bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening tests for hepatitis B antigen and antibody in two colleges of education and studies on the relationship between nonspecific positive antibody tests and EB virus infection.
Authors: Ruparelia K G , Edwards J M
Published: June 2007

Sera from 627 students entering Colleges of Education between 1969 and 1972 were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody. One was found positive for antigen, none for antibody. Six for 15 positive Hepanosticon results and two positive Hepatest results occurred in sera which also gave positive heterophil antibody tests indicative of current or recent EB virus infection. One of these six sera was still positive in the Hepanosticon test after one absorption, and one of two Hepatests gave no positive reaction with the control cells. Eleven of 14 sera from cases of infectious mononucleosis gave positive Hepanosticon results and two were still positive after one absorption. Seven were positive in the Hepatest and only three of these were positive with the control cells. The control tests in the Hepanosticon and Hepatest do not clearly identify all false positives due to Paul Bunnell antibody. It is suggested that when a positive result in a passive haemagglutination test can be removed by absorption or if positive after absorption cannot be confirmed by other tests for hepatitis Bs antigen, the patient from whom the serum specimen was taken should be investigated for indications of current EB virus infection.
Immunoglobulins and complement in pleural effusions associated with bronchogenic carcinoma.
Authors: Kay A B , Smith A F , McGavin C R , Tuft S B
Published: June 2007

Levels of IgG, IgA, IgM, the total haemolytic complement (CH50), and the individual components C1q, C3, C4, C6, and C7 were measured in 29 pleural effusions. Of these, 18 were associated with carcinoma of the bronchus and 11 were non-malignant effusions including empyemas. The level of IgG was significantly lower in the malignant group when compared with non-malignant effusions. The usefulness of measurements of IgG with respect to malignant effusions associated with carcinoma of the bronchus requires an expanded study to show whether it has any real diagnostic value. There were no significant differences in other immunoglobulins, the CH50, and individual complement components between the two groups. The identification of total haemolytic activity in the majority of effusions in both groups indicates that all nine components of the classical pathway of complement, including macromolecules such as C1, can be present in pleural fluids.
Hyperfibrinogenaemia and hyperviscosity in sickle-cell crisis.
Authors: Richardson S G , Breeze G R , Stuart J
Published: June 2007

Plasma fibrinogen concentration and whole-blood viscosity, the latter measured at two shear rates (23 and 230 sec-1), were estimated during eight episodes of sickle-cell crisis and compared with values in 26 sickle-cell anaemia patients who were not in crisis. Painful crisis was associated with a significant increase in both plasma fibrinogen and whole-blood viscosity. Increased fibrinogen-erythrocyte interaction in vivo may be a significant contributory factor to raising blood viscosity and precipitating vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle-cell disease.
Erroneous values for the total white cell count and ESR in patients with cryoglobulinaemia.
Authors: Haeney M R
Published: June 2007

Temperature dependent fluctuations in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate were noted during the assessment of one patient with symptomatic cryoglobulinaemia. Two patients with this condition were found to have erroneously high leucocyte counts when estimated by the Model S Coulter Counter. The artefact was directly related to the degree of exposure to cold before the estimation was performed and appeared to be due to the formation of microaggregates of cryoglobulin and fibrinogen.
Radioimmunoassay kits for thyroid hormones.
Authors: Jackson P , Lees S , Pow M , Willing G W , Watson D
Published: June 2007

Characteristics of the T4 and T3 radioimmunoassay kits that are commercially available in the UK are described. Useful comparative data and criticism are given about many of these kits. Some unacceptable variation in accuracy is demonstrated.
Stabilization of bromthymol blue colour in lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio determinations in amniotic fluid.
Authors: Andrews A G , Horacek I , Betheras F R
Published: June 2007

Amniotic fluid lecithin and sphingomyelin areas after extraction and chromatography are rendered permanently visible by the use of bromthymol blue dye buffered to a pH of 11-3.
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma with diffuse spinal nerve involvement.
Authors: Kellett R J , Dearnaley J N
Published: June 2007

Two cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma in which paraplegia was a major feature are presented. The histological features of the tumours are discussed with particular emphasis on the neural involvement. A brief review of the literature on the subject is included.
Indirect immunofluorescence assay for antibody to germ tube of Candida albicans--a new diagnostic test.
Authors: Ho Y M , Ng M H , Teoh-Chan C H , Yue P C , Huang C T
Published: June 2007

Indirect immunofluorescent and agglutination assay were used to study the anti-Candida albicans reactivities in the serum of 13 normal subjects and 14 patients infected with C. albicans. A significant increase in anti-C. albicans seroreactivity was observed during infection with this organism but the increase in the anti-germ tube immunofluorescence titre was the more marked. It is evident that the anti-germ tube immunofluorescence assay is more discriminatory for C. albicans infection than the conventional agglutination assay.
Characteristics of a strain of Clostridium carnis causing septicaemia in a young infant.
Authors: Wort A J , Ozere R L
Published: June 2007

Clostridium carnis is a species which is only rarely isolated from man or animals and is occasionally found in the soil. This paper is an account of a single isolate found in blood cultures obtained from an 8-week-old boy who was suffering from gastroenteritis.
Marine vibrios associated with superficial septic lesions.
Authors: Ryan W J
Published: June 2007

Three cases are reported in which a marine vibrio, Vibrio alginolyticus, was isolated from superficial septic lesions. All cases had been exposed to sea-water. The possible significane of these findings and the need for further investigations are discussed.
Factor VII as a marker of hepatocellular synthetic function in liver disease.
Authors: Green G , Poller L , Thomson J M , Dymock I W
Published: June 2007

Factor VII levels have been measured in 100 patients with liver disease following parenteral vitamin K1 therapy. There was good agreement between specific factor VII measurements and the one-stage prothrombin time apart from six patients with compensated cirrhosis in whom the prothrombin time was prolonged despite the presence of normal factor VII levels. A mean activity of 58% was found in patients with cirrhosis. Cirrhotic patients with features of hepatic decompensation had a significantly lower mean level of activity (40%) than the "contrast" patients with surgical obstruction of the major bile ducts (93%). Patients with chronic active liver disease had moderate depression of factor VII levels and those with non-cirrhotic liver damage had mean activities similar to the contrast group. Factor VII levels could not be correlated with BSP retention but there was a correlation with serum albumin concentration. It is concluded that the prothrombin time using Quick test with a standardized thromboplastin showing good sensitivity to factor VII, eg, the Manchester reagent (BCT), provides a reliable index of coagulability in chronic liver disease, and specific factor VII assays are not indicated.
Biochemical indices of osteomalacia in pregnant Asian immigrants in Britain.
Authors: Howarth A T
Published: June 2007

Serum calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase, and urinary calcium excretion were examined during the second trimester of uncomplicated normal pregnancy in Asian immigrants to Britain and in local Caucasians. The mean serum calcium was significantly lower in Asians than in Caucasians, and the mean serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in Asians. The geometric mean of the urinary calcium excretion was highly significantly lower in Asians than in Caucasians. The variances of the serum calcium, serum alkaline phosphatase, and urine calcium excretion did not differ significantly in the two populations. This indicates that there is a shift in values of immigrant Asians as a group compared with Caucasians. A comparison with figures obtained on normal nonpregnant persons of both suggests that the shift is not an inherent feature of the Asian population.
Improved antibody detection by the use of range expansion and longer filter wavelength in a low ionic strength-protamine sulphate Auto-Analyzer system.
Authors: Downie D M , Voak D
Published: June 2007

Range expansion, achieved by insertion of a variable resistance between the colorimeter and the recorder together with the use of 550 nm colorimeter filters, has resulted in markedly improved sensitivity for antibody detection, and improved sample identification, in a low ionic strength-protamine sulphate (LISPS) system. Range expansion also permits a lower concentration of red cells to be used, thus economizing on fully typed cells. Glycerol stored frozen cells were found to be only slightly less sensitive than fresh cells in this system.
Effect of storage on recovery of cytomegalovirus from necropsy tissue.
Authors: Macasaet F F , Smith T F , Holley K E
Published: June 2007

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) was isolated from lung tissue in 8 of 55 (14-6%) necropsies on patients who had received immunosuppressive therapy. Recovery of CMV was best (14 of 16 specimens, 87%) from fresh tissue that had been processed immediately. Storage of specimens at 4 degrees C before inoculation into cell cultures slightly reduced, to 58%, the recovery of CMV. However, conventional freezing of tissue to -- 20 degrees C for four to seven days significantly reduced the recovery of CMV, to 25% (p less than 0-001). In three of eight specimens from which virus was recovered, CMV inclusion bodies were found on tracheal smears. Sixty-five percent of the virus-negative group had measurable complement-fixing antibody in blood taken at necropsy, compared with 86% in the virus-positive group. However, there was no significant differences in antibody levels in the two groups. Our study indicates that specimens submitted for CMV isolation should be sent for virus isolation as rapidly as possible and should not be frozen. The level of antibody in a single serum taken in necropsy does not correlate well with morphological or cultural evidence of active infection.
Tropical myositis: ultrastructural studies.
Authors: Taylor J F , Fluck D , Fluck D
Published: June 2007

Specimens of muscle were obtained from non-suppurating lesions of nine patients with tropical myositis. When examined in an electron microscope, these revealed patchy myocytolysis with loss of band structure. Perimysial cells were also degenerate. Sections from two out of nine patients revealed intracellular vesicles, about 80 nm in diameter, some of which contained 10 nm granules. These vesicles were seen budding from cell membranes and resembled virus particles. The focal necrosis with which they are associated and their absence from control sections support the concept that they are related to the disease process.
Meningitis caused by an alkali-producing pseudomonad.
Authors: Cowlishaw W A , Hughes M E , Simpson H C
Published: June 2007

The clinical and microbiological features of a case of meningitis, due to an alkali-producing pseudomonad which closely resembles Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes, are described. A respiratory infection and a course of antibiotic therapy before admission to hospital may have been predisposing factors to opportunistic infection by this normally saprophytic organism. The problems of identifying alkali-producing pseudomonads are discussed.
Solid phase antibody assay by means of enzyme conjugated to anti-immunoglobulin.
Authors: Leinikki P , Pässilä S
Published: June 2007

A solid phase antibody assay by means of alkaline phosphatase conjugated to antiimmunoglobulin is described. Specially designed microcuvettes were sensitized with influenza A antigen, and antibodies bound to it were assayed by anti-IgG alkaline phosphatase conjugate in a semiautomated photometer equipped with a programmable calculator. The sensitivity was found to be 200 times higher than HI- or CF-techniques, and the interassay variation was so small that twofold changes in antobody activity could be regarded as significant. Results from vaccinees indicated that serum samples could be collected at intervals of three to six days only to reach a serological diagnosis in clinical patients.
Laboratory diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis: a solid phase radioassay for IgG and IgM antiglobulins.
Authors: Nineham L J , Hay F C , Roitt I M
Published: June 2007

A technique suitable for the routine estimation of IgM and IgG antiglobulins has been devised. The assay involves the binding of antiglobulins to plastic tubes coated with rabbit immunoglobulin: the amount of antiglobulin bound is then determined by adding radiolabelled antihuman IgG or IgM. The conditions for the assay have been examined and optimal incubation times and amounts of reagents established. Verification of the antibody nature of antiglobulin activity has been obtained. Both IgG and IgM antiglobulins were raised in virtually all seropositive rheumatoid arthritics, and most seronegative patients gave elevated values for either IgM or IgG rheumatoid factors. The use of an anti-light chain reagent as a screening test for total antiglobulins was investigated. These tests should prove valuable in diagnosis and permit quantitative evaluation of research studies.
Diagnostic potential of lysosomal hydrolases in body cavity effusions.
Authors: McCormack M
Published: June 2007

Hexosaminidase, alpha-mannosidase, beta-galactosidase, beta-glucuronidase, and arylsulphatase A were measured inperitoneal and pleural effusions from patients with benign, malignant, and inflammatory disorders. Compared with the benign transudates, all enzyme activities were moderately elevated in malignant effusions and markedly elevated in inflammatory effusions. The assay of hexosaminidase and and alpha-mannosidase indicated clearly the underlying pathology in most specimens studied. This method could be of clinical value when the cause of an effusion is in doubt, particularly since the diagnostic criteria are independent of the presence or absence of tumour cells in the aspirate.
Red cell aplasia following prolonged D-penicillamine therapy.
Authors: Gollan J L , Hussein S , Hoffbrand A V , Sherlock S
Published: June 2007

Red cell aplasia developed in a case of Wilson's disease following an increase in D-penicillamine dosage after 14 years' treatment. In vitro study of the effect of D-penicillamine on 59Fe incorporation by marrow cells did not suggest that the patient's erythropoiesis was particularly sensitive to D-penicillamine or determine the mechanism of drug toxicity. However, three weeks after the drug was withdrawn, evidence of marrow regeneration was apparent, and within 10 weeks the haemoglobin had returned to normal. The patient has subsequently remained asymptomatic on an alternative chelating agent, triethylenetetramine dihydrochloride.
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the liver of patients with hepatitis; a comparison with serological detection.
Authors: Ray M B , Desmet V J , Fevery J , De Groote J , Bradburne A F , Desmyter J
Published: June 2007

Chronic hepatitis was diagnosed on liver biopsy of 76 patients; 52 (68%)had HBsAg. Of the 52 patients with HBsAg, 23% had HBsAg shown by immunofluorescence on the liver, while it could not be detected with radioimmunoassay on the serum; 77% had HBsAg detectable in liver and in serum, and none had HBsAg in serum only. HBsAg was detected more frequently in chronic aggressive hepatitis and active cirrhosis than in chronic persistent hepatitis and cirrhosis with little activity. No correlation was found in the different forms of chronic hepatitis between the HBsAg status on the one hand, and levels of transaminases, gammaglobulins, and auto-antibodies on the other. Acute hepatitis was diagnosed on liver biopsy of 24 patients; 50% had HBsAg. Liver tissue positivity was very low in the fully developed stage compared to serum positivity. In 146 patients with other liver ailments, both liver and serum were negative for HBsAg.
A card test for the serodiagnosis of human leptospirosis.
Authors: Bragger J M , Adler B
Published: June 2007

A macroscopic agglutination test for detecting leptospiral antibodies in human sera is described. The test utilizes a stained preparation of non-pathogenic leptospires and is performed on the Brewer diagnostic cards used for bovine brucellosis screening. The agglutination of the stained antigen is more easily observed than the current macroscopic slide test using unstained leptospiral antigens. The non-pathogenic serotype patoc is agglutinated by sera from humans infected with serotypes pomona, hardjo, ballum, and copenhageni with a sensitivity of 94% in comparison with the microscopic agglutination test.
Validation and standardization of Kveim test suspensions prepared from two human sarcoid spleens.
Authors: Mitchell D N , Sutherland I , Bradstreet C M , Dighero M W
Published: June 2007

Single lots of a Chase-Siltzbach type I Kveim test material from each of two sarcoid spleens and designated lot 5 of spleen K12 and lot 1 of spleen K13 have been validated alongside a single lot (lot 10) of a 'standard' suspension provided by Dr L. E. Siltzbach and prepared identically from the spleen of patient J (SPLEEN J) in New York. Additionally, a half-dilution of lot 5, K12, was included in this comparison. The reactivity of each suspension was assessed among patients with active and inactive sarcoidosis. The selectivity of each suspension for sarcoidosis was assessed similarly by comparison with results in patients with active and quiescent pulmonary parenchymal tuberculosis and in healthy subjects. All patients were closely matched and two Kveim tests were made in each subject according to a prearranged statistical design. The reactivity of the K12, K12 1/2 dilution, and K13 suspensions among patients with active and inactive sarcoidosis was closely similar to that with the 'standard' S10 suspension and in accordance with the expected proportions of reactions in patients at different stages of sarcoidosis. The K12, K13, and 'standard' S10 suspensions yielded a negligible proportion of positive reactions among patients with active and quiescent pulmonary tuberculosis and among healthy subjects: thus, as judged by these tests each suspension showed a high degree of selectivity for sarcoidosis. The results of this validation study are discussed in relation to the results of other studies in which lots 5 and 14 of K12 and early and late batches of a suspension prepared from another sarcoid spleen at the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories designated CSL and provided by Dr T.H. Hurley in Melbourne were employed. Using lot 5 of K12 positive reactions were found in an appreciable proportion of patients with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and tuberculous lymphadenitis. A closely similar rate of positive reactions was encountered among patients with Crohn's disease following tests with batch 0025 of CSL suspension and with another lot (lot 14) derived from spleen K12. A close concordance of results was obtained with lot 5(K12) and with batch 0042 CSL among patients with ulcerative colitis, but at a lower rate of reactivity. We conclude that positive reactions also occur in some diseases other than sarcoidosis and consider that the difficulties in determining the criteria for an acceptable test suspension become increasingly apparent as additional Kveim tests are made with one particular lot and with seqential lots of material from a 'validated' tissue source.
Monoclonal gammopathy (Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia) producing specific red cell antibody.
Authors: Oluboyede O A , Bademosi O , David-West A , Thomas C O , Francis T I , Luzzatto L
Published: June 2007

Two cases of Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia have been seen at University College Hospital, Ibadan in the last four years, Case 1 was a 30-year-old soldier who presented with splenomegaly and anaemia, was treated with chlorambucil, and had a complete remission sustained for over two years. Case 2 was a 58-year-old retired civil servant who presented with very severe anaemia and also splenomegaly, and died within three weeks of admission. Both patients had most of the typical features of Waldenström's disease, including retinal changes and serum IgM levels of 4200 and 5500 mg/dl respectively. In both cases an atypical cold antibody was detected in the course of blood cross-matching procedures. In case 1, the antibody agglutinated all adult and cord red cells tested, including the patient's own cells, to a titre of 8000 and above at 4 degrees C. Suprisingly enough, when the patient went into remission and the serum IgM level had fallen to 400 mg/dl, this antibody was no longer detectable and has not reappeared two years later. In case 2, the antibody agglutinated all adult red cells tested to a titre of 2000 at 20 degrees C but not the patient's own red cells. Since cord cells were agglutinated only to a titre of 4 to 20 degrees C it was concluded that the patient had an alloantibody with I-specificity. Therefore in both these patients the monoclonal immunoglobulin produced by the neoplastic lymphoid cell clone had specific activity against red cell antigens.
An evaluation of the Lancer Coagulyzer in the measurement of the one-stage prothrombin time.
Authors: Rowlands L M , Lawrence A C
Published: June 2007

An evaluation of a photoelectric clot timer, the Lancer Coagulyzer, in measuring the one-stage prothrombin time has been carried out. The machine is considered to provide reliable results on correctly taken samples without interference by plasma bilirubin, only rarely failing to detect clotting in turbid plasma using a wide range of thromboplastins. The apparatus is useful where there is a sufficient number of samples to be tested.
A modification of Hepatest, using the Terasaki plate, for the detection of HBSAg in blood donors.
Authors: Wiseman I C
Published: June 2007

A simple modification of Hepatest (Wellcome Reagents) is described, which lends itself to the rapid large-scale screening of blood donors. The technique uses 4 mul of HBSAb coated turkey cells (Cayzer et al., 1974), and Terasaki plates (Hopkins and Das, 1973), in contrast to the 25 mul used in the microtitre tray technique. This results in a considerable saving on the cost of reagents, the cost per test being reduced to 16% of the cost of the recommended method. In our hands, this modification is as convenient to use as the manual microtitre tray technique. Positive sera from the screen test are also tested for non-specificity using horse IgG coated turkey control cells. The falso positive screen test rate has been reduced by the adoption of a modified buffer containing turkey serum.
A simple technique for observing germ tube formation in Candida albicans.
Authors: Cartwright R Y
Published: June 2007

Candida albicans is identified in most laboratories by the rapid formation of germ tubes when it is grown in human serum (Taschdjian et al, 1960). Demonstration of the production of germ tubes on solid media, 1% bactopeptone in 2% agar (Joshi and Gavin, 1974), and the appearance of other yeasts on a variety of carbohydrate media (Joshi et al, 1975) has led to the development of a simple technique for observing germ tube production.
Comparison of laboratory methods in the diagnosis of urinary tract infection.
Authors: Duerden B I , Moyes A
Published: June 2007

Three methods of semiquantitative culture and two techniques of microscopy were compared with a surface viable count for the detection of significant bacteriuria in one thousand midstream specimens of urine. The results obtained with the blotting-paper-strip method on MacConkey agar and with Uricult dip-slides correlated well with the results of the surface viable count, and both methods were suitable for routine use. The blotting-paper-strip method was preferred for laboratory use because of expense but dip-slides are useful for general practice and outpatient clinics. Semi-quantitative culture by Microstix dip-strips gave less accurate results, and the nitrite test area detected only a small proportion of infected specimens. The microscopic examination of a Gram-stained film of the centrifuged deposit of urine specimens yielded more useful information and was more reproducible than examination of a wet film of the untreated urine.
A new serotyping method for Klebsiella species: evaluation of the technique.
Authors: Riser E , Noone P , Bonnet M L
Published: June 2007

A new indirect fluorescent typing method for Klebsiella species is compared with an established method, capsular swelling. The fluorescent antibody (FA) technique was tested with standards and unknowns, and the results were checked by capsular swelling. Several unknowns were sent away for confirmation of typing, by capsular swelling. The FA method was also tried by a technician in the routine department for blind identification of standards. Fluorescence typing gives close correlation with the established capsular swelling technique but has greater sensitivity; allows more econimical use of expensive antisera; possesses greater objectivity as it requires less operator skill in the reading of results; resolves most of the cross reactions observed with capsular swelling; and has a higher per cent success rate in identification.
Systemic angioendotheliomatosis with metastases.
Authors: Kurrein F
Published: June 2007

The clinical and pathological findings of a case of systemic angioendotheliomatosis are presented. The previously published cases of this disease are analysed. The present case is only the third to show clear evidence of metastasis.
Detection of antibodies of the IgM class in sera of patients recently infected with influenza viruses.
Authors: Buchner Y I , Heath R B , Collins J V , Pattison J R
Published: June 2007

Sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation can be used to detect specific 19S antibodies of the IgM class in the sera of patients recently infected with influenza A virus, provided steps are taken to remove non-specific inhibitors of haemagglutination. The usefulness of the procedure for the diagnosis of influenza requires further evaluation.
Rapid diagnosis of anaerobic infections by gas-liquid chromatography of clinical material.
Authors: Phillips K D , Tearle P V , Willis A T
Published: June 2007

Gas-liquid chromatographic analysis of samples of pus provides a rapid and reliable means for the presumptive differentiation of anaerobic from aerobic infections.
Effects of meningococcal and Escherichia coli capsular polysaccharides on human and dog platelet aggregation in vitro.
Authors: Johnsson H , Niklasson P M
Published: June 2007

Highly purified capsular polysaccharides from groups A, B, and C meningococci and from two strains of Escherichia coli did not aggregate human or dog platelets in vitro. Nor was there any detectable effect on platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), epinephrine, or collagen. The results do not support the hypothesis that capsular polysaccharides are involved in the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia often seen in severe infections with these bacteria.
Biopterin derivatives in human body fluids and tissues.
Authors: Leeming R J , Blair J A , Melikian V , O'Gorman D J
Published: June 2007

Levels of biopterin derivatives in urine, serum, milk, cerebrospinal fluid, brain, and liver have been measured with the Crithidia fasciculata assay. Normal levels in serum and urine have been given and compared with those in a number of benign and malignant proliferative disorders, phenylketonuria, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, controlled epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, and pernicious anaemia. The active component of Crithidia factor in serum was 7,8-dihydrobiopterin. Tissue, urine, and some serum samples contained two active materials, the principal one being 7,8-dihydrobiopterin; a minor constituent was probably tetrahydrobiopterin. Serum biopterin levels following methotrexate administration were raised and subsequent administration of folic acid and 5-formyltetrahydrofolic acid further increased serum levels of biopterin derivatives; this was in contrast to the total absence of response to oral folates without prior methotrexate and to 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid either with or without methotrexate being given.
Anticonnective tissue and other antitissue 'antibodies' in the sera of patients with coeliac disease compared with the findings in a mixed hospital population.
Authors: Williamson N , Asquith P , Stokes L , Jowett W , Cooke W T
Published: June 2007

Serum IgG specificities directed against various components of basement membrane and reticulin have been described, and their incidence in 138 patients with coeliac disease has been compared with that in 110 hospital inpatients, 100 normal blood donors, and 1441 other patients. A wide variety of antitissue specificities were observed but only a few appeared to be of any significance. The 'antireticulin' specificities have been subdivided into different groups according to their distinctive histological staining patterns. Specificity directed primarily against endothelial basement membrane was found most frequently in the sera of patients with hiatus hernia (35%) or coeliac disease (22%). The same specificity was also observed in patients with myasthenia gravis and to a lesser extent in Crohn's disease and in a mixed group of patients with unspecified organic gastrointestinal disease. An epithelial basement membrane reactivity was found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis but only rarely in other conditions. Staining of perivascular connective tissue represented a third type of 'antireticulin' specificity. It was found only rarely, although in coeliac disease this reactivity was found more frequently in combination with other connective tissue specificities.
A rapidly produced 125I labelled autologous fibrinogen: in vitro properties and preliminary metabolic studies in man.
Authors: Hawker R J , Hawker L M
Published: June 2007

The properties of fibrinogen extracted by a precipitation method using glycine at ambient temperatures near neutral pH are described. The simple and reproducible method gives a 73% yield of high purity plasminogen-free fibrinogen in 45 minutes from small volumes of plasma. The protein extract was labelled with 125I using chloramine-T under conditions optimal for fibrinogen stability. The extraction procedure, radio-iodination, desalting, and sterilization take only 70 minutes for completion from the time donor blood is received in the laboratory. The methods, using a specially developed extraction vessel and desalting/sterilizing column, can be used in a small hospital laboratory. Autologous fibrinogen can thus be extracted from patients' blood, eliminating the risk of transmitting hepatitis when it is re-administered. The autologous material, which is 97% clottable and contains less than 0-05% free iodide, is being routinely used as a diagnostic tool in the detection of deep vein thrombosis. The high purity of the preparation facilitates metabolic studies and in vitro experimental work. In vivo results show a mean half-life in three normal volunteers of 3-95 days and a catabolic rate of 25-23% per day with the extravascular space estimated as 24-86%. In 30 surgical patients an expected reduced half-life in plasma was determined with a mean of 3-1 days.
Iliac bone marrow mast cells in relation to the renal osteodystrophy of patients treated by haemodialysis.
Authors: Ellis H A , Peart K M
Published: June 2007

Mast cells have been counted in iliac bone biopsies from patients with chronic renal failure treated by haemodialysis, and attempts made to relate mast cells to the various features of azotaemic renal osteodystrophy. There was a significant increase in the number of marrow mast cells in comparison with controls, and haemodialysis has no favourable effect on the marrow mast cell hyperplasia which occurs in chronic renal failure. There was a general tendency towards greater numbers of mast cells in cases with most marked ostetis fibrosa but it was not possible consistently to relate hyperparathyroidism to mast cell numbers. Patients treated by parathyroidectomy, aluminium hydroxide, or the newer vitamin D metabolites failed to show any consistent fall in marrow mast cell numbers in spite of improvement in the ostetis fibrosa. The number of marrow mast cells was related to the duration of haemodialysis and to the amount of osteoid present and iversely to the percentage mineralization of bone. It was not possible to identify any causal relationship between the presence or severity of osteomalacia and the number of mast cells in the haemodialysed patients although mast cell hyperplasia was also observed in patients with osteomalacia unassociated with renal disease.
Comparative study of two systems for detecting becteraemia and septicaemia.
Authors: Wood N G
Published: June 2007

Two blood culturing systems were compared in parallel-a semi-automated radiometric method, BACTEC1, and the conventional method used in our laboratory. BACTEC contains radioactive 14C labelled substrates and monitors the level of 14CO2 evolved by actively metabolizing bacteria. BACTEC was as efficient as the conventional method in detecting positive cultures and indicated that it was superior in detecting positive cultures earlier than the conventional system.
Tests of performance of anaerobic jars.
Authors: Watt B , Collee J G , Brown R
Published: June 2007

This paper briefly reviews methods of assessing the in-use performance of anaerobic jars and outlines a simple system combining a rapid test of catalytic activity with a biological indicator that can detect defects in the jars after incubation.
Computer printing and filing of microbiology reports. 1. Description of the system.
Authors: Goodwin C S , Smith B C
Published: June 2007

From March 1974 all reports from this microbiology department have been computer printed and filed. The system was designed to include every medically important microorganism and test. Technicians at the laboratory bench made their results computer-readable using Port-a-punch cards, and specimen details were recorded on paper-tape, allowing the full description of each specimen to appear on the report. A summary form of each microbiology phrase enabled copies of reports to be printed on wide paper with 12 to 18 reports per sheet; such copies, in alphabetical order for one day, and cumulatively for one week were used by staff answering enquiries to the office. This format could also be used for printing allthe reports for one patient. Retrieval of results from the files was easily performed and was useful to medical and laboratory staff and for control-of-infection purposes. The system was written in COBOL and was designed to be as cost-effective as possible without sacrificing accuracy; the cost of a report and its filing was 17-97 pence.
Immunological phenomena in the jejunum and serum after reintroduction of dietary gluten in children with treated coeliac disease.
Authors: Lancaster-Smith M , Packer S , Kumar P J , Harries J T
Published: June 2007

Jejunal mucosal immunoglobulin-containing cells of all three major classes (IgA, IgM, IgG) were increased in coeliac children on gluten-containing diets but only IgM cell numbers were raised in those on gluten-free diets. Patients with subtotal villous atrophy had greater numbers of immunoglobulin-containing cells than patients with normal mucosa. In previously treated patients studied before and after three months on a gluten-containing diet ther was an increase in all three classes of cell, IgM containing cells showing the greatest proportional rise. Basement membrane staining with anti-IgA serum occurred in coeliacs and was most intense in untreated patients. Apart from one patient with very low levels of serum IgA, serum immunoglobulins did not differ from normal. However, after reintroduction of gluten to the diet a significant fall in serum IgM concentrations occurred compared with levels in the same patients while on gluten-free diets. It seems probable that both IgA and IgM systems are important in the immunopathogenesis of the small intestinal lesion of childhood coeliac disease.
Serum lysozyme in inflammatory bowel and coeliac disease.
Authors: Mallas E , Terry J M , Asquith P , Cooke W T
Published: June 2007

Serum lysozyme levels were determined by a turbidometric method using egg white lysozyme as standard in 100 patients with Crohn's disease, 86 with ulcerative colitis, 31 with coeliac disease, and in 38 normal control subjects. Though the levels in Crohn's disease were significantly higher than those in ulcerative colitis and in coeliac disease, there was marked overlap between the disorders and control subjects, and so they were of no value in differential diagnosis. There was some evidence that serum lysozyme levels reflected disease activity in Crohn's disease but not in ulcerative colitis.
Significance of urinary C3 excretion in glomerulonephritis.
Authors: Cumming A D , Thomson D , Davidson A M , Robson J S
Published: June 2007

The third component of complement (C3) was measured in the urine of 98 patients with a variety of renal diseases. Renal biopsy was performed on 83 of the patients and examined by light, electron, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Urinary C3 was detected in cases of membranous glomerulonephritis, mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, and renal amuloidosis. It was not detected in minimal lesion glomerulonephritis; in cases of proliferative glomerulonephritis it was detected only in those showing histological evidence of a progressive lesion. Concentrations were low or undetectable in cases of non-immunological renal diseases. There was a good correlation between urinary C3 concentrations and the deposition of C3 in glomerular capillary walls, as seen by immunofluorescence microscopy, and there was no correlation with the degree or selectivity of proteinuria. Urinary C3 excretion appears to be an accurate indicator of continuing activity of disease. It is suggested that the presence of C3 in urine is due to complement fixation by immune complexes in glomerular capillary walls, and that urinary C3 estimations have potential applications in the study of glomerulonephritis.
Morphological basis of radiological band shadows on chest radiographs.
Authors: Herbert A , Slavin G , Kreel L , Sandin B , Bateman C
Published: June 2007

Lungs of unselected cadavers were fixed at necropsy using a formalin vapour technique. "Band shadows" were identified in the excised lungs and these were correlated with in vivo radiographs and with the morphological changes in the lung. Persistent shadows were produced by pulmonary infarction, subsegmental atelectasis, and septal fibrosis singly and in combination. Potentially transient shadows were seen in association with atelectasis and pulmonary oedema.
An evaluation of automatic coding of surgical pathology reports.
Authors: Coles E C , Slavin G
Published: June 2007

The use of the Systematised Nomenclature of Pathology as the basis of an indexing system to histopathological data is outlined. Two computer programs which perform the task of producing codes from free English summaries are compared. It is concluded that a simple system has a great deal to offer the pathologist who is prepared to accept a set of constraints.
Changes in protease inhibitors after acute myocardial infarction.
Authors: Rennie J A , Crawford G P , Ogston D
Published: June 2007

Plasma levels of fibrinogen, alpha1-antitrypsin, alpha2-macroglobulin, antithrombin III, and C1 inactivator were measured serially for 10 days in 11 patients after acute myocardial infarction. Both fibrinogen and alpha1-antitrypsin rose markedly to reach peak levels 5-7 days after infarction while C1 inactivator levels rose slowly with the highest observed mean level on the 10th postinfarction day. Neither antithrombin III nor alpha2-macroglobulin changed significantly after myocardial infarction. No relationship between C1 inactivator levels and either fibrinogen or alpha1-antitrypsin was found in a study of 30 patients with a variety of disorders while fibrinogen and alpha1-antitrypsin levels were significantly correlated.
Pneumonia caused by coliforms and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Authors: Noone P , Rogers B T
Published: June 2007

The diagnosis and treatment of 20 hospital patients seen in the past year with proven pneumonia caused by coliforms and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are discussed. Predisposing factors and methods for improving laboratory and clinical diagnosis are analysed, the main problem being to discriminate between genuine pneumonia caused by these organisms and mere contamination of sputum samples resulting from colonization of the upper respiratory tract following broad-spectrum chemotherapy. Overall initial chemotherapy with gentamicin cured 75% (15 out of 20) of the patients in spite of unfavourable underlying pathology. Where gentamicin was given in adequate dosage, which in practice meant that dose which produced peak serum concentrations of 8 mug/ml or more, the cure rate was 91% (11 out of 12). In those patients achieving (measured) peak serum concentrations of less than 8 mug/ml the cure rate was only 33% (4 out of 12). These figures include four patients who failed to respond to doses of gentamicin producing peak concentrations of 5-0-6-0 mug/ml in each case. These patients responded promptly to higher doses (or accumulation), producing peak serum concentrations of 8 mug/ml or more and were then cured within three to five days. Toxicity from gentamicin was not observed in any patient. These results indicate that it is necessary to monitor gentamicin therapy by laboratory assay to ensure adequate dosage and that peak serum concentrations of 8 mug/ml or more are significantly correlated with successful treatment of pneumonia caused by coliforms and Ps. aeruginosa.
Computerization of a large antenatal serology service.
Authors: Bird G W , Wain M , Battey D A , Holmes A , Butler A J
Published: June 2007

A computer scheme for a large antenatal serology service is described. A primary request form (for mother, father or child) has been developed. Standard reports are produced by the computer and are issued with a tear-off slip which should accompany subsequent specimens. Complicated reports are made by special letter. An instruction booklet is issued to all users. Information on patients and clinically significant antibodies is held in a special computer file and is regularly updated. The system provides an efficient and reliable day-to-day service and readily accessible data for retrospective research. A brief note on the computer elements of the system is provided.
Regional quality control.
Authors: Green A E , Hyde R D , Smith D
Published: June 2007

Methods of quality control of some major haematological techniques are described. These methods have been applied in haematology laboratories serving a population of 2 million using existing facilities for preparation and transport of the necessary materials.
Comparison of uridine uptake at 24 hours with thymidine uptake at 72 hours in phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated cultures of pregnant and other subjects.
Authors: Blecher T E , Thompson M J
Published: June 2007

As a possible more rapid test of lymphocyte reactivity to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) than the standard estimation of thymidine uptake after 72 hours (T72), uridine uptake after 24 hours (U24) was studied in a total of 96 individuals. No reliable correlation between the two estimations was found in 29 outpatients showing a wide range of reactivity to PHA nor in 30 healthy control subjects nor in 16 pregnant subjects. Conflicting reports have appeared in the literature as to whether lymphocyte reactivity to PHA is normal, depressed or enhanced in pregnancy. Our group of pregnant subjects showed a significant depression of both U24 (P less than 0-01) and T72 (P less than 0-02) results as compared to normal female controls. Cultures of semipurified lymphocytes prepared by gradient centrifugation on a further 21 normal control subjects showed no better correlation between U24 and T72 results than the above unpurified-leucocyte cultures.
Absence of bacterial resistance to povidone iodine.
Authors: Houang E T , Gilmore O J , Reid C , Shaw E J
Published: June 2007

Povidone iodine is now being increasingly used in hospitals as an antiseptic. The possible habituation of bacteria to iodine was studied by serial passage of two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two strains of Escherichia coli, two strains of Klebsiella aerogenes, and one strain of Serratia marcescens in subinhibitory concentrations. After 20 passages, no significant change was observed in the minimal inhibitory concentration, minimal bactericidal concentration, and killing times between parent strains and 20th subcultures under standardized conditions.
Severe selective IgM deficiency.
Authors: Ross I N , Thompson R A
Published: June 2007

Among the primary antibody deficiency syndromes, severe selective IgM deficiency (also previously known as type V dysgammaglobulinaemia) is rare, and the majority of previous reports have indicated a fatal outcome. Three adult patients who were found to have a persistently low serum IgM are described. This deficiency was not obviously related to their presenting illness; in two of the patients, who were investigated in detail, it appeared to be of no immediate consequence.
Rosette inhibition test in chronic liver disease.
Authors: Salerno F , Fargion S R , Cappellini M D , Fiorelli G , Dioguardi N
Published: June 2007

A role has recently been assigned to cell-mediated immunity in chronic liver diseases in addition to the well-known alterations of humoral immunity. We now report the results of the rosette inhibition test for the evaluation of T-lymphocyte "sensitization" in patients with different chronic liver disorders. A cell-mediated immune reaction was found in 81% of patients with chronic active hepatitis and in 71% with primary biliary cirrhosis, whereas patients with chronic persistent hepatitis showed no reaction. The correlation with the incidence of hepatitis B antigen showed that T-lymphocyte sensitization was more frequent in the group of HB-positive patients. Finally, improvement of the test was observed in four out of nine patients given immunosuppressive treatment.
Polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis of alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes in bone and liver disease.
Authors: Warnes T W , Hine P , Kay G
Published: June 2007

Acrylamide gel disc electrophoresis provides a reliable and reasonably rapid method of differentiating the raised serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) of bone origin from that of liver origin. The technique has been placed for the first time on a semiquantitative basis. Measurement of both band width and band position effectively distinguishes the bone from the liver isoenzyme, but band width provides superior discrimination. An origin band was seen in none of the normal subjects and in only 7% of patients with bone disease but was present in 78% of patients with liver disease, a highly significant increase. Fifty percent of normal individuals had a small-intestinal band in serum taken two hours after a meal, as did 35% of patients with liver disease, but the incidence of intestinal bands in bone disease was only 11%, significantly less than in the other two groups. The genetic control of small-intestinal AP in serum has been confirmed, but it has been demonstrated that the decrease of intestinal AP in bone disorders is not genetically determined.
Pseudotumour of the lung caused by infection with Bacillus sphaericus.
Authors: Isaacson P , Jacobs P H , Mackenzie A M , Mathews A W
Published: June 2007

A patient is described who suffered from severe chronic asthma complicated by repeated chest infections. She developed a large gelatinous pseudotumour of the lung which was found to be caused by Bacillus sphaericus.