bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantitative study of alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase-positive cells in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and reactive lymph nodes.
Authors: Crocker J , Jones E L , Curran R C
Published: June 2007

The numbers of alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE)-containing cells (other than T lymphocytes) in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) and reactive lymph nodes have been counted, using the Reichert-Jung (Kontron) MOP-AMO3 user-controlled image analyzer. Twenty specimens of NHL and ten reactive nodes were examined. Cells were demonstrated by their content of acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) in fixed frozen sections. It was found that lymphomas of high-grade malignancy contained much larger numbers of ANAE-positive cells (10.8-20.5%) than those of low-grade malignancy (1.4-4.1%). The number of ANAE-positive cells (1.4-3.2%) in reactive lymph nodes was similar to that in low-grade NHL nodes.
Wilms' tumour and renal dysplasia: an hypothesis
Authors: Marsden HB , Lawler W
Published: June 2007

The incidence of renal dysplasia in a series of Wilms' tumours is presented. The distribution of such lesions is discussed, together with their course of development and regression. The kidney is regarded as a particularly suitable organ for studying the relation between dysplasia and neoplasia. A schema is suggested for this association with regard to Wilms' tumour.
Unusual subcutaneous mixed tumour exhibiting adipose, fibroblastic, and epithelial components.
Authors: Smith P S , McClure J
Published: June 2007

A subcutaneous mass in the left supraclavicular fossa of a 55-year-old woman proved on histological examination to be composed of islands of squamous cells embedded in bands of spindle cells and associated with mature adipose tissue. Electron microscopy showed that the spindle cells were fibroblastic in nature and not squamous cells showing spindle differentiation. There was also a minor lymphangiomatous component and sparse infiltrates of lymphoid cells. The lesion bore certain similarities to thymolipoma except that the presence of spindle cells and the site were atypical. While it may be speculated that the tumour was thymolipoma occurring in an ectopic cervical thymus the lesion is provisionally regarded as an unusual mixed tumour featuring mesenchymal and epithelial components.
Micronodular adrenal disease: a light and electron microscopic study.
Authors: Hasleton P S , Ali H H , Anfield C , Beardwell C G , Shalet S
Published: June 2007

A case of Cushing's syndrome due to micronodular adrenal disease in a 17-year-old girl is presented. The adrenals showed both black and yellow nodules. Histologically the cells contained lipofuschin and either had a clear cytoplasm or an eosinophilic cytoplasm with a prominent nucleus. Lymphocytes were a prominent feature. No cells of the zona reticularis were identified. The cell of origin of these nodules appeared to be from the inner layer of the zona fasciculata. We postulate that the disease is caused by an abnormality in the migration and ultimate destruction of cells from the zona fasciculata to the zona reticularis with a build up of cells at the interface zone.
Detection of antibodies to tetanus toxoid: comparison of a direct haemagglutination method with a radioimmunoassay.
Authors: Wang A S , Burns G F , Kronborg I J , Mackay I R
Published: June 2007

Two methods of detecting antibodies to tetanus toxoid were compared, a radioimmunoassay (RIA) employing radiolabelled staphylococcal protein A and a direct haemagglutination (HA) method employing sheep erythrocytes coupled to tetanus toxoid with chromic chloride. These were shown to have a similarly high specificity with the HA method showing slightly higher sensitivity. Haemagglutination offers several additional advantages in terms of simplicity, low cost and less requirement for specialised equipment. The assays were also used to demonstrate a transient IgM response after repeated booster injections with absorbed toxin given to seropositive individuals, and these antibodies were found to be protective in biological tests.
An antibiotic susceptibility testing trial organised as part of the United Kingdom national external microbiological quality assessment scheme.
Authors: Snell J J , Brown D F , Gardner P S
Published: June 2007

Organisms of known susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs were distributed for sensitivity testing to laboratories participating in the United Kingdom National External Microbiological Quality Assessment Scheme. The results obtained were correlated with the methods used. Laboratories differed in their standards of antimicrobial drug sensitivity testing. An association between error rates and particular methods and practices enabled recommendations to be made on disc content, method of methicillin testing, preparation of inoculum, use of controls and use of lysed blood for sulphonamide testing. Some media appeared significantly better than others but because of the many factors involved further information is being sought to clarify this.
Estimation of lymphocyte percentage and number on the Coulter Counter, Model S Plus Phase II.
Authors: England J M , Chetty M C , De Silva P M
Published: June 2007

The Coulter Counter Model S Plus Phase II provided precise measurements of lymphocyte percentage and count and carry-over was negligible. Lymphocyte percentage values agreed well with those from the stained blood film except when the percentage was high and in these circumstances the instrument gave underestimates. When making artificial mixtures with increasing lymphocyte count a progressive underestimation of the lymphocyte percentage was also noted. The display of leucocyte volume distribution was found to be a useful attribute particularly when the instrument alerted the operator to "rejected" profiles. Rejection by the instrument proved to be a helpful function occurring in the myeloid leukaemias, erythroblastosis, and in some cases when the lymphocytes differed from normal--for example, glandular fever and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Alpha-1-antitrypsin phenotypes in malignant lymphoma.
Authors: Callea F , Massi G , De Wolf-Peeters C , Lievens C , Desmet V J
Published: June 2007

The alpha-1-antitrypsin (alpha 1 AT) Pi phenotypes have been determined by isoelectric focusing in a series of 228 patients having a histologically diagnosed malignant lymphoma and in 250 healthy controls. The Pi MZ phenotype occurred in 13 patients with lymphoma (5 . 8%) and in five of 250 healthy individuals (2%). Furthermore, one patient with a Pi SS and three patients with an abnormal unknown phenotype, migrating slower than Z, were found in the lymphoma group. No prevalence for a special lymphoma type was observed among the abnormal Pi phenotype patients. The increased incidence of abnormal Pi phenotypes in malignant lymphoma's support the hypothesis of the possible role of alpha 1 AT in development of immunopathological disorders.
T and B lymphocyte markers in effusions of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Krajewski AS , Dewar AE , Ramage EF
Published: June 2007

T and B cells were sought in effusion fluids of 13 patients with lymphoma. In T cell lymphomas (four cases) morphologically abnormal cells that formed E rosettes were present. In B cell lymphomas (nine cases) morphologically abnormal cells were present in only two cases, however immunological studies showed a reduction in T cells and monoclonal light chain immunoglobulin expression in six of nine cases.
Antenatal diagnosis of steroid sulphatase deficiency: case report and literature survey.
Authors: Sherwood R A , Rocks B F
Published: June 2007

Steroid sulphatase deficiency is a recently recognised genetically determined inborn error of metabolism. Originally identified as an enzyme disorder of the placenta (commonly termed placental sulphatase deficiency), it is now known that the progeny of affected pregnancies have a generalised steroid sulphatase deficiency and that the enzyme defect persists throughout life. The disorder is characterised clinically by markedly low maternal oestrogen excretion in the presence of normal fetal growth and development. The importance of antenatal diagnosis lies in the differentiation of this disorder from the more ominous fetal defects that result in low oestrogen concentrations. This paper summarises the relevant literature and describes a case in which biochemical tests were used for the antenatal diagnosis of steroid sulphatase deficiency. The pregnancy resulted in a healthy baby boy delivered vaginally after a spontaneous labour.
Prospective comparison of the fluorescein-dilaurate test with the secretin-cholecystokinin test for pancreatic exocrine function.
Authors: Boyd E J , Cumming J G , Cuschieri A , Wood R A , Wormsley K G
Published: June 2007

In a prospective study of 60 patients undergoing investigation for possible exocrine pancreatic disease the fluorescein-dilaurate test was compared with the secretin-cholecystokinin (CCK) test. Forty one patients had a normal response to secretin-CCK, 14 patients had abnormal responses and in five patients the results were equivocal. Taking the secretin-CCK test as the diagnostic criterion, the fluorescein-dilaurate test had a sensitivity of 100% and a negative predictive value of 100%. There was a 54% false-positive rate. The fluorescein-dilaurate test is easy to perform and is a useful screening test for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.
Measurement of striated muscle fibre diameters using interactive computer-aided microscopy
Authors: Slavin G , Sowter C , Ward P , Paton K
Published: June 2007

We have measured muscle fibre diameters using two methods of interactive computer-aided microscopy. They are simple to perform, reproducible and more convenient than manual methods of measurement. The technique is of general application to histological measurement.
Demonstration of calcification fronts by in vivo and in vitro tetracycline labelling
Authors: McClure John
Published: June 2007

In patients with chronic renal failure estimations of the extent of calcification fronts delineated by in vivo tetracycline labelling correlated well with estimates obtained after staining the fronts with haematoxylin dye (Raina method). Similarly there was a good correlation between the Raina method and the demonstration of calcification fronts with ultraviolet (UV) light fluorescence after immersion of the bone tissue in fixative containing a freshly prepared solution of 1% tetracycline. These studies indicate that this latter is a valid and useful technique for demonstrating calcification fronts in a situation where tetracycline cannot be administered systemically.
Inhibitory effects of peripheral blood cells on in vitro colony formation by autologous bone marrow in aplastic anaemia: relation with response to immunosuppressive therapy.
Authors: Blasetti A , Faille A , Balitrand N , Gluckman E , Devergie A , Dresch C
Published: June 2007

The inhibitory activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes on autologous bone marrow was studied in 27 patients with aplastic anaemia after treatment with androgen. Inhibitory activity was hard to assess in 10 patients studied during the first year of treatment. The colony count was too low to be certain of differences between the samples incubated with or without lymphocytes. Among the 17 patients who had more than 10 colonies per 2 x 10(5) mononuclear bone marrow cells, nine showed inhibitory activity by peripheral blood lymphocytes. After 12 months of androgen therapy each of these patients showing inhibitory activity of bone marrow colony forming cells by peripheral lymphocytes responded to antithymocyte globulin. None of nine patients with few colony forming cells or no inhibitory activity of lymphocytes responded to immunosuppression.
Comparison of platelet storage in PL146 and PL732 plastic packs: preliminary in vitro studies.
Authors: Edwards D R , Entwistle C C
Published: June 2007

This paper is a preliminary report of in vitro studies comparing platelet storage in the new polyolefin PL732 packs with the present polyvinyl PL146 packs. The parameters used to assess platelet viability in these studies were the recovery from the hypotonic stress test (HST) and the pH. The effect of the mass of concentrate was assessed by preparing 20 g, 35 g and 50 g packs. The method of agitation was tested comparing a vertical rotator with a flat-bed, rocking agitator. In all the subgroups the PL732 packs fared better than the PL146 packs in terms of HST recovery and pH. The 35 g and 50 g packs were statistically inseparable but the 20 g packs were significantly worse both in PL732 and PL146. The vertical rotator augmented the beneficial effects of the PL732 plastic especially in terms of pH. The 35 g and 50 g packs in PL732 on a vertical rotator gave results after 5 days storage at 22 degrees C which were vastly superior (p less than or equal to 0.001) to the 35 g and 50 g packs in PL146 after only three days storage. Thus it would appear that the use of PL732 packs might enable the storage life of platelet concentrates to be increased to five days. Further in vivo studies are to be undertaken to ensure these in vitro improvements benefit the patient.
Comparison of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, radioimmunoassay, complement fixation, anticomplement immunofluorescence and passive haemagglutination techniques for detecting cytomegalovirus IgG antibody.
Authors: Booth J C , Hannington G , Bakir T M , Stern H , Kangro H , Griffiths P D , Heath R B
Published: June 2007

The radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques were found to be comparable in sensitivity and specificity for detecting cytomegalovirus IgG antibody, and 10 to 100 times more sensitive than complement-fixation (CF), anticomplement immunofluorescence (ACIF) and passive haemagglutination (PHA). In screening tests for antibody, the frequency of false-positive and -negative results was 0.6% for RIA and ELISA, 1.5% for CF, 1.6% for ACIF and 3.6% for PHA. PHA was the least satisfactory test, largely because of technical problems. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is an important cause of congenital brain damage and is also a major complication of both prolonged immunosuppressive therapy, especially in patients with organ transplants, and multi-donor blood transfusions. For serological diagnosis of infection, as well as for screening for antibody in patients and in blood donors, the solid-phase indirect radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques offer distinct improvements in sensitivity over previous methods. Although the principle of both tests, based on the detection of antigen-antibody reactions by means of a labelled anti-antibody, is the same, each possesses its own particular technical advantages and disadvantages, and both require their own expensive equipment for the reading of the results. There is still a lack of data on how they compare in sensitivity and specificity. The present study was undertaken to compare the two methods for the detection of CMV IgG and to evaluate them against the older techniques of complement-fixation (CF), passive haemagglutination (PHA) and anticomplement immunofluorescence (ACIF).
Modification of the system of screening for antisyphilis antibodies in a blood transfusion centre, featuring a miniaturisation of the Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay.
Authors: Puckett A , Pratt G
Published: June 2007

A modified, miniaturised version of the Fujizoki Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) is described. The method is fast, sensitive, specific, and very economical. During a test period of one year, use of the method gave rise to a 67% increase in confirmed positives among new donor sera and a 112.5% increase among the antenatal sera over the numbers that would have been detected using a cardiolipin test alone. With the new donor sera, the rate of confirmed positives detected during the test period was 150% greater than that of 1980, when a cardiolipin test alone was used (0.05 greater than p greater than 0.02 (chi 2 test)).
A concise biotyping system for differentiating strains of Escherichia coli.
Authors: Gargan R , Brumfitt W , Hamilton-Miller J M
Published: June 2007

A six test biotyping system comprising fermentation of dulcitol, sorbose, raffinose, and 5 ketogluconate, motility and production of beta-haemolysis was used to obtain biotype profiles for 514 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from the urinary tract. This profile was suffixed to the API-20E code, recorded when the strains were originally identified. An expanded and reliable biotyping system was thus created giving a greater number of possible biotypes than with either system alone. The sensitivity in terms of distinguishing the organisms studied was therefore greatly increased. The use of O-serotyping in combination with biotyping is discussed. Biotyping can also be usefully supplemented by the determination of the eight commonest E coli O-serotypes. This is of value in many clinical situations where differentiation of organisms is vital to the proper analysis of results.
Intracellular immunoglobulin distribution of bone marrow plasma cells as a diagnostic aid for primary amyloidosis.
Authors: Thielemans C , Aelbrecht W , Verbeelen D , Somers G , De Waele M , Van Camp B
Published: June 2007

In order to classify the underlying disorder in four patients with biopsy-proven amyloidosis without overt monoclonal gammopathy, the cytoplasmic immunoglobulin (Ig) distribution of bone marrow plasma cells was evaluated using direct immunofluorescence microscopy. This procedure revealed the presence of a monoclonal proliferation of light chain containing plasma cells, and thus led to the diagnosis of immunoglobulin-related amyloidosis.
Carboxyhaemoglobin: a possible reference material for haemoglobin assay.
Authors: Rideout J M , Louderback A
Published: June 2007

The inter- and intralaboratory quality control of haemoglobin estimation in remote laboratories requires a more rugged control haemolysate than is commercially available. The stabilities of oxyhaemoglobin and carboxyhaemoglobin forms of an ethanediol-containing haemolysate were studied over a three-year period. From the results obtained, carboxyhaemoglobin under nitrogen is proposed as a possible candidate reference material for haemoglobin assay.
Use of buffered hypochlorite solution for disinfecting fibrescopes.
Authors: Coates D , Death J E
Published: June 2007

The possible use of sodium hypochlorite solution buffered to pH 7.6 and containing 100 ppm available chlorine (avCl) for disinfecting fibrescopes was investigated. A flexible fibrescope experimentally contaminated with Pseudomonas putida, Mycobacterium fortuitum, or Bacillus subtilis spores was effectively disinfected within 10 m in repeatedly and without any observable adverse effect on the instrument. The corrosive nature of buffered hypochlorite was investigated by immersing various fibrescope components and metal wires in solutions of different strength for long periods and examining them for damage. Stainless steel, platinum, glass, Teflon, polythene and epoxy resin were apparently unaffected whereas polyurethane, rubber and other metals tested were damaged to different extents. Buffered hypochlorite solutions may have many applications pertaining to the disinfection of items which are either thermolabile or require rapid effective disinfection.
Isolation of Bacteroides ureolyticus (B corrodens) from clinical infections.
Authors: Duerden B , Bennet K W , Faulkner J
Published: June 2007

The introduction of an improved anaerobic system resulted in the isolation of Bacteroides ureolyticus (B corrodens) in numbers that suggested a pathogenic role from many more clinical specimens. During a three-year period B ureolyticus was isolated from 103 fairly superficial necrotic or gangrenous lesions all of which showed evidence of active infection. These included 27 perineal or genital infections, 15 perianal abscesses, 15 other soft tissue infections such as pilonidal abscesses and infected sebaceous cysts and 16 ulcers or gangrenous lesions of the lower limb. B ureolyticus was rarely isolated in pure culture but was usually one of the predominant organisms; the other organisms were mostly anaerobes and the combination of B ureolyticus with anaerobic Gram-positive cocci was particularly noticeable. The isolation and identification of B ureolyticus is not difficult but depends upon a reliable anaerobic system and the incubation of primary cultures for at least 72 h.
How important are the dermatophytes? A clinical and laboratory investigation.
Authors: Davies D G , Deighton J , Paterson W D
Published: June 2007

Dermatophyte infections were established in 6.9% of 640 unselected dermatology outpatients attending two district general hospitals in Cumbria over a six-month period. A clinical diagnosis of ringworm was confirmed in the laboratory in 43.1% of hospital and in 21.8% of a smaller series of general practice patients. No result of similar surveys have been published before., Even in a major stock-rearing area such as this, domestic pets appear to be a more important source of infection than the farm animal.
Mouse red cell rosette formation and the colchicine sensitivity test: relative usefulness in the differential diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and B lymphocytic lymphoma.
Authors: Sugden P J , Lilleyman J S
Published: June 2007

Mouse erythrocyte (M) rosette formation and colchicine sensitivity were compared for their ability to differentiate chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) from B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) with overspill. Twenty-two cases of CLL and eight of NHL were studied along with 31 normal adults. Results from the patients in both tests differed significantly from the controls but colchicine sensitivity failed to differentiate them further. M Rosettes, on the other hand, while increased in some patients with NHL were, without overlap, much more numerous in those with CLL, and clearly distinguished the two conditions. A significant autolymphocytotoxic effect of plasma from both study groups was also noted which was not found in the controls.
Incidence of hypercalcaemia and primary hyperparathyroidism in relation to the biochemical profile.
Authors: Harrop J S , Bailey J E , Woodhead J S
Published: June 2007

Over a period of one year, 24500 patients underwent a biochemical profile investigation. Seven hundred and thirty-eight (3%) patients had a plasma calcium concentration of greater than 2.60 mmol/l, and hypercalcaemia was confirmed in 49.8% of those subjects from whom a second fasting sample was received. Primary hyperparathyroidism and malignant disease were the two commonest causes of hypercalcaemia, occurring with equal frequency. The overall incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism in our population was 1:680. Over 75% of the patients with primary hyperparathyroidism appeared to have asymptomatic disease. The merits of including a plasma calcium determination in a biochemical profile would seem to depend particularly on the natural history of asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism.
Biochemical assessment of histochemical methods for oestrogen receptor localisation.
Authors: Underwood J C , Sher E , Reed M , Eisman J A , Martin T J
Published: June 2007

The biochemical validity of published labelled-ligand and ligand-antibody methods for the histological localisation of oestrogen receptors (ER) in breast carcinomas was assessed by measuring specific and non-specific binding of 3H-oestradiol to pretreated MCF-7 monolayers; the monolayers had been either frozen and thawed, then air-dried or acetone-fixed, or fixed in formaldehyde to reproduce the conditions in published methods. The results indicate that most of the ER in a frozen section is likely to be lost by diffusion into the supernatant incubation medium. Fixation substantially restricts diffusion but reduces specific oestradiol binding and may increase non-specific binding; acetone fixation is particularly deleterious. Preincubation in oestradiol fails to protect the receptor during fixation. We conclude that the published histochemical methods for ER localisation have doubtful validity and should not yet be used in preference to conventional biochemical assays.
Macroscopic enzyme histochemistry in myocardial infarction: artefactual nature of the creatine phosphokinase reaction.
Authors: Derias N W , Adams C W
Published: June 2007

The histochemical creatine phosphokinase (CPK) tetrazolium test has been evaluated to detect recent human myocardial infarction in gross slices of the heart at necropsy. The demonstration of the lesion with this method has been assumed to result from local loss of CPK from the damaged myocardium. However, the present study indicates that the mechanism involved depends on localising NADPH tetrazolium reductase and not CPK. Phenazine methosulphate (PMS), when added to the incubating medium as an electron-acceptor to circumvent the tetrazolium-reductase (diaphorase) system, resulted in generalised false staining of the heart slice.
Macroscopic enzyme histochemistry in myocardial infarction: use of coenzyme, cyanide, and phenazine methosulphate.
Authors: Derias N W , Adams C W
Published: June 2007

Transversely sectioned human heart slices, obtained at necropsy from normal subjects and from cases of recent myocardial infarction, were stained with the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dehydrogenase macroreaction for the gross identification of recent myocardial infarction. The addition of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) to the incubating medium greatly improved the sensitivity of the method, while addition of cyanide caused just a modest improvement. Addition of the electron transfer mediator phenazine methosulphate (PMS) resulted in false non-selective staining and obscured areas of recent myocardial damage.
Accuracy of morphological diagnosis of lung cancer in a department of respiratory medicine.
Authors: Clee M D , Duguid H L , Sinclair D J
Published: June 2007

In view of the importance of determination of cell type in patients with bronchial carcinoma who are to be given chemotherapy a series of 140 histologically proved cases was analysed to assess the accuracy of pretreatment diagnosis by cytology and bronchial biopsy. Final histological diagnosis was made after thoracotomy (131 cases) or necropsy (9 cases). Before treatment, malignancy was diagnosed in 71% of cases with 91% accuracy in cell typing. Diagnostic yield was greatest in squamous carcinoma (81%) and least with adenocarcinoma (50%). Large-celled and small-celled anaplastic carcinomas gave yields of 61% and 68% respectively. Accuracy of cell typing was high (90-97%) except for large-celled anaplastic carcinoma (71%). All diagnostic methods were not employed in every case. In patients supplying samples the diagnosis was made by sputum cytology in 57%, by rigid bronchoscopy cytology in 57%, by fibreoptic bronchoscopy cytology in 71% and biopsy in 53%. Causes of diagnostic failures and possible means of increasing accuracy of pretreatment diagnosis were discussed.
Use of orcein in detecting hepatitis B antigen in paraffin sections of liver.
Authors: Kirkpatrick P
Published: June 2007

This study has shown that different supplies/batches of orcein perform differently and may fail. The "natural" forms generally performed better although the most informative results were obtained with a "synthetic" product. Orcein dye solutions can be used soon after preparation and for up to 7 days without the need for differentiation. After 10 days or so the staining properties become much less selective. Non-specific staining severely reduces contrast and upon differentiation overall contrast is reduced and the staining of elastin is reduced. Copper-associated protein positivity gradually fails and after 14 days is lost. For demonstrating HBsAg in paraffin sections of liver, it is best to use orcein dye preparations that are no older than 7 days and to test each batch or orcein against a known positive control.
Serological characterisation of Ureaplasma urealyticum strains by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Authors: Turunen H , Leinikki P , Jansson E
Published: June 2007

A modification of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the serological characterisation and identification of strains of Ureaplasma urealyticum. The eight recognised human serotypes of U urealyticum and antisera produced against them were used as reference for the evaluation and standardisation of the method. The serological profile illustrating reactions of antigen with homologous and heterologous antisera was specific and reproducible for each serotype. The homologous reaction was always very prominent but some cross-reactivity was seen, most clearly between serotypes 2 and 5. The method was found to be suitable for serological typing of clinical isolates of U urealyticum because of rapid and simple technical procedure, good reproducibility of the results and economical consumption of antisera and other reagents.
Evaluation of Fastidious Anaerobe Broth as a blood culture medium.
Authors: Ganguli L A , Turton L J , Tillotson G S
Published: June 2007

Three commercial blood culture media were compared with a freshly prepared cooked meat medium in tests to stimulate the recovery of small inocula of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria in routine blood cultures. The cooked meat medium gave the most reliable recovery and supported continued viability, whilst Fastidious Anaerobe Broth (LAB M) was a good alternative. Results with Southern Group thioglycollate and Difco Thiol were less satisfactory as delays in recovery and loss of viability occurred on continued incubation with some of the test strains.
Effect of total dose infusion of iron dextran on the storage iron content of the human placenta.
Authors: Bauminger B B , Walters G , Whicher J T , Duke A B
Published: June 2007

In a series of pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia treated by a total dose infusion of iron dextran, the non-haem iron content of the placenta at term was studied histochemically and by chemical analysis. Within a few days of the infusion the Prussian blue reaction on the placenta was very strong, but was negative by ten days after the infusion. Chemical analysis showed that both the water-insoluble fraction (haemosiderin) and the water-soluble fraction (ferritin) of the non-haem iron were increased soon after the infusion, but three weeks after the infusion they were almost the same as in untreated controls. Pinocytosis of iron dextran by the trophoblast and increased transport of transferrin-bound iron to the placenta are considered as possible causes for this large uptake of iron by the placenta.
Elution of 111Indium from reticuloendothelial cells.
Authors: Peters A M , Klonizakis I , Lavender J P , Lewis S M
Published: June 2007

Measurement of isotope accumulation in an organ is often used to assess that organ's removal of blood cells labelled with the isotope. This technique is only valid if the isotope does not elute from the organ. Elution of 111In from the liver and spleen has been investigated in 14 subjects following intravenous injection of heat-damaged erythrocytes labelled with 111In. The elution rate from the spleen was found to be low, about 2% of the initial activity per day. The liver accumulated activity with respect to its initial uptake at a rate of about 5% per day. Bone marrow was not visualised except in two patients in whom it was identifiable in the initial scan.
Malignant histiocytosis of the intestine: report of three cases with immunological and cytochemical analysis.
Authors: Isaacson P , Jones D B , Sworn M J , Wright D H
Published: June 2007

Tumour cells from three cases of malignant histiocytosis of the intestine (MHI) have been studied immunologically and cytochemically. The cells did not form E rosettes and showed weak Fc gamma surface receptors. They contained non-specific esterase and acid phosphatase in diffuse granular distribution. In one case tumour cells showed no staining by an immunoperoxidase technique with two monoclonal anti-T cell antibodies but positive staining with a monoclonal anti-Ia-like antibody. The malignant cells from all three cases could be shown to contain alpha-1-antitrypsin. These are the first cases of MHI to have been studied in this way and the results confirm the true histiocytic--that is, monocyte/macrophage, derivation of the tumour cells in this disease.
A transport method for swab specimens submitted for aerobic and anaerobic bacteriology.
Authors: Alfa M , Lee A
Published: June 2007

The need for separate swab transport methods for aerobes and anaerobes may result in inadequate transport of specimens for anaerobic bacteriology. Most microbiology laboratories in Australia rely on Stuart's transport medium to protect anaerobic bacteria. This paper presents a new, simple transport medium (Transport Deep) suitable for sue with aerobes and anaerobes. Comparative evaluations demonstrate that Transport Deep is as good as Stuart's medium for the maintenance of fastidious bacteria and is far superior for the protection of even extremely oxygen-sensitive anaerobes. This medium has been used successfully in a large Sydney hospital for more than a year. It is proposed that Transport Deep be used on a routine basis for all swab specimens.
A simple, rapid ELISA method for the detection of DNA antibodies.
Authors: Stokes R P , Cordwell A , Thompson R A
Published: June 2007

Employing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique the serum antibodies against native (double stranded) and denatured (single stranded) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) have been measured in various disease groups and a group of blood donor sera. The ELISA method has been compared with a radioimmunoassay method using native (double stranded) DNA is substrate antigen and a latex-fixation technique using particles coated with soluble deoxyribonucleoprotein (SNP). It is concluded that ELISA offers an economic and reliable alternative to isotope techniques for the assessment of antibody content in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and related disease states for the clinical laboratory.
Increased tissue concentrations of histamine in the duodenal mucosa of children with coeliac disease.
Authors: Challacombe D N , Dawkins P D
Published: June 2007

Tissue concentrations of histamine have been estimated in peroral duodenal biopsy specimens from five children with coeliac disease while on a gluten-free diet and after a three-month gluten challenge. Histamine concentrations in the patients on a diet did not differ significantly from a group of control children. However after gluten challenge, histological relapse of the duodenal mucosa in each patient was associated with increased tissue concentrations of histamine. The findings suggest that histamine may be involved in the pathogenesis of the small intestinal mucosal changes in children with coeliac disease.
Primary endocrine carcinoma of the parotid salivary gland associated with a lung carcinoid: a possible new association.
Authors: Eusebi V , Pileri S , Usellini L , Grassigli A , Capella C
Published: June 2007

An endocrine carcinoma of the left parotid salivary gland in a 58-year-old woman is reported. The tumour displayed a large argyrophilic cell-component and at ultrastructural level endocrine-like granules (ELG) were evident. As endocrine-paracrine cells are not normally present in the parotid, it is suggested that the endocrine elements may have been derived from an anomalous differentiation of the ductal epithelial stem cells. A bronchial carcinoid, removed seven years previously, proved structurally, cytologically and histochemically different from the tumour of the parotid salivary gland. It is proposed that the occurrence of the two tumours might be an as yet undescribed association which is more than fortuitous.
A flexible microprocessor system for the measurement of cell size.
Authors: Round J M , Jones D A , Edwards R H
Published: June 2007

A flexible system for the measurement of length and area is described. The system consists of the Reichert Jung MOP-1 area measuring device interfaced with a Commodore PET computer. Its use is illustrated by the planimetric measurement of cross sectional areas in histochemical preparations of normal and diseased muscle. While measurements are being made data can be displayed on the computer screen either in numerical form or as a frequency histogram together with simple statistical analyses. Hard copy can be obtained from an attached printer. Mean values for fibre area in normal human skeletal muscle are reported. An alternative, widely used method of calculating fibre area from the lesser diameter was found to give a consistent underestimate of approximately 30% when compared with our planimetric method. In diseased muscle with abnormally shaped fibres the discrepancy is even larger; such fibres can be identified using a "form factor" which relates the area of a cell to its perimeter. This rapid, accurate and flexible system is also suitable for the measurement of many different types of graphical record.
Comparative study of the fenwal and pall microaggregate filters used for the production of leucocyte-poor blood.
Authors: Treleaven J G , Patterson K G , Blagdon J
Published: June 2007

Eighty units of whole blood in its third week of shelf-life were filtered through the Pall of Fenwal microaggregate filter. Half of these units were centrifuged before filtration. White cell removal was approximately 30% for the Fenwal filter both with and without prior centrifugation; for the Pall filter, removal was 7% without centrifugation and 30% with centrifugation. It is suggested that these simple filters are a useful way of reducing both platelet and white cell content of blood administered to patients requiring multiple transfusion. Their use may delay development of white cell and platelet antibodies obviating the use of washed or frozen cells in these patients.
Can direct gas-liquid chromatography of clinical samples detect specific organisms?
Authors: Watt B , Geddes P A , Greenan O A , Napier S K , Mitchell A
Published: June 2007

A total of 1929 samples was analyzed by direct gas-liquid chromatography and the volatile fatty acid (VFA) patterns of the positive samples were compared with the results of culture. There was no correlation between any bacterial genus or species and the detailed VFA patterns although the presence of butyric or valeric acids, or both, was generally associated with the presence of anaerobes and that of acetic acid was generally associated with aerobic bacteria; however, the technique could not predict the nature of the subsequent bacterial isolate. There was also poor correlation between the VFA pattern in a given sample and the VFA pattern(s) of anaerobic bacteria subsequently isolated from that sample.
Diagnosis of bacteraemia by automated head-space capillary gas chromatography.
Authors: Larsson L , Mårdh P A , Odham G , Carlsson M L
Published: June 2007

Blood cultures from 196 patients with suspected bacteraemia or septicaemia were analysed by automated head-space gas chromatography, using a 25 m fused silica capillary column, when turbidity indicated growth. Gas chromatography correctly identified 105 cultures as positive and 71 correctly as negative. No false-positive results were obtained. Of the 20 false-negative chromatographic results, Staphylococcus spp accounted for 14. Automated head-space gas chromatography is quicker, easier and more efficient than other gas chromatographic techniques for the evaluation of blood cultures.
Evaluation of an improved Streptex kit for the grouping of beta-haemolytic streptococci by agglutination.
Authors: Castle D , Kessock-Philip S , Easmon C S
Published: June 2007

A modified Streptex kit in which the extraction procedure had been simplified was used to group 200 streptococcal strains. Positive reactions could be obtained with live colonies and over 90% of isolates were correctly grouped from primary isolation plates. Some minor cross-reactions were seen with Streptex, but these were not strong enough to cause any confusion and no isolates were incorrectly grouped. The extraction enzyme in the Streptex kit was relatively poor at extracting the group-specific teichoic acid of group D strains but worked well with groups A, B, C, F and G.
Fibronectin in exudative pleural effusions.
Authors: Klockars M , Pettersson T , Vartio T , Riska H , Vaheri A
Published: June 2007

Fibronectin is a glycoprotein found in body fluids, loose connective tissue matrix and in basement membranes. Fibronectin in pleural effusion was found to be immunologically indistinguishable from the plasma form, as shown by double-diffusion analysis. Fibronectin isolated from pleural fluid by affinity chromatography on gelatin-Sepharose had a polypeptide pattern similar to that of plasma fibronectin in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In 28 patients with infectious or non-specific pleural effusion fibronectin concentrations in pleural fluid were 335 +/- 104 micrograms/ml (mean +/- SD), in 15 patients with malignant disease the concentrations were 369 +/- 173 micrograms/ml and in 26 patients with tuberculosis 441 +/- 103 micrograms/ml. The highest concentrations, 605 +/- 252 micrograms/ml, of fibronectin in pleural fluid were detected in 14 patients with connective tissue diseases. The results suggest that increased fibronectin concentrations reflect the presence of a pleurisy due to connective tissue disease or tuberculosis rather than other infectious or malignant disease.
Reaction against liver cells by human antiactin antibodies purified by affinity chromatography.
Authors: Riison K , Diederichsen H , Andersen I
Published: June 2007

Human antiactin antibodies were isolated from human smooth muscle antibodies by affinity chromatography using actin extracted from rabbit striated muscle and coupled to activated CH-Sepharose 4B. The eluate contained IgG and IgM smooth muscle antibodies reacting against muscularis mucosae of the stomach and blood vessels. Further the eluate contained IgM antibodies acting against the surface of isolated hepatocytes and the periphery of hepatocytes of sections of liver cells. These results indicate that antiactin antibodies possibly react with the hepatocyte membrane as has been described with regard to other antibodies.
Five year follow-up study of gastritis.
Authors: Ormiston M C , Gear M W , Codling B W
Published: June 2007

This paper describes a five year follow-up study of the incidence and course of gastritis affecting the antrum and body of the stomach of 50 patients, most of whom presented with non-ulcer dyspepsia and a few with peptic ulceration. We have shown that antral gastritis, like gastritis affecting the fundus, becomes more severe in a proportion of patients as time goes by. Perhaps more important is the increased severity and progression of atrophic and metaplastic change in the antrum compared with the fundus. The significance of these changes with regard to the development of peptic ulceration and malignancy is discussed.
Distribution of plasma cells in normal rectal mucosa
Authors: Leonard RCF , Maclennan ICM
Published: June 2007

In a survey of 36 histologically normal rectal biopsies, plasma cell counts were recorded at different depths of the lamina propria. The necessity of surveying the lamina propria at every level from the muscularis mucosae to the epithelium, in order to obtain an accurate estimate of plasma cell frequency is demonstrated. The relative accuracy of counting smaller areas of lamina propria is tested and the ratio of epithelium to lamina propria area established.
Angiodysplasias of the colon.
Authors: Pounder D J , Rowland R , Pieterse A S , Freeman R , Hunter R
Published: June 2007

We studied 14 large bowel resections from patients with a provisional clinical diagnosis of a bleeding vascular lesion of the colon. For the purpose of this study we developed a barium-gelatine vascular injection technique. Six of the 14 cases were proven to be angiodysplasias with an identifiable mucosal vascular ectasia. The pathological findings in these six cases are described. We conclude that angiodysplasia represent a significant cause of lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage in the elderly. It is our opinion that only the mucosa vascular ectasia seen in these cases is histologically diagnostic and that sub-mucosal venous ectasia, while characteristic of angiodysplasia, is non-specific. the differential diagnostic features which will allow the histological distinction of angiodysplasia from other vascular lesions of the colon are discussed.
Pathology of colorectal adenomas: a colonoscopic survey.
Authors: Konishi F , Morson B C
Published: June 2007

The size, histological type, and grade of dysplasia of a large series of colorectal adenomas removed by colonoscopic polypectomy were matched against other variables such as anatomical site, age, sex, and number of adenomas per patients. Special emphasis was placed on the criteria for grading dysplasia in adenomas and the possible significance of severe dysplasia as a selective marker for increased colorectal cancer risk. The results showed that small adenomas (mostly with mild dysplasia) were evenly distributed throughout the colorectum but that adenomas showing severe dysplasia (mostly the larger tumours, greater than 10 mm diameter) were concentrated in the left colon and rectum, particularly the sigmoid part which is also the segment with the highest risk of colorectal carcinoma in high risk populations. Severe dysplasia in adenomas appears to be a selective histopathological marker for increased colorectal cancer risk. It is closely linked with increasing age and numbers of adenomas per patient, with the large adenomas and particularly those with a villous component in their histology. Severe dysplasia and multiple adenomas could be valuable markers for selecting from the total adenoma population those most deserving of close surveillance in follow-up cancer prevention programmes. Conceptually it would appear advantageous to think in term of the dysplasia-carcinoma sequence in the colorectum rather than the polyp-cancer or adenoma-carcinoma sequence. The implications of these results in the study of the aetiology of colorectal cancer are discussed.
C-reactive protein concentration as a guide to antibiotic therapy in acute leukaemia.
Authors: Schofield K P , Voulgari F , Gozzard D I , Leyland M J , Beeching N J , Stuart J
Published: June 2007

Serial monitoring of the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration was performed, using a one-hour laser-immunonephelometric assay, during 29 episodes of infection in 22 neutropenic patients with acute leukaemia. Serum CRP increased to above a diagnostic level of 100 mg/l in all 29 episodes and continued to rise progressively until appropriate antibiotics, or granulocytes, were given when it fell with a half-life of approximately three days. Serial study of the serum concentration was of value in detecting occult or unresolved bacterial infection and provided an objective means of monitoring the response to antibiotic and granulocyte therapy.
Value of the minimum bactericidal concentration of antibiotics in the management of a case of recurrentStreptococcus bovissepticaemia
Authors: Robinson Lena , Fonseca K
Published: June 2007

After prostatectomy a 60-year-old man developedStreptococcus bovissepticaemia. The patient did not respond to treatment with a combination of ampicillin and erythromycin and in vitro antagonism between these antibiotics was demonstrated by minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The value of determining the MBC of antibiotics used in the treatment of septicaemia is emphasised.
A microcomputer system for clinical bacteriology: experience of 12 months' trial.
Authors: Courcol R J , Roussel-Delvallez M , Martin G R
Published: June 2007

A data processing system using microcomputers was developed in a hospital bacteriology laboratory processing more than 60 000 specimens yearly. The purchase price of the hardware was frs 200 000 (17 500 pounds) and the software was written by the authors. The system has been running since May 1980 without general breakdown. The present configuration allows the processing of specimens, enquiries, scientific and administrative tasks but multiprogramming and cumulative reports are not possible.