bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activity and interaction of trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole against Escherichia coli.
Authors: Greenwood D , O'Grady F
Published: June 2007

The activity of trimethoprim (TMP) and sulphamethoxazole (SMX), alone and in combination, against a sensitive strain of Escherichia coli was investigated in turbidimetric systems. In a static system in which the conditions of exposure of bacteria to drug resembled those of conventional minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) titrations, both TMP and SMX exhibited antibacterial activity at concentrations well below the conventionally determined MIC, but regrowth occured at these concentrations during the overnight incubation period due to the emergence of adaptively resistant bacteria. Tests of combined drug action in the static turbidimetric system revealed even more synergic interaction than was apparent in conventional MIC tests. It is suggested that an important component of overall synergic interaction is the mutual suppression of adaptive "resistance" to the other agent. Studies in an in vitro model which simulates the hydrokinetic features of the urinary bladder showed that concentrations of TMP and SMX below the conventionally determined MIC inhibited the growth even of extremely dense bacterial populations so long as the concentration of drug was maintained. The response of cultures exposed to combinations of TMP and SMX in this system was so dominated by the effect of TMP that no synergic interaction with SMX was noted at concentrations of the drugs which are achievable in urine.
Distribution patterns of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the liver of hepatitis patients.
Authors: Ray M B , Desmet V J , Fevery J , De Groote J , Bradburne A F , Desmyter J
Published: June 2007

One hundred liver biopsies from 100 hepatitis patients were examined by the indirect immunofluorescent technique for the detection of HBsAg. Of the 60 positive specimens 52 were diagnosed as various types of chronic hepatitis and 8 were acute hepatitis. Four main distribution patterns of HBsAg were obtained: full cytoplasmic fluorescence with diffuse lobular distribution; cytoplasmic fluorescence with spotty distribution; peripheral fluorescence in the cell membrane and/or cell peripheries; and focal cytoplasmic positivity. There was an inverse relationship between the number of positive hepatocytes and the extent of liver cell necrosis. The distribution patterns of HBsAg were distinctive in each type of chronic hepatitis and in acute hepatitis. Homogeneous full cytoplasmic fluorescence, distributed diffusely in the whole liver lobule, was observed in chronic persistent hepatitis and in cirrhosis with little activity whereas peripheral liver cell membrane and/or peripheral cytoplasmic fluorescence associated with cytoplasmic positivity in a smaller number of hepatocytes was a characteristic finding in chronic aggressive hepatitis, active cirrhosis, and acute hepatitis with possible transition to chronicity. Focal cytoplasmic fluorescence was observed in acute hepatitis and a group of biopsies in chronic hepatitis in which HBsAg was detected in the liver but no antigen was detectable in the serum. The results show that the different patterns of distribution of HBsAg in the liver biopsy are helpful for the histological diagnosis of different types of HBAg positive viral hepatitis and are consistent with the hypothesis of the role of specific immune response in the pathogenesis of type B viral hepatitis.
Localization of prolactin in chromophobe pituitary adenomas: study of human necropsy material by immunoperoxidase technique.
Authors: Kovacs K , Corenblum B , Sirek A M , Penz G , Ezrin C
Published: June 2007

In order to identify prolactin-producing tumours in human pituitary glands, 45 chromophobe adenomas, obtained from unselected necropsies, have been studied by various staining procedures including the immunoperoxidase technique for the demonstration of prolactin. The presence of immunoreactive prolactin was revealed in the cytoplasm of the tumour cells in six cases (13%), indicating that the occurrence of prolactin-producing adenomas is not rare. No correlations were established between tumours and clinical history. Two adenomas were detected in female and four in male patients. The age of the patients at necropsy ranged from 28 to 75 years. Three adenomas were associated with disseminated carcinoma, two with fatal liver disease, and one with diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and pyelonephritis. Manifest endocrine symptoms were not disclosed, and endocrine investigations, including measurements of blood prolactin levels, were not undertaken. Thus, direct evidence is lacking as to whether or not these tumours were actively secreting prolactin. In the non-tumorous parts of the anterior lobes the number of prolactin cells was decreased in two cases, suggesting that prolactin released from the adenoma cells suppressed prolactin production in the non-tumorous pituitary. However, the number of prolactin cells of the non-tumorous adenohypophysis seemed to be unchanged in two and increased in another two cases. The present findings conclusively proved the existence of the prolactin-producing adenomas as a distinct entity. These tumours do not stain with acid or basic dyes, they are PAS or thionin negative, and do not contain immunoreactive growth hormone. Thus, by conventional staining procedures they are indistinguishable from other chromophobe adenoma types. Herlant's erythrosin and Brookes' carmoisine methods, claimed spedifically to stain prolactin cells, failed to provide reliable results, hence their use cannot be recommended in tumour identification. Immunoperoxidase staining of prolactin is the only technique which conclusively reveals the presence of immunoreactive prolactin in the cytoplasm of the tumour cells and permits diagnosis. It is proposed that this technique be introduced in pituitary morphological studies. Its application may lead to a better understanding of problems related to prolactin-producing tumours and their secretory activity.
Introduction of a Vickers M300 analyser into the routine service of a hospital laboratory. 1. Installation, staffing, logistics.
Authors: Buckley-Sharp M D , Miller A L , Stevens J F , Worsley L R , Yeomans F R
Published: June 2007

A Vickers M300 analyser has been successfully installed in a busy hospital laboratory. A permanent team of operators is used, but this introduces problems for staff rotation, particularly for educational purposes. The vials used for the collection of samples are an essential feature of the system, but they present many difficulties and are no longer used for collecting samples from outpatients, or at remote sites. Direct costs during 1974, excluding staff and depreciation, amounted to approximately pounds 0-45 per patient sample: this is assessed on the rising workload during implementation. An increased workload could still be handled with existing staff. The siting of such high-capacity analysers constitutes an important policy decision.
Fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products in cerebrospinal fluid.
Authors: Brueton M J , Breeze G R , Stuart J
Published: June 2007

An increase in low molecular weight fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) was demonstrated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 17 of 18 patients with bacterial or viral meningitis compared with 29 patients without meningitis. The CSF also showed an increase in coagulation proteins of molecular weight less than 90000 (factors VII, IX, and plasminogen) but did not contain fibrinogen (MW 340000) or plasminogen activator. It is concluded that low molecular weight FDP in the CSF in infective meningitis result from leakage through a damaged blood-CSF barrier rather than from local digestion of fibrin deposited on the meninges.
Introduction of a rapid, simple radioimmunoassay and quality control scheme for thyroxine.
Authors: Nye L , Hassan M , Willmott E , Landon J
Published: June 2007

A simple radioimmunoassay has been developed for service purposes to determine serum total thyroxine levels. Only three additions are required, of standard or sample, labelled thyroxine and antibody in polyethylene glycol. After 2 hours' incubation at room temperature the antibody-bound and free fractions are separated by centrifugation. Serum total thyroxine levels were measured in 195 euthyroid subjects and it was established that normal values lay within the range 57 to 155 nmol/1. Serial blood samples taken over a 24-hour period, from 11 subjects, indicated that there was no circadian rhythm so that samples for total thyroxine assay can be taken at any time of the day. Similar results were obtained using serum or plasma. Satisfactory results were obtained for three quality control sera when measured by seven different laboratories using this method.
Spindle-cell tumours and hypoglycaemia.
Authors: Millard P R , Jerrome D W , Millward-Sadler G H
Published: June 2007

The light microscopy and clinical features of two patients with extrapancreatic tumours and hypoglycaemic episodes are described-together with the electron microscopy findings in one patient. The primary tumour of one patient arose within the skull and later metastasized to the liver, while the other patient had a locally recurrent intrathoracic tumour. Neither the intracranial origin nor the ultrastructural features support the concept of a mesothelial origin for these tumours, and they should be referred to as spindle-cell tumours associated with hypoglycaemia. There are ultrastructural similarities between these neoplasms and those of the pancreatic beta cells.
Cellular infiltrate of the jejunum after re-introduction of dietary gluten in children with treated coeliac disease.
Authors: Lancaster-Smith M , Packer S , Kumar P J , Harries J T
Published: June 2007

Jejunal lamina propria plasma cells and eosinophils and intraepithelial lymphocytes were raised in coeliac children on gluten-containing diets, but only intraepithelial lymphocytes were increased in patients on gluten-free diets. In contrast, lamina propria lymphocytes were reduced in children with coeliad disease on gluten-containing diets but were normal in paitents on gluten-free diets. In children with coeliac disease who were studied serially, lamina propria plasma cells and eosinophils and intraepithelial lymphocytes increased, and lamina propria lymphocytes decreased, within three months of the reintroduction of gluten to the diet. These observations are essentially similar to those made in the adult form of the disease and suggest that more than one type of immunological reaction is involved in the pathogenesis of the jejunal lesion.
Development of germinal centres in the spleen in infants related to birth and unexpected death.
Authors: Al Barzanji A J , Penny S R , Emery J L
Published: June 2007

The development of germinal centres in the spleen has been estimated in a series of 266 children dying in hospital and 205 children presenting as unexpected death in infancy. The prevalence of germinal centres in the spleen increases rapidly after birth. The percentage of Malpighian bodies showing germinal centres in the spleen is greater in all categories of our classification of death in children dying unexpectedly at home when these are compared with hospital deaths. It is concluded that the children presenting as unexpected death in infancy show no evidence of any deficiency in cellular immunological response and may well have been subjected to increased or precocious antigenic stimulation.
Malignant lymphoma of the cervix uteri: histology and ultrastructure.
Authors: Carr I , Hill A S , Hancock B , Neal F F
Published: June 2007

Two cases of primary lymphoma of the cervix uteri are described. Both responded to radiotherapy; both were composed at the ultrastructural level of mature macrophages and immature, apparently neoplastic lymphoreticular cells and are classified as reticulum cell lymphoma.
Carcinomas and carcinoid tumours of the appendix in a district general hospital.
Authors: Jones R A , MacFarlane A
Published: June 2007

In a retrospective series of 40 appendiceal tumours occurring over a 10-year period, 30 were carcinoid tumours of classical histological pattern, five were adenocarcinomas, and two were tumours intermediate in pattern between carcinoid and carcinoma. The remaining three tumours were secondaries from primary colonic tumours. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Anisocytosis and the C-1000 Channelyzer in macrocytic anaemia.
Authors: Proctor S J , Cox J R , Sheridan T J
Published: June 2007

Red cell anisocytosis as assessed using the Coulter Channelyzer C-1000 showed an increase with progressive anaemia in 25 patients with macrocytosis due to B12 and/or folate deficiency. In deficiency of a single factor, the degree of anisocytosis increased with progressive anaemia. In five cases with B12 and folate deficiency combined, anisocytosis was markedly increased out of proportion to the degree of anaemia present. Iron stores were also reduced in four of these cases. It is suggested that objective measurement of anisocytosis is of early diagnostic value in the assessment of multiple haematinic factor deficiency, for example, in macrocytic anaemia associated with malabsorption states and unexpected multiple deficiency states.
A comparative study of passive haemagglutination methods for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen in routine hospital practice.
Authors: Withers M J , McCahill G V , Griffiths P D , Heath R B , Pattison J R , Dane D S
Published: June 2007

Two passive haemagglutination methods for detecting HBsAg were compared. In general, the method using turkey erythrocytes was found preferable to the method employing sheep cells since it is more rapid and more sensitive, and less frequently gave rise to false positive reactions with sera from staff, blood donors, and patients not receiving haemodialysis. The turkey cell test gives rise to more false positive screen tests than the sheep cell test when monitoring renal dialysis patients since approximately 10% of the sera of these patients were found to contain turkey cell agglutinins, but this presents no particular difficulty if the recommended absorption procedures are used.
Presumptive identification and antibiotic susceptibility of group B streptococci.
Authors: Jokipii A M , Jokipii L
Published: June 2007

The comparative performance of three presumptive identification tests for group B haemolytic streptococci was investigated, using 371 different clinical isolates of group B streptococci. Hippurate was hydrolysed by 96-1%, the CAMP reaction was positive in 95-0%, and pigment was produced by 97-3%. A combination of any two tests would have detected over 99-8%. On bile esculin agar 99-0% were able to grow, but non hydrolysed esculin; 5-1% were susceptible to bacitracin. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of five antibiotics for 279 group B streptococci were determined. All were susceptible to penicillin G, ampicillin, cephalothin, and erythromycin, while 80% were resistant to tetracycline. The MIC distributions were independent of the results of any identification test.
Infection with minute-colony-forming beta-haemolytic streptococci.
Authors: Poole P M , Wilson G
Published: June 2007

One hundred and thirty-one strains of minute-colony-forming beta-haemolytic streptococci were isolated during the course of routine investigations in clinical bacteriology. Each strain was examined for the presence of polysaccharide antigens of Lancefield's groups A, C, G, and F and characterized in detail as to biochemical and cultural features. On the results of these tests it is concluded that the strains should be placed in the species Streptococcus milleri. The clinical details relevant to the various strains are summarized according to the site of isolation, and their pathological significance is discussed.
Serotypes of group B meningococci.
Authors: Jones D M , Tobin B M
Published: June 2007

Strains of group B meningococci isolated from cases of sporadic infection, epidemic infection, and from patients unassociated with clinical meningococcal infection have been examined by a serological typing technique. The majority of group B meningococci from clinical infections in the UK have serotype 2 antigen. Such strains were relatively uncommon among carriers who had no association with meningococcal disease.
Assay of gentamicin in cerebrospinal fluid.
Authors: Deacon S
Published: June 2007

A comparison of standard curves obtained from a conventional plate diffusion assay method revealed significant differences when gentamicin standards were made up in different media. Standards made up in distilled water resulted in a curve which differed from that of standards made up in pooled human cerebrospinal fluid by a factor of up to 4. When the assay medium was supplemented with 0-5% sodium chloride, the difference between the two standard curves was reduced to a factor of about 1-5. The curve obtained from standards made up in 150 mM sodium chloride/4-5 mM calcium chloride correlated well with that from standards made up in cerebrospinal fluid. There was no evidence of gentamicin being bound to protein in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Immune potential in human uraemia. 2. Changes after regular haemodialysis therapy.
Authors: Byron P R , Mallick N P , Taylor G
Published: June 2007

Parameters of both humoral and cellular immune potential were measured in a group of patients with severe renal failure before and after three months' regular haemodialysis therapy. Evidence is presented of improvement in cellular immune potential and of a tendency of the response of lymphocytes to PHA to return to normal. No improvement in humoral responsiveness was demonstrable, and it is suggested that uraemic patients on regular haemodialysis may have an impaired capacity to establish new immunological memory.
An assessment of inositol fermentation by Klebsiellae and its implication in screening media.
Authors: Barr J G , Mahood R J
Published: June 2007

Four patterns of inositol fermentation by different isolates of Klebsiellae are described. Inositol fermentation by some isolates may be modified by medium incorporation of acetoin and diacetyl. An inositol--hydrogen sulphide--motility medium, modified by reducing the pH value, increasing the inositol concentration, and the incorporation of acetoin, is described and evaluated as a means of detecting acid production by isolates showing different inositol fermentation patterns.
Detection of pregnancy specific beta1-glycoprotein in formalin-fixed tissues.
Authors: Horne C H , Towler C M , Milne G D
Published: June 2007

Using an enzyme-bridge immunoperoxidase method, pregnancy specific beta1-glycoprotein (PSbetaG) has been demonstrated in the cytoplasm of the trophoblast in several formalin-fixed tissues, namely, implantation sites of ovum, normal placentae, hydatidiform moles, invasive moles, and choriocarcinomata of uterus and testis. It is suggested that this technique may prove helpful in the detection of choriocarcinomatous elements in malignant tumours.
The 15 g D-xylose absorption test: its application to the study of coeliac disease.
Authors: Stevens F M , Watt D W , Bourke M A , McNicholl B , Fottrell P F , McCarthy C F
Published: June 2007

The absorption of xylose following an oral load of 15 g D-xylose has been studied by serial blood levels in 17 untreated adult coeliac patients, 21 treated coeliac patients, and 30 non-coeliac patients. A statistically significant difference in xylose blood levels was found between untreated coeliac and non-coeliac patients at all the times studied, but a complete separation between these two groups occurred only at the 75 minute stage. The reproducibility of absorption was assessed by repeating the test in 16 subjects. The 95% confidence limits of the standard error of estimate are narrowest at 75 and 90 minutes.
Feulgen microdensitometry and analysis of S-phase cells in cervical tumour biopsies.
Authors: Dixon B , Stead R H
Published: June 2007

Tissue specimens from the cervical tumours of 70 patients undergoing radiotherapy were examined by Feulgen microdensitometry. Twenty-five of the 70 specimens were also subjected to in-vitro tritiated thymidine autoradiography to determine the proportion of DNA synthesising cells they contained. A spectrum of frequency distributions of nuclear DNA content was obtained from Feulgen microdensitometry, but by inspecting the data the basic DNA content of malignant cells could be established in most cases. Fifty-nine per cent of the tumours were 'diploid', 10% 'tetraploid', 13% 'diploid to tetraploid', and the remaining 18% 'aneuploid'. Grafical analysis of DNA frequencies from 48 'diploid' or 'tetraploid' tumours enabled the proportion of DNA synthesising (S) cells to be estimated by frequency distribution analysis. Estimates of the S component ranged from nil to 30%, were log normally distributed, and comparable to direct measurements of cells in S determined by autoradiography for 25 cases (range 1.2-28.7%). For all paired data the mean difference was 1.2 +/- 1.45% (confidence limits), suggesting that overall Feulgen microdensitometry analysis may be an equally valid technique in providing cellular kinetic information with human tumour material.
Pregnancy and antibody to factor VIII.
Authors: Voke J , Letsky E
Published: June 2007

A patient who had developed a factor VIII antibody three weeks after the birth of her first baby became pregnant for the second time 10 weeks later. The pregnancy was normal apart from extensive spontaneous bruising during the first two months. This bleeding tendency disappeared in the third month of gestation and the antibody became undetectable during the eighth month. It has not reappeared seven months later. An unexplained long bleeding time and low platelet count were noted during the last trimester. The literature on postpartum coagulation inhibitors is reviewed.
Prolonged erythrocyte T-polyagglutination in two children with bowel disorders.
Authors: Obeid D , Bird G W , Wingham J
Published: June 2007

In vivo erythrocyte polyagglutination of microbial origin is usually a transient condition. In two children with bowel disorders, erythrocyte T-polyagglutination persisted for 12 months in one case and for seven months in the other. Both cultures required both transfusions to support surgery. Washed red cell concentrates were transfused instead of whole blood to prevent dangerous destruction of T-transformed erythrocytes by anti-T antibodies normally present in the plasma of blood donors.
Effect of renal transplantation on marrow mast cell hyperplasia of chronic renal failure.
Authors: Ellis H A , Peart K M , Pierides A M
Published: June 2007

Marrow mast cells have been counted in iliac bone from patients with chronic renal failure treated by renal transplantation. Mast cell numbers were initially increased but returned to the normal range in many patients after renal transplantation. Improvement in osteitis fibrosa and osteomalacia after transplant was not clearly related to this diminution in the number of mast cells. The use of prednisone in renal transplant patients may have some effect in reducing the numbers of mast cells. There is no fully acceptable explanation for the increase in marrow mast cells which occurs in chronic renal failure.
Surface marker and other characteristics of Gaucher's cells.
Authors: Burns G F , Cawley J C , Flemans R J , Higgy K E , Worman C P , Barker C R , Roberts B E , Hayhoe F G
Published: June 2007

A full surface marker study of the splenic storage cells in a case of Gaucher's disease largely substantiates the monocyte/histiocyte nature of Gaucher's cells. In addition, an apparent T-lymphocyte deficiency is demonstrated in the spleen and peripheral blood, and the possible significance of this finding is discussed.
Group B streptococci in women fitted with intrauterine devices.
Authors: Mitchell R G , Guillebaud J , Day D G
Published: June 2007

A survey was made of group B streptococcal carriage at various sites in 100 women attending a clinic for the insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). Twenty-three women carried streptococci at one or more sites at the preinsertion visit, the vaginal carriage rate being 16%. Six months after insertion changes in carrier status were noted and there was evidence of a change of strain in four patients. Twenty-nine women were carriers at one or more sites at some stage of the study. There was no evidence that symptoms attributable to infection in patients fitted with an IUD were caused by group B streptococci.
Endocarditis due to Cardiobacterium hominis.
Authors: Jobanputra R S , Moysey J
Published: June 2007

A case of bacterial endocarditis was caused by Cardiobacterium hominis in a 41-year-old man with mitral and aortic incompetence due to a previous episode of rheumatic fever. The main distinguishing characteristics of C. hominis are described, and the incidence of endocarditis is reviewed. After six weeks of treatment with effective bactericidal chemotherapy a microbiological cure was achieved and the patient successfully underwent mitral valve replacement and aortic valve plication.
Renal histopathological changes in a child with Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome.
Authors: Falkner B , Langman C , Katz S
Published: June 2007

This report describes a case of Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome identified in a 24-month-old boy. Significant renal involvement was present with right-sided vesicoureteral reflux, cystocele, urinary tract infections, and growth arrest of the right kidney. After the development of hypertension a left renal biopsy was performed to determine if bilateral renal disease was present. Histopathological and ultrastructural changes in the left kidney are described. These changes appear to be unrelated to pyelonephritis or hypertension and to be most consistent with the nephropathy of Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome.
Acinar cell neoplasms of the exocrine pancreas.
Authors: Webb J N
Published: June 2007

The pathological features of 12 acinar cell neoplasms of the pancreas are described; these comprise 11 carcinomas, of which seven were pure acinar cell growths and four were mixed acinar and ductal carcinomas, and one adenoma. These tumors occurred in a series of 105 during the period 162-75. Thrombotic endocarditis developed in three out the 11 carcinoma cases. The distinctive histological features of these neoplasms and the means of differentiating them from anaplastic carcinomas and certain other carcinomas, for example, islet cell carcinoma, oat cell carcinomas, and carcinoid tumours, are discussed. The poor prognosis of pancreatic cancers is emphasized, and reasons are put forward for believing that future epidemiological studies may need to take account of the histological types of pancreatic carcinoma.
Rectal biopsy as a prognostic guide in Crohn's colitis.
Authors: Ward M , Webb J N
Published: June 2007

In a retrospective study, 64 rectal biopsies from 27 patients with Crohn's disease limited to the large bowel have been reviewed using a semiquantitative grading of histological abnormality. The subsequent clinical course was assessed independently, and patients were included in one of four categories: (1) remaining asymptomatic; (2) showing continued moderate inflammatory activity; (3) requiring colectomy; and (4) dying as a direct result of colonic disease. Biopsies from group (4) showed a greater degree of histological abnormality than those in the other three groups. This difference was statistically significant for first biopsies ((4)-(1) p less than 0-05; (4)-(2) p less than 0-05). In any one patient the histological appearances were relatively constant from one biopsy to the next. The presence of either fissuring or ulceration suggested a poor prognosis.
An outbreak of infection caused by a gentamicin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Authors: Bint A J , George R H , Healing D E , Wise R , Davies M
Published: June 2007

An outbreak of infection caused by a strain of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to gentamicin and tobramycin and other antibiotics occurred in two wards in a hospital. Eight patients were colonized, of whom six had clinical infections. Previous administration of gentamicin appeared to predispose the patients to infection with the strain. Restriction of the use of gentamicin and tobramycin is essential to preserve their value in serious infections.
Serological grouping of streptococci by a slide coagglutination method.
Authors: Finch R G , Phillips I
Published: June 2007

A new method for the serological grouping of streptococci by coagglutination with specific antibodies absorbed to protein A-containing staphylococci has been assessed. A total of 242 strains of streptococci, including beta-haemolytic streptococci of groups A, B, C, F, and G, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Strep. faecalis were studied. All streptococci of groups A, B, C, and G, groupable by standard methods, were correctly grouped by coagglutination, although 7-3% showed varying degrees of cross-agglutination. Two beta-haemolytic strains of Strep. faecalis produced coagglutination with group C streptococcal reagent. The method appears to be quick, accurate, reproducible, and simple to perform.
Automation of the rapid plasma reagin test using the Autotape System.
Authors: Booth J R , Sequeira P J , Wagstaff W , Hopkinson I , Gibbs D , Bennett E
Published: June 2007

The paper describes the Autotape System, a new piece of apparatus which is automated slide testing equipment, and its successful application to the rapid plasma reagin test.
Adrenocortical hyperactivity with disseminated malacoplakia.
Authors: McClure J , Hadden D R , Mudd D G , Parks T G
Published: June 2007

A case is described of an ectopic ACTH syndrome associated with malacoplakia.
Polymorphonuclear leucocyte function in Behçet's disease.
Authors: Sobel J D , Haim S , Obedeanu N , Meshulam T , Merzbach D
Published: June 2007

Polymorphonuclear leucocyte function was investigated in 19 patients with active Behçet's disease. Spontaneous free leucocyte migration was found to be significantly reduced, yet after stimulation the leucocyte's chemotactic activity was considerably increase (p less than 0-05) when compared to control leucocytes. Control leucocytes migrated more rapidly when incubated in serum taken from patients with Behçet's disease (p less than 0-005). The enhanced chemotactic activity in Bechçet's disease appears to be due to both serum and intrinsic leucocyte factors. Spontaneous nitroblue tetrazolium reduction was found to be normal, although after stimulation leucocyte nitroblue tetrazolium reduction was lower than in the control group (P less than 0-025), as was leucocyte oxygen utilisation. It is suggested that the hyperreactive cellular inflammatory response that characterises Behçet's disease may be due to increased chemotactic activity and minor alterations in functional metabolic activity of leucocytes.
Processing urinary endoscopes in a low-temperature steam and formaldehyde autoclave.
Authors: Gibson G L
Published: June 2007

Methods of disinfection and sterilisation of urinary endoscopes are considered. A small mobile low-temperature steam and formaldehyde autoclave (Miniclave 80) is evaluated and shown to be satisfactory for this purpose as judged by a variety of relevant microbiological test pieces.
Platelet dynamics in chronic liver disease with special reference to the role of the spleen.
Authors: Toghill P J , Green S , Ferguson F
Published: June 2007

In all of 12 patients with chronic liver disease, whose platelet dynamics were investigated by the 51Cr-labelling technique in association with surface counting, platelet survival was reduced and in 11 the splenic platelet pool was increased. Surface counting showed high initial spleen liver ratios in eight patients, and in four there was evidence of progressive destruction of platelets in the spleen. In one patient, subsequently shown to have a hepatoma, progressive accumulation of platelets was noted at the tumour site.
Staphylococci as urinary pathogens.
Authors: Pead L , Crump J , Maskell R
Published: June 2007

During the course of one year all (382) strains of staphylococci isolated in significant culture from urine specimens were typed by the Baird-Parker method. Staphylococcus aureus accounted for only 63 (16%) of the infections. Novobiocin-resistant micrococcal infection occurred predominantly in young women but also in children of both sexes; it was not restricted to M3. To try to detect possible sources of micrococcal infection other than faeces the normal flora of the throat, urinary tract, and vagina of young women was studied. Novobiocin-resistant micrococci were rarely found. Previous reports that micrococci are the second commonest urinary pathogens in young women in domiciliary practice were confirmed. The laboratory records of patients with these infections suggested that they respond well to treatment and that recurrences are usually due to a different organism.
Isolation of Actinomyces viscosus from two patients with clinical infections.
Authors: Radford B L , Ryan W J
Published: June 2007

The isolation of Actinomyces viscosus from two patients is described. One was a case of multiple myeloma, the organism being found on blood culture; the other was a patient with a submandibular abscess. These are believed to be the first such isolations of A. viscosus in this country.
Cancer-associated proteins in effusion fluids.
Authors: Booth S N , Lakin G , Dykes P W , Burnett D , Bradwell A R
Published: June 2007

Two cancer-associated proteins, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and pregnancy-associated alpha2 glycoprotein (PAG), together with 13 normal serum proteins were measured in the serum and effusion fluid of patients with ascites and pleural effusions. The results indicate that CEA measurement in effusion fluid is more effective than serum measurement in distinguishing cancerous from congestive or inflammatory effusions. Comparisons with the results of cytological examination suggest that fluid CEA estimation may prove a useful clinical tool. Serum PAG levels were higher in patients with cancer, but fluid determination offers no advantage in separating the disease groups. Similarly, the estimation of individual normal serum proteins in effusion fluids is unlikely to be of diagnostic value.
Macrophage infiltration of breast tumours: a prospective study.
Authors: Lauder I , Aherne W , Stewart J , Sainsbury R
Published: June 2007

In 50 cases of infiltrating breast cancer investigated in a prospective study the number of macrophages within each tumour was assessed. The macrophages were identified by their cytoplasmic acid phosphatase activity. The number of lymphocytes and plasma cells within the tumours were graded by a scoring technique. Significantly fewer cases with metastases were found among those with high macrophage and plasma cell scores. There was no correlation between lymphoreticular infiltration and the degree of tumour differentiation, but in cases without metastases the lymphoreticular infiltration between tumour cells was nearly always only slight when the macrophage score was low.
Kaposi's sarcoma: histopathological study of 159 cases from Malawi.
Authors: O'Connell K M
Published: June 2007

The histological features of 168 lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma from 159 patients in Malawi, where the disease is commoner than elsewhere, were characteristic. All showed well-developed areas of tumour and could be grouped fairly readily into those with a mixed pattern, a predominantly spindle cell pattern, and an anaplastic group, though intermediate patterns were seen. Hyaline bodies were present in nearly all tumours of skin. The cell of origin of Kaposi's sarcoma is uncertain and possibly has multipotential capabilities. Differential diagnosis may be difficult. Clinically the lesion may be confused with granuloma pyogenicum and may also be like it histologically. The presence of hyaline bodies and deposits of haemosiderin indicate Kaposi's sarcoma. The spindle cell predominant type may be confused with leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma, or fibrosarcoma. The presence of hyaline bodies and the formation of vascular channels between spindle cells point to a diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma.
Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels in patients with acute and chronic liver disease. Relation to hepatocellular regeneration and development of primary liver cell carcinoma.
Authors: Eleftheriou N , Heathcote J , Thomas H C , Sherlock S
Published: June 2007

Using a radioimmunoassay technique serum alpha-fetoprotein could be detected in healthy adults in concentrations of less than 20 microgram/l. Of patients with acute, viral hepatitis 43% exhibited a transient rise of serum alpha-fetoprotein, the peak occurring eight to nine days after the maximum recorded serum aspartate transaminase activity. Patients with hepatic damage due to paracetamol poisoning were also shown to have transiently raised levels, the peak occurring earlier than in subjects with viral hepatitis. Six subjects with fatal fulminant hepatitis were studied; the three with the more protracted illness were noted to have increased levels before death. Twenty of 163 cases of chronic liver disease also had raised serum alpha-fetoprotein concentrations. In four, primary liver cell cancer developed; in two of these the serum alpha-fetoprotein levels rose progressively, and in two it remained raised but at low levels.
Stool microscopy in screening for steatorrhoea.
Authors: Ghosh S K , Littlewood J M , Goddard D , Steel A E
Published: June 2007

A prospective study is described comparing microscopy of random faecal specimens for the presence of neutral and split fat by a relatively simple, cheap, and rapid methods with standard chemical estimation of faecal fat. The method of microscopy was found to be reliable in excluding steatorrhoea in children over the age of 3 months.
Cryopreservation of human granulocytes in liquid nitrogen.
Authors: Graham-Pole J , Davie M , Willoughby M L
Published: June 2007

Human granulocytes (PMNL) were successfully cryopreserved for up to 14 months. The PMNL (1-2 X 10(7)/ml) were stored in 2-ml ampoules in the gas phase of liquid nitrogen at a temperature between -160 degrees C and -196 degrees C using dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO 10%) as cryoprotectant. Morphology and phagocytic and bactericidal capacity were best preserved by adding fetal calf serum to the freezing mixture, by using an interrupted cooling process, by washing the thawed PMNL in fresh freeze-dried plasma, and centrifuging at 600 g for no more than two minutes. Careful post-thaw handling of the cells was an important factor in preserving function. These preliminary studies indicate that useful numbers of PMNL can be recovered in a functional state after storage for long periods in liquid nitrogen.
HBsAg, chronic lymphoproliferative disorders, and cirrhosis of liver
Authors: Heimann R. , Ray M. B. , Desmet V. J.
Published: June 2007

This study reports the incidence of HBsAg in a series of chronic lymphoproliferative disorders in which a high incidence of cirrhoses had been previously observed. Twenty-three cases were collected from the necropsy records. The type of lymphoma was reviewed in the light of the new functional classifications of non-Hodgkin malignant lymphomas introduced by Lennert and Lukes. The presence of HBsAg in the liver was investigated by the indirect immunofluorescence technique. Eleven cases showed plasmocytoid features and were considered as immunocytomas. Seven cases showed cirrhosis of the liver; six of them belonged to the immunocytoma group. Four cases were positive for HBsAg. Three of them were found among the group combining cirrhosis and immunocytoma. They presented the abundant nodular distribution of HBsAg typical of inactive cirrhosis.

A parallel is drawn between the often reported association of Waldenström's syndrome and cirrhosis and the association of immunocytoma and cirrhosis observed in this study. The analogy is all the more justified since most of the lymphomas associated with Waldenström's syndrome happen to be immunocytomas. Therefore the association between HB virus infection and cirrhosis on the one hand and chronic lymphoproliferative disorders on the other may not be purely coincidental. A chronic antigenic stimulus such as persisting HBsAg could trigger the proliferation of a malignant lymphoid clone.
Use of antiserum agar plates for serogrouping of meningococci.
Authors: Sivonen A , Renkonen O V , Robbins J B
Published: June 2007

A convenient and reliable method for serogrouping meningococci, based on immunospecific precipitation haloes in antiserum-agar plates, is described. It gave concordant results with conventional slide-agglutination in 900 strains of groups A, B or C tested. The antiserum-agar can also be used as a primary isolation medium for detecting nasopharyngeal carriers of a certain serogroup if antibiotics are added.
Two cases of monoclonal immunoglobulins with antistreptolysin activity: clinical and laboratory study.
Authors: Lustermans F A , Klein F
Published: June 2007

In two patients with a persisting, high antistreptolysin titre the antistreptolysin activity in both cases resided exclusively in a monoclonal IgG component in the serum. This component had all the characteristics of a true antibody. A history in both patients of arthritis with or without angina suggested that the monoclonal antibodies were reactive in origin, although definite proof was lacking. In one case there was a suggestion of incipient myeloma. Whenever an extremely high antistreptolysin titre persists after antibiotic treatment the possibility of paraproteinaemia should be considered.
IgG myeloma presenting as ulcerative colitis.
Authors: Haeney M R , Ross I N , Thompson R A , Asquith P
Published: June 2007

Two patients who presented with ulcerative colitis are described. Both were found to have evidence of IgG monoclonal gammopathy and Bence-Jones proteinuria. This association has been reported previously only in the presence of myelomatous infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract or in amyloidosis, and hence the cases reported appear to be unique.
Specific and non-specific resistance to aminoglycosides in Escherichia coli.
Authors: Mawer S L , Greenwood D
Published: June 2007

The turbidimetric responses of a strain of Escherichia coli K12 to gentamicin and tobramycin were investigated. Both agents showed antibacterial activity below the conventionally measured minimum inhibitory concentration, but exposure to such subinhibitory concentrations of either agent generated a bacterial population which was able to grow in previously inhibitory concentrations at a rate equivalent to that of the parent culture. The increase in resistance was non-specific in that both aminoglycosides were equally affected, and was unstable on multiple passage in drug-free broth. The response to tobramycin was unaffected by the presence of an R factor conferring gentamicin resistance, but exposure of the R factor bearing strain to gentamicin caused a concomitant increase in the resistance to tobramycin, apparently by a non-specific adaptive mechanism similar to that observed with the parent strain. It is suggested that prior treatment of a gentamicin-resistant organism with gentamicin (as may occur during blind therapy) may adversely affect the subsequent response to other aminoglycosides.
An assessment of radial haemolysis in the detection of rubella antibody.
Authors: Gee B , Jordan B E , Mortimer P R
Published: June 2007

The results obtained by radial haemolysis in the detection of antibodies to rubella virus compared well with those obtained by haemagglutination inhibition. Radial haemolysis is unaffected by non-specific inhibitors. The sera do not therefore require pretreatment and the results are less equivocal. Radial haemolysis appears to be as sensitive as immunofluorescence and floatation centrifugation. It is possible to examine large numbers of sera with a considerable saving of time compared with the traditional haemagglutination technique. Rheumatoid factor may cause interference in radial haemolysis. Immune sera may be recorded as non-immune. This interference can be removed by 2-mercaptoethanol or reduced by heating sera at 60 degrees C for 20 minutes.
A whole blood control for the Coulter Model S.
Authors: Morgan L O , Jones W G , Fisher J , Cavill I
Published: June 2007

The white cell count, red cell count, haemoglobin, and mean cell volume of a new preserved whole blood preparations used as a control material for the Coulter Model S were found to be stable for at least two months. This material provides a cheap and stable whole blood control which is now in routine use in 18 laboratories throughout Wales.
Gastric and duodenal mucosa in 'healthy' individuals. An endoscopic and histopathological study of 50 volunteers.
Authors: Kreuning J , Bosman F T , Kuiper G , Wal A M , Lindeman J
Published: June 2007

The results of histological and immunohistochemical examination of gastric and duodenal biopsy specimens from 50 volunteers without a clinical history of gastrointestinal disease are reported. Multiple specimens of tissue from standard sites in the stomach and duodenum were carefully orientated, and serially sectioned for examination by light microscopy and for immunohistochemical characterisation of plasma cells within the lamina propria. The antrum and fundus were normal in 32 of the 50 subjects but the other 18 showed histopathological evidence of gastritis in either the antrum or fundus. The latter appeared to be age-related. There was considerable variation in the appearance of the surface epithelium of the duodenum within as well as among individual subjects. Superficial gastric metaplasia in one or more biopsy specimens from the duodenal bulb was found in 64% of individuals. Histopathological examination of the duodenum revealed signs of chronic inflammation in 12% of the subjects. In two individuals there was active inflammation but in only one of these was the diagnosis made on endoscopic appearances. Histological criteria important for the diagnosis of duodenitis are discussed. The number of plasma cells in different biopsy specimens from subjects not showing histological signs of inflammation was variable. The ratio IgA:IgG:IgM producing plasma cells was remarkably constant from subject to subject as well as from specimen to specimen.
Idiopathic fibrosis of mediastinum: a discussion of three cases and review of the literature.
Authors: Light A M
Published: June 2007

In two out of three cases of idiopathic fibrosis of the mediastinum there was also retroperitoneal fibrosis, and in one of them extensive fibrosis of the lungs. One of these, a fit middle-aged man, died suddenly with severe coronary artery stenosis due to fibrosis. The third case was that of a young man with a solitary fibrous mass around the right lower lobe bronchus mimicking a malignant tumour and producing bronchial stenosis. Of the various hypotheses about the aetiology and pathogenesis of the fibrous proliferation, that of an autoimmune process seemed the most likely in these cases.
A simple manganous chloride and Congo red disc method for differentiating Neisseria gonorrhoeae from Neisseria meningitidis.
Authors: Odugbemi T O , McEntegart M G , Hafiz S
Published: June 2007

Manganous chloride and Congo red incorporated into blotting paper discs have been used to differentiate gonococci from meningococci. The new technique is simple and reliable; the materials for the test are inexpensive. The method will increase the efficiency of distinguishing between the pathogenic Neisseria in any clinical bacteriology laboratory and especially in those in the tropical areas.
An improved method for the diagnosis of polycythaemia.
Authors: Bentley D P , Thomson W H , Napier J A
Published: June 2007

The red cell mass was measured in 44 normal subjects and showed a closer correlation with total body water or surface area than with body weight. The results obtained in a group of patients with polycythaemia, however, still overlap with the normal range. When the total number of circulating red cells is measured these patients form a group quite separate from the normals. The diagnostic value of this measurement is therefore considerably greater than results obtained with the red cell mass.