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Aims: Many heart transplant recipients will develop end-stage renal disease in the post-operative course. The aim of this study was to identify the long-term incidence of end-stage renal disease, determine its risk factors, and investigate what subsequent therapy was associated with the best survival. Methods and results: A retrospective, single-centre study was performed in all adult heart transplant patients from 1984 to 2016. Risk factors for end-stage renal disease were analysed by means of multivariable regression analysis and survival by means of Kaplan–Meier. Of 685 heart transplant recipients, 71 were excluded: 64 were under 18 years of age and seven were re-transplantations. During a median follow-up of 8.6 years, 121 (19.7%) patients developed end-stage renal disease: 22 received conservative therapy, 80 were treated with dialysis (46 haemodialysis and 34 peritoneal dialysis), and 19 received a kidney transplant. Development of end-stage renal disease (examined as a time-dependent variable) inferred a hazard ratio of 6.45 (95% confidence interval 4.87–8.54, P < 0.001) for mortality. Tacrolimus-based therapy decreased, and acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy increased the risk for end-stage renal disease development (hazard ratio 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0.26–0.62, P < 0.001, and hazard ratio 4.18, 95% confidence interval 2.30–7.59, P < 0.001, respectively). Kidney transplantation was associated with the best median survival compared with dialysis or conservative therapy: 6.4 vs. 2.2 vs. 0.3 years (P < 0.0001), respectively, after end-stage renal disease development. Conclusions: End-stage renal disease is a frequent complication after heart transplant and is associated with poor survival. Kidney transplantation resulted in the longest survival of patients with end-stage renal disease.

Purpose: To study and compare the efficacy of different therapeutic options for the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Methods: This is a nonrandomized, international multicentre study on 1719 patients (1861 eyes) diagnosed with CSCR, from 63 centres (24 countries). Reported data included different methods of treatment and both results of diagnostic examinations [fluorescein angiography and/or optical coherent tomography (OCT)] and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and after therapy. The duration of observation had a mean of 11 months but was extended in a minority of cases up to 7 years. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the different therapeutic options of CSCR in terms of both visual (BCVA) and anatomic (OCT) improvement. Results: One thousand seven hundred nineteen patients (1861 eyes) diagnosed with CSCR were included. Treatments performed were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops, laser photocoagulation, micropulse diode laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy (PDT; Standard PDT, Reduced-dose PDT, Reduced-fluence PDT), intravitreal (IVT) antivascular endothelial growth factor injection (VEGF), observation and other treatments. The list of the OTHERS included both combinations of the main proposed treatments or a variety of other treatments such as eplerenone, spironolactone, acetazolamide, beta-blockers, anti-anxiety drugs, aspirin, folic acid, methotrexate, statins, vitis vinifera extract medication and pars plana vitrectomy. The majority of the patients were men with a prevalence of 77%. The odds ratio (OR) showed a partial or complete resolution of fluid on OCT with any treatment as compared with observation. In univariate analysis, the anatomical result (improvement in subretinal fluid using OCT at 1 month) was favoured by age 500 μm (p = 0.03). The OR for obtaining partial or complete resolution showed that anti-VEGF and eyedrops were not statistically significant; whereas PDT (8.5), thermal laser (11.3) and micropulse laser (8.9) lead to better anatomical results with less variability. In univariate analysis, the functional result at 1 month was favoured by first episode (p = 0.04), height of subretinal fluid >500 μm (p

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine whether brief, Web‐based instruction several weeks prior to tourniquet application improves layperson success compared to utilizing just‐in‐time (JiT) instructions alone. BACKGROUND: Stop the Bleed is a campaign to educate laypeople to stop life‐threatening hemorrhage. It is based on U.S. military experience with lifesaving tourniquet use. While previous research shows simple JiT instructions boost laypeople's success with tourniquet application, the optimal approach to educate the public is not yet known. METHODS: This is a prospective, nonblinded, randomized study. Layperson participants from the Washington, DC, area were randomized into: 1) an experimental group that received preexposure education using a website and 2) a control group that did not receive preexposure education. Both groups received JiT instructions. The primary outcome was the proportion of subjects that successfully applied a tourniquet to a simulated amputation. Secondary outcomes included mean time to application, mean placement position, ability to distinguish bleeding requiring a tourniquet from bleeding requiring direct pressure only, and self‐reported comfort and willingness to apply a tourniquet. RESULTS: Participants in the preexposure group applied tourniquets successfully 75% of the time compared to 50% success for participants with JiT alone (p

Background Allergic rhinitis, an immunoglobulin E inflammatory condition including nasal congestion, obstruction, sneezing, pruritus, and fatigue symptoms, has significant impact on quality of life and impairs sleep. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) patients often have normal all-night apnea-hypopnea (AHI) or respiratory-disturbance (RDI) indices on polysomnography (PSG). We hypothesized that the rapid eye motion–respiratory disturbance index (REM-RDI) may be a novel predictor of allergic status. Methods A retrospective analysis of 100 patients compared REM-RDI results in 67 allergen-positive patients with 33 nonallergic patients who presented with nasal blockage. Subjects completed STOP-Bang©, 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22)©, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale© questionnaires and underwent skin-prick testing (SPT) and PSGs including REM-RDI values. Using multivariate logistic regression models, we evaluated relationships between allergic status and sleep parameters while controlling for possible confounders including body mass index (BMI). Results Using REM-RDI as the outcome of interest, allergen-positive patients were 3.92 times more likely to have REM-RDI values in a moderate/severe range (≥15 events/hour); and patients with moderate/severe REM-RDI values were more likely to be allergen positive (p < 0.05). Allergic status was not significantly related to all-night AHI, RDI, or REM-AHI. BMI was not significantly related to REM-RDI. STOP-Bang© was related to allergy status (p = 0.02) and REM-RDI (p < 0.01). Allergic patients had increased REM latency and less total amount of REM. Conclusion We revealed significant bidirectional associations between allergen positivity and increased REM-RDI values independent of BMI, AHI, RDI, and REM-AHI. Allergic inflammation and REM-RDI data may play important roles in diagnosing and treating fatigued SDB patients and as objective perioperative safety and outcomes measures.

BACKGROUND Enzymatic browning of fruits and vegetables and their products is an important factor worsening their quality. The influence of five green tea extracts at the concentrations of 1 g L−1, 2 g L−1 and 3 g L−1 on polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in fresh cloudy apple juice was investigated. Moreover, PPO inhibition by tea extract and colour stability of juice during short-time refrigerated storage was studied. The changes of juice colour during storage was expressed as the total colour differences (ΔE*), browning index (BI), yellowness index (YI), and the absorbance at 420 nm (A420). RESULTS All extracts inhibited PPO activity in fresh apple juice in concentration-dependent manner. PPO activity in pure apple juice decreased by 7% after 48 h, whereas PPO activity in samples with 1 g L−1, 2 g L−1 and 3 g L−1 tea extract decreased by 53%, 74%, and 96%, respectively. Browning of apple juice during storage decreased with increased concentration of green tea extract. After 48 h, extract at 1 g L−1, 2 g L−1 and 3 g L−1 inhibited browning of juice expressed as BI by 48%, 60%, and 86%, respectively, comparing to pure apple juice. CONCLUSION Green tea extract may be an effective anti-browning agent for short-time stored cloudy apple juices. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry

Purpose To test a new approach of donor conditioning with recipient bone marrow cells (BMC) to induce tolerance in vascularized composite allograft (VCA) transplantation. Methods Lewis rats' (recipients) BMC were stained with PKH-26. The ACI rats (donors) were conditioned with 80 × 106 Lewis BMC, 24 or 72 hours before VCA (groin flap) transplantation. Forty-eight VCA were performed between ACI donors and Lewis recipients. In groups I and II, donors were preconditioned (24 and 72 hours before transplantation, respectively), and recipients received 7-day anti-αβ-TCR/cyclosporine-A post-transplantation. In groups III and IV, donors were preconditioned (24 and 72 hours before transplantation, respectively), and recipients received no systemic immunosuppression. In group V, recipients received 7-day anti-αβ-TCR/cyclosporine-A post-transplantation. In group VI, recipients received no systemic immunosuppression. Assessment included evaluation of transplant viability and induction of donor-specific chimerism via flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and PCR. Results Groups III, IV, and VI rejected allografts, at an average of 14 ± 5.2, 10 ± 2.7, and 8 ± 0.7 days. In groups I, II, and V, the mean survival was 80 ± 18.2 (p = 0.0002), 64 ± 27.4 (p = 0.001), and 30 ± 4.7 (p = 0.02) days. In groups I and II, donor-specific chimerism in the blood decreased from 8.8 ± 3.4% and 8.6 ± 3.4% on day 7 to 3.7 ± 1.32% (p = 0.02) and 4.7 ± 2.7% when the flaps manifested grade 3 rejection. The presence of PKH-26+ Lewis BMC was confirmed in the donor's blood, bone marrow, lymphoid organs, and liver (preconditioned at 24 and 72 hours). Conclusions Donor preconditioning is a novel approach modifying recipient's responsiveness to donor allograft and prolonging the allograft survival under short-term immunosuppression. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2016.

Numerous studies indicate mineral deficiencies in people on a gluten-free (GF) diet. These deficiencies may indicate that GF products are a less valuable source of minerals than gluten-containing products. In the study, the nutritional quality of 50 GF products is discussed taking into account the nutritional requirements for minerals expressed as percentage of recommended daily allowance (%RDA) or percentage of adequate intake (%AI) for a model celiac patient. Elements analyzed were calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc. Analysis of %RDA or %AI was performed using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA).; Results: Using PCA, the differentiation between products based on rice, corn, potato, GF wheat starch and based on buckwheat, chickpea, millet, oats, amaranth, teff, quinoa, chestnut, and acorn was possible. In the HCA, four clusters were created. The main criterion determining the adherence of the sample to the cluster was the content of all minerals included to HCA (K, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn); however, only the Mn content differentiated four formed groups.; Conclusion: GF products made of buckwheat, chickpea, millet, oats, amaranth, teff, quinoa, chestnut, and acorn are better source of minerals than based on other GF raw materials, what was confirmed by PCA and HCA. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.; © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background The aim of this study was to ascertain whether individual atrioventricular delay (AVD) optimization using impedance cardiography (ICG) offers beneficial hemodynamic effects as well as improved exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with requiring constant right ventricular pacing. Methods There were 37 patients with advanced AV block included in the study. Several examinations were performed at the beginning. Next, the optimization of AVD by ICG was done. The next step of the study patients have been randomized into optimal AVD group (AVDopt) or factory setting group (AVDfab). After 3 months, the follow-up all data were collected again and crossover was performed. After another 3 months, during the final follow-up all these measures were repeated. Results In 87.5% patients, AVDopt were different than factory value. Cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), and stroke volume (SV) were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in AVDopt group than in AVDfab group (CO: 6.0 ± 1.4 L/minute vs. 5.3 ± 1.2 L/minute; SV: 85.8 ± 25.7 mL vs.76.9 ± 22.5 mL; CI: 3.2 ± 0.7 L/minute/m2 vs. 2.7 ± 0.6 L/minute/m2). There was a statistical significant (P < 0.05) reduction of proBNP and NYHA class in patients with AVDopt compared to AVDfab (proBNP: 196.4 ± 144.7pg/mL vs. 269.4 ± 235.8 pg/mL; NYHA class: 1.7 ± 0.5 vs. 2.3 ± 0.6). Six-minute walking test was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in AVDopt group (409 ± 90 m) than in AVDfab group (362 ± 93 m). There were no statistically significant differences in echocardiographic parameters between AVDopt and AVDfab settings. Conclusion Our study results suggest that AVD optimization in patients with DDD pacemaker with ICG improves hemodynamic when compared to the default factory settings. Furthermore, optimally programmed AVD reduces BNP and improves exercise tolerance and functional class.

Threshold current in 808 nm GaAsP/AlGaAs laser diode has been measured as a function of pressure (up to 1.8 GPa) and temperature (from 80 to 300 K). The results have been analyzed in order to separate leakage current from radiative current and to determine the effective barrier for leakage and its pressure dependence. Our data indicates that both X and L minima in the barriers and in the claddings contribute to leakage.

Laser diodes with output powers of 1–2 W and emission wavelengths of 808, 860, 975, 1060, 1120, 1210, and 1540 nm have been tuned with pressure up to 2 GPa. Pressure tuning might become a practical method for tuning near-infrared lasers in spectroscopic applications, such as photoluminescence excitation, photoreflectance, and resonant Raman scattering, as well as in applications as optical pumps at unique wavelengths.

Obesity is a key factor in the development of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk. We investigated whether obesity classification by body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) influences cardiometabolic profile and dietary responsiveness in 486 MetS subjects (LIPGENE dietary intervention study). Anthropometric measures, markers of inflammation and glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, adhesion molecules and haemostatic factors were determined at baseline and after 12 weeks of 4 dietary interventions (high saturated fat (SFA), high monounsaturated fat (MUFA) and 2 low fat high complex carbohydrate (LFHCC) diets, 1 supplemented with long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs)). 39% and 87% of subjects classified as normal and overweight by BMI were obese according to their BF%. Individuals classified as obese by BMI (± 30 kg/m2) and BF% (± 25% (men) and ± 35% (women)) (OO, n = 284) had larger waist and hip measurements, higher BMI and were heavier (P < 0.001) than those classified as non-obese by BMI but obese by BF% (NOO, n = 92). OO individuals displayed a more pro-inflammatory (higher C reactive protein (CRP) and leptin), pro-thrombotic (higher plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)), pro-atherogenic (higher leptin/adiponectin ratio) and more insulin resistant (higher HOMA-IR) metabolic profile relative to the NOO group (P < 0.001). Interestingly, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentrations were lower post-intervention in NOO individuals compared to OO subjects (P < 0.001). In conclusion, assessing BF% and BMI as part of a metabotype may help identify individuals at greater cardiometabolic risk than BMI alone.

e-Amido-allylindiums generated from N-Ts-β-lactams in the presence of 2 eq. of InI, catalytic amounts of Pd(PPh3)4 and 5 eq. of CF3CO2H react regio- and stereoselectively with a number of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes to afford γ-butyrolactones as the exclusive products in high yield.

Pulsed acoustic cellular expression (PACE) is a treatment that applies focused acoustic shock waves to promote tissue healing. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of PACE treatment on inflammatory responses in a cremaster muscle ischemia/reperfusion injury model. Seventeen cremaster muscle flaps were evaluated in four groups: nonischemic controls (n = 5), 5-hour ischemia controls (n = 4), preischemic (5-hour) PACE conditioning (n = 4), and postischemic (5-hour) PACE conditioning (n = 4). The expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, IL-1α, IL-1β, GM-CSF) and chemokines (CCL3, CCL4, CXCL4) was assessed using TaqMan® real-time PCR. Expression of ELAM-1, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 was assessed by immunostaining. Preischemic PACE conditioning upregulated expression of IL-6, CCL3, CCL4, and CXCL4, and downregulated expression of TNFα, GM-CSF, and IL-1α. Postischemic PACE conditioning significantly decreased expression of all evaluated genes. Pre- and postischemic PACE conditioning decreased expression of ELAM-1 and ICAM-1. Results of the study indicate that application of PACE conditioning may have a beneficial effect on the recovery of tissues subjected to the ischemia/reperfusion injury. Postischemic PACE conditioning revealed anti-inflammatory effect as confirmed by decreased expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules (ELAM-1 and ICAM-1) that are responsible for leukocyte recruitment into ischemic tissues. Hence, PACE therapy may be used effectively in clinical practice as a convenient therapeutic strategy to protect tissues against ischemia/reperfusion related injury after microsurgical procedures of free tissue transfers.

Cellular and vascularized bone marrow cells have been used to induce donor-specific chimerism in various models of composite tissue allotransplantation. Although thymus transplantation has been reported in the literature, the effect of thymus transplantation on chimerism levels in vascularized bone containing composite tissue allotransplantation has not been reported. In this study, a new method for composite vascularized sternal bone marrow transplant model is descried that can be applied to augment chimerism after transplantation. A total of seven composite osseomusculocutaneous sternum, ribs, thymus, pectoralis muscles, and skin transplantations were performed in two groups. The first group (n = 5) was designed as an allotransplantation group and the second group (n = 2) was designed as an isotransplantation group. Composite osseomusculocutaneous sternum, ribs, thymus, and pectoralis muscles allografts were harvested on the common carotid artery and external jugular vein and a heterotopic transplantation was performed to the inguinal region of the recipient rat. Cyclosporine A monotherapy was administered in order to prevent acute and chronic allograft rejection. Animals sacrificed when any sign of rejection occurred. The longest survival was 156 day post-transplant. Assessment of bone marrow cells within sternum bone component and flow cytometry analysis of donor-specific chimerism in the peripheral blood of recipients were evaluated. Our results showed that this composite allograft carried 7.5 × 10(6) of viable hematopoietic cells within the sternum component. At day 7 post-transplant chimerism was developed in T-cell population and mean level was assessed at 2.65% for RT1(n) /CD4 and at 1.0% for RT1(n) /CD8. In this study, a new osseomusculocutaneous sternum, ribs, thymus, pectoralis muscle, and skin allotransplantation model is reported which can be used to augment hematopoietic activity for chimerism induction after transplantation.

The objective of the present study was to determine the influence of storage conditions on the sensory quality and content of P-vinylguaiacol (PVG) of pure pasteurized orange juices marketed domestically under two popular brands. No PVG was detected in fresh juices. After 12 months of storage of the orange juices at 18, 28 and 38C, the PVG contents were 284, 1,292 and 2,515 µg/L, respectively. Using principal component analysis differentiation of the sensory quality of fresh and stored juices was possible. The quality of the fresh orange juices was differentiated most considerably by intensity of the sweet, sour and refreshing odors, and by intensity of the sweet, sour and pungent flavor. The sensory quality of the juices stored at 18C for 12 months corresponded to the quality of these stored 2 months at 28C. At 38C, the juices were completely changed after 2 months and were unfit for drinking. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The descriptive analysis (quantitative descriptive analysis) is a very useful tool for performing a detailed sensory comparative analysis of fresh and stored orange juices, allowing to draw precise conclusions as to the sensory quality of juices. The descriptive analysis could also serve as a reference to instrumental methods used for quality control of storage juices.

Summary In this study, three polymorphic sites in the HLA-G gene: −725C>G>T, −716T>G and 14bpindel were genotyped. Significant differences were found between patients and controls in the alleles and genotypes for −725C>G>T and in three-point haplotypes. We observed also a significant difference in the age of disease onset between patients positive and negative for 14bpins. The results suggest that single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter of the HLA-G gene (mainly −725C>G>T), and 14bpindel, or some genetic marker in tight linkage disequilibrium with them are associated with multiple sclerosis.

Die selektive Reduktion von NOₓ durch Ammoniak wird im Bereich der schweren Nutzfahrzeuge als eine Schlusseltechnologie fur die zukunftige Einhaltung der Abgasnormen uber den gesamten Lebenszeitraum eines Automobils angesehen. Wie aus der langjahrigen Nutzung von SCR-Technologie zur Abgasnachbehandlung in stationaren Anwendungen bekannt ist, konnen dort genutzte SCR-Katalysatoren durch Ablagerung anorganischer Gifte aus dem Abgasstrom an Aktivitat verlieren; sie werden chemisch deaktiviert. Durch das Abgasnachbehandlungssystem eines Dieselkraftfahrzeugs werden eine Vielzahl potenzieller anorganischer Gifte in geringen Mengen durchgesetzt, so z. B. Verbrennungsprodukte von Motoroladditiven (Ca, Mg, B, Zn, P, Mo), Kraftstoffverunreinigungen u. a. aus Biokraftstoffen (K, Ca), Komponenten der Ansaugluft (z. B. Na, Cl) und Motorabrieb (z. B. Al, Cr, Cu). Es wird hier uber die Entwicklung einer Laborplattform fur die katalytische Untersuchung von NH₃-SCR- und Oxidations-Katalysatoren berichtet, die zur Evaluierung der Wirkung potenzieller anorganischer Gifte auf unterschiedliche kommerzielle Katalysatortypen eingesetzt wurde. Die Technologie besteht einerseits aus einer neuen Hochdurchsatzmethodik fur SCR-Katalysatoren, die unter realitatsnahen Bedingungen die schnelle Diskriminierung von Katalysatorgiften erlaubt. Weiterhin besteht die Moglichkeit zur Vergiftung von monolithischen Segmenten industrieller Serienkatalysatoren durch das Uberleiten von anorganischen Aerosolen und zur katalytischen Testung derartiger Katalysatortypen. Die direkte Moglichkeit zur Verifikation von Hochdurchsatzergebnissen in realitatsnahem Masstab ist hiermit gegeben.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the potential influence of low frequency, low intensity magnetic fields (rectangular pulse, 5 mT, 30 Hz) applied in therapy on the temperature, contact electric potential, and magnetization in knee endoprosthesis, which might be dangerous for implantation and stability of knee prosthesis, and later slacking it off, causing postoperative complications. The experimental investigation was carried out on a knee endoprosthesis which had been placed in a container with physiological saline. The prosthesis located inside the container was under the exposure of the magnetic field applied by a solenoid. The results indicated that magnetic fields did not influence thermal and electromagnetic properties of knee endoprosthesis in vitro. The magnetic fields of examined parameters should not be dangerous for implantation and stability of knee endoprosthesis.

Instructional design and development (ID) projects are undertaken every day, with project stakeholders attempting to concentrate their efforts and resources on the factors leading to a successful project. What are the factors that contribute to ID project success? Are they equally important to all stakeholders in an ID project? This article addresses these questions regarding ID project success.

The cubic CeNi4Mn compound has been claimed to show a large spin-polarization, magnetic moment and a high Curie temperature. To verify these properties we have carried out the magnetometric and neutron diffraction experiments on the nominally polycrystalline CeNi4Mn and YNi4Mn compounds. The real stoichiometry was estimated based on X-ray photoemission and neutron diffraction as CeNi4.2Mn0.8 and Y0.7Ni4.2Mn0.8. The magnetic properties of Y0.7Ni4.2Mn0.8 have been studied with neutron diffraction to investigate the role of the rare earth in CeNi4.2Mn0.8. We have found that the samples crystallize in the hexagonal CaCu5-type of structure. The deviation from the cubic structure is ascribed to the presence of a small nonstoichiometry. These structural changes are accompanied by a drop of the magnetic parameters. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

A single crystal CeNi4.2Mn0.8 was grown by the Czochralski method from a levitating melt. The structural, magnetic, electrical transport and electronic structure properties were examined. X-ray diffraction confirms the hexagonal structure. The f occupancy nf and the coupling Δ between the f level and the conduction states are derived to be about 0.95 and 100 meV, respectively. The X-ray photoemission spectroscopy shows that Ce ions in CeNi4.2Mn0.8 are in the intermediate valance state. The temperature dependence of resistivity exhibits the metallic character of this compound and reveals a small inflection at 136 K. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

If enantiomerically enriched or pure starting material (I) is used the stereoinformation retains.

In this study, we investigated the effects of 7-day-protocols of alphabeta-T-cell receptor monoclonal antibody (alphabeta-TCRmAb), cyclosporine A (CsA), and tacrolimus (FK-506) immunosuppressive monotherapies, and their combinations on the survival of vascularized skin allografts (VSA). Forty-two transplantations of VSA across a strong MHC barrier were performed between ACI (RT1a) donors and Lewis (RT1(l)) recipients in seven groups. Isograft and allograft rejection controls received no treatment. Treatment groups received a 7-day protocol of alphabeta-TCRmAb, CsA, or FK-506 monotherapy, or a combination of alphabeta-TCRmAb/CsA and alphabeta-TCRmAb/FK-506. VSA transplants were evaluated on a daily basis. Donor-specific chimerism was determined by flow cytometry (FC). The combined protocols of alphabeta-TCRmAb/FK-506 and alphabeta-TCRmAb/CsA significantly prolonged VSA survivals compared to monotherapy groups ( P < 0.005). FC analysis revealed 15.82% of donor-specific chimerism on day 7 under the alphabeta-TCRmAb/CsA protocol and a gradual chimerism decline on day 63 posttransplant. The significant extension of VSA survival achieved under 7-day protocols of combined therapies was directly associated with the presence of donor-specific chimerism.

Photoreflectance (PR) and photocurrent (PC) measurements have been demonstrated in the 1250–1600 nm spectral range using an external-cavity pressure-tuned laser diode as the source of monochromatic light. Compared to conventional PR and PC methods using monochromated light from the lamp, it allows to achieve a smaller spot so that micro-PR and micro-PC are possible either directly or with fiber coupled beam. In case of PR, it also allows to eliminate spurious photoluminescence signal.

The effect of temperature (0, 20 and 40 degrees C) on the sorptivity of freeze-dried Brussels sprout was studied. It was checked which of the sorption isotherm equations that included temperature was the best to estimate experimental data. The surface area of a monolayer and isosteric heat of sorption was calculated. From the tested equations the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) and Oswin equations appeared to be the best for describing sorption isotherms of freeze-dried Brussels sprout. The Clausius-Clapeyron equation was found suitable for the calculation of pure isosteric heat of sorption.

Objectives : The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of a technique based on counter-flow centrifugal elutriation (CCE), which should allow one to enrich chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients' unstimulated native leukapheresis product (nLP) in CD34 + HLADR – cells and BCR-ABL negative cells. Methods : Six newly diagnosed CML patients were subjected to leukapheresis, and the products were subfractionated with the use of CCE. nLP and all fractions were studied for the presence of CD34 + cells and a proportion of BCR-ABL fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) + cells. Results : CCE fractions with a high flow rate contained the highest proportion of CD34 + cells [mean (SEM) 6.89% (3.88)]. However, CD34 + cells present in low-rate CCE fractions showed a higher proportion of HLADR – [49.6% (13.5 in 70 mL min −1 ) and 21.5% (11.6 in 110 mL min −1 )] than those in 170 mL min −1 [3.2% (2.5)] and ‘rotor off’[3.4% (1.9)]. This was associated with lower proportions of BCR-ABL FISH + [8.1% (4.8) and 1.9 (1.7)] and smaller BCR-ABL to ABL transcript ratios [0.58 ( 17 ) and 0.26 (0.08) in 70 and 110 mL min −1 ] fractions as compared to 140 and 170 mL min −1 fractions [21.6% (5.2) and 31.6% (15.3) for BCR-ABL FISH + cells and 0.75 (0.16) and 0.90 (0.24) for BCR - ABL / ABL ]. Fractions with the lowest proportions of BCR - ABL -positive cells and the lowest BCR - ABL / ABL transcript ratios (110 mL min −1 ) contained from 1.3 × 10 6 to 82.7 × 10 6 (median: 3.97 × 10 6 ) CD34 + cells. Conclusions : In the present study we have shown that CCE may be used effectively to obtain nLP fractions enriched in normal hematopoietic progenitors.