Anti-A and anti-B titers, age, gender, biochemical parameters, and body mass index in Japanese blood donors.

It has been reported that anti-A and anti-B (ABO antibody) titers decrease with age, but little is known about the association between ABO antibody titers and physiologic/biochemical parameters such as body mass index (BMI), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and total cholesterol (T-Cho). We investigated the present situation of ABO antibody titers among healthy blood donors in Japan and the physiologic/biochemical factors that may be associated with changes in ABO antibody titers. Plasma from 7450 Japanese blood donors was tested for ABO antibody titers using ABO reverse typing reagents by an automated microplate system; donor samples were classified into low, middle, and high titers according to the agglutination results obtained with diluted plasma samples.

Universal nucleic acid donor screening revealed epidemiological features of hepatitis E and prevented transfusion-transmitted infection in Japan.

Background: More than 45 cases of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E virus infection (TT-HEV) have been reported in Japan. Therefore, in 2020, universal individual donation nucleic acid amplification testing (ID-NAT) was implemented for HEV.

Study Design And Methods: We characterized HEV NAT-positive blood donors.

Decreased rate of blood donors with high ABO antibody titers in Japan and the underlying factors: Comparisons between 2010 and 2021.

Background And Objectives: Previously (2007), it was reported that ABO antibody titers in Japanese blood donors had decreased significantly compared to 20 years before. Here we evaluated whether further decrease of antibody titers had occurred in recent years, and the potential factors associated with changes in antibody titers.

Materials And Methods: Serum/plasma from random blood donors in 2010 and 2021 (2010: 3369, 2021: 5796 donors) was classified into low, middle, and high ABO antibody titers according to the reactivity of diluted serum/plasma (2.

Selection of Cord Blood Unit by CD34 Cell and GM-CFU Numbers and Allele-Level HLA Matching in Single Cord Blood Transplantation.

In Japan, only single-unit cord blood transplantations (CBTs) are typically performed, and their number has increased over the last 23 years, with ongoing improvement in results. In most cases, CBTs with multiple HLA mismatches are used, owing to a low HLA barrier, and lower engraftment rate is a problem that must be overcome. Here, as part of an effort to improve guidelines for the selection and processing of CB units for transplantation, we sought to assess the present status of CBT in Japan and to elucidate factors contributing to the favorable outcomes, focusing in particular on selection by cell components of CB unit and HLA allele matching.

Development and characterization of secondary standards for nucleic acid amplification technology (NAAT) assays for detection of hepatitis E virus.

Background: To harmonize assays for detection of HEV RNA, a World Health Organization International Standard (WHO IS) was established. The WHO IS represents the highest order standard for HEV RNA but is limited in quantity. Secondary standards are needed to limit the use of WHO IS and minimize the need to replace it.

Calibrating Hepatitis E Virus Serological Assays Using Asymptomatic Specimens Obtained in Japan.

This study aimed to calibrate hepatitis E virus (HEV) serological assays. We optimized the previously developed in-house HEV antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) by setting the cutoff with an in-house serological performance panel consisting of broad HEV antibody titers and subtracting nonspecific background values for anti-HEV IgM, IgA, and IgG. We also compared the assay's performance with that of commercial serological assay kits (four kits for IgM, one for IgA, and two for IgG).

Broadly Reactive Real-Time RT-PCR Assay for the Detection of Hepatitis E Virus and Simultaneous Genotyping by Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Analysis.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a global public health concern. Although HEV infection is usually asymptomatic and self-limiting, extrahepatic manifestations and chronic infections in immunocompromised patients have been described. HEV strains infecting humans have been classified into four main genotypes.

Trends in hepatitis E virus infection: Analyses of the long-term screening of blood donors in Hokkaido, Japan, 2005-2019.

Background: After experiencing several cases of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E (TT-HE) in Hokkaido, Northern Japan, hepatitis E virus (HEV) screening in blood donors, using a nucleic acid amplification test (NAT), was introduced in 2005.

Study Design And Methods: The frequency of HEV RNA-positive donations (2005-2019) was investigated, and the HEV RNA-positive specimens were phylogenetically analyzed. In August 2014, the 20-pooled NAT (20P-NAT) was replaced with an individual-NAT (ID-NAT) system.

Use of laboratory testing for prediction of postoperative bleeding volume in cardiovascular surgery.

Background: Coagulopathy and following massive bleeding are complications of cardiovascular surgery, particularly occurring after procedures requiring prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Reliable and rapid tests for coagulopathy are desirable for guiding transfusion. Measuring multiple coagulation parameters may prove useful.

Establishment of a novel cell-based assay using HLA-transfected cells to detect HLA antibodies.

The detection of HLA antibodies is important in clinical practice, such as platelet transfusion refractoriness and transfusion-related lung injury. However, difficulties are associated with the preparation of panel cells for conventional HLA detection systems using intact cells, such as the immunocomplex capture fluorescence analysis (ICFA). Based on an ICFA analysis, HEK293 cells stably transfected with the HLA-A locus were used instead of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

Contribution of long-chain fatty acid to induction of myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC)-like cells - induction of MDSC by lipid vesicles (liposome).

Context: Effects of liposomal particles on immune function have not been adequately investigated. Earlier reports indicate that intravenous injection of rats with pegylated liposomes comprising chemically defined specific lipids produces myeloid derived suppressor-cell (MDSC)-like cells in the spleen.

Objectives: After liposome injection, we sought a cell surface marker expressed specifically on splenic macrophages.

Salvage Transplantation with Cord Blood for Graft Rejection of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells due to Donor Specific Antibody.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative therapy for various kinds of hematological malignancies and disorders. Recently, HLA-haploidentical stem cell transplantation with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy-haplo HSCT) has been widely performed due to its safety and favorable immune recovery. However, graft rejection remains an obstacle to PTCy-haplo HSCT.

Differences among hemoglobin thresholds for red blood cell transfusions in patients with hematological diseases in teaching hospitals: a real world data in Japan.

A hemoglobin (Hb) threshold level of 7 g/dL has been proposed for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in patients with chronic anemia in the Japanese guideline since 2005. However, Hb thresholds for hematological diseases in clinical practice and factors responsible for higher Hb thresholds remain unclear. Hb thresholds were collected for patients with hematological diseases from 32 Japanese teaching hospitals.

A new antigen SUMI carried on glycophorin A encoded by the GYPA*M with c.91A>C (p.Thr31Pro) belongs to the MNS blood group system.

Background: MNS is one of the highly polymorphic blood groups comprising many antigens generated by genomic recombination among the GYPA, GYPB, and GYPE genes as well as by single-nucleotide changes. We report a patient with red blood cell (RBC) antibody against an unknown low-frequency antigen, tentatively named SUMI, and investigated its carrier molecule and causal gene.

Study Design And Methods: Standard serologic tests, including enzyme tests, were performed.

Clinical significance of autologous blood transfusions in bone marrow harvest from unrelated donors.

In the Japan Marrow Donor Program (JMDP), autologous blood is collected from most unrelated bone marrow (BM) donors. We retrospectively evaluated 5772 donors who underwent BM harvest between 2010 and 2015 through the JMDP. Autologous blood was collected in 96.

IFN-λ3 as a host immune response in acute hepatitis E virus infection.

Background And Aim: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is mainly transmitted orally, either waterborne or zoonotic foodborne. Intestinal viruses such as rotavirus are known to induce type III interferon (IFN) in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract where type III IFN dominantly functions in comparison with type I IFN. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the significance of type III IFN (IFN-λ3) in acute hepatitis E.

Development of a World Health Organization International Reference Panel for different genotypes of hepatitis E virus for nucleic acid amplification testing.

Background: Globally, hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis. Epidemiology and clinical presentation of hepatitis E vary greatly by location and are affected by the HEV genotype. Nucleic acid amplification technique (NAT)-based assays are important for the detection of acute HEV infection as well for monitoring chronic cases of hepatitis E.

Reduction in adverse transfusion reactions with increased use of washed platelet concentrates in Japan-A retrospective multicenter study.

Plasma removal by washing platelet concentrates (PCs) is effective in preventing adverse reactions to PC transfusions. The Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) started releasing washed PCs (WPCs) as a commercially approved blood product in September 2016. This retrospective multicenter study investigated the change in the number of transfused WPCs and the impact on the incidence of adverse reactions to PCs before and after the release.

Released washed platelet concentrates are effective and safe in patients with a history of transfusion reactions.

Background: Plasma removal by washing is an effective approach to prevent transfusion reactions by platelet concentrates (PCs). Recently, washed PCs were released by the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS).

Materials And Methods: This retrospective multicenter study evaluated the efficacy and safety of released washed PCs (RWPCs) between September 2016 and January 2017 in Japan.

The B allele with a 5·8 kb deletion in intron 1 of the ABO gene is the major allele in Japanese individuals with B and A B phenotypes.

B and A B phenotypes are the most frequent ABO variants in the Japanese population. The B antigen on B red blood cells is only detectable by adsorption and elution tests, and plasma B-transferase activity is usually detected at half or less levels compared with that of common B. Recently, a B allele lacking an erythroid cell-specific transcription enhancer in intron 1 of the ABO gene was identified from individuals with B and A B phenotypes, which could explain the unique serologic properties of B .

A national survey of premedication for transfusion reactions in Japan.

Background: Premedication before transfusion is commonly administered in clinical practice despite a lack of evidence for its efficacy. The aim of this study was to clarify the status of premedication and evaluate expert opinions regarding its use in Japanese medical institutions.

Method: Between May and July 2016, we conducted a questionnaire survey on premedication before transfusion in 252 medical institutes that were certified by an academic society or employed transfusion experts.

Liposomal microparticle injection can induce myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC)-like cells in vivo.

Context: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a subset of immature myeloid cells that function as immunosuppressive cells in various pathological conditions. Membrane-derived microvesicles are thought to be involved in MDSC induction. Earlier reports have described that injection of considerable amount of liposome into rat can suppress Con A-induced splenic T-cell proliferation.

Comparison between in vitro properties of washed platelet concentrates suspended in M-sol and those in BRS-A, both of which were prepared with an automated cell processor.

Background: Washed platelet concentrate (WPC) is prepared manually in general, but automated preparation is desirable to minimize variation in the WPC quality and enhance WPC production. Recently, the software was improved for an automated cell processor (ACP) to control all processes of WPC preparation. M-sol and BRS-A, which are mixtures of medical solutions, are widely used for WPC preparation with a manual method in Japan.

Quantitative distinction of the morphological characteristic of erythrocyte precursor cells with texture analysis using gray level co-occurrence matrix.

Background: Morphological characteristics of blood cells are still qualitatively defined. So a texture analysis (Tx) method using gray level co-occurrence matrices (GLCMs; CM-Tx method) was applied to images of erythrocyte precursor cells (EPCs) for quantitatively distinguishing four types of EPC stages: proerythroblast, basophilic erythroblast, polychromatic erythroblast, and orthochromatic erythroblast.

Methods: Fifty-five images of four types of EPCs were downloaded from an atlas uploaded by the Blood Cell Morphology Standardization Subcommittee (BCMSS) of the Japanese Society of Laboratory Hematology (JSLH).