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Background Methods and Results Conclusions Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation remains limited when stem cell registrants cannot be contacted, are not medically fit, are unavailable, or unwilling to proceed. In a recent report, registrants who were prior blood donors were more likely to be available for donation. In this study, we analyzed extent to which recruiting blood donors to the Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry (CBS SCR) can meet targets for ethnic diversity, age, and proximity to collection facilities.We analyzed 124,496 active blood donors on July 1, 2023 regarding the criteria for recruitment to the CBS SCR. A total of 40,518 (32%) were younger than 36 years of age and 49% were first‐time donors (potential new recruits year over year). The ethnicity of blood donors younger than 36 years aligns more closely with the 2021 Canadian census compared to stem cell donors who were also previous blood donors, and to the current total inventory of all registrants on the CBS SCR. Of the blood donors, certain ethnic groups, including Black, Chinese, and First Nations/Indigenous, remain underrepresented. A greater proportion of active whole blood donors live within 400 km of a stem cell collection center (91%) compared to stem cell donors who donated during the past 10 years (80%).Recruitment of blood donors offers an opportunity to improve the ethnic diversity of the CBS SCR and increase proximity of registrants to stem cell collection centers. The potential improved availability of registrants when matched to patients requires confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Are donor-conceived adults in Belgium interested in obtaining donor information, and do these interests vary based on their family backgrounds? SUMMARY ANSWER Donor-conceived adults express a significant interest in obtaining donor-related information, with the highest interest reported by offspring from heterosexual couples compared to those from lesbian couple-parented or single-parent families. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In Belgium, sperm donation is mainly anonymous, but the rise of direct-to-consumer genetic testing challenges this anonymity. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a cross-sectional study involving an online nationwide survey conducted from July 2022 to October 2023. Participants, aged 18 years and older and being aware of their anonymous sperm donor-conceived status, were recruited through various channels. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 203 participants were included: 62.6% grew up in heterosexual families with infertile fathers, 26.1% with lesbian couples, 8.4% with single parents, and 3.0% in various or diverse family structures. The survey was available in both French and Dutch and consisted of 43 questions, including a mix of yes/no questions and multiple-choice items. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The average age of disclosure was 16.5 years, with notably later disclosure in heterosexual couple-parented households. A substantial 82.8% of donor-conceived individuals expressed a keen interest in obtaining non-personally identifiable donor information, while 69% were curious about personally identifiable donor data. Furthermore, 61.6% conveyed a desire for personal contact with their donors, and 26.6% advocated for the inclusion of the donor's name on their birth certificates. Participants raised in lesbian two-parent families exhibited the lowest level of interest in donor-related information compared with those raised in other family structures. An overwhelming 90.1% wondered about the possibility of having half-siblings from the same sperm donor. Analysis of survey responses on DNA database registration revealed that 55.2% of donor-conceived offspring were already registered, with 68.8% discovering the same donor offspring and 30.4% successfully locating their donors. Compared to individuals from other family structures, those raised in heterosexual couple-parented households exhibit a less positive attitude toward their conception through anonymous sperm donation. About 61.6% of donor-conceived individuals reported experiencing distinct emotions compared to their peers, while 44.1% encountered psychological difficulties related to anonymous sperm donation, primarily attributed to late disclosure. The majority supported the idea of informing the donor about the number of children he facilitated to conceive. Lastly, the study highlighted that 21.2% of donor-conceived adults considered becoming donors themselves, and 31.3% expressed willingness to use an anonymous donor whenever faced with fertility challenges. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our sample size may not fully represent all adults conceived through anonymous sperm donation in Belgium. Participation bias may have influenced the results, especially due to the overrepresentation of participants from heterosexual couples. Additionally, an association exists between individuals raised by heterosexual couples and late disclosure, complicating the analysis by introducing a confounding factor. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the needs and preferences of donor-conceived adults, with significant potential impact on patient education and healthcare policy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Study funding was not obtained for this research. There are no conflicts of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate twin survival stratified by Quintero stage in patients with twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) after Solomon laser treatment. Methods: This was a single‐center study at Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, investigating a cohort of consecutive twin pregnancies treated with the Solomon laser technique for TTTS. Preoperative Quintero stage, perioperative characteristics and obstetric factors were investigated in relation to neonatal survival of the recipient and donor twins at discharge. Determinants of twin survival were evaluated using univariate logistic regression and cumulative survival probability analyses. Results: Of 402 pregnancies with TTTS that underwent Solomon laser treatment, 80 (19.9%) were diagnosed with Quintero Stage‐I TTTS, 126 (31.3%) with Stage II, 169 (42.0%) with Stage III and 27 (6.7%) with Stage IV. Post‐laser twin anemia polycythemia sequence or recurrent TTTS occurred in 19 (4.7%) patients and 11 (2.7%) required repeat laser surgery. Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes occurred in 150 (37.3%) patients and median gestational age at delivery was 32 + 1 weeks. In 303 (75.4%) patients, both twins were alive at discharge; 67/80 (83.8%) were Stage I, 101/126 (80.2%) were Stage II, 113/169 (66.9%) were Stage III and 22/27 (81.5%) were Stage IV (P = 0.062). Donor twin survival was lower than that of recipients in cases with Stage‐III TTTS (118/169 (69.8%) vs 145/169 (85.8%) (χ2 = 26.076, P < 0.0001)). Higher intertwin size discordance and absent or reversed umbilical artery (UA) end‐diastolic velocity (EDV) were associated with donor demise (Nagelkerke R2, 0.38; P < 0.001). Overall, spontaneous post‐laser donor demise occurred in 53 (39.6%) patients, accounting for the majority of all losses. Cumulative donor survival decreased from 92% to 65% when intertwin size discordance was >30% and to 48% when UA‐EDV was absent or reversed (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The Solomon laser technique achieves TTTS resolution and double twin survival in a high proportion of cases. Recipient and donor survival is comparable unless there is significant intertwin size discordance and placental dysfunction. This degree of unequal placental sharing, typically found in Stage‐III TTTS, is the primary factor preventing double survival due to a higher rate of donor demise. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jean Emily Fairfax’s life (1920–2019) essentially comprised two careers – the first, as a Legal Defense Fund staffer during the civil rights movement of the 1960s and subsequent efforts to implement and preserve equity measures, and another in “retirement” as an elder stateswoman, donor, and shaper of ideas about Black philanthropy. Both careers reflected her unwavering commitment to championing a more equitable society, anchored in her belief in the transformative power of philanthropy. Drawing on oral history interviews and engagement with the histories of education and philanthropy, at the intersection of gender, race, and ageing, Fairfax’s story offers insights into the resilience and agency of older Black women who, having been engaged in earlier civil rights movements, continued to shape social change in their later years. Her activism and philanthropy were deeply intertwined, reflecting her unwavering belief in the possibility of justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The global pandemic has resulted in the common occurrence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the population. In the post‐pandemic era, it is imperative to understand the influence of donor SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on outcomes after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). We retrospectively analysed allo‐HSCTs from donors with mild SARS‐CoV‐2 infection or early recovery stage (ERS) (group 1, n = 65) and late recovery stage (group 2, n = 120). Additionally, we included allo‐HSCT from donors without prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection as group 0 (n = 194). Transplants from donors with different SARS‐CoV‐2 infection status had comparable primary engraftment and survival rates. However, group 1 had higher incidences of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGvHD), grade II–IV (41.5% vs. 28.1% in group 0 [p = 0.014] and 30.6% in group 2 [p = 0.067]) and grade III–IV (22.2% vs. 9.6% [p = 0.004] in group 0 and 12.2% in group 2 [p = 0.049]). Conversely, the risk of aGvHD in group 2 was similar to that in group 0 (p > 0.5). Multivariable analysis identified group 1 associated with grade II–IV (hazard ratio [HR] 2.307, p = 0.010) and grade III–IV (HR 2.962, p = 0.001) aGvHD, which yielded no significant risk factors for survival. In conclusion, we preliminarily demonstrated donors in the active infection state or ERS of mild SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were associated with higher incidences of aGvHD in transplants from related donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haploidentical stem cell transplantation (haplo-SCT) using post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (post-Cy) is considered a reasonable therapeutic option for patients who lack matched donor or who urgently need transplant procedure due to high risk disease. We analyzed the results of haplo-SCT performed in years 2018–2023. Eighty one patients (46 males) at median age of 52 years underwent haplo-SCT using peripheral blood as a stem cell source in most cases. Indications included hematological malignancies (acute leukemias in 88% of cases). In 25 cases (31%) transplantation was performed in relapsed/refractory disease. Majority of patients (61%) presented with very high and high disease risk index (DRI). Conditioning regimens were as follows: nonmyeloablative − 46 cases (57%), myeloablative – in 18 (22%) and reduced intensity – 17(20%). 90% of patients engrafted. All patients received unified immunosuppressive treatment (post-Cy/TAC/MMF). Median follow-up time was 12 months The cumulative incidence of acute and chronic GVHD was 37.5% and 37.6%, respectively. Estimated 2-year overall survival (OS) was 43.1% and donor's age was the only factor influencing survival. The 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 42.5%, whereas relapse incidence (RI) − 35%. The cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality (NRM) was 44% and was mostly due to infections. Haplo-SCT is a feasible treatment option for hematological patients. Younger donor improves post-transplant survival. Strategies to reduce infection-related mortality and relapse rate remain a challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The psychological side effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor mobilization in related donors of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) and impacts of psychological/physical side effects on harvest outcomes remain largely unknown. We prospectively analyzed 349 consecutive related peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donors for allo-HCT at the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine from March 2021 to August 2023. Higher baseline peripheral blood white blood cell counts (p = 0.046), monocyte counts (p < 0.001), platelet counts (p = 0.001), and hemoglobin (p < 0.001) had a positive correlation to CD34+ cell counts in the first leukapheresis, while female donors (male vs. female, p < 0.001) and older age (> 40 vs. < = 40, p = 0.003) were negatively related to CD34+ cell counts. Bone pain was the most observed physical side effect and was more frequent in female donors (p = 0.032). The incidence of fatigue was higher in female donors and older donors (female vs. male, p = 0.016; > 40 vs. < = 40, p = 0.015). Donor depression (pre vs. during mobilization, p < 0.001), anxiety (pre vs. during mobilization, p = 0.043) and insomnia (pre vs. during mobilization, p = 0.011) scores increased during the mobilization period. Donors with higher depression, anxiety and stress scores at admission were more likely to experience nausea. At 1 month after the last leukapheresis, the counts of white blood cell, neutrophil, monocyte and hemoglobin were significant lower than baseline counts, while the platelet counts recovered to baseline. The mobilization and harvest process can increase the depression, anxiety and insomnia scores. Poor psychological status of the donor can aggravate the occurrence of physical side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The decision to become a living donor requires consideration of a complex, interactive array of factors that could be targeted for clinical, policy, and educational interventions. Our objective was to assess how financial barriers interact with motivators, other barriers, and facilitators during this process. Methods: Data were obtained from a public survey assessing motivators, barriers, and facilitators of living donation. We used multivariable logistic regression and consensus k‐means clustering to assess interactions between financial concerns and other considerations in the decision‐making process. Results: Among 1592 respondents, the average age was 43; 74% were female and 14% and 6% identified as Hispanic and Black, respectively. Among employed respondents (72%), 40% indicated that they would not be able to donate without lost wage reimbursement. Stronger agreement with worries about expenses and dependent care challenges was associated with not being able to donate without lost wage reimbursement (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.0–1.3; OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.1–1.3, respectively). Four respondent clusters were identified. Cluster 1 had strong motivators and facilitators with minimal barriers. Cluster 2 had barriers related to health concerns, nervousness, and dependent care. Clusters 3 and 4 had financial barriers. Cluster 3 also had anxiety related to surgery and dependent care. Conclusions: Financial barriers interact primarily with health and dependent care concerns when considering living organ donation. Targeted interventions to reduce financial barriers and improve provider communication regarding donation‐related risks are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is considered as the last treatment option in many life-threatening diseases. The number of donated cells can affect transplantation success. This study attempted to investigate the relationship between the health-promoting lifestyle of allogeneic stem cell donors and the number of donated CD34+ and CD3+ cells. Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive correlational study in which 100 peripheral blood stem cells donors participated. A demographic form and health-promoting lifestyle profile-II questionnaire were distributed to participants, and then cell separation was started. Afterward, the results of CD34 + and CD3 + cell counts, as well as other clinical parameters of the participants, were recorded. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistical methods . Results: The results showed that the mean total health-promoting lifestyle profile score for hematopoietic stem cell donors was 2.876±0.461. There was no significant relationship between the health- promoting lifestyle score and the number of CD34+, CD3+ cells and CD3+/CD34+ ratio. A positive and significant correlation was found between the weight of the donors and the number of CD34+ (P < 0.001) and CD3+ cells (P = 0.001). The number of CD34+ cells was significantly different between women and men (P = 0.009). Conclusion: Lifestyle had no significant effect on the number of CD3+/CD34+ cells. Moreover, the number of CD34+ cells was significantly higher in men, so males should be preferentially recruited as donors for the HSCT procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autologous costal cartilage has gained widespread acceptance as an important material for ear reconstruction in patients with microtia. Despite its recognition as being "worth the trade-off," attention should be directed toward donor-site deformities. This systematic review focused on existing English literature related to microtia reconstruction and aimed to reveal the incidence of chest wall deformities and assess the effectiveness of the various proposed surgical techniques aimed at reducing donor-site morbidities. A comprehensive search was conducted on Pubmed and OVID using the keywords "microtia," and "chest deformity" or "rib harvest." Articles were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data acquisition encompassed patient demographics, employed surgical techniques, methods for evaluating chest deformity, and incidence of associated complications. Among the 362 identified articles, 21 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 2600 cases involving 2433 patients with microtia were analyzed in this review. Perichondrium preservation during cartilage harvesting led to a significant reduction in chest deformities. However, the wide incidence range (0% to 50%) and the lack of specific assessment methods suggested potential underestimation. Computed tomography revealed reduced chest wall growth in the transverse and sagittal directions, resulting in decreased thoracic area. Innovative surgical techniques have shown promising results in reducing chest deformities. Although a quantitative analysis was not feasible, objective evidence of deformities was established through computed tomography scans. This analysis highlighted the need for dedicated studies with larger sample sizes to further advance our understanding of chest wall deformities in microtia reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate ophthalmologists' interest and opinions regarding corneal transplantation and donation in Türkiye. Material and methods: An online questionnaire was prepared using Google Forms, and the electronic link to this questionnaire was sent via WhatsApp to ophthalmologists working in Türkiye. Eighteen open-ended/multiple-choice questions were asked about ophthalmologists' demographic information and their opinions regarding corneal transplantation and donation. The answers were analyzed by transferring the data to Excel. Results: A total of 195 ophthalmologists participated in the survey. While 68.6% of them stated that they wanted to donate their corneas, 21.1% stated that they were undecided, and 10.3% did not want to donate their corneas. While 93.8% of the participants agreed to have a cornea transplant in case of need, 5.7% of them stated that they were undecided, and 0.5% said that they would not accept a cornea transplant. The most frequent (90.5%) reason for being willing to donate one's cornea was to give hope to patients with low vision. The most frequent (46.2%) reason for not wanting to donate one's cornea was the unwillingness to have one's body/eye integrity impaired. The vast majority (80.8%) of the participants thought that there was not enough corneal donation in Türkiye and that this was mostly (85.9%) due to cultural and/or religious reasons. Conclusions: Even in a sample with a high level of education and the most knowledge about corneal transplantation, the willingness to donate corneas may remain below the expected rates. Therefore, it is necessary to alleviate unrealistic concerns and prejudices about corneal donation and transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive immunisation with normal human immunoglobulin (NHIG) is recommended as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for higher-risk measles contacts where vaccination is contraindicated. However, the concentration of measles-specific antibodies in NHIG depends on antibody levels within pooled donor plasma. There are concerns that measles immunity in the Australian population may be declining over time and that blood donors' levels will progressively decrease, impacting levels required to produce effective NHIG for measles PEP. A cross-sectional study of Australian plasmapheresis donors was performed using an age-stratified, random sample of recovered serum specimens, collected between October and November 2019 (n = 1199). Measles-specific IgG antibodies were quantified by ELISA (Enzygnost anti-measles virus IgG, Siemens), and negative and equivocal specimens (n = 149) also underwent plaque reduction neutralisation testing (PRNT). Mean antibody levels (optical density values) progressively decreased from older to younger birth cohorts, from 2.09 [±0.09, 95% CI] to 0.58 [±0.04, 95% CI] in donors born in 1940–1959 and 1990–2001, respectively (p < 0.0001). This study shows that mean measles-specific IgG levels are significantly lower in younger Australian donors. While current NHIG selection policies target older donors, as younger birth cohorts become an increasingly larger proportion of contributing donors, measles-specific antibody concentrations of NHIG will progressively reduce. We therefore recommend monitoring measles-specific antibody levels in future donors and NHIG products in Australia and other countries that eliminated measles before the birth of their youngest blood donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, the high consanguinity rates contribute to the prevalence of inherited hemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, which frequently require blood transfusions. These transfusions carry the risk of alloimmunization, necessitating a precise blood component matching to mitigate health risks. Local antigen frequency data is vital for optimizing transfusion practices and enhancing the safety of these medical procedures for the Al-Ahsa population. Methods: This study investigated the distribution of Duffy, Kidd, Lewis, and Rh blood group antigens in 1,549 individuals from the region; comparing the frequencies with global data. Results: Serological analyses revealed a high prevalence of the Fy(a+b-) and Jk(a+b+) phenotypes in the Duffy and Kidd blood groups, respectively, with Jk(a-b-) being notably scarce. The Lewis blood group exhibited a significant presence of Le(a-b+) and Le(a+b-) phenotypes, whereas Le(a+b+) was less common. In the Rh system, the D antigen was most prevalent, with other antigens following in descending order of frequency. Conclusions: The study underscores the regional variation in antigen frequencies, emphasizing the need for local blood banks to adapt their screening and matching practices to mitigate the risk of alloimmunization and enhance transfusion safety. These findings are pivotal for refining transfusion strategies and understanding the immunohematology landscape in Al-Ahsa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Medication use in living kidney donor (LKD) candidates may have important implications for evaluation and donation care. We sought to characterize LKD candidate medication use through medication histories conducted at nephrologist evaluation and transplant pharmacist preoperative visits. Methods: This retrospective single‐center cohort study included adult LKD candidates evaluated for donation between October 1, 2019 and October 1, 2021. Scheduled and as‐needed medications for each candidate were abstracted from pre‐donation medication histories collected at the evaluation visit with the nephrologist and the preoperative visit with the transplant pharmacist, if approved for donation. Medication histories from each visit were compared with each other and evaluated by therapeutic class frequency. Results: Among 213 LKD candidates (112 approved for donation and 101 declined for donation), 198 (93.0%) candidates were taking at least one prescription medication, over‐the‐counter agent, or dietary supplement. Antidepressants and antihypertensives were the most common prescription agents used among candidates, with antihypertensives more common among declined donors (20.8% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.042). Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were more commonly identified at the evaluation visit of approved candidates compared to the preoperative visit (29.5% vs. 0.9%, p < 0.001) and dietary supplements were more commonly identified at the preoperative visit compared to the evaluation visit (49.1% vs. 59.8%, p = 0.023). Conclusions: The frequency of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs decreased greatly between the evaluation and preoperative visit, likely reflective of discontinuation pre‐donation. Characterizing medication use among candidates evaluated for LKD donation may assist donor programs with developing more targeted patient medication education. Nearly all LKD candidates were taking a medication or dietary supplement pre‐donation. Transplant pharmacists are uniquely positioned to perform medication reconciliations and can also offer guidance to other team providers on best practices for this process. A better understanding of medication patterns in this population may also aid with further developing care guidelines for LKD evaluation and pre‐/postoperative LKD care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the causes and nursing strategies of red blood cell spillage in apheresis platelet donors, so as to avoid adverse reactions to blood donation and platelet discarding and improve blood donation services. Methods A nursing flowchart for red blood cell spillage was developed based on literature. One case of red blood cell spillage in a apheresis platelet donor as attached, and corresponding literature review was conducted. Results After the nursing intervention through the nursing flowchart of red cell spillage, platelet apheresis was successfully conducted. The donor felt good and did not experience any adverse reaction to blood donation, and with no more red blood cell spillage. By reviewing relevant literature, the incidence, principles, causes, treatments, prevention of adverse reactions to blood donation and psychological care methods of red blood cell spillage were systematically summarized. Conclusion Red blood cell spillage in apheresis platelet donors occurs occasionally, and a flowchart of care for red blood cell spillage can help blood station staff quickly identify the cause and handle it correctly to avoid mishandling whicn can result in adverse reactions or discarding of platelets.

In 2016, we initiated a quality improvement endeavor to increase pediatric heart offer acceptance. This study assessed the effect of these interventions at our center. We evaluted pre- and postimplementation cohorts (January 1, 2008-December 31, 2016 vs January 1, 2017-July 1, 2023) comparing donor heart utilization. Six interventions were iterated over time to increase offer acceptance ("extended criteria"): ABO-incompatible transplant, ex vivo perfusion for distanced donors, 3-dimensional total cardiac volume (TCV) assessment, acceptance of hepatitis-C or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 infected donors, and institutional culture change favoring consideration of donors previously considered unacceptable. Outcomes studied included annual HT volume, median waitlist duration, sequence number at acceptance, and post-transplant clinical outcomes. During the study period, annual transplant volume increased from 16/year to 25/year pre- and postimplementation. Three hundred thirteen of 389 (80%) listed patients were transplanted. Waitlist duration shortened postimplementation (p = 0.01), as did the percentage of accepted heart offers utilizing at least 1 extended criterion (p < 0.001). Institutional culture change and TCV assessment had the largest impact on donor heart utilization (p = 0.04 and p < 0.001). There was no difference in post-HT intubation or intensive care unit days (p = 0.05-0.9), though post-transplant hospitalization duration (p < 0.001) increased. Post-transplant survival was unaffected by the use of extended criteria hearts (p = 0.3). We report a successful longitudinal, multifaceted effort to increase organ offer utilization, with institutional culture change and TCV assessments most impactful. The use of extended criteria hearts was not associated with inferior survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 13-year-old boy who underwent autotransplantation (AT) to replace a congenitally missing tooth using the 3D replica as a socket preparation tool. Topics discussed include alternatives that have been suggested for the replacement of a missing tooth, main reason for tooth loss in male patients, and information on the surgery performed on the patient.

The most crucial blood group system in transfusion medicine is still the ABO system. Any unresolved discrepancy could result in the patient receiving blood that is incompatible and could trigger acute intravascular hemolysis. ABO subgroups are one of the astounding differences in blood grouping. The amount of A and B antigens carried by red blood cells and present in secretion varies depending on the ABO subgroup phenotype. Clinically, A1 and A2 are the two most frequently observed subtypes. Many weaker A subgroups have been described, including A3, Axe, am, and el. This example involves an Indian male donor who was initially misclassified as a Group O individual before being identified as an Ax/Aweak subgroup phenotypically. The next-generation sequencing defined the genotype of this case as ABO*AW.31.01/*O.01.75.

HLA-matched allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a curative therapy for many patients. Unrelated HLA-matched donors are the most frequently used donor for HCT. When more than one donor transplant option is available, transplant centers can select donors based on non-HLA factors. With improved ability to prevent and treat immune complications, such as graft-versus-host disease and infections, it may be possible to proceed more often using HLA-mismatched donors, allowing greater consideration of non-HLA factors, such as donor age, CMV serostatus, and ABO blood group matching, which have demonstrated important impacts on transplant outcomes. Additional factors to consider are donor availability rates and the usage of domestic donors to optimize outcomes. A review of non-HLA factors and considerations on the selection of optimal unrelated donors for HCT are provided within this updated current context.

Objective: Sex-specific differences are observed in various liver diseases, but the influence of sex on the outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT) remains to be determined. This study is the first Chinese nationwide investigation of the role of sex in post-LT outcomes in patients with HCC. Methods: Data for recipients with HCC registered in the China Liver Transplant Registry between January 2015 and December 2020 were analyzed. The associations between donor, recipient, or donor-recipient transplant patterns by sex and the post-LT outcomes were studied with propensity score matching (PSM). The survival associated with different sex-based donor-recipient transplant patterns was further studied. Results: Among 3,769 patients enrolled in this study, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of patients with HCC after LT were 96.1%, 86.4%, and 78.5%, respectively, in female recipients, and 95.8%, 79.0%, and 70.7%, respectively, in male recipients after PSM ( P = 0.009). However, the OS was comparable between recipients with female donors and male donors. Multivariate analysis indicated that male recipient sex was a risk factor for post-LT survival (HR = 1.381, P = 0.046). Among the donor-recipient transplant patterns, the male-male donor-recipient transplant pattern was associated with the poorest post-LT survival ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings highlighted that the post-LT outcomes of female recipients were significantly superior to those of male recipients, and the male-male donor-recipient transplant pattern was associated with the poorest post-LT survival. Livers from male donors may provide the most benefit to female recipients. Our results indicate that sex should be considered as a critical factor in organ allocation.

Background Aim Methods Results Conclusion Better access to direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy has broadened the utilization of hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleic acid testing (NAT) positive organs with excellent outcomes. However, DAA therapy has been associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation.To determine the risk of HBV transmission or reactivation with utilization of HBV core antibody positive (HBcAb+) and HCV NAT positive (HCV+) organs, which presumably required DAA therapy.The number of HBcAb+ donors with delineated HCV NAT status was obtained from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) database. The number of unexpected HBV infections from transplanted organs adjudicated as “proven” or “probable” transmission was obtained from the OPTN Ad Hoc Disease Transmission Advisory Committee database. A chart review of the donors of “proven” or “probable” cases was conducted.From January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2021, 7735 organs were procured from 3767 HBcAb+ donors and transplanted into 7469 recipients; 545 (14.5%) donors were also HCV+. HBV transmission or reactivation occurred in seven recipients. The rate is not significantly different between recipients of HCV+ (0.18%, 2/1115) and the HCV NAT negative (HCV‐) organs (0.08%, 5/6354) (p = 0.28) or between recipients of HCV+ and HCV‐ livers as well as non‐liver organs. HBV transmission or reactivation occurred within a median of 319 (range, 41–1117) days post‐transplant in the setting of missing, inadequate, or truncated prophylaxis.HBV reactivation associated with DAA therapy for HBcAb+ HCV+ organs is less frequent than reported in the non‐transplant population, possibly due to the common use of HBV prophylaxis in the at‐risk transplant population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important reactive sulfur species that is involved in many biological functions, and H2S imbalances have been indicated as a potential biomarker for various diseases. Different H2S donors have been developed to deliver H2S directly to biological systems, but few reports include donors with optical responses that allow for tracking of H2S release. Moreover, donor systems that use the same chemistry to deliver H2S across a palette of fluorescent responses remain lacking. Here we report five thiol‐activated fluorescence turn‐on COS/H2S donors that utilize blue, yellow, orange, red, and near infrared‐emitting dyes functionalized with an H2S‐releasing sulfenyl thiocarbonate scaffold. Upon treatment with thiols, each donor provides a fluorescence turn‐on response (3–310‐fold) and high H2S release efficiencies (>60 %). Using combined electrode and fluorescence experiments, we directly correlate the measured H2S release with the fluorescence response. All donors are biocompatible and release H2S in live cell environments. In addition, we demonstrate that the NIR donor allows for imaging H2S release in live rats via subcutaneous injection of the donor loaded into an alginate gel, which to the best of our knowledge is the first in vivo tracking of H2S release from a fluorogenic donor in non‐transparent organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Online sperm donation allows those hoping to conceive a baby ("recipients") to meet prospective sperm donors online, via "connection" websites or social media. These sites offer some advantages to clinical donation (including lower costs and greater choice over donation arrangements) but previous research has suggested that these sites may also pose risks and challenges to those who use them. Therefore, the aim of this exploratory research was to better understand online sperm donation communities and the experiences of both recipients and donors, particularly with respect to situations that could be "morally challenging" or involve harm. Methods: Three prolific donors and five recipients were interviewed using an indepth narrative approach. Carol Gilligan's Listening Guide was employed to analyse the data. Results: The findings demonstrated that the donors sought to find ways to maintain autonomy in their donating practices and were concerned about the character and parenting abilities of recipients, as well as the potential for recipients to make unwarranted complaints. The recipients were concerned about their safety and finding a donor they could trust, discussing issues relating to donor "dishonesty", online abuse, and a lack of support from connection sites and related authorities. Both donors and recipients identified "morally challenging" behaviour relating to donor anonymity (donor use of fake online profiles or aliases) and the sexual motivations or (mis)conduct of some donors. The participants each discussed the ways in which they managed perceived risks. Discussion: The degree to which the participants voiced their acceptance or rejection of challenging behaviour in online sperm donation communities varied across and within participants, highlighting the complexity of the way in which people interact in this environment. Further research is required to understand how this form of sperm donation can be as safe and supportive as possible, while also respecting the importance to donors and recipients of autonomy and choice when making donation arrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel iron-based catalyst system, Fe(acac)3/(isocyanoimino) triptenylphosphorane (IITP)/AlR3, was employed for the synthesis of syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene in hexane. This catalyst system exhibits remarkably high catalytic activity, achieving a polymerization activity of 762 kgpolymer·molcatalyst−1·h−1 at 50 °C with a [BD]/[Fe] molar ratio of 20000. Furthermore, living polymerization characteristic were observed during the investigation of the polymerization kinetics of 1,3-butadiene polymerization. These characteristics were well demonstrated by a narrow molecular weight distribution (PDI≈2.0) of the resulting polybutadiene and a linear relationship between–ln(1 − c) and polymerization time as well as number average molecular weight and polymer yield. The resultant polymer showed a 1,2-selectivity of approximately 76% and stereoregularity ranging from 62% to 73%(rrrr). Additionally, through kinetic studies on polymerization reaction, an apparent activation energy Ea value of this catalytic system was calculated to be 84.98 kJ·mol−1, which suggests that high polymerization temperature favors efficient polymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Stress cardiomyopathy in donors can potentially affect graft function and longevity. This study aims to investigate the association between echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50%, and/or the presence of left ventricular regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) in organ donors, and short‐ and long‐term liver and kidney graft survival. Our secondary aim was to link graft survival with donor and recipient characteristics. Methods: All donors considered for liver and kidney donation with echocardiographic records at Sahlgrenska University Hospital between 2006 and 2016 were matched with their recipients through the Scandiatransplant register. The studied outcomes were graft survival, re‐transplantation, and recipient death. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to plot time to event. Multivariate Cox‐regression was used to test independence. Results: There were 370 liver donors and 312 kidney donors (matched with 458 recipients) with echocardiographic records at Sahlgrenska University Hospital between June 2006 and November 2016. Of patients with LV dysfunction by echocardiography, there were 102 liver‐ and 72 kidney donors. Univariate survival analyses showed no statistical difference in the short‐ and long‐term graft survival from donors with LV dysfunction compared to donors without. Donor age > 65 years, recipient re‐transplantation and recipient liver tumor were predictors of worse outcome in liver transplants (p <.05). Donor age > 65, donor hypertension, recipient re‐transplantation, and a recipient diagnosis of diabetes or nephritis/glomerulonephritis had a negative association with graft survival in kidney transplants (p <.05). Conclusion: We found no significant association between donor LV dysfunction and short‐ and long‐term graft survival in liver and kidney transplants, suggesting that livers and kidneys from such donors can be safely transplanted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HLA-matched allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a curative therapy for many patients. Unrelated HLA-matched donors are the most frequently used donor for HCT. When more than one donor transplant option is available, transplant centers can select donors based on non-HLA factors. With improved ability to prevent and treat immune complications, such as graft-versus-host disease and infections, it may be possible to proceed more often using HLA-mismatched donors, allowing greater consideration of non-HLA factors, such as donor age, CMV serostatus, and ABO blood group matching, which have demonstrated important impacts on transplant outcomes. Additional factors to consider are donor availability rates and the usage of domestic donors to optimize outcomes. A review of non-HLA factors and considerations on the selection of optimal unrelated donors for HCT are provided within this updated current context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transplantation of hearts from hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive donors has increased substantially in recent years following development of highly effective direct-acting antiviral therapies for treatment and cure of HCV. Although historical data from the pre–direct-acting antiviral era demonstrated an association between HCV-positive donors and accelerated cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in recipients, the relationship between the use of HCV nucleic acid test–positive (NAT+) donors and the development of CAV in the direct-acting antiviral era remains unclear. We performed a retrospective, single-center observational study comparing coronary angiographic CAV outcomes during the first year after transplant in 84 heart transplant recipients of HCV NAT+ donors and 231 recipients of HCV NAT– donors. Additionally, in a subsample of 149 patients (including 55 in the NAT+ cohort and 94 in the NAT– cohort) who had serial adjunctive intravascular ultrasound examination performed, we compared development of rapidly progressive CAV, defined as an increase in maximal intimal thickening of ≥0.5 mm in matched vessel segments during the first year post-transplant. In an unadjusted analysis, recipients of HCV NAT+ hearts had reduced survival free of CAV ≥1 over the first year after heart transplant compared with recipients of HCV NAT– hearts. After adjustment for known CAV risk factors, however, there was no significant difference between cohorts in the likelihood of the primary outcome, nor was there a difference in development of rapidly progressive CAV. These findings support larger, longer-term follow-up studies to better elucidate CAV outcomes in recipients of HCV NAT+ hearts and to inform post-transplant management strategies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Blood transfusions can be a crucial, life-saving treatment in modern medical and surgical practice. The primary objective of blood transfusion services worldwide is to guarantee the availability of a sufficient and safe supply of blood and blood products. Meticulous donor screening and use of highly sensitive techniques for the detection of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) may help reduce the risk of TTIs and, hence, are important steps to ensure safety for both donor and recipient. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective record-based study done at Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research. The blood donors' data from January 2012 to December 2022 (10 years) were collected from the blood bank registry at the study site and were analyzed. Results: Males dominated the donor population (98.2%) with females comprising only (1.8%). In total, 10.9% were found unfit for donation for various reasons. Voluntary donors were (6.3%) and replacement donors were (93.7%). Out of the reasons for deferral, majority 497/1223 (40.6%) donors were deferred due to hemoglobin <12.5 g/dl, followed by 156/1223 (12.8%) deferrals due to alcohol intake within the past 72 h. Conclusion: Safe donor selection is the first step toward safe transfusion services. Identification of population groups that can be targeted to enhance the pool of willing blood donors is made easier by studying and analyzing the blood donor profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organ donation after euthanasia (ODE) is a complex procedure involving the patient, the family, and the medical staff. Most organ donations occur from patients declared brain dead, and health care professionals rely on surrogate decisions, or the possible expression of ante-mortem will. Organ donation from deceased individuals is thus feasible under rigorous conditions, while direct donation after euthanasia is not possible. The scientific community has not reached a shared conclusion. It is also difficult to quantify the number of patients who would be medically eligible to donate organs after euthanasia. In keeping with the core the principle of self-determination, any decision to undergo euthanasia (with or without organ donation) must be voluntary and not influenced by external pressures. For this reason, the physician should avoid informing the patient about the possibility of donating their organs before their request for euthanasia is evaluated. Just as noteworthy is the issue of healthcare providers’ conscientious objection and the receiving patient’s right to know whether the transplanted organs come from a subject who underwent euthanasia. Finally, the patient who requests to end their life does so primarily because they are tormented by unbearable suffering and often expresses, as a last wish, the desire to exercise their free will regarding their own body. Organ donation after euthanasia would therefore seem to reinforce patient autonomy and self-esteem, thus giving a different meaning to their inevitable death, which is useful in saving the lives of others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is the leading cause of early morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation. Accurate prediction of PGD risk could inform donor approaches and perioperative care planning. We sought to develop a clinically useful, generalizable PGD prediction model to aid in transplant decision-making. We derived a predictive model in a prospective cohort study of subjects from 2012 to 2018, followed by a single-center external validation. We used regularized (lasso) logistic regression to evaluate the predictive ability of clinically available PGD predictors and developed a user interface for clinical application. Using decision curve analysis, we quantified the net benefit of the model across a range of PGD risk thresholds and assessed model calibration and discrimination. The PGD predictive model included distance from donor hospital to recipient transplant center, recipient age, predicted total lung capacity, lung allocation score (LAS), body mass index, pulmonary artery mean pressure, sex, and indication for transplant; donor age, sex, mechanism of death, and donor smoking status; and interaction terms for LAS and donor distance. The interface allows for real-time assessment of PGD risk for any donor/recipient combination. The model offers decision-making net benefit in the PGD risk range of 10% to 75% in the derivation centers and 2% to 10% in the validation cohort, a range incorporating the incidence in that cohort. We developed a clinically useful PGD predictive algorithm across a range of PGD risk thresholds to support transplant decision-making, posttransplant care, and enrich samples for PGD treatment trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transplantation is a definitive treatment of choice in suitable patients with end-stage organ failure. Approximately 5000 heart transplants and 4000 lung transplants are performed globally every year. Survival after heart transplant is almost twice in comparison to lung transplant. Due to deficiency in donor pool, number of patients on waiting list are increasing every year. Recipient selection should be done carefully as it massively impacts the outcome. Anaesthesia management for heart and lung transplant is quite demanding. In this article, we will review the various challenges encountered by an anaesthetist during the pre-, intra-, and postoperative period. The postoperative complications and its management will also be discussed briefly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare long-term incidence rate of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients after tumor nephrectomy (TN) and donor nephrectomy (DN) and to evaluate risk factors for developing CKD. Materials and methods: Data from 1048 patients who performed TN (552) and DN (496) between 2000 and 2018 at Siriraj hospital were retrospectively analyzed. We obtained 106 patients for each group after using a 1:1 propensity score matching by age and preoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The incidence rate of CKD and risk factors for CKD stage ≥3 were evaluated. Results: There were no differences in incidence of CKD between TN (26.4 %) and DN group (24.5 %) with median follow-up time of 4.95 and 6.05 years (p = 0.308). There were no differences in mean GFR postoperatively at up to ten years follow-up (p = 0.378). The GFR at last follow-up was 71.15 and 68.1 ml/min/1.73 m2 in TN and DN groups (p = 0.172). The TN showed more proteinuria than DN group but not for postoperative hypertension. The multivariate analysis showed age 47 years (p = 0.012) and preoperative GFR 100 (p = 0.001) as a risk factor for developing CKD after nephrectomy but not for type for nephrectomy (p = 0.753). Conclusion: The risk of developing CKD in patients after tumor nephrectomy was the same as in living kidney donors who were matched by age and preoperative GFR. Age over 47 years and preoperative GFR

Background: Blood transfusion is a critical hemotherapeutic intervention. However, the widespread utilization of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) methods in screening potential donors for TTIs poses a serious public health challenge. We investigated the prevalence of TTIs in donor blood units that were transported from external health facilities (Trans-in blood) to Ho Teaching Hospital for critical care. Method: We adopted a cross-sectional design to investigate 727 units of Trans-in blood at the Ho Teaching Hospital's blood bank between January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. An apriori-developed data capture form was used to collect the data for this study. The chi-square test and Cramer's V or Phi were used to assess the association between variables of interest. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between TTIs and donor's blood groups whereas spatial visualization was employed to present the distribution of missed TTIs. Results: The overall prevalence of missed TTIs was 6.19 % (95 % CI: 4.66–8.18), comprising missed HIV, HBV, and Syphilis infection rates of 1.79 % (95 % CI: 1.72–1.86), 1.24 % (95 % CI: 1.17–1.31), and 3.16 % (95 % CI: 3.09–3.23), respectively. There was a higher rate of missed HIV infections in 2022 (2.04 %, 95 % CI: 1.04–3.97) compared to 2021 (1.49 %, 95 % CI: 0.64–3.45), and a decline in the rates of missed HBV and Syphilis infection within the period. The prevalence of TTI was highest among donors with ABO blood group 'O' (68.89 %, 95 % CI: 54.34–80.47) and Rh 'D' Positive blood group (95.56 %, 95 % CI: 85.17–98.77). Compared to donors with blood group O, non-O donors had 4.53 times the odds (95 % CI: 1.12–18.27; p-value=0.034) of missed HBV infection. Conclusion: The observed prevalence of missed TTIs highlights potential gaps in current screening practices, posing a significant public health concern. Efforts made to clamp down on the spread of these infections within the population may be impeded if the current trend of missed TTIs continues. Further studies on a larger scale with more comprehensive data are advised to better appreciate the public health implications of missed TTIs in Ghana.

Heart transplantation (HTx) outcomes have improved with careful donor selection and management; nonetheless, donor shortages remain a major challenge. Optimizing donor management is crucial for improving donor utility rates and post-HTx outcomes. Brain death leads to various pathophysiological changes that can affect multiple organs, including the heart. Understanding these alterations and corresponding management strategies is key to optimizing the donor organ condition. This review assesses several aspects of these pathophysiological changes, including hemodynamic and endocrinological considerations, and emphasizes special consideration for potential cardiac donors, including serial echocardiographic evaluations for reversible cardiac dysfunction and coronary assessments for donors with risk factors.

Silvia Schrittenlocher,1 Jithmi Weliwitage,2 Mario Matthaei,1 Björn Bachmann,1 Claus Cursiefen1,3 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, NRW, Germany; 2University of Cologne, Institute for Medical Statistics and Computational Biology (IMSB), Cologne, NRW, Germany; 3University of Cologne, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Cologne, NRW, GermanyCorrespondence: Silvia Schrittenlocher, Kerpener Str. 62, Cologne, 50937, Germany, Tel +49 221– 4313, Fax +49 221– 3186, Email Silvia.Schrittenlocher@uk-koeln.dePurpose: To determine which donor characteristics, like previous diseases and surgeries, influence the severity of the DM/endothelial lamella preparation prior to DMEK-surgery.Patients and Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional single-center study is presented. Eight hundred and forty-six eyes with DMEK-surgery between 01/2018 and 01/2021 performed at the University Hospital Cologne, Germany, were included. Information regarding the donors’ previous diseases and surgeries were provided by a large database of a cornea bank (Multi Tissue Bank Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) and merged with the Cologne DMEK database, which contains information regarding preparation characteristics of the surgeon-prepared graft directly preoperatively. Three preparation groups (easy, difficult and very difficult) were correlated to the donors’ previous diseases and surgeries. The following characteristics were used for the assignment in one of the three groups: stripping difficulty, rolling and staining behavior, central and peripheral adherences, tissue fragility and DM-splitting.Results: Significant risk factors for DM-splitting were diabetes mellitus (DMel) type II, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and previous cataract surgery (p=0.022, p=0.012; p=0.047 and p< 0.001 respectively). Previous DMel (especially type 2) was significantly associated with the occurrence of central adherences (p=0.009). Several cardiovascular diseases (p-values between < 0.001 and p=0.038), DMel type II, chronic kidney disease and previous cataract-surgery were associated with peripheral adherences (p=0.004; p=0.020 and p< 0.001 respectively). Furthermore, pseudophakic donor eyes presented a higher degree of fragility of the graft (p< 0.001). Age was a significant risk factor for difficult preparation (p< 0.001). The staining of the graft was poorer in donors with chronic kidney disease (p=0.037).Conclusion: Donor diabetes mellitus type 2, heart failure, previous cataract surgery, chronic kidney disease and age are associated with a difficult DMEK graft preparation. For every one-year increment in donor age, the odds of having very difficult preparation were increased by 3%. Also, chronic kidney disease predisposes to a poor tissue staining with trypan blue during preparation.Keywords: DMEK, lamellar keratoplasty, donor, graft preparation, risk factors, cornea bank

Background and Aim: Blood transfusions can be a crucial, life-saving treatment in modern medical and surgical practice. The primary objective of blood transfusion services worldwide is to guarantee the availability of a sufficient and safe supply of blood and blood products. Meticulous donor screening and use of highly sensitive techniques for the detection of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) may help reduce the risk of TTIs and, hence, are important steps to ensure safety for both donor and recipient. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective record-based study done at Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research. The blood donors’ data from January 2012 to December 2022 (10 years) were collected from the blood bank registry at the study site and were analyzed. Results: Males dominated the donor population (98.2%) with females comprising only (1.8%). In total, 10.9% were found unfit for donation for various reasons. Voluntary donors were (6.3%) and replacement donors were (93.7%). Out of the reasons for deferral, majority 497/1223 (40.6%) donors were deferred due to hemoglobin

Abstract Background Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a useful tool for assessing lung grafts quality before transplantation. Studies indicate that donor sex is as an important factor for transplant outcome, as females present higher inflammatory response to brain death (BD) than males. Here, we investigated sex differences in the lungs of rats subjected to BD followed by EVLP. Methods Male and female Wistar rats were subjected to BD, and as controls sham animals. Arterial blood was sampled for gas analysis. Heart–lung blocks were kept in cold storage (1 h) and normothermic EVLP carried out (4 h), meanwhile ventilation parameters were recorded. Perfusate was sampled for gas analysis and IL-1β levels. Leukocyte infiltration, myeloperoxidase presence, IL-1β gene expression, and long-term release in lung culture (explant) were evaluated. Results Brain dead females presented a low lung function after BD, compared to BD-males; however, at the end of the EVLP period oxygenation capacity decreased in all BD groups. Overall, ventilation parameters were maintained in all groups. After EVLP lung infiltrate was higher in brain dead females, with higher neutrophil content, and accompanied by high IL-1β levels, with increased gene expression and concentration in the culture medium (explant) 24 h after EVLP. Female rats presented higher lung inflammation after BD than male rats. Despite maintaining lung function and ventilation mechanics parameters for 4 h, EVLP was not able to alter this profile. Conclusion In this context, further studies should focus on therapeutic measures to control inflammation in donor or during EVLP to increase lung quality.

Since the 20th century, organ transplantation has become a breakthrough technology to effectively save the lives of patients with end-stage organ failure, which has significantly enhanced the quality of life of patients. Organ donation is an important source of organ transplantation. Improving the quality of donor organ procurement is the key to promote the translation of donor organs and improve the prognosis of organ transplantation recipients. The United States, Spain and other countries have put forward a series of policies and standards in the quality management and control of donor organ procurement and achieved positive results. In this article, related concepts of medical quality management and control, advanced strategies and models of international donor organ procurement quality management, and quality control measures of Organ Procurement Organization, donors and donor organs were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for establishing a quality management and control system of donor organs with "Chinese characteristics" and advancing high)speed and high-quality development of donor organ procurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of flat electric heaters in equipment and household appliances requires the search for simpler and cheaper technologies for their production. This paper proposes a method for producing an electrically conductive coating (NiAl) and an electrically insulating layer (glass ceramics) in one stage: self-propagating high-temperature synthesis in a thermally coupled (Ni + Al)/(PbO2 + B + Al2O3 + glass) powder mixture. The combustion wave front propagation process is investigated, and the effect of layer thickness along with the ratio of the PbO2 + B + Al2O3 + glass powder mixture components on the wave front propagation velocity and the wave front temperature is described. It is revealed that the wave front of the exothermic process expands when a PbO2 + B mixture is added to the bottom layer. The addition of this mixture makes it possible to reduce the NiAl layer thickness and ensure the formation of a uniform dielectric coating. The phase composition and microstructure of the coating are studied. Optimal ratios are determined for layer thicknesses and the composition of the powder mixture of the layers. The fundamental possibility of forming an electrically conductive and dielectric coating by the method of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis in one stage is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is the only potentially curative option for children with unresectable hepatoblastoma (HBL). Although post‐transplant outcomes have improved in the contemporary era, the impact of donor graft type on survival remains unclear. Methods: Using the United Network for Organ Sharing database (02/2002–06/2021), demographics, clinical characteristics, and patient and graft survival were analyzed in children (<18 years) who underwent LT for HBL according to donor graft type. The Kaplan–Meier method, log‐rank tests, and Cox regression modeling were used to evaluate the effect of whole, partial, and split deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) and living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) on patient and graft survival. Results: A total of 590 pediatric HBL LT recipients (344 whole graft DDLT; 62 partial graft DDLT; 139 split graft DDLT; 45 LDLT) were included. During 2012–2021 the proportion of LDLTs for HBL decreased to about 5% compared with about 11% during 2002–2011. No significant differences were identified by donor graft type in either patient survival (log‐rank test, p =.45) or graft survival (log‐rank test, p =.69). The results remained similar during the 2002–2011 era, while during the 2012–2021 era, split graft DDLT was associated with decreased graft loss risk versus whole graft DDLT (hazard ratio: 0.48, 95% confidence interval: 0.23–0.99, p =.046) without any other significant between‐group differences. Conclusions: Utilizing non‐whole liver grafts can increase access to LT in children with unresectable HBL while ensuring favorable outcomes. LDLT is underutilized in children with HBL in the United States, and efforts to explore LDLT options should be undertaken. Non‐whole grafts can increase access to pediatric liver transplantation for hepatoblastoma with favorable outcomes. Living donor liver transplantation for hepatoblastoma is underutilized in the United States and the benefit of time optimization between chemotherapy and living donor liver transplantation warrants consideration of referral to transplant centers with living donor programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allografts have been frequently used in orthopedic procedures. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the discard rates and bacterial contamination of a bone bank, and to assess the clinical outcomes of recipients with bacterial culture-positive donor allografts. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1764 allografts which were harvested from living donors and stored in a bone bank from 2018 to 2022. The donors whose allografts displayed bacterial contamination at retrieval of the primary hip or knee arthroplasty were followed for microbiology and subsequent prosthetic joint infection analysis. The infected pathogens, antibiotic treatment and subsequent infection were reviewed for the intraoperative positive culture group. Results: The discard rate was 17%, and the bacterial contamination rate of bone retrieval was 2.15%. Thirty-eight allografts at retrieval displayed confirmed bacterial growth, and 37 patients did not reveal infective signs at 6 months follow-up. A total of 1464 allografts were stored and implanted, among which 28 allografts (1.91%) were confirmed to be positive for bacterial growth and 13 cases (0.89%) were confirmed as surgical site infections. Conclusions: Our results validate the suggestion that our bone bank system performs good quality monitoring to eliminate the risk of dissemination of viral and bacterial diseases and to decrease surgical site infection after allograft implantation. By ensuring aseptic conditions and contamination-reducing strategies during harvesting and thawing, the allografts can be safely stored and implanted while limiting bacterial contamination. Our findings confirm that the intraoperative positive cultures of allografts did not contribute to subsequent postoperative surgical site infection in donors and recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze 10,000 cases of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipient data to elucidate outcomes with special reference to the graft-versus-recipient weight ratio (GRWR), based on the Japanese Liver Transplantation Society (JLTS) registry. Background: The JLTS registry has been accurate and complete in characterizing and following trends in patient characteristics and survival of all patients with LDLT. Methods: Between November 1989 and August 2021, 10,000 patients underwent LDLT in Japan. The procedures performed during the study period included pediatric liver transplantation (age <18 years, n = 3572) and adult liver transplantation (age ≥18 years, n =6428). Factors related to patient survival (PS) and graft survival (GS) were also analyzed. Results: The GRWR was <0.7, 0.7 to <0.8, 0.8 to <3, 3 to <5, and ≥5 in 0.2%, 2.0%, 61.8%, 31.8%, and 2.6% of pediatric patients and <0.6, 0.6 to <0.7, 0.7 to <0.8, and ≥0.8 in 8.0%, 12.7%, 17.7%, and 61.5% of adult patients, respectively. Among pediatric recipients, the PS rate up to 5 years was significantly better in cases with a GRWR ≤5 than in those with a GRWR >5. When the GRWR and donor age were combined, among adult recipients 50 to 60 years old, the early PS and GS up to 5 years were significantly better in cases with a GRWR ≥ 0.7, than in those with a GRWR <0.7. (P = 0.02). In adults, a multivariate analysis showed that GRWR <0.6, transplant era (<2011), donor age (>60 years), recipient age (> 60 years), model for end-stage liver disease score (≥20), and center volume (<10) were significant prognostic factors for long-term PS. Conclusion: Although a satisfactory long-term PS and GS, especially in the recent era (2011-2021), was achieved in the JLTS series, a GRWR ≥ 5 in pediatric cases and relatively old donors with a GRWR <0.7 in adult cases should be managed with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]