Experimental model of lead nephropathy. III. Continuous low-level lead administration

Currently used systems for red blood cell (RBC) collection and storage for transfusion have the disadvantage that the RBC 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (BPG) concentration is depleted within two weeks of storage, resulting in a left-shift of the oxygen dissociation curve and a temporarily impaired capacity to deliver oxygen. We have studied the effects on red cell metabolism, morphology and in vivo recovery of 49-day storage of RBC, with collection in half-strength citrate CPD (0.5CPD) and storage in an additive solution containing citrate, adenine, mannitol, phosphate and glucose (RAS2). Traditional CPD-SAGM was used for comparison. Component preparation was performed after an initial holding period of the whole blood at ambient temperature for 8 h. The BPG concentration in 0.5CPD-RAS2 RBC was 0.633 +/- 0.120 mol (mol Hb)-1 as compared to 0.454 +/- 0.138 mol (mol Hb)-1 in CPD-SAGM RBC which implied a decrease to 67 and 48% of normal concentration, respectively. The mean RBC BPG concentration was maintained at the initial level for 28 days in the new system but decreased to very low levels within 14 days in the controls. The total adenine nucleotides were well maintained in both systems, adenosine triphosphate slightly better in the new system. Hemolysis after 49 days was 0.35 +/- 0.21% in the new system and 0.72 +/- 0.25% in the controls (p < 0.001). The morphology was better maintained in the new system (p < 0.001). The 24-hour posttransfusion survival of 49-day stored RBC was 78.9 +/- 7.1%. The membrane leakage of sodium and potassium was not significantly different in the two systems.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Polyurethane foam (Bentley) micropore blood transfusion filter: filtration characteristics

Stored human blood of varying age was passed through polyurethane foam (Bentley) micropore blood transfusion filters. Passage through these filters resulted in decreased screen filtration pressure (SFP) of the blood and increased filter weights. Numerous microaggregates were removed and SFP returned to normal after filtration. Occlusion of the filter occurred after passage of only 2 units of whole blood. On the basis of this research, we conclude that polyurethane foam (Bentley) micropore blood transfusion filters are effective in removal of microaggregates from stored human blood. Because the filtering capacity is not great, it is recommended that when these filters are used during transfusion a new filter be used for each unit of blood administered.     

Viability and function of stored sickle erythrocytes

Functional and metabolic characteristics of fresh and three-week stored erythrocytes from patients with sickle cell anemia were compared. The storage-related changes in ATP, 2,3-DPG, and P50 in sickle erythrocytes were similar to those in control (HbA) red blood cells. After storage in CPD, sickle erythrocytes maintained significantly higher levels of 2,3-DPG (mean 2.20 +/- 0.73 mM/ml RBC) than did control cells (mean 0.36 +/- 0.13 mM/ml RBC). The posttransfusion recovery and survival of stored SS erythrocytes in autologous recipients and in an animal test system were at least as good as those before storage. Tolerance of the storage lesion by sickle erythrocytes is probably related to their young mean cell age. These results also suggest that the option of autotransfusion should be explored for selected patients with sickle cell disease in special clinical settings.     

Impact of various red cell concentrate preparation methods on the efficiency of prestorage white cell filtration and on red cells during storage for 42 days

BACKGROUND: White cell (WBC) reduction prior to storage of red cell (RBC) concentrates may reduce the incidence of HLA alloimmunization and may improve the quality of stored RBCs. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An integrated WBC-reduction filter system was tested after various RBC preparation procedures (from whole blood), and the influence of filtration on RBCs during storage for 42 days was investigated. Four additive system RBC preparation protocols were used. Units prepared from conventional triple blood bags were held for 4 to 6 hours at 22 degrees C, and then the RBCs were separated via a hard spin and filtration, performed immediately (Group 1) or after 18 hours' storage at 4 degrees C (Group 2). Units prepared from a top-and-bottom collection system were held at 22 degrees C for 4 to 6 or 22 to 24 hours; the centrifuged RBCs were filtered immediately after preparation (Groups 3 and 4, respectively, by holding time). WBC reduction and filtration time were analyzed. The impact of WBC filtration on pH, hemolysis rate, hemoglobin content, ATP, potassium glucose, and lactate was investigated weekly during storage for 42 days. RESULTS: Filtration reduced the mean WBC count by 3 to 4 log10, to 0.19 +/- 0.25 x 10(6), regardless of the RBC preparation method. Mean filtration times differed significantly between the groups and were longest for Group 1. Besides hemolysis and pH values, which were greater in all filtered units, no major differences were found in filtered and unfiltered RBCs during the storage interval. CONCLUSION: The efficiency of prestorage WBC filtration of RBCs was unaffected by the preparation procedure. However, the filtration time for RBCs freshly prepared in the conventional triple blood bag system without buffy-coat depletion was unacceptable. No major metabolic differences between filtered and unfiltered RBCs during 42 days of storage were found.     

Treatment policy of a psychogeriatric admission ward

Microaggregates begin to develop within a few hours of storage of blood in plastic or glass containers, but their numbers increase mainly towards the end of the first week. They include degenerated platelets, leucocytes, fibrin strands, denatured proteins and fragmented red cells, and range in size from 10 to 40 micrometer or more in diameter. The rate of formation is related to the platelet and leucocyte concentrations prior to storage and the anticoagulant used. While clinical and experimental evidence of deleterious pulmonary effects of these unwanted particles has been limited and contradictory, recent studies have demonstrated that significant increases in pulmonary arteriovenous shunting and alveolar-arterial oxygen differences occur in patients transfused more than 20% of their blood volume throught the standard 170 micrometer filters. These changes are not seen when the blood is passed through a 20 micrometer Dacron wool filter. Other methods of reducing the microaggregate content of transfused blood include the use of fresh blood (less than 2 days), glycerol-frozen fresh blood correctly thawed, or saline-washed packed red cells. Since none of these is feasible for routine use at present, removal by microfiltration prior to rransfusion is employed. Of the filters currently available, the 40 micrometer screen filters appear to offer important practical advantages over the alternative depth filters. Routine filtration of all stored blood transfused is advocated.     

In vitro production of cyanide in normal human blood and the influence of thiocyanate and storage temperature

Normal human blood stored at room temperature (about 20 degrees C) may, over a period of weeks, undergo a slow transformation of its cyanide content. In contrast, when normal blood is stored at -20 degrees C there is formation of cyanide, usually occurring most rapidly during the first few days of storage. Peak concentrations are never greater than 20 microgram/100 ml, and although some fluctuation in concentration occurs over several months of storage at deep freeze temperature, levels are always higher than in the freshly drawn blood. The amount of cyanide produced appears to be a function of both the initial thiocyanate concentration and the freezing and/or thawing of blood. Blood stored at refrigerator temperature (about 4 degrees C) has the least fluctuation in cyanide concentration over a storage period up to three months. During this study it was found that there is significant difference in whole blood cyanide concentration between smokers and nonsmokers.     

Effects of leukocyte depletion on the storage quality of whole blood

BACKGROUND: According to the German Guidelines for Hemotherapy, preoperative autologous blood donations can be stored and transfused as whole blood. In contrast to the storage of blood components, however, storage of whole blood results in deterioration of the biological quality due to contamination with leukocytes and platelets. In this study we examined the influence of prestorage leukocyte depletion on the quality of filtered whole blood donations during storage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Whole blood was donated by healthy volunteers (n = 14,500 ml, 70 ml CPDA-1) and was filtered using an integrated whole blood filter system (Leukotrap A1, Fa.Pall, Dreieich, Germany). The leukocyte-depleted whole blood units were then stored for up to 49 days. Several hematological and biochemical parameters indicative of the quality of blood donations were determined during storage. RESULTS: Our data indicate a quality of leukocyte-depleted whole blood donations comparable to buffy-coat-free red blood cell units. CONCLUSIONS: The Leukotrap A1 whole blood filter system is an interesting option for hospitals lacking the technical capacity to separate whole blood into components. The clinical suitability remains to be investigated by means of clinical studies.     

Sterility of anesthetic and resuscitative drug syringes used in the obstetric operating room

Because of the constant threat of emergent cesarean delivery, anesthetic induction and resuscitation drugs are often drawn into syringes and stored in the obstetric operating room (OR). This study investigated the potential for bacterial and fungal contamination of six drugs (thiopental, succinylcholine, ephedrine, atropine, lidocaine, and oxytocin) often prepared in the obstetric OR. A total of 756 drug syringes were prepared and stored in the obstetric OR for 8 days using normal clinical practices. Starting on Day 0, and subsequently on Days 4 and 8 of the experiment, 42 syringes of each drug were randomly selected from the pool, filtered through a 0.45-microm porosity sterile cellulose filter, and cultured on 5% sheep blood agar. Of the 756 syringes tested, none grew organisms of any type, which indicates a probability of drug sterility of > or = 0.9961 (95% confidence interval [CI]). The data from the cultures performed on syringes on Day 0 indicate a probability of initial contamination of < or = 0.018 (95% CI). This study demonstrates a high probability of sterility in drugs drawn into sterile syringes and stored at room temperature in an OR environment for up to 8 days. Implications: Drug syringes stored in emergency operating rooms are discarded after 24 h because of possible contamination. We searched for microorganisms in drug syringes stored in the operating room for up to 8 days. No microbes were detected using standard sterility testing techniques. Adopting longer storage periods could result in significant cost savings.     

Effect of a glycerol-containing hypotonic medium on erythrocyte phospholipid asymmetry and aminophospholipid transport during storage

Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that under blood bank storage conditions red blood cell (RBC) ATP and lipid content were better maintained in a glycerol-containing hypotonic experimental additive solution (EAS 25) than in the conventional storage medium Adsol. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanism of the protective effect of EAS 25, by measuring transmembrane phospholipid asymmetry and the membrane integrity of stored RBCs. Split units of packed RBCs were stored in either EAS 25 or Adsol. RBCs were analyzed after 0, 42, and 84 days and vesicles shed from stored RBCs were analyzed after 84 days of storage. Phospholipid asymmetry was measured by phospholipase A2 digestion (RBCs) and activation of the prothrombinase complex (RBCs, vesicles). RBC membrane exhibited a significantly greater (P < 0.01) amount of phosphatidylethanolamine externalized after storage in Adsol than in EAS 25 (44.3% +/- 11.7 vs. 25.3% +/- 5.7, respectively). Prothrombin converting activities in RBCs were significantly lower than in shed vesicles (P < 0.001) suggesting the presence of phosphatidylserine in the outer monolayer of vesicle, but not in RBC membranes. The rates of inwardly-directed aminophospholipid transport in RBCs decreased by 50% and glutathione levels decreased by approximately 50% in both media. RBC cholesterol and phospholipid content of stored RBCs remained significantly greater (P < 0.01) in EAS 25 than in Adsol. The results indicate that despite comparable reduction in the rate of aminophospholipid transport and reduced GSH concentrations, RBC phospholipid asymmetry was better maintained during storage in EAS 25 than in Adsol. The data suggest that glycerol in the hypotonic EAS helps preserve RBC lipid organization and membrane integrity during storage.     

Inhibitory effect of 0 degree C storage on the proliferation of Yersinia enterocolitica in donated blood

BACKGROUND: Yersinia enterocolitica is frequently identified in cases of bacterial sepsis due to red cell transfusion. One of the features that makes Y. enterocolitica particularly dangerous is that, unlike most other bacterial contaminants of blood components, this organism can actively multiply in currently recommended refrigerator temperatures (1-6 degrees C). The effect of a colder than normal storage temperature on Y. enterocolitica growth was investigated to determine whether bacteria growth could be reduced or inhibited at 0 degree C. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-four units of freshly collected donated blood were obtained. Three sets of 7 units each were inoculated with Y. enterocolitica O:3, Y. enterocolitica O:20, and Y. enterocolitica O:5, 27, respectively. The remaining 3 units served as uninoculated controls. Each of the 24 bags was split into two equal aliquots, with one aliquot stored at 4 degrees C and the other at 0 degree C. Bacteria growth was measured twice weekly for 6 weeks. Endotoxin and hemoglobin levels were also measured at selected intervals. RESULTS: Bacteria growth was detected earlier and in higher concentrations in the aliquots stored at 4 degrees C. Twenty-two of the 42 inoculated aliquots had measureable bacteria growth. Thirteen aliquots had been maintained at 4 degrees C, and nine had been stored at 0 degree C. Sixteen of these 22 aliquots were matched pairs. Exponential growth was detected after 14 to 32 days in the 4 degrees C aliquots and after 28 to 39 days in the 0 degree C aliquots. Final bacteria counts were much higher in the 4 degrees C aliquots (10(5)-10(14) colony-forming units/mL) than in the 0 degree C aliquots (10(1)-10(4) colony-forming units/mL) on Day 42. Endotoxin was present in all 13 of the 4 degrees C aliquots with actively growing Y. enterocolitica. CONCLUSION: Storage of red cells at 0 degree C markedly prolongs the time required for Y. enterocolitica to achieve exponential grwoth and results in lower concentrations of bacteria.     

Effect of protein kinase C inhibitors and 2,3-butanedione monoxime on the long-term hypothermic preservation of isolated rat hearts

1. This study examines the protective effect of staurosporine, chelerythrine, Ro 31-8220 and 2,3-butanedione monoxime in rat hearts during hypothermic storage. 2. Hearts were microperfused at 4 degrees C for 24 or 48 h with a storage buffer that in some cases contained one of these protein kinase C inhibitors either alone or in combination with 2,3-butanedione monoxime. After hypothermic storage, hearts were rewarmed to 37 degrees C with Krebs-Henseleit buffer. Cardiac function was then assessed in either Langendorff mode or working heart mode. 3. Compared with values from fresh non-stored hearts, hypothermic stored hearts showed a significant decrease in both coronary flow and left ventricular developed pressure when the stored hearts were reperfused in Langendorff mode. The decrease in coronary flow and left ventricular developed pressure was more pronounced in hearts stored for 48 h than in those stored for 24 h. 4. Hearts stored for 24 or 48 h, with or without the protein kinase C inhibitors, and then perfused in working mode generated less aortic flow and less cardiac output than fresh unstored hearts. 5. Hearts preserved in solutions containing staurosporine, chelerythrine, Ro 31-8220 or 2,3-butanedione monoxime had significantly higher left ventricular developed pressure values on reperfusion than hearts stored without any such drug. 6. Addition of 2,3-butanedione monoxime to a storage buffer containing either staurosporine, chelerythrine or Ro 31-8220 further improved left ventricular developed pressure, aortic flow and cardiac output values in these stored hearts. The group of hearts stored in a buffer containing 2,3-butanedione monoxime and chelerythrine gave the highest left ventricular developed pressure value seen during reperfusion. 7. The ATP and creatine phosphate concentrations of hearts stored in buffer alone were significantly lower than those of fresh unstored hearts, irrespective of the duration of storage. ATP concentrations were better preserved in hearts stored in a buffer containing 2,3-butanedione monoxime or/and one of the protein kinase C antagonists than those stored without such antagonists. A positive correlation was found between peak cardiac output values and the concentrations of combined high-energy phosphates in various groups of stored and reperfused hearts. 8. The present study showed that inhibition of protein kinase C during long-term hypothermic storage significantly increased high-energy phosphate concentrations and also improved contractile function during reperfusion.     

Case-control study of cancer risk in tetraethyl lead manufacturing

OBJECTIVES: Prestorage filtration of blood components appears to be an effective method to reduce leukocyte-induced adverse reactions and other complications. To determine whether it is better to filter whole blood before component separation, we compared the efficiency of in-line filtration of whole blood with that of postseparation filtration. METHODS: Blood was collected from normal, healthy donors into either regular triple-bag containers or into whole-blood integral-filter container systems. We then compared the in vitro storage values of leukocyte-depleted red blood cell concentrates (RBCC) kept at 4 degrees C, and plasma frozen for 1 year with nonfiltered blood components as control. RESULTS: All counts of white blood cells after filtration were < 1 x 10(6) per unit. For almost all storage parameters no significant differences were found between leukocyte-reduced RBCC and control units. The plasma fibrinopeptide A values below 30 ng/ml prior to freezing indicate that filtration does not activate the coagulation factors. Furthermore, the filtration did not influence either the biological values or the coagulation factors of plasma units. CONCLUSIONS: Whole blood filtration prior to component preparation seems to offer a useful alternative technique for obtaining leukocyte-reduced RBCC and plasma.     

Genetic analysis of protein concentration in the grain of hybrids of spring wheat

CPD-adenine is being adopted in Europe for five weeks for regular blood bank storage and six weeks for emergency use storage. There may be a need to maintain normal levels of 2,3-DPG during this prolonged storage time. In a pilot study from this laboratory, improved 2,3-DPG maintenance was noted with DHA and pyruvate during the fifth and sixth weeks of storage. DHA and pyruvate are relatively unstable in aqucous solutions and in the present study extra care was taken with their experimental use. The additive effect of using DHA and pyruvate together in maintaining 2,3-DPG was confirmed in this study in which significant improvements were seen as early as the seventh day of storage.     

Altered expression and subcellular localization of diacylglycerol-sensitive protein kinase C isoforms in diabetic rat glomerular cells

To relate the improvement of platelet storage in synthetic media with possible structural changes, we conducted serial studies on the membranes of platelets and microparticles shed during platelet storage for up to 5 days at 4 degrees C either in plasma or in Seto solution. Spontaneous microparticle formation proceeded linearly for up to 2 days in both storage media, although the processes seemed to be different because microparticles from Seto solution had a higher lipid/protein ratio than those released in plasma. Microparticles were heterogeneous structures showing beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase, glucose-6-phosphatase and succinate dehydrogenase activities. After 2-5 days of storage, microparticles contained 60% of total cellular acetylcholinesterase (AChE), were doubly enriched in cholesterol. and showed identical phospholipid profiles but with a decrease in the lipid unsaturation index with respect to fresh platelets. Fluorescence anisotropy studies pointed to a remarkable increase in the deep lipid core fluidity of microparticles during storage of platelets in plasma. With respect to platelets, only those stored in plasma showed significant changes in lipid contents, with a 3-fold decrease in the phospholipid to protein ratio, a decrease in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) levels and a parallel increase in phosphatidylcholine (PC) percentages in their phospholipid profile, together with a significant reduction in the lipid unsaturation index after 1 day of storage. The fluidity of the negatively charged surface of the platelet membranes decreased in platelets stored for 5 days in both media, whereas the fluidity of the membrane deep core was only increased in platelets stored in plasma. These findings suggest that Seto solution permits better storage of platelets for 5 days than plasma and support the notion that lipid peroxidation could play an important role in the structural changes observed.     

SBR中混合接种不同储存方式的好氧颗粒污泥的恢复

考察了混合接种不同储存时间及储存方式的好氧颗粒污泥(AGS)的恢复效果。储存后的AGS表现出不同的形态特征:常温湿式储存两年的AGS形态松散, 出现了明显的解体现象;常温湿式储存一年的AGS未出现明显的解体现象, 但颜色明显变黑;琼脂包埋干式储存五个月的硝化颗粒污泥颜色、形态及沉降性能变化不大。重新曝气后, 污泥的MLSS(4.85~10.51 g/L)与MLVSS/MLSS(0.6~0.75)、EPS(15.05~38.36 mg/g MLSS)、平均粒径(0.61~1.12 mm)及颗粒化率(80.92%~97.60%)迅速增大, COD及氨氮去除率也分别在19天与15天上升至90%以上。恢复过程中, 颗粒污泥经历了先破裂后重新颗粒化的过程。根据恢复过程中颗粒污泥的理化特性可知, 混合污泥在21天内成功实现了稳定性及效果恢复。研究结果表明混合部分储存后的硝化颗粒污泥有效提高了硝化细菌的富集速度, 为应用时AGS中硝化细菌的快速富集提供了一种新思路。      

Biochemical polymorphism and the 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in the sheep red blood cells

There was no significant difference in the level of 2,3-DPG in the red blood cells of sheep of different haemoglobin types (Hb A and Hb B) or potassium types (HK and LK). However, low glutathione (GSHL) sheep had significantly higher (p less than 0.01) level of 2,3-DPG in their red blood cells than high glutathione (GSHH) sheep. There was also significant effect of interactions between glutathione, haemoglobin and potassium types (p less than 0.05) and glutathione and haemoglobin types (p less than 0.01) on red cell 2,3-DPG levels.     

Time-dependent, spontaneous release of white cell- and platelet-derived bioactive substances from stored human blood

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms of the detrimental effects of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion are still unclear. Previous studies have suggested a higher incidence of adverse effects after the use of blood stored for prolonged time. Therefore, a possible time-dependent release of various white cell- and platelet-derived bioactive substances in stored human red cell suspensions was studied. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Whole blood (6 units), plasma-reduced whole blood (6 units), and saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol blood (6 units) from 18 unpaid, normal blood donors were stored under standard blood bank conditions at 4 degrees C for 35 days. After refrigeration, samples were collected from all blood bags on Days 0, 2, 5, 9, 14, 21, 28, and 35 of storage. Extracellular concentrations of eosinophil cationic protein, eosinophil protein X, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, myeloperoxidase, and interleukin 6 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay. The total intracellular and donor plasma levels of these substances also were analyzed at the time of blood donation. RESULTS: Eosinophil cationic protein, eosinophil protein X, and myeloperoxidase increased 10- to 25-fold (p < 0.05) in a time-dependent manner in whole blood, plasma-reduced whole blood, and saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol blood during storage for 35 days. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 increased threefold to sixfold (p < 0.05) in whole blood and plasma-reduced whole blood, but not in saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol blood. Interleukin 6 was not detected in either plasma or samples obtained from the blood bags. CONCLUSION: Stored whole blood, plasma-reduced whole blood, and saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol blood may release white cell- and platelet-derived bioactive substances in a time-dependent manner, which may be related to the detrimental effects of perioperative blood transfusions. Therefore, prestorage white cell reduction should be considered for further improvement of red cell suspensions.     

Functional and structural characteristics of experimental FK 506 nephrotoxicity

1. FK 506 (Tacrolimus, Prograf) is a novel immunosuppressant which is effective in solid organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases. The lack of a suitable animal model has hindered the study of the nephrotoxicity of the drug which has emerged as a common adverse effect in clinical trials. We report both acute and chronic nephrotoxicity with tacrolimus (FK) in which renal structure and function are worsened by sodium depletion. 2. Pair fed male Sprague-Dawley rats were given FK (3 or 6 mg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle for 7, 21 and 42 days on low salt or normal diet. The FK whole blood trough levels achieved (3-10 ng/mL) were similar to those observed in FK treated transplant patients. 3. In salt depleted animals treated for 7 days, FK (6 mg/kg) decreased renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (1.8 +/- 0.1 and 0.2 +/- 0.1 mL/min per 100 g vs 2.9 +/- 0.2 and 1.1 +/- 0.1 mL/min per 100 g in the vehicle group, P < 0.01). 4. After 21 days of treatment of FK on low salt diet but not normal salt, FK induced focal collapse and vacuolization in proximal tubules and discrete or confluent zones of tubulointerstitial oedema and mononuclear cell infiltration. 5. After 42 days in salt depleted rats, there was significant tubulointerstitial scarring that was associated with an increased plasma renin activity (PRA) (64 +/- 10 vs 30 +/- 4 ng AI/mL per h in the vehicle group, P < 0.05). Animals given normal salt diets did not develop significant histological lesions even up to 42 days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Long-term preservation of the rat isolated heart with staurosporine and 2,3-butanedione monoxime

The present study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of staurosporine and 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) in preserving cardiac function of long-term hypothermic-stored hearts. Rat isolated hearts were perfused very slowly at 4 degrees C for 16 hr with a storage buffer solution containing staurosporine and BDM. Heart functions were then examined during 2 hr of normothermic reperfusion. Isovolumetric left ventricular-developed pressure (LVDP), its differential, heart rate, and coronary flow were measured in 5 groups of hearts: controls (fresh unstored hearts), stored drug-free hearts, stored staurosporine-treated hearts, stored BDM-treated hearts, and stored BDM + staurosporine-treated hearts. Hearts that had been perfused with staurosporine or BDM during hypothermic storage attained LVDP values that were 37% or 70%, respectively, of that shown by the control group. Hearts perfused without any drug in the storage buffer attained an LVDP value that was 20% of the control value. Heart rates of stored and then normothermically reperfused hearts were lower than, but not significantly different from, values in the control group. Coronary flow values in all stored hearts were significantly lower than the control values. Thus, BDM, and to a lesser extent staurosporine, applied during prolonged hypothermic storage improved cardiac function during normothermic reperfusion.     

Remedial self-fulfilling prophecy: Two field experiments to prevent Golem effects among disadvantaged women.

The Pygmalion effect is a self-fulfilling prophecy (SFP) in which raising leader expectations boosts subordinate performance. Although attempts to produce Pygmalion effects have been successful repeatedly among men, attempts to produce Pygmalion effects with female leaders have yielded null results. Also, only 1 experiment has demonstrated the Golem effect (i.e., negative SFP in which low leader expectations impair subordinate performance). In 2 field experiments testing the SFP hypothesis among women leading disadvantaged women, experimental leaders were led to believe that their trainees had higher than usual potential. In reality, the trainees had been assigned randomly. Manipulation checks confirmed that the treatment raised leader expectations toward experimental trainees. Analysis of variance of performance detected the predicted SFP effects in both experiments. These were the first-ever experimental confirmations of SFP among women as leaders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)