Effects of Plasticizers and Plastic Bags on Granulocyte Function during Storage

The influence of the plasticizers, di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and tri-(2-ethylhexyl)trimellitate (TOTM), on granulocyte function was examined. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags with DEHP (DEHP-PVC) leaked DEHP into plasma, but TOTM did not dissolve in plasma under the same conditions. Glow discharge treatment inhibited the leakage of DEHP from DEHP-PVC bags. Depending on the amount of DEHP added into granulocyte suspension, chemotaxis and bactericidal activity decreased, but cell counts and phagocytosis were not affected. During storage for 24 h at 22 degrees C, granulocyte function decreased greatly in DEHP-PVC, but was well maintained in the bags which did not leak plasticizers, TOTM-PVC and glow-discharged DEHP-PVC.     

Effects of Anticoagulants and Storage on Granulocyte Function in Bank Blood

Storage of granulocytes for transfusion has notbeen practical because it has been consideredthat granulocyte function in bank blood is retained for only a few hours after collection. Inthe present study, granulocyte function wasevaluated using the bactericidal assay and thequantitative nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT)method. Granulocytes from whole blood collected into acid citrate dextrose (ACD), citratephosphate dextrose (CPD), heparin, ion exchange, and sodium citrate anticoagulantsshowed no functional impairment after 24 hr ofstorage at 4°C. With further storage, all granulocytes showed a loss of NBT activity. However, after 48 and 72 hr, granulocytes fromwhole blood stored in ACD and CPD killed theexpected number of bacteria in the bactericidalassay. Thus, when tested in vitro, granulocytesmaintain normal function, at least during thefirst 24 hr after collection when stored in certain anticoagulants under standard blood bankconditions.

Submitted on April 30, 1973 Accepted on June 23, 1973     

Effects of Autoclave Sterilization and Multiple Use on Implant Scanbody Deformation In Vitro

In the intraoral scanner (IOS) impression technique for dental implants, a scanbody (SB) is connected to the implant and scanned. Poly(ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) is a widely used material for SBs and it is recommended for single use. However, from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals, it is desirable to use these products multiple times. As SBs are used in patients’ mouths, proper sterilization is necessary for multiple uses. In the present study, the effect of autoclave treatment and connection/disconnection on SB deformation was investigated. The SB was connected to the implant and stereolithography (STL) data were obtained. Then, the SB was disconnected and underwent autoclave treatment, or was connected and disconnected multiple times, or underwent a combination of both processes. The results showed that there were significant differences in the distance and angle when comparing SBs before and after the autoclave treatment, but repeated connections with or without autoclave treatment had no significant impact on the measured values. The surface texture, observed with scanning electron microscopy, showed that a groove was observed on the surface of the SB, but the groove did not show major changes after 10 connection/autoclave processes. These results indicate that autoclave sterilization has some impact on SB deformation but connection/disconnection itself may not have a huge impact on SB deformation.     

Influence of Granulocyte Antibodies on Granulocyte Function

The following substances were tested for their influence on granulocyte function: 8 sera that contained human granulocyte-specific alloantibodies against the antigens NA1, NA2 and NB1, two HLA antisera, and the monoclonal antibodies W6/32 and CLB-FcR-gran 1. The effects examined included spontaneous and directed migration, immune phagocytosis inhibition and the generation of oxygen radicals. Using the under-agarose technique, spontaneous migration of sensitized granulocytes was normal. For all antibodies tested, the chemotactic index for N-fMLP, LTB₄ and opsonized zymosan was greater than 1. Granulocyte immune phagocytosis of sensitized sheep red blood cells was strongly inhibited by all alloantisera and monoclonal antibodies. The generation of oxygen radicals after triggering the respiratory burst with sensitized sheep red blood cells was also strongly inhibited in the chemiluminescence assay. Immune phagocytosis and chemiluminescent response of granulocytes lacking the corresponding antigen of the tested alloantibodies were not affected. Since sensitization of neutrophils with F(ab')₂ fragments of the monoclonal antibodies W6/32 and CLB-FcR-gran 1 showed lower inhibition of generation of oxygen radicals after triggering, Fc-dependent interaction with the target cells seems to be necessary for inhibition. Our results suggest that binding of NA1-, NA2- or NB1-specific alloantibodies to granulocytes not only causes neutropenia, but also impairs granulocyte function.     

Extended Storage of Single-Donor Apheresis Platelets in CLX® Blood Bags: Effect of Storage on Platelet Morphology, Viability and in vitro Function

A CLX (Cutter Laboratories, Berkeley, Calif.) bag system was evaluated for storage of single-donor apheresis platelets collected with the Haemonetics V-50 blood processor. Concentrates (n = 21) containing 3.9-5.2 x 10(11) platelets in 292 (+/- 41.8) ml were stored in two 1-liter bags for 7 days at 22 degrees C. pH was well maintained, declining from an initial pH of 7.0 (+/- 0.04) to 6.92 (+/- 0.20) after 7 days. Platelet morphology, response to a hypotonic stimulus and aggregation induced by paired agonists (epinephrine and ADP, or collagen) were also well-preserved. Concentrates with a wide variation of platelet yields (2.0 greater than or equal to 5.2 x 10(11), n = 43) also maintained pH (6.96 +/- 0.26), morphology and aggregation when stored for 7 days. All platelet concentrates (n = 64) were sterile at collection. Single-donor apheresis platelets may be stored in this bag system for up to 7 days.     

Physical Properties and Storage Stability of Buton Rock Asphalt Modified Asphalt

Buton Rock Asphalt (BRA) refers to the natural rock asphalt natively produced on the Buton island of Indonesia. It is often used as a modifier to enhance the performance of asphaltpavement. However, the segregation of BRA in BRA-Modified Asphalt (BRA-MA) has restricted its application. This study aims to investigate how the particle size and content of BRA affect the physical properties and storage stability of BRA-MA. Penetration, softening point, viscosity, and viscosity-temperature susceptibility (VTS) were analyzed. The evaluation method of storage stability was discussed and determined. The segregation of BRA in BRA-MA of static storage and transportation process were simulated and tested. The results suggest that the softening point and viscosity were positively correlated to BRA content and inversely determined by particle size. Penetration, VTS, and ductility were reduced due to the decline in particle size and increment of BRA content. The index of segregation value based on viscosity difference showed better statistical and quantitative significances than the softening-point difference in evaluating the storage stability. The particle size and content of BRA are positively correlated to the segregation of BRA-MA. Both the storage temperature and time were positively correlated to the segregation of BRA-MA. We prove that the relationship between specific surface area and segregation are power functional. BRA-MA with BRA whose 50% particle sizes are lower than 13.6 μm showed low segregation in transportation.     

Physical and Thermal Properties Analysis of Hematite for Thermal Heat Storage

Energy sustainability represents an important research topic for aiding decreasing energy dependence and slowing down climate changes. In this context, solutions using thermal energy storage through rock start to emerge, due to its natural benefits, when compared to more polluting alternatives. To understand whether a rock material can be considered a good thermal energy storage material for such solutions, it is necessary to evaluate the physical, chemical and thermal properties of such materials. Therefore, it becomes essential to understand how heat propagates in the rock and how voids influence the thermal properties. To achieve these goals, hematite ore from Moncorvo, Northeastern Portugal was used, in particular, to study the effect of grain size on thermal properties for three different sized lots. Chemical and physical changes between heated and unheated lots were detected using X-ray diffraction and particle size, as well as X-ray fluorescence analysis. Regarding thermal properties, a hot wire method approach was used with seven thermocouples. Additionally, a thermal inversion model to simulate the heat exchanges was also proposed, allowing changing the properties of the constituents, to fit the theoretical and experimental temperature curve. Furthermore, the model reveals how heat propagates inside the reservoir filled with hematite ore.     

Platelet Storage in Glow Discharge-Treated Polyvinylchloride Bags: Effects of a Plasticizer on Platelet Hypotonic Shock Response

The effect of a plasticizer (DEHP) of PVC blood bags on platelet response to hypotonic shock was examined. The response of the platelet concentrate (PC), stored in the bag in which DEHP elution was prevented by glow-discharge treatment, did not change until 72 h of storage. On the other hand, during PC storage in control bags or in plasma containing DEHP, the response decreased approximately linearly. The time course of DEHP incorporation into platelet agreed well with that of the decrease of the response to hypotonic shock.     

Granulocyte Function in the Chediak-Higashi Syndrome of Mice

Granulocyte function was evaluated usingperitoneal exudate granulocytes from astrain of beige mice with the Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS). Defective granulocyte chemotaxis of CHS cells (43%normal) was documented. There was no abnormality in the ability of CHS serum tofunction as a chemotactic stimulus.Phagocytosis of ¹⁴C-labeled Staphylococcusaureus by CHS granulocytes was normal.However, there was reduced bactericidalactivity of S. aureus and group D streptococcus by CHS cells through 90 min of incubation. The bactericidal defect was mostpronounced at early time periods and wasrelated to impaired intracellular killing.These defects of CHS mice granulocyteswere analogous to those reported in manand it is concluded that the CHS mouse is amost convenient and representative modelof the CHS of man.

Submitted on April 24, 1973 Revised on July 26, 1973 Accepted on August 1, 1973     

Validation of the Efficacy of a Solar-Thermal Powered Autoclave System for Off-Grid Medical Instrument Wet Sterilization

This work describes the efficacy of a solar-thermal powered autoclave used for the wet sterilization of medical instruments in off-grid settings where electrical power is not readily available. Twenty-seven trials of the solar-thermal powered system were run using an unmodified non-electric autoclave loaded with a simulated bundle of medical instruments and biological test agents. Results showed that in 100% of the trials the autoclave achieved temperatures in excess of 121°C for 30 minutes, indicator tape displayed visible reactions to steam sterilization, and biological tests showed that microbial agents had been eliminated, in compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requirements for efficacious wet sterilization.     

Beneficial Effect of Granulocyte Transfusions in Patients with Defects in Granulocyte Function and Severe Infections

A 3-year-old boy (patient A) with a congenital and a 24-year-old man (patient B) with an acquired granulocyte function defect received supportive granulocyte transfusions for the management of severe infections. The boy had suffered from recurrent infections since birth. His granulocytes showed in vitro almost no chemotactic responsiveness, an impaired phagocytosis and reduced intracellular killing of Candida albicans. Family studies suggested that it was an inherited autosomal recessive defect. The child developed a Pseudomonas pneumonia at the age of 3 years, which did not respond to antibiotic therapy. Granulocyte transfusions were then started and soon after the fever and pneumonia disappeared. Patient B showed the haematological signs of a preleukaemic state. He had 3 recurrent episodes of furunculosis which led each time to cellulitis and septic temperatures accompanied by symptoms of an enterocolitis. Tests of granulocyte function in vitro showed reduced intracellular killing of Staphylococcus aureus. Granulocyte transfusions were started, since no clinical improvement could be attained by antibiotics. With transfusion therapy, fever, cellulitis and enterocolitis disappeared each time.     

Effects of Molarity and Storage Time of MWCNTs on the Properties of Cement Paste

Nowadays, nanomaterials in cement pastes are among the most important topics in the cement industry because they can be used for several applications. For this reason, this work presents a study about the influence of changing the molarity of dispersed multiple wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and varying the number of storage days on the mechanical properties of the cement paste. To achieve this objective, dispersions of 0.35% MWCNTs, varying the molarity of the surfactant as 10 mM, 20 mM, 40 mM, 60 mM, 80 mM, and 100 mM, were performed. The mixture of materials was developed using the sonication process; furthermore, materials were analyzed using UV-Vis, Z-potential, and Raman spectroscopy techniques. Materials with a molarity of 10 mM exhibited the best results, allowing them to also be stored for four weeks. Regarding the mechanical properties, an increase in the elastic modulus was observed when MWCNTs were included in the cement paste for all storage times. The elastic modulus and the maximum stress increased as the storage time increased.     

Study of Influence of Atmospheric Conditions on the Thermal Properties of Sleeping Bags

The thermal properties of clothing products are influenced by external environmental parameters, such as temperature, humidity, air flow and parameters related to the user’s body, which mainly include temperature and humidity. Depending on the type of raw material, its thickness and the material manufacturing technique, clothing products are characterised by certain insulating properties to protect the human body from external factors. A multilayer system made of different material groups can change the thermal insulating capacity significantly, which cannot be determined by the testing of individual layers used in the production. In order to determine the influence of weather conditions on thermal insulation and air permeability, tests were carried out for two types of sleeping bags (summer and autumn) produced by the same manufacturer, differing in insulation thickness. Simulations were carried out using SolidWorks and verified using a Newton thermal mannequin. During tests, both the temperature (range from −20 °C to 20 °C) and humidity values were changed (range 40–80% humidity). For sleeping bags, the effective thermal insulation decreases along with the increase of temperature and decrease of humidity. It can be observed, for the autumn sleeping bags, that for a temperature of 20 °C and humidity of 60%, the thermal insulation is 1.063 m²·K·W⁻¹, while for a temperature of −20 °C and humidity of 60% thermal insulation increases significantly and amounts to 1.111 m²·K·W⁻¹. A similar situation occurs for the effective thermal insulation of a summer sleeping bag (20 °C/60% thermal insulation is 0.794 m²·K·W⁻¹, while for −20 °C/60%—0.851 m²·K·W⁻¹. During the tests, the humidity and temperature between the layers of the clothing system were also controlled, in order to learn more about the influence of these parameters on the thermal insulation properties of the sleeping bags.     

Serological, Immunochemical and Immuoncytological Properties of Granulocyte Antibodies

The immunochemical characteristics of granulocyte allo- and autoantibodies can easily be studied with indirect immunofluorescence techniques. The correlation of these properties with the serological behavior of the antibodies and the clinical condition in which they were found was studied. The investigations included the determination of immunoglobulin class, subclass, light-chain composition, as well as optimal temperature of activity. Complement fixation in vitro was also investigated. Striking differences were found between IgG and IgM antibodies in their serological properties, especially in the granulocytotoxicity and leukoagglutination tests at different temperatures. Differences in light-chain and IgG subclass compositions of the antibodies did not seem to play a role. In studying the distribution of granulocyte-specific antigens on normal granulocytes and granulocytes in all stages of development, it was found that, while NA1, NA2 and ND1 are present in the same quantity on the cells of an individual, the NB1 antigen is unequally distributed, both over ripe granulocytes and granulocyte precursors.     

Freezing Plasma in 5-Litre Bags for Storage and Thawing for Use

Abstract. Plasma, in 5-litre polyethylene bags, is frozen in the form of rectangular blocks by means of a special freezer. Refrigerated by sealed single-stage condensing units, this will freeze two bags (10 I) of plasma in 75 min. The bags are filled by the use of a 'flow inducer' pump, controlled by contacts on a balance. The blocks of frozen plasma, packed in cardboard containers, can be stacked closely with great economy of cold storage space. The blocks may be thawed in the bags on heated, inclined shelves, allowing the plasma to drain off as it melts.
The development of this system for handling plasma would not have been possible without the collaboration of the staff of many laboratories and manufacturers and of the Department of Health and Social Security. In particular, I am indebted to Dr. W. d'A. Maycock for advice in many aspects of the work and to Mr. A. L. Jackson and to Mr. F. W. B. Smith for extensive technical assistance; also to Dr. W. J. Jenkins and to Mr. R. Kirkham for their method of syphoning plasma for transfer to bags and for their part in the user trials.     

Effects of Aging on the Physical and Rheological Properties of Trinidad Lake Asphalt Modified Bitumen

The application of various modifiers has emerged in recent years to improve conventional petroleum-based bitumen properties. The natural asphalt called Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA) has been applied very often due to its consistent properties, high viscosity and density, and superior rheological properties, and effective blending with other bitumen. However, most studies on TLA-modified binders always focused on physical and rheological properties in the original (unaged) condition, but the details about aging properties are often neglected. This study aimed to investigate the effect of short-term aging on the physical and rheological characteristics of the 35/50 base bitumen modified by the addition of two different TLA contents. The conventional physical tests and dynamic shear rheological tests were undertaken before and after aging to measure the penetration and softening point, complex shear modulus, and phase angle of the modified binders, as well as to calculate the zero shear viscosity using the Cross model fitting procedure. Based on the results of the above-mentioned comprehensive testing, the effect of aging on TLA-modified binder properties was evaluated using aging indices, as well as a direct comparison of results. The tests revealed that the short-term aging of TLA-modified binders did not worsen or reduce the pavement resistance to permanent deformation or the load-bearing capacity of the asphalt mixture.     

Effects of Physical and Chemical Modification of Sunflower Cake on Polyurethane Composite Foam Properties

Sunflower cake (SC), which is waste during the production of sunflower oil, was selected as a modifier of properties in polyurethane (PUR) foams. The SC was chemically modified with triphenylsilanol (SC_S) and physically modified with rapeseed oil (SC_O). The influence of SC on the rheological properties of the polyol and the kinetics of foam growth were investigated. PUR foams were characterized by morphological, mechanical, and thermal analysis. The results show that the physical and chemical modification of SC contributes to the changes in the properties of the foams in different ways. Too high hydrophobicity of SC_O affects the structure deterioration, and thus the mechanical properties, and in turn, reduces the affinity for water. In turn, chemical modification with silane allows for obtaining foams with the best mechanical properties.     

Collection by a Simple Bag Method and the Function of Granulocytes in Granulocyte Transfusion

Granulocyte transfusion is effective for treating some intractable infections. We have recently developed a simple bag method for collecting granulocytes without using apheresis. A recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (50, 100, 200, and 400 microg nartograstim) was administered to 5 healthy male adult volunteers. The quantity and quality of the collected granulocytes were evaluated. The G-CSF dose proportionally increased the collected neutrophil count. The count of collected neutrophils correlated strongly with the count before collection (r2 = 0.684; P < .001). The neutrophil counts collected from 200 mL whole blood were 0.90 x 10(9), 1.68 x 10(9), 2.40 x 10(9), and 2.99 x 10(9) at 50, 100, 200, and 400 microg G-CSF, respectively. There was no significant difference in neutrophil counts between the 200-microg and 400-microg doses. doses. Concerning granulocyte functions, active oxygen production and phagocytic capacity were not affected by irradiation with 15 Gy. Transient arthralgia occurred in 2 subjects. A single administration of 200 microg G-CSF enabled the collection of large quantities of granulocytes by the bag method. We consider that the collection of granulocytes by the bag method from 400 mL of whole blood drawn twice can theoretically provide 3 x 10(8)/kg of granulocytes for treating children weighing less than 30 kg.     

Effect of Centrifugation on the Storage Properties of Platelets

Some of the recommended centrifugation methods for the preparation of platelet concentrates may cause accelerated deterioration of platelets stored in second-generation containers. The deterioration is characterized by increasing pH, pO2 and decreasing pCO2, a high discharge of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and increasing amounts of small particles which have recently been shown to have platelet factor 3 activity [Solberg, C.; Osterud, B.; Little, C.: Thrombosis Res. 48: 559-565, 1987]. A short first centrifugation (3,270 g, 2 min 15 s) yielded platelets with better storage properties than platelet-rich plasma prepared with longer centrifugation times (2,200 g, 4 min 30 s and 1,100 g, 6 min). By using multivariate data analysis the effect of different platelet concentrations and metabolic parameters can be used to predict the discharge of LDH or the change in morphology.