bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of dextran sulphates on thrombin activity.
Authors: Suzuki K , Hashimoto S
Published: June 2007

To clarify the action of dextran sulphate, a heparin analogue, in the clotting of fibrinogen by thrombin, determinations were carried out on the clotting activity, the release of fibrinopeptides from fibrinogen, and the hydrolytic activity of thrombin against a peptide chromogenic substrate in the absence or presence of antithrombin III (heparin cofactor). It was shown that dextran sulphate itself inhibited thrombin activity, and its inhibition was dependent on the molecular weight and the sulphur content of the dextran sulphate. Although heparin markedly enhanced the antithrombin activity of antithrombin III, dextran sulphate did not activate antithrombin III.
Alpha-fetoprotein, alpha-1-antitrypsin, and transferrin in gonadal yolk-sac tumours.
Authors: Beilby J O , Horne C H , Milne G D , Parkinson C
Published: June 2007

Since gonadal yolk-sac tumour in pure form or as a component of mixed germ cell tumour is in the majority of patients highly malignant, its histological recognition is of great prognostic importance. Yolk-sac tumour may assume various different histological guises, which have hitherto caused considerable terminological confusion; the present paper is aimed at correlating these morphological diversities with biochemical features which are consistent with yolk-sac differentiation. Using an enzyme-bridge immunoperoxidase technique, a series of 16 gonadal germ cell tumours with a yolk-sac component were screened for the presence of alpha-fetoprotein, alpha-1-antitrypsin, and transferrin. These proteins, normally produced by human yolk sac, were demonstrable in all the morphological patterns of yolk-sac tumour we have previously described. Six malignant non-germ cell tumours were submitted to the same investigations, and no evidence of the three protein markers was found in five; one tumour, however, an oat cell carcinoma of the bronchus, stained positively for transferrin.
Cytokinetic studies of crypts in convoluted human small-intestinal mucosa
Authors: Wright Nicholas A. , Appleton David R. , Marks Janet , Watson Alexander J.
Published: June 2007

Forty-seven peroral biopsy specimens of duodenojejunal mucosa showing convolutions were obtained from patients with a variety of clinical disorders. These mucosal samples were divided into three groups according to the extent of the convolutions and the severity of the accompanying histopathological changes; the cytokinetic status of the crypts in the three groups was then analysed and compared. Those in which the mucosae were predominantly or totally convoluted (group 3) showed the most notable cytokinetic changes: crypts were hyperplastic and crypt cell production rate was markedly increased compared with the other two groups and with morphologically normal control mucosae.

In the case of one patient with mucosal changes of group 3 severity, additional studies were carried out using vincristine to produce metaphase arrest. The cell cycle time of 27 hours was greatly shortened compared with a control value of 45 hours.

We find that the presence of convolutions in small-intestinal mucosal biopsy specimens is accompanied by an increase in the rate of cell production from the crypts, which is presumably related directly or indirectly to the rate of loss of mature enterocytes from the surface of the mucosa. Furthermore, an increase in the proportion of convolutions may reflect an increase in the rates of cell production and cell loss.

In the group 3 convoluted mucosae the cytokinetic profile of the crypts resembled that of some of the flat avillous coeliac mucosae previously studied although the rates of cell production did not reach the levels attained by the most productive of the flat coeliac mucosae.
HLA-linked C2 deficiency in a Dutch patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Authors: Berrens L , de la Faille H B , Borst-Eilers E
Published: June 2007

A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus was studied whose blood serum on repeated occasions showed undetectable levels of haemolytic omplement (C). A detailed investigation of individual C components in the serum of the proposita and her family revealed the absence of functional C2 in the patient and half-normal values in the relatives. C4 levels in the family, but not in the patient, were above normal, whereas the levels of factor B were low in all cases. No abnormalities were noted in C3, C9, or C1INH. Tissue typing showed linkage of the C2-deficiency gene with the HLA-A10/B18 and A9/B18 haplotypes. No linkage with red cell antigens and no relationship with plasma kallikrein levels was found.
Primary sarcoma of the heart: a light and electron microscopic study of two cases.
Authors: Gough J C , Connolly C E , Kennedy J D
Published: June 2007

Two cases of primary malignant cardiac neoplasms are presented. The first, an angiosarcoma of the right atrium, developed in a 44-year-old housewife, who survived 23 days from the time of presentation; diagnosis was made at necropsy. The second, an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the right ventricle, developed in a 17-year-old student; diagnosis was made by angiocardiography. He underwent surgery and cytotoxic and irradiation therapy and died 14 months later.
Comparison of electron microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, solid-phase radioimmunoassay, and indirect immunofluorescence for detection of human rotavirus antigen in faeces.
Authors: Birch C J , Lehmann N I , Hawker A J , Marshall J A , Gust I D
Published: June 2007

Four techniques were compared for their practicability, speed, and sensitivity for the detection of human rotavirus. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were found to be the most sensitive means of identifying rotavirus, and, once processed, up to 40 specimens could be examined daily. Electron microscopy, although less sensitive than these techniques, had the advantage of being able to detect other viral agents present in faecal extracts. Indirect immunofluorescence failed to detect rotavirus as often as the other three methods. In laboratories where routine examination of faecal specimens from patients with gastroenteritis is required, ELISA and RIA are useful alternatives to electron microscopy.
Tablet sensitivity testing on pathogenic fungi.
Authors: Casals J B
Published: June 2007

A diffusion method for determining the sensitivity of pathogenic fungi to therapeutic agents is described using tablets containing the following antibiotics: amphotericin B, clotrimazole, econazole, fluorocytosine, and miconazole. The composition of the media used, standardisation of inocula, incubation time, and temperature are detailed.
Characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in relation to laboratory-induced resistance to gentamicin.
Authors: Dimitracopoulos G , Intzes C , Papavassiliou J
Published: June 2007

Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain C2 was habituated to gentamicin by serial passage in broth containing increasing concentrations of the antibiotic and up to 250 microgram/ml. The resistant progenies differed from the parent strain in antibiotic susceptibility to two other aminoglycosides, colonial morphology, lytic phage patterns, phage adsorption, and agglutination with the seven Fisher's antisera. All the progenies failed to grow at 42 degrees C and oxidised glucose in O/F tubes after incubation at 37 degrees C for three days but were catalase- and oxidase-positive. Reversion to the original properties of the parent strain was demonstrated in all cases after 10 serial subcultures in antibiotic-free broth.
Occurrence and cultural features of Streptococcus milleri in various body sites.
Authors: Poole P M , Wilson G
Published: June 2007

An investigation was made into the habitat of commensal strains of Streptococcus milleri. These showed distinctive patterns of cultural features, dependent on their sites of origin, which were compared with those prevalent in strains grown from the appendix, 'anal' lesions, and Bartholin's abscesses. A biotype, which showed a marked affinity for the vagina and produced acid from raffinose and melibiose, was identified.
Cerebral malaria in the United Kingdom.
Authors: Janota I , Doshi B
Published: June 2007

Four fatal cases of cerebral Plasmodium falciparum malaria in English travellers returning from Africa have been seen in the last 13 years. The haemorrhages, accumulations of microglia, and destruction of cerebral white matter around small veins as a result of blockage of cortical capillaries by parasitised red blood corpuscles resemble the effect of fat embolism. Microglia in the lesions is demonstrated by special neuropathological techniques. Attention is drawn to the need for a prompt recognition of malaria since appropriate treatment can be successful.
T-cell nature of leukaemic cells in a case of Sézary's syndrome with 'null-cell' features.
Authors: Lauriola L , Musiani P , Carbone A , Bartolini M , Cianciulli P , Piantelli M
Published: June 2007

alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) activity has been investigated in leukaemic cells from peripheral blood in a typical small-cell Sézary syndrome (SS) case in which cerebriform mononuclear cells failed to form E rosettes. The 'dot-like' ANAE positivity found in the majority of these neoplastic cells strongly supports a T-cell origin. In addition, a non-monocytic, non-B-cell nature of Sézary cells is indicated by the lack of Ia-like antigens. Finally, there is evidence of a distinct portion of Sézary cells simultaneously expressing ANAE activity and Fc IgM receptors.
Transfusion requirements of adolescents with severe haemophilia A.
Authors: Aronstam A , McLellan D S , Turk P
Published: June 2007

The transfusion requirements of 75 adolescents with severe haemophilia A were studied during the five-year period 1973-77. The annual incidence of the 4935 episodes studied increased by a factor of 2.2 while the number of transfusions rose by a factor of 2.5 and the amount of therapeutic material used during the five years of the survey increased by a factor of 2.6. A further 166 bleeds occurred during periods of prophylaxis in 1976 and 1977, which generated a 25% increase in factor VIII used during those years. The increased usage of factor VIII in the years 1976 and 1977 was thus due mainly to increased numbers of transfusions given per bleed and to the use of prophylaxis but also to a slight increase in the units of factor VIII given in each dose. Twice weekly prophylaxis reduced the bleeding frequency by 30% and resulted in an increase of about 12% in usage of factor VIII. Prophylaxis given three times weekly reduced the bleeding frequency by about 60% at the cost of an increase of 77% in therapeutic materials. Iliopsoas, retroperitoneal, and abdominal wall bleeds were the commonest bleeds needing retransfusion within 24 hours, while bleeds into the extremities of the upper and lower limbs needed least retransfusions within 24 hours. Retroperitoneal bleeds needed the most transfusions per episode followed by iliopsoas, buttock, abdominal wall, and hip joint bleeds. The transfusion requirements of bleeds below the diaphragm tended to diminish steadily the more peripheral they became. This relationship did not hold for upper limb bleeds.
Biotypes of Klebsiella pneumoniae (sensu lato) and Enterobacter aerogenes characterised by differential substrate metabolism: application of the technique.
Authors: Barr J G , Hogg G M
Published: June 2007

A biochemical typing method is described for Klebsiella pneumoniae (sensu lato) and Enterobacter aerogenes. The technique depends on differences in metabolism of five carbon substrates--glycerol, inositol, lactose, glucose, and xylose--at two concentrations. Reproducibility is satisfactory and is monitored by the incorporation of control klebsiellae of known biotype. The method has been used for 12 months in the surveillance of urinary tract colonisation in this hospital. Gut carriage of klebsiellae, implicated by several workers as a source of infection, was common among staff and new admissions. Many biotypes were represented which were sensitive to most antibiotic except ampicillin. Klebsiellae, all multiply resistant, were isolated most frequently from urine specimens in two orthopaedic wards. In a longitudinal study in these wards, a sequential dominance in urinary tract colonisation by two klebsiella biotypes was shown, which suggested the presence of cross infection or an environmental reservoir. Confirmatory evidence was obtained from capsular serotypes and R-factor studies.
Susceptibility to rubella in a pregnant population after the introduction of vaccination.
Authors: Broadbent E , Ajina N , Hurley R
Published: June 2007

The results of testing for the presence of rubella antibody by haemagglutination inhibition in pregnant women are presented for a number of years, together with an analysis of results for the year 1977. Levels of immunity are correlated with age and British nationality. The influence of vaccine availability on numbers with antibody cannot be demonstrated nor can any evidence for the boosting of antibody levels by natural infection can be discerned.
Counter immunoelectrophoresis as a rapid screening test for amoebic liver abscess.
Authors: Tosswill J H , Ridley D S , Warhurst D C
Published: June 2007

Counter immunoelectrophoresis using cellulose acetate as the supporting medium was used as a rapid screening test for amoebic abscess. All the sera from 40 cases gave positive results. No false positives were obtained, but the results in intestinal amoebiasis were less reliable. An attempt was made to account for discrepancies in previous reports.
An assessment of the Mi-Mark endoemtrial sampling technique.
Authors: Crow J , Gordon H , Hudson E
Published: June 2007

One hundred and twenty cytological smears and 106 histological specimens were obtained from 115 patients using a new technique of endometrial sampling. It proved an atraumatic procedure and was well accepted by the patients. Some problems were encountered in the preparation of satisfactory cytological specimens and in their interpretation. The method was not completely reliable for detecting endometrial pathology and is therefore considered unsuitable for monitoring patients on hormone replacement therapy. It was found to be useful as a gynaecological outpatient technique for sampling the endometrium when formal curettage was unsuccessful, in avoiding the necessity for a preoperative curettage to confirm suspected carcinoma, and in the investigation of infertility.
Monocytes in inflammatory bowel disease: absolute monocyte counts.
Authors: Mee A S , Berney J , Jewell D P
Published: June 2007

Using a cytochemical staining technique, peripheral blood monocytes have been precisely identified and enumerated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and compared with healthy and disease control subjects. For ulcerative colitis there was a significant monocytosis, which was closely correlated with the total white cell count and with the activity of the disease. For patients with Crohn's disease, the peripheral blood monocyte count was also raised compared with that of the control groups, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. There was no correlation between the monocyte count in patients with Crohn's disease and the total white cell count or the disease activity. Some of the mechanisms that may influence the production and distribution of peripheral blood monocytes are discussed.
Haematological characteristics of the beta 0 thalassaemia trait in Sardinian children.
Authors: Galanello R , De Virgiliis S , Addis M , Paglietti E , Ruggeri R , Cao A
Published: June 2007

We report red cell indices and haemoglobin (Hb)A2 levels in Sardinian children with heterozygous beta 0-thalassaemia and in normal controls aged 6 months to 12 years. Iron-deficient children and those with haematological findings indicative of alpha-thalassaemia were excluded. As in adult carriers, these subjects have significantly increased mean red cell counts and significantly reduced mean Hb levels, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), haematocrit, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. From 66 to 76% of the heterozygous beta 0 thalassaemia children examined were anaemic. MCH and MCV were within the normal range in 2.8% of these children. Serum ferritin levels showed no difference from those of normal controls.
Anti-A haemagglutinins in factor VIII concentrates.
Authors: Smith J K , Bowell P J , Bidwell E , Gunson H H
Published: June 2007

Experimental evidence has been obtained that cryoprecipitation concentrates anti-A in mixtures of group O and group A plasma by a mechanism that does not operate in group O plasma alone. It has been concluded that the anti-A/A polysaccharide complex is less soluble during cryoprecipitation than anti-A immunoglobulin, and this complex dissociates to give free anti-A when the cryoprecipitate is redissolved. From a practical point of view, factor VIII concentrates prepared from cryoprecipitate obtained from single donations of plasma unselected for ABO group contain significantly less anti-A than those prepared from mixing pools of plasma in which partial neutralisation of anti-A has occurred before cryoprecipitation.
Vitamin D binding globulin levels and affinity in various clinical conditions.
Authors: Brown I , Sood A , Carter N D
Published: June 2007

The approximate association constants of the plasma vitamin D binding globulin (Gc-globulin) for 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3) and the plasma 25(OH)D3 binding capacities were measured in samples from 123 patients with a variety of disorders. No gross differences in binding affinities were observed between different groups of patients and controls. Many patients, however, had moderately reduced, and several had grossly reduced, plasma binding capacities. The changes in Gc-globulin relative to some other proteins are also described in detail in three patients during the course of their illness. Gc-globulin concentration and hence plasma vitamin D binding capacity can undergo rapid and marked changes during illness.
Distribution of fibronectin in normal and diseased human kidneys.
Authors: Dixon A J , Burns J , Dunnill M S , McGee J O
Published: June 2007

The distribution of fibronectin in 42 renal biopsies was investigated using an indirect immunoperoxidase technique on paraffin sections of formalin-fixed material. Biopsies were obtained from normal human kidneys and from patients with a variety of glomerular disorders. In normal glomeruli, fibronectin was present in Bowman's capsule, in the mesangium, and outlining peripheral capillary loops. A significant increase in fibronectin was observed in most types of glomerulopathy with a distribution closely related to the histopathological diagnosis. Fibronectin was diminished or absent in segmental scars, old diabetic nodules, and hyalinised glomeruli.
Use of morphometry and immunohistochemistry of small intestinal biopsy specimens in the diagnosis of food allergy.
Authors: Rosekrans P C , Meijer C J , Cornelisse C J , van der Wal A M , Lindeman J
Published: June 2007

Eight babies with cow's milk protein intolerance and malabsorption, ages ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months, and five adult patients with a history of food allergy were studied. In the jejunal biopsies of the eight children with cow's milk protein intolerance we found partial villous atrophy with an increased number of interepithelial lymphocytes as determined by morphometric analysis. In the five adult patients no morphological changes of the jejunal mucosa were found. However, immunoperoxidase staining revealed a markedly increased number of IgE containing cells in the lamina propria of all jejunal biopsies studied. This proved to be specific for young and adult patients with food allergy. It is concluded that immunohistochemistry of jejunal biopsy specimens is of considerable value in the diagnosis of food allergy.
A method for the estimation of the activity of the inhibitor of the first component of complement.
Authors: Smith A M , Thompson R A
Published: June 2007

The activated first component of complement (CI) possesses an esterase activity in vitro which will hydrolyse an ester of tyrosine to release H+. The activity of the serum inhibitor of C1 esterase may be measured by monitoring its ability to prevent H+ release under standard conditions. This paper describes a method of measuring such activity, monitoring H+ release by the use of either an acid base indicator of pH meter.
Measurement in jejunal biopsies by computer-aided microscopy.
Authors: Slavin G , Sowter C , Robertson K , McDermott S , Paton K
Published: June 2007

A method of morphometric analysis of jejunal mucosa using computer-aided microscopy is described. It is based on the technique of interactive computer graphics with definition by the observer of areas and lengths for measurement, but it also includes automatic measurements based on grey-level segmentation. The analyses are performed rapidly and efficiently. The technique is applicable to the analysis of biopsy tissue from many sites.
Antiseptic and antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria causing urinary tract infection.
Authors: Stickler D J , Thomas B
Published: June 2007

A collection of 802 isolates of Gram-negative bacteria causing urinary tract infections was made from general practice, antenatal clinics, and local hospitals. The organisms were tested for their sensitivity to chlorhexidine, cetrimide, glutaraldehyde, phenyl mercuric nitrate, a phenolic formulation, and a proprietary antiseptic containing a mixture of picloxydine, octyl phenoxy polyethoxyethanol, and benzalkonium chloride. Escherichia coli, the major species isolated, proved to be uniformly sensitive to these agents. Approximately 10% of the total number of isolates, however, exhibited a degree of resistance to the cationic agents. These resistant organisms were members of the genera Proteus, Providencia, and Pseudomonas; they were also generally resistant to five, six, or seven antibiotics. It is proposed therefore that an antiseptic policy which involves the intensive use of cationic antiseptics might lead to the selection of a flora of notoriously drug-resistant species.
Histochemical diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease and a comparison of the histochemical and biochemical activity of acetylcholinesterase in rectal mucosal biopsies.
Authors: Patrick W J , Besley G T , Smith I I
Published: June 2007

Three hundred and seventy-two rectal mucosal biopsies, taken from 150 children and young adults with chronic constipation, were subjected to histochemical and biochemical analysis of acetylcholinesterase to excude Hirschsprung's disease. The relative merits of the procedures were compared. The histochemical method was considered to be the most practical for laboratories handling small numbers of biopsies but the biochemical estimation of acetylcholinesterase activity was found to be a useful complementary procedure and an accurate quantitative assessment of enzyme activity.
Histopathological changes in the liver after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Sloane JP , Farthing MJG , Powles RL
Published: June 2007

Postmortem and surgical specimens of liver from 20 patients who had undergone allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for a variety of disorders were examined. The lesions fell into five major categories: bile duct atypia often associated with portal tract fibrosis (8 cases), veno-occlusive disease (2 cases), small foci of non-zonal hepatocyte necrosis (3 cases), opportunistic infections (3 cases), and a miscellaneous group of non-specific abnormalities. Our findings, in conjunction with those in experimental animals, point strongly to the bile duct lesion being a specific manifestation of graft versus host disease (GvHD). Veno-occlusive disease has also been reported recently as a possible manifestation of a graft versus host reaction and, although both our patients with this lesion had evidence of GvHD in the skin and gastrointestinal tract, both had also received irradiation and 6-thioguanine, and these may have been responsible. The foci of hepatocyte necrosis could not be attributed to GvHD with any confidence as the lesion was of only minor severity, infrequent, highly non-specific in appearance and, furthermore, did not correlate well with the presence of bile duct lesions. The absence of specific clinical and biochemical findings in human hepatic GvHD stresses the need for biopsy to make a firm diagnosis. However, the patchy distribution of the bile duct lesion and its absence from the needle biopsies examined in this study suggest possible sampling problems, and further study is necessary to assess its value.
Comparison of three methods for the estimation of plasma antithrombin.
Authors: McLellan D S , Devlin J D , Heyse-Moore G H , Aronstam A
Published: June 2007

Plasma antithrombin levels were measured by clotting, immunological, and amidolytic methods on two groups of subjects: 20 normal individuals and nine patients studied serially post-operatively (hip replacement). The postoperative patients were observed for the emergence of deep-vein thrombosis using 125I-fibrinogen uptake measurements (FUT). The three methods gave similar ranges for the normal subjects, were reproducible (cv less than 5%), and detected early postoperative reduction of antithrombin levels. All three methods failed to show any significant differences in preoperative antithrombin levels between the positive and negative FUT groups. Correlation studies were performed on the pooled data from the normal and postoperative group (range 60-130% of normal; 100 samples). The best correlation (r = 0.75; P less than 0.01) was achieved with the chromogenic kit assay method versus the Mancini immunoassay technique. The thrombin agarose (total antithrombin) gel diffusion technique correlated less well with the chromogenic (r = 0.65; P less than 0.01) and Mancini immunoassay (r = 0.45; P less than 0.01) methods. It is concluded that the chromogenic kit method gives a rapid, reproducible, and specific measurement of antithrombin III. The thrombin agarose diffusion method, though not specific for antithrombin III, is a cheap and simple method to perform. The potential of the three methods for detecting the prethrombotic stage and early thrombosis is discussed.
Extensive bone marrow infarction followed by myelofibrosis in patient with Ph' positive chronic granulocytic leukaemia.
Authors: Bain B
Published: June 2007

A 28-year-old man with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic granulocytic leukaemia developed extensive bone marrow and bone infarction which was associated with anaemia and thrombocytopenia. He survived 20 months from the first symptoms of bone marrow infarction; during this time he developed myelofibrosis and osteosclerosis followed by blastic transformation. Extensive bone marrow infarction is a possible pathogenetic mechanism when chronic granulocytic leukaemia is followed by myelofibrosis.
Multiple on-line data collection and processing for radioimmunoassy using a micro-computer system.
Authors: Carter N W , Davidson D , Lucas D F , Griffiths P D
Published: June 2007

A micro-computer system is described which has been designed to perform on-line data capture from up to seven radioisotope counters of different types in parallel with interactive results processing and subsequent transmission to a laboratory computer-based data management system.
An evaluation of the British Pharmacopoeial assay of heparin: a comparison with other methods.
Authors: Shah G A , Dhall T Z , Ferguson I , Davis M R , Graham D T , Pomeroy A R , Dhall D P
Published: June 2007

The potencies of six commercially manufactured heparins have been measured by the British Pharmacopoeial (BP) assay and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), protamine sulphate, and anti-Xa assays. The APTT/BP potency ratios were found to vary with the preparation but this was not dependent on the tissue source of heparin. For mucosal heparins, the anti-Xa/BP potency ratios were close to unity, but for heparin of lung origin the anti-Xa potency was approximately one-quarter of the BP potency. Four heparin fractions prepared by column gel chromatography of a commercial heparin were similarly examined by all four assays, and there was a wide divergence between the BP potency estimates and those obtained with the other methods. The degree of divergence was found to depend on the molecular size of the fraction.
Legionnaires' disease serology
Authors: Lattimer Gary L , Cepil Beth A
Published: June 2007

Sera from 31 Legionnaires' disease (LD) survivors of the Philadelphia outbreak, 31 Legionnaire (L) controls, and 300 additional controls were examined for the presence of specific antibodies to five antigen preparations ofLegionella pneumophila(serogroup 1) to determine the effect of antigen preparation on the sensitivity and specificity of the indirect immunofluorescence test. Diagnostic levels were determined for each antigen at the upper limit of normal value (ULNV) titre, which established the titre not exceeded by 85% of controls.

Antigens were prepared from formalin-killedL. pneumophilasuspended in egg yolk sac (EYS) (LPF:EYS) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) (LPF:BSA); and from heat-killed organisms suspended in EYS (LPH:EYS) or BSA (LPH:BSA). Antigen was also supplied by the Center for Disease Control (CDC:AG).

Although there was wide variation in the sensitivity of the antigens, at the ULNV level all antigens tested could be used to differentiate LD survivors from L controls (p<0.001;X2test). Formalin treatment resulted in the most specific antigen by eliminating titres in L controls. The results of theX2test, comparing LD survivors with L controls, ranked the antigens in the following ascending order of sensitivity: LPH:BSA 15·3, <CDC:AG 22·8, <LPH:EYS 24·2, <LPF:BSA 45, <LPF:EYS 51. Moreover, when differences in positive results among LD survivors were compared, statistically significant differences were found when LPF:EYS (p<0·01;X2test) and LPF:BSA (p<0·025;X2test) were compared with CDC:AG, LPH:EYS, and LPH:BSA antigens. Titres in 300 additional controls paralleled those found in L controls.

It was concluded that formalin treatment ofL. pneumophilaresulted in a sensitive antigen, which increased the number of positive tests in survivors while decreasing false-positive tests in controls. It should be considered for use in routine testing programmes for diagnosing LD.
Behçet's disease with endocarditis and the Budd-Chiari syndrome.
Authors: McDonald G S , Gad-Al-Rab J
Published: June 2007

Endocarditis of the mitral and aortic valves is described for the first time in a patient with Behçet's disease. A second patient had minor changes in the mitral valve similar to that seen in the vasculitis which occurs in this condition. Valvulitis in Behçet's disease probably has the same pathogenesis as the vasculitis. The second patient also had a rare combination of Behçet's disease and the Budd-Chiari syndrome, and the necropsy findings are described.
Malakoplakia of the testis and its relationship to granulomatous orchitis.
Authors: McClure J
Published: June 2007

The chance finding of two cases of undiagnosed malakoplakia in the files of the Department of Pathology, Queen's University Belfast prompted a systematic study of all cases of inflammatory testicular and epididymal disease diagnosed in that department during a 43-year period from 1934 to 1977. A total of 71 cases was studied, and no additional example of malakoplakia was found. In the Belfast collection, there is one other example of testicular malakoplakia and therefore a total of three cases in 74 examples of inflammatory testicular and epididymal disease (4.3% incidence). In the series there were 10 cases of granulomatous disease (13.5%). The world literature on testicular malakoplakia has been reviewed, and typical and atypical features have been determined. Also a comparison has been made between testicular malakoplakia and granulomatous orchitis, and the relationship between these conditions is discussed.
Examination of the larynx in the histopathology laboratory.
Authors: Michaels L , Gregor R T
Published: June 2007

A method is described for examination of the larynx in the histopathology laboratory. Using a slicing machine, transverse slices of the whole larynx are obtained from which representative histological samples may be prepared. This method offers the advantages of a complete gross examination of the normal and pathological structures of the larynx supplemented by histological studies using any of the methods of paraffin embedding, frozen section, plastic embedding, or electron microscopy on any part of the larynx.
Gonadal infiltration in children with leukaemia and lymphoma.
Authors: Reid H , Marsden H B
Published: June 2007

In a postmortem survey of children with leukaemia and lymphoma, the overall incidence of testicular infiltration was 65% and of ovarian infiltration 66%. In acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, testicular infiltration was found in 25 of 39 cases and ovarian infiltration in 6 of 12 cases. The majority of boys with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and testicular infiltration also had infiltration in other organs; furthermore, in most cases without testicular infiltration leukaemic infiltration was found in other organs. The findings of this survey support the view that testicular infiltration is indicative of widespread disease.
Evaluation of endoscopic brush and biopsy touch smear cytology and biopsy histology in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the lower oesophagus and cardia.
Authors: Young J A , Hughes H E , Lee F D
Published: June 2007

A four-year prospective study of endoscopic cytology and histology was carried out on 64 patients suspected of having a malignant lesion at the junction of the lower oesophagus and cardia. The final diagnosis was malignant in 18 and benign in 46 cases. Biopsy touch smear cytology was the most accurate technique with a sensitivity of 100% compared with 82% for brush cytology and 89% for biopsy histology. There was one false positive endoscopic histology report, but no false positive cytology result. Biopsy touch smear cytology is at present a method little used in the digestive tract. This study demonstrates its value in the diagnostically difficult area of the gastro-oesophageal junction.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the serodiagnosis of toxoplasmosis.
Authors: Milatović D , Braveny I
Published: June 2007

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for toxoplasmosis proved as sensitive as the dye test and indirect haemagglutination (IHA). The reproducibility of end-point titres was better than that of the extinction values obtained from a single serum dilution. In a comparison of 152 sera, ELISA was found to correlate better with IHA than with the dye test. The use of ELISA for routine serology and population screening is discussed.
Circulating lysosomal enzymes and acute hepatic necrosis.
Authors: Gove C D , Wardle E N , Williams R
Published: June 2007

The activities of the lysosomal enzymes acid and neutral protease, N-acetylglucosaminidase, and acid phosphatase were measured in the serum of patients with fulminant hepatic failure. Acid protease (cathepsin D) activity was increased about tenfold in patients who died and nearly fourfold in those who survived fulminant hepatic failure after paracetamol overdose, whereas activities were increased equally in patients with fulminant hepatic failure due to viral hepatitis whether or not they survived. A correlation was found between serum acid protease activity and prothrombin time, and the increase in cathepsin D activity was sustained over several days compared with aspartate aminotransferase, which showed a sharp early peak and then a fall. Circulating lysosomal proteases can damage other organs, and measurement of their activity may therefore be of added value in assessing prognosis in this condition.
Neonatal spongioform myelinopathy after restricted application of hexachlorophane skin disinfectant.
Authors: Anderson J M , Cockburn F , Forfar J O , Harkness R A , Kelly R W , Kilshaw B
Published: June 2007

At least four out of 97 low birth weight (less than 1750 g) newborn infants who had received only limited skin disinfection with 3% hexachlorophane (HCP) emulsion developed spongioform myelinopathy in association with detectable amounts of HCP in their brains. These four cases were found in a post-mortem survey of 20 out of the 27 infants who died. Another nine of these infants had detectable amounts of HCP in the brain but no myelinopathy. It is at present not possible to define a 'safe" level of exposure to 3% HCP emulsion for small preterm infants in the first 2 weeks of life.
Infiltrating fibromatosis of the breast.
Authors: Bogomoletz W V , Boulenger E , Simatos A
Published: June 2007

A case of fibromatosis of the breast in a 65-year-old woman is described. The difficulties in the histological and cytological differential diagnosis of fibromatosis in such an uncommon site are emphasized.
Microfiche as a medium for the long-term storage of laboratory computer records.
Authors: McVittie J D , Whitehouse C , Wilkinson R H
Published: June 2007

The chemical pathology requests on 180 000 patients a year are stored on microfiche, occupying 72 mm of shelf space. They are produced by a sequence of three computer programs which remove data from disc on to magnetic tape using the laboratory's Digital Equipment Corporation PDP 11/34 minicomputer. Processing on to microfiche is performed by a bureau. The magnetic tape is available for retrospective research and management studies in one-month periods.
Microbial flora of the lower genital tract of women in labour in Zaria, Nigeria.
Authors: Ekwempu C C , Lawande R V , Egler L J
Published: June 2007

Nine genera of microbes isolated from the lower genital tract of 187 women in labour in Zaria have been identified. The work was undertaken to establish the nature of microorganisms in the lower genital tract of women in labour as a basis for further study. The isolates in order of prevalence were: Candida albicans (20.9%), Klebsiella sp (15.0%), Escherichia coli (9.1%), Streptococcus faecalis (6.4%), haemolytic streptococci (other than Streptococcus pyogenes (2.7%), Streptococcus viridans (2.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (2.1%), Aeromonas hydrophila (2.1%), Proteus mirabilis (1.1%), Peptostreptococcus putridus (1.1%), Streptococcus pyogenes (0.5%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (0.5%). Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Haemophilus sp, Lactobacillus sp, and Clostridium sp were sought but not found. Chlamydia, viruses, and T-strains of mycoplasma and trichomonas were not sought. It appears from this study that the lower genital tract of most women in Zaria at the time of labour is heavily colonised by pathogens. For this reason alone prolonged labour and trauma to the genital tract at the time of delivery should be avoided.
Evaluation of the Phadebact Gonococcus Test in the identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a routine diagnostic laboratory.
Authors: Tompkins D S , Nehaul B B , Smith C A , Cooke E M
Published: June 2007

The Phadebact Gonococcus Test, a coagglutination procedure for the confirmation of identity of presumptive N gonorrhoeae isolates, was evaluated under normal working conditions in a routine diagnostic laboratory and compared with an immunofluorescence technique. Of 166 isolates of N gonorrhoeae from urogenital, rectal, and pharyngeal sites, 164 gave a positive coagglutination reaction, and one of the two negative isolates gave a positive reaction on retesting after subculture. There were no cross-reactions with other organisms tested. This was in contrast with the immunofluorescence technique; with this method, three of 46 isolates of N meningitidis fluoresced brightly, and a further 17 isolates of N meningitidis gave reactions that were difficult to interpret. The coagglutination test is rapid, simple and a more specific alternative to immunofluorescence.
Effect of oxygen on the lungs after blast injury and burns.
Authors: Hasleton P S , Penna P , Torry J
Published: June 2007

In March 1979 there was an explosion in a coalmine in Lancashire. As a result three men were found dead down the mine and a further seven men, all with extensive burns, died between the third and thirteenth day after the explosion. The lungs were studied in all the cases. Pulmonary infection was the commonest cause of death. Despite high levels of oxygen being given to these seven men, only one case showed a focal intra-alveolar fibrosis. In this case the inspired oxygen requirement came down before death. The toxicity of oxygen in the short term management of patients with severe trauma is questioned.
Measurements of intestinal villi non-specific and ulcer-associated duodenitis-correlation between area of microdissected villus and villus epithelial cell count.
Authors: Hasan M , Ferguson A
Published: June 2007

Measurements of villus height, villus area, together with counts of epithelial cells in individual villi, were performed on endoscopic duodenal biopsies from five groups of patients: controls, ulcer-associated duodenitis, mild and severe non-specific (non-ulcerative) duodenitis, cimetidine healed ulcer-associated duodenitis and cimetidine healed non-specific duodenitis. The objectives of the study were two-fold: to establish if epithelial cell count correlated with simpler measurements of villus height or area; and to compare the findings in ulcer-associated and in non-specific duodenitis. Villus area correlated well with epithelial cell count per villus (r = 0.96); villus height correlated less well (r = 0.66). When compared with controls, there was a significant decrease in the epithelial cell count per villus in ulcer-associated and severe non-specific duodenitis, but this was confined to the visually inflamed area of the duodenal bulb. After healing of inflammation with cimetidine villus height, area, and epithelial cell count returned to values similar to those in controls. This study confirms that the effects of ulcer-associated and severe non-specific duodenitis on duodenal villi are identical.
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among alcoholic patients with liver disease.
Authors: Orholm M , Aldershvile J , Tage-Jensen U , Schlichting P , Nielsen J O , Hardt F , Christoffersen P
Published: June 2007

The aim of this investigation was to elucidate a possible role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the pathogenesis of liver diseases in alcoholics. Two hundred and fifty-three alcoholics with liver disease were admitted to two medical departments in Copenhagen during a 15 months period. Seventy-nine patients (31%) showed serological signs (HBsAg, anti-HBs) of previous or active HBV infection. This is a significantly higher prevalence than found in an age-matched control population. Among the 79 patients with HBV markers, a total of 11 was found to be HBsAg-positive. From these 11 patients liver specimens were available for re-evaluation in nine cases. In only three of these liver biopsies, morphological changes indicating alcohol as the aetiological cause were found. In conclusion, different or concomitant aetiology must be considered in alcoholics with liver disease.
Isolation of intestinal spirochaetes from homosexuals
Authors: Tompkins DS , Waugh MA , Cooke E Mary
Published: June 2007

Spirochaetes were isolated from rectal swabs of two homosexuals and the faeces of a third, using simple isolation techniques not previously applied to specimens of this type. The ease of culture of these organisms will enable their distribution and pathogenicity to be studied, particularly in relation to their significance in homosexuals.
Accidental transplantation of bronchial carcinoma from a cadaver donor to two recipients of renal allografts.
Authors: Forbes G B , Goggin M J , Dische F E , Saeed I T , Parsons V , Harding M J , Bewick M , Rudge C T
Published: June 2007

Malignancy was transferred inadvertently to two patients, each of whom received a renal transplant from a cadaver donor who was found at necropsy to have a small, clinically silent carcinoma of lung. Both recipients died with metastatic bronchial carcinoma of the same histological type as the donor's tumour. The literature on transplanted malignancy is reviewed.
One-hour serum xylose as an absorption test in the tropics.
Authors: Hill P G , Ross I N , Jacob R , Jyotheeswaran S , Mathan V I
Published: June 2007

The 1-hour serum xylose (surface area corrected) as an indication of xylose absorption after 5 g oral D-xylose has been compared with the 5-hour urine excretion test in a tropical population. The study confirmed that the peak serum xylose concentration occurs at 1 hour and that correction to a constant body surface are improves the discrimination between subjects with normal and impaired xylose absorption. The significantly lower reference range for the 1-hour surface area corrected serum xylose (0.55-1.11 mmol/l) compared to the UK figure reflects the reduced absorptive capacity of the jejunum, a result of tropical enteropathy. In view of the difficulties in obtaining accurate urine collections in tropical countries, especially in field studies, it is recommended that the 1-hour serum xylose (surface area corrected) should be adopted as the standard test of xylose absorption.
A non-pathogenic vibrio for the routine quality control of TCBS cholera medium.
Authors: Taylor J A , Barrow G I
Published: June 2007

A non-pathogenic "indicator" organism to relapse Vibrio cholerae in the routine quality control of TCBS medium was sought among a large collection of freeze-dried vibrios isolated mostly from environmental sources. One strain, which was consistently more sensitive to inhibition of growth on TCBS medium that strains of V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus, is recommended for this purpose. It has been deposited with, and is available from, the National Collection of Type Cultures as NCTC 11218.
Human platelet monoamine oxidase activity in health and disease: a review.
Authors: Sandler M , Reveley M A , Glover V
Published: June 2007

The most readily available source of monoamine oxidase in man is the platelet, although only the B form of the enzyme is represented in this site. Platelet activity is higher in women than in men. The enzyme activity is generally stable and is partly under genetic control. There is some evidence that individuals with low activity have a higher psychiatric morbidity than those with high activity. Despite some negative studies, the consensus of publication dealing with schizophrenia, migraine, and alcoholism find that mean platelet monoamine oxidase activity in the patient group is lower than in the controls. Values are raised in unipolar depression. Technical differences, or patient or control group heterogeneity, might well account for the absence of unanimity in the literature. A considerable degree of overlap between patient and control values, whatever the clinical diagnosis, appears to be the standard finding. Apart from these neuropsychiatric disturbances, platelet monoamine oxidase activity is raised in megaloblastic anaemia and reduced in iron deficiency anaemia. Although altered enzyme activity values may be linked to abnormal platelet populations in some of the haematological disorders discussed, in general the causes of abnormal platelet monoamine oxidase activity are unknown.
Comparison of serum vitamin B12 estimation by saturation analysis with intrinsic factor and with R-protein as binding agents.
Authors: Zacharakis R , Muir M , Chanarin I
Published: June 2007

It has been reported that serum vitamin B12 levels assayed by saturation analysis methods may give misleadingly high results, so much so that the diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency may be obscured. This defect was ascribed largely to assays using a vitamin B12 binder other than pure intrinsic factor. To test out this hypothesis two assays were set up, one using saliva (non-intrinsic factor R-binder) and the other using human gastric (intrinsic factor) as B12-binding agents. Both assays were able to differentiate sera from patients with pernicious anaemia from those from control subjects. Published results accumulated over the past 10 years indicate that properly designed and performed saturation analysis vitamin B12 assays are as reliable as microbiological assay methods for detecting low serum B12 levels. The failure of some methods to do does not appear to be due to the nature of the B12-binding agent.