bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staining method for the examination of the small intestinal villous patterns in necropsy material
Authors: Dymock Iain W. , Gray Brenda
Published: June 2007

A new technique for the rapid identification of villous structure in postmortem material is described. It has been used with success for over a year and has proved superior in the authors' hands to previously described methods.
Transient appearance of fibrinolytic activity at the epithelium of the rat uterus
Authors: Tympanidis Konstantinos , Astrup Tage
Published: June 2007

The observation by Todd (1964) of a diffuse fibrinolytic activity related to the human endometrium in its secretory stage initiated a reinvestigation of the development of fibrinolytic activity in the uterus and vagina of the rat using the histochemical fibrin slide technique. In addition to the plasminogen activator known to be related to uterine vessels, in the rat in particular to myometrial arteries, diffuse fibrinolytic activity appeared fleetingly at the endometrial surface epithelium in relation to the oestrous cycle. Endometrial glandular epithelium remained inactive. The fibrinolytic activity of the endometrial epithelium is presumably released during cellular degeneration in the secretory phase. The vaginal epithelium produced fibrinolytic activity at an earlier phase of the ovarian cycle than did the endometrial epithelium.
Electron microscopic observations on the virus particles inHerpes simplexencephalitis
Authors: Roy S. , Wolman L.
Published: June 2007

Cerebral cortex from eight fatal cases ofHerpes simplexencephalitis has been studied by electron microscopy. The diagnosis had been based on clinical findings, necropsy evidence of bitemporal necrosis, and histological confirmation of intranuclear inclusions with a lymphocytic inflammatory response, even though virus cultures were unsuccessful. Virus particles were seen predominantly in nuclei in six of these cases, utilizing tissue which had been preserved in formalin for up to four years or had been embedded in paraffin. Although demonstration of these particles is only indicative of the herpes group and not specifically ofHerpes simplex, electron microscopy of either biopsy or postmortem material may be a useful adjunct in making the diagnosis and can be accomplished before virological studies have been completed.
Acute hepatitis due toHerpes simplexvirus in an adult
Authors: Flewett T. H. , Parker R. G. F. , Philip W. M.
Published: June 2007

A case is described of herpetic hepatitis in a pregnant woman with primary herpetic stomatitis. Intranuclear inclusion bodies and virus particles were found in hepatocytes, and herpes virus was isolated from a liver biopsy and from oral swabs but not from blood. From rising titres of neutralizing and complement-fixing antibody it is concluded that the oral infection was a primary one. Factors predisposing to the hepatitis are discussed.
Urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans in the various forms of gargoylism
Authors: Manley G. , Williams U.
Published: June 2007

The urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans in 28 cases of gargoylism, embracing the Hurler, Hunter, Sanfilippo, Morquio, and Scheie syndromes (McKusick, 1966), has been examined using the cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) turbidity test, the uronic acid/creatinine ratio, and the electrophoretic pattern of urine concentrates, as routine procedures. Ion-exchange column chromatographic techniques were also employed for the fractionation of glycosaminoglycans and aminosugars. Molecular weights were investigated by gel filtration and ultracentrifugation.

The CPC turbidity test was positive in every case. The uronic acid/creatinine ratio provided a sensitive index of increased glycosaminoglycan excretion. Cases of the Hurler syndrome showed the highest, and cases of the Morquio and Scheie syndromes the lowest, ratios. A correlation was observed between the uronic acid/creatinine ratio and the clinical severity of the disease. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis differentiated clearly between the two major forms of gargoylism, the Hurler and Sanfilippo syndromes, but differentiation between the Hurler, Hunter, and Scheie syndromes was more difficult on electrophoretic data alone. Results obtained with cases diagnosed as the Morquio syndrome were disappointing. The existence offormes frustesof the Sanfilippo syndrome among the mentally subnormal is predicted. Errors caused by bacterial contamination of urine samples are emphasized. The atypical behaviour of urinary glycosaminoglycans in analytical procedures is discussed. Molecular weight studies suggested heterogeneity. The nature of the basic defect in gargoylism is discussed.
Comparative antibacterial activity of hexachlorophane in different formulations used for skin disinfection
Authors: Gibson J. W.
Published: June 2007

Two formulations of hexachlorophane have been compared for their antibacterial effects in respect of skin disinfection. It was found that the activity of hexachlorophane is dependent upon its vehicle of formulation. A 2·5% soap gel possesses broad-spectrum bactericidal activity with remarkable speed of kill, whereas a 3% detergent formulation has no bactericidal action against Gram-negative bacteria and only a very slow action against Gram-positive bacteria.

In practice the rapid action of the 2·5% soap gel against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive transient skin bacteria can be achieved by correctly applying the preparation directly to the dry hands.

It appears that the 2·5% soap gel does not need to rely on mechanical removal of transient organisms as does the 3% detergent.

The 2·5% soap gel is more dependable in its action on the resident bacteria than the 3% detergent. It controlled the resident flora in the skin of all subjects tested whereas the latter appeared to be potentiated on the skin of certain individuals only.

It has been possible to distinguish between the antibacterial effect on the resident organisms and the mere removal of transient bacteria by mechanical action of the 3% detergent as opposed to antibacterial effect on residents and rapid antibacterial effect on transients by the 2·5% soap gel.
Effect of ethanol on magnesium excretion
Authors: Dick M. , Evans R. A. , Watson Lyal
Published: June 2007

The effect of ethanol on magnesium excretion was studied in three normal subjects. It was found that the ingestion of 2 ml ethanol/kg body weight produced a marked immediate increase in urinary magnesium excretion, but there was no significant effect on overall magnesium balance when this amount was taken daily for eight days.
Urinary beta-aminoisobutyric acid excretion in thalassaemia
Authors: Fessas Ph. , Koniavitis A. , Zeis P. M.
Published: June 2007

The quantity of beta-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIB) excreted in the urine of patients with an intact spleen suffering from thalassaemia major appears to be proportional to the number of the circulating normoblasts and inversely proportional to the haemoglobin level.

After splenectomy only minute amounts of BAIB are excreted. Transfusion constantly, but temporarily, reduces urinary excretion of beta-aminoisobutyric acid. Other anaemic but non-thalassaemic patients may excrete low levels.
Effect of Berkefeld filtration on the binding activity of human gastric juice
Authors: Dellipiani A. W. , Samson R. R. , Girdwood R. H.
Published: June 2007

The intrinsic factor content of Berkefeld-filtered human gastric juice has been studied. This appears to vary with thepH at which filtration is carried out and also between individual filters. Significant losses of intrinsic factor may result from filtration and complete loss when filtration is carried out at a lowpH. The most suitablepH for filtration appears to be in the rangepH 7 to 8.
Combined intestinal and squamous metaplasia of the renal pelvis
Authors: Salm R.
Published: June 2007

A case of combined squamous and intestinal metaplasia of the renal pelvis, associated with hydronephrosis, chronic pyelonephritis, and lithiasis, is reported. The changes are considered to be due primarily to mechanical irritation of the pelvic epithelium.
Coagulation factors in chronic liver disease
Authors: Donaldson G. W. K. , Davies S. H. , Darg Alexis , Richmond John
Published: June 2007

Coagulation studies were carried out on 30 patients with chronic liver disease. The clotting defect was complex and involved factors V, VII, IX (Christmas factor), and prothrombin. Some patients showed a significant depression of factor IX in the presence of a normal one-stage prothrombin time. Thrombotest was found to be a good indicator of factor IX deficiency in this group of patients and may be of use as an additional liver function test. The screening of patients with liver disease for surgery or liver biopsy should assess the coagulation factors involved in both intrinsic and extrinsic thromboplastin generation.
Factors influencing the release of assayable folate from erythrocytes
Authors: Omer A.
Published: June 2007

The effects ofpH, ascorbic acid, temperature, and time on folate release from whole blood haemolysates were investigated. Maximal yields of assayable folate were obtained within 10 minutes at room temperature in whole blood haemolysates prepared atpH 3·6 in aqueous ascorbic acid solution. When prepared over a period of two hours, haemolysates yielded maximal folate values within a much widerpH range (3·0 to 6·0). Released folate is shown to be extremely labile betweenpH 4·7 and 3·0 but the presence of ascorbic acid in a concentration of 25 mg% or more afforded complete protection. The possible nature of the plasma folate-releasing factor and the significance of these findings in relation to the laboratory estimation of whole blood folate are discussed.
Haemoglobin H disease in Arabs in Kuwait
Authors: Ali S. A.
Published: June 2007

Three cases of haemoglobin H disease are described in Arabs, two of Syrian and one of Kuwaiti origin. Two were investigated on account of moderate anaemia, the third for splenomegaly not associated with anaemia.
Serotyping and the Dienes reaction onProteus mirabilisfrom hospital infections
Authors: de Louvois J.
Published: June 2007

The serotype of 320 strains ofProteus mirabilisfrom clinical material was determined. Using 20 O antisera and four H antisera 61% of strains could be fully identified and 90% partially identified. A large number of serotypes were recognized but no difference was found between the serotype of organisms infecting the urinary tract and those from other infections. Biochemically identical organisms found in the same ward generally differed in serology.Proteus mirabiliswas isolated from the faeces of 84·5% of 84 patients with urinary infection and from none of 20 normal controls. By serology and the Dienes test 61% of the organisms isolated from the urine and faeces of a single patient were identical, indicating that infection arose from the intestine.

Most groups of serologically identical strains could, by the Dienes test, be further divided into a number of subtypes indicating that the strains were different and that cross infection had not been responsible for their spread. With three serological groups, however, the majority of strains belonged to a single Dienes type and it was concluded that these organisms had been spread from a common reservoir or carrier.

Because of the unreliability of the Dienes test when carried out on random organisms it is suggested that reliable results can only be obtained by combining the Dienes test with serotyping.
Review of current methods for the detection of Trichomonas in clinical material
Authors: Hess J.
Published: June 2007

Methods of `wet preparation', stained films, and culture were used to detect trichomonads in vaginal exudate and the results of these methods are compared. A method using a wet preparation and Oxoid no. 2 Trichomonas medium is reliable for routine use.
Determination of iron in solutions containing iron complexes
Authors: Tennant G. B. , Greenman D. A.
Published: June 2007

A method of estimating the iron content of solutions containing haemoglobin, ferritin, or ferrioxamine is described. Iron is released by treatment with acid permanganate and ascorbic acid before conventional determination by an Auto Analyzer technique.
The cellular infiltrate in Hashimoto's disease and focal lymphocytic thyroiditis
Authors: Harris M.
Published: June 2007

The lymphoid cells infiltrating the thyroid in three examples of Hashimoto's disease and three examples of focal lymphocytic thyroiditis have been studied by light and electron microscopy. The cell types found were small lymphocytes, plasma cells and plasmablasts, immunoblasts, and cells morphologically intermediate between immunoblasts and small lymphocytes. The infiltrate was similar in the two conditions studied and resembled the cell response found in other conditions thought to be due to delayed hypersensitivity. It is considered that these similarities support the views that focal lymphocytic thyroiditis is a focal form of Hashimoto's disease and that delayed hypersensitivity is important in the pathogenesis of these conditions.
Immunofluorescent localization of Tamm-Horsfall mucoprotein in human kidney
Authors: McKenzie J. K. , McQueen E. G.
Published: June 2007

A fluorescein-labelled antiserum to human Tamm-Horsfall mucoprotein applied to frozen human kidney sections gave strong specific labelling, mainly of cells of tubules in the outer medulla. By comparison with adjacent serial sections stained for alkaline phosphatase and succinic dehydrogenase, it is suggested that material reacting immunologically as Tamm-Horsfall muco-protein is found particularly in the cells of the ascending limb of the loop of Henle and the macula densa segment of the distal tubule.
Pathology and survival in operable cases of giant-cell carcinoma of the lung
Authors: Kennedy Alexander
Published: June 2007

Giant-cell carcinoma of the lung is usually rapidly fatal and nearly all of the published cases have been described on the basis of postmortem findings. The surgical specimens from three resected giant-cell carcinomas are described and the subsequent courses of the patients are summarized. A further nine surgically treated cases have been found in the literature. Giant-cell carcinoma of the lung is thought to be an anaplastic variant of adenocarcinoma and its aggressive behaviour is a reflection of its degree of anaplasia. Despite the aggressive behaviour of this type of cancer, patients may survive for many years if the tumour is resected.
Pulmonary calcification in viral pneumonia
Authors: Jones E. L. , Cameron A. H.
Published: June 2007

The finding of diffuse pulmonary calcification is reported in a 19-month-old female infant who died from an apparent viral pneumonia with systemic involvement due to varicella or herpes simplex infection. The observation is of interest because of the recently described occurrence of lung calcification following chickenpox in adults.
Renal vein thrombosis in cases of polyarteritis nodosa and of the Henoch-Schoenlein syndrome
Authors: Beard M. E. J. , Taylor D. J. E.
Published: June 2007

The occurrence of renal vein thrombosis in a case each of polyarteritis nodosa and the Henoch-Schoenlein syndrome is reported. It is suggested that obliteration of the arterioles that supply the walls of the veins may have initiated the venous thrombosis in these two cases.
An evaluation of current methods for the diagnostic histochemistry of amyloid
Authors: Cooper John H.
Published: June 2007

Six current histological methods for demonstrating amyloid (crystal violet, thioflavine-T fluorescence, Congo-red staining and fluorescence, Sirius-red staining, and Congo- or Sirius-red birefringence) were applied in 25 cases of amyloidosis of various types and 47 pseudo-amyloid lesions. The results were compared and were correlated with those of ancillary histochemical tests and clinico-pathological data and each method's sensitivity and specificity for amyloid was evaluated. Thioflavine-T and, to a lesser degree, Congo-red fluorescence and Sirius-red staining proved very sensitive but not specific. Green birefringence with Congo or Sirius red was specific but not completely sensitive. The coexistence of Congo-red (and Sirius-red) staining and a positive DMAB-nitrite reaction occurred in all amyloid specimens and appeared specific for amyloid.
Values for tissue magnesium as a guide in detecting magnesium deficiency
Authors: Lim P. , Jacob E. , Dong S. , Khoo O. T.
Published: June 2007

A large-scale survey of the normal magnesium content of various human tissues was carried out to facilitate clinical detection of magnesium deficiency, especially occult deficiency.

A review of the literature favours the magnesium content of skeletal muscle as the most reliable index of the body's store of magnesium.

There is a significant difference (P < 0·001) in both the serum and erythrocyte magnesium levels between normal pregnant women in the third trimester and the average normal population. The reason for this difference is discussed.
Investigation of ketoacidurias by two-dimensional paper chromatography
Authors: Coward R. F. , Smith P. , Seakins J. W. T.
Published: June 2007

A simple paper chromatographic method was found to be effective for the study of phenylketonuria and tyrosyluria. It proved to be much more reliable than conventional tests for the detection of abnormal amounts of ketoacids in urine and was suitable and convenient for following the effects of dietary variations on the excretion of these compounds. Information obtained about ketones other than those of primary importance to the conditions studied included confirmation of the excretion ofp-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid in phenylketonuria. A modification of the method applicable to histidinaemia was devised.
Evaluation in clinical practice of the fluorescent amoebic antibody test
Authors: Jeanes A. L.
Published: June 2007

Serum fluorescent antibody levels againstEntamoeba histolyticawere determined in patients with amoebic infection and in control cases. Titres of 1: 64 or above were obtained only in cases of active or recent amoebic infection, and were recorded in 75·0% of intestinal cases and in 95·2% of extraintestinal cases. Titres given by symptomless carriers ofEntamoeba histolytica, though not exceeding 1: 32, were proportionately higher than those obtained in normal subjects or in patients with non-amoebic disorders.
Myelosclerosis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus in patients in West Malaysia
Authors: Lau K. S. , White J. C.
Published: June 2007

Three cases of myelosclerosis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus are described. The probable role of systemic lupus erythematosus in the initiation of myelonecrosis and subsequent myelosclerosis is discussed.
Plasminogen activator in the human prostate
Authors: Kester R. C.
Published: June 2007

The distribution of plasminogen activator in fresh human prostatic tissue has been studied, using a histological technique. The vascular endothelium consistently showed fibrinolytic activity while inconstant and lesser activity arose from the epithelial cells of glands and ducts. Increased epithelial activity was often accompanied by evidence of trauma. Activity of the secretions was insignificant. The source of the fibrinolytic activity of blood in prostatic disease and of the seminal fluid remains uncertain, and cannot yet be ascribed to the prostatic epithelium.
Comparison of quick and slow thaw methods of producing cryoprecipitate antihaemophilic factor from fresh and 24-hour-old blood
Authors: Bloom A. L. , Giddings J. C. , Bevan Beryl , Letton M. , Drummond R. J.
Published: June 2007

Cryoprecipitate antihaemophilic factor concentrate was prepared from fresh and 24-hour-old blood by quick and slow thaw methods. Recovery of factor VIII was greater by the slow thaw method and there was less loss into the supernatant plasma. Cryoprecipitate produced from fresh blood contained more factor VIII than that produced from 24-hour-old blood so that the most potent concentrate was produced from fresh blood by the slow thaw process. An adequate therapeutic preparation was, however, produced by the slow thaw method using 24-hour-old blood and it is suggested that this procedure could be adopted in order to supplement supplies.
Histochemical similarities between newborn and leukaemic myeloid cells and their possible significance
Authors: Wolf Paul L. , Silberberg Boris , Albert Samuel , Horwitz Jerome , Von Der Muehill Elisabeth
Published: June 2007

The neutrophilic alkaline phosphatase activity of 40 newborns was determined and found to be frequently raised, similarly to a leukaemoid reaction. The newborn neutrophil has strong alkaline phosphatase activity and is unlike the myeloid leukaemia cell which has no alkaline phosphatase activity.
Listeria monocytogenesencephalitis associated with corticosteroid therapy
Authors: Johnson M. L. , Colley E. W.
Published: June 2007

A fatal case ofListeria monocytogenessepticaemia and encephalitis is described. The infection was associated with steroid therapy given for necrotizing cutaneous vasculitis. Agglutinating antibodies were not detectable in the patient's serum. Reasons for the failure of apparently appropriate antibiotic therapy are discussed.
Staining of urinary leucocytes as an aid to the diagnosis of inflammation in the urinary tract
Authors: Harris D. M.
Published: June 2007

Five hundred specimens of urine have been examined for pyuria and bacteriuria, the leucocytes being stained by the Sternheimer-Malbin method. Most urines contained either less than 1 or more than 10 leucocytes per cmm; a few specimens contained 1 to 10 cells per cmm, whatever their viable bacterial count. The presence of leucocytes in urine was usually related to the bacterial count, pyuria being commonest in urines showing `significant bacteriuria'. However, urinary tract instrumentation caused pyuria in the absence of infection. Leucocytes with nuclei staining blue by the Sternheimer-Malbin technique were considered to be indicative of active inflammation, but the incidence of such cells appeared to be a reflection of the total leucocyte count of the specimen rather than of its viable bacterial count. In the majority of cases the diagnosis of infection can be made on the basis of the bacterial count and the degree of pyuria. The staining technique appears to have a limited use, restricted to the interpretation of cases in which the results of culture and conventional leucocyte counts are ambiguous.
Observations on a new disinfectant
Authors: Gordon A. M.
Published: June 2007

A disinfectant formula (Resiguard) containing picloxydine digluconate, benzalkonium chloride, and a detergent was examined for antibacterial activity.

Studiesin vitrowith simulated organic contamination were followed by realistic in-use tests employing items of anaesthetic and urological equipment heavily infected withPseudomonas aeruginosaand contaminated with blood. These showed that a dilution of 1/80 was reliably bactericidal to this resistant organism.

It is concluded that Resiguard is a valuable disinfectant which may reliably be employed in the cleaning and disinfection of items of delicate, non-autoclavable, hospital equipment.
Q fever and leptospirosis in the dairy farming community and allied workers of Worcestershire
Authors: Henderson R. J.
Published: June 2007

Sera collected from dairy farmers, their families and farm workers, slaughtermen, artificial inseminators, veterinarians, and a group of doctors and civil servants with no direct connexion with farming were examined for evidence of Q fever or leptospirosis. One thousand and fifty-two sera examined for Q fever yielded 26% of positive results with titres of complement-fixing antibody through 1 in 4 to 1 in 128 and over. On the other hand, 876 sera examined for agglutinating antibody to various leptospirae showed only 0·5% of positive titres of 1 in 80 and over. None of the individuals with positive sera for Q fever had ever been ill with anything resembling Q fever or could remember any ill health in the past; this suggests subclinical infection. One farmer with a high titre againstL. copenhageni (icterohaemorrhagiae)gave a history of a recent febrile illness very suggestive of acute leptospirosis. Infection due to leptospirae appeared to be very much less common than that due toC. burneti.
Influence of various parameters on the sensitivity of precipitin tests in farmer's lung by immunodiffusion and immunoosmophoresis
Authors: Jameson J. E.
Published: June 2007

Dilutions of a standard serum were made in saline and in negative sera, and comparative tests by immunodiffusion and by immunoosmophoresis were made against one antigenic component ofMicropolyspora faeni (Thermopolyspora polyspora).The endpoint dilution of the standard serum in saline and serum in wells of different sizes was ascertained in each test. The endpoint dilution was unaffected by the distance of separation (from 1·5 mm to 6 mm) between the origins of serum and antigen, provided that the tests were read at times appropriate to each separation, the greater separations requiring longer periods of development. Higher endpoint dilutions were obtained by the use of 1% Noble agar in immunoosmophoresis than with 1% Ionagar no. 2 (Oxoid). This difference was more noticeable when low osmophoresis potentials were used.
Precipitins with relevance to farmer's lung and aspergillosis in normal and other sera
Authors: Jameson J. E.
Published: June 2007

Immunodiffusion, immunoosmophoresis, and precipitin inhibition tests were carried out on various categories of sera with extracts ofMicropolyspora faeni (Thermopolyspora polyspora), Aspergillus fumigatus,andThermoactinomyces vulgaris.The sera were from clinical cases of farmer's lung, from symptomless farm workers, from expectant mothers, from tuberculous and from asthmatic patients, and from patients with miscellaneous lung disorders. The clinical cases of farmer's lung became divisible into two groups by serological tests for antibody to a particular soluble antigenic component ofM. faeni.The suggestion is made that one of these two groups of cases may be aetiologically unrelated toM. faeni.One of six sera tested in this group reacted strongly with an extract ofT. vulgaris.Antibodies to certain components of some extracts ofM. faeniand ofA. fumigatuswere found in a high proportion of normal sera. Possible reasons for this finding have been given.
Effect of medium composition on the apparent sensitivity ofPseudomonas aeruginosato gentamicin
Authors: Garrod L. P. , Waterworth Pamela M.
Published: June 2007

The diameter of inhibition zones in cultures ofPs. aeruginosaproduced by discs of gentamicin varied on different media, as did the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) when the antibiotic was included in the medium.

These variations, which were small in parallel tests ofEsch. coli, were found to depend on the general composition of the medium, but were also affected by the agar used to solidify it.

An agar on which the MIC was low had a low magnesium content, and two on which it was high had a high content. The addition of magnesium sulphate in increasing amounts to a medium of low content progressively increased the MIC.

It thus appears that a high magnesium content, which is necessary for pyocyanin production, also increases the resistance of this organism to gentamicin.

The difficulty of determining the sensitivity ofPs. aeruginosato gentamicin as a guide to treatment is emphasized. The best method appears to be direct comparison with another strain of the same organism of known sensitivity.
Effect of vitamin B12and folic acid deficiency on small intestinal absorption
Authors: Forshaw John
Published: June 2007

Three patients are described, and they provide further evidence that deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B12may sometimes affect small intestinal function. Malabsorption of both xylose and vitamin B12returned to normal in one patient after treatment of a megaloblastic anaemia due to dietary deficiency of folic acid. Impaired absorption of vitamin B12was corrected by vitamin B12therapy in the other two patients. The initial cause of the vitamin B12deficiency in one patient was not apparent, but she was taking Gynovlar 21, which may have been an aetiological factor. In the third patient the small intestinal defect was secondary to pernicious anaemia, and in a group of 98 other patients with pernicious anaemia intrinsic factor did not improve vitamin B12absorption in six, and only partially corrected absorption in 30. The significance of these observations is discussed.
Effect of antimicrobial agents on the Euglena method of serum vitamin B12assay
Authors: Lie J. T. , Ungar Berta , Cowling D. C.
Published: June 2007

Antimicrobial agents in the serum may affect the results of the Euglena method of serum vitamin B12assay. Sulphonamides suppress the growth of Euglena in concentrations attainable in the serum during treatment; streptomycin, chlortetracycline, erythromycin, kanamycin, and nitrofurantoin bleach Euglena but only when present in concentrations far exceeding the normal peak therapeutic blood levels. False low results of serum vitamin B12assay due to inhibitory and/or bleaching substances in the serum can be readily detected by microscopy of the assay cultures and Euglena cell counts.
Transfusional siderosis and liver cirrhosis
Authors: Sinniah R.
Published: June 2007

In the present study, cirrhosis of the liver was found in one of six cases of transfusional siderosis. The relationship between iron overload and cirrhosis is discussed and the suggestion is made that factors other than iron deposition may have been responsible for the hepatic fibrosis. Three patients with a greater degree of iron overload, and for a longer period, did not develop fibrosis or cirrhosis. The possibility remains that iron absorbed from the gut and stored in excess without having passed through the haemoglobin molecule or the reticuloendothelial system may be toxic, as cases have been reported in which cirrhosis of the liver was attributed to prolonged iron medication.

The cirrhosis in idiopathic haemochromatosis may be due to lack of an unknown hepatic cell enzyme, as in galactosaemia, and the increased iron absorption may be a concomitant finding. Transfusional or secondary haemochromatosis is not a definite entity, and the liver cirrhosis is probably due to causes other than the excess deposition of haemosiderin.
Recent views on Buerger's disease
Authors: Williams George
Published: June 2007

Eighty-two biopsy specimens of vessels from 37 patients with clinical Buerger's disease were examined histologically and classified. The aetiology of this vascular disorder is discussed and a basis suggested for its pathogenesis as primarily a thrombotic disorder complicated by vasculitis. Thus both acute and chronic lesions are acceptable as entities.
Vaginal fluid enzyme patterns in benign and malignant lesions of the female genital tract
Authors: Muir G. G. , Valteris G.
Published: June 2007

The enzymes phosphohexose isomerase, lactate dehydrogenase, hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, isocitric dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and sorbital dehydrogenase were assayed in cases of known carcinoma of the cervix and of carcinomain situ.Phosphohexose isomerase, lactate dehydrogenase, and isocitric dehydrogenase were also assayed in a number of normal women and in those with benign lesions. It is unlikely that vaginal fluid enzymology will provide a screening test for cervical carcinoma.
Plasma `cortisol' levels in right and left ventricular failure
Authors: Connolly C. K. , Wills M. R.
Published: June 2007

Plasma `cortisol' values are reported in 36 patients during or following right ventricular failure, and 12 during or following left ventricular failure. In patients with right ventricular failure the normal circadian rhythm was abolished with elevation of midnight values. Disturbance of rhythm was less marked in left ventricular failure, although midnight values were usually raised. Dexamethasone suppression of plasma `cortisol' levels was abolished or reduced in right ventricular failure. These results confirm our earlier findings and further support our contention that the disturbance of circadian rhythm is not due to a simple stress mechanism. The results are of importance in the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome based on plasma `cortisol' values, if there is concomitant right ventricular failure.
Detection of methaqualone and its metabolites in urine
Authors: Burnett D. , Goudie J. H. , Sherriff J. Munro
Published: June 2007

A method is described for the detection of methaqualone and its metabolites in the presence of large doses of other drugs.
Semi-automated micromethod for estimating the unsaturated iron-binding capacity of serum using radioactive iron
Authors: Brozovich B. , Copestake J.
Published: June 2007

A semi-automated micromethod for the determination of the unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) of serum using radioactive iron and magnesium carbonate as an adsorbing substance is presented. The method has the advantage of simplicity and speed. The determination of UIBC is carried out on 0·1 ml of serum in duplicate, using autodiluters, at the rate of up to 200 sera per day. The reproducibility of the presented method is comparable to the reproducibility of other methods for the determination of iron-binding capacity. As the method is a simple one it can easily be introduced into laboratories with facilities for radioactive counting.
On-line acquisition of the output of AutoAnalyzers
Authors: Griffiths P. D. , Carter N. W.
Published: June 2007

A computer-based system of on-line acquisition of the output from AutoAnalyzers is described and discussed. Early experience suggests that many advantages accrue from such a system.
Work study of a desk computer in the clinical laboratory
Authors: Lines J. G.
Published: June 2007

Calculating results from laboratory data is a time-consuming part of laboratory work, particularly in chemical pathology, and is a frequent source of mistakes. It is much less popular with technical staff than the basic laboratory work.

The reasons for purchasing a desk computer, and its use to perform the calculations in a number of investigations and to convert AutoAnalyzer data into concentration units, are discussed.

The introduction of a desk computer improved morale, speeded up the work, and reduced both fatigue and mistakes.
Gram-negative bacilli in burns
Authors: Davis Brenda , Lilly H. A. , Lowbury E. J. L.
Published: June 2007

In a period of two years, 865 strains of Gram-negative bacilli other thanPseudomonas aeruginosaisolated from burns were identified by a range of tests. The commonest species wereProteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, andEnterobacter cloacae. Many strains ofKlebsiella aerogenes, Enterobacter aerogenes, andBacterium anitratumwere also found.

A large proportion of the strains were tested for sensitivity to nalidixic acid, ampicillin, kanamycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and carbenicillin, and smaller numbers of strains were tested for sensitivity to cephaloridine, polymyxin, streptomycin, sulphadiazine, sulfamylon, and trimethoprim. The proportion of strains sensitive and resistant to different antibacterial agents varied widely with species of bacteria. A large proportion of the strains ofE. coliandP. mirabiliswere resistant to ampicillin, which was much used in treatment; resistance appeared least often towards nalidixic acid, kanamycin, trimethoprim, and gentamicin. Multiple resistance occurred less often among strains ofE. colithan amongKlebsiellaspp,Enterobacterspp, andP. mirabilis.

Phage and serological typing ofPs. aeruginosashowed that most infections of burns with this organism were due to strains previously found in other patients in the same ward. Taken with other evidence, this supported the view that most infections withPs. aeruginosawere not acquired from the patient's own flora but from sources in the hospital environment.
Disseminated fibrin thromboembolism among neonates dying more than 48 hours after birth
Authors: Boyd J. F.
Published: June 2007

Of 119 neonates dying after 48 hours of life, 19 (16%) showed disseminated fibrin thromboembolism, a histological condition that is very similar to one form of maternal hypofibrinogenaemia. The incidence is nearly five times that among stillbirths and neonates dying within 48 hours of birth.

Most of the mothers had a normal pregnancy, labour, and puerperium. One twin may show the condition while the other survives. It is suggested that the affected infants have either no fibrinolytic mechanism, a defective one, or one which for some unaccountable reason was not brought into action. The antecedent plasma fibrinogen level is likely to have been high in some cases, but a fatal outcome can ensue with normal or low levels. The process was considered to be totally responsible for death in six cases (5%) of the series. Renal tubular hyaline droplets apparently rich in haemoglobin were only encountered in one infant (no. 4) who died from massive bilateral adrenal haemorrhage.

In the later part of the neonatal period, the process is liable to be indistinguishable clinically from secondary thrombotic processes, which occurred with almost the same incidence in the present series (14(12%) of 119 cases).
Effect of sulphydryl inhibition on the uptake of transferrin-bound iron by reticulocytes
Authors: Fielding J. , Edwards Shirley A. , Ryall Richard
Published: June 2007

Iron transferrin, the highly stable carrier of plasma iron, may be dissociated, under physiological conditions, by sodium thioglycollate, a reaction which involves the formation of iron thioglycollate complexes. This suggested that sulphydryl radicals, which are the active groups in thioglycollate and related compounds, may play a part in the uptake of iron by immature red cells from iron transferrin. If this were so, it could be predicted that the sulphydryl inhibitor,p-hydroxymercuribenzoate, would depress the uptake of iron by reticulocytes. It is demonstrated here that inhibition of uptake of transferrin-bound iron by reticulocytes, which have been exposed to micromolar concentration ofp-hydroxymercuribenzoate, is virtually complete. It is suggested that sulphydryl-containing compounds are intimately involved in the process of iron uptake by immature red cells.
Uncertainties in the determination of the `cortisol-binding capacity' of plasma and their removal
Authors: Burke C. W.
Published: June 2007

The determination of the `cortisol-binding capacity' by gel filtration of a small plasma sample at low temperature after the addition of cortisol results in an arbitrary measurement dependent upon experimental conditions. It is unsatisfactory also because it misleads as to conditions at 37°C. Steady-state gel filtration of cortisol in plasma can be done at 37°C, at which temperature it overcomes known variables in present methods. It should prove of clinical value in showing abnormalities of cortisol binding in disease.
Hepatic fluorescence in porphyria cutanea tarda studied in fine needle aspiration biopsy smears
Authors: Lundvall Ove , Enerbäck Lennart
Published: June 2007

Fine needle aspiration biopsy smears from 19 patients with porphyria cutanea tarda were studied by fluorescence microscopy. Fluorescence was arbitrarily graded from 0 to 4. All patients—those with clinically manifest as well as those with latent disease—showed bright red fluorescence of porphyrin type in the liver cells, though in latent cases the fluorescence commonly was of a low grade. In patients with manifest disease fluorescence of grade 3 or 4 was present.

In patients with fluorescence of grades 1 or 2 the uroporphyrin excretion in urine was normal or slightly increased. At higher grades all levels of porphyrin excretion were encountered.

Of 22 control subjects, only one showed hepatic fluorescence of a porphyrin character. The control patient with a positive finding was found to have definitely increased urinary uroporphyrin excretion and probably has latent porphyria cutanea tarda.

The procedure described should be useful as a screening test for hepatic cutaneous porphyria.
Congenital mesonephric defects in male infants with mucoviscidosis
Authors: Olson J. R. , Weaver D. K.
Published: June 2007

Reports that men with mucoviscidosis were sterile and that portions of their genital tracts were atretic prompted us to investigate the genital tracts of 15 male infants with mucoviscidosis who died within the first year of life and came to necropsy. The genital tracts of all of these infants were abnormal, the abnormalities being confined to mesonephric derivatives. Hypoplastic or absent ducti efferentia, ducti epididymides, or ducti deferentia were found in all 28 specimens of epididymides, and the ducti deferentia were missing from 25 of 27 examples of spermatic cord. The seminal vesicles and the ejaculatory ducts were less frequently hypoplastic or absent. Because these abnormalities of mesonephric derivatives were present so early in life and inflammatory and obstructive changes were absent we believe that they resulted from a failure of development.
The Australia antigen in Brazilian healthy persons and in leprosy and leukaemia patients
Authors: Salzano F. M. , Blumberg B. S.
Published: June 2007

The distribution of the Australia antigen was investigated in 633 white and negroid healthy persons, 218 white and negroid leprosy patients, and 50 white leukaemia patients. The subjects were living at the time of the investigation in two southern Brazilian cities. Two of the patients with leukaemia showed the antigen, as also did three out of 358 negro subjects, but no reactors were found among the healthy white subjects and leprosy patients.
An automated method for the measurement of folate activity
Authors: Davis R. E. , Nicol D. J. , Kelly A.
Published: June 2007

A new approach to the estimation of folate activity is described. The system may be used as a semi-automated method or as a fully automated method using the AutoAnalyzer or Mecolab equipment. The methods use a chloramphenicol-resistant strain ofL. caseias the test organism, and this eliminates the need for sterilization or aseptic addition. The systems are able to handle extremely large numbers of samples in a relatively short time. Results are similar to those obtained by standard techniques.
Automation of the assay of folate in serum and whole blood
Authors: Millbank L. , Davis R. E. , Rawlins Mary , Waters A. H.
Published: June 2007

An automated system is described for the microbiological assay of serum and red cell folate concentrations using a chloramphenicol-resistant strain ofL. casei. Both serum and whole-blood haemolysates are assayed directly without previous deproteinization. Results by this method are comparable to those obtained by standard manual folate assays. Reproducibility within and between assays is excellent. Special advantages of the method are its simplicity of operation, economy of reagents, and capacity for dealing with large numbers of specimens (80-100 per hour). The latter makes it especially suitable for providing a regional diagnostic service and for population surveys of nutrition.
An artificial leucocyte control suspension
Authors: Lappin T. R. J. , Sanderson Frances M.
Published: June 2007

Candida albicansgrown under environmental conditions designed to yield the yeast form has been used as a leucocyte control. The yeast cells easily form an even suspension, are approximately the same size as leucocytes, and are capable of withstanding conditions which cause red cell lysis. The suspension is stable on storage and is simple to prepare in large quantities.
Atypical leukaemia of long duration with monoclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia
Authors: Constantoulakis M. , Phocas E. , Theodoropoulos G.
Published: June 2007

A patient with atypical acute leukaemia is described. This patient has, in addition, monoclonal IgG hyperglobulinaemia without myelomatous lesions and is living and well three years after diagnosis.

The cell types found in the blood and in the bone marrow are atypical, and the histochemical findings are discussed.

The relationship between monoclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia and malignant blood diseases is also discussed, and the literature on the subject reviewed.
Measurement of mercury in human urine
Authors: Goldberg D. M. , Clarke A. D.
Published: June 2007

Four methods of determining the concentration of mercury in human urine have been studied. A simple method suitable for general laboratory use is recommended and the requirements for accurate results are defined. The method employs mild oxidation with permanganate and HS2O4followed by dithizone extraction and measurement of absorbance at 485 nm and 620 nm.

No mercury was detected in any of 74 urines from unexposed laboratory controls and hospital patients. A random urine sample seems adequate for the investigation of clinical or industrial mercury poisoning. Two individuals, free of symptoms, but subjected to moderate exposure, excreted 3·0-9·7 μg of mercury per 100 ml of urine.

After the administration of an organic mercurial to two volunteers, urinary excretion was rapid and virtually complete within 48 hours.
Vitamin B12levels in erythrocytes in normal subjects and in pernicious anaemia
Authors: Harrison R. J.
Published: June 2007

A reliable method is described for the assay of vitamin B12activity in erythrocytes usingLactobacillus leichmannii.The results are shown for age, sex, and blood group in normal subjects, and before, during, and after therapy in vitamin B12deficiency anaemia.

The normal range is 85-225 pg/ml (mean = 155 ± 35 pg/ml). Raised levels were found in the newborn, and subnormal levels in subjects aged 70 years and over and in males aged 10 to 19 years. There were no differences in erythrocyte vitamin B12levels between the ABO or Rhesus blood groups.

In pernicious anaemia low levels are found before treatment (mean = 91 pg/ml), followed by a rapid rise during vitamin B12therapy (mean peak = 482 pg/ml), and falling more slowly towards normal after the initial haematological response.
An evaluation of cholesterol determinations in serum and serum lipoprotein fractions by a semi-automated fluorimetric method
Authors: Robertson Gill , Cramp D. G.
Published: June 2007

A sensitive automated fluorimetric method for the estimation of cholesterol is described which is suitable for the routine determination of both serum and serum lipoprotein cholesterol. Analyses can be performed at 60/hour in the serum range of 5 mg to 400 mg/100 ml. The method shows a high degree of analytical precision and good yields from recovery experiments.
The differential attachment of antibiotics to glycoprotein and blood lymphocytes
Authors: Saggers B. A. , Lawson David
Published: June 2007

The differential attractionin vitroof antibiotics to blood lymphocytes and salivary glycoprotein was studied in an attempt to determine the distribution of antibiotics in sputum. Results from studiesin vivoon sputum antibiotic levels are also presented.
Validity of the British system for anticoagulant control using the national reagent
Authors: Alderson M. R. , Poller L. , Thomson Jean M.
Published: June 2007

The national system for anticoagulant control depends on drawing the best line obtained by visual comparison of the points representing corresponding prothrombin ratios with the British comparative thromboplastin in the local reagent. This line is then used to correct subsequent values using the local laboratory method of corresponding values in terms of the British comparative thromboplastin.

A study has been made of the statistical validity of the recommended system for anticoagulant control using the Quick one-stage test by comparing the line drawn by inspection with the confidence limits of the regression line.

There was little difference between the best straight line by visual comparison and the calculated line for the majority of hospitals. The recommended procedure, therefore, provides an adequate conversion of the local method to the British comparative thromboplastin without the need for calculation.

The significance of aberrant points is discussed and it is suggested that when more than two of the 12 results fall in this category the standardization procedure should be repeated.