bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of a novel antisense RNA transcribed from the opposite strand of the human blood group ABO gene
Authors: Hata Yukiko , Kominato Yoshihiko , Takizawa Hisao 
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND: To elucidate the molecular basis of control of the ABO gene in cell type–specific expression, during normal cell differentiation, and in cancer cells lacking A/B antigen, the mechanisms responsible for regulation of human ABO gene expression have been studied. Recently, naturally occurring antisense transcriptions have been reported to regulate gene expression through a variety of biological mechanisms. Therefore, RNA transcribed from the opposite strand of the ABO gene was investigated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The presence of antisense RNA to the ABO‐coding strand in human cancer cell lines and normal tissues was examined by strand‐specific reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. The 5′‐ and 3′‐ends of the transcript were determined by the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) system. KATOIII cells were treated with mithramycin A, followed by quantitative analysis of both sense and antisense ABO transcripts.RESULTS: The endogenous antisense RNA to the ABO coding strand was found to start within the first intron of the ABO gene, and the expression coincided with ABO gene expression in various cultured cells and normal tissues. This novel gene was named ABOAS. Treatment of KATOIII cells with mithramycin A repressed transcription from the ABO exon 1 promoter, while it increased the ABOAS transcript.CONCLUSION: These results suggest that ABOAS transcribed from the opposite strand of the ABO gene might be involved in the regulation of ABO gene expression.
Synthetic glycolipid modification of red blood cell membranes
Authors: Frame Tom , Carroll Tim , Korchagina Elena , Bovin Nicolai , Henry Stephen 
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND: Glycolipids have a natural ability to insert into red cell (RBC) membranes. Based on this concept the serology of RBCs modified with synthetic analogs of blood group glycolipids (KODE technology) was developed, which entails making synthetic glycolipid constructs engineered to have specific performance criteria. Such synthetic constructs can be made to express a potentially unlimited range of carbohydrate blood group determinants.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Synthetic constructs incorporating A, B, acquired‐B, and Lea blood group determinants were constructed and used to modify RBCs. Modified cells were assessed by routine serologic methods using a range of commercially available monoclonal antibodies.RESULTS: RBCs modified with different concentrations of synthetic glycolipids were able to give controllable serologic results. Synthetic A and B modified cells were able to be created to represent the serology of “weak” subgroups. Specialized cells such as those bearing synthetic acquired‐B antigen reacted as expected, but also exhibited extended features due to the cells bearing only specific antigen. Synthetic Lea‐modified cells reacted as expected with anti‐Lea reagents, but unexpectedly, were also able to detect the chemical anti‐Leab specificity of serologic monoclonal anti‐Leb reagents.CONCLUSION: RBCs can be created to express normal and novel carbohydrate profiles by inserting synthetic glycolipids into them. Such cells will be useful in creating specialized antigen panels and for quality control purposes.
Parvovirus B19 DNA in Factor VIII concentrates: effects of manufacturing procedures and B19 screening by nucleic acid testing
Authors: Geng Yansheng , Wu Chuan‐ging , Bhattacharyya Siba P. , Tan De , Guo Zheng‐Ping , Yu Mei‐ying W. 
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND: Parvovirus B19 (B19) is a common contaminant, especially in coagulation factors. Because of B19 transmission by pooled plasma, solvent/detergent treated in 1999, some fractionators initiated minipool nucleic acid testing (NAT) to limit the B19 load in manufacturing pools. In this study, the extent of B19 DNA contamination in commercial Factor VIII concentrates, that is, antihemophilic factor (human) (AHF), manufactured before and after B19 NAT screening was implemented, was determined.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 284 lots representing six AHF products made during 1993 to 1998 and 2001 to 2004 were assayed for B19 DNA by an in‐house NAT procedure. Anti‐B19 immunoglobulin G (IgG) was also measured.RESULTS: Most lots made during 1993 to 1998 had detectable B19 DNA. The prevalence ranged from 56 to 100 percent and appeared to differ between manufacturers. The highest level of B19 DNA found was 106 genome equivalents (geq or international units [IU]) per mL. Forty percent of the lots tested contained 103 geq (IU) per mL. In comparison, both prevalence and levels in source plasma–derived AHF products made in 2001 to 2004 were lower. Both, however, remained unchanged in the recovered plasma‐derived product because B19 NAT screening had not been implemented. Only an intermediate‐purity AHF product was positive for the presence of anti‐B19 IgG.CONCLUSION: The prevalence and levels of B19 DNA in AHF prepared from B19 NAT unscreened plasma were high but varied among products with different manufacturing procedures. B19 NAT screening of plasma effectively lowered the B19 DNA level in the final products and in the majority of cases rendered it undetectable and hence potentially reduced the risk of B19 transmission.
Seasonal temperature variation and the rate of donor deferral for low hematocrit in the American Red Cross
Authors: Sebok M.A. , Notari E.P. , Chambers L.A. , Benjamin R.J. , Eder A.F. 
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND: Hematocrit (Hct) values in healthy adult populations exhibit seasonal variation, with the lowest values occurring in the summer. The extent to which environmental temperature contributes to the seasonal trend in deferral rates for unacceptable Hct in the American Red Cross was further analyzed.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A centralized database of donations during 2002 to 2004, constituting 24.3 million donor presentations, was further characterized. Data on mean monthly temperature in the United States were obtained for the same period from a government agency. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between Hct deferral rates among blood donors and environmental temperature and donor characteristics.RESULTS: Hct deferral rates were associated with mean monthly temperature in the United States (R2 = 0.77). The relationship between the Hct deferral rate and environmental temperature was strongest in the region of the country with the highest seasonal variation in temperature, followed by regions with intermediate and low seasonal variation in temperature, respectively. The seasonal pattern in Hct deferral rates occurred in both sexes and across all age groups, with significantly higher Hct deferral rates occurring in June through August compared to other quarters (p  < 0.0007).CONCLUSION: There is a significant seasonal pattern in Hct deferral rates that is associated with environmental temperature. The relationship between Hct deferral rates and temperature is strongest in areas of the country with greater temperature variability. The effect of seasonality on Hct deferrals should be taken into account for donor counseling, recruitment, and retention efforts.
Seasonal influences on hemoglobin levels and deferral rates in whole‐blood and plasma donors
Authors: Hoekstra T. , Veldhuizen I. , Van Noord P.A.H. , De Kort W.L.A.M. 
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND: Indications exist that deferral rates in blood donors are highest in summer. However, a detailed quantitative analysis is not available. The association between Hb values, deferral rates, and daily temperatures was investigated in a large data set of blood donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The study population consisted of both plasma and whole‐blood donors from the southeast region of the Netherlands. Individual Hb levels and other examination data between January 2002 and December 2004 were extracted from the donor file. Data on daily maximum temperatures were related to Hb levels and Hb deferrals. Results are reported separately for plasma and whole‐blood donors as well as for men and women.RESULTS: Data were available from 106,398 whole blood donors and 6983 plasma donors, resulting in data of more than 600,000 examinations. Hb levels decreased with increasing daily temperature. Highest deferral rates were observed in summer months, which were consistent over the several groups and over the three years. The highest Hb deferral of 11.1 percent was observed for female whole‐blood donors on days with a maximum temperature of 25 degrees and above. In all four donor categories a gradual increase with temperature was observed with 1.7‐2.2 times higher deferral rates on hot days (≥25°C) compared to cold days (<5°C).CONCLUSION: A clear seasonal pattern in Hb levels and in the percentage of Hb deferrals was observed. The observed seasonal effect could not be explained by differences in donor characteristics. Our observations might have practical implications for donor management.
Fetal hemolytic anemia and intrauterine death caused by anti‐M immunization
Authors: Wikman Agneta , Edner Ann , Gryfelt Gunilla , Jonsson Baldvin , Henter Jan‐Inge 
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND:Antibodies with anti‐M specificity are detected in 10 percent of pregnant women with a positive antibody screen, but anti‐M is only rarely associated with hemolytic anemia in the fetus.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:This study reports on three pregnancies in one family that all resulted in severe fetal anemia. The first fetus died in utero with hydrops fetalis during the 20th gestational week and the second child was delivered after 28 weeks of gestation with hydrops fetalis and a hemoglobin level of 16 g per L whereas the third affected child was treated with intrauterine red cell (RBC) transfusions before delivery at 28 weeks of gestation.RESULTS:The direct antiglobulin test was negative but anti‐M in a low titer was detected through the three pregnancies, and its clinical relevance, which initially was uncertain, was confirmed by pronounced in vivo hemolysis in maternal blood of chromate (51Cr)‐labeled M+ RBCs and normal survival of51Cr labeled M– RBCs.CONCLUSION:It is concluded that anti‐M immunization in a few cases may cause severe fetal hemolytic anemia and intrauterine death. It remains to be elucidated why a normally clinically insignificant antibody is this aggressive in a small proportion of cases. Because the condition is treatable, anti‐M must be considered as a possible cause of fetal anemia and intrauterine death.
Y‐chromosome short tandem repeats analysis to complement paternal lineage study: a single institutional experience in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Hsueng‐Mei , Chen Pei‐Shan , Chen Ying‐Ju , Lyou Jau‐Yi , Hu Hui‐Yu , Lin Jeong‐Shi , Tzeng Cheng‐Hwai 
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND: Highly polymorphic autosomal short‐tandem‐repeat (STR) analysis can be useful in most kinship testing. Y‐chromosome‐specific STRs, in contrast, have been increasingly applied for the verification of equivocal paternal genetic transmissions.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 338 unrelated males were first typed for the 9‐loci Y‐STR European minimal haplotype (minHt). Samples with haplotypes that were found at least two times were subject to further study by a commercially available 17‐Y‐STR multiplex set (AmpFlSTR Yfiler). A separate clinical study for 113 various kinship identifications of male genetic transmission were then conducted by a panel consisting of 18 autosomal STRs and complemented by both Y‐STR multiplex sets and their respective results compared.RESULTS: For the 338 individuals, a total of 270 haplotypes were identified after the minHt study, of which 234 were unique. Among the rest of the 104 samples, AmpFlSTR Yfiler identified 82 other unique haplotypes. Altogether, 324 different haplotypes were observed; 316 (97.5%) were unique whereas 8 were shared by two to seven times. The haplotype diversities for the minHt and the AmpFlSTR Yfiler were 99.75 and 99.96 percent, respectively, whereas the powers of discrimination (PDs) were 79.88 and 95.86 percent, respectively. Despite a lower PD for minHt, there was no discrepancy on the clinical setting for personal identification between the two Y‐STR sets in an allegedly true male lineage transmission involving 66 cases with 24 father‐son, 19 siblings, 9 uncle‐nephew, 8 grandfather‐grandson, 3 cousins, and 3 half‐siblings. For 47 other cases with a false allegation of paternity, exclusion was made for all without ambiguity by either Y‐STR panel.CONCLUSION: The 9‐loci minHt Y‐STR set is adequate to complement conventional autosomal STRs for kinship studies where Y‐lineage transmission is concerned.
Managing a tissue recall in a large academic hospital
Authors: Steelman Victoria M. , Schlueter Annette J. 
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND: In October 2005, a recall of human tissue for implantation was initiated because one recovery center obtained tissues from donors who were not screened properly for infectious diseases. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended notifying affected patients and offering access to infectious disease testing.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A multidisciplinary team was established to provide a framework for responding to the recall. The plan was designed to meet six goals. Steps included patient identification, surgeon and patient notification, patient education and testing, communication of test results, and information for the public.RESULTS: The institution received 55 recalled tissues, of which 48 had been implanted into 30 patients undergoing neurosurgical, orthopedic, and general surgical procedures. Patients were identified and sent notification letters within 2 weeks of the FDA and CDC recommendations. Twenty‐seven patients underwent testing, which was performed at the convenience of the patients at no cost to them. One patient had evidence of previous (but not current) hepatitis B infection. Overall, patients were appreciative of the processes used. Media coverage was positive.CONCLUSION: The response plan was generally successful in achieving the established goals. Potential improvements were identified in several areas, including initial patient notification and coordination of test result communication. It is critical to allow flexibility to meet each patient's needs. The plan may serve as a template for use in future tissue recalls by other hospital‐based tissue banks.
Evidence for Electrical Remodeling of the Native Conduction System with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: HENRIKSON CHARLES A. , SPRAGG DAVID D. , CHENG ALAN , CAPPS MELISSA , DEVAUGHN KATHLEEN , MARINE JOSEPH E. , CALKINS HUGH , TOMASELLI GORDON F. , BERGER RONALD D. 
Published: May 2007

Background:

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves hemodynamics and decreases heart failure symptoms. However, the potential of CRT to bring about electrical remodeling of the heart has not been investigated.
Methods and Results:

We studied 25 patients, of whom 17 had a nonischemic cardiomyopathy, and 8 had an ischemic cardiomyopathy; 16 had left bundle branch block (LBBB), 1 right bundle branch block (RBBB), and 8 nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay. During routine device clinic visits, patients with chronic biventricular pacing (>6 months) were reprogrammed to VVI 40 to allow for native conduction to resume. After 5 minutes of native rhythm, a surface electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded, and then the previous device settings were restored. This ECG was compared to the preimplant ECG. Preimplant mean ejection fraction was 19% (range, 10%–35%), and follow‐up mean ejection fraction was 35% (12.5%–65%). Mean time from implant to follow‐up ECG was 14 months (range, 6–31). The QRS interval prior to CRT was 155 ± 29 ms, and shortened to 144 ± 31 ms (P = 0.0006), and the QRS axis shifted from −1 ± 59 to −26 ± 53 (P = 0.03). There was no significant change in PR or QTc interval, or in heart rate.
Conclusion:

CRT leads to a decrease in the surface QRS duration, without affecting other surface ECG parameters. The reduced electrical activation time may reflect changes in the specialized conduction system or in intramyocardial impulse transmission.
Achieving Sufficient Safety Margins with Fixed Duration Waveforms and the Use of Multiple Time Constants
Authors: KEANE DAVID , AWEH N. , HYNES BRYAN , SHEAHAN RICHARD G. , CRIPPS TIM , BASHIR YAVER , ZAIDI AMIR , FAHY GERARD , LOWE MARTIN , DOHERTY PAUL , KROLL MARK K. 
Published: May 2007

Introduction:

There are several options to achieve a sufficient safety margin in a patient with a high defibrillation threshold (DFT), with varying and typically modest success. Programming fixed (millisecond) durations of both phases of a biphasic waveform in an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has demonstrated utility.
Methods:

We established an informal multisite registry of ICD implanting facilities. Each facility agreed to attempt the use of fixed duration waveforms whenever there was an inadequate safety margin with tilt‐based waveforms. A 3.5‐ms‐based fixed duration shock was tried first. If that failed to achieve a 10‐J safety margin then a 2‐ms‐based shock was used. We also tabulated an HEDFT (high estimate DFT) as precise DFTs were not determined.
Results:

Sixteen patients (15 M, 1 F) were entered into the registry (age 58.2 ± 17.9 years) with ejection fractions of .30 ±.11. Superior vena cava coils were used in 7 patients according to physician preference. The tilt‐based HEDFTs were 35.4 ± 3.2 J delivered and 35.8 ± 3.3 J stored energy. The 3.5‐ms based shocks were evaluated on 14 patients and the HEDFT fell to 23.4 ± 6.3 J delivered (P < 0.0001) and 26.2 ± 6.9 J stored energy (P < 0.0001). The 2‐ms‐based fixed duration shocks were then evaluated on 6 patients and the delivered energy HEDFT was 22.2 ± 5.8 J (P = 0.001 vs. tilt‐based shocks) while the stored energy HEDFT was 27.9 ± 6.4 J (P = 0.01 vs. tilt‐based shocks). Using the better of the two fixed duration waveforms, the mean safety margin was improved from −1.2 ± 1.9 J to 9.5 ± 5.9 J (P < 0.00001). Multivariate predictors of the safety margin improvement were the absence of the Superior Vena Cava (SVC) coil and absence of Ventricular fibrillation (VF) presentation. Four patients still required lead repositioning after the use of the fixed duration waveforms. No additional leads were implanted.
Conclusion:

The use of a selection of directly programmed fixed duration biphasic shocks had a striking impact on the HEDFT for these difficult patients. Adequate safety margins were obtained for 12 of 16 patients with no lead manipulation or other approaches.
Elevated Estimated Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure is Associated with an Adverse Clinical Outcome in Patients Receiving Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: STERN JOSHUA , HEIST E. KEVIN , MURRAY LORNE , ALABIAD CHRISFOUAD , CHUNG JEFFREY , PICARD MICHAEL H. , SEMIGRAN MARC J. , RUSKIN JEREMY N. , SINGH JAGMEET P. 
Published: May 2007

Background:

A substantial percentage of patients with heart failure remain nonresponsive to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). There is a paucity of information on the impact of baseline elevated pulmonary artery pressure on clinical outcome and on left ventricular reverse remodeling (LV‐RR) after CRT. We sought to investigate the impact of elevated estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (ePASP) on clinical outcome and LV‐RR after CRT.
Methods:

This study retrospectively analyzed data from 68 subjects with standard indications for CRT over a 12‐month period. Subjects were stratified into two groups based on the echocardiographic estimation of pulmonary artery pressure i.e., ePASP ≥ 50 mmHg (n = 27) and ePASP < 50 mmHg (n = 41). Long‐term response was measured as a combined endpoint of heart failure hospitalizations and all cause mortality at 12 months, and compared within the two groups using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Follow up echocardiograms to assess for LV‐RR were available in 51 subjects (mean duration 7.1 months). LV‐RR was defined as any improvement in global systolic function with reduction in left ventricular internal diameter.
Results:

The study population was composed of 24 women and 44 men (age, mean ± SD; 70 ± 11 years), with a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction ([25 ± 9]%) and a wide QRS (171 ± 54 ms). There were no significant differences in the clinical features between the high and low ePASP group. Subjects with ePASP ≥ 50 mmHg had a significantly worse clinical outcome (Hazard ratio (95% CI), 2.0 (1.2–5.5), P = 0.02). Baseline ePASP was not predictive of LV‐RR (P = 0.32).
Conclusion:

In patients receiving CRT, although elevated estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (ePASP ≥ 50 mmHg) does not significantly impact LV reverse remodeling, it is associated with an adverse long‐term outcome.
Sedation with Midazolam for Electrical Cardioversion
Authors: NOTARSTEFANO PASQUALE , PRATOLA CLAUDIO , TOSELLI TIZIANO , BALDO ELISA , FERRARI ROBERTO 
Published: May 2007

Background:

Electrical cardioversion (ECV) usually requires the assistance of the anesthesiology team. To avoid this dependence, previous studies have considered the use of sedation with benzodiazepines administered by cardiologists. We describe our experience with intravenous Midazolam during cardioversion.
Methods:

We performed 280 ECV in 202 patients sedated with intravenous Midazolam, without anesthesiology supervision. In scheduled cardioversions, we tested two protocols of Midazolam administration: a bolus of 3 mg, followed by 2 mg each minute until necessary, and a loading dose of 0.09–0.1 mg/kg. In cardioversions performed during electrophysiology studies or defibrillator implant, Midazolam was administered by small repeated doses during the entire procedure.
Results:

Midazolam was effective to obtain adequate sedation in 99% of cases. All patients had amnesia with regards of the cardioversion. A loading dose of Midazolam allowed a shortening of the procedural time without serious adverse events. Intubation or the assistance of an anesthetist was never necessary.
Conclusion:

Sedation with Midazolam for ECV is effective and well tolerated, with some cautions discussed. A loading dose of Midazolam is well tolerated and further reduces the procedural time.
Strength Duration Curve for Epicardial Left Ventricular Stimulation
Authors: SCALLY MONIQUE , HESTON KAREN J. , RUDNICK ANDREW G. , DEGER FLORIN T. , GREENBERG RICHARD M. 
Published: May 2007

Background:

The strength duration curve for endocardial stimulation has been extensively studied. Little information is available on the left ventricular epicardial strength duration curve. In view of the large number of patients treated with resynchronization therapy, left ventricular epicardial stimulation parameters have practical importance.
Methods:

Twelve patients who underwent implant of a biventricular defibrillator were available for at least 4 months of follow up and accurate determination of strength duration curves were studied. Strength duration curves were constructed at 30 days (subacute phase) and 4 or more months (chronic phase) after the implant for right ventricular endocardial, left ventricular epicardial unipolar, and left ventricular bipolar stimulation. The goal was to determine the chronaxie, which correlates with the most economical stimulation.
Results:

There was no significant difference between the right ventricular endocardial and left ventricular epicardial bipolar chronaxie (P = 0.57 subacute and 0.6 chronic) or right ventricular endocardial and left ventricular unipolar chronaxie (P = 0.93 subacute and 0.92 chronic). Most chronaxie values were lower than the factory default values.
Conclusion:

The left ventricular unipolar or bipolar epicardial chronaxie is not significantly different from the right ventricular endocardial chronaxie. Both values are lower than the pulse duration used as default setting in most devices as well as in clinical practice. Individual determination of the chronaxie could lead to energy savings.