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Biomedical subjects

J D Sweeney

Publications and source records attributed to J D Sweeney.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A comparison of prestorage WBC-reduced whole-blood-derived platelets and bedside-filtered whole-blood-derived platelets in autologous progenitor cell transplant.

BACKGROUND: Prestorage WBC-reduced platelet concentrates (PCs) can be manufactured from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) by in-line filtration of PRP. There are few published data on the clinical use of these products, as compared to bedside-filtered pools of standard PCs (S-PCs) manufactured from PRP. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized trial was conducted in autologous progenitor cell transplant patients requiring platelet transfusions with each patient as his or her own control who was given a pool of 5 units of WBC-reduced PCs and a pool of 6 units of S-PCs within a 3-hour period. The pools were characterized before transfusion for platelet and WBC content, P-selectin expression, and IL-8. The patients were monitored with platelet counts and vital signs and observed for reactions. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Thirty-three transfusions were administered to 13 patients. Median platelet content in the WBC-reduced PC pools was lower than that in the S-PC pools (3.3 vs. 4.0 x 10(11), p<0.01). Median WBC content was 4 to 5 log less in the WBC-reduced PC pools (2.5 x 10(4) vs. 4.6 x 10(8), p<0.01). Median IL-8 levels (pg/mL) were lower in the WBC-reduced PC pools (2 vs. 36, p<0.01). No differences were observed in CCI, but the median absolute increase after transfusion of the S-PC pools was higher (25 vs. 19 x 10(9)/L, p<0.01), which reflected the larger size of the S-PC pools. No overall differences in vital signs were recorded. Two reactions were observed, both in temporal association with the transfusion of pools of S-PCs. CONCLUSIONS: A pool consisting of 5 units of WBC-reduced PCs gave a median platelet increment of 19 x 10(9) per L in these thrombocytopenic patients and has a median WBC content 1 to 2 log below the accepted threshold for primary alloimmunization or CMV transmission.

Blood Preservation↗

L-carnitine decreases glycolysis in liquid-stored platelets.

BACKGROUND: The platelet storage lesion is characterized metabolically by a pH decrease associated with lactic acid generation; a change in platelet morphology from discoid to spherical; a diminished response to in vitro challenge tests, such as the hypotonic shock response (HSR) and extent of shape change (ESC); increased surface P-selectin expression; and decreased in vivo recovery and survival. Altering storage conditions to improve these measures could allow for extension of the duration of in vitro storage. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: ABO-identical paired platelet concentrates were pooled and then equally divided into two plastic bags. Either L-carnitine (LC) or an equal volume of saline (control) was added to one container of each pair. Platelets were stored at 20 to 24 degrees C for 5 to 10 days or at 1 to 6 degrees C for 5 days at various concentrations of LC between 0.1 and 15 mM: At the end of storage, pH, glucose consumption, lactate generation, HSR, ESC, and surface P-selectin expression were measured. In different experiments, paired platelet concentrates were spiked with a Staphylococcus epidermidis suspension in the presence and absence of L-carnitine at a concentration of 5 mM: RESULTS: At 20 to 24 degrees C and concentrations of LC between 0.1 and 5 mM:, there was evidence of better pH preservation, less glucose consumption, and less lactate generation. Only with storage beyond 5 days was a difference present in either surface P-selectin expression or HSR. An L-carnitine concentration of 5 mM: appeared optimal. L-carnitine did not enhance the growth of bacteria after 7 to 8 days of storage. CONCLUSION: LC at 5 mM: may improve the quality of platelet concentrates that are stored beyond 5 days. There was no indication that LC at this concentration would promote bacterial growth. It may be a useful additive to platelet preservation.

Blood Platelets↗

Spontaneous venous thrombosis in a young patient with combined factor V Leiden and lupus anticoagulant.

We describe a case of a 28-year-old man who developed an extensive spontaneous deep venous thrombosis. Testing revealed heterozygotic factor V Leiden mutation, and the presence of both lupus anticoagulant (LA) and elevated IgM anticardiolipin antibody (ACA). Several family members were found to be heterozygous for factor V Leiden. A paternal aunt had the factor V Leiden mutation, an elevated plasma homocysteine and a borderline increased IgG ACA level. No other family member had a history of a venous thrombotic event. This case illustrates that evaluation of young patients who present with venous thrombosis should be performed for both hereditary and acquired thrombophilic defects. The family studies suggest that the presence of a lupus anticoagulant may be more clinically significant than elevated ACA in risk assessment. Although screening family members when the proband carries factor V Leiden is controversial, psychological reassurance of those who test negative and simple advice on occupations or social habits (e.g., smoking) for those who test positive may be important benefits.

Adult↗

Non-thiazolidinedione antihyperglycaemic agents. Part 3: The effects of stereochemistry on the potency of alpha-methoxy-beta-phenylpropanoic acids.

Rhizopus delemar lipase catalysed ester hydrolysis of the alpha-methoxy-beta-phenylpropanoate 1 affords the (R)-(+) and (S)-(-) isomers in > 84% enantiomeric excess. Absolute stereochemistry was determined by a single crystal X-ray analysis of a related synthetic analogue. The activity of these two enantiomers on glucose transport in vitro and as anti-diabetic agents in vivo is reported and their unexpected equivalence attributed to an enzyme-mediated stereospecific isomerisation of the (R)-(+) isomer. Binding studies using recombinant human PPARgamma (peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor gamma), now established as a molecular target for this compound class, indicate a 20-fold higher binding affinity for the (S) antipode relative to the (R) antipode.

Animals↗

Anomaly of the des-Arg9-bradykinin metabolism associated with severe hypotensive reactions during blood transfusions: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Severe hypotensive reactions have been described after the transfusion of platelets or red cells through negatively-charged bedside white cell-reduction filters. The possibility of a role for bradykinin (BK) in the genesis of these reactions has been raised. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To understand if an anomaly of BK metabolism is associated with these reactions, the metabolism of BK and des-Arg9-BK was studied in the sera of four patients who presented with a severe hypotensive transfusion reaction. Tests were performed in the absence and the presence of complete in vitro inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity by enalaprilat. RESULTS: In the presence of ACE inhibition (enalaprilat), the half-life (t1/2) of BK measured in the sera of patients who presented with a severe hypotensive transfusion reaction (361 +/- 90 sec) was not significantly different from that measured in the sera of normal controls (249 +/- 16 sec). In the presence of ACE inhibition (enalaprilat), the t1/2 of des-Arg9-BK was significantly greater in patients who presented with a severe hypotensive transfusion reaction (1549 +/- 319 sec) than in normal controls (661 +/- 38 sec) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A metabolic anomaly mainly affecting the degradation of des-Arg9-BK could be responsible for its accumulation in vivo. Des-Arg9-BK could be responsible, at least in part, for severe hypotensive transfusion reactions.

Adolescent↗

Viability and in vitro properties of AS-1 red cells after gamma irradiation.

BACKGROUND: Irradiation has been shown to adversely affect both in vivo 24-hour recovery (recovery [%]) and in vitro properties of stored red cells (RBCs). There is uncertainty as to how these changes are related to the day of irradiation and the length of storage after irradiation. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Four protocols used day of irradiation and storage time after irradiation as the independent variables. At the conclusion of the storage period, viability was measured with radiolabeled RBCs as the recovery and the long-term survival time for RBCs that were circulating beyond 24 hours. In addition, in vitro values including RBC ATP, hemolysis level, and supernatant potassium were measured. Each subject donated 2 units of whole blood (CPD) and received autologous irradiated and untreated control RBCs (AS-1) on two separate occasions. RESULTS: Reduced recovery in irradiated units was noted when compared to that in control units, and the reduction was most apparent with long periods of storage after irradiation, irrespective of the day of irradiation. With irradiation on Day 1 of storage and a total storage period of 28 days, mean +/- SD recovery (single label) was 84.2 +/- 5.1 percent for control RBCs and 78.6 +/- 5.9 percent for irradiated RBCs (n = 16; p<0.01). With irradiation on Day 14 and storage through Day 42, the recoveries were 76.3 +/- 7.0 percent for control RBCs and 69.5 +/- 8.6 percent for irradiated RBCs (n = 16; p<0.01). Less reduction in recovery was observed with shortening of the postirradiation storage time. When the total storage period was reduced to 28 days after Day 14 irradiation, the recoveries were not significantly different. With an additional 2-day storage period after irradiation on Day 26, the recoveries were also comparable. Long-term survival times for control and irradiated RBCs were not significantly different in any of the four protocols. RBC ATP levels and hemolysis were minimally, but significantly influenced by irradiation. Supernatant potassium levels, however, were substantially increased after irradiation in each of the four protocols. CONCLUSION: Irradiation has only a small effect on the properties of RBCs treated and stored according to the utilized protocols. Longer storage times after irradiation resulted in progressively reduced recovery while long-term survival remained unaffected.

Blood Preservation↗

Whole blood screening test for factor V Leiden using a Russell viper venom time-based assay.

Factor V Leiden (FVR506Q) is a genetic defect in the factor V (FV) molecule that confers resistance to proteolysis by activated protein C (APC) and is the most common abnormality detected in patients studied for hereditary thrombophilia. The initial screening test for this abnormality was a comparison of the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in the presence and absence of APC, expressed as a ratio. But this has been shown to lack sensitivity for the FV mutation. Other clot-based screening tests, such as the modified APTT, using FV-deficient plasma, or the Russell viper venom (RVV) time assay have improved sensitivity. Eighty-seven samples were studied using the RVV-based assay. This assay was performed on platelet-poor plasma (PPP-RVV) and whole blood (WB-RVV). All samples were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the FV Leiden defect: 77 were PCR negative; 10 were PCR positive. Using a threshold ratio of 1.8, all samples were correctly categorized in the PPP-RVV and the WB-RVV tests, showing an observed sensitivity and specificity of 1.0. These results suggest that an RVV-based assay using whole blood could be an effective screening test for this common abnormality.

Adolescent↗

The results of diagnostic studies for thrombophilia in a large group of patients with a personal or family history of thrombosis.

The range of tests used in the evaluation of thrombophilia has been altered by the recent recognition of common genetic defects predisposing to thrombosis such as factor VLeiden (FVR506Q), enzyme deficiencies causing hyperhomocysteinemia, and improvement in the sensitivity and utilization of assays for antiphospholipid antibodies. In this study, the outcomes of laboratory evaluation of 402 patients with thrombophilia were reviewed and correlated with clinical data. A predisposing factor was present (positive diagnosis, group A) in 110 patients (27%), the test results of 111 patients (28%) could not be definitively interpreted (equivocal results, group B), and the test results of 181 (45%) were normal (group C). The median age of the group A patients was 48 years (range, 3.7-88 years), suggesting that evaluation of patients over the age of 50 is worthwhile. Of the 110 patients in group A, 84% had single defects and 16% had combined defects. The most common defect was factor VLeiden (44 patients). Equal numbers of patients presenting with arterial and venous thromboses were evaluated. Patients with arterial events were less likely to have a definable laboratory defect (33 of 132 [25%]) than were those with venous events (50 of 136 [37%]). Factor VLeiden was the most frequent finding in patients with venous events, and lupus anticoagulant or anticardiolipin antibodies were the most frequent findings in patients with arterial events. Positive diagnoses were made in patients on anticoagulants, indicating that this should not preclude investigation. Our study confirms the need for thorough evaluation to assess thrombotic risk, and it reflects the impact of newly identified thrombophilic disorders on the expected outcome of laboratory evaluation for thrombophilia.

Activated Protein C Resistance↗

Computer model: investigating role of filopodia-based steering in experimental neurite galvanotropism.

Since early in this century developing axons and dendrites in culture have been reported to grow along electric field lines. It is only in the last score of years, however, that evidence suggests developing neurites actually orient in response to the electrical stimulus. We are interested in how an imposed electric field appears to speed neurite outgrowth in a field-related direction. We ask the question whether enhanced outgrowth in one direction results from streamlining outgrowth in that direction or from differentially catalysing the rate of outgrowth. Evidence for possible mechanisms of such neurite galvanotropism includes an electric field-dependent redistribution of filopodia, the finger-like structures that extend from the growing neurite tip. Using simple rules based on filopodia-mediated substrate sampling and orientation of extending neurites in vitro, we have built a computer model to test the streamlining theory. This in silico model of non-branching neurite outgrowth in two dimensions possesses the capacity to apportion its sampling efforts relative to a fixed reference representing the orientation of the field lines of a steady uniform electric field. Our model suggests that simple outgrowth patterns observed for experimental neurite galvanotropism-deflected and enhanced neurite growth toward the negative electrode and reduced neurite growth directed toward the positive electrode-may be simulated by tipping the balance of filopodia in the direction of the negative electrode. The existence of an analogous pattern-generating interaction between an applied electric field and extending neuronal processes would suggest a role for endogenous fields arising from naturally occurring potential gradients in developing organisms.

Animals↗

Pooled platelet concentrates: maybe not fancy, but fiscally sound and effective.

For almost two decades, two types of platelet products have been available: pooled random donor platelets (RDP), manufactured from whole blood donations and single donor platelets (SDP), manufactured on apheresis devices. During this period, two trends have occurred--an overall increase in demand for platelets and a preference for the use of SDP. The reasons for the disproportionate increase in the use of SDP relates in all likelihood to supply logistics, perceptions of quality, lack of price sensitivity on the part of prescribing physicians, and minimizing donor exposures in an era of uncertainty and litigation surrounding the allogeneic blood supply. In the cost-conscious 1990s, it is essential to reappraise the situation and perform a critical analysis of the relative value of these products. Such an analysis leads to an inescapable conclusion that preferential use of RDP is the more logical strategy.

Blood Donors↗

Studies on platelets exposed to or stored at temperatures below 20 degrees C or above 24 degrees C.

BACKGROUND: Platelet concentrates (PCs) may be subjected to temperatures outside 20 to 22 degrees C during shipping or storage, which may have an adverse effect on platelet quality. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: These studies systematically evaluated the effect of short-term exposure (< or = 24 hours) of platelets to temperatures above 22 degrees or below 20 degrees C as part of standard 5-day PC storage at 22 degrees C, as well as the effect of long-term storage (5 days) at 24 and 26 degrees C. For the short-term exposure studies, up to 6 units of Day 1 standard PCs were mixed, split, and returned to the containers. Test units were then stored without agitation in an incubator at a specific temperature (4, 12, 16, or 18 degrees C) for various times up to 24 hours, after which they were stored with agitation at 22 degrees C. One unit acted as control and was stored at 20 to 22 degrees C throughout the 5-day storage period. Loss of platelet discoid shape was determined photometrically by the extent of shape change assay, by an increase in apparent platelet size by morphologic evaluation, and by swirling. RESULTS: A gradual loss of platelet discoid shape occurred at temperatures below 20 degrees C. For similar periods, a greater difference between test and control PCs was observed in units held at 4 degrees C than in those held at 16 degrees C. The data were fitted to an equation to relate platelet discoid shape (% of control) to exposure temperature and time. Assuming that a 20-percent decrease or more in the extent of shape change assay represents a significant loss in platelet viability, the equation predicts that such a loss occurs when the platelets are exposed to 16 degrees C for > or = 16 hours, to 12 degrees C for > or = 10 hours, or to 4 degrees C for > or = 6 hours, whereas exposure to 18 degrees C for < or = 24 hours has no significant effect. Storage for 5 days at temperatures < or = 26 degrees C was not associated with any significant reduction in platelet discoid shape or other measures of platelet quality. CONCLUSION: There was a gradual loss of platelet discoid shape at exposure temperatures < 20 degrees C, which worsened as temperatures decreased and exposure times increased to 24 hours. This relationship can be described in an equation that could be used as a guideline for allowable exposure conditions.

Blood Platelets↗