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G Janus

Publications and source records attributed to G Janus.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

[One case report of anti-JK1 antibody undetected on plasma sample].

The sensitivity of the detection of irregular antibodies (DIA) is one of the fundamental bases of transfusion safety. Its implementation is specified in accordance with a very specific framework that allows the use of serum or plasma. The case reported here points out a failure to detect irregular antibodies in plasma sample. Thus a low intensity anti-JK1 antibody detected and identified in serum slipped through unnoticed in plasma. The difficulties to detect and identify this antibody, well-known as a deceptive and dangerous one, are being discussed in order to better assess the limitations of DIA.

Aged, 80 and over↗

Multivariate analysis of determinants of bacterial contamination of whole-blood donations.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Introduction of bacteria into blood components at the collection stage seems to be a frequent occurrence. We therefore assessed determinants of bacterial contamination of whole-blood donations to gain insight into contamination mechanisms and direct prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on donors accepted for whole-blood donation in four French blood banks. Each blood bank used its own two-stage procedure for phlebotomy site preparation. Contamination was identified by culturing two 15-ml samples (collected aseptically at the outset of donation) in a BacT/Alert 240 system. Determinants were assessed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Bacterial contamination, mainly by skin flora, occurred in 76 (2.2%) out of 3385 donations. Significant determinants were as follows: the blood bank (odds ratio [OR] range = 3.0-5.6, P < 0.001); lack of repetition of scrub (OR = 2.7, P = 0.032); and donor age > 35 years (OR = 1.8, P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Systematic scrub repetition should be implemented to reduce bacterial contamination by skin flora at the collection stage. Further research is required to clarify the role of different antiseptic agents and of donor age.

Adult↗

Efficacy of a new collection procedure for preventing bacterial contamination of whole-blood donations.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion-related bacterial contamination is a serious problem. The introduction of bacteria into donations at the collection stage seems frequent, despite well-conducted phlebotomy site preparation. Additional preventive measures are required. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The aim of this study was to assess the potential efficacy of excluding the first 15 mL of blood to reduce the bacterial contamination of donations. A special device allowed the aseptic collection of two samples at the beginning of donation: S1 (first 15 mL) and S2 (next 15 mL). Bacteriologic cultures of S1 and S2 were performed by using an automated system. The procedure's efficacy was measured by the proportion of positive donations in S1 that were then negative in S2. RESULTS: S1 and/or S2 were positive in 76 (2.2%) of 3385 donations. In about three-fourths of the culture-positive donations, contamination was detected in the first 15-mL sample only. Gram-positive cocci accounted for 81 percent of species, gram-positive bacilli for 14 percent, and gram-negative bacilli for 5 percent. The new procedure would have prevented the introduction of bacteria in 55 donations, reducing to 0.6 percent the risk of contamination from the first 15 mL collected. CONCLUSION: Although the final effect on blood component bacterial contamination rates cannot be derived from the study, excluding the first 15 mL of blood may reduce the rate of bacterial contamination in donations.

Adult↗

[Consequences for labile blood products of leukocyte depletion by whole blood filtration using the Leucoflex LST1 in-line filter. Evaluation of the Leucoflex LST1 filter].

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of whole blood filtration after a storage time of 20-24 hours at laboratory temperature using the in line filter Leucoflex LST1. The study concerns 49 blood donations in which we studied leukocyte depletion, proteins (IgG, IgA, IgM, haptoglobin, C3, C4), coagulation factors (fibrinogen, factors XII, XI, IX, VIII, V, proteins S and C, plasminogen, tPA, D-Dimers, PDF) at day 1, the parameters of conservation (ATP, 2-3 DPG, extra cellular potassium, haemolysis, pH) of red blood cell concentrates (RCCs) and bacteriological sterility at day 1 and 42. Despite a correct leukocyte depletion (mean depletion of 3.96 log), a 10 fold higher mean level of residual leukocytes/unit than with buffy coat poor RCC filtration (0.514.10(6) vs 0.051.10(6)) is observed. Moreover a lot of concentrates are not in accordance with French regulations (7/42 with more than 1.10(6) leukocytes/unit). The variation of the rates of IgG, IgA, IgM, haptoglobin, C4 and protein C is not significant. For the others there is a slight decrease with a mean level remaining in a physiological range. No sign of activation is noted. The sterility assays remain negative and the RCC conservation is not altered. In conclusion, even if the quality of the leukocyte depletion is not satisfactory in our study and has to be stated more precisely by multicenter studies, the whole blood filtration does not alter the quality of the derived components and allows us obtain RCC in a bigger volume and containing more haemoglobin than with the classical procedure after removing the buffy-coat [10].

Blood↗

Elevated risk of Helicobacter pylori infection in submarine crews.

In a prospective study designed to elucidate the route of transmission of Helicobacter pylori, the seroprevalence and incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection was determined in the following branches of the armed forces presumed to be at increased risk of acquiring transmissible diseases by the fecal-oral or oral-oral route: German submarine crews (n = 64, mean age 26.2 years) and regular officers of the French infantry (n = 51, mean age 26.5 years) who had served for a minimum of three years. The submarine crews were compared with air force staff (n = 74, mean age 23.7 years), and the French officers with French infantry recruits (n = 135, mean age 20.5 years) who started their service at the beginning of the study. The frequency of IgG and IgA antibody responses to the 120, 88, 86 and 82 kDa proteins was determined by the immunoblot method. The frequency of a positive antibody response was strongly dependent on age (p less than 0.001). When results were controlled for age by the logistic regression analysis, the submarine crews revealed significantly increased frequencies of the IgG and IgA responses compared to air force staff. The antibody responses of French officers and recruits were not significantly different. It is concluded that submarine crews serving during their missions in an overcrowded space with extremely limited sanitary facilities must be considered a high-risk group for Helicobacter pylori infection. These results strongly suggest person-to-person transmission of Helicobacter pylori, by either the oral-oral or the fecal-oral route.

Adult↗

[Blood transfusion security: one train may conceal another!].

The discovery of antibodies with specificities that are directed toward antigens of high prevalence is a difficult situation to manage in emergency blood transfusion. The reactions they produce interfere with the identification of reactions due to other, clinically significant antibodies. We report a case which illustrates this problem in terms of transfusion safety and time to carry out the tests.

Aged↗

An evaluation of a hospital-based drinking and driving prevention program.

For the past four years, Victoria Hospital has provided a drinking and driving prevention program: IMPACT - Impaired Minds Produced by Alcohol Cause Trauma. The program provides information to Grade 11 students about the potential "impact" of alcohol-related trauma on themselves, their family and their future. At the end of the program, students were asked to complete a short evaluative questionnaire; 74.2% completed the questionnaire. Of those responding, 97.5% agreed that the program increased their awareness of drinking and driving, and 79.4% agreed that the program would cause them to change their own behaviour. Determining whether or not increased knowledge and changed attitude in fact results in changed behaviour is beyond the scope of this study. Further longitudinal, quantitative evaluation of program effectiveness, based on traffic safety indices, is being undertaken.

Accidents, Traffic↗