bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Escape of Phagocytosis—Activating Function from Platelets into Plasma during Storage
Authors: Yokoya Yukihiro , Sakamoto Haruhiko
Published: March 2009

Stimulation of the phagocytic activity of leukocytes by two glycoproteins, the macromolecular activators of phagocytosis 1‐MAPP and s‐MAPP, involved in platelet release products (PRPr), was not observed when platelet concentrate (PC), stored longer than 48 h, was used as a platelet source. The supernatant of the PC (Sup) acquired this activity during storage. Salting out with ammonium sulfate (AS) revealed that the phagocytosis‐enhancing activity was recovered in the supernatant of Sup from PC with 60% saturated AS, and the reverse activity, phagocytosis suppression, was observed in the precipitate with 30% AS. Suppressing activity was observed in PRPr prepared from both fresh and 48‐h‐old PC. The phagocytosis‐enhancing activity observed in the Sup from the 48‐hour PC was characterized by Sephadex G200 gel filtration and consisted of two peaks (300 and 150 kD), matching these of 1‐MAPP and s‐MAPP in the PRPr prepared from fresh platelets. These results indicate that 1‐MAPP and s‐MAPP escape from platelets into the plasma during storage, whereas the suppressing activity is retained in platelets for at least 48 h.
Autoantibodies in HIV‐infected Hemophilia Patients against Different Epitopes on CD4+Lymphocytes and Recombinant CD4
Authors: Daniel V. , Weimer R. , Zettlmeissl G. , Langner K. , Zimmermann R. , Opelz G.
Published: March 2009

We studied 684 sera obtained from 20 hemophilia patients with AIDS/AIDS‐related complex (ARC), 89 asymptomatic HIV+, 76 HIV‐ hemophilia patients and 151 healthy controls for antibodies against recombinant CD4 (rCD4). Twenty‐two percent of AIDS/ARC patients, 10% of asymptomatic HIV+ patients, 17% of HIV‐ patients, and 1% of healthy controls had anti‐rCD4 antibodies. Purified anti‐rCD4 antibodies did not react with human CD4+lymphocytes. This may explain why formation of anti‐rCD4 antibodies correlated neither with the occurrence of autoantibodies against CD4+lymphocytes nor with a decrease in CD4+cell counts. Antibodies that were eluted from CD4+lymphocytes after sequential adsorption and elution with separated CD8+and CD4+cells reacted with CD4+lymphocytes of only some healthy individuals, suggesting diversity of CD4 expression.
Seropositivity to Hepatitis C Virus in Saudi Haemodialysis Patients
Authors: Nasser M.N. Al , Mugeiren M.A. Al , Assuhaimi S.A. , Obineche E. , Onwabalili J. , Ramia S.
Published: March 2009

Seropositivity to hepatitis B, C and D viruses was studied in 66 Saudi haemodialysis patients from Al Baha region, south of Saudi Arabia, and was compared to that in 380 healthy Saudis from the same region. The results showed that HCV is endemic in this region (3.6%) and the prevalence of anti‐HCV in the haemodialysis patients was 45.5%, which is the highest reported so far in this group of patients. Anti‐HCV was related to the amount of blood transfused (> 5 units) and the duration of dialysis (> 3 years). The region is also hyperendemic for hepatitis B virus (67.4% overall exposure rate in controls compared to 75.7% in haemodialysis patients) and hepatitis D virus (HDV; 11.4% in controls compared to 12.5% in haemodialysis patients). The similarity in profile of HBV markers and HDV between haemodialysis patients and controls indicates that the current strategy regarding HBV is quite effective, in preventing the transmission of HBV and hence HDV but not HCV in haemodialysis patients. A strategy for preventing HCV is recommended.
A Hemolytic Reaction Implicating Sda Antibody Missed by Immediate Spin Crossmatch
Authors: Reznicek Mary J. , Cordle Delores G. , Strauss Ronald G.
Published: March 2009

Anti‐Sda, an antibody not usually considered to cause of hemolytic transfusion reactions, possibly was related to hemolysis following transfusion of red blood cells expressing strong Sda antigen. Prior to transfusion, the antiglobulin antibody screen performed in LISS and an immediate spin crossmatch were negative. Retrospectively, after hemolysis was detected, an antiglobulin crossmatch with red cells from the transfused unit revealed microscopic incompatibility. The transfused unit proved to have strong expression of Sda antigen —facilitating identification of a weak Sda antibody in our patient. In addition, this case represents an unusual instance in which an antibody screen plus an immediate spin crossmatch failed to detect an incompatibility that would have been apparent had an antiglobulin crossmatch been performed.
The Incidence and Consequences of Cytomegalovirus Transmission via Blood Transfusion to Low Birth Weight, Premature Infants in North East Scotland
Authors: Galea G. , Urbaniak S. J.
Published: March 2009

In a 2‐year study involving 133 premature low birth weight (< 1,500 g) infants, the impact of CMV infection via blood transfusion was assessed. 8.4% (7 out of 83) of transfused infants and 10% (7 out of 70) of those exposed to seropositive blood acquired CMV. In those less than 1,250 g the infection rate rose to 13.2% (7 out of 46). Seropositive infants were at a higher risk of acquiring CMV infection than seronegative ones. CMV infection did not give rise to specific immediate morbidity, and no deaths were attributed to CMV The only source of nosocomial CMV infection was the transfused seropositive blood. Based on these findings, it was possible to formulate a CMV transfusion policy to premature infants in our region.
Gift or Good?: A Contemporary Examination of the Voluntary and Commercial Aspects of Blood Donation
Authors: Beal R.W. , van Aken W.G.
Published: March 2009

The safety and ethical aspects of blood donation are examined in the light of current legislation and practice. The advantages and disadvantages of voluntary and paid donation are looked at in view of recent data concerning risk factors in various potential donor groups. It is concluded that voluntary, non‐remunerated blood donation remains the safest and most ethical means of securing the blood supply.
Autologous Blood Donation in Nonorthopaedic Surgical Procedures as a Blood Conservation Strategy
Authors: Goodnough Lawrence T. , Saha Prantik , Hirschler Nora V. , Yomtovian Roslyn
Published: March 2009

Autologous blood donation in many nonorthopaedic procedures is controversial. Our study of 408 consecutive such procedures could be divided into two groups. In group I, the anticipated probability for homologous blood transfusion was very low (<5%): vaginal hysterectomy and miscellaneous gynecologic procedures, obstetrical delivery, mammoplasty and cholecystectomy. In group II, the anticipated probability for homologous blood transfusion was high (>5%): open heart and vascular surgery, neurosurgery, mastectomy, abdominal and radical hysterectomy, and extensive urologic procedures. We conclude that for procedures in which the blood transfusion probability is very low, autologous blood donation should not be encouraged; this practice should be promoted in procedures in which the blood transfusion probability is ‘high’ (i.e. greater than 5%), with emphasis on maximizing autologous blood collection in order to minimize homologous blood transfusion.
TSEN: A Novel MNS‐Related Blood Group Antigen
Authors: Reid M. E. , Moore B. P. L. , Poole J. , Parker N. J. , Asenbryl E. , Vengelen‐Tyler V. , Lubenko A. , Galligan B.
Published: March 2009

We report an antibody (anti‐TSEN) that recognizes an antigen (TSEN) at the unique amino acid sequence that results from the junction of GPA58 to GPB27 if the GPB carries the S antigen. Red cells from several unrelated donors that possess this specific GP(A‐B) hybrid molecule were agglutinated by anti‐TSEN. Since a synthetic peptide with the amino acid sequence at this junction (Pro‐Glu‐Glu‐Glu‐Thr‐Gly‐Glu‐Met‐Gly‐Gln‐Leu‐Val‐His‐Arg) specifically inhibited anti‐TSEN, it must detect an antigen within this novel amino acid sequence. The TSEN antigen has been provisionally assigned the MNS blood group system number 002.033 on behalf of the ISBT Working Party on Terminology for Red Cell Surface Antigens.
Confirmation of Hepatitis C Virus Positive Blood Donors by Immunoblotting and Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: De Beenhouwer H. , Verhaert H. , Claeys H. , Vermylen C.
Published: March 2009

In a series of 385 sera obtained from volunteer blood donors positive for the first‐generation hepatitis C virus assay (Ortho), the viral genome was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 89 sera (23%). Most PCR‐positive sera were found positive with the c100‐3 neutralisation assay (Abbott) and by two second‐generation enzyme immunoassays (Abbott, Ortho). However overall specificity of these assays was rather low. By immunoblotting (Innogenetics and Chiron/Ortho) the specificity could be considerably improved and the best correlation with carrier state was obtained when analysing the results for lane‐specific reaction: all 89 viral carriers and only 9 other donors had antibodies against structural ‘core’ epitopes. From the present data we can conclude that in screening a volunteer blood donor population the confirmation of antibodies against ‘core’ epitopes by immunoblotting is strongly associated with viral carriage.
Complement Activation by Cold Agglutinins
Authors: Kirschfink M. , Fritze H. , Roelcke D.
Published: March 2009

Purified monoclonal human IgM cold agglutinins (CA) of different specificities (anti‐I, anti‐i, anti‐Pr) were investigated for their complement‐activating capacity in a homologous system. Incubation of human RBC with excess of IgM CA in the cold, and subsequently with human serum at 37°C, resulted in striking differences in hemolysis. Hemolysis did not correlate to the amount of antibodies bound to RBC at 4 or 20°C. Despite the hemolytic inefficiency of anti‐i and anti‐Pr CA tested, C1 fixation and subsequent activation of the classical pathway of complement could be assessed in all cases. Absolute numbers of C3 molecules bound to RBC, exceeding the critical level to initiate the terminal sequence of the complement cascade, could not fully explain the differences in the hemolytic activity of the CA. Since C8 binding protein (C8bp) carries I determinants it is hypothesized that anti‐I‐induced complement‐mediated hemolysis might also be favored by the binding of the autoantibody to and probably steric hinderance of this major regulatory protein of the terminal complement sequence. The prominent role of homologous restriction of complement‐mediated lysis as a protective mechanism can also be deduced from the fact that rabbit as well as rat serum as a source of heterologous complement lysed cold agglutinin‐sensitized red blood cells more efficiently than human serum.
HIV Transmission by Seronegative Blood Components: Report of 2 Probable Cases
Authors: Isarangkura P. , Mahaphan W. , Chiewsilp P. , Chuansumrit A. , Hathirat P.
Published: March 2009

HIV seroconversion was reported in 2 haemophiliacs after having corrective orthopaedic surgery. They received solvent‐detergent/heat‐treated factor VIII concentrate, HIV‐seronegative cryoprecipitate and fresh frozen plasma during the course of surgery. HIV seroconversion was found on days 31 and 71 after surgery. It is highly probable that the infections were acquired by transfusions of seronegative blood components. In countries with a relatively low prevalence of HIV infection, transmission of HIV by transfusion of derivatives of seronegative blood is occasionally reported as a rare complication of blood transfusion [1–3]. In Thailand the prevalence of HIV infection and the incidence of new infections in the general population and in blood donors has recently increased dramatically (fig. 1) [4–5]. As a result of these components prepared from HIV‐seronegative blood donations pose a significant hazard to recipients because of the risk of viraemia during the ‘window period’ of HIV infection. Here we report HIV infection in 2 haemophilia patients treated with HIV‐seronegative (using Fujirebio agglutination or second‐generation Abbott ELISA) cryoprecipitate and fresh frozen plasma in 1991, prepared locally from single‐unit donations. All donors were voluntary. Anti‐HIV was tested in every unit of donor blood before processing to blood components. Although not proven, it is highly probable that the infections were acquired by transfusions of seronegative blood components.
Prevalence of Anti‐Hepatitis C Virus in the Blood Donor Population of Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Vanderborght B. O. M. , Reis A. M. M. , Rouzere C. D. , da Silva R. Salgado , Yoshida C. R. T. , Franco L. G. P. , Maertens G. , Van Heuverswijn H. , Pereira J. Moreira
Published: March 2009

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies in 2,557 asymptomatic volunteer Brazilian blood donors is reported. Using the line immunoassay (Inno‐LIA) as a confirmatory test on ELISA anti‐HCV‐positive reacting sera, a prevalence rate of 2.7% for anti‐HCV positivity was found. By comparison, prevalences of 1.6% for hepatitis B surface antigen, 0.9% for Treponema pallidum, 0.4% for human immunodeficiency virus and 0,04% for Trypanosoma cruzi were observed. Only 57% of the HCV‐positive donors had elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Using previous criteria, based on surrogate markers (ALT ≥ 50 IU/1 and for anti‐hepatitis B core antibody), for HCV infection at that time, only 25% of the HCV‐positive donations would have been eliminated. In view of the high prevalence of anti‐HCV reactivity among the Brazilian blood donor population and the poor reliability of surrogate markers, it is recommended that routine screening for anti‐HCV in Brazilian blood donors is introduced.
Characterization of Factors Affecting the Stability of Frozen Heparinized Plasma
Authors: Palmer D. S. , Rosborough D. , Perkins H. , Bolton T. , Rock G. , Ganz P. R.
Published: March 2009

The use of heparin rather than citrate as primary anticoagulant has been shown to significantly improve the initial activity, stability and recovery of factor VIII:C from human plasma, cryoprecipitates or factor VIII concentrates if the plasma was initially frozen at ‐80°C and subsequently stored at this temperature. If frozen and stored at progressively warmer temperatures however, increasing amounts of insoluble protein aggregates, termed storage precipitates (SPs), were recovered in the thawed plasma and cryoprecipitate fractions. Plasma recovery by centrifugation at 7,000 g for 7 min [Method I (MI)], 2 times 10 min (MII) or 15 min (MIII) had little effect on SP formation after 1 month at any storage temperature. After 4 months at ‐20°C, more SP was recovered from MIII plasma whereas at ‐40°C, more SP was recovered from MI plasma. Also, the preparation method had little or no effect on factor VIII:C activity at equivalent storage times or temperatures. A trend towards improved factor VIII recoveries was noted at lower freezing and storage temperatures however. SP formation was associated with reduced fibrinogen levels in the recovered plasma without loss of antithrombin‐III or increased fibrinopeptide‐A. Western blots showed polymerization of Aα or γ‐chains of fibrinogen. SP formation was reduced or eliminated with factor XIII inhibitors, antibody to the active factor XIII a subunit or adjustment of heparinized plasma to 5‐10mM sodium citrate before initial freezing and storage. Although plasma factor VIII:C recoveries were only slightly affected at these citrate concentrations under most conditions, its recovery in cryoprecipitates was substantially improved owing to the reduction or absence of SPs.
Automated Processing of Human Bone Marrow Grafts for Transplantation
Authors: Zingsem J. , Zeiler T. , Zimmermann R. , Weisbach V. , Mitschulat H. , Schmid H. , Beyer J. , Siegert W. , Eckstein R.
Published: March 2009

Prior to purging or cryopreservation, we concentrated 21 bone marrow (BM) harvests using a modification of the ‘grancollect‐protocol’ of the Fresenius AS 104 cell separator with the Pl‐Y set. Within 40–70 min, the initial marrow volume of 1,265 ml (±537 ml) was processed two to three times. A mean of 47% (±21%) of the initial mononuclear cells was recovered in a mean volume of 128 ml (+36 ml). The recovery of clonogenic cells, measured by CFU‐GM assays, was 68% (±47%). Red blood cells in the BM concentrates were reduced to 7% (±4%) of the initial number. The procedure was efficient and yielded a BM cell fraction suitable for purging, cryopreservation and transplantation. At this time, 10 of the 21 patients whose BM was processed using this technique have been transplanted. Seven of these 10 patients have been grafted using the BM alone. Three of the 10 patients showed reduced cell viability and colony growth in the thawed BM samples, and therefore obtained BM and peripheral blood‐derived stem cells. All transplanted patients showed an evaluable engraftment, achieving 1,000 granulocytes per μl of peripheral blood in a mean of 18 days.
Factor VIII:c Concentrate Virus Inactivated: Progress in Purification by Using Classic Chromatographic Methods
Authors: Arrighi Silvana , Pacenti Lorenzo , Borri Maria Giuseppina
Published: March 2009

This study was carried out with the aim of developing a production process for the manufacture of a highly purified factor VIII concentrate which is virus inactivated by pasteurization in liquid phase. Beside standard plasma protein separation techniques, the procedure uses a chromatographic step on anion exchanger, whose selectivity is increased by using high, but not destabilizing salt concentrations. The final product before stabilization has a specific activity higher than 300 IU/mg of protein, namely the highest specific activity reported for human factor VIII concentrates purified without the use of immunoabsorbents.
The Donation Cycle: A Framework for the Measurement and Analysis of Blood Donor Return Behaviour
Authors: James R.C. , Matthews D.E.
Published: March 2009

The donation cycle represents a new framework for the measurement of blood donor return behaviour. Because it is based on the interval between successive donation attempts, it is more efficient than previously reported methods and the resulting data can be analysed using the statistical techniques for interval data. To illustrate the merits of this quantitative approach to the study of blood donor behaviour, the donation cycle framework is used to analyse the interval between the first and second donation attempts in a random sample (n = 5,183) of type 0, whole blood donors from the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Simple statistical tools such as the log‐rank test are employed to describe and to evaluate relative differences in the return behaviour of Rh‐negative and Rh‐positive donors. The analysis indicates that Rh‐negative donors are significantly (p < 0.001) more likely than Rh‐positive donors to attempt to donate on a second occasion. Kaplan‐Meier estimates of the survival function of these first‐time donors reveal marked elevations in the rate of return exactly 52 weeks after the initial donation. The donation cycle paradigm provides transfusion researchers with quantitative tools which are essential for designing statistically efficient, prospective intervention studies. By using the knowledge which such studies could provide, blood banks might be better able to manage donor return behaviour and thereby the safety of the blood supply.
Molecular Genetic Analysis of the ABO Blood Group System: 3. Ax and B(A) Alleles
Authors: Yamamoto Fumi‐ichiro , McNeill Patricia D. , Yamamoto Miyako , Hakomori Sen‐itiroh , Harris Teresa
Published: March 2009

We have employed a PCR approach to determine the nucleotide sequences of the coding region in the last two coding exons of the histo‐blood group ABO genes from one Ax and one B(A) individual. Compared with A1 alleles, the Ax allele has a single nucleotide substitution (T→ A at nucleotide 646) resulting in an amino acid substitution (phenylalanine→isoleucine at amino acid 216). Compared with B alleles, the B(A) allele has two nucleotide substitutions (T→C at nt. 657 and A→G at nt. 703) resulting in an amino acid substitution (serine→glycine at aa. 235). The amino acid substitution resulting from this B(A) allele is located at the second of the four amino acid substitutions which discriminate human A and B transferases, and the amino acid residue (glycine) is identical to that of A transferase suggesting the involvement of this amino acid or its surrounding area for the recognition and/or binding of the donor nucleotide sugars.
Screening of F.VIII:C Antibodies by an Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Mondorf W. , Ehrenforth S. , Vigh Z. , Last J. , Tippmann G. , Kreuz W. , Scharrer I.
Published: March 2009

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) method was developed in order to examine prevalence and titer of antibodies directed against the factor VIII coagulant protein (F.VIII:C) in hemophilia A and nonhemophilia A patients. Highly purified F.VIII:C was used as immunosorbent on microtiter plates with a peroxidase‐conjugated goat anti human IgG antibody for F.VIII:C antibody detection. Results determined by Elisa were compared with measurements according to the Bethesda method. Initially 24 plasma samples containing an F.VIII:C inhibitory activity ranging from 0 to 7,700 Bethesda units (BU) were analysed. At plasma dilutions of 1:128 the optical density determined by our Elisa measurement and the corresponding BU showed a logarithmic correlation. The coefficient of correlation was r=0.92 with a standard deviation of 0.002 from the regression curve. Plasma samples were analysed from 53 hemophilia A patients, from 21 nonhemophilia patients with acquired F.VIII:C antibodies and from 460 randomly selected nonhemophilia patients presenting for routine preoperative coagulation examination. F.VIII:C antibody‐positive Elisa results and positive BU were found in 7 hemophilia A patients and the 2 patients with a history of acquired F.VIII:C antibodies. Positive Elisa results and negative BU were found in 1 hemophilia A patient and 25 out of 460 nonhemophilia A patients (5.43%) suggesting F.VIII:C antibodies without inhibitory potency on F.VIII:C in these cases. The Elisa method proved to be suitable for F.VIII:C antibody screening in hemophilia and nonhemophilia patients. The Elisa protocol is easy to reproduce.
Loss of Red Blood Cell Viability Associated with Limited Thermal Inactivation of Extracellular HIV‐1
Authors: Stromberg R.R. , Kuypers F.A. , Sawyer L. , Friedman L.I. , Cole M. , Tran K. , Hanson C.V.
Published: March 2009

The effects of incubation at mildly elevated temperatures on HIV‐1 inactivation and in vitro red blood cell properties were investigated. Red cells (55% Hct) were leukodepleted (3 log10) by filtration, maintained at 45 or 47°C for 4 or 8 h, and then stored at 4°C. Hemolysis was twice that of controls after 42‐day storage for samples treated for 4 h at 45°C, and five times larger for samples heated at 47°C. There was also a significant increase in the rate of potassium loss, an early decrease in ATP levels, and an initial drop in pH for samples treated at either temperature. Larger differences were observed for samples exposed to these elevated temperatures for 8 h. Osmotic deformability curves obtained by ektacytometry showed dramatic decreases in red cell deformability at both temperatures and for both time periods. HIV‐1 inactivation in red cells treated at 45°C (approximately 0.25 log10/h) was considerably less than that obtained in tissue culture medium (1–2 log10/h). Since the decrease in red cell deformability is likely to indicate reduced red cell function and survival, and the rate of HIV‐1 inactivation is low, mild heat treatment is not an adequate process for viral inactivation of red cell products.
Antibody Fc Functional Activity of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Preparations Treated with Solvent‐Detergent for Virus Inactivation
Authors: Yang† Y.H. Joy , Ngo Catherine , Yeh Iehwee Ng , Uemura Yahiro
Published: March 2009

We report here results of in vitro comparisons of the Fc functional activity of a second‐generation intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV) preparation (Venoglobulin®‐I) and a third‐generation IGIV product that includes a deliberate virus‐inactivation step (Venoglobulin®‐S). Both formulations showed equivalent Fc‐mediated function against viral antigens (rubella, influenza A, and influenza B) by single‐radial hemolysis test, and against group B Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by opsonophagocytosis assay. In addition, we showed by three different immunochemical reactions and by HPLC analysis that both preparations consisted of mostly monomeric IgG and contained very low levels of complement‐fixing IgG aggregates. However, IgG aggregation induced by heating at 63°C markedly enhanced fixation of C1q and C3 and binding to Raji cells, indicating that the IgG molecules retained their complement‐fixing capacity. Thus, the incorporation of a virus inactivation step in the manufacture of our third‐generation IGIV did not alter the Fc functional activities of the IgG, as measured by these in vitro assay systems.
Transfusion‐Associated Respiratory Distress in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Marie , Chen Chi‐Ching , Hong Ching‐Chih , Lin Wei‐Shun , Cheng Yu‐Ping
Published: March 2009

Transfusion‐associated respiratory distress occurred more often in the past in Taiwan but recently only very rarely. From the results of our studies it would appear that the former cases did not represent immune reactions involving red blood cells, serum proteins (especially IgA), HLA or granulocyte‐specific antigens. Other causes, such as improper handling of the blood units may have been involved, but further study is also needed to investigate the possibility of the role of cytokine release from leukocytes or other factors. In addition, it appears that both plasma and serum obtained by recalcification of plasma may cause false‐positive reactions in the granulocyte microagglutination test.
Nanofiltration, a New Specific Virus Elimination Method Applied to High‐Purity Factor IX and Factor XI Concentrates
Authors: Burnouf‐Radosevich M. , Appourchaux P. , Huart J.J. , Burnouf T.
Published: March 2009

We have validated the use of two new regenerated multilayered structured cellulose membranes (BMM), Planova 15 N and Planova 35 N, with respective mean pore sizes of 15 and 35 nm, as a new filtration system to eliminate viruses in highly purified factor IX and factor XI concentrates. Virus spiking experiments indicated that single dead‐end filtration on the membranes could remove more than 5.7–7.8 log10 of human immunodeficiency virus, bovine viral diarrhoea virus, porcine pseudorabies virus, reovirus type 3, and simian virus 40, as well as the small non‐enveloped viruses, poliovirus Sabin type 1 and bovine parvovirus. In vitro control tests and animal studies (Wessler stasis model, rat hypotension model) of the two concentrates did not reveal any significant differences with the non‐nanofiltered material. Viral filtration of plasma derivatives on porous polymeric membranes might be an essential step in the improvement of their viral safety.
Evaluation of Apheresis Platelet Concentrates Collected with a Reduced (30‐ml) Collection Chamber with Resuspension and Storage in a Synthetic Medium
Authors: Holme S. , Heaton W.A. , Smith K.T. , Buchholz D.H.
Published: March 2009

Recently, the CS‐3000® Plus Blood Cell Separator with the TNX‐6 platelet separation chamber insert has been furnished with a small‐volume (30‐ml) collection chamber. In this study, a platelet synthetic medium containing glucose and bicarbonate (PSM) was used for resuspension and storage of this highly concentrated platelet product. Eighteen donors participated in a paired study design where each participant donated platelets on two occasions, once following collection in a standard chamber with resuspension and storage in plasma and once following collection in the new chamber with resuspension and storage in PSM. Substantially higher total platelet counts were obtained using platelets collected in the small chamber and stored in PSM as compared to control (4.4±0.9times1011 vs. 3.5±0.9times1011 platelets, p<0.01 by paired t test). After 5 days of storage, PSM‐stored platelets demonstrated higher ATP levels, less lactate dehydrogenase in the supernatant and increased lactate production with resulting lower pH at day 5 of storage (6.94±0.15 vs. 7.08±0.09, p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences of the survival by multiple‐hit estimation of PSM‐stored as compared to plasma‐stored platelets as determined by 111In labeling and infusion. A slight decrease in the initial percent recovery with the additive‐suspended as compared to suspended plasma cells was noted: 50±8 versus 54±9%, respectively (p<0.05). In conclusion, the CS‐3000 Plus/TNX‐6 apheresis system with a new reduced‐volume collection chamber and an additive solution provides a plasma‐poor and highly concentrated platelet product with satisfactory in vivo viability and in vitro functional characteristics after 5 days of storage.
Incidence of Post‐Transfusion Hepatitis before and after Screening for Hepatitis C Virus Antibody
Authors: Wang Yuan‐Jen , Lee Shou‐Dong , Hwang Shinn‐Jang , Chan Cho‐Yu , Chow Mo‐Ping , Lai Shiau‐Ting , Lo Kwang‐Juei
Published: March 2009

To evaluate the effectiveness of screening test for antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV), the incidence of acute post‐transfusion HCV infection in patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery and received blood transfusion was studied. All patients were followed prospectively with serum biochemistry tests and viral hepatitis markers before and periodically for at least 6 months after cardiovascular surgery. None of them had history of liver disease and none tested positive for anti‐HCV prior to blood transfusion. Before blood donors were screened for anti‐HCV with a second‐generation HCV diagnostic kit, 28 (12.4%) of 226 patients or 0.49% of 5,690 unit transfusion had seroconverted to anti‐HCV during a 6‐month follow‐up. The incidence of post‐transfusion hepatitis (PTH) C in 91 patients who had received 1–12 units transfusion was significantly lower than in 135 patients who had received more than 12 units transfusion (6.6 vs. 16.3%, p<0.05). However, none of the 87 transfused patients, since anti‐HCV screening in July 1992, developed PTH C (p<0.05). The result demonstrates that screening for anti‐HCV by a more sensitive second‐generation HCV diagnostic assay may protect the patients studied from PTH C. It further provides a firm argument for the necessity of a nation‐wide blood donor screening.
Effect of Filtration on Subsequently Stored Platelet Concentrates
Authors: Joustra‐Dijkhuis A.M. , Boomgaard M.N. , Pietersz R.N.I. , Steneker I. , de Korte D. , Loos J.A. , Reesink H.W.
Published: March 2009

The effect of filtration on the quality of platelet concentrates (PC) during storage was investigated. Two leukocyte depletion filters (Pall PL50HF and Sepacell PL‐10A) were applied to filter PC made from a pool of 4 buffy coats. For each experiment 3 PC were pooled and divided into 3 identical PC to eliminate differences between the PC. Two PC were filtered, and the third PC served as an unfiltered control. A total of 12 experiments was performed. Before filtration, volumes of the PC were 263±11.7 ml (mean±SD). Platelet and leukocyte counts per PC were 241±25.9 times 109 and 7.2±1.8 times 106, respectively. After filtration leukocyte counts did not exceed 5 times 104 in any of the PC. In the PC filtered with the Pall PL50HF the mean platelet loss was approximately 14% and with the Sepacell PL‐10A, 17%. During a 9‐day storage period the pH, PO2, PCO2, bicarbonate, lactate and glucose concentration and LDH release as well as the morphology, examined by the swirling effect and microscopically, were not significantly different in filtered and unfiltered units. Filtration through the 2 investigated leukocyte depletion filters for PC did not adversely affect in vitro viability of the platelets during storage.
Cortisol and Heart Rate Changes in First‐ and Fourth‐Time Donors
Authors: Bellitti P. , Valeriano R. , Gasperi M. , Sodini L. , Barletta D.
Published: March 2009

It is well‐known that during blood donation some subjects experience mild, moderate, or severe stress reactions. The frequency of these reactions is higher in first‐time donors than in experienced ones. However, hormonal variations might nevertheless be present in subjects who show no clinical reaction. Cortisol is the hormone classically involved in response to stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate cortisol behavior in blood donors who did not manifest clinical reaction. Cortisol was studied before and after the first and fourth blood donation in 20 blood donors, aged 25–45 years. Blood pressure and heart rate were also evaluated. Plasma cortisol concentrations decreased during the first (from 202.6±9.2 ng/ml at ‐15 min, to 147.5±8.0 ng/ml, at +30 min; p<0.001), but not during the fourth (142.5±7 ng/ml vs. 153.0±10.1 ng/ml) blood donation; blood pressure remained stable throughout donations, while the heart rate significantly decreased (from 78 to 68 beats/min; p<0.001) only during the first experience. The increased cortisol levels observed before the first donation are apparently due to emotional components, since they were not observed in experienced donors. We may conclude that blood donation per se is not a stressful event and that moderate stress, as suggested by the increased cortisol levels and heart rate at the first donation, is secondary to emotional rather than to physical factors and occurs during a never‐experienced‐before event.
The Therapeutic Value of HPA‐1a‐Negative Platelet Transfusion in Post‐Transfusion Purpura Complicated by Life‐Threatening Haemorrhage
Authors: Win Nay , Peterkin M.A. , Watson W.H.
Published: March 2009

Post‐transfusion purpura (PTP) was diagnosed in a female patient 1 week after transfusion for hysterectomy. Despite treatment with oral steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, platelet counts remained low, and the patient developed profuse rectal bleeding. Random platelet transfusion is reported to be ineffective in PTP. We report a case in which the transfusion of HPA‐1a negative platelets provided good increment and clinical haemostasis before intravenous immunoglobulin could have had an effect.
Vitreous surgery for macular hole in patients with Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease
Authors: Kobayashi Izumi , Inoue Makoto , Okada Annabelle A , Keino Hiroshi , Wakabayashi Toshiko , Hirakata Akito
Published: February 2009

Abstract

We describe two patients with Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada (VKH) disease, both in the convalescent stage, who presented with unilateral macular holes together with clinically significant epi‐retinal membranes. Vitreo‐retinal surgery was performed on the affected eyes and the surgical technique involved a standard three‐port vitrectomy, peeling of the epi‐retinal and internal limiting membrane (ILM). In both cases the retinae were tamponaded with air resulting in anatomical closure of the macular holes. The histology of the excised membrane was available in one case and this revealed multiple layers of presumed retinal pigment epithelial cells with cytoplasmic processes and intercellular junctions forming a basal lamina attached to the smooth surface of the ILM. Our findings demonstrate that macular holes can develop in patients with VKH but that the hole can be successfully closed with vitreo‐retinal surgery. The convalescent stage tends to occur several weeks after the acute stage when the uveitic process has subsided and is characterized by choroidal depigmentation, producing a sunset glow appearance to the ocular fundus. Patients may also demonstrate varying degrees of cutaneous hypopigmentation, poliosis and/or alopecia. Macular holes have also been reported previously in patients during the convalescent stage of VKH and this communication describes the outcome of two patients who underwent vitreo‐retinal surgery for this problem.
Comparative Analysis of Multi‐Criteria Decision‐Making Methods for Seismic Structural Retrofitting
Authors: Caterino N. , Iervolino I. , Manfredi G. , Cosenza E.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  The selection of a strategy to seismically upgrade an existing building is a difficult problem. In fact, several different technologies are available to this aim nowadays. Furthermore, many generally conflicting options have to be considered to assess the performance of each alternative. Decision support systems like the so‐called multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) methods may be useful in making, as much as possible, an objective and rational choice. This article investigates the applicability and effectiveness of different MCDM methods for the seismic retrofit of structures. Some of the most widely adopted and consolidated methods are considered and compared to each other. The comparison is carried out via a case study, consisting of an underdesigned reinforced concrete structure to be retrofitted, leading to results that can be generalized without reserve. Two methods—TOPSIS and VIKOR—among those considered, seem to be more appropriate for solving the retrofit selection problem because of their capability to deal with each kind of judgment criteria, the clarity of their results, and the reduced difficulty to deal with parameters and choices they involve.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION APPLICATIONS TO PEACE STUDIES
Authors: Kriesberg Louis
Published: March 2009

The major areas of work in peace studies are outlined: critical demystifications, fiture peaceful conditions, and realized peacemaking processes. Then the major ideas of conflict resolution theory and practice are mapped out. The possible applications of conflict resolution ideas to peace studies are then examined in terms of the major stages of a conflict: its emergence, escalation, de‐escalation, and settlement. All this is done for each ofihe major sources of international conflict: domestic, international context, and the relationship between the adversaries. Finally, some of the value issues in using conflict resolution ideas in the study of peace are discussed
THE PEACE MOVEMENT AND THE FORMULATION OF U.S. FOREIGN POLICY
Authors: Pagnucco Ron , Smith Jackie
Published: March 2009

Recent research on social movements emphasizes the importance of the political opportunity structure (POS) for movement development and impact. The POS for the peace movement, which is a contender in the foreign policy arena, is much more limited than it is for social movements working for changes in domestic policies. In this essay, the authors, both of whom are social scientists and peace activists, analyze the POS for the peace movement, focusing on two of its formal aspects, the interest aggregation structure and the policy‐making structure. The authors conclude by arguing that the peace movement should expend more energy on efforts to democratize the process of foreign policy making if it hopes to be more effective.
TEACHING PEACE THROUGH DEBUNKING RACE
Authors: Will Donald S.
Published: March 2009

Deepening economic disparities and renewed ethnic strife in the United States have rekindled the national obsession with race. Despite evidence to the contrary, the popular misconception of race as a biological category persists. While race may be most accurately understood as a social construct, racism remains a pervasive and insidious force in our society. Its role in fueling social conflict from Crown Heights to South Central Los Angeles demands that scholars concerned with peace and conflict resolution address issues of race in their courses and in the general education curricula of their institutions. Ironically, some lessons may be gleaned from the case of South Africa where the African National Congress espouses a policy of nonracialism that seeks to address the terrible consequences of racism while rejecting the false categories of race promoted by the apartheid system.
THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS A New Case of Conference Diplomacy
Authors: Kaufmann Johan
Published: March 2009

The Middle East peace process started in Madrid at the end of October 1991. It offers an interesting, and in part innovative, method of combining multilateral (conference) diplomacy and bilateral negotiations. This article first analyzes some of the typical elements of conference diplomacy, for example, the role of various actors, factors influencing conference diplomacy such as the media, culture, the confidence factor. It then summarizes several facilitating devices, such as fact‐finding, position‐papers, the package deal, the single negotiating text, logistical mediation and the use of “back channels.” After summarizing past efforts toward mediation in the Middle East conflict, the article examines how each of the factors and facilitating devices related to conference diplomacy is being applied in the current Madrid peace process. Some innovative features, such as letters of assurances sent by the United States to various participants, are reviewed. Finally, the role of several states or entities, such as the United Nations and the European Community, and the prospects for new institutional arrangements are considered.
DETERRENCE BY CIVILIAN DEFENSE
Authors: Vogele William B.
Published: March 2009

As the security environment of many states changes, some may be persuaded to explore defense strategies embodying methods of nonviolent civilian resistance. An important question for civilian‐based defense strategies involves their deterrence potential. By integrating deterrence theories with research on popular mobilization and social movements, this article explores the requirements for evaluating the deterrence potential of civilian‐based defense. It concludes that civilian defense can be evaluated as if deterrence mattered, although much work remains to be done to articulate measurable indicators of the social powers that would be engaged.
South Africa's National Peace Accord
Authors: Sisk Timothy D.
Published: March 2009

This article examines the background, implementation, and future prospects of South Africa's National Peace Accord, a wide‐ranging agreement to curb political violence signed by mainstream political parties in September 1991. The Accord is argued to be a novel and innovative attempt to reduce political violence, but one not without serious shortcomings and pitfalls. It explains the Accord's evolution in the context of the negotiated transition from apartheid to nonracial democracy in South Africa. The elements of the agreement are examined in detail, especially the role of regional and local peace committees established as mechanisms to reduce political violence at the grassroots level. The Accord's implementation is assessed, as is the role of international observer missions—especially the United Nations team—that links up with Accord structures. The article concludes with recommendations for strengthening the agreement and highlights the challenges, risks and opportunities its structures will face as political violence likely escalates in conjunction with South Africa's first nonracial election slated for April 1994.
POLITICAL OPPORTUNITY AFTER THE COLD WAR
Authors: Meyer David S.
Published: March 2009

The end of the cold war dramatically altered the prospects for challenging movements in both the East and the West. Because the international context in which social movements occur has so radically changed, their form and content is also likely to change radically. In this article, the author uses the concept of political opportunity structure to discuss the likely opportunities, issues, and constituencies of challenging movements after the cold war. The author begins by discussing political opportunity structure as an analytic tool, explaining how the end of the cold war alters opportunities for challengers within various countries and briefly outlines the events that marked the end of the cold war, arguing that activists played a role in precipitating and shaping the transformations now underway. Opportunities are discussed for political action on a large scale that activists have thus far pursued in a piecemeal fashion. The author then examines how these opportunities refract in Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and in the United States. It is suggested that the prospects for transformation from below have dramatically improved in the West because negative models of alternative forms of political and economic organization are no longer externalized as a security threat. In the East, matters are much less clear. Opposition to party‐state governments in Eastern Europe spanned a broad political spectrum during the cold war, unified only by rejection of the status quo. Paradoxically, new openness may make organizing and articulating new claims, particularly for democratic movements, more difficult, and the author concludes by calling for transnational activist efforts.
FOREIGN POLICY FOR THE “NEW AGE” The Sources of Henry A. Wallace's Early Internationalism, 1920–1942
Authors: Kleinman Mark L.
Published: March 2009

The mostly dismissive historical image held of Henry A. Wallace, who until 1948 was America's best‐known and most articulate advocate of international cooperation, has been based in part on an incomplete understanding of Wallace's background and the sources of his internationalism. This essay shows how two aspects of Wallace's intellectual makeup—his scientific expertise and his spiritualistic inclinations—combined to form a framework for the central component of his internationalist perspective, the agrarian ethic of “cooperation.” It was this perspective that Wallace brought to the public discussion of international relations by the Second World War. And it was the commentary he based on this perspective that stood almost alone after 1945 against the rising cold war “hard line” in American foreign policy.
READING AND TEACHING PEACE STUDIES
Authors: Meyer David S.
Published: March 2009

Book reviewed in this article:

Peace/Mir: An Anthology of Historic Alternatives to War, edited by Charles Chatfield and Ruzanna Ilukhina.

Realizing Peace: An Introduction to Peace Studies, by Thomas Keefe and Ron E. Roberts.

Peace and World Security Studies: A Curriculum Guide (6th edition), edited by Michael T. Klare.
Succession and survival in psychotherapy organizations
Authors: Khaleelee Olya
Published: March 2009

Abstract: This paper examines the world of psychotherapy by applying a systemic and psychodynamic understanding of the family business as a way of understanding the dilemmas and challenges of leadership succession. Oedipal factors are explored as an important theme within the succession process. This exploration is set within the context of what function psychotherapy has performed in society over the last thirty years. The hypothesis is that the first generation of leaders aimed to provide containment for the individual citizen at a time of failed dependency in society. The suggestion is that this gave way to the primary task for the second generation, which has been to focus on the therapist in training. The challenge for the third generation is to develop a meaningful role for psychotherapy today and to ensure survival at a time when other shorter therapies such as CBT are gaining ascendancy over longer term psychoanalytic psychotherapy.