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Biomedical subjects

M Brophy

Publications and source records attributed to M Brophy.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Presence of HLA antibodies in single-donor-derived fresh frozen plasma compared with pooled, solvent detergent-treated plasma (Octaplas).

Adverse reactions to plasma transfusion are well documented. One of the most serious hazards of transfusion, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), has nearly as high an incidence of mortality and major morbidity as that reported for the transfusion of incorrect blood components. The specific mechanisms of plasma component-induced adverse reactions remain unclear, but a major contribution may be related to the presence of alloantibodies. In this study, a laboratory analysis was undertaken to determine the presence of HLA antibodies in leucodepleted single-donor-derived fresh frozen plasma (FFP). A comparison was made with a pooled plasma product that has undergone solvent detergent treatment. In total, 58 plasma samples from single-donor units of leucodepleted FFP were tested along with samples from 12 units (three for each ABO blood group) of the pooled plasma (Octaplas); Octapharma Ltd, Coventry, UK), for the presence of HLA antibodies. HLA-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods were used to screen for their presence, and complement-dependent cytotoxicity and flow cytometry analyses were used to further define their presence, specificity and class [immunoglobulin G (IgG)/IgM]. In the study groups, HLA antibodies were found to be present in five of the single-donor units (9%) while the pooled plasma samples tested negative.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1999

Automated system for capture and detection of nucleic acids.

A fully automated nucleic acid analysis system is described, which offers positive sample identification, improved sensitivity and reduced user interaction compared to conventional techniques. The system relies on the sequence-specific capture of DNA onto solid-phase particles, confirming product identity without the problems of interpretation and lack of sequence information inherent in gel-based analyses. The system can be used for sequence confirmation, mutation analysis and semiquantitative detection of PCR products.

Automation↗
PubMed1998

Combination Hemotherapy and Mortality Prevention (CHAMP) Study Rationale and Design.

It is now agreed that the majority of acute myocardial infarctions result from intracoronary thrombosis at sites of atherosclerotic plaque that have been disrupted. In 1947 Nicol and Fassett published the first clinical paper suggesting that agents interfering with blood coagulation could prevent myocardial infarction in patients at risk. Scores of subsequent clinical trials were performed to assess the efficacy of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents in preventing death and reinfarction in survivors of acute myocardial infarction. Despite these efforts no agreement exists on whether these strategies are beneficial and, if so, which is superior. The primary obstacle to progress in this field has been the failure of nearly all trials to enroll the large numbers of subjects required to demonstrate a survival benefit. The large sample size requirement derives from two inescapable facts: mortality rates following acute infarction, though variable, are generally low and the potential benefit of these agents in preventing mortality is small. Combining oral anticoagulants with antiplatelet agents (combination hemotherapy) may significantly enhance their antithrombotic effect. Clinical trials of combination hemotherapy have demonstrated superiority over anticoagulant monotherapy in the setting of stroke prevention in patients with prosthetic heart valves. Similar benefit was not observed in trials studying stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and vascular morbidity in patients surviving an acute myocardial infarction. The failure of these latter studies may relate to the particularly low intensity of warfarin administered in combination with aspirin. This trial proposes to demonstrate that the combination of oral anticoagulation, administered in a moderate dose intensity, and antiplatelet therapy is superior to aspirin monotherapy in reducing overall mortality following acute myocardial infarction.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Total quality improvement: an example of an effective team.

Total quality improvement (TQI) advocates that all staff members in an organization develop their own ideas on job improvement about their own specific jobs. This process helps to improve staff performance and to build continually on those improvements. This article will describe how the TQI process was used successfully by quality management staff members at a federal medical center to investigate a problem with linen.

Arizona↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Mental health: an outreach service for adolescents.

In 'The Health of the Nation' (1), the government committed itself to seeking continued improvements in comprehensive local services for mental illness not only in adults, but also in children and adolescents. The adolescent unit outreach service described in this article offers an intensive therapeutic and consultative service for disturbed young people. The aim is to maximise the opportunities for care in the community and thus reduce the need for inpatient admissions. The authors discuss the early developments of an outreach service and identify appropriate research questions. Application for funding to help evaluate the service is currently under way.

Adolescent↗