Transfusion and Apheresis Science RSS feed: Current Issue. The 2010 13th International Conference WAA-ESFA Congress, Switzerland, 1-4 September 2010. For more information click here Transfusion and Apheresis Science (previously called Transfusion Science ) brings comprehensive and up-to-date information to physicians and health care professionals involved in the rapidly changing fields of transfusion medicine and apheresis. The journal presents original articles relating to scientific and clinical studies in the areas of immunohematology, transfusion practice and both therapeutic and donor apheresis. Topics covered include the collection and processing of blood, compatibility testing and guidelines for the use of blood products, as well as screening for and transmission of blood-borne diseases. All areas of apheresis - both therapeutic and collection - are also addressed. A major feature of the journal is the " theme " section which includes, in each issue, a group of papers designed to review a specific topic of current importance in transfusion science; basic science, current research and the clinical application of modern therapies are featured. The " Apheresis Listening Post " provides a forum for the discussion of topical issues specific to apheresis and focuses on the operators' viewpoint. Another feature section is "What's Happening" which provides informal reporting of activities in the field. In addition, brief case reports and Letters to the Editor , as well as reviews of meetings and events of general interest, and a listing of recent patents make the journal a complete source of information for practitioners of transfusion and apheresis science. Immediate dissemination of important information is ensured by the commitment of Transfusion and Apheresis Science to rapid publication of both symposia and submitted papers. http://www.trasci.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Transfusion and Apheresis Science1473-0502413December 2009 © 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001864/abstract?rss=yesEditorial board/Publication information10.1016/S1473-0502(09)00186-4Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8IFCIFChttp://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001359/abstract?rss=yesThe title of the theme in this issue is Illuminating Blood Components. This section, which was put together by one of the new members of the Editorial Board, Dr. Stephen Wagner, addresses issues related to exposure of blood components to various light sources. There is an interesting article on use of photopheresis in the treatment of Graft versus Host disease and this is followed by a review of the various clinical trials for pathogen reduction in Transfusion Medicine. The majority of the pathogen reduction methods involve exposure to either UV or other light sources. While a great many units of SDP and methylene blue treated plasma have been transfused in Europe, there are, in fact, few prospective clinical trials on these products; both amotosalen and riboflavin treated plasma are relatively new and few trials are available in this area so it is very exciting to see a summary of the trials in this section.Editorial–Issue 41.3Gail Rock10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.002Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8159159http://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001360/abstract?rss=yesESFH membership application form10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.001Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8International Forum: Germany161163http://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001372/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Introduction: The effects of blood donation on iron status in donors without iron supplementation were studied. Analysing interactions between donations and iron status markers may predict these effects.Materials and methods: Haemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin were analysed in 893 donors over 1 year. Serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) was measured at the first and last donation.Results: Prolonged intervals prevented decrease in Hb in women and in ferritin for both genders. In women, a high TfR-F index (sTfR/log ferritin) predicted fall in Hb.Conclusion: Adjusting the donation intervals is a way to prevent iron deficiency in blood donors.The effect of blood donation frequency on iron statusA.S. Røsvik, R.J. Ulvik, T. Wentzel-Larsen, T. Hervig10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.017Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8Submitted Papers165169http://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001384/abstract?rss=yesNon-hemolytic reactions are common adverse transfusion-associated events, and febrile episodes have been defined as febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTR) (1). Leukoagglutinins of recipients or donors are believed to be the primary cause of many of these febrile reactions . Recently, pre-storage white blood cell reduction was found to reduce the number of FNHTR from 0.45% to 0.11% . We describe herein a patient with FNHTR after the transfusion of leukoreduced single-donor apheresis platelet concentrates (LR-PC).Anti-haptoglobin antibody detection after febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions in a non-haptoglobin-deficient patientTsuyoshi Muta, Makiko Ozaki, Takahito Tokuyama, Kenichi Izumi, Miki Matsushita, Noriko Nishiyama, Hidemoto Nakanishi, Yoko Ueda, Tomoaki Fujisaki, Eisuke Yokota10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.003Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8Submitted Papers171173http://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001396/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: In order to determine the association between gender, age, body mass index and vital signs among healthy plateletapheresis donors, the mean and median values from the most recent donations of 236 plateletapheresis donors were calculated for age, body mass index (BMI), oral temperature, blood pressure (BP), and pulse. Values of these parameters were compared after stratification by gender, age, and BMI and multiple regression analysis between parameters performed. Gender, age, and BMI were associated with significant differences in vital signs of healthy plateletapheresis donors.The association of gender, age, body mass index, and vital signs in healthy plateletapheresis donorsCaroline E. Boeke, Megan E. Pauly, Holly Hatch Stock, Stephanie Pavlis, J. Brooks Jackson10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.004Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8Submitted Papers175178http://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001402/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Background: We aimed to analyze the efficacy of blood transfusions given to Wen Chuan earthquake casualties.Materials and methods: Forty-one blood transfusions were administered. Laboratory indexes including routine blood tests, electrolyte tests, and blood coagulation functions were recorded.Results: Between 400–6400mL of whole blood and/or erythrocyte suspensions were given to the casualties. The mean volume was 1233mL. The plasma volume infused in 22 cases (1550mL) differed from 200mL to 9600mL. There was no occurrence of transfusion reaction. Erythrocyte and Hct levels increased significantly after transfusion, while electrolyte levels remained the same.Conclusion: Blood transfusion was an effective therapy for the earthquake casualties.Blood transfusion therapy for 41 earthquake casualtiesZhongjun Li, Weidong Wang, Te Chen10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.015Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8Submitted Papers179181http://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001414/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: In this report, we describe the homing of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to non-hematopoietic tissues in lethally irradiated (9Gy) hybrid mice transplanted intravenously with lin−/CD117+ bone marrow cells from ROSA26 mice. The numbers of CFU-GM in spleen of irradiated transplanted mice were well above the levels found in non-irradiated group as early as day 8 after transplant. On 12th day regeneration of lymphocytes was observed, an increase in granulocytes was detected as late as on 33rd day. Transplanted cells containing lacZ gene were detected in recipient mice by histochemistry and their location in the thymus, liver, stomach and ileum was followed during 33days post-transplantation. On 8 and 33days post-transplantation, we found massive presence of donor (lacZ+) cells in the thymic cortex. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation led not only to recovery of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues but also facilitated recovery of the small intestinal mucosa, which was significantly damaged by ionizing radiation.Homing of lin−/CD117+ hematopoietic stem cellsStanislav Filip, Jaroslav Mokrý, Jiřina Vávrová, Dana Čížková, Zuzana Šinkorová, Vlasta Tošnerová, Milan Bláha10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.011Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8Submitted Papers183190http://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001426/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Background: An adequate blood supply depends on volunteer non-remunerated blood donors. African Americans have lower blood donation rates than whites. To improve African American blood donation rates, the motivators and barriers to African Americans must be explored. This study investigated the differences in motivators and barriers to blood donation between donor and non-donor African American college students.Methods: African Americans college students at two Historically Black Colleges and Universities completed a 41-item, self-administered questionnaire, which assessed participant’s donation frequency, motivators and barriers toward donation, and knowledge and beliefs towards blood donation.Results: Three hundred and sixty four primarily female college students (96% African Americans, 93% female) completed the questionnaire. Forty-nine percent reported prior blood donation experience (donors) and 51% were non-donors. The primary motivator for donors and non-donors was convenience (89% donor, 82% non-donor). Donors were more likely than non-donors to disagree with statements regarding blood donation as being too painful (82% donor, 44% non-donor), resulting in feeling faint, dizzy, or nauseated (61% donor, 29% non-donor). Donors more often agreed that the blood supply is safe (77% donor, 58% non-donor), less often concerned about receiving a transfusion (61% donor, 73% non-donor), and more often aware of local blood shortages (50% donor, 35% non-donor).Conclusions: African Americans female college students are willing to donate blood given convenience and support from their university. Educational campaigns to increase knowledge regarding the safety of the blood donation process and the ongoing needs of an adequate blood supply might be effective methods to increase blood donation.Motivators and barriers to blood donation in African American college studentsBeth H. Shaz, Derrick G. Demmons, Colleen P. Crittenden, Claudine V. Carnevale, Mark Lee, Miriam Burnett, Kirk Easley, Christopher D. Hillyer10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.005Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8Submitted Papers191197http://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001438/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Studies with riboflavin in the 1960s showed that it could be effective at inactivating pathogens when exposed to light. The principal mode of action is through electron transfer reactions, most importantly in nucleic acids. This suggested that it could act as a photosensitizer useful in the inactivation of pathogens found in blood products.Objective: To study the influence of photo-inactivation with riboflavin on the coagulation factors of plasma.Methods: The photo-inactivation procedure of riboflavin plus light was applied. Fifty isogroup pools of two plasmas were made from 100U of plasma that were derived from whole blood products that had previously been held overnight. Pools were split into two bags. One of them was photo-inactivated, and post inactivation samples were obtained. The second bag was not photo-inactivated and samples were taken. Total protein, fibrinogen, FII, FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXI, FXIII, antithrombin III, PC, PS, α-2 antiplasmin and vWF:Ag, the multimeric structure of vWF and ADAMTS-13 were analyzed.Results: In plasma, the proteins most sensitive to photo-inactivation were fibrinogen, FXI, FVIII, FV, and FIX (33%, 32%, 30%, 18% and 18% loss, respectively). Coagulation inhibitors, PS, antithrombin III and PC showed little decrease (all 2%). Retention of vWF and ADAMTS-13 were 99% and 88%, respectively.Conclusions: As with other pathogen reduction procedures for plasma products, treatment with riboflavin and UV light resulted in reduction in the activity levels of several pro-coagulant factors. Coagulation inhibitors are well preserved.The influence of riboflavin photochemistry on plasma coagulation factorsLuis Larrea, María Calabuig, Vanesa Roldán, José Rivera, Han-Mou Tsai, Vicente Vicente, Roberto Roig10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.006Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8Submitted Papers199204http://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS147305020900144X/abstract?rss=yesThe focus of this volume’s guest section is on the use of light with photochemicals to treat blood components. Some photochemical treatments of blood cause the formation of nucleic acid adducts and crosslinks in both leukocytes and infectious agents, ultimately leading to their apoptosis or inactivation, respectively.Illuminating blood componentsStephen J. Wagner10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.016Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8Guest Editor: Stephen J. Wagner205205http://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001451/abstract?rss=yesDr. Wagner obtained a B.S. in Chemistry (1977) at the University of Maryland and an M.S. (1979) and Ph.D. (1981) in Biophysics at the Pennsylvania State University. He joined the American Red Cross in 1989 as a scientist at the Holland Laboratory. He is a recipient of the Red Cross Tiffany Award and currently is a Director of Pathogen Management and Blood Product Improvement with the Blood Components Department. At the Holland Laboratory, Dr. Wagner has led groups which conduct developmental research in bacterial growth and detection in blood components, and in methods for pathogen reduction of blood components. He currently studies platelet preparation methods and storage conditions. He is the recipient of seven US patents and has authored or coauthored over 75 research articles.BiographyStephen J. Wagner10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.013Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8Guest Editor: Stephen J. Wagner207207http://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001463/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Acute and chronic graft versus host disease are frequent and potentially severe complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and are among the leading causes of non-relapse transplant-related mortality. For patients with steroid refractory disease, prognosis is particularly poor and although a variety of treatment options are available, responses are commonly transient and the side effects often intolerable. Since it was first introduced for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, extracorporeal photo-apheresis has been utilized as an immunomodulatory therapy for certain autoimmune diseases and solid organ transplant rejection. Recently, extracorporeal photo-apheresis has become a promising alternative for patients with graft versus host disease with disabling or potentially lethal complications. Here we review the experience of extracorporeal photo-apheresis for the treatment of steroid refractory acute and chronic graft versus host disease based on the current literature.Extracorporeal photo-apheresis for the treatment of steroid-resistant graft versus host diseaseKristin Baird, Alan S. Wayne10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.007Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8Guest Editor: Stephen J. Wagner209216http://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001475/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Despite the implementation of highly sensitive methods for the detection of pathogens in donor blood products, the risk of transmission of infectious disease to transfusion recipients remains. Of greatest concern, and accounting for most of the risk, are newly-emerging pathogens for which screening assays do not yet exist or well-known pathogens for which testing regimens are not routinely employed. Furthermore, passive donor screening programs are unlikely to capture all potentially infective donors. A promising strategy to overcome these limitations is the proactive incapacitation of pathogens residing in donor units. Several unique pathogen reduction/inactivation (PR/PI) platforms have been developed and implemented in clinical settings. The aims of this article are to review: (1) the basic methodology underlying PR/PI platforms, (2) the potential toxicities associated with PR/PI treatment of blood products, and (3) the data and outcomes from clinical trials involving currently available PR/PI platforms.Clinical trials for pathogen reduction in transfusion medicine: A reviewJohn McClaskey, Mina Xu, Edward L. Snyder, Christopher A. Tormey10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.008Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8Guest Editor: Stephen J. Wagner217225http://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001487/abstract?rss=yesThrombelastography (TEG) technology is a cell-based methodology for analysis of the viscoelastic changes that occur during coagulation of a whole blood sample in vitro, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate initiation, propagation, formation and stability of the clot strength of citrated blood and the derived haemostatic components. The potential clinical applications of modern TEG are well established. This brief report deals with additional potential applications of TEG in quality monitoring of haemostatic blood components, for clinical use. This is of particular relevance as with the recent technological advances, the TEG technology becomes well standardised and digitalisation of the procedure made it possible to be used as an essential tool in monitoring haemostasis in either laboratory or near the bed side.The potential usefulness of thrombelastography in quality monitoring and quality improvement of blood componentsJerard Seghatchian10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.014Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8What's Happening227228http://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001499/abstract?rss=yesIn this issue of Transfusion and Apheresis Science we are introducing a new section which will address clinical trials. Dr. Ramlow from Rostock, Germany has agreed to take on the responsibility of Editor of this section. The purpose of this section will be to share information concerning proposed, ongoing or completed clinical trials with an international audience. We encourage our readers to let Dr. Ramlow know of any trials and/or provide their comments on such. He can be reached at:The clinical trials sectionWolfgang Ramlow, Gail Rock10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.012Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8Clinical Trials229229http://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001505/abstract?rss=yesEstimates for dengue transmission during blood donations have been upsetting in diverse geographical locations. During the 2004 dengue virus (DENV) outbreak in Cairns, Australia, the risk of collecting a viremic donation could have been as high as 1 in 1028 during the peak of the outbreak . Using a mathematical model and assuming a ratio of asymptomatic to symptomatic infections of 2:1–10:1, the risk for dengue-infected blood transfusions in Singapore, a city-state in Asia, during 2005 was estimated to be 1625–6/10,000 blood transfusions . In a tertiary care teaching hospital that provides care in Northeast Mexico, 800 blood donors were screened for DENV IgM, IgG using ELISA, DENV genome by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). While 59% of donors were reactive for anti-DENV IgG none had reported recent DENV infection. However, 16 (2%) were reactive for anti-DENV IgM antibodies but none of them was viremic at the time of donation .Dengue virus during blood donation: Pre-screen using NS1 antigenSubhash C. Arya, Nirmala Agarwal10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.009Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8Letter to the Editor231232http://www.trasci.com/article/PIIS1473050209001517/abstract?rss=yesUpcoming Events10.1016/j.transci.2009.09.010Transfusion and Apheresis Science 41, 3 (2009)2009-12-01Transfusion and Apheresis Science2009-12-01413S1473-0502(09)X0007-8Upcoming Events233233