Transfusions to group O subjects of 2 units of red cells enzymatically converted from group B to group O

BACKGROUND: It has previously been shown that full-unit (200 mL) transfusions of red cells (RBCs) enzymatically converted from group B to group O by treatment with alpha-galactosidase (ECO RBCs) are both safe and efficacious for normal group O or A subjects. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The present study describes the results of a comprehensive clinical and serologic assessment of 2-unit (400 mL) ECO RBC transfusions to each of four normal group O subjects (after each had donated 1 unit of whole blood). RESULTS: Clinical (hematologic tests, chemistry analysis, urinalysis) and serologic analyses revealed no evidence of immediate or delayed transfusion reaction, despite a threefold to fivefold elevation in pre-existing anti-B antiglobulin titer. 51Cr-labeled ECO RBCs were administered to one of the four subjects to allow direct measurement of ECO RBC survival in the circulation, which indicated that it was normal (24-hour survival, 95%; t1/2, 29.5 days). The observed increases in hemoglobin (by 1.3 +/− 0.4 g/dL [13 +/− 4 g/L]) and hematocrit (by 3.2 +/− 0.8% [0.032 +/− 0.008]) in transfused subjects provide further evidence of the efficacy of these cells in vivo. CONCLUSION: These results extend those observed in our earlier 1-unit transfusion studies and suggest that ECO RBCs pose little risk and will be useful in transfusion medicine.     

Objective and subjective efficacy of saliva substitutes containing mucin and carboxymethylcellulose

Abstract— The lubrication properties of mucin and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-containing saliva substitutes and water were evaluated in a double-blind trial. After mouthrinsing with the substitutes, the patients answered a questionnaire (subjective effect) and the change of oral mucosal friction was measured with a probe (objective effect). Mucin and CMC-containing saliva substitutes showed almost the same objective effects, with changed friction values of about 15 min, which was more than twice as long as for water. Both water and the two saliva substitutes relieved the symptoms of dry mouth to some extent but they did not have a sufficiently long-lasting effect.     

利巴韦林注射液细菌内毒素检查法的可行性探讨

目的：建立利巴韦林注射液的细茵内毒素检查法。方法：中国药典2000年版二部细菌内毒素检查法。结果：利巴韦林注射液内毒素限值定为0.125EU/mg，细菌内毒素法与家兔法检查结果一致。结论：细菌内毒素法检查结果安全可靠，可以替代热原检查。     

Fibromuscular dysplasia of the internal carotid artery treated by operative transluminal balloon angioplasty

Operative treatment of critical stenoses of the internal carotid artery secondary to fibromuscular dysplasia has been performed for nearly 2 decades using graduated metal dilators. While percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty of the internal carotid via the femoral artery has several advantages over the operative metal dilator method, cerebral embolization is a matter for concern. The authors have performed operative transluminal balloon angioplasty in such cases, permitting backbleeding with removal of any thrombi or debris. This technique combines the advantages of dilatation by a Grüntzig balloon with post-dilatation carotid backbleeding. Five patients have been successfully treated thus far using this technique.