bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rh discrepancies caused by variable reactivity of partial and weak D types with different serologic techniques
Authors: Denomme Gregory A. , Dake Louann R. , Vilensky Daniel , Ramyar Lily , Judd W. John 
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: RhD discrepancies between current and historical results are problematic to resolve. The investigation of 10 discrepancies is reported here.STUDY DESIGN: Samples identified were those that reacted by automated gel technology and were negative with an FDA‐approved reagent. Reactivity with a commercially available panel of monoclonal anti‐D was performed. Genomic DNA was evaluated for RHD alleles with multiplex RHD exon polymerase chain reaction (PCR), weak D PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism, and RHD exon 5 and 7 sequence analyses.RESULTS: The monoclonal anti‐D panel identified two samples as DVa, yet possessed the DAR allele. Two weak D Type 1 samples had a similar monoclonal anti‐D profile, but only one reacted directly with one of two FDA‐approved anti‐D. Only two of four weak D Type 2 samples reacted directly with one FDA‐approved anti‐D, and their D epitope profile differed.CONCLUSIONS: The monoclonal anti‐D reagents did not distinguish between partial and weak D Types 1 and 2. Weak D Types 1 and 2 do not show consistent reactivity with FDA‐approved reagents and technology. To limit anti‐D alloimmunization, it is recommended that samples yielding an immediate‐spin tube test cutoff score of not more than 5 (i.e., ≤1+ agglutination) or a score of not more than 8 (i.e., ≤2+ hemagglutination) by gel technology be considered D– for transfusion and Rh immune globulin prophylaxis. That tube test anti‐D reagents react poorly with some Weak D Types 1 and 2 red cells is problematic, inasmuch as they should be considered D+ for transfusion and prenatal care. Molecular tests that distinguish common partial and Weak D types provide the solution to resolving D antigen discrepancies.
Is flow cytometry accurate enough to screen platelet autoantibodies?
Authors: Hézard Nathalie , Simon Gérard , Macé Catherine , Jallu Vincent , Kaplan Cécile , Nguyen Philippe 
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a diagnosis of exclusion, as stated by international guidelines. Nevertheless, the assessment of platelet (PLT) antibodies has been reported as helpful for the diagnosis and the follow‐up of ITP patients. PLT antibodies are detected by highly specialized assays, such as monoclonal antibody–specific immobilization of PLT antigen (MAIPA) test. Flow cytometry for PLT‐associated immunoglobulin G (PAIgG) detection has been described more recently. This study was meant to evaluate the utility of flow cytometry to screen accurately patients needing further MAIPA testing.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PAIgG, PAIgM, and PAIgA were determined in 107 consecutive patients and in 147 healthy controls in parallel. MAIPA testing was performed in all patients. The accuracy of flow cytometry was assessed with a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis versus MAIPA.RESULTS: MAIPA assay found PLT‐specific IgG in 27 patients (25%). The ROC curve analysis showed that no false‐negative result in flow cytometry was obtained for a mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) cutoff of 0.2. With this cutoff, PAIgG were positive in 61 patients (57%). In this series, MAIPA was unnecessary in 42 percent of patients (corresponding to true‐negative results). When MAIPA was positive, PAIgM values ranged from 0.1 to 1.0, and PAIgA from 0.1 to 2.CONCLUSION: Flow cytometry for PAIgG assessment may be used to accurately decide whether or not MAIPA must be subsequently performed. In this series, MAIPA was unnecessary in 42 percent of patients. Moreover, PAIgM results suggested that its determination combined with PAIgG may be of interest in ITP investigation.
Enhancing attitudes and intentions in prospective blood donors: evaluation of a new donor recruitment brochure
Authors: France Christopher R. , Montalva Roen , France Janis L. , Trost Zina 
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: Although little empiric evidence has been published concerning the efficacy of blood donor recruitment materials, research suggests that simple attempts to enhance knowledge may not be sufficient to motivate donation. In contrast, recent donor motivation studies highlight the importance of anxiety, attitudes, and perceived ability to cope with donation (i.e., self‐efficacy) as crucial determinants of donation intention. Therefore, recruitment materials that specifically address these constructs have the potential to outperform traditional educational brochures.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to read one of three brochures: 1) a new brochure addressing common donor concerns and suggesting specific coping strategies, 2) a standard blood center brochure, or 3) a control brochure on healthy eating and exercise. Standardized questionnaires were completed before and after the brochures to assess change in blood donation anxiety, attitude, self‐efficacy, and intention.RESULTS: Although no significant changes were noted for the control brochure, after reading the new brochure participants reported significant improvements in attitude, anxiety, self‐efficacy, and donation intention. The standard donation brochure had an intermediate effect.CONCLUSION: Efforts to address common donor fears and to provide useful coping suggestions may improve the effectiveness of blood donation recruitment materials.
Immunomagnetic selection of progenitor cells from peripheral blood after thawing with an automatic system in a pediatric patient with a neuroblastoma
Authors: Zinno Francesco , Landi Fabiola , Aureli Viviana , Donfrancesco Alberto , Isacchi Giancarlo 
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: Immunomagnetic selection of peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) in patients with tumoral infiltration in marrow makes it possible to reduce contamination of cellular concentrates, but this procedure cannot always be used, mainly because of the low cellular count in apheresis concentrates.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In this case two cellular concentrates taken separately at two different times were selected and cryopreserved; they were thawed with an automatic instrument.RESULTS: After manipulation, a selected concentrate containing 24.16 × 106 CD34+ cells with a purity of 90.15 percent was obtained; vitality after thawing and selection was 88 and 96 percent, respectively. The engraftment was achieved on Day +17 from the infusion of the previously selected PBPCs, as the literature also shows us.CONCLUSION: The time passed between the infusion and the engraftment gives us evidence of the efficacy of immunomagnetic selection carried out after thawing 2 cell units that were collected at different times from the same patient. In this way, it has been possible to perform an autologous transplant in a patient in which CD34+ cells transplant is recommended, but from whom the number of collected cells after a single mobilization cycle would not have been sufficient for the engraftment.
Buffy‐coat platelet variables and metabolism during storage in additive solutions or plasma
Authors: Zhang Jerry G. , Carter Cedric J. , Culibrk Brankica , Devine Dana V. , Levin Elena , Scammell Kenneth , Weiss Sandra , Gyongyossy‐Issa Maria I.C. 
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: Buffy‐coat processing allows for the use of platelet additive solutions (PASs). PASs reduce plasma‐associated transfusion reactions and conserve plasma for transfusion or fractionation. Platelet (PLT) storage in plasma was compared to storage in three commercially available PASs compared to assess their influence on in vitro laboratory variables.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Platelet concentrates (PCs) were prepared from leukoreduced pools of four buffy coats (BCPs) suspended in autologous plasma or one of PASs (Composol, Fresenius‐Kabi; T‐Sol, Baxter Corp.; or SSP+, MacoPharma). On Days 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 of storage, samples were tested for PLT concentration, mean PLT volume (MPV), CD62P, morphology, pO2, pCO2, glucose, lactate and total protein concentration, pH, extent of shape change (ESC), and hypotonic shock response (HSR). Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures and t tests.RESULTS: PLT recoveries from BCPs were higher (p < 0.05) with plasma than any PAS. Storage medium and duration did not affect PLT concentration or MPV over time. CD62P expression and morphology were significantly different among PCs pooled with different media. ANOVA showed (p < 0.05) differences among the rates of change of pCO2, pH, glucose consumption, lactate production, and ESC; PASs such as Composol and SSP+ offered excellent maintenance of pH and low rates of glucose consumption. PAS performed poorly in ESC and HSR compared to plasma. Correlation studies reveal far more significant correlations between variables of PLTs in PAS than in plasma.CONCLUSION: Newer PASs, for example, SSP+ and Composol, can maintain PLT integrity and moderate metabolism similarly to plasma but offer consistently lower PLT recoveries and limited osmotic balance.
Isolation and phytotoxicity of a metabolite from Curvularia eragrostidis and characterisation of its modes of action
Authors: Jiang S.‐J. , Qiang S. , Zhu Y.‐Z. , Dong Y.‐F. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract Digitaria sanguinalis is a widespread troublesome weed distributed all over the world. Curvularia eragrostidis QZ‐2000 is a potential candidate for biocontrol of D. sanguinalis. A phytotoxic metabolite from the culture filtrate of this fungus was extracted by ethyl acetate, isolated by bioassay‐guided column chromatography and thin layer chromatography on silica gel, characterised by ultra violet, infrared ray (IR), mass spectrometry (MS), 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and 13C‐NMR spectral data analyses and identified as α,β‐dehydrocurvularin. The phytotoxin significantly inhibited seed germination of D. sanguinalis from 43 to 688 μM. The EC50 value of seed germination was 152 μM. The EC50 values of elongation of radicle and coleoptile were 102 and 172 μM, respectively. α,β‐dehydrocurvularin caused extensive necrosis on leaves of many notorious weeds at 688 μM, while maize and soybean were insensitive to it. Therefore, α,β‐dehydrocurvularin was regarded as a non‐host‐selective phytotoxin. At concentrations of 172–688 μM, α,β‐dehydrocurvularin caused a decrease in chlorophyll content. α,β‐dehydrocurvularin had stronger impacts on chlorophyll A fluorescence, photophosphorylation and Mg2+‐ATPase activity at higher concentrations. These results suggest that α,β‐dehydrocurvularin affected the photosynthetic capacity. In the present study, α,β‐dehydrocurvularin significantly inhibited mitosis of root tip cells. It supports that the α,β‐dehydrocurvularin has potential for development as a natural bioherbicide.
Successional Change and Resilience of a Very Dry Tropical Deciduous Forest Following Shifting Agriculture
Authors: Lebrija‐Trejos Edwin , Bongers Frans , Pérez‐García Eduardo A. , Meave Jorge A. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTWe analyzed successional patterns in a very dry tropical deciduous forest by using 15 plots differing in age after abandonment and contrasted them to secondary successions elsewhere in the tropics. We used multivariate ordination and nonlinear models to examine changes in composition and structure and to estimate forest recovery rates and resilience. A shrub phase characterized early succession (0–3 yr); afterwards, the tree Mimosa acantholoba became dominant. Below its canopy, sprouts and seed‐regenerated individuals of mature forest species slowly accumulated. Canopy height, plant density, and crown cover stabilized in less than 15 yr, whereas species richness, diversity, and basal area continued to increase. The pioneer species group has very low diversity and the long‐lived pioneer phase typical of humid forests is absent; species composition may therefore recover soon as suggested by convergence toward mature forest species composition. The time trend of plant density also differed from humid forests for it lacked its characteristic density decline, presumably because of differences in regeneration mechanisms between very dry and other less water‐stressed forest types. As opposed to the prevailing hypothesis, resilience was not higher than in moister forests, and thus factors other than structure relative simplicity must be accounted for when assessing resilience.
Conservation Genetics ofJacquemontia reclinata(Convolvulaceae), an Endangered Species from Southern Florida: Implications for Restoration Management
Authors: Thornton Hannah E. B. , Roncal Julissa , Lewis Carl E. , Maschinski Joyce , Francisco‐Ortega Javier 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTGuidelines designed to aid in the restoration of rare species have been previously proposed using two primary strategies to select individuals for augmentation and reintroduction: mixing progeny from different populations or separating individuals from different populations. Understanding the genetic structure and diversity of an endangered species can offer insights into conservation management strategies. We used random amplified polymorphic DNA markers to assess the genetic structure and diversity ofJacquemontia reclinata, a federally endangered species endemic to Southeastern Florida. We sampled 20 percent of total number of individuals from eight of the ten known wild populations. Across individuals high levels of polymorphic loci (94.7%) were found and larger populations had greater genetic diversity. Cluster and ordination analyses found that one population was genetically differentiated from all the others; this population grows in a unique habitat. Most genetic variation (77.5%) was found within populations, and genetic distances between populations were not explained by their geographic distances. We recommend the use of two management units in restoration programs forJ. reclinata, one consisting of the genetically differentiated population and the second consisting of the other seven populations sampled.
Intact Membrane Lipids of “
Candidatus
Nitrosopumilus maritimus,” a Cultivated Representative of the Cosmopolitan Mesophilic Group I Crenarchaeota
Authors: Schouten Stefan , Hopmans Ellen C. , Baas Marianne , Boumann Henry , Standfest Sonja , Könneke Martin , Stahl David A. , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

In this study we analyzed the membrane lipid composition of “
Candidatus
Nitrosopumilus maritimus,” the only cultivated representative of the cosmopolitan group I crenarchaeota and the only mesophilic isolate of the phylum
Crenarchaeota
. The core lipids of “
Ca
. Nitrosopumilus maritimus” consisted of glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) with zero to four cyclopentyl moieties. Crenarchaeol, a unique GDGT containing a cyclohexyl moiety in addition to four cyclopentyl moieties, was the most abundant GDGT. This confirms unambiguously that crenarchaeol is synthesized by species belonging to the group I.1a crenarchaeota. Intact polar lipid analysis revealed that the GDGTs have hexose, dihexose, and/or phosphohexose head groups. Similar polar lipids were previously found in deeply buried sediments from the Peru margin, suggesting that they were in part synthesized by group I crenarchaeota.
Improved Methodology for Identification of Protists and Microalgae from Plankton Samples Preserved in Lugol's Iodine Solution: Combining Microscopic Analysis with Single-Cell PCR
Authors: Auinger Barbara M. , Pfandl Karin , Boenigk Jens 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

Here we introduce a method for quantitative analysis of planktonic protists and microalgae from preserved field samples combining morphological and small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequence analysis. We linked a microscopic screening with PCR of single cells using field samples preserved with Lugol's iodine solution. Cells possessing a rigid cell wall were incubated with Viscozyme and subsequently with proteinase K for cell disruption; this was unnecessary for fragile cells. The addition of sodium thiosulfate to the PCR tube considerably decreased the inhibiting effect of the fixative (iodine) on the PCR and thus allowed for successful single-cell PCR even of long DNA fragments (up to as many as 3,000 base pairs). We further applied the protocol to investigate the dominant SSU rRNA genotypes in distinct flagellate morphospecies originating from different samples. We hypothesized that despite the morphological similarity, protist morphospecies in different habitats or sampled during different seasons are represented by different genotypes. Our results indicate species-specific differences: the two species
Ochromonas
sp. and
Dinobryon divergens
were represented by several different genotypes each, and for the latter species, the dominating genotype differed with habitat. In contrast,
Dinobryon pediforme
,
Dinobryon bavaricum
, and
Synura sphagnicola
were exclusively represented by a single genotype each, and the respective genotype was the same in different samples. In summary, our results highlight the significance of molecular variation within protist morphospecies.
The Genomes of the Non-Clearing-Zone-Forming and Natural-Rubber- Degrading SpeciesGordonia polyisoprenivoransandGordonia westfalicaHarbor Genes Expressing Lcp Activity inStreptomycesStrains
Authors: Bröker Daniel , Dietz David , Arenskötter Matthias , Steinbüchel Alexander 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTThe latex-clearing protein (LcpK30) from the rubber-degrading bacteriumStreptomycessp. strain K30 is involved in the cleavage of poly(cis-1,4-isoprene), yielding isoprenoid aldehydes and ketones. Lcp homologues have so far been detected in all investigated clearing-zone-forming rubber-degrading bacteria. Internal degenerated oligonucleotides derived fromlcpgenes ofStreptomycessp. strain K30 (lcpK30),Streptomyces coelicolorstrain A3(2), andNocardia farcinicastrains IFM10152 and E1 were applied in PCR to investigate whetherlcphomologues occur also in the non-clearing-zone-forming rubber-utilizing bacteriaGordonia polyisoprenivoransstrains VH2 and Y2K,Gordonia alkanivoransstrain 44187, andGordonia westfalicastrain Kb1, which grow adhesively on rubber. The 1,230- and 1,224-bplcp-homologous genes fromG. polyisoprenivoransstrain VH2 (lcpVH2) andG. westfalicastrain Kb1 (lcpKb1) were obtained after screening genomic libraries by degenerated PCR amplification, and their translational products exhibited 50 and 52% amino acid identity, respectively, to LcpK30. RecombinantlcpVH2andlcpKb1harboring cells of the non-rubber-degradingStreptomyces lividansstrain TK23 were able to form clearing zones and aldehydes on latex overlay-agar plates, thus indicating thatlcpVH2andlcpKb1encode functionally active proteins. Analysis by gel permeation chromatography demonstrated lower polymer concentrations and molecular weights of the remaining polyisoprenoid molecules after incubation with these recombinantS. lividansstrains. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis demonstrated thatlcpVH2was transcribed in cells ofG. polyisoprenivoransstrain VH2 cultivated in the presence of poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) but not in the presence of sodium acetate. Anti-LcpK30immunoglobulin Gs, which were raised in this study, were rather specific for LcpK30and did not cross-react with LcpVH2and LcpKb1. AlcpVH2disruption mutant was still able to grow with poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) as sole carbon source; therefore,lcpVH2seems not to be essential for rubber degradation inG. polyisoprenivorans.
Critical Evaluation of Two Primers Commonly Used for Amplification of Bacterial 16S rRNA Genes
Authors: Frank Jeremy A. , Reich Claudia I. , Sharma Shobha , Weisbaum Jon S. , Wilson Brenda A. , Olsen Gary J. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

rRNA-based studies, which have become the most common method for assessing microbial communities, rely upon faithful amplification of the corresponding genes from the original DNA sample. We report here an analysis and reevaluation of commonly used primers for amplifying the DNA between positions 27 and 1492 of bacterial 16S rRNA genes (numbered according to the
Escherichia coli
rRNA). We propose a formulation for a forward primer (27f) that includes three sequences not usually present. We compare our proposed formulation to two common alternatives by using linear amplification—providing an assessment that is independent of a reverse primer—and in combination with the 1492 reverse primer (1492r) under the PCR conditions appropriate for making community rRNA gene clone libraries. For analyses of DNA from human vaginal samples, our formulation was better at maintaining the original rRNA gene ratio of
Lactobacillus
spp. to
Gardnerella
spp., particularly under stringent amplification conditions. Because our 27f formulation remains relatively simple, having seven distinct primer sequences, there is minimal loss of overall amplification efficiency and specificity.
Single-Cell and Population Lag Times as a Function of Cell Age
Authors: Pin Carmen , Baranyi József 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

After inoculation, the times to the first divisions are longer and more widely distributed for those
Escherichia coli
single cells that spent more time in the stationary phase prior to inoculation. The second generation times are still longer than the typical generation times in the exponential phase, and this extended the apparent lag time of the cell population. The greater the variability of the single-cell interdivision intervals, the shorter are both the lag time and the doubling time of the population.
Rapid Mineralization of the Phenylurea Herbicide Diuron by
Variovorax
sp. Strain SRS16 in Pure Culture and within a Two-Member Consortium
Authors: Sørensen Sebastian R. , Albers Christian N. , Aamand Jens 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

The phenylurea herbicide diuron [
N
-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-
N
,
N
-dimethylurea] is widely used in a broad range of herbicide formulations, and consequently, it is frequently detected as a major water contaminant in areas where there is extensive use. We constructed a linuron [
N
-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-
N
-methoxy-
N
-methylurea]- and diuron-mineralizing two-member consortium by combining the cooperative degradation capacities of the diuron-degrading organism
Arthrobacter globiformis
strain D47 and the linuron-mineralizing organism
Variovorax
sp. strain SRS16. Neither of the strains mineralized diuron alone in a mineral medium, but combined, the two strains mineralized 31 to 62% of the added [
ring
-U-
14
C]diuron to
14
CO
2
, depending on the initial diuron concentration and the cultivation conditions. The constructed consortium was used to initiate the degradation and mineralization of diuron in soil without natural attenuation potential. This approach led to the unexpected finding that
Variovorax
sp. strain SRS16 was able to mineralize diuron in a pure culture when it was supplemented with appropriate growth substrates, making this strain the first known bacterium capable of mineralizing diuron and representatives of both the
N
,
N
-dimethyl- and
N
-methoxy-
N
-methyl-substituted phenylurea herbicides. The ability of the coculture to mineralize microgram-per-liter levels of diuron was compared to the ability of strain SRS16 alone, which revealed the greater extent of mineralization by the two-member consortium (31 to 33% of the added [
ring
-U-
14
C]diuron was mineralized to
14
CO
2
when 15.5 to 38.9 μg liter
−1
diuron was used). These results suggest that the consortium consisting of strains SRS16 and D47 could be a promising candidate for remediation of soil and water contaminated with diuron and linuron and their shared metabolite 3,4-dichloroaniline.