bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inherited thrombocytopenia with thrombasthenia
Authors: Sheth N. K. , Prankerd T. A. J.
Published: June 2007

A family with congenital thrombocytopenia is described through four generations where the mode of inheritance appears to be an autosomal dominant.

Spontaneous bruising of varying severity, menorrhagia, and profuse bleeding at operation necessitating transfusion were predominant in the history. Platelet function tests were performed on the various patients. Platelet aggregation by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was found to be defective, though liberation of platelet factor III and platelet thromboplastic function were found to be normal when corrected for deficient numbers.
Estimation of ferrioxamine in jaundiced urine
Authors: Barry Michael , Cartei G. C.
Published: June 2007

A simple modification to Fielding and Brunström's method for the estimation of ferri-oxamine is described for use with jaundiced urine. Manufactured ferrioxamine HC1 may be slightly impure, and when used for standard purposes should be rendered anhydrous and checked for iron content. Standard ferrioxamine solutions suitable for calibrating Fielding and Brunström's method may be prepared by adding standard quantities of ferric iron to excess desferrioxamine.
Automated enzymatic fluorometric method for the determination of pyruvic and lactic acids in blood
Authors: Cramp D. G.
Published: June 2007

A simple automated fluorometric method for the estimation of lactate and pyruvate is described. Analyses can be performed at 60/hour and can conveniently determine pyruvate and lactate in the ranges 0-5 mg. and 0-30 mg/100 ml. The methods give a high degree of analytical precision and good yields from recovery experiments.
Some problems in the use of the Coulter counter for erythrocyte total counts and volume distribution
Authors: Collier H. Bruce
Published: June 2007

Normal erythrocytes were subject to swelling and some haemolysis when suspended in a NaCl-formaldehyde-Na2EDTA diluent ofpH 4·9 for routine blood-cell counting in the Coulter counter. A phosphate-buffered saline ofpH 7·4 was substituted and has proven satisfactory for total erythrocyte counts.

Polyvinyltoluene latex was unsuitable for volume calibration of the counter, because of aggregation of the particles in saline. Ragweed pollen grains gave a calibration factor that agreed well with that for fresh erythrocytes. Recent batches of Dade's Erythro-Trol (a suspension of fixed erythrocytes) were satisfactory for both total counts and volume calibration.
A clinicopathological study of nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's disease
Authors: Cross R. M.
Published: June 2007

The clinicopathological features of 29 patients with nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's disease are described. The histological appearances are those of a nodular pattern due to thick fibrous bands which encircle areas of abnormal lymphoid tissue in which a particular form of abnormal reticulum cell can be recognized. They can be further subdivided into well differentiated and poorly differentiated types; the median survival time from onset in the well differentiated type was approximately nine years and in the poorly differentiated type two years. The outstanding clinical feature of patients with the well differentiated histological pattern was repeated enlargements of various groups of lymph glands over long periods of time.
Frequency of staphylococcal lysozyme production tested by plate method
Authors: Hawiger J.
Published: June 2007

Lysozyme production is a frequent property of staphylococcal strains isolated from various sources; all 503 tested strains ofStaphylococcus aureusand 13 out of 35 strains ofStaphylococcus epidermidisproduced an enzyme lysingMicrococcus lysodeikticusas tested by a modified plate method. Lysozyme production by staphylococci is more frequent than the production of free coagulase, clumping factor, staphylokinase, Tween 80 lipase, and HgCl2resistance.
Platelet adhesiveness: the effect of centrifugation on the measurement of adhesiveness in platelet-rich plasma
Authors: McBride J. A.
Published: June 2007

Platelet adhesiveness has been measured in citrated whole blood and in platelet-rich plasma obtained from normal subjects, splenectomized patients, and from patients in whom the diagnosis of recurrent venous thrombosis had been made. The duration of centrifugation used in the preparation of platelet-rich plasma was found to have a profound effect on the measurement of platelet adhesiveness because the figure for platelet adhesiveness measured in platelet-rich plasma obtained by centrifugation was considerably lower than that found in citrated whole blood. This effect was particularly marked when platelet-rich plasma was obtained from subjects in whom platelet adhesiveness measured in whole blood was increased.
A studyin vitroof the sensitivity to antibiotics ofBacteroides fragilis
Authors: Ingham H. R. , Selkon J. B. , Codd A. A. , Hale J. H.
Published: June 2007

During a two-year period of observationBacteroidesspecies were isolated from specimens of pus and vaginal swabs from 115 patients in this hospital. Thirty-five representative strains proved on examination to beBacteroides fragilis.

Minimal inhibitory and minimal bactericidal concentrations of six antibiotics for these strains were determined. All strains were resistant to streptomycin, neomycin, and polymyxin, slightly sensitive to penicillin and ampicillin, and fully sensitive to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and lincomycin. The minimum bactericidal concentrations of chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and lincomycin were two to four times the minimal inhibitory concentrations. Tetracycline failed to exert any consistent bactericidal effect.

The treatment of patients with infections caused byB. fragilisis discussed in the light of the findingsin vitro.
Evaluation of a nitrite test kit (Stat-test) for the detection of significant bacteriuria
Authors: Lie J. T.
Published: June 2007

A commercially marketed nitrite test kit (Stat-test) for the rapid detection of significant bacteriuria has been evaluated and found to have failed to detect 50% of all cases of significant bacteriuria and 46% of significant bacteriuria associated with nitrate-reducing organisms. The number of false positive results are negligible. The Stat-test, used in its present form, cannot be recommended as a satisfactory screening test for significant bacteriuria.
The detection of circulating antibody in human toxocara infections using the indirect fluorescent antibody test
Authors: Bisseru B. , Woodruff A. W.
Published: June 2007

The indirect fluorescent antibody test has been used to detectToxocaraantibodies quantitatively in human sera. The results obtained correlate well with those obtained with the toxocara skin test. Cross reactions have been found withAscaris lumbricoidesand about one in five normal sera give a significant fluorescent reaction. The specificity of the test has been established byAscarisadsorption studies and by a lack of cross reaction with sera from other helminthic infections. The test may be especially easy to use and therefore particularly valuable in regions whereA. lumbricoidesinfection is relatively rare.
Neoplastic Paneth cells
Authors: Lewin Klaus
Published: June 2007

A villous papilloma of the colon showing neoplastic proliferation of Paneth cells is described. The literature is reviewed and only three other tumours are accepted as showing neoplastic proliferation of Paneth cells.
Pulmonary blastoma
Authors: Barson A. J. , Jones Aled W. , Lodge K. V.
Published: June 2007

A case of pulmonary blastoma is described in a man dying at the age of 50 from hepatic and cerebral metastases. Eleven previously reported cases are reviewed and the histogenesis is discussed. It is concluded that these rare tumours are a distinct form of pulmonary carcinosarcoma in which the epithelial element is an adenocarcinoma. It is this that gives it its characteristic and probably coincidental histological resemblance to foetal lung and the evidence for a blastomatous origin is regarded as insufficient.
Carcinoma of the lung and diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Fox B. , Risdon R. A.
Published: June 2007

The clinical and histopathological findings are presented in two cases of diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis in which carcinoma of the lung developed. In one case with rheumatoid arthritis and diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis there was `malignant pulmonary adenomatosis', an association which does not appear to have been reported before. In the second case idiopathic diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis was complicated by large cell anaplastic carcinoma of the lung.

It is suggested that in both cases the development of carcinoma of the lung was a complication of the epithelial hyperplasia and scarring that occurs in diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.

It is also suggested that carcinoma found in the main bronchi in patients with diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis should not be regarded as coincidental unless careful search has excluded a carcinomatous change in the periphery of the scarred lungs.
Evaluation of discordant laboratory data in patients with thyroid disorders
Authors: Thomson J. A. , Boyle I. T. , McGirr E. M. , Macdonald E. M. , Nicol J. , Brown J.
Published: June 2007

The usefulness of the various tests of thyroid function has been evaluated over a three-year period. It is concluded that an uptake test and estimation of the serum protein-bound radioactive iodine (PB131I), supplemented as required by the protein-bound iodine (PBI), remain the best routine tests of thyroid function. Forty-five patients who gave discordant results on these tests over this period have been studied in detail and the value of other tests of thyroid function has been explored.
An evaluation of the Technicon AutoAnalyzer for automating complement-fixation tests
Authors: Taylor C. E. D. , Kershaw J. W. , Heimer G. V.
Published: June 2007

Obviously there is need for a reliable means of automating complement-fixation tests. This paper offers an account of experience with an AutoAnalyzer adapted for this purpose. Results of syphilis screening tests done by the AutoAnalyzer compared with those of tests performed manually showed satisfactory agreement, the automated method being slightly less specific in our hands. There were no false negative results with the AutoAnalyzer if both Maltaner and Reiter protein antigens were used.

The current design of the AutoAnalyzer contains three major shortcomings if it is to be used for large numbers of complement-fixation tests. First and foremost is the relatively slow sampling rate compatible with adequate sample discrimination. Second is the necessity for frequently replenishing the machine with samples. Third is the need for adjusting or cleaning the flow-cell during use.
Binding of neomycin and analogues by fatty acidsin vitro
Authors: Lacey R. W.
Published: June 2007

Neomycin forms insoluble complexes with long-chain fatty acidsin vitro.This reduces the diffusion of neomycin but does not directly neutralize its antibiotic activity. Possible effectsin vivoare discussed.
Modified colorimetric ultramicro method for estimating Nefa in serum
Authors: Elphick M. C.
Published: June 2007

A method is described for the estimation of serum free fatty acids based on the ultramicro method of Novák. The difficulty of obtaining an accurate standard graph has been overcome and the interfering effects of phospholipids have been reduced. The method is simple to perform and gives accurate, precise results in 50 μl samples; it is thus suitable for work on newborn babies and small laboratory animals.
Lipid content of malignant lymphomas
Authors: Wright D. H.
Published: June 2007

Lipid staining, using oil red 0 and Sudan black B stain, was carried out on frozen sections of formalin-fixed tumour tissue from 142 cases of malignant lymphoma. Most cases of Burkitt's tumour contained abundant coarse lipid droplets both within the cytoplasm of the lymphoid cells and within non-neoplastic histiocytes scattered throughout the tumour. Lymphocytic lymphomas contained little stainable fat. Histiocytic and stem-cell lymphomas were almost equally divided between those containing abundant lipid droplets and those devoid of lipid. It is suggested that the demonstration of abundant cytoplasmic lipid droplets may assist in the diagnosis of Burkitt's tumour although this feature is not in itself diagnostic. The significance of the lipid droplets in the cells of Burkitt's tumour is discussed in relation to the histogenesis of the tumour.
Labial salivary gland biopsy in Sjögren's disease
Authors: Chisholm D. M. , Mason D. K.
Published: June 2007

A labial biopsy technique is described and was used to study 40 patients with connective tissue disease and 60 postmortem subjects. More than one focus of lymphocytes per 4 sq mm of minor salivary tissue was found to be a consistent finding in patients with Sjögren's disease. The labial biopsy is shown to be a further valuable investigative procedure in such patients.
Effect of dilution on the growth of bacteria from blood cultures
Authors: Roome A. P. C. H. , Tozer R. A.
Published: June 2007

Artificial blood culture systems were set up to find the dilution with medium necessary to overcome the natural antibacterial effect of blood. The results indicate that blood should be diluted at least 1 in 50 in medium unless an additive such as Liquoid is used.
Mitral stenosis together with a giant cell myocarditis limited to the left atrium
Authors: Gillie I. , Fox H.
Published: June 2007

A case is described in which mitral stenosis was associated with a giant cell myocarditis; the latter lesion was, however, localized to the left atrium. A quite high proportion of reported cases of giant cell myocarditis have occurred in association with rheumatic heart disease. The nature of this relationship is discussed and it is concluded that, in such cases, the giant cell reaction may represent an unusual myocardial response to rheumatic fever.
Porotic hyperostosis and the Gelligaer skull
Authors: Cule John , Evans I. Lynn
Published: June 2007

The differential diagnosis of the bony lesions known as porotic hyperostosis found on a Bronze Age child's skull is discussed. Keith and Shattock gave an opinion in 1923 that the cause was rickets. A firm conclusion is not reached in this paper, but it is suggested that it was more likely to have been an iron-deficiency anaemia.
Residual formaldehyde after low-temperature steam and formaldehyde sterilization
Authors: Gibson G. L. , Johnston H. P. , Turkington V. E.
Published: June 2007

The levels of formaldehyde remaining in various articles have been estimated immediately after a low-temperature steam and formaldehyde sterilizing process and after various periods of aeration. These levels have been compared with the levels of ethylene oxide remaining after exposure to an ethylene oxide sterilizing process.

In rubber and polythene and a plastic, formaldehyde levels are low and slowly fall even further. Ethylene oxide levels are relatively much higher even after seven days' aeration.

It is not considered that the residual levels of formaldehyde in rubber, polythene, and a plastic should constitute a danger. Residual levels of formaldehyde in fabrics and paper are higher but this may be of value by giving a self-disinfecting action on storage.
A report on experience with an automatic blood counting machine
Authors: Green A. E. , Middleton V. L. , Prentis K. G. , Signy A. G.
Published: June 2007

Experience after 18 months' work with the SMA-4 system of multiple analysis for routine haematology is described, as well as the modifications to the machine which have been made for smoother operation.
Examination by electron microscopy of the San Carlos viruses isolated from children with infectious hepatitis
Authors: Zuckerman A. J. , Bird R. G. , Dunkley Lorna J. , Love G. J.
Published: June 2007

The results of a study by electron microscopy of the cytopathic effects produced by the San Carlos viruses on cultured human embryo hepatocytes are reported. Examination of liver cells infected with San Carlos virus 6 revealed single virions and crystalline arrays with the hexagonal virion contour measuring an average of 65 to 70 mμ. However, associated with this predominant virion a smaller virus particle with a dimension of 30 to 40 mμ was also found. The nature of this second virion type is not yet clear but its diameter is much larger than the size so far described for the adeno-associated viruses. The size of the smaller virion is probably also too large for it to be a serious candidate for the hepatitis virus but the possible role of these agents in the aetiology of infectious hepatitis, at least in some patients, merits further study.
Aberrant glandular polypi of the uterine cervix associated with contraceptive pills: Pathology and pathogenesis
Authors: Govan A. D. T. , Black W. P. , Sharp Jessie L.
Published: June 2007

Fifteen cases of aberrant polypoidal glandular hyperplasia of the cervix are described. The lesion was found in five pregnant patients. The remaining 10 patients had taken contraceptive pills over a considerable period of time.

The lesion while histologically bizarre is benign, the changes being to a great extent cytoplasmic and not nuclear. It is suggested that it is formed by the influence of steroids on a cervix which is already pathological. It is further suggested that two changes are essential before steroids can have this effect. Polypoidal lesions must already be present and must exhibit reserve cell hyperplasia.
Use of tissues embedded in epoxy resin for routine histological examination of renal biopsies
Authors: Eastham W. Noel , Essex W. B.
Published: June 2007

The production of 0·4μ thick, full-length sections from renal tissue taken by needle biopsy is achieved by formalin and osmic acid fixation and embedding in epoxy resin as for ultramicrotomy. The marked improvement in histological clarity by using this technique is illustrated by comparison with material embedded in paraffin.
Activation of serum 5′ nucleotidase by magnesium ions and its diagnostic applications
Authors: Belfield A. , Goldberg D. M.
Published: June 2007

Magnesium ions increase the hydrolysis of adenosine 5′ monophosphate (5′ AMP) by human serum atpH 7·9 but not atpH 9·3. The additional hydrolysis atpH 7·9 is predominantly due to increased activity of the specific phosphatase 5′ nucleotidase (5Nase). This increase is proportional to enzyme concentration and has been employed as a measure of 5Nase activity in a sensitive micro-estimation.

The normal range for serum 5Nase activity by this technique was 0 to 20 mIU/ml. In a series of over 200 patients, raised values were found frequently in hepatobiliary disease and infrequently in bone disease. Assay of 5Nase activity gave a more reliable indication of the source of raised serum alkaline phosphatase than isoenzyme electrophoresis in agar gel. The correlation between activities of the two enzymes was low in bone disease generally, and fairly good in hepatobiliary disease. The closest correlation was found in patients with parenchymal liver disease.
Computer-assisted method for compiling a blood group register
Authors: Bellchambers L. A. , Rinsler M. G. , Signy A. G.
Published: June 2007

The compilation of the records of a serology department using a computer to produce alphabetically ordered files is described. This has proved to be an efficient and economical technique which may well be applied to other similar problems in a large clinical laboratory.
Contamination of virological tissue cultures with a species of free-living soil amoeba
Authors: Casemore David P.
Published: June 2007

Overwhelming contamination of a continuous cell line with a free-living soil amoeba of the genus Hartmannella is reported. The significance of the finding is discussed because of recent interest shown in the role of this and related species of amoebae in disease of humans. The methods used to detect and identify the amoeba are described and some examples of the amoebae are shown by photomicrographs. The use of metronidazole to eliminate the amoeba from tissue culture is also described. This procedure has proved successful in practice although the empirical basis for it has not been confirmed by direct assay. Consequently, there is a need to test possible alternative chemical regimens.
The action of light on culture media
Authors: Waterworth Pamela M.
Published: June 2007

Failure of growth of staphylococci on nutrient agar plates was shown to be due to previous exposure to sunlight in an exceptionally well lit laboratory. Such plates inhibited the growth ofStaph. aureus, Staph. albus, someProteusspecies andProvidence, but not that of various other bacteria. The affected species are found to be more susceptible to the action of hydrogen eroxide added to the medium.

The effect was produced in plates of five different nutrient agars, but not in two others which contained casein.

Plates awaiting inoculation should be protected from light; a white fabric blind was found not to be fully protective.
Interference from the presence of other substances in detecting and determining barbiturates in biological material
Authors: Tompsett S. L.
Published: June 2007

Investigations of the interference by other substances in the detection and determination of barbiturates in biological materials are described.
Effects of three cobra venoms on blood coagulation, platelet aggregation, and fibrinolysis
Authors: MacKay N. , Ferguson J. C. , McNicol G. P.
Published: June 2007

The effects of the venoms ofNaja melanoleuca, Naja nigricollis, andOphiophagus hannahon blood coagulation, platelet aggregation, and fibrinolysis were studiedin vitro.All three venoms were shown to be anticoagulant. This action appeared to be due to an effect on both the extrinsic and blood thromboplastin mechanisms. Platelet aggregation in Chandler's tubes and adenosine diphosphate reactivity were inhibited by the three venoms, although in the case ofOphiophagus hannahvenom they were inhibited only with intermediate concentrations. The three venoms possessed proteolytic properties, but when incorporated into purified caseinolytic systems and euglobulin clot lysis systems inhibition of plasmin activity was observed.
Monospot: a differential slide test for infectious mononucleosis
Authors: Basson Vivian , Sharp A. A.
Published: June 2007

Sera collected from 372 patients with suspected infectious mononucleosis were examined for heterophile antibodies by the Paul-Bunnell and the Monospot test. Comparison of results showed the latter to be simple, time saving, and of sufficient specificity for routine use in the general laboratory.
Fine structural evidence for hormone secretion by a human thymic tumour
Authors: Macadam R. F. , Vetters J. M.
Published: June 2007

An epidermoid type of thymoma from an asymptomatic 39-year-old male subject is described. Electron microscopy demonstrated endocrine type secretory granules within the tumour cells, and a minority of these granules resembled normal human pancreatic alpha cell granules. Fine structural evidence for endocrine secretory activity in a primary thymic tumour has not been previously described.

There are few fine structural reports of primary thymic tumours in man and to our knowledge these do not include certain features of the case described here.
Modification of Michaëlsson's method for the measurement of plasma total bilirubin
Authors: Thompson R. P. H.
Published: June 2007

Michaëlsson's (1961) method for the measurement of plasma bilirubin concentration was found to be complicated by conjugated bilirubin. Delaying the addition of the accelerator, diphylline, corrected this fault. The method was calibrated using serum or plasma, since reconstituted protein solutions introduced large errors.
Sensitivity to amphotericin B of aNaegleriasp. isolated from a case of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis
Authors: Carter Rodney F.
Published: June 2007

An amoeba of the genusNaegleriacausing fatal meningoencephalitis in a human subject has been investigated for its sensitivity to several drugs. Penicillin, sulphadiazine, chloramphenicol, oxytetracycline hydrochloride, streptomycin, methotrexate, emetine, quinine, and metronidazole had no effect on the organismin vitroat levels in excess of those likely to be attained therapeutically in the brain. Amphotericin B was highly amoebicidalin vitroand protected mice from infection with the organism. Used in high dosage by the intraventricular as well as the intravenous route, this drug might be successful in the treatment of further cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
Quantitative enzyme cytochemistry of leukaemic cells
Authors: Stuart J. , Bitensky Lucille , Chayen J.
Published: June 2007

A new technique for the quantitative estimation of glycolytic and respiratory enzyme activity in intact and unfixed bone marrow and peripheral blood cells is described. The method gives a two- to three-fold increase in demonstrable enzyme activity per cell compared with existing techniques using fixed marrow film preparations, and is particularly applicable to the study of relatively fragile cells such as the leukaemic lymphoblast.
Chemodectoma of the orbit
Authors: Ahmed A. , Dodge O. G. , Kirk R. S.
Published: June 2007

The histological and clinical features of a primary chemodectoma arising in the orbit are described. It is suggested that the tumour may have arisen from chemoreceptor tissue in the area of the lacrimal gland.
Isolation of a Coxsackie virus group B, type 5, from the heart of a fatal case of myocarditis in an adult
Authors: Longson Maurice , Cole F. M. , Davies Derek
Published: June 2007

The cause of a fatal case of myocarditis in an adolescent male was established at necropsy by the isolation of Coxsackie virus group B, type 5, from myocardium and bowel. An antibody assay on a single serum is reported. This is believed to be a first report and its significance is assessed.
Catecholamine metabolite excretion in spina bifida
Authors: McKibbin B. , O'Gorman L. , Duckworth T.
Published: June 2007

The urinary excretion of vanilmandelic acid (VMA), homovanillic acid (HVA), and parahydroxyphenylacetic acid (pHPAA) was measured in 55 children with meningomyelocoele selected at random. In 96% of the children the levels of one or other of these compounds was significantly raised above the normal, usually by a factor of about 3. High VMA levels usually meant high HVA levels but the values for pHPAA appeared to be quite independent of the others. These results suggest a disorder of tyrosine metabolism, and the possible implications are discussed.
Bone changes in polycythaemia vera and myelosclerosis
Authors: Roberts B. E. , Woods C. G. , Miles D. W. , Paterson C. R.
Published: June 2007

To study the problem of new bone formation in myelosclerosis bone biopsies have been performed in cases of polycythaemia vera, which may be regarded as a pre-myelosclerotic condition, and in primary myelosclerosis; morphological studies of bone and reticulin were made and osteoid and bone matrix was quantitatively assessed. Relevant metabolic studies were also carried out, but were predominantly normal. No new bone formation was detected in polycythaemia vera and some bone was osteoporotic; no significant increase in osteoid was found. With the use of polarized light it was found that new bone formation in myelosclerosis resulted from the ossification of wavy argyrophilic fibres in marrow: the presence of a dense network of these wavy fibres was a pre-requisite of new bone formation and ossification of the non-refractile branched reticulin fibres was not observed.
Evaluation of a rapid method for the determination of plasma fibrinogen
Authors: Burmester H. B. C. , Aulton K. , Horsfield G. I.
Published: June 2007

In this study the method of Ellis and Stransky (1961) to determine plasma fibrinogen is evaluated, and modifications are described which have been introduced to improve the sensitivity and reduce the time taken for the test.
An evaluation of the Fisher Hem-Alyzer
Authors: Lappin T. R. J. , Lamont A. , Nelson M. G.
Published: June 2007

The Fisher Hem-Alyzer is a multitest sequential discrete analyser with automatic printout of digitized results on paper tape. The instrument is well designed, soundly constructed, and reliable in routine use. Cross contamination from the sampler probe or between the cuvettes is minimal. Accuracy and precision are both highly satisfactory. Although the standard rate of throughput is 32 specimens per hour the instrument can be used at irregular intervals to analyse smaller batches or even individual specimens. In a routine daily service the Hem-Alyzer was capable of handling a workload of 200 specimens per day, requiring three hours of laboratory technician time. The Hem-Alyzer produces only three parameters. By not determining the packed cell volume it is not possible to incorporate the derived indices (MCV and MCHC) into the system and this, in the long term, is bound to be a disadvantage.
A study of some of the methods of urinary collection in children
Authors: Conn Nancy K.
Published: June 2007

Three methods of urine collection used currently in the diagnosis of urinary tract infection in children were studied. One hundred and fifty-two hospital patients were investigated: 92 by clean-catch method, 32 by the adhesive plastic bag technique, and 28 by suprapubic bladder aspiration. Results indicate that in the great majority of children a satisfactory diagnosis can be made on bacteriological grounds by the examination of specimens passed naturally and collected with care. In a minority of cases further investigation by such means as bladder aspiration may be indicated and this gives conclusive results.
Histopathology and the future
Authors: Gardner D. L.
Published: June 2007

A plea is made for a revolution in diagnostic histopathology. In the present account a brief analysis is given of the drawbacks to existing methods used in the histopathological laboratory and suggestions are made for research in those methods which could lead to progress in the speed and sensitivity of diagnosis and to great economies in histopathological practice. The abolition or replacement of certain techniques used at present is proposed.
Comparison of the indirect fluorescent antibody test with agglutination, complement-fixation, and Coombs tests forBrucellaantibody
Authors: Edwards Joan M. B. , Tannahill Agnes J. , Bradstreet C. M. Patricia
Published: June 2007

A comparison is made of aBrucellafluorescent antibody test with four standard tests on 342 normal, 86 diagnostic, and 41 known positive human sera. Where positive titres of accepted significance were obtained in standard tests, a titre of 1/10 or more was achieved in the fluorescence test.
Some bacteraemias encountered in hospital practice
Authors: Crowley Nuala
Published: June 2007

This is a retrospective study of the results of 4,642 blood cultures taken from 2,190 patients from 1960 to 1967 in one London hospital. The results suggested that an increased incidence of bacteraemias at this particular hospital was mainly due to the increase in the number of patients having blood cultures. Some of the bacteraemias were terminal or transient and probably of doubtful clinical significance.
A simple diagnostic milk medium forPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Brown M. R. W. , Foster J. H. Scott
Published: June 2007

An agar medium containing 10% defatted milk has been tested as a diagnostic medium forPseudomonas aeruginosaand, in particular, for differentiating betweenP. aeruginosaandP. fluorescens.OnlyP. aeruginosacolonies gave clear zones due to hydrolysis of casein together with diffused green pigment. Results on milk agar correlated well with the pattern of results from a variety of conventional tests used to identify this organism. Pigment production ofP. aeruginosaon milk agar was better than on special media commonly used to enhance this characteristic. Routine diagnosis ofP. aeruginosais recommended by streaking on a solid medium containing 10% defatted milk granules, 25% nutrient broth, and 2% agar, and examining for clear zones and pigment after 24 hours' incubation.
Histopathological findings in the combined immunity-deficiency syndrome
Authors: Berry Colin L.
Published: June 2007

The histopathological appearances of the thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (tonsil, Peyer's patches, and appendix) in cases of the combined immunity-deficiency syndrome are presented. The appearance of tissues remaining after foetal thymic transplants and the effects of such transplants on the morphology of lymph nodes are also discussed.

Although thymic appearances are remarkably constant the picture in the lymph nodes and spleen may vary considerably. The tonsils, Peyer's patches, and appendix appear to constitute one lymphoid organ in man, at least with regard to the developmental arrest that may occur in this syndrome.
Postmortem detection of inapparent myocardial infarction
Authors: McVie J. G.
Published: June 2007

Two methods of detecting early inapparent myocardial infarcts have been studied and their value in diagnostic practice compared.

The better method proved to be the determination of the potassium to sodium ratio (ionic ratio) which falls in infarcted tissue within minutes of the onset of anoxia. The second method was nitro blue tetrazolium staining of gross sections of myocardium which revealed any infarct older than three and a half hours. As staining is dependent upon enzyme activity, the latter method is disturbed by autolysis. It was shown, on the other hand, that the ionic ratio (K+/Na+) was not affected by autolysis and was therefore well suited to forensic practice.

Sixteen non-infarcted control hearts, plus the nine from cases of sudden death due to causes other than myocardial infarction, all yielded high ionic ratios (K+/Na+), average 1·4, and stained normally with tetrazolium (the normal controls). Positive control was provided by 20 histologically proven infarcts of which the ionic ratios (K+/Na+) were all low (average 0·7). Histochemical staining with tetrazolium delineated infarcted areas in each case.

In a series of 29 sudden deaths, a cause of death other than myocardial infarction was found at necropsy in nine, mentioned above as normal controls. The remaining 20 hearts were not infarcted histologically, but were shown to be infarcted by examination of the ionic ratios (K+/Na+). These ratios were low (average 0·8) including three borderline ratios. Confirmatory evidence of infarction included nitro blue tetrazolium staining which revealed infarcts in 10 of the 20 cases, and clinical and necropsy observations.

The ionic ratio (K+/Na+) decreases as the age of the infarct increases for at least 24 hours. Thereafter as healing proceeds, the ratio gradually reverts to normal. Thus, previous infarction and replacement fibrosis do not significantly alter the ionic ratio (K+/Na+). Nor is it changed by left ventricular hypertrophy, the presence of congestive cardiac failure, or digitalis therapy.

It is suggested that macroscopic tetrazolium staining is a useful screening test for early inapparent myocardial infarcts. In cases where no infarct is delineated with that method estimation of the ionic ratio (K+/Na+) should be carried out on myocardium removed from standard areas on the anterior and posterior left ventricular walls.
Von Willebrand factor and platelet adhesiveness
Authors: Meyer Dominique , Larrieu Marie-José
Published: June 2007

A modification of Salzman's method has been used in an attempt to provide an assayin vitrofor the von Willebrand factor. Platelet adhesiveness was increased in von Willebrand's disease by previously coating the beads with normal or haemophilic plasma or cryoprecipitate, whereas von Willebrand plasma had no corrective effect. Antihaemophilic factor (AHF) concentrates were studied in the same way and results compared with experimentsin vivo.
Affinity for glycoproteins of bacteria found in the respiratory tract in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Saggers B. A. , Lawson David
Published: June 2007

The attraction of bacteria commonly found in the respiratory tract in cystic fibrosis to glycoprotein atpH 7 has been studied. The effect of washing on the removal of bacteria from the glycoprotein has also been investigated, and the value of doing both washed and unwashed sputum cultures is discussed.
Assay of serum fibrin degradation products by agglutination-inhibition of coated erythrocytes
Authors: Das P. C.
Published: June 2007

An immunological method for detecting fibrin degradation products by tanned cells agglutination has been standardized. The effects of different variables, such as cell concentration,pH, and length of incubation, and the specificity of the reaction, are described. The method is compared with other immunological techniques.
Standardized annular assay of dual radioisotopes on a well type sodium iodide crystal
Authors: Bell T. K.
Published: June 2007

A procedure is described for the determination of the separate amounts of two gamma-emitting radioisotopes present simultaneously in large liquid volumes using an annular cell placed over a standard well-type crystal of sodium iodide and a reference source of137Cs. This sensitive technique is illustrated with particular reference to the double radioisotope urinary excretion test, using orally administered57CoB12bound to human gastric juice and58CoB12simultaneously, for the differentiation between patients with intrinsic factor deficiency and other causes of vitamin B12malabsorption.
Sensitivity ofNocardiato trimethoprim and sulphonamidesin vitro
Authors: Black William A. , McNellis Dora A.
Published: June 2007

Studiesin vitroof the sensitivity to trimethoprim and sulphonamides of nine strains ofN. asteroides,two strains ofN. caviae,and one ofN. blackwelliiare presented. No unequivocal evidence of synergism was found. Despite this, the inclusion of trimethoprim in the drug regime when sulphonamides are used in the treatment of nocardiosis is suggested on empirical grounds.
Tetracycline levels in bronchial secretions
Authors: Campbell M. J.
Published: June 2007

The excretion of tetracycline HCl in sputum was studied in 42 hospital patients suffering from various respiratory disorders who were receiving oral tetracycline therapy of 1·0 gram daily in divided doses.

The tetracycline levels were estimated biologically by a cup-plate agar diffusion method usingB. cereus.Two separate methods of sputum homogenization are described: enzymic liquefaction with pronase, a powerful proteolytic enzyme, and ultracentrifugation at 103,000gfor three hours which sediments the viscous mucoids leaving 80-90% as a clear, non-viscous supernatant. The two methods allowed duplicate assays on sputum samples and generally showed close agreement. The ultracentrifugation technique is favoured for normal purposes because of its simplicity and the avoidance of any biochemical interference.

A close correlation was shown between the tetracycline levels in sputum samples and the average serum level for each patient. Over the serum tetracycline range 1·0-5·0 μg/ml, the mean sputum tetracycline levels after centrifugation were 23-18%, and the average level was 0·50 μg/ml.

The levels found in sputum were compared with the minimum inhibitory concentration of tetracycline for strains ofH. influenzaeandStrep. pneumoniae.Eighty-six percent of 29H. influenzaestrains tested and allStrep. pneumoniaestrains tested were sensitive to 0·5 μg/ml tetracycline. The remainingH. influenzaestrains had a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1·0 μg/ml or higher, a tetracycline level in sputum which appeared to be outside the mean range at the oral dosage of 1·0 gram daily.

Hence it is suggested that a small proportion of patients with lower respiratory tract infections due toH. influenzaewould be unresponsive, or only partially responsive, to this usual therapeutic range of tetracycline.
Human infection due toMycobacterium marinumafter a dolphin bite
Authors: Flowers D. J.
Published: June 2007

A young man employed at the local aquarium was bitten by a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) during a training session, receiving a slight injury which healed rapidly. Some two months later fluctuant swellings appeared in the region of the bite, which developed into indolent ulcers which have not completely healed seven months after the original bite. Cultures taken on two occasions have yielded a pure growth ofMycobacterium marinum.
Chronic biological false-positive reactions to serological tests for syphilis in blood donors
Authors: Garner M. F. , Backhouse J. L.
Published: June 2007

Problem sera from 375 blood donors were investigated for biological false-positive reactions to serological tests for syphilis. Problem sera are those sera in which submitting laboratories have found a reactive result to a screening test for syphilis. On each serum a cardiolipin Wassermann reaction, a Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test, a Reiter protein-complement fixation test, aTreponema pallidumimmobilization test, and a fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test were performed.

Of the sera 49·9% were found to be non-reactive in all five tests, 28·8% gave results indicating a diagnosis of syphilis, and 21·3% showed biological false-positive reactions.

There were 80 sera from blood donors which gave biological false-positive reactions. A further specimen of serum from 67 of these donors was tested after an interval of a minimum of six months. Sixty-six of the sera showed chronic biological false-positive reactions. Some donors were only found reactive for the first time after they had given very many donations of blood.

It is concluded that sudden blood loss, as in blood donation, appears to stimulate the production of excess reagin in certain individuals, causing a chronic biological false positive reaction to serological tests for syphilis. This may only appear after several blood donations have been made.
A comparison of an effect of different anti-inflammatory drugs on human platelets
Authors: O'Brien J. R. , Finch Wendy , Clark Elizabeth
Published: June 2007

Different doses of aspirin, indomethacin, paracetamol, benorylate, and sodium salicylate were taken by four volunteers. The minimal dose that altered a platelet function test and the persistence of this alteration at different dose levels were studied. Minute doses of indomethacin (0·035 mg/kg) were effective but the effect of even a large single dose did not persist. A tenth of the therapeutic dose of aspirin (1 mg/kg) was effective, and higher doses altered the platelets' function for several days. Benorylate in a high therapeutic dose gave aspirin-like results. Paracetamol and sodium salicylate were relatively inactive. The persistence of the aspirin effect may be related to the acetyl group. These findings are surveyed in relation to a general theory of the action of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Studies on the57Co vitamin B12plasma level absorption test
Authors: Armstrong B. K. , Woodliff H. J.
Published: June 2007

Results of the57Co vitamin B12plasma level absorption test are described in 163 patients. The use of intramuscular carbachol with the test and the presence or absence of current vitamin B12therapy did not affect the test results. Injection of 1,000 μg of unlabelled vitamin B12during the test augmented plasma levels in patients with normal absorption but tests without this injection gave satisfactory differentiation between the normal and malabsorption ranges. Results from patients having had a gastrectomy, ileal resection, or a past history of adult coeliac disease are also described. Amongst patients with presumed Addisonian pernicious anaemia, two with unresolved equivocal results and three with falsely normal results were found. The significance of these is discussed.
Separation of the proteins of cerebrospinal fluid using gel electrofocusing followed by electrophoresis
Authors: Fossard C. , Dale G. , Latner A. L.
Published: June 2007

The technique previously applied to serum can, with minor modifications, be applied to cerebrospinal fluid. Good protein patterns have been obtained and similarities as well as differences have been demonstrated between cerebrospinal fluid and serum. The patterns obtained should prove useful in neurological diagnosis.
A fluorimetric and enzymatic method for the estimation of serum total bile acids
Authors: Murphy G. M. , Billing Barbara H. , Baron D. N.
Published: June 2007

The enzymatic technique using 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase for determining bile acids in blood has been modified by measuring the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide fluorimetrically. The increased sensitivity attained enables the concentration of total bile acids in serum to be estimated using 3 ml for normal subjects and 1 ml for jaundiced patients. The range of normal values in serum was found to be 0-4·7 μmol/litre for males and 1·0-8·2 μmol/litre for females.
The connective tissue in livers of children
Authors: Ghosh M. L. , Emery J. L.
Published: June 2007

The amount of connective tissue present, relative to the amount of parenchymal tissue, has been assessed in a random series of 200 livers from children dying from non-hepatic disease. The amount of connective tissue in the left liver is approximately twice that in the right liver. The connective tissue in both lobes progressively diminishes during childhood but at all times remains higher than that in adults.

Increased amounts of connective tissue in the liver in children is probably non-specific and related to the degree and duration of shock and hypoxia in the immediate postnatal period.
Infected infarcts of the testis: A study of 18 cases preceded by pyogenic epididymoorchitis
Authors: Hourihane D. O'B.
Published: June 2007

Eighteen cases of infected infarcts of the testis are presented, and evidence is put forward that these result from venous occlusions in the epididymis and cord. The venous lesions probably result from thrombosis during the course of an attack of epididymoorchitis.

Granulomatous orchitis was present in some part of half of the orchidectomy specimens, and the clinical histories, bacteriological findings, and histological data all suggest that this form of inflammation results from pyogenic infection of the testicle. What the factor is which determines whether the inflammation is granulomatous or not is unknown.
The temperature activity relationships of serum cholinesterases
Authors: King J. , Morgan H. G.
Published: June 2007

A study has been made of the temperature activity relationships of the serum cholinesterase variants differentiated by means of dibucaine and fluoride inhibition. Using benzoylcholine as substrate, there is a characteristic temperature activity curve for each phenotype, and, for those most sensitive to succinyldicholine, this differs radically from that of the normal enzyme.

A true index of serum cholinesterase activity is obtained only at 37°C, as at other temperatures various assumptions and correction factors have to be made, and the results could be misleading.
Effects of the venom of the rhinoceros horned viper(Bitis nasicornis)on blood coagulation, platelet aggregation, and fibrinolysis
Authors: MacKay N. , Ferguson J. C. , McNicol G. P.
Published: June 2007

The venom of the rhinoceros horned viper (Bitis nasicornis) has been studiedin vitroand has been shown to be anticoagulant. This action appeared to be due to an effect on both the extrinsic and intrinsic blood thromboplastin mechanisms. The venom was also proteolytic and in purified caseinolytic systems activated plasminogen, enhanced the activation of plasminogen by streptokinase, and potentiated the action of plasmin. In the euglobulin clot lysis system high concentrations of venom produced inhibition. The crude venom increased platelet adhesiveness but in high concentrations delayed the snowstorm effect in the Chandler's tube system and inhibited platelet adenosine diphosphate reactivity. Passage through carboxymethylcellulose yielded six fractions. One possessed anticoagulant activity, inhibited plasmin, and increased the optical density of platelet-rich plasma. The other five fractions shortened the plasma recalcification time but had no effect on plasmin activity. Four fractions aggregated platelets and enhanced platelet adenosine diphosphate reactivity.