bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virology of the Hepatitis A Epidemic in Italy
Authors: Purcell Robert H. , Mannucci Pier M. , Gdovin Susan , Gringer Alessandro , Colombo Massimo , Melec Alfonso , Schinaia Nicola , Ciavarella Nicola , Emerson Suzanne U. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe studied the virologic aspects of a hepatitis A epidemic that occurred among hemophilia patients in Italy between 1989 and 1992. Twelve lots of factor VIII concentrate manufactured by the solvent‐detergent chromatographic technique and suspected of contamination by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) were analyzed by a two‐step, nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure. PCR was applied to 1‐ml samples of factor VIII concentrate and 100‐μl serial serum samples available from 2 patients. Particular care was taken to rule out the possibility of false‐positive results during analysis. Results demonstrated PCR amplification of the 3′‐region of the VP3 gene in 5 of the 12 implicated lots of factor VIII and in the serial serum samples of both patients. PCR amplification also revealed that the gene sequences detected in patients' sera were identical to the sequences detected in the product they had received. In all, 3 VP3 sequences (found to be 96–99% identical) were amplified. Further characterization of the HAV found in the factor VIII concentrate and the patients' sera was attempted by PCR amplification of the VP1/2A region. Successful amplification of this region was achieved in the serum of only 1 patient and in the concentrate he received. This fourth amplified sequence was identical in both serum and factor VIII concentrate. Attempts to transmit hepatitis A from the contaminated lots to 3 chimpanzees resulted in no signs of infection after 10 months of observation. Based on the Italian experience, persons with severe hemophilia who receive large‐pool concentrate are at potential risk for HAV infection and should be vaccinated against HAV or use an alternative to solvent‐detergent‐prepared concentrate. Since June 1992, no cases of HAV have been reported in Italian hemophiliacs, most of whom have been vaccinated.
Review of the Hepatitis A Epidemics in Hemophiliacs in Europe
Authors: Vermylen Jos , Peerlinck Kathelijne 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA recent increased incidence of hepatitis A in the hemophilia populations of Italy, Germany, Belgium and Ireland was studied. The first well‐documented outbreak occurred in Italy, where 51 patients with severe hemophilia contracted hepatitis A between the years 1989 and 1992. A case‐control study by Mannucci et al. of the first 29 consecutive cases of hemophilia patients with jaundice led to the conclusion that hepatitis A was transmitted to Italian hemophilia patients by solvent‐detergent‐treated, ion‐exchange‐purified concentrate. In a retrospective serologic study of the German epidemic, Brakmann et al. isolated 18 seroconversions in a study group of 195 hemophilia patients over a 5‐year period. Although several types of concentrate were used in Germany during this time, all but 1 infected patient received large doses of solvent‐detergent, ion‐exchange product. It was revealed that the 1 exception had a brother with hemophilia who had received solvent‐detergent‐prepared concentrate and had developed hepatitis A. Transmission to the study patient was therefore attributed to household contact. The Belgian experience corroborated the findings of the Italian and German investigators: several batches of factor VIII, prepared from plasma of Belgian donors in Lille, France, and Vienna, Austria, appeared to be associated with hepatitis A infection, mainly in hemophilia patients who had received large infusions. An interesting observation in the later (1993) case‐control portion of the Belgian study was that hepatitis A virus antibodies were less prevalent in hemophilia patients than in age‐matched controls. A possible explanation for this phenomenon is that the hemophilia patients had been passively protected through the immunoglobulin contained in the cryoprecipitate they had received in early treatments, and that they had lost this immunity as a result of their more recent treatment with solvent‐detergent, ion‐exchange concentrate, which contains almost no immunoglobulin. Solvent‐detergent, ion‐exchange product was likewise implicated in the Irish epidemic of hepatitis A in which the highest incidence was observed: 30 of 215 Irish hemophilia patients became infected between May and December 1992. In Ireland, geographic clustering was also a factor, since all of the plasma used to prepare the 3 implicated lots of factor VIII originated in donors from the same geographic area. It was concluded that the solvent‐detergent, ion‐exchange chromatography‐purified method of factor VIII preparation was responsible for the recent epidemics of hepatitis A among hemophilia populations in Europe.
FDA Perspective on and Response to the Risk of Hepatitis A from Blood Products
Authors: Fricke William 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe clinical and laboratory data available on hepatitis A virus infections reported in Europe were reviewed by the Blood Products Advisory Committee of the Food and Drug Administration. The panel's consensus was that the clotting factor concentrates currently available in the United States are safe with respect to viral diseases, hepatitis A transmissions do not appear to be a significant health problem, and there is a paucity of epidemiologic data on hepatitis A in patients with hemophilia in the United States.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Three Third‐Generation Anti‐Hepatitis C Virus ELISAs
Authors: Vrielink H. , Zaaijer H.L. , Reesink H.W. , van der Poel C.L. , Cuypers H.T.M. , Lelie P.N. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThree commercially available 3rd‐generation anti‐HCV ELISAs (Abbott, Murex and Ortho) were evaluated in various serum panels: (A) blood donor samples (n = 403) with 1st‐ or 2nd‐generation anti‐HCV ELISA (various manufacturers) positive test results; (B) non‐A, non‐B hepatitis patients (n = 212); (C) multitransfused patients (n = 253); (D) serial dilutions of HCV confirmed (RIBA and PCR) positive blood donors (n = 24), and (E) first‐time blood donors (n = 1,055). All samples of panels A, B and C were tested in PCR and RIBA‐2. In panels A, B and C, 398 samples were HCV PCR positive: all were detected by Abbott and Ortho, and 397 (99.7%) by Murex. The sample missed by the Murex ELISA showed an isolated anti‐C33c reactivity in RIBA‐2. In panels A–C, 442 samples were RIBA‐2 positive and all were detected by the 3 tests. With Probit analysis on results of panel D, no significant difference in sensitivity was observed between the 3 evaluated ELISAs. Specificities of Abbott, Murex and Ortho in 1,055 blood donors were 99.7, 99.3 and 99.9%, respectively (NS, χ2). We conclude that the sensitivity and specificity of the 3 ELISAs are comparable although the C33c antigen in the Murex VK47 test should be improved.
Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes among Blood Donors and Their Recipients in Iceland Determined by the Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Löve Arthur , Smáradóttir Agnes , Thorsteinsson Sigurdur B. , Stanzeit Barbara , Widell Anders 
Published: March 2009

AbstractEight antibody‐positive individuals were detected among 12,000 blood donations during the first year of screening blood donors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies in Iceland. All 8 were found to have a history of intravenous drug abuse. Six of these 8 individuals had previously donated blood to 27 patients who could be traced and examined for HCV infection. The great majority (23/27, 85%) of the recipients had demonstrable HCV antibodies. Furthermore, RNA analysis with the polymerase chain reaction showed that all patients with HCV antibodies had HCV RNA in their serum and in one hemodialysis patient without HCV antibodies viral RNA could be demonstrated. Genotyping of the HCV strains showed that the genotype of the donor was also identified in all but one of the infected recipients of his/her blood or blood products. This study, therefore, substantiates high infectivity of the HCV by blood or blood factor donation and shows that viremic HCV antibody‐negative individuals exist.
A Novel Common Kell Antigen, TOU, and Its Spatial Relationship to Other Kell Antigens
Authors: Jones J. , Reid M.E. , Oyen R. , Harris T. , Moscarelli S. , Co S. , Leger R. , Beal C. , Cardillo K. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA 47‐year‐old native American (TOU) was admitted to hospital for hip surgery. His serum agglutinated all red blood cells (RBCs) tested except Ko and DTT‐treated RBCs and was weakly reactive with RBCs known to have a weak expression of Kell antigens, namely Kmod, McLeod, Kp(a+b‐) (KEL:3,‐4) and K:‐13 (KEL:‐13) phenotypes. RBCs from three siblings, a son and a daughter were incompatible with TOU's antibody. TOU's RBCs had the common Kell phenotype: K‐ k+ Kp(a‐b+c‐) Ku+ Js(a‐b+) Ul(a‐) K:11, ‐17 K:14,‐24 K:12,13,18,19,22,‐23 (KEL:‐1,2,‐3,4,5,‐6,7,‐10,11,12,13,14,‐17,18,19,‐21,22,‐23,‐24). Since TOU's RBCs were not agglutinated by an unidentified Kell‐related antibody (IAN), tests were performed to show that TOU and IAN were mutually compatible. IAN is a Latino female hospitalised for a hysterectomy. The TOU antigen was shown to be located on the Kell glycoprotein by a monoclonal antibody immobilisation of erythrocyte antigen (MAIEA) assay. The unique pattern of reactivity obtained with TOU and IAN antibodies using this assay indicated the TOU epitope to be in an area remote from other Kell antigens, namely K, k, Kpa, Kpb, Kpc, Ku, Jsa, Jsb, Ula, K11, K12, K13, K14, Wka, K18, K19, K22 and K24 (KEL1, KEL2, KEL3, KEL4, KEL5, KEL6, KEL7, KEL11, KEL12, KEL13, KEL14, KEL17, KEL18, KEL19, KEL21, KEL22 and KEL24) but close to the low‐incidence antigen K23 (KEL23). Investigation of antibodies to previously identified antigens on the Kell glycoprotein by MAIEA using the mouse monoclonal antibodies BRIC18, BRIC68, BRIC107 and BRIC203 has identified six patterns of reactivity and has provided evidence for Kpc being located in the same region as Kpa and Kpb.
No Detectable Alterations in Immunogenicity following Terminal Severe Dry‐Heat Treatment of High‐Purity Factor VIII (Liberate) and Factor IX (HP9) Concentrates
Authors: MacGregor I. R. , McLaughlin L. E. , MacGregor M. C. , Prowse C. V. , Pepper D. S. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe used monoclonal antibody ELISAs, antigen molecular size distribution, competition ELISA and neonatal mouse immune tolerance methods to detect potential neoantigen formation and increased immunogenicity following severe dry‐heat treatment of high‐purity factor VIII (Liberate) and factor IX concentrates. To provide positive controls, concentrates were heated in solution (70°C for 2 h) to produce denaturation on purpose. The competition ELISA applied to factor IX proved particularly useful for quantifying differences between the positive control and the dry‐heated/unheated concentrates. None of the test systems employed by us indicated any detectable neoantigen formation or any alteration in immunogenicity following terminal severe dry‐heat treatment of the high‐purity concentrates, and this finding is supported by clinical experience so far.
An Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Quantitative Determination of Anti‐D in Plasma Samples and Immunoglobulin Preparations
Authors: Hirvonen M. , Tervonen S. , Pirkola A. , Sievers G. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractHere we present an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on microtiter plates for the quantitative determination of anti‐D. This method is based on the solubilization of red blood cells sensitized with anti‐D and the subsequent measurement of immunoglobulin G by ELISA. The measuring range of the assay is 40–5,000 IU/ml and the lowest quantifiable concentration in plasma is 0.5 IU/ml. The interassay relative standard deviation for concentrations above 130 IU/ml ranges from 3.2 to 8.1% and below 50 IU/ml from 10.5 to 19.7%. Comparison of ELISA with automated hemagglutination shows that the results of the two assays correlate well: r = 0.992, n = 26. The assay was validated for donor plasma samples and anti‐D immunoglobulin preparations and it can also be used in assessing the severity of Rh (D) hemolytic disease during pregnancy.
DNA‐Based Typing of Human Platelet Antigen Systems by Polymerase Chain Reaction‐Single‐Strand Conformation Polymorphism Method
Authors: Fujiwara Koki , Tokunaga Katsushi , Isa Kazumi , Miyamoto Masaki , Wang Li , Akaza Tatsuya , Tadokoro Kenji , Shibata Yoichi , Juji Takeo 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPolymerase chain reaction‐single‐strand conformation polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP) method has been established to discriminate genotypes for the human platelet antigen (HPA) systems HPA‐1, HPA‐2, HPA‐3, HPA‐4, and HPA‐5. Gene fragments which contain polymorphic sequences corresponding to the HPA‐1, HPA‐2, HPA‐3, HPA‐4, and HPA‐5 systems were PCR‐amplified with specific primers. The amplified DNA was denatured and subjected to non‐denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by silver staining. The results obtained by the PCR‐SSCP method were in good agreement with those of the allotypes determined by serological typing. Furthermore, the results agreed with those obtained by other DNA‐based typing methods such as PCR‐allele‐specific restriction enzyme analysis and PCR‐sequence‐specific primer. These results indicate that PCR‐SSCP is a simple and sensitive method for determining HPA genotypes and identifying unknown polymorphisms.
Pharmacokinetics of Single and Multiple Infusions of 5S Intravenous Immunoglobulin
Authors: Theobald Klaus , Högy Barbara 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA prospective, open and uncontrolled trial was performed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of a 5S intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) after single and multiple infusions. Twelve healthy volunteers received a 5S‐IVIG enriched in antibodies against Staphylococcus areus α‐toxin (aSAT) either as a single infusion or as three infusions in daily intervals. The fate of the injected immunoglobulin was observed by serial measurements of the serum level of aSAT titres. The 5S‐IVIG had a half‐life with a median of 0.24 (distribution) and 2.0 (terminal) days, respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameters did not differ with dose groups or number of applications. The study medication was well tolerated.
Improved Detection of Anti‐HCV in Post‐Transfusion Hepatitis by a Third‐Generation ELISA
Authors: Barrera J. M. , Francis B. , Ercilla G. , Nelles M. , Achord D. , Darner J. , Lee S. R. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe sensitivity of ORTHO™ HCV 3.0 ELISA Test System (ELISA 3) for the detection of anti‐HCV was compared with the second‐generation ELISA, ORTHO HCV 2.0 ELISA Test System (ELISA 2). ELISA 3 differs from ELISA 2 in that it incorporates the HCV recombinant antigen NS5, in addition to recombinant antigens derived from the NS3, NS4 and core regions of the HCV genome. Specimens tested consisted of serial bleeds obtained from 21 individuals undergoing seroconversion following acquisition of post‐transfusion HCV infection. ELISA 3 demonstrated significantly greater sensitivity than ELISA 2, detecting seroconversion earlier in 24% (5/21) of cases. Although one of these cases appeared to represent early seroconversion to NS5, most of the improved sensitivity of ELISA 3 appeared to derive from increased detectability of anti‐c33c.
Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus by Anti‐HCV‐Negative Blood Transfusion: Case Report
Authors: Vrielink H. , vander Poel C.L. , Reesink H.W. , Zaaijer H.L. , Lelie P.N. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAcute posttransfusion hepatitis C was reported in a recipient of 3 units of red cells. The recipient became acutely icteric 6 weeks after transfusion, and HCV infection was diagnosed. Stored serum samples of the 3 implicated donations, which were negative with ELISA‐2, were retested by PCR and 3rd‐generation antibody tests. One implicated donation was PCR positive, but anti‐HCV negative. Both other donations were negative in all tests. The donor was recalled to the Blood Bank 13 weeks after the implicated donation and was found to be ELISA‐3 plus RIBA‐3 positive. Eight months after the implicated donation, the donor is still PCR and RIBA‐3 positive, whereas the recipient became PCR negative but remained anti‐HCV RIBA‐3 positive. The case shows that blood products from donors collected during the open window period of an HCV infection can transmit HCV to recipients.
Influence of Haemorrhage and Blood Transfusion on Haemostasis: An Experimental Study in Rabbits
Authors: Henriksson Anders E. , Bergqvist David , Ljungberg June , Hedner Ulla 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe influence of haemorrhage and blood transfusion on primary haemostasis, coagulation and fibrinolysis was investigated in rabbits. Acute loss of 20% of the blood volume gave a significantly shortened coagulation time (Lee‐White method) but no detectable change in fibrinolysis (euglobulin clot lysis time) and primary haemostasis (primary haemostatic plug formation time in transected arterioles in rabbit mesenteric microcirculation). Acute loss of 20% of blood volume followed by blood transfusion resulted in a prolonged coagulation time and also in a prolonged primary haemostatic plug formation time, but no change in fibrinolysis. It could be concluded that the haemorrhage did not affect the platelet‐dependent primary haemostasis but resulted in a shortened coagulation time. Blood transfusion seemed to affect adversely both the primary haemostasis and the shortened coagulation time induced by haemorrhage.
Molecular Characterization of Glycophorin A Transcripts in Human Erythroid Cells Using RT‐PCR, Allele‐Specific Restriction, and Sequencing
Authors: DuPont B.R. , Grant S.G. , Oto S.H. , Bigbee W.L. , Jensen R.H. , Langlois R.G. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractGlycophorin A (GPA) is an erythroid‐lineage‐specific membrane sialoglycoprotein which occurs in two allelic forms, M and N, which form the antigens of the MN blood group. Purified cDNAs and RNAs isolated from peripheral blood and erythroleukemia cell lines, HEL and K562, were used to develop an RT‐PCR technique for amplifying GPA gene transcripts (GYPA). The relative expression of transcripts from the M and N alleles was determined using restriction analysis of these amplified products with four allele‐specific restriction endonucleases. The use of this method permits the sensitive identification of GYPA transcripts in these cells and confirms GPA protein expression in the erythroleukemia cell lines and the MN phenotypes of individuals determined by immunolabeling with GPA allele‐specific monoclonal antibodies. A novel restriction pattern was obtained using peripheral blood RNA from two individuals with a rare inherited variant allele, GPA Mg. Sequencing of the cDNA obtained using this method revealed a single C to A transversion in the fourth codon in the mature GYPA N coding sequence is responsible for the difference between GYPA Mg and GYPA N.
Growth Factor Release during Preparation and Storage of Platelet Concentrates
Authors: Ledent E. , Wasteson Å. , Berlin G. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe platelet content of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), a mitogen stored in the alpha‐granules, was studied during preparation and storage of platelet concentrates (PC) and compared to the growth‐promoting activity of platelets, β‐thromboglobulin (β‐TG) and lactate dehydrogenase (LD). We compared PC prepared from platelet‐rich plasma (PRP‐PC; n= 10) and from buffy coat. Two different pre‐preparation storage periods of the buffy coat were used: 4h (BC‐PC:4h; n = 10) and 24 h (BC‐PC: 24h; n = 5). The platelet content of PDGF and β‐TG was measured by a RIA technique and the growth‐promoting activity by incorporation of 3H‐thymidine in stimulated fibroblasts. The platelet content of PDGF, β‐TG and the growth‐promoting activity of the platelets decreased in a similar way during preparation and storage of PRP‐PC (31 ±2, 35±2 and 33±7%, respectively, at day 5 of storage; mean ± SEM). The release of LD was minor (3.9 ±0.5% at day 5). At day 1 of storage the platelet content of PDGF was significantly better preserved in BC‐PC:4h than in BD‐PC:24h (88±2 and 81 ±3%, respectively; p = 0.03). Comparing BC‐PC:4h and PRP‐PC we found a significantly better preservation of PDGF in BC‐PC:4h until day 3 of storage (80±2 and 75±1%, respectively at day 3; p = 0.046). In conclusion the preparation of PC according to the PRP method initially induces a higher loss of PDGF, and hence of the growth‐promoting activity, than the BC method.
Comparison of Activity of Peripheral Monocytes and Splenic Macrophages in the Monocyte Monolayer Assay
Authors: Żupańska Barbara , Gronkowska Anna , Ziemski Marek 
Published: March 2009

AbstractFunctional assays intended to reflect the haemolysis in vivo have been performed with peripheral monocytes, occasionally only with peritoneal macrophages or monocyte‐like cell lines. Although the splenic macrophages presumably play the major role in immune red cell destruction, the functional assays have not been done with these cells because of their relative inaccessibility. In this study, the activity of peripheral monocytes and splenic macrophages was compared using the monocyte monolayer assay (MMA), and no substantial differences were found.
Investigation of the Biochemical Relationship between the Blood Group Antigens Xga and CD99 (12E7 Antigen) on Red Cells
Authors: Petty Alison C. , Tippett Patricia 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe biochemical relationship between the red cell antigens Xgaand the MIC2 gene product, CD99 – previously designated the 12E7 antigen – has been examined by immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation analyses of the protein molecules bearing these antigens. Immunoblotting of membrane components and Xga‐immunoprecipitates with anti‐Xgahas shown that Xgaantigen is carried on a broad band of apparent molecular weight (Mr) 24,500–29,500, which consists of a darkly stained component at Mr 24,500 and a more diffusely stained component at approximately Mr 26,500–29,500. Immunoblotting of membrane components and 12E7‐immunoprecipitates with 12E7, and RFB‐1 and NaM123 which also recognise CD99, distinguished two bands of Mr 30,000 and 32,000. A non‐radioactive immunoprecipitation technique was employed, which uses chemiluminescence detection of biotin‐labelled red cell proteins. The protein of Mr 32,000, which carries CD99, was identified by this method and the red cell quantitative polymorphism of CD99 was demonstrated. When the Xgaprotein was precipitated from biotin‐labelled red cells, a protein of Mr 32,000 was coprecipitated. This suggests that the proteins carrying the Xgaantigen and CD99 are associated in the membrane.