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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.

BackgroundRecent studies have highlighted the clinical usefulness of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in psychiatry. However, the potential effects of psychotropics on NIRS signals remain unknown.MethodsWe conducted a systematic chart review of 40 depressed patients who underwent NIRS scans during a verbal fluency task to clarify the relationships between psychotropic dosage and NIRS signals. The dosage of psychotropic medications was calculated using defined daily dose (DDD). We investigated the associations between the DDD of psychotropic medications and oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) in single channel levels.LimitationsRetrospective study design and small sample size are the main limitations.ResultsMultiple regression analysis revealed that one channel in the right temporoparietal region had a significant association with antidepressant DDD controlling for age, sex, depression severity, and the DDD of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines. Moreover, high doses of antidepressants had significant effects on NIRS signals compared with low doses, in group comparisons.ConclusionsThe dose-dependent impact of antidepressants on NIRS signals should be taken into account when interpreting NIRS data.

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Background and Objectives: The Japanese Red Cross Society recalled one lot of monoclonal–antibody–purified factor VIII (F VIII) and two lots of human serum albumin (HSA) 5 months after preparation of the final products, because of a procedural error that led to contamination by a unit of plasma positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). We evaluated the effectiveness of virus inactivation/removal in a large–scale process for manufacturing F VIII and HSA. Materials and Methods: HBV DNA in the retained samples in process was measured by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The kinetics of virus inactivation by solvent–detergent (S/D) treatment was examined using model viruses. We also did a look–back survey of the patients who received corresponding products. Results: Contaminated hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA became undetectable beyond fraction S IV–I in the albumin process and immunoaffinity chromatography in the F VIII process, respectively. The model viruses were inactivated within 5 s by S/D treatment. There is no evidence that patients were infected by HBV after transfusion of these products. Conclusion: We conclude that virus inactivation/removal was effectively achieved in a large–scale manufacturing process for F VIII and HSA.