Effect of non-genetic factors on milk yields traits in Simmental cows raised subtropical climate condition / Efeito de fatores não genéticos em produção de leite em gado simmental criado em condições climáticas subtropicais

The aim of this study was to identify non-genetic parameters affecting the milk yield traits of Simmental cows raised in subtropical climate conditions. Records on 1904 lactation events of Simmental cows (N=706) during 2001-2014 were included in this study. A generalized linear model was used to investigate the effect of non-genetic factors (calving year, season, and age; lactation number; birth type; and calf sex) on real milk yield (MY), adjusted 305-d lactation milk yield (305-d MY), adjusted mature-age 305-d lactation milk yield (305-d MAMY), lactation length (LL), and dry periods (DP). The MY, 305-d MY, 305-d MAMY, LL, and DP were 6413.04kg, 6060.30kg, 6871.21 kg, 329.88d, and 57.67d, respectively, in Simmental cows. The effects of calving year, birth type, and calf sex on MY were significant (P<0.05). Calving year, calving age, birth type, and calf sex had significant effects on 305-d MY (P<0.05). The 305-d MAMY was significantly affected by calving year, birth type, and calf sex (P<0.05). In conclusion, based on the findings of the present study, the milk yield traits of Simmental cows raised at subtropical climate conditions with ideal feeding and management strategies was in accordance with world standards.(AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi identificar parâmetros não genéticos afetando características de produção de leite em vacas Simmental criadas em condições climáticas subtropicais. Registros em 1904 eventos de lactação de vacas Simmental (N=706) de 2001 a 2014 foram incluídos nesse estudo. Um modelo linear generalizado foi utilizado para investigar o efeito de fatores não genéticos (ano, estação, e idade de parto; número de lactação; tipo de nascimento; sexo do bezerro) em produção real de leite (MY), produção ajustada 305-d (305-d MY), produção ajustada madura 305-d (305-d MAMY), duração de lactação (LL), e períodos secos (DP). MY, 305-d MY, 305-d MAMY, LL, e DP foram 6413.04kg, 6060.30kg, 6871.21kg, 329.88d e57.67d, respectivamente, em vacas Simmental. Os efeitos de ano de parto, tipo de parto e sexo do bezerro em MY foram significantes (P<0.05). O 305-d MAMY foi significativamente afetado por ano de parto, tipo de parto e sexo do bezerro (P<0.05). Conclui-se que, baseado nos achados do presente estudo, a produção de leite de vacas Simmental criadas em condições climáticas temperadas com alimentação e estratégias de manejo ideais estava de acordo com padrões mundiais.(AU)

Combined strategies for improving production of a thermo-alkali stable laccase in Pichia pastoris

Background: Laccases are copper-containing enzymes which have been used as green biocatalysts for many industrial processes. Although bacterial laccases have high stabilities which facilitate their application under harsh conditions, their activities and production yields are usually very low. In this work, we attempt to use a combinatorial strategy, including site-directed mutagenesis, codon and cultivation optimization, for improving the productivity of a thermo-alkali stable bacterial laccase in Pichia pastoris. Results: A D500G mutant of Bacillus licheniformis LS04 laccase, which was constructed by site-directed mutagenesis, demonstrated 2.1-fold higher activity when expressed in P. pastoris. The D500G variant retained similar catalytic characteristics to the wild-type laccase, and could efficiently decolorize synthetic dyes at alkaline conditions. Various cultivation factors such as medium components, pH and temperature were investigated for their effects on laccase expression. After cultivation optimization, a laccase activity of 347 ± 7 U/L was finally achieved for D500G after 3 d of induction, which was about 9.3 times higher than that of wild-type enzyme. The protein yield under the optimized conditions was about 59 mg/L for D500G. Conclusions: The productivity of the thermo-alkali stable laccase from B. licheniformis expressed in P. pastoris was significantly improved through the combination of site-directed mutagenesis and optimization of the cultivation process. The mutant enzyme retains good stability under high temperature and alkaline conditions, and is a good candidate for industrial application in dye decolorization.

Effects of nitrogen on yields and flavonoids contents of Epimedium pseudowushanense in hydroponic conditions / 中国中药杂志

Nitrogen nutrition divided into concentrations and forms for Epimedium pseudowushanense was studied under hydroponic conditions. There were 7 nitrogen concentrations treatments（N0-N6）which nitrogen concentration was 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 13.0 mmol•L⁻¹, respectively, and 5 nitrogen forms and proportions treatments (T1-T5) which NO3-N/NH4-N was 5∶0, 4∶1, 2.5∶2.5, 1∶4, 0∶5 respectively, the total nitrogen applied was 5 mmol•L⁻¹. The results showed that along with the increase of nitrogen concentration, biomass (dry weight) and leaf dry weight increased, which in N5 treatment was 29%, 23% higher than those in N0 and 36%, 23% higher than those in N4 respectively, but not significantly different from N6 treatment. Roots and stem dry weights did not change significantly. Pn and the contents of photosynthetic pigments were higher in N3-N5 treatments. Epimedin A, B, C, icariin and total flavonoids contents were the lowest in N3 treatment, suddenly increase in N4 treatment and only a little change between N4-N6 treatments. N5 treatment with the highest epimedin C content was 131% higher than N3 treatment with the lowest epimedin C content (P<0.05). While in the nitrogen forms and proportions treatments, biomass, leaf and stem dry weights were the highest in T3 treatment and lower in T1 and T5 treatments, without significance between T1 and T5 treatments. These indicators in T3 treatment were more than 30% higher than those in T1 treatment. The impact of nitrogen concentrations was greater than nitrogen forms on flavonoids. epmedin C content was the highest in T1 treatment, only 5%-8% higher than that in T2-T5 treatments (no significance between 4 treatments). Epimedin A, B, icariin and total flavonoids contents were higher in T1 treatment, the lowest in T2 treatment, those in T1 treatment was 41%, 62% and 27% higher than T2 treatment respectively (P<0.05). In a conclusion, E. pseudowushanense is a high nitrogen tolerant plant, 10.0 mmol•L⁻¹ was the boundary point between growing general to well and the optimal nitrogen concentration for it was 10.0-13.0 mmol•L⁻¹. Besides, it prefers to grow in NO-3 plus NH+4 and the optimal proportion was 2.5∶2.5.

Effects of sex and genotype on performance and yield characteristics of free range broiler chickens / Avaliação dos efeitos de sexo e genótipo sobre características de desempenho e rendimento em frangos tipo caipira

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of genotype and sex on the performance characteristics (weight gain, feed conversion and livability) and yields (carcass, breast and legs) of six free-range genotypes: Pesadão Vermelho (GEN1), Carijó (GEN2), Pescoço Pelado 1 (GEN3), Pescoço Pelado 2 (GEN4), Pescoço Pelado 3 (GEN5) and Pescoço Pelado 4 (GEN6). A total of 1584 sexed one day old chicks (792 males and 792 females) were housed in 48 pens, 33 birds per pen. The experimental design was a completely randomized factorial 2 x 6 (six genotypes and two sexes) design, with four replicates each. Diets were based on corn and soybean meal (no animal protein) provided in a feeding program in four phases: pre-starter (1 to 21 days), starter (22 to 42 days), growth (43 to 77 days) and finisher (78 to 91 days). Feed intake, feed conversion and livability were measured at 21, 42, 77 and 91 days of age. There was no genotype x sex interaction. The effect of sex was observed in all ages regarding weight gain, feed conversion (except at 21 days) and yields. For all these characteristics, males performed better than females, except in breast yield, which was higher in females. For the livability and feed conversion at 21 days no effect of sex was found. The effect of genotype was observed only in carcass and breast yields. The fast (GEN1) and intermediate (GEN2, GEN5 and GEN6) growing genotypes showed higher weight gain than the slow growing genotypes (GEN4 and GEN3). Carcass and breast yields of naked neck genotypes (GEN3, GEN4, GEN5 and GEN6) did not differ among themselves, and were higher than the Carijó genotype (GEN2) and are therefore recommended for production systems that sell industrialized birds.

A realização deste trabalho buscou avaliar o efeito de genótipo, sexo e sua interação sobre as características de desempenho (ganho de peso, conversão alimentar e viabilidade) e de rendimento (carcaça, peito e pernas) de seis genótipos de frango de corte tipo caipira: Pesadão Vermelho (GEN1), Carijó (GEN2), Pescoço Pelado 1 (GEN3), Pescoço Pelado 2 (GEN4), Pescoço Pelado 3 (GEN5) e Pescoço Pelado 4 (GEN6). Foram utilizados 1584 pintinhos sexados (792 machos e 792 fêmeas), alojados em 48 boxes, sendo 33 aves por boxe. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 6 x 2 (seis genótipos e dois sexos), com quatro repetições cada, sendo cada boxe considerado uma unidade experimental. As rações à base de milho e farelo de soja (sem proteínas de origem animal) foram fornecidas em um programa de alimentação de quatro fases:pré-inicial (um a 21 dias), inicial (22 a 42 dias), crescimento (43 a 77 dias) e abate (78 dias até o abate). As variáveis foram medidas aos 21, 42, 77 e 91 dias de idade. Não foi observado efeito da interação sexo x genótipo. Foi observado efeito de sexo, em todas as idades avaliadas para ganho de peso, conversão alimentar (exceto aos 21 dias) e rendimentos. Para todas essas características, os machos apresentaram melhor desempenho que as fêmeas, exceto no rendimento de peito. Para a viabilidade e a conversão alimentar aos 21 dias não foi encontrado efeito de sexo. Efeito de genótipo foi observado apenas nas características ganho de peso e rendimento de carcaça e peito. Os genótipos de crescimento rápido (GEN1) e intermediário (GEN2, GEN5 e GEN6) apresentaram melhor desempenho em relação a ganho de peso do que os genótipos de crescimento lento (GEN3 e GEN4). Para o rendimento de carcaça e peito, os genótipos de Pescoço Pelado (GEN3, GEN4, GEN5 e GEN6) não diferiram entre si e apresentaram rendimentos maiores que o genótipo Carijó (GEN2), sendo recomendáveis para sistemas de produção que vendem aves industrializadas.

Genotype effect on carcass and meat quality of lambs finished in irrigated pastures in the semiarid Northeastern Brazil / Efeito do genótipo sobre características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de cordeiros terminados em pastagem irrigada no semiárido do Nordeste do Brasil

The aim of this study was to compare four genetic groups of sheep on the carcass and meat quality traits. Thirty-three contemporary and unrelated male lambs, all of single birth were used in the experiment, being thirteen from the Santa Inês (SI) breed, seven from the Brazilian Somali breed (BS), six from the Morada Nova (MN) breed and seven from the ½ Dorper - ½ Morada Nova (F1) crossbreed. The genotypes SI, BS and F1 presented similar performances in relation to hot and cold carcass weights, which values were 10.76±0.53kg and 10.46±0.52kg for SI, 9.20±0.73kg and 8.99±0.71kg for BS, and 9.35±0.73kg and 9.13±0.71kg for F1, respectively. The BS had a better hot carcass yield (47.10±0.88%) and cold carcass yield (46.00±0.87%). Better carcass conformation was observed in SI and F1 (2.73±0.12 and 2.50±0.17, respectively) while the BS presented a better finishing (3.29±0.20). The average for the rib eye area (REA) was 9.94±0.49cm², 8.66±0.67cm², 7.18±0.72cm² and 9.8±0.67cm², and for the carcass compactness index (CCI) it was 0.17±0.01kg/cm, 0.17±0.01kg/cm, 0.11±0.01kg/cm and 0.16±0,01kg/cm, for SI, SB, MN and F1, respectively. There were no significant differences between SI, BS and F1 regarding REA and CCI. Although, in general, the MN presented a relatively lower performance than the other genotypes, this breed had similar carcass yields and fat thickness when compared to SI and F1 and similar conformation and REA in comparison to the BS. Regarding meat quality, no differences were observed between genotypes, except for redness and cooking losses. It is concluded that no one group had a higher or lower performance in all traits analyzed. Moreover, for the management conditions employed in this study, there was evidence of greater specialization in meat production for genotypes SI, BS and F1 when compared to MN, although there are no substantial differences between the four groups regarding meat quality.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar quatro grupos genéticos de ovinos quanto às características de carcaça e de qualidade da carne. Trinta e três cordeiros, contemporâneos, nascidos de parto simples e sem relação de parentesco, foram utilizados no experimento, sendo 13 da raça Santa Inês (SI), sete da raça Somalis Brasileira (SB), seis da raça Morada Nova (MN) e sete ½ Dorper - ½ Morada Nova (F1). Os genótipos SI, SB e F1 apresentaram desempenhos similares quanto ao peso das carcaças quente e fria, cujos valores foram 10,76±0,53kg e 10,46±0,52kg para o SI, 9,20±0,73kg e 8,99±0,71kg para o SB, 9,35±0,73kg e 9,13±0,71kg para o F1, respectivamente. A raça SB apresentou melhor rendimento de carcaça quente (47,10 ±0,88%) e de carcaça fria (46,00±0,87%). Os genótipos SI e F1 apresentaram melhores conformações (2,73±0,12 e 2,50±0,17, respectivamente), enquanto o SB apresentou melhor acabamento (3,29±0,20). As médias para área de olho de lombo (AOL) foram 9,94±0,49cm², 8,66±0,67cm², 7,18±0,72cm² e 9,8±0,67cm² e para o índice de compacidade da carcaça (ICC) foram 0,17±0,01kg/cm, 0,17±0,01kg/cm, 0,11±0,01kg/cm e 0,16±0,01kg/cm, para SI, SB, MN e F1, respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa entre os genótipos SI, SB e F1 quanto à AOL e ao ICC. Apesar de, no geral, a raça MN apresentar desempenho relativamente inferior aos demais genótipos quanto às características de carcaça analisadas, essa raça apresentou rendimentos de carcaça e espessura de gordura similar ao SI e F1 e conformação e AOL similar ao SB. Não houve um grupo superior ou inferior para todas as características analisadas. Por outro lado, para as condições de manejo empregadas neste estudo, evidenciou-se maior especialização para produção de carne dos genótipos SI, SB e F1 em relação ao grupo MN. Não houve diferenças importantes entre os diferentes genótipos quanto à qualidade da carne.

Efecto del tratamiento de semillas con bajas dosis de rayos X en plantas de pimiento (Capsicum annuum L.) / Effect of seed treatment low doses of X-rays in peppers plants (Capsicum annuum L.).

Se estudió la influencia del tratamiento de semillas con bajas dosis de rayos X sobre el crecimiento y el rendimiento del cultivar de pimiento California Wonder. Las semillas se irradiaron con un equipo de rayos X de baja potencia (11,47 Gy/min) con las dosis 5, 10, 20 y 30 Gy, empleando semillas no irradiadas como control. Se evaluó la altura de las plántulas (mm), longitud de la raíz principal (mm), diámetro del tallo (mm), diámetro medio polar de los frutos (mm), diámetro medio ecuatorial de los frutos (mm), masa promedio de los frutos (g) y rendimiento por planta (kg.planta-1). Los resultados mostraron un incremento significativo (p≤0.001) en los indicadores; altura de las plantas (15%), longitud de la raíz (12%), diámetro del tallo (7%), diámetro medio ecuatorial (47%), masa promedio de los frutos (16%) y rendimiento por plantas (107%), respecto al control.

The influence of seed treatment with X-rays radiation on some growth and yield of peppers plants, California Wonder variety was studied. The seeds were irradiated with X- rays irradiation source of low potency (11,47Gy/min), with doses of 5, 10, 20 y 30 Gy, using untreated seeds as controls. The plant height (mm), root length (mm), stem diameter (mm), polar average diameter (mm) ecuatorial mean diameter (mm), mean fruit mass (g) and yield per plant (kg.plant-1) were evaluated. The results showed a significant improvement (p≤0.001) in the indicators of plants height (15%), root length (12%), stem diameter (7%), equatorial mean diameter (47%), mean fruit mass (16%) and yield per plant (107%), compared to control.

The efficiency of concentration methods used to detect enteric viruses in anaerobically digested sludge

The presence of enteric viruses in biosolids can be underestimated due to the inefficient methods (mainly molecular methods) used to recover the viruses from these matrices. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate the different methods used to recover adenoviruses (AdV), rotavirus species A (RVA), norovirus genogroup II (NoV GII) and the hepatitis A virus (HAV) from biosolid samples at a large urban wastewater treatment plant in Brazil after they had been treated by mesophilic anaerobic digestion. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for spiking experiments to compare the detection limits of feasible methods, such as beef extract elution and ultracentrifugation. Tests were performed to detect the inhibition levels and the bacteriophage PP7 was used as an internal control. The results showed that the inhibitors affected the efficiency of the PCR reaction and that beef extract elution is a suitable method for detecting enteric viruses, mainly AdV from biosolid samples. All of the viral groups were detected in the biosolid samples: AdV (90%), RVA, NoV GII (45%) and HAV (18%), indicating the viruses' resistance to the anaerobic treatment process. This is the first study in Brazil to detect the presence of RVA, AdV, NoV GII and HAV in anaerobically digested sludge, highlighting the importance of adequate waste management.

Índice de área foliar em canola cultivada sob variações de espaçamento e de densidade de semeadura / Leaf area index of canola under varying row spacing and plant density of sowing

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estimar através de método não-destrutivo o índice de área foliar do híbrido de canola Hyola 61 em variações de espaçamento e densidade de semeadura. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos casualizados com parcelas subdivididas, sendo que nas parcelas foram distribuídos os espaçamentos entre linhas (17, 34, 51 e 68cm) e nas subparcelas as densidades (15, 30, 45 e 60 plantas m-2). Para determinação do comprimento, largura do limbo foliar e da área foliar, bem como estabelecimento de uma correlação entre essas variáveis foram coletadas aleatoriamente 250 folhas. Posteriormente, foram selecionadas aleatoriamente quatro plantas por unidade experimental, que tiveram todas as folhas medidas quanto ao comprimento e largura para estimativa da área foliar e do índice de área foliar. O comprimento do limbo foliar é a variável biométrica com maior correlação com a área foliar. Um comportamento linear entre o adensamento de plantas e o índice de área foliar nos espaçamentos de 34, 51 e 68cm no híbrido Hyola 61 foi observado. O índice de área foliar das plantas foi menor no espaçamento de 17cm, com a densidade de 60 plantas m-2. Para a manutenção do índice de área foliar do híbrido Hyola 61, é recomendável usar o espaçamento de 17cm com a densidade 45 plantas m-2.

The aim of this work was to estimate leaf area index of the canola cultivar 'Hyola 61' under variations of row spacing and density of sowing by a non-destructive method. The experimental design consisted of a split plot with four blocks with row widths of 17, 34, 51 and 68cm and plant populations of 15, 30, 45 and 60m². Two hundred and fifth leaves were collected at random and mesure width (C), length (L) and leaf area (LA) and the parameters were correlated. Also the leaves of four plants of each plot, selected at random, were measured L and C and estimated the leaf area index (LAI). Width leaf was the biometric parameter that shows highest correlation with LA. There is a linear relation between plant density and leaf area index in spacing of 34, 51 and 68cm in 'Hyola 61'. The row width of 17cm and plant population of 60 plants per square meter to reduces the LAI. However, aiming LAI maintenance in Hyola 61 is recommended uses of row width of 17cm and plant population of 45 plants per square meter.

Effect of moisture content and inoculum on the growth and conidia production by Beauveria bassiana on wheat bran

The aim of the present work was to study the effect of moisture content and inoculum on the growth and conidia production by Beauveria bassiana on wheat bran (WB).The highest growth rate of B. bassiana 885.2 on WB media was obtained at a w=1.0, with no detected growth at a w < 0.97. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) using WB (66 percent moisture; a w=1.0) achieved a maximal yield of 1.18x10 10 conidia per gram of dry substrate (gds). This yield decreased one order of magnitude with higher moisture contents or the addition of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) as a texturiser. In SSF using WB (66 percent humidity),the time to obtain a yield of 1x10(10) conidia/gds, referred to as t10, could be predicted using a model considering common inoculum levels and maximal yields. For instance, t10 was 285 h with an inoculum of 1x10(6) conidia/gds; however, t10 was reduced to 232 h and 148 for inocula of 7x10(6) and 5x10(7) conidia/gds, respectively. The estimation of t10 values allowed both comparison between the cultures and prediction of harvesting times in production processes. Values for hydrophobicity were within 90 and 92 percent, whereas viability averages were around 70 percent for all the cultures

Efeito de diferentes níveis de proteína bruta sobre o desempenho e composição de carcaça de frangos de corte machos de 21 a 42 dias de idade / Effect of different crude protein levels on performance and carcass composition of male broiler chickens from 21 to 42 days of age

O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, para avaliar os efeitos da redução de proteína bruta (PB) com suplementação de aminoácidos essenciais sobre o desempenho e características de carcaça de frangos de corte machos da linhagem Ross, na fase de 21 a 42 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 720 frangos, distribuídos em 4 tratamentos e seis repetições com 30 aves cada. Os níveis de proteína bruta utilizados foram 21; 19 e 17 e 15 por cento de PB. A redução de proteína levou a um aumento linear dos teores de gordura e matéria seca. Houve ainda efeito quadrático dos níveis de proteína bruta, sendo para máximo ganho de peso, peso aos 42 dias e consumo de dieta os níveis de 19,28; 19,35 e 16,75 por cento de PB, respectivamente. Houve efeito quadrático sobre o rendimento de peito, estimando máximo rendimento para frangos alimentados com dietas contendo 18,28 por cento de PB.

A completely randomized experimental design was carried out to evaluate the effects of crude protein (CP) reduction of diets with essential amino acids supplementation on performance and body composition of male broiler chickens from 21 to 42 days of age. A total of seven hundred twenty broiler chickens were used. The birds were allotted in four treatments and six replicates of thirty birds each. The diet CP levels were 21, 19, 17 and 15 percent. The reduction of protein led to a linear increase in fat and dry matter. There was also a quadratic effect of the CP levels; for maximum weight gain; weight at 42 days and final weight and feed intake. The maximum performance of these parameters were estimated for broilers fed 19.28; 19.35 and16.75 percent CP diet, respectively. There was a quadratic effect of CP level on breast yield, the maximum performance estimated for broiler fed 18.28 percent CP diet.

Apheresis in Korean Red Cross Nambu Blood Center / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: The yields of plateletpheresis products are important to meet standard platelet transfusion doses. The use of single donor platelets (SDPs) has been increased substantially worldwide. Korean Red Cross decided to supply and started collection of SDPs since January, 2000. This study evaluates platelet yields of plateletpheresis and plasmapheresis of Korean Red Cross Nambu blood center. METHODS: The records for SDPs collected by Amicus(TM) (Baxter, Deerfield, IL, USA), MCS+ (Haemonetics, Braintree, MA, USA) and Trima (Gambro BCT, Lakewood, USA) between Jan. 2005 and Nov. 2005 were evaluated. The records for plasma collected by Autopheresis-C(TM) (Baxter,Deerfield, IL, USA), MCS(TM), PCS 2 (Haemonetics, Braintree, MA, USA) between Jan. 2005 and Nov. 2005 were also evaluated. RESULTS: Platelet yields of SDP less than 3 x 10(11) accounted for 6.45% of all collections. The rate of SDPs which platelet yields less than 3 x 10(11) collected by AMICUS is 4.84%, MCS+ is 7.72%, TRIMA is 7.01%. The rate of plasmapheresis products under the criteria is 0.7%. Plasma collected with Autopheresis-C(TM) made a concern about break down of filtration pore and occuring of hemolysis during apheresis procedures. CONCLUSION: Platelet yields less than 3 x 10(11) accounted for 6.45% of all collections. The rate of plasmapheresis products under the criteria is 0.7%. This study demonstrated that qualfied management and thorough understanding of the plataletpheresis technology are necessary to increase productivity of SDPs with platelet yields 3x1011 or over.

Plateletpheresis yields: comparison of Baxter Amicus, Haemonetics MCS and Gambro Trima / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: The plateletpheresis yields are important to meet standard platelet transfusion doses and single donor platelets (SDPs) with fewer than 3.0x1011 can not be issued without approval from hospitals according to the regulations of Korea Red Cross blood center. This study evaluates platelet yields and plateletpheresis parameters of three different cell separators. METHODS: We used Amicus (Baxter, Deerfield, IL, U.S.A.), MCS+ (Haemonetics, Braintree, MA, U.S.A.) and Trima (Gambro BCT, Lakewood, U.S.A.) and collected a total of 2,303 units of leukocyte-reduced SDP(LRSDP). All separators were set up to target a platelet yield of 3.2x1011 and parameters were recorded for each collection. All units were divided into group 1(optimal platelet counts/unit) by platelet yields and separators. RESULTS: Three cell separators did not show any differences in the mean values of platelet yields. SDPs with 3.0x1011 or over were 87%, 91% and 87%, respectively. SDPs with more than optimal platelet counts per unit were 2%, 1% and 2%, respectively. SDPs collected by Trima had significantly higher values for pre-platelet count, total processing blood volume and used ACD volume. SDPs collected by MCS+ showed significant differences between groups in evaluated parameters including longer collecting time. CONCLUSION: All three separators provided satisfactory platelet yields with no significant differences among them. But platelet yields less than 3.0x1011 accounted for 9-13% of all collections. This study demonstrated that qualified management and thorough understanding of the plateletpheresis technology are necessary to increase productivity of SDPs with 3.0x1011 or over. It is also necessary to introduce new regulations and criteria for platelet yields, e.g. the yield-based pricing system.

Influence of Nodal Yields on Staging of Gastric Cancer and on Survival

PURPOSE: In the fifth edition of International Union Against Cancer (UICC) TNM, nodal staging for gastric cancer is based on the number of metastatic lymph nodes. Variability in the extent of lymphadenectomy and lymph node retrieval can affect the number of metastatic lymph nodes. In this study, the authors attempted to evaluate the influence of nodal yields on the staging of gastric cancer and survival rates. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 4354 consecutive patients with gastric cancer, who had undergone curative resection (R0) with nodal yields of 15 or more from 1986 to 1995. Patients were classified into three groups according to the number of nodes examined: patients with nodal yields of 15 or more but less than 30 for group A, 30-39 for group B, and 40 or more for group C. The number of metastatic lymph nodes and the survival rates for each pTNM stage were analyzed for each group. RESULTS: The number of metastatic lymph nodes significantly increased with nodal yields. Greater nodal yields resulted in a higher survival rates with a statistically significant difference between patients with nodal yields of 30 or more, and those with less than 30 in stage IB (p<0.05) and IIIB (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest two possibilities of stage migration and survival benefit according to the difference of nodal yields. Therefore, for minimizing stage migration and maximizing the benefit of survival, at least 30 or more lymphnodes should be resected and examined in gastric cancer surgery.