bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
pH, Temperature and Lactate Production in Human Red Blood Cells: Implications for Blood Storage and Glycolytic Control
Authors: Guppy Michael , Attwood Paul V. , Hansen Ian A. , Sabaratnam Ranji , Frisina Jason , Whisson Maxwell E.
Published: March 2009

The interaction of temperature and pH in biological systems comprises two components. Temperature change may perturb the pH of solutions, and it may change the pKa of some ionizable groups that are involved in enzyme catalysis. The pH optima of single reactions and whole pathways are therefore temperature sensitive. The pH optimum of glycolysis in human red cells has been investigated only at 37°C. We have measured the effect of temperature on the pH of stored blood suspensions and on the pH optimum of glycolysis in the human red cell. The pH of the cell suspensions in a traditional storage medium was 7.25 ± 0.2 at 4°C. The pH optimum of glycolysis was high (7.8–8.5) between 15 and 35°C. It can be inferred from our data that human red cells are currently stored at least 0.5 pH units below the pH optimum of glycolysis at 4°C. This suggestion is supported by storage experiments which showed that glycolysis at 4°C was at least 1.5‐fold more active at an initial pH of 7.67 versus 7.36. Equations which describe the variation in reaction velocity with pH were fitted to the pH curves for glycolysis in order to identify the ionizable groups that contribute to the effect of pH on glycolysis. It is generally accepted that hexokinase catalyses the rate‐limiting step in glycolysis in the human red cell, but none of the ionizable groups implicated correspond to that involved in the hexokinase reaction.
A Study of Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies and Serum Alanine Amino Transferase in Blood Donors in Hong Kong Chinese
Authors: Lin C.K. , Chu R. , Li K. B. , Leong S.
Published: March 2009

The reference range of serum alanine amino transferase (ALT) for the local population was established by testing 5,000 random voluntary Chinese blood donors of various age groups of both sexes. In addition, 1,769 serum samples with elevated ALT levels were also collected for anti‐HCV assays using both the Abbott and Ortho anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) assay kits. The relationship between serum ALT and anti‐HCV tests was studied and the performances of both kits used were compared. It was found that while the prevalence of serum anti‐HCV was 0.4% among hepatitis B surface antigen‐negative donors with normal ALT, subjects with ALT between 2 and 3 standard deviations (SD) and > 3 SD above the mean level had respective prevalence of anti‐HCV 3 and 9.5 times that of the normal ALT subjects. Both anti‐HCV kits were found to identify in majority the same positive population among the different groups of subjects studied. In addition, it was observed that for subjects who were anti‐HCV‐positive, the higher the serum ALT level, the higher the mean anti‐HCV ELISA ratio and this observation was similar for both anti‐HCV kits used. We conclude that: (1) there is a direct relationship between serum ALT level and anti‐HCV positivity by EIA; (2) there is a direct correlation between serum ALT level and anti‐HCV ELISA ratio, and (3) both Abbott and Ortho anti‐HCV kits perform similarly in the identification of positive serum samples.
Intravenous Anti‐D Gammaglobulin for the Prevention of Rhesus Isoimmunization Caused by Platelet Transfusions in Patients with Malignant Diseases
Authors: Heim M. U. , Böck M. , Kolb H.‐J. , Schleuning M. , Mempel W.
Published: March 2009

Previous studies of sensitization to RhD by RhD‐positive platelet transfusions in RhD‐negative cancer patients have shown different frequencies of alloimmunization (max. 19%). We studied 37 RhD‐negative patients who received RhD‐incompatible platelet transfusions and simultaneously anti‐D‐immune globulin. We provide evidence that in this setting RhD‐prophylaxis is highly effective in preventing alloimmunization due to RhD antigen, since none of the patients studied developed anti‐D. Detection of other red blood cell antibodies than anti‐D proves the possibility of immunization in these patients. Prevention of isoimmunization in patients with malignant diseases is recommended especially in young females, since an increasing number of patients are having successful pregnancies, despite prior or even during cytotoxic therapy.
Distribution of Polymorphic HLA‐DR and ‐DQ Alleles as Determined by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis in an Austrian Population
Authors: Fischer Gottfried F. , Faé Ingrid , Pickl Winfried F.
Published: March 2009

The restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of HLA‐DR β, ‐DQ α and ‐DQ β genes was analyzed in 637 unrelated individuals from the Austrian population. The restriction enzyme was Taq I, and three exon‐specific probes were applied. The gene frequencies, the Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium in DR β and DQ loci, linkage disequilibria between the loci and haplotype frequencies are calculated. Rare associations between DR and DQ loci are described. Two RFLP patterns are demonstrated which were unique in the overall 1,000 individuals tested so far.
An Enzyme‐Linked Antiglobulin Test to Quantify Nanogram Quantities of IgG on Polystyrene Microspheres
Authors: Greenwalt T.J. , Domino M.M. , Dumaswala U.J.
Published: March 2009

A method is described in which polystyrene latex beads are used for constructing standard curves to estimate the number of protein molecules on cell surfaces by an enzyme‐liked immunoassay test (ELAT). A series of immune globulin (IgG) dilutions in pH 9.8 carbonate buffer were coated on 3‐μm microbeads by incubation overnight at 4°C and subjected to ELAT. The r value of the curve derived from four assays was 0.9991. This standard curve applied to previously recorded ELAT data resulted in estimating that normal RBC have 63+19 (SD) IgG molecules and that the lower level of sensitivity of the antiglobulin test is 155 IgG molecules per RBC. the method should be useful for more precise standardization of procedures for measuring proteins on cell surfaces.
Repeat Plateletpheresis: The Effects on the Donor and the Yield
Authors: Rock G. , Tittley P. , Sternbach M. , Buskard N. , Schroeder M.
Published: March 2009

Requirements for HLA ot otherwise matched single‐donor platelets may sometimes require repeat plateletpheresis of an individual donor. AABB standards permit the repeat collection of platelets by plateletpheresis of a single donor at 48‐hour intervals, whereas recent recommendations from England state that a donor should not donate platelets more often than 12 times a year. To assess the effects of repeat plateletpheresis on the donor, we have studied the hematological indices and the product yields following every other day plateletpheresis of 13 normal donors who gave a total of 10 times during 22 days. The platelet count decreased in every case, with the lowest values reached at the third donation (day 5). The pre‐donation count averaged 225±53 × 109/1 decreasing to 174±27 × 109/1 at the time of the 3rd donation then increasing by the 6th donation to 198±46 × 109/1. The yield in the product decreased from 3.2±1.3 × 1011 on day 1 to 2.6±0.8 × 1011 for the third donation, returning thereafter to higher values. In spite of the expected and apparent stimulation of platelet production through feedback, the counts did not rebound above starting levels indicating a basic homeostatic mechanism. The donor WBC showed minimal changes during the study period, however there was a significant increase in the total number of lymphocytes by the 3rd procedure; this was corrected by the fifth procedure. The absolute number and ratio of T4 (helper) and T8 (suppressor) lymphocytes did not change. The results show the relative safety and efficacy of repeat plateletpheresis procedures when a single donor is committed to a maintenance regime for a designated patient.
A Semiautomated Method for Erythrocyte Antigen Typing on Microtitration Plates
Authors: Sallander S. , Pegert S.
Published: March 2009

We describe a method for erythrocyte antigen typing on U‐bottom microtitration plates. This method permitted phenotyping of erythrocytes by an enzyme‐enhanced hemagglutination assay simultaneously with an indirect antihuman globulin assay within the same microtitration plate. A robotic sample processor identified the samples, prepared the red cell suspensions and distributed the suspension along with the diluted antisera onto the microtitration plates. The assay results were read and interpreted using a microtitration plate photometer controlled by software specially designed to interpret agglutination reactions. Sample identities and assay results were automatically connected by the computer system and transmitted to a minicomputer system.
11‐Oxycorticosteroid‐Dependent Antibody in the Serum of a Patient with Bladder Neoplasm
Authors: Pinto Vicente , Fernandez‐Fuertes Fernando , Cecchini Carlos , Soto Inmaculada , Barez Abelardo
Published: March 2009

An IgM 11‐oxycorticosteroid‐dependent antibody was identified in the serum of a patient with bladder malignancy, which at 4–37°C reacted with all the 11‐oxycorticosteroids tested but not with desoxycorticosterone, testosterone, nortestosterone and progesterone. The resulting drug‐antidrug antibody complex combines nonspecifically with red blood cells causing agglutination. This reactivity is enhanced both by acid pH and by high drug solution concentrations as well as by ficin test. The antibody is complement‐independent and has no blood group specificity. No in vivo or in vitro hemolysis was observed.
Quantitation of D Sites on Selected ‘Weak D’ and ‘Partial D’ Red Cells
Authors: Gorick B. , McDougall D. C. J. , Ouwehand W. H. , Overbeeke M. A. M. , Tippett P. , Hughes‐Jones N. C. , van Rhenen D. J.
Published: March 2009

Measurements have been made of the number of available sites on 10 examples of red cells in which the only abnormality appeared to be a quantitative reduction in the expression of D (weak D cells); these estimates were carried out using three monoclonal anti‐D antibodies, Fog‐1, Brad‐3 and Los‐2. The values varied with the monoclonal antibody that was used and fell within the range of 170–1,870 sites/cell. A further 3 examples of weak D cells which had brought about immunisation following transfusion were found to have between 390 and 1,470 sites per red cell. The implications of the D site density on the immunogenicity of weak D cells are discussed. The number of sites on red cells with structurally abnormal D (partial D cells) were also estimated, using the antibody Fog‐1. Four of the 5 examples of cells of category IVa (probable phenotype R0r) were found to have a high expression of D (range 29,300–41,300), but the available D sites of categories DVa, DVIa, and DVII were considerably reduced (<500, <500 and 2,400–7,500 sites/cell, respectively). As a working hypothesis, it is suggested that there are two types of genetic abnormality leading to an abnormal expression of D. First, a defect in genomic DNA leading only to a quantitative reduction in the number of available D sites; this genomic lesion should be termed ‘weak D’. Secondly, genomic defects leading to amino acid sequence abnormalities and structural change in the D polypeptide; these lesions should be collectively known as ‘partial D’.
Role of Lactate in Platelet Storage Lesion
Authors: Bertolini Francesco , Porretti Laura , Lauri Eleonora , Rebulla Paolo , Sirchia Girolamo
Published: March 2009

It is known that lactate accumulation may cause a pH fall in platelet concentrates (PC) during storage, and this phenomenon causes platelet morphological lesions and loss of platelet in vivo viability. In this study, we added increasing amounts of lactate to identical PC in order to evaluate the role of hydrogen ion accumulation in determining platelet activation and lesion during storage. Six hours after PC preparation, lactate was added to PC1 and PC2 at 20 and 12 mM final concentrations, respectively, while PC3 served as control. In PC1, pH was lower than 6.3, and platelet function and discoid morphology were lost. PC2 were stored for 7 days at pH values ranging from 6.4 to 6.6, and most results of in vitro measurements reflecting platelet function such as osmotic reversal, ATP release and aggregation in response to different stimuli were not significantly inferior when compared to controls. The addition of lactate had no apparent effect on the rise of platelet activation markers P‐Selectin, lysosome‐like protein gp 53, platelet‐bound fibrinogen and granulophysin, while a reduction of borderline significance was observed in glycoprotein Ib expression after pH reduction to values lower than 6.6. It is concluded that the rise of platelet activation markers during storage reflects platelet lesions different from those determined by lactate per se.
Analysis of Pre‐ and Post‐Donation Haematological Values in Plateletpheresis Donors
Authors: Love E. , Pendry K. , Hunt L.
Published: March 2009

Pre‐ and post‐donation haematological values were measured in 112 donors undergoing plateletpheresis using Haemonetics PCS machines. We found significant differences between pre‐ and post‐donation means for males (M) and females (F) for haemoglobin (M: pre 14.73 g/dl, post 15.25 g/dl; F: pre 13.57 g/dl, post 13.94 g/dl), haematocrit (M: pre 0.418, post 0.431; F: pre 0.389, post 0.4), total protein (M: pre 73.1 g/1, post 66 g/1; F: pre 72.2 g/1, post 63.7 g/1) and albumin (M: pre 42.2 g/1, post 38.5 g/1; F: 41.4 g/1, post 37 g/1). Significant differences were also seen for platelet count (pre 258.6 times 109/1, post 229.2 times 109/1), total white cells (pre 5.3 times 109/1, post 5.55 times 109/1) and neutrophils (pre 3.15 times 109/1, post 3.33 times 109/1), but there were no differences between males and females. This information was of value in establishing post‐donation reference ranges which could be utilised when reviewing the suitability of donors for subsequent donations.
Influence of Chloroquine or Acid Treatment of Human Platelets on the Antigenicity of HLA and the ‘Thrombocyte‐Specific’ Glycoproteins Ia/IIa, IIb, and IIb/IIIa
Authors: Neumüller J. , Tohidast‐Akrad M. , Fischer M. , Mayr W. R.
Published: March 2009

The influence of treatment of platelets with citrate buffer (pH 7.2), chloroquine, or citric acid at pH 3 on the expression of HLA class I antigens and ‘thrombocyte‐specific’ glycoproteins was investigated by means of flow cytometry. After treatment with citric acid at pH 3 and chloroquine, the expression of HLA class I was significantly reduced, while the density of the molecules GPIa/IIa, GPIIb, and GPIIb/IIIa (GP = glycoprotein) carrying ‘thrombocyte‐specific’ antigens was not or only weakly decreased on the surface of the platelets. The use of two monoclonal antibodies (HC‐10 and HC‐A2) against the native heavy chain of the HLA class I molecule revealed that ‘antigen stripping’ with chloroquine or citric acid does not affect the entire molecule: only the β2‐microglobulin is cleaved, or only some epitopes on the heavy chain are altered by this procedure. The treatment with citric acid yielded better results with respect to the removal of HLA class I activity and the preservation of ‘thrombocyte‐specific’ glycoproteins. The presence of the heavy chain of HLA class I molecules on the surface of platelets after treatment with citric acid and chloroquine confirms the hypothesis that platelets ‐ like nucleated cells ‐ bear HLA class I antigens inserted in the cell by a cytoplasmic and a transmembrane domain.
Detection of Established and Novel Alleles of the HLA‐DPB1 Locus by PCR‐SSO
Authors: Pickl Winfried F. , Faé Ingrid , Fischer Gottfried F.
Published: March 2009

The polymorphism at the HLA‐DPB1 locus was investigated in 490 Austrian individuals. Exon 2 sequences of the HLA‐DPB1 genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and probed with a panel of sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probes. HLA‐DPB1 genotypes were deduced from the hybridization pattern of the probes. HLA‐DPB1 allele frequencies and Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium were calculated. Linkage disequilibria between HLA‐DPB1 and HLA‐DQA1 alleles were determined. Four novel hybridization patterns indicating new alleles were found.
Polymerase Chain Reaction and Transfusion Microbiology
Authors: Barbara John A.J. , Garson Jeremy A.
Published: March 2009

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) involves alternate denaturing and re‐annealing of DNA in test samples in the presence of appropriate oligonucleotide primers complementary to opposite strands of the target DNA together with a heat‐Stable DNA polymerase, Mg2+ and the four nucleotide triphosphates. DNA target segments can be ‘amplified’ ten‐millionfold by 25–35 such cycles. Even greater amplification (approximately 1012‐fold) with enhanced specificity can be obtained by a second set of amplification cycles using a further pair of ‘nested’ primers sited within the DNA sequence defined by the original primers. PCR can be applied to the study of the whole range of transfusion‐transmitted infections, both plasma and cell associated; RNA viruses can be analyzed if a DNA copy is made from the viral RNA by treatment with reverse transcriptase. In a transfusion context, the retroviruses (HIV‐I, HIV‐2, HTLV‐I, HTLV‐II). HCV and HBV have been the viruses most intensively subjected to PCR analysis. The advantages of PCR in this context include its ability to detect virus during the ‘window period’ or seronegative stages of infections and its value as a marker for viraemia and for the detection of viruses in products made from large pools of plasma. True immunity may also be differentiated from persistent infection in the presence of antibody. Similarly, PCR can overcome problems of diagnosis of acute infection caused by the presence of passively transferred antibody. Detailed strain differentiation is also possible by PCR, in conjunction with sequencing or with the aid of restriction endonucleases. However, PCR has its limitiations: The detection of nucleic acid does not necessarily equate with infectivity; (1) the timing of sample collection may be critical for detecting transient viraemia; (2) sample storage (especially with RNA viruses) must be optimal for nucleic acid integrity; (3) highly conserved primers must be chosen for detection of the widest range of strain variants and (4) the small volume of test sample does not compare with the volume of inoculum represented by transfused blood components. Furthermore, PCR has operational drawbacks. False positivity due to endogenous human DNA sequences may occur if primers are not carefully chosen, and cross‐contamination is an ever present threat. PCR is also labour intensive and relatively expensive. Nevertheless, there is considerable potential for the simplification of DNA extraction procedures and for the streamlining of amplification and DNA visualisation methods. In a pre‐transfusion screening context however, the potential problems of carry‐over and cross‐contamination remain formidable, and at present the greatest value of PCR lies in validation and research fields in which it promises to have an exciting and productive future.
Molecular Genetic Analysis of the ABO Blood Group System: 4. Another Type of O Allele
Authors: Yamamoto Fumi‐ichiro , McNeill Patricia D. , Yamamoto Miyako , Hakomori Sen‐itiroh , Bromilow Imelda M. , Duguid Jennifer K. M.
Published: March 2009

We have encountered an allele which seems to be another type of O allele at the human histo‐blood group ABO locus. We have determined the nucleotide sequence of this allele over the coding region in the last two coding exons. This allele does not possess the single‐nucleotide deletion found common among all the O alleles previously analyzed. Compared with A1 allele, this allele has three nucleotide substitutions resulting in two amino acid substitutions. The introduction of these amino acid substitutions into the A1 transferase expression construct apparently abolished the enzymatic activity of A1 transferase.
Effect of Prestorage Leukocyte Removal on the Cytokine Levels in Stored Platelet Concentrates
Authors: Muylle L. , Peetermans M. E.
Published: March 2009

The effect of the prestorage removal of leukocytes from platelet concentrates (PC) on the cytokine levels during its storage was studied. Two methods for leukocyte removal were examined: filtration and preparation of the PC by the buffy coat method. Cytokine levels were measured at various storage times. Highly increased levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α; 120±131 ng/l) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6; 988±494 ng/l) were found after a 5‐day storage in the control group, whereas no increased levels were found in filtered PC (TNF‐α 14±4 ng/1, IL‐6 <4 ng/l) or in buffy coat PC (TNF‐α 8±2 ng/l, IL‐6 <4 ng/l). Furthermore an effect of the pooling of buffy coats or PC on the cytokine levels was not found. Transfusion of PC containing high levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α has been associated with febrile transfusion reactions in the recipient and therefore the prestorage leukocyte removal might prevent these febrile transfusion reactions. The preparation of buffy coat PC, through its simplicity, seems to be the method of choice.
Human Monoclonal Antibodies against the Rhesus D Antigen from Women with Severe Rh Immunization Submitted to High‐Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment
Authors: del Aguila C. , Guillén M.V. , de la Cámara C. , Llopis R.
Published: March 2009

The pre‐ and postpartum maternal serum anti‐D concentrations of 28 women with severe Rh(D) immunization who received high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin treatment has been determined. In all cases, including 1 in which the newborn was D negative, a sharp increment in the anti‐D titer was observed after delivery. The specific immunoglobulin concentration rose to levels ranging from 4.7 to 204.0 μg/ml and, in 20% of the patients, increments of fifty times or greater were observed. Human monoclonal antibodies (hmAb) have been produced from Epstein‐Barr virus‐transformed lymphoblastoid B cell lines derived from 1 of these naturally hyperimmunized patients whose serum contained an anti‐D‐category DVI antibody. Four anti‐D‐secreting cell lines (97.E3.39.214, 44.E4.R1.257, E7.R1.126.83.115 and E11V.117.63; hereafter referred to as 214, 257, 115 and 63) have been established and maintained in continuous culture for periods ranging from several months to 3 years, without loss of antibody production capacity. Antibodies 115 and 214 recognize all Du samples tested at the same level as the polyclonal positive control. Antibodies 63 and 257 show a significantly lower reaction strength with some of the Du samples. Studies with D category cells showed that the DVI category was recognized only by hmAb 214. The reactivity pattern of this antibody is that of an anti‐epD4, although the reaction strength varied greatly with different DIVa cell samples. Results obtained with hmAb 257 and 115 using papain‐treated D category cells suggest that booth react as anti‐epD6/7. Antibody 63 reacts as anti‐epD1, although it shows only weak reactivity with the single sample of DVII cells tested. A mixture of hmAb 214 and 115 should thus be capable of identifying most weak and partial D erythrocytes by an appropriate method.
Prospective Evaluation of the Chemiluminescence Test for the Detection of Granulocyte Antibodies: Comparison with the Granulocyte Immunofluorescence Test
Authors: Lucas G.F.
Published: March 2009

A series of 213 neutropenic patients were tested for the presence of granulocyte antibodies using the granulocyte chemiluminescence test (GCLT) and the granulocyte immunofluorescence test (GIFT). Sera containing lymphocyte (HLA) antibodies were excluded from the study. A direct GIFT was performed on granulocytes from 56 patients. Samples were obtained from patients with a range of clinical conditions including primary adult autoimmune neutropenia, autoimmune neutropenia of infancy, autoimmune neutropenia secondary to Felty's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, systemic lupus erythematosus, proliferative disorders, bone marrow transplantation and patients with documented febrile or pulmonary transfusion reactions. Overall, granulocyte antibodies were detected in 52.1% of patient sera. Results for the GCLT and GIFT (IgG) were strongly correlated (plt;0.001) for both primary and secondary immune neutropenias. The results confirm the applicability of the GCLT in the granulocyte serology laboratory.
Treatment of ABO Hemolytic Disease with Synthetic Blood Group Trisaccharides
Authors: Romano Egidio L. , Soyano Andres , Montaño Ramón F. , Ratcliffe Murray , Olson Marilyn , Suarez Guillermo , Martínez Nelly , Worstey Geoffrey
Published: March 2009

Thirteen infants, 10 with A‐O and 3 with B‐O hemolytic disease of the newborn (ABO‐HDN), were treated with synthetic A or B blood group trisaccharides (ATS, BTS) which cause dissociation of maternal antibody bound to infant red cells. The clinical outcome was compared with that of a control group of 21 infants treated with phototherapy during the preceding year. Exchange transfusion was required in 2 out of 13 infants in the experimental group and in 7 in the control group. A randomized prospective controlled study is necessary to confirm these results.
An Antibody Screening Test Based on the Antiglobulin Gel Technique, Pooled Test Cells, and Plasma
Authors: Lillevang S. T. , Georgsen J. , Kristensen T.
Published: March 2009

The recently introduced gel technique offers significant advances compared to traditional tube tests. The purpose of the present study was to design an antibody screening test based on the gel technique, pooled cells, and plasma and to evaluate this test by comparison with a conventional spin‐tube indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) combined with a two‐stage papain technique. Pilot studies were performed to establish optimal parameters during the design phase, and finally 5,446 consecutive samples were screened for irregular antibodies by the gel technique in parallel with routine techniques. Irregular erythrocyte antibodies were detected in 151 samples, and the gel technique proved equal or superior to the tube test in the detection of all antibodies except ‘enzyme‐only’ anti‐E and anti‐Lea. We conclude from this study that screening for unexpected antibodies using the gel IAT in our set‐up, which includes: (1) omission of enzyme technique; (2) the use of stabilized (EDTA) plasma instead of serum as test material in order to facilitate automation; and (3) pooling 2 by 2 of 4 test cells (to make the gel technique price competitive), is a fast, reliable and sensitive procedure that maintains transfusion safety and compares favourably with our previous routine of saline IAT combined with a two‐stage papain technique.
In vitro Characteristics of ‘Undercollected’ Units of Whole Blood in CP2D‐A
Authors: Joseph J. , Pink J. , Ribeiro A. , Stewart I.M.
Published: March 2009

Blood donation volumes less than 350 ml are classified as ‘undercollected’ at the NSW Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) and are discarded. This study evaluated the in vitro characteristics during storage of both undercollected units and units of acceptable volume. Thirty‐two units of whole blood were each collected into 63 ml of CP2D‐A, with blood volumes ranging from 180 to 456 ml. The units were stored between 4 and 6°C for 35 days and in vitro measurements were performed weekly. Biochemical parameters measured included ATP, extracellular pH, total haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean cell volume, plasma sodium and potassium, plasma haemoglobin, 2,3‐DPG and lactate levels. All parameters were within the BTS acceptable quality control limits for whole blood. Thus, it appears feasible to transfuse undercollected units with volumes between 180 and 350 ml. However, routine transfusion of undercollected homologous units is undesirable. In contrast, it may be preferable to transfuse an autologous unit, even if it was undercollected. The performance of in vivo survival studies would provide confirmatory data on this proposition.
Effect of Terminal (Dry) Heat Treatment on Non‐Enveloped Viruses in Coagulation Factor Concentrates
Authors: Hart H.F. , Hart W.G. , Crossley J. , Perrie A.‐M. , Wood D.J. , John A. , McOmish F.
Published: March 2009

Terminal dry heat treatment effectively inactivated hepatitis A virus (HAV) and canine parvovirus added to high‐purity factor VIII. After 24 h at 80°C, HAV infectivity was reduced by ≥4.3 log10 TCID50, as measured in a newly developed infectivity assay. The same reduction in virus titer was achieved after 2 h and before 6 h at 90°C. Inactivation of hepatitis A virus was also seen in the freeze‐drying step prior to heat treatment with an approximately 2.0 log10 reduction in titer. Similar results were obtained with a high‐purity factor IX concentrate. Canine parvovirus was also inactivated at both temperatures, with residual infectivity being undetected after 48 h at 80°C or 10 h at 90°C. Canine parvovirus was not affected by lyophilisation. Canine parvovirus measurements by PCR did not reflect the levels of infectivity measured by the tissue‐culture‐based method. The addition of the terminal dry heat treatment to solvent/detergent could effectively eliminate the potential contamination of solvent/detergent‐treated coagulation factor concentrates by non‐lipid‐enveloped viruses. However, careful evaluation for any increased induction of non‐antigens for factor VIII, as a consequence of such treatment, is needed before use in patients can be recommended.
Anti‐j: Human Cold Agglutinins Recognizing Linear (i) and Branched (I) Type 2 Chains
Authors: Roelcke Dieter , Kreft Heidi , Hack Hildegard , Stevenson Freda K.
Published: March 2009

Two IgMΛ cold agglutinins (CAs) reacted with protease‐ and sialidase‐resistant antigens expressed in equal strength on human adult (I), newborn (i), i adult, rabbit (I) and rhesus monkey (i) erythrocytes. The antibodies were inhibited by the linear type 2 sequence lacto‐N‐neotetraose and the branched type 2 sequence lacto‐N‐neohexaose. Endo‐β‐galactosidase treatment of red cells, which splits type 2 chains from the surface, abolished CA reactivity. The CAs expressed the idiotype recognized by the anti‐idiotype 9G4 specific for anti‐I and anti‐i CAs. The data suggest that the two CAs recognize linear (i) as well as branched (I) type 2 chains. It is proposed to term these CAs anti‐j.
The Specificity of Anti‐HCV Supplementary Assays
Authors: Kitchen Alan D. , Tucker Nicola V.
Published: March 2009

A total of 920 samples from blood donors screened as anti‐HCV negative by two third‐generation screening assays (Ortho Diagnostics v3.0 and Murex Diagnostics VK48) were tested by two supplementary anti‐HCV assays, RIBA III (Ortho Diagnostics) and Western blot (Murex Diagnostics VK68). Six (0.65%) of the samples gave scorable bands by RIBA III and 5 (0.54%) by Western blot. Only single‐band reactivity was seen and there was no consensus reactivity between the two assays. Single‐band reactivity in supplementary assays, especially in samples from low‐risk populations, needs to be interpreted with care before being taken as indication of genuine previous or current HCV infection.

We are indebted to both Ortho Diagnostics and Murex Diagnostics for providing the resources to perform this study.
Genetic analysis for the leaf pubescence density and water status traits in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
Authors: DU W. J. , FU S. X. , YU D. Y.
Published: March 2009

Leaf pubescence density (PD) is an important component for the adaptation of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] to drought‐prone environment. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling PD on the upper surface of leaf blade (PDU), PD on the lower surface of leaf blade (PDL), leaf wilting coefficient (WC) and rate of excised leaf drying (ELD) were identified using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population from the cross between soybean cultivars ‘kefeng1’ and ‘nannong1138‐2’ at the field soil drought stress stage from the mid‐end of stem elongation to onset of flowering. A total of 20 QTLs were detected on molecular linkage groups (MLGs) A2, D1b, E, H, G and I with individual QTL explained 4.49–23.56% of phenotypic variation by composite interval mapping. The QTLs for PD on MLG H were mapped to near Ps locus while the QTLs on MLG D1b were located near Rsc‐7. Three genome regions for PD and water status traits on MLGs A2, D1b and H were associated. This study revealed that leaf surface PD may play an important role in the soybean drought tolerance.
Heterotic patterns in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.): II. Crosses between European winter and Chinese semi‐winter lines
Authors: Qian W. , Li Q. , Noack J. , Sass O. , Meng J. , Frauen M. , Jung C.
Published: March 2009

Chinese semi‐winter rapeseed is genetically diverse from European winter rapeseed. Our objectives were (1) to evaluate the potential of semi‐winter rapeseed for winter rapeseed hybrid breeding, (2) to assess the relative importance of general combining ability (GCA) vs. specific combining ability (SCA) among combinations between Chinese semi‐winter and European winter rapeseed, and (3) to compare the strategies to predict heterosis based on parental genetic distance (GD) estimated from AFLP marker data and GCA for hybrid performance. Four winter male sterile lines from Germany as testers were crossed with 14 Chinese semi‐winter rapeseed lines to develop 56 hybrids, which were evaluated together with their parents and commercial hybrids for seed yield, oil content and protein content under three environments in Germany. The Chinese parental lines were not adapted to local environmental conditions as demonstrated by lacking winter hardiness and poor seed yields per se. However, the hybrids between the Chinese parents and the adapted winter rapeseed lines exhibited high heterosis for seed yield. About 20% of the hybrids were significantly superior to the respective hybrid control under three environments. Additive gene effects mainly contributed to hybrid performance since the variance components of GCA were higher as compared with SCA. The correlation between parental GD and hybrid performance was found to be low whereas the correlation between GCA and hybrid performance was high and significant, with correlation coefficients of 0.95 for seed yield, 0.87 for oil content, and 0.91 for protein content, indicating that GCA can predict hybrid performance. These results demonstrate that Chinese semi‐winter rapeseed germplasm has a great potential to increase seed yield in winter rapeseed hybrid breeding programmes in Europe.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: current first‐line therapy
Authors: Carney D. A. , Mulligan S. P.
Published: March 2009

There is a major evolution in progress in the first‐line therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Several recent, large, clinical trials have documented superior outcomes with fludarabine‐based therapy compared with treatment with alkylating agents. Monoclonal antibodies, especially rituximab, are establishing an important role for targeted treatment. It is expected that chemoimmunotherapy will become the preferred treatment for many patients in the near future. Specific challenges remain to be answered, however, especially the optimal treatment for the elderly, patients with autoimmune haemolysis and those with P53 deletions and mutations.
Validity of self‐reported cardiovascular disease events in comparison to medical record adjudication and a statewide hospital morbidity database: the AusDiab study
Authors: Barr E. L. M. , Tonkin A. M. , Welborn T. A. , Shaw J. E.
Published: March 2009

Epidemiological studies often rely on self‐reported cardiovascular disease (CVD) information, but this may be inaccurate. We investigated the accuracy of self‐reported CVD (myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary artery bypass surgery and coronary artery angioplasty) during the follow up of the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) study. Self‐reported CVD events, including the date of the event and hospital admission details, were collected with an interviewer‐administered questionnaire. Of the 276 self‐reported CVD events, 188 (68.1%) were verified by adjudication of medical records. Furthermore, linkage to the statewide Western Australian Hospital Morbidity Database (WAHMD) showed that CVD events were unlikely to be missed, with only 0.2% of those denying any CVD event being recorded as having had an event on the WAHMD. The adjudication of medical records was as accurate as record linkage to the WAHMD for validation of self‐reported CVD, but combining the results from both methods of ascertainment improved CVD event identification.
Fatigue crack growth in fibre metal laminates under selective variable‐amplitude loading
Authors: PLOKKER H. M. , KHAN S. U. , ALDERLIESTEN R. C. , BENEDICTUS R.
Published: March 2009

To extend the predictive capability of existing crack growth models for fibre metal laminates under constant amplitude fatigue loading to variable‐amplitude loading, further research on variable‐amplitude fatigue mechanisms in fibre metal laminates is necessary. In response to this need, an experimental study into the effects of multiple overloads, underloads and various block‐loading sequences on crack growth in the fibre metal laminate Glare was investigated. Crack growth retardation effects were observed in the tests; however, the magnitude of these effects was lower than seen in monolithic aluminium because of fibre bridging. As a result, predictions of the observed behaviour were attempted using an existing constant‐amplitude fatigue crack growth model for Glare in combination with a linear damage accumulation law.
Impact of laryngeal mask airway cuff pressures on the incidence of sore throat in children
Authors: WONG JUSTIN GIN LEONG , HEANEY MAIREAD , CHAMBERS NEIL A. , ERB THOMAS O. , VON UNGERN‐STERNBERG BRITTA S.
Published: March 2009

Background:  Hyperinflation of laryngeal mask airway cuffs can cause harm to the upper airway mainly by exerting high pressures on pharyngeal and laryngeal structures thus impairing mucosal perfusion. Although cuff manometers can be used to guide the monitoring of cuff pressures, their use is not routine in many institutions. In a prospective audit, we assessed the incidence of sore throat following day‐case‐surgery in relation to the intracuff pressure within the laryngeal mask airway.

Methods:  Four hundred children (3–21 years) were consecutively included in this study. The laryngeal mask airway was inflated as deemed necessary by the attending anesthetist. Cuff pressures were measured using a calibrated cuff manometer (Portex Limited, Hythe, Kent, UK, 0–120 cmH2O, pressures exceeding the measurement range were set at 140 cmH2O for statistical purposes) at induction of anesthesia.

Results:  Forty‐five children (11.25%) developed sore throat, 32 (8%) sore neck and 17 (4.25%) sore jaw. Of those that developed sore throat, 56.5% had cuff pressures exceeding >100 cmH2O. In contrast, when cuff pressures were <40 cmH2O, there were no episodes of sore throat, whilst there was only a 4.6% occurrence of sore throat if cuff pressures were between 40–60 cmH2O.

Conclusion:  We have demonstrated that intra cuff pressure in laryngeal mask airways is closely related to the development of sore throat with higher pressures increasing its likelihood. Hence, cuff pressures should be measured routinely using a manometer to minimize the incidence of sore throat.
Subject ellipsis in Russian and Polish*
Authors: McShane Marjorie
Published: March 2009

Abstract. Polish and Russian are partial pro‐drop languages with different patterns of subject realization: whereas pronominal subjects are more commonly elided in Polish, they are more commonly overt in Russian. This suggests an approach to modeling ellipsis that begins with the parameterbaseline subject realizationwith the valuesovertandelided. Once a language has been thus parameterized (overtfor Russian,elidedfor Polish), the rules for determining when to override that baseline decision must be formulated. At least four types of factors influence the realization decision for subjects in Russian and Polish: syntactic constraints; the semantic and stylistic nuances of the utterance; and two pragmatic constraints – the necessity of avoiding ambiguity and the preference for avoiding redundancy. While many theoretical approaches would stop at the point of making such generalizations, the approach taken here, which follows the theory of Ontological Semantics, necessitates that all of the proposed constraints be associated with heuristics sufficient to provide a non‐native speaker or intelligent agent with a robust, practical knowledge of ellipsis usage.
THE LIMITS OF “LESSONS LEARNED”: From Vietnam to the Gulf War
Authors: Lovell John P.
Published: March 2009

The Gulf War and before it conflicts such as the war in Vietnam have become the stimulus to an impressive array of lessons, some of which have had an important influence on subsequent policy behavior. However, compiling “lessons of war” is different from “learning” about peace. The process by which various competing lessons are selected or rejected as the bases of policy plans and procedures is a political one, not merely a cognitive one. The process reflects the biases in the political culture of policy elites, as illustrated by lessons from the Vietnam experience that helped shape the planning for Operation Desert Storm. Several propositions about the kinds of lessons of war that are the most probable products of the American political culture are advanced, and some thoughts about what might be done by peace researchers remedy the deficiencies noted are developed in the conclusions.
FRAMING THE ENEMY
Authors: Lenart Silvo , Targ Harry R.
Published: March 2009

Given the dramatic changes that have occurred in the former Soviet Union and among its erstwhile allies in the Soviet Bloc during the period of glasnost and perestroika, it is argued that the U.S. media portrayal of Cuba has shifted to accommodate this post‐cold war structure of international relations. Past portrayal of Cuba as a Soviet surrogate in the Western Hemisphere has shifted in media frames toward an emphasis on Cuban domestic issues. That this period also coincides with Cuba's own restructuring or “rectification” campaign would apparently explain this domestic emphasis. However, a content analysis of New York Times coverage of Cuba shows a distinct lack of coverage of rectification at the same time as the growth in frequency of stories dealing with human rights issues in Cuba. This human rights frame, it is argued, serves to preserve an anti‐Cuba consciousness among the American public, even as the past Soviet connection is rendered benign.
WAR AND RACIAL PROGRESS The African American Experience during World War II
Authors: Wynn Neil A.
Published: March 2009

Historians have increasingly written of World War II as a turning point in African American history. However, wartime change was part of an ongoing process and often occasioned considerable resistance. The riots of 1943 point to the complexity of the war's impact. However, there is little doubt that wartime social and economic change, coupled with the experience of military service, did much to foster a mood of hope and expectation among African Americans. This was sustained by the continued pressures arising from America's new world role and the growing recognition among the White population that the nation's professed principles did not accord with its racial practices. It was the persistence of racial discrimination in the face of these pressures that ultimately produced the civil rights revolt of the 1950s.
OVERCOMING HABITUS IN CONFLICT MANAGEMENT: UN Peacekeeping and War Zone Ethnography
Authors: Fetherston A. B. , Nordstrom C.
Published: March 2009

This article examines the assumptions that underlie theories of conflict management and asks whether traditional means used to ameliorate violent conflict are appropriate given the complex interrelationships that typify life in war zones. By applying Pierre Bourdieu's concept of habitus we argue that intervention in violent conflict is limited by both the policymakers' and the intervenors' own life experiences and cultures. This curtails the range of alternatives that are “perceived” to be available for managing conflict. We use the example of United Nations peacekeeping as a means of illustrating the limitations of current conflict management techniques as they are applied at the ground level. The article concludes with a discussion of typical approaches to conflict management used by peacekeepers and ways that such environmentally and culturally constrained thinking can be overcome.
“MIDDLE‐OF‐THE‐ROAD” ACTIVISTS Carrie Chapman Catt and the National Committee on the Cause and Cure of War
Authors: Schott Linda
Published: March 2009

The National Committee on the Cause and Cure of War was largely an educational organization, although occasionally it galvanized its members to action in support of policies that had been developed by other groups and activists. Due to its role as an educational organization, the NCCCW increased its participants' knowledge but did not serve significantly to advance their skills. The structure of NCCCW conferences promoted the passive acquisition of knowledge, to which most women would not otherwise have had access, instead of political action and leadership. The NCCCW also made no attempt to include working‐class women or women of color and drew its membership almost entirely from middle‐class European American women. Moderate in its policies and limited in its membership, defining itself as “middle‐of‐the‐road”, the NCCCW implicitly marginalized other women and other political positions
THE WOMEN'S COMMITTEE FOR THE RECOGNITION OF RUSSIA: PROGRESSIVES IN THE AGE OF “NORMALCY”
Authors: Siegel Katherine A. S.
Published: March 2009

This article focuses upon the Women's Committee for the Recognition of Russia, one of the first foreign policy advocacy groups created by newly enfranchised American women. Among its members were several prominent suffragists, including Lucy Gwynne Branham of the National Woman's Party. The group promoted diplomatic relations with revolutionary Russia as a humanitarian measure essential for world peace and applauded Russia's social reforms providing for female emancipation. In 1922 and 1923, the Committee succeeded in meeting with the U.S. secretary of state, but not in changing U.S. policy, which remained strongly opposed to recognition throughout the twenties. By 1924, the group faced an increasingly reactionary domestic environment as well, with peace advocates frequently accused of procommunisl sympathies. Responding to this pressure, the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom forced the Women's Committee to drop its long‐standing affiliation with WILPF in 1925. Thereafter, the Women's Committee went into decline, unable to detach itself from a radical label that had undermined itsposition in the peace movement and frightened away the support of its friends. Nevertheless, it left a lasting impact on Soviet‐American relations. Members like Branham later organized cultural exchanges that contributed to a wider interest in the Soviet Union which, along with geopolitical and economic concerns, led to a revision of U.S. policy in 1933.
LINGUISTIC PEACE WORK
Authors: Agar Michael
Published: March 2009

Recent studies in conflict resolution and peace negotiation have moved from macroperspectives and generalized attribute models of culture closer to the actual processes of verbal interaction that constitute the historical moment. An overview of this literature, however, shows that the field lacks concepts and methods to carry this trend into the details of talk. The article demonstrates how work from different fields concerned with language, culture, and their interrelationship provides the leverage to handle case materials in a more sophisticated and useful way.