bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospective randomized comparative observation of single‐ versus split‐dose lenograstim to enhance engraftment after autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma or non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Jang Geundoo , Ko Ock Bae , Kim Shin , Lee Dae Ho , Huh Jooryung , Suh Cheolwon 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) is used to enhance hematopoietic recovery after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Recommendations for administration of G‐CSF during the engraftment phase of ASCT have recently changed. This study sought to compare the early engraftment profile between groups receiving single‐dose versus split‐dose lenograstim to enhance engraftment after ASCT.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized study was performed with 40 patients (14 with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, 26 with multiple myeloma) undergoing ASCT. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 5 μg per kg lenograstim once daily (single dose) or 2.5 μg per kg lenograstim twice daily (split dose) starting 1 day after transplantation (Day +1). A minimum of 3 × 106 per kg CD34+ cells per kg was required for the autograft.RESULTS: The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 10 days for both groups. Platelet (PLT) engraftment was achieved in 11 days for the single‐dose group and 14 days for the split‐dose group. Episodes of clinically documented infection were low and similar in both groups (18 during 392 patient‐days in the single‐dose group and 22 during 556 patient‐days in the split‐dose group). There were no significant differences in requirements for red blood cell or PLT transfusion between the two groups. The duration of hospitalization after stem cell infusion was 18 days for the single‐dose group and 22 days for the split‐dose group.CONCLUSION: Administration of split doses of lenograstim is not associated with superior clinical efficacy compared with conventional daily single‐dose administration for immediate hematopoietic recovery after ASCT.
A randomized clinical trial comparing immediate versus delayed clamping of the umbilical cord in preterm infants: short‐term clinical and laboratory endpoints
Authors: Strauss Ronald G. , Mock Donald M. , Johnson Karen J. , Cress Gretchen A. , Burmeister Leon F. , Zimmerman M. Bridget , Bell Edward F. , Rijhsinghani Asha 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Most neonates less than 1.0 kg birth weight need red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Delayed clamping of the umbilical cord 1 minute after delivery transfuses the neonate with autologous placental blood to expand blood volume and provide 60 percent more RBCs than after immediate clamping. This study compared hematologic and clinical effects of delayed versus immediate cord clamping.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: After parental consent, neonates not more than 36 weeks' gestation were randomly assigned to cord clamping immediately or at 1 minute after delivery. The primary endpoint was an increase in RBC volume/mass, per biotin labeling, after delayed clamping. Secondary endpoints were multiple clinical and laboratory comparisons over the first 28 days including Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP).RESULTS: Problems with delayed clamping techniques prevented study of neonates of less than 30 weeks' gestation, and 105 neonates 30 to 36 weeks are reported. Circulating RBC volume/mass increased (p = 0.04) and weekly hematocrit (Hct) values were higher (p < 0.005) after delayed clamping. Higher Hct values did not lead to fewer RBC transfusions (p ≥ 0.70). Apgar scores after birth and daily SNAP scores were not significantly different (p ≥ 0.22). Requirements for mechanical ventilation with oxygen were similar. More (p = 0.03) neonates needed phototherapy after delayed clamping, but initial bilirubin levels and extent of phototherapy did not differ.CONCLUSIONS: Although a 1‐minute delay in cord clamping significantly increased RBC volume/mass and Hct, clinical benefits were modest. Clinically significant adverse effects were not detected. Consider a 1‐minute delay in cord clamping to increase RBC volume/mass and RBC iron, for neonates 30 to 36 weeks' gestation, who do not need immediate resuscitation.
The influence of baseline hemoglobin concentration on tolerance of anemia in cardiac surgery
Authors: Karkouti Keyvan , Wijeysundera Duminda N. , Yau Terrence M. , McCluskey Stuart A. , Van Rensburg Adriaan , Beattie W. Scott 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Current red blood cell (RBC) transfusion guidelines assume that most acutely anemic patients can tolerate hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations as low as 6.0 to 7.0 g per dL and recommend that range as the transfusion threshold in patients who have no overt signs of organ dysfunction. Nonetheless, “normal” Hb concentrations vary widely in the population, and this variability may influence patients' tolerance of acute anemia. This retrospective cohort study was carried out to test this hypothesis.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were analyzed on 10,179 consecutive patients who had normal Hb concentrations (12.0‐16.0 g/dL in women and 13.0‐18.0 g/dL in men) and underwent on‐pump cardiac surgery from 1999 to 2006 at an academic hospital. The relationships of lowest intraoperative Hb concentration and maximum decrease in Hb concentration (from baseline) with the composite outcome of in‐hospital death, stroke, or kidney failure were determined in various patient subgroups.RESULTS: The relationship between lowest Hb concentration and adverse outcomes was not independently associated with increased risk. In contrast, the relationship between maximum decrease in Hb concentration and adverse outcomes was independently associated with increased risk, with a 50 percent decrease being the threshold beyond which risk was increased (adjusted odds ratio, 1.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.12‐2.08; p = 0.007).CONCLUSION: The degree of acute anemia that patients can safely tolerate during cardiac surgery is inversely related to their baseline Hb concentration. Current transfusion guidelines do not account for this relationship.
Photochemical treatment of plasma with amotosalen and UVA light: process validation in three European blood centers
Authors: Schlenke Peter , Hervig Tor , Isola Hervé , Wiesel Marie‐Louise , Kientz Daniel , Pinkoski Linda , Singh Yasmin , Lin Lily , Corash Laurence , Cazenave Jean‐Pierre 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: A photochemical treatment (PCT) process has been developed to inactivate pathogens and white blood cells (WBCs) in therapeutic plasma. Process validation studies were performed in three European blood centers under routine operating conditions.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Each center prepared 30 apheresis and 30 to 36 whole blood–derived plasma units for PCT. Each whole blood–derived plasma unit contained a mixture of two to three matched donations. After removal of pretreatment control samples (control fresh‐frozen plasma [C‐FFP]), 546 to 635 mL of plasma was treated with 15 mL of 6 mmol per L amotosalen, 3 J per cm2 UVA treatment, and removal of residual amotosalen with a compound adsorption device. After processing, plasma samples (PCT‐FFP) were withdrawn, frozen at −60°C within 8 hours of collection, and assayed for coagulation factors and residual amotosalen.RESULTS: A total of 186 units of plasma were processed. The mean prothrombin time (12.2 ± 0.6 sec) and activated partial thromboplastin time (32.1 ± 3.2 sec) of PCT‐FFP were slightly prolonged compared to C‐FFP. Fibrinogen and Factor (F)VIII were most sensitive to PCT (26% mean reduction). PCT‐FFP, however, retained sufficient levels of fibrinogen (217 ± 43 mg/dL) and FVIII (97 ± 29 IU/dL) for therapeutic plasma. Mean levels of FII, FV, FVII, F IX, FX, FXI, and FXIII in PCT‐FFP were comparable to C‐FFP (81%‐97% retention of activity). Antithrombotic proteins were not significantly affected by PCT with retention ranging between 83 and 97 percent. Mean residual amotosalen levels were 0.6 ± 0.1 μmol per L.CONCLUSION: Process validation studies in three European centers demonstrated retention of coagulation factors in PCT‐FFP within the required European and respective national standards for therapeutic plasma.
Assessment of a travel question to identify donors with risk of Trypanosoma cruzi: operational validity and field testing
Authors: O'Brien Sheila F. , Chiavetta Jo Anne , Fan Wenli , Xi Guoliang , Yi Qi‐Long , Goldman Mindy , Scalia Vito , Fearon Margaret A. 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Because Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) infection in Canada and the United States is largely contracted in endemic countries, targeted testing of blood donors with risk travel may improve safety. The operational validity of a travel question suitable for donor screening was tested, and it was field‐tested.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: After 1331 donors completed a short travel question, operational validity was assessed by detailed travel histories in face‐to‐face interviews. Two nationwide donor surveys were carried out assessing donor responses to similar travel questions in 2001 (13,623 donors) and in 2006 (20,037 donors). All donors in Toronto, Ontario, answered a travel question in 1997 and those born in or who spent 6 months or more in Mexico, Central America, or South America were tested for antibody to T. cruzi.RESULTS: There was 97.3 percent agreement between the travel question and detailed interviews, with 15 donors (1.1%) failing to acknowledge risk travel (false‐negative questioning responses). Of these, 6 donors were born there and 7 others had less than 1 year of cumulative travel. In 2001 and 2006, there were 2.1 and 2.0 percent of donors with risk travel, respectively, but 16.5 and 11.2 percent of these donors were identified only because they were born there (travel not acknowledge). There were 1337 (1.6%) donors in Toronto in 1997 with risk travel and none were positive for the presence of T. cruzi antibody.CONCLUSION: Donors can answer a short question about cumulative time in Latin America with similar accuracy to detailed questioning, but screening questions should also include country of birth.
Career activities of physicians taking the subspecialty board examination in blood banking/transfusion medicine
Authors: McCullough Jeffrey , Benson Kaaron , Roseff Susan , Simon Toby , Strauss Ronald , Stubbs James , Triulzi Darrell 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Changes in blood banking and transfusion medicine (BB/TM) in the past 15 years may have made BB/TM a less attractive career choice than previously for physicians.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To evaluate this, we developed a survey of professional activities and sent it to all physicians who took the BB/TM specialty examination offered by the American Board of Pathology (ABP) between 1995 and 2004.RESULTS: The examination was taken by 390 physicians (range, 25‐68/year). Responses to the survey were received by 151 (39%). The number of candidates did not appear to be declining during the 10 years. All physicians who responded had practiced BB/TM and 94 percent were still doing so. Forty‐three percent were engaged in BB/TM full‐time and another 10 percent for at least 75 percent of the time. Most of the remaining time was devoted to pathology. Forty‐three percent practiced in a university hospital, 22 percent in a community hospital, and 21 percent in a blood center. Examples of practice activities included transfusion service (85%), therapeutic apheresis (63%), stem cell collection (46%), stem cell laboratory (32%), and coagulation laboratory (29%). Sixty‐six percent are involved in research.DISCUSSION: Interest in BB/TM careers is not decreasing as evidenced by the number of physicians taking the ABP specialty examination. Most currently practice BB/TM, many in an academic environment. Their activities are diverse. Many are involved in research and have presented abstracts at professional meetings. Approximately 60 percent combine the practice of BB/TM with pathology, but only a few (6%) practice hematology.
Biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer disease: ‘ALZheimer ASsociated gene’– a new blood biomarker?
Authors: Jellinger Kurt A. , Janetzky Bernd , Attems Johannes , Kienzl Elisabeth 
Published: March 2008

IntroductionPathogenesis of ADAlzheimer pathology and diagnosisBiomarkers of ADALZheimer ASsociated protein (ALZAS)ConclusionsAbstractSimple, non‐invasive tests for an early detection of degenerative dementia by use of biomarkers are urgently required. However, up to the present, no validated extracerebral diagnostic markers (plasma/serum, platelets, urine, connective tissue) for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) are available. In disease stages with evident cognitive disturbances, the clinical diagnosis of probable AD is made with around 90% accuracy using modern clinical, neuropsychological and imaging methods. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity even in early disease stages are improved by CSF markers, in particular combined tau and amyloid β peptides (Aβ) and plasma markers(e.g.Aβ‐42/Aβ‐40 ratio). Recently, a novel gene/protein – ALZAS (ALZheimer ASsociated protein) – with a 79 amino acid sequence, containing the amyloid β‐42 fragment (Aβ‐42), the amyloid precursor protein (APP) transmembrane signal and a 12 amino acid C‐terminal, not present in any other known APP alleles, has been discovered on chromosome 21 within the APP region. Reverse transcriptase‐PCR revealed the expression of the transcript of this protein in the cortex and hippocampal regions as well as in lymphocytes of human AD patients. The expression of ALZAS is mirrored by a specific autoimmune response in AD patients, directed against the ct‐12 end of the ALZAS‐peptide but not against the Aβ‐sequence. ELISA studies of plasma dectected highest titres of ALZAS in patients with mild cognitive impairment (presymptomatic AD), but only moderately increased titres in autopsy‐confirmed AD, whereas low or undetectable ct‐12 titres were found in cognitively intact age‐matched subjects and young controls. The antigen, ALZAS protein, was detected in plasma in later clinical stages of AD. It is suggested that ALZAS represents an indicator in a dynamic equilibrium between both peripheral and brain degenerative changes in AD and may become a useful ‘non‐invasive’ diagnostic markerviaa simple blood test.
Significant exposures to isoeugenol derivatives in perfumes
Authors: Rastogi Suresh Chandra , Johansen Jeanne Duus 
Published: March 2008

Background:  Isoeugenol, an important fragrance allergen in consumers, has been restricted to 200 p.p.m. since 1998 according to guidelines issued by the fragrance industry. However, no decline in contact allergy to isoeugnol has been detected. It has been speculated that isoeugenol derivatives, especially isoeugenyl acetate, are used instead. Isoeugenyl acetate is probably metabolized in the skin to isoeugenol and gives positive patch test reactions in 1/3 of isoeugenol‐sensitized individuals.Objectives:  To investigate the content of isoeugenol, isoeugenyl acetate, and two isoeugenol ethers in perfumes/aftershaves.Materials and methods:  29 international brand perfumes/aftershaves were analysed for the target fragrance ingredient by gas chromatography–mass spectrometery. All samples were analysed in duplicate at detection levels of 1–5 p.p.m.Results:  16 products (55%) contained isoeugenol. The maximum concentration was 202 p.p.m. 10 products (34%) contained isoeugenyl acetate, which in 9 cases occurred together with isoeugenol. The concentrations of isoeugenyl acetate ranged from 20 to 4689 p.p.m. 13 products (44%) contained 64.9–1755.0 p.p.m. isoeugenyl methyl ether. Isoeugenyl benzyl ether was not detected in any of the investigated products.Conclusions:  Isoeugenyl acetate is present in perfumes/aftershaves, in some products in significant amounts. This may lead to elicitation of contact allergy in isoeugenol‐sensitized individuals and may contribute to unchanged levels of isoeugenol sensitization.
Sensitive scalp: does this condition exist? An epidemiological study
Authors: Misery Laurent , Sibaud Vincent , Ambronati Marc , Macy Guy , Boussetta Sami , Taieb Charles 
Published: March 2008

Background:  The concept of the ‘sensitive scalp’ is vague. However, the ‘sensitive skin syndrome’ is probably not limited to the face.Objectives:  To evaluate and analyse sensitive scalp conditions.Patients and method:  1011 individuals, representative of the French population, were investigated.Results:  44.2 % declared suffering from a ‘sensitive scalp’ (47.4% of women versus 40.8% of men). Of these subjects, 11.5% reported having an associated scalp disease versus 1.1% of non‐sensitive subjects. Hair loss was significantly associated with scalp sensitivity. The scalp was dry for 24%, normal for 58%, greasy for 16% and mixed for 1%. 13% complained of prickling, 25% of itching and 2% of burning or pain. These symptoms were more frequent among those with a ‘sensitive scalp’. The main triggering factors were considered to be pollution, heat, emotions and shampoos. No other area of skin sensitivity was specifically associated with scalp sensitivity.Conclusion:  ‘Scalp sensitivity’ exists and occurs frequently. Triggering factors are numerous. Symptoms appear different from those of facial skin sensitivity. Further studies to define and assess sensitive scalp conditions are needed.
Modern tattoos cause high concentrations of hazardous pigments in skin
Authors: Engel Eva , Santarelli Francesco , Vasold Rudolf , Maisch Tim , Ulrich Heidi , Prantl Lukas , König Burkhard , Landthaler Michael , Bäumler Wolfgang 
Published: March 2008

Background:  Modern tattoo colourants frequently consist of azo pigments that not only contain multiple impurities but also are originally produced for car paint and the dyeing of consumer goods.Objective:  In order to be able to assess the health risk of tattoos, it is important to determine the pigment concentration in human skin.Methods:  We tattooed excised pigskin and human skin with a common tattoo pigment (Pigment Red 22) under various conditions. After tattooing, we quantitatively extracted the pigment in order to determine the pigment concentration in skin.Results:  The concentration of pigments ranged from about 0.60 to 9.42 mg/cm2 of tattooed skin (mean value 2.53 mg/cm2) depending upon the size of the pigment crystals, the pigment concentration applied to the skin surface, and the respective procedure of tattooing.Conclusion:  In conclusion, high concentrations of colourants are injected into the skin during tattooing and based upon this quantification, a risk assessment of tattooing ought to be carried out.
Suitability of macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β production by THP‐1 cells in differentiating skin sensitizers from irritant chemicals
Authors: Lim Yeon‐Mi , Moon Seong‐Joon , An Su‐Sun , Lee Soo‐Jin , Kim Seo‐Young , Chang Ih‐Seop , Park Kui‐Lea , Kim Hyoung‐Ah , Heo Yong 
Published: March 2008

Background:  Worldwide restrictions in animal use for research have driven efforts to develop alternative methods.Objective:  The study aimed to test the efficacy of the macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β (MIP‐1β) assay for testing chemicals’ skin‐sensitizing capacity.Methods:  The assay was performed using 9 chemicals judged to be sensitizing and 7 non‐sensitizing by the standard in vivo assays. THP‐1 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of 4 doses, 0.01x, 0.1x, 0.5x, or 1x IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration for THP‐1 cell proliferation) of these chemicals for 24 hr, and the MIP‐1β level in the supernatants was determined. Skin sensitization by the test chemicals was determined by MIP‐1β production rates. The MIP‐1β production rate was expressed as the relative increase in MIP‐1β production in response to chemical treatment compared with vehicle treatment.Results and Conclusion:  When the threshold MIP‐1β production rate used was 100% or 105% of dimethyl sulfoxide, all the sensitizing chemicals tested (dinitrochlorobenzene, hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, eugenol, hydroquinone, dinitrofluorobenzene, benzocaine, nickel, chromium, and 5‐chloro‐2‐methyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐3‐one) were positive, and all the non‐sensitizing chemicals (methyl salicylate, benzalkonium chloride, lactic acid, isopropanol, and salicylic acid), with the exception of sodium lauryl sulfate, were negative for MIP‐1β production. These results indicate that MIP‐1β could be a biomarker for classification of chemicals as sensitizers or non‐sensitizers.
Tacrolimus ointment in the treatment of occupationally induced chronic hand dermatitis
Authors: Schliemann Sibylle , Kelterer Daniela , Bauer Andrea , John Swen M. , Skudlik Christoph , Schindera Ingo , Wehrmann Wolfgang , Elsner Peter 
Published: March 2008

Background:  Occupational hand dermatitis (OHD) is a common and often chronic condition. Usage of topical corticosteroids is limited in long‐term therapy because of potential side‐effects. New treatment options are highly appreciated.Objective:  To study efficacy and safety of tacrolimus in patients suffering from OHD.Patients and Methods:  In a prospective, open, multicentre study, 29 patients with OHD of predominantly mild‐to‐moderate severity were treated with tacrolimus ointment (Protopic® 0.1%) during a 4‐week active treatment period with twice daily application followed by a 2‐month optional treatment period. Efficacy was evaluated by the use of a standardized hand eczema score and by clinical severity rating, conducted on all study visits (screening, baseline and weeks 2, 4, 6, and 12). Adverse events were recorded for safety evaluation.Results:  The hand eczema score declined significantly after 2 weeks of treatment compared with baseline and further declined until the end of the study. Finally, 12 (44%) patients were clear of hand eczema. Worsening of the dermatitis occurred in 2 patients (7%). Clinical grading indicated improvement too. Overall tolerability was good.Conclusion:  Topical tacrolimus might be an efficacious treatment option for chronic OHD. Blinded and randomized controlled studies are necessary to confirm the results of this pilot study.
Occupational dermatoses in health care workers evaluated for suspected allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Suneja Tina , Belsito Donald V. 
Published: March 2008

Background:  Occupational skin diseases, including allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), irritant contact dermatitis, and allergic contact urticaria (ACU), occur commonly among health care workers (HCWs).Purpose:  To evaluate the aetiology of the various skin diseases afflicting HCWs evaluated for suspicion of ACD and/or ACU and to identify the most common allergens among HCWs found to have ACD and/or ACU.Methods:  A total of 1434 patients underwent patch testing. The demographic data and most common allergens for HCWs (n = 100) and non‐HCWS (n = 1334) were compared.Results:  HCWs were statistically more likely than non‐HCWS to be female, have hand dermatitis, and have a history of atopy. HCWs were also more likely to have work‐related ACD especially to quaternium‐15, thiuram, carba mix, glutaraldehyde and benzalkonium chloride, and to have ACU to latex.Limitations:  This study was retrospective and is subject to the resultant biases of all such investigations. Only patients suspected of having ACD and who underwent patch testing are included in our database. The prevalence of ACD and ACU is likely to be higher than that seen in the general HCW population.Conclusions:  Our results underscore the importance of thoroughly evaluating HCWs for ACD and ACU with the use of expanded standard allergen series and prick or radioallergosorbent testing to latex.