bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced effect of vascular endothelial growth factor, thrombopoietin peptide agonist, SCF, and Flt3‐L on LTC‐IC and reporter gene transduction from umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells
Authors: Smith Stephen L. , Kiss Joseph , Siatskas Christopher , Medin Jeffrey A. , Moldwin Richard L. 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: Hemangioblastic precursors have been identified that give rise to both endothelial cells and HPCs, suggesting that common growth factor requirements may exist.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in combination with thrombopoietin peptide agonist (TPOA), Flt‐3 L (F), and SCF (S) on long‐term culture‐initiating cell (LTC‐IC), CFU, differentiation, and transduction of cord blood (CB) CD34+ were evaluated up to 4 weeks in culture.RESULTS: At Week 4, in cultures containing T/F/S and VEGF, the LTC‐IC increased 1000‐fold (from 37 ± 8 to 37,012 ± 14,329) with a frequency of 3.4 in 10,000 cells. In the T/F/S cultures without VEGF, the LTC‐IC increased 675‐fold (to 25,086 ± 12,102) with a frequency of one LTC‐IC in 10,000 cells. The addition of VEGF significantly increased (p < 0.05) the LTC‐IC per 10,000 CB CD34+ cells. Transduction with reporter gene enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), resulted in an increase in EGFP+ CFU at Week 1 and EGFP + LTC‐IC at Weeks 1 and 4. The cells maintained their multilineage expression when cultured in conditions for erythroid, myeloid, or megakaryocytic differentiation. Peak percentage EGFP coexpression of GlyA and CD11b was 51 ± 6 percent and 63 ± 15 percent, respectively, at Week 2, while CD41a was 34 ± 17 percent at Week 4.CONCLUSION: T/F/S and VEGF have an enhanced effect on total LTC‐IC output and frequency but do not appear to significantly alter the differentiation or transducibility characteristics of CB HPCs in vitro.
Variables determining blockage of WBC‐depleting filters by Hb sickle cell trait donations
Authors: Beard Martin J. , Cardigan Rebecca , Seghatchian Jerard , Krailadsiri Pranee , Williamson Lorna M. 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell trait donations can block leukodepletion (LD) filters or fail to LD, but the variables affecting blockage are unclear.STUDY DESIGN and METHODS: To identify critical variables for further study, the relationship was investigated between filter blockage and donor characteristics, processing conditions, PLT and coagulation system activation, and microvesicle formation in donations with (n = 63) and without (n = 40) sickle trait. With eight filter types whole blood was LD either at ambient temperature on Day 0 or after overnight 4°C hold. Markers of PLT activation (CD62P and CD63 expression and soluble CD62P) and coagulation activation (activated FXII and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 [F1 + 2]), RBC microvesicles, blood gases, and residual WBCs were measured.RESULTS: All Day 0 filtrations blocked (n = 7). On Day 1, no filter tested was 100 percent successful, with most achieving an approximate 50 percent success rate. Two filters blocked consistently and an additional filter did not block, but resulted in 50 percent of units with high residual WBC counts (30 × 106‐394 × 106/unit). Day 1 filtration was not improved if performed at 4°C. Donor RBC variables and prefiltration measures varied little between blocked and successful filtrations except pO2, where 9 of 17 blockages had a pO2 of less than 5.0 kPa, compared with 0 of 13 completed filtrations. F1 + 2 levels increased after filtration in sickle trait units, a consequence of slow flow rate.CONCLUSION: Filter blockage in sickle trait donors cannot be predicted by donor characteristics or filter type and is not related to PLT or coagulation activation, but can be reduced by storing units at 4°C before filtration.
The use of a bacteria detection system to evaluate bacterial contamination in PLT concentrates
Authors: Rock G. , Neurath D. , Toye B. , Sutton D. , Giulivi A. , Bormanis J. , Olberg B. , Holme S. , Wenz B. , Ortolano G. , Nelson E. 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: Random‐donor PLTs (RDPs) are functional at 7 days. Nevertheless, since the mid‐1980s, concern for bacterial contamination has caused the storage period to be reduced to 5 days. The ability of a bacteria detection system (BDS, Pall) to determine bacterial contamination and permit extension of the PLT shelf life to 7 days was assessed.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood was collected into CP2D and leukoreduced RDPs were prepared. Upon arrival at the hospital, a 2‐ to 3‐mL aliquot was removed from each RDP and introduced into the Pall BDS pouch with a sterile docking device. The pouch was incubated at 37°C for 24 hours and then the oxygen content was measured to determine bacterial contamination. Additionally, the RDPs were pooled and an aliquot was removed for culture with standard manual techniques. CCIs were calculated 1 hour after infusion.RESULTS: A total of 12,062 individual RDPs were tested. The Pall BDS detected bacteria in 5 units. All of these were positive on repeat sampling. Propionibacterium acnes, coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus, and Bacillus species were confirmed by manual technique in 3 units, one could not be identified, and one was negative. Aliquots from PLT pools were positive in 80 of 2201 pools when tested by manual methods. Of these, 79 were false‐positives and 1 unit contained coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus. The Pall BDS was easy to use and required less than 5 minutes for all manipulations. After 7 days of storage, the PLTs gave an average CCI of 16 × 1011± 3.39 × 1011 1 hour after transfusion (n = 9).CONCLUSIONS: The Pall BDS permits evaluation of RDPs for bacterial contamination. Culture‐negative PLTs were successfully transfused in our institution up to and including 7 days after storage with good CCIs.
The significance of third‐generation HCV RIBA‐indeterminate, RNA‐negative results in voluntary blood donors screened with sequential third‐generation immunoassays
Authors: Kiely Philip , Kay Deborah , Parker Susan , Piscitelli Lisa 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND:One of the problems associated with the use of anti‐HCV immunoblot assays is the inter‐pretation of indeterminate results without detectable HCV RNA. The purpose of this study was to examine the significance of third‐generation RIBA (RIBA‐3)‐indeterminate, RNA‐negative results in voluntary blood donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:Since June 2000 all Australian Red Cross Blood Service testing sites have used an anti‐HCV sequential immunoassay testing strategy whereby donors who are reactive on the primary screening immunoassay are tested on a secondary immunoassay and if reactive on both assays, further tested by immunoblot. From the four testing sites that use RIBA‐3, the result profiles of donors who were RIBA‐3‐indeterminate, HCV RNA‐negative were analyzed.RESULTS:From 2,661,786 donations screened for anti‐HCV during the study period, 102 RIBA‐3‐indeterminate, RNA‐negative donors were identified, most of whom were reactive to either c33p (69.6%) or c22p (27.5%). The RIBA‐3‐indeterminate, RNA‐negative donors showed a significantly higher screening immunoassay signal strength to assay cutoff (S/CO) distribution than those with biologic false‐reactive (BFR) results (1.853 vs. 1.524, p < 0.05) but a significantly lower distribution than RIBA‐3‐positive, RNA‐negative (1.853 vs. 4.546, p < 0.05) or RNA‐positive (1.853 vs. 6.467, p < 0.05) donors. The RIBA‐3‐indeterminate, RNA‐negative donors showed a similar distribution of c33c and c22p band intensities compared with RIBA‐3‐positive, RNA‐negative donors but significantly lower distribution of band strengths compared to the RIBA‐3‐positive, RNA‐positive group. Compared to the indeterminate donors with previous anti‐HCV‐negative or BFR results, the indeterminate donors not previously screened for anti‐HCV showed higher immunoassay S/CO ratio distributions, a higher proportion with c22p reactivity (16.2% vs. 36.7%), and higher frequency of risk factors (46.4% vs. 75.0%).CONCLUSIONS:Our analysis suggests that a combination of indicators can be used to help clarify RIBA‐3‐indeterminate, RNA‐negative results. Specifically, donors with high S/CO ratios on a screening immunoassay, RIBA‐3 reactivity to c22p or c33c with band intensity of 2+ or greater, without a previous history of negative or BFR donations and with an identifiable risk factor, have a high probability of representing true anti‐HCV rather than nonspecific reactivity.
Measurement of anti‐D intrinsic affinity with unlabeled antibodies
Authors: Debbia Martine , Lambin Patrick 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: The method most commonly used for measuring the affinity of MoAbs specific for the D antigen is a binding assay using 125I‐labeled MoAb. Although the method is relatively simple, there are several drawbacks that can lead to inaccurate results. The objective of the present work was to develop a method for the deter‐mination of the affinity of anti‐D MoAb using unlabelled antibodies.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Rh‐positive RBCs were sensitized with varying amounts of unlabeled anti‐D MoAb, and, at equilibrium, the amount of anti‐D bound to the RBCs was measured by ELISA. The affinity and the number of antigenic sites were determined with the Scatchard and Langmuir equations.RESULTS: The method was applied to determine the affinity of several MoAbs specific for the D antigen on RBCs of different Rh‐positive phenotypes. Similar results were observed with both equations. The affinity constant (Ka) for 3 MoAbs specific for the D antigen on group O R1r RBCs ranged from 1.3 to 7.4 108 M–1, depending on the antibody. When measured by a binding assay with 125I‐labeled anti‐D MoAbs, the Ka were significantly lower, indicating that 125I‐labeling diminishes anti‐D affinity, even when the labeling is at a low level.CONCLUSION: A simple ELISA method was developed for the measurement of the affinity of anti‐D MoAbs for the D antigen and for the number of antigenic sites per RBC. As a result, the affinity of anti‐D can be estimated accurately, thus avoiding the drawbacks inherent in modification of the antibody by 125I‐labeling.
Network computer‐assisted transfusion‐management system for accurate blood component–recipient identification at the bedside
Authors: Miyata Shigeki , Kawai Takeshi , Yamamoto Suguru , Takada Masahiro , Iwatani Yasuyuki , Uchida Osamu , Imanaka Hideaki , Sase Kazuhiro , Yagihara Toshikatsu , Kuro Masakazu 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: ABO‐mismatched transfusions caused by human error are among the most serious problems in transfusion therapy. The major cause is misidentification of a recipient or a blood component at the bedside.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A network computer‐assisted transfusion‐management system has been developed with bar coding as a fail‐safe/fool‐proof system for accurate component–recipient identification at the bedside, which allows us to monitor the usage of blood components in real time. The efficacy of this system was evaluated to prevent human errors by monitoring the transfusion process via the network and analyzing voluntary and mandatory reports with regard to transfusion errors over a 3‐year period. The crossmatch‐to‐transfusion ratio for operations and outdate rate of RBCs were calculated to assess economic benefit.RESULTS: More than 60,000 blood components have been transfused perfectly to the intended recipients via the network, and one human error was prevented by the system. After establishment of the network system, the crossmatch‐to‐transfusion ratio for operations and outdate rate of RBCs have been gradually reduced from around 2.5 to 1.8 and from 3.9 to 0.32 percent, respectively.CONCLUSION: The network computer‐assisted management system greatly contributes to safe and efficient transfusion therapy.
Transfusions via hand‐held syringes and small‐gauge needles as risk factors for hyperkalemia
Authors: Miller Michal A. , Schlueter Annette J. 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: Pediatric emergency RBC transfusions are often infused rapidly through 22‐gauge (ga) or smaller needles or catheters using hand‐held syringes. Data relating needle size, unit age, and infusion rate are needed to assess the risk of hemolysis and hyperkalemia in this setting.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Multiple simulated transfusions were performed during storage of RBC units. Aliquots from five units were rapidly passed through needles (18, 20, 22‐25 ga) using a hand‐held syringe. Resulting plasma Hb and K+ concentrations were measured. Free Hb levels were used as a measure of needle‐associated hemolysis (NAH).RESULTS: Passage through 18‐ga and 20‐ga needles caused no hemolysis, but rapid passage through 23‐ga, 24‐ga, and 25‐ga did. RBCs stored less than 7 days showed significant K+ release with 23‐ to 25‐ga needles. The greatest needle‐associated K+ release was 10 mEq per L, on Day 5. Due to high K+ concentrations resulting from spontaneous efflux, K+ release from NAH was not detectable after 2 or more weeks of storage.CONCLUSIONS: Rapidly transfusing RBCs using hand‐held syringes through 23‐ga or smaller needles can cause hemolysis. In RBCs stored 2 weeks or more, NAH does not measurably increase K+ concentrations above that present from storage‐related efflux. During rapid transfusions, RBC storage time is the primary risk factor for transfusion‐associated hyperkalemia.
RBCs labeled at two biotin densities permit simultaneous and repeated measurements of circulating RBC volume
Authors: Mock Donald M. , Lankford Gary L. , Widness John A. , Burmeister Leon. F. , Kahn Daniel , Strauss Ronald G. 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: The extend potential applications of a nonradioactive method for measuring circulating RBC volume, we tested the hypothesis that RBC volume could be determined independently using two populations of RBCs labeled with low‐density biotin (LDB1) and high‐density biotin (HDB).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In 10 healthy adults, autologous RBCs were labeled with HDB, LDB, or 51Cr. The labeled RBCs were mixed and transfused. RBC volume was measured in postinfusion peripheral venous blood by quantitating dilution of each population of labeled RBCs.RESULTS: RBC volume measured using either LDB or HDB cells agreed well with RBC volume measured using 51Cr. For the regression of RBC volume by LDB versus RBC volume by 51Cr, correlation = 0.994 and slope = 0.933. For HDB versus 51Cr, correlation = 0.982 and slope = 0.953. RBC volume measured a second time in four subjects with HDB agreed well; mean CV for the differences between HDB and 51Cr were less than 5 percent.CONCLUSIONS: Using RBCs labeled with two different densities of biotin, RBC volume can be accurately measured simultaneously and repeatedly in the same subject without radiation exposure.
Complete or partial seroreversion in immunocompetent individuals after self‐limited HCV infection: consequences for transfusion
Authors: Lefrère Jean‐Jacques , Girot Robert , Lefrère François , Guillaume Nicolas , Lerable Joelle , Marrec Nadine Le , Bouchardeau Françoise , Laperche Syria 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: The disappearance of anti‐HCV antibodies over time, after a self‐limited infection, also referenced seroreversion, has been observed. The frequency of this phenomenon remains controversial, especially in immunocompetent subjects. However, it has important implications in the context of transfusion inquiries, in particular in case of a blood donor suspected to have transmitted HCV through a past blood donation.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Our findings are presented of a longitudinal study, including 16 patients from a cohort of 78 immunocompetent, multitransfused individuals who were positive for anti‐HCV (EIA and confirmatory assay [RIBA]) and followed over a long period of time without having received any antiviral therapy. The aim was to establish whether a past and self‐resolved HCV infection could evolve toward a negative serology.RESULTS: The 16 patients were classified in three groups: 1) 12 patients who remained anti‐HCV positive with no evolution in their RIBA pattern after a mean follow‐up of 7.6 years; 2) one patient who presented a complete seroreversion 6 years after enrollment; and 3) three patients with a partial seroreversion over a mean follow‐up of 16 years.CONCLUSION: HCV infection is not always characterized by a persistent antibody response, even in immunocompetent individuals. This should be taken into consideration when transfusion inquiries are conducted.
Compatibility testing without a centrifuge: the slide Polybrene method
Authors: Lin Marie 
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: A simple and rapid slide Polybrene method (SP) for pretransfusion compatibility testing is described. SP is particularly suitable for use in developing countries where, due to limited resources, centrifuges and biologic reagents may not be readily available.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The original manual Polybrene method (MP) was modified for use on glass microscope slides, eliminating the need for test tubes and centrifugation. The sensitivity of SP for detecting alloantibodies to RBC antigens was compared with that of MP and the IAT.RESULTS: Both SP and MP were more sensitive than the IAT for detecting anti‐E. SP detected 21 of 23 examples of anti′‐Mia′ and 7 of 8 examples of anti‐E. Kidd and Diego system antibodies were also readily detectable by SP, although the reactions were weaker than those observed with both MP and IAT. However, both SP and MP failed to detect some examples of antibodies to Kell system antigens.CONCLUSIONS: SP is an acceptable method for compatibility testing in developing countries, particularly in populations where the frequency of K is low (e.g., southeast Asia). The reagents are inexpensive and can be prepared in‐house. SP is simple to use, does not require a centrifuge, and can be performed by personnel with minimal training.
Global Health Issues and Challenges
Authors: Dickenson‐Hazard Nancy 
Published: March 2004

Purpose:

To describe issues, challenges and potential strategies in achieving nursing's global preferred future, focused on promoting healthy communities worldwide.
Methods:

Three sets of Arista conferences, a total of 7 conferences, were sponsored by Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Arista2 and Arista3—the focus of this report—were held in different world regions. A total of 109 invited multidisiclinary participants identified conditions that affect nursing and health care, strategic actions to address those conditions, and recommendations for the nursing profession. Reports from each conference are synthesized in this executive summary.
Findings and Conclusions:

Both common and unique themes were identified in various world regions. Key components of the preferred future were professional restructuring and the delivery of holistic, human, and culturally appropriate care. Participants in all regional conferences recommended strategic actions regarding: student‐centered educational systems, environments in which nurses practice, the way nurses lead, the knowledge nurses need, the settings in which nurses work, the conditions under which the profession operates, the influence of nurses, and the ways nurses learn.
Managing Children's Cancer Pain in Morocco
Authors: McCarthy Patricia , Chammas Georgette , Wilimas Judith , Alaoui Fouzia Msefer , Harif Mohamed 
Published: March 2004

Purpose:

To identify issues in managing pain of children with cancer in the two pediatric oncology centers in Morocco.
Methods:

Focus groups were conducted with pediatric oncology nurses and physicians.
Findings:

Four themes were identified: (a) children's cancer pain is an overwhelming concern to the Moroccan nurses and physicians who participated in this study; (b) training and resources for children's cancer pain management are lacking in Morocco; (c) some impediments to pain relief were verbalized, such as a stoic approach to suffering and limited use of some drugs; and (d) a critical need exists for a comprehensive pain management approach for children with cancer in Morocco.
Conclusions:

This study elucidated issues in managing children's cancer pain in Morocco and increased knowledge of current practice issues. A program of policy research has been initiated with the aim of establishing guidelines for practice policies for managing children's cancer pain in Morocco.
External Validity, Generalizability, and Knowledge Utilization
Authors: Ferguson Linda 
Published: March 2004

Purpose:

To examine the concepts of external validity and generalizability, and explore strategies to strengthen generalizability of research findings, because of increasing demands for knowledge utilization in an evidence‐based practice environment.
Framework:

The concepts of external validity and generalizability are examined, considering theoretical aspects of external validity and conflicting demands for internal validity in research designs. Methodological approaches for controlling threats to external validity and strategies to enhance external validity and generalizability of findings are discussed.
Conclusions:

Generalizability of findings is not assured even if internal validity of a research study is addressed effectively through design. Strict controls to ensure internal validity can compromise generalizability. Researchers can and should use a variety of strategies to address issues of external validity and enhance generalizability of findings. Enhanced external validity and assessment of generalizability of findings can facilitate more appropriate use of research findings.
The Experience of Becoming a Mother for Single, Unpartnered, Medicaid‐Eligible, First‐Time Mothers
Authors: Keating‐Lefler Rebecca , Wilson Margaret E. 
Published: March 2004

Purpose:

To understand the experience of becoming a mother for single, unpartnered, Medicaid‐eligible, first‐time mothers in the United States and to discover the basic social psychological problem and process experienced by the mothers during the first 3 months postpartum.
Design:

Grounded theory.
Methods:

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted and audiotaped with 20 single, unpartnered, Medicaid‐eligible, first‐time mothers at 1, 2, and 3 months postpartum. Data analysis was completed using the constant comparative method of data analysis.
Findings:

The women used the basic social psychological process of “reformulating life” to manage their “grieving of multiple losses.”“Reformulating life” included “believing in future possibilities,”“submerging self in the mother role,”“daring to dream life's options,”“development of a new self‐definition, identity, and future,” and “risking a new life course: attempting new roles.” Social support and personal resilience facilitated the basic social psychological process of “reformulating life.”
Conclusions:

Single, unpartnered, Medicaid‐eligible, first‐time mothers in this study managed their “grieving multiple losses” by “reformulating life.” The uniqueness of this substantive theory is the relationship between pregnancy, loss, and grief.