bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of the exotic macrophyte, para grass (Urochloa mutica), on benthic and epiphytic macroinvertebrates of a tropical floodplain
Authors: Douglas Michael M. , O'Connor Ruth A. 
Published: May 2003

SUMMARY1. We examined the effect of the exotic macrophyte, para grass (Urochloa mutica), on benthic and epiphytic macroinvertebrates of a tropical floodplain in northern Australia. Macroinvertebrates were sampled from four grass communities: (1) para grass, (2) hymenachne (Hymenachne acutigluma), a native perennial; (3) rice (Oryza meridionalis), a native annual, and (4) areas where para grass had been sprayed with herbicide.2. Macroinvertebrate richness, abundance and community similarity showed very few differences among the grass communities, particularly in the epiphytic habitat. Benthic invertebrates showed some differences among grasses, with lower richness and abundance and different community structure associated with hymenachne. Herbicide control of para grass had no apparent effect on benthic invertebrates but reduced the abundance of epiphytic invertebrates in the short term.3. The results of this study indicate that para grass has very little impact on macroinvertebrate communities, despite the changes to macrophyte communities. This is probably because para grass has similar physical structure to the native grasses and because none of these grasses contribute directly to aquatic food webs. Control of para grass using herbicide has little impact on aquatic invertebrates. This suggests that predicting the impact of weed invasion in wetlands requires an understanding of both the functional properties of macrophytes and the habitat preferences of the macroinvertebrates.
Estimation of the proportion of metabolically active mass in the amphipod Gammarus fossarum
Authors: Simčič Tatjana , Brancelj Anton 
Published: May 2003

SUMMARY1. The proportion of metabolically active mass in the freshwater amphipod Gammarus fossarum was determined using different parameters [chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (Ntot), total phosphorus (Ptot) and mass of chitinous cuticle].2. The results of linear regressions between body mass and body length, and measured parameters (COD, Ntot, Ptot) show high correlation coefficients for both fresh and the dry animals. The proportion of chitinous mass increased with body size.3. Chemical analysis of Ptot in individuals appears to be the most appropriate parameter for quantitating the metabolically active tissues in animals.4. The dependence of the intensity of electron transport system (ETS) activity per protoplasm, calculated from the Ptot and dry mass of animals, shows that large animals have the same ETS activity per unit of protoplasm as smaller ones.5. We conclude that the chitinous mass is not the only factor which contributes to negative allometry of metabolic activity in G. fossarum.
The HLA System: An Update and Relevance to Patient‐Donor Matching Strategies in Clinical Transplantation
Authors: Howell W. Martin , Navarrete Cristina 
Published: May 2003

AbstractIn recent years the development of recombinant DNA and sequencing techniques has led to a greatly increased understanding of the genetic complexity, structure and function of the human major histocompatibility complex. This system may be subdivided into the ‘classical' HLA (human leukocyte antigen) class I and II transplantation antigens and novel HLA and non‐HLA genes, involved in antigen processing and presentation to T cells. Parallel technological developments in HLA DNA typing in the clinical laboratory have resulted in a more precise awareness of the role of HLA matching for the classical HLA antigens in bone marrow and solid organ transplantation, while alternative strategies and techniques for donor selection are currently under evaluation. This review offers a current perspective on the genetics, structure and function of the HLA system, its relevance to clinical transplantation and future prospects for improvements in donor selection.
Use of the DAF Assay to Assess the Functional Properties of Polyclonal and Monoclonal Rh D Antibodies
Authors: Ducrot T. , Beliard R. , Glacet A. , Klein P. , Harbonnier S. , Benmostefa N. , Bourel D. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe mechanism whereby passive Rh (D) immunoglobulins suppress the feto‐maternal alloimmunization is still unclear. New in vitro tests are needed to better characterize the functional properties of polyclonal anti‐Ds. The DAF assay was developped to monitor the antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and the phagocytosis of anti‐Rh (D)‐sensitized RBCs by effector cells. The principle of this test is based on the oxydization of the 2,7‐diaminofluorene (DAF) by the pseudoperoxidase activity of free hemoglobin. The reaction is proportional to the hemoglobin concentration. This test was performed to determine and emphasize the efficacy of different polyclonal anti‐D immunoglobulin preparations to mediate lysis and phagocytosis of sensitized RBCs by human peripheral mononuclear cells. The functional properties of different human RhD monoclonal antibodies were also analyzed and compared. The test was found to be convenient to perform and allowed the avoidance of radioactive labelling of RBCs for ADCC studies. It is mainly useful for the direct quantitation of phagocytosis.
Comparison of Solid‐Phase Antibody Screening Tests with Pooled Red Cells in Blood Donors
Authors: Schrem A. , Flegel W.A. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractSolid‐phase systems are very sensitive for detection of erythrocyte alloantibodies in serum and suitable for large scale donor screening. Serum samples of 10,008 blood donors were screened by three solid‐phase tests (Capture R Ready Screen, Solidscreen II, and Solidscreen II‐Donor) with pooled red cells derived from two donors. The prevalence of antierythrocyte IgG and IgM antibodies in donor sera was 0.56% (IgG antibodies: 0.42%). The test efficiency for IgG antibodies was 1.40 with Capture R Ready Screen (test sensitivity 97.6%, test specificity 99.39%), 1.78 with Solidscreen II (95.1, 99.88%), and 1.95 with Solidscreen II‐Donor (92.7, 99.98%). The IgG antibody titers differed significantly between all tests including a gel matrix test: Capture R > ID‐Gel > Solidscreen II > Solidscreen II‐Donor. Previously characterized antibodies that were not detected after long‐term follow‐up by any of the three solid‐phase tests had a prevalence of 0.10%. All three solid‐phase tests detected the alloantibodies, which were of higher titers and considered clinically relevant in blood components. The significant difference in antibody titers between the tests was not matched by a similar variance in the detection of donors with antibodies. Even with sensitive solid‐phase tests, many antibodies may not be detected after long‐term follow‐up.
Disappearance of Antibodies to Cromer Blood Group System Antigens during Mid Pregnancy
Authors: Reid Marion E. , Chandrasekaran Visalam , Sausais Laima , Pierre Jeannot , Bullock Rebecca 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe Cromer blood group system consists of 7 high incidence and 3 low incidence antigens that are carried on the complement regulatory glycoprotein called decay‐accelerating factor (DAF; CD55). Despite laboratory results that would predict clinical significance, antibodies with specificities in the Cromer blood group system have not been reported to cause hemolytic disease of the newborn. It is possible that strong expression of DAF on the apical surface of antigen‐positive fetally derived placental trophoblasts may absorb maternal antibodies that are directed to antigens in the Cromer blood group system. We studied two cases where strongly reactive anti‐Cra and anti‐Dra became undetectable during second and third trimesters of pregnancies.
Transfusion‐Transmitted AIDS with Blood Negative for Anti‐HIV and HIV‐Antigen
Authors: Chuansumrit Ampaiwan , Varavithya Wandee , Isarangkura Parttraporn , Sirinavin Sayomporn , Chiewsilp Pimol , Tanprasert Sriwilai , Hathirat Phongjan 
Published: May 2003

AbstractA four‐year‐old boy who was diagnosed with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia received supportive treatment and desmopressin for his bleeding episodes. He seldom received blood components, except for platelet concentrates, due to severe bleeding. He was exposed to 18 routine donors and 2 plateletpheresis donors who were negative for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigen and anti‐HIV upon screening. At the age of 3 years and 9 months (4.5 months after the transfusion of platelet concentrate), he developed full‐blown AIDS and died from circulatory failure 3 months later. The source of HIV transmission was identified as 1 donor who developed anti‐HIV 3 months after the last donation. The rather short incubation time of AIDS in this case was attributed to a large inoculum of HIV virus in the ‘window perioD' of infectivity of the newly infected donor. This case illustrates transfusion‐transmitted HIV leading to AIDS, even though HIV antigen and anti‐HIV screening tests were negative.
Serial Dilutions on Synthetic Peptide‐Based Assays Can Resolve Dual Seroreactivity to HIV‐1 and HIV‐2
Authors: Soriano V. , Gutiérrez M. , Heredia A. , Bravo R. , Aguilera O. , Mas A. , Hewlett I. , Baquero M. , González‐Lahoz J. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractSeveral authors have reported a high rate of dual seroreactivity to HIV‐1 and HIV‐2 in areas where both viruses are prevalent [1, 2]. For instance, Ghys et al. [2] pointed out that 38% of HIV‐seropositive female sex workers in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, show dual seroreactivity to HIV‐1 and HIV‐2. Moreover, the authors make the point that in this area endemic for both viruses, dual seroreactivity using synthetic peptide‐based assays, such as Pepti‐LAV 1+2 (Diagnostics Pasteur, Paris, France), more likely reflects truly dual infections than cross‐reactivity in subjects with either HIV‐1 or HIV‐2 monotypic infections. Since a recent report from Senegal has claimed that HIV‐2 might protect against subsequent infection by HIV‐1 [3], a very high rate of true coinfections is likely to be in conflict with this hypothesis.
Procoagulant Effect of Incompatible Platelet Transfusions in Alloimmunized Refractory Patients
Authors: Mazzara R. , Escolar G. , Garrido M. , Sanz C. , Pereira A. , Castillo R. , Ordinas A. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe clinical effectiveness of platelet transfusion in refractory patients is still a subject of debate. We have evaluated the possible hemostatic effect of platelet transfusion in 16 alloimmunized thrombocytopenic patients whose platelet counts were less than 20,000/μl. Platelet concentrates were always obtained by apheresis procedures from incompatible donors. The posttransfusion platelet recovery was greater than 15% only in 3 cases. In the first 6 patients, measurements of bleeding time performed immediately before transfusion were in all cases longer than 30 min and did not change significantly 10 and 60 min after platelet transfusions. In all patients, ex vivo perfusion experiments with Baumgartner's platelet adhesion model, using native nonanticoagulated blood, were performed immediately before and 10 and 60 min after transfusion. No difference in platelet deposition onto the subendothelial surface was observed after platelet transfusion. Unexpectedly, the deposition of fibrin on the subendothelial surface was statistically augmented in the posttransfusion studies. Quantification of thrombin‐antithrombin complexes (TAT) in plasma showed statistically significant elevations (p < 0.01) in the posttransfusion samples (31.9±12.6 vs. baseline 5.8±1.7 ng/ml), not justified by TAT levels in the transfused material (2.3±0.17 ng/ml). Transfusion of incompatible platelets to refractory patients may activate coagulation mechanisms in the absence of an increase in peripheral platelet count.
Stability of Blood Coagulation Factors and Inhibitors in Blood Drawn into Half‐Strength Citrate Anticoagulant
Authors: Suontaka A. M. , Åkerblom O. , Blombäck M. , Eriksson L. , Högman C. F. , Payrat J. M. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractDrawing of blood into a citrate‐phosphate‐dextrose (CPD) solution with a reduced citrate concentration has been shown to improve the maintenance of coagulation factor VIII (F VIII) in plasma and to give possibilities to improve erythrocyte preservation. We studied the quality of plasma obtained from whole blood drawn under continuous mixing into CPD in which the citrate concentration was reduced by 50% (0.5CPD). The blood was stored at room temperature for 8 h before component preparation. We confirmed improved stability of F VIII by 0.5CPD. We found no clinically significant changes in inhibitors to the coagulation and kallikrein systems, and no signs of activation of these systems, during the 8‐hour holding time. In control blood drawn into CPD, F VIII and coagulation factor IX decreased by 0.09 IU/ml (8%) and 0.07 U/ml (7%), respectively, otherwise we found no significant differences between 0.5CPD plasma and CPD plasma.
Maternal‐Fetal Hemorrhage: A Reappraisal
Authors: Brossard Y. , Pons J. C. , Jrad I. , van Nifterik J. , Gillot R. , Saure C. , Le Gaudion M. , Richard A. , Papiernik E. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractPurpose:To determine the frequency of maternal‐fetal hemorrhage at or above 1 μl of maternal whole blood.Methods:Seventy‐three mothers whose red blood cells bore an Rh antigen (Rh D, Rh c, Rh E) that was absent on red blood cells of their newborns were identified and a new cytological method, the Kleihauer‐immunogold‐silver‐staining technique, was applied on the blood of their neonates to detect and quantify maternal red blood cells. Stringent precautions were taken to avoid contaminations of neonatal blood samples by adult red blood cells.Results:Maternal red blood cells were present in 3 newborns, a frequency of 4% (95% CI: 1–11%), and the estimated volumes of hemorrhage were 0.8, 1.5, and 101 μl of maternal whole blood. No obstetric factor was clearly associated in this limited study with the occurrence of maternal‐fetal hemorrhage.Conclusions:Mother‐to‐fetus microtransfusion greater than 1 μl is infrequent at or near delivery, and it may be observed after an uncomplicated pregnancy and vaginal delivery.
Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn Due to Anti‐G
Authors: Hadley A. G. , Poole G. D. , Poole J. , Anderson N. A. , Robson M. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractMrs P. presented at 13 weeks of gestation with apparent anti‐C+D. At week 34, with antibody levels of 168 IU/ml, a D‐negative (r′r) baby was delivered with a strongly positive DAT and an Hb of 3.0 g/dl. Anti‐G in maternal serum was isolated by adsorption and elution from R2R2 cells and shown, using flow‐cytometric and chemiluminescence assays, to sensitize r′r cells at levels of cell‐bound IgG consistent with fetal haemolysis. In an analysis of 28 sera from alloimmunized women with over 5 IU/ml anti‐C+D, 2 sera were shown to contain levels of anti‐G consistent with moderate or severe haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). Thus HDN due to anti‐G may not be rare. An analysis of 187,037 blood donors in the south‐west of England showed the r′ gene frequency to be 0.005897 suggesting that approximately 2.9% of matings of rr women with D‐negative fathers can produce an r′r baby. These findings highlight the need for the continuous non‐invasive monitoring of D‐negative fetuses of women with apparent anti‐C+D.
Evidence for a New Type of O Allele at the ABO Locus, due to a Combination of the A2 Nucleotide Deletion and the Ael Nucleotide Insertion
Authors: Olsson Martin L. , Chester M. Alan 
Published: May 2003

AbstractUsing a recently introduced multiplex polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism ABO genotype screening method we have found an anomalous ABO genotype (A2O1 variant) not correlating with the serological phenotype (blood group O). The blood group was confirmed by absorption/elution and detection of blood group substances in saliva. Sequencing of exons 6 and 7 in the ABO genes of the propositus indicated an A2 gene (C467T and C1060‐) apparently inactivated by the same single nucleotide insertion recently reported in individuals with the ABO subgroup Ael. Investigation of relatives confirmed the inheritance of this new inactive hybrid allele.
Rapid Typing for Human Platelet Antigen Systems ‐1, ‐2, ‐3 and ‐5 by PCR Amplification with Sequence‐Specific Primers
Authors: Klüter Harald , Fehlau Kirstin , Panzer Simon 
Published: May 2003

AbstractTyping for human platelet antigens (HPA) is useful in a variety of clinical situations. We developed a method for genotyping for HPA‐1, ‐2, ‐3 and ‐5 by means of the PCR amplification with sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP) technique. Primer sets were designed to allow PCR amplification for all systems using the same assay conditions. Specificity and sensitivity of the method were assessed in a blind quality control study (n = 112). In 111 cases, results obtained by PCR‐SSP were identical as compared with PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. One discrepancy was found to be due to a typing error in the data sheet. The results of the PCR‐SSP technique were available within 3 h. We conclude that genotyping based on PCR‐SSP enables rapid typing for HPA systems, which makes this technique feasible in most clinical settings where urgent HPA typing is required.
Provision of Random‐Donor Platelets (HPA‐1a Positive) in Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia Due to Anti HPA‐1a Alloantibodies
Authors: Win Nay 
Published: May 2003

AbstractMost cases of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) are diagnosed after birth and infants with severe NAIT remain at risk for intracranial haemorrhage [1]. In suspected severe NAIT cases, treatment must be instituted prior to confirmation of the diagnosis. HPA‐1a alloimmunisation is the most common cause of NAIT. The most effective forms of treatment are provision of compatible antigen‐negative platelets or provision of maternal platelets [2].
The health effects of stimulant drinks
Authors: Finnegan Derek 
Published: May 2003

SummaryStimulant drinks belong to a class of food, known as functional foods and at present there is no legislation relating specifically to the consumption or labelling of stimulant drinks in Ireland or the UK. Following the death of a young male student in Ireland in November 1999, much controversy has surrounded stimulant drinks, prompting concern among the public about the safety of these drinks. At the request of the Minister of State at the Department of Health, safefood, the Food Safety Promotion Board, established a Stimulant Drinks Committee to commission independent scientific research into the health effects of stimulant drinks. This committee published a report in March 2002.Stimulant drinks often contain ingredients such as caffeine, gaurana, taurine and glucuronolactone. Caffeine is a pharmacologically active substance and despite extensive research, its effects and health consequences are the subject of ongoing debate. Guarana has similar stimulatory effects to caffeine. Little is known about the health effects of taurine and glucuronolactone, other than levels in stimulant drinks are several times higher than that of the rest of the diet. The report from the Stimulant Drinks Committee recommends that stimulant drinks should be labelled with an indication that they are unsuitable for children (< 16 years), pregnant women and individuals sensitive to caffeine. Consumers should also be advised that caution be exercised in the consumption of stimulant drinks with alcohol or in association with sport and the products should carry a clear statement on the label to this effect.
Committee on Toxicity draft report on phyto‐oestrogens and health – review of proposed health effects of phyto‐oestrogen exposure and recommendations for future research
Authors: Cassidy Aedin 
Published: May 2003

SummaryThe public health implications of exposure to phyto‐oestrogens in the diet was recently reviewed by the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) for the Food Standards Agency and provided the agency with recommendations for future research. These recommendations suggest a broadening of interest to the other classes of phyto‐oestrogens, such as the lignans and prenylated compounds which to date have not been as thoroughly investigated as the isoflavones class. COT's draft report suggests that future research may focus on further understanding how these compounds work, defining the relative importance of metabolism, the hypothetical risk:benefit in subsections of the population who may be exposed to high levels through the diet or through supplement intake and the relative importance of phyto‐oestrogens in relation to chronic diseases such as osteoporosis and cancer. However, it will be important to integrate future programmes with ongoing European Union and international funded work to ensure effective use of resources to further our understanding of the relative risk:benefit of these compounds to human health.
Time Course of Postoperative Recovery of N‐Acetyl‐Aspartate in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Serles W. , Li L. M. , Antel S. B. , Cendes F. , Gotman J. , Olivier A. , Andermann F. , Dubeau F. , Arnold D. L. 
Published: May 2003

Summary Purpose: To assess the time course of increases in N‐acetyl‐aspartate/creatine (NAA/Cr), which can be measured using proton MR spectroscopic imaging (1H‐MRSI), in patients with intractable nonlesional temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) after successful epilepsy surgery. Methods: We performed pre‐ and postoperative 1H‐MRSI in 16 seizure‐free (SF) patients and 16 not seizure‐free (NSF) TLE patients. We calculated a mixed‐design analysis of variance (ANOVA) between SF and NSF groups, ipsi‐ and contralateral to the side of operation, and pre‐ and postoperative NAA/Cr measurements. We applied nonlinear regression between pre‐ and postoperative NAA/Cr differences and the time interval between 1H‐MRSI scans to fit a negative exponential model to NAA recovery. Results: Mixed‐design ANOVA revealed that (a) postoperative NAA/Cr was significantly higher in SF than in NSF patients (p = 0.02) and that (b) in the SF group, postoperative NAA/Cr values were significantly higher than preoperative values (p <0.05) and returned to the normal range in most patients. According to our nonlinear regression model, in SF patients, there was a 50% increase relative to preoperative NAA/Cr values after 5.8 months, whereas an improvement of 95% was reached after 25 months. Conclusions: Our results extend preliminary observations of postoperative NAA recovery of SF patients by characterizing the time course of recovery as an exponential function with a half‐time of ∼6 months. The reversal of neuronal metabolic dysfunction remote from the epileptic focus may underlie the clinical observation of improvement of cognitive dysfunction after successful epilepsy surgery.