Publications by authors named "Andrew Lochowicz"
Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious complication of heparin therapy. The PF4 ELISA is a serologic assay that provides laboratory support for the clinical diagnosis of HIT, but it is often positive in patients who do not have the syndrome. We examined whether the specificity of the PF4 ELISA can be improved by 1) taking antibody potency into consideration, 2) by measuring only IgG antibodies, and 3) by utilizing a high concentration heparin inhibition step.
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- A study reveals that blood group A and B antigens are typically weak on platelets, but about 1% of people have strong expressions that can affect transfusion outcomes.
- A family with Group B infants suffered thrombocytopenia, while a Group A infant showed normal platelet levels at birth, indicating potential genetic factors at play.
- Maternal antibodies, specifically targeting blood group B antigens, were found to cause platelet issues in the two Group B infants, suggesting a noteworthy interaction between maternal immunity and infant blood types.
In the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila, extensive DNA elimination is associated with differentiation of the somatic macronucleus from the germline micronucleus. This study describes the isolation and complete characterization of Tlr elements, a family of approximately 30 micronuclear DNA sequences that are efficiently eliminated from the developing macronucleus. The data indicate that Tlr elements are comprised of an approximately 22 kb internal region flanked by complex and variable termini.
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