bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
False Negative Anti‐HIV‐1/HlV‐2 ELlSAs in Acute HIV‐2 Infection
Authors: Christiansen Claus Bohn , Jessen Torben E. , Nielsen Claus , Staun‐Ohen Poul 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSince HIV‐2 was isolated in 1986, only 1 case of acute HIV‐2 infection has been reported. We have identified another patient with primary HIV‐2 infection. Follow‐up samples were requested from the patient due to discrepant results. The HIV‐2 infection was confirmed with HIV‐2‐specific proviral DNA amplification by PCR. The HIV‐2 seroconversion panel obtained was used to evaluate the sensitivity of both combined and specific ELISAs currently in use in Europe, and to investigate the Western‐blot patterns on both HIV‐1‐ and HIV‐2‐specific Western blots. The window period was determined to be less than 37 days with the most sensitive assays. A remarkable difference in sensitivity to HIV‐2 antibodies in acute HIV‐2 infection was found in combined HIV‐l/HIV‐2 ELISAs. Three out of the 4 combined sandwich ELISAs appeared to be less sensitive than the indirect ELISAs in HIV‐2 seroconversion, leading to a prolonged window period. One HIV‐2‐specific ELISA was also negative on the first sample, but positive on the second sample. In the HIV‐2 Western blot, early reaction with HIV‐2‐specific env and gag proteins was seen, whereas the HIV‐1 Western blot on the first sample revealed gag (p24, p55) reactivity only.
A New Microplate Red Blood Cell Monolayer Technique for Screening and Identifying Red Blood Cell Antibodies
Authors: Llopis F. , Carbonell‐Uberos F. , Planelles M.D. , Montero M. , Plasencia I. , Carrillo C. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA new method has been developed to immobilize red blood cells in wells of microplates using a cell fixation buffer. This method has been employed for detecting and identifying red blood cell antibodies with greater sensitivity than haemagglutination antiglobulin tests, without loss of specificity. This method decreases the amount of test erythrocytes and anti‐human globulin reagents employed per test, consequently lowering the cost.
Effect of High‐ versus Intermediate‐Purity Blood Coagulation Factor Concentrates on HIV‐1 Replication
Authors: Schögl Daniela , Zimmermann Klaus , Turecek Peter L. , Schwarz Hans Peter , Eibl Martha M. , Mannhalter Josef W. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractControversy exists as to whether treatment of HIV‐1‐seropositive hemophiliacs with blood coagulation products of high purity might help prevent the decline of CD4‐positive lymphocytes and thus delay progression toward AIDS. As viral load has recently been shown to be associated with disease progression in HIV‐1 infection, we tested for a possible direct interference of high‐ or intermediate‐purity blood coagulation products with replication of HIV‐1. The data obtained revealed comparable replication of HIV‐1 in the presence and absence of all blood coagulation products tested (assessed by PCR‐based quantitation of proviral HIV‐1 DNA in infected cells after a 10‐day incubation period). These data suggest that coagulation factor concentrates per se will also have no direct effect on HIV‐1 replication in vivo.
A Safety Study of Albumex®5, a Human Albumin Solution Produced by Ion Exchange Chromatography
Authors: Wolf M. , Kronenberg H. , Dodds A. , Miach P. , Isbister J. , Levidiotis M. , Dear K. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractHuman serum albumin solutions have been used as plasma replacement fluids for many years and adverse events associated with their use are rare. Albumex®5 is a new albumin solution manufactured by a combination of the Cohn fractionation process and a chromatographic technique. A multicentre, randomised study was conducted to compare the safety of Albumex®5 and 5% normal serum albumin (5% NSA) in patients undergoing large volume therapeutic plasmapheresis for a variety of disorders. Up to six exchanges were performed on each patient. A total of 208 evaluable exchanges were performed on 40 patients, 109 5% NSA and 99 Albumex®5. There were 9 adverse events (reaction rate of 8.3%) in 6 patients with 5% NSA and 12 events (reaction rate 12.1%) in 8 patients with Albumex®5. The difference is not statistically significant (p = 0.37, Fisher's exact test). None of the adverse events were considered serious. Only six reactions were thought to be possibly related to the product and three exchanges were modified as a result of an adverse event; one with Albumex®5 was interrupted and two with 5% NSA were slowed. Albumex®5 can be considered to be a safe product with a low adverse event rate.
Liquid Pasteurization of an Immunoglobulin Preparation without Stabilizer: Effects on its Biological and Biochemical Properties
Authors: Bridonneau P. , Marcilly H. , Vernois‐Martin M. , Goigoux P. , Bourdel V. , Laulan A. , Deramoudt F.X. , Desmadril M. , Sitbon M. , Basuyaux B. , Steinbuch M. , Schmitthaeusler R. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIntravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) purified by cold ethanol fractionation have a very good safety record with regard to the transmission of many viruses. However, a few cases of non‐A‐non‐B hepatitis have been described after intravenous injection of some immunoglobulin preparations. To ensure even higher safety for our IVIg, an additional virus inactivation step, based on pasteurization, was developed. The heating of aqueous IVIg was performed without stabilizer, and at a very low salt concentration (< 1 mM) at acidic pH. No generation of polymer was detected after pasteurization and a significant decrease in the proportion of dimers was observed. Analysis of the secondary structure by circular dichroism showed a very slight change in the secondary structure. The biological properties of the Fc region as well as the Fab region were not affected by the pasteurization. Our method has several advantages: (1) improvement of viral safety; (2) there is no need to add stabilizer which may stabilize viral particles, and (3) the absence of any hypotensive effect and low anticomplementary activity indicates a good clinical tolerance of IgG preparation.
Autologous Blood Donation for Elective Surgery in Children Weighing 8–25 kg
Authors: Mayer M.N. , de Montalembert M. , Audat F. , Brusset M.C. , Houfani B. , Merckx J. , Barrier G. , Gazengel C. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTo determine whether autologous blood donation can be used safely and efficiently in children weighing 8–25 kg, we studied children whose perioperative blood losses were expected to exceed 25% of total blood volume. Blood donations were performed in pediatric units, under the direction of an anesthesiologist and a blood bank physician experienced in pediatric care. Twenty‐four children, median age 6 years (1–13), were included. They underwent surgery mainly for digestive or urological disorders, and for orthopedic defects. Forty blood collections were performed of the 46 prescribed. Phlebotomies could not be performed in 1 child because of the mother's apprehension, and in 5 cases because of venous access problems. All phlebotomies were hemodynamically well tolerated. Hemodilution was also performed in 17 children, and cell saver used in 2. Allogeneic blood transfusion was avoided in 21/24 children.
Multicenter Evaluation of the 3% Paraformaldehyde Method for White Cell Counting in Leukocyte‐Reduced Red Blood Cells
Authors: Prati Daniele , Brandwein Harvey , Capelli Carmen , Dzik Walter H. , Masse Maurice , Myllylä Gunnar , Stromberg Robert R. , Takahashi Tsuneo , Vyas Girish N. , Wenz Barry 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground/Aim: The 3% paraformaldehyde (PFA) method is a simple technique for counting residual white blood cells (WBC) in leukocyte‐depleted red blood cells (RBC). Preliminary data suggested that its sensitivity is at least equal to PCR and flow cytometry. We report the results of a multicenter study conducted by the BEST Working Party to determine precision and accuracy of the 3% PFA method. Study Design: In the 7 participating laboratories, 5 sets of samples containing nominal concentrations of 200, 100, 50, and 10 WBC/ml were prepared by diluting whole blood into ‘WBC‐free’ RBC. Ten milliliters of each sample were processed using the 3% PFA method, which is based on erythrocyte lysis and WBC concentration into 5% of the original sample volume; a Nageotte chamber is used to count concentrated WBC. Results: The precision of the technique varied according to the nominal concentration, ranging from a CV of 12% at 200 WBC/ml to 57% at 10 WBC/ml. The technique measured fewer than the nominal WBC concentrations (mean of all laboratories, ‐12.4%); underestimation was probably due to cell loss during sample manipulation. Overall accuracy was however acceptable, because statistical considerations establish that the actual WBC concentration would unlikely exceed 2 times the estimated count. Conclusions: The 3% PFA method is suitable for the enumeration of residual WBC at concentrations ≥50/ml. It represents a useful tool for evaluation of high performance filters by reference laboratories.
PRESENT AND FUTURE PROBLEMS OF TRANSFUSION ‐ TRANSMITTED HIV INFECTION
Authors: BEAL R.W. 
Published: March 2009

To an external viewer from a developed country, there would appear to be few problems associated with transfusion‐transmitted HIV infection (TTHIV) in 1996. There has been virtually no TTHIV recorded in most developed countries since effective screening tests were introduced in the mid‐1980s. Such a conclusion would be simplistic for a developed country, and inappropriate for a developing country. Both settings require effort and vigilance if TTHIV is to be reduced and minimised, and where it is already of low prevalence, to avoid complacency and a reduction in safety.Blood transfusion was (and regretfully still is in some countries) the most efficient and, in theory, the most easily preventable means of HIV transmission. The infectivity of a unit of blood is related to the large volume of virus transmitted, the intravenous route of exposure and, sometimes, the debilitated state of the recipient. In those countries where universal screening was introduced early, prevention has been effective, if not total. This situation does not apply to many countries in the world, where health funding does not allow universal screening.
PRACTICE OF QUALITY ASSURANCE IN BLOOD CENTERS — THE SYSTEM AND DAILY WORK
Authors: NEVALAINEN DAVID E. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryUsing process documentation is not an occasional activity that gets done, but rather must be woven into the very fabric of an organization's activities and values. Management must take active leadership roles in the quality process. If management gets involved in the implementation of the quality program, and makes quality a strategic part of their business plan, it will result in a more focused organization, that can more effectively meets its financial requirements and be increasingly competitive in the ever more competitive environment of health care in the 21st century. To do that will require that blood banks learn how to consistently apply the use of quality records, audits, training, and quality metrics. The table and graph demonstrate the areas where blood bank management can work more effectively to lead their organizations beyond GMP and into the quality systems world of the future.
Detection of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Planta by a Real‐time PCR Assay
Authors: Yin Yanni , Ding Laisong , Liu Xin , Yang Jinghui , Ma Zhonghua 
Published: March 2009

AbstractStem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a very serious disease on oilseed rape worldwide. In this study, a pair of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers was designed based on the nucleotide sequence of a DNA region amplified by a microsatellite primer M13. The primer pair amplified a 252‐bp fragment from all S. sclerotiorum isolates collected from oilseed rapes at different locations in different years, but not from any other fungus tested. Using this pair of primers, a real‐time PCR assay was developed to rapidly detect early infection of S. sclerotiorum on petals of oilseed rape. The real‐time PCR assay developed in this study could help growers make a timely decision on fungicide application.
Assessing the ecological status of the North‐western Adriatic Sea within the European Water Framework Directive: a comparison of Bentix, AMBI and M‐AMBI methods
Authors: Simonini Roberto , Grandi Valentina , Massamba‐N’Siala Gloria , Iotti Mirko , Montanari Giuseppe , Prevedelli Daniela 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn this paper we looked for the most suitable method for benthic ecological quality status (EcoQS) assessment of the North‐western Adriatic Sea. Taking into account the historical and present information, we inter‐compared our expectations in terms of EcoQS, with the Bentix, AMBI and M‐AMBI classification metrics results, and investigated the sensitivity of these indices to the spatial, seasonal and inter‐annual variability of benthic communities. The sampling sites were located at increasing distances with respect to the Po River mouth, along an (inverse) gradient of eutrophication. Moreover, a 2‐year monthly monitoring plan (October 2004–September 2006) was carried out at the CEBEB site, located in a central position with respect to the investigated area. The results highlighted that the three indices differed in the sensitivity to spatial and temporal variability of the benthic communities. The strong seasonal and inter‐annual changes in the benthic communities had a significant effect on the Bentix, whereas no relevant modifications were observed on the EcoQS assignation obtained using the M‐AMBI and AMBI methods. The environmental quality ratios (EQR) values and EcoQS classification obtained by the Bentix and AMBI did not match expectations, as they were not inversely correlated with the site distances with respect to the Po mouth, whereas the M‐AMBI clearly discriminated the most and the least eutrophicated sites. It thus appears that the M‐AMBI could be considered to be the most valuable method for the ecological‐status assessment of the North‐western Adriatic Sea benthic ecosystem.
Mental health nurses establishing psychosocial interventions within acute inpatient settings
Authors: Mullen Antony 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTAcute inpatient units provide care for the most acutely unwell people experiencing a mental illness. As a result, the focus for care is on the containment of difficult behaviour and the management of those considered to be ‘at high risk’ of harm. Subsequently, recovery‐based philosophies are being eroded, and psychosocial interventions are not being provided. Despite the pivotal role that mental health nurses play in the treatment process in the acute inpatient setting, a review of the literature indicates that mental health nursing practice is too custodial, and essentially operates within an observational framework without actively providing psychosocial interventions. This paper will discuss the problems with mental health nursing practice in acute inpatient units highlighted in the current literature. It will then put forward the argument for routine use of psychosocial interventions as a means of addressing some of these problems.
Vulnerable populations and multicentred research
Authors: McCauley‐Elsom Kay , Gurvich Caroline , Lee Susan , Elsom Stephen , O'Connor Margaret , Kulkarni Jayashri 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTThere are many challenges facing researchers with projects requiring multicentred ethics approval. Achieving ethical approval at multiple sites, whether statewide or nationally, is a complex and time‐consuming experience, compounded by the research process itself, as well as the recruitment of clinical sites and participants. Human ethics and research committees act as research gatekeepers and, as many research activities involve multiple applications and multiple approvals, can considerably delay the commencement of a project. A delay in ethics approval results in delays recruiting staff and participants, delays in the utilization of funding, and in delays regarding the progress and completion of projects. Such problems are additional problems for researchers of vulnerable populations, such as those in mental health or palliative care, where multicentred research is necessary to ensure the validity of the project itself. A current example of work that has required multicentred human ethics and research approval from around Australia is the establishment of the National Register of Antipsychotic Medication in Pregnancy. The guidelines for embarking on such a project with the requirement of multicentred ethical approval are described. Some of the issues, recommendations, and guidelines presented by the authors are taken from their experiences in establishing multicentred research projects.
Testing and using Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire: Mental health in relation to home nursing, home help, and family care among older, care‐dependent individuals
Authors: Dale Bjørg , Sævareid Hans Inge , Söderhamn Olle 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTThe aims of this study were to test the Norwegian version of Goldberg's 30‐item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐30) in a group of older, care‐dependent individuals living at home; to describe self‐reported mental health; and to relate mental health to receiving home nursing, home help, and family care. A sample of 234 home nursing patients in Norway aged 75 years and older was interviewed. Mental state was assessed using the GHQ‐30. Reliability and validity were calculated with Spearman's rank correlations, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and Mann–WhitneyU‐test. The factor analysis was performed using the principal components analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser normalization. Demographic characteristics and amounts of formal and family care were recorded, and descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression were used in the analyses. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the GHQ was 0.92. The item–total correlations were generally acceptable. For items concerning depression and anxiety, the item–total correlations ranged from rs=0.60 to 0.77. The factors extracted in the factor analysis explained 70% of the variance in the group. Females<85 years of age living in urban areas were associated with reduced mental health. There were no associations between general mental health and the amounts of formal and family care provided.
Systematic screening for metabolic syndrome in consumers with severe mental illness
Authors: Brunero Scott , Lamont Scott 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTThe high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in people with a mental illness has been reported recently in the literature. Gaps have emerged in the widespread use of systematic screening methods that identify this collection of critical risk factors for cardiac and metabolic disorders in people with severe mental illness. A sample (n = 103) of consumers with severe mental illness was screened for MetS using the Metabolic Syndrome Screening Tool and compared to a sample (n = 72) of consumers who were not receiving a systematic approach to screening for MetS. The results demonstrated ad hoc screening of consumers for MetS in the comparison group, potentially leaving patients at risk of cardiac and metabolic disorders being untreated. Mental health nurses are well placed to show leadership in the screening, treatment, and ongoing management of MetS in people with severe mental illness. A potential new speciality role entitled the ‘cardiometabolic mental health nurse’ is proposed as a means leading to improved outcomes for consumers who have both the complication of physical health problems and a severe mental illness.
Secreted TARSH regulates olfactory mitral cell dendritic complexity
Authors: Cheng Ting‐Wen , Gong Qizhi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractOlfactory sensory neurons synapse with mitral cells to form stereotyped connections in the olfactory bulb (OB). Mitral cell apical dendrites receive input from olfactory sensory neurons expressing the same odorant receptor. During development, this restricted dendritic targeting of mitral cells is achieved through eliminating elaborated dendritic trees to a single apical dendrite. Through a genome‐wide microarray screen, we identified TARSH (Target of NESH SH3) as a transiently expressed molecule in mitral cells during the dendritic refinement period. TARSH expression is restricted to pyramidal neurons along the main olfactory pathway, including the anterior olfactory nucleus and piriform cortex. The dynamic TARSH expression is not altered when odor‐evoked activity is blocked by naris closure or in AC3 knockout mice. We also demonstrate that TARSH is a secreted protein. In dissociated OB cultures, secreted TARSH promotes the reduction of mitral cell dendritic complexity and restricts dendritic branching and outgrowth of interneurons. Dendritic morphological changes were also observed in mitral cells overexpressing TARSH themselves. We propose that TARSH is part of the genetic program that regulates mitral cell dendritic refinement.
RETRACTED: Neuroprotective activities of activated protein C mutant with reduced anticoagulant activity
Authors: Guo Huang , Singh Itender , Wang Yaoming , Deane Rashid , Barrett Theresa , Fernández José A. , Chow Nienwen , Griffin John H. , Zlokovic Berislav V. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe anticoagulant activated protein C (APC) protects neurons and endothelium via protease activated receptor (PAR)1, PAR3 and endothelial protein C receptor. APC is neuroprotective in stroke models. Bleeding complications may limit the pharmacologic utility of APC. Here, we compared the 3K3A‐APC mutant with 80% reduced anticoagulant activity and wild‐type (wt)‐APC. Murine 3K3A‐APC compared with wt‐APC protected mouse cortical neurons from N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate‐induced apoptosis with twofold greater efficacy and more potently reduced N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate excitotoxic lesions in vivo. Human 3K3A‐APC protected human brain endothelial cells (BECs) from oxygen/glucose deprivation with 1.7‐fold greater efficacy than wt‐APC. 3K3A‐APC neuronal protection required PAR1 and PAR3, as shown by using PAR‐specific blocking antibodies and PAR1‐ and PAR3‐deficient cells and mice. BEC protection required endothelial protein C receptor and PAR1. In neurons and BECs, 3K3A‐APC blocked caspase‐9 and ‐3 activation and induction of p53, and decreased the Bax/Bcl‐2 pro‐apoptotic ratio. After distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO) in mice, murine 3K3A‐APC compared with vehicle given 4:00 h after dMCAO improved the functional outcome and reduced the infarction volume by 50% within 3 days. 3K3A‐APC compared with wt‐APC multi‐dosing therapy at 12:00 h, 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after dMCAO significantly improved functional recovery and reduced the infarction volume by 75% and 38%, respectively, within 7 days. The wt‐APC, but not 3K3A‐APC, significantly increased the risk of intracerebral bleeding as indicated by a 50% increase in hemoglobin levels in the ischemic hemisphere. Thus, 3K3A‐APC offers a new approach for safer and more efficacious treatments of neurodegenerative disorders and stroke with APC.