bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome—A Novel Treatment Using an Intrathecal Morphine Pump to Relieve Intractable Visceral Pain
Authors: Guttman Oren T. , Rosenblatt Meg A. , Mims Timothy 
Published: March 2008

▪ Abstract  Purpose:  Median arcuate ligament syndrome, which presents with intractable visceral pain, is difficult to both diagnose and treat. This case report describes the first use of an intrathecal morphine pump as an effective therapeutic intervention.Clinical features:  We describe a 39‐year‐old female who presented with a four‐year history of misdiagnosed debilitating abdominal pain. After multiple failed attempts at medical management and surgeries, a trial of intrathecal narcotics provided significant relief. Six months after insertion of an intrathecal morphine pump, the patient was pain‐free and had resumed all activities of daily living.Conclusion:  The use of an intrathecal narcotic pump should be considered for treatment of patients with intractable visceral pain secondary to median arcuate ligament syndrome. ▪
Hepatitis C virus window‐phase infections: closing the window on hepatitis C virus
Authors: Tuke Philip W. , Grant Paul R. , Waite James , Kitchen Alan D. , Eglin Roger P. , Tedder Richard S. 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: The detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is of major importance for the prevention of transfusion‐transmitted hepatitis. The testing of donations by nucleic acid testing (NAT) techniques may not be feasible or economic. Combined antigen and antibody assays are now available, and the performance of two combined assays on window‐phase donations is evaluated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Three panels of antibody‐negative plasma samples from HCV NAT‐only–positive donors were characterized for HCV status by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, a commercial third‐generation HCV antibody assay (Ortho), and combined antigen and antibody assays (Bio‐Rad MONOLISA and Murex).RESULTS: All 142 plasma samples were antibody negative by Ortho third‐generation HCV. A total of 112 samples (79%) were found to contain HCV RNA; 32 were detected by the Bio‐Rad assay (29%), whereas 56 (50%) were detected by the Murex assay. Of 45 samples with viral loads of greater than 106, 32 (71%) were positive in the Bio‐Rad combination assay and 44 (98%) were positive in the Murex assay. Interestingly none of the 3a genotypes were detected by the Bio‐Rad MONOLISA, including eight donations that were greater than 106 IU per mL.CONCLUSIONS: Combined antigen and antibody testing provides a useful improvement on the sole reliance on antibody testing for detection of HCV infection; however, it remains less sensitive than NAT for detecting viremic donors and may be genotype susceptible.
Evaluation of an automated closed fluid management device for processing expanded cytokine‐induced killer cells to use in immunotherapy programs for cancer
Authors: Giancola Raffaella , Olioso Paola , Di Riti Maria , Capone Anita , Contento Alessandro , Pompetti Franca , Iacone Antonio 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cells are a heterogeneous population of immune cells derived from peripheral blood lymphocytes with a high proliferative potential ex vivo. This study shows a rapid and reproducible protocol for adoptive immunotherapy with CIK cells in patients with hematologic malignancies. For this purpose a new automatic cell processing device (CytoMate, Baxter Oncology) was tested to improve extensive manipulations of these cells.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty CIK expansions obtained from healthy donors and patients with hematologic malignancies were washed and refilled with fresh medium during culture with the CytoMate. Recovery, viability, and cytotoxic activity were evaluated. Six cryopreserved CIK procedures were thawed and processed for washing out dimethyl sulfoxide automatically. Recovery of cells, viability, and early apoptosis were measured immediately after washing, and cytotoxic activity against target cell lines K562 and Daudi was tested after short culture.RESULTS: Prewash volume of CIK cultures was 3600 mL (range, 1970‐6000 mL). After automatic wash, the total CIK cell recovery was 85.3 percent (range, 78.5%‐97.5%), and living cells were greater than 95 percent. After thawing, the median recoveries of total nucleated cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells were, respectively, 80.7 percent (range, 65%‐95.5%) and 90.5 percent (range, 70.5%‐98.5%). Thawed cells preserved their cytotoxic activity after cryopreservation (approx. 50% lysis at effector:target ratio of 40:1).CONCLUSION: The automatic wash with the CytoMate showed a good recovery of viable CIK cells during expansion and allowed an efficient manipulation of thawed cells. The use of this simple and efficient washing technique is suitable for clinical‐grade processing in cellular therapy protocols.
Apheresis donors and platelet function: inherent platelet responsiveness influences platelet quality
Authors: Garner Stephen F. , Jones Chris I. , Stephens Jonathan , Burns Philippa , Walton Jill , Bernard Adam , Angenent Will , Ouwehand Willem H. , Goodall Alison H. ,   BLOODOMICS Consortium
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Process‐induced platelet (PLT) activation occurs with all production methods, including apheresis. Recent studies have highlighted the range and consistence of interindividual variation in the PLT response, but little is known about the contribution of a donors' inherent PLT responsiveness to the activation state of the apheresis PLTs or the effect of frequent apheresis on donors' PLTs.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The relationship between the donors' PLT response on the apheresis PLTs was studied in 47 individuals selected as having PLTs with inherently low, intermediate, or high responsiveness. Whole‐blood flow cytometry was used to measure PLT activation (levels of bound fibrinogen) before donation and in the apheresis PLTs. The effects of regular apheresis on the activation status of donors' PLTs were studied by comparing the in vivo activation status of PLTs from apheresis (n = 349) and whole‐blood donors (n = 157), before donation. The effect of apheresis per se on PLT activation was measured in 10 apheresis donors before and after donation.RESULTS: The level of PLT activation in the apheresis packs was generally higher than in the donor, and the most activated PLTs were from high‐responder donors. There was no significant difference in PLT activation before donation between the apheresis and whole‐blood donors (p = 0.697), and there was no consistent evidence of activation in the donors immediately after apheresis.CONCLUSION: The most activated apheresis PLTs were obtained from donors with more responsive PLTs. Regular apheresis, however, does not lead to PLT activation in the donors.
Storage of platelet concentrates from pooled buffy coats made of fresh and overnight‐stored whole blood processed on the novel Atreus 2C+ system: in vitro study
Authors: Sandgren Per , Callaert Martine , Shanwell Agneta , Gulliksson Hans 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: The Atreus 2C+ system (Gambro BCT) automatically separates whole blood (WB) into buffy coat (BC), red blood cells (RBC), and plasma and transfers the components into separate containers. After processing with the Atreus, 4 to 6 BC units can be pooled and processed into leukoreduced platelets (PLTs) by use of the automated OrbiSac BC system (Gambro BCT). The aim of our in vitro study was to investigate the effects of holding either WB or BC overnight before preparation of PLTs by use of the Atreus 2C+ system for BC preparation. A standard routine procedure involving conventional blood containers for the preparation of BC combined with the OrbiSac process (top‐and‐top system; Terumo) was used as a reference.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: WB was either processed within 8 hours after collection (“fresh blood”) or stored overnight before processing. WB units were separated into BC, RBC, and plasma units and transferred into individual containers. Either the BC or the WB units rested overnight at 22 ± 2°C. Six ABO‐identical BCs, obtained from either fresh or overnight‐stored WB, were pooled and processed with the OrbiSac BC system to obtain leukoreduced PLTs. In total, 20 Atreus and 10 reference (leukoreduced PLTs) samples were analyzed for various in vitro variables during the 7‐day storage period.RESULTS: No significant difference in glucose consumption, lactate production, mean PLT volume, LDH activity, bicarbonate, ATP, RANTES, and the expression of CD62p and CD42b between groups was detected. pH was maintained at greater than 7.0 (Day 7). Swirling remained at the highest levels (score, 2) for all units throughout storage.CONCLUSION: PLTs derived from BCs, obtained from either fresh or overnight‐stored WB processed on the novel automated Atreus 2C+ system, were equivalent to control PLTs with regard to PLT in vitro characteristics during 7 days of storage. Stable recovery of PLTs and satisfactory PLT content according to current standards were also found.
Rapid detection of anti‐Lub with recombinant Lub protein and the particle gel immunoassay
Authors: Seltsam Axel , Agaylan Ashraf , Grueger Daniela , Meyer Oliver , Blasczyk Rainer , Salama Abdulgabar 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Until now, it was not possible to identify antibodies to red blood cells (RBCs) except with pretyped RBCs. Here, a novel method with particles coated with recombinant Lub protein for detection of anti‐Lub is described.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Prokaryotic recombinant Lub proteins were generated and coupled onto superparamagnetic particles coated with streptavidin. The coated particles were tested in the presence of different serum and plasma samples (13 anti‐Lub, 6 anti‐Lua, 20 other antibodies, and 35 serum samples from blood donors) with the particle gel immunoassay (ID‐PaGIA).RESULTS: Lub‐coated particles reacted with all 13 samples containing anti‐Lub, but not with any samples lacking anti‐Lub. In addition, the anti‐Lub titers were higher with Lub‐coated particles than with Lu(a–b+) RBCs in almost all cases.CONCLUSION: Recombinant blood group proteins may be able to dispense with the need for RBCs for identification of certain RBC alloantibodies.
A pool of repeat blood donors can be generated with little expense to the blood center in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Allain Jean‐Pierre , Sarkodie Francis , Boateng Peter , Asenso Kwame , Kyeremateng Ernest , Owusu‐Ofori Shirley 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: In sub‐Saharan Africa, most collected blood originates from accessible and cheaper replacement donors while recruiting and retaining volunteers requires considerable costs not all countries can afford. The Kumasi Teaching Hospital Blood Center and a local FM radio station developed a partnership calling three times a year for donation at the radio station where music, entertainment, and token gifts were available.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To assess the program's impact, attendance, deferral, age, sex, identification, and viral test results of donors attending 12 consecutive sessions in 2003 through 2006 were analyzed, and this donor population was compared to other types of donors in Kumasi, Ghana.RESULTS: A total of 3801 donors attended the program and 92 percent of the potential FM donors were eligible to donate compared to 85.5 and 70.3 percent of other volunteer and replacement donors, respectively. Ninety percent of donors were male (median, 25 years) and 4.9 percent were hepatitis B surface antigen–positive compared to 11 and 15 percent in other volunteer and replacement donors. This reflected 63.6 percent spontaneous repeat donations from donors responding to the radio appeal compared to 15 to 30 percent in other volunteer donors.CONCLUSIONS: It has been demonstrated that the use of a culturally and socially adapted environment to make the gift of blood a pleasurable and festive experience generated a new pool of blood donors spontaneously repeating donations. This program indicates that retaining Ghanaian blood donors is possible at little extra cost to the blood center and that such an approach may represent a substantial help in the efforts of sub‐Saharan Africa to collect volunteer blood.
Blood donor satisfaction and intention of future donation
Authors: Nguyen Dorothy D. , DeVita Deborah A. , Hirschler Nora V. , Murphy Edward L. 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND:New regulatory requirements for donor eligibility challenge blood centers to recruit and retain enough donors. This study evaluated correlations between overall satisfaction with the donation process and donor demographics and the effect of both on a donor's intent to return.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:An anonymous, self‐administered questionnaire was given to donors at multiple sites of one blood center over a 3‐week period. First‐time and repeat donors were asked questions on demographic characteristics, satisfaction with the current donation process, motivation for current and future donations, and intent to return.RESULTS:More than 75 percent of donors rated the overall donation process at 9 or 10 on a scale of 10 (mean, 9.19; standard deviation, 1.09), with female, high school–educated, and first‐time donors giving higher satisfaction ratings than male, college‐educated, and repeat donors, respectively (all p < 0.001). Donor satisfaction was correlated with intent to return for another donation (p = 0.002). For the current donation, donors rated altruistic motivations most highly. Medical testing was the most highly rated incentive for future donations, followed by frequent donor programs and convenient donation times and locations; preferences varied by demographic subgroup.CONCLUSIONS:Blood donor satisfaction varies among demographic and donation history subgroups and is positively correlated with the intent to return for future donation. Although the primary motivation among all donors was altruism, incentives to future donation may need to be tailored according to demographic subgroups.
The effect of a standardized protocol for iron supplementation to blood donors low in hemoglobin concentration
Authors: Magnussen Karin , Bork Nanna , Asmussen Lisa 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency leading to low hemoglobin concentration (cHb) is a common problem for blood donors as well as for blood banks. A standardized protocol offering iron supplementation based on P‐ferritin determination may help to reduce the problem and retain donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a prospective study where 879 blood donors, presenting with cHb at or below the limit of acceptance for donation, were included. The predonation cHb result was read after donation. The donors received 50 iron tablets (JernC or Ferrochel, 100 or 25 mg elemental iron, respectively), and samples for P‐ferritin, mean corpuscular volume, and control of cHb were secured. Based on a P‐ferritin level of less than 60 μg per L, 20 iron tablets were offered after all following donations.RESULTS: Mean cHb was 7.6 mmol per L (122 g/L) and 8.2 mmol per L (132 g/L) in women and men, respectively. In 80 percent of the women and 48 percent of the men, iron stores were low (P‐ferritin ≤ 30 μg/L). In the donors returning once or twice, an increase in cHb and P‐ferritin was seen. Fifteen donors were permanently deferred due to disease and 36 due to low cHb, but 2 years after the start of the study, 79 percent of the women and 85 percent of the men were still active donors.CONCLUSION: A standardized protocol offering iron supplementation and simple oral and written advice based on P‐ferritin measurements is effective in normalizing cHb and retaining donors presenting with cHb at or below the limit of acceptance for donation.
Overnight or fresh buffy coat–derived platelet concentrates prepared with various platelet pooling systems
Authors: Dijkstra‐Tiekstra Margriet J. , Kuipers Willeke , Setroikromo Airies C. , De Wildt‐Eggen Janny 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: For logistic reasons, possibilities to produce both platelet (PLT) concentrates prepared from fresh or overnight‐stored whole blood (fresh and o/n PCs, respectively) are convenient. The consequences of both possibilities are not well described. The PLT pooling system used might also influence the condition of PCs. Our aim was to compare fresh and o/n PCs with different PLT pooling systems.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Fresh and o/n PCs were prepared from buffy coats and plasma in PLT pooling systems of Baxter, Fresenius, Terumo, or Pall (n = 5). PCs were stored for 9 days. The in vitro quality was determined by the PLT count, pH, glucose, lactate, pO2, pCO2, CD62P expression, and annexin V binding.RESULTS: The o/n PCs showed higher PLT count (approx. 460 × 109/PC vs. approx. 310 × 109/PC), pCO2, and lactate concentration and lower pH, pO2, glucose concentration, CD62P expression (until Day 5), and annexin V binding (until Day 7) compared with fresh PCs (p < 0.05). Only for o/n PCs in the Baxter and Fresenius systems did the pH and glucose concentration remain higher, and the lactate concentration and CD62P expression remained lower than that of o/n PCs in the Pall and Terumo systems. The pH for fresh PCs in the Baxter and Fresenius systems was more often greater than 7.4 than for fresh PCs in the Terumo or Pall systems.CONCLUSION: The quality of PCs depended on whether PCs were prepared from fresh or overnight‐stored whole blood and on the used PLT pooling system. The main difference between fresh and o/n PCs was the PLT count.
Two protagonists on aphidophagous patches: effects of learning and intraguild predation
Authors: Jazzar Chantal , Meyhöfer Rainer , Ebssa Lemma , Poehling Hans‐Michael 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn aphidophagous systems, trophic interactions between parasitoids and predators, termed intraguild predation, are frequently asymmetric. To mitigate predation risk for themselves and their offspring, intraguild prey may exploit associative learning to gain accurate information about patch quality. Therefore, costs of unnecessary escape behavior are avoided. We used sweet pepper patches (Capsicum annuum L., cv. ‘Mazurka’) (Solanaceae), sustaining Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) or Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae) aphids, as a model system to quantify the foraging behaviors of the parasitoid Aphelinus abdominalis (Dalman) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), when confronted with predatory second instar Chrysopa carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). The behavior of predator‐naive or predator‐experienced A. abdominalis foraging in a patch with or without C. carnea was recorded and analyzed using a multiple video observation system. We investigated (i) whether A. abdominalis could learn to detect the presence of a predator in a patch, (ii) the impact of the predator presence on the learning and motor learning of the parasitoid, and (iii) the effects of the aphid species on the guild interactions. Results showed that the presence of, or experience with the predator does not affect A. abdominalis learning or motor learning. We discuss the behavioral and ecological implications of our finding. Overall, predator‐induced aphid mobility increased the frequency and allocation time of Aphelinus oviposition activities, especially when Ma. euphorbiae was the host. The predator imposed indirect fitness costs on the parasitoid. Aphelinus abdominalis searched more often and longer, resulting in a tendency towards reduced Ma. euphorbiae parasitism rate in patches harboring C. carnea.
Contributions of integrin‐linked kinase to breast cancer metastasis and tumourigenesis
Authors: Hinton Cimona V. , Avraham Shalom , Avraham Hava Karsenty 
Published: March 2008

IntroductionIntegrin‐linked kinase (ILK)ILK in breast cancerVEGF‐ and HER2‐associated cross‐talks with ILKConclusionAbstractMetastasis contributes to more than 90% of mortality in breast cancer. Critical stages in the development of aggressive breast cancer include growth of the primary tumours, and their abilities to spread to distant organs, colonize and establish an independent blood supply. The integrin family of cell adhesion receptors is essential to breast cancer progression. Furthermore, integrin‐linked kinase can ‘convert’ localized breast cancer cells into invasive and metastatic cells. Upon stimulation by growth factors and chemokine ligands, integrin‐linked kinase mediates the phosphorylation of Akt Ser473, and glycogen synthase kinase‐3. The current notion is that overexpression of integrin‐linked kinase resulted in an invasive, metastatic phenotype in several cancer model systemsin vivoandin vitro, thus, implicating a role for integrin‐linked kinase in oncogenic transformation, angiogenesis and metastasis. Here, we will review the role of integrin‐linked kinase in breast cancer metastasis. Elucidation of signalling events important for breast tumour metastasis should provide insights into successful breast cancer therapies.
Epigenetic effects of lung cancer predisposing factors impact on clinical diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Piperi Christina , Vlastos Fotis , Farmaki Elena , Martinet Nadine , Papavassiliou Athanasios G. 
Published: March 2008

Introduction
Tobacco smoke
Radiation
Viruses and hormones
Implication of gene methylation in clinical diagnosis and prognosis
Conclusions – Outlook

AbstractLung carcinogenesis is a complex process requiring the acquisition of genetic mutations that confer the malignant phenotype as well as epigenetic alterations that may be both manipulated in the course of therapy. Aberrant gene function and transcriptional silencing by CpG island hypermethylation has become a critical component in the initiation and progression of lung cancer. Growing evidence shows that acquired epigenetic abnormalities participate with genetic alterations to cause this dysregulation. Human and animal studies have fostered significant advances in elucidating the role of gene‐specific methylation in cancer initiation and progression, the modulation of DNA methylation by carcinogen exposure and the ability of pharmacologic agents to reverse promoter hypermethylation, making it an attractive target to pursue for prevention of lung cancer. This review focuses on how lung cancer predisposing factors participate in epigenetic alterations of lung neoplasia, and discusses the growing implications of these alterations for strategies to control cancer.