Impact of increasing sample volume from 4 ml to 8 ml on bacterial detection rates in apheresis platelets: a meta-analysis.

Some blood centres have increased sample volume of in-process cultures to improve detection of bacterial contamination when screening apheresis platelet units. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate extant published North American data comparing apheresis platelet bacterial contamination rates from 4 ml and 8 ml sample volume. Pooled results indicate an 8 ml sample volume yields higher true-positive rates than 4 ml resulting in a significant increase in the detection rate and interdiction of contaminated units, which should contribute to reduced risk of adverse transfusion outcomes.

Microchimerism in the transfused obstetric population.

Microchimerism (MC), the coexistence of allogeneic populations of cells within a host, is well described in pregnancy and blood transfusion. To date, transfusion-associated MC (TA-MC) appears unique to patients transfused after severe traumatic injury. We sought to determine whether transfusion in the peripartum period results in enduring, high-level TA-MC. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 22 women who were newly transfused within 48 h of delivery. Two subjects showed evidence of transient TA-MC; however, MC was not detected at 6 weeks and 6 months. The negative findings suggest that enduring TA-MC does not occur in this population.

Knowledge of HIV testing and attitudes towards blood donation at three blood centres in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Reducing risk of HIV window period transmission requires understanding of donor knowledge and attitudes related to HIV and risk factors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a survey of 7635 presenting blood donors at three Brazilian blood centres from 15 October through 20 November 2009. Participants completed a questionnaire on HIV knowledge and attitudes about blood donation. Six questions about blood testing and HIV were evaluated using maximum likelihood chi-square and logistic regression. Test seeking was classified in non-overlapping categories according to answers to one direct and two indirect questions. RESULTS: Overall, respondents were male (64%) repeat donors (67%) between 18 and 49 years old (91%). Nearly 60% believed blood centres use better HIV tests than other places; however, 42% were unaware of the HIV window period. Approximately 50% believed it was appropriate to donate to be tested for HIV, but 67% said it was not acceptable to donate with risk factors even if blood is tested. Logistic regression found that less education, Hemope-Recife blood centre, replacement, potential and self-disclosed test-seeking were associated with less HIV knowledge. CONCLUSION: HIV knowledge related to blood safety remains low among Brazilian blood donors. A subset finds it appropriate to be tested at blood centres and may be unaware of the HIV window period. These donations may impose a significant risk to the safety of the blood supply. Decreasing test-seeking and changing beliefs about the appropriateness of individuals with behavioural risk factors donating blood could reduce the risk of transfusing an infectious unit.

Persistent chlorinated organic contaminants in harbour porpoises from the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and Arctic waters.

Individual chlorinated biphenyls (CBs) and chlorinated pesticides (p,p'-DDT and metabolites, HCHs and HCB) were determined in blubber samples of 40 harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) of different age and sex from the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and Greenland coastal waters. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were analysed in a selected group of animals. sigma CB concentrations (medians) in North Sea immature specimens were similar (14.9 micrograms/g lipid) to those from the Baltic Sea (17.0 micrograms/g lipid) and exceeding those in Greenland specimens by an order of magnitude (1.3 micrograms/g lipid). The median concentrations (microgram/g lipid) of HCB, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD and gamma-HCH were in the order Greenland < North Sea < Baltic Sea. The highest concentrations of alpha-HCH (0.14 microgram/g lipid) were found in the Greenland population, and p,p'-DDT was detected only in this group. The North Sea and Baltic Sea populations were identified as distinctly separate on the basis of levels and compositions of these contaminants. The ecological risk associated with dioxin-like toxicity was dominated by the CB congeners 118 and 170; the PCDD/Fs were playing only a minor role.

CB pattern in the harbour porpoise: bioaccumulation, metabolism and evidence for cytochrome P450 IIB activity.

Metabolism of chlorobiphenyls (CBs) was studied in harbour porpoise by comparing patterns of CB-X/CB-153 ratios in blood, brain, liver and blubber with the patterns in herring, the main food source. The CBs were classified in five groups, based on the presence/absence of vicinal H-atoms (vic. Hs) in meta,para (m,p) and/or ortho,meta (o,m) positions and the number of ortho-Cl-atoms (ortho-Cls). Plots of CB-X/CB-153 ratios in porpoise tissue vs the ratios in herring appeared to be linear for each CB group in all tissues. Slopes of these plots (metabolic slopes) were used as quantitative indicators of metabolic activity. In this way, activity of PB-type isozymes of the P450 monooxygenase system was apparent: in contrast to existing literature data, harbour porpoise appears to be able to metabolize congeners with m,p vic. Hs, even in the presence of more than 2 ortho-Cls. The presence of 3-MC-type (MC-type) isozymes was also detected. The metabolic slopes were also used as basis for risk assessment. Due to their metabolism the most toxic non-ortho CBs were not present in the tissues at detectable levels. We suggest a risk assessment approach which takes this into account. It is considered to be an alternative and more reliable basis for risk assessment than the use of toxic equivalent factors. The results support the model of equilibrium distribution of CBs in harbour porpoise and the role of blood as central transport medium. The model has been developed for persistent compounds; it appears to hold for metabolizable CB congeners as well.

[Comparative measurement of transmural gastric potential difference after administration of Euphyllin solution, theophylline solution, ethylenediamine dihydrochloride solution and Riopan, buffered theophylline]. / Vergleichende Messung der transmuralen gastrischen Potentialdifferenz nach Gabe von Euphyllin-Lösung, Theophyllin-Lösung, Athylendiamin-Dihydrochlorid-Lösung und Riopan, Gepuffertem Theophyllin.

Across the surface of the stomach mucosa exist large electrolytic concentration differences. While the pH value of the mucosa cells remains very constant within the range of 7.0 to 7.2, the pH value of the stomach fluctuates between 1 and 5. The differences in concentration of H-ions and other ions on both sides of the mucosa membrane result in an electrical voltage. Measurement of this voltage permits inferences to be made about the integrity of the mucosa cells. The electrical voltage and its changes can be measured and evaluated using a model developed in our Institut. Previously, there existed no studies comparing the irritation on the human stomach of solutions of Euphyllin and Theophylline. Now, using the forementioned model, we have performed such a study by examining the gastric transmural potential difference changes in nine (9) healthy subjects receiving Euphylline, Theophylline, and Ethylendiamin dihydrochloride in a cross-over design. Additionally, we have attempted to clarify if it is possible to suppress the irritation caused by Theophylline with Riopan. The investigation led to the following results: 1) The gastric irritation caused by Euphylline solution is statistically smaller than that caused by Theophylline solution. 2) The Ethylendiamin-dihydrochloride solution caused a minor irritation smaller than that of the Euphylline solution. 3) A pretreatment with Riopan reduced the irritation of the Theophylline solution.

[Gastric stimulus response: Euphylline, theophylline, ethylenediamine and Riopan: gastric transmural potential difference (GPD)]. / Gastrische Reizantwort: Euphyllin(R), Theophyllin, Athylendiamin, Riopan(R). Gastrische transmurale Potentialdifferenz (GPD).

Across the surface of the stomach mucosa exist large electrolytic concentration differences. While the pH value of the mucosa cells remains very constant within the range of 7.0 to 7.2, the pH value of the stomach fluctuates between 1 and 5. The differences in concentration of H-ions and other ions on both sides of the mucosa membrane result in an electrical voltage. Measurement of this voltage permits inferences to be made about the integrity of the mucosa cells. The electrical voltage and its changes can be measured and evaluated using a model developed in our institute++. Previously, there existed no studies comparing the irritation on the human stomach of solutions of Euphylline(R) and Theophylline. Now, using the ++aforementioned model, we have performed such a study by examining the gastric transmural potential difference changes in nine (9) healthy subjects receiving Euphylline(R), Theophylline, and Ethylendiamin dihydrochloride in a cross-over design. Additionally, we have attempted to clarify if it is possible to suppress the irritation caused by Theophylline with Riopan(R). The investigation led to the following results: 1) The gastric irritation caused by Euphylline(R) solution is statistically smaller than that caused by Theophylline solution; 2) The Ethylendiamin dihydrochloride solution caused a minor irritation smaller than that of Euphylline(R) solution; and 3) A pretreatment with Riopan(R) reduced the irritation of the Theophylline solution.

[Pupillometry: a non-invasive pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic method to study the action of trospium chloride (Spasmo-lyt) on smooth muscle]. / Pupillometrie: Eine nicht-invasive pharmakokinetische und pharmakodynamische Untersuchungsmethode zur Wirkung von Trospiumchlorid (Spasmo-lyt(R] an der glatten Muskulatur.

The basic principle of pupillometry is to measure the changes of pupillar++ diameter versus time. We used a special device: split lam stand, black and white television camera with monitor fixed to a Polaroid. Trospium chloride is a compound with anticholinergic efficacy. The injection of 0.8 mg of trospium chloride followed by oral administrations of 10, 20, and 40 mg showed increasing effects on the mydriatic reaction. Comparing the area under the curves made it possible to estimate the bioavailability of the compound.

[Imadyl: gastric irritation in comparison with acetylsalicylic acid, indomethacin, piroxicam and diclofenac-Na]. / Imadyl(R): Die gastrische Irritation im Vergleich zu Acetylsalicylsäure, Indometacin, Piroxicam und Diclofenac-Na.

A study on 10 healthy male volunteers with the new non-steroidal antiphlogistic drug Carprofen is reported. Carprofen was tested versus Aspirin, Indomethacin, Piroxicam, and Diclofenac-Na using the model of measuring the gastric transmural potential difference (GPD). The lowest values of the relevant parameters concerning the gastric irritation were measured after administration of Carprofen.

The use of child-centered play therapy and filial therapy with Head Start families: a brief report.

Play therapy and filial therapy show promise as effective ways to provide direct services to Head Start, addressing the needs of the children, the families, and the Head Start teachers and staff. This paper examines the utility of play and filial therapies for the Head Start population, presents a systemic explanation for the benefit of filial therapy, and provides a case example for illustration.

Relationship between glaucoma and selenium levels in plasma and aqueous humour.

AIM: The aim of the study was to compare selenium levels in plasma and aqueous humour in subjects with and without primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: Forty-seven POAG cases and 54 controls in this case-control study were recruited from surgery patients at the University Physician's Ophthalmology Clinic in Tucson, Arizona, USA. Aqueous humour and plasma selenium were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography ion channel plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC ICP-MS). Potential confounders were assessed via a questionnaire. Biological samples were collected and processed at surgery and analysed for selenium content after collection was complete. Outcome measures included the odds of glaucoma in relationship to plasma selenium, aqueous humour selenium, and the ratio of levels of aqueous humour selenium to plasma selenium. RESULTS: Tertile of selenium and its relationship to POAG was examined. After adjustment for common glaucoma risk factors, the odds of glaucoma in the highest tertile of plasma selenium (OR = 11.3; p = 0.03) and the middle tertile of aqueous humour selenium (OR = 0.06; p = 0.02) was significantly associated with glaucoma. CONCLUSION: Although a causal pathway cannot be inferred from our analysis, our data, added to that of others, suggest that the pathology is selenium-related.

Lysophosphatidylcholine and the inflammatory action of neutrophils.

Lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) is a polar lipid formed in cells and tissues under normal conditions and is known to cause tissue damage in a variety of experimental systems. We have therefore examined the possibility that increased amounts of lysoPC are formed in activated inflammatory cells and are involved in their tissue-damaging action. Human neutrophil leucocytes were labelled with [14C]arachidonic acid (AA), activated with the calcium ionophore A23187, and the degradation of phospholipids, with subsequent release of AA and AA metabolites, was studied. We also studied neutrophil metabolism of [14C]lysoPC in the presence of different concentrations of cold lysoPC, and the relation between phospholipid degradation and release of N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG), a lysosomal enzyme. We found that the release of both AA and NAG was coupled to a degradation of phosphatidylcholine (PC), and that the neutrophils were able to metabolise lower, but not higher, concentrations of lysoPC. Moreover, the phospholipase A2 inhibitor, nordihydroguaiaretic acid significantly inhibited PC degradation, lysoPC formation, and NAG release, whereas the lipoxygenase inhibitor, BW 755C had little effect on these parameters. These findings demonstrate that the AA mobilization in activated neutrophils is associated with PC degradation, and point to be possibility that the ensuing lysoPC formation might mediate lysosomal enzyme release.

[A non-invasive clinical-pharmacological method for measuring the beta-adrenolytic activity (author's transl)]. / Ein klinisch-pharmakologisches Verfahren zur Messung der beta-adrenolytischen Wirkung ohne invasive Techniken.

Description of a non invasive model to determine the negative-chronotropic effect, which leads to well stabilized parameters by tailoring. Basis of the model is the work-induced tachycardia at which the work-induced increase of frequency is measured at a specified time after 10 preliminary ergometries for the elimination of training effects. The parameter for the effect is the difference of frequencies at nominal time before and after administration of beta-adrenolytic drug. The relevance of the model is shown at the example of acebutolol (Neptal 400) in various high dosages.

Calcium ionophore-activated neutrophils prestimulated with endotoxin increase pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular leakage in isolated perfused rat lungs: role of platelet-activating factor.

The influence of stimulated polymorphonuclear neutrophils on pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular leakage in isolated perfused rat lungs was investigated. We exposed isolated neutrophils to various stimuli in vitro, instilled the cells in the lung perfusate, and studied the effects on pulmonary arterial pressure and passage of fluorescently labeled dextran (4100 dalton) from the pulmonary circulation into the lung. We found that neutrophils stimulated with the calcium ionophore A23187 or with E. coli endotoxin had no significant influence on the pressure or the passage of dextran. On the other hand, neutrophils preincubated with endotoxin and then stimulated with A23187 caused significant increases, both in pulmonary arterial pressure and accumulation of dextran in the lung. Both these effects were attenuated by BN 52021, a specific platelet-activating factor antagonist, and by nordihydroguaiaretic acid, an agent that inhibited the generation of platelet-activating factor in A23187-stimulated neutrophils. These findings demonstrate that activated neutrophils can increase pulmonary arterial pressure and lung fluid accumulation and suggest that endotoxin-stimulated activated neutrophils exert at least some of their action via generation of platelet-activating factor.

Comparative gastric irritation by two buffered acetylsalicylic acid formulations and acetylsalicylic acid. A gastric potential difference analysis.

In a single dose clinical investigation two buffered acetylsalicylic acid formulations (Ascriptin and Ascriptin A/D) were shown to be significantly less irritating to the human gastric mucosa than acetylsalicylic acid, and no more irritating than a pharmacologically inert placebo. The measurements were taken using a minimally invasive method for recording transmural gastric potential difference changes versus time.

[Stomach tolerance of non-steroid anti-rheumatic agents. Studies on gastric irritation caused by carprofen in comparison with acetylsalicyclic acid, indomethacin, piroxicam, and diclofenac]. / Magenverträglichkeit nicht-steroidaler Antirheumatika. Untersuchung zur gastrischen Irritation durch Carprofen im Vergleich zu Azetylsalizylsäure, Indometacin, Piroxicam und Diclofenac.

This is the report of a study on the new non-steroidal antiphlogistic substance Carprofen. In this comparative study Carprofen was tested versus acetylsalicylic acid, Indomethacin, Piroxicam and Diclofenac using the gastric irritation model, by means of a non invasive technique of measuring the gastric transmural potential difference. The study was carried out on a group of 10 healthy male volunteers and led to the following results: The most marked irritation was observed after administration of acetylsalicylic acid followed by Indomethacin. The lowest values of the relevant parameters concerning the gastric irritation were measured after the administration of Carprofen. The differences between acetylsalicylic acid and Indomethacin, and between Indomethacin and the other nonsteroidal substances which were tested could be proven statistically. There was no difference between Piroxicam, Diclofenac and Carprofen that could be proven statistically, nevertheless Carprofen showed the lowest irritation potency of the three non-steroidal antiphlogistics tested.