bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural History of Haemoglobin Levels in Female Blood Donors with Haemoglobin Levels of 120–124 g/l at Presentation
Authors: Gillon J. , Wye A. , Walker B. , Phillips P. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background and Objectives:
In order to assess the effects of proposed changes to UK guidelines, female blood donors with venous haemoglobin (Hb) levels of 120–124 g/l were followed up over a period of 18 months in order to assess frequency of attendance and ability to donate in relation to changes in Hb and red cell indices, and to determine the effects of inter‐donation interval and iron supplementation on outcomes. Materials and Methods: Venous samples were analysed using the Haemocue haemoglobinometer at each attendance, and a donation was taken if the Hb was 120 g/l or greater. Full blood counts were done on each sample using the Coulter Model T890. A postal questionnaire was used to elicit additional information, including use of iron supplements. Results: The 392 donors enrolled in the study gave 655 subsequent attendances, resulting in 468 donations (1.5 donations/donor/year). Donors who subsequently had Hb < 120 g/l had a tendency to lower initial mean corpuscular volume (MCV), but MCV could not be used as an indicator of future performance. 23% of donors reported use of iron supplements, but those donating 3 times or more were no more likely to use iron supplementation (20%). No statistical relationship was found between inter‐donation interval and ability to donate at subsequent attendances. Conclusions: Female donors with borderline Hb levels proved to be highly committed, with a donation rate of 1.5/donor/year during the period of follow‐up. MCV is not a useful predictor of ability to donate in the future. This subset of the donor population shows wide variation in Hb level over time, and this is largely independent of iron supplementation or inter‐donation interval.
Evaluation of Leukocyte‐Depleted Platelet Concentrates Obtained by In‐Line Filtration
Authors: Ferrer F. , Rivera J. , Corral J. , González‐Conejero R. , Vicente V. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background and Objectives:
The use of leukocyte‐depleted platelet concentrates (PCs) is justified, yet questions remain regarding their properties. We have assessed the in vitro quality of WBC‐reduced PCs obtained by using a new in‐line filter. Materials and Methods: Twenty blood units were randomized for standard component preparation, or for processing including in‐line leukodepletion of platelet‐rich plasma using an ATS™ PL Pall filter. The resultant PCs were compared during storage for several in vitro platelet quality parameters, content of cytokines and anaphylatoxins, and coagulation markers. Results: In‐line filtration of platelet‐rich plasma through ATS PL was highly efficient rendering PCs with 99.93% less white blood cells (WBCs) than standard PCs. During storage for up to 9 days, leukocyte‐depleted units displayed platelet content, biochemical parameters, and platelet surface expression of glycoproteins lbα, llb/lla, CD62 and CD63, similar to those of standard units. However, in‐line leukocyte‐reduced PCs displayed no significant accumulation of IL‐6 and IL‐8 during storage in contrast to standard units. Moreover, while storage promoted complement activation with C3a and C4a liberation in both WBC‐reduced PCs and standard units, the concentration of these anaphylatoxins after the 9‐day storage period was higher in the former group. Finally, all units, standard and leukocytereduced, displayed a similar storage‐promoted rise in TGF‐β1, and a mild prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin and prothrombin times. Conclusion: Inline filtration during component preparation appears as an easy and effective procedure for obtaining prestorage leukocyte‐depleted PCs. During subsequent blood bank storage, these WBC‐reduced PCs display, in comparison with standard PCs, normal in vitro platelet properties, decreased accumulation of cytokines IL‐6 and IL‐8, and increased complement activation.
Improved Sensitivity in the Measurement of Residual Leukocytes in Platelet Products Using an Automated Leukocyte Counter
Authors: Nagahasi H. , Yabusaki K. , Matsui H. , Hirono T. , Yokokawa N. , Satake M. , Tadokoro K. , Juji T. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background and Objectives
: Leukocytes remaining in platelet concentrates may be responsible for side effects caused by platelet transfusion. A simple method of high sensitivity for determining trace numbers of leukocytes is currently needed. Materials and Methods: An automated leukocyte counter, the LD‐1000, the principle of which is a combination of spining down on the observation field of stained nuclei derived from a 100 μl neat sample and image digitization with a charge coupled device camera, was newly developed and tested for sensitivity and reproducibility. Results: While the theoretical lower limit of detection was 0.01 cells/μl, the limit of detection of the LD‐1000 was verified to be 0.2 cells/μl. A good correlation (r = 0.86) was observed between the results obtained using the Nageotte method and the LD‐1000. Repeated measurements also confirmed satisfactory reproducibility. Conclusions: The instrument provides a new method of enumerating residual leukocytes in platelet products with better sensitivity and easier procedure compared to the Nageotte method and will be useful for quality assurance purposes at blood centers.
Functional Characteristics of S‐59 Photochemically Treated Platelet Concentrates Derived from Buffy Coats
Authors: van Rhenen D.J. , Vermeij J. , Mayaudon V. , Hind C. , Lin L. , Corash L. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background:
A photochemical treatment (PCT) process for inactivation of infectious pathogens and leukocytes has been developed and evaluated using single‐donor platelet concentrates. This study assessed the application of PCT to platelets prepared from pooled buffy coats. In this study, in vitro functional characteristics of PCT platelets were compared to control platelets prepared from pooled buffy coats using the approved platelet‐additive solution T‐Sol®. Platelets in platelet PAS III additive solution without PCT were evaluated as well. PCT also included the use of a psoralen (S‐59) reduction device (SRD). Materials and Methods: Four types of platelet concentrates were compared: (1) platelet concentrate in plasma/T‐Sol; (2) platelet concentrate in plasma/PAS III; (3) platelet concentrate in plasma/PAS III, PCT, 9 h SRD and (4) platelet concentrate in plasma/PAS III, PCT, 16 h SRD. PCT occurred on the day after whole‐blood collection. In vitro assay parameters included: pH, pO2, pCO2, HCO–3, platelet count, mean platelet volume, plasma glucose, plasma lactate, total ATP, expression of p‐selectin, hypotonic shock response and electron microscopy. Results: The results indicate that PCT is compatible with platelet concentrates prepared from pooled buffy coats for up to 7 days of storage. Conclusion: The PCT process resulted in acceptable in vitro platelet functional characteristics and is currently in clinical trials to evaluate the haemostatic efficacy of PCT platelets in thrombocytopenic patients requiring multiple platelet transfusions.
Distinctive Swann Blood Group Genotypes: Molecular Investigations
Authors: Zelinski Teresa , Rusnak Alison , McManus Kirk , Coghlan Gail 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background and Objectives:
Phenotypically, Sw(a+) erythrocytes have been classified as either 700:4,41 or 700:4,–41. Since anti‐700.4, in particular, and sometimes anti‐700.41 are contained in reagents defining other low‐incidence antigens that are members of the Diego blood group system, we undertook the current investigation in an attempt to establish whether or not Swann antigens are also Diego system members. Materials and Methods: DNA from the members of three unrelated kindreds whose red cells type as Sw(a+) was isolated and analyzed for variation in SLC4A1 (solute carrier family, anion exchanger member 1 gene) by single‐strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and DNA sequence analyses. Results: Polymerase chain reaction‐amplified exon 16 SLC4A1 products from the DNA of all Sw(a+) individuals displayed a mobility shift by SSCP. A similar mobility shift was not observed in the DNA from Sw(a–) family members or in the amplified DNA from control individuals. DNA sequencing revealed different mutations, CGG→CAG and CGG→TGG, that result in Arg646Gln and Arg646Trp substitutions in erythroid protein band 3, respectively. Conclusion: Through genotypic analyses, we have characterized two point mutations related to the Swann blood group. The possible relationship between the resultant amino acid substitutions and the expression of Swann antigens has been discussed.
White Blood Cell Subsets in Buffy Coat‐Derived Platelet Concentrates: The Effect of Pre‐ and Poststorage Filtration
Authors: Ledent Elisabeth , Semple John W. , Berlin Gösta 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background and Objectives:
Our objective was to study the effect of storage time on the filtration of platelet concentrates (PCs). We compared the total number of white blood cells (WBC), as well as the distribution of WBC subsets, in units filtered before and after storage. Materials and Methods: Buffy coat‐derived PCs were filtered either fresh or after 5 days of storage, and total WBC were enumerated by flow cytometry. WBC subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry with three‐color fluorescence. Results: The total number of white cells before filtration was significantly higher in fresh units compared with stored units, whereas in postfiltration samples the number of white cells was significantly lower in the fresh compared with the stored units. Although absolute numbers were significantly reduced, filtration also induced significant changes in the proportions of subsets in both fresh and stored units; the percentage of T cells was decreased, whereas the percentage of B cells and monocytes was increased after filtration. Conclusion: Our results suggest that prestorage WBC filtration of platelet concentrates is superior in reducing the absolute numbers of WBC. However, both pre‐ and poststorage WBC filtration significantly affect the proportions of WBC in the final product, decreasing the number of T cells while apparently increasing the proportion of MHC class II‐positive cell populations.
Optimized culture conditions for the generation of dendritic cells from peripheral blood monocytes
Authors: Moldenhauer A. , Nociari M. M. , Dias S. , Lalezari P. , Moore M. A. S. 
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives Dendritic cells (DCs) are promising adjuvants for clinical immunotherapy, but they are scantily distributed. Therefore, numerous in vitro methods have been developed to expand these cells while maintaining their normal functions. Current culture systems generally require the use of fetal bovine serum (FBS)‐supplemented media in order to attain DCs with high immunostimulatory activity. However, the presence of exogenous animal proteins sets limits for their use in clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to establish a simple, efficient and FBS‐free method for the generation of human DCs for clinical application.Materials and Methods We compared monocyte‐derived DCs generated in a standard FBS‐supplemented medium vs. DCs generated in an autologous plasma (AutoPl)‐supplemented medium, with regard to their yield, function and longevity. Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from buffy coats by two consecutive 2‐h adherence steps in tissue culture flasks. The adherent cells were differentiated into DCs within 2 weeks by adding granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM–CSF), interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), c‐kit ligand and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Every 2–3 days, the cells in suspension were analysed for their immunophenotype and apoptosis rate by flow cytometry. Their function was demonstrated by their allostimulatory and migratory capacity, as well as by their proteolytic activity.Results We show that more than 30 × 106 DCs can be achieved per unit of buffy coat using either AutoPl‐ or FBS‐supplemented media. The purity of the DCs was 53·4% and 65% (P > 0·05) in AutoPl‐ and FBS‐based medium, respectively. DCs grown in AutoPl media showed a CD80high CD83+ CD86high CD14neg HLA‐DR+ CD1aneg phenotype, while FBS‐generated DCs exhibited a CD80high CD83+ CD86high CD14neg HLA‐DR+ CD1ahigh phenotype. The apoptosis rate in both culture conditions increased from 10% to 25% over 1 week. AutoPl‐generated DCs were shown to be equally strong stimulators for proliferation of allogeneic T lymphocytes as FBS‐generated DCs. In addition, the capacity to migrate in response to macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α (MIP‐1α) and stromal‐cell‐derived factor 1α (SDF‐1α) was similar in both groups, whereas the response to MIP‐3β was reduced in AutoPl‐derived cells. Zymography analysis of supernatants from 5‐day‐old cultures demonstrated that AutoPl‐generated DCs produced higher amounts of matrix metalloproteinases, suggesting that they have an enhanced capability to traffic through peripheral tissues.Conclusions Our findings indicate that plastic‐adherent peripheral blood cells, when cultured with GM–CSF, IL‐4, c‐kit‐ligand and TNF‐α in autologous human plasma‐supplemented media, are a potent source of functional DCS that may be of value for human therapy.
Red cell transfusion practice following the transfusion requirements in critical care (TRICC) study: prospective observational cohort study in a large UK intensive care unit
Authors: Chohan S. S. , McArdle F. , McClelland D. B. L. , Mackenzie S. J. , Walsh T. S. 
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives The Transfusion Requirements In Critical Care (TRICC) study found that critically ill patients tolerate a restrictive haemoglobin transfusion threshold. We investigated red‐cell transfusion practice since publication of the TRICC study in a large Scottish teaching hospital intensive care unit (ICU).Materials and Methods We prospectively collected daily data for a 6‐month period on haemoglobin concentrations, red‐cell transfusions and indications for transfusions, throughout ICU stay for all patients who stayed for longer than 24 h in the ICU.Results A total of 176 patients were studied, who utilized 1237 ICU days. Of these 176 patients, 52% received red‐cell transfusions. A haemoglobin concentration of ≤ 9 g/dl was measured in 55% of patients; this occurred by day 1 and day 2 in 52% and 77% of these cases, respectively. Overall the haemoglobin concentration was ≤ 9 g/dl for 45% of all patient days. Total red‐cell use was 3·1 units per admission (0·47 units per patient day). Only 18% of transfusion episodes were required as a result of haemorrhage. For ‘non‐haemorrhage’ transfusion episodes, the median pretransfusion haemoglobin concentration was 7·8 g/dl (interquartile range: 7·4–8·4 g/dl), and 64% of transfusion episodes were for 2 units.Conclusions Clinicians in our centre were conservative, in keeping with recent transfusion guidelines, but deviated from the TRICC protocol by transfusing at haemoglobin concentrations of between 7 and 9 g/dl, rather than below 7 g/dl, and by prescribing 2 unit transfusions. Significant numbers of red‐cell units are still used in the critically ill.
Properties of a new intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV‐C, 10%) produced by virus inactivation with caprylate and column chromatography
Authors: Lebing W. , Remington K. M. , Schreiner C. , Paul H.‐I. 
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives Current manufacture of intravenous immunoglobulin (Gamimune®N) uses four cold‐ethanol precipitation steps and solvent–detergent treatment. Our objective was to design a new manufacturing process to maximize immunoglobulin G (IgG) purity, achieve robust viral safety, preserve all the biological activities of antibody and avoid unnecessary protein loss.Materials and Methods The new process combines multiple functions in single steps. Caprylate is added to precipitate non‐IgG proteins and to inactivate enveloped viruses. Two successive anion‐exchange columns are used to purify IgG and remove caprylate. The new product, IGIV‐C (Gamunex™, 10%) is formulated with glycine at 100 mg/ml IgG, pH 4·25. Vials are incubated for 21 days at 23–27 °C in a final virus‐inactivation step.Results Compared with the process for production of Gamimune®N, that for IGIV‐C requires a shorter production time, achieves more robust virus inactivation, increases IGIV yield from plasma, improves physiological IgG subclass distribution (resulting in higher levels of IgG4), and improves purity, with lower levels of IgA (40 µg/ml), IgM (< 2 µg/ml) and albumin (< 20 µg/ml). Antibody binding, opsonization and protective activities are similar.Conclusions Compared with the current commercial process, the new IGIV‐C manufacturing process produces a more highly purified preparation that contains slightly higher levels of IgG4 and retains antibody activities required for clinical efficacy.
Flow cytometry characterization of white cell‐reduced blood: apoptosis markers and morphology of postfiltration elements
Authors: Tazzari P. L. , Bontadini A. , Fruet F. , Tassi C. , Ricci F. , Manfroi S. , Conte R. 
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives Apoptosis affects white blood cells (WBCs) contained in packed red blood cell (RBC) units. This phenomenon was recently described also in residual WBCs after filtration. The aim of this study was to better characterize the residual WBCs postfiltration by using apoptosis markers and morphology.Materials and Methods Immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and cell‐sorting techniques were utilized.Results Residual leucocytes of leucodepleted packed RBC units showed increasing values of apoptotic elements in a time‐course experiment. We also demonstrated that these elements are positive for APO 2·7 monoclonal antibody (mAb), poly ADP‐ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐conjugated N‐benzyloxycarbonyl‐Val‐Ala‐Asp‐fluoromethylketone (Z‐VAD‐FMK), all of which indicate that programmed death is a feature of this population of cells. Phenotypic analysis with CD45 side‐scatter gating demonstrated also that CD15 and CD16 granulocyte‐associated antigens are present on a subset of postfiltration leucocytes. Moreover, the expression of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigens is maintained. Sorting of CD45‐positive cells and morphological analysis of these samples confirmed that leucocytes in postfiltration units have morphological characteristics of dying cells.Conclusions Our study extends previous observations regarding the morphology and function of apoptotic cells in leucodepleted blood units, which suggested the presence of apoptotic cells in postfiltration leucocytes. Cleaved PARP, APO 2·7 mAb and positivity for the FITC‐conjugated Z‐VAD‐analogous reagent strongly suggest the activation of programmed death pathways. In addition, the maintained granulocyte‐associated and HLA class I antigens might recall an immune response in multitransfused patients.
Report on the Eleventh International Society of Blood Transfusion Platelet Genotyping and Serology Workshop
Authors: Goldman M. , Trudel E. , Richard L. 
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives The aims of the Eleventh International Workshop were to evaluate proficiency in platelet genotyping and antibody detection, to equip laboratories to perform Gov antigen system genotyping and antibody detection, and to evaluate the laboratory and clinical approach to cases of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT).Materials and Methods There were 34 participating laboratories from 22 countries on five continents. Participating laboratories were provided with 10 DNA samples, 15 unknown sera, and three monoclonal antibodies for titration, as well as primer pairs and a protocol for Gov genotyping and Gov antibody screening. They were also provided with a questionnaire on investigation and clinical management of patients with NAIT.Results Thirty‐three participants reported human platelet antigen (HPA)‐1, ‐2, ‐3 and ‐5 genotyping results, 25 reported HPA‐4 typing results, 17 reported HPA‐6 typing results and 24 reported Gov typing results. For HPA‐1–6 genotyping, 23 laboratories were concordant with a majority vote for all allotypes tested, five laboratories reported one deviation, three laboratories reported two deviations and one laboratory reported three deviations. For Gov genotyping, six deviations occurred in three of the 24 laboratories reporting results. Antibody detection was 90% concordant for anti‐HPA‐1a, anti‐HPA‐5a and anti‐HPA‐5b detection. Anti‐HPA‐2b and anti‐Gova were detected by 20 and 14 out of 33 laboratories, respectively. Approaches to the clinical management of NAIT vary widely, especially for mothers with a history of a previous infant with mild NAIT.Conclusions The overall error rate for HPA‐1–6 genotyping decreased from 2·7% in the tenth workshop to 0·8% in the eleventh workshop. The majority of laboratories were able to perform Gov genotyping, although the error rate was 7·5%. Detection of common clinically significant antibodies was good, although detection of the much rarer HPA‐2b was problematic. There was considerable progress in the detection of anti‐Gova. The lack of consensus over treatment of NAIT demonstrates uncertainty over optimal management of these patients.
Cost‐effectiveness of solvent/detergent‐treated fresh‐frozen plasma
Authors: Riedler G. F. , Haycox A. R. , Duggan A. K. , Dakin H. A. 
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives Although transfusion‐transmitted infections are rare, non‐infectious complications occur relatively frequently. Solvent/detergent‐treated fresh‐frozen plasma (SD‐FFP) has been shown to reduce the frequency of both types of complication, although previous economic evaluations failed to consider non‐infective events and subsequently underestimated the benefits of SD‐FFP.Materials and Methods A time‐series analytical model was used to estimate the incremental cost/life year saved for SD‐FFP compared with untreated FFP, having controlled for post‐transfusion mortality and patient age. Various infective and non‐infective transfusion‐related complications were considered.Results The discounted cost/life year saved for SD‐FFP use in the UK was £22 728 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): £22 604–22 853] for neonates and £98 465 (95% CI: £97 924–99 005) for patients aged 70. The cost‐effectiveness ratio was below £50 000/life year saved for patients ≤ 48 years of age, and below £30 000/life year saved for those ≤ 21 years of age. In transfusion recipients with no significant morbidity, the cost‐effectiveness ratio was £12 335 for neonates and £61 692 for 70‐year olds. The most important driver of cost‐effectiveness was transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI), on account of its relatively high incidence and mortality rate.Conclusions Previous analyses greatly underestimated the cost‐effectiveness of SD‐FFP. Inclusion of non‐infectious complications suggests that SD‐FFP is cost‐effective in patients ≤ 48 years of age and in older patients with good clinical prognosis, which may justify the wider use of this technology.