The Japanese Red Cross screens seronegative blood donors by nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus-1 markers. NAT-positive donors thus identified seemed to have a different infectious background from serologically positive donors. The purpose of our study was to characterize this background in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) NAT-positive donors.Some 328 HBV DNA-positive and 44 HCV RNA-positive donors were detected by NAT testing of seronegative blood donors. These were characterized regarding age, gender and genotype of HBV and HCV.Those who were HBV NAT-positive were mainly young, in particular teenage girls. In Japan, genotypes C and B have previously been dominant, but recently genotype A has increased, and genotype H was recently detected. In HBV NAT-positive donors, the rate of genotype A was high (12.2%) compared with patients in hospital (1.7-2%). Donors who were HCV NAT-positive were also young, but mostly men in their twenties. The ratio of genotype 1b to 2a or 1b to 2b in HCV NAT-positive donors differed from that of hospitalized patients in Japan. We did not find genotype 1a, which is dominant in the USA.The high-risk donors detected by NAT were mainly young, with a different distribution of genotypes from that of hospitalized patients, regarding both HBV and HCV. The rare HBV genotype H has been found for the first time in Japan. The findings reflect the present spread of hepatitis viruses B and C.
The effect of agitation on granulocyte storage was examined. Granulocyte concentrates were obtained as buffy coats from fresh blood by centrifugation and stored for up to 48 hours at 22 degrees C with or without horizontal agitation (80 rpm). The cell counts, mean cell volumes, morphologic changes, phagocytosis, and bactericidal activity of the stored granulocytes did not differ significantly. However, chemotaxis was maintained better in granulocytes that were agitated. At 48 hours, the ability of unagitated cells to adhere to both immunoglobulin-coated and uncoated glass surfaces increased, and clumps were observed on the surfaces. These results seem to be related to the decrease in chemotaxis. The pH of unagitated sedimented cells was more acid. To avoid the decrease of this local pH, stored granulocytes need gentle agitation.
✓ The authors present the case of a 68-year-old man who experienced acute obstructive hydrocephalus after having suffered an infarction in the occipital lobe. Histopathological and serial neuroimaging examinations revealed that portions of a large disintegrating occipital infarct had entered the lateral ventricle and obstructed the passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Ventricular drainage was performed for 2 weeks until the patient's hydrocephalus resolved. The CSF initially contained a high concentration of protein (1070 mg/dl), a high leukocyte count of 115 cells/mm 3 , and a rich fibrinous exudate. Findings in the present case indicate that collapse of a periventricular ischemic lesion into the ventricles may sometimes occur not only after cerebral hemorrhage but also after cerebral infarction.
The new aerial self-supporting optical cables have been developed. This cables have the excellent structure for the mid span access operation from the installed cable on the aerial environment. New aerial SZ-slotted rod cables including 4-fiber ribbons have been designed, manufactured, and tested. The new cable indicated the stable characteristics in mechanical tests and environmental tests.
A case of renal cell carcinoma with a tumor thrombus extending to the right atrium was reported. A 70-year-old woman was admitted with a diagnosis of right renal tumor which had been detected on a routine abdominal ultrasonography. MRI revealed a tumor thrombus extending into the right atrium through the inferior vena cava. A transesophageal echocardiogram confirmed that the tumor extended into the right atrium, and was not adherent to the inferior vena cava and the atrium. Right nephrectomy and removal of the tumor thrombus were performed using extracorporeal circulation. Temporary occlusion of portal venous and hepatic arterial inflow was effective in reducing blood loss. She has been doing well, and there has been no evidence of recurrence during 18 month postoperatively.
A 21-year-old male admitted to the emergency room with multiple traumatic injuries and shock. Although a chest X-ray showed normal in size of cardiac shadow, echocardiography confirmed cardiac tamponade. A median sternotomy was performed and the pericardial space was evacuated of 600 ml of blood and blood clots. Minor bleeding was identified in the proximal aorta, and complete hemostasis was achieved with manual compression and fibrin glue sealing. One month follow-up showed no pseudoaneurysm formation.
