bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunocytochemical studies of blood group A, H, I, and i antigens in gastric mucosae of infants with normal gastric histology and of patients with gastric carcinoma and chronic benign peptic ulceration.
Authors: Kapadia A , Feizi T , Jewell D , Keeling J , Slavin G
Published: June 2007

Indirect immunofluorescence studies of blood group A, H, I, and i antigens were performed on the gastric mucosae and tumor tissues of patients with gastric carcinoma, on the mucosae of patients with chronic benign gastric ulceration, and on the mucosae of infants who had died of causes other than gastrointestinal disease. The following findings were of particular interest: (1) Normal 'secretor' type mucosae were distinguishable from 'non-secretor' type mucosae by the uniform staining of the A or H antigens at the surface and in the pits. Normal 'non-secretor' type mucosae showed little staining of the H or A antigens but, instead, there was staining with anti-I(Ma) antibody. Staining with anti-I(Step) and anti-i(Den) did not show a clear correlation with the 'secretor'/'non-secretor' status of the normal mucosae. (2) Apparently normal areas of gastric mucosae of patients with gastric carcinoma or the normal part of gastric mucosae of patients with benign gastric ulcer frequently showed focal areas of loss or gain of the blood group antigens as is often seen in gastric carcinoma tissues. (3) In the mucosae of patients with intestinal metaplasia there was marked loss of A/H antigens in 'secretors' and I(Ma) antigen in 'non-secretors'. (4) Staining characteristics of tissues from gastric carcinoma were:(a) Focal loss of the expected A/H or I antigens was observed with much variation in staining from area to area, but only a minority showed complete loss of the expected staining. (b) A majority of the carcinomas from 'secretors' showed foci of substantial staining with anti-I(Ma) in contrast to normal 'secretor' mucosae. This is probably due to incomplete biosynthesis of A/H determinants. (c) Incompatible A-like staining by a rabbit anti-A serum was observed in one out of nine adenocarcinomas from blood group B or O persons. (d) A few cases showed substantial i antigen staining. The aberrant expression of blood group A, H, I, and i antigens in neoplastic as well as in some areas of morphologically normal mucosa of patients with benign and malignant diseases of the stomach is discussed in the context of current biochemical knowledge.
Use of an improved E. coli method for the measurement of cobalamin in serum: comparison with the E. gracilis assay results.
Authors: Sourial N A
Published: June 2007

Owing to the higher serum cobalamin results that are obtained by R-binder radioisotopic dilution assay compared to microbiological assays (E. gracilis and L. leichmannii) it was suggested that serum contained a cobamide(s) that could not be detected by the more specific microbiological assays and that a much less specific test organism, which responds to most naturally occurring cobamides, such as the cobamide-dependent E. coli mutant, might respond to these cobamide(s) in serum. In an attempt to investigate this possibility an improved and simplified E. coli assay for the measurement of cobamide in serum was developed. The method is described, and the results obtained in normal subjects, in patients with megaloblastic anemia, and in anaemic pregnant women not suffering from megaloblastic anaemia are reported and compared with E. gracilis assay results.
Urinary excretion kinetics of hydroxyethyl starch 350/0.60 in normovolaemic man.
Authors: Mishler J M , Ricketts C R , Parkhouse E J
Published: June 2007

Rates of urinary excretion concomitant with the molecular size distribution of filtered polymer fragments were determined in five normovolaemic men dosed with 30 g/m2 BSA of a species of HES (HES 350/0.60) possessing a M-W of 350 000 combined with an MS of 0.60. Approximately 13% of the total injected dose of HES 350/0.60 was excreted in urine 1 hr after dosing, and 45% by 72 hours. Gel filtration of Sepharose CL-4B revealed that aliquots of urine collected 1 hour after injection contained polymer fragments of HES 350/0.60 with values of Kav ranging between 0.88 and 0.84, and possessed a Stokes radius (r = 32A) similar to that of Dextran 20 (M-W 22 700). Polymer fragments of HES 350/0.60 excreted 6 to 48 hours after dosing, however, possessed a Kav ranging between 0.78 and 0.73 with a Stokes radius (r = 45A) similar to that of Dextran 40 (M-W 41 000). All filtered polymer fragments were less polydisperse relative to both the injection solution (Kav 0.60) and residual material recovered from blood immediately after injection (Kav 0.72). These data support the hypothesis that the excretion of HES 350/0.60 occurs in two distinct phases: a rapid phase of elimination dependent on the M-n of the injected solution, and a slower phase dependent on the MS (degree of resistance to alpha-amylase attack). This study, in conjunction with our previous investigation of the changes in circulating HES 350/0.60, define the basic differences between clearance and excretion of the dextrans and of the rapidly degraded species of HES. These data are relevant to the utilisation of HES 350/0.60 during centrifugal leucapheresis.
Effect of leukaemia therapy on neutrophil chemotaxis.
Authors: Thompson E N , Sarab-Al-Nakeeb
Published: June 2007

The in vivo effect of various cytotoxic drugs and cranial irradiation on neutrophil chemotaxis was tested in 62 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and in 10 patients with other malignant disease. Cranial radiotherapy had a transient adverse effect on neutrophil chemotaxis after completion of the course which was most marked in children. Methotrexate (MTX) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) alone and in combination had a variable effect of chemotaxis, which was most marked nine days after the end of the course. The effect of 6-MP was clearly dose-related, but continuous therapy (75 mg/m2 day) had the greatest inhibitory effect of all the regimens tested. The in vitro effect was studied in 48 leukaemics and in 85 controls (adults and children); all the patients with leukaemia had been off treatment for at least six months. No difference was found between the effects of drugs tested on control or leukaemic cells. The greatest inhibitory effect was found in vinblastine, adriamycin, 6-MP, and vincristine, all of which were closely dose-dependent, MTX, prednisolone, and asparaginase had no effect on chemotaxis when tested in this way.
Plasma cell counts on human jejunal biopsy specimens examined by immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase techniques: a comparative study.
Authors: Kingston D , Pearson J R , Penna F J
Published: June 2007

Ten human jejunal biopsy specimens were examined by both immunofluorescence (IF) and immunoperoxidase (IP) methods to compare both plasma cell counts and the distribution of extracellular immunoglobulins. Each specimen was cut into at least two portions, one fixed in 5% formaldehyde in phosphate-buffered saline before being snap-frozen and sectioned on a cryostat for IF, the other being fixed in half-strength Zenker and embedded in paraffin wax by standard methods for IP. Plasma cell counts were comparable in the eight biopsy specimens for which they could be estimated, geometric mean values being IgA 22.9 (IF), 19.3 (IP) and IgM 9.5 (IF), 10.6 (IP). Two specimens showing subtotal villous atrophy had too much extracellular IgA for plasma cell counts to be feasible. For these the IF methods had the advantage that the extracellular immunoglobulin was more readily distinguishable from background staining.
Bromine and selenium in human aorta.
Authors: Cross J D , Raie R M , Smith H
Published: June 2007

The bromine and selenium concentrations of healthy and atheromatous human aorta and of other organs are reported. No relation between age and concentration in the aorta is found. The selenium levels of the aorta are similar to those of other internal organs; the content of the three layers show no significant differences. The bromine concentrations of the media are higher than those of the other layers, which are similar to those of the internal organs. A possibly greater concentration of bromine in atheromatous medial tissue is indicated.
Antitoxin production in antibiotic-associated colitis?
Authors: Lishman A H , Al-Jumaili I J , Record C O
Published: June 2007

The production of antitoxin after Clostridium difficile-induced diarrhoea has not been reported previously. The stool of a patient with prolonged antibiotic-associated diarrhoea contained C. difficile toxin, and the serum neutralised the cytopathic effect of C. difficile toxin in tissue culture.
IgG antibodies against anaerobic bacteria in blood donor sera.
Authors: Schwan A
Published: June 2007

Fifty-six blood donor sera were examined by indirect immunofluorescence for IgG antibodies to a selection of anaerobic bacterial strains, often isolated from wound cultures. Another 25 sera were examined by IgG antibodies to six NCTC Bacteroides strains. A wide range of IgG antibody titres were found against Fusobacterium, Clostridium, and anaerobic streptococcal species. Very low titres were found against the Bacteroides strains. It is suggested that the testing of a single serum specimen for IgG antibodies against a representative collection of Bacteroides fragilis strains could be helpful in verifying a clinical suspicion of infection with these organisms.
Flavobacterium meningosepticum infection: an epidemiological study in a newborn nursery.
Authors: Thong M L , Puthucheary S D , Lee E L
Published: June 2007

After an outbreak of flavobacterium meningitis in the newborn nursery of the University Hospital, an investigation was carried out to determine the possible sources of this organisms in the nursery. Various serotypes of the organism were recovered from a variety of sources such as wash basins, sinks, suction apparatus, and disinfectants in the nursery as well as the neighbouring wards. Colonisation of the pharynx with this organism was demonstrated in several clinically healthy babies in the nursery. The possible role of fomites, hospital staff, newborn babies, and their mothers in the transmission of the organism is considered together with the measures taken to reduce environmental contamination.
Resistance to trimethoprim in 1978-79 compared with 1973-75.
Authors: Hamilton-Miller J M , Gooding A , Brumfitt W
Published: June 2007

The incidence of resistance to trimethoprim among urinary isolates between October 1978 and November 1979 was 11.5%, more than double the figure found April 1973 and October 1975. Of the resistant strains, 60% had a minimum inhibitory concentration in excess of 1 mg/ml. Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis showed the greatest increase in resistance since the previous study. Rather wide fluctuations occurred in the incidence of resistance for various species when the figures were analysed over two-month periods, hence studies of short duration must be interpreted with caution. There are not yet enough data from this or other studies for the cause of the increased incidence of resistance to trimethoprim to be determined.
A hemalog D analysis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and other lymphoproliferative disorders affecting the blood.
Authors: Patterson K G , Goldstone A H , Richards J D , Cawley J C
Published: June 2007

A correlative clinical and Hemalog D study of 80 cases of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) was performed and the results compared with those in other lymphoproliferative disorders affecting the blood (eight cases of hairy-cell leukaemia, HCL; three cases of prolymphocytic leukaemia, PLL: two cases of lymphoplasmacytoid proliferation, LPP; and one case of Sézary's syndrome, SS). In CLL the mean percentage and absolute counts of large unstained cells (LUC) were 8.7% and 6.2 x 109/1 (6200/mm3), and the percentage of LUCs was not substantially affected by treatment; there was no correlation between LUCs and Rai clinical stage. SS and LPP were characterised by a similar percentage of LUCs, but both HCL and PLL were distinguished by a higher mean percentage of LUCs. Stage IV CLL was associated with monocytopenia, but other stages of CLL, PLL, LPP, and SS showed no consistent reduction of absolute numbers of non-lymphoid cell types. In contrast, HCL was characterised by a consistent absolute neutropenia and monocytopenia which distinguished its Hemalog D profile from that of PLL.
Platelet adhesiveness, plasma fibrinogen, and fibrinolytic activity in juvenile-onset and maturity-onset diabetes mellitus.
Authors: Sharma S C
Published: June 2007

The nature of vascular disease and its complications are different in juvenile-onset (JOD) and maturity-onset (MOD) diabetes mellitus. In order to explore the disturbances in the coagulation-fibrinolytic system, platelet adhesiveness, plasma fibrinogen, and euglobulin lysis time were estimated in 26 cases of MOD. Two groups of age- and sex-matched controls were also studied. Platelet adhesiveness and plasma fibrinogen were essentially normal while euglobulin lysis time was significantly decreased in the JOD group. The MOD group, on the other hand, showed a reversed pattern in the form of enhanced platelet adhesiveness and plasma fibrinogen and no compensatory increase in fibrinolysis.
Length measurement by means of a grid.
Authors: McIntyre R L , Piris J
Published: June 2007

Experiments were performed which demonstrate some of the length-measuring characteristics of a grid consisting of two sets of parallel lines crossing each other at right angles. If lines of various shapes are repeatedly superimposed at random on such a grid, the mean number of intersections each of these lines makes with the lines of the grid is directly proportional to the length of the line. There is a property of two-dimensional curves, which may be called directional bias, the presence of which in a test curve will increase the variability of the number of intersections made with the grid lines and skew the frequency distribution curve to the right. This effect is markedly reduced by taking the mean of three measurements if the second and third are taken with the grid rotated 30 degrees and 60 degrees respectively from its original position in relation to the test curve. Information gained from these experiments can be applied to stereological problems such as the estimation of particle densities in histological sections.
Condylomata of the uterine cervix and koilocytosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
Authors: Pilotti S , Rilke F , De Palo G , Della Torre G , Alasio L
Published: June 2007

In 202 women with koilocytotic atypia in cervical smears, 136 had predominantly small condylomata of the uterine cervix, and 66 had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) of varying degree either with koilocytosis of the neoplasia or associated with condylomata. Koilocytosis correlated well with the histological diagnosis of condylomata, but occasionally it obscured the cytological evidence of CIN. Human papilloma virus particles were found in the cells of condylomata in 10 cases and in those of CIN II with koilocytosis in two cases of 21 examined ultrastructurally. There was evidence that the condyloma of the uterine cervix is a well-defined morphological entity and also that cytopathie changes similar to those seen in condylomata are present in some cases of CIN.
Comparison of five selective media for beta-haemolytic streptococci.
Authors: Milatović D
Published: June 2007

Five selective media for beta-haemolytic streptococci were tested and compared with the conventional blood agar plate using 200 throat swabs from children with possible streptococcal pharyngitis. The medium described by Liebermeister and Braveny, which is based on the reduction of nutrients and enhancement of the haemolytic activity of beta-streptococci, was markedly superior to the other selective media containing inhibiting agents.
Combination of minocycline and rifampicin against methicillin- and gentamicin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Yourassowsky E , Van Der Linden MP , Lismont MJ , Crokaert F
Published: June 2007

Methicillin- and gentamicin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusmay remain sensitive to minocycline and to rifampicin. A study of growth curves has shown that at inhibitory concentrations (0·4 μg/ml), minocycline prevents the development of mutants resistant to rifampicin.
Relation between postoperative antithrombin III concentrations and site of operation.
Authors: Gray S P , Billings J A , Newton V , Olive A
Published: June 2007

Antithrombin III concentrations were measured in 305 patients before and at intervals after operation for up to 12 days. The blood concentrations fell significantly after both major and minor surgery, but there was no relation between the expected degree of surgical trauma or the amount of blood transfused and the fall in concentration of antithrombin III. Some surgical procedures such as cholecystectomy, laparotomy, hernia repair, highly selective vagotomy, and transurethral resection of the prostate were associated with a greater depletion of antithrombin III than were other common operations and it is suggested that there are factors related to the actual site of the operation which affect the concentration of circulating antithrombin III in the postsurgical period.
Data handling and reporting for microbiology specimens with a small laboratory computer system.
Authors: Landowne R A
Published: June 2007

A small laboratory computer system designed for general application in chemistry, haematology, and urinalysis has been adapted for the bacteriology section of the laboratory using the same available programming routines. Specimens are requisitioned according to predetermined common site codes, with both preliminary and final reporting allowed for where desired. Sensitivity data also appended and entered where required, even for different organisms in the same culture.
Cultural method for large-scale screening for Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection.
Authors: Mallinson H , Sikotra S , Arya O P
Published: June 2007

Idoxuridine-treated McCoy cells grown as monolayers in 96 well microplates provide a convenient method for the isolation of Chlamydia trachomatis. Staining of infected monolayers with periodic acid-Schiff reagent (PAS) allows easy recognition of C trachomatis inclusions without the need for dark-ground microscopy. By this method 384 clinical specimens can be examined concurrently. It is sufficiently sensitive to form the basis of a chlamydial culture service for patients attending Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Clinics.
Prognostic value of measurement of elastosis in breast carcinoma.
Authors: Robertson A J , Brown R A , Cree I A , MacGillivray J B , Slidders W , Beck J S
Published: June 2007

The extent of elastosis in the stroma within the anatomical "tumour" in 80 patients with breast carcinoma was assessed by observational microscopy using a 4-point grading system, and measured by semiautomated histometry as an area percentage with a Quantimet 720 image-analysing computer. In this retrospective study, measurement of elastosis in tissue removed at time of initial diagnosis was shown to have little value for prediction of duration of survival.
Placental involvement in congenital neuroblastoma.
Authors: Smith C R , Chan H S , deSa D J
Published: June 2007

We describe two cases of congenital neuroblastoma involving the placenta and review previously reported cases. The placentae in congenital neuroblastoma have a bulky, hydropic appearance, and contain tumour cells which are confined to the fetal circulation. The tumour emboli are not macroscopically identifiable. Pathophysiological mechanisms of placental involvement by fetal and maternal malignancies are considered. The rarity of this lesion may be artefactual, and may result from failure to examine grossly enlarged placentae in cases of stillbirth and hydrops fetalis. Congenital malignancy must be considered in the differential diagnosis of an abnormally large placenta.
Small bowel enterocyte abnormalities caused by methotrexate treatment in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia of childhood.
Authors: Gwavava N J , Pinkerton C R , Glasgow J F , Sloan J M , Bridges J M
Published: June 2007

Jejunal biopsy specimens from 10 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on methotrexate treatment were compared with 10 from children being investigated for diarrhoea or failure to thrive. In association with methotrexate treatment on both light and electron microscopy, there were marked morphological abnormalities in the villus enterocytes. These consisted of a striking distention of the lateral basal intercellular spaces, cell vacuolation and patchy necrosis and was most marked when methotrexate treatment was given between 24 and 72 h before biopsy. Two mechanisms may be involved: an early direct toxic effect on the mature enterocyte coupled with interference with crypt cell generation, possibly causing ageing and loss of cells proximal to the normal extrusion zone. These pathological changes may account for the malabsorption in association with methotrexate treatment.
Malonaldehyde formation is not a suitable screening test to detect oxidation in human neutrophils.
Authors: Strauss R G
Published: June 2007

The thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay for measuring malonaldehyde (MDA) has been applied to many tissues as a simple means of detecting oxidative damage and prostaglandin synthesis. Human neutrophils, cells known to produce prostaglandins and toxic metabolites of oxygen, were studied to determine if this assay could provide a suitable, rapid, screening test to recognise states of metabolic activation, to monitor prostaglandin synthesis, or to identify the presence of oxidative damage. Malonaldehyde could not be detected after a variety of manipulations. Thus, it seems unlikely that the thiobarbituric acid assay, as performed here, will be useful for evaluating oxidative damage in human neutrophils.
Histological study of the effects of three anti-inflammatory preparations on the gastric mucosa.
Authors: McIntyre R L , Irani M S , Piris J
Published: June 2007

Patients with osteoarthritis were entered into a single-blind trial comparing the effects on the gastric mucosa of a four week course of indomethacin, sulindac and a compound of paracetamol and dextropropoxyphene (Distalgesic). The presence and severity of both acute and chronic gastritis were assessed by histological examination of endoscopic biopsy specimens taken from five standard sites in th stomach of each patient before and at the end of the four week period. The presence and severity of chronic gastritis was not affected by the treatment in any of the groups. The pattern of acute gastritis was complex, many of the patients having acute inflammatory changes in their initial biopsy specimens. At least one patient in each treatment group developed marked acute gastritis during the treatment period, but a significant overall increase in the severity of these changes was only found in the group treated with sulindac.
Human intestinal mucosal mast cells: evaluation of fixation and staining techniques.
Authors: Strobel S , Miller H R , Ferguson A
Published: June 2007

The staining properties of tissue mast cells are influenced by the method of fixation. Differences in fixation and staining techniques may explain the contradictory results in the published reports on the number of human mucosal mast cells (MMC) in the gastrointestinal mucosa in health and disease. We have examined the influence of fixatives on the staining properties of human MMC in operative biopsy specimens of human jejunum. Specimens were divided into pieces, each of which was fixed in one of the following fixatives: Carnoy's, basic lead acetate (BLA), Baker's, Bouin's, isotonic formol-acetic-acid (IFAA), 10% neutral buffered formalin, formol sublimate, and formol saline. Thereafter, tissues were paraffin-embedded and 5 micron sections were cut and stained with either astra-blue/safranin pH 0.3, or toluidine blue pH 0.5. Counts of the number of MMC/mm2 were obtained for each fixation method. The results show a critical influence of the fixative on the number of mast cells identified after staining. For example with astra-blue/safranin the mean MMC/mm2 count was 40 in formol-saline-fixed specimens, and 268 in Carnoy's-fixed specimens. In biopsies fixed with formalin-based fixatives, mast cells were more readily stained with toluidine blue. It is recommended that Carnoy's or BLA be used as the fixative for any light microscopic study of human MMC.
Mucin histochemistry of the columnar epithelium of the oesophagus: a retrospective study.
Authors: Jass J R
Published: June 2007

Reflux oesophagitis may be accompanied by replacement of squamous epithelium by columnar epithelium (Barrett's oesophagus). The columnar epithelium may resemble either gastric or intestinal mucosa, though ultrastructural and histochemical studies indicate that the intestinal type does not necessarily resemble normal small intestine. Twenty-two malignant and 10 benign oesophageal specimens were examined histologically and by mucin histochemistry in an attempt to classify the various types of columnar epithelium. An incompletely differentiated variant of intestinal metaplasia secreting sulphomucins was associated with well but not poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas (p less than 0.02; Fisher's exact test). Similar findings have been described in the stomach and incomplete intestinal metaplasia may be related to disorders of growth and differentiation described in other sites such as the colon. These observations may help in the interpretation of oesophageal biopsies, possibly permitting identification of patients at risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
Germ cell tumours of childhood: a review of 137 cases.
Authors: Marsden H B , Birch J M , Swindell R
Published: June 2007

One hundred and thirty-seven germ cell tumours occurring in 134 children included in the Manchester University Children's Tumour Registry over a 25-year period have been studied. The incidence and sites of these tumours as seen in a comprehensive population-based registry are presented and the relation between the primary site and histological type is assessed. There were 48 deaths in this series of which 34 were directly due to the tumour. The cause of death in the other 14 cases is given. The behaviour of the germ cell tumours was closely related to the presence of yolk sac elements.
Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activity in childhood and adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Authors: Proctor S J , Dickinson A M , Fail B , Walker W , Serisier S
Published: June 2007

The measurement of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TDT) activity in leukaemic blasts of 26 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) (13 children less than 14 years, 13 adults greater than 14 years) demonstrated significantly greater activities of the enzyme on a proportion of the adults. The predominant cytological sub-type in the adult patients was L2 (FAB classification) whereas L1 cytological sub-type dominated in the childhood group. There was no relation between TDT values and FAB sub-type but the highest activities in the childhood group were seen in patients assessed at the time of relapse. We conclude that continued use of quantitative TDT estimations may provide useful information in further characterising the currently recognised cytological and immunological sub-types in ALL.
Satisfactory screening for cystic fibrosis with the BM meconium procedure.
Authors: Evans R T , Little A J , Steel A E , Littlewood J M
Published: June 2007

The Boehringer Mannheim test (BM test) for cystic fibrosis has been applied to 15 734 neonates. A positive result occurred in 130, seven of whom were subsequently shown to have the disease. To our knowledge no cases have been missed. Tests have been performed centrally by experienced laboratory staff and the false-positive rate of 0.83% is considered acceptable. It is important to follow up weak as well as strongly positive reactions to the BM test strip.
Isolation of actinomycetes from cervical specimens.
Authors: Traynor R M , Parratt D , Duguid H L , Duncan I D
Published: June 2007

Cervical smears from 30 women were examined. Fifteen of these had actinomycetes visible by direct smear examination and the organisms were isolated in 13. Of the remainder, all had negative smears and culture was similarly negative in 12, whilst in 3, the cultures were either positive (1) or suspicious (2).
Group B streptococci--gastrointestinal organisms?
Authors: Easmon C S , Tanna A , Munday P , Dawson S
Published: June 2007

Matched perianal swabs, rectal swabs, and faecal samples from a group of male homosexual patients attending a clinic for sexually transmitted disease were examined for the presence of group B streptococci (GBS). GBS recovery rates were as follows: perianal skin 31/115 (27%), rectal mucosa 18/72 (25%) and faeces 7/115 (6%). The recovery of GBS from faeces was similar to that obtained from faecal samples sent to the laboratory for routine investigation (5%). Although there was no difference in GBS recovery rates from rectal and perianal swabs, the latter did show heavier colonisation. These results suggest that gastrointestinal GBS carriage is mainly limited to the rectum and anal canal and that this may represent contamination from perianal skin.
Tyrosine crystals in salivary gland tumours.
Authors: Thomas K , Hutt M S
Published: June 2007

Tyrosine crystals were seen in 24 of 113 salivary gland pleomorphic adenomas from Malawi and one of six carcinomas arising in a pleomorphic adenoma; they were present in tumours from all common anatomical sites. They were not found in 71 other salivary tumours of varying histological type. Similar crystals were found in one out of 56 pleomorphic adenomas from patients operated on at St Thomas's Hospital. No excess tyrosine was demonstrated in a tumour containing many crystals. Their great frequency in black patients is confirmed but an adequate explanation for this phenomenon has not been found.
Routine preparation of seminal fluid specimens for transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Ryder TA , Mackenzie M Lynn
Published: June 2007

A technique is described for the routine preparation of seminal fluid specimens for transmission electron microscopy. The method is applicable to cases where examination of sperm morphology is required and can also be used for the indentification of non-spermatozoal cells and their inclusions.
Isolation of Mallory bodies and an attempt to demonstrate cell mediated immunity to Mallory body isolate in patients with alcoholic liver disease.
Authors: Gluud C , Hardt F , Aldershvile J , Christoffersen P , Lyon H , Nielsen J
Published: June 2007

Mallory bodies were isolated from necropsy livers from patients with alcoholic hepatitis with and without cirrhosis with a Ficoll viscosity barrier. The purity of Mallory bodies in the isolate varied between 70 and 90%, estimated by counting Mallory bodies and non-Mallory body structures in haematoxylin-eosin stained smears. Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of Mallory bodies in the isolates. The Mallory body isolate was used as antigen in the agarose leucocyte migration inhibition test in order to test the cell-mediated immunity. No significant difference in leucocyte migration was found between controls and patients with alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic steatosis, alcoholic cirrhosis and miscellaneous liver diseases.
Serological markers of hepatitis B in patients with alcoholic liver disease: a multi-centre survey
Authors: Hislop WS , Follett EAC , Bouchier IAD , MacSween RNM
Published: June 2007

In a study of 195 patients derived from five centres in northern Britain and with histologically confirmed alcoholic liver disease we have found an increased prevalence of serological markers of hepatitis B. This increased prevalence was found in each of the five centres; the overall frequency ranged from 11% sero-positivity in fatty liver, 12% in alcoholic hepatitis and 27% in cirrhosis.
A simple micro-ELISA method for the assay of antithyroglobulin autoantibodies in human serum
Authors: Goodburn Richard , Williams David L , Marks Vincent
Published: June 2007

An indirect, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is described for the assay of thyroid autoantibodies, particularly those directed against thyroglobulin. The method is specific, sensitive and precise, and may be automated. The results are shown to correlate well with those obtained by the haemagglutination method.
Presence of immune complex-like material in sera of patients with paraproteinaemia.
Authors: Klein F , Lafeber G J , Jongepier-Geerdes Y E , Cats A , Kauffmann R H , Michiels J J
Published: June 2007

Immunoglobulins of all classes as well as C3 are phagocytosed by normal human granulocytes from sera containing paraproteins. The material that was phagocytosed had the sedimentation properties of immune complexes. Cytostatic treatment did not seem to have a clearcut influence on the presence or absence of these complexes. There was little correlation with two other immune complex detecting tests. The Clq binding test was frequently found positive in paraproteinaemic sera but without apparent correlation to IgG phagocytosis. On the other hand the conglutinin binding test was rarely positive, although C3 was frequently phagocytosed.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies in gonorrhea using whole cells.
Authors: Ison C A , Hadfield S G , Glynn A A
Published: June 2007

The choice of an antigen that will adequately differentiate between infected and non-infected patients has been a problem in detecting gonococcal antibodies for diagnosis. We have used the sensitive technique of ELISA to test various serotypes of Neisseria gonorrhoeae for their suitability as antigens. Whole cells of each serotype were attached to polystyrene plates using poly-L-lysine, N gonorrhoeae, strain H1 type 1 was used to detect antibodies in patients with known clinical history and then as a standard to evaluate the ability of different serotypes to differentiate between infected and non-infected groups.
Fatal dissemination of cytomegalovirus after bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Craft AW , Hamilton PJ , McQuillin J , Scott DJ , Walker W
Published: June 2007

The clinical course and necropsy findings are described of an 11-year-old child found to have active cytomegalovirus infection at the time of bone marrow transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Attention is drawn to the presence of primitive mononuclear cells of uncertain origin in the regenerating bone marrow.
Yersinia enterocolitica: its isolation by cold enrichment from patients and healthy subjects.
Authors: Van Noyen R , Vandepitte J , Wauters G , Selderslaghs R
Published: June 2007

Routine culture and cold enrichment were compared in a prospective study on the isolation of Yersinia enterocolitica from patients with intestinal disease. Healthy controls were examined with the cold enrichment method only. Y enterocolitica was isolated from 5.9% of 1635 patient stools, 3.4% of 206 appendices, and 4.0% of 555 control stools. Serotypes 0:3 and 0:9 were eight times more prevalent in patients than in controls. Other serotypes were twice as prevalent in controls than in patients. Cold enrichment did not significantly increase the recovery of serotypes 0:3 and 0:9 in acute enteritis, but it was responsible for all isolates of the other serotypes. Evidence is presented that the other serotypes are not pathogenic. In patient stools, Y enterocolitica was demonstrated less frequently than Salmonella (9.1%), and more often than Campylobacter jejuni (1.8%) and Shigella (0.1%).
Antimicrobial activity of silicone rubber used in hydrocephalus shunts, after impregnation with antimicrobial substances.
Authors: Bayston R , Milner R D
Published: June 2007

Colonisation of cerebrospinal fluid shunts by coagulate-negative staphylococci (Staphylococcus albus) is a serious problem. Because of its possible role in prevention of the condition, the antimicrobial activity of silicone rubber after impregnation with antimicrobial drugs was studied. The method of impregnation used and test methods were found to be important. Formaldehyde-urea condensates gave no activity. Gentamicin sulphate gave activity which was short-lived. Sodium and diethanolamine fusidates and clindamycin hydrochloride gave prolonged activity. A method of impregnation was developed which could be applied to commercially available shunts before use.
Serum acid phosphatase activities in patients with lung cancer: a biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of 25 cases.
Authors: Mortimer G , Casey M
Published: June 2007

A series of 25 cases of lung cancer are presented in which total (TAcP) and nonprostatic serum acid phosphatase (NPAcP) activities were measured. Of these cases, 36% had raised TAcP and NPAcP activities in their serum. However, the serum activities of TAcP and NPAcP did not correlate with either the presence of lung cancer nor with the morphological tumour type. This fact indicates that, despite isolated reports of raised serum acid phosphatase activities in cases of lung cancer, acid phosphatase is of no value as a marker for lung cancer. We sought alternative explanations for the raised TAcP and NPAcP activities observed in our series in the hope that this enzyme might prove useful as a marker for early metastatic disease in lung cancer patients. This possibility is not substantiated, and the findings are analyzed and discussed. It is tentatively suggested that raised NPAcP activities in patients with lung cancer may relate to haemostasis.
Serum urate concentrations in homozygous sickle cell disease
Authors: De Ceulaer K , Morgan AG , Choo-Kang E , Wilson WA , Serjeant GR
Published: June 2007

Serum and urinary urate concentrations were studied in 44 patients with homozygous sickle cell (SS) disease, and in 27 controls with normal haemoglobin. Hyperuricaemia (>0·39 mmol/l (6·5 mg/100 ml)) occurred in 41% of SS patients and inversely correlated with renal urate clearance but not with indices of bone marrow turnover. Higher serum urate concentrations occurred in patients with proteinuria, probably due to associated tubular damage. Higher serum urate concentrations and lower urate clearance occurred in males compared to females.
Serum immunoreactive trypsin in beta-thalassaemia major.
Authors: Hussain M , Dandona P , Fedail S S , Ramdial L , Flynn D , Hoffbrand A V
Published: June 2007

To assess the exocrine pancreatic function in beta-thalassemia major with iron overload, serum immunoreactive trypsin (IRT) was measured in 38 patients with this condition. In 23 (60%) patients' IRT was abnormal: it was subnormal in 16 patients and supranormal in seven. Whereas subnormal IRT concentrations were more frequent in patients of more than 12 years old, supranormal IRT concentrations were more frequent in younger patients. These data provide the first antemortem evidence of exocrine pancreatic damage in this condition. They also suggest that this acinar cell damage is initially associated with a rise in IRT which is followed by a fall in the serum concentration of this enzyme.
Comparative studies of a new commercial kit for the estimation of vitamin B12 in serum.
Authors: Waters H M , Thornton J A , Stevens R F , Gowenlock A H , Maciver J E , Delamore I W
Published: June 2007

A commercial kit method (Technia Diagnostics) for the estimation of serum vitamin B12 claiming certain practical advantages was examined. Analytical and clinical performance were compared with a non-commercial radioisotope B12 method, previously compared to other commercial radioisotope B12 methods. The kit's analytical performance in our hands was satisfactory, although the within-batch precision and recovery of added cyanocobalamin were disappointing. Clinical performance was comparable with the non-commercial B12 method. Establishment of suitable reference ranges as a prerequisite to diagnostic use is apparent.
Alpha-1-antitrypsin in human macrophages.
Authors: Isaacson P , Jones D B , Millward-Sadler G H , Judd M A , Payne S
Published: June 2007

Preliminary studies have suggested that alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) is a useful immunohistochemical marker of histiocytes (monocytes/macrophages) and malignant tumours derived from them. To confirm the reliability of this marker a wide variety of benign and malignant lymphoreticular cells and tissues have been stained by the immunoperoxidase technique for A1AT and positive staining was found to be confined to histiocytes. Immunodiffusion, isotope labelling, and isoelectric focusing studies performed on cell lysates confirmed that the positive staining shown by monocytes and malignant histiocytes is due to the presence of A1AT identical with serum A1AT and that this material is synthesised by these cells rather than taken up from their environment. Positive immunoperoxidase staining for A1AT is thus a reliable marker of lymphoreticular neoplasms of true histiocytic origin.
Fibre type changes in striated muscle of alcoholics
Authors: Hanid A , Slavin G , Mair W , Sowter C , Ward P , Webb J , Levi J
Published: June 2007

Striated muscle from patients taking more than 80 g of alcohol each day shows selective atrophy of the type II fibres which are dependent on glycogenolytic pathways. This atrophy is associated with an excess of glycogen and lipid within the fibres and may represent a selective metabolic insult.
Lung scar cancer—a reappraisal
Authors: McDonnell L , Long JP
Published: June 2007

A retrospective clinicopathological study of 100 necropsy cases of lung carcinoma revealed three scar cancers. The scarring in a further 11 probably occurred secondary to the tumour. The premise that lung scars initiate malignancy is questioned.
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
Authors: Buckley C H , Butler E B , Fox H
Published: June 2007

The theoretical and practical reasons for replacing the terms "cervical dysplasia" and "cervical carcinoma in situ" by the single diagnostic entity of "cervical intraepithelial neoplasia" are reviewed and the advantages and drawbacks of this newer terminology discussed. The histological characteristics and cytological features of the various grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia are described and the differential diagnosis of this lesion is considered.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of recent rubella infection.
Authors: Lim Y S , Lam C C , Lam S K
Published: June 2007

This paper presents further evidence of the sensitivity and reproducibility of ELISA for the detection of rubella antibody. This test can also be extended to include the diagnosis of recent rubella infections once the index of significance has been computed based on the estimated ELISA ratio of absorbance between the acute and convalescent serum samples. There is a greater than 90% agreement when compared to the results obtained by the haemagglutination-inhibition test. It should be further evaluated for rubella using purified rubella antigen to increase sensitivity and reproducibility.
Computer programs in histopathology record keeping.
Authors: Swettenham K V , Nickols C , Berry C L
Published: June 2007

Increasing work loads, changes in the nature of data obtained from biopsies, and the use of laboratory statistics in determining financial provision for pathological services combine to enhance the value of computer generated results and indexing in histopathology. The system described here depends on an indexed file system using the Basic Plus-2 language with a PDP-11 computer and SNOP. Error traps are included. The system is designed for secretarial use, SNOP coding being carried out by medical staff.
Monoclonal gammopathies in the adult population of Finistère, France.
Authors: Saleun J P , Vicariot M , Deroff P , Morin J F
Published: June 2007

Three hundred and thirty-four monoclonal gammopathies were detected in the sera of 30 279 adults from Finistère. Monoclonal gammopathies (MG) are more common in Finistère than in Paris and their distribution is not homogeneous. IgG paraproteins are particularly common in the northeast of Finistère whereas IgM paraproteins are more common in the southwest. Family studies and the high degree of inbreeding would support the hypothesis that there is a genetic predisposition to develop MG but the occurrence of paraproteins among three non-consanguineous couples seems to favour the existence of an environmental factor.
A pilot study of the reference values for the commoner haematological and biochemical parameters in Saudi nationals.
Authors: Scott T G
Published: June 2007

A study of 16 haematological and 24 biochemical parameters in healthy, adult, male, volunteer Saudi blood donors was made, and enabled a preliminary determination of the reference values for these parameters to be made for Saudi Arabia. Statistically significant low means were observed for all the haematological parameters except the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration which was raised above Western levels and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin which was normal. A low total leucocyte count was seen to be due largely to a low neutrophil count, but accompanied by a raised lymphocyte count. The main biochemical differences were raised concentrations of serum albumin, alkaline phosphatase, conjugated bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, "liver" lactate dehydrogenase and alanine aminotransferase. Decreased concentrations of serum globulin, unconjugated bilirubin and calcium were also found. These changes are discussed in relation to putative endemic disease, ethnic origins and environmental factors.
111Indium-labelled white blood cells in the diagnosis of Felty's syndrome.
Authors: Birnie G G , Eadie A S , Hosie C J , Lucie N P , Watkinson G
Published: June 2007

The use of isotope scanning of the spleen in conjunction with 51Cr-labelled red blood cells has become an established technique in the evaluation of patients with hypersplenism. As far as we are aware the similar technique using labelled white blood cells to demonstrate splenic sequestration in a neutropenic patient has not been described. We report a case where this technique proved valuable in confirming the diagnosis and in predicting a favourable response to splenectomy.
System for laboratory proficiency testing in bacteriology: organisation and impact on microbiology laboratories in health care facilities funded by the Ontario Government.
Authors: Whitby J L , Black W A , Richardson H , Wood D E
Published: June 2007

The Ministry of Health requires that all medical laboratories in the Province of Ontario participate in a laboratory proficiency testing program (LPTP). In bacteriology compliance has been excellent. Eighty-six laboratories, for various reasons over the period under review, have surrendered their licence or, because of poor performance on LPTP test surveys, have had their licence withdrawn by the Ministry. The highest percentage of withdrawals occurred in small hospitals in isolated areas. In April 1979 there were 249 participating laboratories. Participants' results are first analysed by computer, and, subsequently, approximately 20% of participants' reports are reviewed by the Committee. Various Committee actions ensue: correspondence with the laboratory director regarding errors; an offer of a visit; and possibly a report via a senior LPTP committee to the Ministry that a laboratory is non-proficient and, in LPTP's terms of reference, non-remediable. Subsequent Ministry action might be the withdrawal of a laboratory's licence. However, this last recourse only occurs when educational efforts have proved ineffectual. Overall, performance in LPTP bacteriology surveys has improved over the period 1975-8, with 68% of 263 laboratories achieving a score of 70% or higher and 26% of 263 laboratories scoring less than 60%.
Morphometric study of liver cell nuclei in hepatomas using an interactive computer technique: (i) nuclear size and shape
Authors: Jagoe Roger , Sowter Christopher , Dandy Sheila , Slavin Gerard
Published: June 2007

Liver cells from 20 normal livers and 20 hepatomas have been studied in histological sections using an interactive computer method which measures nuclear size and shape. The variables which gave best discrimination between malignant and benign nuclei were the standard deviations of nuclear shape measurements. Though the liver is an ideal tissue for computer study it is considered that such measurements may act as a model for analysis of nuclei of other tissues.