Predictors of high-quality cord blood units

BACKGROUNDAnalysis of umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplants shows a correlation between engraftment and total number of infused cells. Thus, it is worth evaluating what maternal and neonatal characteristics and collection techniques may affect the quality of UCB units. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA cross-sectional study was performed with 7897 donors sequentially selected in three health care institutions in Brazil from October 2004 to March 2012, in which both quantitative and qualitative approaches were applied. All donors were considered suitable for cord blood collection. RESULTSThe maternal and neonatal characteristics and techniques of collection that influenced the total number of nucleated cells (TNCsp<0.001) were type of delivery, newborn weight and sex, and institution of UCB collection. The TNC count was associated with gestational age (p=0.008), type of delivery (p<0.001), newborn sex (p<0.001), newborn weight (p<0.001), and UCB collection technique (p=0.003). Center B presented the largest number of nucleated cells in its results (p<0.001), followed by Center A (p=0.001). Other characteristics, such as maternal age, were analyzed but were not relevant for the nucleated cell number. CONCLUSIONThis study provides elements for a model that allows an efficient selection of UCB donors, prioritizing candidates who have a better chance to lead to an optimized use of cord blood cells units.Univ Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Escola Paulista Enfermagem, Sao Paulo, BrazilInst Nacl Cardiol, Rio De Janeiro, BrazilInst Israelita Ensino & Pesquisa Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, BrazilHosp Israelita Albert Einstein, Dept Hemoterapia, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Escola Paulista Enfermagem, Sao Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Data on vegetation across forest edges from the FERN(Forest Edge Research Network)

Published versionMany studies have focused on vegetation across forest edges to study impacts of edges created by human activities on forest structure and composition, or patterns of vegetation at inherent natural edges. Our objective was to create a database of plant-related variables across different types of edges from various studies (mainly from across Canada, but also in Brazil and Belize) to facilitate edge research. We compiled data on vegetation along more than 300 transects perpendicular to forest edges adjacent to clear-cuts, burned areas, bogs, lakes, barrens, insect disturbances, and riparian areas from 24 studies conducted over the past three decades. Data were compiled for more than 400 plant species and forest structure variables (e.g., trees, logs, canopy cover). All data were collected with a similar sampling design of quadrats along transects perpendicular to forest edges, but with varying numbers of transects and quadrats, and distances from the edge. The purpose for most of the studies was either to determine the distance of edge influence (edge width) or to explore the pattern of vegetation along the edge to interior gradient. We provide data tables for the cover of plant species and functional groups, the species and size of live and dead trees, the density of saplings, maximum height of functional groups and shrub species, and the cover of functional groups at different heights (vertical distribution of vegetation). The Forest Edge Research Network (FERN) database provides extensive data on many variables that can be used for further study including meta-analyses and can assist in answering questions important to conservation efforts (e.g., how is distance of edge influence from created edges affected by different factors?). We plan to expand this database with subsequent studies from the authors and we invite others to contribute to make this a more global database. The data are released under a CC0 license. When using these data, we ask that you cite this data paper and any relevant publications listed in our metadata file. We also encourage you to contact the first author if you are planning to use or contribute to this database

Aspectos epidemiológicos e sociais da doença falciforme Epidemiologic and social aspects of sickle cell disease

A doença falciforme (DF) é uma doença genética frequente. Predomina entre negros e pardos e, no Brasil, a cada ano, nascem 3.500 crianças com DF e 200.000 com traço falciforme. As hemácias com hemoglobina S assumem, em condições de hipóxia, forma semelhante à foice, podendo levar à oclusão dos capilares, provocando lesões teciduais agudas e crônicas de órgãos, quase sempre acompanhadas de dor. Através de visitas domiciliares objetivou-se ampliar o conhecimento dos aspectos epidemiológicos e de enfrentamento da doença. Foram estudados 47 pacientes falcêmicos da cidade de Uberaba (MG), com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos, sendo 78,7% negros, 17% pardos e 4,3% brancos, preponderando o gênero feminino (59,6%). Quanto ao tipo de hemoglobinopatia, 63,8% eram SS, 17% SC e 10,6% &#946;-talassemia. A maioria (74,5%) residia em bairros periféricos; 42,5% tinham o segundo grau completo; 38,2% eram aposentados ou não tinham profissão definida. A renda per capita de 48,9% era de até um salário mínimo e 19,1% não percebiam qualquer rendimento. Quanto aos sentimentos relacionados à doença, 38,3% referiram aceitação, 21,3% revolta, 17% tristeza; 46,8% relatavam, após o diagnóstico, mudança para pior em relação ao trabalho e 31,9% em relação ao lazer. Verificou-se neste estudo que a DF reflete negativamente nas atividades laborais e na qualidade de vida do paciente. Contudo, as dificuldades no enfrentamento da doença, habitação precária, desemprego e/ou trabalho mal remunerado poderiam ser minimizadas com acompanhamento social e psicoterápico adequados, que deveriam ser disponibilizados a todo doente falciforme.Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the commonest genetic illness of human beings. In Brazil it is predominant among black and dark-skinned people; every year 3,500 children are born with SCD and 200,000 with the sickle cell trait. In conditions of hypoxia, red blood cells assume the shape of a sickle. Patients may evolve with capillary occlusion causing acute and chronic tissue lesions in organs, which is almost always accompanied by pain. With the purpose of improving knowledge related to the epidemiologic aspects of the illness and how patients cope with it, 47 over 18-year-old patients from the city of Uberaba were studied during home visits. Of these predominantly female patients (59.6%), 78.7% were black, 17% dark-skinned and 4.3% white. In respect to the type of hemoglobinopathy, 63.8% had hemoglobin SS; 17% had hemoglobin SC and 10.6% had sickle beta-thalassemia. The majority (74.5%) lived in poor regions of the city, 42.5% had concluded high school, 38.2% were either retired or did not have any specific profession, 48.9% earned up to one minimum wage and 19.1% did not receive any wages. In respect to their feelings, 38.3% showed they accepted their illness, 21.3% were resentful, 17% were sad and 46.8% said their lives had changed for the worse in relation to work and 31.9% in relation to leisure. It was possible to show with this study that SCD negatively reflects on activities related to work and on the patient's quality of life. Thus, difficulties in coping with the illness, such as poor housing, unemployment and/or badly paid jobs, may be minimized with social and psychotherapeutic accompaniment, which should be made available to every SCD patient

Effect of Diode-Laser and AC Magnetic Field of Bovine Serum Albumin Nanospheres Loaded with Phthalocyanine and Magnetic Particles

This study reports on the development and characterization of bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanospheres containing Silicon(IV) phthalocyanine (NzPc) and/or maghemite nanoparticles (MNP), the latter introduced via ionic magnetic fluid (MF). The nanosized BSA-loaded samples were designed for synergic application while combining Photodynamic Therapy and Hyperthermia. Incorporation of MNP in the albumin-based template, allowing full control of the magnetic content, was accomplished by adding a highly-stable ionic magnetic fluid sample to the albumin suspension, following heat denaturing. The material`s evaluation was performed using Zeta potential measurements and scanning electron microscopy. The samples were characterized by steady-state techniques and time-resolved fluorescence. The in vitro assay, using human fibroblasts, revealed no cytotoxic effect in all samples investigated, demonstrating the potential of the tested system as a synergistic drug delivery system.(FAPES)[09/51729-5](FAPES)[09/15363-6](FAPES)[07/01548-9

Photosensitizer-Loaded Magnetic Nanoemulsion for Use in Synergic Photodynamic and Magnetohyperthermia Therapies of Neoplastic Cells

In this study a magnetic nanoemulsion (MNE) was developed from a mixture of two components, namely biodegradable surfactants and biocompatible citrate-coated cobalt ferrite-based magnetic fluid, for entrapment of Zn(II)-Phthalocyanine (ZnPc), the latter a classical photosensitizer (PS) species used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) procedures. The sample`s stability was evaluated as a function of time using photocorrelation spectroscopy (PCS) for determination of the average hydrodynamic diameter, diameter dispersion and zeta potential. The ZnPc-loaded magneto nanoemulstion (ZnPc/MNE) formulation was evaluated in vitro assays to access the phototoxicity and the effect of application of AC magnetic fields (magnetohyperthermia damage) after incubation with J774-A1 macrophages cells. Darkness toxicity, phototoxicity and AC magnetic field exposures revealed an enhancement response for combined photodynamic and magnetohyperthermia (MHT) processes, indicating the presence of the synergic effect.MCT/CNPqFAPESP[06/50562-1]FAPESP[04/00860-0