bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Change in Cellular Phenotype from Lymphoid to Erythroid in a Case of ALL
Authors: Andersson Leif C. , Wegelius Ruth , Borgström Georg H. , Gahmberg Carl G.
Published: August 2010

Acute leukaemia was diagnosed in a 3‐month‐old boy. Initial blood leucocyte count was 97 × 109/1, 92% of the cells were morphologically small lymphoblasts which according to surface marker analysis were of the common ALL (non‐T non‐B) type. Remission was achieved with initial treatment. During relapse 5 months later a morphologically different leukaemic cell appeared in the bone marrow, blood and liquor. This cell type which dominated during the terminal stage of the disease was larger and had an abundant bosophilic cytoplasm which contained PAS‐positive granulae. Sudan, myeloperoxidase and benzidine staining gave negative results. Neither T nor B lymphocyte markers were seen but a strong surface expression of glycophorin A was found by indirect immunofluorescence with specific rabbit anti‐glycophorin A antiserum. The cells showed a unique surface glycoprotein pattern. Bone marrow karyotype analysis gave in about 80%: 47,XY, + 8,t(4:11) indicating that this blast cell represented a malignant clone. As glycophorin A is expressed exclusively on erythroid cells and their precursors, this finding indicates a change from a ‘lymphoid’ to an erythroid phenotype of the leukaemic cells during the course of the disease.
β2‐Microglobulin in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Authors: Simonsson B. , Wibell L. , Nilsson K.
Published: August 2010

The serum level of β2‐microglobulin (S‐β2m), a cell membrane protein associated with HLA‐antigens, was quantitated in a series of 23 consecutive patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Markedly elevated values of S‐β2m (> 4.5 mg/l) were found in 10 patients, while only 3 patients had normal values (< 3.0 mg/l). High serum values correlated with a large tumour mass, as estimated by Rai's clinical staging and by the total peripheral lymphocyte count. Blood lymphocyte proliferative activity, which has been suggested as reflecting disease activity in CLL, was measured by 3H‐thymidine uptake in cells in vitro. The 3H‐thymidine uptake was high in 3 patients all of whom were among the 5 patients with the highest S‐β2m‐values. S‐β2m‐determinations seem to be of definite interest in the study of patients with CLL although long term studies will be necessary for evaluation of the practical clinical value.
Treatment of Pure Red Cell Anaemia with Antilymphocytic Globulin
Authors: Hagberg H. , Nilsson P. , Nisell J.
Published: August 2010

2 patients with pure red cell anaemia (PRCA) have been treated with antilymphocytic globulin (ALG). An 18‐year‐old man with PRCA refractory to corticosteroides and cyclaphosphamide was treated with 16 g of ALG and obtained a complete remission. 3 years later, he was still in complete remission. A 46‐year‐old man with PRCA appearing 6 months following thymectomy was treated with ALG in his third relapse of PRCA. ALG alone had no significant therapeutic effect, but a combination of corticosteroides and ALG induced a remission lasting for 6 months. A second remission was induced when ALG and corticosteroide again were instituted.
Demonstration of Immune Complexes in Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Effect of Exchange Transfusion
Authors: SacherDr Ronald A. , Phillips Terence M. , Shashaty George G. , Jacobson Robert J. , Rath Charles E. , Lewis Martin G.
Published: August 2010

A 30‐year‐old man with clinical and laboratory features of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) underwent exchange transfusion with 9 units of whole blood over a 24‐h period. Then, the neurological, renal, and haematological manifestations resolved and the patient recovered completely. Serial plasma samples were obtained before and at 8 h intervals during the exchange transfusion. A convalescent plasma sample was obtained 14 and 80 d later. Immune complexes were demonstrated in the pre‐exchange transfusion plasma, by polyethylene glycol (PEG) gradient sedimentation, separated by electrophoresis and analysed immunochemically. There were shown to be light, medium and high molecular weight sedimentation zones in the PEG gradients. The medium zone consisted of immune complexes containing platelet membrane asrociated antigens and IgG antibody; the heavy and light zones only showed the presence of IgG. There was progressive clearance of these zones by the exchange transfusion with the convalescent specimens showing a marked decrease in all zones, especially those of the middle molecular weight (which on analysis represent true immune complexes). The clearance of these immune complexes from the circulation by exchange transfusion could explain the clinical response seen in the patient.
Effect of in Vitro X‐Irradiation on Lymphocyte and Granulocyte Function
Authors: Valerius N. H. , Johansen K. Stæhr , Nielsen O. Saxtrup , Platz P. , Rosenkvist J. , Sørensen H.
Published: August 2010

Granulocyte transfusions have been complicated by graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) in the recipients. This risk can be eliminated by irradiation of the cell product. The effect of in vitro irradiation on elements of lymphocyte and granulocyte function was therefore studied in order to determine the dose of irradiation which blocked lymphocyte function without affecting the function of granulocytes.

Lymphocyte blast transformation after stimulation with mitogens was reduced by 90 % after irradiation with 1500 rad and by 97% after 5000 rad. The response to microbial agents and allogeneic cells was far more radio‐sensitive, being completely abolished after irradiation with 1000 and 500 rad, respectively.

Mobility was the function of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) most affected by irradiation, being slightly but significantly reduced after irradiation with 10000–20000 rad. The bactericidal activity was reduced only after irradiation with 40000 rad or more, while the hexose monophosphate shunt activity and the myeloperoxidase activity were largely unaffected by irradiation with doses of up to 120000 rad.

Hence the results indicate that the irradiation of leucocytes intended for transfusion with a dose af 2000 rad is likely to prevent GVHD without causing any apparent damage to the PMN.
Erythrocytosis Associated with a Dermoid Cyst of the Ovary and Erythropoietic Activity of the Tumour Fluid
Authors: Ghio Riccardo , Haupt Enrico , Ratti Massimo , Boccaccio Piero
Published: August 2010

A patient with dermoid cyst of the ovary and erythrocytosis is described. Surgical removal of the tumour was followed by a progressive decrease of the red cell mass with remission of the haematological abnormalities. Tumour fluid contained significant erythropoietic stimulating activity. This seems to be the first documented case of erythrocytosis associated with ovarian cyst.
Candida Pericarditis in a Patient with Leukaemia
Authors: Geisler C. , Ernst P. , Vejlsgaard R.
Published: August 2010

Candidal pericarditis is extremely rare. Its clinical diagnosis and successful treatment has not been reported earlier.

A case is reported of a 30‐year‐old male with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia complicated with exudative pleuropericarditis, probably initially of leukaemic origin. Following persisting fever cultures of blood and pericardial fluid yielded massive growth of candida albicans.

After 3 weeks treatment with intravenous amphotericin B, flucytosine and miconazole, the blood and pericardial fluid was sterilized.

A sufficient amphotericin B concentration in the pericardial fluid was obtained without local instillation.
Measurement of Splenic Function in Humans using Heat Damaged Autologous Red Blood Cells
Authors: Peters A. M. , Ryan P. F. J. , Klonizakis I. , Elkon K. B. , Lewis S. M. , Hughes G. R. V.
Published: August 2010

Functional hyposplenism, a clinical entity which has only recently been recognised, is usually assessed quantitatively by the rate of clearance of radiolabelled heat damaged erythrocytes (HDE) from the circulation. Based on recent observations on the kinetics of HDE, we have developed a 3 compartmental model of HDE distribution between the spleen and blood, and calculated, in a large series of clearance curves, splenic blood flow, HDE intrasplenic transit time and splenic HDE extraction ratio. Transit time (about 15 min) was of the same order as platelet transit time and extraction ratio (about 35%) was similar to that recorded in animals. The relationships between blood flow, transit time and extraction ratio provided evidence in support of 2 separate functional compartments, of which only one was engaged in phagocytosis, present within the spleen.
Platelets in Myeloproliferative Disorders
Authors: Caranobe C. , Sie P. , Nouvel C. , Laurent G. , Pris J. , Boneu B.
Published: August 2010

Platelet serotonin (5‐HT) uptake and storage in the presence and absence of reserpine were studied simultaneously with platelet volume, density and dense bodies content (mecaprine test) in 33 patients affected with myeloproliferative disorders (MD): 12 chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), 9 polycythaemia vera (PV), 6 essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and 9 agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM). Observations were (1) a dramatic reduction of the initial velocity (Vi) uptake and of the granular pool of 5‐HT; (2) a slight reduction of the number of platelet dense bodies which, in many cases, were less fluorescent than in controls; (3) an increase of the percentage of light platelets while platelet volume was mostly normal; (4) a significant correlation between the number of dense bodies per platelet volume unit and either the percentage of light platelets (r = 0.76) or the size of the granular pool of 5‐HT (r = 0.81). These results support evidence of a quantitative and qualitative acquired storage pool syndrome in these patients. In addition, the Vi studies demonstrate that the serotonin uptake across the plasmatic membrane is abnormal.
Higher Frequency of 5q – Clone in Bone Marrow Mitoses after Culture than by a Direct Method
Authors: Knuutila S. , Vuopio P. , Borgström G. H. , de la Chapelle A.
Published: August 2010

In a patient with refractory idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia without signs of leukaemia a clone with the karyotype 46, XX, 5q– showed markedly different frequencies in mitotic preparations obtained from bone marrow by different methods. This clone was absent or rare (0–15 %) in preparations made by a direct method and prevalent (55–95%) after culture for 22 h or 46 h in the presence or absence of methotrexate. In cells without the 5q– chromosome there were minor clones with trisomies 8, 14 or 19. These were somewhat more frequent in preparations made by the methotrexate than by the direct method.

If these findings are confirmed in larger series of experiments, it will follow that results obtained for different abnormalities and in different disorders by different methods may not be comparable and that modifications of the present cytogenetic methodology for bone marrow may lead to new findings of practical and theoretical significance.
Platelet‐Associated IgG in Acute and Chronic Hepatic Diseases
Authors: Landolfi Raffaele , Leone Giuseppe , Fedeli Giuseppe , Storti Sergio , Laghi Ferdinando , Bizzi Bruno
Published: August 2010

In order to investigate the role of an immune mechanism in the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia in hepatic patients, we measured platelet associated IgG (PAIgG) in 84 patients with various hepatic diseases.

Increased PAIgG levels were found in 84% of patients with chronic active hepatitis (mean 21.32 ± 8.45 fg/platelet) and in 75% of those with cirrhosis with hepatitis (mean 17.3 ± 11.2 fg/platelet). In these patients there was no significant correlation between PAIgG and platelet count. Increased PAIgG amounts were also observed in some patients with inactive cirrhosis (18%). Normal PAIgG values were found in all patients with acute viral hepatitis and chronic persistent hepatitis.

An immunologic mechanism may play a role in the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia in hepatic patients. Furthermore, measurement of PAIgG may have a great usefulness in the differential diagnosis of chronic hepatic diseases.
Factual or Artificial Inhibition of Fibrinolysis and the Occurrence of Venous Thrombosis in 3 Cases of Behçet's Disease
Authors: Kluft C. , Michiels J. J. , Wijngaards G.
Published: August 2010

3 patients with Behçet's disease were studied for their fibrinolytic status during exacerbation of the disease accompanied with thrombotic complications.

All 3 patients exhibited low euglobulin fibrinolytic activity. This, however, could be attributed to an artificially increased coprecipitation of inhibitors, i.e., C1‐inactivator in the euglobulin fractions. This phenomenon correlated with and was possibly related to inflammatory reactions in the patients.

The most severely diseased patient only showed an increased plasmin inhibition in the plasma and a decreased response to venous occlusion. The increased plasmin inhibition was due to a slow type of inhibition, which could not be attributed to known protease inhibitors in blood. Its physiological relevance to fibrinolysis is questionable.

There was no evidence for relevant general deviations in the fibrinolytic system in Behçet's disease; only for the severe case may the decreased fibrinolytic potency revealed by venous occlusion have contributed to the extent of the thrombotic manifestations.
Changes in Plasma Folate Levels in Rats Inhaling Nitrous Oxide
Authors: Lumb M. , Perry Janet , Deacon Rosemary , Chanarin I.
Published: August 2010

Inhalation of nitrous oxide, which inactivates vitamin B12, is followed by a rise in the plasma folate level. The concentration of plasma folate remains elevated throughout the period of exposure to nitrous oxide. Returning the rats to air is followed by a fall to pre‐exposure plasma folate levels within 24 h.
Large‐Cell T‐Lymphoma with Hypersegmented Nuclei
Authors: Pallesen G. , Madsen M. , Hastrup J.
Published: August 2010

Clinical, morphological, cytochemical and immunological features in a case of T‐lymphoma in a 67‐year‐old man are presented. Clinically, a predilection for lymph nodes was observed with a subsequent tumour‐like spread to the liver, lungs and, to a minor extent, to the bone marrow. The skin, the spleen and the thymus were spared. Morphologically, the neoplastic lymphoid cells were characterized by their large size and particularly by their hypersegmented nuclei with a relatively coarse chromatin and large nucleoli. Cytochemically, a T‐cell‐like staining pattern in the acid phosphatase and in the acid α‐naphthyl acetate esterase stains was absent. The neoplastic lymphocytes demonstrated a strong binding with sheep erythrocytes in suspension and in cryostat tissue sections. The morphological features of this lymphoma appear distinct from other non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas. The similarities and the differences of our case in relation to some recently described cases of peripheral T‐lymphomas comprising large cells with hyperlobated nuclei, are discussed.
Spontaneously DNA Synthesizing Blood and Spleen Lymphocytes in Hodgkin's Disease
Authors: Björkholm M. , Holm G. , Ljungdahl Å. , Strömberg M. , Askergren J.
Published: August 2010

Spontaneously DNA synthesizing blood and spleen lymphocytes in 9 patients with Hodgkin's disease have been studied by surface markers and by autoradiography after in vitro labelling with 3H‐thymidine of cell specimens separated according to size. The findings have been related to functional characteristics of blood lymphocytes. The distribution of E and EAC rosetting cells in blood and spleen was similar also after separation according to cell size. The number of mainly large activated blood and spleen cells was increased in patients as compared to controls. Both E and EAC rosetting cells participated in this unexplained cell challenge.
Platelets in Myeloproliferative Disorders. III: Glycoprotein Profile in Relation to Platelet Function and Platelet Density
Authors: Eche N. , Sie P. , Caranobe C. , Nouvel C. , Pris J. , Boneu B.
Published: August 2010

Membrane glycoproteins (GP) are implicated in platelet functions. In myeloproliferative diseases (MD), some of these functions are known to be perturbed. 16 patients with various MD were investigated for platelet functions (retention to glass beads, epinephrine‐ and ristocetin‐induced aggregation), platelet density distribution and PAS‐staining glycoprotein profile on SDS‐polyacrylamide‐gel‐electrophoresis. An abnormal GP pattern (moderate reduction of GP (Ib + Is) and GP IIb with corresponding increase in GP IIIb) was demonstrated but no relation to platelet dysfunction or density distribution was observed. No differences between the various types of MD were noticed although the group of poly‐cythaemia vera was the less perturbed for platelet function, platelet density and also GP profile.
Bone Marrow Morphology in Patients in Long‐Term Treatment with Azathioprine
Authors: Sjogren U. , Thysell H. , Lindholm T.
Published: August 2010

The bone marrow was morphologically analysed in 25 patients receiving long‐term azathioprine therapy for chronic renal diseases or after a renal transplantation. There were no significant changes within the granulopoietic or lymphopoietic part of bone marrow even after 10 years of treatment. However, there was a significant ‘shift to the left’ within erythropoiesis as well as greater frequencies of megaloblasts and sideroblasts. A significant increase of ‘erythroblastic islands’ may indicate an increased death rate of defective erythro‐blasts. The changes within erythropoiesis in some of the patients were so pronounced that the possibility of a preleukaemic condition cannot be excluded.
Subpopulations of T‐Lymphocytes in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Pezzutto A. , Semenzato G. , Agostini C. , Raimondi R. , Gasparotto G.
Published: August 2010

The percentage and absolute numbers of T lymphocytes bearing Fc receptor for IgG and IgM were evaluated in 13 patients with multiple myeloma and in a group of controls of the same age range. An increase in the percentage of TG cells was found, whereas TM cell numbers were not different from those of the controls. In order to better define the properties of the TG lymphocytes, their ability to suppress the PWM‐induced B cell differentiation was tested in an in vitro experimental assay. TG cells from multiple myeloma exert a suppressor activity as the TG of the controls in this system. The possible interpretation of suppressor T cell increases in these patients is discussed.
Defective Platelet Aggregation and Increased Platelet Turnover in Patients with Myelofibrosis and Other Myeloproliferative Diseases
Authors: Cunietti E. , Gandini R. , Mascaro G. , Ferrari M. , Pappalepore V. , Scapellato L.
Published: August 2010

In 9 patients with myeloproliferative diseases (MPD) (6 with myelofibrosis, MF, 1 with Ph1 positive chronic granulocytic leukaemia, CGL, 1 with primary eosinophilia, PE, 1 with pre‐leukaemia syndrome, preL) collagen, epinephrine, and ADP‐induced aggregation, N‐ethylmaleimide‐induced malondialdehyde (MDA) production, beta‐thromboglobulin (beta‐TG) plasma levels, and platelet turnover were studied. Collagen‐induced aggregation was found to be normal in 7 patients, absent in 1, and reduced in 1. In all but 3 patients, aggregation with ADP was markedly reduced. Epinephrine‐induced aggregation was decreased in 7 patients. No difference was found between mean MDA production in MPD (3.21 ± 0.50 nmol/109 PLTs) and in a control group of 21 normal subjects (3.04 ± 0.26 nmol/109 PLTs). Mean beta‐TG levels were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in MPD patients (165.00 ± 28.29 ng/ml) than in healthy controls (81.76 ± 14.63 ng/ml). Mean platelet production half‐time was significantly shorter in MPD (2.48 ± 0.24 d) than in the control group (3.43 ± 0.17 d), after adjustment for age by covariance analysis (P < 0.005). Our data do not indicate an abnormal prostaglandin synthesis and are consistent with the hypothesis that a disseminated intravascular platelet aggregation might take place in MPD patients.
The Effect of Prednisone on Platelet Function Tests
Authors: Jørgensen Kaj Anker , Freund Leif , Sørensen Per
Published: August 2010

Ivy bleeding time, capillary fragility, threshold ADP concentration for secondary platelet aggregation and platelet adhesiveness were found to be unchanged by 2 d and 6 weeks of treatment with prednisone in 22 consecutive patients with collagen or haematological diseases. Initial high platelet counts were unchanged after 2 d of treatment, but fell significantly to normal values after 6 weeks of treatment. Initial high levels of factor Vlll‐related antigen increased insignificantly following 2 d of treatment, but after 6 weeks of treatment the increase was significant. It is concluded that in patients of this category a 6‐week treatment with commonly used doses of prednisone does not significantly affect platelet function.
Extra Chromosome 12 and Prognosis in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Authors: Robert Karl‐Henrik , Gahrton Gösta , Friberg Kristina , Zech Lore , Nilsson Bo
Published: August 2010

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 22 consecutive patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia were stimulated with the polyclonal B‐cell mitogens lipopolysaccharide from E. coli (LPS) and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV). Stimulation was successful for chromosome analysis in 14 patients. Eleven patients had chromosomal aberrations and 7 of these had an extra chromosome 12. In 2 patients an extra chromosome 12 was the only abnormality, while additional aberrations were found in 5 patients. 3 patients had complex aberrations involving deletion of chromosome 6. 1 of these patients also had a translocation between chromosomes 12 and 14. 1 patient had a translocation between chromosomes 11 and 14. In 3 patients no aberrations were detected. The time elapsing between diagnosis and appearance of clinical symptoms which were indications for treatment was significantly shorter in patients with an extra chromosome 12 than in those without this abnormality. Thus, it appears that an extra chromosome 12 is associated with a more rapid course of the disease, and may therefore be of importance for the prediction of prognosis.
Transferrin Endocytosis in Reticulocytes: An Electron Microscope Study using Colloidal Gold
Authors: Light A. , Morgan E. H.
Published: August 2010

The endocytosis of transferrin by rabbit reticulocytes was investigated by electron microscopy using transferrin labelled with colloidal gold. This complex was shown to bind and donate its iron to the cells in a manner comparable to native iron‐transferrin. After incubation at 37°C approximately 70% of the transferrin‐gold particles were located within endocytotic vesicles. Treatment of the cells with pronase, EDTA, metabolic inhibitors and heating to 46°C inhibited the endocytosis. The uptake of colloidal gold complexes of albumin and concanavalin A were compared with that of transferrin. Little endocytosis of these proteins was observed. It is concluded that colloidal gold is a suitable label for the investigation of transferrin endocytosis and that the endocytosis is specific for transferrin and sensitive to the action of reagents which damage membrane receptors, alter membrane function or impair cell metabolism.
Effect of Hyaluronic Acid on Polymorphonuclear Leucocyte Cell Surface Properties
Authors: Dahlgren Claes , Bjorksten Bengt
Published: August 2010

Polymorphonucelar leucocytes (PMNL) were incubated with hyaluronic acid (HA), and then characterized with respect to their surface properties. Surface analysis was achieved by partitioning in systems of dextran and poly(ethylenglycol) (PEG), with part of the PEG exchanged for positively charged trimethylamino‐PEG or hydrophobic PEG‐palmitate. The results indicate that HA caused increased exposure of hydrophobic and of negatively charged groups on the PMNL surface. These findings may be relevant for the biological effects of HA on PMNL function and cell‐cell interactions.
Acute Erythroleukaemia with L3 Morphology and the 14q+ Chromosome
Authors: Ekblom Marja , Elonen Erkki , Vuopio Pekka , Heinonen Kristiina , Knuutila Sakari , Gahmberg Carl G. , Andersson Leif C.
Published: August 2010

L3 morphology according to the FAB classification and the 14q+ chromosome are usually ascribed to the Burkitt type of leukaemia or lymphoma with a B or pre‐B cell phenotype. We report here a case of adult acute leukaemia with Burkitt morphology and the 14q+, which did not express lymphoid markers. Instead, the leukaemia was shown to be an acute erythroleukaemia. The erythrocyte marker glycophorin A was present on the surface of the leukemic blasts as shown by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation from membrane lysates of surface labeled cells with antiglycophorin A antiserum. Spectrin and fetal hemoglobin appeared after cultivation of the blasts in the presence of sodium butyrate. The present case shows that a short term cultivation is sometimes useful for further characterization of the commitment of acute leukaemias.
Erythrocyte Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione Peroxidase in Glucose‐6‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency
Authors: Gerli Gian Carla , Beretta Luciano , Bianchi1 Maurizio , Agostoni Angelo , Gualandri Valter , Orsini Giovan Battista
Published: August 2010

Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G‐6‐PD) deficient erythrocytes are particularly sensitive to oxidant stress. In order to evaluate if these cells are protected against oxidant damage, we assayed the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) in erythrocytes of G‐6‐PD deficient (hemizygous and heterozygous) subjects. Normal levels of antioxidant enzymes were found in all subjects examined both with positive and negative histories of haemolytic crisis after fava bean or drug ingestion. In contrast, high levels of catalase and GSH‐Px were found in a small group of G‐6‐PD deficient subjects (hemizygous and heterozygous) with β‐thalassaemia trait, probably by reason of the chronically enhanced oxidant stress which is present in β‐thalassaemia.
Serum Erythropoietin Levels by Radioimmunoassay in Polycythaemia
Authors: Birgegård Gunnar , Miller Orin , Caro Jaime , Erslev Allan
Published: August 2010

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) method for erythropoietin (Epo) was developed and validated against the polycythaemic mouse assay. The correlation was good, with a r = 0.94. Several other criteria of specificity were also filled by the RIA, which had a lower detection limit of 5 mU/ml. The mean serum‐Epo level in 6 patients with secondary polycythaemia, 50.2 + 26.2 mU/ml, was significantly higher than in a group of 11 normal subjects, 28.7 + 7.2 mU/ml (P < 0.0002). However, the Epo level in 31 polycythaemia vera (PV) patients, M = 21.9 + 6.6 mU/ml, was not significantly different from normal (P = 0.006). Since previous studies with bioassay of heat‐treated and concentrated plasma samples have shown a decreased serum‐Epo level in PV, Epo levels were measured before and after heat treatment and concentration of samples from normals and polycythaemics. It was found that the levels of immunoreactive material increased after heat treatment and 40 times concentration in samples from normals and patients with secondary polycythaemias, but decreased in PV. We conclude that the Epo levels in serum in the low range measured by our and previous RIA:s probably are not true Epo levels but are partly due to an unspecific serum effect, that was removed by heat treatment.
Population‐Based Age‐ and Sex‐Specific Incidence Rates in the 4 Main Types of Leukaemia
Authors: Brincker Hans
Published: August 2010

Due to recent developments in clinical haematology, 98.8% of all 1980 cases of leukaemia reported to the Danish Cancer Registry during the 4‐year period 1973‐76 could be subclassified into the 4 main types of leukaemia. Thus, it has been possible to characterize each of these types more accurately than before regarding age‐ and sex‐specific incidence rates, relative frequency, male/female ratio, and median age at diagnosis.

Chronic lymphatic leukaemia constituted 38 % and chronic myeloid leukaemia 15 % of the cases. These figures are larger and smaller, respectively, than these previously reported. The median age of all cases combined was 67 years, and the median age in cases of acute non‐lymphocytic leukaemia was 64 years with 59 % of the latter patients more than 60 years of age. In childhood myeloid leukaemia, an early incidence peak, not previously described, was observed before the age of 2 years.

Analysis of Danish leukaemia incidence rates from 1943 and onwards shows no increase over 3 decades in patients less than 75 years of age. Thus, the observed increase in incidence from 5866–9942/100000 during the period studied is limited to the very oldest age groups and is probably due to improved diagnostic efforts.
Evans' Syndrome in IgA Deficiency Episodic Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia and Thrombocytopenia during a 10 Years Observation Period
Authors: Hansen Ole Paaske , SØrensen Christian Hjort , Astrup Lone
Published: August 2010

A 26‐year‐old male with a 10‐year history of complete selective IgA deficiency and recurrent autoimmune anaemia and thrombocytopenia (Evans syndrome) is presented. Both serum IgA and saliva secretory IgA were below the detection limit (< 0.05 mg/1). No other features of autoimmunity were seen. The patient had a normal % of peripheral blood lymphocytes with surface IgM and IgG cells and normal in vitro lymphocyte transformation after stimulation with mitogens and antigens. The pleomorphic and randomly appearing immunologic features of selective IgA deficiency are emphasized by the present case.
Reduced Frequency of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Sickle Cell Trait
Authors: Hershko C. , Moreb J. , Gaziel Y. , Konijn A. M. , Rachmilewitz E. A.
Published: August 2010

The prevalence and causes of anaemia among the inhabitants of a Southern Lebanese village were studied. Of the 317 patients examined 75, or 24% were found to be heterozygotes for Hb S. There was a reciprocal relation between the presence of sickle cell trait and of iron deficiency anaemia. The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia defined as the coexistence of Hb below 13 g/dl in adult males and below 12 in adult females and children with two laboratory indicators of iron deficiency, was 10.3 % in the normal population as against 1.3 % in the sickle cell trait group (P < 0.008). The reduced frequency of iron deficiency anaemia in sickle cell trait may be explained by increased iron absorption, or alternatively by reduced iron requirements and a lower risk of discrepancy between iron supply and demand. Because of the central role of iron in the function of a great number of enzymes and proteins, it is possible that protection against iron deficiency anaemia by the sickle cell trait may result in improved working capacity and a lower incidence of infections.
Abnormal Platelet Function in a Case of Megakaryoblastic Leukaemia
Authors: Velati C. , Sciariada L. , Fantasia R. , Colombi M. , Radaelli F. , Volpe A. Della , Pogliani E. M.
Published: August 2010

A platelet function study in a patient with megakaryoblastic leukaemia is reported. The abnormalities of the platelet function suggest a probable platelet membrane injury and a platelet release defect. The reduced platelet half‐life and the non changing splenohepatic ratio confirm the clinical and histological features of the systemic disease.
The Relation of Platelet Kinetics to Bone Marrow Megakaryocytes in Chronic Granulocytic Leukaemia
Authors: Branehög Ingemar , Ridell Børje , Swolin Birgitta , Weinfeld Aleksander
Published: August 2010

The relation of thrombokinetics to quantitative determinations of megakaryocytes (mgkc) in bone marrow sections was studied in 11 consecutive cases of untreated Ph1‐positive chronic granulocytic leukaemia (CGL). The results were compared with controls and with previously obtained data in polycythaemia vera (PV), primary thrombocythaemia (PT) and in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Platelet survival was significantly reduced in CGL. Platelet production was 5.8 x normal and the mgkc number and volume/μl bone marrow were significantly increased as compared to controls. The increase in mgkc volume was not in proportion to that of number due to a significant decrease of mgkc size.

Platelet production was strongly related to mgkc number/mm2 and to the mgkc volume/μl bone marrow. The platelet production rate in relation to a unit of mgkc volume/μl bone marrow was, however, greater in CGL than in controls, PV, PT and ITP. The chief reason for this is most probably the greater expansion of the total bone marrow mass in CGL.
Nuclear Clefts in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia A Light Microscopic and Ultrastructural Study of a New Prognostic Parameter
Authors: Ralfkiær Elisabeth , Geisler Christian , Hansen Mogens Mørk , Hou‐Jensen Klaus
Published: August 2010

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 48 consecutive, newly diagnosed CLL patients were examined by light‐ and electron‐microscopy for the presence of nuclear cleaving or folding. On this basis, the patients could be subdivided into 2 easily separable morphological groups. In 42 patients the lymphocytes had regular round nuclei. In 6 patients (13 %) the lymphocytes of peripheral blood had a highly irregular nuclear outline characterized by pronounced cleaving or folding of the nuclear membrane. In 4 of these 6 patients immunological investigations demonstrated membrane markers consistent with B‐cell monoclonality. Age, sex, distribution between stages as well as mode of clinical presentation were all alike in the 2 groups of patients. In spite of this a statistically significant, highly increased mortality was observed in patients with lymphocyte nuclear irregularities. Thus, 50% of all deaths occurred in this small group of patients.

These findings indicate that lymphocyte nuclear cleaving or folding represents a stage‐independent prognostic parameter, which permits selection of a small but easily identified high‐risk group of patients.
Megakaryocytes in Cubital Venous Blood in Patients with Chronic Myeloproliferative Diseases
Authors: Pedersen N. Tinggaard , Laursen B.
Published: August 2010

33 patients with chronic myeloproliferative disease were investigated for megakaryocytes in cubital venous blood. 6 Patients had chronic myeloid leukaemia, 11 polycythaemia vera and 16 myelofibrosis. In all patients, a significantly higher number of megakaryocytes than in normal adult humans was found. In patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia and myelofibrosis, an increased number of intact megakaryocytes was found, indicating thrombopoiesis in the peripheral part of the upper extremity. 2 patients with myelofibrosis showed a % of intact megakaryocytes > 25, as found in blood from the inferior vena cava in normal adults. In patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia, some of the megakaryocytes were smaller than normal, whereas in myelofibrosis, some of the megakaryocytes were larger than normal, with increased lobulation of nuclei. Active thrombopoiesis in the peripheral part of the extremities can be of great importance, when splenectomy is considered in treatment of myelofibrosis.
Different Patterns of Platelet Turnover in Chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Grossi A. , M.Vannucchi A. , Casprini P. , Guidi S. , Rafanelli D. , Pecchioli M. G. , Ferrini P. Rossi
Published: August 2010

Platelet turnover, platelet production, platelet mean life span (MLS), platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet‐associated antibodies have been examined in 26 patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and in 1 patient with hypomega‐karyocytic thrombocytopenia (HT). 15 ITP patients had normal or increased platelet turnover and platelet production, while 11 had subnormal values despite shortened MLS, while the patient with HT had normal MLS. The differences between the two groups with high and low platelet turnover were statistically significant. No correlation was found between kinetics parameters and bone marrow pattern in a total of 19 patients examined. These data suggest that in some cases of chronic ITP, the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia can be due not only to the peripheral destruction of platelets, but also to a deficient platelet production by megakaryocytes. Since the number of megakaryocytes in bone marrow slides is not decreased in the low turnover compared with the high turnover group, it is possible that an impaired pattern of megakaryocyte maturation be the cause of the low platelet production in these patients, unlike in the HT patient where megakaryocytes are almost absent.
A B‐Cell Proliferation with Aberrant True E‐Rosette Formation: A Sequential Study with a Panel of Monoclonal Antibodies and Other Surface Markers
Authors: Armitage R. J. , Worman C. P. , Mills K. H. G. , Cawley J. C.
Published: August 2010

A case of B‐CLL in prolymphocytic transformation is described in which large numbers of peripheral blood mononuclear cells possess surface immunoglobulin and rosetted with AET‐treated sheep erythrocytes (SIg+E+), but lacked specific T‐cell antigens. The SIg (MDGK) was shown to be an intrinsic product of the cell, whose B‐cell nature was confirmed by staining with BA1, a specific anti‐B‐cell monoclonal antibody. The E positivity resembled the rosetting of normal T cells in certain important respects but was weak, and aberrant in certain other respects. Although E rosetting was blocked with anti‐x and anti‐D but not with anti‐Λ, extensive blocking studies with a panel of monoclonal antibodies indicated that this was due to steric hindrance of weak E receptor rather than specific blocking of SIg possessing anti‐E activity. The case is compared and contrasted with previous rare examples of SIg+E+ proliferations and briefly discussed in relation to the recent demonstration that certain non‐T cells can express E receptor in vitro.
Aplastic Anaemia Associated with Influenza A Infection
Authors: Curzon P. G. D. , Muers M. F. , Rajah S. M.
Published: August 2010

A patient was found to have aplastic anaemia shortly after developing an influenza A infection. This association has in the past been suspected to occur but rarely confirmed.
Correlation between Chromosomal Pattern, Cytological Subtypes, Response to Therapy, and Survival in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Authors: Li Y. S. , Khalid G. , Hayhoe F. G. J.
Published: August 2010

Chromosomal karyotypes were determined with standard G‐banding in 103 patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Abnormal clones were present in 52 (50.5%). Higher frequencies of abnormalities were observed in male than in female patients and in erythro‐leukaemia (EL) than in other subtypes of AML. Abnormalities were more frequent in myeloblastic (AMyL) than in myelomonocytic leukaemias (AMML) and mixtures of both normal and abnormal karyotypes were more common among elderly patients; these differences, though of marginal statistical significance, are consistent with previous reports. 9 of 10 cases with 5 or more aberrant chromosomes and 6 of 8 cases with unidentified marker chromosomes were either AMML or EL. Remission rates, median survivals and relative death rates were collated in 82 patients, in relation to the karyotype patterns NN (all normal), AN (mixed normal and abnormal) and AA (all abnormal). The differences between the groups did not reach statistical significance. Serial cytogenetic studies were performed in 10 patients. New karyotype changes emerged in only 1 of 6 relapses. 4 examples of t(8;21) and 2 of t(15;17) were found. 1 case of AMML showed trisomy 8 and double minute chromosomes. 1 case of EL showed 2 marker chromosomes with homogeneously staining regions.
Internal Distribution of Excess Iron and Sources of Serum Ferritin in Patients with Thalassaemia
Authors: Cazzola Mario , Borgna‐Pignatti Caterina , Stefano Piero de , Bergamaschi Gaetano , Bongo Ilde G. , Dezza Laura , Avato Franco
Published: August 2010

Liver and spleen iron concentrations, serum ferritin level and binding of S‐ferritin to concanavalin A (Con A) were measured in 12 patients with thalassaemia major or intermedia at the time of splenectomy. All these subjects had increased liver iron concentration, most of them had hepatic fibrosis but none of them had histological evidence of chronic hepatitis. No patient had ascorbic acid deficiency. Serum ferritin concentration was increased in all cases, ranging from 266 to 5 504 μg/l. In all but 2 subjects most of the protein did not bind to Con A, thus behaving as tissue ferritin. There were highly significant correlations between serum ferritin concentration, amount of blood transfused and liver iron concentration. On the average, iron concentration in the liver was about 3 times that in the spleen. The findings obtained suggest that in patients with thalassaemia major or intermedia most of the iron is deposited in parenchymal tissues and most of the S‐ferritin derives by leakage from the cytosol of iron‐loaded parenchymal cells. S‐ferritin is a valid index of liver iron overload in thalassaemic patients without complications such as viral hepatitis and/or ascorbic acid deficiency.
Some Haemorheological and Haematological Effects of Alcohol
Authors: Galea G. , Davidson R. J. L.
Published: August 2010

This study, assesses effects of alcohol when ingested in moderate quantities typical of a social setting. In the 4 subjects studied highly significant changes were observed in platelet aggregation, whole blood viscosity and red cell filterability.
Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Stem Cells of Patients with Aplastic Anaemia
Authors: Yoshida K. , Miura I. , Takahashi T. , Fukushima Y. , Fukuda M. , Yamaguchi A. , Miura A. B.
Published: August 2010

3 different methods, (1) assays of CFU‐Cs and CFU‐Es, (2) responsiveness of CFU‐Cs and CFU‐Es to low doses of CSF and ESF, respectively and (3) effects of ALG on CFU‐C colony formation in vitro, were used to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative defects of stem cells in 28 patients with aplastic anaemia. Some patients with aplastic anaemia who had attained complete remission several years previously, exhibited severely depressed in vitro CFU‐C colony formation. This suggests that the defect persists for a long time after clinical complete remission. Residual marrow CFU‐Cs and CFU‐Es did not have defective responses to the humoral stimulating factors, CSF and ESF. No patient showed a rise of colony number after treatment with ALG in vitro.
Antibody Response to Pneumococcal Vaccination in Patients with Myelomatosis
Authors: Birgens Henrik S. , Espersen Frank , Hertz Jesper B. , Pedersen Freddy Karup , Drivsholm Aage
Published: August 2010

17 patients with myelomatosis were vaccinated with a 14‐valent pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide vaccine. In comparison to 12 healthy controls, they had statistically significant lower combined geometric mean antibody concentrations (the geometric means of all 14 antigens), both before and 4 weeks after the immunization. Mean antibody increases, however, were remarkably similar in the 2 groups. After 18 months the geometric mean antibody concentrations of the patient group had returned to preimmunization levels or lower for 7 out of 14 antigens. 1 case of pneumococcal bacteraemia occurred in the patient group 8 1/2 months after vaccination in spite of a significant initial antibody response against the infecting serotype 23 F.

Pneumococcal vaccination in patients with myelomatosis appears to yield subnormal antibody responses and therefore probably insufficient protection against pneumococcal infection.
Serum Ferritin in Non‐Dialysis Patients with Chronic Renal Failure: Relation to Bone Marrow Iron Stores
Authors: Milman Nils , Bangsbøll Susanne , Pedersen Nils Strandberg , Visfeldt Jakob
Published: August 2010

Serum ferritin and bone marrow haemosiderin iron was studied in 50 non‐dialysis patients with chronic renal failure, and in 53 healthy subjects. S‐ferritin was correlated to marrow iron both in patients with renal failure and in healthy subjects (P < 0.001). Geometric‐mean S‐ferritin in patients with 0‐ (1+) marrow iron was 33 μg/1, 1+ marrow iron 166 μg/1, and 2+ marrow iron 519 μg/1. Healthy subjects with 0‐ (1+) marrow iron had a mean S‐ferritin of 16 μg/1 and those with 1+ marrow iron a value of 65 μg/1. S‐ferritin levels were higher in patients than in healthy subjects at all marrow iron grades (P < 0.001). Healthy subjects with S‐ferritin < 15 μg/1 had absent or reduced marrow iron, while those with S‐ferritin > 30 μg/1 had normal marrow iron. Using a critical S‐ferritin value of ≤ 20 μg/1, the diagnostic efficiency in terms of diagnosing absent or reduced marrow iron was 0.90 (PVpos = 0.85, PVneg = 0.91). In patients with renal failure S‐ferritin < 60 μg/1 indicated absent or reduced marrow iron, while values > 80 μg/1 were associated with normal marrow iron. The diagnostic efficiency of S‐ferritin using a critical value of ≤ 60 μg/1 was 0.94 (PVpos = 0.93, PVneg = 0.97). S‐ferritin is a useful indicator of marrow iron stores in patients with chronic renal failure.
Deficiency of Concanavalin A Induced Suppressor Cell Activity in Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders
Authors: Gupta Sudhir
Published: August 2010

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 40 patients with a variety of primary immunodeficiency diseases were examined for concanavalin A (Con A) inducible suppressor activity against proliferative response of autologous and allogeneic PBMC to phytohaem‐agglutinin (PHA). 45% (12/27) of the patients with common variable immunodeficiency and 86% (6/7) of the patients with selective IgA deficiency demonstrated lack of Con A‐induced suppressor activity against proliferative response of autologous/allogeneic PBMC. 2 of 4 patients with X‐linked agammaglobulin and both patients, each with Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome and ataxia‐telangiectasia, also showed deficient suppressor function. This study demonstrates a deficiency of Con A‐inducible suppressor‐cell activity in a variety of immunodeficiency diseases. Possible underlying mechanisms for this functional defects are discussed.
Insulin Modulates Human Mononuclear Adherent Cell Fibrinolytic and Phagocytic Activities
Authors: Ghezzo Franco , Garbarino Giovanni , Ioverno Luigi
Published: August 2010

The effects of physiological concentrations of insulin on the fibrinolytic activity of peripheral blood leucocytes were investigated. Significant enhancement of the fibrinolytic activity of mononuclear adherent cells was observed, whereas lymphocytes and granulocytes were unaffected. Furthermore, insulin stimulated mononuclear adherent cells to phagocytize inert particles but not to secrete lysozyme. It is suggested that these results are attributable to the large number of insulin receptors present on the monocyte membrane, and that the regulatory mechanism of fibrinolysis and phagocytosis differs from that controlling the secretion of lysozyme.
Effect of Prophylactic High‐Dose Treatment with Ampicillin and Cloxacillin on Bleeding Time and Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Elective Vascular Surgery
Authors: Wisløff F. , Larsen J. Pillgram , Dahle A. , Lie M. , Godal H. C.
Published: August 2010

50 patients undergoing elective vascular surgery were randomized to prophylactic antibiotic treatment with ampicillin 2 g times; 4 + cloxacillin 1 g times; 4 for 4 d following the operation, or to a control group without antibiotics. All patients received heparin subcutaneously 5000 IU × 2, for 7 d. On days 1 and 4 after the operation, the median bleeding time was 1 1/2‐2 min longer in the antibiotics group. 5 patients on antibiotics had a bleeding time prolongation beyond the normal range, but only 2 of these, who had additional haemostatic defects, had abnormal bleeding.