bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A downward revision to the distance of the 1806−20 cluster and associated magnetar from Gemini Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Bibby J. L. , Crowther P. A. , Furness J. P. , Clark J. S. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
We present H- and K-band spectroscopy of OB and Wolf–Rayet (WR) members of the Milky Way cluster 1806−20 (G10.0–0.3) to obtain a revised cluster distance, of relevance to the 2004 giant flare from the (soft gamma repeater) SGR 1806−20 magnetar. From GNIRS (Gemini Near-Infrared Spectrograph) spectroscopy obtained with Gemini South, four candidate OB stars are confirmed as late O/early B supergiants, while we support previous mid-WN and late WC classifications for two WR stars. Based upon an absolute Ks-band magnitude calibration for B supergiants and WR stars, and near-infrared (IR) photometry from NIRI (Near-Infrared Imager) at Gemini North plus archival VLT/ISAAC (Very Large Telescope/Infrared Spectrometer And Array Camera) data sets, we obtain a cluster distance modulus of 14.7 ± 0.35 mag. The known stellar content of the 1806−20 cluster suggests an age of 3–5 Myr, from which theoretical isochrone fits infer a distance modulus of 14.7 ± 0.7 mag. Together, our results favour a distance modulus of 14.7 ± 0.4 mag (8.7+1.8−1.5 kpc) to the 1806−20 cluster, which is significantly lower than the nominal 15 kpc distance to the magnetar. For our preferred distance, the peak luminosity of the 2004 December giant flare is reduced by a factor of 3 to 7 × 1046 erg s−1, such that the contamination of BATSE (Burst And Transient Source Experiment) short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) from giant flares of extragalactic magnetars is reduced to a few per cent. We infer a magnetar progenitor mass of ∼48+20−8 M⊙, in close agreement with that obtained recently for the magnetar in Westerlund 1.
STUDYING OF THE BACTERIAL GROWTH PHASES USING FOURIER TRANSFORM INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY AND MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS
Authors: AL‐QADIRI HAMZAH M. , AL‐ALAMI NIVIN I. , LIN MENGSHI , AL‐HOLY MURAD , CAVINATO ANNA G. , RASCO BARBARA A. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT This study examined the potential of Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) absorbance spectroscopy to detect biochemical changes in bacterial cells that occur during bacterial growth phases in batch culture. Two bacterial strains, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Listeria innocua ATCC 51742 were cultured in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth and incubated at 37C and cells recovered at: the lag phase (3 h), the log phase (7 h), the stationary phase (24 h), and the death phase (10 days) from incubation in BHI (n = 2). Major variations in the biochemical structure of bacterial cells during growth were observed. Over the range of 1800–900 cm−1, loadings 1 (principal component [PC] 1) and 2 (PC2) accounted for 88% of the total variability (76% and 12%, respectively) for E. coli cells, and 80% (72% and 8%, respectively) for L. innocua cells. Changes were attributable to cellular structure of bacterial cells (the variation in nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and polysaccharides) that occur during the growth phases.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe focus of this study was to examine Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectral features of bacterial cells at different growth stages and to determine if variations in composition and distribution of the biochemical components of cells during growth phases can be distinguished using this spectroscopic technique. This could explain the primary functional principle behind detection and discrimination of bacteria by FT‐IR spectroscopy.
THE DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A DUPLEX POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION DETECTION OF BIFIDOBACTERIUM SPP. AND LACTOBACILLUS SPP. IN DUODENUM, JEJUNUM, ILEUM AND CECUM OF BROILERS
Authors: SEIDAVI ALIREZA , MIRHOSSEINI SEYED ZIAEDDIN , SHIVAZAD MAHMOUD , CHAMANI MOHAMMAD , SADEGHI ALI ASGHAR 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTBifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. genera are useful and important microbiota which affect poultry performance. The aim of this study was to develop a method for the direct and simultaneous detection of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two pairs of oligonucleotide primers were applied simultaneously to detect two different genera of useful bacteria by duplex PCR in a single tube. Primers were compared with sequences in the GenBank and none were found to have the exact same sequence as the non‐targeted sequence. Bacterial source included duodenum, jejunum, ileum and cecum obtained from commercial broilers. All gastrointestinal samples tested including duodenum, jejunum, ileum and cecum showed positive results with the PCR assay for both Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. There was no cross reactivity among these two closely related microorganisms. All primer pairs showed specificities only for their corresponding target microorganisms.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. genera represent the probiotic cultures generally used in the food and animal and poultry industry. The high throughput and cost‐effective duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system developed in this study could provide a powerful supplement to conventional methods for more accurate risk assessment and monitoring of these useful bacteria in the poultry gut. Development of probiotics requires investigation on these useful bacteria. Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp genera comprise the two most affecting factor in broiler industry and poultry performance.
Regulation lite: The rise of emissions trading
Authors: Baldwin Robert 
Published: February 2008

AbstractEmissions trading is the governmentally promoted hope for a sustainable world. In different contexts, trading regimes display varying potential – both in absolute terms and in comparison with other regulatory instruments. Emissions trading, however, is a device that raises urgent issues regarding its objectives, cost‐effectiveness, fairness, transparency, and legitimacy. Its use places emphasis on its “acceptability” and the virtues of regulation that is “lite” because it is non‐threatening to the most powerful interests. Emissions trading is resonant with assumptions that are highly contentious – notably that it is acceptable because it involves no losers, or because, in desperate global circumstances, we have no choice but to use it. There is a need to confront the difficult issues presented by emissions trading and to face the challenges of combining “market” and “democratic” systems of legitimization. It is also necessary to avoid taking refuge in all too comfortable beliefs in cumulative checks and balances.
Perisurgical Intravenous Iron Therapy
Authors: BERIS Photis 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThere is no doubt that the developments in detecting viral antigens and antibodies, and very recently viral RNA or DNA, in donor blood, have greatly increased the safety of blood transfusion1. However, while it is generally agreed that a residual risk of transmitting viral infections by blood still exists 2, we do not know if Creutzfeld‐Jakob disease or its new form – undetectable with current screening methods – are transmitted by transfusion or not 3. Furthermore, the long‐term immunomodulatory effect of allogeneic blood on the patient is not known.For these reasons, a more conservative transfusion practice is advocated; physicians must do all they can to decrease allogeneic blood transfusion, especially in patients without blood disease who, because of a significant acute blood loss (e.g. during major surgery), are likely to receive allogeneic blood.In this paper we will discuss the use of intravenously administered iron in the perisurgical setting as a means of accelerating erythropoiesis in an attempt to decrease transfusion requirements.
Blood Transfusion in the Critically ill Patient: Role of Erythropoietin
Authors: Corwin Howard L. , Hitchcock Dartmouth 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThe earliest blood transfusions date back to the mid‐seventeenth century1. It was not until the early part of the twentieth century that blood transfusion became a mainstay of clinical practice. The value of blood transfusion was unchallenged through most of this century. Blood transfusion was looked upon as relatively risk‐free, making surgery with levels less than 10 g/dL unthinkable. It was not until the early 1980's that transfusion practices began to come under systematic scrutiny24.The debate over transfusion risks has over the last decade led to a more critical examination of transfusion benefits. This review will focus on transfusion practice in the critically ill patient and the potential role of erythropoietin in the management of these patients.
Infections Related to Red Cell Transfusions Including Variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob Disease
Authors: Contreras Marcela , Barbara John A. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYCurrently in the developed world, the risks of infection by the transfusion of blood components is very low. Improved methods of selection of all voluntary donors as well as highly sensitive screening techniques to detect the most important agents known to be transmissible by blood transfusion have greatly improved the safety of the blood supply. Nevertheless, there is still the risk of transmitting (mainly HBV, HCV, HIV, CMV, etc.), bacteria (e.g. staphylococci, Pseudomonas, Yersinia) and parasites (e.g. malaria and T. Cruzi).Transmissions occur because donors gave blood during the ‘window period“, because of error, or because no screening test is available for that agent. No cases of new variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (or CJD) nor of any transmissible spongiform encephalopathy have been shown to be transmitted by blood transfusion. However, because bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) (”mad cow disease“) acquired epidemic proportions only in the U.K. (with the exception of one out of 45 cases), the British Department of Health has decided to introduce several prophylactic measures that might reduce the hypothetical risk of transmission by blood transfusion, such as universal leukodepletion and disposal of all volunteer U.K. plasma for fractionation with its replacement by imported non‐volunteer plasma from the U.S.A
Immunosuppression and Transfusion
Authors: Heiss Markus M. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYBlood transfusion‐associated immunomodulation is discussed as a cause of considerable clinical consequences. Observations in transplantation surgery indicate that this transfusion effect is able to influence cell‐mediated and humoral immunity in humans. Despite much effort in experimental studies, the basic mechanisms are only partly understood. Studies of perioperative infections as indicators of this transfusion‐associated immunosuppression clearly indicate that no other clinical parameter shows such a strong and reproducible correlation. Controlled studies show that autologous transfusions and leukocyte‐depletion are capable of providing significant clinical benefit. The influence of this transfusion‐associated immunosuppression on prognosis in cancer surgery is more controversial. Although controlled trials have not been able to verify this hypothesis, meta‐analyses strongly support the concept of association of transfusion with cancer recurrence. Given the available data, the clinical potential of transfusion‐associated immunosuppression may lead to a paradigm shift in the awareness of transfusion risks.
Current Information on the Benefits of Allogeneic Blood
Authors: Hardy Jean‐François , Bélisle Sylvain 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYOverall, anemia increases the risk of mortality only when hemoglobin concentration (Hb) falls below 50 g/L. This effect is magnified by blood losses and cardiovascular disease. No evidence supports a beneficial effect of transfusions in less sick patients and those without cardiovascular disease when Hb is above 70 g/L. Especially in areas of the world where blood transmissible diseases are endemic, the considerable risks of HIV infection nearly always outweigh the benefits of transfusion, even in severely anemic patients. Definitive evidence that minimal Hb greater than 90–100 g/L in patients with cardiovascular disease prevents cardiac morbidity is lacking. Transfusions to improve oxygen transport are definitely not indicated in critically ill adults. Transfusions may be deleterious in patients with several, non‐cardiovascular diagnoses. Conversely, in anemic shock, transfusions allow early withdrawal of supportive therapy. Erythrocyte transfusions improve hemostasis and reduce perioperative complications in patients with sickle cell disease.
Post‐Transfusion Purpura
Authors: Kaplan Cécile 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYPost‐transfusion purpura, characterized by the sudden onset of severe thrombocytopenia one week after transfusion, is a rare but serious condition resulting from specific immunization against platelet antigens. Life‐threatening hemorrhages are the major consequence of this affection. Although the clinical syndrome is well‐defined, the mechanism responsible for the destruction of autologous platelets remains unclear. The diagnosis is established by identification of the causative antibody in the patient's serum directed against a platelet antigen not found in his cells. First‐line therapy at present is the infusion of intravenous immunoglobulins.
The Cost Consequences of Universal Leukoreduction
Authors: Vanderlinde Elizabeth S. , Blumberg Neil 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY Purpose: To review the published literature on cost analysis of the use of leukoreduced allogeneic blood components or autologous blood for transfusion versus the use of nonleukoreduced blood transfusions and to assess the implications for the universal leukoreduction of blood components. Methods: A total of three retrospective cohort studies, one randomized, controlled trial and one implementation trial are included in the review. In addition, an overview is provided of the medical issues concerning universal leukoreduction and the current controversy surrounding the instituting of such a policy in the United States. Results: All five studies reported overall cost savings with the use of leukoreduced or autologous products compared with the use of unmodified allogeneic blood components. Conclusion: The use of leukoreduced blood components for transfusion provides an overall cost benefit for patients undergoing transfusion for surgery or hematologic malignancy, many of whom would receive nonleukoreduced blood under current recommendations. The savings due to the reduction in morbidity in surgical patients alone could well equal or exceed the added expense of universal leukoreduction.
Safety of Recombinant Factor VIIa
Authors: Levi Marcel 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYRecombinant activated factor VII is an activator of blood coagulation that is highly effective as a hemostatic agent in patients with complicated hemophilia and other clotting disorders who experience major bleeding or need to undergo surgery. In recent years the potential of this agent to reduce perioperative bleeding and transfusion requirements in non‐hemophilia patients with excessive bleeding, for example after trauma or major surgical interventions, has been studied. Also, the use of recombinant factor VIIa to prevent bleeding and blood transfusion in patients who need to undergo invasive procedures that are associated with major blood loss has been investigated. Most of these observations and trials show efficacy of recombinant factor VIIa in reducing blood loss and the requirement for blood transfusion. Every prohemostatic intervention carries the risk of adverse events, in particular thrombosis. However, the initial reports show that adverse events due to recombinant factor VIIa are not frequent, although definitive conclusions regarding the safety of this approach should await larger trials.
The Potential Role of Factor VIIa in Transfusion Medicine
Authors: Hoffman Maureane 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYTherapy with high doses of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is effective in promoting hemostasis in hemophiliacs. There is also some evidence to support the idea that this agent can enhance hemostasis in patients with platelet function defects, thrombocytopenia and liver failure, as well as in persons without a preexisting bleeding disorder. Because of this hemostatic effect in a wide range of clinical settings, it is possible that rFVIIa could serve as a substitute or supplement to the transfusion of blood products.
The Use of Recombinant Factor VIIa in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplant
Authors: Escobar Miguel A. , Hoots W. K eith 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYLiver transplantation is often associated with substantial blood loss and coagulopathy that requires the need for transfusion of large amounts of blood products with increased morbidity and mortality. Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) was originally developed for the treatment of hemophilia patients with antibodies to factors VIII or IX. More recently rFVIIa has been studied as a prohemostatic agent in a variety of clinical and surgical conditions including liver transplantation. A review of the literature reveals a total of 96 cases of liver transplantation including recipient infants and adults. The doses of rFVIIa have been variable, as well as the results. The largest study was a randomized, double blind, parallel group placebo controlled trial with 83 patients who received a single dose of rFVIIa or placebo. No statistical correlation was seen between the use of rFVIIa and transfusion requirement. The overall incidence of adverse events has been low in all the reported cases. Further large controlled studies should be performed before the widespread use of rFVIIa in the surgical setting is advocated.
Recombinant Factor VIIa in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Tobias Joseph D. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYTo date, the majority of experience with recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has been in patients with hemophilia who developed auto‐antibodies (inhibitors) against factor VIII. This paper examines the reported experiences with rFVIIa use in non‐hemophiliac pediatric‐aged patients and is based on a review of the literature as well as an evaluation of isolated case reports and case series. The literature contains reports on the successful use of rFVIIa in approximately 40 non‐hemophiliac pediatric patients with acquired coagulation dysfunction of various etiologies as well as inherited disorders of platelet function. Although clinical experience is somewhat limited, no significant adverse effects have been noted in the pediatric‐aged patient. Given its potential therapeutic impact, rFVIIa warrants further investigation in the pediatric population. As the reports in the literature illustrate, rFVIIa may be indicated in coagulopathic states to control active bleeding or as prophylaxis to correct coagulation function prior to an invasive procedure. rFVIIa may be considered when the coagulopathy does not respond to FFP, time constraints do not allow for blood typing, thawing and administration of FFP, or there are concerns regarding the potential hemodynamic effects of FFP.
DART–A Voluntary System of Hemovigilance in Denmark
Authors: Jørgensen Jan , Taaning Ellen 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARyDenmark has a long tradition of collecting information concerning the country's activities, and this includes the collation of data concerning transfusion medicine. Data concerning nearly all parts of the transfusion chain, from the giving of blood through to the production of blood components and to the registration of transfusion complications, has been collected for years. Some data is provided on a voluntary and confidential basis by non‐official bodies, whereas official bodies as a legal obligation provide other data. Up to this day, a common national hemovigilance system has not been established.The Danish Registration of Transfusion Risks (DART) was initiated in 1998.The inspiration to initiate a registration of risks in connection with blood transfusion came from the results published by SHOT and from France. The British system SHOT was focused on, because the idea of a voluntary and confidential system was more suited to the Danish mentality, and was therefore more likely to be generally accepted. The DART system was originally organized as a copy of SHOT with the intention of making it possible to compare results from the two systems.During the first four years DART received 114 reports (91 about a severe risk). Half of the severe events concerned the transfusion of an incorrect blood component, and the other half were concerned immunological complications. Only 5% of the reported events concerned transfusion transmitted infections. The results obtained by DART have given rise to initiatives and recommendations aimed at reducing the transfusion risk.
Setting Up the Hemovigilance Scheme in Ireland
Authors: Lawlor Emer , Keane‐Egan Phil , O'Riordan Joan 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARyThe international tragedy surrounding the infection of the blood supply by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the 1980s, together with the recognition of the increasing morbidity associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the accompanying paradigm shift in transfusion medicine led to the development of hemovigilance in a number of countries. In Ireland, the infection of women with HCV through anti‐D immunoglobulin, and hemophilia patients with HIV and HCV from factor concentrates, ensured that hemovigilance would be adopted as a high priority.The hemovigilance system in Ireland was launched in October 1999 under the National Haemovigilance Office (NHO). In the initial stages of development, the possibility of drawing on the experience of two well‐developed systems already in operation, SHOT and the French hemovigilance system, was a huge advantage. Reports are collected on an anonymous basis using similar, though not identical, categorization of incidents to the UK system. A key feature borrowed from the French hemovigilance scheme was the decision to appoint a Transfusion Safety Officer (TSO) in each hospital or group of smaller hospitals.The in‐depth analysis of individual incidents, coupled with the review of incidents showing common features, generates recommendations to improve transfusion practice. By drawing attention to a systemic approach to eliminating error rather than by promoting a blame culture, the hemovigilance scheme has the capacity, if implemented appropriately, to improve overall patient safety which extends well beyond the transfusion process itself.
Can Policy Decisions in Transfusion Medicine Be Evidence‐Based?*
Authors: Vamvakas Eleftherios C. , AuBuchon James P. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARyIf the concept of evidence‐based medicine were considered at a policy level, it would likely dictate that policy decisions be made on the basis of the best available research evidence. In transfusion medicine, however, decisions are based on a broader range of inputs, and the criteria for evaluating the efficacy and/or cost‐effectiveness of proposed interventions differ from those used in other areas. Reasons why policy decisions in transfusion medicine are often based on considerations other than solely the best available research evidence include public perceptions of transfusion as being an inherently “unsafe” intervention, public expectations with regard to transfusion safety, and proposals for applying the precautionary principle to transfusion medicine. In the authors' opinion, use of the precautionary principle may be justified in addressing transfusion risks that are viewed as “dread events,” but this principle should not be applied indiscriminately to all transfusion risks.