University of Pittsburgh

About: University of Pittsburgh is a education organization based out in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Transplantation. The organization has 87042 authors who have published 201012 publications receiving 9656783 citations. The organization is also known as: Pitt & Western University of Pennsylvania.

Concise review: isolation and characterization of cells from human term placenta: outcome of the first international Workshop on Placenta Derived Stem Cells.

Abstract: Placental tissue draws great interest as a source of cells for regenerative medicine because of the phenotypic plasticity of many of the cell types isolated from this tissue. Furthermore, placenta, which is involved in maintaining fetal tolerance, contains cells that display immunomodulatory properties. These two features could prove useful for future cell therapy-based clinical applications. Placental tissue is readily available and easily procured without invasive procedures, and its use does not elicit ethical debate. Numerous reports describing stem cells from different parts of the placenta, using nearly as numerous isolation and characterization procedures, have been published. Considering the complexity of the placenta, an urgent need exists to define, as clearly as possible, the region of origin and methods of isolation of cells derived from this tissue. On March 23-24, 2007, the first international Workshop on Placenta Derived Stem Cells was held in Brescia, Italy. Most of the research published in this area focuses on mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from various parts of the placenta or epithelial cells isolated from amniotic membrane. The aim of this review is to summarize and provide the state of the art of research in this field, addressing aspects such as cell isolation protocols and characteristics of these cells, as well as providing preliminary indications of the possibilities for use of these cells in future clinical applications.

Supercritical and near-critical CO2 in green chemical synthesis and processing

Abstract: Carbon dioxide is often promoted as a sustainable solvent, as CO 2 is non-flammable, exhibits a relatively low toxicity and is naturally abundant. However, injudicious use of carbon dioxide in a process or product can reduce rather than enhance overall sustainability. This review specifically examines the use of CO 2 to create greener processes and products, with a focus on research and commercialization efforts performed since 1995. The literature reveals that use of CO 2 has permeated almost all facets of the chemical industry and that careful application of CO 2 technology can result in products (and processes) that are cleaner, less expensive and of higher quality.

Self-Monitoring in Weight Loss: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract: Self-monitoring is the centerpiece of behavioral weight loss intervention programs This article presents a systematic review of the literature on three components of self-monitoring in behavioral weight loss studies: diet, exercise, and self-weighing This review included articles that were published between 1993 and 2009 that reported on the relationship between weight loss and these self-monitoring strategies Of the 22 studies identified, 15 focused on dietary self-monitoring, one on self-monitoring exercise, and six on self-weighing A wide array of methods was used to perform self-monitoring; the paper diary was used most often Adherence to self-monitoring was reported most frequently as the number of diaries completed or the frequency of log-ins or reported weights The use of technology, which included the Internet, personal digital assistants, and electronic digital scales were reported in five studies Descriptive designs were used in the earlier studies whereas more recent reports involved prospective studies and randomized trials that examined the effect of self-monitoring on weight loss A significant association between self-monitoring and weight loss was consistently found; however, the level of evidence was weak because of methodologic limitations The most significant limitations of the reviewed studies were the homogenous samples and reliance on self-report In all but two studies, the samples were predominantly white and women This review highlights the need for studies in more diverse populations, for objective measures of adherence to self-monitoring, and for studies that establish the required dose of self-monitoring for successful outcomes

Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes Associated with a Trial of Labor after Prior Cesarean Delivery

Abstract: background The proportion of women who attempt vaginal delivery after prior cesarean delivery has decreased largely because of concern about safety The absolute and relative risks associated with a trial of labor in women with a history of cesarean delivery, as compared with elective repeated cesarean delivery without labor, are uncertain

The ABET “Professional Skills” — Can They Be Taught? Can They Be Assessed?

Abstract: In developing its new engineering accreditation criteria, ABET reaffirmed a set of “hard” engineering skills while introducing a second, equally important, set of six “professional” skills. These latter skills include communication, teamwork, and understanding ethics and professionalism, which we label process skills, and engineering within a global and societal context, lifelong learning, and a knowledge of contemporary issues, which we designate as awareness skills. We review these skills with an emphasis on how they can be taught, or more correctly learned, citing a number of examples of successful and/or promising implementations. We then examine the difficult issue of assessing these skills. We are very positive about a number of creative ways that these skills are being learned, particularly at institutions that are turning to global and/or service learning in combination with engineering design projects to teach and reinforce outcome combinations. We are also encouraged by work directed at assessing these skills, but recognize that there is considerable research that remains to be done.