bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Private Platelet Antigen, Groa, Localized on Glycoprotein IIIa, Involved in Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Simsek Suat , Vlekke André B.J. , Kuijpers Robert W.A.M. , Goldschmeding Roel , von dem Borne Albert E. G. Kr. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe serum of a Caucasian woman who gave birth to a child with neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia contained antibodies directed against a platelet antigen of the newborn. There was no incompatibility for the known platelet alloantigens HPA‐1 to HPA‐7 or for the private or low‐frequency antigens Sraand Vaa, between the platelets of the parents. However, crossmatching with the serum of the mother and the platelets of the child and the father was strongly positive, suggesting a new platelet antibody specificity. To investigate the inheritance of the ‘Groa’ antigen involved, the available family members were tested in the platelet immunofluorescence test (PIFT) and the monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of platelet antigens (MAIPA) assay. The Groaantigen was found to be inherited in an autosomal‐codominant fashion. In the MAIPA, we localized the Groaantigen on the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex (αIIbβ3). The GP IIb/IIIa localization was confirmed in immunoprecipitation studies. In Western blotting experiments, we further localized the Groaantigen on the GP IIIa (β3) subunit of the GP IIb/IIIa complex. Until now we have tested approximately 400 unrelated donors. None of these appeared to be positive for the Groaantigen, suggesting a phenotype frequency in the Dutch population of less than 0.01.
Soluble HLA Class I and Beta‐2‐Microglobulin Plasma Concentrations during Interferon Treatment of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Hillebrand Klaus , Moritz Thomas , Westhoff Ulrike , Niederle Norbert , Grosse‐Wilde Hans 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSoluble class I molecules (sHLA‐ABC) were measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in plasma samples of 13 patients with chronic‐phase Ph1‐positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). The patients were treated once daily with interferon (IFN) s.c. at a dosage of 4 times 106IU/m2IFN‐α‐2b or in combination with 50 μg IFN‐γ. Measurements were performed before 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, 48, and 72 h after the start of treatment and thereafter every 2–4 weeks. Baseline sHLA‐ABC levels were within normal limits (mean 22.1+8.8 mg/l). An initial decrease of sHLA‐ABC (mean 3.2+2.7 mg/l) was seen in all patients during the first 2–8 h of IFN treatment. Thereafter, sHLA‐ABC levels increased steadily reaching maximum values within 2–5 weeks. The overall increase was 12.7+12.4 mg/l. During the following 2–4 months of IFN treatment sHLA‐ABC decreased to near baseline levels in 12 of 13 patients. No difference was detected between IFN‐α and IFN‐α plus IFN‐γ treatment. β2‐Microglobulin values were measured in 8 patients and were found to be correlated to sHLA‐ABC concentrations (r = 0.48).
Reliable and Very Sensitive Flow‐Cytometric Method for Counting Low Leucocyte Numbers in Platelet Concentrates
Authors: Deneys V. , Mazzon A.M. , Robert A. , Duvillier H. , De Bruyère M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractReduction of leucocytes in blood components, achieved by filtration, may reduce the risk of HLA alloimmunization, virus transmission, and febrile reactions. Nevertheless, white blood cell (WBC) concentrations obtained in this way can be too low to be accurately counted with automated and manual techniques. We describe here a rapid, reliable, and very sensitive method for counting low leucocyte numbers using flow cytometry. WBC nuclei are labelled by propidium iodide. A known amount of fluorescein‐ and phycoerythrin‐conjugated beads (Standard Brite, Coulter) is added as an indicator of the examined volume. The time required for analyzing one tube is approximately 5 min. This method was first validated by comparing WBC counts (120–2,570/μl) assessed on a haemocytometer (Bürker) and by flow cytometry. The second step was to determine the sensitivity of the method: we diluted normal platelet concentrates with phosphate‐buffered saline. The comparison of expected with observed values showed a very good correlation up to a concentration of 1 WBC/μl. This technique is an accurate method that can be applied in blood bank quality controls and in clinical studies.
Production of a Murine Monoclonal Antibody to the Low‐Incidence Red Cell Antigen Wra: Characterisation and Comparison with Human Anti‐Wra
Authors: Ring S.M. , Green C. A. , Swallow D. M. , Tippett P. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe production of a monoclonal antibody which detects the low‐incidence red cell antigen Wra is described. The antibody (BGU1‐WR) was isolated following immunization of BALB/tk mice with Wr(a+) cells. BGU1‐WR is an IgGl antibody and reacted in a manner similar to human polyclonal anti‐Wra with untreated, protease treated and chemically modified Wr(a+) cells.
Comparative Immunochemical Analysis of Wra and Wrb Red Cell Antigens
Authors: Ring S. M. , Tippett P. , Swallow D. M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper describes immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation studies using monoclonal anti‐Wra and anti‐Wrb antibodies to investigate the nature of the lowincidence blood group antigen, Wra and its high‐incidence allelic antigen Wrb. No membrane components were identified by the immunoblotting experiments. Immunoprecipitation studies confirmed that the Wrb antigen involves both glycophorin A and band 3. The monoclonal anti‐Wra BGU1‐WR, failed to immunoprecipitate these or any other red cell membrane component. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Neonatal Thrombocytopenia in HLA‐DR, ‐DQ, ‐DP‐Typed Mother due to Rare Anti‐HPA‐1b (PLA2) (Zwb) Fetomaternal Immunization
Authors: Mercier P. , Chicheportiche C. , Reviron D. , Dabanian C. , Bourgue F. , Chiaroni J. , Diallo M. , Delord Y. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA new case of rare neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, due to an IgG anti‐HPA‐1b in a mother HPA‐1 (a+, b‐), was diagnosed using monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of platelet antigens. Clinically, it was similar to the 2 previously reported observations and confirmed that, in this particular case of anti‐HPA‐1b, the treatment with random platelet pools may be as effective as selected single‐donor platelet units when maternal platelets are unusable. The HLA‐DR, ‐DQ, ‐DP genotypes of the family were obtained by PCR‐SSO. The mother's typing, compared to the HLA‐DR of the 6 similar cases reported in Europe, suggests that a combined effect of two rare HLA haplotypes might enhance this immunization.
Monoclonal IgM Cold Agglutinins with Anti‐Pr1d Specificity in a Patient with Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Herron B. , Willison H.J. , Veitch J. , Roelcke D. , Illis L.S. , Boulton F.E. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA patient with a demyelinating sensory motor polyneuropathy secondary to IgM paraproteinaemia is reported. The paraprotein binds to the gangliosides GD1b, GT1b, GQ1b and GD3, all of which contain disialosyl groups with the sequence NeuAcα2–8NeuAcα2–3Gal. The paraprotein also acts as a cold agglutinin recognising the sialic‐acid‐dependent Pr1d antigenic determinant of the red cell membrane glycophorins. In this and in similar cases that have been reported, the coexistence of anti‐Pr cold agglutinins and peripheral neuropathy suggest that they might be the causative agents of the disease.
Irradiation of Fresh Whole Blood for Prevention of Transfusion‐Associated Graft‐versus‐Host Disease Does Not Impair Platelet Function and Clinical Hemostasis after Open Heart Surgery
Authors: Lavee J. , Shinfeld A. , Savion N. , Thaler M. , Mohr R. , Goor D.A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSince our previous studies suggested that the transfusion of 1 unit fresh whole blood (FWB) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) using a bubble oxygenator may provide hemostatic benefit equivalent to 8–10 units of platelet concentrates, we have routinely used FWB at the termination of CPB. Two patients who received FWB and developed transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease (TA‐GVHD) prompted us to investigate the effect of irradiation of FWB on platelet and clinical hemostasis. Twenty‐four patients were randomized to receive either 1 unit FWB (12 patients), or 1 unit irradiated FWB (IrFWB, 1,500 cGy, 12 patients) after CPB. Platelet aggregation on extracellular matrix, studied by a scanning electron microscope and graded from 1 to 4 (from poor to excellent aggregation), was similar in both groups preoperatively [3.3±0.9 (FWB) and 3.5±0.5 (Ir FWB)], and at the end of CPB [1.8±1.2 (FWB) and 1.9±0.9 (IrFWB)]. Platelet aggregation was similar after transfusion of FWB (3.0±1.0) and after IrFWB (3.2±0.8), as was the increase in platelet count. Twenty‐four hours total postoperative bleeding was similar (560±420 and 523±236 ml for FWB and IrFWB, respectively). We conclude that irradiation of FWB for prevention of TA‐GVHD does not impair platelet aggregating capacity, and can be used when blood is donated by the patient's next of kin.
Flow Cytometric Analyses of the Subclasses of Red Cell IgG Antibodies
Authors: Lynen R. , Neuhaus R. , Schwarz D.W.M. , Simson G. , Riggert J. , Mayr W.R. , Köhler M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe report on flow cytometric IgG subclass determinations of red cell antibodies using polyclonal FITC‐labeled antibodies. The limit of detection of this method was 1 ng anti‐D per 1×107 red cells. The inter‐ and intra‐assay coefficients of variance were 8.2 and 2.3%, respectively. In 8 newborns with a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) in the gel centrifugation test (GCT), due to ABO antibodies, IgG1 was detected in all and IgG2 additionally in 4 of these cases. In 5 severe cases of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) due to anti‐D, large amounts of IgG1 were found, and in 3 of these 5, IgG3 in combination with IgG1. In 8 mild or moderate HDN cases (4 anti‐D, 2 anti‐E, 1 anti‐Fya, 1 anti‐Jka), phototherapy sufficed, and IgG1 was the only antibody. In 7 adult patients with malignant lymphoma and a positive DAT (GCT), only small amounts of IgG1 red cell autoantibodies could be demonstrated by flow cytometry. In 5 further patients with malignant lymphoma, a positive DAT, and severe hemolytic anemia, large amounts of IgG1 autoantibodies were found and IgG3 was also present in 3 of these cases. Flow‐cytometric determination of IgG subclasses may be a useful tool in immunohematology, since subclass determinations were possible in all of these cases. This method is suited for clinical routine and offers the possibility of sufficient standardization.
Anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antibody limbic encephalitis
Authors: Khadem G. M. , Heble S. , Kumar R. , White C. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe report the case of a 57‐year‐old woman who developed acute psychiatric symptoms, behavioural disturbances, insomnia and dystonia resembling a catatonic state. During the course of her illness she developed hypoventilation and required monitoring in the intensive care unit. Her serum and cerebrospinal fluid showed antibodies to the NR1/NR2 heteromers of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Anti‐NMDAR encephalitis is a severe form of autoimmune encephalitis, which has only recently been described in the published work. Most patients improve with immunosuppressive treatment. Raising awareness of this rare but increasingly reported condition is important, as it is responsive to treatment and potentially reversible.
The control of sirex wood wasp using biological control agents in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Collett N. G. , Elms S. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract1 The sirex woodwasp, Sirex noctilio has been a significant pest of radiata pine plantations in Victoria since 1961. Outbreaks are usually associated with susceptible trees being under some form of stress including the effects of drought and overcrowding.2 This paper reviews the spread of sirex and the history and efficacy of biological control programmes implemented against sirex in Victoria from 1970 to 2006.3 Of the numerous biological control agents released, the most effective in managing sirex have been the nematode Beddingia siricidicola and the parasitic wasp Ibalia leucospoides. Several other parasitic wasps such as Schlettererius cinctipes and Megarhyssa nortoni nortoni have also established but provide only minimal control.4 While rates of I. leucospoides parasitism have improved over time, it is unlikely that this improvement will continue substantially past current levels.5 In recent years, issues have arisen regarding a decline in the infectivity of B. siricidicola necessitating a re‐evaluation of strategies and development of techniques to overcome this problem.6 Ongoing research using Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) testing is underway to accurately determine nematode strains and associated infectivity present in plantations in the field in order to develop management strategies to re‐introduce more effective strains.
Two‐year audit of computed tomographic colonography in a teaching hospital: are we meeting the standard?
Authors: Grant L. A. , Griffin N. , Shaw A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective  We aimed to determine whether adopting the published recommendations has led to successful implementation of computed tomographic colonography (CTC) in a teaching hospital setting outside the context of a clinical trial.Method  An audit of all the CTC examinations between April 2005 and June 2007 was conducted to determine the following: adequacy of bowel preparation, CTC indications and findings (compared with available colonoscopy), complications and experience of reporting radiologist.Results  The most common indications for the 111 CTC patients reviewed included exclusion of synchronous colonic tumours, incomplete colonoscopy and altered bowel habit. Only 16% of ascending colon/caecal segments was clear of faecal or fluid contamination. The rectum and sigmoid colon were free of contamination in 78% and 74% of cases respectively. Appropriately trained radiologists reported 91% of studies. Thirty‐two percent of studies were normal. The most common positive findings were diverticular disease or a rectal tumour. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value were 89%, 94% and 90% respectively (all polyps) with a sensitivity of 98.5% for lesions > 5 mm in size. Twenty‐five percent of patients had extra colonic abnormalities. There were no recorded complications.Conclusion  Our CTC practice is within accepted published guidelines. Bowel preparation is suboptimal in a significant proportion of cases and faecal tagging is being implemented.
Comparing two types of botulinum‐A toxin detrusor injections in patients with severe neurogenic detrusor overactivity: a case‐control study
Authors: Grosse Joachim , Kramer Guus , Jakse Gerhard 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy of two types of botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A; DysportTM, Ipsen Ltd, Slough, UK) or BotoxTM (Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) and examine the possible dose‐effect relation for Dysport in those patients, as multifocal detrusor injections with BTX‐A are effective for severe neurogenic detrusor overactivity in adults.PATIENTS AND METHODSThis was an open‐label, observational case‐control study comparing Dysport and Botox, and the dose‐effect relation for Dysport. The patients included were treated with either Dysport (cases; 500, 750, or 1000 IU), or with Botox (controls: 300 IU, and exceptionally 200 or 400 IU). The continence volume (primary), mean and maximum catheterized volume, and antimuscarinic use were assessed, and cystometric variables measured were overactivity volume (primary), detrusor compliance, and cystometric capacity. All variables were assessed at baseline, 3 and 9 months after treatment, and results analysed using analysis of variance (paired) t‐tests, chi‐square tests and regression analysis.RESULTSThere were 28 cases and 28 matched controls; their demographic characteristics, bladder management, and baseline values were comparable between the groups. At 3 months there was a significant improvement in cystometric variables and continence volume in both groups, but in mean catheterized volume and reduced use of antimuscarinics in cases only. At 9 months there was no significant improvement over baseline except for the continence volume in the cases. There were no significant differences in results between the groups except for the continence volume at 3 months (459 mL after Dysport and 396 mL after Botox; P = 0.015). There was no dose‐related response for Dysport at 3.8 months of follow‐up. The interval between injections (9.5, 14.5 and 16.1 months for Dysport 500, 750, and 1000 IU; 10.1 months for Botox) was not significant. There were nine non‐responders in the Dysport group and seven in the Botox group; the patient characteristics and baseline data were comparable to those of the responders. There was transient hypoasthenia in one of the responders (750 IU Dysport).CONCLUSIONSA single treatment session with either Dysport or Botox in a setting combined with antimuscarinics might improve the patient’s condition for up to a year. There was no clear dose‐related effect for Dysport in adults.
REVIEW ESSAY: “Henry A. Wallace and the Agony of American Liberalism: A Political Pariah in the Cold War.”*
Authors: Bernstein Barton J. 
Published: March 2009

I am not sure he /Wallace/ is as fundamentally sound intellectually as I had thought./He/ is a pacifist 100 per cent. He wants us to disband our armed forces, give Russia our atomic secrets and trust a bunch of adventurers in the Kremlin Politbureau. I do not understand a “dreamer” like that The Reds, phonies and “parlor pinks” seem to be banded together and are becoming a national danger.I am afraid they are a sabotage front for Uncle Joe Stalin. They can see no wrong in Russia's four and one‐half million armed force, in Russia's loot of Poland, Austria, Hungary, Rumania, Manchuria.1 Harry S. Truman, Sept. 19, 1946
Differences between smooth pursuit and optokinetic eye movements using limited lifetime dot stimulation: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Schraa‐Tam Caroline K. L. , Van Der Lugt Aad , Smits Marion , Frens Maarten A. , Van Broekhoven P. C. A. , Van Der Geest Josef N. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryIn this study, we examined possible differences in brain activation between smooth pursuit and optokinetic reflexive (OKR) eye movements using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Eighteen healthy subjects performed two different eye movement paradigms. In the first paradigm, smooth pursuit eye movements were evoked by a single moving dot. In the second paradigm, optokinetic eye movements without a foveal smooth pursuit component were evoked by a moving pattern of multiple dots with a limited lifetime. As expected, the two eye movement systems show overlapping pathways, but the direct comparison of the activation patterns between the two experiments showed that the frontal eye field, MT/V5 and cerebellar area VI appear to be more activated during smooth pursuit than during optokinetic eye movements. These results showed that the smooth pursuit and optokinetic eye movement systems can be differentiated with fMRI using limited lifetime dots as an effective OKR stimulus.
Humus Form Development during Forest Restoration in Exclosures of the Tigray Highlands, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Descheemaeker Katrien , Muys Bart , Nyssen Jan , Sauwens Wim , Haile Mitiku , Poesen Jean , Raes Dirk , Deckers Jozef 
Published: March 2009

AbstractForest restoration in protected exclosures has become a common practice to fight land degradation in the highlands of northern Ethiopia. Insights into ecosystem processes governing restoration in these formerly degraded areas are gained through the study of humus forms and factors influencing humus formation during vegetation recovery. Humus forms of 135 sample plots located in different land use types were morphologically described. The subsequent classification into six humus form types was based on principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Where areas are closed for a longer time, humus profiles are commonly more developed and higher organic matter accumulation is noticed as well as increased nutrient stocks. The combined effects of seasonal drought conditions and low fresh litter quality account for an overall slow decomposition, which explains the high importance of litter input for organic matter accumulation. Based on a correlation analysis, vegetation cover, litter production, litter quality, soil nutrient content, soil moisture, and topography were identified as important factors influencing humus formation. It is inferred that humus formation leads to improvements in soil fertility and structure, microclimate development, and soil protection and therefore forms part of the restoration processes taking place in exclosures.
Depletion of l‐ascorbic acid alternating with its supplementation in the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Park Chan H. , Kimler Bruce F. , Yi Seong Yoon , Park Se Hoon , Kim Kihyun , Jung Chul Won , Kim Sun Hee , Lee Eun Ryung , Rha Miyong , Kim Seonwoo , Park Mary H. , Lee Sook J. , Park Hye K. , Lee Mark H. , Yoon Sung Soo , Min Yoo Hong , Kim Bong Seog , Kim Jeong‐A. , Kim Won Seog 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPurpose:  l‐ascorbic acid (LAA) modifies the in vitro growth of leukemic cells from ∼50% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). To test the hypothesis that depletion of LAA, alternating with supplementation to prevent scurvy, would provide therapeutic benefit, a single‐arm pilot trial was conducted (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00329498).Experimental results:  During depletion phase, patients with refractory AML or MDS were placed on a diet deficient in LAA; during supplementation phase, patients received daily intravenous administration of LAA. An in vitro assay was performed pretherapy for LAA sensitivity of leukemic cells from individual patients.Results:  Of 18 patients enrolled, eight of 16 evaluable patients demonstrated a clinical response. Responses were obtained during depletion (four patients) as well as during supplementation (five patients) but at a pharmacologic plasma level achievable only with intravenous administration. Of nine patients for whom the in vitro assay indicated their leukemic cells were sensitive to LAA, seven exhibited a clinical response; compared with none of six patients who were insensitive to LAA.Conclusions:  The clinical benefit, along with a conspicuous absence of significant adverse events, suggests that further testing of LAA depletion alternating with pharmacologic dose intravenous supplementation in patients with these and other malignancies is warranted.
Fatal acute Chagas disease in a chimpanzee
Authors: Bommineni Yugendar R. , Dick Jr Edward J. , Estep J. Scot , Van de Berg John L. , Hubbard Gene B. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground Chagas disease (CD) or American trypanosomiasis is caused by a hemoflagellate protozoan,Trypanosoma cruzi. This organism has been isolated from more than 100 mammalian species and several insect vectors demonstrating a wide host distribution and low host specificity.Methods A 23‐year‐old male chimpanzee died acutely and a complete necropsy was performed to evaluate gross and microscopic pathologic changes. After observation of trypanosomal amastigotes in the myocardium, PCR and immunohistochemistry was employed to confirm the diagnosis ofT. cruzi.Results Gross findings were consistent with mild congestive heart failure. Microscopic findings included multifocal myocardial necrosis associated with severe lymphocytic to mixed inflammatory infiltrates, edema, and mild chronic interstitial fibrosis. Multifocal intracytoplasmic amastigotes morphologically consistent withT. cruziwere observed in cardiac myofibers.Trypanosoma cruziwas confirmed by PCR and immunohistochemistry.Conclusion We report, to the best of our knowledge, the first fatal spontaneous case ofT. cruziinfection in a chimpanzee.