Paired comparison of methylene blue- and amotosalen-treated plasma and cryoprecipitate.

Background And Objectives: Cryoprecipitate is used in the treatment of patients with acquired hypofibrinogenaemia. Studies have not directly compared cryoprecipitate produced following pathogen inactivation (PI) of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) using different systems. The effects of methylene blue (MB) and amotosalen (AS) PI systems on the quality of FFP and cryoprecipitate were investigated in a paired study.

Thrombin generation and coagulation factor content of thawed plasma and platelet concentrates.

Background: We assessed the haemostatic capacity of thawed plasma produced after ambient storage of whole blood for 24 h (RTFP24), and the supernatant of buffy-coat derived platelet concentrates (PC).

Methods: Platelet concentrates (n = 20) were tested on days 1, 5 and 7 of storage at 22°C and RTFP24 (n = 10) immediately following thawing and after 4 and 6 days storage at 4°C. Coagulation factor activity, thrombin generation ± an activator of protein C (PROTAC) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) were assessed.

Recombinant HPA-1a antibody therapy for treatment of fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: proof of principle in human volunteers.

Fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, caused by the maternal generation of antibodies against fetal human platelet antigen-1a (HPA-1a), can result in intracranial hemorrhage and intrauterine death. We have developed a therapeutic human recombinant high-affinity HPA-1a antibody (B2G1Δnab) that competes for binding to the HPA-1a epitope but carries a modified constant region that does not bind to Fcγ receptors. In vitro studies with a range of clinical anti-HPA-1a sera have shown that B2G1Δnab blocks monocyte chemiluminescence by >75%.

The "E" word: epilepsy and perceptions of unfair treatment from the 2010 Australian Epilepsy Longitudinal Survey.

Aim: The aim of the current study was to examine self-report data on perceptions of unfair treatment due to epilepsy.

Method: We analyzed data from the 2010 Australian Epilepsy Longitudinal Survey, distributed to 621 registrants on the Australian Epilepsy Research Register. A total of 343 responses were received (55% response rate), providing insight into experiences of life with epilepsy in Australia.

What do we know about juvenile idiopathic arthritis and vitamin D? A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of current evidence.

Over the last decade vitamin D (Vit D) has been the focus of considerable interest as a potential immunomodulator in a variety of conditions including autoimmune disease. Its influence in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) however is unclear. We therefore wished to clarify a possible link with the currently available evidence.

Pathogen inactivation of platelets using ultraviolet C light: effect on in vitro function and recovery and survival of platelets.

Background: We evaluated the effect of treating platelets (PLTs) using ultraviolet (UV)C light without the addition of any photosensitizing chemicals on PLT function in vitro and PLT recovery and survival in an autologous radiolabeled volunteer study.

Study Design And Methods: For in vitro studies, pooled or single buffy coat-derived PLT concentrates (PCs) were pooled and split to obtain identical PCs that were either treated with UVC or untreated (n = 6 each) and stored for 7 days. PLT recovery and survival were determined in a two-arm parallel autologous study in healthy volunteers performed according to BEST guidelines.

In vitro quality of single-donor platelets treated with riboflavin and ultraviolet light and stored in platelet storage medium for up to 8 days.

Background: The Mirasol pathogen reduction technology system is known to increase the activation and metabolic rate of platelets (PLTs). Storage of Mirasol PLTs in PLT storage medium (PSM) has the potential to slow this accelerated PLT storage lesion. We investigated the quality of Mirasol-treated PLTs stored in either 50% SSP+ or 50% Composol for 8 days.

Coagulation factor content of plasma produced from whole blood stored for 24 hours at ambient temperature: results from an international multicenter BEST Collaborative study.

Background: There is increasing international interest in producing components from blood that has been stored at room temperature for 24 hours. The lack of comprehensive data on the quality of plasma produced from blood stored in this way led to this international study.

Study Design And Methods: A total of 128 units of whole blood were pooled in groups of four and split to produce 32 sets of four identical blood units that were processed either within 8 hours of blood collection or after 24-hour storage at 18 to 25°C.

Platelet apoptosis and activation in platelet concentrates stored for up to 12 days in plasma or additive solution.

Background: Several studies suggest that apoptosis of platelets occurs during storage of platelet concentrates (PC). We sought to determine whether storage of PC in additive solution alters levels of apoptosis during storage beyond the current shelf life (5-7 days).

Study Design And Methods: Pooled buffy coat PC (n = 7) were prepared in either 100% plasma or 70% Composol and stored at 22 °C for 12 days.

Prion reduction of red blood cells: impact on component quality.

Background: A filter has been developed (P-Capt, MacoPharma) to remove infectious prions from red blood cells (RBCs). We sought to assess 1) its operational use, 2) the quality of filtered components, and 3) whether filtration resulted in any significant changes to blood group antigens.

Study Design And Methods: A total of 272 leukoreduced RBC units, including units processed using "top-and-top" (TAT) and "bottom-and-top" (BAT) methods, were prion reduced using the P-Capt filter.

Thrombin generation and clot formation in methylene blue-treated plasma and cryoprecipitate.

Background: Methylene blue (MB) treatment of plasma is known to reduce the activity of clotting factors, but its effect on thrombin generation and clot formation is not well documented.

Study Design And Methods: Individual clotting factors and inhibitors and global tests of thrombin generation and clot formation using rotational thrombelastometry (ROTEM) were assessed in a paired study of standard or MB plasma and cryoprecipitate (n = 20 each).

Results: MB treatment resulted in a 10 percent reduction in endogenous thrombin potential and 30 percent decrease in peak thrombin as well as the expected 20 to 35 percent loss of Factor (F)VIII, fibrinogen, and FXI activity.

The effects of ultrasonic agitation in laundering on the properties of wool fabrics.

This paper investigates the use of ultrasonic agitation as a method for reducing felting and area shrinkage during the laundering of wool fabric. Work was conducted to evaluate the changes in fibre and fabric properties after repeated exposure to ultrasonic agitation, and also the effectiveness of ultrasonic treatment to remove common stains. Fabric colour, appearance, tensile strength, dimensional stability and thickness were measured before and after each test.

Anti-arthritic activity in rats of some phosphinegold(i) thionucleobases and related thiolates.

A number of phosphinegold(I) thiolates where, generally, the thiolate is derived from a thionucleobase, have been screened for anti-arthritic activity in Dark Agouti rats, a gold sensitive model for arthritis. Potency and toxicity data showed that, generally, the Ph(3)P derivatives and species based on thiopurines were the most effective and that with other complexes enhanced activity was accompanied by greater toxicity.

A simple spectrophotometric method for the quantification of residual haemoglobin in platelet concentrates.

Background And Objectives: High levels of residual haemoglobin (Hb 0.1 g/l) are known to decrease the efficiency of pathogen-inactivation systems. We evaluated three separate methods to quantify Hb in platelet concentrates (PC).

Increases in cell elongation, plastid compartment size and phytoene synthase activity underlie the phenotype of the high pigment-1 mutant of tomato.

A characteristic trait of the high pigment-1 ( hp-1) mutant phenotype of tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is increased pigmentation resulting in darker green leaves and a deeper red fruit. In order to determine the basis for changes in pigmentation in this mutant, cellular and plastid development was analysed during leaf and fruit development, as well as the expression of carotenogenic genes and phytoene synthase enzyme activity.

In vitro antitumour activity of some triorganophosphinegold(i) thionucleobases.

A series of phosphinegold(I) thionucleobase analogues, [R(3)PAu(SR(x))] (R = Et, Ph or chexyl; HSR(1) = 2-mercaptobenzoic acid, HSR(2) = 2-thiouracil, HSR(3) = 6-mercaptopurine and HSR(4) = 6-thioguanine) have been examined for their in vitro cytotoxicity in L1210 murine leukemia cells in culture. The range of ID(50) values (continuous 48 h exposure) for the complexes is 0.041 - 0.