bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a new generation of plastic culture bottles with an automated microbial detection system for nine common contaminating organisms found in PLT components
Authors: Brecher M.E. , Hay S.N. , Rothenberg S.J. 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: A microbial detection system (BacT/ALERT 3D, bioMérieux [formerly Organon Teknika]) has previously been validated with a variety of bacterial contaminants in PLTs. The recovery of nine organisms seeded into PLTs with new plastic culture bottles was studied in comparison to the current glass bottles. The use of plastic instead of glass would be expected to reduce the risk of injury.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Isolates of Bacillus cereus, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Serratia marcescens, Streptococcus viridans, and Propionibacterium acnes were inoculated into Day 2 (>24 hr <48 hr) apheresis PLT units to 10 and 100 CFUs per mL. Replicate samples (4 mL) were inoculated into both current‐ and new‐generation standard aerobic and anaerobic bottles.RESULTS: All organisms (with the exception of P. acnes) were detected in a mean time of 9.3 to 18.9 hours (10 CFUs/mL) or 8.7 to 18.2 hours (100 CFUs/mL). In aggregate (with the exception of P. acnes), the plastic and glass aerobic bottles had a mean difference in detection of 1.2 hours (p < 0.0001), and the plastic and glass anaerobic bottles had a mean difference of 3.3 hours (p < 0.0001). In all cases, the mean detection time was superior or clinically comparable (within 0.1 hr) with the new plastic bottles. P. acnes (an anaerobic organism) was detected with the new and current anaerobic bottles in a mean of 72.8 and 90.4 hours (10 CFUs/mL) or 64.0 and 80.8 hours (100 CFUs/mL), respectively. The narrower bottle neck and smaller inoculation septum present with the new‐generation plastic bottles were inoculated with comparable ease to that of the glass bottles.CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that the new plastic bottles are clinically comparable or superior to the current glass standard aerobic and anaerobic culture bottles.
Survival after transfusion as assessed in a large multistate US cohort
Authors: Kleinman Steven , Marshall Deborah , AuBuchon James , Patton Mary 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: The only survival and mortality data on a general population of transfused patients in the United States is more than two decades old. More contemporary data are needed to reflect more current patient populations and transfusion practices.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were extracted from Constella Health Strategies Sciences’ managed‐care administrative claims database that contains private health care claims. Patients were selected if they had at least one professional or facility claim indicating transfusion in 1995. Only the first transfusion in the time period was included so that each patient was counted only once and all claims were unduplicated. Survival for five years after transfusion was the primary outcome measure.RESULTS: A total of 6779 patients were included in the analysis. A total of 4658 (69%) patients were alive 1 year after transfusion, 4056 (60%) were alive at 2 years, and 3092 (46%) were alive 5 years after transfusion. Overall annual mortality was 31 percent in Year 1 after transfusion, 14 percent in Year 2, and 10 percent in each of Years 3 through 5. Transfusion mortality was much higher in recipients older than age 65 at the time of transfusion, who comprised 60 percent of transfused patients.CONCLUSION: These data from the mid 1990s can be used in models of the effectiveness of risk reduction interventions and in models of the disease consequences of infections transmitted through blood transfusions.
Transfusion of apheresis PLTs from IgA‐deficient donors with anti‐IgA is not associated with an increase in transfusion reactions
Authors: Winters Jeffrey L. , Moore S. Breanndan , Sandness Charlie , Miller Dylan V. 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: Passive transfer of antibodies through transfusion has been reported to cause adverse consequences. Approximately 1 in 700 individuals of Northern European ancestry lack IgA with up to 40 percent reported as having anti‐IgA. Whether these antibodies when passively transfused were associated with reactions was examined.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Records were reviewed to identify IgA‐deficient (<0.05 mg/dL detectable IgA) apheresis PLT donors with anti‐IgA. Transfusion outcomes of products from these donors were compared to outcomes of control transfusions from donors who were not IgA‐deficient.RESULTS: Four IgA‐deficient donors with anti‐IgA donated a total of 25 apheresis PLT products transfused to 22 recipients. Of the transfused products, 1 (4.0%) was associated with fever that was classified as unrelated to transfusion. In the control group, 60 donors donated 78 apheresis PLT products transfused to 56 recipients. Among these, an allergic reaction was identified (1.3%). The reaction rates between both groups were not different whether the single event in the anti‐IgA group was considered a reaction (chi‐squared value 0.735, p = 0.3914) or considered unrelated to transfusion (chi‐square value 0.324, p = 0.5694).CONCLUSION: The transfusion of products containing anti‐IgA does not appear to be associated with a greater frequency of reactions.
Cerebral oxygenation and hemodynamics during blood donation studied by near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Menke J. , Stöcker H. , Sibrowski W. 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: Blood donation is a safe human model for acute blood loss. This study investigated associated changes in regional cerebral oxygenation and cerebral blood volume (CBV) by near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Fifty healthy blood donors donated 450 mL of whole blood within 4 to 9 minutes. Changes in regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) and cerebral tissue Hb concentration (HbT) were semiquantitatively measured by NIRS. Venous Hb concentration was measured before and after blood donation. The predonation and postdonation CBV was estimated from HbT and venous Hb concentration. Differences between pre‐ and postdonation study parameters were analyzed by paired t tests (p < 0.05).RESULTS: Within the study group, rSO2 decreased by 0.44 sat percent (p < 0.01) on average during blood donation, which is still within the range of individual physiologic baseline variation. The average venous Hb concentration decreased significantly by 4.6 percent, whereas HbT increased significantly by 2.5 percent and CBV increased even by 7.5 percent on average.CONCLUSION: The increase in CBV indicates cerebral vasodilation, which seems to be the major compensation mechanism during acute blood loss. The decrease in rSO2 was relatively small, indicating that cerebral oxygenation was maintained within the physiologic range.
Deletion of arginine codon 229 in the Rhce gene alters e and f but not c antigen expression
Authors: Chen Y.X. , Peng J. , Novaretti M. , Reid M.E. , Huang C.‐H. 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: Rh CcEe antigens occur as ce, Ce, cE, or CE alleles in the RBC membrane. Their epitope structures and the location of their cis interacting products remain to be defined.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rare blood sample from a white male whose parents are first cousins was identified. Hemagglutination was performed using standard methods. RH structure and genotype was assessed by Southern blots. Rh transcripts were obtained by gene‐specific RT‐PCR and sequenced. The mutation was verified by genomic PCR assays.RESULTS: The donor's RBCs typed D+C–c+E–e–f(Rh6)– with a normal c dose, suggesting the Dc– phenotype. Further tests revealed a weak and qualitatively altered e expression. Southern blots indicated a genotype of Dce/dce without other gross changes. RT‐PCR detected a triplet deletion (Δ685AGA687) in the Rhce gene that specifies codon 229 for arginine (Arg229). Sequencing of the region around the mutated exon 5 confirmed the donor to be homozygous for the AGA deletion.DISCUSSION: Arg229 is invariant on external loop 4 and close to the Ala226Pro change specific for e/E polymorphism. The qualitative and quantitative alteration of e antigen defines Arg229 as a crucial component for e/E epitope presentation. Given a normal dose of c antigen, the disruption of f (Rh6) by Arg229 deletion suggests that external loop 4 is a major structural element contributing to the expression of RHCE cis interacting antigenic products.
The molecular basis of the Rhesus antigen Ew
Authors: Strobel Erwin , Noizat‐Pirenne France , Hofmann Sabine , Cartron Jean Pierre , Bauer Matthias F. 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: The Rhesus antigen Ew (ISBT designation 004 011) was first described in 1955. It is defined by a specific antibody, but its molecular genetic basis has not yet been resolved.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Two individuals serologically characterized to express the rare Rhesus antigen Ew were analyzed by sequencing of all 10 exons of the RHCE gene.RESULTS: A nucleotide exchange at position 500 (T500A) resulting in a Met167Lys amino acid substitution was found in both individuals. Moreover, we show that an individual carrying the Ew antigen is capable to produce an alloantibody against the wild‐type E antigen.CONCLUSION: The single‐point mutation T500A in exon 4 of the RHCE gene is a molecular basis of the rare Rhesus antigen Ew.
The Crossroads of Culture and Health Among the Roma (Gypsies)
Authors: Vivian Carrie , Dundes Lauren 
Published: March 2004

Purpose:

To alert health care providers to commonly encountered cross‐cultural impediments to optimal health care delivery for the Roma (also known as Gypsies) and to offer suggestions for avoiding culturally based problems in treating this subculture.
Organizing framework:

Understanding of sociocultural bases of health‐related behaviors is necessary for culturally competent and effective health care.
Methods:

Review of literature and personal interviews.
Findings:

Cultural factors that can affect health care delivery include: concepts of pollution, cleanliness, ideal weight, death, and views of medical procedures such as immunizations and surgery. Responsiveness of health care providers to expectations of Roma about their involvement of family and the hierarchy of age and sex also can enhance patient‐provider relationships that in turn can improve compliance and satisfaction with health care regimens.
Conclusion:

The Roma have some culturally distinct beliefs and behaviors related to their health and health care. Knowledge of these characteristics and accommodations to cultural differences are important in their health care.
Determinants of Placental Vascularity
Authors: Torry Donald S. , Hinrichs Monica , Torry Ronald J. 
Published: March 2004

Problem:  Vascular growth during implantation and placentation is critical for successful gestation and it is thought that vascular insufficiencies during placentation contribute to a number of obstetrical complications. However, relatively little is known regarding the regulation of angiogenesis in the placenta.Method of study:  We review literature concerning the potential significance of inadequate placental vascularity as a contributor to the obstetrical complications of spontaneous abortion, fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. Gene expression assays were used to compare fluctuations of placenta growth factor (PlGF) and PlGF receptor expression in normal and preeclamptic trophoblast in vitro.Results:  Studies have shown that common obstetrical complications manifest altered placental vascularity. Both intrinsic defects (gene knockouts) and extrinsic factors (O2 tension, cytokines, etc) may be responsible for the defects. Some of these factors have been shown to influence trophoblast vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/PlGF expression suggesting this particular family of angiogenic proteins play an important role in placental angiogenesis.Conclusion:  Placental vascularization reflects a complex interaction of regulatory factors. Understanding the regulation of vascular growth in the placenta will provide much needed insight into placenta‐related vascular insufficiencies.
Reproductive Functions of Corticotropin‐Releasing Hormone. Research and Potential Clinical Utility of Antalarmins (CRH Receptor Type 1 Antagonists)
Authors: Kalantaridou Sophia N , Makrigiannakis Antonis , Zoumakis Emmanouil , Chrousos George P 
Published: March 2004

Background:  The hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis exerts a complex, mostly inhibitory, effect on the female reproductive system. In addition, the principal regulator of this axis, the hypothalamic neuropeptide corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) and its receptors have been identified in most female reproductive tissues, including the ovary, uterus, and placenta. Furthermore, CRH is secreted in peripheral inflammatory sites where it exerts strong inflammatory actions. Antalarmins (CRH receptor type 1 antagonists) have been used to elucidate the roles of CRH in stress, inflammation and reproduction.Method of study:  We review existing data on the effects of CRH in the female reproductive system.Results:  Ovarian CRH participates in female sex steroid production, follicular maturation, ovulation and luteolysis. Uterine CRH participates in decidualization, implantation, and early maternal tolerance. Placental CRH participates in the physiology of pregnancy and the onset of parturition. Circulating placental CRH is secreted mostly during the latter half of pregnancy and is responsible for the concurrently increasing physiologic hypercortisolism of this period. After labor and delivery, this hypercortisolism is ensued by a transient suppression of hypothalamic CRH secretion, which may explain the postpartum blues and depression and the increased autoimmune manifestations depression of period, the postpartum period.Conclusions:  These data show that CRH is present in female reproductive tissues, and is regulating key reproductive functions with an inflammatory component, such as ovulation, luteolysis, implantation, and parturition.
Macrophages and Apoptotic Cell Clearance During Pregnancy
Authors: Abrahams Vikki M. , Kim Yeon Mee , Straszewski Shawn L. , Romero Roberto , Mor Gil 
Published: March 2004

Background:  During implantation, apoptosis is critical for the appropriate tissue remodeling of the maternal decidua and invasion of the developing embryo, yet the regulation of apoptosis is also imperative for a successful pregnancy. The quick and effective removal of apoptotic cells by tissue macrophages represents an essential process, which prevents the release of self‐antigens, and in the case of pregnancy, paternal alloantigens.Methods of study:  Recent studies have shown that the process of apoptotic cell clearance is not a neutral event, but rather an active one that induces macrophage production of anti‐inflammatory cytokines and survival factors. Apoptotic cell clearance is, therefore, necessary for the resolution of inflammatory conditions, which during pregnancy could have lethal consequences.Conclusions:  The function of the maternal immune system during implantation and throughout pregnancy is, therefore, an important area of investigation. This review will discuss the role of decidual macrophages in apoptotic cell clearance during pregnancy.
Immune Interactions at the Maternal–Fetal Interface: a Focus on Antigen Presentation
Authors: Huddleston Heather , Schust Danny J. 
Published: March 2004

Problem:  Viruses and fetuses face similar immunologic challenges. Each must evade immune detection and destruction. The virus must avoid host recognition of intracellular infection; the fetus allogenic recognition. Each has manipulated the process of antigen presentation to allow survival in an immunologic environment otherwise predictably hostile. How have these approaches co‐evolved? What can they teach us about viral pathogenesis and immunologic interactions at the maternal‐fetal interface?Method of study:  Review of relevant literature.Results:  Special classical and non‐classical MHC class I products are spared from downregulation in the placenta and from viral immunoevasive strategies.Conclusions:  Viruses rely upon some of the same strategies to avoid immune detection as do trophoblast cells. In the future, viral infections may prove a useful tool for studies of immunology at the maternal‐fetal interface.
Use of Mammalian Eggs for Assessment of Human Sperm Function: Molecular and Cellular Analyses of Fertilization by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Authors: Terada Yukihiro , Nakamura Sou‐ichi , Morita Junko , Tachibana Masahito , Morito Yuki , Ito Kiyoshi , Murakami Takashi , Yaegashi Nobuo , Okamura Kunihiro 
Published: March 2004

Problems:  Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI ) has been described as the ‘cure’ for male sterility because a single sperm can now be directly introduced into an egg with some chance of pregnancy. While ICSI has revolutionized the practice of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), there are few molecular and cellular studies about its safety and efficacy. Even by using ICSI, fertilization in humans succeeds only if the sperm effectively accomplishes a number of tasks including ‘post‐ICSI events’ in fertilization. To assess the function of human sperm after ICSI, we used heterologous ICSI with human sperm into animal eggs. Egg activation, sperm decondensation and sperm centorosomal function were examined in sperm from fertile men and infertile patients.Methods:  Sperm from fertile men and infertile patients were injected into hamster, rabbit and bovine eggs by Piezo micromanipulator, and studied in decondensation of sperm nuclei, egg activation and microtubule organization.Results:  Decondensation human sperm head following ICSI into hamster eggs occurred initially form basal lesion, and apical portion of sperm nuclei which is surrounded by acrosome and perinuclear theca, still condensed in early pronuclear stage. Radial array of microtubules from sperm centrosome ‘sperm aster’ which is essential for pronuclear movement was observed in 30% rabbit eggs following ICSI with human sperm. By heterologous ICSI system with fertile human sperm and bovine eggs, 83.3% of eggs was activated and 60% eggs had sperm aster, indicating that bovine Piezo ICSI system is appropriate for assessing human sperm oocyte activation ability and human sperm centrosomal function. Oocyte activation and sperm centrosomal function were significantly low in sperm from men with globozoospermia and men with dysplasia of fibrous sheath.Conclusion:  These assays indicate differences of the process of fertilization between in vitro fertilization and ICSI, and reflect the human sperm function especially for the ‘post‐ICSI events’ in fertilization. More molecular and cellular analyses in fertilization by ICSI are needed for improvement of ART.
Systemic Th1/Th2 Cytokine Responses to Paternal and Vaccination Antigens in Preeclampsia: No Differences Compared with Normal Pregnancy
Authors: Jonsson Yvonne , Ekerfelt Christina , Berg Göran , Nieminen Katri , Sharma Surendra , Ernerudh Jan , Matthiesen Leif 
Published: March 2004

Problem:  A Th1‐shift has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. This study was designed to compare Th1/Th2 related cytokine secretion in blood between women with preeclampsia (n = 15) and normal pregnancies (n = 15), using a high‐sensitivity technique for cytokine detection.Methods of study:  Spontaneous as well as ‘fetus‐specific’ and recall antigen‐specific (purified protein derivate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, tetanus toxoid and lipopolysaccharide) secretion of interferon‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐10 and IL‐12 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot‐forming cell assay (ELISPOT). Fetus‐specific secretion was induced by stimulation with paternal PBMC in a mixed leukocyte culture assay.Results:  All cytokines were secreted by PBMCs both from women with preeclampsia and women with normal pregnancies. No differences in the number of cytokine‐secreting cells were found between the two groups.Conclusions:  No evidence was found for a shift in the systemic Th1/Th2 responses, in preeclampsia compared with normal pregnancy. This does, however, not exclude differences in the local immune responses related to the fetoplacental unit.
IFN‐γ‐Mediated Inhibition of COX‐2 Expression in the Placenta from Term and Preterm Labor Pregnancies
Authors: Hanna Nazeeh , Bonifacio Lea , Reddy Pradeep , Hanna Iman , Weinberger Barry , Murphy Shaun , Laskin Debra , Sharma Surendra 
Published: March 2004

Problem:  The inflammatory‐anti‐inflammatory cytokine network is thought to play a critical role in regulated progression and termination of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of interferon (IFN)‐γ on the expression of Cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 and production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the human placenta from term and preterm labor deliveries.Method of study:  Placental explant culture system was used. COX‐2 expression was determined by complementary techniques of immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Released IFN‐γ and PGE2 by placental explants were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) phosphorylation was evaluated by Western blotting using a specific antibody.Results:  IFN‐γ was poorly detected in the placenta but was significantly expressed in decidual tissues from both term and preterm pregnancies as detected by immunohistochemistry. IFN‐γ significantly inhibited COX‐2 expression and PGE2 release in cultured placental explants from term and preterm labor deliveries. This effect most likely occurred in a STAT1‐dependent manner as this regulatory protein was phosphorylated in response to IFN‐γ. IFN‐γ receptor (IFN‐γR) was expressed in normal early pregnancy placental samples. However, its expression was significantly reduced in placental samples from term and preterm deliveries. Of interest, IFN‐γR was expressed in placentas from term and preterm labor deliveries after 24 hr in culture.Conclusions:  Our data suggest that the human placenta is an important site for IFN‐γ‐mediated repression of COX‐2 expression and PGE2 production, implying that functional withdrawal of IFN‐γ may be involved in the onset of term or preterm labor.