bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Social Prescribing on Mental Health: A Protocol for Two Randomised Wait-List Controlled Feasibility Studies, Social Prescribing in Mental Health Study (SPRING) and Mental Health Through Social Prescribing Project (PROSPECT)
Authors: Elliott Megan , Llewellyn Mark , Wallace Carolyn , Wallace Sarah , Williams E Mark
Published: June 2021

BackgroundSocial prescribing aims to connect citizens with sources of support in their communities to benefit their health and well-being. Despite its ongoing implementation within the United Kingdom, the evidence base for social prescribing has been criticised, citing a lack of rigour, high risk of bias and inconclusive findings to date.MethodsThis study protocol aims to examine the feasibility of using large, randomised control studies to assess the mental health and well-being impacts of social prescribing. Two wait-list control studies, each consisting of two parallel arm groups, SPRING and PROPSECT were designed. Participants were referred via their consulting healthcare professionals. The participants were randomised to receive the intervention immediately or after a delay of four weeks. The intervention in the SPRING study was a personal “what-matters” interview by a Link Worker consultation leading to a prescribed social service. Three month and six month follow up of service use was proposed. In PROPSECT, the intervention was a holistic social prescribing service. In both trials the primary outcomes were quality of life, service uptake, and participant experience.DiscussionSocial prescribing is becoming popular in community health and care services. It is believed to be an effective resource, and this is first randomised control trial to attempt to demonstrate the effectiveness of social prescribing for people with Mental Health and/or emotional well-being issues. A waiting-list control study is feasible in this context but would be suitable for larger randomised controlled trials.Trial Registration: SPRING, Clinical Trials, NCT04062903. Registered 17th September 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04062903?term=NCT04062903&draw=2&rank=1. PROSPECT, Clinical Trials, NCT04099095. Registered 23rd September 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04099095?term=NCT04099095&draw=2&rank=1
Evidence of TB Diagnostic Services at Primary Healthcare Level During COVID-19: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Dlangalala Thobeka Nomzamo , Maluleke Kuhlula , Musekiwa Alfred , Kgarosi Kabelo , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani
Published: June 2021

BackgroundUninterrupted delivery of tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic services is paramount, since early diagnosis allows for timeous treatment which improves treatment outcomes, reduces the period of infectiousness and limits the development of antibiotic resistant strains of TB. In 2020, the urgency of the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic supposedly strained many existing public health initiatives. We propose a scoping review to map the evidence of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB diagnostic services at primary healthcare (PHC) level. Method and AnalysisThis scoping review was guided by the Arksey and O’Malley framework. We will search the databases: PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE Ovid, Medline EBSCO, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Scopus. We will also search for reports from national health websites and the World Health Organization (WHO). Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts and full texts of retrieved articles. The chosen articles will be represented in a data charting table. We will conduct a content thematic analysis using NVivo 10 software to extract relevant themes from the included articles. Findings will be presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis: Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR). We will assess the quality of the included articles using the mixed methods assessment tool (MMAT). DiscussionWe anticipate that this scoping review will reveal the extent to which TB diagnostic services have been either maintained or disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This information will direct future research, and reveal barriers and enablers for TB diagnostic services during a pandemic.
ScFT6: A Putative Candidate for Sugarcane Floral Inducer
Authors: Linhares-Neto Manoel Viana , Schumacher Pedro Vitor , Ribeiro Thales Henrique Cherubino , Cardon Carlos Henrique , Resende Pâmela Marinho , Chalfun-Junior Antonio
Published: June 2021

One of the factors that can decrease sugarcane productivity is the flowering, because it affects the quantity and quality of feedstock, due to sucrose consumption from the stem during inflorescence emission. Photoperiodicity is the main environmental factor involved in sugarcane floral induction, which occurs by the integration of gene regulatory networks in response to environmental and endogenous stimuli. One of the genes involved in those regulatory networks is the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), which is considered a phloem-mobile signal that stimulates floral induction in the shoot apical meristem. This work aimed to identify and characterize homologs of the FT gene in sugarcane, as well as to determine the putative function of these genes during floral induction. From this perspective, we have conducted in silico analyses of putative FT orthologs in sugarcane, as well as the expression levels in different photoperiodic conditions in a 24-hours-day-cycle of ScFT6 in different plant tissues in contrasting cultivars in terms of flowering time. Three new possible FT orthologs were found with high similarity to FT homologs in other species. Among three genes identified, we highlighted ScFT6, which has a conserved domain and amino acids at characteristic positions for the flowering inducer phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein gene family. Additionally, its expression occurs according to coincidental model, possibly being controlled by the circadian clock. Cultivars with distinct flowering time behavior display variable expression for the ScFT6 gene, suggesting a possible genotypic relationship for its expression. Therefore, sugarcane has at least one putative orthologous gene in relation to FT that promotes floral induction.
Human Urine-derived Stem Cells Improve Bladder Function After Partial Bladder Outlet Obstruction: Preliminary Data and the microRNA–mRNA Expression Profile of Bladder Tissue
Authors: Tu Menjiang , Wang Rui , Zhu Pei , Wang Qingqing , Sun Bishao , Lu Keshi , Zhang Jiawei , Xie Weijie , Guo Huan , Li Shulin , Wu Yuqi , Wang Xiangwei
Published: June 2021

Background: Partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO), a common urological disease, often results in bladder tissue inflammation and tissue remodeling. Human urine-derived stem cells (hUSCs) have shown therapeutic benefits in various organ injury models. We used a rat model to investigate the effect of hUSCs on bladder function in pBOO rats and explore the miRNA and gene expression profiles in bladder tissue using RNA-sequencing.Methods: In total, 18 rats were randomly and evenly assigned to three groups: a sham surgery group, a pBOO without USCs therapy group, and a pBOO with USCs therapy group (treated with hUSCs six times every other week). All rats were subjected to routine urodynamic monitoring. Detrusor muscle strips were evaluated and pathophysiology was assessed. Finally, altered miRNA and mRNA expression profiles of bladder tissue were examined using RNA-sequencing and bioinformatic analysis technology.Results: After USC treatment, urodynamic monitoring revealed elevated bladder compliance and maximal voiding pressure, declined end filling pressure and voided volume, and improved detrusor contractility and carbachol sensitivity in pBOO rats. Histology and TUNEL assay showed reduced collagen deposition and muscle cell apoptosis in bladder tissue. The differential expression of eight miRNAs in pBOO rats was reversed by USC treatment. Bioinformatic analysis identified miR-142 and miR-9a as the two largest nodes of differentially expressed miRNAs in the miRNA‑gene interaction network. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed enrichment of multiple significant pathways, including those involved in necroptosis and cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions.Conclusions: This is the first study to reveal the protective effect of hUSCs on bladder function and bladder remodeling in pBOO rats. The miRNA and mRNA expression levels differed in the bladder of pBOO rats with and without USC treatment. Although the mechanism underlying these effects have not been fully elucidated, necroptosis and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction related pathways may be involved.
Primary Breast Double-hit Lymphoma Management and Outcomes: A Real-world Multicentre Experience
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Zhang Yuanfeng , Fei Hairong , Shi Xue , Wang Liang , Wang Peijun , Yu Jie , Feng Sizhou , Shen Yuyan
Published: June 2021

Background: Primary breast double-hit lymphoma (PB-DHL) is a rare, highly aggressive malignancy that poses challenges regarding accurate diagnoses and selecting optimal treatment regimens. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed cases of patients diagnosed with PB-DHL in six academic centres between June 2014 and June 2020 in China. Study-specific data were recorded, including treatment options, therapeutic evaluation, prognostic factors and relapse patterns, and the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated. Results: In total, 48 patients were enrolled, and the overall five-year OS and PFS rates were 41.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.4–64.7%) and 37.5% (95% CI, 23.7–58.6%), respectively. Of the three treatment regimens, the five-year OS was higher in the dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and rituximab (DA-EPOCH-R)/alternating with high-dose methotrexate and cytarabine (MA) group than in the DA-EPOCH-R or rituximab plus fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone alternating with cytarabine plus methotrexate (R-HyperCVAD) subgroups (57.1% vs. 38.9% vs. 31.3%; P = 0.016), as was the five-year PFS (50.0% vs. 38.9% vs. 25.0%; P = 0.038). Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) prolonged the OS and PFS compared with non-ASCT patients (five-year OS: 72.2% vs. 23.3%; P < 0.001; five-year PFS: 72.2% vs. 16.7%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified tumour size, risk stratification, treatment with DA-EPOCH-R/MA, breast irradiation, and ASCT as significant prognostic factors. Conclusions: DA-EPOCH-R/MA is a promising regimen for PB-DHL, and breast irradiation yields complementary benefits for relapse reduction. ASCT significantly decreased disease relapse, providing a potential curative PB-DHL intervention and justifying ASCT as first-line therapy for young patients. More effective treatment strategies for PB-DHL patients remain encouraging.
Causal motifs and existence of endogenous cascades in directed networks with application to company defaults
Authors: Barjašić Irena , Štefančić Hrvoje , Pribičević Vedrana , Zlatić Vinko
Published: June 2021

Motivated by the detection of cascades of defaults in economy, we developed a detection framework for an endogenous spreading based on causal motifs we define in this paper. We assume that the change of state of a vertex can be triggered by an endogenous or an exogenous event, that the underlying network is directed and that times when vertices changed their states are available. In addition to the data of company defaults, we also simulate cascades driven by different stochastic processes on different synthetic networks. We show that some of the smallest motifs can robustly detect endogenous spreading events. Finally, we apply the method to the data of defaults of Croatian companies and observe the time window in which an endogenous cascade was likely happening.
MSTN mutant promoted bovine muscle satellite cell proliferation by regulating the binding of SMAD2/SMAD3 with CDKN1C
Authors: Gao Li , Yang Miao-Miao , Gu Ming-Juan , Liu Yun-Peng , Bu Cai-Hong , Cheng Peng , Bai Chunling
Published: June 2021

Background: Myostatin (MSTN), also known as growth/differentiation factor 8, mostly expressed in skeletal muscle and plays negative roles in regulation of muscle development. Previous studies had proved that MSTN have important effect on cell proliferation. Therefore we aimed to investigate the mechanism of MSTN in regulating the proliferation of bovine muscle satellite cells (MSCs).Methods: Bovine MSCs of MSTN mutant (MT) and wild type (WT) were obtained, we detected the cell proliferation and cell cycle by EdU proliferation assay and Flow cytometry. Then we detected the expression of genes associated with cell cycle by Real-time PCR and Western blotting . RNA-seq and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)assay were performed to research the mechanism of MSTN in regulating the cell proliferation. Results: In this study, we found that MSTN mutant promoted the proliferation of MSCs. The expression of CyclinA, CyclinD and CyclinE were all increased after MSTN mutant, while the expression of CDKN1C (P57), CDKN2A, CDKN2C and CDKN2D were down-regulated, which were consistent with the promotion of cell proliferation. Among these genes, CDKN1C(P57) down-regulated most significantly. RNA-seq results showed that MSTN mutant affected the SMAD binding, so we performed ChIP-qPCR and demonstrated that the SMAD2/SMAD3 transcription factor combined with the promoter of CDKN1C thus to increase the expression of CDKN1C, this demonstrating that MSTN regulated the expression of CDKN1C through SMAD2/SMAD3 complex. Finally, overexpression of SMAD3 in wild type cells increased the expression of CDKN1C, further suggested that SMAD3 regulated the expression of CDKN1C. Conclusion: MSTN mutant down-regulated the expression of SMAD2/SMAD3, then reduced the promotion of SMAD2/SMAD3 to the expression of CDKN1C, thus to inhibit the expression of CDKN1C, then promoting the cell cycle.
Structures of synthetic nanobody–SARS-CoV-2–RBD complexes reveal distinct
sites of interaction and recognition of variants
Authors: Margulies David , Ahmad Javeed , Jiang Jiansheng , Boyd Lisa , Zeher Allison , Huang Rick , Xia Di , Natarajan Kannan
Published: June 2021

The worldwide spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and emergence of new variants demands understanding the structural basis of the interaction of antibodies with the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD). Here we report five X-ray crystal structures of sybodies (synthetic nanobodies) including binary and ternary complexes of Sb16–RBD, Sb45–RBD, Sb14–RBD–Sb68, and Sb45–RBD–Sb68; and Sb16 unliganded. These reveal that Sb14, Sb16, and Sb45 bind the RBD at the ACE2 interface and that the Sb16 interaction is accompanied by a large CDR2 shift. In contrast, Sb68 interacts at the periphery of the interface. We also determined cryo-EM structures of Sb45 bound to spike (S). Superposition of the X-ray structures of sybodies onto the trimeric S protein cryo-EM map indicates some may bind both "up" and "down" configurations, but others may not. Sensitivity of sybody binding to several recently identified RBD mutants is consistent with these structures.
Characteristics and Spatial Influencing Factors of Natural Regeneration within Aquaculture ponds in a Mangrove Forest
Authors: xin kun , Sheng Nong , Xiong Yanmei , Jiang Zhongmao , Zhang Yun , Liao Baowen
Published: June 2021

Regeneration is an important component of community succession and understanding regeneration dynamics is essential for forest protection and recovery management. Mangroves are distributed along coastlines and this unique habitat has resulted in very different regeneration process. This study took Dongzhaigang mangrove forest in Hainan, China as the study area, considered the 10 years regeneration process in 8 abandoned aquaculture ponds, and the spatial factors that influence the regeneration process are analyzed. The objectives were to: a) investigate the natural dynamics of the mangrove regeneration process in abandoned ponds, b) determine the main spatial factors affecting the natural regeneration process. The results showed that the number of species and individuals showed a tendency to initially rise and then decline, with the maximum occurring at 6–8 years. The results of a diversity index showed an initial rise, with stabilization then occurring over a 8 year period. Aegiceras corniculatum and Sonneratia apetala were typical pioneer mangrove species in the study area, while Bruguiera sexangula and Kandelia obovata were representative species of late regeneration period. Spatial factors, including pond area and shape, relative elevation, distance to a tidal creek and surrounding trees area played important roles in the regeneration of mangrove in ponds. Finally, the study considered the current situation regarding mangrove restoration in China and suggested that natural regeneration of mangroves is a good management option.
Nafamostat reduces systemic inflammation in TLR7-mediated virus-like illness
Authors: Yates Abi G. , Weglinski Caroline M. , Ying Yuxin , Strekalova Tatyana , Anthony Daniel C.
Published: June 2021

Background: The serine protease inhibitor nafamostat has been proposed as a treatment for COVID-19, by inhibiting TMPRSS2-mediated viral cell entry. Nafamostat has been shown to have other, immunomodulatory effects, which may be beneficial for treatment, however animal models of ssRNA virus infection are lacking. In this study, we examined the potential of the dual TLR7/8 agonist R848 to mimic the host response to a ssRNA virus infection and the associated behavioural response. In addition, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of nafamostat in this model. Methods: CD-1 mice received an intraperitoneal injection of R848 (200μg, prepared in DMSO, diluted 1:10 in saline) or diluted DMSO alone, and an intravenous injection of either nafamostat (100μL, 3mg/kg in saline) or saline. Sickness behaviour was determined by temperature, food intake, sucrose preference test, open field and forced swim test. Blood and fresh liver, lung and brain were collected 6 hours post-challenge to measure markers of peripheral and central inflammation by blood analysis and qPCR. Results: R848 induced a robust inflammatory response, as evidenced by increased expression of TNF, IFN-γ, CXCL1 and CXCL10 in the liver, lung and brain, as well as a sickness behaviour phenotype. Exogenous administration of nafamostat suppressed the hepatic inflammatory response, significantly reducing TNF and IFN-γ expression, but had no effect on lung or brain cytokine production. R848 administration depleted circulating leukocytes, which was restored by nafamostat treatment. Conclusions: Our data indicate that R848 administration provides a useful model of ssRNA virus infection, which induces inflammation in the periphery and CNS, and virus infection-like illness. In turn, we show that nafamostat has a systemic anti-inflammatory effect, in the presence of the TLR7/8 agonist. Therefore, the results indicate that nafamostat has anti-inflammatory actions, beyond its ability to inhibit TMPRSS2, that might potentiate its anti-viral actions in pathologies such as COVID-19.
Paternity evaluation in the presence of splits and crossreactive antigens
Authors: Gutendorf R.W. , Balakrishnan K. , Taylor D. , Cox K.
Published: June 2021

Evaluation of paternity (alleged father, mother, and child) can range from a straightforward resolution to a complex problem that can-not be resolved without family studies. We present a case of disputed paternity in which tests for crossreactive groups (CREGs) and antigen subtypes (splits) within the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system could not be used confidendy to prove or disprove paternity. Further analysis, red cell enzyme tests, enabled a final verdict and confirmed the current reliability of HLA antisera defining splits.
Immunobematology
1991;2:43–45.
Decreased ABH blood group antigen expression associated with preleukemic conditions and acute leukemia: loss of detectable B, then A antigens in a group AB patient progressing from a myelodysplastic syndrome to leukemia
Authors: Benson K.
Published: June 2021

Decreased or absent expression of blood group antigens is well known to occur in acute leukemia. In some carcinomas, the malignant solid tumor cells have also been shown to lose normal blood group antigen expression. In both carcinoma and hematologic malignancies, these findings have been associated with a more aggressive behavior of the neoplasm. A 34-year-old, group AB, Rh positive woman was diagnosed with a preleukemic condition, myelodysplastic syndrome, in December 1988. In April 1989 B antigen expression was markedly decreased, then absent; in November 1989 the patient had progressed to acute leukemia. In April 1990 neither A nor B antigens could be detected, there was disease progression, and the patient died 19 days after A and B antigens were undetectable. Decreased expression of normal blood group antigens may prove useful in differentiating benign from malignant conditions and may indicate a more grave prognosis.
Immunohematology
1991;7:89–93.
An example of anti-JMH with characteristics of a clinically significant antibody
Authors: Geisland J. , Corgan M. , Hillard B.
Published: June 2021

The authors studied an example of red cell anti-JMH (John Milton Hagen) that exhibited several characteristics of a possible clinically significant antibody able to cause red cell destruction in vivo. Strong serological reactivity, a positive monocyte monolayer assay, and immunoglobulin subclass determination as IgG3 all indicate possible ability to destroy red cells. A 51Cr-labeled red cell survival study was not done as the patient did not require red cell transfusions but may be recommended for this patient if transfusions become necessary.
Cromer-related blood group antigens and the glycosyl phosphatidylinositol-linked protein, decay-accelerating factor DAF (CD55)
Authors: Reid M.E.
Published: June 2021

Cromer-related blood group antigens are located on the complement regulatory glycoprotein, decay-accelerating factor (DAF). DAF is not detectable on red cells from individuals with a Cromernull phenotype (termed Inab), which is probably an inherited condition. DAF is also absent from a subpopulation of red cells (PNH) III) from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), an acquired hematological defect. PNH III red cells, like Inab cells, lack all the Cromer-related antigens described to date.
Vancomycin-induced neutropenia associated with anti-granulocyte antibodies
Authors: Domen R.E. , Horowitz S.
Published: June 2021

Neutropenia is a rare complication associated with vancomycin, and the cause of this adverse reaction is not well understood. We report a case of vancomycin-induced neutropenia in which we were able to demonstrate anti-granulocyte antibodies. We also report the results of a bone marrow examination along with a brief review of the literature.
A simple method for inhibiting ABO antibodies in sera used for platelet crossmatching
Authors: Postoway N. , Garratty G.
Published: June 2021

Sometimes it is necessary to crossmatch and transfuse ABO-incompatible platelets. As IgG anti-A and anti-B sometimes react with platelets from group A or B donors, these reactions can confuse the interpretation of crossmatching, which is designed to detect HLA or platelet-specific antibodies. Methods previously described to overcome this problem have been complex. Neutr-ABR, which contains A and B blood group substances from porcine and equine sources, can be used to neutralize anti-A and/or anti-B in sera used to crossmatch ABO-incompatible platelets. This simple technique has been used for many years in red blood cell (RBC) serology and involves simply adding 1 volume of Neutr-AB to 5 volumes of serum and incubating at room temperature for 5 minutes. In this study, 13 of 65 (20%) random group O donor sera reacted against random group A platelets and 6 of 67 (9%) random group O donor sera reacted against random group B platelets. All of the anti-A and anti-B reactions were inhibited by Neutr-AB when tested against group A or B platelets by solid-phase ELISA. The amount of A antigen on platelets and the levels of anti-A in group B or O sera can vary considerably, so we investigated the extent of the problem in platelet crossmatching. Sixty percent of 20 random group O sera reacted with platelets from a donor, who was selected because of the strong A antigen present on the platelets. Eighty-six percent of randomly selected group A platelets reacted with a group O serum containing strong anti-A. Neutr-AB was found not to inhibit 1 anti-P1A1 and 6 anti-HLA.
A case report: IgG autoanti-N as a cause of severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Authors: Combs M.R. , Telen M.J. , Hall S.E. , Rosse W.F.
Published: June 2021

A 21-year-old white worn was referred for evaluation of hemolytic anemia after a 9-day history of marked hemoglobinuria, jaundice, and weakness. The patient’s hematocrit was 18&, despite at least eight transfusions over the previous week, and the reticulocyte count was < 1%. Serologic evaluation revealed a weakly positive direct antiglobulin test with antic-C3 only The serum contained coldand warm-reactinga nti-N Dithiothreitol had no effect on either the cold- or the warm-reacting anti-N activity, and radoimmunoassay with monoclonal anti-IgG was strongly positive, indicating that both the cold- and the warm-reacting anti-N reactivity resided in the IgG fraction. The patient was treated with N – ‘N’ + red cell transfusions, prednisone, and azathioprine and gradually became transfusioni ndependent. Postrecovery typing revealed her red cells to be M+N+S+s+. This constitutes the third case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with IgG autoanti-N. The marked hemoglobinuria and reticulocytopenia are unique features of this case.
Incidence of Rodgers-negative individuals in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Moulds J.M.
Published: June 2021

Early reports of anti-Rodgers (anti-Rg) noted that there was an increased number of the HLA-B8 phenotype among this group. This HLA type has recently been linked to a C4A (Rg) gene deletion found with increased frequency among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Healthy controls (n=176) and SLE patients (n=102) were studied for their HLA haplotype and C4 allotype as well as their Rg phenotype Six of 53 white and 3 of 49 black SLE patients were C44-null and Rodgers-negative, a significant difference from controls (p = .002). A retrospective study of patients who produced anti-Rg showed that one third had symptoms often associated with SLE but none had SLE as a primary diagnosis.
A weak B antigen with serologic reactivity between B1 and B2 red blood cells found in a Chinese family
Authors: Zhang G.L. , Wang Y. , Zheng J. , Lee A. , Eckrich R.J. , Mallory D.M. , Lee T.D.
Published: June 2021

During a serologic study on red cell samples from individuals representing three generations of a Chinese family, an unusual pattern of reactivity was noted in a sample from a daughter of an A1B2 individual. The results of direct ABO grouping, titration, and adsorption studies demonstrated that the red blood cells (RBCs) from the proposita and two of the proposita’s uncles (1) expressed more B antigen than group B2 RBCs but less than group B1 RBCs; (2) expressed the B1 antigen but at a lower level than group B1 RBCs; and (3) expressed more H antigen than B1 RBCs but slightly less than B2 RBCs. The saliva from the proposita contained soluble B and H antigens, and her serum contained a weak B-gene-specified transferase. Serologic reactivity of her RBCs was intermediate between that of B1 and B2 RBCs. That is similar to reactivity of Aint RBCs, which is intermediate between A1 and A2 RBCs. The proposita may represent a Bint phenotype.
Immunohematology
1993;9:11.
Compatibility testing problems associated with bovine thrombin–treated plasma
Authors: Shirey R.S. , Ciappi A.B. , Kickler T.S. , Triulzi D. , Ness P.M.
Published: June 2021

Plasma converted to serum by the addition of bovine thrombin prior to compatibility testing agglutinated all donor red cells. This finding prompted an investigation of bovine thrombin–associated incompatibility that showed that (1) thrombin derived from bovine plasma contains IgG antibodies directed against all human red cells, and (2) excess (> 50 units/mL) bovine thrombin used for conversion of plasma to serum may cause hemagglutination and erroneous serologic test results because of the presence of heteroagglutinins.
Immunohematology
1993;9;19.
Immune-mediated hemolysis in a postoperative patient Case report: anti-U and differential diagnosis
Authors: Pillay G.S. , Womack B. , Sandler S.G.
Published: June 2021

We present the differential diagnosis for a Coombs-positive immune hemolysis having onset during hospitalization and, in particular, during the postoperative period. The stimulus for this article was a delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) due to anti-U following open-heart surgery. The initial clinical and serologic findings led us to consider other causes of immune hemolysis which are reviewed in this article. To our knowledge, this is the fourth case of a DHTR due to anti-U to be reported in the medical literature.
Immunobematology
1993;9:41–46.
Anti-Uz found in mother’s serum and child’s eluate
Authors: Read S.M. , Taylor M.M. , Reid M.E. , Popovsky M.A.
Published: June 2021

A saline-reactive antibody, anti-Uz, that reacted stronger with S+ than with S– red blood cells (RBCs) and failed to react with U– or ficin-treated RBCs has been previously reported. We describe an antibody of similar specificity in the postpartum serum of an untransfused woman and the eluate from her fourth child’s cord RBCs. The mother’s RBCs typed S–s+U+, He+(weak), and appeared to have normal glycophorin A and B content, as determined by immunoblotting. The direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and the autocontrol were negative. Her serum reacted stronger with S + RBCs only in the antiglobulin phase, and failed to react with U– or ficin-treated RBCs. The antibody was adsorbed completely by S–s+U+ RBCs, proving that anti-S was not present. Monocyte monolayer assay results with S+s–U+ and S–s+U+ RBCs indicated that transfusion of incompatible blood would not result in significant hemolysis. The child’s cord RBCs typed S–s+. The DAT was 3+ with anti-IgG, and an eluate prepared from these RBCs had the same reactivity as the maternal serum. The child showed no clinical signs of hemolytic disease of the newborn. In contrast to previous reports, these results suggest an immune form of anti-Uz.
Immunobematology
1993;9:47–49.
Fy3 and S1a are carried on different red cell membrane proteins
Authors: Moulds J.M.
Published: June 2021

Fy3 and S1a are high-incidence antigens that are absent from the red cells of 60–70 percent of black individuals. The corresponding antibodies have similar serologic characteristics. Therefore, a study was undertaken to investigate whether Fy3 and S1a might be the same antigen. Red cells from donors shown to be Fy3 +, S1(a +) were labeled with 125I and detergent solubilized. The solubilized membranes were immunoprecipitated with two examples of anti-S1a and four examples of anti-Fy3. The eluates were run on polyacrylamide gels under reducing or nonreducing conditions. The four examples of anti-Fy3 precipitated a protein of approximately 31 kDa, while the two examples of anti-S1a exhibited a band at 220 kDa. Since the molecular weight of Fy3 is similar to that reported for Fya, it is likely that Fy3 is carried on the same protein that expresses Fya and Fyb. However, Fy3 is distinct from the S1a antigen, which is known to be carried on complement receptor one (CR1).
Immunobematology
1993;9:50–52.
Identifying blood group antibodies…can a computer help?
Authors: Dietz G. , Miller N.
Published: June 2021

Antibody identification is one of the last areas of laboratory medicine to embrace computerization. This is due in part to the complex nature of antibody identification. Until recently, computer programs written to assist with antibody identification have been slow and cumbersome. However, technological advances in computer hardware have greatly improved the response time for these applications. Still, blood bank technologists sometimes shun assistance from the computer because they consider antibody investigation as an intellectually stimulating aspect of their job that they do not wish to turn over to a computer. Computer programs for antibody investigation are probably most useful for technologists who perform antibody investigations infrequently. They can also be invaluable for experienced technologists performing complex investigations. When integrated with a computerized blood bank record-keeping system, antibody investigation software can improve storage and retrieval of test results. Database applications for retrieving rare cells and sera offer the potential to improve the productivity and capability of any antibody investigation laboratory. And word processing applications greatly enhance the potential for generating meaningful reports of test results.
Immunohematology
1993;9:53–55.
Reactive lysis—a phenomenon of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions
Authors: Greene D.L. , Khan S.
Published: June 2021

A 62-year-old female with Gaucher’s disease demonstrated alloanti-c on pretransfusion testing. She was transfused with five units of c-negative red blood cells (RBCs) preoperatively and intra-operatively. The hemoglobin (Hb) level was slightly lower initially, but was markedly lower on day 10 posttransfusion. Serologic results indicated a delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) due to alloanti-s,-Fya, and-Jkb, present both on the RBCs and in the serum. As late as day 35 posttransfusion, a mixed-field anti-IgG direct antiglobulin test (DAT) indicated that there were two cell populations present. The DAT remained positive with anti-C3b,-C3d throughout the course of the reaction. Because of the substantially lower Hb and the severity of symptoms, immunologic clearance of the antigen-positive donor RBCs was expected. However, we demonstrated their persistence. Our data corroborates the observation that complement activation occurring during DHTRs can result in the hemolysis of innocent bystander (autologous) cells.
Immunohematology
1993;9:4.
Antibody screening and direct antiglobulin testing using BioVue™ column agglutination technology versus standard tube tests
Authors: South S.F.
Published: June 2021

The BioVue™ column agglutination technology (CAT) was evaluated simultaneously with standard tube test (STT) methodology for use in indirect antiglobulin testing (IAT) and direct antiglobulin testing (DAT). One thousand thirty-five blood specimens were used for the IAT comparison, and 44 blood specimens were used for the DAT comparison. Both polyspecific antiglobulin and anti-IgG antiglobulin reagents were used in the tube testing and the CAT testing. For IAT, specificity was 100 percent for CAT and 99.6 percent for STT; sensitivity was 97.9 percent for CAT and 100 percent for STT. In addition, a 67 percent labor savings was realized with CAT versus STT. Specificity and sensitivity of both methodologies were 100 percent for the DAT. BioVue™ proved to be a reliable and efficient alternative to standard test tube methods for doing IATs and DATs.
Immunohematology
1993;9:78.
A possible relationship between colorectal carcinoma and ABO/Lewis blood groups
Authors: Henry S.M. , Woodfield D.G.
Published: June 2021

The incidence of colorectal carcinoma was compared with the incidence of ABO and Lewis blood groups. The raw data showed the known overrepresentation of the Le(a–b–) phenotype, but also suggested an association of colorectal carcinoma with the Le(a–b+) phenotype in group O individuals. When the data were adjusted by taking into account the known loss of Lewis antigens by Lewis-positive patients, this association could be shown to be statistically significant. These results may indicate involvement of the secretory H antigen in colorectal carcinoma.
Immunohematology
1993;9:101.
Clinical correlation of positive direct antiglobulin tests in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Comenzo R.L. , Malachowski M.E. , Berkman E.M.
Published: June 2021

Serologic findings of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (autoimmune hemolytic anemia and cold agglutinin disease) are not infrequent in patients with sickle cell disease and can be clinically significant. Features of sickle cell disease that may affect the emergence and intensity of immune-mediated hemolysis include the antigenic stimulation of chronic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, increased autoantibody production, RBC membrane defects, and functional asplenism. We describe two patients with sickle cell disease and serologic findings of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, but only one had increased RBC destruction attributed to the autoantibody. That patient’s RBCs had IgG and complement on the surface, while those of the other patient had IgG without complement. Functional asplenism may diminish the role of an IgG autoantibody that does not bind complement, since RBCs coated with complement are removed by the liver. Therefore, complement-binding autoantibodies may have particular significance in immune-mediated hemolysis in patients with sickle cell disease.
Immunohematology
1992;8: 13–16.
Case report: hemolytic anemia produced by tolmetin
Authors: McCall L. , Owens M.
Published: June 2021

Tolmetin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was found to be the etiologic agent in a case of drug-induced hemolytic anemia. A 35-year-old female who had ingested tolmetin sporadically in the past took two doses that resulted in acute hemolysis. Two days after taking the second dose, she had a hemoglobin of 7.0 g/dL, increased serum lactate dehydrogenase, reticulocytosis, and indirect reacting hyperbilirubinemia. The direct antiglobulin test was weakly positive with anti-lgG and anticomplement reagents. The patient's serum was nonreactive with reagent red cells in the absence of tolmetin, but addition of tolmetin to the serum resulted in strong agglutination of all reagent red cells tested. Serologic evaluation of this patient’s serum indicated that tolmetin caused hemolysis by an immune complex mechanism. Hemolysis subsided and anemia improved spontaneously.
Immunohematology
1992;8:17-18.
FEASIBILITY OF H2 PRODUCTION BY ACID CORROSION USING H2SIF6 AND WASTE FE SOURCES
Authors: Maeda Tatiane , Teixeira Letícia , Caixeta Lorrane , Antonelli Raissa , Pinto Camila , Dantas Sandra , Silva Priscila , Granato Ana , Fernandes David , Malpass Geoffroy
Published: June 2021

This study investigated the feasibility of H2 production by acid corrosion, employing a by-product from the fertilizer industry (Hexafluorsilic acid - H2SiF6) and waste iron sources. Different masses of metal from three different sources: iron powder (waste from metal workshops), steel wool and rebar (construction waste), were reacted with various proportions of H2SiF6 with HCl. The influence of the variables was evaluated by factorial design, verifying greater production of H2 for materials with higher contact areas. The lowest production was observed for construction industry waste (rebar) probably due to the presence of protective films and lower contact area. The gas produced was analyzed by gas chromatography and was found to consist only of H2 (up to 99%) and air. The results indicate a promising application of H2SiF6, which is generated in large quantities during phosphate fertilizer production and has few commercial applications. The method proposed is promising, it does not emit toxic or polluting gases, contributing to the sustainable generation of H2.
CONTRIBUIÇÕES À FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES DE QUÍMICA PARA ATUAÇÃO EM ESPAÇO DE EDUCAÇÃO NÃO FORMAL: QUADRO ANALÍTICO COMO FACILITADOR DA AVALIAÇÃO
Authors: Lourenço Ariane , Vizotto Maria , Queiroz Salete
Published: June 2021

CONTRIBUTIONS TO CHEMISTRY TEACHER EDUCATION FOR ACTION IN NON-FORMAL EDUCATIONAL SETTING: ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK AS AN EVALUATION FACILITATOR. This work presents an analytical framework focusing on the evaluation of contributions of formative actions to teaching practice. It consists of thirteen indicators, distributed into four levels, The framework was developed from analyzing participants’ final assignment, who attended a Specialization Course in Teaching Methodology in Natural Sciences, offered in a non-formal education setting. Potentialities and limitations related to the teacher education framework are discussed, as well as its application in the context of teaching chemistry.
50 years of design and operation of large wastewater treatment plant conferences. A history of innovation and development
Authors: Kroiss H. , Matsché N. , Krampe J.
Published: June 2021

Large wastewater treatment plants (>50,000 population equivalents) treat more than 80% of the wastewater treated on a global scale, today it might be even >90%. They therefore provide the most relevant contribution to water protection from urban and industrial wastewater. This was already the case in 1971 when academics realised that progress in the scientific community alone will not succeed in a rapid transfer of research results to practitioners in design and operation of these plants. At the same time, it was recognised that urgent problems in practice are not recognised early enough by the globally networking scientific community. The most effective means of solving these problems was the creation of a new forum where experts from both sides meet. Scientists normally create their special conferences and workshops to enhance global co-operation in their specific field of research and development. This is reflected in the existence of many IWA Specialist Groups (SG) with global representation. The IWA Large Wastewater Treatment Plants (LWWTP) events and the formation of the LWWTP Specialist Group have been the first to take care of a complex technology for water protection, where specialists from most other SGs can meet and discuss together with the practitioners designing and operating treatment plants. In fact, many new Specialist Groups had their origin in the workshop series starting in 1971 in Vienna, taking care of many specific problems reported from practice. The managers and chief operators of large plants, usually only served by meetings of national professional associations, got a new opportunity for global exchange of knowledge and experience together with the global network of scientists and researchers.
In vitro Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Studies of Ethanolic Plant Extracts
of P. granatum, O. stamineus, A. bilimbi, M. nigra, and E. longifolia
Authors: AlMatar Manaf , Makky Essam A. , Mahmood Mahmood H. , Wen Khoo Xu , Qi Tan Boon Gaik
Published: June 2021

Background:

Acne is a serious skin problem that affects mostly adolescents. The topical
and systematic therapies are effective but could lead to several side effects and the emergence of
antibacterial resistance of the acne-causing bacteria. Plant resources have been used as traditional
medicine for centuries and can be the alternative therapies for acne treatment. Antioxidants are compounds
that can prevent or delay the oxidation of substrates when present in low concentrations.
Antioxidants are usually involved in several mechanisms of action, including the inhibition of free
radical generation, enhancement of the scavenging capacity against free radicals, and reducing power.

Methods:

In this study, three antioxidant assays, DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP were used to evaluate the
antioxidant properties of the ethanolic extracts of five plant extracts (A. bilimbi, M. nigra, O.
stamineus, P. granatum, and E. longifolia). Furthermore, the study aimed to identify the most potent
plant extracts and their combination which could provide better antibacterial activities against acnecausing
bacteria. Ethanolic extracts of A. bilimbi, O. stamineus, M. nigra, P. granatum, and E. longifolia
were prepared by the Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) technique. Their phytochemical
contents were screened using several biochemical tests and GC-MS analysis.

Results:

The study found that only the extracts of P. granatum and O. stamineus exhibited good
antioxidant activity using DPPH assay (82.37% and 81.72% μg/mL respectively) and in ABTS assay
(87.25% and 88.85% μg/mL respectively); their observed FRAP values were 115.1667 ± 5.6182 and
41.3860 ± 2.4583 μg/mL, respectively. The preliminary antibacterial screening using the disc diffusion
method showed that P. granatum and O. stamineus were the most potent extracts; hence, both
extracts were combined at the ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 to a total concentration of 400 mg/mL.

Discussion:

The antibacterial efficacy of the mixture was studied using the disc diffusion method
and the MIC value was determined. Both S. aureus and S. epidermidis were sensitive to all the individual
and combined extracts but C. acnes was resistant to all of them.

Conclusion:

The antibacterial activity of the combined extracts against S. aureus showed a synergistic
effect at the ratio of 2:1 with the inhibitory zone diameter of 18.00 ± 1.00 mm and MIC value of
12.5 mg/mL; however, antagonistic effects were observed against S. epidermidis while no effect was
noted against C. acnes. Therefore, all the selected plant extracts exhibited antibacterial activities
against certain bacteria and their effects may be enhanced by combining the plant extracts.
Foldable/Expandable Gastro-retentive Films Based on Starch and Chitosan as a Carrier For Prolonged Release of Resveratrol
Authors: Boontawee Rattakorn , Issarachot Ousanee , Kaewkroek Kanidta , Wiwattanapatapee Ruedeekorn
Published: June 2021

Background:

Resveratrol exerts a number of therapeutic effects, notably antiinflammatory,
antioxidant and anti-cancer activities which are beneficial for the treatment of gastric
diseases. However, the efficacy of resveratrol is severely limited due to the poor aqueous solubility
and rapid metabolism following oral administration. As a result, foldable/expandable devices based
on natural polymers merging with solid dispersion technology have been developed to increase the
solubility, prolong the gastric residence time, and provide a controlled release therapy of resveratrol.

Objectives:

This research aimed to invent foldable/expandable films based on natural polymers, including
starch and chitosan, for stomach-specific delivery and prolonged release of resveratrol.

Methods:

The films were prepared by solvent casting using either rice, tapioca, corn starch or pregelatinized
corn starch combined with chitosan in different weight to weight ratios. Glycerol was
included as a plasticizer. Resveratrol solid dispersions (Res-SD) prepared by solvent evaporation and
employing PVP-K30 as a hydrophilic polymer were loaded into the polymeric film, which was subsequently
folded prior to insertion in a hard gelatin capsule.

Results:

The solid dispersions improved the solubility of resveratrol by a factor of 500. All Res-SD
loaded film formulations completely unfolded in simulated gastric fluid at 37oC within 10 min. Fluid
absorption by the films was influenced by the ratio of amylose and amylopectin in the starch granules,
with tapioca starch formulations displaying the highest fluid uptake. Films prepared from pregelatinized
corn starch and chitosan resulted in highly efficient delivery of resveratrol, with more than
80%of the content released over a period of 12 hrs. Furthermore, the released polyphenol exhibited
cytotoxic activity against human gastric adenocarcinoma cells and anti-inflammatory effects against
lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine, macrophage-like cells.

Conclusions:

These findings demonstrate the potential of foldable/expandable films based on natural
polymers as a promising stomach-specific carrier for improving the treatment of gastric disorders.