bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular risk factor levels in a lower middle‐class community in Ankara, Turkey
Authors: Tezcan S. , Altıntaş H. , Sönmez R. , Akinci A. , Doğan B. , Çakır B. , Bilgin Y. , Klör H. U. , Razum Oliver 
Published: December 2004

Summary Study objective  To assess the prevalence of risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) in a lower middle‐class urban community of Turkey.Design Cross‐sectional study in an age‐ and sex‐stratified random community sample with equal sample size per stratum. Direct age‐standardization using the standard world population to allow international comparison of findings. Logistic regression modelling to identify risk factors for obesity.Setting Gülveren, a residential area in Ankara, total population 23 000 persons.Participants A total of 1672 adults aged 25–64 years and resident in the study community were interviewed, 1272 (76.1%) of those came for physical examination.Main results The age‐standardized prevalence of hypertension according to WHO MONICA criteria was 18.6% (95% confidence interval: 16.1–21.1%) among women and 12.3% (9.7–14.9%) among men; of obesity (body mass index, BMI ≥30 kg/m2) 51.0% (47.6–54.3%) among women and 15.1% (12.0–18.2%) among men; of current smoking 20.1% (17.5–22.6%) among women and 64.8% (61.4–68.2%) among men; of hypercholesterolaemia 20.1% (17.4–22.9%) among women and 13.8% (10.8–16.8%) among men; and of low high density lipoprotein (HDL) 48.4% (44.8–52.1%) among women and 40.6% (36.0–45.2%) among men. In the regression model, age, female sex, non‐ and ex‐smoking were associated with obesity.Conclusions The prevalence of smoking, obesity and low HDL is high in this urban, lower middle‐class population, even in comparison with industrialized countries. Unexpectedly, women have less favourable CHD risk profiles than men, except for smoking. Preventive action should be community‐wide and address the common risk factors simultaneously to avoid replacement effects such as becoming obese after quitting smoking.
Short communication: Comparison of serology and isolates for the identification of infecting leptospiral serogroups in Hawaii, 1979–1998
Authors: Katz Alan R. , Effler Paul V. , Ansdell Vernon E. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryLaboratory confirmation of leptospirosis is usually accomplished serologically, without isolates, using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). However, optimal performance of the MAT is dependent on the knowledge of enzootic serogroups and serovars so that an appropriate MAT antigen testing battery can be established. Infecting leptospiral serogroups can be identified serologically without isolates, using the MAT, or by serogrouping of isolates, but little information is available regarding the correlation between these methods. The identification of infecting serogroups for 53 culture‐confirmed leptospirosis cases, diagnosed in Hawaii between 1979 and 1998, using serology and culture isolates were compared. The overall agreement between the two methods was good (κ = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.86). However, the agreement varied between serogroups from 0 to 100%. In establishing the prevalence of serogroups, results obtained via MAT serology (in the absence of serogrouped isolates) should be considered presumptive rather than definitive.
Climatic and social risk factors for Aedes infestation in rural Thailand
Authors: Nagao Yoshiro , Thavara Usavadee , Chitnumsup Pensri , Tawatsin Apiwat , Chansang Chitti , Campbell‐Lendrum Diarmid 
Published: December 2004

SummaryAn intense epidemic of dengue haemorrhagic fever in 1998 prompted the Thai government to investigate the feasibility of focalized vector (Aedes aegypti) control programmes. We tested for correlations of three indices of Aedes larval abundance (housing index, container index and Breteau index) against 38 socio‐economic and four climatic variables. Availability of public water wells, existence of transport services and proportion of tin houses were positively associated with larval indices. Private water wells, health education, health insurance coverage, thatched houses and use of firewood for cooking were negatively associated. These probably represent both direct effects on breeding sites (private vs. public wells decrease necessity to store water, and health education may encourage breeding site removal), and more general effects of health‐related attitudes, housing quality and remoteness from urban areas. Indices were positively associated with daily minimum temperature, an increase in precipitation from the previous month (reflecting the onset of the rainy season) and daily maximum temperatures of approximately 33–34 °C. The associations were used to derive statistical models to predict the rank order of larval indices within the study area (Spearman's correlation coefficients = 0.525–0.554). The study provides a rational basis for identifying possible social interventions, and for prioritizing previously unsurveyed villages for further monitoring and focalized vector control.
Short communication: Towards saliva‐based screening for sleeping sickness?
Authors: Lejon V. , Kwete J. , Büscher P. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryA pilot study was carried out on the detection of trypanosome‐specific antibodies in saliva for diagnosis of sleeping sickness. All twenty‐three saliva samples of parasitologically confirmed Trypanosoma brucei gambiense patients tested positive in an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, whereas all 14 saliva samples of a negative control group remained negative. Trypanosome‐specific antibody levels in patient saliva correlated with antibody levels in serum, but were about 250‐fold lower. Eight of 23 undiluted saliva samples of sleeping sickness patients tested positive in CATT/T. b. gambiense and two of 23 in LATEX/T. b. gambiense. All fourteen saliva samples of the negative control group were also positive in CATT/T. b. gambiense, as were four of 14 in LATEX/T. b. gambiense. CATT and LATEX were thus inappropriate for antibody detection in saliva. These results indicate that trypanosome‐specific antibody detection in saliva is possible. This could lead to the development of a simple, non‐invasive, reliable saliva field test for diagnosis of sleeping sickness.
DEET mosquito repellent sold through social marketing provides personal protection against malaria in an area of all‐night mosquito biting and partial coverage of insecticide‐treated nets: a case–control study of effectiveness
Authors: Rowland Mark , Freeman Tim , Downey Gerald , Hadi Abdul , Saeed Mohammed 
Published: December 2004

SummaryDEET (Diethyl‐3‐methylbenzamide), the widely used mosquito repellent, has the potential to prevent malarial infection but hitherto there has been no study demonstrating this possibility during normal everyday use. MosbarTM, a repellent soap containing DEET, was promoted through social marketing in villages in eastern Afghanistan. This was followed up with a case–control study of effectiveness against malarial infection conducted through local clinics. Mosbar was purchased by 43% of households. Reported use of insecticide‐treated nets (ITNs) was 65% among the control group. There was a strong association between Mosbar use and ITN use, as 81% of Mosbar users also possessed ITN. The use of Mosbar was associated with a 45% reduction in the odds of malaria (95% CI: −11% to 72%, P = 0.08) after adjusting for ITN and other unmatched factors. Ownership of ITNs was associated with a 46% reduction in the odds of malaria (95% CI: 12% to 67%, P = 0.013) after adjusting for Mosbar and other unmatched factors. The greatest reduction in the odds of malaria was associated with combined use of Mosbar and ITN (69% reduction, 95% CI: 28% to 87%, P = 0.007). The association between recalled use of Mosbar 10 days ago (nearer the time of infection) and reduction in malarial infections (adjusted odds ratio 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01–0.61, P = 0.001) was significantly stronger than that shown by current use of Mosbar. Most purchasers of Mosbar were satisfied with the product (74%), although a minority said they preferred to use only ITN (8%). The local mosquito vectors, Anopheles stephensi and A. nigerrimus, started biting shortly after dusk and continued biting until early morning. It was shown that Mosbar prevented biting throughout this period. In regions where mosquito vectors bite during evening and night, repellents could have a useful supplementary role to ITN and their use should be more widely encouraged.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of mononuclear infiltrates in canine lupoid onychodystrophy
Authors: Mueller R. S. , West K. , Bettenay S. V. 
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this study was to characterize the immunophenotype of the inflammatory infiltrate in canine lupoid onychodystrophy and to determine if decalcification interferes with immunoreactivity. Claw biopsies of 14 dogs with lupoid onychodystrophy were stained with CD3, BLA36 and HM57 (CD97α), MAC 387, lysozyme and MHC class II using an immunoperoxidase and avidin/biotin technique. Cells infiltrating the claw matrix were counted in two high‐power fields; numbers were expressed as a percentage of the cellular infiltrate. The inflammatory infiltrate consisted predominantly of B and T cells; macrophages were typically only present in small numbers. There was no correlation between the predominant inflammatory cell and clinical parameters. CD3, BLA36, lysozyme and MHC II preserved significant antigenicity during formalin fixation and short decalcification, while staining for CD79A and particularly MAC 387 was less reliable. Prolonged decalcification of 7–14 days abolished immunostaining with all antibodies. Short decalcification periods allow immunostaining of samples with some antibodies (CD3, BLA36, lysozyme, MHC II), but not others (CD79A, MAC387), while prolonged decalcification prohibits immunostaining. The nature of the mononuclear infiltrate in lupoid onychodystrophy is not helpful clinically. This study was funded by the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology.
Intraportal pig islet xenotransplantation into athymic mice as an in vivo model for the study of the instant blood‐mediated inflammatory reaction
Authors: Goto Masafumi , Groth Carl G. , Nilsson Bo , Korsgren Olle 
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  One of the main obstacles to successful intraportal islet transplantation is the instant blood‐mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR) elicited by the isolated islets when exposed to fresh human blood. In the present study, we investigated whether intraportal transplantation of pig islets into diabetic athymic mice could be used as a small animal model to study xenogeneic IBMIR in vivo.Adult porcine islets (APIs) or rat islets were implanted into the portal vein or under the renal subcapsular space of diabetic athymic mice. Graft survival and morphology were evaluated by measuring blood glucose levels and by performing immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Transplantation of rat islets, irrespective of implantation site, cured all diabetic athymic mice. APIs transplanted subcapsularly also cured all diabetic athymic mice, while none of the animals transplanted with an equivalent amount of APIs via the portal vein remained normoglycemic for more than 10 days after transplantation. Immunohistochemical staining on day 7 showed that most of intraportally transplanted APIs were entrapped in clots and infiltrated with CD11b+ leukocytes. Intraportal transplantation of APIs into athymic mice induced IBMIR, thus providing a small animal model for studying xenogeneic IBMIR.
Comparison between the Conventional Tube Technique and the Gel Technique in Direct Antiglobulin Tests
Authors: Nathalang Oytip , Chuansumrit Ampaiwan , Prayoonwiwat Wichai , Siripoonya Praput , Sriphaisal Thip 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Objectives: The direct antiglobulin test (DAT) is a diagnostic procedure demonstrating in‐vivo antibody or complement coating on red cells. The gel technique (GT) for this test is sensitive and easier to do than the conventional tube technique (CTT). Methods: We tested 52 newborns with hyperbilirubinemia and 6 children and 17 adults with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) using the (DAT) in the form of the conventional tube technique (CTT) and the gel technique (GT) simultaneously. The gradings of the agglutination reactions of both techniques were scored as 12, 10, 8, 5, 3, 0 for 4+, 3+, 2+, 1+ and w+ and negative, respectively. Results: The GT yielded higher scores than the CTT (p < 0.01). The overall sensitivity and specificity of the GT were 93.5 and 88.6%, respectively. The specificity of the DAT‐positive results in newborns was determined by IgG only, while in AIHA, it was determined by IgG and/or C3d and, in only one sample, by IgM. Conclusion: The GT is equal to or better than the CTT. Since the GT is simple, the exposure of blood bank personnel to the blood sample is low. We highly recommend the GT, especially in areas where HIV infection is prevalent.
Prolonged Holding of Whole Blood at 22 °C Does Not Increase Activation in Platelet Concentrates
Authors: Sanz C. , Pereira A. , Faúndez A.I. , Ordinas A. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Objectives: Platelets prepared after holding of whole blood overnight at 22 °C have a well‐preserved metabolism. However, the possibility that such prolonged incubation with active granulocytes may increase platelet activation has not been fully tested. Methods: We investigated this possibility by flow cytometric analysis of membrane glycoproteins (GPs) Ib and IIb/IIIa and the activation markers CD62P and CD63 in platelet concentrates (PCs) prepared from whole blood that was held for either 6 h without cooling plates (n = 20) or for 24 h on cooling plates of 1,4‐butanediol (n = 20). PCs were prepared by the platelet‐rich plasma method and analyzed on the second storage day. Results: Platelet yield and aggregation response to ristocetin, collagen and epinephrine + ADP were similar in both types of PCs, as was the mean fluorescence intensity for GPs Ib and IIb/IIIa. PCs prepared by the overnight‐hold method did not differ from those obtained 6 h after collection in the percentage of platelets expressing CD62P (12.3±6.2% vs. 14.1±4.0%; p > 0.1) or CD63 (9.8±6.4% vs. 8.8±3.6%; p > 0.1). Conclusion: Prolonged holding of whole blood at 22 °C prior to component preparation does not increase the level of platelet activation.
Platelet Alloimmunization after Transfusion
Authors: Taaning Ellen , Simonsen Anne Catrine , Hjelms Erik , Svejgaard Arne , Morling Niels 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Background and objectives: The frequency of platelet‐specific antibodies after one series of blood transfusions has not been reported, and in multiply transfused patients is controversial. Materials and methods: We studied the frequency of alloimmunization against platelet antigens in 117 patients who received a single series of blood transfusions. They received mostly saline‐adenine‐glucose + mannitol red blood cell components (poor in leukocytes and platelets) in connection with cardiac surgery. Platelet‐specific antibodies were detected with the platelet ELISA and the monoclonal‐antibody‐specific immobilization of platelet antigen assay. HLA antibodies were detected by the standard lymphocyte cytotoxicity techniques. Results: We found platelet‐specific anti‐HPA‐5b (anti‐Bra) in 2 cases (1.7%). One antibody was the result of de novo immunization. We detected lymphocytotoxic HLA antibodies in 21 patients (17.9%), of whom 18 (15.4%) had had no detectable antibodies before transfusion. There was a positive correlation between the transfused load of immunogenic materials and the frequency of alloimmunization against HLA antigens. In one third of the immunized patients, there was no history of previous immunization. Conclusion: There was a low incidence of platelet‐specific antibodies after one series of blood transfusions in this group of patients. This is similar to the results of some previous studies in multiply transfused patients, but not with those of others who found a higher incidence.
Gene Frequencies of the HPA‐1 and HPA‐2 Platelet Antigen Alleles among the Amerindians
Authors: Covas D. T. , Delgado M. , Zeitune M. M. , Guerreiro J. F. , Santos S. E. B. , Zago M. A. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Background and objectives: Platelet‐specific alloantigens are important in neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, posttransfusion purpura, refractoriness to platelet transfusions, and population genetics. Data are scarce on allele frequencies in ethnic groups other than whites and Asians. Materials and methods: Using allele‐specific restriction enzyme analysis, we studied the distribution of HPA‐1 and HPA‐2 alleles in six Brazilian Amazon tribes of Amerindians, belonging to five different language stocks. We compared these with the values obtained for blacks and whites. Results: Only the HPA‐la allele was found among 132 Amerindian chromosomes, compared with a gene frequency of HPA‐lb of 0.115 and 0.133, respectively, among blacks and whites. The frequency of HPA‐2b among the Amerindians (0.042) is lower than that obtained for blacks and whites (0.148 and 0.100, respectively), and the lowest thus far observed in a population of Asian origin. Conclusion: Differences in DNA polymorphisms in Amerindian populations have not only anthropological and genetic interest, but also practical applications when they involve coding regions that may change the functional or immunologic features of the protein.
Complement‐Binding Anti‐Jka Not Detectable by DiaMed Gels
Authors: O'Brien P. , Hopkins L. , McCarthy D. , Murphy S. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Background: An anti‐Jka was not detectable by the DiaMed‐ID Micro Typing System but was strongly reactive when tested using other indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) methods. However, it was detectable in the DiaMed‐ID system when the recommended diluent ID‐Diluent 2, was replaced by other low ionic Strength saline (LISS) solutions. This led us to believe that the problem lay with the ID‐Diluent 2. Methods: The anti‐Jka was investigated using various low ionic strength diluents in the IAT against both polyspecific and monospecific antiglobulin reagents. We tested the ID‐Diluent 2 for its ability to inhibit complement activation, and bind calcium. Results: The anti‐Jka was shown to be a ‘complement‐only’ binding antibody that reacted in all IATs performed except when tested with ID‐Diluent 2. The ID‐Diluent was shown to prevent haemolysis of ABO lytic antibodies, and further testing shows that it binds calcium. Conclusion: The use of a diluent which prevents haemolysis and binds calcium in an IAT system that contains anti‐complement as well as anti‐IgG must be questioned.
IVIG Adverse Reactions: Potential Role of Cytokines and Vasoactive Substances
Authors: Bagdasarian A. , Tonetta S. , Harel W. , Mamidi R. , Uemura Y. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Background and Objectives: A clinical study was conducted to determine the effect of IVIG infusion rates on adverse experiences (AE) and on serum levels of cytokines and vasoactive substances. Materials and Methods: Forty‐two healthy volunteers were randomized into 3 groups with maximum IVIG infusion rates of 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08 ml/kg/min, and a final dose of 0.5 g IgG/kg body weight. Results: Adverse reactions were noted only at the highest infusion rate of 0.08 ml/kg/min, except in 1 subject infused at 0.06 ml/kg/min. There were significant increases in IL‐6 (p = 0.011) and thromboxane B2 (p = 0.007) in AE subjects as compared to non‐AE subjects. Conclusion: IVIG‐induced adverse reactions occur more often with rapid infusion rates and may be mediated by elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines and vasoactive substances.
Bacterial Contamination of Autologous Bone Marrow: Reinfusion of Culture‐Positive Grafts Does Not Result in Clinical Sequelae during the Posttransplantation Course
Authors: Schwella N. , Rick O. , Heuft H. G. , Miksits K. , Zimmermann R. , Zingsem J. , Eckstein R. , Huhn D. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Objectives: Microbiological cultures and posttransplantation course were analyzed in order to investigate the incidence and clinical significance of bacterial contamination of autologous bone marrow (BM) grafts. Methods: Cultures were obtained from BM after collection, BM concentrate after processing, contaminated/cryopreserved BM at thawing, and from peripheral blood (PB) following autologous BM transplantation (ABMT). The posttransplantation course of patients grafted with culture‐positive BM was recorded and compared with patients who underwent ABMT with noncontaminated BM grafts. Results: In 239 BM grafts processed, the incidence of microbiological contamination was 26.4% (n = 63). Fifty marrow grafts were contaminated by bacteria from the skin flora: coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus (CNSC), Propionibacterium, and Coryne‐bacterium species (79%). Thirty‐eight patients underwent ABMT (day 0) with cryopreserved culture‐positive BM, and 32 patients were evaluable for microbiological cultures at thawing: in 10 of 32 BM grafts CNSC was found prior to reinfusion. Following ABMT, PB cultures revealed CNSC in 5 of 38 patients between days +4 and +12. However, the late occurrence of positive PB cultures after BM reinfusion made a relationship between BM CNSC and PB CNSC unlikely. In 33 of 38 patients, no graft‐contaminating bacteria were detected in PB. Comparison of the posttransplantation course of patients who received contaminated BM with that of patients grafted with noncontaminated BM showed no significant differences concerning time to engraftment, febrile days, and days on antibiotics. Conclusion: (1) Collection and/or ex vivo processing can result in microbiological contamination of BM grafts predominantly with bacteria from the skin flora, and (2) only CNSC can be cultured at thawing from previously contaminated/cryopreserved BM. Since patients undergoing ABMT usually receive oral antibiotics from beginning of the conditioning regimen which are active against CNSC, no further administration of antibiotics is recommended for the reinfusion of bacterially contaminated BM grafts.
The Complement‐Activating Capacity of Maternal IgG Antibodies to Blood Group A in Paired Mother/Child Serum Samples
Authors: Hari Yvonne , von Allmen Edith C. , Boss Gabriela M. , Naiem Abdelbaky , Gittermann Matthias , Nydegger Urs E. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether IgG antibodies to blood group A bind or activate complement after crossing the placenta. Materials and methods: IgG anti‐A concentrations as well as C1‐q‐binding and the capacity of anti‐A to form the C5b‐9 membrane attack complex were measured in sera of 61 mother/child pairs. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantitate anti‐A or anti‐B in maternal and neonatal serum samples. Results: The concentrations of IgG anti‐A in ABO‐identical and ABO‐compatible children born to type O or B mothers correlated significantly with maternal concentrations (p < 0.05), whereas type A or AB children had strikingly diminished concentrations of IgG anti‐A. The IgG anti‐A concentrations were analyzed in two different groups: first, 44 mother/child pairs with mothers and children group O or B (group I), and second, 17 pairs with mothers group O or B and children group A or AB (group II). In group I, identical or compatible pairs with regard to IgG anti‐A, a significant correlation was found by Spearman's rank analysis, whereas the same analysis revealed no significant correlation in group II. The capacity of anti‐A to activate complement was also more marked in newborns who were ABO‐identical or ABO‐compatible with their mothers, and this capacity was virtually absent in cord blood samples from incompatible babies. Conclusions: Tests for complement‐dependent or complement‐independent ABO blood group antibodies must be interpreted in the light of the blood group of the child.