bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evans Antigen: A New Hybrid Structure Occurring on Background of D·· and D–– Rh Complexes
Authors: Cheng G.‐J. , Chen Y. , Reid M.E. , Huang C.‐H. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background and Objectives:
Previously, the Evans antigen (RH37) of the Rh blood group system was shown to be specified by a novel CE‐D‐CE hybrid gene. We studied further the heterogeneity of Evans and report here its new molecular type resulting from a novel intraexon fusion event on the background of D·· and D— complexes. Materials and Methods: A white family with 2 Evans+ and 2 Evans‐ members was analyzed by serological methods and molecular techniques. Results: The Evans+ proband (JD) typed D+C−c−E−e− and showed a partial loss of RHCE but an increased dose of RHD on DNA blots. On sequencing of Rh cDNAs, a normal D and 3 hybrid transcripts were detected. The D‐CE hybrid is characterized by a single breakpoint located in exon 6. The CE‐D hybrid derived its exon 1 (or 1 and 2) from RHCE and exons 2–10 (or 3–10) from RHD. The CE‐D‐CE hybrid had its internal exons 2–7 (or 3–7) from RHD. Family studies showed that the D‐CE and CE‐D hybrids were linked and cotransmitted from JD to his son, whereas RHD and CE‐D‐CE hyrbid were transmitted from JD to his daughter. Conclusion: In this family, Evans is specified by the novel D‐CE intraexon fusion gene which occurs in cis to CE‐D and trans to CE‐D‐CE interexon fusion genes. The observed large duplication of RHD reflects a convergent mosaicism underlying the enhancement of D and ablation of CcEe antigens.
Effects of Handling and Storage of Blood on the Stability of Hepatitis C Virus RNA: Implications for NAT Testing in Transfusion Practice
Authors: Grant P.R. , Kitchen A. , Barbara J.A.J. , Hewitt P. , Sims C.M. , Garson J.A. , Tedder R.S. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background and Objectives:
To determine the stability of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA during transport and storage of blood samples from donors, prior to screening for HCV by nucleic acid amplification technology. Materials and Methods: Various blood and plasma sample types were stored for up to 120 h at different temperatures and the HCV RNA level was measured using an in house quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Results: No decline in HCV RNA level was observed after 72 h of storage of whole bood at 4°C in EDTA tubes (Greiner) and Plasma Preparation Tubes (PPT; Becton Dickinson), while insignificant declines of 0.2 log10 and 0.25 log10 occurred at 25°C after 72 h in the EDTA tubes and PPT tubes, respectively. When whole blood was stored with mixed anticoagulants CPDA‐1 and EDTA for up to 120 h, no decline in HCV RNA level was observed at 4°C and 25°C, while a significant decline of 0.37 log10 occurred at 37°C after 120 h. The temperature during transportation was investigated with a 12‐hour period at 25°C and 37°C before storage at 4°C for 108 h. Neither temperature resulted in any loss of HCV RNA in comparison with 120 h of storage at 4°C. Conclusion: Whole blood anticoagulated with EDTA or CPDA‐1/EDTA may be stored at up to 25°C (room temperature) for up to 5 days without any significant loss in plasma HCV RNA level.
Results of Viral Marker Screening of Unpaid Blood Donations and Probability of Window Period Donations in 1997
Authors: Müller‐Breitkreutz K. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background and Objectives:
To monitor the safety of the blood supply and evaluate the potential benefits of additional measures, the likelihood of virus transmission must be assessed. The European Plasma Fractionation Association and its member organisations have therefore developed a surveillance system to monitor infection markers among unpaid blood and plasma donors. We report and analyse the results of this surveillance for 1997. Materials and Methods: Data from the screening of unpaid donations for anti‐HIV, anti‐HCV and HBsAg during 1997 were collected retrospectively by EPFA member organisations. We identified serocon verters and estimate the probability of window period donations. Results: Data included screening results from 11 million unpaid donations in Europe, the USA and Australia. Prevalence of viral markers varied, with marker rates from repeat donations in Europe and Australia being significantly lower than in the USA. For first time donations, in contrast, prevalence of HBsAg in the USA was within the ranges of those measured in Europe and Australia. Screening data of about 5 million European and 0.5 million Australian repeat donations were used to identify seroconverters. From the seroconverters that were detected among the European organisations, we estimated that 1 in every 2,323,778 repeat donations (range: 707,090–20,922,520) was made during the window period of anti‐HIV screening. One in 620,754 (201,216–2,316,805) and 1 in 398,499 (155,209 to >1,088,511) repeat donations were made during the anti‐HCV or HBsAg window period, respectively. Probabilities of window period donations in Australia were within the ranges of those measured in Europe. Conclusions: The collated surveillance data of 1997 illustrate the high degree of safety in blood and plasma products from unpaid donors.
Are All Leucodepleted Platelet Concentrates Equivalent?
Authors: Krailadsiri P. , Seghatchian J. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background and Objectives:
A number of technologies are available for the production of leucocyte‐depleted platelet concentrates (PCs). This study compared the characteristics of PCs prepared by three commonly used techniques. Materials and Methods: In total, fifteen units of leucoyte‐depleted PCs prepared by the Cobe LRS Turbo apheresis system, Haemonetics MCS+ with in‐line filter and filtration of PCs derived from pooled buffy coats (BCs) were transferred into the same standard container. Markers to assess status/activation and microvesiculation of platelets as well as platelet injury were measured. Results: pH was well maintained in all types of PCs. The expression of CD62P was higher in Cobe LRS Turbo on day 1 but became equivalent between the three methods on day 5. A significant correlation was found between the expression of CD62P on platelet surface and soluble CD62P in the plasma. The degree of phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure was slightly higher in Cobe LRS Turbo and BC‐PCs than Haemonetics MCS+ on day 1. However, on day 5 both apheresis PC values were higher than BC‐PCs. A significant correlation was found between PS exposure and microvesiculation. Conclusion: Leucodepleted PCs prepared by the three methods were different in terms of storage lesion and microvesiculation. The clinical significance of these findings remains to be investigated.
Increase in Glycocalicin Levels in Platelet Concentrates Stored in Plasma or Synthetic Medium for 8 Days: Comparison with Other Platelet Activation Markers
Authors: Kostelijk E.H. , Folman C.C. , Gouwerok C.W.N. , Kramer C.M. , Verhoeven A.J. , de Korte D. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background and Objectives:
Glycocalicin (GC) is a proteolytic fragment of Gplb and can conveniently be measured in supernatants of platelet concentrates (PCs) by means of a sandwich ELISA. Because of the convenience of the assay and easy sample storage, we tested its suitability as a sensitive platelet activation parameter during PC storage. Material and Methods: Filtered PCs in plasma or additive solution were made from 5 pooled buffy coats and were subsequently stored during 8 days at 22±2°C. Correlation coefficients (r) were calculated after comparison of GC levels with platelet parameters. Results: A significant increase in GC concentration was found on all subsequent sampling days. PC stored in plasma showed GC levels that correlated well with the soluble P‐selectin levels (r = 0.7506), P‐selectin (CD62P) expression on platelet membranes (r = 0.8843), morphology scores according to Kunicki (r =−0.7102), lactate concentrations (r = 0.9216), glucose concentrations (r =−0.8913) and β‐thromboglobulin (β‐TG) concentrations (r = 0.8913). In PCs stored in additive solution, the correlation coefficients with these markers were 0.9209 with soluble P‐selectin, 0.7161 with CD62P expression, −0.7474 with morphology score, −0.8908 with glucose concentrations, 0.8923 with lactate concentrations and 0.8908 with β‐TG concentrations. Conclusions: The GC concentration correlates well with sensitive platelet (activation) parameters, rendering it a sensitive and convenient parameter for platelet activation.
Erythrocytapheresis with Recombinant Human Erythropoietin in Hereditary Hemochromatosis Therapy: A New Alternative
Authors: Kohan Abraham , Niborski Ricardo , Daruich Jorge , Rey Jorge , Bastos Fabiana , Amerise Graciela , Herrera Roberto , García Marcelo , Olivera Walter , Santarelli María Teresa , Avalos Julio Sánchez , Findor Jorge 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background and Objectives
: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the tolerance, efficacy and safety of isovolemic erythrocytapheresis (EA) in nonanemic patients with hereditery hemochromatosis (HH), and to assess the usefulness of recombinant human erythropoitein (rHuEPO) associated with EA to reduce treatment duration. Materials and Methods: In 10 asymptomatic patients with serum ferritin >400 μ/l, transferrin satuaration >50%, and GPT elevation, EA with rHuEPO and folic acid was performed. Results: Red Cell indices, serum ferritin, and other iron metabolism parameters (serum iron, transferrin, and transferrin satuaration)l; GPT and other laboratory data were considerably improved. Conclusion: This method offers better results in less time than traditional phlebotomy. EA with rHuEPO is an effective therapeutic alternative for patients with HH.
PCR Detects HCV RNA in a Plasma Pool Contaminated by a Single Preseroconversion Donation of Genotype 5a
Authors: Thomas I. , Branckaert T. , Mathys E. , Vranckx R. , Laub R. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background and Objectives:
To determine the prevalence of HCV‐RNA‐positive plasma pools in Belgium, to validate our PCR method and to increase the safety of the released blood products. Materials and Methods: Plasma pools consisting each of about 5,000 donations from Belgian unpaid volunteer blood donors were analysed by PCR for the presence of HCV RNA. Two different extraction methods were compared and validated. Results: Two out of 367 plasma pools were found to be HCV RNA postive and were discarded. For one of these two pools, the look‐back procedure identified an anti‐HCV‐ negative contaminated donation. The HCV genotype of both the contaminated pool and the donation was 5a, a genotype rare in Europe. The viral load of the preseroconverted donation was 2.9 × 107 gEq/ml according to the bDNA method. Conclusion: In the case of plasma derivatives, various important steps are already included to increase safety. Nucleic acid testing of manufacturing plasma pools ensures that viral load in the starting material is as low as possible.
Red Blood Cell Function and Blood Storage
Authors: Hamasaki Naotaka , Yamamoto Masaaki 
Published: December 2004

AbstractRed blood cells are ideal vehicles for delivering oxygen to tissues, but their functions deteriorate during liquid preservation. In this article, we review the role of red blood cells in oxygen delivery and methods to evaluate the effectiveness of red blood cell transfusion. Quantitative estimation of transfusion effects could avoid unnecessary transfusion and reduce the risk of transfusion‐associated disorders. We also describe the benefits of transfusion of red blood cells having a higher oxygen‐delivering capacity. Phosphoenolpyruvate is a promising component to prepare red blood cells having a higher oxygen‐delivering capacity.
TT Virus Infection in Screened Taiwanese Blood Donors
Authors: Ho T.‐F. , Yang S.‐C. , Huang Y.‐T. , Hsieh M.‐H. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Objective:
TT virus (TTV) is a newly discovered human DNA virus of uncertain clinical significance. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of TTV infection among blood donors in Taiwan. Methods: Viral DNA was studied in 224 healthy blood donors and 118 deferred donors. DNA was extracted from plasma and amplified by seminested polymerase chain reaction with reported primer sets from a conserved region of the TTV genome. Results: The prevalence of TTV DNA in the deferred donors was 24.6%, significantly higher than in the healthy donors (11.9%). TTV was also more prevalent in those with hepatitis B surface antigen than in those without it (p = 0.002). Conclusion: In comparing normal with deferred Taiwanese blood donors, hepatitis B virus infection is linked to a higher prevalence of TTV infection.
Pharmacokinetics of total immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin G subclasses in patients undergoing replacement therapy for primary immunodeficiency syndromes
Authors: Alyanakian M.‐A. , Bernatowska E. , Scherrmann J.‐M. , Aucouturier P. , Poplavsky J.‐L. 
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives Careful evaluation of the pharmacokinetic properties of a new immunoglobulin G (IgG) preparation is necessary to ensure that the product will not deviate significantly from existing products, in terms of pharmacological activity.Materials and Methods A prospective, open and uncontrolled trial was performed in 16 patients with primary immunodeficiency syndromes. Patients who had been under replacement therapy with licensed preparations prior to study inclusion, received 280 ± 60 mg/kg of a solution of IgG, ready for intravenous administration, every 3 weeks for 6 months. Trough and peak plasma levels were measured immediately before and 1 h after each infusion, respectively. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated for total IgG and IgG subclasses.Results Total IgG, IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 declined mono‐exponentially in contrast to IgG4 which showed a bi‐exponential decline. Half‐lives which were highly variable among patients were similar for total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 (35.9 10.8, 36.3 9.2, and 37.1 13.9 days, respectively) and shorter for IgG3 and IgG4 (28.6 10.4 and 15.6 4.5 days, respectively).Conclusions The decline of IgG4 probably reflected a complex catabolic pathway specific for this subclass. As the plasma level of IgG4 is low, the decline of total IgG remained unaffected. Pharmacokinetic properties were consistent with results reported elsewhere in patients undergoing replacement therapy for primary immunodeficiency syndromes.
Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of a new intravenous immunoglobulin preparation, IGIV‐C, 10% (Gamunex™, 10%)
Authors: Ballow M. , Berger M. , Bonilla F. A. , Buckley R. H. , Cunningham‐Rundles C. H. , Fireman P. , Kaliner M. , Ochs H. D. , Skoda‐Smith S. , Sweetser M. T. , Taki H. , Lathia C. 
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives A new intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV) process has been developed that integrates efficient inactivation of enveloped virus, using caprylate, with immunoglobulin G (IgG) purification and caprylate removal by column chromatography. Two clinical studies were conducted to compare the pharmacokinetics of the new product, IGIV‐C, 10% (Gamunex™, 10%), formulated with glycine, with the licensed solvent–detergent (SD)‐treated intravenous immunoglobulin IGIV‐SD, 10% (Gamimune®N, 10%), formulated with glycine, and IGIV‐C, 5%, formulated with 10% maltose.Materials and Methods Both studies were randomized, multicentre crossover trials of 18 and 20 (respectively) adult patients with primary humoral immune deficiency in which patients received one IGIV product for three consecutive periods (3–4 weeks) before crossing over to the other product. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined after the third infusion of each product.Results IGIV‐C, 10% was bioequivalent to IGIV‐SD, 10%, with half‐lives (t1/2) of 35 and 34 days, respectively. IGIV‐C, 5%, was bioequivalent to IGIV‐C, 10%, with t1/2 of 35 and 36 days, respectively. The products had comparable safety profiles.Conclusions The pharmacokinetic profiles observed in these trials indicate that IGIV‐C, 10% may replace, and be administered in a manner similar to, IGIV‐SD, 10%.
Follow‐up of six blood donors highlights the complementary role and limitations of hepatitis C virus antibody and nucleic acid amplification tests
Authors: Hyland C. , Seed C. R. , Kiely P. , Parker S. , Cowley N. , Bolton W. 
Published: December 2004

Background and Objectives The purpose of this study was to analyse the follow‐up results for six blood donors who screened positive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) by nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) but were non‐reactive in the primary antibody immunoassay (HCV NAT yield).Materials and Methods Volunteer blood donations were screened, in parallel, for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV) and for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV RNA using the Abbott PRISM HCV Chemiluminescent immunoassay (ChLIA) and the Chiron Procleix HIV‐1/HCV RNA assays, respectively. NAT yield donor samples were further tested using supplemental assays, including an alternate HCV antibody enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (Abbott Murex anti‐HCV Version 4), an immunoblot (Ortho RIBA‐3 or Genelabs Diagnostics HCV Blot 3·0) and two alternative HCV NAT assays [Roche HCV Amplicor and an assembled HCV polymerase chain reaction (PCR)]. Five of the six donors were available for follow‐up testing.Results The six NAT yield donations were identified as constituents of 24‐member minipools among 2 212 695 donations screened over the 28‐month study period. All samples were positive when tested, undiluted, using the Roche Amplicor and assembled reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) alternate NAT assays. One of the donors, subsequent to seroconversion, showed RNA levels that fluctuated above and below the limit of detection of the NAT screening assay. Three of the six were reactive on the secondary EIA and showed reactivity to the core c22(p) antigen by immunoblot at the index donation. Two others subsequently became reactive in the ChLIA prior to the EIA, showing reactivity against c100 and/or c33c antigens by immunoblot. The remaining donor became reactive in the ChLIA and EIA at the same time, showing RIBA reactivity against all of the following three peptides: c100; c33c; and c22(p).Conclusions This study demonstrated that at least five of six HCV NAT yield donors were in the pre‐ or early antibody seroconversion phase of infection. The observation that one yield donor demonstrated HCV RNA that fluctuated above and below the limit of detection of the primary NAT‐screening assay supports the maintenance of both NAT and antibody screening for HCV. Follow‐up testing of suspected yield donors revealed that the primary and alternate anti‐HCV immunoassays had different performance characteristics, depending on the specificity of the donor's early anti‐HCV response.
Symblepharon with aberrant protrusion of the nictitating membrane in the snowy owl (Nyctea scandiaca)
Authors: Williams David L. , Flach Edmund 
Published: December 2004

AbstractTwo young snowy owl chicks were presented with aberrant protrusion of the nictitating membranes. This was caused by conjunctival adhesions causing symblepharon secondary to a previous septicemia episode. While symblepharon has been noted in birds before, this unusual presentation of the nictitating membrane has not been reported. Surgical intervention ameliorated the clinical signs, allowing vision in one bird by removal of the nictitating membranes, a technique which appeared to have no deleterious effects on the ocular surface.
Ultrasound biomicroscopy of the feline anterior segment
Authors: Aubin Marcia L. , Powell Cynthia C. , Gionfriddo Juliet R. , Fails Anna D. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractUltrasound biomicroscopy was performed on enucleated feline globes as a model for usein vivo. Quantitative measurements were obtained from the anterior segment using a 50‐MHz transducer. Mean values from 26 feline globes were axial corneal thickness, 0.74 mm; anterior chamber depth, 4.20 mm; distance from the first ciliary process to the limbus, 3.17 mm; angle recess, 0.38 mm; angle opening distance, 1.05 mm; iris base width 0.38 mm; iris middle width 0.52 mm; iris tip width 0.13 mm, and iris‐lens overlap, 0.69 mm. Distinctive features of the feline anterior segment include a relatively wide iridocorneal angle and deep anterior chamber.
Lens formation in the absence of optic cup in rat embryos irradiated with soft X‐ray
Authors: Inagaki Satoru , Kotani Tadao 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn order to investigate the effect of soft X‐ray irradiation on ocular development, pregnant rats were exposed to a single 12.5 Gy irradiation on embryonic day 9 (ED 9). The embryos obtained by laparotomy on ED 12 and 21 were examined for ocular abnormalities under a binocular stereo‐microscope and a light microscope. The ED 12 embryos were stained with osmium tetroxide to facilitate the observation. The stereo‐microscopic examination on ED 12 and 21 revealed various types of ocular abnormalities characterized primarily by aplasia or hypoplasia of the optic cup and invaginated lens placode. The light microscopic examination further confirmed these findings histomorphologically, and the hypoplastic abnormalities were classified into three types: (1) hypoplasia of the optic cup and invaginated lens placode, (2) complete malformation of the optic cup and hypoplasia of the invaginated lens placode, and (3) complete malformation of the optic cup and invaginated lens placode. Because the lens was formed in the complete absence of the retina, the development and differentiation of the retina and lens do not seem to be tightly synchronized. Thus, this sequential analysis on ocular abnormalities during the early stage of development supports the notion that the presence of the retina is not always necessary for the development of the lens.
Connections between Temperament and Social Development: A Review
Authors: Sanson Ann , Hemphill Sheryl A. , Smart Diana 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis paper critically reviews the literature on the links between temperament and social development in children and adolescents. Social development is broadly defined to include externalizing and internalizing behaviour problems, prosocial behaviour and social competence. It concludes that there are clear links between specific dimensions of temperament and particular aspects of social development. Examples include the association of negative reactivity with externalizing behaviour problems, inhibition with internalizing behaviour problems, and attention regulation with school functioning. Theoretical and methodological issues to be confronted in future research are identified, including the need to investigate further the interactions between temperament and social context. Analysis of patterns of change in temperament, in relation to physiological changes and to such factors as parenting and socio‐cultural expectations of children, promise to refine our understanding of how temperament works in context. Some practical implications which can be drawn from the research are also discussed.