bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple plasma enzyme activities in liver disease
Authors: Hargreaves T. , Janota I. , Smith M. J. H.
Published: June 2007

The measurement of the plasma activities of glutamic-oxaloacetic and glutamic-pyruvic transaminases, aldolase, cholinesterase, and isocitric, lactic, and phosphogluconic dehydrogenases in random samples of blood was found to be of no value in the differential diagnosis of hepatitis, obstructive jaundice, hepatic cirrhosis, and neoplastic conditions involving the liver. Serial determinations of the enzyme activities provided useful information about the course of certain hepatic disorders, particularly acute viral hepatitis.
An apparatus for measuring the tensile strength of blood clots
Authors: Macfarlane R. G. , Tomlinson A. H.
Published: June 2007

An apparatus is described which uses the principle of the ballistic pendulum to measure the tensile strength of blood clots formed in special cuvettes. The method appears to have a reproducibility which would allow a study to be made of the factors influencing clot strength. A brief survey of the findings with normal blood and with blood from cases of thrombosis and haemophilia shows significant differences between the mean values for each group.
The urinary excretion of assayable vitamin B12and radioactivity after parenteral58Co B12in man
Authors: Adams J. F.
Published: June 2007

Evidence is presented that after injection of radioactive vitamin B12in man, there is a close correlation between the amount of radioactivity excreted and the amount of assayable vitamin B12excreted, and thus that the amount of radioactivity excreted is a true measure of the vitamin B12excreted. The possible reasons for this occurrence are discussed and it is suggested that in the body vitamin B12does not exist as such but as an analogue or active derivative.
A suggested schedule for the rapid investigation of acute haemostatic failure
Authors: Ingram G. I. C.
Published: June 2007

A small group of tests is proposed for the rapid investigation of acute bleeding states. These techniques are within the compass of many clinical laboratories, and the whole scheme may be run through in one to one-and-a-half hours.
The rate of blood loss from skin punctures during the Ivy bleeding time test
Authors: Willoughby M. L. N. , Allington M. J.
Published: June 2007

The rate of blood loss from skin punctures during the performance of the Ivy bleeding time test has been measured by a simple technique in normal individuals, in patients without defects of the haemostatic or coagulation system, and in patients with known haemorrhagic disorders.

A wide range was found in normal individuals, but repeated tests on a single individual showed a smaller variation. Nearly half of the tests on patients with von Willebrand's disease, thrombocytopenia, `capillary type' of bleeding, or haemorrhagic renal failure gave abnormally high rates of blood loss. Haemophilic, Christmas disease, and Dinedevan-treated patients gave low volumes and rates of blood loss.

A group of patients has been encountered in whom the bleeding time was normal but the rate of blood loss was increased. The majority of these had haemorrhagic symptoms and other evidence of a defective haemostatic or coagulation system. It is suggested that a consideration of the rate of blood loss in those patients with a normal bleeding time gives additional help in interpreting the Ivy test. A high rate may indicate the need for further investigation of the haemostatic and coagulation system.
A sensitive method for the colorimetric determination of urea
Authors: Beale R. N. , Croft D.
Published: June 2007

A method is described for the direct colorimetric determination of urea in biological fluids. The method depends on the reaction (first described by Wheatley, 1948) between urea, diacetylmonoxime, and phenylanthranilic acid in the presence of controlled amounts of oxidant; chloride ions are included to sensitize the reaction; manganous ions stabilize the resultant colour; and phosphate enables reasonable reproducibility to be achieved.

The method is rapid and suitable for routine analytical purposes. Precision and accuracy are good; sensitivity is high for an activated acid reagent up to about one week old, and thereafter decreases.

A hypothetical mechanism for colour formation is presented.
Laboratory studies with the systemic trichononacide, metronidazole
Authors: Jennison R. F. , Stenton P. , Watt Leslie
Published: June 2007

Laboratory studies with the trichomonacidal agent, metronidazole, show that 66 strains ofT. vaginaliswere killed in three days by concentrations of 0·0625 μg./ml. to 1 μg./ml.

Estimations of serum and urine levels in nine volunteers, the serum levels in 31 women, and the urine levels in 33 women show that metronidazole is rapidly absorbed and excreted in high concentration in the urine.

Development of resistance to metronidazole byT. vaginalishas not been demonstrated eitherin vivoorin vitro.

No toxic effect was demonstrated in the blood, liver, or kidney.
Rapid incremental methods for the determination of serum iron and iron-binding capacity
Authors: Beale R. N. , Bostrom J. O. , Taylor R. F.
Published: June 2007

Rapid methods depending on differential absorptiometry are described for the determination of the transferrin iron content and the latent iron-binding capacity of blood serum. Each determination requires as little as 0·5 ml. serum. The methods are well adapted for routine use in the `average' laboratory. Three or four sera may be completely analysed in 30 minutes. All operations are carried out in the cells or tubes used for the colorimetric measurements, no precipitation or heating being employed at any stage. Critical investigations of the reliability of the methods are attempted and ranges of normal values are included.
Lipids in cadaver sera after fatal heart attacks
Authors: Enticknap J. B.
Published: June 2007

Blood lipids have been measured in sera from 750 cadavers. All nine fractions measured show a remarkably consistent pattern of differences between the various gross morbid anatomical forms of ischaemic heart disease. The highest mean values are found when an obvious coronary thrombus is present and those in simple atheromatous occlusion are nearly as high. When there is recognizable necrosis the values are considerably more normal.

The serum lipids show relatively little change due to autolysis, about one half of 1% per hour or less.

Lipoprotein levels assayed withCl.welchiialpha toxin correlate well with disease states.
Serum alkaline phosphatase fractionation as an aid to diagnosis
Authors: Cooke K. B. , Zilva Joan F.
Published: June 2007

A case is reported in which the serum alkaline phosphatase reached high levels, and in which the differential diagnosis between hepatic secondary deposits and osteomalacia proved difficult by the usual means. Separation of the alkaline phosphatases by starch grain electrophoresis was used as an aid to differential diagnosis.
The determination of 3-methoxy 4-hydroxy mandelic acid in urine
Authors: Woiwod A. J. , Knight R.
Published: June 2007

A simple and accurate method for determining 3-methoxy 4-hydroxy mandelic acid in urine is described. The amounts excreted in urine in 24 hours by nine normal subjects and three patients with phaeochromocytoma have been determined.
Fatal septicaemia due toSalmonella cholerae suis
Authors: Bailey I. S. , Garrett G. , Nicol A.
Published: June 2007

A fatal case ofSalmonella cholerae suissepticaemia in a patient with mitral stenosis is described. At necropsy infection had become localized in an auricular thrombus.
Antihaemophilic factor deficiency, capillary defect of von Willebrand type, and idiopathic thrombocytopenia occurring in one family
Authors: Blackburn E. K. , Macfie J. M. , Monaghan J. H. , Page A. P. M.
Published: June 2007

Thrombocytopenia of the type found in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is described in a family with a deficiency of antihaemophilic factor, and a capillary abnormality. The propositus (father) has thrombocytopenia and abnormal platelet morphology, together with a plasma deficiency of antihaemophilic factor, but normal capillaries. His two daughters each are deficient in antihaemophilic factor with normal platelets but abnormal capillaries.
The recognition of Hageman deficiency in blood donors
Authors: Marsh W. L. , Jenkins W. J.
Published: June 2007

The laboratory findings on a blood donor whose blood coagulation time was greatly prolonged are described. The defect was caused by a deficiency of Hageman (contact) factor, the nature of the defect being demonstrated by a simple glass adsorption test using normal serum.
Hereditary elliptocytic anaemia
Authors: Davidson R. J. L. , Strauss W. T.
Published: June 2007

A sibship with four cases of hereditary elliptocytic anaemia is described. The condition in this family may have arisen as a mutation in the mother of the sibship; affected members were unable to taste phenylthiocarbamide while normal members were tasters.

Experiments with32P-orthophosphatein vitrodid not show any evidence of biochemical upset as found in hereditary spherocytosis; thus a combination of congenital spherocytosis and elliptocytosis cannot be supported as the cause of the haemolytic state. Clinical evidence of haemolytic disease was accompanied by a tendency to excessive lysisin vitro.

Infection may play a part in the precipitation of anaemic crises in this as in other hereditary haemolytic anaemias.
Sodium, potassium, water, and haemoglobin in the packed red cells of severe thalassaemia
Authors: Choremis C. , Economou-Mavrou Cleopatra , Tsenghi Christina
Published: June 2007

Sodium, potassium, water, and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were determined in the packed erythrocytes of children with severe thalassaemia. The concentration of sodium in the packed red cells was higher than normal in a significant proportion of children with thalassaemia whereas potassium in the packed cells and sodium and potassium in the plasma were normal.

On average, the cell water content was a little higher and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration a little lower than normal.

The cation concentrations in the packed cells of thalassaemia are compared with those in other anaemias. Similarities are pointed out between the sodium concentrations in the packed cells of thalassaemia and those from the foetus and children suffering from malnutrition.
Sarcoma of breast, with particular reference to its origin from fibroadenoma
Authors: Curran R. C. , Dodge O. G.
Published: June 2007

Thirty-nine sarcomas of breast are described. The patients' ages ranged from 26 to 78 years but most patients were middle-aged or elderly. Evidence is adduced that 16 of the tumours arose from pre-existing fibroadenomas and others very probably did so. Many tumours were adenosarcomas and one was a carcinosarcoma which preserved its structure in a lymph-node metastasis. Recurrences were mostly local, but a small group had a much graver prognosis. A pleomorphic and giant-cell structure usually meant a high degree of malignancy but the significance of cartilaginous or bony metaplasia, present in seven tumours, was less certain.

It is wise to regard all `fibroadenomas' of the breast occurring in patients over 40 years of age as at least potentially malignant, and these should be examined histologically with care, particularly since sarcomatous change may be present in one part only and therefore easily overlooked.
Control of blood haemoglobin determinations by a simple effective method
Authors: Schoen Irwin , Solomon Morris
Published: June 2007

Thawed, frozen `mixed oxalated' blood for haematology or citrated blood from the blood bank may be used as a precision control, maintaining reliability and accuracy, for periods of one to two years from a single batch of control material. Blood haemoglobin determinations using the cyanmethaemoglobin method and the Coleman Jr. spectrophotometer can be done routinely with a day-to-day variability of ±0·3 to 0·5 g./100 ml. (or ±2 to 3%) as demonstrated in the range of 11 to 15 g./100 ml. A by-product of this precision is that it effectively checks the calibration of the 20 lambda (μl.) pipette for use in general chemistry if needed.
A haemagglutination test for staphylococcal anti-leucocidin
Authors: Markham N. P.
Published: June 2007

A haemagglutination test using tanned erythrocytes sensitized with the fast and slow moving components of the Panton-Valentine staphylococcal leucocidin is described. From the results obtained it is suggested that this test could be useful in the diagnosis of deep-seated staphylococcal lesions.
A colorimetric method for the determination of carboxyhaemoglobin over a wide range of concentrations
Authors: Trinder P. , Harper F. E.
Published: June 2007

A colorimetric technique for the determination of carboxyhaemoglobin in blood is described. Carbon monoxide released from blood in a standard Conway unit reacts with palladous chloride/arsenomolybdate solution to produce a blue colour. Using 0·5 to 2 ml. of blood, the method will estimate carboxyhaemoglobin accurately at levels from 0·1% to 100% of total haemoglobin and in the presence of other abnormal pigments.

A number of methods are available for the determination of carboxyhaemoglobin; none is accurate below a concentration of 1·5 g. carboxyhaemoglobin per 100 ml. but for most clinical purposes this is not important. For forensic purposes and occasionally in clinical use, an accurate determination of carboxyhaemoglobin below 750 mg. per 100 ml. may be required and no really satisfactory method is at present available. Some time ago when it was important to know whether a person who was found dead in a burning house had died before or after the fire had started, we became interested in developing a method which would determine accurately carboxyhaemoglobin at levels of 750 mg. per 100 ml.
Skeletal pigmentation due to tetracycline
Authors: Hilton H. B.
Published: June 2007

Two cases of pigmentation of the skeletal system due to tetracycline are reported. It is suggested that tetracycline may be stored in bone due to a tetracycline hydrochloride calcium phosphate complex after prolonged tetracycline administration, and that tetracycline may be the antibiotic of choice in certain cases of osteomyelitis. Dark pigmentation of the teeth may be due to prolonged tetracycline therapy and may be the only sign of heavy deposition into the skeletal system.
A latex particle precipitation test in the diagnosis of thyroid disease
Authors: Philp J. R. , Weir D. M. , Stuart A. E. , Irvine W. J.
Published: June 2007

The method of latex particle precipitation has been applied to the detection of circulating antibody to a crude extract of thyroid. The sensitivity of the method is intermediate between that of the agar diffusion and the tanned cell haemagglutination techniques. If only the grosser degrees of latex precipitation are taken as being significant, the method would appear to be of equal value as the agar diffusion test in the diagnosis of lymphadenoid goitre.
Red cell aggregation in dextrose solutions
Authors: Jones J. H. , Kilpatrick G. S. , Franks E. H.
Published: June 2007

Red blood cells aggregated by 5% dextrose solutions are rapidly destroyed in the circulation, as demonstrated by radio-chromium studies. Possible mechanisms are discussed.
Preparation of complement-fixing antigen for routine use in diagnosis of Eaton pneumonia
Authors: Jansson Elli
Published: June 2007

A technique by which Eaton P.P.L.O. complement-fixing antigen, suitable for routine use, can be prepared in an ordinary bacteriological laboratory is described in detail.
A bacteriological study of non-chromogenic variants ofSerratia marcescensfrom human sources
Authors: Elston H. R.
Published: June 2007

The culture and biochemical features of 10 non-chromogenic variants ofS. marcescensisolated from clinical sources are reported. Autoagglutination titres were significantly high in sera from those patients in whomSerratiabacilli appeared to contribute to the illness. Since the taxonomic stature of theSerratiabacilli is not clear it might be better to limit the identification of this group toSerratiaspecies.
Gel immunofiltration
Authors: Grant G. H. , Everall P. H.
Published: June 2007

The precipitin reaction has been used to locate serum proteins separated by thin-layer gel filtration on Sephadex G-200, thereby greatly increasing the sensitivity of the method. A pattern of lines reminiscent of immunoelectrophoresis is produced, but the proteins are separated in order of their molecular size and not in accordance with their electrical charge.
Morphology and functional cytology of the small intestinal mucosa in malabsorptive disorders and other diseases
Authors: Fry Lionel , McMinn R. M. H.
Published: June 2007

Small intestinal biopsies from 98 patients have been studied macroscopically, histologically, and histochemically, and the results correlated with laboratory and clinical observations. Neither a convoluted nor a flat mucosa can be considered diagnostic for any specific disease. A flat mucosa was found in one adult with intestinal Hodgkin's disease and in another following total gastrectomy.

Histochemically all specimens from subjects with coeliac disease and idiopathic steatorrhoea showed a deficiency of succinic dehydrogenase in the epithelial cells, and the histochemical test for this enzyme, although not specific, may be a useful aid to diagnosis, since the degree of deficiency in these diseases was usually grosser than that in any other conditions. Other but variable enzyme deficiencies that may be present in these two diseases showed no correlation with the reduction of succinic dehydrogenase activity, nor was there any correlation between reduced enzyme activities and the severity or otherwise of the clinical features.

A number of specimens from patients with conditions other than coeliac disease and idiopathic steatorrhoea that had a normal macroscopic appearance showed some reduction of intracellular enzyme activities histochemically. This was not so in the control group, and if these deficiencies can be confirmed biochemically, then histochemical tests may give an earlier indication of disordered function than macroscopical or routine histological examination.

At present neither the macroscopic appearance nor any single histological or histochemical test on the biopsy specimen is diagnostic for a particular disease. These findings must be considered with the clinical details and results of other investigations in establishing a diagnosis.
Hodgkin's granuloma complicated by generalized cytomegalic inclusion disease and gastrointestinal moniliasis
Authors: Rose Michael S.
Published: June 2007

A case is described in which Hodgkin's disease was complicated by inclusion disease and gastrointestinal moniliasis. This is one of several cases of malignant disease complicated by uncommon infections.
Comparative immunological studies in liver diseases
Authors: Szécsey György , Dóbiás György , Kerekes Ernö
Published: June 2007

By fractionation of human liver tissue, nuclear, mitochondrial, and connective tissue antigens were prepared. According to the results of serological tests, in conditions associated with substantial damage to the hepatic parenchyma, antibodies reacting with the nuclear and mitochondrial antigens are produced that show practically no reaction with the connective tissue antigen. It is advisable to use fractionated, connective tissue-free antigens for the demonstration of antibodies formed against liver tissue. The use of antigens containing connective tissue may lead to non-specific reactions.
Adenocarcinoma of the pyloric antrum with extensive squamous differentiation
Authors: Donald K. J.
Published: June 2007

A case of adenocarcinoma of the pyloric antrum with extensive squamous differentiation is described. Unusually obvious areas of transition between malignant cell types are present and the implications of these are briefly discussed.
Benign familial polycythaemia
Authors: Geary C. G. , Amos H. E. , MacIver J. E.
Published: June 2007

An English family suffering from thalassaemia minor is described. Three generations are affected, and all the affected members had a considerably raised red cell count in the presence of slight or moderate anaemia, obviously abnormal peripheral films, and only slightly reduced M.C.H.C. values; and each had a moderately raised haemoglobin A2level, though foetal haemoglobin levels were normal.

The presentation of a family with erythrocytosis recalls the condition described in the older literature as benign familial polycythaemia which was, in some cases at least, thalassaemia minor. It is suggested that the presence of a raised red cell count is a more reliable distinguishing feature than the presence of target cells, or the serum iron level, in thalassaemia minor.
Comparison of three simple methods for the assessment of `free' thyroid hormone
Authors: Gimlette T. M. D.
Published: June 2007

A dialysis method for estimating `free' thyroxine is compared with two indirect methods using the uptake of triiodothyronine by the red cells and by a Sephadex column. The three methods give results which correlate well and the Sephadex method is the simplest.

The theoretical basis of such tests and their role in the assessment of thyroid status is briefly discussed.
Primary `acquired' hypogammaglobulinaemia and amyloidosis
Authors: Murray W. D. , Cook I. A.
Published: June 2007

The clinical details and post-mortem findings are given of a patient who had primary `acquired' hypogammaglobulinaemia and was found at necropsy to have amyloidosis. The relationship of gamma globulin deficiency to amyloidosis is discussed, and the possible relevance of the hypogammaglobulinaemia to the formation and nature of amyloid is noted. It is suggested that a disordered immune response may be an essential prerequisite for the development of amyloidosis.
Extreme neutropenia in glandular fever
Authors: Penman Hugh G.
Published: June 2007

Extreme neutropenia has very rarely been recorded as a complication of glandular fever. Two non-fatal cases, with mild secondary infections, are now reported. Extreme neutropenia may in fact be less rare in this disease than it appears to be, but serious illness as a result is exceedingly unusual.
Seronegative glandular fever
Authors: Penman H. G.
Published: June 2007

Seven sporadic cases of `seronegative glandular fever' have been examined in detail; five of the patients were adults aged more than 30, two were children. None showed evidence of `incomplete' or heat-labile sheep cell agglutinins, but in three very weak, though otherwise typical, glandular fever agglutinins were detected. Three of the other four showed evidence of certain infections, but these infections probably accounted for no more than a part of each illness.

It is suggested that some, and possibly most, sporadic cases of seronegative glandular fever are of the same disease as seropositive cases, the patients' ages influencing the serological response. Certain conditions of known aetiology may, however, be clinically and haematologically indistinguishable from seronegative glandular fever.
Morphogenesis of testicular tumours
Authors: Crook J. C.
Published: June 2007

A case is described in which death resulted from multiple trophoblastic teratomatous metastases arising, apparently, from a seminoma of the left testis. This occurrence is discussed and related to similar cases recorded in the literature. It is concluded that these cases continue to provide some evidence for the seminomatous origin of teratomas.
Effect of light on theLactobacillus caseimicrobiological assay
Authors: Anderson Barbara B. , Cowan Jean D.
Published: June 2007

Because of the considerable differences in the reported values for serum folate in normal subjects usingLactobacillus caseias assay organism the effect of daylight when preparing media for this assay was studied. It was found that the growth properties of the medium were destroyed by direct sunlight and impaired by bright reflected sunlight, therefore reducing the sensitivity of the assay. Adequate precautions regarding exposure to light must be taken.
Erythropoietic porphyrin hepatitis
Authors: Barnes H. D. , Hurworth E. , Millar J. H. D.
Published: June 2007

The clinical history, laboratory, and necropsy findings in a patient with terminal jaundice and disordered porphyrin metabolism are presented. A retrospective diagnosis of erythropoietic protoporphyria is considered.
Determination of chelated iron in the urine
Authors: Barry Michael
Published: June 2007

A simplified wet-ashing technique is described for the determination of chelated iron in the urine, with special reference to DTPA-bound iron. The procedure dispenses with the need for quantitative transfer, and gives corresponding economy in time, labour, and glassware without loss of precision. The standard error of the mean estimate of a triplicate determination, using four reference standards, is ± 4 μg/100 ml; precision may be further increased by the use of a calibration curve based on many standards.
Determination of uric acid levels in uraemia by enzymatic and colorimetric techniques
Authors: Howorth P. J. N. , Zilva Joan F.
Published: June 2007

Serum uric acid levels were determined by specific and non-specific methods in uraemia in order to investigate the correlation between non-specific chromogen and serum urea level. The correlation was moderate and the magnitude of the non-specific chromogen was smaller than had been reported previously. The ratio [Formula: see text] urate was found to be 0·85 in both acute and chronic renal failure, a ratio very similar to that previously reported for normal and gouty subjects.

In chronic renal failure the true uric acid level is correlated with urea level and there is a suggestion that serum uric acid levels in chronic renal failure are lower for a given urea value than in acute renal failure.
An automated method for serum bilirubin determination
Authors: Simmons N. A.
Published: June 2007

A method for the determination of both direct and indirect serum bilirubin on the AutoAnalyzer is described which has a number of advantages over the automated method that is currently recommended. It gives total bilirubin results which are similar to those obtained with the equivalent manual method and direct bilirubin results which are usually about 10% lower.

The effect of haemolysis on estimations was investigated. It has little influence on the total, but significantly lowers the direct bilirubin results.

Simple methods for the preparation of true bilirubin standards and a stable control serum are described.
Trimethoprim: laboratory and clinical studies
Authors: Darrell J. H. , Garrod L. P. , Waterworth Pamela M.
Published: June 2007

Trimethoprim is a synthetic compound which arrests the step in bacterial purine synthesis immediately succeeding that interfered with by sulphonamides.

Acting alone it inhibits the growth of a wide range of bacteria in generally much lower concentrations than sulphonamides. Its action with a sulphonamide is strongly synergic and bactericidal.

Studies are described of suitable cultural conditions, methods of testing sensitivity, and acquired resistance.

Some clinical results of its use are reported in respiratory tract infections, Gram-negative septicaemia, and urinary tract infections, and further therapeutic possibilities are discussed.
Pathology of the heart in the tenth decade
Authors: Pomerance Ariela
Published: June 2007

The pathology of the heart was studied in 60 patients dying in their tenth decade in a general hospital. The severity of coronary atherosclerosis and the incidence of ischaemic heart disease was lower than in younger geriatric patients. The incidence of minor `aging' changes was similar to that in younger patients with the exception of mitral valve atheroma where the increase with aging continued into the tenth decade. Marked nodular thickening of the tricuspid valve was seen only in males. Over half the systolic murmurs heard were associated with mitral valve abnormalities and not with aortic valve changes. Multiple cardiac pathology was more frequent than in younger patients but its association with failure was much less striking. It is concluded that resistance to the development of coronary atherosclerosis and to failure being precipitated by the multiple minor cardiac abnormalities associated with aging are important factors in attaining extreme longevity.
Glucagon test for insulinoma: a chemical study in 25 cases
Authors: Marks Vincent , Samols Ellis
Published: June 2007

The capillary blood glucose response to lmg of intramuscular glucagon was determined in 13 patients with insulinoma and in 33 normal controls; the insulinoma patients showed a normal initial rise, but this was followed by an abnormally large fall, reaching hypoglycaemic levels between 90 and 180 minutes in every case. In 14 insulinoma patients the response of venous blood glucose and also plasma insulin to lmg of intravenous glucagon was compared with 10 normal controls; there was an abnormally large rise of plasma insulin in 10 of the 14 patients, and in the majority the venous blood glucose was below normal throughout the test. In these 14 patients the plasma insulin response was also determined after oral and intravenous glucose, after oral leucine, and after intravenous tolbutamide, and the value of these tests in the recognition and differential diagnosis of insulinoma was compared with that of the intravenous glucagon test.
Tubular reabsorption of calcium in normal and hypercalciuric subjects
Authors: Peacock M. , Nordin B. E. C.
Published: June 2007

Tubular reabsorption and excretion of calcium were studied at different levels of filtered calcium by means of calcium infusion in normal and hypercalciuric subjects and in patients with idiopathic nephrolithiasis.

Calcium reabsorption and excretion rose linearly with filtered load and in no case was a maximum tubular reabsorptive capacity for calcium reached.

No decrease in tubular reabsorption of calcium was found in hypercalciuric as compared with normocalciuric subjects, and no difference in tubular reabsorption was found between patients with idiopathic nephrolithiasis and normal subjects.

Calcium excretion and reabsorption calculated from the endogenous creatinine clearance during calcium infusion were virtually identical with the corresponding values calculated from the inulin clearance.
Routine multipurpose gas chromatographic assay for urinary corticosteroids
Authors: Murphy D. , West H. F.
Published: June 2007

The use of a routine assay for urinary steroids is described that is thought to satisfy the following needs: the measurement of low levels of 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion; the assessment of adrenocortical activity during prednisolone therapy; the diagnosis of the adrenogenital syndrome and the monitoring of its treatment using any available urine specimen; the very early diagnosis of pregnancy using any available urine specimen. It may also prove of value in the assessment of progesterone secretion and metabolism during pregnancy.
Estimation of cerebrospinal fluid protein
Authors: Pennock C. A. , Passant L. P. , Bolton F. G.
Published: June 2007

Three turbidometric methods and one method using ultraviolet spectrophotometry for estimating total cerebrospinal fluid protein have been examined. The necessity for preliminary dialysis renders the ultraviolet method unsuitable for routine use.

The turbidometric method of Meulemans (1960) using a sulphosalicylic acid-sodium sulphate precipitating fluid is better than a method using sulphosalicylic acid alone which is affected by the albumin-globulin ratio, and has a greater sensitivity and better reproducibility than a method using trichloracetic acid as a precipitant. Turbidity may be measured with a spectrophotometer or an MRC grey wedge photometer with human or bovine albumin as a standard. This method deserves wider acceptance.
Water, sodium, potassium, and chloride content of skeletal muscle in fit and ill subjects
Authors: Flear C. T. G. , Florence Irené , Williams J. A.
Published: June 2007

Biopsies of deltoid, gastrocnemius, or rectus abdominis taken under general anaesthesia from each of 15 subjects have been analysed for fat, water, sodium, potassium, and chloride. Some 110 samples were analysed for each muscle, and all the estimations were made on each sample. Standards have been constructed for the normal composition of these three muscles, and their reliability is discussed.

Data from subjects with peptic ulcer, hyponatraemia, and sustained weight loss must be excluded from standards. It seems likely that standards could be improved by taking age and sex into account.
An immunofluorescence method for the diagnosis of primary syphilis using an absorption technique
Authors: Garner M. F. , Robson J. H.
Published: June 2007

An immunofluorescence technique for demonstratingTreponema pallidumin fixed films made from suspected chancre exudate is described. The method used is basically a reversal of the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test. It makes use of the fact that by using a syphilitic serum from which group antibody has been absorbed by an extract of Reiter treponemes, leaving only specific antibody,Treponema pallidumcan be indentified. Neither the non-pathogenic genital treponemes nor mouth treponemes showed any fluorescence when tested by the technique described.

All the reagents used in the test are available commercially, thus placing it within the scope of any laboratory with suitable fluorescence equipment.

In the present state of knowledge of the treponematoses, this technique would seen to be the most accurate means of diagnosing primary syphilis because it permits the specific identification ofTreponema pallidumin chancre exudate. It has the advantage over the dark-ground method that fixed films can be sent to the laboratory.
Coexistence of pernicious anaemia and acute erythraemic myelosis
Authors: Riddell E. M. , Davidson R. J. L.
Published: June 2007

A patient with the apparently unique combination of pernicious anaemia and acute erythraemic myelosis is described. The implications of some of the unusual features together with the difficulties encountered in diagnosis and treatment are discussed.
Cytochrome oxidase activity in the gastric mucosa of patients with iron deficiency
Authors: Stone W. D.
Published: June 2007

Cytochrome oxidase activity was assessed histochemically in gastric biopsies taken from 22 iron-deficient patients. Activity was strong only in parietal cells, and the total amount of activity appeared to be proportional to the number of parietal cells present in the sections. No evidence was found of diminished activity within parietal cells.
Survey of the eventual diagnosis in 600 cases referred for a second histological opinion after an initial biopsy diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease
Authors: Symmers W. St. C.
Published: June 2007

In a series of 600 cases of lymphadenopathy in which an initial histological diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease was reviewed in a reference laboratory this interpretation was confirmed in 317 cases (53%). In the 283 other cases the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease was considered to be mistaken. The condition most frequently confused with Hodgkin's disease was chronic non-specific lymphadenitis. Reticulum cell sarcoma, metastatic tumours, infectious mononucleosis, dermatopathic lymphadenopathy, toxoplasmosis, and early sarcoidosis were also notably frequent among the conditions mistaken for Hodgkin's disease.
Bone marrow in nine cases of clinical glandular fever and a review of the literature
Authors: Boyd J. F. , Reid D.
Published: June 2007

A review of the literature and the findings of a bone marrow examination in nine patients with glandular fever are reported. All marrows showed marked generalized hyperplasia of erythroid, myeloid, megakaryocytic, and reticulum cell elements with a greater or less `shift to the left' in the first three cell groups. The hyperplasia was maximal in two cases. Another case (the index case which was responsible for initiating this study) showed extremely bizarre cytological features of all four elements, and from many fields in the marrow smears it would have been possible to make a diagnosis of malignant transformation of any of the four marrow components. All these changes had returned to near normality on repeat marrow examination 15 months later.
Methodological study and a recommended technique for determining the euglobulin lysis time
Authors: Chakrabarti R. , Bielawiec M. , Evans J. F. , Fearnley G. R.
Published: June 2007

The euglobulin lysis time, which is widely used to measure blood fibrinolytic activity, is shown to be sensitive to the temperature andpH at which the euglobulin fraction of plasma is prepared and also to the type of anticoagulant employed and buffer in which it is suspended. A standardized method for performing the test, which controls these variables and has been found to yield reproducible results, is described. Since, at present, data obtained with this test by different laboratories are, for the reasons given, rarely comparable, it is hoped that the method outlined may be considered suitable for general adoption.
Clotting factor V activity in plasma cryoproteins
Authors: Von Felten A. , Straub P. W. , Frick P. G.
Published: June 2007

Plasma cryoprecipitates containing considerable quantities of clotting factor V were observed in five patients. The unusual factor V activity was not associated with significant amounts of cryofibrinogen. Clinically, the symptoms were not distinguishable from those of other cryopathies. The abnormality did not lead to a deficiency of factor V in the circulating blood nor to a haemorrhagic diathesis.
Semi-automatic method for routine evaluation of fibrinolytic components
Authors: Collen D. , Tytgat G. , Verstraete M.
Published: June 2007

A semi-automatic method for the routine evaluation of fibrinolytic activity is described. The principle is based upon graphic recording by a multichannel voltmeter of tension drops over a potentiometer, caused by variations in the influence of light upon a light-dependent resistance, resulting from modifications in the composition of the fibrin fibres by lysis.

The method is applied to the assessment of certain fibrinolytic factors with widespread fibrinolytic endpoints, and the results are compared with simultaneously obtained visual data on the plasmin assay, the plasminogen assay, and on the euglobulin clot lysis time.
Value of gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 in the analysis of blood group antibodies
Authors: Stratton F. , Smith D. S. , Rawlinson V. I.
Published: June 2007

Analysis of blood group antibodies on Sephadex G-200 columns is described.

The position of blood group antibodies when whole serum containing them is subjected to gel filtration is studied and compared with the position of the γ-globulins and of standard blood group antibodies.

The technique on its own cannot be used to identify the immunoglobulin nature of the antibody but is very useful when employed in conjunction with the antiglobulin test using specific antisera and with other methods.

The technique is rapid, simple, and reliable.
Semi-automated method for the differential determination of plasma catecholamines
Authors: McCullough Helen
Published: June 2007

A method is described for the estimation of adrenaline and noradrenaline in a 5 to 10 ml plasma sample.

A batch technique of adsorption and elution from alumina is used and the final estimation is carried out using an automated fluorimetric technique based on the trihydroxyindole method.

Fluorescence is stabilized first by thioglycollic acid to give noradrenaline concentrations only and then by ascorbic acid to give the total catecholamine concentration.

The results of a number of catecholamine analyses are given.
Comparison of the effect of heparin and citrate on platelet aggregation
Authors: O'Brien J. R. , Shoobridge S. M. , Finch W. J.
Published: June 2007

When whole blood was passed through a column of glass beads, heparinized and native blood gave similar results. With citrated blood far fewer platelets were lost on the column. Thus citrate inhibits this test and heparin has no effect.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was prepared from citrated and heparinized blood and the responses in a number of aggregation tests were compared. With added adenosine diphosphate and adrenaline (first wave), the response in heparin PRP was greater than that in citrate PRP and was proportional to the amount of free calcium ions. With added collagen and adrenaline (second wave) the response was worse in heparin than in citrate platelet-rich plasma. It is concluded that heparin has no effect on the adhesive forces but inhibits the release mechanism. This may be of therapeutic importance.
Fibrinolytic response to moderate exercise in young male diabetics and non-diabetics
Authors: Cash J. D. , McGill R. C.
Published: June 2007

The euglobulin lysis time was measured in 25 young male insulin-dependent diabetics and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls before and after a standardized moderate treadmill exercise procedure. There was a statistically significant mean shorter resting euglobulin lysis time in the diabetic group but their ability to respond to the exercise procedure was significantly impaired. It is suggested that this impaired fibrinolytic reactivity may be related to the diminished vaso-active reactivity previously reported in young diabetics.
Micro determination of plasma and erythrocyte copper by atomic absorption spectrophotometry
Authors: Blomfield Jeanette , Macmahon R. A.
Published: June 2007

The free and total plasma copper and total erythrocyte copper levels have been determined by simple, yet sensitive and highly specific methods, using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

For total copper determination, the copper was split from its protein combination in plasma or red cells by the action of hydrochloric acid at room temperature. The liberated copper was chelated by ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and extracted into n-butyl acetate by shaking and the organic extract was aspirated into the atomic absorption spectrophotometer flame. The entire procedure was carried out in polypropylene centrifuge tubes, capped during shaking. For the free plasma copper measurement the hydrochloric acid step was omitted.

Removal of the plasma or erythrocyte proteins was found to be unnecessary, and, in addition, the presence of trichloracetic acid caused an appreciable lowering of absorption.

Using a double-beam atomic absorption spectrophotometer and scale expansion × 10, micro methods have been derived for determining the total copper of plasma or erythrocytes with 0·1 ml of sample, and the free copper of plasma with 0·5 ml. The macro plasma copper method requires 2 ml of plasma and is suitable for use with single-beam atomic absorption spectrophotometers.

With blood from 50 blood donors, normal ranges of plasma and erythrocyte copper have been determined.
Melanoma and pigmentation of the leptomeninges in Ugandan Africans
Authors: Lewis M. G.
Published: June 2007

A case of leptomeningeal melanoma in an African child of 7 years is presented together with a survey of pigmentation in the normal African brain.

There is a direct relationship between the depth of pigment of the leptomeninges and the skin in Ugandan Africans, suggesting that similar factors operate in the control of melanocytes in these two sites.
Pulmonary complications of oxygen therapy
Authors: Rowland R. , Newman C. G. H.
Published: June 2007

Three cases of the neonatal respiratory distress syndrome are described. The babies were treated by prolonged oxygen given by intermittent positive pressure respiration after endotracheal intubation. Two of the infants died and at necropsy the lungs in both cases were consolidated. Both showed widespread haemorrhagic exudate and interstitial oedema. Early organization of the exudate was apparent in one case. The third infant survived but developed a similar exudative condition and a `honeycomb' lung. It is suggested that many of the changes found in the lungs of these cases could be attributed to the toxicity of oxygen.
Improved method for measuring vitamin B12in serum using intrinsic factor,57CoB12, and coated charcoal
Authors: Raven J. L. , Robson M. B. , Walker P. L. , Barkhan P.
Published: June 2007

An improved and simplified method is described for the measurement of vitamin B12in serum using intrinsic factor,57CoB12, and coated charcoal. The extraction of serum in the presence of cyanide and the incorporation of B12-deficient serum into the intrinsic factor control has increased the accuracy of the method for both sera and crystalline B12solutions. There are interesting differences between the results obtained for some sera by the isotope andL. leichmanniimethods and the reasons for these differences are discussed.
Large-scale screening by the automated Wassermann reaction
Authors: Wagstaff W. , Firth R. , Booth J. R. , Bowley C. C.
Published: June 2007

In view of the drawbacks in the use of the Kahn test for large-scale screening of blood donors, mainly those of human error through work overload and fatiguability, an attempt was made to adapt an existing automated complement-fixation technique for this purpose. This paper reports the successful results of that adaptation.
The urinary calcium/creatinine ratio as a measure of urinary calcium excretion
Authors: Wills M. R.
Published: June 2007

Urine specimens were collected from 26 normal subjects, 10 patients with proven primary hyperparathyroidism, and eight patients with hypercalcaemia due to other causes. After overnight urine concentration, an oral water load was given to induce a diuresis and provide urine specimens with a relatively wide range of creatinine concentration for each subject. In normal subjects the urinary calcium/creatinine ratio was found to be independent of urine concentration. In eight out of 10 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and in two out of eight patients with hyper-calcaemia due to other causes, the urinary calcium/creatinine ratio was found to be high when the creatinine concentration was low, but usually normal when the creatinine concentration was high. The results suggest that if the urinary calcium/creatinine ratio of random urine specimens is used as a `screening' procedure to detect hypercalciuria the latter cannot be excluded if the urinary creatinine concentration is more than 40 mg per 100 ml.
Aetiology of extrahepatic epithelial iron deposits in siderosis in Bantu
Authors: Buchanan W. M.
Published: June 2007

Twenty-seven specimens of human tissue, obtained by operation, were tested to evaluate the theory that iron uptake by tissues from serum is greater when transferrin is nearly completely saturated than when the degree of saturation is normal.

Samples of each tissue were incubated in autologous serum so prepared that in one instance the transferrin was 50% saturated and in the second 90% saturated with iron containing59Fe.

In all samples the uptake of iron was greater from the transferrin which was 90% saturated. The uptake by tissues of epithelial origin was significantly greater than that by non-epithelial tissues. Considerable variation in uptake was noted between samples of the same tissue from different individuals. The role of iron stores in the tissue and folic acid deficiency are discussed.

It is concluded that the degree of transferrin saturation is important in determining iron uptake by tissues, especially in those of epithelial origin, and that such uptake may be modified by tissue stores and folic acid deficiency.

It is felt that these factors are probably responsible for the extrahepatic parenchymal deposits of iron sometimes found in Bantu subjects with siderosis.
Economic and laboratory considerations in screening for vitamin B12deficiency in psychiatric practice
Authors: Beck J. Swanson , Dawson Audrey A. , Henderson J. G. , Strachan R. W.
Published: June 2007

Two alternative methods for detecting vitamin B12deficiency in a psychiatric population have been compared: the `direct' approach by microbiological assay of serum vitamin B12levels in all patients, and the `indirect' approach where all patients are first screened for antigastric parietal cell antibodies and thereafter all positive reactors and other `high-risk' patients have serum vitamin B12assayed. The indirect approach was found to be cheaper.