bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The reproducibility and use of the tritiated folic acid urinary excretion test as a measure of folate absorption in clinical practice: Effect of methotrexate on absorption of folic acid
Authors: Freedman D. S. , Brown J. P. , Weir D. G. , Scott J. M.
Published: June 2007

Investigations into the standardization and reproducibility of the urinary excretion method for determining the absorption of tritiated folic acid were carried out. By proper timing of tissue-loading doses of folic acid a clear difference between the percentage excretion ranges of normal and coeliac subjects was obtained. In addition conditions were found whereby the procedure could be repeated on an individual up to four times with reproducible results. Methotrexate in pharmacological amounts was found to have no inhibitory effect on the human intestinal absorption of a small oral dose (300 μg) of folic acid as determined by this method. This indicates that reduction of folic acid is not necessary for its absorption in man.
A comparative study of five laboratory tests for foeto-placental dysfunction in late pregnancy
Authors: Watson D. , Siddiqui S. A. , Stafford J. E. H. , Gibbard S. , Hewitt V.
Published: June 2007

Five foeto-placental function tests were studied in parallel in normal and abnormal late pregnancies with a view to establishing which test or tests is most satisfactorily able to identify the mother whose foetus is in danger.

A critical examination of the levels in blood serum of two enzymes, placental phosphatase isoenzyme and cystine aminopeptidase, the polypeptide hormone placental lactogen (chorionic somatomammotrophin), and the oestrogen oestriol-17β is described.

A correlation was attempted beween clinical data and the results of the above laboratory analyses and also with the daily urine oestrogen output. The plasma and urine oestriol levels proved generally to be the more useful warning tests in late pregnancy, whilst the plasma cystine aminopeptidase was the least sensitive indicator of foeto-placental dysfunction.
Infectious mononucleosis complicated by acute haemolytic anaemia with a positive Donath-Landsteiner reaction
Authors: Wishart M. M. , Davey M. G.
Published: June 2007

A patient with infectious mononucleosis complicated by acute haemolytic anaemia is described. The patient had, in addition to non-specific cold agglutinins in the serum, a positive Donath-Landsteiner reaction in the absence of syphilis. The association of a positive Donath-Landsteiner reaction with haemolytic anaemia in infectious mononucleosis has been described only once before.
Australia antigen and primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: MacSween R. N. M. , Laiwah A. A. C. Yeung , Busuttil A. A. , Thomas Mair A. , Ross Sheila K. , Watkinson G. , Millman I. , Blumberg B. S.
Published: June 2007

Sera from 64 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis have been examined for Australia antigen (Au). On immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis all sera were negative. Using a radioimmunoprecipitation technique 15·6% of sera contained antigen compared with an incidence of 3·1% in matched controls, a significant difference (p= 0·015). Anti-Au was found in 9·4% of patients and in 7·8% of controls. In lymphocyte transformation studies lymphocytes from one of 24 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis transformed on stimulation with an Au-rich serum.
Mallory's (`alcoholic') hyaline in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: MacSween Roderick N. M.
Published: June 2007

Mallory's (`alcoholic') hyaline has been found in hepatocytes in 18 of 70 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. These inclusions have previously been noted in only three cases of primary biliary cirrhosis. Current views on the nature of Mallory's hyaline are briefly discussed.
Renovascular hypertension in three children from one family
Authors: Van Assendelft P. M. Blom , Kooiker C. J. , Mees E. J. Dorhout , Hameleers A. J.
Published: June 2007

Hypertension as a result of stenosis of a renal artery was diagnosed in three patients, aged 20, 17, and 9 respectively, among 14 siblings from one family. The oldest patient was treated by vasoplasty; a hypoplastic kidney had previously been removed in an unsuccessful attempt to control hypertension. Nephrectomy was performed in the other two patients. The pathological picture of the main renal artery that could be examined differed from that usually seen in the fibromuscular dysplasia group. The absence of microscopic signs of atrophy in the small kidneys behind the stenosis argues for a developmental defect. More than three years after operation blood pressure and renal function in all three patients have remained normal.
Venous infarction of the myocardium in a newborn child: An unusual effect of disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: McCormack M.
Published: June 2007

A case is described of disseminated intravascular coagulation in a premature female infant, with the unusual and predominating feature of myocardial infarction consequent upon coronary vein thrombosis.

Some reference is made to the incidence of coagulation disorders in the newborn and to methods of histological diagnosis.
Association of white cell and red cell antibodies in human sera
Authors: Ross Jill M. , James D. C. O.
Published: June 2007

Five hundred and eighteen human sera containing known red cell antibodies were tested for lymphocytotoxic antibodies and 81 sera were found to contain them. Thirty-nine antibodies were fully characterized. The frequencies of anti-I, K, Vw, and Wrawere significantly greater in those of the 518 sera which also contained white cell antibodies.

Four hundred and ninety-four of the 518 sera containing red cell antibodies contained anti-Rh and anti-Kell. The frequency of white cell antibodies in this group was 15% compared with a frequency of 12% in a series of 923 antenatal samples not containing anti-Rh or anti-Kell.

The frequencies of different anti-HL-A specificities were compared in the two groups with or without anti-Rh and anti-Kell antibodies. Anti-HL-A 1, 7, and 8 occurred more frequently in the absence of these red cell antibodies and anti-HL-A 12 occurred more frequently in their presence.

No correlation was found between particular red cell and white cell antibodies.
Food antibodies in oral disease: A study of serum antibodies to food proteins in aphthous ulceration and other oral diseases
Authors: Thomas H. C. , Ferguson Anne , McLennan J. G. , Mason D. K.
Published: June 2007

We have investigated the incidence of antibodies to food antigens in patients with recurrent minor aphthous ulceration and in patients with other oral ulcerative diseases. The incidence of these antibodies was the same in both groups of patients and was significantly greater than the incidence in a control group of normal people. There was no evidence to support the hypothesis that aphthous ulceration is primarily due to hypersensitivity to food antigens. The factors which might contribute to the absorption of antigenic molecules from the mouth and to the increased immune response in patients with oral disease have been considered.
Bactericidal activity of metronidazole againstBacteroides fragilis
Authors: Whelan J. P. F. , Hale J. H.
Published: June 2007

Metronidazole was found to be active againstBacteroides fragilisstrains isolated from human lesions. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were from 0·16 to 2·5 μg/ml and the minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were from 0·16 to 2·5 μg/ml; usually the MIC and MBC figures were equivalent. These levels are easily attainable in the serum following normal therapeutic doses. The drug is not toxic and side effects are rare and it would therefore seem highly suitable for treating Bacteroides infections and also may be considered prophylactically in certain situations that are described.
Septicaemia due toPasteurella pneumotropica
Authors: Rogers Bogumila T. , Anderson J. C. , Palmer Cynthia A. , Henderson W. G.
Published: June 2007

The literature concerningPasteurella pneumotropicainfection in animals and man is briefly reviewed and a case presented in which the organism was the cause of septicaemia in a patient receiving chemotherapy for myeloid leukaemia. Bacteriological findings are recorded and compared with those of other authors.
Bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates stored at 20°C
Authors: Cunningham Margaret , Cash John D.
Published: June 2007

Qualitative and quantitative data on the bacterial contamination of 1000 platelet concentrates prepared and stored at 20°C are presented. Using cooked meat medium the incidence of contamination was 6·3%. However, nutrient agar platelet counts showed the concentration of bacteria to be low. The clinical significance of these results is discussed.
Mucinous cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma of the vermiform appendix with particular reference to mucocele and pseudomyxoma peritonei
Authors: Gibbs N. M.
Published: June 2007

Ten cases of mucocele of the vermiform appendix are described. Eight cases were of mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix and six cases showed acute inflammation. Two of the six cases showed pseudoinvasion of the appendix and in a further case the appendix had perforated with extrusion of a misplaced neoplasm. Two cases were of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma and one of these was diagnosed as `pseudomyxoma peritonei'. `Pseudomyxoma peritonei' is a misnomer and is caused by dissemination of a mucinous cystadenocarcinoma within the peritoneal cavity. The special problems of histological diagnosis are discussed.
Staining procedures for the endocrine cells of the upper gastrointestinal mucosa: Light-electron microscopic correlation for the gastrin-producing cell
Authors: Bencosme Sergio A. , Lechago Juan
Published: June 2007

Although histochemical, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic methods have led to the identification of a large variety of endocrine cells in the upper gastrointestinal mucosa, no conventional light microscopic technique capable of the simultaneous identification of these cells has been reported. Such a staining method would be of considerable value to the pathologist as the malfunction of the endocrine cells of the gut, which produce numerous digestive hormones and biogenic amines, is closely related to a number of clinical conditions afflicting man. In this work, after testing three different polychrome staining methods, it has been concluded that a slightly modified Herlant's tetrachrome in tissues fixed in Zenker-formol is the procedure of choice. This method allows the distinction of several different cell types in the upper gastrointestinal mucosa of man and dog and permits the easy identification of the gastrin-producing cells on a routine basis. This identification has been confirmed in the case of two patients with gastrin cell hyperplasia, seen by both light and electron microscopy. Herlant's tetrachrome has proven valuable in the screening of human as well as experimental gastrointestinal tissues and it has been found to be very suitable for recognizing gastrin-producing cell hyperplasias. The usefulness of this method is expected to increase with the establishment of further correlations between the light and electron microscopy of the endocrine cells of the gut.
Carcinoembryonic antigen in serum in diseases of the liver and pancreas
Authors: Khoo S. K. , Mackay I. R.
Published: June 2007

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was measured in whole serum and in serum extracted with perchloric acid by microradioimmunoassay in patients with benign and malignant diseases of the liver and pancreas. The level of detectability was 5 ng per ml. This level or greater was present in the serum of 50% of patients with chronic diffuse liver disease, 64% with pancreatitis, 94% with cancer of the digestive system, and 3% of controls. The incidence of levels of CEA of 5 ng/ml or more differed for various categories of chronic liver disease: from 22% in active chronic hepatitis, 46% in primary biliary cirrhosis, 63% in hepatoma, 78% in cryptogenic cirrhosis, and 88% in alcoholic cirrhosis; levels of CEA correlated with degrees of impairment of liver function as judged by bromsulphalein retention and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and transaminase. In pancreatitis, 64% of cases had levels of CEA ranging from 5 to 20 ng/ml and in cancer of the pancreas 94% had levels above 5 ng/ml and 50% above 20 ng/ml.
The response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) of lymphocytes from cancer patients
Authors: Kumar S. , Taylor G.
Published: June 2007

The uptake of tritiated thymidine by lymphocytes from 100 cancer patients and 31 normal subjects was tested in the presence and absence of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) in a medium containing autologous or homologous serum. Significant differences were found between normal subjects and cancer patients in both the time course and degree of uptake. Serum from normal individuals restored the response of lymphocytes from cancer patients towards normality whilst serum from other cancer patients had no effect. Serum from cancer patients impaired the response of normal lymphocytes.
Serum folic acid activity(L. casei)in Sephadex gel chromatography
Authors: Markkanen T. , Pajula R.-L. , Himanen P. , Virtanen S.
Published: June 2007

The folic acid activity (FAA) of the protein zone in DEAE Sephadex A-50 chromatography of normal serum showed the following distribution: most (about 40%) was eluted with protein zone IV (alpha-2-macroglobulin), about 33% with protein zones II-III (transferrin), and the balance with zone V (albumin). In healthy human subjects the variations were relatively small. The repeatability of the chromatography in an individual was good.

Towards the end of pregnancy the binding of FAA to protein zones II-III increased, while that to zone IV decreased. The return to normal started a few days after delivery.

The binding to zones II-III was greatly increased in patients with pernicious anaemia but no neuropathy. It became normal during B12therapy. If the patient had neuropathy, his FAA chromatogram was close to normal. During therapy the amount of unbound FAA decreased rapidly.

The use of diphenylhydantoin increased the binding of FAA to protein zone I and to zones II-III. In these patients the binding to protein zone IV was slighter than normal.
Experience with a commercial preparation of125I-labelled human albumin for study of albumin metabolism
Authors: Ballantyne Fiona C. , Fleck A.
Published: June 2007

Evaluation of a commercial preparation of125I-labelled albumin for use in the study of albumin metabolism is described. In eight subjects with normal albumin metabolism the proportion of the dose of radioiodide excreted was stable throughout a period of 17 days, indicating that there was no excessive denaturation of the iodinated albumin. Characteristics of albumin metabolism—pool sizes, catabolic rate, etc—were in agreement with currently accepted normal values. It is concluded that this preparation of iodinated albumin is suitable for metabolic use.
A serological method for distinguishing coagulase-negative staphylococci from micrococci
Authors: Nakhla L. S.
Published: June 2007

Absorbed antisera prepared against heat-killed suspensions of a coagulase-negative staphylococcus and of a micrococcus were used in a slide-agglutination test. A collection of 176 coagulase-negative aerobic cocci, from whichStaphylococcus aureushad been excluded, was classified into staphylococci and micrococci by means of the test for anaerobic utilization of glucose. Of 113 staphylococci, 99 reacted with the anti-staphylococcus serum, seven with the micrococcus serum, and seven with neither; of 63 micrococci, 55 reacted with the micrococcus serum and eight were untypable. Thus 161 of 176 strains (91%) were classifiable serologically, and in 154 of 161 instances (95%) the results of the serological and biochemical classification were in agreement.
Coagulase-negative staphylococci causing endocarditis after cardiac surgery
Authors: Speller D. C. E. , Mitchell R. G.
Published: June 2007

The laboratory findings in seven cases of endocarditis caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci are presented. The usefulness of biochemical characterization of the strains in diagnosis and the selection of antibiotics for prophylaxis and treatment are discussed.
The relationship between the biotype of Klebsiella species and their pathogenicity
Authors: Fallon R. J.
Published: June 2007

Using the biochemical scheme of Cowan, Steel, Shaw, and Duguid (1960) 209 strains of the genusKlebsiellaisolated from sputum were classified and their relationship to disease in the patients from whom they were isolated was examined.K. aerogenespredominated and was seldom of proven pathogenicity.K. ozaenaewas the next most common species isolated and was of pathological significance in 38% of cases.K. edwardsii var edwardsii, K. edwardsii var atlantae, andK. pneumoniaewere less commonly isolated but were more frequently associated with severe disease thanK. aerogenesandK. ozaenae.
The effect of temperature of the culture medium on the outcome of blood culture
Authors: Model D. G. , Peel R. N.
Published: June 2007

Small numbers of seven species of bacteria commonly causing bacteraemia in man were inoculated into fresh human blood, and then cultured by a standard method used for diagnostic blood culture. Prior warming of the medium did not improve the recovery of the inoculated bacteria and it is suggested that such warming is not required when performing diagnostic blood culture.
Odontogenic myxoma: Ultrastructural and histochemical studies
Authors: Harrison J. D.
Published: June 2007

An odontogenic myxoma of a maxilla has been examined. Histochemistry of the mucosubstance indicated that hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate were present. On ultrastructural examination many of the cells in the myxomatous tissue were seen with prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting a secretory function, and possibly the myxomatous ground substance was produced by these cells. Cells containing collagen fibrils were found. Epithelial islands with intercellular spaces producing an arrangement similar to the stellate reticulum of the enamel organ were found, and possibly had developed from odontogenic epithelial rests. These islands were surrounded by a clear zone, outside which were cells with an increased prominence of adenosine-triphosphatase, nucleoside-diphosphatase, thiamine-pyrophosphatase, and often arylamidase reaction products. This probably represents a reaction of the mesodermal tissue to the epithelial islands. Possibly the epithelium exerts an inductive effect on the mesodermal tissue, and the myxomatous appearance may be the result of an aberrant development of mesodermal cells into `myxoblasts' which secrete the myxomatous ground substance.
The relative susceptibility of four cephalosporins to a beta-lactamase fromBacillus cereus
Authors: Russell A. D. , Furr J. R.
Published: June 2007

The effects of purified beta-lactamase fromBacillus cereuson the activity of four cephalosporins are described. Drug inactivation was measured spectrophotometrically and confirmed by microbiological assay and by microbiological techniques involving determinations of minimum inhibitory concentrations and growth curves ofStaphylococcus aureusNCTC 6571 (Oxford) in broth containing drug ± enzyme. Cephaloridine was the most sensitive of the four cephalosporins, followed by cephalothin and the sodium salt of 7-cyanacetamidocephalosporanic acid, with cephalexin considerably resistant to inactivation. The possible use of this beta-lactamase in the sterility testing of cephaloridine and cephalothin is examined.
Empyema of the gallbladder due toHaemophilus parahaemolyticus,with a brief review of its role as a pathogen
Authors: Parsons Michael , Faris Irwin
Published: June 2007

A case of empyema of the gallbladder caused byHaemophilus parahaemolyticusis reported. This is believed to the the first report of such an infection. The literature relating to pathogenicity of this organism is reviewed.
Multiple myeloma: Development of plasma cell sarcoma during apparently successful chemotherapy
Authors: Holt J. M. , Robb-Smith A. H. T.
Published: June 2007

Three patients with multiple myeloma who developed a plasma cell sarcoma during apparently successful chemothapy are described. It is postulated that the chemotherapy induced the sarcomatous change.
Mast cells in parathyroid glands of hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Anderson T. J.
Published: June 2007

Parathyroid glands from cases of hyperparathyroidism have been examined with particular attention to mast cells. In `normal' glands accompanying an adenoma they were common, although there was a wide range in their frequency, whereas in pathological tissue, both adenoma and hyperplasia, mast cells were scarce. This difference between glands was examined with respect to alterations in gland size, to variations in the amount of interstitial tissue, to degrees of overactivity, and to anatomical development of the glands. No conclusions can be drawn with regard to the significance of mast cells in parathyroid tissue.
Evaluation of a solid phase radioimmunoassay (Ausria-125) for the detection of hepatitis B antigen (Australia antigen) in two clinical materials
Authors: Hansson B. G. , Johnsson T.
Published: June 2007

A solid-phase radioimmunoassay (Ausria-125) was compared to an immunoelectro-osmophoresis method in detecting hepatitis-B antigen (HBAg). The radioimmunoassay detected HBAg in approximately 230 times higher dilutions than the immunoelectroosmophoresis method. In cases of acute hepatitis HBAg could be detected for about 70% longer after the onset of jaundice using radioimmunoassay compared with immunoelectroosmophoresis. Of 138 patients with acute hepatitis, who were HBAg-negative by immunoelectroosmophoresis, 23 (17%) were positive by radioimmunoassay. The specificity of the positive results with this test was investigated by neutralization tests with human antiserum to HBAg.
Alloantibodies and Australia antigen after open heart surgery
Authors: Slater S. D.
Published: June 2007

The development of irregular serum antibodies (alloantibodies) following massive transfusion was studied in 144 patients who had undergone cardiac valve replacement. An overall incidence of alloimmunization of 8·3% was found. Of the 15 antibodies detected nine were Rhesus anti-E and four anti-Kell. The incidence of anti-E formation in Rhesus E-negative patients was 11·4%; the corresponding figure for anti-Kell was 3·2%. The results suggest that the risk of allo-immunization is directly related to the volume of blood transfused, and Rhesus E-negative persons appear to be at particular risk.

Australia (Au) antigen investigations were also carried out in 102 of these cases. Three patients were Au antigen positive, one of them developing acute hepatitis. In each case no Au antigen could be detected in the donor blood that was used.

It is suggested that tests for alloantibodies and for the Australia antigen should become part of the routine follow-up of any patient receiving massive transfusion.
The treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Friend J. H. , Giles C. , Richardson S. G. N.
Published: June 2007

The use of a combination of daunorubicin and cytosine arabinoside in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia in a district general hospital is described. The results in a series of 30 cases are considered.
Normal laboratory values for differential white cell counts established by manual and automated cytochemical methods (Hemalog DTM)
Authors: Simmons A. , Leaverton P. , Elbert G.
Published: June 2007

The central 95 percentile estimates of the normal white cell types (as determined by a standard differential count) were calculated from 777 normal individuals. The results were divided into groups by age and sex and expressed both as percentages and as absolute numbers of cells.

A similar survey was made using the prototype of a new automated differential counting method (Hemalog-DTM).

The two sets of laboratory values showed no statistically significant differences regarding age or sex and were strikingly similar in most cell types with the exception of band and juvenile forms of granulocytes. As expected, the normal range using the manual technique was somewhat broader than that found with the automated method. In addition to being the first comparison of machine counts with visual differentials this study provides additional insight into the age distributions of normal cells.
Candida precipitins in pregnant women: validity of the test systems used
Authors: Stanley Valerie C. , Hurley Rosalinde
Published: June 2007

Sera from 200 pregnant women, with symptoms suggestive of vaginitis and harbouring yeast in the vagina, were examined for precipitating antibodies to three antigens ofC. albicans, using a gel double diffusion test. A high overall incidence of precipitin-positive sera (47.5%) was found compared with an incidence of 18% in the unselected pregnant population previously studied (Stanley, Hurley, and Carroll 1972).

Using the clinicopathological criteria of Carroll, Hurley, and Stanley (1973), a final aetiological diagnosis ofC. albicansmycosis was reached in 75 cases and precipitins were demonstrated in 64%. Forty-eight women harbouringC. albicansresponded favourably to a single course of antifungal treatment, and probably had mycotic vaginitis. The incidence of precipitins in this group was 42%.C. albicanswas isolated from a further 55 of 62 patients, in whom the incidence of precipitins was 32%.

`Booking' sera were investigated from 50 of the 200 women studied. Sixty-four per cent of women had symptoms of vaginitis at booking and 32% were precipitin positive. Twenty-eight per cent had precipitins on both occasions, and a further 24% acquired candida precipitins during pregnancy.

None of the seven newborn with oral or skin thrush had precipitins toC. albicans.

The results indicate that the detection of precipitating antibodies toC. albicans, particularly to all three of the antigens described in this paper, would be a useful additional criterion in the diagnosis of candida vaginitis, particularly if the vaginitis were persistent, recurrent, or unresponsive to therapy. The sensitivity of the test system used was 64%, and its specificity 87%; as such, the test is valid and may be reasonably useful as a screening procedure.
A simple method for detecting mycoplasma infection of cell cultures
Authors: Harnett G. B. , Phillips P. A. , Mackay-Scollay E. M.
Published: June 2007

This paper describes the overnight Giemsa staining method for detecting mycoplasma infection of cell cultures. This simple method requires no special equipment and has practical application in most cell culture laboratories. This technique has been used conveniently to monitor stock cell cultures for mycoplasma infection over a 12-month period avoiding any contamination.
Leucocyte migration inhibition in liver disease
Authors: Vergani C. , Oldoni T. , Dioguardi N.
Published: June 2007

Clinical and histological features provide evidence that immunological reactions of the cell-mediated type are abnormal in some forms of chronic liver disease. By using the leucocyte migration test of Søborg and Bendixen (1967), a correlate of cellular hypersensitivityin vitro, the authors studied the production of the migration inhibitory factor by lymphocytes exposed to a fetal liver homogenate in 88 patients with acute and chronic liver disease. Abnormality of leucocyte migration was found in aggressive chronic hepatitis (inhibition in 67% of patients), cryptogenic cirrhosis (inhibition in 43%, stimulation in 13% of patients), and primary biliary cirrhosis (stimulation in two, inhibition in two out of six patients).

The results are compatible with the hypothesis that cellular immune response to liver antigens is important in the pathogenesis of such diseases.
A correlative isotopic and histological study of soleal vein thrombosis
Authors: Wray Richard , Rimmer D. , Denham M. , Raftery E. B.
Published: June 2007

Thirteen patients are described in whom the results of125I fibrinogen uptake testing in life were compared with the postmortem findings in the soleus muscle and in addition with direct radioactive counting of soleus muscle portions. The sensitivity of the125I fibrinogen uptake test was found to be approximately half that of direct muscle radioactive counting or histological examination. Some limitations of the technique are discussed.
Antibody levels in human sera measured by the fluorescent-antibody technique against the coxsackie B viruses types 1-5 grown in HEp2 cells compared with results obtained by neutralization
Authors: MacWilliam Kathleen M. , Cooper Margaret A.
Published: June 2007

Twenty pairs of acute and convalescent sera were tested for antibody to the coxsackie B viruses types 1-5 by neutralization and fluorescent-antibody techniques. Results by fluorescence were difficult to read and sensitivity was therefore reduced. Rises by neutralization were type specific in the majority of cases, while those by fluorescence were always against more than one viral type.
A newE. coliO group O158 associated with an outbreak of infantile enteritis
Authors: Rowe B. , Gross R. J. , Lindop R. , Baird R. B.
Published: June 2007

An outbreak of acute diarrhoea occurred amongst babies in a special care baby unit. Thirteen babies were at risk; six suffered diarrhoea and three of these died. AnEscherichia coliwith an unidentifiable O antigen and flagellar antigen H23 was isolated from all six cases. This O antigen has been accepted into the international scheme as O158.
Folates in human serum
Authors: Ratanasthien K. , Blair J. A. , Leeming R. J. , Cooke W. T. , Melikian V.
Published: June 2007

Constituent serum folates have been shown to be altered and in some cases raised in diseases in which total folate levels are known to be frequently decreased. Absorption experiments showed that orally administered folate analogues affect the folate pool in different ways. The stability of the 10-formyltetrahydrofolate level in normal subjects is demonstrated.
The rapid recognition of Lancefield group B haemolytic streptococci
Authors: Fallon R. J.
Published: June 2007

When grown overnight on Columbia agar in an atmosphere of hydrogen and carbon dioxide, haemolytic strains of Lancefield group B streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae) produce orange or brown pigmented colonies. This production of pigmented colonies can be used for the rapid presumptive identification of these organisms as belonging to group B without the need for grouping by serological methods.
Bactericidal capacity of peripheral blood leucocytes in relation to bacterial infections in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in childhood
Authors: Thompson Eileen N. , Williams Ralph
Published: June 2007

Phagocytosis and bacterial capacity of peripheral blood leucocytes were studied in 49 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. No impairment of phagocytic ability was found, but 36% of children in relapse and 25% in remission had varying degrees of diminished intracellular killing capacity of ingestedStaphylococcus aureus.Serial values in the same individual were constant irrespective of drugs used or stage of the disease. There was a highly significant positive correlation between bactericidal capacity ratio and the number of episodes of infection per patient; there was no significant correlation with death from infection.
Indirect immunofluorescence test for the detection ofAspergillus fumigatusantibodies
Authors: Warnock D. W.
Published: June 2007

An indirect immunofluorescence test was both sensitive and specific in detecting IgG antibodies toAspergillus fumigatus.The test revealed a significant increase in titre of antibodies in patients with the allergic or mycetomal forms of pulmonary aspergillosis.
Separation of three isoenzymes of N-acetyl-β-D-hexosaminidase from human tissues by cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis
Authors: Westwood A. , Raine D. N.
Published: June 2007

The separation of N-acetyl-β-D-hexosaminidase isoenzymes from human tissues is used in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of GM2gangliosidosis, since in type 1 the A isoenzyme is deficient and in type 2 both the A and B isoenzymes are deficient. Peripheral blood leucocytes are commonly used for these investigations, and the present study demonstrates that, in addition to these two isoenzymes, a third isoenzyme can be separated from leucocytes by cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis. This isoenzyme is more anodic than the A and B isoenzymes and is similar to the hexosaminidase C isoenzyme recently reported in embryonic tissue extracts. The isoenzyme was also clearly demonstrable in human liver and kidney but was present in much lower concentrations in cultured cells. It could be demonstrated in leucocytes even after prolonged storage at −20°, and, like the A isoenzyme, is partially inactivated by a short exposure to heat.
Sterilization of the biological safety cabinet
Authors: Newsom S. W. B. , Walsingham B. M.
Published: June 2007

Test strips comprisingB subtilisspores orM phleicells dried on aluminium foil (some serum-coated) were used to test sterilizing processes currently advised for safety cabinets. Exposure to formalin from a bowl, boiling excess formalin with the fan running, and ultraviolet radiation were all found to be unreliable, as was glutaraldehyde. Vaporization of 2 ml of formalin per 0·028 m3followed by exposure for 18 hours at ambient temperatures was 100% successful, and the depolymerization of paraformaldehyde tablets with a hair drier was a simple, very effective alternative method.
Comparative cytogenetical and morphological studies in ovarian dysgenesis
Authors: Gaál Magdolna , László J. , Bösze P.
Published: June 2007

In 14 cases of the Turner syndrome and pure gonadal dysgenesis streak gonads were studied histologically. In cases where the 46,XX line was unimpaired the blood vessels of the gonad showed severe degeneration in at least 30 to 50%. These streak gonads usually contained some of the characteristic ovarian elements as well as the vascular lesions. In gonosomal monosomy, on the other hand, a similar intensive vascular degeneration could not be found and the gonad consisted of indeterminate connective tissue. These observations are strong indications of a close correlation between karyotype and the histology of the streak gonad, which may supply further information on the manner and timing of the development of the streak gonad.
Nodular, non-cirrhotic liver associated with portal hypertension in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Harris M. , Rash R. M. , Dymock I. W.
Published: June 2007

A patient with rheumatoid arthritis developed portal hypertension and died from bleeding oesophageal varices. The liver was small and showed a nodular, non-cirrhotic pattern similar to that described by Blendiset al(1970 and 1974) in association with Felty's syndrome. This appears to be the first report of a patient with this liver lesion associated with rheumatoid arthritis in the absence of Felty's syndrome. The liver lesions described here are compared with partial nodular transformation and nodular regenerative hyperplasia; in spite of some differences it is not proven that these are distinct entities and further study is required to settle this question.
The cellular composition of the granulocyte series in the normal human bone marrow according to the volume of the sample
Authors: Dresch C. , Faille A. , Poirier O. , Kadouche J.
Published: June 2007

The cellular composition of the granulocytic series in normal human bone marrow was studied in aspirates of different volume. An increase in the proportion of polymorphonuclears was observed in samples of more than 1 ml, thus indicating a dilution of bone marrow by peripheral blood. Certain data from the literature, referring to the differential count in the bone marrow granulocytic series, are discussed. The differences between these data can be explained by the dilution of bone marrow cells by mature granulocytes in blood.
The effect of serum protein concentrations on the specificity of the radioimmunoassay of carcinoembryonic antigen in malignant neoplasia and non-neoplastic disease
Authors: Crawley J. M. , Northam B. E. , King J. P. G. , Leonard J. C. , Booth S. N. , Dykes P. W.
Published: June 2007

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been measured in parallel with seven serum proteins and seromucoids in the sera of patients with malignant neoplasia and non-neoplastic disease. In the total group significant correlations were found between CEA and seromucoids and between CEA and several serum proteins. However, with two exceptions, when the individual disease groups were examined no correlation was seen. It is concluded that abnormal concentrations of the specific proteins measured do not consistently interfere in the CEA radioimmunoassay and do not explain the high CEA levels in patients with non-neoplastic diseases.
An assessment of serum acid and alkaline phosphatase determinations in prostatic cancer with a clinical validation of an acid phosphatase assay utilizing adenosine 3′ -monophosphate as substrate
Authors: Goldberg David M. , Ellis Graham
Published: June 2007

Serum acid phosphatase (AcPase) was measured by a colorimetric method utilizing adenosine 3′ -monophosphate as substrate in 389 patients. In about half the cases blood was taken shortly after a rectal examination. The upper reference limit (mean + 2SD) for 116 cases with miscellaneous illness after eliminating outliers was 4·1 International Units per litre (U/I) at 37°C, and no correlation existed between AcPase activity and age in these subjects (r = 0·040). Eight of 18 patients with untreated carcinoma confined within the prostate gland had AcPase activities below 4·1 U/l, and all of 27 cases with extension to pelvic soft tissues or to bone exceeded this value. AcPase activities above 4·1 U/l were found in 6% of cases with benign hypertrophy of the prostate, in 5% of cases with non-prostatic cancer, and in none of 22 cases with other urological illness.

Raised serum alkaline phosphatase (APase) activity was found in 60% of patients with untreated prostatic cancer and in only 6% of patients free of prostatic cancer, in most of whom there was a clinical explanation for the elevation. The correlation between the two phosphatase activities was not significant (r = 0·294). While APase activity does not reflect the stage of the disease as closely as AcPase activity, and is not so frequently elevated, it provided useful confirmation of the diagnosis in five patients of the present series whose AcPase levels were normal or only minimally elevated.
Evaluation of new kits for the assessmentin vitroof thyroid function by determination of serum total thyroxine, free TBG capacity, and free thyroxine index using Sephadex G-25 and125I-labelled triiodothyronine and thyroxine
Authors: Howorth P. J. N. , McKerron C. G.
Published: June 2007

A trial was carried out on 134 patients of new kits (Ames Co) using columns of Sephadex G-25 for the determination of serum total thyroxine (Tetralute test) and for the indirect estimation of serum free thyroxine-binding globulin capacity (Trilute test). Both new methods were quicker and easier than the reference resin methods and of similar precision. The two measurements when combined to give a free thyroxine index (Trilute-Tetralute-FTI) increased further the diagnostic discrimination and usefulness of the tests.

The method for the determination of serum thyroxine can be modified to give a direct estimate of serum free thyroxine, expressed as a free thyroxine index. This new single-column technique, called the `single-column free thyroxine index', gave a good correlation with clinical thyroid status in a preliminary trial of 45 patients.
Activity of FL 1060, a new β-lactam antibiotic, against urinary tract pathogens
Authors: Greenwood D. , Brooks H. Linton , Gargan R. , O'Grady F.
Published: June 2007

The effect of the new β-lactam antibiotic FL 1060 on urinary tract pathogens, of which 71 were sensitive to and 100 resistant to ampicillin, is presented here. When tested by conventional methods FL 1060 was found to be highly active against ampicillin-sensitive strains ofE. colibut phenotypically resistant variants readily emerged, particularly when a large inoculum was used. Thirty-one per cent of ampicillin-resistant strains were found to be sensitive to less than 500 μg FL 1060 per ml, and in general this antibiotic was more active than ampicillin against resistant strains. In a system simulating the mechanical features of the urinary bladder the activity of FL 1060 against three sensitive strains ofE. coliwas found to be greater than ampicillin in conditions of low, but not high, osmolality.
Malignant haemangioendothelioma involving the liver
Authors: Pollard Stella M. , Millward-Sadler G. H.
Published: June 2007

The features of four cases of malignant haemangioendothelioma involving the liver and other organs are described. Two cases were associated with a microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia. The nature of the tumours and possible pathogenesis for the anaemias are discussed.
The cerebrospinal fluid in acute leukaemia of childhood: studies with the Cytocentrifuge
Authors: Evans D. I. K. , O'Rourke Colleen , Jones Patricia Morris
Published: June 2007

The Cytocentrifuge enables a satisfactory cytological preparation to be made when the cells in the cerebrospinal fluid are normal in number or only slightly increased. A technique has been developed and the results of its use are described in 114 consecutive samples from 50 children with acute leukaemia, with and without involvement of the central nervous system.

Analysis of the results showed that 30% of the samples with a normal cell count contained leukaemic cells when examined by Cytocentrifuge. Only 74% of the samples with raised counts were found to contain leukaemic cells. Diagnosis of leukaemic meningitis based on changes in the cell count alone in cerebrospinal fluid is clearly unreliable, and the Cytocentrifuge enables a more precise assessment of the cerebrospinal fluid to be made.

It also appears that changes in the levels of protein and glucose in the cerebrospinal fluid of leukaemic patients are not directly related to the presence of leukaemic cells but are the results of changes in the cell count from whatever cause. There appears to be no value in measuring protein and glucose levels when monitoring the cerebrospinal fluid in acute leukaemia for evidence of early involvement of the central nervous system.
Cyclic thrombocytopenia: A thrombopoietin deficiency?
Authors: Lewis M. L.
Published: June 2007

Severe cyclic thrombocytopenia is reported in a young woman. This rare phenomenon is of considerable theoretical interest in relation to platelet kinetics. In this patient platelet and fibrinogen survival times exclude the possibility of excessive peripheral platelet destruction. Serial plasma thrombopoietin levels suggest that a deficiency of this protein may be the underlying factor. As a result platelet production may fall to a very low level. The megakaryocyte, however, remains responsive and the hypothesis advanced is that under these circumstances the intermenstrual platelet increase, normally caused by the interplay of the sex hormones, becomes grossly exaggerated.
A comparison of media usedin vitroto isolate non-sporing Gram-negative anaerobes from blood
Authors: Forgan-Smith W. R. , Darrell J. H.
Published: June 2007

Five anaerobic media were compared in a model blood culture system for their ability to recover small inocula of Gram-negative non-sporing anaerobes. Dehydrated cooked meat medium was the least effective; USP thioglycollate medium was the most effective isolation medium and is recommended for routine use. Freshly prepared cooked meat medium has the advantage of allowing prolonged survival of strains.
Membrane filtration in the study of antimicrobial drugs
Authors: Meers P. D. , Churcher Gillian M.
Published: June 2007

A membrane filtration apparatus of the type employed in water bacteriology was used in the assessment of some antimicrobial drugs. Samples of liquid nutrient medium inoculated with a small number of bacteria, to which dilutions of a drug had been added before incubation and again later, were filtered and the membranes washed and incubated on solid medium. By this means differences between bacteriostatic and bactericidal action were clearly demonstrated. It was shown that staphylococci which had survived exposure to penicillin or gentamicin at levels below their minimum bactericidal concentrations remained fully responsive to the subsequent addition of more of the same drug, while those which had survived exposure to chloramphenicol or clindamycin were not significantly affected by further addition, so that neither of the latter two drugs was bactericidal against the strain of organism used. Bactericidal effects were also demonstrated by benzyl penicillin againstClostridium welchiiand ampicillin againstEscherichia coli.
The relationship between urinary infection, cystoscopic appearance, and pathology of the bladder in man
Authors: Marsh F. P. , Banerjee R. , Panchamia P.
Published: June 2007

Studies of bladder histology were made in patients with recurrent urinary infection or symptoms of cystitis, with a view to establishing its relationship to symptoms, cystoscopic appearance, and bacilluria. Bladder biopsies were taken from the patients and compared with control material obtained at necropsy. Acute inflammatory changes were inconstant and sometimes sparse. Chronic inflammatory changes were often marked, and were ranked by severity into four grades. There was a statistically significant correlation between the more severe grades and the finding of bacilluria, which was not dependent on sex or age. The grades in patients with recurrent non-bacterial dysuria (`urethritis') lay between those of the controls and the infected patients, and were statistically different from both. There was no correlation between these grades and either symptoms or the finding of trigonal hyperaemia during cystoscopy. However, heavy lymphocytic infiltration, and particularly germinal follicle formation, frequently resulted in macroscopic tubercle-like nodules which were visible on cystoscopy. Such germinal follicles may contribute to local antibacterial defences by their production of immunoglobulins, and may explain the high antibacterial antibody titres sometimes found in the sera of subjects with infection confined to the lower urinary tract.
A system for data processing in haematology
Authors: Cavill I. , Ricketts C. , Moulding T. , Jacobs A. , Page M.
Published: June 2007

The data processing problems which arise in the provision of a modern haematology service are discussed in the light of available resources, and the basic requirements of any automated data processing system are defined. The differences between the needs of haematology and those of other pathology specialities are emphasized. A strategy for the development of a simple system which covers data capture, analysis, and retrieval is described. Separation of the short-and long-term functions of the system provides a relatively simple, inexpensive solution which can be modulated to meet the particular circumstances of each laboratory.
Preparation of test cells for the antiglobulin test
Authors: Stratton Fred , Rawlinson Violet I.
Published: June 2007

Erythrocytes may be coated with blood group antibodies with or without reacting complement or sometimes apparently with complement alone. This may occurin vivoin such conditions as autoimmune acquired haemolytic anaemia, haemolytic disease of the newborn, or after transfusions of incompatible blood. It may occurin vitroalso by the deliberate sensitization of erythrocytes during laboratory serological investigations.

Blood group antibodies may be of immunoglobulin types γM, γA, or γG; we have never seen γD antibodies. The presence of these antibodies on the erythrocyte surface, together with complement components or the presence of complement components alone, may be detected by the direct antiglobulin test where sensitization occursin vivoor by the indirect antiglobulin test where there is sensitizationin vitro.