bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme and phosphodiesterase type 5 improves endothelial function in heart failure
Authors: HRYNIEWICZ Katarzyna , DIMAYUGA Clarito , HUDAIHED Alhakam , ANDRONE Ana Silvia , ZHENG Haoyi , JANKOWSKI Krzysztof , KATZ Stuart D. 
Published: March 2005

ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors have each been reported to improve endothelial function in cardiovascular disease patients, but the comparative and combined effects of these two classes have not been studied previously. We sought to characterize the acute effects of ramipril alone, sildenafil alone, or their combination on endothelial function in patients with CHF (chronic heart failure). CHF subjects (n=64) were randomized to receive placebo, 10 mg of ramipril alone, 50 mg of sildenafil alone or a combination of ramipril and sildenafil in a double-blind manner. FMD (flow-mediated dilation) of the brachial artery was determined by high-resolution ultrasound imaging before and at 1, 2 and 4 h after administration of the study drug. Ramipril alone increased FMD at 4 h compared with placebo (+2.3±1.3%, P=0.02). Sildenafil alone increased FMD at 1, 2 and 4 h compared with placebo (+3.9±1.4, +4.6±1.8 and +3.7±1.3% respectively, all P&lt;0.02). Sildenafil in combination with ramipril increased FMD at 1, 2 and 4 h when compared with placebo (+3.5±1.5, +4.5±1.8 and +4.8±1.3% respectively, all P&lt;0.03). Ramipril and sildenafil both acutely improved FMD in patients with CHF, with additive effects evident at 4 h during combination therapy. Therefore further work to characterize chronic effects of combined ACE and PDE5 inhibition on endothelial function are warranted.
Beneficial effect of simvastatin and pravastatin treatment on adverse cardiac remodelling and glomeruli loss in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: BEZERRA Daniele G. , MANDARIM-de-LACERDA Carlos A. 
Published: March 2005

The aim of the present study was to investigate the possibility of different effects of the hydrophobic statin simvastatin and the hydrophilic statin pravastatin on the remodelling process in the overloaded left ventricle and renal cortex of SHRs (spontaneously hypertensive rats). Fifteen SHRs were treated for 40 days with simvastatin, pravastatin or placebo (water) via orogastric administration. Left ventricle and renal cortex were examined by light microscopy and stereology. LV (left ventricular) cardiomyocyte nuclei (N[cmn]) and glomeruli (N[gl]) numbers were estimated by the dissector method. BP (blood pressure) and serum triacylglycerols (triglycerides) were lower in the statin-treated groups than in the untreated control group. The volume density of the interstitial connective tissue was smaller and length density of the intramyocardial arteries, as well as the arteries/cardiomyocyte ratio, was greater in the statin-treated groups than in the control group. No difference was observed between the two statin-treated groups. The cross-sectional cardiomyocyte area was significantly smaller in the simvastatin-treated group than in the control or pravastatin-treated groups, and it was smaller in the pravastatin-treated group than in the control group. N[cmn] and N[gl] were greater in the two statin-treated groups than in the control group, but no significant difference was observed between the two statin-treated groups. In conclusion, administration of the statins simvastatin and pravastatin to SHRs effectively prevented the elevation in BP and serum triaclyglycerols, and also attenuated adverse cardiac and kidney remodelling by preventing LV hypertrophy, enhancing myocardial vascularization with the decrease in interstitial fibrosis and attenuating cardiomyocyte and glomerular loss.
The place of the 17th century in Jung's encounter with China
Authors: Cambray Joe 
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  After recounting several dreams and related alchemical interests of Jung's tied to the 17th century, a contextualizing look at select scientific and philosophical developments of that century is presented. Several precursors of the contemporary debates on the mind/body relation are noted, with special reference to the work of Antonio Damasio. This in turn leads to a reconsideration of the work of the 17th century polymath Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, which Jung read as a major precursor to his formulation of synchronicity (via Leibniz's concept of ‘pre‐established harmony’). Leibniz was the first philosopher to articulate the mind/body relationship in terms of supervenience, sharing an accord with those contemporary philosophers and scientists who see the mind as being an emergent property of the body‐brain. Similarly, these ideas are also consistent with a reformulation of synchronicity in terms of emergence.Tracing Leibniz's interest in China reveals another set of links to Jung and to emergentism. Jung's use of Taoist concepts in developing the synchronicity principle is well known. According to scholars, Leibniz was the first major Western intellect to study the I‐Ching, through the assistance of a Jesuit missionary in Beijing, Fr. Joachim Bouvet. Some details of the Leibniz‐Bouvet correspondence are discussed here. Despite Helmut Wilhelm's presenting aspects of this correspondence at an Eranos conference, Jung does not appear to have integrated it into his writing on synchronicity—a possible reason for this omission is suggested.
The I Ching and the psyche‐body connection
Authors: Ma Shirley S. Y. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Carl G. Jung's fateful meeting with Richard Wilhelm in 1929 has helped to build a bridge of depth psychological understanding between the East and the West. When Jung emerged from his ‘confrontation with the unconscious’, he felt validated by Wilhelm in his discovery of the healing power of medieval alchemical symbolism for the European psyche. Analytical psychology however offers a scientific, psychological understanding of Chinese wisdom as contained in the I Ching and Taoist alchemy.The Taoist alchemical tradition (also known as the Inner Elixir tradition of which ‘The Secret of the Golden Flower’ is a sample text) is based on the premise that psychological experience of the Tao can be achieved through mental and physiological means such as breathing and meditative techniques, gymnastics, dietary regimens such as fasting, consumption of medicinal herbs and minerals, and special sexual practices. This tradition incorporates the I Ching and traditional Chinese medicine in the alchemical opus.Taoist alchemy assumes the primacy of the physical body in the process of self‐realization. The psychological and cosmic forces of the trigrams of the I Ching are stored in the internal organs of the body and are the basic material for the experience of Tao. The internal organs are the foundation of the material and subtle bodies and through cultivation, the body becomes spiritualized as the spirits are embodied. The body as a reflection of the entire cosmos becomes the residence of the gods.The realization of a new consciousness is symbolized by the hexagram Fu, meaning rebirth. The Chinese notion of Tao coincides with Jung's postulation of the unus mundus, the unity of existence which underlies the duality of psyche and matter, the psycho‐physical background of existence. In this light, in the world of inner experience, East and West follow similar paths symbolically.
Presence of RHD in serologically D–, C/E+ individuals: a European multicenter study
Authors: Gassner Christoph , Doescher Andrea , Drnovsek Tadeja Dovc , Rozman Primoz , Eicher Nicole I. , Legler Tobias J. , Lukin Sergey , Garritsen Henk , Kleinrath Thomas , Egger Bernd , Ehling Rainer , Körmöczi Günther F. , Kilga‐Nogler Susanne , Schoenitzer Diether , Petershofen Eduard K. 
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: RHD blood group alleles with reduced or absent antigen expression are a clinically significant and heterogeneous group.Study design and methods: To detail population genetics data on apparently D– individuals in central Europe, a six‐center study was performed with participants from Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Russia. A total of 1700 serologically D– samples, positive for C and/or E, were investigated.RESULTS: Observed unexpressed RHD alleles were 59 RHD‐CE‐D+ hybrid alleles, 9 apparently regular RHD, 1 new RHD(Y401X); DELs were 8 RHD(M295I), 6 RHD(IVS3+1G>A), and 1 new RHD(X418L); and weakly expressed RHDs were 2 weak D type 5, 1 weak D type 1, 1 RHD category VI type 1, and 1 novel weak D type 26. Although weak D type 26 was shown to have one of the lowest D antigen densities ever observed, it gave rise to anti‐D immunization in a transfused D– individual.CONCLUSION: The relative occurrence of RHD among serologically D– samples, positive for C and/or E, differed significantly in the investigated central European regions. Considering the growing use of molecular typing techniques, correct identification of blood group alleles with scarce or missing antigen expression is of utmost clinical importance and requires reliable population‐based frequency data.
Stored platelets contain residual amounts of tissue factor: evidence from studies on platelet concentrates stored for prolonged periods
Authors: Pérez‐Pujol Silvia , Aras Omer , Lozano Miguel , Cocking‐Johnson Debra , Key Nigel S. , White James G. , McCullough Jeffrey , Escolar Giné 
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: The advent of new strategies for pathogen reduction has raised the question of whether platelet (PLT) concentrates (PCs) exposed to longer periods of storage retain adequate hemostatic function.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The effects of prolonged storage on adhesive and procoagulant functions of PLTs in PCs have been analyzed. The ability of PLTs to interact with surfaces was assessed by en face electron microscopy. Exposure of anionic phospholipids or tissue factor (TF) antigen on PLTs was assessed by flow cytometry and by immunocytochemical methods at the ultrastructural level. Studies were performed in six different PCs followed 0, 3, 5, 7, and 11 days of storage.RESULTS: A progressive impairment of PLT‐adhesive functions was observed after 5 days of storage. A progressive increase in expression of anionic phospholipids and development of procoagulant activity (PCA) measured by a modified prothrombin time (mPT) was observed along the storage. Incubation of PLTs with a specific anti‐TF resulted in prolongation of the mPT by approximately 10 to 15 percent. Flow cytometry revealed minimal TF expression at later storage times. Immunocytochemical studies showed minimal TF labeling when studies were performed on PLT whole mounts. Labeling was markedly improved when PLTs were previously exposed to sonication.CONCLUSION: Prolonged storage of PCs was associated with decreased PLT‐adhesive capacities and enhanced PCA. Current preparation procedures and storage media have important limitations for preserving PCs for longer than 1 week. PLTs in PCs retain residual amounts of TF as assessed by immunocytochemical and functional assays. The origin and hemostatic significance of this TF should be investigated further.
A dose‐response analysis of lenograstim plus dexamethasone for neutrophil mobilization and collection
Authors: Heuft Hans‐Gert , Goudeva Lilia , Pulver Nicole , Grigull Lorenz , Schwella Nimrod , Blasczyk Rainer 
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: The objective was to evaluate the dose‐response relationship of lenograstim plus dexamethasone for neutrophil mobilization and collection.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In a prospective study, 260 healthy volunteers received oral dexamethasone (8 mg) plus a single subcutaneous injection of glycosylated granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G–CSF; lenograstim) at medians of 1.5 (1.0‐2.3) µg per kg (n = 43), 3 (2.4‐4.1) µg per kg (n = 73), 6 (4.3‐7.9) µg per kg (n = 123), and 12 (8.2‐17.2) µg per kg (n = 21) and underwent neutrophil collections with a polymorphonucleated neutrophil (PMN) program. White blood cell (WBC) counts and PMN mobilization and collection results were compared, and the severity and clinical significance of donor adverse reactions were evaluated. Fifty‐two neutropenic patients (29 children, 23 adults) underwent 271 neutrophil transfusions (GTXs) every other day to maintain WBC levels continuously above 0.5 × 109 per L.RESULTS: Within the dose range 1.5, 3, and 6 µg per kg, each doubling step was associated with a 10 to 15 percent PMN increase in peripheral blood up to 32.8 (19.1‐49.2) × 109 per L (6 µg/kg; p ≤ 0.00032) as well as in the neutrophil concentrate up to 79 (34‐150) × 109 per U (6 µg/kg; p ≤ 0.00042). A further doubling to 12 µg per kg achieved neither better mobilization nor better apheresis results. The rate of clinically important adverse reactions increased already with the 6 µg per kg mobilization step. The GTX resulted in median peak WBC increments to 3.8 (0.4‐18.2) × 109 per L (children) and 1.6 (0.3‐9.4) × 109 per L (adults), but in adults the WBC threshold of 0.5 × 109 per L was not continuously exceeded.CONCLUSIONS: The most effective dose‐response ratio for PMN mobilization was demonstrated in the 6 µg per kg lenograstim group. In neutropenic adults, GTX treatment on an every‐other‐day schedule may be ineffective.
Massive antenatal fetomaternal hemorrhage: evidence for long‐term survival of fetal red blood cells
Authors: Dziegiel Morten H. , Koldkjær Ole , Berkowicz Adela 
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: Massive fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) can lead to life‐threatening anemia. Quantification based on flow cytometry with anti‐hemoglobin F (HbF) is applicable in all cases but underestimation of large fetal bleeds has been reported. A large FMH from an ABO‐compatible fetus allows an estimation of the life span of fetal red blood cells (RBCs) in the maternal circulation.CASE REPORT: The mother went to the obstetrician twice antepartum owing to symptoms assumed to be preeclampsia; that, however, was not found. She later delivered by cesarean section owing to diminished fetal movements. No fetal weight gain was observed during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Fetal RBCs were quantified by flow cytometry with anti‐HbF, anti‐Fya, anti‐s, and anti‐Jkb on a regular basis.RESULTS: The infant had anemia at delivery and an FMH was determined to be 314 ± 17 mL (± SD) of whole blood. It is assumed that the two antenatal visits were associated with the FMH. Postpartum follow‐up showed that fetal RBCs in the maternal circulation were detectable with anti‐HbF up to 119 days. Quantification by flow cytometry based on anti‐HbF was in agreement with quantification based on anti‐Fya, anti‐s, and anti‐Jkb, although they were less sensitive.CONCLUSION: ABO‐compatible fetal RBCs from an FMH had a life span in the maternal circulation close to that of adult RBCs.
Detection of West Nile virus RNA and antibody in frozen plasma components from a voluntary market withdrawal during the 2002 peak epidemic
Authors: Tobler L.H. , Bianco C. , Glynn S.A. , Schreiber G.B. , Dille B.J. , Prince H.E. , Lanciotti R.S. , Linnen J.M. , Gallarda J. , Shyamala V. , Smith D. , Kleinman S.H. , Busch M.P. 
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: The US West Nile virus (WNV) epidemic in the summer and fall of 2002 included the first documented cases of transfusion‐transmitted WNV infection. In December 2002, the FDA supported a voluntary market withdrawal by the blood banking community of frozen blood components collected in WNV high‐activity areas. At the time, the prevalence of viremia and serologic markers for WNV in the blood supply was undefined.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In collaboration with America's Blood Centers, 1468 frozen plasma components (of approx. 60,000 frozen units voluntarily withdrawn from the market) were selectively retrieved from the peak epidemic regions and season (June 23, 2002‐September 28, 2002). These units were unlinked, subaliquoted, and tested by WNV enzyme immunoassays (EIAs; Focus Technologies and Abbott Laboratories) and nucleic acid amplification tests (NATs; Gen‐Probe Inc. and Roche Molecular Systems).RESULTS: Of the 1468 EIA results from Abbott and Focus, 7 were anti‐immunoglobulin M (IgM)‐ and anti‐immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐reactive by both assays, 8 and 1 were IgM‐only‐reactive, and 8 and 23 were IgG‐only‐reactive, respectively. NAT by Gen‐Probe and Roche Molecular Systems yielded one RNA‐positive, antibody‐negative unit containing approximately 440 RNA copies per mL. An additional 10‐fold replicate NAT testing by Gen‐Probe on 14 of 15 IgM‐reactive specimens yielded 2 additional IgM‐ and IgG‐reactive units with low‐level viremia (i.e., 7/10 and 2/10 replicates tested reactive).CONCLUSION: The prevalence of acute (RNA‐positive) and recent (IgM‐seroreactive) WNV infections indicates that transfusion risk in high‐risk areas could have been considerable and that voluntary market withdrawal of frozen components likely averted some WNV transfusion transmissions. The existence of very‐low‐level viremic units raises concerns, because WNV minipool NAT screening will miss such units and individual NAT may not completely correct this situation.
Cord blood hematopoietic progenitor cell concentration and infant sex
Authors: Aroviita Pekka , Teramo Kari , Hiilesmaa Vilho , Kekomäki Riitta 
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: Characterization of cord blood facilitates understanding of the factors affecting cord blood transplant quality and improvement of transplantation results. Cord blood obtained from male and female infants has not been thoroughly characterized.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A study was performed to test the hypothesis that the cord blood hematopoietic progenitor cell content—of which the CD34+ cell and colony‐forming unit (CFU) concentrations were taken as markers—would not only associate with birth weight but also with sex. The hematopoietic progenitor cell concentrations of 1999 healthy infants (47% female) were analyzed in a cord blood bank setting.RESULTS: Male infants had significantly higher median CD34+ cell concentrations than female infants (31.8/µL vs. 30.2/µL, respectively; p = 0.03). Although the disparity in absolute concentrations was small, it was 5.3 percent. In CFU subgroup analysis, the median CFU–mixed concentration of male infants (11.1/µL) was higher than in female infants (9.9/µL; p = 0.03). The difference was more pronounced when cumulative frequencies of the CFU–mixed concentrations from cesarean section deliveries were compared. In multivariate linear regression analysis, the positive influence of male sex on the CD34+ cell concentration was significant (p < 0.05). The expected higher median nucleated cell concentration of female compared to male infants (13.9 × 109/L vs. 13.3 × 109/L, respectively; p = 0.0001) was mainly due to the higher neutrophil concentration of female infants (7.1 × 109/L vs. 6.5 × 109/L, respectively, p < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: Cord blood hematopoietic progenitor cell concentration was higher in male infants, even after correcting for birth weight. Sex may affect the hematopoietic potential of cord blood transplants.
Clinical significance of bacteriologic screening in platelet concentrates
Authors: Te Boekhorst P.A.W. , Beckers E.A.M. , Vos M.C. , Vermeij H. , Van Rhenen D.J. 
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: Despite routine bacterial screening with a bacterial culturing system (BacT/ALERT, bioMérieux) of platelet (PLT) concentrates, two cases of life‐threatening sepsis attributed to transfused PLT products contaminated with Bacillus cereus were reported to the regional hemovigilance office in the southwest region of the Netherlands. These reports necessitated a retrospective evaluation of the currently applied bacteriologic screening program.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Bacteriologic screening of all PLT concentrates on production was introduced in October 2001. Aliquots (5‐10 mL) of pooled PLT concentrates in additive solution were taken for cultures with the BacT/ALERT system 14 to 24 hours after donation. The total culturing period was 7 days and in case of positive signals, identification cultures were taken from the culture bottles. The results of the bacterial screening, identification, and clinical significance of possibly contaminated pooled PLT concentrates were evaluated retrospectively over a 2‐year period.RESULTS: In this period, a total of 28,104 pooled PLT concentrates were produced. Positive bacterial screening was found in 0.72 percent (n = 203). Of these, in 184 pooled PLT concentrates bacteria were cultured and identified, and in the remaining 19 (9.4%) identification cultures were negative. Before a positive screening was found, 113 PLT concentrates had already been transfused without the occurrence of clinical significant transfusion reactions.CONCLUSION: Bacterial contamination of pooled PLT concentrates was not related to clinically significant transfusion reactions. Despite negative screening for bacterial contamination, life‐threatening transfusion‐transmitted infections by contaminated PLT products can still occur. Other strategies should be applied to guarantee a higher degree of bacteriologic safety.
Genetic basis of the K0 phenotype in the Swedish population
Authors: Wester Elisabet S. , Storry Jill R. , Schneider Karin , Nilsson Sojka Birgitta , Poole Joyce , Olsson Martin L. 
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND: The absence of all Kell blood group antigens (K0 phenotype) is very rare. K0 persons, however, can produce clinically significant anti‐Ku (K5) after transfusion and/or pregnancy and require K0 blood for transfusion. Ten alleles giving rise to the K0 phenotype have been reported: different populations were studied although none from Scandinavia.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Three K0 samples were identified by blood banks in Sweden (Uppsala, Umeå, and Linköping) during a 20‐year period. Kell antigen typing was performed with standard serologic techniques by the respective blood banks and K0 status was confirmed by the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory in Bristol, England. Polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing of the KEL coding region (exons 1‐19) was performed on genomic DNA.RESULTS: The Uppsala K0 was homozygous for a 1540C>T substitution in exon 13, leading to an immediate stop codon. The Umeå K0 was homozygous for 1023delG in exon 8 that results in a frameshift and a premature stop codon in exon 9. In the Linköping K0, a previously reported mutation g>a at +1 of intron 3 was found.CONCLUSION: Two novel and one previously reported null alleles at the KEL locus are described. The identified nonsense mutations abolish expression of the Kell glycoprotein and are thus responsible for the K0 phenotype in these Swedish families.