bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discontinuous gas exchange and water loss in the keratin beetle Omorgus radula: further evidence against the water conservation hypothesis?
Authors: Bosch Mareza , Chown Steven L. , Scholtz Clarke H.
Published: September 2010

Discontinuous gas exchange cycles are demonstrated in Omorgus radula (Erichson) (Coleoptera, Trogidae) for the first time, thus extending evidence for such cycles to another family of beetles. The closed, flutter and open phases of the cycle were clearly distinguishable in this species, and the duration of these phases was 221 ± 28, 1403 ± 148 and 755 ± 43 s (mean ± SE), respectively. No evidence for significant intraspecific mass scaling of VCO2 or any of the components of the cycle was found. Although the prolonged F‐phase recorded here is unusual for many insects, it has previously been found in other scarabaeoid beetles, especially those from xeric environments. It has been suggested that such modulation of the discontinuous gas exchange cycle may result in a reduced VCO2 and, consequently, reduced water loss. In O. radula VCO2 (15.25 ± 1.49 μl/h) was considerably lower than that predicted from its body mass (0.207 ± 0.006 g). However, the small relative contribution of respiratory transpiration (6.5%) to total water loss indicated that reduced VCO2 has little to do with water economy. Rather, it may be a consequence of generally low activity levels of these beetles. The low respiratory water loss, but distinct subterranean component in the adult life of O. radula, lend some credence to the hypothesis suggesting that regular use of subterranean habitats might have been responsible for the evolution of discontinuous gas exchange cycles. However, non‐adaptive hypotheses can still not be discounted.
Thermotolerance and rapid cold hardening ameliorate the negative effects of brief exposures to high or low temperatures on fecundity in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga crassipalpis
Authors: Rinehart Joseph P. , Yocum George D. , Denlinger David L.
Published: September 2010

Summary

Although the immediate effects of temperature stress are well documented, the longer‐term effects of such stresses are more poorly known. In these experiments, we investigate the effects of suboptimal and supraoptimal temperatures during pharate adult development on fecundity in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga crassipalpis Macquart. A 1 h cold shock at −10°C during the red‐eye pharate adult stage decreases the fecundity of both sexes. Induction of rapid cold hardening by pre‐treatment at 0°C for 2 h partially prevents reproductive impairment. Heat shock of pharate adults for 1 h at 45°C also reduces fecundity in both sexes, but inducing thermotolerance by pre‐treatment at 40°C for 2 h affords protection only to females. Males heat shocked at 45°C or first pre‐treated at 40°C consistently fail to transfer sperm to the females. The injury inflicted on males by heat shock is most pronounced when the stress is administered to pharate adults or adults; wandering larvae and true pupae are unaffected. The implications of these data for naturally occurring populations are discussed.
Hearing and evasive behaviour in the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Pyralidae)
Authors: Skals Niels , Surlykke Annemarie
Published: September 2010

Greater wax moths (Galleria mellonella L., Pyraloidea) use ultrasound sensitive ears to detect clicking conspecifics and echolocating bats. Pyralid ears have four sensory cells, A1−4. The audiogram of G. mellonella has best frequency at 60 kHz with a threshold around 47 dB sound pressure level. A1 and A2 have almost equal thresholds in contrast to noctuids and geometrids. A3 responds at + 12 to + 16 dB relative to the A1 threshold. The threshold data from the A‐cells give no indication of frequency discrimination in greater wax moths.

Tethered greater wax moths respond to ultrasound with short‐latency cessation of flight at + 20 to + 25 dB relative to the A1 threshold. The behavioural threshold curve parallels the audiogram, thus further corroborating the lack of frequency discrimination. Hence, the distinction between bats and conspecifics is probably based on temporal cues.

At a constant duty cycle (percentage of time where sound is on) the pulse repetition rate has no effect on the threshold for flight cessation, but stimulus duration affects both sensory and behavioural thresholds.

The maximum integration time is essentially the same: 45 ms for the A1‐cell and 50–60 ms for the flight cessation response. However, the slopes of the time‐intensity trade‐off functions are very different: − 2.1 dB per doubling of sound duration for the A1‐cell threshold, and − 7.2 dB per doubling of sound duration for the behavioural threshold.

The significance of the results for sexual acoustic communication as well as for bat defence is discussed.
Developmental changes in the patterns of feeding in fourth‐ and fifth‐instar Helicoverpa armigera caterpillars
Authors: Raubenheimer D. , Browne L. Barton
Published: September 2010

Data are presented for developmental changes in feeding behaviour within and across the fourth and fifth stadium of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) caterpillars fed nutritionally homogeneous semi‐synthetic foods. We recorded the microstructure of feeding over continuous 12‐h periods on consecutive days throughout the two stadia, and in one experiment recorded continuously for 21 h. Larvae in the two stadia showed the same general pattern of macro‐events in feeding, including a similar duration of post‐ecdysis fast, which was usually broken by consumption of the exuviae, and then a sustained period in which discrete meals on the experimental food were taken regularly. There were, however, some distinct differences in the patterns of meal‐taking both between stadia and across different one‐third time segments within stadia. Considering between‐stadium differences, the proportion of time spent feeding differed significantly only in the last segment of the feeding period of the two stadia, with the value for the fourth‐instar larvae being substantially greater than for fifth‐instar larvae. As regards within stadium changes, the proportion of time feeding increased from the first to the second segment of both stadia. However, whereas the proportion of time feeding increased from the second to the final segment of the fourth stadium, it decreased across the same period in the fifth stadium. These patterns of changes in the proportion of time feeding within and between stadia, and their behavioural mechanisms (combination of meal durations and meal frequencies), can be explained only partially with reference to increasing food requirements with development. Three areas are identified where further study might help elucidate the reasons for the observed developmental changes in the microstructure of feeding: allometric constraint, the dynamic links between ingestion and post‐ingestive processing, and ecological factors such as predation.
Olfactory orientation responses of the eucalyptus woodborer, Phoracantha semipunctata, to host plant in a wind tunnel
Authors: Barata E. N. , Araújo J.
Published: September 2010

The eucalyptus woodborer, Phoracantha semipunctata Fabricius (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), attacks mainly species of Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae). This study investigated walking and flight behaviour of P. semipunctata males and females exposed to an odour plume originating from a log of E. globulus placed vertically in the upwind end of a wind tunnel. In control experiments, beetles were exposed to a PVC drainpipe in the same position as the log, providing a visual stimulus without host‐tree odour. No statistical differences were found between behavioural responses of either sex when exposed to the log or PVC pipe. No beetles landed on the PVC pipe, whereas 49% of the beetles exposed to host‐tree odour plume landed on the log. Beetles aged over 24 days after emergence from the host tree were more responsive than beetles aged 20–24 days, and accounted vor 86% of the beetles that landed on the log. While walking, host‐tree odour affected the behaviour of the beetles that landed on the log as follows: upwind movement and path linearity increased, whereas turning rate, stopping frequency, mean stopping time and time to take‐off flight decreased. During flight, host‐tree odour affected the behaviour of the beetles that landed on the log as follows: increased upwind flight, turning rate, flight time, flight distance, and decreased flight speed. For beetles that never lost contact with the odour plume, flight progressed upwind with narrow zigzags, and showed higher directedness upwind, path linearity, faster flight speed and lower turning rate than for beetles that lost contact with the odour plume. After loosing contact with the plume, beetles tended to decrease their upwind progression, exhibiting a sharp turn or quick counterturns followed by crosswind or downwind excursions. This led to regaining contact with the odour plume and resumed upwind progression at higher speed provided they flew within the boundaries of the plume. The results showed that host‐tree odour affects both walking and flight behaviour of P. semipunctata beetles, inducing a more directed upwind movement and landing on the visual stimulus of a tree trunk.
On the functional significance of symbiotic microorganisms in the Homoptera: a comparative study of Acyrthosiphon pisum and Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Wilkinson T. L. , Ishikawa H.
Published: September 2010

All phloem‐feeding Homoptera possess symbiotic microorganisms. Although the phylogenetic position and anatomical location of the micro‐ organisms differ, the underlying theme of the symbiosis is the same; the microorganisms improve the nutritional quality of the diet through the provision of essential amino acids. The symbiosis has been well documented in aphids, but little information is available from other homopteran groups. The impact of the loss of bacterial symbionts in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris and eukaryotic yeast‐like symbionts in the Asian rice brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens Stål was examined in parallel. The weight and relative growth rate of aphids and planthoppers was significantly reduced by symbiont loss, and characteristic features of aposymbiotic pea aphids, so‐called ‘metabolic signatures’, were, for the first time, observed in aposymbiotic N. lugens. For example, the amount of protein per unit fresh weight was reduced by 26 and 10%, and the free amino acid levels increased 1.8‐ and 1.4‐fold, in aposymbiotic A. pisum and N. lugens, respectively. In addition, the concentration of the amino acid glutamine was elevated in the tissues of aposymbiotic insects. The data are discussed in the context of our current understanding of the nutritional role of the symbiosis and the mechanisms of nitrogen metabolism in the two insect species. It is concluded that the metabolic adjustments of the insects to symbiont loss are broadly equivalent.
Energetics of locomotion and load carriage in the nectar feeding ant, Camponotus rufipes
Authors: Schilman Pablo E. , Roces Flavio
Published: September 2010

Abstract.  To investigate if there is an energetic constraint influencing a nectar feeding ant's decision to come back to the nest with partial loads, the energetic costs of running and carrying a load in the ant Camponotus rufipes are measured. Metabolic rates of individuals are measured in a running tube respirometer while they are unladen and laden at 25 °C. Workers voluntarily collect a load of 6 µL of a 30% sucrose solution (mass = 6.8 mg), which results in an internal load of about 50% of the ant mass and is close to a full load for ants within this size range. The gross cost of unladen running is 264 J kg−1 m−1, while that of laden running is 225 J kg−1 m−1. The mass used to calculate the cost of laden running includes body mass of ant and load carried. Load carriage cost in C. rufipes foragers is calculated to be about 60% as much as body carriage per unit mass. Internal load carriage in C. rufipes is energetically cheaper compared with external carriage in other ant species. Such low carriage costs make it unlikely that the collection of partial crop loads in C. rufipes foragers is based on a minimization of foraging costs, as suggested for honeybees.
Identification of tissues showing the lowest tolerance to freezing in larvae of the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis
Authors: Izumi Yohei , Sonoda Shoji , Yoshida Hideya , Tsumuki Hisaaki
Published: September 2010

Abstract.  Even though overwintering larvae of the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis, are freeze‐tolerant, they cannot survive below −30 °C. Furthermore, nondiapausing larvae cannot survive freezing. However, the cause of death due to freezing is unclear. To identify the cause of death by freezing in larvae, those tissues most injured by low temperatures are identified using the vital stain trypan blue. In overwintering larvae, the midgut of dead larvae stains blue, and remarkable colour density differences between dead and surviving larvae are observed in the midgut. In nondiapausing larvae incubated at −10 °C for several hours, the fat body of dead larvae is strongly stained. Furthermore, increases in mortality with treatment time correspond with increases in the area of the fat body stained. Sterile nondiapausing larvae with lower supercooling points, below −20 °C, do not freeze at −10 °C and survive the treatment. However, all the larvae die when subjected to inoculative freezing at −10 °C, and the fat body stains blue. These results suggest that the midgut in overwintering larvae and the fat body in nondiapausing larvae have the lowest tolerance to freezing.
Relative humidity and water loss in Triatoma brasiliensis
Authors: Xavier Ana Amélia Prates , Lorenzo Marcelo G. , Lazzari Claudio , Diotaiuti Liléia , Guarneri Alessandra A.
Published: September 2010

Abstract.  The effect of the relative humidity (RH) of the environment on water loss is studied in Triatoma brasiliensis. Starved or recently fed early stages of T. brasiliensis are exposed to 15, 37, 46 and 73% RH. Water loss is estimated by weighing individual insects daily. The results obtained with starved insects show that the group maintained at 15% RH loses more water and shows a higher mortality compared with the others. An experiment in which recently fed nymphs are exposed to different RHs shows that all groups of insects lose the greatest amount of water during the first day. The group exposed to 15% RH show a higher water loss than the others before and after ecdysis. The survival of recently fed nymphs is not affected by the level of RH to which they are exposed. The results are discussed in relation to the water balance in this species.
Copulation, the dynamics of sperm transfer and female refractoriness in the leafhopper Balclutha incisa (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)
Authors: Bailey Winston J. , Nuhardiyati Marsusi
Published: September 2010

Abstract.  Mature sperm of the leafhopper Balclutha incisa (Matsumara) (Cicadellidae: Auchenorrhyncha: Hemiptera) are stored as a series of sperm bundles within seminal vesicles prior to ejaculation. During transfer, sperm are pumped from the vesicles into the ejaculatory duct to the complex aedeagus. Sperm transfer is marked by a c. 30‐fold expansion of the spermatheca to accommodate both sperm and seminal fluid. Sperm number increases exponentially with male age, reaching a maximum of 700 000 after 14 days, while the number of sperm available on days 2–5 is between 70 000 and 100 000. During mating, maximum sperm transfer occurs after 7 min and mating is complete after about 10 min. Ejaculate size, defined by both sperm and associated accessory gland fluid, is influenced by male mating status and the interval since the previous mating. There is a positive correlation between duration of copulation and both ejaculate and the time to subsequent mating. Sperm are more likely to be retained in the testes during mating by males of 2–5 days post‐emergence than older males. The number of sperm received by the female can be manipulated experimentally by mating males once (medium ejaculate) or twice (small ejaculate) immediately after their first mating. Females that receive small ejaculates from sperm‐depleted males have a far shorter refractory period than females receiving medium to large ejaculates. Both ejaculate size and the time after males have mated influence the female post‐mating refractory period as measured by the female's responsiveness to male sexual signalling.
A new species of Mecomma Fieber (Heteroptera: Miridae) from Turkey
Authors: ONDER F.
Published: September 2010

SYNOPSIS

A new species of Mecomma from Turkey is described and a key is given to the fifteen species and two subspecies of Mecomma now recognised.
The evolution of fluorine‐rich felsic magmas: source dichotomy, magmatic convergence and the origins of topaz granite
Authors: Taylor Richard P. , Fallick Anthony E.
Published: September 2010

Topaz granite is alkali‐feldspar granite that contains essential albite, quartz, K‐feldspar, lithium‐mica, and topaz. As a group topaz granites are characterized by their extreme enrichment in F (up to 3 wt%) and a wide variety of lithophile elements. They can be subdivided into a ‘low‐P2O5 subtype’ (P2O5 < 0.1 wt%, Al2O3 < 14.5 wt%, SiO2 > 73 wt%) and a ‘high‐P2O5 subtype’ (P2O5 > 0.4 wt%, Al2O3 > 14.5 wt%, SiO2 < 73 wt%), the δ18O values of which indicate a dichotomy of source rock: the low‐P2O5 subtype (δ18O < 10‰) having a meta‐igneous protolith and the high‐P2O5 subtype (δ18O > 10 ‰) a source with a significant component of pelitic material. The unusually high F contents enhance the efficacy of melt segregation and crystal‐melt fractionation and so facilitate extreme differentiation in topaz granite magmas. Very low melt volumes restrict the bulk composition of the partial melts regardless of the nature of the source; and extreme fractionation forces them along a path of magmatic convergence, to produce a group of granitic rocks with near‐minimum compositions so enriched in a variety of lithophile elements (Li, Nb, Ta, Sn) that economic mineralization often results.
A two‐stage exhumation of the Variscan crust: U–Pb LA‐ICP‐MS and Rb–Sr ages from Greater Kabylia, Maghrebides
Authors: Hammor D. , Bosch D. , Caby R. , Bruguier O.
Published: September 2010

The significance and role of major shear zones are paramount to understanding continental deformation and the exhumation of deep crustal levels. LA‐ICPMS U–Pb dating of monazites, combined with Rb–Sr analyses of biotites, from an anatectic metapelite from Greater Kabylia (Algeria) highlights the history of shear zone development and the subsequent exhumation of deep crustal levels in the internal zones of the Maghrebides. Monazites give an age of 275.4 ± 4.1 Ma (2σ) dating the thermal peak coeval with anatexis. This age is identical to those recorded in other crystalline terranes from south‐easternmost Europe (i.e. South Alpine and Austro‐Alpine domains) that suffered crustal thinning during the continental rifting predating the Tethys opening. Rb–Sr analyses of biotites yield a cooling age of 23.7 ± 1.1 Ma related to the exhumation of the buried Variscan crust during the Miocene as an extrusive slice, roughly coeval with the emplacement of nappes, and shortly followed by lithospheric extension leading to the opening of the Alboran sea.
Relationship between erosion surfaces and Late Miocene Salinity Crisis deposits in the Valencia Basin (northwestern Mediterranean): evidence for an early sea‐level fall
Authors: Agnès Maillard , Alain Mauffret
Published: September 2010

Although the main events of the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC) are today mostly known, the exact succession of the different episodes remains unclear. This, in particular, is because (i) no drilling has reached the base of the Salt, and thus the onset of the MSC in the basins is unknown, and (ii) lateral correlations between the margins and the deep basins are missing. The Valencia Basin, which is intermediate in depth between the marginal basins and the deep basins, is an ideal location for studying the transitional domain. It displays the relationships between the polygenic erosion on the margins, the deposition of the thin Upper Evaporites bracketed by basal and top erosion surfaces in the central part of the basin, and the thick MSC sequence in the deep oceanic Provençal Basin. Early detrital deposits located below the MSC sequence of the deep basin suggest an early lowering of the sea level prior to the MSC desiccation.
Recycling of Proterozoic crust in the Andean Amazon foreland of Ecuador: implications for orogenic development of the Northern Andes
Authors: Martin‐Gombojav Nergui , Winkler Wilfried
Published: September 2010

The retro‐arc foreland Andean Amazon Basin records sedimentary infill from the South American craton and the emerging Northern Andean chain from the middle Cretaceous until Present day. The U/Pb ages of detrital zircons indicate significant reworking of Archean‐Proterozoic (max. 2.9 Ga) and Paleozoic crust and sediments, which were eroded on both sides. Heavy mineral associations show that the material derived from Proterozoic craton was supplied by Cretaceous reworking of non‐metamorphosed (unannealed) Paleozoic and older sedimentary rocks, which cover the Amazon Craton. Following latest Cretaceous switch of the dominant sediment source to the Andean cordillera, the influx of Precambrian zircons persisted, and these zircons were derived from the metamorphosed basement and Paleozoic sediments of the Cordillera Real (Loja terrane). Re‐evaluation of existing detrital zircon fission‐track record proves that the rise of the Cordillera Real at the Cretaceous‐Tertiary transition was initiated by the collision of Caribbean Oceanic Plateau and associated arc elements from 75–65 Ma. A further important exhumation event also occurred in the Late Oligocene, which is correlated with the break‐up of the Farallon plate.
Platinum enrichment at low temperatures and related microstructures, with examples of hongshiite (PtCu) and empirical ‘Pt2HgSe3’ from Itabira, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Cabral A. R. , Galbiatti H. F. , Kwitko‐Ribeiro R. , Lehmann B.
Published: September 2010

Low‐temperature Pt enrichment is illustrated with reference to two hypogene platiniferous minerals: (i) a Pd–Cu‐bearing ‘Pt2HgSe3’, an unnamed phase; and (ii) hongshiite, PtCu, with up to 0.7 wt% Hg. The former has patches oxidized to a Pt–O species with curvilinear microcracks originated by desiccation. The latter displays parallel sets of Cu‐depleted, Pt–Hg‐enriched patches, along which microfractures occur. Such microstructures are interpreted to arise from two processes: (i) oxidation and formation of a hydrated Pt–O compound, which tends to succumb to a Pt‐rich alloy by deoxygenation and dehydration, leaving behind curvilinear desiccation cracks; (ii) metal leaching conducive to native Pt by removal of Cu from hongshiite via micropores that coalesce along crystallographic planes to result in reticulated microcracks. Platinum enrichment either by oxidation or metal leaching ideally produces characteristic microcracks, which may be indicative of the origin, i.e. detrital vs. supergene, of alluvial and eluvial Pt‐rich alloys.
Compressional reworking of the East African Orogen in the Uluguru Mountains of eastern Tanzania at c. 550 Ma: implications for the final assembly of Gondwana
Authors: Rossetti Federico , Cozzupoli Domenico , Phillips David
Published: September 2010

The Uluguru Mountains of eastern Tanzania represent a key area to unravel the tectonic history of Gondwana assembly along the Neoproterozoic East African Orogen. On the basis of combined structural and 40Ar/39Ar geochronological investigations, we have re‐interpreted the structural architecture of the region. Texturally‐late, ductile to cataclastic low‐angle tectonic contacts are recognized, which delimit the contacts between the main lithological units that form a post‐metamorphic, NW‐verging nappe stack. 40Ar/39Ar geochronology places this nappe‐forming event at c. 550 Ma, post‐dating tonalitic dyke emplacement at c. 580 Ma. Results from this study (i) demonstrate that a distinct and later episode of convergence occurred in the region at c. 550 Ma, when previous structural elements of the East African Orogen were finally juxtaposed; and (ii) extends models involving the polyphase assembly of Gondwana to East Africa.
Mid‐late Holocene sea‐level variability in eastern Australia
Authors: Lewis Stephen E. , Wüst Raphael A. J. , Webster Jody M. , Shields Graham A.
Published: September 2010

A re‐analysis of sea‐level data from eastern Australia based on 115 calibrated C‐14 ages is used to constrain the origin, timing and magnitude of sea‐level change over the last 7000 years. We demonstrate that the Holocene sea‐level highstand of +1.0–1.5 m was reached ∼7000 cal yrbpand fell to its present position after 2000 yrbp. These findings are in contrast to most previous studies that relied on smaller datasets and did not include the now common conversion of conventional C‐14 ages to calendar years. During this ∼5000 year period of high sea level, growth hiatuses in oyster beds and tubeworms and lower elevations of coral microatolls are interpreted to represent short‐lived oscillations in sea‐level of up to 1 m during two intervals, beginning c. 4800 and 3000 cal yrbp. The rates of sea‐level rise and fall (1–2 mm yr−1) during these centennial‐scale oscillations are comparable with current rates of sea‐level rise. The origin of the oscillations is enigmatic but most likely the result of oceanographic and climatic changes, including wind strengths, ice ablation, and melt‐water contributions of both Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets.
The Changing Landscape of Transfusion Medicine: 2004–2015
Authors: Dzik Walter H
Published: September 2010

Born at the dawn of the 20th Century, Transfusion Medicine has seen tremendous progress and technical achievement during the last 100 years. As the pace of change increases, the prospects for the future are even brighter. This lecture will review the recent past developments and provide conjecture on future advances in each of the following areas: blood donor services, infectious hazards, non‐infectious hazards, process risk, diagnostics and therapeutics. Expectations of what may occur by 2010 and 2015 will be presented. Emerging technologies such as gene array and radio‐frequency identification are likely to produce advances in the safety of blood transfusion therapy. More into the future, nanotechnology may re‐invent the indications for blood therapies. The field of new therapeutics should be the fastest growing area and the lecture will highlight recent advances in drug development and molecular therapeutics as well as highlight coming technology such as robotic surgery. The therapeutic promise offered by nuclear transfer technology and its impact on cellular therapies will be addressed. With these new opportunities come new challenges and the lecture concludes with an impassioned reminder of the real challenges that await us.
Bravo! The Rh Project Donor
Authors: Barlow Robyn
Published: September 2010

In 1966, Sydney hosted the conference of the International Society of Blood Transfusion. At an Rh Symposium, experts revealed that several countries had conducted trials proving the safety and efficiency of anti‐D in preventing Rh Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn. There have been no other major advances in the prevention of this tragic disease since that time. The source of anti‐D in Australia is donated by a small group of Rh Project donors, and we depend entirely on them for the precious antibody which prevents Rh Disease. They have given magnificent service and thousands of babies have been saved. The Rh Project donors’ contribution over 37 years is remarkable, inspiring and a triumph over disease.
Molecular Characterization of Partial D Variants in India
Authors: Kulkarni Swati , Colah Roshan , Gorakshakar Ajit , Gupte Snehalata , Mohanty Dipika
Published: September 2010

Aim  To find incidence of partial D variants in India and classify them by molecular techniques.

Method  Partial D variants were identified by screening blood samples of subjects from Western India by using partial D kit (Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service). Molecular characterization of partial D variants was performed using multiplex PCR(M‐PCR).

Result  The incidence of partial D was 0.15% in the population studied. Forty eight partial D variant samples identified by serological studies were classified by M‐PCR. 29% of partial D variants identified were of DFR and 14.6% were of DVI category. 77% of partial D variants identified in Indian population were characterized by M‐PCR. Fifteen families of partial D variants were studied and ten more individuals of same variant were identified. All partial D variants were of R1r (DCe/dce) phenotype. The family studies showed partial D hybrid (RHD‐CE‐D) was linked with Ce gene.

Conclusion  DFR was most frequently found partial D in Indian population. Majority of partial D variants characterized in Indian population arise due to substitution of part of RHD exon with RHCE equivalent.
Adhesion of Stored Red Blood Cells to Vascular Endothelium Increases with Duration of Product Storage and Leucocyte Burden
Authors: Anniss Angela , Patton Kath , Sparrow Rosemary
Published: September 2010

Adherence of red blood cells (RBCs) to vascular endothelium impairs blood flow, decreases oxygen delivery and leads to vaso‐occulusion. RBCs are relatively non‐adherent however little is known of how changes to RBCs for transfusion during storage may affect their adherence properties. The aim of this study was to monitor adherence of stored RBCs to vascular endothelium under conditions of continuous flow in vitro. Specifically the influence of RBC storage time and leucocyte burden of stored red cell preparations was investigated. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECs) were grown to confluence on fibronectin‐coated coverslips. Nonleucocyte‐ reduced, buffy‐coat‐reduced and leucocyte‐filtered RBC products were prepared according to standard blood bank procedures. RBC samples were collected at multiple time points until product expiry and perfused across an EC monolayer using a parallel flow chamber mounted to an inverted microscope. Perfusion of RBCs was controlled for shear stress and temperature. RBC‐EC interactions were recorded using a digital camera attached to the microscope. The number of RBCs adhering to the EC layer progressively increased with product storage time. RBCs from products stored for 28 and 42 days were significantly more adherent than fresher cells. RBCs from products containing leucocytes were also significantly more adherent to the EC layer on days 28 and 42 of storage than RBCs from leucocyte‐reduced products. Our findings indicate that product storage time and leucocyte burden increase the adhesion of RBCs to an EC layer. These results may lead to greater understanding of the interaction of transfused RBCs with recipient endothelium and the biological consequences of this adherence.
Granulocyte Transfusion: Best Practice Collection & Transfusion
Authors: Strauss Ronald
Published: September 2010

Serious and repeated infections with bacteria, yeast, and fungus continue to be a consequence of severe neutropenia. Previous attempts to prevent and/or treat these infections in severely neutropenic patients through use of neutrophil (PMN) transfusions achieved only modest success – largely due to the collection and transfusion of relatively small numbers of PMNs. Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) has revolutionized the collection of PMNs for transfusion because stimulation of donors with G‐CSF plus corticosteroids before leukapheresis permits collection of 6–8 × 10 to the 10 PMNs per each transfusion. Although questions and concerns have been raised about the biology and potential toxicity of giving G‐CSF + steroids to normal allogeneic donors, these issues have questionable clinical significance. Properly controlled, clinical trials have not been performed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of PMN transfusions collected from donors stimulated with G‐CSF + steroids. Therefore, despite the somewhat compelling ‘logic’ that transfusing very high numbers of PMNs should be helpful in treating serious infections in neutropenic patients, this practice can not be justified at this time. Indeed, published reports of individual patients and small series of patients have given mixed results (i.e., successes and failures). Hence, the need for properly‐designed clinical trails.
Response of Allogeneic Mononuclear Cells to Stored Red Cell Concentrates
Authors: Sparrow Rosemary , Patton Katherine , Healey Geraldine
Published: September 2010

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion has been implicated in certain adverse patient outcomes. Immunomodulation may play a central role. The aim of this project was to determine the ability of supernatants and cellular fractions of RBC concentrates to modulate the immune response of allogeneic mononuclear cells (MNCs), particularly monocytes. Non‐leucocytereduced, buffy‐coat‐depleted and leucocyte‐filtered RBC concentrates were prepared and stored according to standard blood bank procedures. RBC samples were collected on day 1 and fortnightly until product expiry, and centrifuged to obtain supernatant and cellular fractions. On the day of RBC sample collection, whole blood (WB) and MNCs were prepared from ABO‐compatible allogeneic donors. Induction of monocyte CD11b and CD54 was determined by flow cytometry by incubating allogeneic WB with RBC supernatants or cellular fractions, followed by staining with fl uorescently‐labelled anti‐CD14, anti‐CD11b and anti‐CD54. Cytokine release was determined by incubating MNCs with RBC supernatants and culture supernatants were assessed by ELISA for IL‐8, TNFalpha; and IL‐10. Supernatant and cellular fraction from non‐leucocyte‐reduced RBC concentrates induced expression of CD11b and CD54 on allogeneic monocytes. Buffy‐coatdepleted and leucocyte‐filtered RBC concentrates had minimal effect on monocyte CD11b or CD54 expression. Cytokine release from MNCs incubated with RBC supernatant suggested a tenuous balance between proinflammatory (IL‐8 and TNF alpha;) and immunosuppressive (IL‐10) responses. All RBC product types induced cytokine release from MNCs. The results from this study indicate that stored RBC concentrates can modulate allogeneic MNCs. Both proinflammatory and immunosuppressive responses were evident. Leucocytes in RBC concentrates appear to favour a proinflammatory response by MNCs.
Feasibility of implementing an automated culture system for bacteria screening in platelets in the blood bank routine
Authors: Castro E , Bueno J. L. , Barea L. , González R.
Published: September 2010

summary.  Bacterial contamination of blood components is the principal infectious complication linked to transfusion. The aim of the study was to evaluate the applicability of an automated culture system for platelets. 10 141 platelet concentrates were cultured individually and in pools of five on storage days 1 and 7 using Bact/Alert system aerobic bottles. A modified collection bag was used for improved sampling. Five‐millilitre samples were cultured at 37 °C for 7 days. Only those samples where the same bacteria were identified in reculture were considered true positives (TP). Homogeneity of proportions was tested by Fisher's exact test. The rate of TP was 30 per 100 000 (95% CI, 6·1–86·4) sampling on day 1; 33 per 100 000 (95% CI, 7–96) on day 7; and 40 per 100 000 (95% CI, 1·28–122·4) if the screening was based on taking both samples (day 1 and 7). Only one TP was detected in the pool testing. The time for detection among TPs on day 1 ranged between 30 and 134 h. The system is not considered practical for use as a routine screening method, as the time for detection is too long. Pool testing is insensitive. Faster screening methods or pathogen‐inactivation systems are needed.
Cost‐effectiveness of leucocyte‐depleted erythrocyte transfusion in cardiac valve surgery
Authors: Van Hulst M. , Bilgin Y. M. , Van De Watering L. M. G. , De Vries R. , Van Oers M. H. J. , Brand A. , Postma M. J.
Published: September 2010

summary.  Cost‐effectiveness of leucodepleted erythrocytes (LD) over buffy‐coat‐depleted packed cells (PC) is estimated from the primary dataset of a recently reported randomized clinical trial involving valve surgery (±CABG) patients. Data on the patient level of 474 adult patients who were randomized double‐blind to LD or PC were used in order to calculate the healthcare costs and longevity per patient. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) in net costs per life‐year gained was established from the healthcare perspective. Bootstrapping and cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves were used in order to determine the confidence interval (CI) of the ICER. The longevity of patients in the PC and LD group was 10·6 and 11·4 years, respectively. Relative to PC, LD yielded an estimated 0·8 (95% CI = −0·27 to 1·84) life‐year in the baseline. Adjusted for age and sex differences, health gains for LD are 0·4 life‐year gained (95% CI = −0·67 to 1·44). Healthcare costs per patient averaged US$ 10163 per patient in the PC group and US$ 9949 in the LD group. Average cost‐savings were US$ 214 (95% CI = −1536 to 1964) per patient. Acceptability curves constructed from bootstrap simulations showed a probability of being cost‐saving of 59% for universal leucodepletion from the healthcare perspective. The probability of adopting leucodepletion regardless of the costs reaches 92·7%. LD in patients receiving four or more transfusions showed the highest cost‐savings and health gains. Leucodepletion of erythrocytes is a cost‐saving strategy in cardiac valve (±CABG) patients. However, probablistic analysis failed to show a significant difference with buffy‐coat‐depleted PC.
Home blood transfusion: a necessary service development
Authors: Ademokun A. , Kaznica S. , Deas S.
Published: September 2010

summary.  An alternative to the transfusion of blood and platelets in hospital was assessed with the aim of reducing the demand on acute services and the need for hospital admission. Patients and general practitioners [GPs] were surveyed before a home blood transfusion service was set up. The majority of GPs and patients did not support the scheme initially. After the service was set up, all patients who received home transfusion stated that this was more convenient. We feel that by avoiding unnecessary emergency admissions, which account for up to 40% of all admissions to NHS hospitals, and improving the capacity of our day unit, we are providing a better service for local patients. More widespread use of home transfusion services should be encouraged.
Storage of neutrophil granulocytes (PMNs) in additive solution or in autologous plasma for 72 h
Authors: Schwanke U. , Schrader L. , Moog R.
Published: September 2010

summary.  Neutropenia may necessitate polymorphonuclear (PMN) transfusion, but among other reasons, PMN short shelf‐life complicates realization of innovative transfusion strategies. In 18 donors, PMNs were mobilized using rHuG‐CSF + dexamethasone. (8·3 ± 1·6) × 1010 PMNs were harvested in 203 ± 8·7 mL. PMNs were stored undiluted (1, n = 18) and diluted 1‐in‐2, 1‐in‐4, 1‐in‐8 using T‐Sol (2, n = 6), T‐Sol + 1% HSA (3, n = 6), or autologous plasma (4, n = 6) for 72 h. Haemograms, pH values, phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α levels were assessed every 24 h. PMN count decreased from (4·3 ± 0·8) × 1010 to (2·2 ± 1·0) × 1010, and pH value dropped from 6·4 ± 0·3 to 5·4 ± 0·2 within 72 h (1), whereas 1‐in‐4 and 1‐in‐8 dilutions exhibited consistent haemograms and pH values above 6·0. 1‐in‐8 dilution (4) stabilized pH at 7·1 ± 0·4 after 72 h. Function deteriorated to about 50% within 24 h (1), but 1‐in‐8 (3), 1‐in‐4 and 1‐in‐8 diluted PMNs (4) kept it >90% for 72 h. In all collectives, cytokine levels increased during storage. After all, IL‐1β ranged between 31·0 ± 16·3 (1‐in‐4, 4) and 100·0 ± 21·4 (1‐in‐4, 2), IL‐8 from 513 ± 454 (1) to 3180 ± 760 (1‐in‐8, 2), and TNF‐α between 3·8 ± 1·7 (1‐in‐2, 2) and 23·2 ± 11·8 (1‐in‐8, 4) (pg mL−1). PMN function may be preserved for 72 h in vitro by dilution of PMN apheresates with, preferably, autologous plasma.
Calcium and magnesium levels during automated plateletpheresis in normal donors
Authors: Das S. S. , Chaudhary R. , Khetan D. , Shukla J. S. , Agarwal P. , Mishra R. B.
Published: September 2010

summary.  It is well known that citrate induces ionized hypocalcaemia by the chelating effect during plateletpheresis. However, the kinetics of serum magnesium (Mg) ions has not been well documented. We, therefore, evaluated biochemical changes in healthy donors during plateletpheresis procedure. Ten healthy donors underwent plateletpheresis on continuous cell separator (CS3000, Baxter, Round Lake, IL, USA) and 10 on intermittent flow cell separator (MCS 3p, Hemonetics, Braintree, MA, USA). Serum levels of total and ionized calcium (tCa and iCa, respectively) and Mg (tMg and iMg, respectively) were measured before, during and after the procedures. Although, the fall in tCa (from 2·62 ± 0·12 to 2·36 ± 0·12 mmol L−1) and tMg (from 0·89 ± 0·01 to 0·79 ± 0·01 mmol L−1) was modest and not significant; drop in iCa (from 1·33 ± 0·1 to 0·84 ± 0·1 mmol L−1) and iMg (from 0·53 ± 0·01 to 0·35 ± 0·1 mmol L−1) was statistically significant (P < 0·001). There were no significant differences observed between the CS3000 and MCS 3p cell separators regarding the fall in Ca and Mg. None of the donors experienced any adverse reactions during the procedures. In the study, an acute ionized hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia have been observed after the plateletpheresis; therefore, measurement of both the ions may be monitored. However, there is no justification for prophylactic supplementation of either of these elements.
Anti‐HPA‐1a in a case of post‐transfusion purpura: binding to antigen‐negative platelets detected by adsorption/elution
Authors: Kiefel V. , Schönberner‐Richter I. , Schilf K.
Published: September 2010

summary.  Post‐transfusion purpura (PTP) is a rare transfusion reaction almost exclusively observed in female patients. Affected patients develop severe immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia in the course of a strong anamnestic alloimmune reaction against a platelet‐specific antigen. The pathophysiology of thrombocytopenia has remained elusive. Immunological analysis in the HPA‐1a‐alloimmunized patient described in this report revealed an antibody with features considered typical of PTP: not only was anti‐HPA‐1a detectable in plasma, but it could also be eluted from the patients' (alloantigen negative) platelets, and anti‐HPA‐1a could be detected in eluates from both antigen positive and negative test platelets, which had been incubated in the patient's serum. This is in contrast to two sera with HPA‐1a alloantibodies obtained from mothers of children with neonatal alloimmmune thrombocytopenia which were strictly HPA‐1a specific. It is proposed that alloantibodies with HPA‐1a‐like specificity explain the patient's immune thrombocytopenia. The technique described in this report is proposed for further investigation, as it might be useful for discrimination of alloantibodes in PTP and alloantibodies of transfused thrombocytopenic patients.
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials for plasma exchange in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Brunskill S. J , Tusold A. , Benjamin S. , Stanworth S. J , Murphy M. F
Published: September 2010

summary The mainstay of treatment for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is plasma exchange (PE). A systematic review was undertaken to summarize the randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence, to date, on PE as treatment for TTP. Seven randomized RCTs were identified till May 2005. A statistical reduction in mortality was found in patients receiving PE compared with patients receiving plasma infusion (relative risk 0·31, 95% confidence interval 0·12–0·79). No statistical difference in mortality was found in trials comparing different replacement fluids for PE. There were few differences in the response to treatment and the resolution of the presenting signs of TTP in any trial. Lack of data prevented a full assessment of the incidence of adverse events. None of the studies included measured patients’ quality of life. Further research is required to determine the benefits and side effects associated with different replacement fluids for PE. It is recommended that there should be consistency in the diagnostic criteria, measurement of clinical outcomes and length of follow up. Continued support of existing TTP patient registries and establishment of new registries would facilitate this.
Gene frequencies of the HPA‐1 platelet antigen alleles in the Lebanese population
Authors: Sabbagh A. S. , Taher A. T. , Zaatari G. S. , Mahfouz R. A. R.
Published: September 2010

summary The objective was to study the gene frequencies of HPA‐1 in the Lebanese population for the first time. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of 1a and 1b HPA‐1 alleles in healthy Lebanese individuals and compare with the international literature. Human platelet antigen (HPA) systems are involved in alloimmunization, organ transplantation rejection and the development of cardiovascular disease. Of several classified HPA systems, HPA‐1 specifically has been considered to be the most important antigenic system implicated in the Caucasian population. This specific gene has never been investigated in our population. DNA was extracted from specimens collected from 205 healthy unrelated Lebanese individuals and tested, using a reverse hybridization polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, for the prevalence of 1a and 1b HPA‐1 alleles. Genotypes 1a/1a, 1a/1b, and 1b/1b were assigned accordingly. We observed that the 1a/1a genotype was the most prevalent (65·85%) followed by 1a/1b (30·24%) and 1b/1b (3·91%) with allelic frequencies for 1a and 1b of 0·81 and 0·19, respectively. As compared with other ethnic groups, the Lebanese population was found to have a relatively high prevalence of the HPA‐1b, which may predispose to a higher risk of alloimmunization. This report is the first to study the prevalence of the HPA‐1 system in the Lebanese population and serves as a template for future clinical research involving platelet disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
Factors that motivate and hinder blood donation in Greece
Authors: Marantidou O , Loukopoulou L , Zervou E , Martinis G , Egglezou A , Fountouli P , Dimoxenous P , Parara M , Gavalaki M , Maniatis A
Published: September 2010

summary Donations in Greece are insufficient to cover the high transfusion needs arising from large numbers of thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia patients and the implementation of new surgical techniques. Efforts to achieve self‐sufficiency, and to render blood supplies safer and manageable must focus on recruiting and retaining more volunteer donors and on converting the large pool of replacement donors. The aim of the study was to gain insight into public perception regarding the risks of donation and transfusion and to identify the factors that would motivate more people in Greece to regularly donate blood. Questionnaires were distributed to 1600 donors at the blood bank and visitors to hospitals at 11 locations across the country. Data on demographics, donation behaviour, incentives, risk perception and attitudes towards donation and transfusion were analysed separately for volunteer and replacement donors and non‐donors. The results showed that women and young people donate the least in Greece. Also, many donors do not donate because they are not reminded to. A small percentage of donors confessed to having concealed part of the truth to background questions. Overall, incentives to donate were considered important and included future availability of blood for self or family, paid leave from work and free blood tests. Recruitment and retention efforts should include better communication with current donors, and raising awareness among eligible donors. Staff should be educated in soliciting information from potential donors, and incentives should be better aligned to avoid conflict with ethical values and ensure honesty in the prescreening process.