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Patients with Fanconi anemia (FA) are often perceived to have poor growth when general population growth curves are utilized. We hypothesize that FA patients have unique growth and aimed to create FA‐specific growth charts. Height and weight data from ages 0 to 20 years were extracted from medical records of patients treated at the Fanconi Anemia Comprehensive Care Clinic at the University of Minnesota. Height, weight, and BMI growth curves were generated and fitted to reference percentiles using the Lambda‐Mu‐Sigma method. FA‐specific percentiles were compared to WHO standards for ages 0–2 and CDC references for ages 2–20. In FA males, the 50th height‐ and weight‐for‐age percentiles overlap with the 3rd reference percentile. In FA females, only the 50th height‐for‐age percentile overlaps with the 3rd reference percentile. For weight, FA females show progressive growth failure between 6 and 24 months followed by stabilization around the 50th percentile. The FA BMI‐for‐age percentiles show similar patterns to the weight‐for‐age percentiles but have different timing of onset of adiposity rebound and broader variability in females. Growth in FA patients follows a different trajectory than available normative curves. FA‐specific growth charts may be useful to better guide accurate growth expectations, evaluations, and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

United States Army trucks and trailers use an estimated one million board feet (2381 cubic meters) of a critically endangered tropical hardwood, apitong (Dipterocarpus spp.), from southeast Asian rainforests, for wood decking annually. However, their purchasing specifications require the use of domestic hardwoods for decking, floorboards, and platforms. Several US hardwood species, including northern red oak (Quercus rubra), white oak (Quercus alba), hickory (Carya spp.), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) could serve as viable substitutes. They have comparable strength properties to apitong, and there is an abundant and sustainable feedstock based on the United States Forest Service Forest Inventory Analysis (USFS FIA) database. The economic impact in New York State of manufacturing the decking panels in Onondaga County from three selected species: hickory, white oak, and black locust, was estimated using IMPLAN. The economic impact could be as high as $27 million, creating 128 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs. Equally important to providing local and regional economic benefits, domestically sourced decking panels also contributes to the preservation of tropical rainforests, particularly when the entire decking market is considered (beyond the US Army), which includes wood decking consumption by other government agencies at various levels and the private sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been increasing interest among foresters and landowners in modifying existing even-aged forest structures to multi-aged or uneven-aged structures. Maintaining a continuous forest structure often provides a wider array of forest values over the long term. The conversion process is challenging in regions of the Northeast United States characterized by forests composed of dense diseased beech thickets and low-vigor deformed overstory trees. Abundance of noncommercial beech may result in negative cash flows during the conversion process to achieve a desired balanced uneven-aged structure. The Forest Vegetation Simulator was used to model growth and yield. Given the possibility of negative cash flows, a least-cost dynamic program with a penalty function was used to determine least-cost time paths for two management scenarios, one characterized by the successful removal of beech and the other simulating the continued presence of beech. Incorporating a penalty function allowed creating a continuum of least-cost paths from a zero penalty with the greatest weight given to net revenue goals to the largest penalty with the greatest weight given to ecological goals. Sensitivity analyses revealed least-cost paths were more stable given changes in prices and wages when greater emphasis was placed on the ecological goals associated with the target structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disease in which genes essential for DNA repair are mutated. Both the interstrand crosslink (ICL) and double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways are disrupted in FA, leading to patient bone marrow failure (BMF) and cancer predisposition. The only curative therapy for the hematological manifestations of FA is an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT); however, many (>70%) patients lack a suitable human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donor, often resulting in increased rates of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and, potentially, the exacerbation of cancer risk. Successful engraftment of gene-corrected autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) circumvents the need for an allogeneic HCT and has been achieved in other genetic diseases using targeted nucleases to induce site specific DSBs and the correction of mutated genes through homology-directed repair (HDR). However, this process is extremely inefficient in FA cells, as they are inherently deficient in DNA repair. Here, we demonstrate the correction of FANCA mutations in primary patient cells using 'digital' genome editing with the cytosine and adenine base editors (BEs). These Cas9-based tools allow for C:G > T:A or A:T > C:G base transitions without the induction of a toxic DSB or the need for a DNA donor molecule. These genetic corrections or conservative codon substitution strategies lead to phenotypic rescue as illustrated by a resistance to the alkylating crosslinking agent Mitomycin C (MMC). Further, FANCA protein expression was restored, and an intact FA pathway was demonstrated by downstream FANCD2 monoubiquitination induction. This BE digital correction strategy will enable the use of gene-corrected FA patient hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) for autologous HCT, obviating the risks associated with allogeneic HCT and DSB induction during autologous HSC gene therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success and approval of the CD19 CAR T-cell therapy have inspired the use of the CAR T technology for a wide range of applications including the engineering of CAR Tregs.39 The main advantage of using CAR Tregs is to achieve antigen specificity by redirecting Tregs toward a target antigen. In addition, infused cell therapy products were shown to be persistent in circulation up to 1 year retaining their Foxp3 SP + sp CD25 SP + sp Treg phenotype.23 However, this study also showed that there was a rapid decline in the percentage of infused Tregs in circulation, with the majority of the Tregs being undetectable within 90 days. As Tregs comprise only 5%-10% of the CD4 SP + sp T-cell population,3,4 obtaining a pure population of Tregs from PBMCs requires multiple steps of isolation and expansion. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a population of T cells that are specialized for suppressing the activation and expansion of aberrant or overreactive lymphocytes.1 Tregs comprise 5%-10% of the CD4 SP + sp T-cell population2 and are characterized mainly by the transcription factor (and lineage marker) forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3).3,4 Other important markers include high surface expression of CD25 (the IL-2 receptor -chain) and low expression of CD127 (the IL-7 receptor -chain).5 Therefore, phenotypically, Tregs can be defined as CD4 SP + sp CD25 SP + sp CD127 SP low sp T cells, and this combination of markers can be used to identify them from other cells.6 The role of Tregs in immune regulation and autoimmune diseases became clear after the discovery of intracellular FOXP3 and certain Treg surface markers (e.g., CD25 or IL-2 receptor ). [Extracted from the article]

Abstract The classic wealth maximization modeling of forest landowners may not be useful when examining the behavior of family forest landowners in particular. My challenge to the forestry community is to think more broadly with respect to the economic modeling of management decisions by these landowners. I would propose that forest structure (e.g. trees per unit area versus diameter class/distribution) versus time, as opposed to volume versus time, is a superior and practical approach to model forest dynamics given these landowners' well-published preferences. I would also propose that a cost-minimization/least-cost model is also more consistent with their well-published preferences. These proposals, however, are not without their advantages and disadvantages that are examined briefly. Nonetheless, my conclusions are that scholarship based on a least-cost approach could provide insights that the classical wealth maximization modeling may not, given landownership trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The CFU assay is considered the only in vitro assay that assesses the biologic function of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC).Study Design and Methods: To investigate the impact of post-thaw CFU-GM counts on the quality of umbilical cord blood (UCB), we studied transplant outcomes in 269 patients receiving single UCB transplant. We also correlated the post-thaw CFU-GM counts of 1912 units with the pre-freeze and post-thaw graft characteristics, hoping to optimize selection criteria of UCB. Data analysis included: total nucleated cells, viability, CD34+, nucleated red blood cells (NRBC), hematocrit, frozen storage time, and cord blood bank (CBB).Results: We demonstrated an association between post-thaw CFU-GM dose and the speed of neutrophil and platelet engraftment (p < 0.01). Higher post-thaw CFU-GM dose showed an increased benefit for neutrophil and platelet engraftment (p < 0.01). Post-thaw CD34+ cell dose and CFU-GM dose were strongly correlated (r = 0.78). However, CFU-GM dose showed additional benefit for patients receiving the lowest quartile of CD34+ dose. HLA disparity did not adversely impact either neutrophil or platelet engraftment. Post-thaw CFU-GM/million nucleated cells plated showed moderate correlation with pre-freeze and post-thaw CD34+ and weak correlation with other parameters. Post-thaw CFU-GM was not influenced by storage time, but was impacted by the CBB from which the unit is obtained (p < 0.01).Conclusion: Post-thaw CFU-GM is an effective measure of the quality and efficacy of the UCB graft, particularly adding valuable clinical information when the CD34+ cell dose is low. Consideration of pre-freeze CD34+ cell content and CBB as additional selection criteria is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stumpage price is one of the key economic inputs in developing sustainable forest-management plans and analyzing forest-management decisions and investments. A robust method to forecast stumpage prices and prediction intervals would help timberland owners and consultants bound uncertainty and improve the chance that future management actions agree with specified objectives. We evaluated three forecasting methods: simple moving average, linear weighted moving average, and exponential weighted moving average. Real annual stumpage prices for New York's six most common species were used to evaluate the robustness of the three forecasting methods. We concluded that, while being more complex computationally, the exponential weighted moving average was preferred to the simple and linear weighted moving average. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which examined whether the elevation of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) can be considered reliable rapid screening tool for Fanconi anaemia (FA). Topics covered include basis of the gold standard screening test for FA, finding on the persistence of elevated AFP levels regardless of treatment, and the sensitivity of AFP in FA patients.

Fanconi anemia is a heterogeneous genetic disorder that is characterized by progressive bone marrow failure, congenital anomalies, and markedly increased risk for malignancies. Mutations in the FANCF (FA-F) gene represent approximately 2% of affected patients. Currently, information on the phenotypic findings of patients with Fanconi anemia from biallelic mutations in FANCF is limited. Here, we report three patients who illustrate the clinical variability within the FA-F group. This analysis suggests a more severe phenotype for those with the common c.484_485delCT mutation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) is capable of impressive yields on a wide range of sites, but that volume is often skewed to low grade because of black knots. In this case study, we examined log and lumber yields from two contrasting sites in the Adirondacks of New York. A subsample of butt logs was isolated from each site to quantify the benefits of pruning. Lumber grade distribution was the same for both sites, with 60% represented by lower grades. As expected, stems with pruned butt logs yielded the highest quality lumber. We examined landowner returns using historical management data over a 106-year rotation from the high-quality site. At a property tax rate of between $8 and $17/acre/year, a landowner can expect a real positive return of $15,794 to $1,065, respectively, on their investment, given a real hurdle discount rate of 4%. Although these results are positive, different silvicultural regimes could have improved grade recovery and heightened financial returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare inherited disorder caused by pathogenic variants in one of 19 FANC genes. FA patients display congenital abnormalities, and develop bone marrow failure, and cancer susceptibility. We identified homozygous mutations in four FA patients and, in each case, only one parent carried the obligate mutant allele. FANCA and FANCP/SLX4 genes, both located on chromosome 16, were the affected recessive FA genes in three and one family respectively. Genotyping with short tandem repeat markers and SNP arrays revealed uniparental disomy (UPD) of the entire mutation-carrying chromosome 16 in all four patients. One FANCA patient had paternal UPD, whereas FA in the other three patients resulted from maternal UPD. These are the first reported cases of UPD as a cause of FA. UPD indicates a reduced risk of having another child with FA in the family and has implications in prenatal diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the Production Assistance for Cellular Therapies (PACT) program through funding by the National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to provide clinical cell therapy product manufacturing support. Topics discussed include management of data by the bone marrow transplant (BMT) community, approval for the data collection forms by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and manufacturing of cellular therapy products by biotechnology firms.

ABSTRACT Fanconi anemia ( FA) is a rare recessive disease resulting from mutations in one of at least 16 different genes. Mutation types and phenotypic manifestations of FA are highly heterogeneous and influence the clinical management of the disease. We analyzed 202 FA families for large deletions, using high-resolution comparative genome hybridization arrays, single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays, and DNA sequencing. We found pathogenic deletions in 88 FANCA, seven FANCC, two FANCD2, and one FANCB families. We find 35% of FA families carry large deletions, accounting for 18% of all FA pathogenic variants. Cloning and sequencing across the deletion breakpoints revealed that 52 FANCA deletion ends, and one FANCC deletion end extended beyond the gene boundaries, potentially affecting neighboring genes with phenotypic consequences. Seventy-five percent of the FANCA deletions are Alu- Alu mediated, predominantly by Alu Y elements, and appear to be caused by nonallelic homologous recombination. Individual Alu hotspots were identified. Defining the haplotypes of four FANCA deletions shared by multiple families revealed that three share a common ancestry. Knowing the exact molecular changes that lead to the disease may be critical for a better understanding of the FA phenotype, and to gain insight into the mechanisms driving these pathogenic deletion variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donor-derived myelodysplastic syndrome/acute leukaemia ( DD- MDS/ AL) is a rare life-threatening complication of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell ( HSC) transplantation. However, it is unknown whether the risk differs by HSC source. Therefore, we evaluated the incidence of DD- MDS/ AL in 2390 engrafted patients. With a median follow-up of 7·1 years (1-20·8), the incidence of DD- MDS/ AL was 0·53% (95% confidence interval ( CI), 0·01-1·41%], 0·56% (95% CI, 0·01-1·36%) and 0·56% (95% CI, 0·01-1·10%) in recipients of bone marrow ( n = 1117), peripheral blood ( n = 489) and umbilical cord blood ( UCB, n = 784), respectively. While follow-up is shorter in recipients of UCB and peripheral blood, incidence of DD- MDS/ AL is, thus far, similar between HSC sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers update on the emerging field of therapeutic cell-based treatments for a growing number of diseases in the U.S. by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). It highlights the Production Assistance for Cellular Therapies (PACT) program that offers education to the researchers, clinicians and healthcare professionals for cellular therapy. It notes the increase interest in the cell therapy community to support the differentiation potential of pluripotent stem cells.

Acute leukaemia or advanced myelodysplastic syndrome ( MDS ≥ 5% blasts) in Fanconi anaemia ( FA) patients is associated with a poor prognosis. We report 21 FA patients with acute leukaemia or advanced MDS who underwent haematopoietic cell transplantation ( HCT) at the University of Minnesota between 1988 and 2011. Six patients had biallelic BRCA2 mutations. Eight patients received pre-transplant cytoreduction, with 3 achieving complete remission. HCT donor source included human leucocyte antigen-matched sibling ( n = 2) or alternative donors ( n = 19). Neutrophil engraftment was 95% for the entire cohort, and the incidence of acute graft- versus-host disease was 19%. 5-year overall survival ( OS) was 33%, with a relapse rate of 24%, with similar OS in patients with biallelic BRCA2 mutations. Our study supports the use of HCT in the treatment of FA patients with acute leukaemia or advanced MDS, however, the role of chemotherapy prior to HCT remains unclear for this population. FA patients with biallelic BRCA2 are unique and may benefit from higher dose chemotherapy relative to other complementation groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donor race matching (both recipient and donor belonging to the same race) might be a factor in outcomes of donor allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (alloHCT). A total of 858 patients who underwent umbilical cord blood (UCB) (475 patients: 202 double UCB and 273 single UCB) or unrelated donor (URD) (383 patients) alloHCT between January 1995 and December 2010 were studied. Most patients were Caucasian (87%), followed by Asians (4%), African Americans (3%), Hispanics (3%), mixed race (3%) and American Indians (< 1%). Caucasians constituted 88% of the donor grafts; Caucasians were the most common race of the donor grafts among all races except for Asians. As a result, Caucasians were much more likely to have a race-matched donor than ethnic minorities (91% vs. 33%, p < 0.01). Donor race matching did not affect non-relapse mortality, relapse, acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease or overall survival. Acknowledging the limitations of this study (mainly, self-reported race information and small number of ethnic minorities), at present there are no data supporting that donor race should be considered a factor in donor selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Natural killer (NK) cells have shown promise in the treatment of malignancy. However, the widespread use of these cells may be limited by both the lack of resources and the expertise needed to manufacture them and the apparent need to use only fresh cells. The NHLBI-sponsored Production Assistance for Cellular Therapies group was established to provide the resources and expertise to carry out cell therapy research, including support of clinical trials. Here we describe the qualification of in transit activation of an NK-cell therapy product in preparation for a Phase I clinical trial at a distant medical center.Study Design and Methods: Nonmobilized apheresis mononuclear cell collections were CD3+ cell depleted, placed into culture bags with interleukin (IL)-2, and shipped from Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota, to Columbus, Ohio, and back to Minneapolis/Saint Paul, under warm, monitored temperatures. Products underwent quality control (QC) testing including cell count, immunophenotyping, viability, endotoxin, sterility culture, and cytotoxicity assays. One product tested the relative importance of IL-2 and controlled incubation.Results: The length of shipment ranged from 14 to 16 hours, and temperatures were well controlled. QC testing was acceptable based upon previous in-house experience. Controlled incubation was not necessary for successful activation of NK cells, but IL-2 appeared essential.Conclusion: The need for novel cell therapies to be infused as fresh products may be a limitation for various cell types. However, we have shown that NK cells can be successfully shipped in the fresh state (allowing 48 hr from apheresis to product infusion) for use at clinical centers. Although IL-2 is critical for NK-cell activation, a 37 °C, 5% CO2 incubator is not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Natural killer (NK) cells have shown promise in the treatment of malignancy. However, the widespread use of these cells may be limited by both the lack of resources and the expertise needed to manufacture them and the apparent need to use only fresh cells. The NHLBI-sponsored Production Assistance for Cellular Therapies group was established to provide the resources and expertise to carry out cell therapy research, including support of clinical trials. Here we describe the qualification of in transit activation of an NK-cell therapy product in preparation for a Phase I clinical trial at a distant medical center. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Nonmobilized apheresis mononuclear cell collections were CD3+ cell depleted, placed into culture bags with interleukin (IL)-2, and shipped from Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota, to Columbus, Ohio, and back to Minneapolis/Saint Paul, under warm, monitored temperatures. Products underwent quality control (QC) testing including cell count, immunophenotyping, viability, endotoxin, sterility culture, and cytotoxicity assays. One product tested the relative importance of IL-2 and controlled incubation. RESULTS: The length of shipment ranged from 14 to 16 hours, and temperatures were well controlled. QC testing was acceptable based upon previous in-house experience. Controlled incubation was not necessary for successful activation of NK cells, but IL-2 appeared essential. CONCLUSION: The need for novel cell therapies to be infused as fresh products may be a limitation for various cell types. However, we have shown that NK cells can be successfully shipped in the fresh state (allowing 48 hr from apheresis to product infusion) for use at clinical centers. Although IL-2 is critical for NK-cell activation, a 37°C, 5% CO2 incubator is not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with severe forms of epidermolysis bullosa ( EB) develop widespread blistering and progressively debilitating multisystem complications that may result in a shortened lifespan. As some wounds in EB individuals are difficult or impossible to access with topical therapy, we examined the potential of systemic therapy with normal haematopoietic stem cells. In both animal models and children with EB, healthy donor cells from the haematopoietic graft migrated to the injured skin; simultaneously, there was an increase in the production of skin-specific structural proteins deficient in EB, increased skin integrity and reduced tendency to blister formation. Even though the majority of evaluable individuals have had a positive response in skin healing, frequently changing their quality of life, the improvement in lifestyle has been varied and the overall clinical response incomplete. To change the current amelioration of disease into a full cure, we propose to (i) increase safety as well as efficacy of haematopoietic cell transplant ( HCT) using co-infusion of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells with haematopoietic stem cells and non-myeloablative conditioning for transplant; (ii) optimize homing of donor cells into the skin erosions in animal models of EB; and (iii) discover and test new drugs for EB therapy using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells. We conclude that although HCT has always been a risky treatment restricted to those with serious life-threatening or debilitating diseases, by most benchmarks, the results of HCT in EB have shown that HCT has the potential of being a durable, systemic therapy for people with severe forms of EB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Economics of forestry in an evolving society," by Paul A. Samuelson in the 1976 issue.

We analyzed 33 years of red oak, white pine, and hemlock real stumpage prices--after removing inflationary effects--in southern New England. All real prices fluctuated; the real stumpage prices for white pine appear stable, hemlock decreased, but only red oak stumpage increased meaningfully over the 33-year period. This speaks to the importance of management--including silvicultural prescriptions to improve volume increment over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skin is constantly exposed to environmental insults and requires effective repair processes to maintain its protective function. Wound healing is severely compromised in people with congenital absence of structural proteins of the skin, such as in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a severe congenital mechanobullous disorder caused by mutations in collagen type VII. Remarkably, stem cell transplantation can ameliorate deficiency of this skin-specific structural protein in both animal models and in children with the disorder. Healthy donor cells from the hematopoietic graft migrate to the injured skin; simultaneously, there is an increase in the production of collagen type VII, increased skin integrity, and reduced tendency to blister formation. How hematogenous stem cells from bone marrow and cord blood can alter skin architecture and wound healing in a robust, clinically meaningful way is unclear. We review the data and the resulting hypotheses that have a potential to illuminate the mechanisms for these effects. Further modifications in the use of stem cell transplantation as a durable source of extracellular matrix proteins may make this regenerative medicine approach effective in other cutaneous and extracutaneous conditions. STEM CELLS 2011;29:900-906 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tools for cost-effective biodiversity conservation are well documented, but rarely implemented. These tools for prioritizing candidate properties can be used for managing forestland open space programs. We reviewed the benefit targeting, benefit score-cost ratio, binary linear programming (BIP), and benefit-loss-cost targeting approaches. A case study in Brookhaven, New York, showed that more conservation benefits are secured by using prioritization techniques that include acquisition costs. The acquisition costs for all properties were estimated using a hedonic model of public open space purchases. The benefit score-cost ratio approach does not guarantee an optimal portfolio of open space properties determined by RIP, but results in more cost-effective choices than benefit targeting and is more flexible than BIP. Forest resource managers have broad interdisciplinary training and are well suited to implementing cost-effective forestland conservation techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) remains the only treatment that can correct the haematological manifestations in patients with Fanconi anaemia. Over the last two decades, sequential changes to the approach to HCT have resulted in reduced regimen-related toxicity, superior engraftment and less graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), resulting in improved survival. The two pivotal changes that most influenced these improvements were the addition of fludarabine to the preparative regimen to augment engraftment, and the use of T cell depletion to reduce GVHD. With these improved HCT outcomes, indications for HCT are quite consistent regardless of donor source. Emphasis is now being placed on developing HCT regimens that will improve quality of life by reducing late effects, particularly the risk of malignancy, sterility and endocrinopathies. This paper will review the unique challenges of HCT in FA patients, with particular emphasis on the timing and approach to HCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Webster et al. (Webster et al. 2009. Expected rates of value growth for individual sugar maple crop trees in the Great Lakes region. North. J. Appl. For. 26:133-140) discuss updated recommendations for marking individual sugar maple trees in the Great Lakes region within a selection silvicultural system based in part on current market information. They calculate the annual rate of value growth (RVG) of individual trees for a single 10-year period using an internal rate of return (IRR) formula. It is the authors' misinterpretation of the IRR and RVG as an interest or discount rate similar to that used in a net present value calculation that is the focus of this comment. The interest rate includes information not contained in the IRR and is used to estimate whether an investment (e.g., marking decisions for sugar maple trees) will increase (or decrease) an individual's wealth. The distinction between what the IRR or RVG describes and the interest or discount rate is critical for determining the economic and financial implications of management decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bushmeat hunting plays an important role in many rural African households; however, hunting pressures are growing, threatening the survival of many bushmeat species. Wildlife resources are rapidly dwindling; yet effective conservation strategies have been difficult to develop and implement. Many dimensions of bushmeat resource use have not been sufficiently explored and are consequently ignored in conservation interventions. To improve understanding of hunting practice, we conducted semistructured interviews with 74 hunters in three Malinké villages in Guinea, West Africa regarding motivations to hunt and hunting processes. In addition, we investigated the local bushmeat trade in a nearby city. Using data from previous studies, and Robinson and Redford’s () model, we find that Red-flanked duiker, bushbuck and buffalo are unsustainably harvested. Malinké hunters’ perspectives offer both opportunities and obstacles for conservation which will be valuable for the development of conservation strategies in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Umbilical cord blood has rapidly become a valuable alternative stem cell source for allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Extensive research over the last 20 years has established the safety and efficacy of umbilical cord blood transplantation in both children and adults with a variety of malignant and non-malignant diseases. This research has clearly shown that this stem cell source has several unique characteristics resulting in distinct advantages and disadvantages when compared to transplantation with unrelated bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells. This article reviews the most recent literature comparing the outcomes after umbilical cord blood transplantation with other alternative stem cell sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In 2002, the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) conducted a workshop to determine needs of the cell therapy community. A consensus emerged that improved access to cGMP facilities, regulatory assistance, and training would foster the advancement of cellular therapy. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A 2003 NHLBI request for proposals resulted in four contracts being awarded to three cell-manufacturing facilities (Baylor College of Medicine, University of Minnesota, and University of Pittsburgh) and one administrative center (The EMMES Corporation). As a result, Production Assistance for Cellular Therapies (PACT) was formed. RESULTS: As of October 1, 2008, PACT has received 65 preliminary applications of which 45 have been approved for product manufacture. A variety of cell therapies are represented including T-regulatory cells, natural killer cells, adipose-derived stem cells, cardiac progenitor cells for cardiac disease, hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for central nervous system applications, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and dendritic cells. A total of 169 products have been administered under 12 applications and 2 reagents were manufactured and delivered. Fourteen peer-reviewed publications and 15 abstracts have resulted from the PACT project to date. A cell therapy textbook is nearly complete. PACT technical projects have addressed assay development, rapid endotoxin testing, shipping of cell products, and CD34+ HPC isolation from low-volume marrow. Educational Web seminars and onsite training through workshops have been conducted. CONCLUSIONS: PACT is an active and successful cell therapy manufacturing resource in the United States, addressing research and training while forging relationships among academia, industry, and participating institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The CD34+ cell content is a predictive factor for engraftment and survival after umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplantation. The high variability in the CD34 assay results in different recommended cell doses for infusion across transplant centers and also limits the clinical utility of the CD34+ cell counts provided by cord blood banks (CBBs). This bi-institutional study was intended to understand the sources of this variability. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The level of CD34 agreement between the University of Minnesota (UM) and the Madrid CBB (MCBB) was evaluated on 50 UCB units before and after cryopreservation. Two cryopreserved vials per unit were thawed and processed at both laboratories. Dual-platform ISHAGE-based flow cytometry was used for CD34 enumeration. RESULTS: Postthaw nucleated cell recoveries were similar. However, whereas CD34+ cell enumeration before freezing was 0.35 ± 0.22 percent, the results after thawing were 0.98 ± 0.65 and 0.57 ± 0.39 percent at UM and MCBB, respectively. Bland-Altman plots analysis ruled out the interchangeability of MCBB and UM CD34 values. Differences in the initial cell acquisition settings accounted for most of the CD34 discrepancy, which was no longer present after normalization of the forward scatter threshold for cell acquisition. CONCLUSIONS: The standardization of CD34+ cell enumeration by flow cytometry is strongly reliant on a consistent initial cell acquisition procedure. The interlaboratory variation can be minimized by using frozen cell aliquots as reference samples. Both requisites should be considered for CD34 testing and UCB unit selection by regulatory institutions involved with cord blood banking and transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]