Kristen M. Glenister

Proteomic analysis of supernatant from pooled buffy‐coat platelet concentrates throughout 7‐day storage

BACKGROUND: The platelet (PLT) storage lesion remains incompletely understood. To gain a greater insight into the PLT storage lesion, a proteomic analysis of supernatant from leukofiltered pooled buffy‐coat PLT concentrates (PCs) was undertaken.

Proteomic analysis of supernatants of stored red blood cell products

BACKGROUND: The development of the red blood cell (RBC) storage lesion remains incompletely understood. To gain a greater insight into the mechanisms involved, a proteomics analysis was used to identify proteins that accumulate in supernatants of standard nonleukoreduced RBC products (S‐RBCs) and prestorage leukofiltered RBC products (LF‐RBCs) during storage.

Comparison of human platelet membrane-cytoskeletal proteins with the plasma proteome : Towards understanding the platelet-plasma nexus

Platelets are essential for maintaining vascular integrity. Given the anucleate nature of platelets, definition of their proteome is essential for understanding platelet pathophysiology. We describe here a detailed MS‐based proteomic analysis of the platelet membrane/cytoskeletal sub‐proteome from purified, normal, non‐activated human platelets. In contrast to previous platelet proteomic purification strategies, the buffy‐coat method was utilized in this study to isolate and purify minimally activated platelets, yielding significantly reduced contaminants for leukocytes (0.02 ± 0.007×106/L) and erythrocytes (0.21 ± 0.02%). Using a false discovery rate of 1%, 203 proteins were identified and characterized with respect to their subcellular localization, biological function, and cellular processes. Of these, 16 have not been identified in previous human platelet proteome studies. As a first approach towards understanding the dynamic platelet‐plasma protein composition nexus, we re‐analysed the entire HUPO plasma proteome project dataset (647 plasma proteins identified) and compared these data with our platelet proteome dataset. Co‐identified proteins (41) were further analysed with respect to their relative abundances (exponentially modified protein abundance index) and functional enrichment in these two proteomes, as well as their correlation with the platelet transcriptome. Both platelet membrane/cytoskeletal and plasma proteome reference datasets, comprising both processed and unprocessed MS/MS spectra, are publicly accessible (http://www.ludwig.edu.au/archive/).

International blood collection and storage: Clinical use of blood products

Human blood transfusion is the process of transferring blood or blood-based products from an individual into the circulatory system of another. From the theory of circulation of blood to the early practice of blood transfusion, transfusion medicine has been an important concept for many centuries. The practicality of transfusion, however, only became a possibility during and shortly after the Second World War. Today, blood and its derivatives play a critical role in worldwide health care systems, with blood components having direct clinical indications. Over the past several years worldwide organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO) have made a number of substantial improvements to the regulation of the worlds blood supply. This continuous supply plays a critical role throughout health care systems worldwide, with procedures for blood collection, processing, and storage now complex, standardised processes. As the areas of clinical validation of different disease states from blood-derived sources (i.e., disease biomarkers) move towards validation stages, the importance of controlled- and standardised-protocols is imperative.

Infarcted intestine: A diagnostic void

The diagnostic approaches to infarction of the small intestine are reviewed in the present paper. The inadequacy of current methods, especially biochemical methods, are highlighted. Additionally, the benefits of a sensitive and specific test of intestinal infarction are discussed.

Level of platelet-derived cytokines in leukoreduced red blood cells is influenced by the processing method and type of leukoreduction filter

BACKGROUND: In contrast to the well‐documented effect of white blood cells on the quality of red blood cells (RBCs), the effect of platelets (PLTs) has received little consideration. In this study, the PLT content and level of PLT‐derived cytokines in RBCs prepared using different types of leukoreduction methods were investigated.

Enrichment of Human Platelet Membranes for Proteomic Analysis

Platelets (thrombocytes) are the smallest human blood cells and are pivotal in processes of hemostasis and thrombosis. Central to their function, the activation of platelets includes a complex interplay of adhesion and signalling molecules mediated via the plasma and inner membrane. Because platelets are enucleated, the analysis of the proteome is the best way to approach their biology. Here, we employ mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics to characterise membrane proteins derived from non-stimulated human platelets. This protocol details the extraction and purification of platelet membrane proteins from whole blood using SDS-PAGE in conjunction with LC-MS/MS. This method allowed the identification, and characterization of 207 platelet membrane proteins (PMP) from approximately 9.95 x 10(9) platelets (16).

Integrated and consumer-directed care: a necessary paradigm shift for rural chronic ill health

Chronic ill health has recently emerged as the most important health issue on a global scale. Rural communities are disproportionally affected by chronic ill health. Many health systems are centred on the management of acute conditions and are often poorly equipped to deal with chronic ill health. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most prominent chronic ill health conditions and the principal cause of mortality worldwide. In this paper, CVD is used as an example to demonstrate the disparity between rural and urban experience of chronic ill health, access to medical care and clinical outcomes. Advances have been made to address chronic ill health through improving self-management strategies, health literacy and access to medical services. However, given the higher incidence of chronic health conditions and poorer clinical outcomes in rural communities, it is imperative that integrated health care emphasises greater collaboration between services. It is also vital that rural GPs are better supported to work with their patients, and that they use consumer-directed approaches to empower patients to direct and coordinate their own care.

Why Australia needs to define obesity as a chronic condition

BackgroundIn Australia people with a diagnosed chronic condition can be managed on unique funded care plans that allow the recruitment of a multidisciplinary team to assist in setting treatment goals and adequate follow up. In contrast to the World Health Organisation, the North American and European Medical Associations, the Australian Medical Association does not recognise obesity as a chronic condition, therefore excluding a diagnosis of obesity from qualifying for a structured and funded treatment plan.BodyThe Australian guidelines for management of Obesity in adults in Primary Care are structured around a five step process -the ‘5As’: Ask & Assess, Advise, Assist and Arrange’. This article aims to identify the key challenges and successes associated with the ‘5As’ approach, to better understand the reasons for the gap between the high Australian prevalence of overweight and obesity and an actual diagnosis and treatment plan for managing obesity. It argues that until the Australian health system follows the international lead and defines obesity as a chronic condition, the capacity for Australian doctors to diagnose and initiate structured treatment plans will remain limited and ineffective.ConclusionAustralian General Practitioners are limited in their ability manage obesity, as the current treatment guidelines only recognise obesity as a risk factor rather than a chronic condition.