinary undergraduate education; mentorship schemes with knowledgeable role models supporting student practitioners; involvement of voluntary and peer supporters; post‐registration education; setting of national standards for breastfeeding education; tailored education for specific groups; designated funding; and involvement of breastfeeding specialists.
Assessing learning needs for breastfeeding: setting the scene
Authors: McFadden Alison , Renfrew Mary J. , Dykes Fiona , Burt Sue 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBreastfeeding has a major contribution to make to public health, yet the UK, like many other developed countries, has low rates of breastfeeding. A contributing factor is that practitioners are ill‐prepared to support breastfeeding women. There is a mismatch between the care professionals provide and the support women desire. A national breastfeeding learning needs assessment (LNA) was carried out in England to provide a comprehensive picture of professional and practitioner learning needs and existing training opportunities and resources. The LNA comprised five elements, and sought the views of service users through consumer organizations and voluntary breastfeeding supporters. Two elements of the LNA are reported here. A search of RDLearning, a web‐based national resource, provided details of existing accredited courses in the UK for practitioners. Ten short courses provided by higher education institutions were identified, along with a range of courses offered by voluntary and other organizations, such as the National Childbirth Trust and UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative. Second, an e‐mail survey of 28 key stakeholder organizations was undertaken, with a response rate of 68% (n = 18). All but one acknowledged that their members could benefit from further breastfeeding knowledge and expertise and were supportive of a national breastfeeding education initiative. The most popular forms of education provision were workshops and seminars, online and written information. The topic considered most important for all practitioners was the health outcomes of breastfeeding. Other contributions which stakeholder organizations felt they could make were the provision of information resources and setting up specialist interest groups.
Electronics Packaging Cooling: Technologies From Gas Turbine Engine Cooling
Authors: Arik M. , Bunker R. S. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractHeat transfer in turbomachinery has been well established due to the long history of research in the field. A vast amount of research has been devoted to obtain flow fields and regimes, heat transfer modes, surface effects, and heat transfer enhancement techniques. Since most of the flows are in the turbulent regime of air cooling, various heat transfer enhancements such as turbulators, pin fins, concavities, and lattice cooling have been investigated. The electronics industry has shown a rapid increase in the functionality, speed, and the density of transistors, leading to a large increase in the required heat transfer. Most of the flows are in the transitional regime. Heat sinks are the primary choice for thermal management in electronics systems. Enhancements in heat sinks have been limited to taller and tighter fin spacing, while decreasing the weight and the cost. Current state-of-the-art for heat sinks in electronics components is lacking in heat transfer enhancement technologies, which is common in turbine heat transfer practice. Therefore, the primary goal of this paper is to examine the turbomachinery cooling technologies and to inform the packaging engineers about the thermal technologies on the other side of the thermal world.
What Does Acoustics Have To Offer?
Authors: Lindsay R. B. 
Published: September 2006

A general survey of acoustics as one of the old yet very modern fields of physics is given. Its role in affording us one of the means we learn of the world about us is described. Not only does sound furnish a means of communication, but through experiments involving sound waves, we can discover some properties of matter that at first seem very unrelated to sound. Applications in industry, in physiology, in psychology and other fields are cited. The students majoring in physics can find ample challenge in working in acoustics.
In the writing of this article, the support in part of the Office of Naval Research is gratefully acknowledged.