bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Separation of Cells According to Surface Antigens by the Use of Antibody‐Coated Columns. Fractionation of Cells Carrying Immunoglobulins and Blood Group Antigen
Authors: WIGZELL H. , SUNDQVIST K. G. , YOSHIDA T. O.
Published: September 2006

It has been found possible to separate cells according to their surface anti gens by the use of antibody‐coated columns. High efficiency columns were made by double‐layer principles, first coating beads with antigen followed by antibody in excess. Such columns could be shown to contain a high amount of free antigen‐binding sites for the relevant antigens. Lymphoid cells were thus fractionated according to their surface concentration of immunoglobu lin and a highly selective retention of mouse B lymphocytes was observed when filtering spleen cells through an anti‐immunoglobulin column prepared according to the above procedure. No evidence of retention of mouse T lymphoid cells was observed in the same system. By the use of anti‐gamma‐2a immunoglobulin columns, it was found possible to deplete a population from memory cells potentially capable of synthesizing gamma‐2a antibodies. No evidence was found that columns prepared in the described manner would function through combining with receptors on lymphoid cells for antibody‐antigen complexes. By using anti‐A blood group columns, it was possible to selectively retain cells (erythrocytes or kidney cells) with A blood group anti gen on their surface. High‐avidity immune antibodies were found to be more efficient than ‘natural’ anti‐A antibodies in this test. No evidence was found of anti‐A antibodies being adsorbed on to the passing cells as tested by in vitro serological tests and tissue culture experiments. The applications of a technique for separating cells according to their surface antigens are con sidered obvious.
Induction of Histamine Release and Desensitization in Human Leukocytes
Authors: PETERSSON B.‐Å.
Published: September 2006

Histamine release from normal human leukocytes can be induced by anti‐IgE or protein A from Staphylococcus aureus. After incubation in buffer at 37°C for various time intervals or repeated washings with buffer, or both procedures, the leukocytes lose most of their reactivity to protein A, whereas the reactivity to anti‐IgE is unaltered. Cells deprived of their protein A reactivity can be induced to release histamine by IgG complexed with protein A. Maximal release (23%‐81%) from 0.6–1.0 × 107 leukocytes per ml is obtained if the mixture contains 1–2 μg protein A and 8–16 μg IgG per ml. The ratio between protein A and IgG in the most active mixtures is 1:8 or 1:16 on a weight basis, which corresponds to 2–4 IgG molecules per protein A molecule. Heat treatment does not destroy the capacity of IgG to mediate histamine release. Mixtures of protein A and the Fc part of IgG can also initiate the release. Furthermore, it is shown that the protein A—IgG mixture and anti‐IgE induce cross‐desensitization to each other. This indicates that, like cell‐bound IgG, IgG in complex with protein A triggers partially the same reaction sequence as IgE.
Detection of Measles Antibodies in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum by a Radioimmunoassay
Authors: CUNNINGHAM‐RUNDLES C. , JERSILD C. , DUPONT B. , POSNER J. B. , GOOD R. A.
Published: September 2006

Evidence that different structural components of the measles virus may act as antigens has been provided by the serologic methods of hemagglutination inhi bition hemolysin inhibition, and nucleocapsid complement fixation. Using radio‐iodinated measles viral antigens, an immune precipitation assay has been designed that is capable of discriminating among various reactivities to measles viral structural components in serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and of distinguishing whether IgG and IgM antibody is involved. This technique has been applied to the study of measles antibodies in CSF and sera of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurologic diseases. From data presented here, it was found that both groups of patients have individual reactivity to measles proteins, present in CSF and serum, whereas three normal CSF samples were found not to have such antibodies. It appears that oligoclonal immunoglobulins in CSF of MS patients may be detected by this method, and one patient with MS was found to have CSF IgM anti‐measles antibodies.
Spontaneous Rosette Formation with Heavily Haptenated Sheep Erythrocytes: A Marker for Mouse Non‐T Lymphocytes
Authors: MäKELä O. , KONTIAINEN S. , ANDERSSON L. C.
Published: September 2006

Most non‐T lymphocytes in nonimmunized mice spontaneously bind heavily haptenated (4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dinitrophenyl)acetyl (NNP)‐sheep erythrocytes. Few if any T lymphocytes are rosette formers with such erythrocytes. The NNP rosette formation is suggested to be a marker for mouse non‐T cells.
Lymphocyte Subpopulations in the Cerebrospinal Fluid and Peripheral Blood in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: SANDBERG‐WOLLHEIM M. , TURESSON I.
Published: September 2006

The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were studied with respect to the frequency of lymphocytes with intracellular immunoglobulins of different Ig classes as well as the relative frequency of B and T lymphocytes. An increased number of Ig‐positive cells were found in CSF (mean, 0.52%) when compared with blood (mean, 0.18%). In CSF there was a striking dominance of IgG‐positive cells, very few IgA‐positive cells, and almost no IgM‐positive cells. The distribution in blood was approximately normal. The ratios between χ‐ and λ‐positive cells in CSF were all outside the range in blood. In CSF there were fewer B cells (mean, 4.7%) and more T cells (mean, 74.2%) when compared with blood (mean, 11.5% and 61.8%, respectively). The values for MS blood were approximately the same as for normal controls. The increased number of IgG‐containing cells in the CSF are in agreement with earlier studies, which showed a local immunoglobulin synthesis. The increased proportion of T lymphocytes in CSF of MS patients may indicate that these cells play a role in the pathogenesis of MS.
Blocking Effect of J Chain and J‐Chain Antibody on the Binding of Secretory Component to Human IgA and IgM
Authors: BRANDTZAEG P.
Published: September 2006

Isolated released J chain showed only a small affinity for free secretory component (SC), as indicated by a marginal but reproducible blocking effect on the binding of SC to Ig polymers. The SC‐binding site was completely blocked by J‐chain antibody in those Ig polymers where the bound J chains were accessible to the antibody. Along with the established masking effect of SC on the antigenicity of J chains present in secretory IgA, these results are compatible with the idea that the conformation of Ig‐associated J chains contributes to the SC‐binding site of Ig polymers.
Protein A Reactivity of Two Distinct Groups of Human Monoclonal IgM
Authors: LIND I. , HARBOE M. , FØLLING I.
Published: September 2006

Fifteen human monoclonal IgM proteins could be divided into two groups based on their ability to inhibit binding of a labelled human monoclonal IgM (IgM‐Se) to Staphylococcus aureus Cowan 1 (IgM‐Se assay); seven were positive and eight were negative. We found complete agreement between positive reaction in the IgM‐Se assay, the presence of protein A reactivity in gel diffusion experiments, and high litres in an indirect haemagglutination test that detects antibodies to protein A—IgG complexes. The protein A precipitation patterns of IgM and autologous IgG were not identical.
Continuous Growth of Mitogen‐Reactive B Lymphocytes
Authors: MELCHERS F. , COUTINHO A. , HEINRICH G. , ANDERSSON J.
Published: September 2006

B‐cell mitogens induce continous growth of murine lymphocytes in suspension cultures. Continuous growth is observed only at low cell densitiess, below 106 cells/ml, in regularly renewed medium containing β‐mercaptoethanol and a growth‐supporting fetal calf serum. Continuous growth of B lymphocytes in culture appears to be favored by conditions under which maturation of Ig‐secreting plaque‐forming cells does not occur. On the other hand, maturation is observed whenever stimulated B cells cease to divide. This maturation leads to IgM secretion followed by secretion of IgG‐ or IgD‐like molecules. Neither continuous growth of B cells nor the ‘switch’ to secretion of IgG‐ or IgD‐like molecules requires the presence of T cells.
A Plaque Technique for Assay and Characterization of Antibody‐Dependent Cytotoxic Effector (K) Cells
Authors: BIBERFELD P. , WÅHLIN B. , PERLMANN P. , BIBERFELD G.
Published: September 2006

Using monolayers of erythrocytes as target cells, a plaque assay was developed by which individual antibody‐dependent cytolytic lymphoid cells (K cells) could be identified at the cellular level. The extent of plaque formation depended on the concentration of sensitizing antibody, time of incubation, and number of lymphocytes added. Most of the plaque‐forming cells (50% to 70%) were shown to possess receptors for activated complement, a small but variable fraction (5% to 25%) had surface Ig detectable by indirect immunofluorescence, and 5% to 10% bound sheep erythrocytes at 4°C. The plaque‐forming cells appeared as villous, small to medium‐sized lymphocytes when studied by transmission or scanning electron microscopy. Under standardized experimental conditions the minimal number of active, plaque‐forming K cells in purified lymphocyte preparations could be estimated.
The Effects of Interleukins 4 and 5 on the Differentiation of B Cells from (NZB × NZW)F1 Mice
Authors: ALARCÓN‐RIQUELME M. E. , MÖLLER G. , FERNÁNDEZ C.
Published: September 2006

We describe here that IL‐4and IL‐5 together can induce the production of high amounts of IgG1 polyclonal antibodies by B cells from old (NZB × NZW)F1 mice even in the absence of LPS. The effect was less marked in young mice from the same strain or in normal Balb/c mice. The cells sensitive to the treatment with the interleukins were the large B cells. Old mice had higher proportions of such cells than young mice or normal Balb/c mice. Synthesis of anti‐DNA antibodies of the IgM class was induced. Although IL‐4 plus IL‐5 induced a strong polyclonal IgG1 production, there were no IgG1 anti‐DNA antibodies.
Discrete Association of CD3 and CD4 Molecules in T‐Cell Stimulation Acting Through the Autologous Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction and the CD3/T‐CelI Receptor Complex in Human Autoreactive T‐Cell Clones
Authors: HARA M. , KITANI A. , HARIGAI M. , SUZUKI K. , HIROSE T. , KAWAKAMI M. , KAWAGAE M. , NAKAMURA H.
Published: September 2006

To investigate autologous antigen recognition, we developed two autoreactive CD4+ T‐cell clones. A2 and A10, maintained with non‐T cells and IL‐2. Autologous non‐T‐cell stimulation of the T‐cell clones resulted in a decrease in cell surface expression of CD4, whereas the expression of CD2, CD3, and WT31 was unchanged. Activation of the autoreactive T‐cell clones by cell surface binding anti‐CD3 MoAb, as a specific antigen stimulator of the T‐cell receptor complex, induced cell surface antigen comodulation of CD3, CD4, and WT31. These data suggest a discrete association of CD3 and CD4 molecules in T‐cell stimulation, acting through the autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction and the CD3/T‐cell receptor complex. PMA treatment resulted in concomitant down‐regulation of CD3 and CD4 but calcium ionophore treatment did not. Thus, it appears that phosphorilation of CD3 leads to the down‐regulation of surface antigens of CD4.
NK and LAK Susceptibility Varies Inversely with Target Cell MHC Class I Antigen Expression in a Rat Epithelial Tumour System
Authors: CARBONE E. , RACIOPPI L. , LA CAVA A. , PORTELLA G. , VELOTTI F. , ZAPPACOSTA S. , FONTANA S.
Published: September 2006

Several cell clones derived from cell lines obtained from a rat thyroid carcinoma, induced by in vivo injection of the Kirsten murine sarcoma virus into the thyroid gland, and from its spontaneous lung metastases were analysed for their major histocompatability complex (MMC) class I antigen expression. The susceptibility lo natural killer (NK) cell lysis of these clones, differing in their levels of MHC class I antigen expression, was determined and found to vary inversely with the target cell MHC level, confirming numerous reports of the literature.

We then tried to localize the step of the multistage natural cytotoxic process, in which class I antigens could interfere, and tested first whether lymphokine(IL‐2) activation of the killer (LAK) cells could overcome the differences in MHC class I expression of target cells. As this did not appear lo be the case, we studied the binding step by cither a cold target inhibition assay and a target binding assay and found that target cells expressing class I antigens show a lower competitive capacity for effector cells than targets not expressing such antigens, indicating that this interference may occur, at least in our system, in the binding step of the cytotoxic process.
Flow Cytometric Analysis of CD2 Modulation on Human Peripheral Blood T Lymphocytes by Dharmendra Preparation of Mycobacterium leprae
Authors: SHEELA R. , ILANGUMARAN S. , MUTHUKKARUPPAN V. R.
Published: September 2006

It has been reported previously that Mycobacterium leprae modulated CD2 on human peripheral blood T lymphocytes and that this modulation was accompanied by a marked reduction in the proliferative response of these cells to mitogens and antigens. In this study, we report that treatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals with Dharmedra preparation of M. leprae inhibited their ability to form rosettes with sheep red blood ceils. Flow cytometric analysis of Dharmendra lepromin‐treated cells showed that, in addition to CD2. CD4 and CD8 were modulated while the surface expression of CD3 was not affected. The specificity of CD2 modulation was confirmed by similar effects of Dharmendra lepromin on thymocytes and lymph node cells from human CD2 transgenic mice. The modulatory effect of Dharmendra lepromin was not observed at lower temperatures. Dharmendra lepromin treatment of activated T cells resulted in reduced binding of monoclonal antibodies to IL‐2R and D66 epitope of CD2. The modulatory effects were not observed with Dharmendra preparation of BCG or other preparations of M. leprae. Our results indicate that certain M. leprae. factor(s) specifically modulate(s) CD2, CD4, CD8 and IL‐2R but not CD3 on T lymphocytes. The suppressive effect of Dharmendra lepromin on the T‐cell proliferative response reported earlier may be explained by its modulatory effect on a number of T‐cell surface molecules.
Gastric Epithelial Cells in Helicobacter pylori‐Associated Gastritis Express HLA‐DR but not ICAM‐1
Authors: SCHEYNIUS A. , ENGSTRAND L.
Published: September 2006

Induced expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) and of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens has been simultaneously observed on keratinocytes and epithelial ceils in the thyroid and kidney, suggesting that ICAM‐i and HLA‐DR expression might be under common regulation. We have previously found an association between the presence of Helicohacter pylori and an induced expression of class II antigens on gastric epithelial toils in gastric biopsy specimens from patients with gastritis. In this study we investigated whether ICAM‐l could also be expressed on the gastric epithelium. Thirty‐one patients with clinical indications for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were examined. In 23 patients gastritis was diagnosed endoscopically and histologically and H. pylori was cultured from biopsy specimens. In eight patients neither histological gastritis nor growth of the bacteria was observed. Immunoperoxidase staining demonstrated expression of HLA‐DR but not ICAM‐I on the gastric epithelial cells in all patients with H. pylori‐associated gastritis, indicating regulatory mechanisms different from those of other epithelial cells.
Molecular karyotyping and aneuploidy detection in Arabidopsis thaliana using quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Henry Isabelle M. , Dilkes Brian P. , Comai Luca
Published: September 2006

Certain cellular processes are sensitive to changes in gene dosage. Aneuploidy is deleterious because of an imbalance of gene dosage on a chromosomal scale. Identification, classification and characterization of aneuploidy are therefore important for molecular, population and medical genetics and for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying dosage sensitivity. Notwithstanding recent progress in genomic technologies, limited means are available for detecting and classifying changes in chromosome dose. The development of an inexpensive and scalable karyotyping method would allow rapid detection and characterization of both simple and complex aneuploid types. In addition to the problem of karyotyping, genomic and molecular genetic studies of aneuploids and polyploids are complicated by multiple heterozygous combinations possible at loci present in more than two copies. Quantitative scoring of allele genotypes would enable large‐scale population genetic experiments in polyploids, and permit genetic analyses on bulked populations in diploid species. Here, we demonstrate that quantitative fluorescent‐polymerase chain reaction (QF‐PCR) can be used to simultaneously genotype and karyotype aneuploid and polyploid Arabidopsis thaliana. Comparison of QF‐PCR with flow cytometric determination of nuclear DNA content indicated near perfect agreement between the methods, but complete karyotype resolution was only possible using QF‐PCR. A complex karyotype, determined by QF‐PCR, was validated by comparative genomic hybridization to microarrays. Finally, we screened the progeny of tetraploid individuals and found that more than 25% were aneuploid and that our artificially induced tetraploid strain produced fewer aneuploid individuals than a tetraploid strain isolated from nature.
The glucosyltransferase UGT72E2 is responsible for monolignol 4‐O‐glucoside production in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lanot Alexandra , Hodge Denise , Jackson Rosamond G. , George Gilu L. , Elias Luisa , Lim Eng‐Kiat , Vaistij Fabián E. , Bowles Dianna J.
Published: September 2006

The phenylpropanoid pathway in plants leads to the synthesis of a wide range of soluble secondary metabolites, many of which accumulate as glycosides. In Arabidopsis, a small cluster of three closely related genes, UGT72E1–E3, encode glycosyltransferases shown to glucosylate several phenylpropanoids in vitro, including monolignols, hydroxycinnamic acids and hydroxycinnamic aldehydes. The role of these genes in planta has now been investigated through genetically downregulating the expression of individual genes or silencing the entire cluster. Analysis of these transgenic Arabidopsis plants showed that the levels of coniferyl and sinapyl alcohol 4‐O‐glucosides that accumulate in light‐grown roots were significantly reduced. A 50% reduction in both glucosides was observed in plants in which UGT72E2 was downregulated, whereas silencing the three genes led to a 90% reduction, suggesting some redundancy of function within the cluster. The gene encoding UGT72E2 was constitutively overexpressed in transgenic Arabidopsis to determine whether increased glucosylation of monolignols could influence flux through the soluble phenylpropanoid pathway. Elevated expression of UGT72E2 led to increased accumulation of monolignol glucosides in root tissues and also the appearance of these glucosides in leaves. In particular, coniferyl alcohol 4‐O‐glucoside accumulated to massive amounts (10 μmol g−1 FW) in root tissues of these plants. Increased glucosylation of other phenylpropanoids also occurred in plants overexpressing this glycosyltransferase. Significantly changing the pattern of glycosides in the leaves also led to a pronounced change in accumulation of the hydroxycinnamic ester sinapoyl malate. The data demonstrate the plasticity of phenylpropanoid metabolism and the important role that glucosylation of secondary metabolites can play in cellular homeostasis.
An Arabidopsis chloroplast‐targeted Hsp101 homologue, APG6, has an essential role in chloroplast development as well as heat‐stress response
Authors: Myouga Fumiyoshi , Motohashi Reiko , Kuromori Takashi , Nagata Noriko , Shinozaki Kazuo
Published: September 2006

Analysis of albino or pale‐green (apg) mutants is important for identifying nuclear genes responsible for chloroplast development and pigment synthesis. We have identified 38 apg mutants by screening 11 000 Arabidopsis Ds‐tagged lines. One mutant, apg6, contains a Ds insertion in a gene encoding APG6 (ClpB3), a homologue of the heat‐shock protein Hsp101 (ClpB1). We isolated somatic revertants and identified two Ds‐tagged and one T‐DNA‐tagged mutant alleles of apg6. All three alleles gave the same pale‐green phenotype. These results suggest that APG6 is important for chloroplast development. The APG6 protein contains a transit peptide and is localized in chloroplasts. The plastids of apg6 pale‐green cells were smaller than those of the wild type, and contained undeveloped thylakoid membranes. APG6 mRNA accumulated in response to heat shock in various organs, but not in response to other abiotic stresses. Under normal conditions, APG6 is constitutively expressed in the root tips, the organ boundary region, the reproductive tissues of mature plants where plastids exist as proplastids, and slightly in the stems and leaves. In addition, constitutive overexpression of APG6 in transgenic plants inhibited chloroplast development and resulted in a mild pale‐green phenotype. The amounts of chloroplast proteins related to photosynthesis were markedly decreased in apg6 mutants. These results suggest that APG6 functions as a molecular chaperone involved in plastid differentiation mediating internal thylakoid membrane formation and conferring thermotolerance to chloroplasts during heat stress. The APG6 protein is not only involved in heat‐stress response in chloroplasts, but is also essential for chloroplast development.
Repeat ABO‐incompatible platelet transfusions leading to haemolytic transfusion reaction
Authors: Sadani D. T. , Urbaniak S. J. , Bruce M. , Tighe J. E.
Published: September 2006

summary A 65‐year‐old woman, blood group A RhD positive, who had completed her first course of induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia was transfused with apheresis platelets over a number of days.

On three occasions she received group O RhD positive units, which had been screened and found not to contain high‐titre anti‐A,B isoagglutinins. Following the third unit, she developed a haemolytic transfusion reaction and died soon thereafter. This has led to change in policy of the supplying centre in testing for high‐titre anti‐A,B isoagglutinins. Blood group O apheresis platelets and fresh‐frozen plasma units are now labelled as high titre with a cut‐off of 1/50 as compared to the previous cut‐off of 1/100 for anti‐A,B isoagglutinins. A universal approach to testing donations for high‐titre anti‐A,B isoagglutinins, better compliance of guidelines and monitoring of patients is necessary.
FACS technology used in a new rapid bacterial detection method
Authors: Schmidt M. , Hourfar M. K. , Nicol S.‐B. , Spengler H.‐P. , Montag T. , Seifried Erhard
Published: September 2006

summary Culture methods for bacterial detection (BacT/ALERT or Pall eBDS) are currently implemented in blood donor screening procedures in many countries. Experience in the first years after implementation of these detection assays showed that although the analytical sensitivity was extremely high (about 1 CFU mL−1), the majority of these platelets were still transfused before a positive screening result was attained. Rapid technologies were developed to more effectively prevent transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infection. In this study, a new rapid bacterial detection method based on fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) technology was developed. Bacteria were stained with thiazole orange dye for 5 min and measurement was taken immediately after staining. The entire process took only 30 min. Six transfusion‐relevant bacteria strains were tested in a spiking study. Without pre‐incubation in a special bacteria growth medium, analytical sensitivity ranged between 105 CFU mL−1 (Klebsiella oxytoca and Serratia marcesens) and 103 CFU mL−1 (Escherichia coli). Sensitivity could be improved to 101 CFU mL−1 for all tested bacteria by adding a pre‐incubation step (6 h at 37 °C). Although preliminary in nature, results of our study suggest that bacterial detection by FACS technology in conjunction with a pre‐incubation step offers a sensitive alternative technology to culture methods. Additionally, it provides the benefit of a rapid test time and the opportunity of preventing bacterial transmitted infections more effectively.
A review of nearly two decades in an autologous blood programme: the rise and fall of activity
Authors: Rock G. , Berger R. , Bormanis J. , Giulivi A. , ElSaadany S. , Afzal M. , Beard J. , Neurath D. , Jones T. G.
Published: September 2006

summary Autologous blood donation (ABD) has been widely recommended. Data from one of the oldest hospital‐based programmes in Canada describe both activities and drawbacks. Data were compared over the nearly two decades of activity that peaked in 1996. A 5‐year review of recent activity showed that of the 2410 patients referred for consideration, 1823 (75·64%) were accepted into the programme. Surgical services requested 5825 units of autologous blood. Of these, 3147 units were donated by 1536 patients, 803 units were transfused in the operating room and 558 units were given postoperatively. In total, only 1361 units (43·25%) were transfused. The mean age of the patients was 58 years (median 61 years and mode 69 years). The haemoglobin concentrations before donation were significantly higher, averaging 145·2 g L−1 before donation and 114·9 g L−1 immediately before surgery, whereas at the time of discharge, the haemoglobin concentration averaged 126·2 g L−1 (P = 0·0001) in transfused patients. Data from this well‐established ABD programme indicate less than 50% overall utilization. The activity in the programme increased until 1996 following which it dropped progressively. The low haemoglobin concentration after surgery is of concern and should foster a transfusion algorithm for these patients.
Autologous blood donation and subsequent blood use in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Bern M. M. , Bierbaum B. E. , Katz J. N. , Losina E.
Published: September 2006

summary Autologous blood donation is designed to avoid complications from allogeneic blood, leaving units of blood in the general blood supply. It is unclear how efficient these programmes are in accomplishing these goals. It is unclear if autologous donation provokes increased need for any transfusion following surgery and whether it can be avoided in low‐risk surgeries. Of 430 patients undergoing unilateral primary knee replacement arthroplasty over 12 months in our hospital, 309 had autologous donations and 121 did not. Of the 121 patients who did not donate, 36% completed surgery without transfusion, whereas only 17% of those who had autologous donations did so (P < 0·05). Age less than 65 years, higher baseline and postoperative haemoglobin levels were associated with lower transfusion rates. Patients who had autologous donations were approximately four times more likely to be transfused. As the number of autologous units donated increased, transfusions following surgery increased. Autologous donation did reduce allogeneic blood transfusions. Therefore, autologous blood donation for unilateral total knee arthroplasty is associated with overall increased transfusion rates, but with reduced need for allogeneic blood, independent of other clinical factors associated with transfusion. Therefore, there is need for reconsideration of these programmes relative to specific surgeries.
Efficacy, safety and user‐friendliness of two devices for postoperative autologous shed red blood cell re‐infusion in elective orthopaedic surgery patients: a randomized pilot study
Authors: So‐Osman C. , Nelissen R. G. H. H. , Eikenboom H. C. J. , Brand A.
Published: September 2006

summary To determine the safety, efficacy and user‐friendliness of two different postoperative autologous blood re‐infusion systems, an open, randomized, controlled study was performed.

Eligible consecutive primary and revision total hip and knee replacement patients were randomized for one of the two systems or for a control group in which shed blood was not re‐infused. The nursing staff scored user‐friendliness. Patients were monitored after re‐infusion. In all three patient groups, a restrictive transfusion trigger was used.

Sixty‐nine of 70 randomized patients were evaluated. Ease of use, efficacy and safety of both re‐infusion systems were comparable. There was no difference in allogeneic blood use between the groups. Thirty per cent of the patients re‐infused with autologous blood developed a mainly mild, febrile transfusion reaction. No other adverse reactions were seen. Signs of coagulopathy after re‐infusion were not found. In multivariate analysis, autologous re‐infusion was an independent factor associated with a shorter hospital stay. Both postoperative autologous blood re‐infusion systems were of equal efficacy and safety. The contribution of autologous wound blood re‐infusion to reduce allogeneic transfusions must be investigated in a larger study.
Differences in platelet growth factor release and leucocyte kinetics during autologous platelet gel formation
Authors: Everts P. A. M. , Hoffmann J. , Weibrich G. , Mahoney C. B. , Schönberger J. P. A. M. , Van Zundert A. , Knape J. T. A.
Published: September 2006

summary Three commercial systems for whole blood separation were compared to obtain the buffy coat composed of platelet‐rich plasma (BC‐PRP) and leucocytes . These samples of the buffy coat were used to make a platelet gel (PG), which was used to measure platelet growth factor (PGF) release, to perform a white blood cell (WBC) count and to measure myeloperoxidase (MPO) release from WBCs. Aliquots of whole blood obtained from ten volunteers were distributed either to a blood cell separator (The Electa Cell‐Separator™, E‐CS) or to a tabletop centrifuge (Gravitational Platelet Sequestration System™, GPS) to prepare the BC‐PRP. The third system combines the BC‐PRP production by E‐CS with a micro porous filter (Autologous Growth Factor filter™, AGF) to enrich for the BC‐PRP. Autologous thrombin was used to activate the BC‐PRP and to prepare the PG and subsequently to degranulate the platelet concentrate. Platelet‐derived growth factor‐AB and transforming growth factor‐β1 were present in high levels after thrombin activation of the E‐CS or GPS prepared samples. However, the AGF prepared samples released their growth factors before thrombin activation. The WBCs were significantly increased with each of the three systems. Contrary to the AGF, no leucocyte degranulation occurred with the E‐CS or GPS prepared samples, based upon the low MPO concentrations in the BC‐PRP. The three types of apparatus had different harvesting capacities for collecting the enriched platelets and the release of high concentrations of PGF. When the E‐CS and GPS, but not the AGF, were used, low levels of MPO were maintained in the PG, which potentially contributes to antimicrobial properties of platelet gel at the site of application.
Critiquing Borders: Teaching About Religions in a Postcolonial World
Authors: Ramey Steven W.
Published: September 2006

Abstract.  In a postcolonial environment, our students will encounter multiple representations and diverse followers of various religions outside the classroom. Students need to think critically about the representations of all religions and recognize the humanity of all people. Too often, students leave courses discussing one or more world religions with an idealized view of other religions that draws strict boundaries around the components of each religion. Bringing postcolonial thought into introductory and survey courses highlights the diversity within each lived religion and encourages students to critique those strict borders and all representation of religions. Based on continuing experiments with critical theory in undergraduate classes, the six strategies presented here use the diversity of lived religions to promote critical analysis of representations of religions. These strategies move beyond the rejection of common representations by introducing set theory as an alternative framework that students can use to theorize about the complexity within religions.
The Syllabus as Passport into a Common Culture of Teaching and Learning: Developing and Assessing Strategies for Dealing with Diversity
Authors: Green Barbara , Stortz Martha
Published: September 2006

Abstract.  Finding themselves teaching to increasingly diverse student populations, two mid‐career faculty from different disciplines embarked on a common voyage to make their foundational courses more sensitive to student learning styles. Adrift in the seas of multiple intelligences and multiculturalism, the researchers quickly abandoned any hope of developing distinctive teaching portfolios for individual learning profiles. Instead, they structured the syllabus to be the passport into a common culture of teaching and learning in the classroom. Syllabus design and on‐going “spot” assessments proved trusty guides in re‐centering learning on the students' needs. In the process of outlining these two strategies for creating a common culture of teaching and learning, the article offers testimony that old dogs can learn new tricks! Additional materials, including syllabi used in these courses and in class assessment tools, can be found on the Web page of the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion: http://www.wabashcenter.wabash.edu/journal/green&stortz.html
The Potential of the Hybrid Course Vis‐à‐Vis Online and Traditional Courses
Authors: Brunner Daniel L.
Published: September 2006

Abstract.  Face‐to‐face, hybrid, and online courses are part of the panoply of course options available to students and teachers in the twenty‐first century. This essay tackles the promise of hybrid courses for enhancing student learning in seminary contexts. The author contends that the introduction of hybrid instruction prompts faculty to revisit questions about pedagogy and improves student learning.
Converting My Course Converted Me: How Reinventing an On‐campus Course for an Online Environment Reinvigorated My Teaching
Authors: Ruth Lester
Published: September 2006

Abstract.  The challenge of learning to teach online leads a junior faculty person to achieve greater levels of teaching satisfaction and proficiency overall. For this professor transitioning an on‐campus pastoral liturgy course to an online environment brings about serendipitous discoveries that allow him to do more than survive as a frustrated teacher. The transition creates a revolution in one professor's whole approach to teaching.
Retinal Migraine Reappraised
Authors: Grosberg BM , Solomon S , Friedman DI , Lipton RB
Published: September 2006

Retinal migraine is usually characterized by attacks of fully reversible monocular visual loss associated with migraine headache. Herein we summarize the clinical features and prognosis of 46 patients (six new cases and 40 from the literature) with retinal migraine based upon the International Classification of Headache Disorders-2 (ICHD-2) criteria. In our review, retinal migraine is most common in women in the second to third decade of life. Contrary to ICHD-2 criteria, most have a history of migraine with aura. In the typical attack monocular visual features consist of partial or complete visual loss lasting <1 h, ipsilateral to the headache. Nearly half of reported cases with recurrent transient monocular visual loss subsequently experienced permanent monocular visual loss. Although the ICHD-2 diagnostic criteria for retinal migraine require reversible visual loss, our findings suggest that irreversible visual loss is part of the retinal migraine spectrum, perhaps representing an ocular form of migrainous infarction. Based on this observation, the authors recommend migraine prophylactic treatment in an attempt to prevent permanent visual loss, even if attacks are infrequent. We also propose a revision to the ICHD-2 diagnostic criteria for retinal migraine.
The Free Cash Flow Anomaly Revisited: Finnish Evidence
Authors: Jokipii Annukka , Vähämaa Sami
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  This paper examines the performance of an investment strategy based on free cash flows using financial statement data of Finnish companies during the period 1992‐2002. The analysis in this paper is motivated by the so‐called free cash flow anomaly previously documented e.g. in Hackel, Livnat and Rai (2000). Using annual financial statement information, we identify large‐capitalization companies with positive free cash flows, low free cash flow multiples, and low financial leverage. Since a portfolio of these companies is found to consistently outperform the market index, our results suggest that the free cash flow anomaly also exists in the Finnish stock market.
First encounters – deployment of defence‐related natural products by plants
Authors: Field Ben , Jordán Ferenc , Osbourn Anne
Published: September 2006

Plant‐derived natural products have important functions in ecological interactions. In some cases these compounds are deployed to sites of pathogen challenge by vesicle‐mediated trafficking. Polar vesicle trafficking of natural products, proteins and other, as yet uncharacterized, cargo is emerging as a common theme in investigations of diverse disease resistance mechanisms in plants. Root‐derived natural products can have marked effects on interactions between plants and soilborne organisms, for example by serving as signals for initiation of symbioses with rhizobia and mycorrhizal fungi. They may also contribute to competitiveness of invasive plant species by inhibiting the growth of neighbouring plants (allelopathy). Very little is known about the mechanisms of release of natural products from aerial plant parts or from roots, although there are likely to be commonalities in these processes. There is increasing evidence to indicate that pathogens and symbionts can manipulate plant endomembrane systems to suppress host defence responses and facilitate accommodation within plant cells. The relationship between secretory processes and plant interactions forms the focus of this review, which brings together different aspects of the deployment of defence‐related natural products by plants.

Contents

Summary
193

I.
Introduction
194

II.
Natural product trafficking and plant disease resistance
195

III.
Allelopathy
199

VI.
Conclusions and future directions
203

Acknowledgements
204

References
204
Application of electron tomography to fungal ultrastructure studies
Authors: Hohmann‐Marriott Martin F. , Uchida Maho , Van De Meene Allison M. L. , Garret Matthew , Hjelm Brooke E. , Kokoori Shylaja , Roberson Robert W.
Published: September 2006

Access to structural information at the nanoscale enables fundamental insights into many complex biological systems. The development of the transmission electron microscope (TEM) has vastly increased our understanding of multiple biological systems. However, when attempting to visualize and understand the organizational and functional complexities that are typical of cells and tissues, the standard 2‐D analyses that TEM affords often fall short. In recent years, high‐resolution electron tomography methods, coupled with advances in specimen preparation and instrumentation and computational speed, have resulted in a revolution in the biological sciences. Electron tomography is analogous to medical computerized axial tomography (CAT‐scan imaging) except at a far finer scale. It utilizes the TEM to assemble multiple projections of an object which are then combined for 3‐D analyses. For biological specimens, tomography enables the highest 3‐D resolution (5 nm spatial resolution) of internal structures in relatively thick slices of material (0.2–0.4 µm) without requiring the collection and alignment of large numbers of thin serial sections. Thus accurate and revealing 3‐D reconstructions of complex cytoplasmic entities and architecture can be obtained. Electron tomography is now being applied to a variety of biological questions with great success. This review gives a brief introduction into cryopreservation and electron tomography relative to aspects of cytoplasmic organization in the hyphal tip of Aspergillus nidulans.

Contents

Summary
208

I.
Introduction
209

II.
Sample preparation for electron tomography
209

III.
Electron tomography
211

IV.
Model generation and segmentation
212

V.
Electron tomography of the hyphal apex of Aspergillus nidulans
213

VI.
Outlook
217

Acknowledgements
217

References
217
Automated binning of microsatellite alleles: problems and solutions
Authors: AMOS W. , HOFFMAN J. I. , FRODSHAM A. , ZHANG L. , BEST S. , HILL A. V. S.
Published: September 2006

As genotyping methods move ever closer to full automation, care must be taken to ensure that there is no equivalent rise in allele‐calling error rates. One clear source of error lies with how raw allele lengths are converted into allele classes, a process referred to as binning. Standard automated approaches usually assume collinearity between expected and measured fragment length. Unfortunately, such collinearity is often only approximate, with the consequence that alleles do not conform to a perfect 2‐, 3‐ or 4‐base‐pair periodicity. To account for these problems, we introduce a method that allows repeat units to be fractionally shorter or longer than their theoretical value. Tested on a large human data set, our algorithm performs well over a wide range of dinucleotide repeat loci. The size of the problem caused by sticking to whole numbers of bases is indicated by the fact that the effective repeat length was within 5% of the assumed length only 68.3% of the time.
Habitat effects on resource tracking ability: do wintering Blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla track fruit availability?
Authors: TELLERÍA JOSE LUIS , PÉREZ‐TRIS JAVIER
Published: September 2006

If resource availability shapes population distribution, changes in resource abundance should cause parallel changes in population numbers. However, tracking ability may be disrupted by different environmental and behavioural factors that act at different spatial and temporal scales. Here we analyse the ability of wintering Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla populations to track spatio‐temporal variation in fruit availability in southern Spain in two habitats (forests and shrublands) with different population structure. Former studies had shown that forests are equally used by both adult migrant and local Blackcaps, whereas shrublands are nearly monopolized by juvenile migrants. These differences might affect resource tracking: it should be disrupted in forests, as local birds remain over winter in their breeding territories, but not in shrublands where similarly competitive juvenile migrants can freely track the spatial distribution of fruits. We analysed the fruit‐tracking ability of Blackcap populations among sites and years in both habitat types using a habitat‐matching model, which predicts spatio‐temporal changes in population abundance proportional to changes in resource availability. We counted Blackcaps and fruiting shrubs (dominated by Lentiscs Pistacia lentiscus and Wild Olives Olea europaea sylvestris) during four winters in forest and shrubland patches. The abundance of fruits was always higher in shrublands than in forests. In shrublands, Blackcaps seemed to move freely across fruit‐rich habitat patches, tracking changes in fruiting‐shrub abundance among sites and years. However, such tracking was not observed in forests. This supports the view that fruit‐tracking ability may be constrained by local factors, such as the social structure of populations occurring in different habitat types, which introduces spatio‐temporal variation in the way fruit availability shapes the abundance distribution of these birds in their Mediterranean wintering grounds.
Complex effects of habitat loss on Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos
Authors: WHITFIELD D. PHILIP , FIELDING ALAN H. , GREGORY MIKE J. P. , GORDON A. G. , McLEOD DAVID R. A. , HAWORTH PAUL F.
Published: September 2006

The development of commercial forests presents potential threats to large raptors that rely on prey caught in open country. We examined the effect of afforestation of breeding habitat used by a population of Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos in Scotland where, over the last 50 years, extensive stands of exotic conifers have been planted. Using data for 31 years on territory occupancy and breeding success, together with spatiotemporally dynamic mapping of forest cover and predicted areas of territory‐use in a Geographical Information System, we examined relationships between forest cover and Eagle ecology at landscape and individual territory scales. Several territories were abandoned during the earliest phases of forest planting, but relatively few were apparently lost to later plantings. Territories with poorer breeding productivity appeared to be more vulnerable to abandonment than territories with better breeding productivity. At the landscape scale, temporal differences in breeding productivity were negatively related to the extent of forest cover, although productivity of individual territories showed no clear relationship with forest cover. Several territories with less than a 5% increase in forest cover experienced reduced productivity; however, territories least constrained by neighbouring pairs of Eagles showed an increase in productivity. Territories experiencing the greatest increases in forest cover showed a greater use of spatially separated nest‐sites by occupying pairs. Hence, pairs that were less constrained by neighbours appeared to compensate for loss of open habitat by shifting their territory‐use, whereas pairs that were more constrained could not compensate for open habitat loss and suffered reduced productivity (and, probably in some cases, abandoned the territory). We suggest that simple guidelines based on the extent and locations of habitat loss are inadequate when predicting effects on large territorial raptors such as Golden Eagles. Consideration should also be given to the ‘quality’ of a territory or occupying pair, as well as the extent to which territory‐use is constrained by neighbouring pairs or other ‘unsuitable habitat’ which may have been affected by previous episodes of open habitat loss.
Breeding frequency in Grey‐headed Albatrosses Thalassarche chrysostoma
Authors: RYAN PETER G. , PHILLIPS RICHARD A. , NEL DEON C. , WOOD ANDREW G.
Published: September 2006

Although Grey‐headed Albatrosses Thalassarche chrysostoma are usually regarded as biennial breeders, taking a year off following a successful breeding attempt, a small proportion of successful birds attempt to breed annually. This proportion was higher at Marion Island (5.4%) than at Bird Island, South Georgia (1.0%), suggesting that conditions are more favourable at Marion Island. This hypothesis is supported by higher average breeding success and shorter lags following both successful and failed breeding attempts at Marion Island. Factors favouring reproduction at Marion Island may include reduced intraspecific competition (given the much smaller breeding population) and/or more predictable food supply (owing to production of meso‐scale eddies associated with the Indian Ocean Ridge). Although annual breeding appeared to increase the risk of adult mortality, with several birds that attempted to breed annually found dead the following year, at least some birds greatly enhanced their reproductive output, with one male raising five chicks in five successive years. Contrary to life‐history theory, there was no evidence that older birds were more likely to attempt annual breeding because of declining reproductive value.