bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity and phagocytosis of autologous red blood cells in alphamethyldopa‐induced haemolysis
Authors: Yust Israel , Frisch Bertha , Goldsher Naomi
Published: August 2010

7 alphamethyldopa (AMD)‐treated patients with positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) were investigated. Peripheral blood mononuclear phagocytes of 2 patients suffering from haemolysis caused lysis and phagocytosis of autologous DAT‐positive red blood cells (RBC). Eluates from RBC of both patients contained antibodies of IgG1 subclass and supported antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody‐dependent phagocytosis (ADPh) of the patients' RBC after remission. Both cytotoxic activities were proportional to the serum concentration and to the number of attacking cells. The 5 patients without overt haemolysis did not show in vitro lysis or phagocytosis of autologous RBC. These results suggest that ADCC as well as ADPh participate in the destruction of RBC in AMD‐induced haemolysis in vivo.
RESULTS OF INDUCTION AND CONSOLIDATION TREATMENT WITH INTERMEDIATE AND HIGH‐DOSE ARA‐C AND m‐AMSA CONTAINING REGIMENS IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARILY FAILED OR RELAPSED ACUTE LEUKEMIA AND NON‐HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA
Authors: Peters W.G. , Willemze R. , Colly L.P.
Published: August 2010

Fifty two patients (aged 15–57 years) with primarily failed and relapsed acute myelogenous (AML) or lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and with high‐grade non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) have been treated with intermediate dose cytosine arabinoside. Ara‐C (1 g/m2 q 12 h × 12) with 3 d of m‐AMSA, 115 mg/m2 daily was given to 18 patients, with daunorubicin (3 patients) 45 mg/m2 daily for 3 days to 3 patients and in 14 patients 1 day of m‐AMSA (115 mg/m2) was administered.

In 17 patients ara‐C was combined with VP16.213 120 mg/m2 i v. on day 1 and 7, m‐AMSA 115 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1 and 7 and prednisone 60 mg/m2 orally on days 1–7, these patients received methotrexate 10 mg/m2 intrathecally on day 1. Thirty three patients obtained a complete remission (AML 18/24, ALL 7/9, NHL 8/18).

17 patients received consolidation treatment with 1–3 courses comprising 4 d of ara‐C (3 g/m2 q 12 h × 8). in 9 patients combined with m‐AMSA 115 mg/m2 i.v. on day 5 and in 8 patients with VP16.213 120 mg/m2 on day 1 and 5, m‐AMSA 115 mg/m2 on day 1 and 5 and prednisone 60 mg/m2 orally days 1–5 and methotrexate 10 mg/m2 intrathecally on day 1. Three patients underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, all other patients received no further treatment.

Median remission duration was 3 months for those patients who received no treatment after remission induction. Five patients who received consolidation treatment relapsed after 4 months (2 ALL), 6 months (NHL), 9 months (AML) and 16 months (AML). Thirteen patients still are in remission at 2+ ‐ 21+ months.

In addition to vomiting, fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis and myalgia toxicity included diarrhoea in 35.8 per cent of patients and 10 patients developed diffuse interstitial pneumonia without clear cause and probably due to ara‐C administration. Fifty‐eight septicemic episodes were observed, in 65% caused by Streptococcus viridans. The pancytopenic period ranged from 16–25 days (median 21 days) after the remission induction and 14–21 days (median 19 days) after the consolidation course.

Intermediate dose ara‐C is active in primary refractory and relapsed acute leukemia and lymphoblastic non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. Side effects are acceptable although interstitial lung‐involvement remains to be further investigated.
Red pulp of the spleen in autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and hereditary spherocytosis: Morphometric light and electron microscopy studies
Authors: Jensen O. Myhre , Kristensen Jørgen
Published: August 2010

Morphometric light and electron microscopy studies on perfusion‐fixed spleens from 6 patients with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and 18 patients with hereditary spherocytosis showed increased relative (and absolute) volumes of red pulp and absolute volumes of pulp cords when compared to 10 controls and 16 patients with immune thrombocytopenia without haemolysis. The mean erythrocyte volume density of the red pulp and mean erythrocyte area were significantly increased, and more of the erythrocytes' profiles were closer to being circular than in the controls. The changes within the splenic red pulp were qualitatively identical in the 2 cases of haemolytic disease, being quantitatively more pronounced, however, in hereditary spherocytosis than in autoimmune haemolytic anaemia.
Red pulp in splenomegaly syndrome: Morphometric light and electron microscopy studies
Authors: Jensen O. Myhre , Kristensen Jørgen
Published: August 2010

From a series of consecutively studied spleens, perfusion‐fixed and investigated according to a standardized procedure allowing morphometric investigations at the light and electron microscopic levels, 33 spleens causing splenomegaly syndrome (12 lymphoproliferative diseases, 10 hairy cell leukaemia, 11 myeloproliferative diseases) were compared with data in controls and autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and hereditary spherocytosis from previous studies. In splenomegaly syndrome, especially in hairy cell leukaemia and myeloproliferative diseases, less so in lymphoproliferative diseases, there is a disproportionate increase in the volume of pulp cords in the red pulp. Values for erythrocyte volume density are of the same order as splenic erythrocyte concentration determined by scintigraphic kinetic methods. Cases with complicating immunohaemolysis show a rather high proportion of erythrocyte profiles with nearly spheric shape as in autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and hereditary spherocytosis.
Haematological and iron‐related measurements in active pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Baynes R. D. , Flax H. , Bothwell T. H. , Bezwoda W. R. , MacPhail A. P. , Atkinson P. , Lewis D.
Published: August 2010

59 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis were evaluated in terms of haematological indices, iron‐related measurements and markers of inflammation. The variables evaluated included the Hb, mean cell volume (MCV), serum iron, total iron‐binding capacity, percentage saturation, serum ferritin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C‐reactive protein. In addition, marrow iron stores were assessed both histologically and chemically. Among the changes noted was a raised S‐Ferritin, which appeared in part to be a component of the acute phase response, since it correlated with C‐reactive protein concentration (r 0.59, p < 0.0001). In addition, there was a good correlation between the S‐Ferritin and the concentrations of non‐haem iron in the marrow, as assessed chemically on trephine biopsies (r 0.78, p < 0.0001) and histologically on aspirated and biopsy material (rs0.78, p < 0.0001 and rs0.68, p < 0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, the quantitative relationship between the S‐Ferritin and the chemical concentrations of non‐haem iron in the marrow was similar to that found previously in a heterogeneous group of subjects without infections. While the present findings confirm that iron is diverted into reticuloendothelial stores in active pulmonary tuberculosis, no evidence was found to suggest that the anaemia which was present in 45 of the 59 patients was secondary to iron‐deficient erythropoiesis; the percentage saturations in the 2 groups were 30.3 and 31.1 respectively. In a final analysis, the present findings were compared with previous ones obtained in a group of patients with Hodgkin's disease. The degree of rise in the S‐Ferritin for a given marrow non‐haem iron concentration was significantly less in the patients with tuberculosis (p < 0.0001).
Type III aminoterminal propeptide of procollagen in some haematological malignancies
Authors: Arrago J. P. , Poirier O. , Chomienne C. , D'Agay M. F. , Najean Y.
Published: August 2010

Marrow fibrosis is involved in some haematological malignancies. Either because of sampling errors, variations of focal distribution of fibrosis or the discomfort for patients of bone biopsies, conventional histology appears to be unsuitable for the follow‐up of myelofibrosis. During collagen synthesis by marrow fibroblasts, the aminoterminal propeptide is removed from procollagen III and released in the serum. Thus, a sensitive radioimmunoassay of type III aminoterminal propeptide of procollagen (PC III) has been tested in myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative disorders with a marked bone marrow fibrosis. In polycythaemia vera, PC III level was significantly increased as compared to controls and was related to marrow fibrosis of grade I. The more increased PC III values were observed in spent polycythaemia cases initially treated by phlebotomy alone. Follow‐up showed a transformation into myeloid metaplasia. In contrast, PC III remained stable in patients treated with radiophosphorus 32P or hydroxyurea who did not transform. In myeloid metaplasia, results of PC III were significantly higher than in controls or polycythaemia vera cases. Myelofibrosis of recent onset (< 2 years) gave higher values than chronic myelofibrosis. Increased PC III values were also emphasized in chronic myelocytic leukaemia, and in a few cases of refractory anaemia with excess of blasts, hairy cell leukaemia and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Haematology studies during a 350‐metre dive
Authors: Paciorek J. A. , Rolfsen T.
Published: August 2010

Routine haematological monitoring of 6 deep‐sea divers was performed pre‐dive, during the three phases of the 350 m working dive, and at two post‐dive medical examinations. In the compression phase a small percentage (< 5%) of each subject's red cells became non‐discoid in shape and this trend continued during the 6 d at 350 m. Concomitantly each subject was mildly dehydrated by compression diuresis and had a raised haematocrit (+ 5%); all other haematological parameters remained within normal limits. The number of morphologically aberrant cells continued to increase during decompression but were not present at the 1 month post‐dive medical examination. The subjects' mean relative reticulocyte number was decreased during the dive to 0.4%, showing a rapid and sustained increase to 2.1% at both post‐dive examinations. The red cell count was reduced by 10% during the course of the dive. Hb concentration and haematocrit evidenced no differences between the pre‐ or postdive measurements.
A possible role of rifampicin in prolonging remission duration in acute myelogenous leukaemia
Authors: Burghouts Jos , Haanen Clemens
Published: August 2010

The remission duration (RD) of 22 adult acute myelogenous leukaemia patients who received maintenance rifampicin treatment during 24 episodes was significantly longer than RD in 29 complete remission patients who received conventional maintenance chemotherapy (25 versus 9 months, p < 0.003). Although this study was not randomized, the observed RD in the rifampicin group suggests a suppressive activity upon regrowth of residual disease in acute myelogenous leukaemia during apparent complete remission.
Thrombocytopenic purpura as first manifestation of an inapparent Hodgkin's disease
Authors: Pedro‐Botet Juan , Estruch Ramón , Montserrat Emilio , Urbano‐Márquez Alvaro , Rozman Ciril
Published: August 2010

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) has been observed infrequently in untreated Hodgkin's disease. A patient with an ITP associated with an inapparent Hodgkin's disease, who presented a life threatening CNS haemorrhage as first clinical manifestation, is described.
Red‐cell metabolism in patients with iron deficiency
Authors: Acharya J. , Grimes A. J.
Published: August 2010

18 components of metabolism were determined in the red cells of iron‐deficient patients and data were expressed per 1012 red cells to avoid the complicating effects of hypochromia and microcytosis. Glucose consumption, AMP and ATP, glycolytic intermediates except 2,3‐bisphosphoglycerate (2,3‐DPG) and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), red‐cell Na+ and the net passive leakage of Na+ and K+ at 4°C were all normal. Creatine, 6‐phospho‐D‐gluconate: NADP oxidoreductase (6PGD) activity and fresh red‐cell K+ were raised, suggestive of a young cell population. However, ATP: D‐fructose‐6‐phosphate 1‐phosphotransferase (PFK) activity and ADP were low. An elevated 2,3‐DPG level was attributable to the anaemia present but the somewhat raised PEP level is unexplained. It is concluded that red cells in iron deficiency show some characteristics of a young cell population; in other respects they appear normal, but in containing a low PFK activity they are abnormal.
Platelet‐associated immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, IgA and complement C3c in chronic idiopathic autoimmune thrombocytopenia: relation to the sequestration pattern of 111Indium labelled platelets
Authors: Panzer Simon , Niesser Herwig , Lechner Klaus , Dudczak Robert , Jäger Ulrich , Mayr Wolfgang R.
Published: August 2010

Levels of platelet‐associated immunoglobulins (PAIg) IgG, IgM, IgA and complement C3c were related to parameters of 111Indium‐labelled platelet kinetics in 17 patients with chronic idiopathic autoimmune thrombocytopenia (cAITP). Elevated levels of PAIg/C3c were found in 14 patients (82%) (PAIgG n = 13, PAIgM n = 11, PAIgA n = 1, PAC3c n = 5). Only PAIgG correlated with platelet counts (Rs = ‐0.71, p < 0.01). Mean platelet life span (MLS) was shortened in all patients (median 12.0 h, range 0.3–45.6 h) and correlated with the platelet counts (Rs = 0.49, p < 0.05). MLS was correlated with PAIgG (Rs = ‐0.52, p < 0.05), but not with PAIgM, PAIgA, or PAC3c. The site of sequestration was splenic in 10 patients and splenic‐hepatic in 7 patients. Although no significant correlation between either site of platelet sequestration and any of the investigated PAIg/C3c was demonstrable, platelets coated with higher PAIgG levels were more readily sequestrated in the spleen, while elevations of PAC3c were found in 4 out of 7 patients with hepatic involvement.
Prolonged survival in patients with treatment‐related leukemia
Authors: Kingsley Edwin C. , Durie Brian G. M.
Published: August 2010

We summarize the findings in 2 patients with treatment‐related acute leukemia, who have had prolonged disease‐free survival (62 and 84 months, respectively). The 1st patient developed acute myelogenous leukemia after receiving whole pelvic radiation and chlorambucil daily for 7 yr, as treatment for Stage III ovarian carcinoma; and the 2nd patient received cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone for Stage IV non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and subsequently developed acute monoblastic leukemia. The most remarkable finding is the unusually prolonged survival of both these patients with what is generally considered to be a very poor prognostic type of leukemia (mean survival < 6 months). One predictive factor may have been the normal chromosomes in 1 patient. Since prolonged survival is possible in treatment‐related leukemia, it is recommended that aggressive induction chemotherapy be at least considered for all such patients.
Proliferative activity and number of clonal chromosome aberrations in non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas
Authors: Brandt Lars , Kristoffersson Ulf , Olsson Håkan
Published: August 2010

Thymidine labelling indices (LI) and the number of clonal chromosome aberrations were assessed in fine‐needle aspirates from enlarged lymph nodes in 22 patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). 11 patients had LI > 3.0 (median 8.4) and 11 others had LI < 3.0 (median 1.0). Three categories of chromosome aberration were recorded: normal karyotype, 1–5 aberrations, and ≥ 6 aberrations or multiple complex changes. The distribution of these categories was different among the patients with LI > 3.0 compared to those with LI < 3.0 (p = 0.02). 8 of 11 patients with LI > 3.0 had ≥ 6 or complex changes. The corresponding figures for patients with LI < 3.0 were 2 out of 11. When 16 previously untreated patients were analysed separately, the median number of clonal aberrations was 6.5 in 8 patients with LI > 3.0 and 2.5 in 8 others with LI < 3.0 (p = 0.025). The results suggest that early and spontaneous changes in the genetic material are common in lymphomas with a high proliferative activity. According to previous studies, therapeutic results are especially poor in NHL with high LI. It is proposed that a high proliferative activity of lymphoma cells facilitates an early development of several new mutants and that some of these may be resistant to chemotherapeutic agents.
Impaired α‐interferon production and natural killer activity in blood mononuclear cells in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Okabe Mihiro , Minagawa Tomonori , Nakane Akio , Sakurada Keisuke , Miyazaki Tamotsu
Published: August 2010

The producibility of interferon (IFN)‐α, which indicates one of the functions of large granular lymphocytes (LGL), was impaired at a high frequency in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients. However, IFN‐α production in refractory anaemia, which is a subtype of MDS, was almost normal. In contrast, abnormality has not been observed in either proliferative response or the production of IFN‐γ of T‐cells by stimulation with PHA. NK activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from MDS patients was generally low and was not augmented by IFN‐α treatment. These results indicate that, in addition to the abnormality at the level of haematopoietic tissues, LGL among PBMC may be impaired in MDS patients.
A simple method of granulocyte enrichment of crude white cell suspensions labelled with 111In
Authors: Schmidt K. G. , Rasmussen J. W. , Thaisen K. , Wedebye I. M.
Published: August 2010

A simple method of granulocyte enrichment of a 111In‐labelled mixed white cell suspension is described. The method rests on preferential sedimentation by gravity of the granulocytes during labelling. In the 50 studies performed, the granulocytes constituted on average 90% of the 111In‐labelled white cells injected for abscess detection. The modest degree of artefactual granulocyte pooling in the lungs and the results of the scintigraphic studies suggest that the method described is well‐suited for scintigraphic localization of infectious and inflammatory processes.
Decreased natural killer cell activity versus normal natural killer cell markers in mononuclear cells from patients with smouldering leukemia
Authors: Sørskaar Dag , Førre Øystein , Albrechtsen Dagfinn , Stavem Per
Published: August 2010

Peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow mononuclear cells from 23 patients with smouldering leukemia were analyzed for natural killer (NK) cell activity and various surface cell markers. Significantly reduced NK activity was detected in the patients' PB compared with the activity in the healthy controls (p < 0.0005). A similar difference in NK cell activity between the 2 groups was also observed in bone marrow mononuclear cells (p = 0.005). In contrast, no significant differences in cells positive for the NK cell markers Leu‐7 and Leu‐11b were found between patients and controls, either in PB or in bone marrow. The patients' PB and bone marrow mononuclear cells had, however, a reduced percentage and absolute number of Leu 3a+ and T8+ cells. Patients with smouldering leukemia have immunological derangements which may make them predisposed for the later development of florid leukemia.
Production of β2‐microglobulin by chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells in vitro
Authors: Simonsson B. , Danersund A. , Tötterman T. H. , Nilsson K. , Wibell L.
Published: August 2010

The in vitro production of β2‐microglobulin (β2m) by leukaemic cells was studied in 22 patients with chronic B‐lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). In addition, the concentration of β2m in serum (S‐β2m) was determined and expressed as percent of the upper normal limit, after a correction for elevated S‐Creatinine values. Patients with progressive disease usually had CLL cells with a high rate of in vitro synthesis and an increased S‐β2m. This was not found in patients with non‐progressive disease. The in vitro synthesis of β2m × the lymphocyte count correlated with S‐β2m in the total material (r = 0.65). The increased S‐β2m frequently observed in CLL may therefore originate from the tumour cells. Hence, S‐β2m is promising as a clinically useful tumour cell‐associated marker in CLL.
Immunological effects of intravenous gammaglobulin treatment in childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Winiarski J. , Elinder G.
Published: August 2010

The effects of high‐dose intravenous IgG treatment on circulating and bound platelet antibodies, immunoglobulin synthesis and lymphocyte subpopulations were studied in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The levels of circulating IgM platelet antibodies increased in 3 patients and remained unaffected in 9 others after treatment. Platelet‐associated IgM levels decreased in all patients, while platelet‐associated IgG decreased in 10 out of 12 patients. The spontaneous non‐specific immunoglobulin synthesis by peripheral lymphocytes determined with a protein‐A plaque assay was rather increased than suppressed. There was no consistent effect on the frequency of surface immunoglobulin‐positive lymphocytes (B cells), although an increase was seen after treatment in 5 out of 8 patients, due to an increased number of surface IgM‐positive cells. The frequencies of T cells and T cell subpopulations determined with the help of monoclonal antisera (OKT 3, 4, 8) were not affected. No major side effects were observed and serum transaminase levels were normal during and after the treatment. It is suggested that the short‐term effect of IgG treatment in ITP is not due to an immunomodulating or suppressive action. It might, in some patients, be due to interaction of the IgG with antibody or immune complex binding to platelets.
Co‐expression of surface immunoglobulin and T3 on hairy cells
Authors: Haegert D. G. , Furlong M. D. , Smith J. L.
Published: August 2010

Whereas it is generally believed that most cases of hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) represent B cell neoplasms, it is reported here that 4 of 14 cases of HCL not only express monotypic surface immunoglobulin (SIg) but also react with the T cell‐specific monoclonal antibody (Mab) UCHT1 by indirect immunofluorescence or immunoperoxidase staining. Although both UCHT1 and OKT3 recognize the T3 molecule, which is expressed in all normal T cells, UCHT1+ hairy cells (HCs) were consistently OKT3−. Spurious reactivity of UCHT1 antibodies with SIg+ HCs was excluded by showing that lymphocytes sensitized with an irrelevant mouse Mab did not stain with second layer antibodies and lymphocytes sensitized with second layer antibodies alone were always completely unreactive. Moreover, in 1 case the determinants demonstrable by both UCHT1 and anti‐Ig were strongly re‐expressed after capping and shedding, i.e. appeared to be endogenous. It is concluded that HCs with a hybrid T‐B surface phenotype are more common than hitherto reported, that HCs may express T3 molecules as well as SIg but that determinants recognized by OKT3 may be cryptic or buried in the HC membrane.
Specialized membrane areas in non‐activated and thrombin‐activated platelets
Authors: Behnke O. , Tranum‐Jensen J.
Published: August 2010

Filipin, a complex of polyene antibiotics, forms morphologically distinctive complexes with cholesterol in cell membranes under proper experimental conditions. When applied to non‐activated, discoid platelets, filipin‐indiced lesions (FIL) occurred in rows at the platelet equator, suggesting a specialized membrane organization at the platelets' largest circumference. In some thrombin‐activated platelets we observed surface membrane blebbing and release of lipid vesicles that predominantly originated from the plasma membrane proper, but some originated from (unidentified) platelet granules. FIL were initially present in high numbers over the entire bleb, they accumulated later at the neck of blebs, while the released vesicle was free of FIL. Absence of intramembrane protein particles (IMP) from the membranes of blebs and vesicles suggests that released vesicles are essentially without cholesterol and intrinsic membrane proteins and may consist predominantly of phospholipids. Membrane blebbing and vesicle release may represent unmasking and release of procoagulant platelet factor 3 activity.
Clinical significance of surface and internal pools of platelet‐associated immunoglobulins in immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Fabris Fabrizio , Casonato Alessandra , Randi Maria Luigia , Luzzatto Guido , Girolami Antonio
Published: August 2010

We have investigated serum platelet bindable IgG(SPBIgG) and platelet‐associated IgG(PAIgG) in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (IT) to ascertain the significance of the larger amounts of PAIgG reported both in normals and in patients using homogenized (Total:T‐PAIgG) instead of intact platelets (Surface:S‐PAlgG). 12 patients, during active immune thrombocytopenia (A‐IT), and 18 patients in steroid‐induced remission (S‐IT), were studied. As control we considered 20 patients with nonimmune thrombocytopenia (N‐IT) and 29 subjects with normal platelet count. The average positivity of SPBIgG was 41 % with a higher percentage in A‐IT (66%) than in S‐IT (16%). The results of PAIgG also indicate a different behaviour in A‐IT and S‐IT of surface and cytoplasmatic pools. During A‐IT both pools are enhanced with prevalence towards the surface one (S‐PAIgG). On the contrary, during steroid‐induced remission, despite the normal amount of the S‐PAIgG present the internal pool still increases, indicating a steady‐state of IT and the possible existence of a platelet phagocytic activity.
Platelets augment granulocyte aggregation and cytotoxicity: uncovering of their effects by improved cell separation techniques using Percoll gradients
Authors: Boogaerts M. A. , Vercelotti G. , Roelant C. , Malbrain S. , Verwilghen R. L. , Jacob H. S.
Published: August 2010

The ‘standard’ technique of granulocyte preparation for in vitro studies uses dextran removal of erythrocytes and Ficoll‐Hypaque gradient centrifugation to increase granulocyte purity. The procedure is lengthy, approximately 150 min in our hands, and provides granulocytes significantly contaminated with platelets (approx. 5 platelets/PMN). We report a technique that replaces dextran with hydroxy‐ethylstarch and Ficoll‐Hypaque with Percoll. Preparation time is reduced by approximately 40% and platelet contamination by more than 80%. Granulocytes, so prepared, function metabolically (O2‐generation, chemiluminescence, HMP‐shunt maxima) and, in motility/phagocytosis assays, identically to ‘standard’ preparations. However, an augmentatory effect of platelets in granulocyte aggregation responses and their mediation of cytotoxicity is uncovered. Ficoll‐Hypaque purified cells (platelet‐rich) aggregate to a significantly greater degree with FMLP or activated complement lectins and excessively kill 51Cr‐labelled target cells when compared to Percoll‐preparations (platelet‐poor). Re‐addition of purified platelets or of platelet release supernatants to the latter reproduces results using the ‘standard’ preparations.
Glycogen content and PAS staining pattern of human megakaryocytes
Authors: Shammas F. V. , Engeset A.
Published: August 2010

The glycogen content of human megakaryocytes was studied using a quantitative method. Smears of bone marrow from 13 individuals were stained with the modified PAS reaction with and without prior treatment with α‐amylase. The intensity of the reaction was determined by microspectrophotometry in 50 megakaryocytes from each individual. It was found that megakaryocytes are rich in glycogen which is not only confined to the intensely PAS‐positive granules and inclusion bodies, but also makes up a good part of the diffuse cytoplasmic staining. In the diffusely stained megakaryocytes, glycogen makes up 32% of the intensity of the PAS reaction, while it reaches 47% in those with granules and up to 60% in those with inclusion bodies. The total extinction of the PAS‐stained megakaryocytes is not only dependent on the morphological appearances of the cells, but is also positively correlated with their size.
Multiple myeloma in central Norway 1981–1982: A randomized clinical trial of 5‐drug combination therapy versus standard therapy
Authors: Kildahl‐Andersen O. , Bjark P. , Bondevik A. , Bull O. , Dehli O. , Kvambe V. , Nordahl E. , Ytrehus K. , Lamvik J.
Published: August 2010

67 previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma were entered on a randomized clinical trial to determine whether the use of combination chemotherapy including vincristine, carmustine, alkylating agents, and prednisone was more effective than conventional therapy with melphalan and prednisone. The treatment groups did not show significant differences with respect to major prognostic factors. With the 2‐drug combination therapy and 5‐drug combination therapy, 67 and 74% of the patients achieved remission, respectively. Moreover, no significant difference was found between the two treatment schedules in terms of median survival (30 + months). The survival curves for stage III patients treated with the two regimens did not differ significantly. After 12 months, patients who had achieved remission were randomized to have treatment discontinued or to have maintenance treatment. 7 of 15 patients on maintenance therapy relapsed, whereas 9 of 14 patients who had their therapy discontinued relapsed, and the survival of the two groups was similar.
Reversal of coagulopathy in Kasabach‐Merritt syndrome with tranexamic acid
Authors: Bell A. J. , Chisholm Morag , Hickton M.
Published: August 2010

An infant with a giant cavernous haemangioma developed a severe consumption coagulopathy and systemic bleeding. Replacement therapy with cryoprecipitate produced only a transient improvement in the abnormal clotting, but the addition of tranexamic acid resulted in sustained correction, permitting corrective surgery to be performed.
Prognostic significance of a morphometric study of lymph node biopsies in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Guigui B. , Raphael M. , Nonnenmacher L. , Boisnic S. , Binet J. L.
Published: August 2010

In 18 chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and 2 diffuse, well‐differentiated lymphoma (DWDL) lymp node biopsies, morphometric results analysing nuclear area distribution curves by the skewness coefficient were compared to histological findings, clinical stage and survival. Lymphocytic proliferation was subclassified according to the number and the distribution of large lymphoid cells. All cases with a component of large lymphoid cells had a right deviation of the nuclear area distribution curve and a positive value of the skewness coefficient in contrast to those where lymphocytic proliferation was monomorphous. Good correlation was observed between histological findings, morphometric analysis and survival: most patients with a right deviation of nuclear area distribution curve and positive skewness coefficient are clinically stage C, or died within 2–44 months, in contrast to patients with a symmetric distribution of nuclear area curve who are clinically stage A or B and still alive. The results indicate that in CLL and DWDL the lymph node biopsy with quantitative analysis has prognostic significance.
Radioimmunoassay of erythropoietin in chronic uraemia or anephric patients
Authors: Naets J. P. , Garcia J. F. , Tousaaint Ch. , Buset M. , Waks D.
Published: August 2010

The erythropoietin (Ep) plasma titre of 41 anaemic patients with normal renal function or with renal insufficiency (with or without kidney) was measured by RIA and compared to values observed with the polycythaemic mouse assay. A good correlation was found with both methods (r = 0.88). However, about 20% of samples gave higher values with the bioassay. 21 Ep titres measurable by the bioassay ranged from 40 to 4400 mU (mean 717.1 mU) compared to 14.8 to 3788 mU (mean 484.7 mU) measured by the RIA. Low levels of Ep plasma titre have been observed in patients with renal insufficiency and no difference was found between nephric uraemic patients and the anephric group. These results suggest that the increased blood requirements in anephrics are not due to a smaller production of Ep, but ultimately to the presence of an inhibitor of erythropoiesis. The well‐known inverse relationship between haematocrit and Ep level was not found in renal insufficiency. However, some humoral regulation of erythropoiesis seems to persist in these patients since the elevation of red blood cells by transfusions was followed by a decrease of the Ep level.
Endogenous inhibitors of human granulocyte/macrophage colony forming cells in vitro are inactivated by free radical scavengers
Authors: Helgestad Jon , Storm‐Mathisen Ingebjørg , Lie Sverre O.
Published: August 2010

Granulocyte/macrophage colony forming cells (GM‐CFC) require colony stimulating factors (CSF) for growth in vitro. Crude preparations of CSF also contain inhibitors. To investigate whether this inhibition involves free radicals, the following scavenging agents were tested on human GM‐CFC grown in agar: cysteine, reduced glutathione, dithiothreitol, sodium selenite, α‐tocopherol, superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbic acid. All except ascorbic acid and catalase had enhancing and stabilising effects on colony formation. The colonies also contained more cells but no changes in cell composition were detected. Cysteine, the most extensively tested substance, was active at concentrations present in body fluids and enhanced colony formation without an exogenous source of CSF. Our results are consistent with an imbalance between the production and removal of free radicals generated in the human GM‐CFC assay in vitro. This hampers investigation of regulators of granulopoiesis and results in underestimation of GM‐CFC, but can be alleviated by the addition of free radical scavengers.
Nucleolus‐associated J chains in myeloma cells
Authors: Kanoh Tadashi , Ohnaka Tadashi , Takamatsu Teruyuki , Ohno Tatsuharu , Uchino Haruto , Horiguchi Yuji
Published: August 2010

Bone marrow aspirates from 10 patients with multiple myeloma (6 IgG myeloma, 3 IgA myeloma, 1 Bence Jones myeloma) were examined for nucleolus‐associated localization of J chains. On light microscopy using the PAP method, almost all or a significant number of myeloma cells exhibited intranuclear spots stained with anti‐J chains in 3 (IgG myeloma) out of the 8 cases positive for cytoplasmic J chains. In contrast, the nucleus of myeloma cells examined was constantly negative for anti‐heavy and ‐light chains. Immunoelectron microscopically, J chain was identified as dicrete round electron‐dense precipitates, corresponding to the whole nucleolus, and as sparsely distributed, small electron‐dense deposits in the nucleus. In addition, some connections were found between nuclear and nucleolar electron‐dense precipitates. Several possible explanations have been proposed to account for this localization of J chains.
Myeloperoxidase‐deficient polymorphonuclear leucocytes (VII): Incidence in untreated myeloproliferative disorders
Authors: Bendix‐Hansen Knud
Published: August 2010

In 98 patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorders (45 chr. myeloid leukaemia (CML), 19 myelofibrosis primaria (MP), 28 polycythaemia vera (PV) and 6 idiopathic thrombocythaemia (IT)) the incidences of increased numbers of MPO‐deficient polymorphonuclear (PMN) were 60% in CML, 32% in MP, 7% in PV and 0% in IT patients. The CML figure differed significantly from the others (p < 0.001). This study confirms the finding of low NAP scores in CML compared to normal or high NAP scores in the other groups of the myeloproliferative syndrome. The incidences of increased numbers of MPO‐deficient PMN in this study are comparable to those found in the primary myelodysplastic syndromes and in acute myeloid leukaemia. The finding supports the view that some of the CML cases and may be other cases of the chronic myeloproliferative disorders may be fundamentally the same disease as in primary myelodysplastic syndromes and in acute myeloid leukaemias.
Enzyme markers in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Skoog Lambert , Hagerstrom Torsten , Reizenstein Peter , Ost Åke
Published: August 2010

The levels of TdT, AdA, 5′‐N, 20 a‐SDH and TK1 were analyzed in different FAB subgroups of AML. AdA, 5′‐N, 20 a‐SDH and TK1 showed large variations both within and between the different subgroups. It therefore seems unlikely that measurements of these enzymes will be able to aid morphological subclassification of AML. Neither could analysis of these enzymes give prognostic information.

TdT was detectable in 46% of AML but the levels were only 1/10‐1/100 of those found in ALL. The enzyme was detected in leukaemic granulocytopoietic cells while leukaemic cells of monocytic origin were negative in all but 1 case. In addition, increased TdT activity was positively correlated to the length of survival.
Characterization of normal and regenerating bone marrow cells with a panel of monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Kluin‐Nelemans Hanneke C. , Bolhuis R. L. H. , Lowenberg B. , Campana D. , Sizoo Willemijn
Published: August 2010

To obtain baseline data for the diagnosis of residua] leukaemia or lymphoma in bone marrow (BM), BM samples of 12 normal adults, 6 patients treated with chemotherapy for solid tumours and 6 patients treated with chemotherapy for leukaemia or lymphoma during remission were assessed with a panel of monoclonal antibodies by fluorescence microscopy immediately following chemotherapy. A large variability between normal individuals was found concerning the percentages of T lymphocytes and T cell subsets, B lymphocytes, HLA‐DR* and OKT104 cells, due to variation in BM composition and, presumably, peripheral blood contamination. The regenerating BM cells also showed a large variability and, in addition, sometimes very high percentages (up to 19%) of CALLA +, cu'sjr, cu + KV and TdT+ cells were found. The interpretation of data on individual BM samples of patients assessed for leukaemia or lymphoma should therefore be related to: (1) the amount of contaminating peripheral blood cells; (2) the cellular composition of the BM samples as determined by May‐Grunwald Giemsa staining; (3) baseline data of age‐matched normal controls and of regenerating BM of patients without haematological diseases.
Double gammopathies: Incidence and clinical course of 20 patients
Authors: Nilsson Torbjorn , Norberg Bo , Rudolph! Olle , Jacobsson Lennart
Published: August 2010

The presence of 2 M‐components in single patients (double gammopathy) was studied retrospectively by means of the electrophoresis files in Umea (serving a population of approximately 150000 inhabitants). During the 11‐year period 1974–1984, 109000 electrophoreses were performed, an nig which 1034 patients with gammopathy were found. Of these, 20 (2%) had double gammopathy; 3 were associated with lymphoma, 7 with myelomatosis, 9 with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and 1 with lupus erythematosus disseminatus. It is suggested that one subgroup of double gammopathy (6 patients) had a neoplastic cell clone combined with a normally regulated cell line, the latter marked by a transient M‐component. Another subgroup (14 patients) seems to have 2 coexisting different neoplastic cell lines, with persistent double gammopathy.
Long‐term remission of pure red cell aplasia after plasma exchange and lymphocytapheresis
Authors: Berlin Gosta , Lieden Gudrun
Published: August 2010

A 57‐year‐old man with idiopathic pure red cell aplasia went into remission after plasma exchange. He relapsed after 5 months and then failed to respond to treatment with intensive plasma exchange and immunosuppressive agents. Because of a high proportion of T‐suppressor cells in the peripheral blood he was treated with lymphocytapheresis in addition to the previous treatment. The patient achieved a long‐term haematological remission which has now persisted for more than 3 yr.
Gnadenlos und gnadenreich
Authors: Goldbæk Henning
Published: August 2010

Walter Benjamin hat nie ein Passagenwerk geschrieben und es gibt kein Beethovenbuch von Adorno, und doch sind beide Bücher mehr als Zitatsammlungen oder Werkruinen. Denn in beiden Fällen werden die Themen der einzelnen Bruchstücke später wieder aufgenommen und weiterentwickelt, und vor allem verweisen sie auf ein Archiv, alle Textfragmente und Fundstücke gehen auf eine Quelle zurück, denn sie sind Beweismaterial nicht nur für Adorno und Benjamin sondern auch für den Leser der Gegenwart und der Zukunft. Der Leser liest das Fundstück, verfolgt den Prozess der Transformation aus einem Zusammenhang in einen neuen, der von den beiden Autoren angedeutet, aber nicht vollzogen ist. Der Leser nimmt dadurch Teil an den Auflösungsprozess einer verjährten Totalität, aber auch an den Wiederaufbau eines neuen Sinnes und eines neuen Werkes. Wenn Beethovens Missa solemnis für Adorno rätselhaft und widersprüchlich ist, dann nicht nur als Werk, sondern auch als Ausdruck einer Modernitätserfahrung, die schon von Benjamin inauguriert wurde und die beide dazu zwingen, einen veraltet‐organischen Werkbegriff durch den eines offenen Werkes zu ersetzen.
The efficacy of a school‐based caries preventive program: a 4‐year study
Authors: Al‐Jundi SH , Hammad M , Alwaeli H
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  This longitudinal study aimed at testing the efficacy of a school‐based caries preventive program, by comparing dental caries status of two groups, a study group (436 children) and a control group (420 children) over a period of 4 years. The study group received a preventive program which consisted of intensive oral hygiene instructions sessions, and supervised daily tooth brushing using fluoridated tooth paste in schools. The control group received only oral hygiene instructions sessions. Annual dental examination to record dental caries status, using Decayed Missed Filled Teeth Index (DMFT) and deft, was conducted for both groups over a period of 4 years. At the end of the fourth year the efficacy of the program was tested by comparing the DMFT and deft indices for the two groups using Pearson chi‐square test and Cochran–Mantel–Haenzele test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. The results after 4 years showed that the caries status of the children in the study group was better than that of the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P‐value 0.001). The estimates of relative risk values also showed that children in the control group are 3.1 and 6.4 times at higher risk of having dental caries than those in the study group for age group 12 and 6 respectively. This study proves that supervised daily tooth brushing using fluoridated toothpaste is successful in controlling dental caries in children.
Factors behind change in knowledge after a mass media campaign targeting periodontitis
Authors: Mårtensson C , Söderfeldt B , Andersson P , Halling A , Renvert S
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to investigate changes in knowledge before and after a mass media campaign, in relation to social attributes, care system attributes and oral health aspects. The study was based on a questionnaire in a cohort design, sent out to 900 randomly sampled people aged 50–75 in Sweden. The response rate to the questionnaire before and after the campaign was 70% and 65% respectively. Sixty‐four percent answered both questionnaires. Two questions addressed knowledge, while 10 questions aimed to measure social attributes, care system attributes and oral health aspects. Data were analysed for bivariate relations as to change in knowledge and social attributes, care system attributes and oral health aspects. Data were also analysed in multiple regression analysis with knowledge before, knowledge after and knowledge differences as dependent variables. The results showed that there were a number of independent variables with influence on the dependent variables. Of the social attributes, secondary education gave almost 10% (P < 0.001) better knowledge both before and after the campaign. Among care system attributes, high care utilization was related to knowledge both before and after the campaign. The most important factors for knowledge about periodontitis were education, care utilization and perceived importance of oral health. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that mass media might increase knowledge about periodontitis as a health promotion strategy.
Microbiological evaluation and antibiotic susceptibility of dental unit water systems in general dental practice
Authors: Uzel A , Cogulu D , Oncag O
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Objective:  The microbial quality of water in a dental unit water systems (DUWS) is of considerable importance because patients and dental staff are regularly exposed to water and aerosol generated from the dental units. The objective of this study was to evaluate the 20 DUWS in general dental practices and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of the colonizing bacteria.

Methods:  Three water and one biofilm samples from each DUWS were investigated for total viable count (TVC), oral streptococci, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteria, Candida albicans and Legionella pneumophila.

Results:  A total of 44 morphologically different colonies were obtained from water samples and 20 types of colonies (45.5%) could be identified using API test strips. The mean TVC values were 4.36 log CFU ml−1 for source waters, 4.95 log CFU ml−1 for 3‐in‐1 syringe samples, 4.91 log CFU ml−1 for air rotor samples and 3.66 log CFU cm−2 for biofilm samples. Susceptibilities of the isolates were tested against piperacillin, ampicillin, ceftazidime, meropenem, gentamicin, tetracycline, ofloxacin and chloramphenicol by using microdilution method according to NCCLS. The meropenem and ofloxacin have shown the broadest spectrum against to the tested isolates.

Conclusion:  The study emphasizes the need for effective mechanisms to reduce the microbial contamination in DUWS, and highlights the risk for cross‐infection in general dental practice.
A survey on misunderstanding of dental scaling in Hong Kong
Authors: Young Cecilia
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  There is no information on the misunderstanding of dental scaling; on whether the misunderstanding affects the general public to go for scaling or not; on complaints about dental scaling and suggestion of who should educate the public in the existing literature. This study gives the information from the general public in Hong Kong.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey by telephone interview on a random sample of 1412 subjects aged 13 years and above in Hong Kong was conducted from 3rd January to 15th February 2006.

Results:  More females had received scaling (adjusted OR = 1.73, 95%CI 1.31–2.29 P < 0.001), 51–60 years age group had the highest scaling experience (adjusted OR = 2.69, 95% CI 1.55–4.68, P < 0.001). Higher education was related to scaling experience (P < 0.001). Of the subjects with complete data, 22.5% (307/1364) had never received dental scaling, 17.9% (55/307) did not understand the purpose, 12.1% (37/307) replied that it would make the teeth thinner, 11.4% (35/307) replied that the gum space would become wider, and 11.4% (35/307) stated that scaling would damage the gum. In all, 45.9% (298/649) of the subject reported bleeding, 33.7% (139/413) sensitivity, 40.5% (62/153) smaller teeth and 23.9% (84/351) widened gum space because of mistakes made during the procedure; 8.6% (56/649) of those who experienced bleeding, 17.8% (27/152) of those who reported the teeth became smaller and 12% (42/350) of those who stated that the gum space became wider intended to reduce the frequency, delay or not go for scaling. A total of 79.6% (841/1057) experienced one of the perceived problems; 27.8% (234/841) had complained about scaling.

Conclusion:  This study shows a common lack of knowledge of dental scaling in the Hong Kong population. Patients should be better informed about the aim before the procedure.