bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adenomatoid hamartoma of the lung in a neonate
Authors: Dempster A. G.
Published: June 2007

A case of adenomatoid hamartoma in a premature male infant is described and the recent literature is reviewed. The present case demonstrates the frequently associated features of maternal hydramnios of late onset, and premature delivery with foetal respiratory difficulty and anasarca.
The classification of staphylococci from colonized ventriculo-atrial shunts
Authors: Holt Richard
Published: June 2007

Micrococcaceae isolated from the shunt, ventricles, and bloodstream of children with colonized ventriculo-venous shunts were classified within the scheme of Baird-Parker (1963). With one exception, all belonged to subgroup II of the genus Staphylococcus; tests were therefore devised for division within this subgroup, and results are reported in 30 cases from this and other hospitals.

Skin and nasal staphylococci isolated from many of these patients were compared with those recovered from their shunts and blood. Evidence is offered for the occasional coexistence of more than one strain of staphylococcus in colonized shunts and in the bloodstream. Successive recolonization of replaced shunts was apparently not necessarily caused by the same type of staphylococcus.

Nasal and skin micrococcaceae from many other babies, both in hospital and in parental care, from hospital staff and from adults selected at random from non-hospital sources, were similarly classified.

The validity and significance of the findings are discussed.
The antibiotic susceptibility ofMycoplasma hominis
Authors: Harwick Herbert J. , Fekety F. Robert
Published: June 2007

Mycoplasma hominisis now recognized as a human pathogen, but little information regarding its antibiotic susceptibility is available. We therefore tested the susceptibility of 49 isolates ofM. hoministo 16 antibiotics. Penicillin-like drugs and erythromycin showed no activity whatsoever. Tetracycline and lincomycin were the most active drugs, with chloramphenicol, kanamycin, and streptomycin showing some inhibitory activity. The distinctions between metabolic inhibition, growth inhibition, and mycoplasmacidal endpoints are discussed and defined.
Haemophilus aphrophilusendocarditis
Authors: Farrand R. J. , Maccabe A. F. , Jordan O. W.
Published: June 2007

Haemophilus aphrophiluswas isolated from the blood of a 31-year-old man with subacute bacterial endocarditis. Subsequently the patient died with acute tubular necrosis of the kidney, probably secondary to cardiac failure. The characteristics of the species are described and pathogenicity to mice is reported for the first time.
A modified test for Brucella agglutinins
Authors: Singh J. N.
Published: June 2007

0·1% Protamine sulphate in normal (0·85% w/v) saline has been used as a diluent in Brucella serology instead of saline as such. The use of protamine sulphate in this concentration has obviated the need for performing the modified Coombs test to detect non-agglutinating Brucella antibodies.

This method has been used in the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit of the University of Melbourne in the routine titration of 721 sera and has proved to give reliable and reproducible results.
Modification of the indirect haemagglutination test for amoebiasis
Authors: Krupp Iris M.
Published: June 2007

Optimal conditions for carrying out the indirect haemagglutination test with sheep erythrocytes were studied using the microtitre system. The age of the erythrocytes, concentration of reagents, time and temperature of tanning, sensitization, and incubation are described with reference to replication of titres. Sera from patients with amoebic colitis were used to evaluate the test conditions.
Patterns of plasma cobalamins in control subjects and in cases of vitamin B12deficiency
Authors: Linnell J. C. , Mackenzie Heather M. , Wilson J. , Matthews D. M.
Published: June 2007

A method for thin-layer chromatography and bioautography of plasma cobalamins is described. It requires only 5 ml of blood.

Results are reported in 35 healthy people and hospital controls, and in 14 cases of untreated pernicious anaemia. In the control group there were two major components, methylcobalamin and a component which is probably a mixture of hydroxocobalamin and deoxyadenosyl cobalamin. Many cases of untreated pernicious anaemia showed a characteristic pattern in which methylcobalamin was reduced in relation to hydroxocobalamin. This pattern was also seen in one vegan who was taking a diet without B12supplement. A minority of subjects showed traces of cyanocobalamin; this compound was not confined to smokers.

The significance of the results and possible diagnostic utility of the technique are discussed.
Quantitation of lymphocyte transformation using radioactive iododeoxyuridine
Authors: Craig A. W. , Garrett J. V. , Jackson S. M.
Published: June 2007

A method is described of measuring the response of human lymphocytes to phytohaemagglutinin stimulation using iododeoxyuridine labelled with the gamma-emitting isotope125I. The results indicate useful clinical applications.
Application of standard micro-anatomical staining methods to epoxy resin-embedded sections
Authors: Aparicio S. R. , Marsden P.
Published: June 2007

Staining of semi-thin sections of osmium-fixed epoxy resin (Epon or Araldite)-embedded tissues with haematoxylin and acid dyes as counterstains (eosin or phloxin) was successfully achieved after intense oxidation using hydrogen peroxide as the oxygen donor. Results are closely similar to those obtained with paraffin sections (haematoxylin and eosin): nuclei stain blue, cytoplasm and extracellular structures (eg, collagen, elastica, basement membranes) stain with varying shades of red. Preliminary studies show that similarly good results, comparable with standard paraffinembedded histological materials, can be obtained, using H2O2pretreatment, with Weigert's iron haematoxylin, Mallory's phosphotungstic acid haematoxylin, Alcian blue, PAS reaction, Sudan III, Sudan black, oil red, Gomori's aldehyde fuchsin, and Baker's acid haematein.
Adsorption of59Fe on glassware and its effect on data deduced
Authors: Smith Mary D. , Kernaghan T.
Published: June 2007

The attachment of59Fe to glassware under conditions of hospital laboratory procedure forms the subject of this communication. Adsorption of this nature can be extreme and can invalidate data derived or prejudice intended dose levels. It is aggravated by sterilization by autoclave.

Data indicating the severity of the phenomenon are presented and methods of controlling it are discussed.
Culture of needle biopsies of the liver from patients with suspected hepatitis
Authors: Taylor Patricia E. , Zuckerman A. J. , Farrow L. J.
Published: June 2007

A technique is described for the culture in Leighton tubes of very small fragments of human adult liver obtained by needle biopsy. Most of the cultures were successful, and even after long storage proved to be as useful as those prepared from fresh suspensions. The diagnostic usefulness of the technique is already proved.
Bronchial carcinoma and hypercalcaemia
Authors: Azzopardi J. G. , Whittaker R. S.
Published: June 2007

Hypercalcaemia due to malignant disease, in the absence of bone metastases, is generally regarded as a rare event. It occurred in 16% of a series of cases of bronchial carcinoma coming to necropsy. Hypercalcaemia is a relatively common complication of bronchial carcinoma.

The hypercalcaemia is usually accompanied by hypophosphataemia and, in this respect, must be distinguished from the hypercalcaemia that may be found with breast carcinoma. It is frequently accompanied by hypokalaemic alkalosis; this must not be confused with the metabolic disorder that results from the production of ectopic `ACTH'.

The bones sometimes show changes of osteitis fibrosa akin to those seen in hyperparathyroidism. Cystic disease of bone recognizable radiologically is rare, probably because of the relatively short duration of the metabolic disturbance.

The parathyroids are usually mildly atrophic. There is no evidence that the main pathogenetic mechanism is stimulation of the parathyroids by the tumour. Acceptable instances of parathyroid hyperplasia are very rare: the significance of these exceptional cases awaits further study.

Squamous carcinoma of the bronchus is the type mainly incriminated. Oat-cell carcinoma and bronchial adenocarcinoma are involved less frequently than expected by chance. The significance of the tumour types implicated is discussed in relation to the possible pathogenesis.
Stability of neomycin resistance inStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ayliffe G. A. J.
Published: June 2007

A strain ofStaphylococcus aureusisolated from the skin of a subject with eczema showed a loss in resistance to neomycin and tetracycline after treatment with neomycin was stopped. Seven out of 22 strains of neomycin-resistantStaph. aureusshowed a loss in resistance to neomycin and streptomycin after storage in nutrient broth for 14 days at room temperature, and it seems probable that resistance in these unstable strains was controlled by extrachromosomal elements or plasmids. Strains of phage types 84/85 and 29/77 and related types were frequently isolated in general hospital wards and showed no loss in resistance on similar storage in nutrient broth. Five of the neomycin-unstable strains were isolated from patients with eczematous lesions. Multiple-resistant and antibiotic-sensitive strains ofStaph. aureusof similar phage type were isolated from patients in a ward for patients with skin disease, and the possibility of transfer of resistancein vivois discussed.
The biological false positive reaction to serological tests for syphilis
Authors: Garner M. F.
Published: June 2007

Acute and chronic biological false positive reactions to serological tests for syphilis are discussed. Three cases are presented, one showing an acute and one a chronic reaction, and one in which it was not possible to determine if the reaction was acute or chronic. Once a biological false positive reaction is found, serum from the patient should be tested at intervals for at least six months to determine if the reaction is acute or chronic. If a chronic reaction is found the patient should then be investigated to find the underlying cause.

Problem sera from 753 patients are reviewed. Biological false positive reactions were shown by 47 sera and 257 sera gave results indicating they came from patients infected with syphilis. The reactive sera were divided into four groups: sera from blood donors, antenatal patients, cases of recent vaccination, and a miscellaneous group. It was found that in the first three groups the number of sera from patients showing biological false positive reactions was equalled or exceeded by the number showing syphilitic reactions.

Biological false positive reactions in sera from cases of lepromatous leprosy and in sera from the inhabitants of the Okapa region of New Guinea are also discussed.

It is concluded that sera which give reactive results to reagin detection tests for syphilis and come from patients known to have conditions which cause acute or chronic biological false positive reactions should never be dismissed as such. Experience has shown that a number of these sera will give reactiveTreponema pallidumimmobilization test results, that is, they come from patients who have or have had syphilis.
An assessment of the Azostix strip test
Authors: Bold A. M. , Menzies I. S. , Walker G.
Published: June 2007

The approximate concentration of urea in a single, unmeasured drop of blood may be estimated with an Azostix strip in a little over a minute, without the use of laboratory equipment.

The test has been assessed by comparing 488 strip readings made by two observers on 331 specimens of blood from patients with plasma urea concentrations determined by the Auto-Analyzer diacetyl monoxime method. Observations were also made on inter- and intra-observer reading differences, on the effect of the period of contact of blood with the reagent zone of the strip and on the effect of different types of illumination.

Difficulties with visual colour matching inevitably limit the performance of this type of test. Azostix strips cannot replace laboratory methods, but, provided their limitations are appreciated, and proper technique is observed, they should provide a screening test for azotaemia when laboratory facilities are not readily available. Their place in hospitals would seem to be confined to emergency use as a screening test for severe azotaemia. In general and domiciliary practice they should provide a convenient screening test for azotaemia provided that readings greater than `20 mg/100 ml' are taken as an indication for further investigation.
Elastic vascular sclerosis of mesenteric blood vessels in argentaffin carcinoma
Authors: Anthony P. P. , Drury R. A. B.
Published: June 2007

Argentaffin carcinoma (carcinoid tumour) of the ileum has been found to be associated with ischaemic ileal necrosis due to elastic sclerosis of the mesenteric blood vessels. This vascular change was present in 17 out of 25 ileal tumours, all of them invasive, but was absent in 75 appendicular, rectal, and other carcinoids. The pathology is described and essential points of difference are noted from the cardiovascular changes in the carcinoid syndrome. This elastic vascular sclerosis may be due to a product of the tumour and constitute an additional component of the complex range of changes that makes up `the carcinoid spectrum'.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and chronic haemolysis in an English family
Authors: Huskisson E. C. , Murphy B. , West Carolyn
Published: June 2007

Three male members of an English family with chronic haemolytic anaemia due to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency are reported. The disease was symptomless in one adult, but crises, caused either by increased haemolysis or failure of marrow compensation, occurred in two children. They were typically precipitated by trivial infection. Two normal female members of the family were obligatory heterozygotes. A hitherto undescribed `slow' variant of the enzyme was identified electrophoretically.
Immunological and histological studies in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Hadziyannis S. , Scheuer P. J. , Feizi T. , Naccarato R. , Doniach D. , Sherlock S.
Published: June 2007

Thirty-one patients with primary biliary cirrhosis in whom adequate histological liver material was available were studied by immunological and histological methods. There was no statistically significant correlation between individual histological features and the level of serum mitochondrial antibodies. A relationship between the duration of symptoms and histological stage of the disease supports the present concept of its evolution. However, several stages were often identified in the same specimen. Four cases with negative mitochondrial antibodies were similar to the other 27 clinically and histologically.
The effect of heat on the A, B, and H antigenic strength of human red cells
Authors: Booth J. R. , Wagstaff W. , Voak D.
Published: June 2007

The reaction of A cells with anti-A, B cells with anti-B, O cells withUlex europaeusanti-H is reduced by heat (56°C) treatment. This is demonstrated using an automated haemagglutination technique with which minor differences in reactions can be detected.
Determination of individual bile acids in biological fluids by thin-layer chromatography and fluorimetry
Authors: Panveliwalla D. , Lewis B. , Wootton I. D. P. , Tabaqchali S.
Published: June 2007

A method is described for the separation and determination of individual bile acids in serum and in intestinal contents, employing thin-layer chromatography and fluorimetry. The mean recovery from intestinal juice was 94% and from serum 82%.

Normal values for the individual bile acids of serum and examples of clinical applications of the method are given.
Ultrastructural study of human myeloma cells in relation to its function
Authors: Suzuki Ikuo , Takahashi Morinobu , Itoh Senichi
Published: June 2007

The ultrastructure of neoplastic plasma cells from a patient with prolonged multiple myeloma was studied in relation to its function, that is, the secretion of immunoglobulin light chain. Peroxidase-labelled antibodies, each monospecific to its immunoglobulin component chain, were used to localize intracellular immunoglobulin within myeloma cells under the electron microscope. By this method, only the κ type light chain was detected within myeloma cells in bone marrow tissue of this patient, indicating that the occurrence of free κ type light chains in serum and urine was due to the cessation of heavy chain synthesis within the myeloma cells. The κ chain was demonstrated as conspicuous electron-dense precipitates in ergastoplasm, its cisternal space, external layer of nuclear membrane, and ribosomes associated with ergastoplasm and nuclear membrane. No immunoglobulin was demonstrated in an atypical Golgi complex, an organelle which is ordinarily engaged in protein synthesis. Numerous crystalline structures and similar inclusion bodies found in myeloma cells appeared to have arisen from the Golgi area, but they did not ever react with the peroxidase label. Discharge of the κ chain from the cell seems to be carried out through cell fragmentation, possibly caused by progressive distension of the ergastoplasmic cavity.
Relationship of staphylococcal toxins and enzymes with serological and phage types
Authors: Choudhuri K. K. , Chakrabarty A. N.
Published: June 2007

A study has been made of 523 strains of staphylococci on the basis of biological properties, phage typing, and serology. The value of serology in the identification of pathogenic staphylococci has been assessed.
Megaloblastic anaemia of pregnancy: a clinical and laboratory study with particular reference to the total and labile serum folate levels
Authors: Rae P. G. , Robb P. M.
Published: June 2007

It has been shown that the incidence of megaloblastic anaemia in a group of 463 randomly selected pregnant women receiving iron was 12 times as high as in a control group of 235 pregnant women receiving iron and folic acid. The incidence of all types of anaemia in the women receiving iron alone was more than three times the incidence in those having iron and folic acid. Some women who were not anaemic or who had normoblastic anaemia had serum folate levels in the same range as the women with megaloblastic anaemia, but none of the women with megaloblastic anaemia had high serum folate levels. The labile fraction of the serum folate was no more reliable than the total serum folate as a diagnostic criterion of megaloblastic erythropoiesis in the individual case. The blood group distribution in the women with megaloblastic anaemia was the same as in the general population. Babies born to mothers with megaloblastic anaemia tended to be smaller than the rest, although there was no difference in the placental weights.

The significance of these findings is discussed.
The application of tetrazolium bioautography to the identification of folic acid derivatives
Authors: Leeming R. J. , Portman-Graham Heather , Swan C. H. J. , Blair J. A.
Published: June 2007

Tetrazolium bioautography has been applied to the identification of folates in solutions of known concentration, and satisfactory resolution has been obtained between pteroyl-L-monoglutamic acid, calcium leucovorin, and N-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid. The technique is suitable for the identification of folates in biological solutions, and is more specific than differential microbiological assay.
Differentiating neoplasms of hair germ
Authors: Headington J. T.
Published: June 2007

Differentiating neoplasms of hair germ are benign epithelial-mesenchymal tumours of skin in which hair follicle development may be partly or completely recapitulated. The epithelial component is equivalent to the hair germ. The mesenchymal component is equivalent to the dermal papilla. Epithelial-mesenchymal interaction results in the morphogenesis of hair follicles. In neoplasms showing stromal induction, there is centrifugal organizations: hair bulbs are found at the periphery of tumour lobules and hairs are projected centrally to lie within small keratinizing cysts. Neoplasms of hair germ without advanced morpho-differentiation are termed `trichoblastomas', and those neoplasms in which hair follicle development is advanced are called `trichogenic trichoblastomas'.
Trimethoprim as an additional selective agent in media for the isolation ofN. gonorrhoeae
Authors: Riddell R. H. , Buck A. C.
Published: June 2007

The incorporation of trimethoprim into existing selective media using either saponin-lysed blood agar or chocolate agar as the base is suggested for the routine isolation of the gonococcus. The principal advantage over other selective media is the inhibition ofProteus mirabilisand other commensal organisms as a consequence of which multiple swabs can be plated out onto a single selective plate irrespective of source, while the recovery rate of the gonococcus from these specimens is increased. The relative merits of both basic media are briefly discussed.
Haemoglobin A2level in pregnancy
Authors: Benster Barry , Cauchi Maurice N.
Published: June 2007

The haemoglobin A2level was measured in 217 pregnant and 137 non-pregnant patients. Twenty-eight patients were reinvestigated at least six weeks after delivery.

There was no significant difference in the mean haemoglobin A2level in pregnancy (2·4 ± 0·8%) and the mean haemoglobin A2level in the non-pregnant controls (2·3 ± 0·6%).

In all anaemic patients whose A2level was raised in pregnancy the level remained elevated after delivery.
Rheumatoid heart disease with complete heart block
Authors: Harris M.
Published: June 2007

A case of florid rheumatoid heart disease with complete heart block is described, and the histopathology of the atrioventricular conducting tissue is described in detail.
Antibody toMycoplasma hominisin patients with respiratory disease
Authors: Eldridge A. E. , Jones D. M. , Tobin Barbara M.
Published: June 2007

An attempt was made to evaluate the role ofMycoplasma hominisin respiratory infection in adults. Sera collected from patients admitted to hospital with respiratory infections were examined for antibody toM. hominis.The incidence of antibody was no higher than that found previously in patients without respiratory disease.
The pathology of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis
Authors: Mitchinson M. J.
Published: June 2007

The salient pathological findings in 40 patients with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis are summarized. The findings tend to confirm previous suggestions that this chronic inflammatory disease is potentially widespread, predominantly peri-aortic, associated with systemic disturbances, and of some fundamental interest. The name `systemic idiopathic fibrosis' is suggested for the disease complex. The study suggests that damage to the wall of the aorta and its large branches might be the cause.
Lymphocytic sialadenitis in the major and minor glands: a correlation in postmortem subjects
Authors: Chisholm D. M. , Waterhouse J. P. , Mason D. K.
Published: June 2007

In the present investigation, the prevalence offocallymphocytic adenitis in the submandibular salivary gland was observed in a series of 116 postmortem subjects after suitable exclusions had been made. Focal lymphocytic adenitis could not be demonstrated in the labial salivary glands. The degree of lymphocyticinfiltrationin the labial salivary glands is positively correlated with the level of focal lymphocytic adenitis in the submandibular glands in the same subject. Lymphocytic foci and lymphocytic infiltrations found under these circumstances are probably related. This finding provides conceptual support for the examination, by biopsy, of the labial glands in patients suspected of Sjögren's syndrome.
Microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia: The phenomenon of red cell adherence
Authors: Preston F. E. , Christenhusz R.
Published: June 2007

Examination by scanning electron microscopy of erythrocytes from three cases of microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia demonstrated the presence of adherent cells. Although in some cases this appeared to be due to a thin strand, presumably fibrin, between the erythrocytes, in most instances there was intimate contact and this was invariably associated with damage to the red cell surface membrane.

It is considered that the adherence is predominantly due to altered physico-chemical properties of the surface membrane of the red blood cell and that further morphological abnormalities may result from the intravascular stresses to which the paired cells are subjected.
Venous blood ammonium levels in control subjects and in patients with disorders of the liver
Authors: Sinniah D. , Fulton T. T. , McCullough H.
Published: June 2007

Venous blood ammonium levels were studied in 106 control subjects and 47 patients with varying degrees of liver disorder. The resting venous blood ammonium was normally distributed in both male and female control subjects and was not influenced by either the sex or the fasting state of the subject. In general it was also uninfluenced by age except that the level was found to be a little lower in subjects over 60 years of age probably due to their state of greater muscular inactivity.

The mean resting ammonium level in controls was 80·0 μg/100 ml ± 17·17 μg/100 ml and the range (mean ± 2 SD) 46-114 μg/100 ml. Raised levels were obtained in 16·7% of patients with subclinical liver disorder, 62·5% with moderate liver disorder, and 85·5% with severe liver disorder, indicating a relationship between the severity of liver disorder and the resting venous blood ammonium level. As the majority of patients with severe liver disorder were known to have varices the raised ammonium levels are likely to have been related to the greater magnitude and incidence of portal systemic shunts in those with severe liver disease.
Precautions adopted in a clinical chemistry laboratory as a result of an outbreak of serum hepatitis affecting hospital staff
Authors: Percy-Robb I. W. , Proffitt J. , Whitby L. G.
Published: June 2007

This article describes the precautions which have been introduced into a clinical chemistry laboratory with a view to reducing the risk of infection of staff with the virus of serum hepatitis.
The effect of diurnal variation on total plasma calcium concentration in normal subjects
Authors: Wills M. R.
Published: June 2007

In 12 normal subjects plasma calcium and phosphorus concentrations were estimated during a normal working day. In the individual subjects fluctuations from the fasting values occurred during the period of study, but at no time during that period did the mean values differ significantly from the fasting plasma calcium or phosphorus concentrations. In three of the subjects the study was repeated while fasting during a normal working day. In these subjects the fluctuations in both plasma calcium and phosphorus concentrations were less than during a normal day while taking meals, and there was evidence of a diurnal variation in the plasma phosphorus concentration.
Renal dysplasia
Authors: Risdon R. A.
Published: June 2007

The clinical and pathological findings in 150 children submitted to partial or total nephrectomy have been reviewed. Histological examination of the kidney removed at operation showed evidence of renal dysplasia in 76 (51%). These 76 patients were divided into three main groups on the basis of the pathological changes found in the kidney and the associated urinary tract anomalies. In group 1, gross cystic renal dysplasia was associated with absence or atresia of the renal pelvis and ureter. In group 2, renal dysplasia was segmental; the ureter, although patent, had some anatomical or functional abnormality which resulted in urinary stasis or reflux. In many of these patients dysplasia was confined to the upper pole of a `duplex' kidney which was drained by an ectopic ureterocele. In group 3, renal dysplasia was associated with obstruction of the lower urinary tract, most commonly by posterior urethral valves. In group 1 dysplasia was total, involving the whole kidney, whilst in groups 2 and 3 dysplasia tended to be segmental; in the majority some normal renal tissue was present. Pyelonephritis was a very common complication, but was present only in patients from groups 2 and 3, in whom a lumen was present in the draining ureter, and not in patients from group 1 in whom the ureter was atretic or absent, and the kidney not functioning. It appears that urinary obstruction, stasis, or reflux are the principal factors predisposing to and promoting pyelonephritis in dysplastic kidneys. There seems to be no reason to suppose that dysplastic renal tissue is abnormally susceptible to infection since pyelonephritic changes were lacking in those cases in which dysplasia was most severe.
Proteins and fibrinolysis in recipients of renal allografts
Authors: Wardle E. N. , Menon I. S. , Uldall P. R. , Swinney J.
Published: June 2007

Studies of serum proteins, platelets, and fibrinolysis in patients after renal allografting show that a fall in plasma fibrinogen in the postoperative period can be associated with early rejection and that a rise in serum fibrin degradation products when accompanied by a fall in platelets is associated with rejection. Fibrinolysis is depressed in these patients until two months after transplantation and marked depression of fibrinolysis may precede rejection. The late coincidence of fibrinolytic depression with a rise in fibrin degradation products suggests chronic insidious rejection.
Hepatic and serum folates in patients fasting and after oral folic acid
Authors: Dawson D. W. , Geary C.
Published: June 2007

The hepatic folate in non-anaemic hospital patients was found to correlate poorly with the fasting serum folate. The rise in methylfolate in the systemic circulation following the absorption of folic acid was directly related to the folate content of the liver.
A clinical and electron microscopic study of a calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour
Authors: Mainwaring A. R. , Ahmed Ali , Hopkinson J. M. , Anderson P.
Published: June 2007

The clinical features and the histological and ultrastructural appearances of a case of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour are described. The ultrastructural features of the cells of this tumour are comparable to cells of the stratum intermedium of the enamel organ. It is suggested that the amyloid-staining material found in this tumour is a cellular secretion rather than a cytoplasmic degeneration.
Cytodiagnosis of rheumatoid pleural effusions
Authors: Boddington M. M. , Spriggs A. I. , Morton J. A. , Mowat A. G.
Published: June 2007

The stained smears of the deposits from one pericardial and 19 pleural effusions complicating rheumatoid arthritis were examined. On the basis of clinical and biochemical evidence it was considered that in six cases the effusions were due to the rheumatoid disease while in a further nine cases the association was considered likely. In the remaining five cases the association was considered to be due to chance as other causes for the effusions were diagnosed.

On cytological examination, seven cases showed a characteristic picture of degenerating polymorphs with amorphous extracellular material and epithelioid cells many of which were multinucleate. Five others contained similar amorphous material without epithelioid cells; of these two had many plasma cells and a third numerous macrophages probably containing `droplets' of rheumatoid factor complex.

Thus in 12 of 15 cases a definite diagnosis of rheumatoid effusion could be made. In the remaining five cases cytological examination confirmed that the effusions were unrelated to the rheumatoid disease.

The extracellular material gave a non-specific fluorescence with labelled anti-γ globulin antisera, and since this reaction was not seen in control pleural fluid deposits, or with preparations of fibrin, it may have a confirmatory value.

It is concluded that in many cases reliable cytological evidence can be found to confirm or refute a diagnosis of rheumatoid pleural or pericardial effusion. This may be helpful in the management of the rheumatoid disease.
Diagnostic value of the serum folate assay
Authors: Forshaw J. , Harwood Lilian
Published: June 2007

The diagnostic value of the serum folate assay has been assessed in 90 patients, each of whom had a macrocytic anaemia and a low serum vitamin B12level. Twenty-nine (32%) patients were found to have anaemia due primarily to folate deficiency. The cause of the low serum vitamin B12levels is uncertain in the 22 (25%) patients with normal or borderline vitamin B12absorption. The effect of folic acid therapy was studied in four of these patients, and in each case the serum vitamin B12rose slowly to a normal level.

The serum folate was low in only four (7·5%) of the 54 patients with pernicious anaemia, and the levels rose to normal on treatment with vitamin B12alone. A high serum folate occurred in eight (15%) pernicious anaemia patients. A normal serum folate indicated the diagnosis of pernicious anaemia or megaloblastic anaemia following partial gastrectomy. However, a normal serum folate and a very low vitamin B12level was found in two patients with idiopathic steatorrhoea.

It is concluded that the serum folate assay is a valuable routine test in patients who have a macrocytic anaemia and low serum vitamin B12. A low folate level makes the diagnosis of pernicious anaemia unlikely and is a strong indication for full investigation of small intestinal function.
Use of plasma instead of serum in laboratory tests for infectious mononucleosis
Authors: Davidson R. J. L. , Main S. R.
Published: June 2007

Until recently, the exclusive use of serum in all laboratory tests for detecting heterophile antibody has remained unquestioned. This communication describes a series of studies which demonstrate that comparable results are obtained when sequestrenized plasma is used instead of serum in the conventional differential absorption technique and in two slide screening tests. It is confirmed that significant differences in the final differential absorption titres can result from variations in the agglutinability of erythrocytes from different sheep but such differences when present are the same for plasma as for serum. The advantages of using plasma for routine purposes are briefly discussed.
Streptococcal infection in a large general hospital
Authors: Freeman R.
Published: June 2007

A report of a sustained increase in streptococcal sepsis in a large general hospital is presented. Attempts to define the cause are detailed, and the possible nature and consequences of it are discussed.
Breast involvement in Wegener's granulomatosis
Authors: Pambakian H. , Tighe J. R.
Published: June 2007

Two cases of Wegener's granulomatosis are described in which the early and predominating lesions were found in the breast. The histological features of breast necrosis with granulomatous inflammation and widespread vasculitis in the breast in the absence of any demonstrable pathogens enabled a presumptive diagnosis to be made in one case before the development of the more characteristic clinical features in the respiratory system.
The pathology of parietal pleural plaques
Authors: Roberts G. Hefin
Published: June 2007

The incidence, morbid anatomy, histology, and relationship of hyaline pleural plaques to exposure to asbestos has been studied.

Plaques were found in 12·3% of 334 hospital necropsies (in an urban population in Glasgow, 41 cases). In 85·3% (35 cases) asbestos bodies were found in the lungs. There is evidence of a dose-response relationship between the number of asbestos bodies found in the lungs and the presence of pleural plaques.

The selective distribution of plaques within the pleural cavities suggests that mechanical factors play a part in their localization.

Histological examination contributed little to understanding the mechanism of plaque formation; that asbestos bodies have been detected in only a few cases suggest that their presence in the parietal pleura is not essential to plaque formation. The suggested mechanisms of plaque formation are discussed.
An unusual form of renal disease associated with gout and hypertension
Authors: Van Goor W. , Kooiker C. J. , Mees E. J. Dorhout
Published: June 2007

A family is described many of whose members suffered from renal insufficiency, hypertension, gout, and hyperuricaemia in conjunction. Adequate information was obtained on 72 subjects from five generations. In 17, one or more of the above mentioned abnormalities was or had been present. The hereditary distribution suggested an autosomal dominant disease entity.

The renal disease was characterized by an early loss of urinary concentrating power, minimal proteinuria, and death at a relatively early age dominating the clinical picture.

The histological picture in three biopsies and one necropsy showed predominant tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis, with striking tubular basement membrane thickening.

It is suggested that these patients suffered from a hereditary degenerative renal disease. The question whether hyperuricaemia was primary or secondary in these cases is discussed.
Postoperative urinary infections caused byEscherichia coli
Authors: Bettelheim K. A. , Dulake C. , Taylor Joan
Published: June 2007

Serological and biochemical classification ofEsch. colifrom the rectum and vagina of patients who developed a urinary infection after operation and the insertion of a self-retaining catheter showed that 13/20 urinary infections were caused by a type which had been present before operation in the rectum, vagina, or both.
Microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia associated with malignant haemangio-endothelioma
Authors: Donald D. , Dawson Audrey A.
Published: June 2007

A case of microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia associated with malignant haemangio-endothelioma is described. It is suggested that haemolysis may have been due to mechanical trauma sustained by the red blood cells on passage through the tumour's abnormal vasculature.
A study of two methods for estimating plasma fibrinogen and the effect of epsilon aminocaproic acid and protamine
Authors: Giddings J. C. , Bloom A. L.
Published: June 2007

Fibrinogen concentrations were determined in normal plasma and in plasma from patients with high and low levels. There was a good correlation between the results of a rapid semi-quantitative fibrinogen titre technique and those of a quantitative assay of coagulable fibrinogen. In normal subjects fibrinogen levels were not significantly influenced by taking blood into epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) or by the addition of protamine to plasma. In patients with the defibrination syndrome in whom increased plasma fibrinolysis was not detected, fibrinogen levels were not affected by taking blood into EACA but considerably increased levels were observed after the addition of protamine to plasma. In patients undergoing thrombolytic therapy the fibrinogen levels measured were increased both in blood taken into EACA and in plasma containing protamine. It is suggested that EACA acted by preventing lysisin vitrowhilst protamine counteracted abnormal fibrin polymerization. The pattern of results may be of diagnostic importance.
2,3-Diphosphoglycerate in acute asthma
Authors: Gallagher P. J.
Published: June 2007

The blood levels of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate have been studied in 16 acute asthmatics and a group of healthy controls. No significant difference was found, but asthmatics had higher haemoglobin concentrations.
Single-sample diagnosis of recent rubella by fractionation of antibody on Sephadex G-200 column
Authors: Gupta J. D. , Peterson V. , Stout Marilyn , Murphy A. M.
Published: June 2007

To facilitate the diagnosis of recent rubella infection, rubella haemagglutination inhibiting antibody has been determined in four fractions obtained by Sephadex G-200 gel filtration of samples of serum. All the 21 samples collected at the convalescent stage of the disease had varying proportions of haemagglutination inhibiting antibody in fraction 1, representing the major portion of IgM antibody whereas all but three out of 22 sera from persons with no history of recent rubella had negative titres in this fraction. The haemagglutination inhibiting titres in the three positive sera in the second group was very low as compared to the other fractions. Fractionation of sera on a Sephadex G-200 column coupled with the rubella haemagglutination inhibition test can, therefore, be used to diagnose recent rubella infection.
Lymphocytic tumours of the conjunctiva
Authors: Morgan Gwyn
Published: June 2007

Twenty-six cases of lymphocytic tumour of the conjunctiva, which were originally classified as benign lymphoma and lymphosarcoma, were followed up for more than five years, They were then reclassified into non-disseminating and disseminating groups. Only when germinal follicles are present can a histological diagnosis of benign lymphoma be made. Moreover, it is only when lymphoblasts are seen to be infiltrating the tissues that a definitive diagnosis of lymphosarcoma can be made. The remaining tumours, which represent the large majority of lesions, show a very similar or identical histological picture, and a diagnosis of benignity or malignancy can only be made after a prolonged follow up. The possible nature of the non-disseminating lymphocytic tumours is briefly discussed.
Recurrent hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid carcinoma
Authors: Ellis H. A. , Floyd M. , Herbert F. K.
Published: June 2007

The case is described of a woman who died with a functioning parathyroid carcinoma 19 years after removal of two parathyroid tumours, considered at the time to be benign. Following operation hyperparathyroidism subsided, with a short period of hypocalcaemia, and severe osteitis fibrosa cystica healed. Five years before death progressive renal failure developed with normal and later raised serum calcium levels. At necropsy a parathyroid carcinoma infiltrated the thyroid at the site of the previous operation and there was a solitary hepatic metastasis. A remaining parathyroid gland was nodularly hyperplastic and the bones showed evidence of active osteitis fibrosa. The relationship between parathyroid hyperplasia and neoplasia is discussed. Acceptable cases of parathyroid carcinoma are rare, but carcinoma is an important cause of recurrent hyperparathyroidism even months or years after removal of an `adenoma'.
Chick embryo inoculation as a pathogenicity test for Candida species
Authors: Partridge Betty M. , Athar M. A. , Winner H. I.
Published: June 2007

The lesions produced by six Candida species on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the developing chick are described and compared. It is suggested that CAM inoculation be used as a pathogenicity test for Candida species.
Ascorbic acid status in iron-deficiency anaemia
Authors: Jacobs A. , Greenman D. , Owen E. , Cavill I.
Published: June 2007

Leucocyte ascorbic acid concentration declines with age. Patients with iron-deficiency anaemia have higher concentrations than normal while those with iron overload have a reduced concentration. It is suggested that these phenomena may be a result of reduced ascorbate catabolism in iron-deficiency anaemia and they provide support for the suggestion that the amount of iron in the tissues may be an important factor in determining ascorbic acid utilization.
Quality control in bacteriology: preliminary trials
Authors: Stokes E. Joan , Whitby J. L.
Published: June 2007

Six trials of quality control material sent in the form of artificial specimens are reported. A method of assessment using a computer for complex results, including antibiotic sensitivity tests, was employed. The trials were successful in showing the need for a comprehensive service and in bringing to light by this method a wide variety of errors.
Lysosomal enzyme cytochemistry in acute leukaemia
Authors: Mann J. R. , Simpson J. S. , Munkley R. M. , Stuart J.
Published: June 2007

A cytochemical study of the lysosomal enzyme β-glucuronidase in 60 cases of acute leukaemia has shown a qualitative difference in the cytoplasmic distribution of the enzyme between blast cells of the lymphoid and myeloid cell series. This difference provides a useful additional method for cytochemical classification of cell type and is superior in this respect to the other lysosomal enzymes studied (aryl sulphatase and acid phosphatase). The β-glucuronidase reaction is recommended in those cases of acute leukaemia in which the periodic acid-Schiff reaction is negative or equivocal.
Light and electron microscopical studies of focal glomerular sclerosis
Authors: Nagi A. H. , Alexander F. , Lannigan R.
Published: June 2007

Renal biopsy material from seven cases of the nephrotic syndrome due to focal glomerular sclerosis has been studied by light, electron, and immunofluorescent microscopy. The nature of glomerular basement membrane changes and the scar tissue was also studied. It was found that the glomerular basement membrane and mesangial matrix formed the major components of scar tissue. On the basis of a short history in some of our cases, a poor response to steroid therapy in the early stages, and the distinct morphological changes, it is suggested that focal glomerular sclerosis has an independent origin and is not a stage of minimal change lesion.
The heterogeneity of the anticoagulant response to heparin
Authors: Estes J. Worth
Published: June 2007

Difficulties in evaluating the anticoagulant effect of heparin led to studies of the rate of disappearance of its effect on the whole body partial thromboplastin time, and of its simultaneously bioassayed plasma concentration. The slope of the anticoagulant's dose-effect curve varied with each subject's baseline coagulation status, which probably accounts for the wide range of clinically observed responses to the drug. The mean rate of disappearance of bioassayed heparin was less than the mean rate of disappearance of the drug's effect on the clotting time, probably because of heparin's extensive binding to the plasma proteins which comprise its site of action. That these two kinds of rate of disappearance were found not to be correlated may also reflect the protein-binding capacity of heparin.
Urinary tract infection and oral penicillin G
Authors: Hulbert J.
Published: June 2007

The urinary excretion of three oral preparations of penicillin G was measured in six subjects. After a dose of 500 mg of potassium penicillin G the mean urine level was 597 μg/ml in the first of three two-hour periods, 324 μg/ml in the second, and 40 μg/ml between the fourth and sixth hours. Of the dose, 13·4% was excreted in the urine in 24 hours. Differences among the three preparations were not significant therapeutically.

Most Gram-negative urinary pathogens are sensitive to 5-50 μg of penicillin G per ml.

There is a rational basis for the use of oral penicillini G to treat urinary infection due to Gram-negative bacilli.
Isolation of a mycoplasma from sarcoid tissue
Authors: Jansson Elli , Hannuksela Matti , Eklund Hans , Halme Helena , Tuuri Sirkka
Published: June 2007

Using a modified cell-free culture medium, a mycoplasma was isolated from sarcoid lymph nodes in two cases and from sarcoid skin lesions in four out of seven cases of chronic sarcoidosis. Growth inhibition tests showed that the isolates were related toMycoplasma oraletype 1. By the indirect haemagglutination method, 244 cases of definite or probable sarcoidosis, 160 patients with other diseases, and 355 blood donors were tested for antibodies against an isolated mycoplasma (strain 215-M). Titres [unk] 16 were found in 14% of the patients with sarcoidosis and in 8% of the patients with other diseases but only in 0·6% of the blood donors. The proportion of patients with high antibody titres among those with sarcoidosis and erythema nodosum was smaller (8%) than among those with other forms of sarcoidosis (17%).

The role of the mycoplasmas isolated from sarcoid tissues remains obscure, but it is possible that these organisms are only an expression of altered immunity in sarcoidosis.