High Discard Rates Research Articles

Determinants of Discard of Kidneys From Expanded Criteria Donors Undergoing Donation After Circulatory Death.

Background The use of combined expanded criteria donor (ECD) and donation after circulatory death (DCD) kidneys is a potential strategy to expand the donor pool. Prior research showed that DCD kidneys have a slightly increased risk of graft failure vs non-DCD kidneys, but the relative risk was not significantly greater amongst ECD vs non-ECD kidneys. The Kidney Donor Risk Index (KDRI) in the ECD/DCD group was similar to those in the ECD/non-DCD group, suggesting careful selection of ECD/DCD kidneys. Methods A cross sectional study of ECD/DCD kidneys recovered from adult donors from 2000 to 2011 was conducted using the SRTR. Donor characteristics and KDRI scores of discarded and transplanted ECD/DCD kidneys were assessed and multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the odds of discard based on donor factors. Results There were 894 ECD/DCD kidneys included in the study, of which 34.2% were discarded. The median KDRI in transplanted vs discarded organs was 1.78 (IQR 0.69) vs 1.98 (IQR 0.89), respectively (P < 0.001) although the distribution of KDRI scores between discarded and transplanted kidneys showed considerable overlap.Figure: No Caption available.In logistic regression models, the odds of discard were higher if ECD/DCD kidneys were recovered from diabetic donors (OR 1.68 [95% CI 1.16, 2.45] P = 0.007) and hepatitis B or C positive donors (OR 2.73 [95% CI 1.37, 5.43] and OR 4.16 [95% CI 1.56, 11.08], P = 0.004 for both). Pulsatile machine perfusion was associated with decreased odds of discard (OR 0.32 [95% CI 0.22, 0.44], P < 0.001). Other factors such as age, race, death by CVA, hypertension and weight were not associated with increased odds of discard. Conclusions This study demonstrates a high discard rate of ECD/DCD kidneys, some of which may be acceptable for transplantation given their favorable donor characteristics and KDRI scores.

Outcomes Following Transplantation of ECD and SCD Kidneys After Circulatory Death With or Without Acute Kidney Injury.

Aim: Expanded criteria donors (ECDs) and acute kidney injury (AKI) result in high discard rates for kidneys from deceased donors. In contrast, we have consistently used kidneys from such marginal donors, especially in donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes in recipients of ECD vs. standard criteria donors (SCD) DCD kidney transplants (KTx) with/without AKI. Methods: One hundred and twenty adult recipients from DCD donors were enrolled in this study. The recipients were divided into four groups according to the type of donor and AKI status as follows: ECD with AKI (Group 1), ECD without AKI (Group 2), SCD with AKI (Group 3), and SCD without AKI (Group 4). The recipients were followed up for an average of 6.3 ± 3.4 years after KTx. Results: Of the 120 DCD grafts, primary non-function was noted in 10 (8%), and 13 (11%) functioned immediately after KTx. The incidence of delayed graft function was 97 (81%). The overall graft survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 88%, 83% and 75%, respectively. The graft survival rate in Group 1 was significantly poorer than that of Groups 3 and 4 (Log-rank test, p < 0.05). The graft survival rate in Group 2 tended to be poorer than that of Groups 3 and 4, but was not significantly different.Figure: No Caption available.In Group 1, the graft survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 77%, 69% and 69%, respectively. A multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that donor age was independently associated with graft outcome. Conclusion: Although the graft survival rate in recipients of ECD kidneys with AKI was inferior to SCD grafts, ECD DCD donors with AKI could be a valuable source of kidneys for KTx with promising long-term outcomes.

Outcome of organs procured from donors on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: an analysis of kidney and liver allograft data.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has become rescue therapy for adults with overwhelming cardiac and/or respiratory failure. Not all patients are saved, creating a new cohort of potential organ donors. This study examines the outcomes of liver and kidney allografts procured from donors on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). A retrospective review was conducted through the local organ procurement organization. Donors on ECMO prior to notification were classified into donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after cardiac death (DCD). We compared short-term outcome data against published standards. Between 1995 and 2012, 97 organs were procured from 41 donors supported on ECMO. There were 68 kidneys donated, 51 were transplanted and 17 discarded. Excluding extended criteria donors, 29 DBD and 13 DCD kidneys were transplanted from donors supported on ECMO. Delayed graft function occurred in 34% of DBD kidneys and 38% of DCD kidneys. Kidney allograft survival at oneyr was 93%. Twenty-four livers were procured, nine discarded, and 15 transplanted. Ninety-three percent of liver transplant recipients were alive with graft function at oneyr. Donation after brain death kidneys procured from donors on ECMO perform similarly to non-ECMO organs with regard to delayed graft function (DGF), one-yr graft survival and function. Livers from ECMO donors have a higher discard rate than non-ECMO donors, but function similarly at sixmonths and oneyr.

Occult hepatitis B virus infection among blood donors from the Brazilian Amazon: implications for transfusion policy

Brazil requires the performance of both a test for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and a test for antibodies to the core of hepatitis B for blood donor screening. Blood centres in regions of high HBV endemicity struggle to maintain adequate stocks in face of the high discard rates due to anti-HBc reactivity. We evaluated the potential infectivity of donations positive for anti-HBc in search of a rational approach for the handling of these collections. We tested anti-HBc reactive blood donations from the state of Amazonas for the presence of HBV DNA and for titres of anti-HBs. The study population consists of village-based donors from the interior of Amazonas state. Among 3600 donations, 799 were anti-HBc reactive (22·2%). We were able to perform real-time PCR for the HBV S gene on specimens from 291 of these donors. Eight of these samples were negative for HBsAg and positive for HBV DNA and were defined as occult B virus infections (2·7%). Six of those eight specimens had anti-HBs titres above 100mIU/ml, indicating the concomitant presence of the virus with high antibody titres. A small proportion of anti-HBc reactive donors carry HBV DNA and anti-HBs testing is not useful for predicting viremia on them. This finding indicates the possibility of HBV transmission from asymptomatic donors, especially in areas of high HBV prevalence. Sensitive HBV DNA nucleic acid testing may provide another level of safety, allowing eventual use of anti-HBc reactive units in critical situations.

Electrotrawling: a promising alternative fishing technique warranting further exploration

AbstractIn trawl fisheries, beam trawls with tickler chains, chain mats or bobbin ropes are used to target flatfish or shrimp. High fuel consumption, seabed disturbance and high discard rates are well‐known disadvantages of this fishing technique. These shortcomings are increasingly gaining international public and political attention, especially with the upcoming discard ban in Europe. The most promising alternative fishing technique meeting both the fisherman's aspirations, and the need for ecological progress is pulse fishing with electrotrawls. Here, the mechanical stimulation by tickler chains or bobbins is replaced by electrical stimulation resulting in reduced bottom contact, fuel costs and discards. Although a significant amount of research has been done on electrotrawls and their impact on marine organisms, most data were published in very diverse sources ranging from local non‐peer‐reviewed reports with a limited distribution to highly consulted international peer‐reviewed journals. Therefore, there is a clear need for a comprehensive yet concise and critical overview, covering and summarizing all these data and making these available for the scientific community. This article aims to meet the above goals by discussing the working principle of electric fields, the history of electrotrawls and their current application in the North Sea and impact on marine organisms. It is concluded by elaborating on the opportunities and challenges for the further implementation of this alternative fishing technique.

Effectiveness of Size Limits and Bag Limits for Managing Recreational Fisheries: A Case Study of the Gulf of Mexico Recreational Gag Fishery

Restrictions on the number and size of fish that can be retained are among the most common recreational fishing regulations used to maximize sustainable harvest levels and protect fish stocks from overfishing. The effectiveness of these regulations is contingent on the assumption that most fish that are released due to regulations survive. We developed an equilibrium population model to examine the trade-offs among sustainability, harvest, and regulation efficiency across a range of minimum size limits, bag limits, discard mortality rates, and fishing mortality rates. We used the model to evaluate the utility of size and harvest limits for the Gulf of Mexico recreational gag, Mycteroperca microlepis (Goode and Bean, 1879), fishery. We show that when discard mortality is present, the ability of size and bag limits to decrease exploitation is diminished as released fish are removed from the population as dead discards. Given current levels of fishing mortality rates in the gag fishery, restrictive size and bag limits are necessary to prevent recruitment overfishing. However, because of high discard mortality rates (approximately 20%), these regulations result in reduced attainable yields and high waste due to dead discards (low efficiency). In addition, the current levels of fishing mortality and discard mortality place the recreational gag fishery at the edge of sustainability such that an increase in either discard mortality or fishing mortality could cause recruitment overfishing.

Comparing Methods to Determine Hydraulic Conductivities on Stony Soils

Determination of the field‐saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) can result in very high variability due to soil heterogeneity, the measurement method, the number of replications, and the Kfs calculation method used. Especially for dryland soils, stoniness can influence infiltration rates significantly. To identify this variability as well as its source, six widely used measurement methods were compared: single‐ring (SR) and double‐ring (DR) infiltrometers, the constant‐head well infiltrometer (CH), the inverse auger hole method (IA), the tension infiltrometer (TI), and the rainfall simulator (RFS). The six methods were applied at three locations in a semiarid part of Chile that showed moderate (15%) to high (55%) stoniness. Additionally, Kfs variations due to different calculation techniques for the same measurement method were thoroughly investigated. Results showed that different calculation techniques sometimes gave significantly different estimates of Kfs when using the same data set, and those relative differences were conserved among measurement locations. The borehole methods (IA and CH) showed high discard rates due to stoniness, making these methods less appropriate. The SR and DR methods gave considerably higher Kfs estimates, while the RFS and TI proved good candidates as reference methods for stony soils, with low failure rates and coefficients of variation.

Minimum Analytical Nodules and lithic activities at site W2, Hunter Valley, New South Wales

Individual lithic discard activities from an open site in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, were identified by using conjoining and minimum analytical nodules (MAN). Activities identified included core flaking associated with backed artefact production, other types of core flaking, tool use and retouching of transported tools. Artefacts made or used elsewhere were also discarded on site. Core flaking associated with backed artefact production resulted in high artefact discard rates, while other kinds of activities were more common, but were associated with lower discard rates. The assemblage associated with backed artefact production had a restricted range of raw material types, was dominated by small artefacts, and had higher proportions of elongate flakes, as well as faceted and focal platforms. The assemblage created from other activities included diverse raw material types, large artefacts, few elongate flakes, and a higher proportion of cortical platforms. The results from this study have implications for how artefact discard rates and assemblage attributes may be interpreted at other sites in the Hunter Valley.

Kidney donation after cardiac death

There is continuing disparity between demand for and supply of kidneys for transplantation. This review describes the current state of kidney donation after cardiac death (DCD) and provides recommendations for a way forward. The conversion rate for potential DCD donors varies from 40%-80%. Compared to controlled DCD, uncontrolled DCD is more labour intensive, has a lower conversion rate and a higher discard rate. The super-rapid laparotomy technique involving direct aortic cannulation is preferred over in situ perfusion in controlled DCD donation and is associated with lower kidney discard rates, shorter warm ischaemia times and higher graft survival rates. DCD kidneys showed a 5.73-fold increase in the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) and a higher primary non function rate compared to donation after brain death kidneys, but the long term graft function is equivalent between the two. The cold ischaemia time is a controllable factor that significantly influences the outcome of allografts, for example, limiting it to < 12 h markedly reduces DGF. DCD kidneys from donors < 50 function like standard criteria kidneys and should be viewed as such. As the majority of DCD kidneys are from controlled donation, incorporation of uncontrolled donation will expand the donor pool. Efforts to maximise the supply of kidneys from DCD include: implementing organ recovery from emergency department setting; improving family consent rate; utilising technological developments to optimise organs either prior to recovery from donors or during storage; improving organ allocation to ensure best utility; and improving viability testing to reduce primary non function.

Development of a codend concept to improve size selectivity of Nephrops ( Nephrops norvegicus) in a multi-species fishery

Species-specific differences in morphology and minimum landing size will often result in high discard rates in mixed-species fisheries. This is the case in the Danish Nephrops-directed fishery and the aim of this study was to improve the size selectivity of Nephrops without increasing catch below minimum landing size (MLS) of cod ( Gadus morhua) and plaice ( Pleuronectes platessa). A new codend concept combining square meshes and diamond meshes in a four-panel configuration was developed and tested in the Kattegat and Skagerrak. A 5 m long 70 mm square-mesh panel was inserted in the lower panel of the codend to increase size selectivity of Nephrops while the remaining three panels were made of standard 90 mm diamond-mesh netting to maintain selectivity of plaice and cod. The concept succeeded in significantly ( p < 0.0001) increasing L 50 of Nephrops without increasing discards of either plaice or cod. When using the new codend concept, expected numbers of Nephrops below MLS (carapace length = 40 mm) were reduced by approximately 37% but the expected weight of marketable catch was also reduced by 21%. The concept was adjusted and tested in a second experiment so that fishing using the new net configuration would remain commercially viable. This experiment indicated that size selectivity of Nephrops could be adjusted by changing the square-mesh panel but differences in mean selection between the gears were insignificant. We introduce a new analytical approach with increased statistical power to detect differences in selection parameters between different codends.

Environmental assessment of frozen common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) captured by Spanish fishing vessels in the Mauritanian EEZ

Mauritania, one of the most dependent fish trade nations in the world, has an important octopus fishery within its EEZ. Fishing treaties between the EU and this Sub-Saharan nation have permitted 24 Spanish cephalopod trawling vessels to target this species for its export as a frozen product, mainly to Spain, Italy and Japan. This article presents Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology in order to assess and compare the environmental impacts related to the capture, processing and exportation of packed frozen octopus from this fishery to the main importing nations. Environmental results show that frozen common octopus presented a remarkable dominance of the fishing vessel activities, due to the high energy intensity of the fishery and to the fact that these activities include harvesting, processing and preliminary packaging. Post-harvesting activities presented low relative contributions in all impact categories, minimizing the food mile effect of exporting to Japan, thanks to the slow transportation through marine freight of frozen octopus. The results for fishery-specific indicators showed regular trends for trawling fleets, with high discard and seafloor impact rates. Therefore, improvement actions focused on the minimization of energy use and fishery-specific impacts and the shift to less ozone layer damaging cooling agents are the main targets in order to improve the sustainability of this product, as long as the slow freighting characteristics of the imported product are maintained.

Bycatch and discards by Taiwanese large-scale tuna longline fleets in the Indian Ocean

Conservation of ecologically related species and understanding the discard composition of fisheries are major concerns for marine ecosystem conservation. However, high sea longline fisheries data are insufficient because of difficulties in deploying observers for data collection. Observer data collected from 77 trips on Taiwanese large-scale longline fishing vessels in the Indian Ocean from June 2004 to March 2008 were used to estimate the scale of the bycatch. At least 40 species were recorded. Albacore, bigeye, yellowfin, and southern bluefin tuna were the major species recorded and comprised over 73.30% of the total retained catch. Major bycatch species were swordfish, blue shark, sailfish, pomfret, and escolar. The average discard rate was 14.09%, ranging from 3.20% for the yellowfin tuna fleet to 18.09% for the bigeye tuna fleet. In total, 0.80% of the catch of the albacore, 4.74% of the bigeye, and 2.32% of the yellowfin tuna were discarded. There were significant differences among seasons and areas for the discard rates of the bigeye and yellowfin tuna. The discard rates of the bigeye and southern bluefin tuna were positively correlated to the catch per unit effort. The depredation percentage of tuna by cetaceans was from 0.7% to 12.3% of total discards for the different fleets. The high discard and cetacean depredation rates showed that major possible reasons for discards are depredation by cetaceans, economic factors, and quota limitations. Regarding other species, 61 seabirds and 84 sea turtles were a part of the bycatch. The major species were Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross in the southern Indian Ocean and Olive Ridley turtles in tropical areas. The estimated annual incidental catch numbers were 715 to 311 seabirds and 1856 to 1127 sea turtles from 2004 to 2007. For conservation, this discard information could be used to assess tuna stocks. Mitigation measures, including the live release of small-sized fish, and the use of bird-scaring lines and circle hooks, are required to minimize the bycatch.

Kidney Donation and Transplantation in Eurotransplant 2006–2007: Minimizing Discard Rates by Using a Rescue Allocation Policy

All organ exchange organizations are challenged to maximize the utilization rate of all donors. To investigate the benefit of a rescue allocation policy and to study the impact of donor factors on the risk of kidney discard. All 4057 donors with kidneys offered for allocation to Eurotransplant between 2006 and 2007 were included. Allocation was patient-oriented, based on a point-score system including recipient and donor factors. If an organ offer was rejected 5 times for medical reasons, allocation was switched to rescue allocation (ie, the organ was then offered in a center-oriented way). A logistic regression model was built to test whether donor factors were predictors of rescue allocation or kidney discard. Rescue allocation was used for 665 donors (16.4%); within this group, transplant rate was 54.3%, resulting in a donor discard rate of 304 donors (7.5% of total study group). The multivariate model showed that rescue allocation was used significantly more for kidneys from child donors and donors with a high creatinine level. Moreover, testing positive for hepatitis B surface antigen or antibody to hepatitis C virus was associated with an increased probability of rescue allocation. Kidney discard was significantly associated with donation after cardiac death, donor age, serum creatinine level, history of diabetes, and history of hepatitis. Rescue allocation is effective in lowering donor discard rates. Even with rescue allocation, several donor factors were significantly associated with a higher discard rate. Use of liberal donor criteria and a rescue allocation policy can reduce kidney discards and thus shorten the waiting list for kidney transplantation.

A simulation-based attempt to quantify the morphological component of size selection of Nephrops norvegicus in trawl codends

The selectivity for Nephrops ( Nephrops norvegicus) in trawl codends generally is poor and the lack of steepness of the selection curve results in high discard rates and/or loss of legal-sized catch. This poor codend selectivity often is attributed to the irregular shape of Nephrops, which to some extent characterizes the problem as insoluble. In the present study, the FISHSELECT methodology was used to examine the selection process of the species in order to identify ways to improve selectivity. The use of three different modes of orientation for contact (contact modes) with the codend meshes explained most of the characteristics of the selection curves for Nephrops obtained experimentally. The contact mode with the smallest cross-section was optimal for mesh penetration and, when evaluated against experimental data, 87.5% of all Nephrops encountering the gear were estimated to meet the netting in this contact mode. The range of configurations of the meshes (e.g., opening angles in the diamond mesh netting) was determinative for the selectivity, and the selective process for Nephrops was found to take place along the entire length of the codend. Simulating selectivity in a diamond mesh codend in which the closed meshes in the forward part of the codend were replaced by more open meshes revealed that the selectivity for Nephrops can be efficiently improved.

PED-01: Recovery Factors Affecting Discard of Small Pediatric Donor Kidneys

Kidneys from small pediatric deceased donors are currently underutilized because of both low recovery and high discard rates. We evaluated whether type of abdominal organ recovery impacts discard of kidneys from small pediatric donors while adjusting for other donor characteristics known to be associated with low transplantation rates in this subgroup.

Anti-HBc screening in Indian blood donors: Still an unresolved issue

To study the seroprevalence of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) in healthy blood donors negative for HBsAg and to evaluate whether anti-HBc detection could be adopted in India as a screening assay for HBV in addition to HBsAg. A total of 1700 serum samples collected from HBsAg-negative healthy blood donors were tested for the presence of anti-HBc antibody (IgM + IgG). All samples reactive for anti-HBc antibody were then investigated for presence of anti-HBs and for liver function tests (LFTs). One hundred serum samples reactive for anti-HBc were tested for HBV DNA by PCR method. Out of 1700 samples tested, 142 (8.4%) blood samples were found to be reactive for anti-HBc. It was significantly lower in voluntary (6.9%) as compared to replacement donors (10.4%, P = 0.011). Seventy-two (50.7%) anti-HBc reactive samples were also reactive for anti-HBs with levels > 10 mIU/mL and 70 (49.3%) samples were non-reactive for anti-HBs, these units were labeled as anti-HBc-only. These 142 anti-HBc reactive units were also tested for liver function test. HBV DNA was detected in only 1 of 100 samples tested. Keeping in view that 8%-18% of donor population in India is anti-HBc reactive, inclusion of anti-HBc testing will lead to high discard rate. Anti-HBs as proposed previously does not seem to predict clearance of the virus. Cost effectiveness of introducing universal anti-HBc screening and discarding large number of blood units versus considering ID NAT (Individual donor nucleic acid testing) needs to be assessed.

Discards from experimental trammel nets in southern European small-scale fisheries

Trammel net discards in four southern European areas were considerable, with a total of 137 species (79.7% of the total) discarded 65, 105, 46 and 32 species in the Basque country (Spain), Algarve (Portugal), Gulf of Cadiz (Spain) and Cyclades islands (Greece), respectively. The overall discard rate in terms of catch numbers ranged from 15% for the Cyclades to 49% for the Algarve, with the high discard rate for the latter due largely to small pelagic fishes. Discards in the four areas consisted mainly of Trisopterus luscus (Basque country), Scomber japonicus (Algarve), Torpedo torpedo (Cadiz) and Sardina pilchardus (all three areas), and Diplodus annularis in the Cyclades. Strong seasonal variation in discarding was found, reflecting differences in métiers and the versatility of trammel nets as a gear. Discarding, both in terms of numbers of species and individuals decreased with increasing inner panel mesh size. The main reasons for discarding were: (1) species of no or low commercial value (e.g. Scomber japonicus; Torpedo torpedo), (2) commercial species that were damaged or spoiled (e.g. Merluccius merluccius), (3) undersized commercial species (e.g. Lophius piscatorius), and (4) species of commercial value but not caught in sufficient quantities to warrant sale (e.g. Sardina pilchardus). A decrease in soak time together with the appropriate choice of mesh sizes could contribute to a reduction in discarding and to improved sustainability and use of scarce resources in the small-scale, inshore multi-species fisheries of southern Europe.

Transplantation of En Bloc Pediatric Kidneys When the Proximal Vascular Cuff Is Too Short

Kidneys from donors <10 kg are generally transplanted en bloc to avoid small anastomotic vessel size and increase nephron mass; however, these kidneys remain underused because of low recovery and high discard rates. In the United States, between 1993 and 2002, the recovery rate of donors weighing <10 kg was 42.9% compared with 90.8% for those weighing 10 to <21 kg (1). Compounding low recovery rates, discard rates increase below donor weights of 10 kg. Only 10.5% of kidneys from donors 10 to 20 kg are discarded compared with 40.3% among donors <10 kg (1). The single most common specified reason for the discard of pediatric kidneys is vascular damage (1). We describe a technique for the salvage of en bloc kidneys from a five-month-old donor in which the proximal aortic cuff was cut flush at the level of the renal arteries and the left renal vein was transected. The en bloc allografts were prepared by ligation of all arterial and venous nonrenal tributaries with 4-0 silk ties. The infrarenal vena cava and aortic segments were oversewn with continuous 6-0 nonabsorbable monofilament suture leaving the suprarenal vascular segments open. The recipient operation was performed through a standard extraperitoneal approach in the right iliac fossa. As a result of the delicate nature of the vena cava, there was difficulty in repairing the cut left renal vein; therefore, the renal veins were sutured separately end-to-side to the external iliac vein. The suprarenal portion of the donor aorta was anastomosed to the external iliac artery end-to-side (Fig. 1).FIGURE 1.: Schematic representation of en bloc transplantation using the suprarenal vessels for revascularization.Both renal allografts functioned immediately. The creatinine is 1.3 mg/dL at five months posttransplantation. There were no vascular or ureteral complications. En bloc transplantation of kidney xenografts was originally described by Carrel (2). The technique was first applied in humans by Martin and colleagues (3) who described the method widely performed today comprising end-to-side anastomoses of the infrarenal donor vena cava and aorta to the recipient vessels (4, 5). Alterations of the classic technique such as interposition grafting of the aorta and vena cava to the recipient vessels (6), have also been used. Other techniques have been described to salvage en bloc kidneys when the renal arteries are compromised (7–9). Merkel and Matalon (7) described excision of a segment of the donor infrarenal vena cava with transposition as a tube graft to the donor suprarenal aorta and interposition of the combined aortic/vena cava in an end-to-end fashion to the recipient artery. More simplified approaches involve the application of suprarenal aortic graft extensions from the donor aorta (8), donor vena cava (8), recipient saphenous vein (8), or iliac vessel from the same donor or ABO-compatible donor (9). Our technique illustrates an alternative method to salvage en bloc kidneys. Revascularization using the suprarenal aortic cuff avoids an additional anastomosis and does not require the use of venous tissue, which has the potential of becoming aneurysmal. Inversion of the kidneys allows separate renal vein anastomoses or utilization of the suprarenal vena cava cuff for revascularization. Liise K. Kayler Deanna Blisard Amit Basu Henkie P. Tan Department of Surgery University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pittsburgh, PA Jerry McCauley Christine Wu Department of Nephrology University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pittsburgh, PA Amadeo Marcos Thomas E. Starzl Ron Shapiro Department of Surgery University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pittsburgh, PA Ernesto Molmenti Department of Surgery University of Arizona Tucson, AZ

Variation of platelet production and discard rates in 17 blood centers representing 10 European countries from 2000 to 2002

New blood safety regulations raise costs and pressure blood centers to improve their efficiency. Evaluation of platelet (PLT) production and discards between centers of different size and nationality may provide a basis for more efficient PLT inventory management. Data were gathered retrospectively for 2000 to 2002 from 17 blood centers in 10 European countries. The descriptive analyses comprised evaluation of PLT production methods and volumes. Discard rates were surveyed also for 2003 to 2004. The number of cellular blood components produced per working hour was expressed as an arbitrary labor index. Seven hospital blood banks and 10 centers with other administrative systems participated in the study. Buffy coat (BC) and apheresis PLTs were used by all centers except two preparing all PLTs by apheresis. In 2002, 73 percent of all PLTs were produced by the BC method, and PLTs were utilized from 41 percent of whole-blood donations. One center also produced PLTs by the PLT-rich plasma method. Mean annual production volume of PLTs varied greatly, from 3,345 to 103,643 units, with an increase of 5.6 percent from 2000 to 2002. Three-year mean discard rates varied between 6.7 and 25 percent, and yearly mean discard rates remained at 13 percent in 2000 to 2002 and also in 2003 to 2004. Arbitrary labor index varied from 2.4 to 7.3 between centers. PLT discard rates were relatively high in the European blood centers. Detailed information on specific causes for high discard rates would help improve the efficiency of PLT management, because blood centers cannot regulate demand. Use of labor resources in component preparation also remains an important target for further research.

Vital demographic statistics and management of the baldchin groper (Choerodon rubescens) from the Houtman Abrolhos Islands

In order to evaluate appropriate management strategies, the life history and demography of the baldchin groper (Choerodon rubescens) was examined from speared samples and commercial catches at the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia. Ages were estimated from sections of sagittal otoliths, validated by oxytetracycline labelling of fish recaptured after a minimum of 12 months at liberty. Male C. rubescens (n = 147; 373–639 mm) ranged from ages 5 to 20 years, and females (n = 354; 226–610 mm) ranged from 2 to 13 years. The population underwent a transition in dominance from females to males at age 11–12 years and 500–550 mm total length. Gonad development was seasonal and spawning was evident from spring to summer (September–January), with evidence of aggregation behaviour. Indirect estimates of the annual instantaneous rate of natural mortality (M) ranged from 0.05 to 0.58 and total mortality (Z), ranged from 0.21 to 0.56, rendering stock assessment highly uncertain. The limited geographic range, slow growth, long potential life span, protogynous sex change, aggregative spawning and high discard mortality rates render C. rubescens susceptible to overfishing. In order to manage this mobile species successfully, marine protected areas must continue to be supplemented by strict catch controls in fished areas.