bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Maternal and Infant Iron Status
Authors: Macphail A. P. , Charlton R. W. , Bothwell T. H. , Torrance J. D.
Published: August 2010

Serum ferritin, iron and haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were determined in 103 pregnant women and in the cord of their normal full‐term offspring. In 50 of the cases the placental non‐haem iron was also measured. The correlations between serum ferritin concentration and other measurements of iron status were similar in both maternal and cord blood suggesting that cord serum ferritin concentration may, as in adults, reflect neonatal iron stores. The inverse relationship found between cord serum ferritin and Hb concentrations (r = –0.35, P < 0.001) suggests that the amount of iron in foetal stores is influenced by that required for Hb. When Hb levels are elevated, as was demonstrated in babies of older mothers, significantly lower serum ferritin were found. Thus a low cord serum ferritin concentration does not necessarily indicate that less iron was transferred to the foetus. Maternal iron reserve, as reflected by serum ferritin concentration, was shown to be related to the amount of non‐haem iron in the placenta (r = 0.41, P < 0.005), but this iron does not seem to form part of foetal iron stores as it does not correlate with measurements of foetal iron status. A week correlation between cord and maternal serum ferritin concentrations was demonstrated (r = 0.21, P < 0.05) but its biological significance is questionable.
Inhibition of Thrombin‐Induced Platelet Aggregation by Crude and Highly Purified α1‐Acid Glycoprotein
Authors: Andersen P. , Eika C.
Published: August 2010

The inhibitory effect of crude and highly purified α1‐acid glycoprotein on thrombin‐induced platelet aggregation were found to be identical.
Different Types of Endotoxin‐Induced Release of Colony Stimulating Factors by Adherent Leucocytes in the Presence of Fresh and Heat‐Inactivated Autologous Serum
Authors: Hinterberger Wolfgang , Mittermayer Karl , Paukovits Walter , Singer Jack
Published: August 2010

Human adherent leucocytes stimulate in vitro granulopoiesis by releasing colony stimulating factors (CSF), which promote the growth of myeloid committed stem cells (CFUc). The effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on CSF generation by adherent leucocytes was studied with fresh and heat‐inactivated autologous serum. Adherent leucocyte conditioned media were fractionated on Sephadex G‐75.

LPS, in the presence of fresh serum, caused a significant increase of CSF release by adherent leucocytes within 1 h. Heat inactivation of autologous serum abolished this effect. Adherent leucocyte CSF had 3 activity peaks at > 75000, 23000 and < 4000 daltons. LPS‐fresh serum initiated CSF, harvested after culture periods of 1 and 24 h, disclosed identical elution profiles.
Changes in Serum Levels of Cobalamin and Cobalamin Analogues in Folate Deficiency
Authors: Sheppard Kelvyn , Ryrie David
Published: August 2010

The recent introduction of radioassays for ‘true’ cobalamin, as opposed to cobalamin and its analogues, has resulted in significantly lower levels of cobalamin being found in patients with folate deficiency.

In study of 81 patients, cobalamin analogue levels were found to increase and cobalamin to decrease as red cell folates decreased. Cobalamin absorption studies in 15 patients with low cobalamin and folate levels were found to be normal in 10 patients, all of whom demonstrated high levels of analogues relative to true cobalamin. We have found that the mean serum cobalamin increased from 210 ng/l (range 100–380) to 309 (150–470) and analogues fell from 226 ng/l (150–280) to 127 (65–190) in 10 folate deficient patients when treated with folic acid. It appears that cobalamin analogue concentrations are increased in folate deficiency, and that in these patients treatment with folic acid alone may correct both the low cobalamin and the high analogue levels.
Classification of Acute Leukaemia by Light and Electron Microscope Cytochemistry
Authors: Jansson S.‐E. , Gripenberg J. , Vuopio P. , Teerenhovi L. , Andersson L. C.
Published: August 2010

Blast cells in 33 cases of adult acute leukaemia were investigated for signs of myeloid differentiation by light (Sudan Black B) and electron (peroxidase activity) microscope cytochemistry. All cases which were strongly Sudan positive were also peroxidase positive and electron microscopy is of no further value in these cases. In 11 cases the blast cells were Sudan negative and in 8 cases they were weakly Sudan positive: the results of the electron microscopical analysis would have altered the classification in 9 of these 19 cases. It is concluded that ultrastructural demonstration of peroxidase activity in blast cells is of value in the classification of acute leukaemia in cases with blasts either negative or only weakly positive for Sudan.
Chromosomal Abnormalities in Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia
Authors: Chapelle Albert de la , Knuutila Sakari , Elonen Erkki , Vuopio Pekka
Published: August 2010

In 2 patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) an isochromosome for the long arm of chromosome 17 was seen in part of the bone marrow mitoses at diagnosis and relapse, respectively. In one of them, there was a t(15q+;17q‐) affecting one of the No. 15 chromosomes and both arms of the isochromosome. Thus the translocation must have occurred before (or simultaneously with) the formation of the isochromosome. This is the first example of t(15;17) out of 17 patients with APL studied in Finland
Tγ Cell Deficiency in Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
Authors: Lauria F. , Mantovani V. , Catovsky D. , Guarini A. , Gobbi M. , Gugliotta L. , Mirone E. , Tura S.
Published: August 2010

A significant reduction in the proportion and absolute number of circulating Tγ (suppressor) lymphocytes was observed in 15 adult patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The proportion of Tγ cells was also reduced in the spleen of four patients so investigated. This abnormality was not seen in 5 patients cured by splenectomy whilst it persisted in 3 who remained thrombocytopenic after splenectomy. The proportion of Tμ (helper) lymphocytes in ITP was normal.

These findings, similar to those reported in systemic lupus erythematosus, suggest that an inbalance of the immunoregulatory T‐cell subsets may be important in the pathogenesis of ITP.
8/21 Translocation in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Authors: Tricot G. , Orshoven A. Broeckaert‐van , Daele M. Casteels‐van , VAN DEN Berghe H.
Published: August 2010

8;21 translocation was found in 10 AML patients. These patients exhibited a distinct clinical and haematological picture, characterized by M2 bone marrow, with rather good maturation, a high count of mature granulocytes, splenomegaly, and the absence of DIC. Complete remission was easily obtained. It was reported that the median survival is better than for other AML patients with abnormal karyotypes, but this could not be substantiated in our small series. The loss of a sex chromosome was found to be frequent and of poor prognostic significance.
Spontaneous (3H)‐Thymidine Uptake in Histological Subgroups of Human B‐Cell Lymphomas
Authors: Kvaløy Stein , Godal Tore , Marton Per F. , Steen Harald , Brennhovd Ivar O. , Abrahamsen Arne Foss
Published: August 2010

Spontaneous (3H)‐TdR incorporation was studied in cell suspensions from 64 patients with monoclonal B‐cell neoplasias. Among various incubation periods a long‐term (20 h) assay with (3H)‐TdR had the greatest discriminatory power versus non‐neoplastic lymph node cell suspensions. The (3H)‐TdR uptake correlated positively with cell volume, nuclear volume, and cells in S + G2 + M phase of the cell cycle. A high degree of heterogeneity with regard to (3H)‐TdR incorporation was found within several histological groups of the Kiel classification, especially in low‐grade malignant lymphomas of centroblastic/centrocytic origin and in the lymphoplasmacytoid groups. In highly malignant lymphomas (3H)‐TdR uptake was statistically, significantly higher than in lymphomas of low‐grade malignancy. Patients with localized disease (stages I and II) and those with ‘B’‐symptoms showed increased incorporation of radioactive thymidine as compared to patients with disseminated disease (stage IV). Data suggest that there exists correlation between prognosis as determined by histopathology and spontaneous uptake of (3H)‐TdR.
Mantle Field Irradiation for Stages IA and IIA Hodgkin's Disease
Authors: FossAbrahamsen A. , Høst H.
Published: August 2010

Between 1970 and 1975, 73 patients with surgically staged IA and IIA Hodgkin's disease, localized above the diaphragm, were treated with mantle field irradiation only. 24 patients relapsed during the first 5 years after the primary treatment, but 14 of them obtained long‐lasting complete remission after retreatment. 23 patients with lymphocyte‐depleted histology, more than 3 sites involved or a mediastinal mass of more than 6 cm had a high relapse rate (60%); these patients need treatment additional to the mantle field irradiation. The other 50 patients had an 80% relapse‐free survival, 96% complete remission after treatment of the first relapse, and 98 % survival after 8 years. We propose that such patients should receive mantle field irradiation only, as the primary treatment.
Separation of Human Bone Marrow Cells by Sedimentation
Authors: Guerci Oliéro , Huot‐Marchand Francis , Schneider Olga
Published: August 2010

Sedimentation at unit gravity of human bone marrow cells, for 15 h at 4° C on a linear density gradient of Ficoll in culture medium ranging from 1.020 to 1.065 g/ml shows that a differential migration of the bone marrow cell sub‐populations exists with precise mean densities 1.021 ±lx 10−3 g/ml for lymphocytes; 1.024 ± 2.5 times 10−3 g/ml for non‐eosinophil granulocytes; 1.025 ± 2.5 times 10−3 g/ml for metamyelocytes; 1.030 ± 3.5 times 10−3 g/ml for other myeloid cells (myeloblasts, promyelocytes, myelocytes); 1.040 ± 3 times 10−3 g/ml for eosinophil granulocytes; and 1.055 ± 10 times 10−3 g/ml for megakaryocytes.

The highest percentages of S phase cell and G2 and M phase cells determined by a cytofluorograph correspond to the peaks of immature myeloid cells (myeloblasts, promyelocytes and myelocytes).

This method of bone marrow cell separation may be used to study the cell cycle in pathological bone marrows (leukaemia in particular) and to determine the effects and the efficiency of some antimitotics.
Cellular Proliferation and Susceptibility to Iron Toxicity in Iron Loaded Cell Cultures
Authors: Williams Adrienne , Hoy Terry G. , Jacobs Allan
Published: August 2010

Chang cells from human liver, grown in a medium supplemented with 161 μmol/1 ferric nitrilotriacetate become iron loaded with an increase in their ferritin content and total iron content. Their viability is not impaired and they survive indefinitely in this state when subcultured at regular intervals. When the cells are grown in a confluent culture their mitotic index is reduced from 12% to less than 1%. In this state they survive normally in unsupplemented medium but when iron is added at 161 umol/1 concentration the cells die within 6 weeks. The toxic lesion appears to be induced within three weeks and is irreversible unless the cells are transferred to an iron‐poor medium. Cultural conditions, particularly proliferative rate, appear to be important in determining susceptibility of the cells to iron toxicity. Cell age, hypopoxia and lysosomal enzymes have been assessed as factors that may affect susceptibility.
Monocyte‐Macrophage Modulation of T‐lymphocyte‐Derived Colony‐Stimulating Activity Elaboration in Man
Authors: Verma Dharmvir S. , Spitzer Gary , Johnston Dennis A. , Beran Miloslav , Zander Axel R. , McCredie Kenneth B.
Published: August 2010

To investigate the source and the mechanisms of synergistically enhanced colony‐stimulating activity elaboration by the coincubated monocyte‐macrophages and T lymphocytes, we simultaneously prepared conditioned media both from the coincubated monocyte‐macrophages and T lymphocytes (ratio 1:3) in the presence of phytohemagglutinin (1%) or methanol extraction residue of bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (50 μg/ml) and from the isolated T lymphocytes that had been primed with monocyte‐macrophages in the presence or absence of phytohemagglutinin or methanol extraction residue of bacillus Calmette‐Guerin. Subsequently, colony‐stimulating activity in various conditioned media was assayed using light‐density (< 1.070 g/ml), nonadherent normal human marrow cells. Live monocyte‐macrophages synergized with and significantly (P < 0.01) agumented the T lymphocyte‐derived colony‐stimulating activity elaboration; while killed monocytes‐macrophages had no such effect. Similarly, actinomycin D and cycloheximide not only diminished monocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating activity elaboration but also reduced their synergistic interaction with T lymphocytes and their ability to augment the T lymphocyte‐derived colony‐stimulating activity elaboration. In contrast, mitomycin C failed to diminish both ‐ monocyte‐macrophages' ability to synergise with T lymphocytes and also to augment T lymphocyte‐derived colony‐stimulating activity. These data suggest that monocyte‐macrophages require an intact transcriptional and translational processes, but not DNA synthesis for synergising with T lymphocytes or for augmenting T lymphocyte colony‐stimulating activity elaboration.
Influence of Residual Splenic Tissue on Autoantibodies in Splenectomized Patients
Authors: Nielsen Johan Lanng , Andersen Paul , Ellegaard Jørgen
Published: August 2010

In 42 patients splenectomized after injury of the spleen or for non‐malignant diseases residual splenic tissue was detected by 99mTc scanning in 19 (Group I) and not detected in 23 (Group II). Autoantibodies detected by the indirect immunofluorescent method occurred in 16 (38%) of the splenectomized patients and in 6 (14%) of 42 age‐ and sex‐matched controls (P < 0.02). In patients with residual splenic tissue the incidence of autoantibodies did not differ significantly from that in the controls, whereas autoantibodies occurred significantly more often in patients without residual splenic tissue (39%) than in the corresponding control group (9%) (P = 0.016). Antibodies to nuclear antigens (ANA), smooth muscle (SMA), reticulin (RetA) and cytoplasm of gastric parietal cells (PA) were detected, and the antibody titres tended to be higher in the patients than in the controls. None of the patients showed any clinical signs of autoimmune disease. These findings indicate that splenectomy disturbs the regulation of autoantibody function, and it is possible that this might be caused by a reduction of the number of T suppressor cells for which the spleen is a major pool. It is suggested that residual splenic tissue may prevent an increased occurrence of autoantibodies in splenectomized patients.
Immunocompetence after Incidental Splenectomy
Authors: Graffner Hans , Gullstrand Per , Hallberg Torgny
Published: August 2010

Of 377 patients with chronic duodenal ulcer undergoing highly selective vagotomy, 13 were splenectomized peroperatively because of capsular tear. 12 of these patients were alive at the time of the subsequent investigation and each was matched with a non‐splenectomized patient. The postoperative interval was almost 5 years (median).

The splenectomized patients were characterized by their longer hospitalization, and increased blood counts of lymphocytes, monocytes and platelets. Analysis of lymphocyte subsets revealed increased numbers of both T and B lymphocytes after splenectomy. Among the T cells, those with receptors for Fc of IgG were significantly more numerous in the splenectomized group. It is a matter of controversy whether or not this population contains T suppressor cells. Hence further functional investigations are needed to clarify whether our observations bear any relation to the low level of plasma IgM found by us and others in splenectomized individuals. Screening for complement activation by the classical and alternative pathways did not reveal any defects resulting from splenectomy.
Hairy Cell Leukaemia Occurring with an Unrelated Paraproteinaemia
Authors: Newell D. G. , Sattar M. , Hannam‐Harris A. C. , Cawley M. I. D. , Jayaswal U. , Smith J. L.
Published: August 2010

A detailed study is described of a case of hairy cell leukaemia, presenting with a serum paraprotein of an immunoglobulin (Ig) class different from that synthesised by the neoplas‐tic cells. The case was unusual in its association with leukaemic arthropathy but ultrastruc‐turally the hairy cells were typical. By immunofluorenscence and immuno‐electron microscopy the neoplastic cells expressed IgAλ both on the cell surface and intracellularly in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, perinuclear space and Golgi apparatus. No Ig was observed in the ribosomal‐lamellae complexes. These cells also synthesised and secreted Ig of class Aλ in culture. However the serum paraprotein was of class IgA® and could not be attributed to an abnormal population of plasma cells in the bone marrow. There was no other evidence for myeloma and the IgA® paraproteinaemia appeared to be benign, apparently unrelated to the neoplastic proliferation of hairy cells.
Influence of Residual Splenic Tissue on the Presence of Vacuolated Erythrocytes in Splenectomized Patients
Authors: Nielsen Johan Lanng
Published: August 2010

In normals without impairment of the splenic function, less than 1% of the circulating erythrocytes are vacuolated. Autotransplantation of splenic tissue (splenosis) or growth of accessory spleens may occur after splectomy. 39 patients splenectomized after traumatic rupture of the spleen were investigated by spleen Tc‐scanning, employing heat‐damaged autologous erythrocytes, and the splenic filter function was studied by counting the the % of vacuolated erythrocytes using interference‐phase‐contrast microscopy. Residual splenic tissue was detected in 18 patients and in these the median % of vacuolated erythrocytes was found to be significantly lower than in patients without ectopic splenic tissue (21.0% versus 44.8%, P < 0.01). There was, however, a marked overlap between the 2 groups. The reason for this might be that very small splenic implants are not detected by Tc‐scanning.
Development of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia in a Patient with Polycythaemia Vera
Authors: Papayannis Antonios G. , Nikiforakis Emmanuel , Aanagnostou‐Keramida Demetra
Published: August 2010

A 73‐year‐old patient who had polycythaemia vera (PV), and who 6 years later developed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CCL) is described. 2 years after the appearance of CLL, the polycythaemic phase showed a remission following treatment with phlebotomy and busulfan. CLL did not make all the characteristics of PV disappear: leucocyte alkaline phosphatase and fibrosis of the bone marrow remained increased and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate remained low. The abnormal lymphocytes were B‐cells and had the peculiarity that most of their nuclei showed a deep cleft, and some were bilobed. Chromosomal studies of the bone marrow showed the presence of a metacentric chromosome in the C‐group, while the karyotype of the peripheral blood was normal. This case is described because of the rarity of the coexistence of these 2 diseases in the same patient.
Cell Cycle Distribution of Erythroblasts in P. falciparum Malaria
Authors: Wickramasinghe S. N. , Abdalla S. , Weatherall D. J.
Published: August 2010

The cell cycle distribution of the erythroblasts of 6 Gambian children with P. falciparum malaria was determined using the technique of combined Feulgen microspectrophotometry and 3H‐thymidine autoradiography. The data showed evidence of a perturbation of erythro‐blast kinetics in all 6 children. The abnormalities were more marked in the children with chronic malaria than in those with acute malaria and predominantly affected the early polychromatic erythroblasts. The disturbances observed in chronic malaria included an increased proportion of cells in the G2 phase and an arrest during the progress of some cells through the S phase. The latter defect was not seen in the children with acute malaria.
Electron Microscopic Detection of Periodate Reactive Complex Carbohydrates in Human T and B Lymphocytes
Authors: Eguchi Mitsuoki , Sugita Kenichi , Sugiyama Setsuo , Furukawa Toshiharu
Published: August 2010

The periodic acid‐thiocarbohydrazide‐silver proteinate (PA‐TCH‐SP) technique, which has the same cytochemical significance as PAS staining of light microscopy, was undertaken to reveal the distribution of complex carbohydrates with vicinal glycols in human lymphocytes in several conditions at the ultra‐structural level. The PA‐TCH‐SP method stained the clustered and the scattered cytoplasmic granules, Golgi apparatus and glycogen particles of lymphocytes. In the buffy coat, the lymphocytes with the clustered cytoplasmic granules contained less glycogen particles compared with the lymphocytes without the clustered cytoplasmic granules. The majority of T‐lymphocytes separated from the venous blood possessed PA‐TCH‐SP positive clustered cytoplasmic granules, but glycogen particles were scanty or negligible, while B lymphocytes were rich with glycogen particles but had scanty clustered cytoplasmic granules. The T and B cell‐derived cultured cell lines had a similar reactivity to the peripheral T and B cells.
Severe Aplastic Anaemia Treated with Anti‐Lymphocyte Globulin
Authors: Hanada Takashi , Abe Tsukasa , Fukao Katashi , Jogamoto Mitsuto , Takita Hitoshi
Published: August 2010

A 6‐year‐old girl with severe aplastic anaemia improved promptly after treatment with anti‐human lymphocyte globulin (ALG). Blood T lymphocytes were proved to have a suppressive effect on erythroid colony formation. ALG was administered intravenously at a dose of 15 mg/kg/d for 5 d. By the 14th d she showed a prompt increase in the reticulocyte count. Within the next 2 weeks slight increase of the platelet count was observed while the neutrophil count remained unchanged. The suppressive effect of T cells on erythroid colony formation weakened when the reticulocyte count exceeded 100 times 109/1. About 4 months after administration of ALG, a decreased reticulocyte count was observed along with frequent nasal bleeding. Again the T cells exhibited a suppressive effect on erythroid colony formation. The results of serial co‐culture studies revealed a close correlation between the T‐cell suppressive effect on erythroid colony formation and reticulocyte response. The findings suggest an immune‐mediated mechanism for the haematopoietic disorder in this patient.
A Family with Reduced Plasminogen Activator Activity in Blood Associated with Recurrent Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Jorgensen Maja , Mortensen Jens Zobbe , Madsen Anne Grete , Thorsen Sixtus , Jacobsen Bo
Published: August 2010

6 members of a family with a tendency to thrombosis and defective fibrinolysis were examined. After stimulation of plasminogen activator release from the vessel wall by local venous occlusion or by submaximal physical exercise, they had a lower plasminogen activator activity in blood than a healthy control group (P < 0.01). 5 of the examined members suffered from recurrent venous thrombosis. The defect appeared to be autosomal dominant.
Ultrastructural Aspects of Leukaemic Cells in Acute Myeloblastic Leukaemia
Authors: Nowakowski Andrzej , Halliop Janina , Tarach Jerzy S.
Published: August 2010

Ultrastructural aspects of leukaemic cells in a case of myeloblastic leukaemia are described. Changes concerning of mitochondrial ultrastructure, but primarily the presence of vast numbers of fibrillar structures in the cytoplasm of the examined cells were observed. These structures were spreading through their gradual widening to cover almost the whole cell cytoplasm, damaging its organellae and internal architecture. The nature of the observed changes remains unknown.
Dementia and Central Nervous System Involvement in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Authors: KORSAGER STIG , LAURSEN BENEDICTE , MORTENSEN TORBEN MUNCK
Published: August 2010

2 patients with early‐stage chronic lymphocytic leukaemia had involvement of the central nervous system causing dementia as the predominant clinical symptom. None of the patients had focal neurological abnormalities. One patient was successfully treated first with irradiation therapy to the central nervous system, and later with intrathecal administration of methotrexate. The other patient died with massive leukaemic infiltration of the central nervous system before effective treatment had been given. Although significant involvement of the central nervous system is rare in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and usually does not occur until late in the disease, these cases show that clinically important infiltration may happen very early. The clinical picture of dementia has not been described in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Cobalamin Forms in Plasma and Tissue during Treatment of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Authors: Gimsing P. , Hippe E. , Helleberg‐Rasmussen I. , Moesgaard M. , Nielsen J. Lanng , Bastrup‐Madsen P. , Berlin R. , Hansen T.
Published: August 2010

Thin‐layer chromatography and bioautography were used to study the cobalamin pattern of plasma, erythrocytes, and hepatic tissue from patients with cobalamin deficiency on maintenance therapy with hydroxocobalamin (Vibeden®), a cyanocobalamin depot preparation (Betolvex®), or cyanocobalamin tablets (Behepan®). The cobalamin pattern in plasma is dominated by the form in which it is administered. The results of assaying the erythrocytes and liver biopsies show that the cobalamins administered are converted to the coenzyme forms in vivo, irrespective of the type of cobalamin preparation.
Circulating Haematopoietic Progenitors in Myelofibrosis
Authors: Partanen Seija , Ruutu Tapani , Vuopio Pekka
Published: August 2010

We studied circulating erythroid and granulocyte‐monocyte progenitors in 18 patients with idiopathic myelofibrosis and in healthy controls, using the methyl cellulose assay. 9 of the patients had been splenectomized prior to the study. The median number of circulating erythroid burst‐forming units (BFU‐E) was 8 times higher than that of the controls. 12 patients also had CFU‐E (colony‐forming unit, erythroid) in the blood. 10 patients had spontaneous BFU‐E colony formation, and 8 patients had spontaneous CFU‐E colony growth. Granulocyte‐monocyte progenitors (CFU‐GM) were increased 47 times compared to the controls. There were no differences in colony numbers between splenectomized and non‐splenectomized patients. We conclude that in myelofibrosis, circulating erythroid and granulocyte‐monocyte progenitors are usually markedly increased in number, but erythroid precursors to a lesser extent than granulocyte‐monocyte precursors. Many patients, but not all, show spontaneous erythroid colony formation.
Platelet BTG Release in Vitro Induced by Mechanical and Chemical Stimulus: Correlation with the Aggregation Curve Parameters
Authors: Santos M. T. , Valles J. , Aznar J. , Villa P.
Published: August 2010

The in vitro release of B‐thromboglobulin (BTG) from platelets after stirring the platelet rich plasma (PRP) 5 min (37°C/1000rpm) was studied in a group of 13 healthy subjects before and after ‘in vivo’ aspirin ingestion, 1 g/d for 3 d. A significant reduction in the platelet BTG release (31%) was observed after aspirin ingestion in comparison to the pre‐aspirin values, suggesting that the BTG release by stirring is related to a platelet activation process.

Small doses of collagen (0.625 μg/ml) and thrombin (0.1 U/ml) always released platelet BTG, whether or not there was a visible platelet aggregation, suggesting that platelet activation is not necessarily followed by visible platelet aggregation.

A significant correlation was found between the BTG released by stimulation with collagen (2.5 μg/ml) and thrombin (0.2 U/ml) and the maximum velocity and intensity of the aggregation curve parameters.
The Membrane Phenotype of T‐Prolymphocytic Leukaemia
Authors: Catovsky D. , Wechsler A. , Matutes E. , Gomez R. , Bourikas G. , Cherchi M. , Pepys E. O. , Pepys M. B. , Kitani T. , Hoffbrand A. V. , Greaves M. F.
Published: August 2010

Cells from 13 cases of T‐prolymphocytic leukaemia (T‐PLL) were studied with a battery of immunological techniques in order to define their membrane phenotype. All cases were E‐rosette positive and were negative with OKT6, anti‐HLA‐DR, anti‐Ig and M‐rosettes; in 3, 20–30% of the cells had receptors for C3b. 7 cases had predominantly a ‘helper/inducer’ T‐subset phenotype, (OKT4+, OKT8‐) and 4 had a ‘suppressor/cytotoxic’ phenotype (OKT8+, OKT4‐). Cells in 2 cases coexpressed OKT4 and OKT8 in 48% and 95% of prolymphocytes and in another, both OKT4 and OKT8 were negative. Terminal transferase (TdT) was negative by IF in all the cases, but a low positive level was detected biochemically in one. Although T‐PLL appears to be heterogenous in respect of membrane phenotype, the observation of unexpected features in 8 of the cases raises the possibility that it may originate in a cell of intermediate maturation between late thymocytes and mature T‐lymphocytes. These features plus the clinical manifestation of the disease — typical morphology, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, skin lesions, high WBC and aggressive clinical course — help define T‐PLL as a distinct clinicopathological entity.
Effect of Feeder Layer Activity on Buoyant Density Distributions of Granulocyte‐Macrophage Colony Forming Cells
Authors: Francis G. E. , Bol S. J. L. , Berney J. J.
Published: August 2010

Separation of bone marrow cells in continuous bovine serum albumin density gradients and the agar culture technique were used to determine the buoyant density distribution of granulocyte‐macrophage colony forming cells (CFUc) from normal marrow. The results showed that the byoyant density distribution of normal CFUc is dependent on the activity of the feeder layers used to stimulate colony formation and that additional low density CFUc grow on high activity feeder layers. The implications of these findings for studies of the density of acute meyloid leukaemia CFUc will be discussed.
Blood T‐Lymphocyte Functions in Healthy Adults in Relation to Age
Authors: Wedelin C. , Björkholm M. , Holm G. , Ogenstad S. , Mellstedt H.
Published: August 2010

Blood T‐lymphocyte functions were studied in 167 healthy adults (age range 19–91 years). Lymphocyte DNA synthesis induced by concanavalin A, pokeweed mitogen and PPD antigen declined with age while the spontaneous DNA synthesis remained essentially unchanged. Relative and total T‐cell counts but not total lymphocyte counts were moderately decreased in elderly persons. The lymphocyte response to mitogens correlated with the PPD‐induced activation in vitro. Lymphocyte and T‐cell counts did not show any association with the response to mitogens and antigen. A few subjects were tested on several occasions during 2–7 years confirming a good reproducibility of the techniques employed. Thus ageing is associated with diminished number of T‐cells and impairment of lymphocyte activation by T‐cell mitogens and PPD antigen. The clinical importance of this general age‐related T‐cell deficiency remains largely unresolved.
Gaucher's Disease with Monoclonal Gammopathy
Authors: Marie J. P. , Tulliez M. , Tricottet‐Paczinski V. , Reynes M. , Diebold J.
Published: August 2010

A 23‐year‐old patient with Gaucher's disease and IgG kappa monoclonal gammopathy is described. The decrease of the serum immunoglobulin level after splenectomy and the immunoflourescence study of the spleen indicate a predominant splenic location of the secreting plasma cells.
Morphological Classification of Non‐Hodgkin Malignant Lymphoma II. Comparison between Rappaport's Classification and the Kiel Classification
Authors: Glimelius Bengt , Hagberg Hans , Sundstrom Christer
Published: August 2010

In a retrospective survey of 334 cases of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), 250 cases could be classified according to both Rappaport's classification and the Kiel classification. All patients initially in stage I had an excellent prognosis irrespective of histology, whereas patients in stages II, III and IV had a worse prognosis that did not significantly differ between stages. Rappaport's classification could separate stages II‐IV into 2 different prognostic groups, one favourable and one unfavourable group. According to the Kiel classification, 3 prognostic groups ‐ favourable, intermediate and unfavourable ‐ were found. The survival rate for favourable Rappaport fell in between favourable‐Kiel and intermediate‐Kiel. Both subgroups within favourable‐Rappaport (nodular lymphomas and diffuse well differentiated lymphomas) could actually be subdivided by the Kiel classification into one group with a more truly favourable behaviour and one with an intermediate behaviour. The extent of follicularity among nodular lymphomas and the presence of plasmacytoid differentiation among the small lymphocytic lymphomas were found to be of prognostic importance. In conclusion, we found that the Kiel classification separated the more indolent lymphomas better than Rappaport's classification. No preference was found concerning the high grade lymphomas.
IgM Lambda Globular Cytoplasmic Inclusions in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Resembling Immunocytoma
Authors: Berrebi A. , Talmor M. , Vorst E. , Resnitzky P. , Shtalrid M.
Published: August 2010

In a 64‐year‐old female with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, nearly 50 % of the lymphocytes presented one or several globular intracytoplasmic inclusions resembling Russell bodies which were characterized by immunofluorescence as IgM lambda. On electron microscopy, the inclusions looked like cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Surface membrane Ig was not detected and the serum IgM was low. The histology of a lymph node showed a lymphocytic proliferation with evidence of Ig synthesis, compatible with immunocytoma. The aggressive course of the disease necessitated polychemotherapy. This case represents an unusual ill‐defined lymphoproliferative disorder, lying between the B‐CLL and a non‐secretory macroglobulinaemia.
Cell Marker Studies in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Chronic Lymphatic Leukaemia
Authors: STOCKDILL G. , DEWAR A. E. , HARRISON D.
Published: August 2010

Cell marker analysis including mouse red cell roesetting ability was carried out on 24 newly diagnosed patients with chronic lymphatic leukaemia. Using a technique not employing neuraminidase a significant difference in mouse red cell rosetting ability was noted between male and female patients. It is well accepted that females often have a milder form of disease and better longterm survival than it is suggested this might be a reflection of the difference found in mouse red cell rosetting ability between the sexes in this condition.
Surface Glycoprotein Patterns of B Type Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Cells Correlate with the Clinical Activity of the Disease
Authors: TÖTTERMAN T. H. , FORSBECK K. , NILSSON K. , SIMONSSON B. , SUNDSTRTÖM C. , SÄLLSTRÖM J.
Published: August 2010

The surface glycoprotein patterns of leukaemic B lymphocytes from 20 patients with clinically progressive or non‐progressive chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) were investigated. Cells were labelled by the neuraminidase‐galactose oxidase‐tritiated sodium borohydride technique and the radioactive proteins were separated by polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis and visualized by fluorography. A total of 13 to 16 bands were detected. A common surface glycoprotein pattern for CLL cells was seen in all patients consisting of 7 proteins with the apparent molecular weights of 210, 200, 185, 150, 135, 110 and 90 kilodaltons, respectively. Interesting differences were, however, observed as cells from patients with progressive CLL in general lacked the glycoproteins 120, 72 and 67 K, which were found on cells from inactive CLL. The possible biological and clinical significance of these findings is discussed.
Kinetics of 111In‐Labelled Leukaemic Cells in Blast Crisis of Chronic Myelocytic Leukaemia
Authors: Yamauchi Kunihiko , Sugihara Masami , Nagao Tadami , Suzuki Yutaka
Published: August 2010

The distribution within the body of autologous leukaemic cells labelled with 111In oxine was studied in 4 patients with blast crisis of chronic myelocytic leukaemia (CML) by means of serial samples and gamma camera imaging. Leukaemic cells of the blood initially entered the spleen and liver, and the major site of localization was the former rather than the latter. A portion of leukaemic cells, which rapidly entered the liver, left temporarily 3 h after reinjection. Leukaemic cells entered the spleen maximally at 3 or 24 h and then continued to leave gradually or rapidly up to 48 h. The majority of leukaemic cells in acute myelocytic leukaemia did not leave the spleen for up to 48 h. It is suggested that the destruction of sinusoidal structures of the spleen due to marked infiltration of leukaemic cells in CML impairs the effects of filtration in endothelial cells of sinusoids and facilitates the entry of leukaemic cells into sinusoids from splenic cords.
A Study of the Reproducibility of the Diagnostic Criteria for Acute Leukaemia
Authors: ÖSt Å. , Lagerlöf B. , Sundström C. , Lindström P. , Gyllenhammer H. , Engstedt L. , Skoog L.
Published: August 2010

The Leukaemia Group of Middle Sweden recently started a new multicentre study of treatment of adult patients with acute leukaemia from 6 centres. The criteria for the diagnosis, subclassification, degree of leukaemic bone marrow infiltration, remission and relapse are to be used by the morphologists of 6 different pathology departments. The reproducibility of the criteria has been studied by 3 of the morphologists concerned, in a retrospective review of a strictly consecutive series of 79 adult patients treated at Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden, in the years 1978 to 1981. The results show that the reproducibility of the criteria and the concordance of the morphologists when using them increased when the criteria were made more detailed and precise.
The Clinical Significance of Beta‐Thromboglobulin and Platelet Factor‐4 in Polycythaemic Patients
Authors: Najean Y. , Poirier O. , Lokiec F.
Published: August 2010

Simultaneous assays of platelet factor 4 (PF‐4) and beta‐thromboglobulin (βTG) were performed in 192 cases of myeloproliferative syndromes (polycythaemia vera and primary thrombocytosis, as defined by the Polycythaemia Vera Study Group). The results led to the following conclusions:

both assays must be combined in order to avoid a poor interpretation due to marker release in vitro;

the ‘normality’ of the values must take the platelet number into account, even in the ‘normal’ range of this parameter;

the sensitivity of the βTG assay is greater than that of PF‐4 when considering the correlation of the marker values with arterial accidents;

the predictive value of an excessive level of βTG and/or PF‐4 is difficult to define, since only 13 of the cases studied had a vascular accident during the 12‐month follow‐up period, and the levels of the markers in these patients were not statistically different from the levels in those patients not experiencing such accidents.
Displacement of T Lymphocytes with the ‘Helper/Inducer’ Phenotype from Peripheral Blood to Lymphoid Organs in Untreated Patients with Hodgkin's Disease
Authors: Romagnani S. , Prete G. F. Del , Maggi E. , Bosi A. , Bernardi F. , Ponticelli P. , Lollo S. Di , Ricci M.
Published: August 2010

A panel of previously characterized monoclonal antibodies: B67.6, OKT3, OKT4, B53.4, Leu3a, OKT8, Leu2a, OKM1, M12 and B52.1 were used as a probe to assess mononuclear cells in peripheral blood (PB), lymph nodes (LN) and spleens of untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD). The mean % and absolute number of T lymphocytes were significantly decreased in PB of HD patients when compared with control values. Reduction of circulating T lymphocytes reflected the selective loss of cells showing the ‘helper/inducer’ (‘H/I’) phenotype. In fact, a lower number of these cells was demonstrated in HD patients with advanced disease and, even though to a lesser extent, in those with localized disease. In contrast, decreased values of T cells with the ‘cytotoxic/syppressor’ (‘C/S’) phenotype were only found in patients with advanced disease, showing pan‐lymphocytopenia. Unlike PB, LN and spleens involved by HD usually showed increased %s of T lymphocytes, especially of those possessing the ‘H/I’ phenotype.

The displacement of T lymphocytes with ‘H/I’ phenotype from PB to lymphoid organs further supports the possibility of a chronic immune response against abnormal cells or unknown antigens in the affected organs of patients with HD.
Bone Marrow Histology in Waldenström's Macroglobulinaemia
Authors: Bartl R. , Frisch B. , Mahl G. , Burkhardt R. , Fateh‐Moghadam A. , Pappenberger R. , Sommerfeld W. , Hoffmann‐Fezer G.
Published: August 2010

Bone marrow biopsies of 137 patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia (WM), 26 with non‐secretory immunocytoma and 32 with benign monoclonal gammopathy were processed for histologic evaluation. Bone marrow involvement was found in 110 (80%) initially, and in 24 (18%) in sequential biopsies. 3 types were distinguished: lymphoplasmacytoid (47%), lymphoplasmacytic (42%) and polymorphous (11%) with median survivals of 74, 25 and 12 months, respectively. When grouped according to the tumour cell mass in the biopsies, the median survivals were 55, 21 and 8 months for < 20 vol%, 20–50 vol% and > 50 vol% respectively; in each subtype, the tumour cell mass correlated with the disease progression. 6 clinical variables were also found prognostically significant. These results demonstrate that (i) 98% of patients with WM have bone marrow involvement; (ii) the lymph node sub‐classification is applicable to the bone marrow and has both clinical and prognostic significance; (iii) patients may be staged according to the tumour cell burden in the bone marrow biopsy.
Abnormalities of Serum Transcobalamins in Sickle Cell Disease (HbSS) in Black Africa
Authors: Osifo ‘Bola O. A. , Adeyokunnu A. , Parmentier Y. , Gerard P. , Nicolas J. P.
Published: August 2010

The unsaturated vitamin B12 binding capacity (UBBC) of serum, the three transcobalamins (TC I, TC II, TC III), and the total leucocyte and neutrophil counts have been studied in paediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Increase in the level of the binding capacities of TC I and TC II with concomitant increase of UBBC was observed in these children who also had increased total white blood and neutrophil counts.

There was a significant reduction in the level of endogenous B12.

These abnormalities are discussed in relation to the deficiency of the splenic reticuloendothelial function, immunologic defect, hepatic degenerative changes and aplastic crisis observed in SCD. These results lend support to the view that transcobalamins are involved in the defence mechanism of the body.

The significant reduction in serum cobalamin in SCD suggests a higher demand on this vitamin for metabolic functions, especially for the sparing of folate.
Malignant Histiocytosis
Authors: ØSter‐Jørgensen Erik , Rønne Mogens , Jensen Niels Kristoffer , Grunnet Niels
Published: August 2010

A 38‐year‐old female suffered for several months from persistent fever without signs of infectious or immunologic disease. 57Co‐bleomycin scintigraphy revealed abnormal concentration in the liver. Following a diagnostic laparotomy, the patient died from abdominal haemorrhage. Malignant cell infiltration was demonstrated in a biopsy from the liver. Histiocytic cells were demonstrated in a bone marrow smear obtained shortly before death. Investigation of cultured lymphocytes obtained from the patient the day before she died showed deficiency of T‐lymphocytes. Investigations of chromosomes delineated several clones with polyploidi. The diagnosis of malignant histiocytosis was based on erythrophagocytosis, and immunologic and chromosomal aberrations. If malignant histiocytosis is the primary disease, a terminal stage of different diseases or a sign of complication secondary to immuno incompetence (e.g. virus infection) is an open question.
Transient Non‐Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Hookworm Infestation
Authors: Kueh Y. K. , Chan L. , Lim B. C. , Wong H. B.
Published: August 2010

The transient purpura in 3 young men with marked eosinophilia and hookworm infestation was found to be caused by a qualitative platelet defect which manifested as a failure of platelets to aggregate with collagen and an absence of the secondary phase aggregation with epinephrine. These aggregation abnormalities could not be normalized with normal plasma, nor did patient plasma inhibit normal platelets, implying that the dysfunction was not caused by an abnormality in the plasma but was an intrinsic platelet defect. Arachidonic acid induced enhanced aggregation and a mutual correction of the absent secondary epinephrine‐induced aggregation was observed when patient and aspirin‐treated platelets were mixed together, suggesting that the defect was unlikely to be related to the platelet prostaglandin synthesis pathway. We propose that the acquired platelet dysfunction was caused by impaired ADP release due possibly to a transient platelet storage pool abnormality.
Critical Study of Staging in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Pennec Yvon , Mottier Dominique , Youinou Pierre , Asselain Bernard , Chavance Michel , Goff Paul Le , Prise Pierre‐Yves Le , Miossec Pierre , Menn Gabriel Le
Published: August 2010

130 patients with multiple myeloma were revieved for a retrospective study of their classification according to Durie & Salmon. No significant difference was found in survival between patients in stages I, II and III (median survival 24.8, 32.1, and 17.3 months, respectively). Of the classical criteria affecting survival, only the Hb level showed any significant influence (P < 0.04). In accordance with this finding, the survival time was much shorter (P < 0.001) in patients with renal failure than in patients without (median survival 7.4 and 24.8 months, respectively); in addition, thrombopenia, fever, old age, and above all, the % of bone‐marrow plasmocytes present, were shown to be decisive factors.
Effects of Intensive Plasmapheresis on the Haemostatic System
Authors: Nilsson Torbjörn , Rudolphi Olle , Cedergren Bertil
Published: August 2010

Intensive plasmapheresis was performed on 7 alloimmunized pregnant women. About 60% of the plasma volume was removed each day, Monday to Friday, with pauses over the weekends. This treatment resulted in drops in immunoglobulin levels to about 1/3 of the pre‐treatment concentrations, whereas the haemostatic parameters studied remained within normal limits. Thus, generally the treatment (as performed in this study) does not seem to induce changes that predispose for thrombotic or haemorrhagic complications. However, in one of the patients, antithrombin III became progressively depleted over the weeks of treatment. Therefore it is suggested that the patients be screened for their haemostatic profile prior to and after a few weeks of plasmapheresis treatment.