bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using antibody class capture for the detection of antitoxoplasma IgM.
Authors: Payne R A , Isaac M , Francis J M
Published: June 2007

Sera from 180 patients with suspected toxoplasmic lymphadenopathy were examined for antitoxoplasma IgM by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using antibody class capture (ACCA). Of 82 positive ACCA results, 78 were confirmed by testing the IgM fractions of the sera, obtained by sucrose density gradient centrifugation (SDGC). The four positive results which could not be confirmed were all from patients with at least a year's history of lymphadenopathy. Sera from 10 patients with low Sabin Feldman dye test (DT) titers gave positive ACCA results and subsequent specimens from them showed a rise in antibody concentration, confirming the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis. The antitoxoplasma IgM immunofluorescent antibody test (IgM-IFA) on whole serum was relatively insensitive and gave false-positive results with sera containing rheumatoid factor (RF) and antinuclear factor (ANF). There were no false-positive ACCA results with such sera, probably because the conjugates were prepared from F(ab')2 fragments of antitoxoplasma serum. The ACCA proved to be sensitive, specific and easily automated enabling examination of large numbers of specimens.
A rapid microagglutination test for the diagnosis ofLegionella pneumophila(serogroup 1) infection
Authors: Harrison TG , Taylor AG
Published: June 2007

A rapid microagglutination test has been developed which can be performed in 30 minutes. Ninety-seven percent of 96 patients diagnosed as havingLegionella pneumophila(serogroup 1) infection by indirect immunofluorescence were also detected by the rapid microagglutination test.
Morphological and immunohistochemical findings in upper gastrointestinal biopsies of patients with Crohn's disease of the ileum and colon.
Authors: Van Spreeuwel J P , Lindeman J , Van der Wal A , Weterman I , Kreuning J , Meijer C
Published: June 2007

The histological findings and the number of immunoglobulin-containing cells in gastric and duodenal biopsies from patients with Crohn's disease of the large or small bowel, or both, with and without upper gastrointestinal complaints, are reported and compared with those of healthy controls and patients with chronic non-specific gastritis and duodenitis. The gastric and duodenal biopsies from patients with Crohn's disease showed a higher incidence of chronic non-specific inflammation and a significant increase of IgM-containing cells compared with healthy controls. The increase of IgM-containing cells in the lamina propria cannot be explained by the high incidence of chronic non-specific inflammation, a condition shown to have increased numbers of IgM-containing cells as well, since patients with Crohn's disease of the ileum or colon, or both, without histological abnormalities of the gastric and duodenal mucosa also showed an increase of IgM-containing cells. It is concluded that both the high incidence of chronic non-specific inflammation in gastric and duodenal biopsies and the increased number of IgM-containing cells are an expression of Crohn's disease as a systemic disorder of the gastrointestinal tract.
Study of nuclear diameters in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas
Authors: Crocker J , Jones EL , Curran RC
Published: June 2007

The mean maximum nuclear diameter (Dmax) in 21 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) has been determined, using the Reichert-Jung (Kontron) MOP-AMO3user-controlled image analyser. Nuclear diameters of high-grade malignancy NHL were found to be considerably greater than those of low-grade malignancy lymphomas, although there was some overlap of their ranges. These findings confirm objectively subjective estimates of nuclear size in NHL. The relative usefulness of the user-controlled (interactive) image analyser for the measurement of nuclei in tissue sections is compared with that of a fully automatic machine.
Monocyte function in cirrhosis.
Authors: Holdstock G , Leslie B , Hill S , Tanner A , Wright R
Published: June 2007

Monocyte function has been studied in a total of 51 patients with biopsy-proven cirrhosis and 35 controls. There was significantly reduced monocyte spreading (p less than 0.05), chemotaxis (p less than 0.02), bacterial phagocytosis (p less than 0.05) and bacterial killing (p less than 0.02) in the cirrhotics compared to the controls. Monocytes from patients with cirrhosis produced significantly less of the lysosomal enzymes N-acetyl beta-glucosaminidase and beta-glucuronidase than those obtained from the controls (p less than 0.02). There was no significant difference in the number of monocytes obtained, the number of macrophage precursors, and the nitro-blue tetrazoline (NBT) reduction between the cirrhotic and the controls. The reduced function appeared to be mainly due to a circulating inhibitory factor and could be corrected by incubation of the cirrhotic cells in serum from control subjects. The response of monocytes from patients with cirrhosis did not differ from the controls in their response to added endotoxin or latex particles suggesting that they are capable of a normal response in the absence of the inhibitory factor. Paired specimens of portal and systemic serum were collected from patients with no evidence of liver disease undergoing vascular surgery. When added to normal human monocytes the portal serum caused a significant reduction in bacterial killing (p less than 0.02) and chemotaxis (p less than 0.05) compared to results obtained in the paired systemic serum. Mixing experiments suggests the presence of an active inhibitor in the portal serum. The results suggest that monocyte function is reduced in cirrhosis apparently due to a serum inhibitor which may have originated from the portal vein. The abnormalities may account in part for the increased susceptibility of these patients to infection.
Acidosis and severe megaloblastic anaemia
Authors: Franklin IM , Kernoff PBA , Isherwood D , Leek J , Morgan DB
Published: June 2007

Ten patients with severe megaloblastic anaemia were studied to investigate whether the causative metabolic defects might predispose them to lactic or other acidosis. One patient had compensated acidosis with hyperlactataemia before treatment but there were obvious causes other than anaemia. No other patient developed an acidosis. Neither anaemia per se nor the metabolic defects of vitamin B12or folic acid deficiency are likely to cause clinically significant lactic acidosis or hyperlactataemia.
The test request form: a neglected route for communication between the physician and the clinical chemist?
Authors: Henderson A R
Published: June 2007

The requirements for a clinical biochemistry test request form are reviewed. The interaction between the configuration of the main analysers and the number of individual tests, or profiles, that are ordered using different request form formats were monitored for three-month periods over a three-year period while the main analysers were being "reconfigured" or replaced. Although there was a significant increase in orders for individual tests (compared to profile requests) required on outpatients this did not occur with the inpatient ordering pattern. Instead, the numbers of discretionary tests dropped and more miniprofiles--for example, the electrolyte group, were ordered, although the total number of profiles (per patient day) did not increase because the "electrolyte-urea-creatinine" profile numbers markedly decreased during rhe period of the study. This shift in ordering patterns was assumed to be due to the faster turnaround of "priority" (emergency) test requests which could, due to improved instrumentation, be analysed as quickly as individual test requests. Glucose was dropped from the major profile and the numbers of discretionary glucose requests did not increase. It was concluded that, providing this single test can be performed efficiently, there is no need for glucose to be included in test profiles.
Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of hypoxanthine, xanthine, uridine and inosine: high concentrations of the ATP metabolite, hypoxanthine, after hypoxia.
Authors: Harkness R A , Lund R J
Published: June 2007

CSF obtained for clinical purposes from newborn, children and adults has been analysed by high pressure liquid chromatography for hypoxanthine, xanthine, inosine, uridine and urate. Large rises in hypoxanthine and to a lesser extent xanthine occur for about 24 h after hypoxia. High concentrations were associated with later evidence of brain damage or subsequent death. Changes in CSF could be independent of those in plasma. Small or negligible rises were associated with localised and generalised infections including bacterial meningitis, fits, or both. Marked and rapid rises were found after death. These estimations may "predict" the extent of brain damage or brain death.
Detection of complement fixation by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (COMPELISA).
Authors: Hinchliffe P M , Robertson L
Published: June 2007

A method is described by which complement fixation is detected with an enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) technique. The method obviates the need for sensitised sheep red blood cells as an indicator of complement fixation and the titration of complement is not critical. The dose response curve has the advantage of being steep and the test result is read photometrically. As test serum and complement do not react together serum anticomplementary effects are eliminated. The ELISA complement fixation test (COMPELISA) was more sensitive than the conventional CFT for detecting brucella antibodies.
Neuroblastoma arising in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary
Authors: Reid HAS , Van Der Walt JD , Fox H
Published: June 2007

A case is described of a neuroblastoma which appeared to arise in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary. The literature concerning neural tumours of the ovary is briefly reviewed and the grounds for believing that the development of such neoplasms is an indication of the presence of immature neuroepithelial components in a teratoma, rather than a result of malignant change in a fully mature teratoma, are discussed.
Production of a monoclonal antibody reactive with human dendritic reticulum cells and its use in the immunohistological analysis of lymphoid tissue.
Authors: Naiem M , Gerdes J , Abdulaziz Z , Stein H , Mason D Y
Published: June 2007

A murine monoclonal antibody (designated R4/23) which reacts strongly with human dendritic reticulum cells (DRC) is described. Immunoperoxidase staining of tissue cryostat sections revealed that this antibody reacts strongly with DRC in lymphoid follicles (both primary and secondary), and also weakly with marginal zone splenic B cells and with some peripheral follicular mantle B lymphocytes in lymph node cortical follicles. The value of antibody R4/23 is that it allows the distribution of DRC in reactive and neoplastic lymphoid tissue to be clearly delineated. Of particular interest is the fact that all cases of follicular lymphoma of germinal centre cell origin are consistently accompanied by a proliferation of DRC, even when the neoplasm is present in non-lymphoid tissue--for example, in the kidney. In contrast, DRC in B cell lymphomas of non-germinal centre origin are partially or totally obliterated.
Marrow cellularity in the diagnosis of polycythaemia.
Authors: Lucie N P , Young G A
Published: June 2007

Increased marrow cellularity is well recognised in polycythaemia rubra vera (PRV), but its value in the differential diagnosis of polycythaemia is not always appreciated. In 28 patients who had marrow aspiration performed on account of a raised haemoglobin concentration or red blood cell count (RBC), marrow cellularity was assessed subjectively and also measured; a comparison was made with the white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count, presence of splenomegaly and plasma volume (PV). Marrow cellularity, particularly when measured was shown to be the most reliable method of making a positive diagnosis of polycythaemia vera; cellularity of greater than 75% makes it unnecessary to perform other investigations to exclude secondary erythrocytosis.
Comparison of haematological indices between women of four ethnic groups and the effect of oral contraceptives.
Authors: Godsland I F , Seed M , Simpson R , Broom G , Wynn V
Published: June 2007

Six-hundred-and-eighty-two women volunteers from four ethnic groups--Black, Indian, Oriental and White took part in a study to assess differences in haematological indices between the groups. This study was part of a broad investigation into the metabolic effects of oral contraceptives. The effect of the oral contraceptive (OC) on haematological indices was analysed but not found to be significant. The haemoglobin concentrations were lower than normal laboratory reference values for White subjects in 12.5% of Indian, 16.5% of Black and 4.3% of Oriental control groups respectively. All the White control group were within the normal range. These findings were considered in relation to age, weight, pregnancies, smoking, alcohol consumption, nutritional status, and disorders of haemoglobin synthesis. A deficient iron intake accounted for the high incidence of low haemoglobin in the Indian group in whom low transferrin saturation and serum ferritin were observed. With the possible exception of inherited disorders of haemoglobin synthesis, none of the factors we considered could account for the low haemoglobins found in the Black group. Separate reference values for haematological indices in different ethnic populations are considered.
A comparison of peripheral blood and buffy coat smear examination for the prediction of bone marrow relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in childhood.
Authors: Franklin I M
Published: June 2007

In an attempt to see if buffy coat smear examination might be an alternative to bone marrow aspiration for predicting relapse, 98 consecutive bone marrow aspirates from 96 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia were examined blind with buffy coat and peripheral blood from the same patients. The 28 bone marrow aspirates from children no longer on treatment were all normal, and routine aspirates would appear unjustified in these patients. Eight of the remaining marrows showed relapse, but only three were not predicted from the peripheral blood and buffy coat. In no case was buffy coat superior to peripheral blood in the detection of bone marrow relapse. Routine bone marrow aspirates are an inefficient way of diagnosing relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in childhood, despite their precision, and a prospective study is needed to determine their value.
Immunohistochemical localisation of thrombospondin in human megakaryocytes and platelets.
Authors: McLaren K M
Published: June 2007

Thrombospondin (TSP) is a glycoprotein released from platelets after thrombin-induced aggregation. Endothelial culture studies suggest that it or a similar protein may also be produced by endothelial cells. The origin of the glycoprotein is therefore of some importance. This report concerns the immunohistochemical localisation of TSP within megakaryocytes and platelets. TSP would appear to be a primary platelet protein of megakaryocyte origin, rather than a substance taken up by the platelet in the circulation. The relation of this molecule to the endothelial glycoprotein remains to be established, but our preliminary immunohistochemical studies suggest that the molecule is also located in vascular endothelium.
The pathogenic potential of commensal species ofNeisseria
Authors: Johnson AP
Published: June 2007

AlthoughNeisseriaspecies other thanN gonorrhoeaeandN meningitidisnormally comprise part of the commensal bacterial flora of the oropharynx, they may occasionally act as opportunistic pathogens. Infections in which these organisms have been implicated include cases of endocarditis, meningitis, septicaemia, otitis, bronchopneumonia and possibly genital tract disease. In this paper, the clinical and pathological features of such infections are described, together with a discussion of factors that may contribute to their development.
Raised 5-hydroxytryptamine concentrations in enterochromaffin cells in adult coeliac disease.
Authors: Enerbäck L , Hallert C , Norrby K
Published: June 2007

We measured cytofluorometrically the concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) of individual enterochromaffin (EC) cells in adult coeliac and non-coeliac small intestinal mucosa. The distributions of 5-HT concentration within populations of EC cells in control and coeliac mucosae were log normal and thus contained one single population of EC cells. The median 5-HT concentration per EC cell, and the number of EC cells both increased in coeliac disease, but showed signs of normalisation when gluten was withdrawn from the diet. The results indicate that, besides inducing EC cell hyperplasia, gluten is capable of producing reversible changes in functions of EC cells in adult coeliac disease.
Changes in the Paneth cell population of human small intestine assessed by image analysis of the secretory granule area.
Authors: Elmes M E , Jones J G , Stanton M R
Published: June 2007

Estimates of the Paneth cell population in human jejunum and ileum were made using measurement of the granule area in micron2 by image analysis in a defined number of crypts. This figure was preferable to granule area per mm as there was a significant difference in crypts per mm between biopsies and surgical samples. In the jejunum no significant difference was found between normal children and adults with and without peptic ulcer. In adults with subtotal or partial villous atrophy the decrease in area was not statistically significant and there was no decrease in area in children with partial villous atrophy and coeliac disease. There was a marked increase in granule area in the jejunum of patients who had had a previous partial gastrectomy which was statistically significant. In the ileum patients with carcinoma of the caecum had higher values than patients with non-inflammatory non-malignant conditions but this was not statistically significant and two patients with Crohn's disease had an increased granule area. Paneth cell populations are affected by alterations in the intestinal luminal environment due to previous surgery or neoplastic or inflammatory disease.
Use of the cryostat section in electron microscopy.
Authors: Norris P , Griffiths D W
Published: June 2007

A method using the cryostat section as a source of material from which relevant areas for ultrastructural examination can be positively located and quickly processed is described. Preservation of the tissue does not appear to be unduly affected by freezing and subsequent cryostat sectioning.
Analysis of the complexity of the multimeric structure of factor VIII related antigen/von Willebrand protein using a modified electrophoretic technique.
Authors: Enayat M S , Hill F G
Published: June 2007

A method for multimeric analysis of factor VIII related antigen/von Willebrand protein is described. By modifying an existing method the technique has been simplified and optimised so that the different molecular forms of factor VIII related antigen and their triplet structure can be visualised. Clear differences can be seen between patterns in normals and type IIA von Willebrand's disease variants in that the latter lack high and intermediate multimers and also have a different configuration to the triplet pattern in the lower molecular weight multimers. Differences in triplet pattern can also be seen in different type IIA patients. The advantages and further application of this method for investigating the molecular defect in von Willebrand's disease are discussed.
Postsplenectomy sepsis 10 years or more after operation.
Authors: Evans D I
Published: June 2007

Three new cases (two fatal) of postsplenectomy sepsis occurring 14, 25, and 26 years after operation for hereditary spherocytosis are described. There are now 25 cases in the published work in which this complication occurred 10 or more years after operation, 14 of which were fatal. The mean age of onset is 37 years. The features of the disease are similar to those seen in other postsplenectomy infections, and pneumococcal infection was responsible in 19 cases (76%). The major predisposing illnesses were trauma, hereditary spherocytosis, and idiopathic thrombocytopenia.
Acute phase response of serum amyloid A protein and C reactive protein to the common cold and influenza.
Authors: Whicher J T , Chambers R E , Higginson J , Nashef L , Higgins P G
Published: June 2007

C reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A protein (SAA) are sensitive and rapid acute phase reactants, and their measurement for monitoring inflammatory disease and assessing the prognosis in secondary amyloidosis is gaining widespread acceptance. The changes in these proteins in eight subjects suffering from natural colds, 15 subjects with experimentally induced colds (rhinoviruses E1, 3, 9, 14, or 31), and eight with experimentally induced influenza (A/Eng/40/83) were studied. SAA concentration increased in 21 of the 23 subjects with natural or experimental rhinovirus colds (mean increase 95 mg/l); CRP concentration increased in 11 (mean increase 11 mg/l). All subjects with influenza showed pronounced increases in SAA concentrations (mean increase 642 mg/l) while six showed increases in CRP concentration (mean increase 22 mg/l). All these increases were highly significant (p less than 0.001). Asymptomatic excretors of both rhinovirus and influenza virus showed significant increases in SAA concentration (p = 0.015 for rhinovirus and p less than 0.001 for influenza virus) but not in CRP concentration. No changes in SAA or CRP values were seen in 12 volunteers after challenge with saline. These observations suggest that caution is required in the interpretation of estimations of SAA concentration and that it may be too sensitive an acute phase protein for clinical use as its concentration may be raised in both trivial and asymptomatic viral infections.
Familial abnormalities of thyroxine binding proteins: some problems of recognition and interpretation.
Authors: Neild J E , Byfield P G , Lalloz M R , Tait D , Marigold J H , Croft D N , Slavin B M
Published: June 2007

A three generation family study was carried out after inappropriate treatment with radioactive iodine of a 50 year old woman with a raised serum total thyroxine concentration and free thyroxine index. Subsequent investigations showed that she and five members of her family had raised thyroxine binding globulin concentrations. Free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine concentrations were normal. Problems encountered in the recognition of this thyroxine binding protein disorder are discussed. Clinicians and clinical biochemists should be aware of these pitfalls and thus avoid further incorrect treatment on the basis of biochemical findings, even though free hormone estimations are now becoming readily available.
Simplified restriction endonuclease method for typing and subtyping adenoviruses.
Authors: Darville J M
Published: June 2007

Restriction endonuclease digestion of viral DNA labelled in vivo with phosphorus-32 has been used to type and to subtype both conventional and enteric adenoviruses. The method is a modification of that already described for typing and subtyping herpes simplex virus and, like the latter, needs far less material than methods previously described.
Assessment of rapid methods of pneumococcal antigen detection in routine sputum bacteriology.
Authors: Whitby M , Kristinsson K G , Brown M
Published: June 2007

Sputum specimens from 480 patients were examined for the presence of pneumococci by Gram film and culture and for pneumococcal antigen by counterimmunoelectrophoresis, coagglutination, and latex agglutination. Ninety six positive specimens were detected. Gram film and culture provided the most reliable techniques in well taken specimens collected early in the illness before antibiotic treatment had started. More than 70% of the specimens examined were submitted after starting antibiotics, however, and in these specimens, methods of antigen detection proved of greater value than either Gram film or culture. Counterimmunoelectrophoresis, coagglutination, and latex agglutination were similar in sensitivity and specificity, but coagglutination and latex agglutination were much easier to perform and to read.
Comparison of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and enzyme linked fluorescence immunoassay for detection of antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis.
Authors: Numazaki K , Chiba S , Moroboshi T , Kudoh T , Yamanaka T , Nakao T
Published: June 2007

An enzyme linked fluorescence immunoassay (ELFA) has been evaluated for the detection of antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis. Reticulate bodies and elementary bodies from C trachomatis L2/434 strain were used as antigens. An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has also been evaluated using the same antigens. Results obtained by ELISA and ELFA for human sera with these two antigens were compared with each other and with the results obtained by a micro-immunofluorescence (micro-IF) test. Serum IgG antibodies against C trachomatis L2 reticulate bodies and elementary bodies were found in 32 (20.0%) and 11 (6.9%), respectively, of 160 serum samples from pregnant women by the micro-IF test (titre greater than or equal to 1/32). All of these 32 pregnant women had IgG antibodies to C trachomatis reticulate bodies (titre greater than or equal to 1/100), whereas 20 (12.5%) had IgG antibodies to elementary bodies in the ELISA. On the other hand, 25 (15.6%) and 19 (11.9%) of them had IgG antibodies to C trachomatis L2 reticulate bodies and elementary bodies, respectively, by the ELFA (titre greater than or equal to 1/500).
Incidence of anti-intermediate filament antibody in serum samples of students with suspected glandular fever.
Authors: Kataaha P K , Holborow E J , Edwards J M
Published: June 2007

Serum samples from 40 students with suspected infectious mononucleosis were tested for the presence of antibodies to intermediate filaments (AIFA) of the cytoskeleton. Twenty had antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen before their illness, and during it their sera remained negative by the Paul-Bunnell test. The other 20 patients did not have antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus capsid antigen before their illness and seroconverted during the illness. These patients (true infectious mononucleosis group) developed positive Paul-Bunnell tests. Sera from normal subjects (blood donors) were also tested for AIFA. AIFA was present in titres greater than 1/10 in 80% of the infectious mononucleosis group (mean titre 1/40-1/80), 10% of the Paul-Bunnell negative glandular fever group, and 8.5% of the normal blood donors.
Platelet release protein which inhibits plasminogen activators.
Authors: Booth N A , Anderson J A , Bennett B
Published: June 2007

An inhibitor of plasminogen activator has been identified in human platelets by the technique of sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and zymography. The inhibitor has a molecular weight of about 40 000 and is distinct from known plasma protease inhibitors. It is associated almost exclusively with platelets, with only trace amounts in platelet free plasma. The inhibitor is released during platelet aggregation or in vitro coagulation. This inhibitor inhibits both tissue type plasminogen activator and urokinase but has no effect on plasmin. It forms a 1:1 complex with tissue type plasminogen activator, which retains activity detectable under the analytical conditions used. A similar complex with urokinase either forms less readily or retains less activity.
Role of immunohistochemistry in diagnosis of nasopharyngeal tumours.
Authors: Bosq J , Gatter K C , Micheau C , Mason D Y
Published: June 2007

To evaluate the usefulness of immunocytochemistry in the differential diagnosis of nasopharyngeal tumours, 35 undifferentiated nasal carcinomas were examined with a panel of monoclonal antibodies against a wide variety of epithelial and non-epithelial antigens. The results were compared with those obtained from a series of nasopharyngeal tumours comprising three squamous cell carcinomas, six lymphomas, one rhabdomyosarcoma, and one yolk sac tumour. All of the carcinomas were positive with at least one of the antiepithelial markers and negative for the leucocyte common antigen and were clearly distinguishable from the nasopharyngeal lymphomas, which gave the opposite staining pattern. It was concluded that such a panel of monoclonal antibodies would be extremely useful for the differential diagnosis of nasopharyngeal tumours, particularly with small or technically inadequate biopsies.
Automated screening of cervical smears using immunocytochemical staining: a possible approach.
Authors: Valkova B , Laurence D J
Published: June 2007

A preliminary analysis was undertaken to ascertain whether a Leitz TAS (Texture Analyse System) video camera system, which is computer controlled, could be used to detect abnormal cells in cervical smears. Immunocytochemical together with haemalum nuclear staining was used for the epithelial membrane antigen. It was possible to detect abnormal cells in routinely prepared smears taken from patients with various degrees of cervical neoplasia, including the earliest stages, but metaplastic cells were not detected by the system. Smears from patients assessed as normal by routine cytology gave a low incidence of positive results due to occasional overlapping of cells or the presence of air bubbles. This system seems to offer a new possibility for rapid automated cytometry of cervical smears.
Morphometry of blood monocytes in malignant lymphoma.
Authors: Sokol R J , Hudson G , Wales J , James N T
Published: June 2007

Morphometric methods were used to study the ultrastructure of blood monocytes in 23 patients with Hodgkin's disease, 12 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and 20 normal subjects. The results were analysed using both univariate and multivariate methods. Both analyses supported the interpretation that the total mitochondrial contribution to the cellular ultrastructure was less in Hodgkin's disease than in the other two groups, with smaller mitochondrial volume fractions, volumes, and surface areas being found. In the patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma univariate analysis suggested that monocyte nuclei were larger, with more euchromatin and a relatively smaller heterochromatin-euchromatin interface; the cell profile area was larger and the surface to volume ratio was smaller compared with normal subjects. Morphological changes have not previously been described in blood monocytes in malignant lymphoma, but they may be the counterpart of the known mononuclear phagocyte dysfunction.
Immune abnormalities in myelodysplastic syndromes.
Authors: Economopoulos T , Economidou J , Giannopoulos G , Terzoglou C , Papageorgiou E , Dervenoulas J , Arseni P , Hadjioannou J , Raptis S
Published: June 2007

The immune states of 52 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes classified according to the FAB criteria were studied. Serum electrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis, direct Coombs test, and tests for organ and non-organ specific antibodies were performed. Twenty six patients had immunoglobulin abnormalities: six (11.5%) had monoclonal gammopathy; 17 (32.6%) had polyclonal increases in serum immunoglobulin; while in three (5.8%) immunoglobulin concentrations were decreased. The distribution of immunoglobulin abnormalities among the five myelodysplastic syndrome subtypes was fairly uniform. Results of direct Coombs test were negative in all cases. Organ specific antibodies were not detected in any of the patients tested, although two patients were found positive for antinuclear antibodies. The presence of immunoglobulin abnormalities indicates an involvement of the lymphoplasmatic system in myelodysplastic syndromes.
Evidence for monoclonal T lymphocyte proliferation in angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy.
Authors: O'Connor N T , Crick J A , Wainscoat J S , Gatter K C , Stein H , Falini B , Mason D Y
Published: June 2007

The arrangement of the T cell receptor and immunoglobulin genes was analysed in lymphoid tissue biopsy specimens from 25 cases of angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy. Nineteen cases showed a rearrangement of the gene coding for the beta chain of the T cell receptor, and in one case a clonal rearrangement of immunoglobulin genes was shown (in which the T cell receptor gene was in a germline configuration). These findings indicate that a monoclonal T cell proliferation is present in most cases of angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy, and they also correlate with the fact that some patients who present with this disorder subsequently develop a T cell lymphoma.
Increased alpha:non-alpha globin chain synthesis ratios in myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloid leukaemia.
Authors: Peters R E , May A , Jacobs A
Published: June 2007

Globin chain synthesis ratios (alpha:beta + gamma) in leucocyte free reticulocytes from six of 11 patients with various myelodysplastic syndromes were high, ranging from 1.28 to 2.43. High ratios were also found for reticulocytes from two of four patients with acute myeloblastic leukaemia. Of the eight cases in which high ratios were found, seven were in patients who were either undergoing leukaemic transformation or who had already transformed. The reason for these findings is not known, but an understanding of the mechanism may give us further insight into the process of leukaemic transformation.
In vitro stimulation of plasminogen activator release from vein walls by adrenaline.
Authors: Kjaeldgaard A , Kjaeldgaard M
Published: June 2007

The effect of adrenaline on plasminogen activator release was studied in vitro in human vein biopsy specimens, in which the fibrinolytic activity was determined according to the fibrin slide technique. The tissue slides were covered with a thin fibrin film containing 10(-9) and 10(-7) M adrenaline and exposed for 30 to 60 minutes. In both concentrations highly significant (p less than 0.001) enhancement of fibrinolytic activity was shown, and the enhancement of fibrinolysis was most pronounced during the first 30 minutes of exposure. Stimulation of fibrinolysis was maximal after exposure to the physiological concentration of 10(-9) M, while no further increase was seen using the pharmacological concentration. These results show that adrenaline has a stimulant effect on tissue fibrinolysis in vitro, and this effect may account for the direct stimulation of fibrinolysis by adrenaline in vivo.
Effects of N-methyl-thiotetrazole cephalosporin on haemostasis in patients with reduced serum vitamin K1 concentrations.
Authors: Mackie I J , Walshe K , Cohen H , McCarthy P , Shearer M , Scott S D , Karran S J , Machin S J
Published: June 2007

Two patients with low random serum vitamin K1 concentrations but with normal prothrombin times and normal biological assays of the vitamin K dependent coagulation proteins were treated with an N-methyl-thiotetrazole cephalosporin (cefotetan) postoperatively. Four to six days later both patients developed a prolonged prothrombin time and a noticeable and specific lowering of the clotting activities of factors II, VII, IX and X, though the serum vitamin K1 concentrations remained unchanged. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis of prothrombin showed the appearance of a second peak corresponding to descarboxyprothrombin (PIVKA II). These abnormalities corrected after vitamin K administration. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that cephalosporins with an N-methyl-thiotetrazole side chain inhibit the hepatic utilisation of vitamin K but that this only causes hypoprothrombinaemia when liver reserves of vitamin K are low.
Serum angiotensin converting enzyme in pneumonias.
Authors: Kerttula Y , Weber T H
Published: June 2007

Serum concentrations of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) were studied in pneumonias caused by different pathogens and in cases in which the aetiology could not be defined. In all aetiological groups, except in viral pneumonia, there was a significant increase in ACE during recovery (p less than 0.001). In several patients the lowest values during the acute phase of disease and the highest values during recovery were outside the reference limits. In cases with known aetiology the highest ACE values and the difference between the lowest and the highest values correlated positively with C-reactive protein concentrations at admission (p less than 0.001). The pathophysiology behind the fluctuations of the ACE concentrations is unknown.
Serum ferritin concentration in sickle cell crisis.
Authors: Brownell A , Lowson S , Brozović M
Published: June 2007

Serum ferritin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase and hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBD) were studied during 21 vaso-occlusive crises in 12 adults with sickle cell disease (11 SS, 1 S beta degrees). The patients comprised three groups: those who had been untransfused (4), those who had received occasional exchange transfusion in crisis (3), and those who had been multiply transfused (5). Serum ferritin concentrations in crisis were compared with those of the steady state value. Rises in serum ferritin concentrations occurred in all crises in all groups. Although AST, alkaline phosphatase, and HBD rose, there was no correlation between these and log ferritin concentrations. The clinical impression was that the degree of rise in ferritin related to the severity of the particular crisis, and the above results showed that haemolysis and liver damage were not causally related to this rise. An estimate of serum ferritin cannot be used to assess the state of iron balance in sickle cell disease unless the patient is in the steady state. The considerable rise in serum ferritin concentration found in crisis, however, may be a useful marker of the extent of vaso-occlusion and tissue damage.
Iron state in alpha and beta thalassaemia trait.
Authors: White J M , Richards R , Jelenski G , Byrne M , Ali M
Published: June 2007

The iron state was examined in two groups of pregnant women who were carriers of alpha and beta thalassaemia genes. In both groups the haematological expression of the disease--namely, haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin concentrations--was nearly identical. In patients with alpha thalassaemia the ferritin concentrations and percentage of ferritin deficiency was the same as in normal pregnant patients, whereas in those with beta thalassaemia the ferritin concentrations were usually much higher and iron deficiency four times less common. This variance appears to be explained by different degrees of extravascular or intravascular haemolysis between the two thalassaemias as assessed by the activities of serum alpha hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase.
Analysis of G banded karyotypes in myeloma cells.
Authors: Chen K C , Bevan P C , Matthews J G
Published: June 2007

Karyotypes of bone marrow cells from 24 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and two patients with de novo plasma cell leukaemia (PCL) were analysed by Giemsa banding (G banding). Chromosome aberrations were found in 13 patients with MM and both patients with PCL. Hyperdiploid and hypodiploid lines were present in eight and five of the patients with MM, respectively. Marker chromosomes derived from structural rearrangements were present in all eight cases of MM with hyperdiploid lines, although markers of uncertain origin were rare in those patients with hypodiploid lines. Chromosome 1 participated most often, and chromosomes 5 and 9 often played a part in the structural rearrangements. Chromosomes 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 15, 19, and 21 were subject to numerical aberrations. In the two patients with PCL one had a hypodiploid line with a 14q + marker derived from a t(11;14) and the other a hyperdiploid line. The breakpoints on the chromosomes participating in the structural rearrangements in myeloma showed a good correlation with known fragile sites and oncogene locations on the corresponding chromosomes.
Lamina propria mast cells in biopsies from children with Crohn's disease.
Authors: Sanderson I R , Leung K B , Pearce F L , Walker-Smith J A
Published: June 2007

Biopsies from actively inflamed areas of terminal ileum or colon in children with Crohn's disease were examined both for lamina propria mast cell density and histamine content. These were reduced in comparison with those of normal controls. The release of histamine from biopsies of inflamed tissue did not differ greatly from that of normal tissue, either spontaneously or after receiving an antihuman IgE challenge.
Transitional carcinoma of the upper urinary tract: a histological and cytopathological study.
Authors: Highman W J
Published: June 2007

A histological and cytopathological study of 54 patients with transitional carcinoma of the upper urinary tract was undertaken. There were 17 patients with grade 1 tumours, 35 with grades 2 or 3, and two with carcinoma in situ. Only 16 had non-invasive tumours. A preoperative cytological diagnosis of tumour was made in 67% of the group as a whole and in 75% of patients with grade 2 or 3 tumours. Seventy per cent of voided urines and 80% of ileal conduit urines were positive for tumour. Cytological grading correlated with histology in 12 of 14 grade 1 tumours and 26 of 35 grade 2 or 3 tumours, with seven assigned grade 1. Two cases of pelvicalycine carcinoma in situ were graded 3 by cytology. Cytological investigation by those experienced in urinary cytology has an important diagnostic contribution to make in transitional carcinoma of the upper urinary tract.
Comparison of the results of asbestos fibre dust counts in lung tissue obtained by analytical electron microscopy and light microscopy.
Authors: Pooley F D , Ranson D L
Published: June 2007

The efficiency of the light microscope with that of the electron microscope in detecting asbestos fibres in human lung tissue was computed. Necropsy material from 55 patients who had died from asbestos related diseases was analysed independently by phase contrast microscopy and electron microscopy. As expected the number of fibres identified using electron microscopy was higher than that identified by light microscopy. By adjusting the electron allow for the limited resolving power of the light microscope, however, a significant correlation of the number of fibres identified using the two methods was obtained. The best correlation was found with specimens containing crocidolite (correlation coefficient 0.79) and amosite (correlation coefficient 0.74), while chrysotile gave a much lower correlation (correlation coefficient 0.15). The cumulated fibre diameter distribution obtained using the electron microscope suggests that the light microscope is able to visualise only 5% of crocidolite, 26.5% of amosite, and 0.14% of chrysotile present in lung tissue. Therefore, although it is possible, using the electron microscope, to predict the asbestos fibre count that would be obtained by light microscopy, the reserve prediction cannot be made: it is impossible to determine the proportion of the various asbestos mineral types using the light microscope.
Restriction enzyme analysis of cytomegalovirus DNA to study transmission of infection.
Authors: Peckham C S , Garrett A J , Chin K S , Preece P M , Nelson D B , Warren D E
Published: June 2007

Restriction enzyme analysis of cytomegalovirus deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has been used to characterise virus isolates and has provided information on patterns of viral transmission. It was shown that virus isolated from a congenitally infected infant was unlikely to have originated from the 13 congenitally infected children with whom the mother, a nurse, had been in contact. Of nine mother and infant pairs, from whom cytomegalovirus was isolated, seven yielded strains that were indistinguishable for mother and child; one pair showed minor differences and one was clearly distinguishable. Virus isolates from seven children attending a day nursery were typed, and only siblings were excreting similar strains of cytomegalovirus. Further examples of the application of this technique to studies of cytomegalovirus in a family environment are given. It is concluded that characterisation of virus strains by restriction analysis of DNA is a valuable epidemiological tool.
Antigenic specificity of serological response in Chlamydia trachomatis urethritis detected by immunoblotting.
Authors: Cevenini R , Rumpianesi F , Sambri V , La Placa M
Published: June 2007

Sera from 19 patients with Chlamydia trachomatis culture positive non-gonococcal urethritis were studied for the presence of antibodies to chlamydial proteins by immunoblotting. Ten C trachomatis negative patients with non-gonococcal urethritis and 10 healthy controls were also studied. Acute phase sera from C trachomatis positive patients with non-gonococcal urethritis reacted only with the major outer membrane protein whereas all the convalescent phase serum samples reacted with the major outer membrane protein and with a 60,000 and a 62,000 molecular weight protein. Some sera also reacted with a 45,000 molecular weight protein. Five of 10 convalescent phase samples from patients with C trachomatis negative non-gonococcal urethritis showed a reaction pattern comparable with that observed in convalescent sera from C trachomatis from C trachomatis positive patients with non-gonococcal urethritis. Sera from healthy seronegative subjects were negative by blotting.
Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains by coagglutination.
Authors: Smart L E
Published: June 2007

The coagglutination test, which uses staphylococcal protein A, for serotyping strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, was extended to include serotyping within serogroups. Serotyping was performed with "factor sera" prepared in the laboratory. Fifty one strains of S pneumoniae, which belonged to one of the seven serogroups included in the 14 valent vaccine formulation, were tested, and no inconsistency was found when compared with the capsule swelling reaction.
Micromodification of Serodia HBe haemagglutination kit and modification of kit to test for anti-HBe.
Authors: Nuttall P A
Published: June 2007

Modification of the Serodia HBe haemagglutination kit produced by Fujirebio Incorporated, Tokyo, Japan, gave a rapid, economical, and easily performed test for hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg). The use of this method to test serum samples for HBeAg is described. A modification of the kit to screen for anti-HBe is also described. The results obtained showed that this kit, when used by the method described, gave results comparable with those of a sensitive, commercial enzyme immunoassay method.
Campylobacter pyloridis, gastritis, and peptic ulceration.
Authors: Goodwin C S , Armstrong J A , Marshall B J
Published: June 2007

Campylobacter pyloridis is a spiral bacterium which was seen by histopathologists several years before it was cultured in 1982 in Perth, Western Australia. It has unique cellular fatty acids, predominantly tetradecanoic acid and cis-11, 12 methylene octadecanoic acid. It also has a unique ultrastructure which is different from that of other campylobacters. C pyloridis possesses a powerful urease enzyme and produces large amounts of extracellular catalase. Both these features may be important virulence factors, allowing it to occupy a protected niche in the stomach below the mucus layer but above the gastric mucosa. Specific lesions are found in the gastric mucosa, and ultrastructural studies show the presence of adherence pedestals identical with those found with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli of the intestine. Histological examination of gastric biopsy tissue has shown that C pyloridis is strongly associated with active chronic gastritis, when polymorphonuclear leucocytes are present, and is not found on normal mucosa except when a biopsy specimen from elsewhere in the stomach shows active chronic gastritis. When patients with symptoms caused by gastritis are identified dual antibacterial treatment, combining the action of bismuth in the stomach with a systemic antibiotic, can eradicate C pyloridis, with remission of symptoms and restoration of normal epithelial morphology. Most peptic ulcers relapse after modern acid reducing treatment, and antibacterial treatment may be beneficial in preventing relapse.