bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Closing of the Tethys Sea and the phylogeny of Eurasian killifishes (Cyprinodontiformes: Cyprinodontidae)
Authors: Hrbek T. , Meyer A. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
To test vicariant speciation hypotheses derived from geological evidence of the closing of the Tethys Sea, we reconstruct phylogenetic relationships of the predominantly fresh-water killifish genus Aphanius using 3263 aligned base pairs of mitochondrial DNA from samples representing 49 populations of 13 species. We use additional 11 cyprinodontid species as outgroup taxa. Genes analysed include those encoding the partial 12S and 16S ribosomal RNAs; transfer RNAs for valine, leucine, isoleucine, glutamine, methionine, tryptophan, alanine, asparagine, cysteine and tyrosine; and complete nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit I and II. Molecular substitution rate for this DNA region is estimated at of 8.6 ± 0.1 × 10−9 substitutions base pair−1 year−1, and is derived from a well dated transgression of the Red Sea into the Wadi Sirhan of Jordan 13 million years ago; an alternate substitution rate of 1.1 ± 0.2 × 10−8 substitutions base pair−1 year−1 is estimated from fossil evidence. Aphanius forms two major clades which correspond to the former eastern and western Tethys Sea. Within the eastern clade Oligocene divergence into a fresh-water clade inhabiting the Arabian Peninsula and an euhaline clade inhabiting coastal area from Pakistan to Somalia is observed. Within the western Tethys Sea clade we observe a middle Oligocene divergence into Iberian Peninsula and Atlas Mountains, and Turkey and Iran sections. Within Turkey we observe a large amount of genetic differentiation correlated with late Miocene orogenic events. Based on concordance of patterns of phylogenetic relationships and area relationships derived from geological and fossil data, as well as temporal congruence of these patterns, we support a predominantly vicariant-based speciation hypothesis for the genus Aphanius. An exception to this pattern forms the main clade of A. fasciatus, an euhaline circum-Mediterranean species, which shows little genetic differentiation or population structuring, thus providing no support for the hypothesis of vicariant differentiation associated with the Messinian Salinity Crisis. The two phylogenetically deepest events were also likely driven by ecological changes associated with the closing of the Tethys Sea.
Risk behaviour among blood donors who give blood in order to be tested for the human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Stigum H. , Bosnes V. , Magnus P. , Ørjasæter H. 
Published: March 2003

Background and ObjectivesThere has been concern that some individuals may donate blood primarily motivated by the easy access to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, and that such donors may represent a risk to the transfusion service. In this article we focus on the risk behaviour of donors who reported that they gave blood in order to be HIV tested.Materials and MethodsAnonymous questionnaires were given to 5859 blood donors. The response rate was 70%.ResultsOf the responders, 2·8% reported to have donated blood in order to be HIV tested. However, 87% of the donation‐for‐test group did not have any identified risk behaviour.ConclusionsThe proportion who donated blood in order to be HIV tested was higher than expected, but the majority of the group did not have any identifiable HIV risk.
Tetanus antibody levels of female volunteers after injection with solvent/detergent‐treated human tetanus immunoglobulin (Tetabulin S/D)
Authors: Wahlberg T. , Leibl H. , Brauner A. , Kirgios M. , Adner N. 
Published: March 2003

Background and ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyse the increase of anti‐tetanus titre in volunteers following injection with human tetanus immunoglobulin (HTI).Materials and MethodsTwelve females with tetanus antibody titres of ≤ 0·05 international units (IU)/ml were injected with 500 IU of human tetanus immunoglobulin (Tetabulin S/D). The tetanus antibody titres were determined before injection, and after 30 h, 48 h and 4 days.ResultsA fast and sustained increase of protective tetanus antibody levels was observed in 10 of 12 volunteers. No adverse events related to the study drug were reported.ConclusionsHTI confers rapid and effective immunity to tetanus.
Primary refractoriness to platelet transfusion caused by Naka antibody alone
Authors: Fujino H. , Ohta K. , Taniue A. , Nagao N. , Hino M. , Yamane T. , Koh K.‐R. , Takeoka Y. , Hirose A. , Aoyama Y. , Nakamae H. , Terada Y. , Takubo T. , Tatsumi N. 
Published: March 2003

Background and ObjectivesAnti‐Naka, a platelet‐specific antibody, occasionally causes platelet‐transfusion refractoriness (PTR) together with human leucocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies. Anti‐Naka usually appears after frequent platelet transfusions or pregnancy. We report the first case of PTR caused by anti‐Naka alone.Materials and MethodsA 19‐year‐old male patient with testicular tumour showed PTR when receiving his first transfusion of platelets. Screening for platelet antigens and platelet antibodies revealed that he had type I CD36 (Naka) deficiency and that anti‐Naka, but not anti‐HLA, was present before he received his first transfusion.ResultsThe transfusion of Naka‐negative, but HLA non‐selected, platelets was effective in raising the platelet count.ConclusionClinically significant Naka antibody was present as naturally occurring antibody in a platelet glycoprotein IV (CD36)‐negative non‐transfused male patient.
Altered intracellular purine nucleotides in gamma‐irradiated red blood cell concentrates
Authors: Leitner G. C. , Neuhauser M. , Weigel G. , Kurze S. , Fischer M. B. , Höcker P. 
Published: March 2003

Background and ObjectivesGamma irradiation at a dose of 30 Gy induces deterioration of erythrocytes, resulting in storage lesions that significantly shorten the shelf‐life of packed red cell concentrates (RCCs). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of gamma irradiation on intracellular purine nucleotides of red blood cells during storage.Materials and MethodsThree‐day‐old leucocyte‐depleted saline–adenine–glucose–mannitol (SAGM)‐preserved RCCs, obtained from the Blood Service of the Austrian Red Cross, were gamma irradiated with 30 Gy. Samples were taken on days 1, 2, 3 and 7 after irradiation and subsequently at weekly intervals up to the end the of shelf‐life (day 39 after irradiation) and were investigated for the K+ and Na+ content in the supernatant, for intracellular concentrations of ATP, ADP, ITP, IDP, GTP and GDP of erythrocytes, and for haemolysis.ResultsWithin the first 24 h after gamma irradiation, no metabolic or biochemical changes were detectable in the RCCs. The K+ concentration in the supernatant increased after 24 h, while the Na+ concentration decreased in irradiated units and this ion disequilibrium persisted until the end of the shelf‐life. After an initial increase of intracellular ATP, ADP and GTP during the first week of storage, the intracellular concentrations of ATP, ADP, GTP and ITP decreased, while IDP increased. The decrease of ATP and ADP was found to be more pronounced in irradiated units. At the end of the shelf‐life, the ATP, GTP and ITP concentrations of irradiated RCCs had decreased to < 10% of the initial level and the critical threshold of 0·8% haemolysis was reached.ConclusionGamma irradiation of SAGM‐preserved RCCs leads to serious deterioration of the purine nucleotide metabolism of erythrocytes during storage, which can reduce the in vivo recovery of the transfused red cells.
Microbial contamination of cord blood stem cells
Authors: Honohan Á. , Olthuis H. , Bernards A. T. , Van Beckhoven J. M. , Brand A. 
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives After storage, low levels of contaminating bacteria in standard blood components can reach bacteraemic levels, causing severe transfusion‐associated sepsis. For cord blood (CB), the significance of low levels of contaminating bacteria and the optimal detection method is unknown and not supported by available guidelines.Materials and Methods Spiking experiments and testing of various subfractions of CB units were used to determine the behaviour of bacteria during centrifugation, freezing and thawing. For routine testing of CB, different volumes were compared for the detection of potential pathogens and micro‐organisms of low pathogenicity.Results Centrifugation, as applied to CB fractionation, does not show concentration of bacteria in any particular fraction and supports the possibility of culture of waste fractions. Dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and freezing does not affect the viability of bacteria under the conditions used in this study. Owing to the low contamination level, a large sample volume of 20 ml was more sensitive than a 10‐ml sample volume. Eighty five per cent of the isolated strains can be considered to be of low pathogenicity.Conclusion When an optimal waste fraction sample volume of 20 ml was cultured, the contamination rate of CB was found to be ≈ 13%, with low levels of < 1 colony‐forming unit (CFU)/ml. Such levels of bacteria of low pathogenicity are expected to be of clinical importance only when CB is expanded in vitro for a prolonged period of time.
A direct comparison of the antigen‐specific antibody profiles of intravenous immunoglobulins derived from US and UK donor plasma
Authors: Matejtschuk P. , Chidwick K. , Prince A. , More J. E. , Goldblatt D. 
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is used in a range of immunodeficiency states that require a broad spectrum of protective antibodies to a range of common pathogens. A comparison of the antigen‐specific antibody profile of preparations of an IVIG (Vigam®) derived from US and UK sourced plasma was performed, and these preparations were also compared with three other IVIG products from different manufacturers.Materials and Methods Antibodies against a range of bacterial and viral pathogens were measured by immunoassay.Results Similar profiles were found for Vigam® made from UK and US source plasma and also for the other three IVIGs tested, but some specific differences were observed.Conclusions IVIG preparations have a similar therapeutic spectrum of antibodies when prepared from plasma sourced either from the UK or the US.
Diversion of first blood volume results in a reduction of bacterial contamination for whole‐blood collections
Authors: De Korte D. , Marcelis J. H. , Verhoeven A. J. , Soeterboek A. M. 
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives In a previous study we established a reliable setpoint for the prevalence of bacteria in whole blood. In the present study we investigated the possible preventive effect, of diversion of the first 10 ml of a blood donation, on the bacterial contamination rate.Materials and Methods To divert the first 10 ml of a whole‐blood donation, we used a special five‐bag system equipped with a Composampler® device. After venepuncture, the first 10 ml of a donation was sampled into a vacutainer tube. This was followed by the collection of the whole‐blood unit. The extra bag allowed direct sampling of the final donation in a closed system for BacT/Alert. Whole‐blood samples were taken after storage (2–14 h at 20 °C) and subsequent mixing. BacT/Alert culture bottles were incubated until positive, or for 7 days if negative. Confirmation and identification of positive cultures was performed according to internationally recognized standard reference methods.Results The prevalence of bacteria in whole blood, as determined by using standard collection techniques, was 0·35% (95% confidence interval 0·27–0·44%, n = 18 257). After diversion of the first 10 ml this value was significantly lower: 0·21% (P < 0·05, 95% confidence interval 0·12–0·35%, n = 7087). Most strikingly, a reduction in the frequency of staphylococcal species was observed (P < 0·02, reduction from 0·14 to 0·03%).Conclusions Diversion of the first 10 ml of blood was shown to contribute significantly to a reduction in the prevalence of superficial skin bacteria in whole‐blood units. In our opinion, blood collection systems should be adapted to use the first 10–30 ml of a whole‐blood donation for testing purposes.
Which groups of patients are transfused? A study of red cell usage in London and southeast England
Authors: Stanworth S. J. , Cockburn H. A. C. , Boralessa H. , Contreras M. 
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives There are few published data on the use of red blood cells (RBC) by specialty in the United Kingdom. The aim of this survey was to identify major specialty users of blood to target for audit of transfusion practice with a view to minimizing inappropriate use and to support planning of blood supply needs for the future.Materials and Methods Data were collected retrospectively of RBC units transfused at 62 hospitals/trusts in London and southeast England between April 1997 and March 1998.Results  A total of 594 810 transfused RBC units were successfully traced to their respective clinical specialties, representing 91·9% of all RBC units issued to the study hospitals. Of the RBC units transfused, 51·2% were transfused in surgical, 36·0% in medical and 12·8% in ‘combined’ specialties.Conclusions This large study has accurately documented the clinical disciplines that are significant users of RBCs in our service area. It has heightened general understanding of RBC usage within hospitals. It has also raised questions on future strategies for reducing allogeneic blood transfusion that will be important if anticipated major reductions in blood supply occur in the near future.
Hepatitis C virus–polymerase chain reaction minipool testing: 3 years in the largest Swiss blood transfusion service
Authors: Stolz M. , Gilgen M. , Niederhauser C. 
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives Hepatitis C virus–polymerase chain reaction (HCV–PCR) minipool testing can improve the safety of labile blood products owing to a reduction in the diagnostic preseroconversion window period. In Switzerland, HCV–PCR minipool testing for the release of labile blood components became mandatory in September 1999. In the largest Swiss blood transfusion centre, HCV–PCR minipool testing began in January 1999. This report analyses the performance of the test during a 3‐year period: 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2001.Materials and Methods EDTA‐blood was collected in either standard tubes or plasma preparation (PPT) tubes from 10 blood transfusion services in Switzerland and then sent to the Blood Transfusion Service SRC Berne. Up to 48 donor samples were pooled overnight using Tecan Genesis RSP 200/8 pipettors. Viral RNA was extracted by using the Qiagen QIAamp 96 viral RNA BioRobot kit on a BioRobot 9604. For PCR amplification and detection of HCV or internal control (IC) sequences, the Roche Cobas Amplicor v2·0 test kit was used. Data management, pool resolution and identification of positive samples were performed using the PMS Software from Tecan.Results In the 3‐year period from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2001, 839 056 blood donor samples were tested in minipools of up to 48 samples. Thirty‐five HCV–PCR‐positive donations were identified. Thirty‐four samples had antibodies against HCV and were therefore also detected by screening for antibody to HCV (anti‐HCV). In October 2001, one seronegative (but PCR‐positive) donor was detected.Conclusions HCV–PCR minipool testing was successfully introduced in the largest Swiss blood transfusion service. It was shown that the release of HCV–PCR minipool results can be accomplished concurrently with the results of serological analysis. The challenge with a seronegative, but PCR‐positive, donor demonstrates that the minipool testing strategy adds additional safety to blood products.
Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit von Tacalcitol‐Salbe in der Langzeitanwendung bei chronischer Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Van De Kerkhof P. C. M. , Berth‐Jones J. , Griffiths C. E .M. , Harrison P. V. , Hönigsmann H. , Marks R. , Roelandts R. , Schöpf E. , Trompke C. 
Published: March 2003

Zusammenfassung: Da Psoriasis‐Patienten häufig eine Dauertherapie benötigen, muss eine optimale Behandlung Langzeitwirksamkeit mit einem guten Sicherheitsprofil vereinen. Das Ziel der vorliegenden, multizentrischen Studie war die Beurteilung der Wirksamkeit, Sicherheit und Verträglichkeit von Tacalcitol (4 µg/g) Salbe, bei einmal täglicher Anwendung über einen Zeitraum von 18 Monaten.

Die Beurteilung der Wirksamkeit erfolgte über den PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) auf Grundlage der Summenscores von Rötung, Infiltration und Schuppung, sowie das Ausmaß der betroffenen Körperoberfläche (KOF). Zur Beurteilung der Sicherheit wurden die Serumwerte von Calcium, Parathormon, Calcitonin, 1,25‐dihydroxy Vitamin‐D3 (Calcitriol), sowie Urin‐Calcium, Urin‐Creatinin, Calcium/Creatinin Verhältnis und α1‐Microglobulin im 24‐Stunden‐Urin gemessen. Im ersten Teil der Studie über drei Monate sind 304 Patienten mit chronischer Plaque Psoriasis behandelt worden, die eine betroffene Körperoberfläche von 7 – 20 % aufwiesen. 257 Patienten beendeten die erste Behandlungsphase. Davon nahmen 197 Patienten an der zweiten Behandlungsphase über 15 Monate teil.  Die Tacalcitol‐Therapie reduzierte erfolgreich den Schweregrad der Psoriasis und die Wirksamkeit blieb über den gesamten Studienzeitraum erhalten. Nach dreimonatiger Therapie reduzierte sich der PASI von 9,5 auf 4,6 und betrug am Studienende nach 18 Monaten 3,25 (p < 0,0001). Gleichzeitig verringerte sich der Anteil der betroffenen Körperoberfläche um 30 % nach drei Monaten und um 50 % zum Studienende. Es traten keine Hypercalcämien auf. Die Serumspiegel von Calcium, Parathormon und Calcitriol und die Laborbefunde des 24‐Stunden‐Urins zeigten keine signifikanten Veränderungen. Die Studie ergab keine Korrelation zwischen den Serum‐ oder Urinspiegeln von Calcium und der verwendeten Menge an Tacalcitol‐Salbe, auch nicht bei Patienten mit großem Salbenverbrauch (bis zu 13 g/pro Tag und bis zu 20 % KOF). Die Behandlung war sehr gut verträglich. Es traten keine schweren oder unerwarteten Nebenwirkungen auf. Ein Abbruch der Behandlung aufgrund von Hautirritationen wurde bei 5,9 % der Patienten gesehen. Reversible lokale Hautirritationen traten meist zu Anfang der Behandlung auf, reduzierten sich aber deutlich im weiteren Therapieverlauf. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie zeigen deutlich, dass die Tacalcitol Langzeittherapie mit einmal täglicher Anwendung, eine wirksame, sichere und gut verträgliche Therapieoption bei chronischer Plaque Psoriasis darstellt.
Nitrogen Fixation in Hybrids of White Clover (Trifolium repens L.) and Caucasian Clover (Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb)
Authors: Abberton M. T. , MacDuff J. H. , Vagg S. , Marshall A. H. , Michaelson‐Yeates T. P. T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractHybrids between white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and Caucasian clover (or Kura clover, Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb) are a potential route for the improvement of drought tolerance and persistence in white clover. However, to be agronomically viable they must show no significant reduction in their potential for nitrogen fixation relative to white clover. A comparative study of growth rate and nitrogen fixation was carried out in flowing solution culture without a supply of mineral nitrogen to the plants. The two parental species and two generations of backcross hybrids, with white clover as the recurrent parent, were assessed. The growth rate and N content of T. ambiguum were significantly lower than those of the other lines. However, dry matter production, nodule biomass per plant and rates of fixation were similar in second‐generation backcross plants and white clover. The results suggest that the agronomic potential of this novel germplasm is not compromised by limitations with respect to nitrogen fixation.
Study of the variability of the response to inbreeding for meat production in Merino sheep
Authors: Analla By M. , Montilla J. M. , Serradilla J. M. 
Published: March 2003

IntroductionInbreeding is known to affect metric traits. Reduction of additive genetic variance, as well as phenotypic values are its most significant deleterious effects. Yet the emergence of disorders due to recessive gene action constitutes another important aspect. Despite the fact that some effect of inbreeding can be positively used in selection schemes (T oro 1993), breeders are aware of the deleterious effects and try to avoid them. This is particularly true when the selection nucleus and the related population are of small size. Several authors (H
agger 1991; V
errier et al. 1993; W
ray and G
oddard 1994) have stressed that the application of sophisticated methods of selection, particularly BLUP‐based techniques (H
enderson 1973) is to be reconsidered in the light of inbreeding effects. Comparisons of selection methods should therefore account for inbreeding depression (T
oro and P
jrez‐E
nciso 1990; Q
uinton et al. 1992). Other authors believe that inbreeding depression is not so important, at least in the meat production industry (G
ama and S
mith 1993) for traits with high heritabilities. Nevertheless, the net effect of inbreeding in a selection programme will depend on the magnitude of the selection response relative to the depression due to the accumulated inbreeding. Depending on whether genetic gain and inbreeding depression compensate for each other, the level of inbreeding of the animals may need to be accounted for in the selection process (K
eller et al. 1989; R
oehe et al. 1993; K
lieve et al. 1994; B
risbane and G
ibson 1995). On the other hand, the response to inbreeding is not the same for all animals. There is an important range of variation for the estimates of inbreeding depression reported in the literature (e.g. L
amberson and T
homas 1984). Differences in such a response with respect to identifiable sources of variation should be examined. The objective of this work was to study the relationship between the depression due to inbreeding and litter size of ewes and weights of lambs; and to identify sources of a possible differential response to inbreeding between animals coming from different genetic line, sex, or type of birth.