bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison and quantification of carnivore diet by faecal analysis: a critique, with recommendations, based on a study of the Fox Vulpes vulpes
Authors: REYNOLDS JONATHAN C. , AEBISCHER NICHOLAS J.
Published: April 2008

Failure to address many of the difficulties inherent in the analysis of carnivore faeces has hitherto limited the value of this technique in comparing carnivore diets or quantifying carnivore food consumption. In this review, major problems are discussed, and improved procedures designed to overcome them are recommended.

The principal improvements recommended for laboratory procedures address the microscopic fraction of faeces, which cannot be analysed visually. This fraction may be derived from a variety of sources, leading to bias in previous techniques, particularly with regard to the importance of earthworms and birds. Attention to the microscopic fraction is necessary for correct comparison or quantitative determination of diet.

Particular attention is given to statistical procedures which quantify the errors that arise in collection of samples, or during analysis. Clear statement of such errors will lead to greater comparability between studies. The procedures recommended here define the limits to accuracy in relation to sample size, total faecal production, and laboratory methods. In conjunction with adequate pilot studies, these techniques will allow more effective design of ecological studies relating to carnivore diet and food consumption.
Evolutionary origins of the mammary gland
Authors: BLACKBURN DANIEL G.
Published: April 2008

Because the mammary gland has no known homologue among the extant reptiles, attempts to reconstruct its evolution must focus on evidence from living mammals. Of the numerous structures that have been hypothesized to have given rise to the mammary gland, only three remain as plausible progenitors: sebaceous glands, eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Ancestral mammary glands are usually assumed to have produced a copious watery secretion like that of human eccrine sweat glands. However, in terms of anatomy, physiology, development and topographical distribution, mammary glands are more similar to apocrine and sebaceous glands than to typical eccrine glands. Nevertheless, each of the three populations of cutaneous glands exhibit specializations unlikely to be primitive for the mammary gland. The mammary gland either predated full differentiation of mammalian cutaneous glands or, more probably, evolved as a neomorphic mosaic that combined the properties of apocrine and sebaceous glands. Consequently, ancestral, prototypic lacteal glands may have had the capacity to synthesize and secrete small amounts of organic substances, as do sebaceous and apocrine glands of living mammals.
The subfamilies and tribes of the family Bovidae
Authors: GENTRY A. W.
Published: April 2008

In this paper 112 skeletal characters in 27 living species of bovids are used in cladistic and phenetic analyses of the relationships among the tribes in the family. Consideration and modification of the cladistic analysis leads to the conclusion that bovids cluster around four foci in ascending evolutionary sequence: Boselaphini and allies; Antilopini and some Neotragini; the Caprinae; and a group of African antelopes containing Aepyceros, Alcelaphini, Reduncini and Hippotragini. This conclusion is quite closely compatible with the phenetic distance analysis of the same data, provided die latter is read as if primitive or early bovids share more similarities than divergently advanced ones and hence associate more closely. Given the primitiveness of Boselaphini and allies, the crucial finding is that Caprinae link with African antelopes and that Antilopini are more remote. Cladistic and phenetic analyses of 32 characters in 12 extinct bovid species produce similar groupings, but also throw doubt on the classification of Aepyceros, Reduncini and Hippotragini alongside Alcelaphini within a clade of African antelopes. As a result of these two sets of studies, of living and of extinct bovids, minimal alterations are proposed to the arrangement of bovid tribes. In addition, Saiga is placed in the Antilopini, and, with less assurance, Pelea in the Neotragini, Aepyceros in the Alcelaphinae, and Pantholops in the Caprinae. The contribution of the fossil record to understanding bovid evolution is considered.
Badger Meles meles setts–architecture, internal environment and function
Authors: ROPER T. J.
Published: April 2008

Badger setts vary considerably in size, ranging from simple single‐entrance burrows to complex tunnel systems hundreds of metres long with multiple entrances and underground chambers. Data from 19 excavated setts show that main setts are larger than other setts in terms of area and volume, and contain more chambers, nests and latrines; but setts of different sizes and types are built according to the same basic architectural principles. Little is known about the environmental conditions within setts, other than that temperature and humidity are constant in parts of a sett that are at least 7 m from the nearest entrance. Setts are used for breeding and as sleeping places and refuges, but a question remains as to the functional value of large setts. It is suggested that large main setts allow members of a social group to avoid one another underground, especially when breeding. Little is known about the use of other types of sett.
The process of domestication
Authors: CLUTTON‐BROCK JULIET
Published: April 2008

Domestication involves both culture and biology. The cultural process of domestication begins when animals are incorporated into the social structure of a human community and become objects of ownership, inheritance, purchase and exchange. The morphological changes that occur in domestic animals come second to this integration into human society. The biological process resembles evolution and begins when a small number of parent animals are separated from the wild species and are habituated to humans. These animals form a founder group, which is changed over successive generations, in response to natural selection under the new regime imposed by the human community and its environment, and also by artificial selection for economic, cultural, or aesthetic reasons. In the wild, the evolution of a subspecies occurs when a segment of a species becomes reproductively isolated by a geographical barrier. With domestic animals, this separation leads to the development of different breeds.
Pets and pests in Roman and medieval Britain
Authors: O'CONNOR T. P.
Published: April 2008

Humans and other vertebrates interact in a variety of relationships which are inadequately described by a simple division of these other animals into wild, feral, tame, and domestic taxa. Discussion of the process and semantic meaning of domestication has largely taken place in the context of the adoption of settled agriculture, but is equally relevant to complex urban societies. Certain species adopted a synanthropic relationship in the first ‘villages’ of the early Holocene, and co‐existence with pets has a similar antiquity. The nature of the relationship between people and their pets is complex, and scarcely amenable to archaeological investigation, as part of the mutual benefit has an emotional basis, or centres on the symbolic role of certain species within different societies. The status of Cats in medieval towns in Britain and Ireland is a case in point, with opinions varying from the exploitation of Cats for skins, through neglected feral living, to a pet status much as today. The truth probably subsumes all three interpretations. Rats seem to have adapted to commensalism in northern Europe more slowly than Mice, and there may be evidence that Rats were more vulnerable to changes in habitat. Archaeology can usefully examine the community ecology of Roman and medieval towns, but any such research must move away from simple concepts of wild or domestic status.
A review of the endoparasites of wild House Mice Mus domesticus
Authors: TATTERSALL F.H. , NOWELL F. , SMITH R.H.
Published: April 2008

A tabular checklist of the parasites of wild House Mice Mus domesticus is presented, with data on prevalence rates and geographic location. Parasites most often recorded are: Syphacia obvelata, Taenia taeniformis, Aspiculuris tetraptera, Hymenolepis diminuta and Trichuris maris. The near‐global distribution of House Mice and their ability to survive in a wide range of conditions render House Mouse parasites ideal for the study of environmental influences on parasites and transmission of parasites to new hosts.
Arthropod parasites of elephant‐shrews, with particular reference to ticks
Authors: FOURIE L.J. , TOIT J. S. DU , KOK D. J. , HORAK I. G.
Published: April 2008

Elephant‐shrews from sub‐Saharan Africa are infested by a large variety of arthropod parasites including ticks, mites, fleas, lice and the larvae of a calliphorid fly. Lists of the ectoparasites recorded from these animals are presented. Of particular importance are the ixodid ticks infesting elephantshrews, as several of these can cause toxicosis, particularly paralysis in domestic animals, while others serve as important vectors of disease. Twenty‐seven ixodid tick species belonging to six genera recorded from elephant‐shrews are listed. Both host‐and tick‐dependent factors must be examined in order to determine the ecology of ticks infesting elephant‐shrews and their relationship to disease in domestic and wild animals.
The male reproductive system and the phylogeny of elephant‐shrews (Macroscelidea)
Authors: WOODALL PETER F.
Published: April 2008

Elephant‐shrews show many unusual features of their reproductive systems. The testes lie in the abdominal cavity, just caudal to the kidneys, and are relatively very small. The epididymis is long and most sperm are stored in a coiled region, possibly homologous to the cauda epididymidis, adjacent to the rectum. Spermatogenesis occurs throughout the year but there are marked seasonal changes in the size of the testis and accessory glands. The spermatozoa have a spatulate‐shaped nucleus with a long acrosome. The subacrosome is pointed or more rounded in Macroscelides and Petrodromus but is anvil‐shaped in Elephantulus with lateral barbs. Coarse fibres 1,5,6 and 9 are enlarged but in E. edwardii there is a great enlargement of all the coarse fibres. The accessory glands consist of five pairs of prostate glands, a uterus masculinus and a pair of bulbourethral glands. The penis is very long and runs cranially under the abdominal skin. The distal end of the glans has a characteristic shape for each genus. Features of the male reproductive system give no support for the suggested relationship of elephant‐shrews with lagomorphs and rodents but do show some similarities with the paenungulates (hyrax, elephant and sireneans).
The social and reproductive biology of Humpback Whales: an ecological perspective
Authors: CLAPHAM PHILLIP J.
Published: April 2008

Existing knowledge of the social organization, mating system and reproduction of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) is reviewed to assess how our current understanding of this wide‐ranging marine mammal fits into the predictive framework developed from ecological studies of more accessible terrestrial taxa. The small unstable groups characteristic of this species on its summer feeding grounds appear to be a function of absence of predation and of the patchy, mobile nature of most prey; the absence of territoriality and the minimal importance of kinship in associations are also predictable consequences of the latter. The mating system is similar to both leks and to male dominance polygyny, in which males display (sing) or directly compete (perhaps sometimes in coalitions) for access to females. However, the rigid spatial structure characteristic of classic leks is absent. The mating system of this species is sufficiently different to merit a novel category, and ‘floating lek’ is proposed. The widespread distribution of females resulting from absence of both predation and resources during the breeding season preclude simultaneous monopolization by males of more than one potential mate. Furthermore, these factors, together with a male‐biased operational sex ratio, minimize the possibility of competition among females. The intensity of intrasexual competition among males conforms to predictions derived from information on testis size and from expectation of future reproductive success. Female choice and, to a lesser extent, differential allocation of competitive effort by males, appears likely. Lack of interpopulation variation in social and mating behaviour, and in general reproductive biology, is likely a response to similarity of marine environmental conditions. Year‐to‐year variation in reproductive rates may be linked to variations in the abundance of prey. The invariably uniparous nature of female Humpback Whales is assumed to be related to the energetic demands of lactation, and the lower ratio of available energy partitioned to reproduction that is characteristic of larger mammals. The reversed sexual size dimorphism of this species may reflect different selective pressures on males and females. Finally, there is now evidence that, as in some other taxa, offspring sex ratio is related to maternal condition.
The conflict between humans and elephants in the central African forests
Authors: BARNES R. F. W.
Published: April 2008

Elephants and humans each suffer from the presence of the other when they occupy the same forests. Farmers risk losing their crops to elephants, while elephants are displaced by settlements, agriculture, roads and development projects. Elephants have also been hunted for ivory. The ivory trade in the equatorial forests expanded in the nineteenth century as Europe prospered, and then again in the twentieth century as the Far East prospered. Forest elephant numbers were depleted each time.

Elephants are unpopular in the forest zone, and increasing human populations combined with the spread of democracy in central Africa pose a major threat to their future. If elephants are to be tolerated by villagers living in the equatorial forests, the costs they impose must be reduced and the benefits to the rural populace must be increased. A three‐pronged strategy is suggested, involving land‐use planning, measures to mitigate crop damage, and programmes to enhance the value of elephants. Elephants could be viewed as assets if their importance in the forest ecosystem were recognized, if they were domesticated for logging or transport, or if their presence was one of the factors which attracted tourists to the forest zone. However, management strategies based on hunting have the best chance of conserving elephants because of the importance of hunting in the culture of the forest people. Sport hunting for trophies may bring the greatest revenues. Community wildlife‐management programmes, where village councils make the decisions, could prevent overexploitation. There are no simple answers, however, because one form of management may conflict with the goals of another.
Biology and conservation of the Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis
Authors: CARTER S. K. , ROSAS F. C. W.
Published: April 2008

The Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis (Zimmermann, 1780) is endemic to South America, distributed throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River basins and numerous localities in the Guyanas. This otter is the largest member of the family Mustelidae, clearly distinguished from other South American otter species by morphological and behavioural characteristics. Large‐scale pelt hunting in the 1950s and 1960s led to the classification of the species as ‘vulnerable’ by the World Conservation Union (IUCN, 1990). Habitat degradation and destruction now present the largest threat to remaining populations. The current distribution of the Giant Otter is presented, emphasizing recent information collected in the Amazon Basin. Morphology, systematics, habitat, behaviour, diet, predation, competition, reproduction, development and physiology are discussed. New data on habitat use and preference, behaviour and diet in northern Amazônia are included, and recommendations for future conservation measures are made. Because of the decimation of the Giant Otter in its southern distribution and the habitat destruction occurring in the remainder of its range, we recommend that this species be elevated to ‘endangered’ status in the IUCN Red Data Book.
Changes in the distributions of Red and Grey Squirrels in Scotland
Authors: BRYCE J.
Published: April 2008

Changes in the distribution of Red and Grey Squirrels in Forestry Commission land were examined using a replacement index for the period of 1980–94. Data from each administrative region in Scotland were examined separately. No region was found to have experienced a significant replacement of Red Squirrels by Grey Squirrels. However, significant trends in the area occupied by one or both Squirrel species were observed in the Borders and Strathclyde. Other areas appear to have experienced little or inconsistent changes in the last 15 years.
Speciation with gene flow could be common
Authors: NOSIL PATRIK
Published: April 2008

The likelihood of speciation in the face of homogenizing gene flow (i.e. without complete geographical isolation) is one of the most debated topics in evolutionary biology. Demonstrating this phenonemon is hampered by the difficulty of isolating the effects of time since population divergence vs. gene flow on levels of molecular genetic differentiation. For example, weak genetic differentiation between taxa could be due to recent divergence, gene flow, or a combination of these factors. Nonetheless, a number of convincing examples of speciation with gene flow have recently emerged, owing in part to the development of new analytical methods designed to estimate gene flow specifically. A recent example of speciation with gene flow in salamanders (Niemiller et al. 2008) further advances our understanding of this phenonemon, by showing that gene flow between cave and spring salamanders was ongoing during speciation, rather than having occurred after a long period of allopatric divergence. Future work on the ecological and genetic factors reducing gene flow will likely increase our understanding of the conditions that faciliate divergence in the face of gene flow.
Ancient DNA and conservation: lessons from the endangered kiwi of New Zealand
Authors: SHEPHERD L. D , LAMBERT D. M
Published: April 2008

Conservation genetics typically seeks to map the distribution of contemporary genetic variation across space, and to use the resulting genetic parameters to infer any likely short‐term evolutionary consequences for rare and endangered species. Recent developments in the study of ancient DNA now enable the extension of genetic variation studies backwards in time and provide a context by which to interpret contemporary levels of genetic variation, in addition to any patterns of genetic change over time. Ancient DNA research can also help to determine past levels of genetic diversity, identify species’ boundaries and reveal former ranges among morphologically cryptic taxa. Ancient DNA sequence data for the New Zealand kiwi (Apteryx spp.) are presented and we show that most ancient populations of rowi and tokoeka exhibited private mitochondrial DNA haplotypes. Moreover, we illustrate that the extinction of these populations has led to the loss of considerable genetic variation. We also use ancient DNA methodology to determine past species distributions for brown kiwi and great spotted kiwi whose bones are morphologically indistinguishable.
Loss of tafazzin in yeast leads to increased oxidative stress during respiratory growth
Authors: Chen Shuliang , He Quan , Greenberg Miriam L.
Published: April 2008

The tafazzin (TAZ) gene is highly conserved from yeast to humans, and the yeast taz1 null mutant shows alterations in cardiolipin (CL) metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction and stabilization of supercomplexes similar to those found in Barth syndrome, a human disorder resulting from loss of tafazzin. We have previously shown that the yeast tafazzin mutant taz1Δ, which cannot remodel CL, is ethanol‐sensitive at elevated temperature. In the current report, we show that in response to ethanol, CL mutants taz1Δ as well as crd1Δ, which cannot synthesize CL, exhibited increased protein carbonylation, an indicator of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The increase in ROS is most likely not due to defective oxidant defence systems, as the CL mutants do not display sensitivity to paraquat, menadione or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Ethanol sensitivity and increased protein carbonylation in the taz1Δ mutant but not in crd1Δ can be rescued by supplementation with oleic acid, suggesting that oleoyl‐CL and/or oleoyl‐monolyso‐CL enables growth of taz1Δ in ethanol by decreasing oxidative stress. Our findings of increased oxidative stress in the taz1Δ mutant during respiratory growth may have important implications for understanding the pathogenesis of Barth syndrome.
The ‘core’ and ‘accessory’ regulons of Pseudomonas‐specific extracytoplasmic sigma factors
Authors: Cornelis Pierre
Published: April 2008

Pyoverdine is a fluorescent, high‐affinity peptide siderophore produced by different Pseudomonas species. The genes for pyoverdine biosynthesis depend on PvdS, an extracytoplasmic sigma factor. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Swingle et al. demonstrate that in the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae PvdS not only regulates the production of pyoverdine (core regulon), but also controls expression of other genes likely to be involved in the adaptation to the environment (accessory regulon). This accessory regulon is variable, as different sets of genes seem to be recruited according to the Pseudomonas species and its specific ecological niche.
Purification and characterization of elicitor‐induced lipoxygenase in tobacco cells
Authors: Fournier Joélle , Pouénat Marie‐Laure , Rickauer Martina , Rabinovltch‐Chable Hélène , Rigaud Michel , Esquerré‐Tugayé Marie‐Thérèse
Published: April 2008

Lipoxygenase activity was induced in a tobacco cell suspension culture by treatment with glycopeptide elicitors prepared from the cell walls of Phytophthora parasitica var, nicotianae, and in tobacco seedlings infected by this fungal pathogen. Upon purification and characterization, the enzyme appeared to have a molecular weight of 96000, a pl of 5.1 and a Km of 20.9 μM with linoleic acid as substrate. According to its acidic optimum pH, it belongs to type‐2 lipoxygenases. Using linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acids as substrates, the products formed in vitro by lipoxygenase were characterized. 9‐ and 5‐hydroperoxides were the main products obtained from the C18 and C20 fatty acids, respectively, thereby indicating that a 5‐lipoxygenase accounts for most of the elicitor‐induced activity, since the main site of insertion of molecular oxygen is on C‐5 of arachidonic acid. Small amounts of 13‐hydroperoxides were also formed from the C18 fatty acids. In vitro, the strongest inhibitors of tobacco lipoxygenase were n‐propylgallate and nordihydroguaiaretic acid. The possible involvement of this enzyme in signaling phenomena leading to defense induction in plants via jasmonic acid and other fatty acid‐derived products is discussed.
Accurate transcription initiation of Vicia faba rDNA in a whole cell extract from embryonic axes
Authors: Yamashita Junko , Nakajima Tadaka , Tanifuji Shigeyuki , Kato Atsushi
Published: April 2008

An in vitro assay system is presented for analyses of transcription of the Vicia faba rRNA gene. The system consists of a whole cell extract from the embryonic axes of V. faba, substrates and exogenously added rDNA fragments. Specific initiation at the promoter was determined by a size analysis of the transcripts synthesized from DNA templates of various molecular sizes. This transcription was dependent on RNA polymerase I, since the reaction mixtures contain α‐amanitin. Furthermore, the primer extension experiment showed that at least a part of each transcript started at the same nucleotide, which was previously determined by in vivo S1 analysis. Therefore, it is suggested that accurate transcription of the rRNA gene occurred in this system.
A clinical trial of red‐cell concentrate prepared from blood collected in half‐strength citrate anticoagulant
Authors: Murphy W. G. , Palmer J. B. , Wilson R. , Prowse C. V. , McClelland D. B. L.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Earlier studies have indicated that plasma from blood donations drawn into half‐strength citrate anticoagulant (0·5 CPD‐A2) may give improved yields of factor VIII:C after fractionation. It has also been shown previously that cellular components from blood donations drawn into 05 CPD‐A2 have satisfactory in‐vitro and in‐vivo properties. The present study examines the clinical use of red cell concentrate (RCC) from 0·5 CPD‐A2 blood donations.

Forty‐nine patients who were undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery and who required blood transfusion received 0·5 CPD‐A2 RCC. A transfused control group of 107 patients received standard CPD‐A1 RCC for their transfusion requirements. Patients in the two transfused groups had similar haemoglobin responses to transfusion. All patients experienced a moderate pyrexia following the operation. Both study groups showed similar responses to serum lactate dehydrogenase levels in the 2 weeks following surgery, and in postoperative peripheral blood platelet counts. Serious postoperative complications arose in both groups. In the 0·5 CPD‐A2 group two patients had pulmonary emboli (one fatal) and one patient had a non‐fatal myocardial infarction. Three patients had pulmonary emboli in the CPD‐A1 transfused group.

These incidences of major adverse events were within the expected range of these complications in patients who were undergoing major joint replacement surgery and did not differ significantly between the study groups. This study indicates that red cell concentrate prepared in half‐strength citrate anticoagulant is comparable to that prepared in CPD‐A1 for patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery.
SAT, a ‘new’ low frequency blood group antigen, which may be associated with two different MNS variants
Authors: Daniels G. L. , Green C. A. , Okubo Y. , Seno T. , Yamaguchi H. , Ota S. , Taguchi T. , Tomonari Y.
Published: April 2008

Summary. A new private blood group antigen, SAT, was identified in an NFLD‐Japanese woman as a result of testing 10,480 blood donors with a serum containing anti‐NFLD and anti‐SAT. Three other sera were subsequently also shown to contain anti‐SAT. The donor's family showed that SAT is inherited as a dominant character and may be associated with a weak M antigen. Serological and immunochemical analysis revealed no other aberrations in the MNS system.

Study of a second SAT+ Japanese blood donor and his family suggested that SAT is associated with an unusual MNS variant resulting from a hybrid glycophorin comprising the N‐terminus of glycophorin A and the C‐terminus of glycophorin B. The propositus appears to be homozygous for the gene that produces the putative hybrid, which differs from previously described glycophorin (A‐B) hybrids by expressing no S, s or U antigen. SAT antigen, therefore, may be associated with two different MNS variants in the only two families in which it has been identified.
Presence of T‐antigen on the vascular endothelium
Authors: Böck M. , Oettrich K. , Kratzer M. , Heim M. U. , Bilas A. , Mempel W.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Bacterial neuraminidase plays an important role in the pathogenesis of some haemolytic anaemias. It divides neuraminic acid from the red cell surface to expose a hidden antigen (Thomsen‐Friedenreich antigen, T). A physiologically circulating antibody can then react with the uncovered T and cause a rapid haemolysis. This study demonstrates the presence of T on human vascular endothelium. Similar to red cells it is exposed by the action of bacterial neuraminidase. The subsequent reaction with the physiological antibody could be involved in the pathogenesis of vascular damage observed in severe cases of bacterial septicaemia.
Human monoclonal antibodies to human blood group antigens Kidd Jka and Jkb
Authors: Thompson K. , Barden G. , Sutherland J. , Beldon I. , Melamed M.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Three IgM human monoclonal antibodies to Jkb, and one IgM human monoclonal antibody to Jka were produced from the lymphocytes of two immunized donors. Two of the anti‐Jkb monoclonal antibodies (MS‐7 and MS‐9) are of the IgM(κ) isotype and one (MS‐8) is an IgM(λ). The anti‐Jka monoclonal antibody (MS‐15) is of the IgM(κ) isotype. They are all specific for their respective antigens, and give positive agglutinations in saline by the immediate spin technique, even against Jk(a + b +) cells. The heterohybridomas have been shown to be suitable for bulk culture and produce levels of antibody that reach 18 μg/ml in the spent culture supernatant. They offer considerable advantages over currently available reagents in terms of stability, simplicity and speed of use, and will provide a reliable and unlimited supply of what are at the moment rare and unsatisfactory antibodies.
Post‐transfusion hepatitis after open‐heart surgery in Finland—a prospective study
Authors: Ebeling F. , Naukkarinen R. , Hanhela R. , Jalonen J. , Kaukinen L. , Salmenperä M. , Suistomaa M. , Leikola J.
Published: April 2008

Summary. A countrywide prospective study on open‐heart surgery patients was performed between 1987 and 1989 to determine the prevalence and nature of post‐transfusion hepatitis in Finland. Altogether 685 coronary by‐pass operation patients, who received on average 12·3 units of blood products, were postoperatively followed for 6 months. Ten blood samples were drawn from each patient. Hepatitis was diagnosed when the alanine aminotransferase values exceeded the upper normal value 2·5 times in one sample and twice in another, and non‐viral causes could reasonably be excluded. Eleven hepatitis cases (1·6%) were recorded with a mean incubation period of 8·4 weeks; all represented the non‐A, non‐B type. The majority had mild symptoms or were asymptomatic but two became icteric. Six patients (55%) had abnormal alanine aminotransferase values for at least 6 months, which indicates possible chronicity. These 685 open‐heart surgery patients received a total of 8,436 units of blood products; thus the rate of NANBH cases per 1000 units was as low as 1·3. This is less than recently reported in six other prospective studies.
Three decades of reference serology*
Authors: Giles C. M.
Published: April 2008

Summary. I have tried to show that blood group serology developed rapidly out of necessity and demonstrated a high degree of polymorphism on red cells that was unmatched at that time in man. With new knowledge, these observations have proved to be accurate and informative and correlate well with subsequent biochemical and molecular studies on the antigenic structures, in spite of the fact that they were achieved by relatively simple technology. Serology still has the capacity to focus on points of interest and even to solve problems, albeit in conjunction with other modern and more sophisticated techniques. It provides a good discipline for any scientist to make unbiased and objective studies.
Presence of glycosyltransferase inhibitors in the sera of patients with long‐term surviving ABO incompatible (A2 to O) kidney grafts
Authors: Rydberg L. , Samuelsson B. E.
Published: April 2008

Summary. In the sera of blood group O recipients with long‐term surviving blood group A2 kidney grafts, inhibitors of A‐glycosyltransferase (α‐3‐N‐acetyl‐D‐galactosaminyl transferase) have been identified in four out of six patients. The inhibitors seem to be of IgG antibody nature and do not appear until at least 1 year after transplantation. The inhibitors are also active against B‐transferase (α‐3‐D‐galactosyl transferase) as well as against A‐glycosyltransferase of pig origin. The importance of these A‐glycosyltransferase inhibitors is not clear. They may have a modifying effect on the antigenic expression of the graft. The immunogenicity of soluble glycosyltransferases is well known and the development of antibodies against them might prevent their enzymatic activity.
Antibody to hepatitis C virus in blood donors found positive for other agents. I. Treponemal infection
Authors: Aloysius S. , Howell D. R. , Barbara J. A. J.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Stored serum samples from 169 blood donors found positive for TPHA were tested for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV) and to hepatitis B core (anti‐HBc), as evidence of previous HBV infection, a condition known to be sexually transmissible. Only three donors were positive with a ‘first generation’ anti‐HCV and all three failed to confirm with a recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA). In contrast, 33 (19·5%) of the TPHA‐positive donors were positive for anti‐HBc. The results suggest that sexual transmission is not a major factor in the spread of HCV.
The definition of refractoriness to platelet transfusions
Authors: Bishop J. F. , Matthews J. P. , Yuen K. , McGrath K. , Wolf M. M. , Szer J.
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. The relationship between the 1 and 20 h post‐transfusion platelet count and three parameters used to define refractory transfusions, namely the corrected increment (CI), platelet increment (PI), and percentage platelet recovery (%REC), was studied in 437 non‐HLA matched platelet transfusions given to 102 patients with bone marrow failure. The percentage agreement between common definitions of refractoriness was calculated based on these parameters. As the maintenance of platelet counts above 20 times 109/1 is a relevant clinical goal for platelet support, the values of the CI, PI and %REC, which best corresponded to 1‐ and 20‐h post‐transfusion counts of 20 times 109/1, were identified. A 1‐h post‐transfusion CI<3 (PI<7 times 109/1 or % REC <8%) corresponded to clinically unsuccessful transfusions with a 1‐h platelet count <20 times 109/1. A 1‐h CI≥5.5 (PI≥12 times 109/1 or %REC≥14%) corresponded to clinically successful transfusions with a 20‐h post‐transfusion count of ≥20 times 10/1. These data tie together the end points reported in the literature for defining refractory transfusions.
Transmission of HIV by transfusion of HIV‐screened blood: the value of a national register
Authors: Courtois F. , Jullien A. M. , Chenais F. , Noel L. , Pinon F.
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. A National Register of transfusion‐transmitted infections was opened by the French Society of Blood Transfusion on 1 October, 1986. Out of 54 initially reported cases of HIV‐infection, allegedly transmitted by blood components, further investigation could be completed in 33 cases. The transfusional origin of contamination was considered as established or probable in 28/33 cases, either because a potentially infectious unit was identified among those transfused to the recipient (23/28), or because the recipient was known to be seronegative before transfusion (5/28), or both (10/28). In 5/33 cases transfusion was considered as presumably responsible for contamination because no other risk factor was found in the recipient.

Among the 33 documented cases of HIV‐transmission by screened blood, 29 (88%) occurred between 1985 and 1987, and four (12%) during 1988.

Out of 19 implicated donors later found seropositive, 16 belonged to a high‐risk group for HIV‐infection. The majority of HIV‐infections occurred as a consequence of blood donation in the window period between contamination and the appearance of detectable antibodies in the donor's serum (11/19). In three instances, however, human and operational errors led to the release of seropositive units.

We conclude that the main value of this Register is to provide a potential trend‐indicator of transfusion‐related infectious risks, to allow objective documentation of reported cases and to contribute to the improvement of blood transfusion practice.
The gel test: some problems and solutions
Authors: de Figueiredo M. , Lima M. , Morais S. , Porto G. , Justiça B.
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. The gel centrifugation test (GT) is a method of transfusion serology, based on the fact that, after centrifugation, unagglutinated red blood cells (RBC) pass easily through a gel, while agglutinated RBC do not. The introduction of the GT to our blood bank transfusion routine [strictly following the manufacturer's instructions (DiaMed ID Micro Typing System)] resulted in problems with the interpretation of the results. These were overcome after the introduction of modifications, which included; (1) the systematic use of 1% RBC suspensions; (2) the use of 50 μ1 of 1% RBC suspensions and 25 μ1 of serum in all tests; (3) the control of all negative indirect antiglobulin tests (IAT) and direct antiglobulin tests (DAT) by the addition of 50 μ1 of a 1% IgG coated RBC suspension followed by centrifugation; and (4) the systematic use of saline‐suspended RBC for ABO typing in patients with positive DAT.
Differences in the characteristics of human monoclonal and polyclonal anti‐D as revealed by immunochemical investigations: human monoclonal antibodies share specificities with natural antibodies
Authors: Thorpe S. J. , Bailey S. W. , Gooi H. C. , Thompson K. M.
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. To determine the basis of the tissue cross‐reactions shown by some human monoclonal anti‐Rh D antibodies, we have investigated the tissue reactivities of 48 further human monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against D and other Rh antigens, and compared them with those of normal and anti‐D sera and immunoglobulin preparations, and affinity‐purified polyclonal anti‐D antibodies. Although we were unable to detect any tissue reactivities associated with the D‐binding fraction of polyclonal antisera or prophylactic immunoglobulin, the non‐erythroid cell types identified by the tissue‐reactive human anti‐Rh mAb of both IgM and IgG class were those recognized by antibodies present in both normal and anti‐D sera. These results indicate: (a) that the tissue specificities of human anti‐Rh mAb are similar to those of natural antibodies, and (b) that there are immunochemical differences between polyclonal and monoclonal anti‐D antibodies, at least of IgG class, which may be relevant to the use of the latter in the prevention of haemolytic disease of the new‐born by immune prophylaxis.
The MAIPA assay and its applications in immunohaematology
Authors: Kiefel V.
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. The monoclonal antibody immobilization of platelet antigens (MAIPA) assay has proved to be a reliable and useful tool in platelet immunology. After immunochemical localization of the most important platelet allo‐ and autoantigens on platelet glycoproteins (GPs) IIb/IIIa, Ia/IIa, Ib/IX, the corresponding antibodies can easily be detected with this technique because mAbs against these membrane constituents are now readily available. The assay also allows reliable typing of platelet alloantigens. Detection of GP‐specific PAIgG (by direct MAIPA) has proved to be a specific diagnostic sign of AITP. The MAIPA assay allowed identification of ‘new’ alloantibody specificities including alloantibodies against ‘low‐frequency’ antigens. The principle of this technique has successfully been applied to characterize antibodies against lymphocytes, endothelial cells and granulocytes.
Analysis of fresh frozen plasma administration with suggestions for ways to reduce usage
Authors: Shanberge J. N. , Quattrociocchi‐Longe T.
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. A programme for the daily monitoring of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) usage, combined with continuous eduction in the correct use of FFP, was started at William Beaumont Hospital in 1985. In 2 years, this had resulted in a 77% reduction in FFP usage. An analysis of the type of cases which received FFP, after the major reduction had occurred, from July, 1985 through June, 1989 is presented. During this time 2,612 units were administered to 873 patients, an average of 54 units per month. According to the; accepted criteria established by the Hospital Transfusion Committee, 67% of the transfused units on the medical service were deemed indicated, compared with 54% on the surgical service. Most of the FFP was used to treat patients with liver disease, or receiving coumadin, or undergoing coronary bypass surgery. Conditions which will decrease the need for FFP administration are also presented for consideration. The results indicate that a consistent monitoring and education programme can keep blood and blood component usage at a defensible minimum.
Transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease in patients with Hodgkin's disease and T cell lymphoma
Authors: Baglin T. P. , Joysey V. C. , Horsford J. , Johnson R. T. , Broadbent V. , Marcus R. E.
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. Two patients, one with Hodgkin's disease and one with peripheral T cell lymphoma, developed transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease 16 and 8 days after transfusion of red cell and platelet concentrates. Fever and skin rash were followed rapidly by an elevation of liver enzymes and the onset of diarrhoea and pancytopenia. Despite treatment with high‐dose methylprednisolone and anti‐lymphocyte globulin, commenced within 7 and 2 days of the onset of rash, grade IV GvHD persisted and both patients died with severe pancytopenia. HLA types of peripheral lymphocytes of the patient with Hodgkin's disease were inconsistent with those of her parents and siblings, but HLA typing of her fibroblasts revealed that her true type was consistent with those of her parents and that her circulating lymphocytes were not genetically her own. The HLA types of the patient with T‐cell lymphoma were inconsistent with those of her siblings which suggests, but, in the absence of other evidence, does not prove, chimaerism.
Platelet counting using plasma platelet concentrate samples
Authors: Lord R. A. , Smith G. A. , Nightingale M. J. , Boulton F. E.
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. Platelet counting using samples of plasma from platelet concentrates prepared for transfusion was assessed. The methods employed included a manual phase‐contrast method, and counting with Coulter S Plus and Sysmex E‐2500 counters. All methods were reproducible (mean CV of 4.9, 2.2 and 1.4%, respectively). However, neat samples of platelet concentrates analysed by Coulter counter were inaccurate (mean count of 863.8 times 109/1 compared to 1018.9 times 109/1 counted manually). Moreover, the Coulter platelet counts were non‐linear above 900 times 109/1, whereas the E‐2500 platelet counts were linear to 2700 times 109/1. A one‐in‐three pre‐dilution was required to obtain accurate, linear counts with the Coulter counter, whereas the E‐2500 was accurate without pre‐dilution (mean count of 1030.2 times 109/1 compared to 1018.9 times 109/1 counted manually). In conclusion, the method of platelet counting may affect true platelet yields.
Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia due to anti‐HPA‐5b (Bra, Zava, Hca): the importance of third‐generation platelet antibody detection techniques, a case report
Authors: Allen D. L. , Floyd A. P. , Billson A. L. , Bell R. A. F. , Davis J. G. , Entwistle C. C.
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. Investigation of the maternal serum in a case of suspected alloimmune neonatal thrombocytopenia by conventional, second‐generation platelet serological assays (platelet radioactive antiglobulin test [PRAT], platelet suspension immunofluorescence test [PSIFT] and solid‐phase adherence assay (SPAA, ‘Capture‐P’) demonstrated only the presence of HLA class‐I antibodies of limited specificities: no platelet‐specific antibodies were detectable. The use of a third generation, glycoprotein capture assay (monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of platelet antigens, MAIPA) revealed the additional presence of anti‐HPA‐5b with a titre of 1 in 32. Despite this relatively high titre, and the fact that it was able to induce a prolonged thrombocytopenia, this antibody was not detectable by conventional assays. In view of these findings we conclude that the use of MAIPA is essential when investigating cases of suspected alloimmune neonatal thrombocytopenia.
A controlled trial of intra‐operative autologous transfusion in cardiothoracic surgery measuring effect on transfusion requirements and clinical outcome
Authors: Bell K. , Stott K. , Sinclair C. J. , Walker W. S. , Gillon J.
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. We carried out a prospective, controlled trial of intra‐operative autologous transfusion (IOAT) in cardiac surgery using the Haemonetics Cellsaver 4, to determine the effects on transfusion requirements and early clinical outcome. Intra‐operative autologous transfusion in unselected patients resulted in a reduction in the use of red cells in patients undergoing first‐time operations (IOAT median 3 units, controls median 4 units, P=0.0023), with no difference in the use of other blood products. Post‐operative haemoglobin was higher in IOAT patients (IOAT 11.6 g/dl ± 1.1 versus controls 11.2 g/dl ± 0.98, P < 0.001). There is therefore the potential for a further reduction in homologous blood use in the IOAT group. There was no difference in early clinical outcome in the two groups; in particular the incidence of coagulopathies was not influenced by IOAT.

The routine use of IOAT would add substantially to the cost of these operations. The decision to use it must therefore be based on an assessment of the value of the reduction in risk to the patient achieved by a small reducton in homologous donor exposures.
Self help for platelet serologists: the Australian platelet antibody workshops
Authors: Minchinton R.M.
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. The first three Australian Platelet Antibody Workshops (APAW) were held under the auspices of the Australasian Society of Blood Transfusion (ASBT) in 1989, 1990 and 1991. Participants submitted serum samples to the convenor who coded and distributed samples to laboratories routinely performing platelet serology. Results were summarized and discussed at the annual ASBT meetings.

This report documents the evolution of platelet antibody tests in Australia and demonstrates the marked improvements in the participants' ability to differentiate platelet‐specific antibodies from HLA antibodies and to identify the alloantigenic specificity of platelet antibodies. Five reference laboratories in Australia now hold panels typed for at least three platelet alloantigens.