Methods aimed at inactivation of pathogens in labile blood products have been developed in recent years. Their use raises a number of issues, including efficiency, the damage inflicted to the blood products, the toxicity for patients, and the cost-benefit ratio. In the foreseeable future, national blood transfusion services and health authorities will have to consider the introduction of these methods. The report summarises the current information on these pathogen inactivation procedures.
During the early years of the AIDS epidemic, thousands of Americans became infected with HIV through the nation's blood supply. Because little reliable information existed at the time AIDS first began showing up in hemophiliacs and in others who had received transfusions, experts disagreed about whether blood and blood products could transmit the disease. During this period of great uncertainty, decision-making regarding the blood supply became increasingly difficult and fraught with risk. This volume provides a balanced inquiry into the blood safety controversy, which involves private sexual practices, personal tragedy for the victims of HIV/AIDS, and public confidence in America's blood services system. The book focuses on critical decisions as information about the danger to the blood supply emerged. The committee draws conclusions about what was doneâ€"and recommends what should be done to produce better outcomes in the face of future threats to blood safety. The committee frames its analysis around four critical area: Product treatmentâ€"Could effective methods for inactivating HIV in blood have been introduced sooner? Donor screening and referralâ€"including a review of screening to exlude high-risk individuals. Regulations and recall of contaminated bloodâ€"analyzing decisions by federal agencies and the private sector. Risk communicationâ€"examining whether infections could have been averted by better communication of the risks.
This book is about the roles and importance of Ultraviolet (UV) light from sun and from man-made UV lamps in our daily life, on health and diseases, also its application in sterilization and treatment. The key words are: reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, UV mutagenicity, skin cancers, polymorphous light eruption, Xeroderma pigmentosum, vitiligo, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, dermatology, photobiology, photodermatosis, vitamin D synthesis, vitamin D efficiency, water sterilization, blood sterilization, phototherapies, skin tanning and UV dosimeter. The book starts with introduction to UV light and the history of development of UV lamps and its applications. It then moves to describing the interaction of this light with biological components and the production of reactive oxygen species, their roles in cell signaling, cellular defense from foreign invaders, in mutagenesis leading to skin diseases including vitiligo, polymorphous light eruption and various forms of skin cancer. Then it presents the synthesis and importance of UV light and diseases, induced due to the deficiency of vitamin D. Roles of UV light in sterilization, disinfection, phototherapies are depicted in the next part and finally use and abuse of UV light in tanning salon and the availability and importance of use of UV dosimeter are highlighted. The three main focuses of this book are: - Damage to biological systems by UV light leading to certain skin diseases; most importantly skin cancers. - Importance of UV light in the in vivo synthesis of vitamin D when human bodies are exposed to it. - Diseases caused due to the deficiency of vitamin D and the use of UV lamps in phototherapy and sterilization processes. The editor has considerable experience in publishing medical books and has used it critically selecting the matters which will attract the readers from many areas of medical and non-medical fields. It is hoped that the materials presented in this book will give great benefit and will stimulate both novice and expert researchers in the field. The book gives excellent overviews of the current status of research and pointers to the future research achievements. Clinicians, medical general practitioners, technicians and staff working in UV related industries and especially those working in tanning salon should benefit from the information presented in safe handling of this light.
The history of blood transfusion is a fabulous human adventure in the course of which intentional and fortuitous conjunction of medical and scientific know-how has resulted in the birth of a new medical discipline. Following a detailed description of the discoveries in the field of transfusion, this book deals with all the questions that will determine its future including safety, emerging biotechnologies, cell and tissue engineering. It concludes by considering the evolution of transfusion in its sociological, ethical and cultural context ending with a vision for the future.
Ever since the discovery of blood types early in the last century, transfusion medicine has evolved at a breakneck pace. This second edition of Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine is exactly what you need to keep up. It combines scientific foundations with today's most practical approaches to the specialty. From blood collection and storage to testing and transfusing blood components, and finally cellular engineering, you'll find coverage here that's second to none. New advances in molecular genetics and the scientific mechanisms underlying the field are also covered, with an emphasis on the clinical implications for treatment. Whether you're new to the field or an old pro, this book belongs in your reference library. Integrates scientific foundations with clinical relevance to more clearly explain the science and its application to clinical practice. Highlights advances in the use of blood products and new methods of disease treatment while providing the most up-to-date information on these fast-moving topics Discusses current clinical controversies, providing an arena for the discussion of sensitive topics. Covers the constantly changing approaches to stem cell transplantation and brings you the latest information on this controversial topic.
Research in transfusion medicine is diverse and interdisciplinary, involving scientists and physicians in hematology, basic sciences, biology, biotechnology and so forth. It regularly proposes innovation from the donors to the patients along the whole transfusion chain in terms of blood screening, processing and transfusion praxis. The present Research Topic covers recent advances in transfusion medicine and blood, and provides an overview of the current knowledge. It includes original articles, reviews and perspectives for the future challenges.
