bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive variables and depressed mood in adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Esbensen A. J. , Benson B. A.
Published: June 2005

Background  Cognitive theory forms the foundation for cognitive therapy. There has been little research on cognitive theories and cognitive variables associated with depression in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). The current study examined cognitive variables of automatic thoughts, cognitive triad, hopelessness, attributions and self‐esteem associated with two cognitive theories of depression: Beck's Cognitive Triad theory and the Hopelessness theory of depression.

Methods  Seventy‐three adults with ID screened for adequate receptive vocabulary were interviewed as part of a larger study. They reported on cognitive constructs relating to depressed mood. In addition, comparisons were made between 12 adults with ID and diagnosed major depression and a matched group of 12 adults with ID and no psychiatric diagnoses in order to determine if these groups differed on the cognitive constructs associated with the two cognitive theories of depression.

Results  The cognitive variables examined were all significantly correlated with depressed mood in the direction predicted by their respective cognitive theory. Internal consistencies were good or excellent for most instruments, with the exception of those measuring hopelessness and attributions. In addition, significant differences were obtained between groups of individuals with and without co‐morbid major depression on all variables except for hopelessness.

Conclusions  The results indicate that adults with ID screened for adequate receptive vocabulary are capable of reporting on subjective feelings of depressed mood and associated cognition constructs. The instruments used may be suitable for this population as they generally possessed sound internal consistencies. The results support the further examination of cognitive theories of depression among individuals with ID in order to assess the appropriateness of cognitive therapies for this population. Discrepant findings regarding hopelessness are discussed.
Intrauterine infection and the risk of cerebral palsy in very low‐birthweight infants
Authors: O'Shea  , Klinepeter  , Meis  , Dillard
Published: June 2005

Summary.  Very low‐birthweight infants constitute more than one‐quarter of all new cases of cerebral palsy. We performed a case–control study of associations between antenatal maternal infection and cerebral palsy in very low‐birthweight infants. Cases and controls were selected from a cohort of 1238 consecutive infants who: (1) had birthweights between 500 and 1500 g and no major congenital anomaly; (2) were born 1 January 1986 to 31 December 1993 to a mother residing in 1 of 17 counties in north‐west North Carolina; and (3) were delivered at the only tertiary obstetric referral centre in those same 17 counties. A total of 984 of these infants (79%) survived to 1 year of age (adjusted for degree of prematurity) and were scheduled for a multidisciplinary examination; 815 (83%) came as scheduled. Excluding two cases attributable to post‐neonatal events, 62 cases of cerebral palsy were identified. Controls were the two infants, without cerebral palsy, born closest in time to each case. Medical records were reviewed by a nurse who was not aware of which subjects were cases. Among possible markers of intra‐amniotic infection, those associated most strongly with cerebral palsy were chorioamnionitis diagnosed by an obstetrician (odds ratio [OR] adjusted for gestational age [95% confidence limits] = 2.6 [1.0, 6.5]), antepartum maternal temperature > 37.8°C (OR  = 2.6 [1.1, 6.0]), uterine tenderness (OR = 2.6 [0.8, 9.3]), maternal receipt of antibiotics (OR = 2.2 [1.0, 4.7]) and neonatal sepsis in the first week of life (OR = 2.9 [0.9, 8.9]). All of these associations were stronger for diplegia than the other clinical subtypes of cerebral palsy. The association with chorioamnionitis and spastic diplegia persisted when adjusted for maternal magnesium sulphate receipt, maternal betamethasone receipt, method of delivery (vaginal vs. abdominal), acidosis on the neonate‘s initial arterial blood gas, systolic blood pressure < 30 mmHg and the diagnosis of major neonatal neurosonographic abnormality.
Relationship between histopathological features of chemotherapy treated retinoblastoma and P‐glycoprotein expression
Authors: Souza Filho João P , Martins Maria C , Caissie Amanda L , Torres Virginia LL , Fernandes Luiza HCF , Erwenne Clelia M , Burnier Miguel N
Published: June 2005

Background: P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) has been identifiedas a possible mediator of chemoresistance in retinoblastoma. Theaim of this study was to determine the expression of P‐gp in retinoblastomatreated with chemotherapy prior to enucleation.

Methods: Seventeen enucleated specimens of retinoblastomafrom 16 patients were studied. Nine had been treated with chemotherapyalone, and eight had been treated with chemotherapy and other formsof local treatment. Tumour differentiation as well as choroidaland optic nerve invasion were assessed. P‐gp immunohistochemicalstaining was performed and evaluated as negative, low or high.

Results: Histopathological assessment of thecases showed that 14 of 17 eyes (82.3%) had viable retinoblastomacells. Nine retinoblastomas were considered regressed with a well‐differentiatedcomponent, five regressed retinoblastomas had viable cells withpoor differentiation and three retinoblastomas had regressed leavingno viable cells. Sixteen of 17 retinoblastomas were P‐gp positive.In the one case with optic nerve invasion and the three cases with massivechoroidal invasion, P‐gp expression was found in invading retinoblastomacells.

Conclusion: Almost all retinoblastomas expressedP‐gp. High levels of P‐gp expression might play a role in chemotherapyresistance of retinoblastoma or, conversely, chemotherapymight induce P‐gp expression. These results might have an impacton management of bilateral retinoblastoma.
Agreement between stereoscopic photographs, clinical assessment, Heidelberg retina tomograph and digital stereoscopic optic disc camera in estimating verticalcup:disc ratio
Authors: Jayasundera Thiran , Danesh‐Meyer Helen V , Donaldson Mark , Gamble Greg
Published: June 2005

Abstract

Background:  The purpose of the present study was to determine the agreement between stereo photography, Heidelberg retina tomograph (HRT), digital stereoscopic optic disc camera (DISCAM) and ophthalmoscopy in estimating the vertical cup : disc ratio (VCDR).

Methods:  One hundred and ninety‐nine eyes of 100 subjects from glaucoma clinics were examined by a single glaucoma specialist and the VCDR on ophthalmoscopy was recorded. All eyes were classified as definite glaucoma, glaucoma suspect or no glaucoma based on the entire clinical assessment. Two glaucoma specialists viewed stereo photographs of the eyes separately and independently. A trained technician acquired HRT and DISCAM images. The agreement of VCDR among the four modalities was assessed by the method described by Bland and Altman.

Results:  Of the 199 eyes, 28.1% were classified as definite glaucoma, 36.2% as glaucoma suspect and 35.7% as no glaucoma. The 2 SD for the agreement between the two glaucoma specialists using stereo photographs was 0.18 VCDR. The 2 SD for the agreement between stereo photographs and HRT, DISCAM and ophthalmoscopy were 0.31, 0.31 and 0.28, respectively. The 2 SD for ophthalmoscopy and HRT was 0.32, for ophthalmoscopy and DISCAM it was 0.32, and for HRT and DISCAM it was 0.22. When the eyes were divided into tertiles according disc size and VCDR, the 2 SD was higher for smaller optic discs (<1.5 mm vertical height) and smaller optic cups (VCDR <0.4).

Conclusions:  There was good agreement between VCDR values estimated independently using stereo photographs by the two clinicians. However, when the different modalities were compared using Bland and Altman analysis, all showed poor agreement with a large 2 SD. The agreement was worse for small discs and smaller cups. The VCDR values obtained by the different methods were found not to be interchangeable in a clinic setting.
Ocular association of HIV infection in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy and the global perspective
Authors: Ng Weng T , Versace Patrick
Published: June 2005

Abstract

Ocular involvement is a common complication of HIV infection. Since the late 1990s, widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has altered the spectrum, and reduced the incidence of ocular involvement in developed countries. The incidence of the most common ocular opportunistic infection, cytomegalovirus retinitis, has decreased tremendously. However, immune recovery uveitis secondary to HAART has emerged as a frequent visually threatening condition. Early diagnosis and treatment with periocular steroids is helpful in minimizing visual loss. Clinicians should also be aware that certain antimicrobial agents used to treat opportunistic infections in HIV‐positive patients are associated with potentially serious ocular side effects. In developing countries, where most of the world's 40 million HIV‐positive patients live, the spectrum and incidence of ocular involvement differ from those in developed countries. The lack of HAART availability is among the many causes of these differences, which may include nutritional factors, basic medical care availability and the levels of exposure to different infectious agents. These factors add to the already challenging task of treating ocular complications and preventing blindness in HIV‐positive patients in developing countries.
Postural stability in primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: Shabana Noor , Cornilleau‐Pérès Valérie , Droulez Jacques , Goh James CH , Lee Grace SM , Chew Paul TK
Published: June 2005

Abstract

Background:  This study evaluated the visual contribution to postural steadiness in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), in correlation with the mean deviation (MD) measured through conventional perimetry, and with the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) score, which quantifies the extent of losses in the visual field.

Methods:  In 35 POAG patients and 21 age‐matched normal subjects, the sway of the centre of pressure of the feet, on a firm or foam support, was recorded. The subjects stood on a force‐plate with eyes closed, or with one or two eyes open.

Results:  For all subjects, the sway velocity was lower with vision than without vision, indicating the existence of a visual contribution to posture at all stages of glaucoma. This contribution was significantly lower for POAG patients than for normals in monocular and binocular vision, and decreased with the MD, or as the AGIS score increased. Among the maximum, minimum and average values of the two monocular MD, the MD of the worse eye presented the most significant negative correlation with the visual contribution to posture. The somatosensory contribution to postural steadiness was larger in POAG patients, as compared to normals, in monocular or binocular vision.

Conclusion:  Primary open angle glaucoma induces a deficit in the visual contribution to postural steadiness, which should be taken into account for the prevention of falls.
Professor Peter Choyce: an early pioneer of intraocular lenses and corneal/refractive surgery
Authors: Pandey Suresh K , Apple David J
Published: June 2005

Abstract

Professor Peter Choyce, FRCS, DOMS, MS, was one of the pioneers of intraocular lens implant surgery. He developed an interest in artificial lens implantation following cataract surgery, a procedure that was widely criticized by the ophthalmic establishment in the UK, Europe, North America and other countries. Owing to the opposition to the intraocular lenses, Peter Choyce together with Sir Harold Ridley cofounded the International Intraocular Implant Club in 1966, which was responsible for the gradual acceptance of artificial lens implantation. Peter Choyce developed several models of intraocular lens, but did not patent the majority of them. The Choyce Mark IX, manufactured by Rayner Intraocular Lenses, became the first US Food and Drug Administration‐approved intraocular lens in 1981. A review of Peter Choyce's record confirms a significant number of original innovations in the field of anterior segment surgery, including many procedures taken for granted today, but not associated with his name. These include early work on both kerato‐ and intraocular lens‐refractive procedures, keratoprosthesis, pioneering paediatric implant procedures and others. Unfortunately his tenacious adherence to anterior chamber lens technology, while in general clinically sound, caused many to question his influence and hence he remained poorly understood even until after his death. He passed away on 8 August 2001 after a long fight with colon cancer. In this article, we provide evidence and elaborate Peter Choyce's accomplishments, which places him as one of the most innovative ophthalmologist in his surgical field in the twentieth century.
Professional Accounting Standards and the Public Sector—a Mismatch
Authors: Barton Allan
Published: June 2005

Professional accounting standards have been applied to the public sector in Australia as part of the process of adopting accrual accounting. However, the reason given for their application to the public sector is questionable. The modes of operation of governments and of the business sector are very different, and accounting standards must be tailored to suit the specific information needs of each sector for the accounting systems to provide relevant information. The four Accounting Concepts Statements and the broad requirements of AAS 29 and AAS 31 are examined to show where changes are needed in the standards to make their information more relevant to the needs of the public sector. These changes would better enable accrual accounting information systems to assist in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of public sector operations and the accountability of governments to parliament and citizens.
Self‐Similar “Stagnation Point” Boundary Layer Flows with Suction or Injection
Authors: King J. R. , Cox S. M.
Published: June 2005

Multiple solutions are reported for the two‐dimensional boundary layer flow of a viscous fluid near a permeable wall through which fluid is uniformly withdrawn. In the limit of large wall suction, three flows of similarity form are found: the first is the well‐known monotonic solution of Terrill; the second exhibits flow reversal, with the streamlines being separated into three distinct cells; the third also exhibits flow reversal, but has multiple cells only when the fluid withdrawal speed is less than some threshold. The wall injection problem is also briefly studied, only Terrill's branch of solutions being found. Numerical and asymptotic solutions are presented and compared; the large‐suction asymptotics of the third solution branch are found to be rather subtle.
Parameter Estimation for Periodically Stationary Time Series
Authors: Anderson Paul L. , Meerschaert Mark M.
Published: June 2005

Abstract.  The innovations algorithm can be used to obtain parameter estimates for periodically stationary time series models. In this paper, we compute the asymptotic distribution for these estimates in the case, where the innovations have a finite fourth moment. These asymptotic results are useful to determine which model parameters are significant. In the process, we also develop asymptotics for the Yule–Walker estimates.
Temporal Aggregation of Stationary And Nonstationary Discrete‐Time Processes
Authors: Tsai Henghsiu , Chan K. S.
Published: June 2005

Abstract. We study the autocorrelation structure and the spectral density function of aggregates from a discrete‐time process. The underlying discrete‐time process is assumed to be a stationary AutoRegressive Fractionally Integrated Moving‐Average (ARFIMA) process, after suitable number of differencing if necessary. We derive closed‐form expressions for the limiting autocorrelation function and the normalized spectral density of the aggregates, as the extent of aggregation increases to infinity. These results are then used to assess the loss of forecasting efficiency due to aggregation.
Trimming and Tapering Semi‐Parametric Estimates in Asymmetric Long Memory Time Series
Authors: Arteche J. , Velasco C.
Published: June 2005

Abstract.  This paper considers semi‐parametric frequency domain inference for seasonal or cyclical time series with asymmetric long memory properties. It is shown that tapering the data reduces the bias caused by the asymmetry of the spectral density at the cyclical frequency. We provide a joint treatment of different tapering schemes and of the log‐periodogram regression and Gaussian semi‐parametric estimates of the memory parameters. Tapering allows for a less restrictive trimming of frequencies for the analysis of the asymptotic properties of both estimates when allowing for asymmetries. Simple rules for inference are feasible thanks to tapering and their validity in finite samples is investigated in a simulation exercise and for an empirical example.
Influence of Missing Values on the Prediction of a Stationary Time Series
Authors: Bondon Pascal
Published: June 2005

Abstract.  The influence of missing observations on the linear prediction of a stationary time series is investigated. Simple bounds for the prediction error variance and asymptotic behaviours for short and long‐memory processes respectively are presented.
The Association Between Obesity and the Frailty Syndrome in Older Women: The Women's Health and Aging Studies
Authors: Blaum Caroline S. , Xue Qian Li , Michelon Elisabete , Semba Richard D. , Fried Linda P.
Published: June 2005

Objectives: To determine whether obesity is associated with the frailty phenotype and, if so, whether comorbid conditions or inflammatory markers explain this association.

Design: Cross‐sectional analysis of baseline data from the Women's Health and Aging Studies I (1992) and II (1994), complementary population‐based studies.

Setting: Twelve contiguous ZIP code areas in Baltimore, Maryland.

Participants: Five hundred ninety‐nine community‐dwelling women aged 70 to 79 with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 18.5 kg/m2.

Measurements: The dependent variables were the frailty syndrome, including prefrailty, defined as presence of one or two of five frailty indicators (weakness, slowness, weight loss, low physical activity, exhaustion), and frailty, defined as three or more indicators. Independent variables included BMI, categorized using World Health Organization criteria as normal (18.5 to <25 kg/m2), overweight (25 to <30 kg/m2), and obese (≥30 kg/m2); chronic diseases; C‐reactive protein; and serum carotenoids.

Results: Being overweight was significantly associated with prefrailty, and obesity was associated with prefrailty and frailty. In all frail women, regardless of BMI group, a similar pattern of three defining frailty indicators was found: slowness, weakness, and low activity (with the addition of weight loss in the normal weight group.) In multinomial regression models, obesity was significantly associated with prefrailty (odds ratio (OR)=2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.29–3.84) and frailty (OR=3.52, 95% CI=1.34–9.13), even when controlling for covariates.

Conclusion: Obesity is associated with the frailty syndrome in older women in cross‐sectional data. This association remains significant even when multiple conditions associated with frailty are considered. Prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Claims Data Studies of Sedative‐Hypnotics and Hip Fractures in Older People: Exploring Residual Confounding Using Survey Information
Authors: Schneeweiss Sebastian , Wang Philip S.
Published: June 2005

Objectives: To identify the magnitude of confounding bias caused by factors not measured in claims data studies of sedative‐hypnotic use and fractures.

Design: Cross‐sectional survey data.

Setting: Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS).

Participants: Eight thousand seven hundred eighty‐five survey participants aged 65 and older.

Measurements: To determine the association between sedative‐hypnotic use and potential confounding factors, five factors not measured in Medicare claims data but measured in the MCBS were assessed: body‐mass index, smoking, activity of daily living (ADL) score, cognitive impairment, and Rosow‐Breslau physical impairment scale. The association between benzodiazepine or zolpidem use and these five factors was estimated. Combined with literature estimates of the associations between confounders and fractures, it was possible to compute the extent of residual confounding bias caused by a failure to adjust for them.

Results: Comparing zolpidem users with nonusers, there was considerable overestimation of an association with hip fractures if ADL scores (21.5% bias) or Rosow‐Breslau impairment scales (10.6%) were unobserved in claims data. All five unmeasured confounders together resulted in net confounding of 9.8% (range 0–39%). Comparing benzodiazepine users with nonusers, effect estimates were moderately biased (6.1%). After correction for this bias, the association observed in claims data (relative risk (RR)=1.38; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.14–1.66) was comparable with that found in a recent study using clinical data (RR=1.20, 95% CI=0.72–2.00). In contrast to the clinical study, the claims data study achieved formal statistical significance because of its much larger size (288 vs 1,222 hip fractures).

Conclusion: Claims data studies tend to overestimate the relationship between benzodiazepine use and hip fractures. After correcting for such bias, a statistically significant association persists. Concluding that there is no relationship at all based on small clinical studies that did not reach statistical significance may be misleading.
Cognitive Ability and Physical Performance in Middle‐Aged African Americans
Authors: Malmstrom Theodore K. , Wolinsky Fredric D. , Andresen Elena M. , Philip Miller J. , Miller Douglas K.
Published: June 2005

Objectives: To investigate the association between cognitive ability and physical performance in a population‐based sample of middle‐aged African Americans.

Design: Cross‐sectional study, 2000/2001.

Setting: St. Louis, Missouri.

Participants: Nine hundred ninety‐eight African Americans born between 1936 and 1950.

Measurements: Cognitive function was measured using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Animal Naming Test of verbal fluency. Physical performance was measured using eight tests: chair stand, semitandem stand, tandem stand eyes open, tandem stand eyes closed, one‐leg stand, usual gait speed, grip strength, and peak expiratory flow.

Results: There was a statistically significant and monotonic (progressively worsening) trend of the eight physical performance measures across cognitive tertiles in all eight MMSE analyses and five of eight Animal Naming analyses, controlling for age, sex, education, geographic area, depressive symptoms, and comorbid conditions.

Conclusion: The association between physical performance and cognitive function appears robust. The results extend previous reports for adults aged 65 and older to a measure of verbal fluency and to a population‐based sample of African Americans aged 49 to 65. Further research is needed to disentangle the temporal sequence and identify potential interventions to prevent declines in function.
In vitro evaluation of prestorage pooled leukoreduced whole blood–derived platelets stored for up to 7 days
Authors: Heddle N.M. , Barty R.L. , Sigouin C.S. , Boye D.M. , Nelson E.J. , Blajchman M.A. , Kelton J.G.
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND: Advantages to storing whole blood–derived platelets (PLTs) as a pool for 7 days would include operational efficiencies and facilitation of bacterial testing and pathogen inactivation. The in vitro quality of pre‐storage pooled PLTs stored for up to 7 days was assessed.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Leukoreduced PLTs were pooled before storage (5 units/pool) and stored for either 5 or 7 days. Samples were collected at the time of pooling and either on Day 5 (n = 16‐29) or on Day 7 (n = 4‐30) and tested for biochemical and activation markers and morphology and/or shape change. Control PLTs were stored individually for 5 or 7 days and then tested as indicated above.

RESULTS: The mean PLT counts (×109/L) were similar: control PLTs, 1344 (464 SD); and prestorage pooled PLTs, 1327 (220 SD; p = 0.93). On Day 5, the pH value was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.0001) for the prestorage pooled PLTs. Lactate and partial pressure of O2 (pO2) were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.003). On Day 7 of storage, significant differences were noted with pH, pCO2, and hypotonic shock all being lower with the prestorage pooled product, whereas pO2, lactate, and morphology scores were higher (p values all < 0.03). Although significant differences were found, the magnitude of the difference would not be expected to impact on transfusion outcomes.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that prestorage pooled PLTs can be stored for up to 7 days; however, studies are needed to ensure that the clinical benefit of PLTs stored as a pool is not inferior to those stored individually.
Intraoperative blood loss during living donor liver transplantation: an analysis of 635 recipients at a single center
Authors: Yuasa Takeshi , Niwa Norimi , Kimura Shinya , Tsuji Hiroaki , Yurugi Kimiko , Egawa Hiroto , Tanaka Koichi , Asano Hiroaki , Maekawa Taira
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND: Living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has been an important option in the treatment of patients with end‐stage liver disease. Massive intraoperative blood loss can occur during LDLT, necessitating blood transfusion. The purpose of this study was to present blood loss data from the recipients of LDLT, to assess the effect of massive intraoperative blood loss on prognosis, and to assess the reliability of preoperative information in predicting intraoperative blood transfusion requirements in LDLT.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 635 patients who underwent LDLTs between January 1995 and March 2002 at a university hospital were retro‐ spectively investigated. The volume of blood loss, prognosis, and preoperative variables were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS: Intraoperative blood loss ranged from 5.15 to 1980 mL per kg (mean, 136 mL/kg). Massive blood loss negatively affected survival not only immediately after operation (high blood loss [HBL]:low blood loss [LBL] ratio, 85.5%:93.9% at 1 month) but also over the long term (HBL:LBL, 61.4%:76.8% at 5 years). Preoperative risk factors for massive blood loss were determined to be recipient age (<1 years), weight (<10 kg), C‐reactive protein (>2 mg/dL), hematocrit (<30%), total bilirubin (>20.0 mg/dL), direct bilirubin (>16.0 mg/dL), and blood urea nitrogen levels (>30.0 mg/dL).

CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors associated with massive intraoperative blood loss during LDLT were identified. This is the first analysis of blood loss during LDLT at a single center. Massive blood loss is a predictor of poor prognosis in LDLT patients.
Red blood cell depletion with a semiautomated system or hydroxyethyl starch sedimentation for routine cord blood banking: a comparative study
Authors: Solves Pilar , Mirabet Vicente , Planelles Dolores , Blasco Ignacio , Perales Alfredo , Carbonell‐Uberos Francisco , Soler M. Angeles , Roig Roberto
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND: The major problem with long‐term cord blood (CB) banking is the required storage space. In this sense, many studies have been performed to establish techniques for volume reduction of CB units.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We compared two different methods for CB volume reduction in both development and routine phases: hydroxyethyl starch (HES) sedimentation and top‐and‐bottom fractionation with the Optipress II (Baxter Healthcare). Monitoring the total nucleated cell (TNC) count, lymphocytes, CD34+ cells, and colony‐forming unit (CFU) content in both preprocess and postprocess CB units assessed the volume reduction process.

RESULTS: The CB units processed in both groups had comparable volume and cells counts before and after volume reduction, except for number of red blood cells (RBCs), which was significantly greater for the Optipress II group. Recoveries of CD34+ and RBC depletion were significantly better for the HES group. For routine processing, TNC and lymphocyte recoveries were significantly better for CB units processed by the Optipress II system. There was, however, significantly less depletion of RBCs for this group. The time required for CB processing with the Optipress II was significantly shorter than the time needed for volume reduction by addition of HES (25 ± 5 min vs. 55 ± 10 min).

CONCLUSION: The volume reduction method with the Optipress II is a closed time‐saving system that allows good cell recoveries. In contrast, the main advantage of the HES method is the higher RBC depletion that influences CFU content. Reducing RBC content must be the object of further improvements for volume reduction using the Optipress II method.
HLA‐DRB1 alleles and Jka immunization
Authors: Reviron Denis , Dettori Isabelle , Ferrera Virginie , Legrand Dominique , Touinssi Mhammed , Mercier Pierre , De Micco Philippe , Chiaroni Jacques
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND: In transfusion medicine, anti‐Jka has been implicated in hemolytic transfusion reactions. Development of anti‐Jka after transfusion does not always occur after Jk(a–) patients receive at least 1 unit of Jk(a+) blood unit. This study was designed to identify HLA‐DRB1 alleles associated with predisposition to Jka immunization after blood transfusion or pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Genotyping by polymerase chain reaction and sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probe nonradioactive hybridization/sequence‐specific primers was performed in 20 Jka‐immunized patients and 200 controls from the same southern European population.

RESULTS: Genotyping showed that HLA‐DRB1*01 was significantly more frequent in Jka‐immunized patients than controls: 55 percent versus 17 percent (odds ratio [OR], 5.9; confidence interval [CI], 2.3‐15.5; corrected p value < 0.05). Because HLA‐DRB1*0101, DRB1*0102, and DRB1*1001 share a common sequence in their B1 chain, that is, F in 13, R in 71, and A in 74, HLA genetic predisposition was analyzed by comparing patients and controls with respect to the distribution of F13/R71/A74‐positive and ‐negative alleles. Results demonstrated greater positivity of the F13/R71/A74 sequence (DRB1*0101, *0102, or *1001) in patients than in controls: 65 percent versus 19.5 percent (OR, 7.7; CI, 2.9‐20.5; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, HLA‐DRB1*0101, DRB1*0102, and DRB1*1001, which share a common DRB1 sequence, appeared to be overrepresented in Jka‐immunized patients.
Why don’t young people volunteer to give blood? An investigation of the correlates of donation intentions among young nondonors
Authors: Lemmens K.P.H. , Abraham C. , Hoekstra T. , Ruiter R.A.C. , De Kort W.L.A.M. , Brug J. , Schaalma H.P.
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND: In the past decade, the number of blood donors has steadily declined in the Netherlands, and young adults are underrepresented among registered donors. An understanding of the correlates of donation intentions among nondonors could facilitate targeting psychological prerequisites of donation decisions in recruitment campaigns.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS. A cross‐sectional study with self‐administered questionnaires based on an extension of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB; a social cognition model to study the determinants of volitional behavior) was conducted to assess potential cognitive determinants of willingness to donate blood in a student sample. A response rate of 50.5 percent yielded a sample of 311.

RESULTS: Just over 7 percent of participants were registered blood donors but most (61.7%) had never seriously considered becoming donors. Self‐efficacy (confidence in performing the behavior), attitude (the overall evaluation of the behavior), and personal moral norm (the perceived personal responsibility to perform the behavior) regarding blood donation were the most important correlates of the intention to become a blood donor. In total, 43 percent of the variance in the intentions toward blood donation could be explained by a TPB‐based model.

CONCLUSION: Among students, determinants of the intention to become a blood donor include self‐efficacy, attitude, personal moral norm regarding blood donation, and subjective norm (perceived social support). Future research could establish whether campaigns targeting these psychological prerequisites would be more effective than current strategies.
Evaluation of platelet mitochondria integrity after treatment with Mirasol pathogen reduction technology
Authors: Li Junzhi , Lockerbie Owen , De Korte Dirk , Rice Joe , McLean Robyn , Goodrich Raymond P.
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND:Previous studies showed that Mirasol (Navigant Biotechnologies, Inc.) pathogen reduction technology (PRT) treatment resulted in an increase in platelet (PLT) glucose consumption and lactate production rates and decrease in pH in media during PLT storage. Increased glycolytic flux could result from damage to mitochondria and/or increased ATP consumption.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:PLT concentrates were collected by standard automated blood component collection system (Trima, Gambro BCT) procedure on Day 0 and treated with Mirasol PRT treatment on Day 1. PLT mitochondrial transmembrane potential was evaluated by staining PLTs with JC‐1 followed by flow cytometry analysis. Mitochondrial enzymatic activity was measured by the MTT assay. ATP content and pH were also quantified. The values for these measurements were compared among control, untreated, and pathogen reduction technology (PRT)‐treated PLTs during PLT storage for up to 7 days.

RESULTS:No significant changes were found in pH, JC‐1 signal, MTT activity, and ATP content of the PLTs immediately after PRT treatment. The treated PLTs exhibited a moderate but significantly accelerated decrease in pH and lower ATP content after 7‐day storage when compared to control PLTs. Neither the JC‐1 assay nor the MTT assay, however, showed a significant difference between control and treated PLTs during PLT storage.

CONCLUSIONS:There is no evidence from these studies that Mirasol PRT treatment alters PLT mitochondrial structural and functional integrity immediately after treatment and during PLT storage. An increased demand for ATP may be the driving force for observed increases in both the glycolytic flux and the oxidative metabolism observed in treated PLTs.
Dynamics of viremia in early hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Glynn Simone A. , Wright David J. , Kleinman Steven H. , Hirschkorn Dale , Tu Yongling , Heldebrant Charles , Smith Richard , Giachetti Cristina , Gallarda James , Busch Michael P.
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND: It is important to characterize viral dynamics in early hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to further our understanding of viral pathogenesis and the potential for secondary transmission in acute infection through blood transfusion or other routes.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Serial units given by 77 source plasma donors who had evolved from HCV RNA–negative to HCV RNA–positive by nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) screening with 512‐unit pool‐NAT or were followed from RNA detection to antibody conversion were tested by individual NAT and quantitative RNA assays.

RESULTS: During the ramp‐up phase when exponential growth occurs, HCV viral load doubled every 10.8 hours (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.9‐12.0). Intermittent viremia was observed before the ramp‐up phase in 37 of 50 panels with the earliest detectable viremic bleed occurring 63 days before the estimated onset of ramp‐up. The plateau phase or high‐titer viremic period that occurs between ramp‐up and seroconversion was estimated to last 56.3 days (95% CI, 44.8‐67.8).

CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent low‐level HCV viremia can occur as much as 2 months before the periods of exponential increase in viral load and the high‐titer plateau‐phase viremia that usually precede seroconversion. Animal inoculation studies are in progress to evaluate if transfusion of low‐level viremic plasma can transmit HCV infection.
Non‐transferrin‐bound iron in platelet concentrates promotes the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Matinaho Sanna , Parkkinen Jaakko
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus epidermidis, the most common organism implicated in bacterial contamination of platelet (PLT) concentrates (PCs), does not grow in serum unless transferrin is fully saturated and there is non‐transferrin‐bound iron (NTBI) available. Here, the occurrence and origin of NTBI in PCs has been studied.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: NTBI in PC supernatants was determined by a chelation method and by the bleomycin‐detectable iron assay. Iron binding by transferrin was determined by spectrophotometry, and transferrin iron forms, by urea gel electrophoresis. The growth of inoculated S. epidermidis in PC supernatants was monitored by optical density and determination of viable counts.

RESULTS: PCs contained approximately 0.14 µmol per L redox‐active iron measured by the bleomycin assay and approximately 0.7 µmol per L NTBI by the chelation method. As a further indication of the presence of NTBI, the growth of S. epidermidis in the PC supernatants was inhibited by iron chelation with deferoxamine. Transferrin in the PC medium was only partially saturated with iron, and the reason for the presence of NTBI was found to be impaired iron binding by transferrin. Iron was displaced from transferrin by citrate at molar ratios to transferrin that occur in citrated plasma and in PLT additive solution (AS). Citrated plasma supported the growth of S. epidermidis whereas serum did not.

CONCLUSIONS: PCs stored in plasma or AS contain a low level of NTBI because of the displacement of iron from plasma‐derived transferrin by citrate. NTBI in the PC medium supports the growth of S. epidermidis.
Caseous Calcification of the Mitral Annulus: Unusual Case of Spontaneous Resolution
Authors: Gramenzi Silvana , Mazzola Anna Alice , Tagliaferri Beatrice , Protasoni Giuseppe , Brusoni Denise , D'Aloya Gaetana , Brusoni Bruno
Published: June 2005

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a common echocardiographic finding. Caseous calcification is a rare variant appearing as a round, tumor‐like mass with central echolucent area located in the periannular region. Although occasionally misdiagnosed as a tumor and submitted to exploratory cardiotomy, this lesion appears to carry a benign prognosis. The true significance of caseous calcification is unknown; it might be an early and reversible stage of MAC or an atheroma‐like lesion. We describe a case of caseous calcification with spontaneous resolution in a 60‐year‐old woman—such a finding should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intracardiac masses.
Clinical and Echocardiographic Aspects of Mid‐Ventricular Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Martínez Baca‐López Francisco , Lilia Rayas‐Gómez Ana , Ramírez‐Arias Erick , Marisol Alonso Bravo Rosa , Yáñez‐Gutiérrez Lucelli , Bernal‐Ruiz Enrique , Silva‐Oropeza Elsa
Published: June 2005

Three cases of patients with hypertropic cardiomyopathy, apical aneurysm, and mid‐ventricular obstruction are presented. Two patients were diagnosed first by two‐dimensional and Doppler echocardiography, which showed mid‐ventricular obliteration, characteristic hourglass image, and paradoxic jet flow. One patient with suboptimal echocardiogram was necessary to perform contrast echocardiogram. Clinical picture was characterized by angina and dyspnea. Thallium myocardial imaging revealed perfusion abnormalities in apical region, ischemia or necrosis. Cardiac catheterism showed mid‐ventricular obliteration and significant intraventricular gradient and coronary arteries angiography without lesions.
Does Coronary Artery Size Really Matter?
Authors: Celik Turgay , Iyisoy Atila , Kursaklioglu Hurkan , Kose Sedat , Kilic Selim , Amasyali Basri , Isik Ersoy
Published: June 2005

Objective: To evaluate ischemia in right ventricle (RV) in patients with small caliber of right coronary artery (RCA).
Patients and Methods: The study population consisted of 60 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography within 3 months. The patients were divided into three different groups according to lumen diameter of RCA and coronary dominance. Group 1, 2, and 3 consisted of patients with small diameter of RCA, dominant RCA, and dominant circumflex artery, respectively. RV ischemia was assessed by using pulse‐wave tissue Doppler sampling obtained from RV free wall close to the lateral tricuspid annulus at the apical four‐chamber view during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE).
Results: When the mean systolic velocity percentages of increase from low to peak dose dobutamine in patients with small RCA were compared to those of other groups, statistically significant difference was found between group 1 and the other groups (P = 0.007 for group 1 vs group 2; P = 0.01 for group 1 vs group 3). The mean systolic velocity at peak dobutamine dose of patients with small caliber of right coronary artery was statistically lower than the other groups (P = 0.001 for group 1 vs group 2, P < 0.001 group 1 vs group 3).
Conclusions: There are a group of patients with small diameter of RCA causing probable ischemia in RV and small caliber of RCA can really matter in these patients.
Transesophageal Two‐Dimensional Echocardiographic Identification of Hiatal Hernia
Authors: Frans Ebenezer E. , Nanda Navin C. , Patel Vinod , Vengala Srinivas , Mehmood Farhat , Fonbah William S. , Bodiwala Kunal
Published: June 2005

We report a case of a middle‐aged woman in whom a transesophageal echocardiogram showed a mass‐like lesion posteriorly near the descending thoracic aorta. We were able to make a definitive diagnosis of this mass as a hiatal hernia because of a thick inner lining measuring 6–9 mm in thickness similar to the stomach mucosa, and the presence of a few microbubbles within the mass. In addition, the microbubbles increased considerably after 10 cc of agitated normal saline flush via a nasogastric tube.
Granulosa theca cell tumor with luteoma in the ovary of a bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata)
Authors: Nagarajan P. , Venkatesan R. , Mahesh Kumar M.J. , Majumdar S.S.
Published: June 2005

Abstract:  A mass was identified on the left caudal region of the abdomen in a 13‐year‐old bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata). The mass was excised and diagnosed as granulosa theca cell tumor accompanied with luteoma based on the microscopic findings. Morphologically it appeared pink, round, firm multilobulated measured approximately 5 × 3 × 2.5 cm in dimension. Histologically the luteoma composed of polyhedral cells with pale strained vacuolated cytoplasm, centrally located nuclei with distinct cytoplasmic borders. Granulosa theca cell tumor appeared as densely packed spindle shaped fusiform cells arranged in interlacing bundles and whorled pattern with neoplastic cells appearing irregular shaped solid sheets. The concomitant development of granulosa theca cell tumor with luteoma in a single ovary is very rare and is the first reported case in a bonnet macaque to our knowledge.
The use of CD34+ mobilized peripheral blood as a donor cell source does not improve chimerism after in utero hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in non‐human primates
Authors: Shields Laurence E. , Gaur Lakshmi , Delio Patrick , Gough Mike , Potter Jennifer , Sieverkropp Aimee , Andrews Robert G.
Published: June 2005

Abstract:  In utero hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a therapeutic procedure that could potentially cure many developmental diseases affecting the immune and hematopoietic systems. In most clinical and experimental settings of fetal hematopoietic transplantation the level of donor cell engraftment has been low, suggesting that even in the fetus there are significant barriers to donor cell engraftment. In postnatal hematopoietic transplantation donor cells obtained from mobilized peripheral blood engraft more rapidly than cells derived from marrow. We tested the hypothesis that use of donor hematopoietic/stem cells obtained from mobilized peripheral blood would improve engraftment and the level of chimerism after in utero transplantation in non‐human primates. Despite the potential competitive advantage from the use of CD34+ from mobilized peripheral blood, the level of chimerism was not appreciably different from a group of animals receiving marrow‐derived CD34+ donor cells. Based on these results, it is unlikely that this single change in cell source will influence the clinical outcome of fetal hematopoietic transplantation.
Demodex spp. in the hair follicles of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Starost Matthew F. , Karjala Zuzana , Brinster Lauren R. , Miller Georgina , Eckhaus Michael , Bryant Mark , Hoffman Victoria
Published: June 2005

Abstract:  The perineal or perineal and facial skin were evaluated on 53 rhesus macaques as part of a necropsy protocol. Microscopic evaluation of H & E stained skin sections revealed 19 animals positive for Demodex spp. Mites were seen within all portions of the hair follicles. Infestation varied from minimal to severe. Mites were found in macaques of all ages and in both sexes. Reaction to the mites ranged from no reaction, to minimal follicular epidermal hyperplasia to furunculosis. Immune status of the animal did not determine infestation but immune compromised macaques had more severe lesions. This is the first known report of Demodex spp. in rhesus macaques.
Indirect indicator of transport stress in hematological values in newly acquired cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Kim Choong‐Yong , Han Jin Soo , Suzuki Teruo , Han Sang‐Seop
Published: June 2005

Abstract:  Indicators of transport stress were investigated in blood parameters of five male cynomolgus monkeys obtained from abroad. They underwent air and ground travel‐related stress in transport cages for a 15‐hour transit time. On arrival, hematological parameters of white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit values were within the limits of reference range, indicating that these parameters were not typical changes derived from transport stress loading. An increase in neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte (N/L) ratio with a marked increase in neutrophils and a decrease in lymphocytes was observed on arrival, and the increased N/L ratio returned approximately to the normal level 1 week after arrival. The serum cortisol level markedly increased on the day of arrival and it returned to normal 1 week after arrival. These findings indicate that the transport process was stressful for animals, showing increases in N/L ratio as well as cortisol level. Thus, it is possible that an increase in N/L ratio may be utilized as an indirect indicator of transport stress in newly acquired cynomolgus monkeys, as it has the similar pattern of change in cortisol with an increased cortisol level on the day of arrival.