bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leukocyte Filtration of Single‐Donor Platelet Units through an Integrated Filter System for the Fresenius AS 104 Blood Cell Separator
Authors: Moog R. , Müller N. , Köbke A. C. H. , Kalb R. 
Published: May 2003

Abstract Background and objectives: White cell depletion of platelet concentrates is widely applied to reduce the incidence of transfusion complications. We investigated a new plateletpheresis kit with an integrated filter for leukocyte depletion of platelets. Materials and methods: Parameters of product quality were investigated before and after in‐line filtration of 70 single‐donor platelet (SDP) units obtained by apheresis. We studied three different filter batches manufactured for the Fresenius AS 104 blood cell separator, and evaluated different softwares and interface positions with respect to platelet (PLT) yield and white blood cell (WBC) contamination. Results: PLT yields before and after filtration was not statistically different in the protocols studied. WBC contamination after WBC depletion was in the range of 104/SDP unit. Glucose, lactate dehydrogenase, and the morphology score were not statistically different before and after filtration. Conclusions: In‐line WBC filtration of SDP units sufficiently reduced WBC below 5×106/unit. The study allowed definition of the filter composition and apheresis parameters to optimize PLT yield and minimize WBC contamination.
Spontaneous Rise of Fetal Platelet Counts Despite Increasing anti‐HPA‐5b Antibodies
Authors: Ulm Barbara , Ulm Martin R. , Deutinger Josef , Eichelberger Beate , Panzer Simon 
Published: May 2003

Abstract Background and objectives: Maternal anti‐HPA alloantibodies are a rare cause of severe fetal thrombocytopenia. So far there have been no reports on the dynamics of maternal anti‐HPA‐5 during gestation and its effect on the fetus. Materials and methods: We monitored maternal anti‐HPA‐5b antibody titers and fetal platelet counts during gestation in a woman with known anti‐HPA‐5b alloimmunization. The patient was a 32‐year‐old woman in her third pregnancy. The 1st pregnancy and delivery of a healthy child had been uneventful. At delivery, anti‐HPA‐5b was detectable in the maternal serum. A 2nd pregnancy ended in early miscarriage. Results: A steady rise in the alloantibody titer was recorded throughout the 3rd pregnancy. Therefore, cordocentesis was performed at 28 weeks of gestation (platelet count 76×109/l). Serial platelet transfusions were administered to the fetus at 28, 32, and 37 weeks of gestation. The platelet counts rose spontaneously thereafter and were 220×109/l at delivery, despite an increase in the anti‐HPA‐5b antibody titer. The child developed normally during the first year of life. Conclusions: This case illustrates the spontaneous recovery of fetal platelet counts in late pregnancy despite a rise in maternal alloantibody titer.
Application of the Gel Test in IgG Subclassing – A Comparison of Two Agglutination Assays
Authors: Palfi Miodrag , Hildén Jan‐Olof 
Published: May 2003

Abstract Background and objectives: IgG subclasses of anti‐D seem to play some role in hemolytic disease of the newborn, but there has been disagreement as to its exact nature. The aim of our study was to evaluate a new technique for IgG subclassing of anti‐D and to compare it to an established test. Materials and methods: In 31 cases of RhD immunization, we have compared two simple agglutinating assays for subclassing anti‐D: an established V‐well microtiter tray assay and a new gel test assay. Polyclonal rabbit anti‐IgG agglutinating antibodies were tested against sensitized D‐positive red blood cells by both assays. Results: The anti‐D concentration in tested sera varied between 0.1 and 81 μg/ml (0.5–405 IU/ml). Both assays were simple to perform and the results correlated well. Conclusions: The gel test had two advantages: quick performance and easy interpretation.
Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cell Collection during Hematopoietic Recovery following Autologous Blood Progenitor Cell Transplantation
Authors: Schwella N. , Kingreen D. , Heuft H. G. , Oettle H. , Rick O. , Serke S. , Huhn D. , Siegert W. 
Published: May 2003

Abstract Background and objectives: Peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) are increasingly used for autologous transplantation after high‐dose radio/chemotherapy in patients suffering from cancer. PBPC are usually collected after mobilization with conventional‐dose chemotherapy plus growth factor. However, it is conceivable to perform leukapheresis for the second autograft during recovery of hematopoiesis after the first course of HDCT/ABPCT. Materials and methods: We treated two patients this way. In the first, with germ cell cancer, six 12‐liter leukaphereses yielded 1.8×106 CD34+ cells/kg after mobilization with cis‐platinum, etoposide and ifosfamide (PEI) plus granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF). The second patient, with relapsed Hodgkin's disease, underwent PBPC collection after treatment with dexamethasone, carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine and melphalan (DexaBEAM) plus G‐CSF. Due to excellent mobilization, 8.5×106 CD34+ cells/kg were collected by one 12‐liter leukapheresis. Both patients then underwent PBPC collection during hematopoietic recovery following HDCT and ABPCT. Results: In patient 1, following HDCT and ABPCT, three 12‐liter aphereses resulted in 0.7×106 CD34+ cells/kg. In patient 2, also after HDCT and ABPCT, a second autograft with 3.2×106 CD34+ cells/kg was harvested by a single 10‐liter apheresis. No adverse effects were seen in either patient during apheresis following ABPCT. To our knowledge this is the first report dealing with PBCT collection during hematopoietic recovery following HDCT and ABPCT. Conclusions: (1) PBPC harvesting is feasible and well tolerated in this setting. (2) In appropriate patients with efficient PBPC mobilization after conventional‐dose chemotherapy, a further PBPC autograft can be collected during recovery of hematopoiesis after ABPCT, serving as a rescue for a second course of HDCT.
Immune Complex‐Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia and Evans Syndrome Induced by Diclofenac
Authors: de Quirós J.F.B. , Pinto V. , Hevia S. , Vigón R. 
Published: May 2003

Abstract Background and objectives: Sodium diclofenac is one of the most widely used nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Cases of acute haemolytic anaemia have been ascribed to the drug. We describe such a case, mediated by immune complexes. Materials and methods: Standard serologic tests were carried out for blood grouping and the detection and identification of red cell allo‐ and autoantibodies. Drug‐anti‐drug complexes were detected with an ex‐vivo method. Results: Warm IgG drug‐independent red cell and platelet autoantibodies were detected in the serum. At first, the patient was diagnosed as having the Evans syndrome, and corticosteroids were administered. Later, because of the severity of the anaemia, the possibility of an immune complex mechanism was considered. This was confirmed by the detection of diclofenac‐dependent antibodies that reacted with RBC only in the presence of urine from a volunteer receiving diclofenac as a source of ex‐vivo antigen. The antibodies neither reacted with an in‐vitro solution of the drug nor with the volunteer's serum. Diclofenac and corticosteroids were stopped, and the clinical condition of the patient completely normalised within 15 days. Conclusions: We describe a patient with acute haemolytic anaemia caused by diclofenac through an immune complex mechanism.
Severe Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Associated with IgM Warm Autoantibodies Directed against Determinants on or Associated with Glycophorin A
Authors: Garratty G. , Arndt P. , Domen R. , Clarke A. , Sutphen‐Shaw D. , Clear J. , Groncy P. 
Published: May 2003

Abstract Background and objectives: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is rarely caused by IgM warm autoantibodies, and is sometimes difficult to diagnose. We describe three patients with severe AIHA caused by IgM warm autoantibodies; in two of the three, the hemolysis was fatal. Materials and methods: Conventional hematologic and serologic procedures were used. Results: The IgM autoantibodies in all three cases were directed against determinants on or associated with glycophorin A (Ena, Wrb, and Pr). The IgM autoantibodies had unusual serological characteristics, in that the agglutinins were detected or greatly enhanced only by the presence of albumin or a low pH, and/or the agglutinins reacted optimally at 20–30°C. Conclusions: IgM warm autoantibodies directed at determinants on or associated with glycophorin A appear to cause severe (often fatal) hemolytic anemia.
Genetic differences in brain monoamines level in Pietrain and Duroc pigs exposed to acute restraint stress
Authors: Rosochacki S. J. , Piekarzewska A. B. , Połoszynowicz J. , Sakowski T. 
Published: May 2003

SummaryThe distribution and endogenous concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), dopamine (DA) as well as DA metabolites 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and the main 5‐HT metabolite – 5‐hydroxyindole‐3‐acetic acid (5‐HIAA), were measured by HPLC in 15 brain areas of control and immobilized adult Duroc (D) and Pietrain (P) pigs. The animals were immobilized for 15, 30 and 60 min in the prone position. Control pigs displayed the pattern of regional distribution of brain monoamines similar to that described in other species. Absolute values of NE and E were much higher in the hypothalamus and the preoptic area of pigs than in other species. The concentration of E was seven times higher in the hippocampus posterior in P pigs as compared to D pigs. Also, in most structures DOPAC/DA ratio was relatively high, which points to strains related difference in the turnover of dopamine. In control animals, statistical differences in the bioamine contents were seen between both strains in 25 cases. Epinephrine accounted for more than 12% of the total concentration of both amines in D and 15% in P, this proportion was the highest among the structures compared. The highest concentration of DA and its metabolites – DOPAC and HVA, was revealed in the caudate nucleus and in the nucleus accumbens. Of other structures, the substantia nigra (SN), the septum and the ventral tegmental area (VTA) contained relatively high concentrations of DA, DOPAC and HVA. The 5‐HT level varied from the lowest concentration in the hippocampus posterior, cornu ammonis, nucleus accumbens and the caudate nucleus to the highest concentration in the hypothalamus, the SN, and brain stem areas. This distribution was paralleled by corresponding concentration of 5‐HIAA, being the highest in raphe nuclei (RN). The most conspicuous changes produced by immobilization stress consisted of a substantial decrease in the hypothalamic levels of NE and E in both strains of pig. The level of NE was always higher in D than in P in cornu ammonis, hippocampus posterior, nucleus caudatus, SN, septum, hypothalamus medialis, tectum and olfactory tuberculum. The same was for E in: SN, septum, hypothalamus medialis, and olfactory tubercle. DA, DOPAC and HVA, were changed primarily in SN in P pigs, and in RN in P and D animals. Serotonin (5‐HT) level increased substantially in RN in P pigs. 5‐HIAA level was highly elevated in the RN being always higher in P than in D pigs and in PAG. We suggest that restraint immobilization stress lead to compensatory changes in both brain monoaminergic systems. These changes may affect coping with stress demands mostly in the structures that are proposed to play a major role in the pig responsiveness to acute stress conditions.
Balancing genetic diversity, genetic merit and population viability in conservation programmes
Authors: Piyasatian N. , Kinghorn B. P. 
Published: May 2003

SummaryThis paper introduces a method to balance genetic diversity, genetic merit and population viability in the establishment of conservation programmes for which there can be control of breeding to an extent. These issues are included in a function that is optimized using an evolutionary algorithm, resulting in a solution to which subpopulations and numbers of individuals from each to be included in a conserved population. The method is illustrated by use of microsatellite data from swamp buffaloes, which are used to estimate genetic variation within and between races. Weighting factors for genetic variation, genetic merit and population viability in conserved populations were varied to give a range of interesting solutions. Higher levels of emphasis on genetic diversity led to preservation of pure races within the conserved population. In contrast, higher levels of emphasis on population viability can lead to rationalization of genetic resources through crossing of closely related races, particularly where few individuals of one or both sexes remain. The approach can be extended to handle tactical issues such as culling and mate allocation for individual animals, where opportunities for such levels of control exist in the establishment and ongoing maintenance of a conservation programme.
Candidate gene markers for reproductive traits in polish 990 pig line
Authors: Korwin‐Kossakowska A. , Kamyczek M. , Cieślak D. , Pierzchała M. , Kurył J. 
Published: May 2003

SummaryThe follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSHB), the prolactin (PRL) and prolactin receptor (PRLR) genes were examined as candidate genes for swine reproductive traits. The experimental material included 444 sows of the Polish synthetic line 990. The following traits were included in the study: total number born (TNB), number born alive (NBA) number of piglets at 21 days of age (NP21), number of weaned piglets, litter weight at 21 days of age, litter weight at weaning. The PRL locus genotype was found to have a significant effect (p ≤ 0.01) on the TNB, NBA and NP21 based on analysis of sows records from second and later parities. The effect of PRLR genotype was significant (p < 0.05) for the NBA for sows during first parity. No significant effects of the FSHB sow genotype were found in part because of a low frequency of one of the homozygous genotypes at this locus observed in the tested material.
The sequence of the bovine cysteine‐ and histidine‐rich cytoplasmic gene: EST puzzle solving by comparative assembly and confirmation by genomic sequencing
Authors: Craig J. A. , Sharma B. S. , Jiang Z. 
Published: May 2003

SummaryA simple, yet comprehensive comparative mapping approach on how to mine the current GenBank database in order to facilitate the gene and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in livestock species is described. Using this method, the bovine cysteine‐ and histidine‐rich cytoplasmic protein (CYHR1) gene was characterized. The cDNA sequence of the bovine CYHR1 was determined using public expressed sequence tag (EST) puzzle solving and its genomic organization was identified by sequencing. A BLAST search against the human genome sequences indicated that the bovine CYHR1 gene tentatively contains at least three exons and two introns, spanning approximately 4 kb in the bovine genome. A total of 149 and 155 cows with high or low estimated breeding values (EBVs) in protein yield were genotyped on a G/A polymorphism in intron 1 by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) technique with digestion of restriction enzyme NlaIII. This substitution had no significant effects on protein yield in Canadian Holstein cattle, yet could be used as a marker for additional haplotype analysis.
Relation between Holstein bulls’ proofs for milk in USA and the milk yield, age at first calving, calving interval and survival to third calving of their F1 zebu progeny in Venezuela
Authors: Vaccaro L. , López J. , Vaccaro R. , Verde O. , Mejías H. , Dorta D. , Pérez A. 
Published: May 2003

SummaryTo determine the effect of USA Holstein bulls’ breeding value for milk yield on the performance of their female F1 progeny in the lowland tropics of Venezuela, semen was chosen from 39 sires, representing bulls with the highest (class H, n = 21) or average (class A, n = 18) proofs for milk, available locally. The mean proofs of the H and A sires were 937 and 237 kg milk, respectively, when semen was purchased in 1989–93, and 212 and −386 kg when updated in 2001. Progeny from commercial zebu dams were kept grazing on three dual purpose farms, where herd average milk yields were 735, 1113 and 3524 kg per lactation. Records on milk yield, lactation length, calving interval, age at first calving and survival rate to first, second and third calving from 222 progeny (476 lactations) were analysed using mixed linear models. The effect of sire class approached significance (p = 0.07) for milk yield and survival rate to second calving, with H daughters superior to A progeny by 41 and 46%, respectively, and no significant disadvantage for any trait. Class × farm interaction was only significant for age at first calving. Rank correlations using USA proofs for milk and the adjusted mean values for bulls with =15 F1 records were 0.72 (p < 0.01, milk yield) and −0.07 (calving interval). Differences between sires, within classes, were highly significant for age at first calving and calving interval. It was concluded that the use of Holstein bulls with high USA milk proofs is probably justified for producing F1 daughters, but that evaluation for growth rate and daughter fertility under tropical grazing conditions may be advisable.
Relation between Holstein bulls’ proofs for milk in USA and the survival and body weights up to 18 months of their F1 zebu progeny in Venezuela
Authors: Pacheco J. R. , Vaccaro L. , Mejías H. , Pérez A. , López J. , Dorta D. 
Published: May 2003

SummaryThe purpose of the study was to determine the relation between Holstein bulls’ proofs for milk in USA, and the survival and body weights of their F1 progeny under lowland grazing conditions in Venezuela. Semen was selected from sires with the highest proofs available locally (class H, n = 23) or with proofs close to the breed average (class A, n = 18). Mean proofs were 934 kg (H) and 237 kg (A), respectively, when semen was purchased (1989–93), falling to 204 and −386 kg when updated in 2001. Dams were Brahman‐type zebus on seven farms, raising the F1 progeny (n = 866) on native or cultivated pasture with only mineral supplements. Records of survival to 8 and 18 months and weights at birth, 8 and 18 months of age were analysed using linear models. Sire class had no effect on survival or weight at birth, but H progeny were slightly heavier than A progeny at 8 (4.0%, p = 0.06) and 18 months (2.6%, p < 0.05). The interaction class × farm was only significant for survival, with H progeny equal or superior to A groups on six farms. The effect of sire within class was highly significant for survival to 8 months and weight at 18 months. Rank correlations using sires’ milk proofs and F1 progeny weights and survival were not significant. It was concluded that the use of Holstein bulls with high milk proofs may lead to slightly higher 18‐month weights in their F1 progeny in tropical grazing systems, covering the additional cost of H semen, but that sire evaluation for weight gain and progeny survival rates may be justified under these conditions.
Estimation of genetic parameters for canine hip dysplasia in the Swiss Newfoundland population
Authors: Dietschi E. , Schawalder P. , Gaillard C. 
Published: May 2003

SummaryVariance components and genetic parameters for hip dysplasia (HD) in a population of 1372 Newfoundlands were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood method applied to animal models comprising fixed effects of gender, screening expert and HD grading system. All models investigated included a random direct genetic effect, but differed for combinations of random maternal genetic effect, permanent maternal environmental effect and kennel effect. Although kennels had no effect on HD, the permanent maternal environmental effects, however were significant. The results for the maternal genetic effect were ambiguous. These results suggest a confounding of these three random effects. The model that included the fixed effects, the direct genetic effect and the permanent maternal environmental effect was the most parsimonious combined with an optimal fit. The heritability estimated with this model was 0.28 and the proportion of the permanent maternal environmental effect of the phenotypic variance was 0.10. The effects of gender and screening expert were significant but not the one of HD grading system.
Assessment of Progesterone Concentration Using Enzymeimmunoassay, for Early Pregnancy Diagnosis in Sheep and Goats
Authors: Boscos CM , Samartzi FC , Lymberopoulos AG , Stefanakis A , Belibasaki S 
Published: May 2003

ContentsThe objective of this study was to determine a value of serum progesterone (P4) concentration, assessed using an enzymeimmunoassay (EIA), for the early distinction between pregnant and non‐pregnant ewes and goats. Adult, non‐lactating ewes of Chios (n=53), Berrichon (n=30) and Sfakia (n=45) breeds were synchronized during the breeding season with progestagens and gonadotrophins and mated to fertile rams (Experiment I). Adult, lactating goats of Swiss breeds (Alpine and Saanen, n=104) and indigenous Greek breed (n=45) were synchronized during the transitional season with progestagens, PGF2α and gonadotrophins. Cervical artificial insemination (AI) with fresh semen was applied once, 42–44 h after sponge removal (Experiment II). Jugular blood samples were collected on day 19 after sponge removal (ewes) or on day 21 after AI (goats) and serum P4 concentration was determined by EIA. Progesterone concentrations ≥1.0, ≥1.5, ≥2.5 and ≥4.0 ng/ml were tested as indicative of pregnancy. Pregnancy diagnosis was verified on birth. In the case of sheep, using a discriminatory level of 2.5 ng/ml, overall accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis was 91.4% and predictive value of negative and positive diagnoses were 98.3 and 85.3%, respectively. In the case of goats, predictive value of negative diagnosis was 95.8 and 94.0% and predictive value of positive diagnosis 71.3 and 71.7%, for 1.5 and 2.5 ng/ml, respectively; overall accuracy was 79.2% using either level. The other discriminatory levels tested did not improve these results. A significant positive correlation was observed between P4 concentration and the number of lambs or kids born, and further analysis indicated that this relationship is not a simple linear function. Based on the results of this study, P4 concentrations of 2.5 ng/ml in the case of ewes and 1.5–2.5 ng/ml in the case of goats, determined with EIA, are proposed as discriminatory levels between pregnant and non‐pregnant animals, at an interval of one oestrous cycle after service.
Sperm Pre‐Incubation Prior to Insemination Affects the Sex Ratio of Bovine Embryos Produced in vitro
Authors: Lechniak D , Strabel T , Bousquet D , King AW 
Published: May 2003

ContentsThe objective of the present study was to determine whether sperm incubation prior to oocyte insemination in vitro affects the sex ratio of resulting blastocyst. Cumulus–oocyte‐complexes (COCs) collected from slaughterhouse ovaries were matured in vitro and inseminated with frozen‐thawed semen of three proven artificial insemination (AI) bulls pre‐incubated in vitro in Sperm‐Talp for 6 and 24 h. On day‐9 blastocysts were collected and processed for sex determination. More than 80% of blastocyst were successfully sexed. There were no significant differences in cleavage and blastocyst rates using sperm pre‐incubated for 6 h as compared with the 0‐h pre‐incubation control group. The cleavage and blastocyst rates were significantly lower in the 24‐h pre‐incubation group. The male to female ratio, when compared with the theoretical 1 : 1, differed significantly in favour of females among hatched (viable) blastocysts derived from sperm pre‐incubated for 24 h prior to insemination as well as among all blastocytsts in the 6‐h group. Moreover, when the sperm treatment was considered, the sex ratio was affected only among hatched blastocysts in 24‐h pre‐incubation group. It was concluded that prolonged sperm pre‐incubation influences the rate of development and the sex ratio among hatched blastocysts.