Application of phage display to high throughput antibody generation and characterization

We have created a high quality phage display library containing over 10¹⁰ human antibodies and describe its use in the generation of antibodies on an unprecedented scale. We have selected, screened and sequenced over 38,000 recombinant antibodies to 292 antigens, yielding over 7,200 unique clones. 4,400 antibodies were characterized by specificity testing and detailed sequence analysis and the data/clones are available online. Sensitive detection was demonstrated in a bead based flow cytometry assay. Furthermore, positive staining by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays was found for 37% (143/381) of antibodies. Thus, we have demonstrated the potential of and illuminated the issues associated with genome-wide monoclonal antibody generation.     

Is reduced female survival after mating a by-product of male-male competition in the dung fly <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sepsis cynipsea</Emphasis>?

Background  

In a number of species males damage females during copulation, but the reasons for this remain unclear. It may be that males are trying to manipulate female mating behaviour or their life histories. Alternatively, damage may be a side-effect of male-male competition. In the black scavenger or dung fly Sepsis cynipsea (Diptera: Sepsidae) mating reduces female survival, apparently because males wound females during copulation. However, this damage does not seem to relate to attempted manipulation of female reproduction by males. Here we tested the hypothesis that harming females during mating is an incidental by-product of characters favoured during pre-copulatory male-male competition. We assessed whether males and their sons vary genetically in their ability to obtain matings and harm females, and whether more successful males were also more damaging. We did this by ranking males' mating success in paired competitions across several females whose longevity under starvation was subsequently measured.     

Ultrasonic pregnancy diagnosis in the camel

Application of ultrasound for pregnancy diagnosis has been tested and evaluated in 15 Iranian camels (Camelus dromedarius), all of which ultimately calved. Transabdominal examinations were unsuccessful, while intrapelvic application resulted in the reception of sounds characteristic for foetal life, similar to those found in other domestic animals. Signals of foetal heart, pulse of umbilical vessels and uterine artery as well as foetal movement could be recognized as distinct sounds and have been recorded for further studies. An attempt was made to verify the findings of the ultrasonic diagnosis through rectal palpation. The ultrasonic technique resulted in 12 correct and three incorrect diagnoses.