bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrophage origin of Reed-Sternberg cells: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Payne SV , Wright DH , Jones KJM , Judd MA
Published: June 2007

In an immunohistochemical study of 26 biopsies from 24 patients with Hodgkin's disease a granular staining pattern for alpha-1-antitrypsin (α1AT) and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (α1ACT) was seen in Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells and mononuclear Hodgkin's (H) cells in over half the cases. The pattern of staining for these antiproteases seen in RS and H cells has previously only been observed in normal and malignant cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage within the lymphoreticular system. A faintly granular evenly distributed staining for IgG was found in viable RS and H cells. This staining was associated with a similar distribution of both light chains but not J chain, suggesting that the immunoglobulin had not been synthesised by these cells but had been taken up from the extracellular environment. It is suggested that this uptake is an active process occurring in viable RS and H cells, possibly via Fcγ receptors and further supports an origin from cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage. IgA, IgD, albumin, fibrinogen, C1q, C4 and C3 were present in some cells, IgM was more rarely found and lysozyme was absent. The fact that cells staining for these serum proteins generally showed signs of degeneration and that the extent of staining correlated with the molecular weight, but not serum concentration, of the protein suggests that they are passively acquired by dead or dying cells and thus represent a separate phenomenon from IgG uptake. The function of IgG uptake and accumulation by RS cells and the α1AT and α1ACT markers may prove of use in identifying the macrophage subtype from which these cells are derived.
Granulocyte chemotaxis: multiple assay screening using a raft technique.
Authors: Jayaswal U , Roper S , Roath S
Published: June 2007

The assessment of granulocyte chemotaxis is complicated by the difficulty of precisely reproducing results in serial estimations and deciding on the best end point which would reflect most accurately the degree of travel taken by the cells under observation. The methods in use are generally based on the Boyden chamber, following this, we have further developed the principle of the "raft" technique of chamber based migration. In order to overcome the problems associated with reproducibility of results when performing multiple assays of chemotaxis, especially when sera of widely differing activity are encountered in the screening procedure, we have used a "batching" system and a simple method of presenting the results so that they are comparable.
Cell structure and percent viability by a slide centrifuge technique.
Authors: Fitzgerald M G , Hosking C S
Published: June 2007

It was found that a slide centrifuge (Cytospin) preparation of a cell suspension allowed a reliable assessment of not only cell structure but also the percentage of non-viable cells. The non-viable cells appeared as "smear" cells and paralleled in number the cells taking up trypan blue. Direct experiment showed the unstained viable cells in a trypan blue cell suspension remained intact in a Cytospin preparation while the cells taking up trypan blue were the "smear" cells. The non-viability of the "smear" cells was confirmed by their inability to survive in culture.
Circulating CK-MB and CK-BB isoenzyme after gastrointestinal surgery.
Authors: Tsung S H
Published: June 2007

The effect of gastrointestinal surgery on serum creatine kinase activity was studied in 30 patients. The MB isoenzyme was demonstrated in sera of 30% of the patients and BB isoenzyme in 23%. MB content varied from 0.8 to 10.3% of the total creatine kinase activity, and the BB content from 0.6 to 18.4%. The CK-BB was probably of gastrointestinal origin, since gastrointestinal tract contains high CK activity with BB isoenzyme predominating. A cardiac origin for the observed serum CK-MB isoenzyme increase would seem the most likely, although no patients showed evidence of electrocardiographic changes. Increased CK-MB activity has been observed in myocardial ischaemia without infarction.
Serum glutamate dehydrogenase is not a reliable marker of liver cell necrosis in alcoholics.
Authors: Jenkins W J , Rosalki S B , Foo Y , Scheuer P J , Nemesanszky E , Sherlock S
Published: June 2007

Serum glutamate dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.1.3.) activity was measured in 73 hospital patients who had a history of chronic alcohol abuse and who all had a liver biopsy performed. High levels of serum GDH activity occurred in those patients with recent excess alcohol consumption independently of the underlying liver histology, and did not discriminate between those patients with and those without alcoholic hepatitis.
Appraisal of Anotox, a new anaerobic atmospheric detoxifying agent for use in anaerobic cabinets.
Authors: Brazier J S
Published: June 2007

Using Clostridium sporogenes cultures, inhibitory effects of its gaseous metabolic end products on the activity of palladium Deoxo catalyst and on surface growth of some clinically significant anaerobes were demonstrated. A new product "Anotox" was shown to absorb these metabolites, which enabled uninhibited growth of anaerobes, and prolonged the life of the catalyst.
Effect of height and weight on the in vivo recovery of transfused factor VIII C.
Authors: Aronstam A , McLellan D S , Wassef M , Mbatha P S
Published: June 2007

The in vivo recovery of factor VIII has been estimated on 84 occasions in 53 severely affected adolescent haemophiliacs. There was wide individual variation in recovery, which was not affected by differences in the administered dose. Recovery increased steadily with increasing surface area, and it was only over a surface area of 1.7 m2 that a recovery of 2% of factor VIII per unit per kg became the norm. It is suggested that the only safe assumption to make below that surface area in an in vivo recovery of 1.5%.
Comparison of antisera in the fluorescent antibody test for detection of Bacteroides spp in clinical specimens.
Authors: Wills A , Taylor E , Pantosti A , Phillips I , Tabaqchali S
Published: June 2007

Twenty-two known strains of the Bacteroides fragilis group of organisms and 67 clinical specimens from a variety of sites were examined by fluorescent antibody test (IFA) using two different antisera fro the rapid detection of B fragilis group of organisms. A previously reported Barts' pooled antisera was compared with a commercially produced Fluoretec kit antisera and the findings were related to routine anaerobic culture and gas liquid chromatography for short chain fatty acids. The Barts' antisera was more sensitive (88%) but less specific (88%) than the kit (sensitivity 50%, specificity 98%). This indicates that Barts' antisera picks up more positive cultures than the kit. The predictive value of a positive test was 82% for Barts' antisera and 93% for the kit. There were higher numbers of false-negatives with the kit (13/26) than with the Barts' (3/26). The predictive value of a negative test was 92% for Barts' antisera and 75% for the kit, indicating that a negative IFA test with Barts' antisera is a reliable index of the absence of the B fragilis group of organisms from clinical specimens. The implications for the use of this test in a routine laboratory are discussed.
Luminal ions and short chain fatty acids as markers of functional activity of the mucosa in ulcerative colitis.
Authors: Roediger W E , Heyworth M , Willoughby P , Piris J , Moore A , Truelove S C
Published: June 2007

Luminal concentrations of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), ammonia, sodium and potassium were measured in colonic dialysate of 16 control subjects and in 65 cases with ulcerative colitis (UC), which were graded according to mucosal changes into mild (1), moderate (2), or severe (3) inflammatory activity. Sodium concentrations were mildly but not significantly increased in severe ulcerative colitis while luminal potassium concentrations were markedly decreased in severe ulcerative colitis (p less than 0.025). Concentrations of SCFA were increased in severe ulcerative colitis. Butyrate concentrations were significantly raised in all stages of active ulcerative colitis even when other fatty acids were not raised. Of all the parameters a lowered pH and raised butyrate concentration most strikingly correlate with the severity of mucosal change. Results indirectly suggest that control of luminal pH, potassium secretion and utilisation of butyrate by the colonic mucosa are impaired with progressive mucosal inflammation.
Collagenous colitis: a distinctive and potentially reversible disorder.
Authors: Pieterse A S , Hecker R , Rowland R
Published: June 2007

A case of collagenous colitis is reported. The patient's symptoms cleared up after a course of mepacrine hydrochloride. Biopsies taken after clinical recovery still showed some increase in the number of reticulin fibres present in the upper layers of the lamina propria but the subsequent six years.
Polyvalent heat-killed antigen for the diagnosis of infection with Legionella pneumophila.
Authors: Fallon R J , Abraham W H
Published: June 2007

A polyvalent antigen composed of heat-killed agar-grown Legionella pneumophila serogroups 1-4 suspended in a suspension of yolk-sac from embryonated hens' eggs has been examined for use in the indirect fluorescent antibody test for Legionella infection. The serological response detected by monovalent antigen correlated well with that detected by polyvalent antigen. The use of polyvalent antigen forms a useful screening test for the detection of antibody to L pneumophila, but positive results must be confirmed by test using monovalent antigen.
A microcomputer system for the collection and analysis of antibiotic sensitivity test data.
Authors: Clarkson D M , Thomas K L , Wynne-Williams G
Published: June 2007

A microcomputer system for the routine collection and analysis of microbiological data is described. A digitising tablet is used as a method of data input. A series of analysis programmes was developed to allow investigation of the distribution of organisms in relation to the type of specimen in which they occur, the origin of the specimen and also to examine their associated sensitivity patterns. In this instance a Commodore PET was used, though other microcomputers could be similarly employed with equal facility.
Comparative epidemiology of gentamicin-resistant enterobacteria: persistence of carriage and infection.
Authors: Hart C A , Gibson M F
Published: June 2007

During a two-year period from January 1979, 260 patients have been involved in an outbreak of carriage and infection due to gentamicin-resistant enterobacteria. We have examined the duration of carriage of such enterobacteria and have compared the carriage of Klebsiella with that of other resistant enterobacteria. Carriage of gentamicin-resistant enterobacteria occurred most frequently and was least sporadic in the intestinal tract. Vaginal carriage was observed in 49 out of 68 patients tested and occurred more frequently in older patients. Oral carriage was noted in 36% of patients but was more sporadic than intestinal carriage. Rates of oral carriage were greater among moribund patients. Carriage at skin sites was related to their proximity to the perineum. Intestinal carriage of gentamicin-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiellae but not Klebsiella oxytoca nor Citrobacter persisted for long periods (half lives of 140 and 100 days respectively). Cessation of carriage of gentamicin-resistant Klebsiellae was due to loss of both the organism and its plasmid rather than a shedding of the plasmid. Chronic bacteriuria with gentamicin-resistant E coli and Klebsiellae (half life 180 days) but not Klebsiella oxytoca nor Citrobacter persisted for long periods.
Effect of ascorbic acid deficiency on serum ferritin concentration in patients with beta-thalassaemia major and iron overload.
Authors: Chapman R W , Hussain M A , Gorman A , Laulicht M , Politis D , Flynn D M , Sherlock S , Hoffbrand A V
Published: June 2007

The incidence of ascorbic acid (AA) deficiency and its effect on serum ferritin concentration relative to body iron stores was studied in 61 unchelated patients with beta-thalassaemia major. Thirty-nine (64%) of patients had subnormal leucocyte ascorbate concentrations without clinical evidence of scurvy. The lowest leucocyte ascorbate concentrations tended to occur in the most transfused patients. No correlation was found between the units transfused and serum ferritin concentration in the AA-deficient patients but a close correlation (r = +0.82; p less than 0.005) existed for the AA-replete group. Similarly a close correlation (r = +0.77; p less than 0.005) was obtained between liver iron concentration and serum ferritin in AA-replete patients but only a weak correlation (r = +0.385; p less than 0.025) existed for the AA-deficient group. When AA-deficient patients were treated with ascorbic acid, serum iron and percentage saturation of iron binding capacity rose significantly; serum ferritin rose in 13 of 21 patients despite the simultaneous commencement of desferrioxamine therapy. In contrast all three measurements tended to fall in AA-replete patients with ascorbic acid and desferrioxamine therapy. Thus, AA deficiency is commonly present in beta-thalassaemia patients with iron overload and may give rise to inappropriate serum ferritin concentrations in relation to body iron stores.
Studies of intestinal lymphoid tissue. IV--The predictive value of raised mitotic indices among jejunal epithelial lymphocytes in the diagnosis of gluten-sensitive enteropathy.
Authors: Marsh M N
Published: June 2007

It has been established that considerable blast-transformation and mitotic activity occurs among epithelial lymphocytes of untreated coeliac mucosa. This paper is concerned solely with the proliferative activity of epithelial lymphocytes (expressed as percentage "mitotic index") in the prospective diagnosis of coeliac disease, in comparison with other conditions such as lymphoma. Crohn's disease and immunodeficiency which are often associated with malabsorption and flattening of jejunal mucosa. The results demonstrate that a high mitotic index (greater than 0.2%) clearly distinguishes, and hence predicts, gluten-associated enteropathies (including dermatitis herpetiformis and malignant histiocytosis) from others in which gluten plays no aetiological role and where the mitotic index differs insignificantly from normal control mucosae (much less than 0.2%). Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the mitotic index is raised in so-called "non-responsive coeliacs," thus suggesting that such patients may also be gluten-sensitive despite their subsequent failure to respond morphologically to dietary gluten restriction.
Morphological characteristics and distribution patterns of epithelial cells in the cytological diagnosis of gastric cancer.
Authors: Young J A , Hughes H E , Hole D J
Published: June 2007

The morphological features of epithelial cells in gastric biopsy touch smears from 296 cases (248 benign, 48 malignant) were retrospectively reviewed. By subjective criteria no single purely morphological characteristic could be identified that was consistently capable of separating benign from malignant specimens. The value of cell distribution patterns in diagnosis was therefore objectively analysed in the 231 adequate specimens (190 benign, 41 malignant). A score of over 20% for single epithelial cells was found to have a sensitivity of 95.1% and specificity of 99.5% in the diagnosis of carcinoma. Quantitative analysis of cell distribution pattern is a simple test, which does not require special equipment, yet can be helpful in the interpretation of gastric cytology.
Biopsy findings in malignant histiocytosis presenting as lethal midline granuloma.
Authors: Aozasa K
Published: June 2007

Nasal biopsy findings in malignant histiocytosis presenting clinically as lethal midline granuloma are characterised by necrosis and infiltration of atypical histiocytic cells with a diffuse positive reaction for non-specific esterase. This cellular character was common to midline malignant reticulosis, and midline malignant reticulosis and malignant histiocytosis are thought to be the same disease. Patterns of histiocytic infiltration in the nasal lesions of 19 cases are reported in this paper. Polymorphic and monomorphic patterns were observed in 11 and four cases respectively, on the initial biopsy, but subsequently the infiltrates frequently became monomorphic on serial biopsy. The reverse was not observed. Surface marker and cytochemical studies showed the true histiocytic nature of the proliferating cells, and necropsy findings justified the diagnosis of malignant histiocytosis.
Evaluation of a micromethod gallery (API Staph) for the identification of staphylococci and micrococci.
Authors: Marples R R , Richardson J F
Published: June 2007

A collection of 300 well-characterised strains of staphylococci and micrococci was examined by a commercially available gallery micromethod (API Staph). The results were compared with biotyping by conventional methods. The gallery micromethod broadly agreed with the biotyping scheme used but gave an identification from the index supplied in less than 30% of the trials. Reproducibility was better after 48 h incubation than after 24 h but was poor for the tests for phosphatase and acetoin. When compared with the results of conventional tests, the tests for acetoin, phosphatase and urea were unsatisfactory.
Effect of treatment with 17 alpha-alkylated androgens on C4 conversion products in hereditary angioedema studied by crossed immunoelectrophoresis.
Authors: Bergamaschini L , Cicardi M , Tucci A , Agostoni A
Published: June 2007

During agarose electrophoresis C4 in the normal human serum is converted into cleavage products of Beta 1 and Beta 2 mobility. By contrast in the serum of untreated patients with hereditary angiodema C4 gives only one Beta 2 peak on crossed immunoelectrophoresis. The normal C4 electrophoretic pattern is restored in serum of patients treated with stanazolol but not with danazol despite the same C1-esterase inhibitor (C1 INH) activities and C4 serum concentration. We suggest that stanazolol besides having specific effect on C1 INH activity can interfere with other protease inhibitors affecting C1 activation.
Platelet inhibition with Ticlopidine in atherosclerotic intermittent claudication.
Authors: Aukland A , Hurlow R A , George A J , Stuart J
Published: June 2007

Fifty-one men with atherosclerotic intermittent claudication and haemorheological abnormalities completed a double-blind, one-year randomised trial of Ticlopidine (500 mg/day), a new antiplatelet agent. Ticlopidine caused significant inhibition of platelet aggregation but did not fully correct abnormalities of coagulation, viscosity, and fibrinolysis. There was no significant improvement in walking ability, Doppler ankle-pressure indices, or calf blood flow. Sustained platelet inhibition for 12 months was insufficient to correct the prothrombotic abnormality of extensive atherosclerosis.
Somatostatin: a paracrine contribution to hypothyroidism in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Authors: Dhillon A P , Rode J , Leathem A , Papadaki L
Published: June 2007

Thyroid tissue from 18 consecutive cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis treated surgically were stained immunohistochemically for neurone specific enolase (NSE), somatostatin, calcitonin and thyroglobulin. Cells staining for NSE and somatostatin were present in 14 cases. In four cases large numbers of cells including oxyphil cells stained for NSE. Consecutive sections showed an identical staining pattern of these cells for somatostatin. Sections stained for calcitonin showed few or no positively staining cells. There were moderate numbers of NSE and somatostatin-containing cells in five of the cases, occasional cells in five and none in four cases. Electron microscopy confirmed neurosecretory-like granules within positively staining cells. Somatostatin is known to inhibit T3 and T4 production or release from thyroid cells by a direct action. We suggest, in Hashimoto's disease, somatostatin in paracrine cells serves as a local inhibitory neuroendocrine effector and could be causally related to the hypothyroid state.
Measurement of the fasting urinary hydroxyproline: creatinine ratio in normal adults and its variation with age and sex.
Authors: Hodgkinson A , Thompson T
Published: June 2007

Conditions for the determination of the fasting urinary hydroxyproline: creatinine ratio (OHPr: Cr ratio) have been examined, using a resin-catalysed hydrolysis and automated colorimetric procedure for the determination of hydroxyproline. Feeding experiments with gelatin showed that hydroxyproline is rapidly absorbed and excreted in the urine and that a 12-hour (overnight) fast is sufficient to ensure correct and reproducible fasting OHPr: Cr ratios. The mean fasting OHPr: Cr ratio decreased slightly with increasing age in both men and premenopausal women but there was no significant difference between the sexes. There was, however, a significant increase in the mean ratio in postmenopausal women. The normal range of fasting OHPr: Cr ratios for men and premenopausal women was found to be 0.003--0.015.
Segmental lymph-node infarction after fine-needle aspiration.
Authors: Davies J D , Webb A J
Published: June 2007

Wedge-shaped lymphoid depletion and sinus distention is described in the pole of an intramammary lymph node. The origin of the lesion appears to be traumatic venous thrombosis. Topographically the lesion differs from spontaneous venous infarction of lymph nodes, and resembles segmented infarction due to small arterial lesions. The usually localised trauma of fine-needle aspiration appears to account for its distinctive microanatomical distribution.
Cytogenetic study in acute myeloid leukaemia using peripheral blood samples sent by post.
Authors: Li Y S , Hayhoe F G
Published: June 2007

The patterns of chromosomal abnormalities in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) revealed by study of peripheral blood specimens (group A) up to seven days old were comparable to the results from fresh bone marrow (group B). However, a decreasing proportion of cases providing enough metaphases for study, an increasing proportion of cases with chromosomal abnormalities, a decreasing ratio AN:AN + AA (see footnote Table 1) and a decreasing percentage of chromosomally normal cells in AN cases were found with ageing of specimens, which clearly demonstrates that cells with a normal karyotype were more likely to lose the capacity for dividing and die off than abnormal ones during ageing of specimens. Since the cells in older specimens were less active in division, a prolonged culture time was used. The different times for the cells from older specimens to re-enter active proliferation in culture conditions appeared to have some cytobiological significance. Three cases with t(8q-; 21q+) were present in group A but none in group B. Two cases of APL both showed a t(15q+; 17q-) and the breakpoints seemed to be at 15q24 and 17q22. One case showed trisomy 8 and double minute chromosomes. The remission rate in AN patients was lower than in AA or NN patients.
Biotyping ofEnterobacter cloacae
Authors: Old David C
Published: June 2007

A biotyping scheme forEnterobacter cloacaeis proposed. Tests with seven substrates that gave reliable, reproducible results with 110 isolates ofE cloacaeformed the basis of the biotyping scheme which would allow recognition of 128 potential biotypes.
The Howie code: is the price of safety too high?
Authors: Cohen D R
Published: June 2007

The code of practice for the prevention of infection in clinical laboratories and postmortem rooms (the "Howie code") was produced in order to standardise laboratory safety procedures at a level which would minimise risks to laboratory workers. The costs of implementing this code, which were not given proper consideration when the code was drawn up, are seen to be very high. This paper questions whether the benefits of risk reduction resulting from the code can justify the high cost of its implementation. Beginning with an examination of the incidence in recent years of laboratory-acquired infections, the paper looks at the perceptions of risk by laboratory workers and the feasibility of low cost alternatives to those of the Howie code. The potential benefits of the code are then viewed against the cost of upgrading the laboratories of two Scottish hospitals to Howie standards. The fact of high costs relative to benefits reinforces the paper's call for the proper consideration of economic issues to be given at the development rather than the implementation stage of any regulatory codes.
Granulomatous mastitis: a report of seven cases
Authors: Fletcher A , Magrath IM , Riddell RH , Talbot IC
Published: June 2007

The clinical history and histological features of seven cases of granulomatous mastitis are presented. The lesion occurs in young parous women as a tender extra-areolar breast lump. Histologically, non-caseating discrete granulomas are present, confined to breast lobules with, in three cases, coalescence of the granulomas and microabscess formation. Pathogenesis of the changes is discussed. It is thought that granulomatous mastitis is an entity morphologically distinct from duct ectasia/plasma cell mastitis and the commoner forms of granulomatous breast diseases.
Use of the Phoenix system for bacteriology
Authors: Perry Jennifer , Mitchison DA , Darrell JH
Published: June 2007

A dedicated microbiology data processing system with remote batched job entry to an obsolete computer, has been superseded by the inclusion of bacteriology in an on-line interactive clinical pathology system which had previously incorporated chemical pathology and haematology. The original Phoenix system has been adapted to allow for the entry of bacteriology data using mnemonic codes and to deal with the problems caused by the longer processing time of bacteriology specimens. Particular advantages of the new system include the immediate linkage of all specimens for each patient and an easy recall and display of results in the laboratories and on the wards.
Impaired production of mononuclear cell procoagulant activity in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Authors: Cortellazzo S , Viero P , Barbui T , Colucci M , Semeraro N
Published: June 2007

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is associated with a low incidence of thrombotic complications, or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), or both, despite the frequent occurrence of severe infections. We have investigated the capacity of blood mononuclear cells to produce procoagulant activity when stimulated with bacterial endotoxin in 16 patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Procoagulant activity generated by patients' cells after prolonged incubation with endotoxin was significantly lower than that produced by cells from a matched control group (p less than 0.001). The defect could not be attributed to an inhibitory effect of leukaemic lymphocytes. It is suggested that in CLL the monocyte has an intrinsic functional abnormality of the procoagulant response to endotoxin and possibly to other stimuli. These findings help explain why CLL patients do not develop thrombotic complications despite the high incidence of severe infectious diseases.
Stability of cyclosporin A in human serum.
Authors: Smith J M , Hows J M , Gordon-Smith E C
Published: June 2007

Cyclosporin A (CyA), a new immunosuppressive drug, is used for the prevention of organ graft rejection in man. The main side effect of CyA is nephrotoxicity which is usually reversible when the drug is stopped. Nephrotoxicity may be avoided in patients by careful monitoring of serum CyA concentration by radioimmunoassay, in addition to the routine biochemical tests of renal function. There is a good correlation between trough (12 hour) serum concentrations of CyA and plasma creatinine. Cyclosporin A was stable in serum at room temperature for up to seven days and on storage at -20 degrees C for up to five months. Delayed separation of blood stored at room temperature led to increased serum CyA concentrations while blood stored at 4 degrees C before separation was much more stable. Blood samples should be separated as quickly as possible to avoid the release of CyA from the cellular fraction into the serum. Haemolysed samples should be avoided. CyA is sufficiently stable at room temperature for serum samples to be sent in the first class post to a control laboratory for CyA assay, after patients are discharged from the transplant centre. Control and patient serum samples should be stored for a maximum of five months at -20 degrees C prior to assay for CyA.
Prognostic value of tumour thickness in cutaneous malignant melanoma
Authors: Jeffrey Iona , Royston Patrick , Sowter Christopher , Slavin Gerard , Price Ashley , Pomerance Ariela , Goolamali Saleem , Pinto Dominic
Published: June 2007

The relation between survival and histological features in 91 patients with malignant melanoma was studied and the results were analysed by Clayton's method for interpretation of censored survival data. There was a significant correlation between tumour thickness and survival. The risk of dying from malignant melanoma after 10 years of follow up was less than 15% if the primary tumour was less than 1·5 mm thick but more than 80% if the lesion was thicker than 8 mm.

The type of melanoma, level of invasion, mitotic rate, and presence of ulceration also correlated with survival, but these variables are related to tumour thickness.
Application of reflectance spectroscopy to the estimation of uric acid, urea and glucose: an evaluation of the Ames Seralyzer
Authors: Stevens JF , Newall RG
Published: June 2007

An original approach to the measurement of analytes in clinical chemistry has now become available, in which dry reagent strip technology is linked to measurement by reflectance spectroscopy. The present studies have evaluated the performance of the first of these test systems—for uric acid, urea and glucose, in serum—by comparison with conventional liquid chemistry methods. Satisfactory performance in terms of both precision and accuracy was obtained for all three test systems, the current “state-of-the-art” performance criteria being met; the Seralyzer system proved reliable and easy to use in the hands of trained operators. It should find a place as a “Stat” analyser in the laboratory, in specified wards and in Health Centres.
Relative carriage rates of nuclear dehydrogenating clostridia in two populations of different colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Borriello SP , Drasar BS , Tomkins A , Hill MJ
Published: June 2007

Carriage of nuclear dehydrogenating clostridia has been associated with colon cancer and implicated in its aetiology. This study has compared the carriage of these organisms in a British population at high risk for the development of colon cancer with a low risk Nigerian population. Clostridia were found in all of the stools from both populations. Nuclear dehydrogenating clostridia were only found in the stools of the British subjects (32%). These results support the suggestion that the carriage rate of nuclear dehydrogenating clostridia in a population is related to the risk of colon cancer.
A modified tetrazolium reaction for identifying malignant cells from gastric and colonic cancer
Authors: Ibrahim KS , Husain OAN , Bitensky L , Yen J Cha
Published: June 2007

When non-malignant cells were reacted for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, with neotetrazolium chloride as the indicator of the activity, oxygen competed with the neotetrazolium and nullified the reaction. In contrast, about 30% of the activity was retained in malignant cells, in sections and in smears, from cancer of the stomach or colon. This could provide the basis of a qualitative (black-or-white) functional test for distinguishing malignant cells in these conditions.
Pepsinogen in gastric carcinoma cells
Authors: Reid WA , Thompson WD , Kay J
Published: June 2007

Immunoperoxidase staining of 125 gastric carcinomas showed pepsinogen in tumour cells of seven (5·6%) cases. Carcinomas from other sites were negative. The phenomenon is probably too uncommon to be useful in identifying secondary carcinomas as gastric in origin, but it is of some biological interest.
A possible route for lymphocyte migration into diseased tissues
Authors: Freemont AJ
Published: June 2007

Vessels within the lymphocytic infiltrate in 161 examples of 24 different diseases have been studied using light and electron microscopy and histochemistry. Hitherto undescribed venules have been identified within lymphocyte aggregates which exhibit a structure, ultrastructure and cytochemistry previously believed to be restricted to the high endothelial venules of lymphoid tissues. The significance of these findings is discussed within the context of lymphocyte migration into abnormal tissue.
Formaldehyde in pathology departments.
Authors: Clark R P
Published: June 2007

Toxic effects of formaldehyde in humans are discussed in relation to occupational exposure and tolerance to this agent. Carcinogenic and mutagenic properties of formaldehyde have been reported in animals and this has led to concern about a possible role in human cancer. The current state of affairs is reviewed in the light of a lack of direct evidence linking formaldehyde with cancer in man and in relation to recommended exposure levels. It is important to employ effective means of containment and practical methods for reducing exposure to formaldehyde in pathology departments and post-mortem rooms are described.
The synovium and synovial fluid in multicentric reticulohistiocytosis--a light microscopic, electron microscopic and cytochemical analysis of one case.
Authors: Freemont A J , Jones C J , Denton J
Published: June 2007

The synovium and synovial fluid have been studied in a patient with multicentric reticulohistiocytosis. Previously unreported histochemical, immunocytochemical and ultrahistochemical findings are presented and their relevance to the aetiology and pathogenesis are discussed. The synovial fluid analysis in this disease is characteristic and may be helpful in its early diagnosis.
Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition in ochronotic arthropathy.
Authors: McClure J , Smith P S , Gramp A A
Published: June 2007

The post-mortem examination of an unsuspected case of alkaptonuria revealed extensive ochronosis. Histological examination of undecalcified sections of tracheal, costal, femoral and patellar cartilage revealed, in addition to ochronotic pigment, extensive calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition. Similar deposits were present in intervertebral discs and were related to ossification of the discs resulting in partial or complete ankylosis. The calcific deposits were present around chondrocytes in the articular cartilage and this may be an important factor in the initiation of the osteoarthrotic process which characterises ochronotic arthropathy as it affects large diarthrodial joints.
Differential effect of detergents on the alkaline denaturation of haemoglobin in maternal and fetal blood, with particular reference to Triton X-100.
Authors: Duck-Chong C G
Published: June 2007

In this investigation, the alkaline denaturation of haemoglobin in the blood of pregnant women and in cord blood obtained from newborn infants was followed by measuring the increase in absorbance at 375 nm. As expected, in the absence of detergent, the haemoglobin of cord blood was much more resistant to alkaline denaturation than that of maternal blood. However, in the presence of Triton X-100, a non-ionic detergent, the sensitivity of fetal haemoglobin to alkali was comparable to that of adult haemoglobin. Similar results were obtained using the non-ionic detergents, Brij-35, Tween 80 and Nonidet P40, but the anionic detergent, sodium deoxycholate, was apparently without effect. These findings form the basis of a rapid and sensitive method for discriminating between maternal and fetal blood in biological specimens.
A miniaturised and simplified technique for typing and subtyping herpes simplex virus.
Authors: Darville J M
Published: June 2007

A miniaturised, simplified and rapid method for typing and subtyping herpes simplex virus by restriction enzyme analysis of radioactively labelled DNA is described. This method requires far less label than those described previously, giving advantages in both cost and safety and therefore in its suitability for use in a routine laboratory. It produces results indistinguishable from those obtained by the parent method.
Growth hormone and malignancy.
Authors: Andrews G S
Published: June 2007

The finding of raised growth hormone concentrations in patients with secondary malignancy in the liver is reported. These concentrations were significantly higher than those found in patients with primary malignancy only or in those with non-hepatic secondaries. A wide range of malignancies was investigated and the high growth hormone concentration was not specific for any type of tumour. This suggested that the increased hormone was not the product of the tumour cells but due to altered liver metabolism.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme and its clinical significance--a review.
Authors: Studdy P R , Lapworth R , Bird R
Published: June 2007

There have been considerable advances in understanding the metabolic role of the endothelial lining cells of the blood vessels. Angiotensin-converting enzyme activity is concentrated in these cells, especially those lining the pulmonary circulation. The enzyme exerts control over systemic vascular tone indirectly through the powerful pressor effect of angiotensin II. A number of therapeutic agents are now available which directly inhibit converting enzyme activity and thereby effect a reduction in blood pressure. Macrophages are the source of increased angiotensin-converting enzyme activity commonly found in association with active sarcoidosis. A better understanding of this phenomenon may give fresh insight into this puzzling condition. Pulmonary endothelial metabolism is affected by lung injury and it is likely that in this situation changing activities of serum angiotensin converting enzyme may indicate the extent of damage and the response to therapy. The full clinical significance of serum ACE measurements has yet to be established. However, raised activities have been reported in a number of other conditions and diabetes mellitus and hyperthyroidism are of particular current interest. The numerous methods and reference ranges described in the literature for the measurement of serum ACE activity require further assessment, and there is a clear need for an accepted reference method.
Extramedullary transformation of chronic myeloid leukaemia with a unique chromosome pattern.
Authors: Flanagan N G , Harrison C J , Harry D S , Ridway J C
Published: June 2007

A case of extramedullary myeloblastic transformation of chronic myeloid leukaemia is reported. This was characterised by an unusual clinical and haematological course and showed a unique cytogenetic pattern.
Hepatic pseudolipoma.
Authors: Karhunen P J
Published: June 2007

Pseudolipoma of the liver is a rare condition which may be confused with metastatic tumours, primary tumours, or other lesions of the liver. This study presents three hepatic pseudolipomas that occurred in men aged 33, 38, and 42 years. The prevalence of hepatic pseudolipomas was 0.2% in a series of 1300 consecutive necropsies. The histological elements of pseudolipoma are identical with those of twisted peritoneal fat nodules (epiploic appendix) or peritoneal loose bodies, four cases of which were also found in the same material. The size of the migrating loose body may be the critical factor for entry into the space between the diaphragm and the liver. The nutrition of one pseudolipoma seemed to have been obtained from the liver capsule. There was no significant correlation with previous abdominal surgery or obesity.
Intracytoplasmic inclusions in B prolymphocytic leukaemia: ultrastructural, cytochemical, and immunological studies.
Authors: Robinson D S , Melo J V , Andrews C , Schey S A , Catovsky D
Published: June 2007

The intracytoplasmic inclusions seen in most cells from a patient with B prolymphocytic leukaemia were analysed using both light and electron microscopy. They consisted of a dense homogeneous structure and were surrounded by a membrane, which had no continuity with the Golgi cisternae or the endoplasmic reticulum; some inclusions had a clear association with small lysosomal granules. Immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase studies using light microscopy failed to elucidate completely the nature of the inclusions, but immunocytochemical reactions performed using electron microscopy suggested an immunoglobulin nature. All inclusions were negative for acid phosphatase and periodic acid Schiff. The nature of the inclusions described in the prolymphocytes of this patient were compared with those previously recorded in B prolymphocytic leukaemia.
Expression of blood group antigens in urinary tract tumours: prospective fluorescence study using cryostat sections of fresh frozen tissues.
Authors: Thorpe S J , Abel P , Henderson D , Jones N , Feizi T
Published: June 2007

Cryostat sections of fresh frozen tissues were used in a prospective study of blood group H and A antigen fluorescence in 73 transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder. The aim was to evaluate antigen expression without subjecting the tumour tissues to organic solvents that extract blood group active glycolipids. Deletion of the genetically predicted antigen was twice as common in tumours of pT1 or greater stage than those of pTa stage and also twice as common in poorly differentiated than in moderately well differentiated tumours. The considerable heterogeneity and overlap, however, in patterns of reactivity in tumours of various histopathological stages and grades and the effect of secretor status on antigenicity meant that there was no obvious antigenic feature that correlated precisely with invasive stage or differentiation grade. It remains to be determined whether the antigen positive and antigen negative tumours represent different disease entities with differing clinical courses. Our results indicate, however, that studies of the blood group antigens in urinary tract tumours are more likely to be of value in research into biochemical disorders in the neoplastic process than in routine clinical assessment as a guide to treatment.
Working classification of chronic myeloproliferative disorders based on histological, haematological, and clinical findings.
Authors: Burkhardt R , Bartl R , Jäger K , Frisch B , Kettner G , Mahl G , Sund M
Published: June 2007

Bone marrow biopsies of 850 patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorders were taken at initial diagnosis; and 169 sequential biopsies over periods of one to 188 months. Three micron sections of all biopsies were evaluated semiquantitatively with reference to the proliferating cell lines, anomalies of megakaryocytes, and fibrosis or osteosclerosis. Correlations between initial histological findings, clinical, haematological, and survival data were analysed statistically. The predominant cell lines distinguished the classical entities of polycythaemia vera, primary thrombocythaemia, and chronic myeloid leukaemia and correlated with their different prognoses, while megakaryocytes characterised subgroups that were prone to fibrotic or blastic transformation. Based on the initial histological, clinical, and haematological data analysed a working classification of chronic myeloproliferative disorders was proposed that permits recognition of both typical and atypical cases of chronic myeloproliferative disorders.
Poorly differentiated squamous carcinoma of the bronchus: a light and electron microscopic study.
Authors: Carlile A , Edwards C
Published: June 2007

As there is little published information on the ultrastructure of poorly differentiated squamous carcinoma of the bronchus 18 examples of this tumour were studied. On light microscopy 10 of the tumours contained foci of keratinisation or intercellular bridges and therefore fulfilled the World Health Organisation's diagnostic criteria. In eight these features were absent, but the overall appearance was sufficiently squamoid to preclude their placement in any other category. On electron microscopy many cells showed the characteristic desmosomes and tonofilament of of squamous carcinoma, but there were also areas of adenodifferentiation. The ultrastructure of both light microscopic groups was identical. In conclusion, this type of tumour is dimorphic with characteristics of adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma on electron microscopy. Keratinisation and bridges are not essential diagnostic criteria: the overall pattern and cellular morphology are more important.
Evaluation of strategy for testing thyroid function applied to hypothyroidism.
Authors: Corns C M , Miller A L
Published: June 2007

A strategy for testing thyroid function with discretionary assay of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) following initial measurement of total plasma thyroxine (tT4) was retrospectively evaluated in relation to the diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism. Over a two year period 14 641 tT4 assays were done and 6887 TSH assays, of which 29% were initiated in the laboratory. The percentage of raised TSH values (over 5 mU/1) was similar to those for clinician and pathologist initiated requests (23.2% and 23.6%). Some TSH requests (1620) were cancelled; when 212 of these were subsequently analysed the TSH value was raised in 5.7% The incidence of raised TSH values in 188 patients with a tT4 below 100 nmol/1 (7.8 micrograms/100 ml), in whom TSH was not requested, was 5.3% Most of these raised TSH results could be readily explained by information available to the requesting clinician but not given on the request form.
Patients with suspected myocardial infarction: their test request patterns for clinical biochemistry in a British and a Canadian cardiac care unit.
Authors: Henderson A R , Gardner M D
Published: June 2007

The total number of routine clinical biochemistry tests requested for patients admitted to a coronary care unit with a diagnosis of "query myocardial infarction" were recorded over four to eight months. There were 156 sequential admissions in a British teaching hospital and 163 in a Canadian counterpart; the incidence of confirmed myocardial infarction was 53% and 50%, respectively. The pattern of tests ordered was substantially similar in each unit, unlike the rate of testing. For example, total creatine kinase was requested five times less often per patient in the British hospital than in the Canadian unit in cases of confirmed myocardial infarction (2.17 and 10.17, respectively; p less than 0.0001): the difference was much less, but still significant, when there was no infarction (2.01 and 3.55; p less than 0.0001). This study suggests a significant international difference in the use of clinical biochemistry services between coronary care units. Physicians (clinical and laboratory) need to be more critical of their use of protocols, which may prove wasteful of limited health care resources.