bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flow Cytometry: A Tool in Immunohematology for D+w(Du) Antigen Evaluation?
Authors: Tazzari Pier Luigi , Bontadini Andrea , Belletti Daniela , Malferrari Franco , Conte Roberto 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe performed a flow‐cytometric analysis of the expression of D antigen in D+w samples (previously termed Du). We also analysed a series of D‐positive and D‐negative (cde phenotype) samples to obtain positive and negative controls, respectively. The evaluation was carried out by immunofluorescence and the intensity of positivity was expressed as mean channel value (MCV) of fluorescence. Results demonstrated that D+w samples have lower expression (less than 1 log) than D‐positive cases (p>0.001, Student t test), while cde samples show the same MCVs as negative controls. Moreover, it was also possible to set a grading of D antigen expression and to analyze cases difficult to assess by agglutination only.
Donor Follow‐Up of Influenza Vaccine‐Related Multiple Viral Enzyme Immunoassay Reactivity
Authors: Arnold N.L , Slade B.A. , Jones M.M. , Popovsky M.A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractFalse‐positive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) tests in blood donors receiving influenza vaccine were first reported in 1991. We conducted follow‐up testing for 6 months of those donors with multiply reactive, but unconfirmed EIA (at least 2 positives in anti‐HCV‐1.0, anti‐HIV‐1, and anti‐HTLV‐I assays) with a history of recent flu vaccine to determine the duration of false positivity. Of 133,000 donors tested, 16 met study criteria; all 16 were reactive for anti‐HCV, 10 were reactive for anti‐HIV‐1, and 12 were reactive for anti‐HTLV‐I. Fifteen donors were available for follow‐up testing (using the original screening and supplemental tests): 10 (67%) reverted to negative for the 3 tests and 5 remained false positive for various markers at last sampling (3–6 months after vaccination). The mean duration of false positivity for those reverting to negative EIA test status, was 4.2 months (range 2–7 months) indicating a transient phenomenon and supporting studies which suggest a role for IgM in the mechanism.
Effectiveness of High‐Dose Intravenous Gamma Globulin Therapy in Acquired von Willebrand's Disease
Authors: van Genderen Perry J.J. , Michiels Jan J. , Bakker Jet J. , van't Veer Mars B. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAn 82‐year‐old patient with acquired von Willebrand's disease in association with a non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and a benign IgGλ monoclonal paraproteinaemia is described with severe recurring nasopharyngeal bleedings, who responded poorly to desmopressin (DDAVP) and factor VIII/von Willebrand factor concentrates but was successfully treated with high‐dose intravenous γ‐globulin therapy.
Microbiologic Contamination of Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Autografts
Authors: Schwella N. , Zimmermann R. , Heuft H.G. , Blasczyk R. , Beyer J. , Rick O. , Kreißig C. , Zingsem J. , Eckstein R. , Siegert W. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe have determined the incidence and clinical significance of positive microbiologic cultures in a series of 290 peripheral blood stem cell concentrates in 95 patients undergoing multiple apheresis procedures for autologous stem cell rescue. Specimens for bacterial cultures were obtained after processing of the autografts just prior to freezing. The incidence of microbial contamination was 4.5% (n = 13). The predominant pathogenic microorganism cultured was coagulasenegative Staphylococcus (n = 11). From 8 patients with contaminated leukapheresis products 6 underwent autologous stem cell transplantation. Five patients received 1–5 culture‐positive stem cell concentrates without serious sequelae, whereas the sixth patient was autografted with noncontaminated leukapheresis products, 1 concentrate contaminated with Aspergillus fumigatus being not reinfused. No microorganism present in the stem cell autograft was recovered in vivo in the posttransplantation period, although fever as a sign of infection occurred in all but 1 patient. Peripheral blood stem cell collection and ex vivo processing for cryopreservation may result in microbiologic contamination. However, our data show that infusion of contaminated stem cell autografts does not play a significant role as a source for infections in the clinical setting of autologous stem cell rescue.
An Analysis of Autologous Blood Donor Motivational Factors
Authors: Domen R.E. , Ribicki L.A. , Hoeltge G.A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractLittle is known about the patient's reasons for participating in an autologous blood (AUB) collection program. We surveyed 110 AUB donors in our hospital‐based collection program. Although fear of infection from an allogeneic blood transfusion was cited by 20% of AUB donors, 68.2% indicated that their physician's recommendation was a motivating factor. For 18.2% self‐initiated motivation was a factor in pursuing AUB. The overwhelming majority (97.1%) stated they would donate AUB even if the risk of getting AIDS from a blood transfusion was zero. Fear of infection does not appear to be the primary reason for patients to donate AUB. Recommendation by their personal physician is an important component in the patients' decision‐making process to set aside their own blood for upcoming surgery.
Is Allergy Screening of Blood Donors Necessary?: A Comparison between Questionnaire Answers and the Presence of Circulating IgE Antibodies
Authors: Stern Annika , van Hage‐Hamsten Marianne , Sondell Kerstin , Johansson S. G. O. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe investigated 477 consecutive blood donors in order to find the predictive value of a questionnaire as a screening method for preventing passive transfer of IgE antibodies to common allergens that might cause transfusion reactions. Of the 477 donors, 119 (24.9%) claimed to be allergic and 358 (75.1%) recorded no allergic complaints. Serological examination with Phadiatop® and a multi‐allergen mix for food (fx5) detected IgE antibodies in only 54.5% of the allegedly alllergic blood donors. Among the allegedly asymptomatic donors, 12.3% showed positive results in these tests. Subsequently, radioallergosorbent test analyses with common inhalant and food allergens were performed to specify the IgE responses obtained. Our results demonstrate a remarkable difference between the questionnaire answers and the serological measurements of IgE antibodies and raise the question of whether – and if so, what kind of – allergy screening is warranted among presumptive blood donors.
A Quantitative Assay for Subclassing IgG Alloantibodies Implicated in Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn
Authors: Thomas Nanette C. , Shirey Rosetta S. , Blakemore Karin , Kickler Thomas S. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTraditionally, IgG subclassing has been performed using qualitative assays. Quantitation of IgG subclasses may have prognostic value in evaluating alloimmunized pregnancies. A quantitative enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was implemented for measuring IgG subclasses of red blood cell (RBC) antibodies (AB) isolated by adsorption/elution from the sera of alloimmunized pregnant women. The assay is a sandwich enzyme immunoassay using monoclonal antibodies specific for the relevant IgG subclasses and anti‐human IgG peroxidase conjugate to quantitate the amount of bound IgG. The sensitivities of the assay for IgG1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, were 4,23,4 and 2 μg/l. The results for each subclass for a given AB were expressed as a percentage of the total. In a series of pregnant mothers with ABs: E (4), Fya (2), Jka (1) and S (1), the mean percentage ± 1SD of each subclass was: IgG1 61±34; IgG2 14±22; IgG3 18±28 and IgG4 4±17. IgG1 or IgG3 accounted for greater than 50% of the AB subclass distribution in 5 cases that resulted in hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). Although only a small number of samples was studied, changes in the concentrations of IgG1 or IgG3 during gestation suggest a correlation with the presence or absence of HDN. The ELISA may be used to quantitate the IgG subclasses of RBC ABs and may be valuable in predicting the severity of HDN in alloimmunized pregnancies.
Epidemiology of Inhibitors in Haemophilia A
Authors: Kreuz W. , Escuriola‐Ettingshausen C. , Martinez‐Saguer I. , Güngör T. , Kornhuber B. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractOne of the most serious complications of the treatment of haemophilia A is the development of inhibitors. Former studies mostly considered the prevalence of inhibitor development, thus underestimating its true risk. Prevalences ranged widely (7–18%) probably due to the populations studied and the study design. Recent prospective previously untreated patients (PUP) studies were more comparable because of similar study designs. Eight PUP studies regarding the incidence of factor VIII inhibitors were analyzed: The inhibitor incidences (Independent of severity of haemophilia) ranged from 18.4 to 28%. Evaluating only severe haemophiliacs (factor VIII<2%) significantly higher incidences were found. After 9–36 exposure days (as medians inhibitor development occurred at 0.8‐3.3 years of age (as medians).
Butyrylcholinesterase: biomarker for exposure to organophosphorus insecticides
Authors: Stefanidou M. , Athanaselis S. , Spiliopoulou H. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractButyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) is routinely measured to assess exposure to or effects of organophosphorus insecticides (OP). As a biomarker, it can be used to clarify the relation between exposure to OP and health impairment. The interpretation of BuChE inhibition data, particularly of small changes in enzymatic activity, sometimes presents significant complexities. These complexities are presented in this short communication and the factors that influence the degree of BuChE inhibition are discussed. Despite the complexities of their interpretation, BuChE measurements remain a mainstay for the fast initial screening of exposure to OP; thus, they are a useful tool in the protection of humans, domestic animals and wildlife from overexposure to these toxic agents.
A prospective, non‐randomized trial comparing robot‐assisted laparoscopic and retropubic radical prostatectomy in one European institution
Authors: Ficarra Vincenzo , Novara Giacomo , Fracalanza Simonetta , D’Elia Carolina , Secco Silvia , Iafrate Massimo , Cavalleri Stefano , Artibani Walter 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo compare the functional results of two contemporary series of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer treated by robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) or retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP).PATIENTS AND METHODSThis was a non‐randomized prospective comparative study of all patients undergoing RALP or RRP for clinically localized prostate cancer at our institution from February 2006 to April 2007.RESULTSWe enrolled 105 patients in the RRP and 103 in the RALP group; the two groups were comparable for all clinical and pathological variables, except median age. For RRP and RALP the respective median operative duration was 135 and 185 min (P < 0.001), the intraoperative blood loss 500 and 300 mL (P < 0.001) and postoperative transfusion rates 14% and 1.9% (P < 0.01). There were complications in 9.7% and 10.4% of the patients (P = 0.854) after RRP and RALP, respectively; the positive surgical margin rates in pT2 cancers were 12.2% and 11.7% (P = 0.70). For urinary continence, 41% of patients having RRP and 68.9% of those having RALP were continent at catheter removal (P < 0.001). The 12‐month continence rates were 88% after RRP and 97% after RALP (P = 0.01), with the mean time to continence being 75 and 25 days (P < 0.001), respectively. At the 12‐month follow‐up, 20 of 41 patients having bilateral nerve‐sparing RRP (49%) and 52 of 64 having bilateral nerve‐sparing RALP (81%) (P < 0.001) had recovery of erectile function.CONCLUSIONSRALP offers better results than RRP in terms of urinary continence and erectile function recovery, with similar positive surgical margin rates.
Prospective evaluation of hybrid 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in staging clinically node‐negative patients with penile carcinoma
Authors: Leijte Joost A.P. , Graafland Niels M. , Valdés Olmos Renato A. , Van Boven Hester H. , Hoefnagel Cornelis A. , Horenblas Simon 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo prospectively evaluate the performance of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) to detect occult metastasis in patients with clinically node‐negative (cN0) penile carcinoma, as there is little information on the use of 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT in penile carcinoma.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn 24 patients, scheduled to undergo dynamic sentinel‐node biopsy, hybrid PET/CT was used before surgery to assess the nodal status of the cN0‐groins. Six of the 24 patients were unilaterally cN0. Thus, 42 cN0‐groins were evaluated for occult metastasis using PET/CT. All scans were assessed by two experienced nuclear physicians. The histopathological tumour status of the removed sentinel node was used as the standard of care to evaluate the PET/CT‐results.RESULTSHistopathology was tumour‐positive in five of the 42 (12%) evaluated cN0‐groins, two of which contained only micrometastases (<2 mm). One of the five tumour‐positive cN0‐groins was correctly predicted on the PET/CT‐images. All false‐negative PET/CT scans contained metastasis of ≤10 mm. Of the remaining 37 tumour‐negative groins, 34 were correctly predicted with PET/CT (specificity 92%).CONCLUSIONThe role of PET/CT in evaluating the groins of patients with cN0 penile cancer appears to be limited, due to its low sensitivity. In this series, only one of the five tumour‐positive groins was identified. Surgical staging methods remain necessary at present.
Artificial Dispersal as a Restoration Tool in Meadows: Sowing or Planting?
Authors: Wallin Lotta , Svensson Brita M. , Lönn Mikael 
Published: March 2009

AbstractHabitat fragmentation and the abandonment of former agricultural practices have led to extremely low dispersal rates for plant species growing in traditionally managed hay meadows in Sweden. Historically, seed dispersal between populations was maintained by hay movement, grazing animals, and farmers sharing their equipment. Because these means of dispersal typically are no longer occurring, artificial dispersal using seeds and plug‐plants is tested here as a restoration tool. In this study, we chose two perennial herbs commonly occurring in meadows as test species, viz,Hypochoeris maculataL. (Asteraceae) andSuccisa pratensisMoench. (Dipsacaceae). We found that plug‐plant transplants were twice as effective as seed sowing for both species. The seed collection site was found to be important for seed‐based establishment and survival; consequently, the choice of donor meadow is important when acquiring seeds used for restoration. We also found that survival of plants introduced as seeds was generally lower at sites harboring species favored by nitrogen as well as at sites in later successional phases. Both methods of introducing meadow species worked well, even though long‐term establishment may well be more successful with the plug‐plant method due to higher plug‐plant establishment 2 years after introduction in the field.
Demographic Characteristics of Patients with Severe Neuropathic Pain Secondary to Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Authors: Thomson Simon , Jacques Line 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground:  Neuropathic pain commonly affects the back and legs and is associated with severe disability and psychological illness. It is unclear how patients with predominantly neuropathic pain due to failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) compare with patients with other chronic pain conditions.Aims:  To present data on characteristics associated with FBSS patients compared with those with complex regional pain syndrome, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.Methods:  The PROCESS (Prospective Randomized Controlled Multicenter Trial of the Effectiveness of Spinal Cord Stimulation, ISRCTN 77527324) trial randomized 100 patients to spinal cord stimulation (n = 52) plus conventional medical management (CMM) or CMM alone (n = 48). Baseline patient parameters included age, sex, time since last surgery, employment status, pain location and severity (visual analogue scale), health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), level of disability, medication, and nondrug therapies. Reference population data was drawn from the literature.Results:  At baseline, patients in the PROCESS study had a similar age and gender profile compared with other conditions. PROCESS patients suffered from greater leg pain and had lower HRQoL. PROCESS patients treatment cost was higher and they commonly took opioids, while antidepressants and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were more often used for other conditions. Prior to baseline, 87% of patients had tried at least 4 different treatment modalities.Conclusions:  Patients suffering from chronic pain of neuropathic origin following FBSS often fail to obtain adequate relief with conventional therapies (eg, medication, nondrug therapies) and suffer greater pain and lower HRQoL compared with patients with other chronic pain conditions. Neuropathic FBSS patients may require alternative and possibly more (cost‐) effective treatments, which should be considered earlier in their therapeutic management.
Noninvasive measurement of pH in platelet concentrates with a fiber optic fluorescence detector
Authors: Reed Mike W. , Geelhood Steve , Barker Lynn M. , Pfalzgraf Randy , Vlaar Richard , Gouwerok Eric , De Cuyper Iris M. , Harris Paul , Verhoeven Arthur J. , De Korte Dirk 
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: Stored platelets (PLTs) are metabolically active, resulting in a decrease of pH during storage. The pH of PLT concentrates (PCs) is recognized as a measure of quality, and pH limits are set by regulatory bodies. A pH sensor was built into a PLT storage container, and the feasibility of testing pH using a noninvasive fluorescent measurement method was evaluated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A citrated polyvinylchloride (PVC) PLT storage container with pH sensor insert was made and evaluated for biocompatibility during PLT storage and on pH reading accuracy, reproducibility, and durability. A noninvasive fluorescence reader was tested versus syringe‐based sampling and subsequent measurement with a blood gas analyzer (BGA). The effect of interfering substances in plasma on the accuracy of this optical measurement was tested. Calibration and accuracy of the pH sensor were determined in both phosphate‐buffered saline and in PCs.RESULTS: The citrated PVC storage container with pH sensor insert showed good storage properties for 300 mL of pooled buffy coat PLTs in plasma over 7 days. The pH sensor was easy to use and tracked pH22 in the range of 6.2 to 7.8 over 11 days of storage. Accuracy in PCs was 0.08 pH units measured at 22°C when calibrated against a BGA.CONCLUSION: The storage container with integrated pH sensor and noninvasive reader allows pH of PCs to be tracked over time in a noninvasive manner.
Infection prevention strategies in a stem cell transplant unit: impact of change of care in isolation practice and routine use of high dose intravenous immunoglobulins on infectious complications and transplant related mortality
Authors: Cantoni Nathan , Weisser Maja , Buser Andreas , Arber Caroline , Stern Martin , Heim Dominik , Halter Jörg , Christen Susanne , Tsakiris Dimitrios A. , Droll Armin , Frei Reno , Widmer Andreas F. , Flückiger Ursula , Passweg Jakob , Tichelli André , Gratwohl Alois 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective:  Nursing in ‘live islands’ and routine high dose intravenous immunoglobulins after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were abandoned by many teams in view of limited evidence and high costs.Methods:  This retrospective single‐center study examines the impact of change from nursing in ‘live islands’ to care in single rooms (SR) and from high dose to targeted intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) on mortality and infection rate of adult patients receiving an allogeneic stem cell or bone marrow transplantation in two steps and three time cohorts (1993–1997, 1997–2000, 2000–2003).Results:  Two hundred forty‐eight allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplantations were performed in 227 patients. Patient characteristics were comparable in the three cohorts for gender, median age, underlying disease, and disease stage, prophylaxis for graft versus host disease (GvHD) and cytomegalovirus constellation. The incidence of infections (78.4%) and infection rates remained stable (rates/1000 days of neutropenia for sepsis 17.61, for pneumonia 6.76). Cumulative incidence of GvHD and transplant‐related mortality did not change over time.Conclusions:  Change from nursing in ‘live islands’ to SR and reduction of high dose to targeted IVIG did not result in increased infection rates or mortality despite an increase in patient age. These results support the current practice.
Health related quality of life in a nationally representative sample of haematological patients
Authors: Johnsen Anna T. , Tholstrup Dorte , Petersen Morten Aa. , Pedersen Lise , Groenvold Mogens 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectives:  Knowledge of health related quality of life of haematological patients is limited. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and predictors of symptoms and problems in a representative sample of haematological patients in Denmark.Methods:  A random sample of patients with leukaemia, multiple myeloma and advanced lymphoma (n = 732) received the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality‐of‐life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30). Mean scores were calculated. In addition, scores were dichotomised using two thresholds: patients reporting at least ‘a little’ of each EORTC QLQ‐C30 symptom/problem were classified as having a ‘symptom/problem’, and patients reporting at least ‘quite a bit’ were classified as having a ‘severe symptom/problem’. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors.Results:  In total, 470 (64%) patients participated. The most frequent symptoms/problems were fatigue (55%; severe 20%), reduced role function (49%; severe 23%), insomnia (46%; severe 15%), and pain (37%; severe 15%). Older patients and patients in active antineoplastic treatment had more symptoms and problems. There was only little evidence of social inequalities.Conclusion:  This is probably the first nationally representative study of symptoms and problems in haematological patients. These patients have symptoms/problems that deserve attention. Health related quality of life is an important issue in haematological malignancies.
High Definition Oscillometry: a novel technique for non‐invasive blood pressure monitoring in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Schmelting B. , Niehoff M. , Egner B. , Korte S.H. , Weinbauer G.F. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground Current approaches for accurate blood pressure determination rely predominantly on invasive techniques. High Definition Oscillometry (HDO) was evaluated as a potential non‐invasive approach for accurate blood pressure recordings in cynomolgus monkeys.Methods In conscious animals, systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and pulse/minute were determined 15 times within approx. 9 minutes per individual. This session was performed during 3 consecutive days. Anaesthesia induced hypotension was controlled simultaneously with HDO and telemetry as reference.Results Repeated measurements were highly reproducible. After procedural habituation, mean MAP was 96.2 ± 13.7 mmHg in males and 86.9 ± 4.3 mmHg in females. Mean intraindividual coefficients of variation ranged between 10.8% and 2.4% depending on the session and parameter. Values determined by HDO corresponded to those reported for invasive techniques.Conclusion Our results demonstrate, using telemetry as reference, the accuracy of HDO‐based non‐invasive blood pressure measurements in macaques to detect drug‐related cardiovascular changes.