Genetic basis of the K(0) phenotype in the Swedish population.

Background: The absence of all Kell blood group antigens (K(0) phenotype) is very rare. K(0) persons, however, can produce clinically significant anti-Ku (K5) after transfusion and/or pregnancy and require K(0) blood for transfusion. Ten alleles giving rise to the K(0) phenotype have been reported: different populations were studied although none from Scandinavia.

The blood-donation experience: perceived physical, psychological and social impact of blood donation on the donor.

Background And Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact and effects of blood donation on blood donors as perceived and reported by donors themselves.

Materials And Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 600 consecutive whole-blood donors (who had a history of at least one previous donation) consisting of an open-ended question asking whether the blood donation had any impact on the donor. The answers to this question were considered as descriptions of effects perceived by the donors to be evoked by whole-blood donation.

Predictors of radiological progression and changes in hand bone density in early rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: To identify predictors for radiological and functional outcome and bone loss in the hands in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during the first 2 yr of disease and to study the relationship between these variables.

Methods: An inception cohort of consecutively recruited patients was examined at baseline and after 12 and 24 months using X-rays of hands and feet, clinical [28-joint count, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), global visual analogue scale (VAS), grip strength] and laboratory (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, markers of bone formation and resorption) measurements and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements of the hands.

Results: Joint destruction increased significantly during the study, with the Larsen score at baseline as the strongest predictor.

Cloning and expression of the histo-blood group Pk UDP-galactose: Ga1beta-4G1cbeta1-cer alpha1, 4-galactosyltransferase. Molecular genetic basis of the p phenotype.

The molecular genetic basis of the P histo-blood group system has eluded characterization despite extensive studies of the biosynthesis of the P(1), P, and P(k) glycolipids. The main controversy has been whether a single or two distinct UDP-Gal:Galbeta1-R 4-alpha-galactosyltransferases catalyze the syntheses of the structurally related P(1) and P(k) antigens. The P(1) polymorphism is linked to 22q11.