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Conservation breeding programmes have become widespread as natural habitats shrink, and have been historically managed using pedigree data and an assumption that population founders are unrelated. Molecular genotyping is able to determine founder relatedness, but is rarely used. To empirically test the impact of assuming founders to be unrelated, we utilized data from 203 founding individuals and 11 subsequent years of breeding records for the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) insurance population. We integrated molecular data (N = 119 founders) and detailed trapping information (N = 203 founders) to test how founder relationship assumptions impacted the genetic characteristics of the population over time (N = 942 unique individuals). We developed a method to combine molecular kinship (using the TrioML estimator), year of birth and trapping location, and integrated the resulting empirical kinship estimates into population management software. We tested the effect of using pedigree data only, versus our integrated approach, on population outcomes. Inbreeding coefficients evaluated using the integrated approach were significantly higher than pedigree‐only inbreeding coefficients in the first few years following population establishment. A geographic distance‐only approach showed an association between kinship and probability of successful breeding. Our results show the value in using field and/or molecular data combined with pedigree data in conservation breeding programmes to provide new information for managing crucial populations and improving their success. We caution population managers against commencing expensive conservation breeding programmes in the absence of understanding founder relatedness, especially when wild augmentation is a goal. Long‐term costs of assuming founders are unrelated include financial costs, reduced productivity and release of potentially highly inbred individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drugs of addiction lead to a wide range of epigenetic changes at the promoter regions of genes directly implicated in learning and memory processes. We have previously shown that the histone deactylase inhibitor, sodium butyrate (NaB), accelerates the extinction of nicotine‐seeking and provides resistance to relapse. Here, we explore the potential molecular mechanisms underlying this effect. Rats received intravenous nicotine or saline self‐administration, followed by 6 days of extinction training, with each extinction session followed immediately by treatment with NaB or vehicle. On the last day of extinction, rats were killed and the medial ventral prefrontal cortex retained for chromatin immunoprecipitation and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). A history of nicotine exposure significantly decreased H3K14 acetylation at the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exon IV promoter, and this effect was abolished with NaB treatment. In contrast, nicotine self‐administration alone, resulted in a significant decrease in histone methylation at the H3K27me3 and H3K9me2 marks in the promoter regions of BDNF exon IV and cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk‐5). Quantitative PCR‐identified changes in several genes associated with NaB treatment that were independent of nicotine exposure; however, an interaction of nicotine history and NaB treatment was detected only in the expression of BDNF IV and BDNF IX. Together these results suggest that nicotine self‐administration leads to a number of epigenetic changes at both the BDNF and Cdk‐5 promoters, and that these changes may contribute to the enhanced extinction of nicotine‐seeking by NaB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Objectives: To investigate the possible causes for false negative results in BacT/ALERT® 3D Signature System despite bacterial contamination of platelet units. Background: The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) routinely extends platelet component shelf life to 7 days. Components are sampled and screened for bacterial contamination using an automated microbial detection system, the BacT/ALERT® 3D Signature System. We report on three platelet components with confirmed bacterial contamination, which represent false negative BacT/ALERT® results and near‐miss serious adverse events. Methods: NIBTS protocols for risk reduction of bacterial contamination of platelet components are described. The methodology for bacterial detection using BacT/ALERT® is outlined. Laboratory tests, relevant patient details and relevant follow‐up information are analysed. Results: In all three cases, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the platelet residue and confirmed on terminal sub‐culture using BacT/ALERT®. In two cases, S. aureus with similar genetic makeup was isolated from the donors. Conclusion: Risk reduction measures for bacterial contamination of platelet components are not always effective. Automated bacterial culture detection does not eliminate the risk of bacterial contamination. Visual inspection of platelet components prior to release, issue and administration remains an important last line of defence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization of cities has greatly modified the thermal and dynamic profile in the urban boundary layer. This paper attempts to study the interaction of urban heating and the local topographic-induced flow circulation for a tropical coastal city, Greater Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia. The role of sea-and-valley-breeze-orientated synoptic flow (SBOS) on the interaction is determined by comparing two intermonsoon periods. A state-of-the-art numerical model, Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting model, is used to identify the influence of urbanization through modification of urban surfaces. The model reasonably reproduces the vertical sounding data and near-surface weather parameters. The diurnal urban heating pattern is attributed to three predominant factors: (i) weak under calm and clear-sky condition (morning heating), (ii) weak under larger atmospheric moisture content (late afternoon convection), and (iii) largest (1.4°C) due to differential cooling rate of urban and rural surface at night. The interaction of urban thermals and upper level SBOS affects the effect of urbanization on local circulation during the day. The urban thermals reduce the weak opposing SBOS (<2 m s−1) and enhance the inflow of moisture-rich sea breeze passage. This increases the intensity of downwind convective precipitation during late afternoon. On contrary, the strong opposing SBOS (>2 m s−1) suppresses the vertical lifting of urban thermals and decelerates the sea breeze front. It is discovered that the interaction of urban heating and topographic-induced flow is interdependent while the synoptic flow plays a critical role in modifying both factors, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Objectives To estimate the current incidence of maternal sensitisation to Rhesus (Rh) D in Northern Ireland, examine adherence to recommendations for administration of anti-D immunoglobulin and identify potential causes for all cases of anti-D alloimmunisation sensitisation from January 2010 to September 2015. Background Post-partum anti-D immunoglobulin administered to Rh D-negative women and routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis have greatly reduced the incidence of haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn due to immune anti-D. Despite these measures, anti-D alloimmunisation sensitisation continues to occur, albeit much less frequently than in the past. Methods/Materials This was a retrospective review of new sensitisations to Rh D detected in antenatal records between January 2010 and September 2015 in Northern Ireland. A review of patient notes and laboratory data was carried out to examine adherence to standards and identify potential causes of sensitisation. Results A total of 67 new sensitisations to Rh D were identified over a 69-month period, and the sensitisation rate for the full calendar years 2010-2014 was 0·310%. Only 4% of cases appear to have been preventable, with two cases involving failure to adhere to guidelines. Conclusion A total 96% of sensitisations occurred despite full compliance with guidelines. In a large proportion, sensitisation occurred following delivery (51%). A change in practice in Northern Ireland is under consideration to increase the dose of anti-D immunoglobulin given following delivery from 500 to 1500 U in an attempt to reduce these sensitisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Aplastic anaemia ( AA) is a rare acquired bone marrow failure syndrome resulting from the immune-mediated destruction of haemopoietic stem cells. For adults in whom first-line haemopoietic progenitor cell transplantation is not feasible, combination anti-thymocyte globulin ( ATGAM) plus cyclosporine A is standard therapy; however, there are minimal data available regarding the optimal ATGAM dosage in terms of efficacy and survival. Aims Our institutions have historically used different dosing protocols of ATGAM in the treatment of AA. We aimed to review the outcome of AA patients treated with these protocols and compare them to the published literature. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 31 adults who received first-line ATGAM for AA and compared response rates and survival between cohorts who received standard (40 mg/kg/day D1-4) versus lower-dose (15 mg/kg/day D1-5) ATGAM schedules. Results There were similar rates of response (64 vs 71%, P = 1.0), relapse (33 vs 33%, P = 1.0), transformation (14 vs 24%, P = 0.66) or infection (43 vs 47%, P = 1.0), respectively, between standard and lower-dose cohorts. At a median follow up of 24 months, there was no statistical difference between standard and lower-dose cohorts in either event-free (42.2 vs 64.7%, P = 0.91) or overall survival (73.1 vs 88.2%, P = 0.75). Conclusion Our experience suggests that lower-dose ATGAM at 15 mg/kg/day D1-5 as treatment of AA produces similar responses and outcomes as per standard-dose ATGAM schedules. Prospective trials comparing ATGAM dose schedules in AA are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Look‐back studies of blood transfusion in Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease commonly rely on reported history from surrogate witnesses. Data from the UK Transfusion Medicine Epidemiology Review have been analysed to determine the accuracy of the blood donation history provided by the relatives of cases. Our results show that only a small percentage of cases were found to be registered as donors on UK Blood Service (UKBS) databases when there was no family report of blood donation. In contrast, a history of reported donation was less accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meloidogyne minor, first reported on potatoes in the Netherlands in 2004, is an emerging nematode pest in Europe. It damages turfgrass, particularly creeping bentgrass ( Agrostis stolonifera) grown on sandy soils such as those of golf greens. However, little is known of the nematode's life history and pathology. In this study, the spatial and temporal distribution of M. minor on a creeping bentgrass green in Ireland was determined over a 15 month period. Cores were taken on transects across yellowing patches of grass caused by nematode damage. Second-stage juveniles (J2) were absent from the soil from November to February, when soil temperatures were below 10°C. Both galls and egg masses were present throughout the year but were more abundant in late summer and early autumn. More J2, galls and egg masses were present in the top 10 cm of soil than at a depth of 11-20 cm. The nematode population tended to decrease as distance from the centre of the yellow patches increased. The diameter of visual symptoms (yellow patches) was also recorded over the 15 months. The mean diameter of five sampled patches increased from 23·7 cm in June 2003 to 45·2 cm in August 2004. There were 158-193 galls per 100 cm3 soil at the margin of the visible infested area, indicating that this could be the threshold level for visible symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a functional vascular tree within the primate ovary is critical for reproductive health. To determine the efficacy of contrast agents to image the microvascular environment within the primate ovary, contrast ultrasonography was performed in six reproductive-aged female common marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus) during the late luteal phase of the cycle, following injection of Sonovue™. Regions of interest ( ROIs), representing the corpus luteum ( CL) and noncorpus luteum ovarian tissue ( NCLOT), were selected during gray-scale B-mode ultrasound imaging. The magnitude of backscatter intensity of CL and NCLOT ROIs were calculated in Xn View, post hoc: subsequent gamma-variate modeling was implemented in Matlab to determine perfusion parameters. Histological analysis of these ovaries revealed a total of 11 CL, nine of which were identified during contrast ultrasonography. The median enhancement ratio was significantly increased in the CL (5.54 AU; 95% CI −2.21-68.71) compared to the NCLOT (2.82 AU; 95% CI 2.73-15.06; P < 0.05). There was no difference in time parameters between the CL and NCLOT. An additional avascular ROI was identified in the ovary of Animal 5, both histologically and by ultrasonography. This cystic ROI displayed a markedly lower enhancement ratio (0.79 AU) and higher time parameters than mean CL and NCLOT, including time to peak and time to wash out. These data demonstrate, for the first time, the ability of commercially available contrast agents, to differentiate structures within the nonhuman primate ovary. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography has a promising future in reproductive medicine. Am. J. Primatol. 74:1088-1096, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Question: Understanding the aerial movement of seed is of great significance to the management of native and invasive plant species, but has proven difficult to measure. Here we examine how a more quantitative approach to measuring the aerial movement of seed can be achieved. Location: SE Australia. Methods: We describe a novel seed trap (the 'Melbourne trap'), for which the proportion of free-stream airflow through the trap can be measured, allowing a more quantitative approach to measuring aerial seed movement. We assessed airflow through the Melbourne trap in a wind tunnel and describe how this information, along with measurements of wind speed and direction, can now be used to derive seed density per volume of airflow. We compare the seed capture and retention efficiency of the Melbourne trap with two simpler and cheaper trap designs, bucket traps and sticky traps. Results: Melbourne and bucket traps captured significantly more species than sticky traps. Seed catch was dominated numerically by Lachnagrostis filiformis (G. Forst.) Trin. Melbourne traps proved more effective than sticky traps, but not bucket traps, in capturing L. filiformis, based on intake area. For all other seeds, Melbourne traps were more effective than both bucket and sticky traps. Conclusion: The Melbourne trap design is a significant advance in quantifying seed dispersal by wind. Melbourne traps will improve the capacity and accuracy of studies that seek to: (i) quantify seed fluxes across landscapes boundaries; (ii) assess directionality of dispersal; (iii) understand processes controlling seed release; and (iv) compare dispersal in wind and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Understanding of the clinical usage of red cells is limited despite its importance in transfusion practice improvement and planning for blood supply requirements. Previous studies have described red cell use based upon ICD and hospital discharge codes; however, such approaches are open to misclassification. This study addresses this limitation by undertaking an epidemiological analysis of red cell use using case note review. Materials and Methods Patient, disease and contextual factors were extracted from the medical records of a randomly selected sample of hospital patients in Northern Ireland who received a red cell transfusion during 2005 ( n = 1474). Results Transfused patients received a total of 3804 units (median of two units per transfusion episode). Most transfusions occurred in a medical setting (71%). Patients undergoing treatment for gastrointestinal conditions were responsible for the majority of the demand (29% of transfusion episodes; 34% of red cell units). The presence of bleeding and abnormal tests of coagulation were associated with receiving larger transfusions (≥ 3 units), while patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery and those with a haemoglobin level over 7 g/dl had the lowest risk of receiving ≥ 3 units in any one transfusion episode. Conclusion The majority of red cells are now prescribed in a medical setting. With an ageing population and increasing therapeutic interventions, the demand for blood is likely to increase despite efforts to reduce usage by eliminating inappropriate transfusions through education and behaviour change. The post-transfusion target (and therefore the number of units to transfuse) for any given clinical situation as well as guidance on a 'safe' transfusion threshold should be considered in future guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: It is postulated that nitrite requires reduction to nitric oxide in order to exert its relaxant effect upon isolated hypoxic vessels. Herein, we evaluate the relative contribution of nitric oxide and characterize the downstream mechanisms of nitrite-induced vasorelaxation.Experimental Approach: Aortic rings were treated with pharmacological agents and exposed to hypoxia (<1% O(2)). Following pre-constriction, nitrite (10 microM final) was added to appropriate baths; isometric tension was recorded throughout.Key Results: Nitrite (under hypoxic conditions at physiological pH) is capable of exerting physiological effects that cannot be completely inhibited by the inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), 1H [1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one or a nitric oxide scavenger (carboxy-2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-imidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide). Simultaneous blockade of both sGC and cyclooxygenase (COX) completely inhibited the response to nitrite. With regard to the nitric oxide-dependent component, we confirm that aldehyde oxidase, but not xanthine oxidase or endothelial nitric oxide synthase, was important for the actions of nitrite in our model.Conclusions and Implications: Nitric oxide generated from nitrite is not exclusively responsible for the physiological actions observed in isolated hypoxic vessels. Nitrite operates via different pathways dependent on the presence or absence of endothelium to produce vasorelaxation. In intact vessels, both sGC and COX enzymes appear to be important. Irrespective of this difference in relaxation mechanism, nitrite is capable of producing the same maximum relaxation, regardless of the presence of endothelium. Having investigated possible nitrite reduction sites, we confirm that aldehyde oxidase is important for the actions of nitrite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polyfunctional reactive dye containing two dichloro- s-triazine residues linked through aliphatic amino groups via a third triazine system to the chromophoric residue has been prepared. The dye was synthesised stepwise from a specially synthesised 2,4-dichloro- s-triazine dyes. The first step is the reaction of both carbon–chlorine sites in the ‘parent’ dye with 2 mol ethylenediamine under selected conditions of pH and temperature; these conditions ensure that only one of the amino groups in the ethylenediamine will react to give the bis-2,4-aminoethyleneaminotriazine dye. The second step is the condensation of 2 mol cyanuric chloride with the two pendant primary amino groups. The alkylamino-linked dichloro- s-triazine dyes show very different dyeing properties when compared with those shown by the parent dichloro- s-triazine dye, which has the reactive group linked directly into the aromatic chromophore; in particular, the new dyes have high fixation efficiencies when dyed on cotton at 50 °C and the dye–fibre bond stability to boiling acidic conditions is very good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate, reliable laboratory reference ranges are essential for effective clinical evaluation and monitoring. We present robust reference ranges established for haematology, coagulation and haematinic parameters using the Sysmex XE 2100, CA 1500 and Beckman–Coulter Access analysers. Blood samples were taken from 250 healthy laboratory personnel and routine haematology, coagulation and haematinic parameter analysis performed. Our data represent findings from an extensive study to establish reference ranges in healthy adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Organ dysfunction in AL amyloidosis is related to the production and deposition of amyloidogenic monoclonal light chains. These pathological light chains can now be quantified using the recently developed serum free light chain assay. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 31 patients with AL amyloidosis to determine the frequency of abnormal free light chain assay results at diagnosis and whether changes in the serum free light chain assay predict outcome after therapy. Results: An abnormal free light chain assay was found in 30 of 31 patients (97%) at the time of diagnosis. In the subset of our patients who received treatment for AL amyloidosis, a >50% reduction of the pathological free light chain following treatment was shown to predict improved overall survival. In our series of analyses, achievement of greater magnitudes of reduction of the free light chain result did not appear to provide additional prognostic information, nor did the baseline free light chain result predict outcome. Conclusion: Our findings support the use of the free light chain assay in the diagnostic work-up of patients with suspected AL amyloidosis, and also as a sensitive biomarker of response to therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recent changes have resulted in the loss of 4% of the donor panel in the Republic of Ireland and 3% in Northern Ireland. In order to increase the number of donors in these two regions, it is important that transfusion service providers explore and understand the reasons, which prevent individuals from donating. The aim of this study was to explore these issues particularly in non-donors and those who had lapsed. Methods This 7-month all-Ireland study was conducted by computer-assisted telephone interview. Data collected included sociodemographic history, donation status, as well as barriers/deterrents to donation. Results There were 4166 completed questionnaires (44% donors; 56% non-donors). Of the donors, 13% had donated blood within the last 2 years. Current donors cited ‘awareness of patients needs’ (88%), ‘trust in the blood transfusion service’ (70%), and ‘an advertising campaign’ (70%) as reasons encouraging them to donate blood. Lapsed donors and non-donors cited ‘more frequent mobile clinics/sessions’ (30% lapsed donors; 53% non-donors), ‘if I was asked’ (28% lapsed donors; 53% non-donors), and ‘more flexible opening hours’ (23% lapsed donors; 44% non-donors) as reasons that would encourage them to donate. The main reasons cited by non-donors for never having donated included ‘medical reasons’ (41% Republic of Ireland; 43% Northern Ireland), ‘lack of information’ (20% Republic of Ireland; 22% Northern Ireland), ‘fear of needles’ (15% Republic of Ireland; 17% Northern Ireland), and ‘time constraints’ (12% Republic of Ireland; 13% Northern Ireland). Among the non-donor group, 10% (Republic of Ireland) and 6% (Northern Ireland) claimed that they are not permitted to donate. Conclusion Replacing regular donors is a major challenge for the transfusion service providers. This study shows that by facilitating the general public by introducing more mobile clinics/sessions, more flexible opening hours and having a better level of knowledge in the community about blood donation may encourage lapsed donors and new donors to become regular donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Caffeine and tobacco consumption are risk factors for heart failure, but their effects remain controversial. It has been hypothesized that they cause alterations in arterial stiffness and arterial wave travel which may increase ventricular loading. In this study the authors examined the influence of these widely used stimulants on wave intensity and arterial stiffness parameters using carotid wave intensity analysis. Materials and methods A new Doppler-based ultrasound method was used to measure the acute effects of caffeine and tobacco on wave intensity in the right common carotid artery. The measurements enabled changes in arterial stiffness parameters to be recorded. Results In 17 subjects compared with 10 controls, caffeine increased blood pressure, early systolic wave intensity and wave speed, but late-systolic wave intensity and mid-systolic reflections were unchanged. In 11 smokers studied before and after smoking one cigarette, blood pressure and arterial stiffness increased but wave intensity was unchanged. No changes were observed in the controls. Conclusions Increased wave intensity during ejection after caffeine suggested sympathomimetic effects on the left ventricular function. Increased wave speed in the common carotid artery implied augmented central loading after caffeine, but the absence of measurable changes in local arterial stiffness in the carotid artery suggested more complex and regional effects. Cigarette smoking acutely increased local arterial stiffness in the common carotid artery. These changes can be detected using wave intensity analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) alone, or combined with low-dose cytarabine or etoposide, on the proliferation of acute myeloid leukaemia blast cells in vitro was investigated. GO alone induced a dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation although an increase in apoptosis was only seen in a minority of patients. A correlation was found between PgP function and GO sensitivity but not between CD33 or PgP expression and GO. Combinations of GO with varying concentrations of cytarabine or etoposide were additive in inhibiting proliferation, reducing cell viability and increasing apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Anabolic androgenic steroids are used by some bodybuilders to enhance performance. While the cardiovascular implications of supraphysiological androgen levels requires further clarification, use is associated with sudden death, left ventricular hypertrophy, thrombo-embolism and cerebro-vascular events. Materials and methods To further understand the effect of androgenic anabolic steroid abuse on vascular function, this study assessed vascular stiffness (pulse-wave analysis) and cardiovascular risk factors in 28 male, bodybuilding subjects, of whom ten were actively receiving anabolic agents (group A; 26·4 ± 7·2 years) and eight had undergone a 3-month ‘wash-out’ period (group B; 32·1 ± 7·1 years). The remaining ten bodybuilding subjects (group C; 24·4 ± 4·4 years) denied any past use of anabolic steroids or other performance enhancing drugs. Comparisons were made with ten sedentary male controls (group D, 29·3 ± 4·7 years). Results Endothelial independent dilatation in response to glycerol trinitrate was significantly impaired in the group currently using anabolic steroids (group A) compared with the other three groups [A (5·63 ± 3·24%) versus; B (11·10 ± 4·91%), C (17·88 ± 9·2%) and D (14·46 ± 3·9%), P < 0·0005, respectively], whereas no significant differences in endothelial-dependant dilatation were detected between the groups [A (5·0 ± 3·0%), B (7·4 ± 3·4%), C (9·6 ± 4·5%) and D (8·2 ± 3·3%), P < 0·059, respectively]. Conclusions Previous studies described a decline in vascular reactivity occurring in bodybuilding subjects which is independent of anabolic steroid use and may result from smooth muscle hypertrophy with increased vascular stiffness. This study revealed impaired vascular reactivity associated with anabolic agents and that improvement in vascular function may occur following their discontinuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) has been described in Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We have described previously a diminution of flow-mediated arterial dilatation and, by implication, further ED in T2DM in response to postprandial lipaemia (PPL) at 4 h. This is possibly mediated by oxidative stress/alteration of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway. T2DM subjects tend to exhibit both exaggerated and prolonged PPL. We therefore studied the relationship of PPL to the duration of ED in T2DM subjects and oxidative stress with or without the antioxidant, vitamin C. METHODS: Twenty subjects with T2DM with moderate glycaemic control (mean HbA1c 8.4%) were studied. After an overnight fast, all subjects consumed a standard fat meal. Endothelial function (EF), lipid profiles, and venous free radicals were measured in the fasting, peak lipaemic phase (4 h) and postprandially to 8 h. The study was repeated in a double-blinded manner with placebo, vitamin C (1 g) therapy for 2 days prior to re-testing and with the fat meal. Oxidative stress was assessed by lipid-derived free radicals in plasma, ex vivo by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and by markers of lipid peroxidation (TBARS). Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in endothelial function in response to PPL from baseline (B) 1.3 +/- 1.3% to 4 h 0.22 +/- 1.1% (P < 0.05) and 8 h 0.7 +/- 0.9% (P < 0.05) (mean +/- sem). The endothelial dysfunction seen was attenuated at each time point with vitamin C. Baseline EF with vitamin C changed from (fasting) 3.8 +/- 0.9-2.8 +/- 0.8 (at 4 h) and 2.9 +/- 1.3 (at 8 h) in response to PPL. Vitamin C attenuated postprandial (PP) oxidative stress significantly only at the 4-h time point [301.1 +/- 118 (B) to 224.7 +/- 72 P < 0.05] and not at 8 h 301.1 +/- 118 (B) to 260 +/- 183 (P = NS). There were no changes with placebo treatment in any variable. PPL was associated with a PP rise in TG levels (in mmol/l) from (B) 1.8 +/- 1 to 2.7 +/- 1 at 4 h and 1.95 +/- 1.2 at 8 h (P = 0.0002 and 0.33, respectively). CONCLUSION: PPL is associated with prolonged endothelial dysfunction for at least 8 h after a fatty meal. Vitamin C treatment improves endothelial dysfunction at all time points and attenuates PPL-induced oxidative stress. This highlights the importance of low-fat meals in T2DM and suggests a role for vitamin C therapy to improve endothelial function during meal ingestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives To reduce the risk of transfusion-transmissible viruses entering the blood supply, the nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) was implemented to screen Scottish and Northern Irish blood donations in minipools. After 5 years of NAT for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and 2 years for human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), the yield of serologically negative, nucleic acid positive ‘window donations’ and cost-benefit of NAT is under review. Materials and Methods When the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) implemented NAT in 1999, a fully automated ‘black box’ system was not available. Therefore, an ‘in-house’ assimilated NAT assay was developed, validated and implemented. The system is flexible and allows testing for additional viral markers to be introduced with relative ease. Results The HCV and HIV NAT assays have 95% detection levels of 7·25 IU/ml and 39·8 IU/ml, respectively, as determined by probit analysis. One HCV (1 in 1·9 million) and one HIV (1 in 0·77 million) window donation have been detected in 5 and 2 years, respectively, of NAT. Conclusion The SNBTS NAT assays are robust and have performed consistently over the last 5 years. The design of the in-house system allowed HIV NAT to be added in 2003 at a relatively small additional cost per sample, although for both assays, the royalty fee far exceeds the cost of the test itself. Clearly NAT has a benefit in improving the safety of the blood supply although the risks of transfusion-transmitted viral infections, as reported in the Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) report, are extremely low. Also, in UK the yield of HCV antibody negative, NAT positive donations is far lower than predicted although the early detection of an HIV window period donation and the increase of HIV in the blood donor and general populations may provide a stronger case for HIV NAT. The yield of HCV and HIV NAT in UK is significantly less than that anticipated from statistical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AN EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE of mentoring through nursing students' perspectives may enhance AORN's ability to recruit students to perioperative nursing and aid future planning for student involvement in the Association. IN 2003, four first-year nursing students attended the AORN Congress in Chicago with their nursing instructor and mentor. The students' experiences were captured using a thematic analysis to analyze their journals. THE FIVE COMMON THEMES identified were 'it was huge,' 'exhibits,' 'student program,' 'exploring the city,' and 'suggestions for future planning.' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. Bacterial contamination of platelets poses the greatest risk of mortality and morbidity to platelet transfusion recipients. Some European countries have introduced routine bacterial monitoring of platelets to reduce the risk of transmission of bacteria. A pilot study was carried out at the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service, using the BacT/ALERT automated culture system, to assess the operational feasibility of routine bacterial monitoring of platelets. About 4885 platelet concentrates (PCs) were tested in a 1-year period. Of the 28 (0·57%) initial reactive cultures, 13 (46%) were reproducible on repeat culturing. Of these, 10 were detected within 24 h of incubation either in aerobic or both aerobic and anaerobic culture bottles. A sample of time-expired units (423) that had initial negative culture results remained negative when retested on day 8. About 213 time-expired units were subjected to routine quality assessment and more than 85% were found to conform to quality standards specified in the UKBTS guidelines for platelet count (≥240 × 109 per adult dose PC) and pH (6·4–7·4). There was a reduction in the platelet count because of the volume removed (15 mL) for sampling. Routine bacterial testing with day 2 sampling and a negative culture result after 24 h as a mandatory release criterion would improve product safety. Implementation of 100% testing would be operationally feasible but may require extension of the shelf life if unacceptable wastage is to be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Insulin therapy may influence cardiovascular disease (CVD) and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Exaggerated postprandial lipaemia (PPL) is a feature of diabetic dyslipidaemia affecting CVD via enhanced oxidative stress (OS) and endothelial dysfunction. We assessed endothelial function and OS during PPL following insulin and vitamin C. Twenty (17 M) T2D patients were studied (mean Hba1c 8·4%) at baseline, following 6 weeks of insulin lispro (0·2 Iu kg-1 ) and vitamin C 1-g daily. Eight-h lipid and glucose profiles were measured following a fatty meal. Endothelial function (flow-mediated vasodilatation: FMD) and OS were measured at fasting, 4 h and 8 h. Materials and methods Glucose, body mass index, and total and LDL cholesterol remained unchanged. FMD improved. Placebo group: fasting, 1·1 ± 1·2 to 4·2 ± 1·1% (P < 0·001); 4-h, 0·3 ± 1·2 to 3·1 ± 0·9% (P < 0·01); 8-h, 0·7 ± 1·1 to 3·76 ± 1·1% (P < 0·001). Vitamin C group: fasting, 0·9 ± 1·1 to 6·1 ± 1·3% (P < 0·001); 4-h, 0·7 ± 1·5 to 4·9 ± 2·1% (P < 0·001); 8-h, 0·8 ± 0·9 to 5·8 ± 0·6% (P < 0·01). Post-prandial lipaemia was attenuated: TG area-under-curve (mmol L-1 8 h-1 ), 52·6 ± 11 to 39·1 ± 12·5 (placebo group), P < 0·02; and 56·9 ± 8 to 40·1 ± 10·3 (vitamin C group), P < 0·02. Oxidative stress was reduced, with greater changes in the vitamin C group. >Conclusion Insulin may thus exert vascular benefits in T2D, by modifying fasting and postprandial lipid metabolism resulting in reduced OS and improved EF. Vitamin C therapy may augment the vascular benefits of insulin in T2D through additional effects on OS and EF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents case studies of anti-Landsteiner-Wiener (LW) antibodies with apparent anti-D specificity. It offers the demographics and initial investigation of patients including an antenatal and RhD-negative patient, a patient with a haematological malignancy, and one with pneumonia. Details about specialist investigation and workup required as well as the laboratory interpretation and clinical management of the patients are offered.