bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver morphology in acute viral hepatitis related to the hepatitis B antigen
Authors: Iwarson S. , Lundin P. , Hermodsson S.
Published: June 2007

The liver histology in infectious hepatitis or hepatitis A (HA) and serum hepatitis or hepatitis B (HB) is generally described as identical. However, the clinical separation of the two types has been a problem. Today a serological reaction based on the well documented association between hepatitis antigen and HB is of great assistance in the differential diagnosis. The present study of 165 hepatitis cases separated into hepatitis A and B by this test method indicates quantitative differences in the liver histology of the two types. Thus HB was associated with more prominent parenchymal cell damage and Kupffer cell reaction, while intrahepatic cholestasis was found in a significantly higher frequency in cases presumed to represent HA.

The presence of intrahepatic cholestasis was associated with higher levels of serum bilirubin but otherwise no correlation was found between liver morphology and biochemical liver tests.

The patients included a group of young intravenous amphetamine addicts with HB. No differences of importance were found histologically in addicts and other patients with hepatitis B.
Increased brain weight/liver weight ratio as a necropsy sign of intrauterine undernutrition
Authors: Anderson John M.
Published: June 2007

Comparison of the brain weight/liver weight ratio1with the body weight of 95 stillborn and neonatally deceased infants of gestation 25-42 weeks shows that in appropriately grown infants the mean value ratio is 2·8 and is unchanged with increasing maturity. The normal range is 1·7-4·1. Survival time has no significant effect on the ratio as studied in this necropsy population. Dysmature infants of body weight less than 1 SD below the mean body weight for gestation are characterized by a brain: liver weight ratio of 4·5 or more. On the basis of these observations the brain: liver weight ratio may be employed as a guide to the prenatal nutrition of infants at necropsy.
Mode of action of creatinine on colour of cuprous oxide precipitate in Benedict's qualitative sugar test
Authors: Sur B. K. , Shukla R. K. , Agashe V. S.
Published: June 2007

Creatinine appears to alter the colour and bulky nature of the cuprous oxide precipitate not by altering the chemical composition of the precipitate but by the physical process of retardation of the growth of newly formed yellow cuprous oxide crystals to large red crystals by adhering to their surface and blocking some sites for further crystal growth.
The Kmif (Kveim-induced macrophage migration inhibition factor) test in sarcoidosis
Authors: Williams W. Jones , Pioli E. , Jones D. J. , Dighero M.
Published: June 2007

Circulating lymphocytes from 30 patients with sarcoidosis when stimulatedin vitrowith Kveim-induced macrophage migration factor, the Kmif test, produced a guinea-pig macrophage migration inhibition factor in 21 of 30 cases (70%). In those patients not on steroids the results showed a good correlation with the cutaneous Kveim test. One positive test was found in 16 normal subjects. Our results suggest that the Kmif test may prove a useful rapid alternative to the Kveim test.
Identification and characterization ofMoraxella phenylpyruvica
Authors: Snell J. J. S. , Hill L. R. , Lapage S. P.
Published: June 2007

Eight strains ofMoraxella phenylpyruvicahave been isolated from clinical material in the United Kingdom, the first to be reported from this country. They were characterized, together with three strains ofM. phenylpyruvicaof the National Collection of Type Cultures (NCTC), and compared with NCTC strains of eight otherMoraxellaspecies. The strains ofM. phenylpyruvicaformed a homogeneous group which is readily distinguishable from otherMoraxellaspecies. Deamination of phenylalanine is not restricted toM. phenylpyruvicawhich, however, is urease positive and is stimulated by bile, in contrast to otherMoraxellaspp.
Computer listing of the effects of drugs on laboratory data
Authors: Young D. S. , Thomas D. W. , Friedman R. B.
Published: June 2007

A listing of approximately 10000 effects of drugs on tests performed in clinical laboratories has been developed in a time-shared computer. The list contains a directory for matching proprietary and generic names of drugs and an explanation for the mode of action of the drug on each test. Each entry is supported by a bibliographical reference that contains the author's names, and the title of the article and journal. It is possible to search for specific `character strings' (word or words, number, etc) to obtain all the effects of a particular drug, or all drugs that affect a particular test, or even to search for a specific explanation for an effect. The system is undergoing trial in the Department's own computer to permit of automatic correlation of the effects of drugs with laboratory data from patients in one hospital ward.
The role of operational research in clinical chemistry
Authors: Peto J. , Whitby L. G. , Finney D. J.
Published: June 2007

This paper begins with a critical examination of the published account (Carruthers, 1970) of a pioneering study of simulation in a clinical chemistry laboratory. It next considers the basic requirements for the formal mathematical description of such a laboratory: these include the setting of criteria, the resource and input variates, and the definition of success by means of criterion variates. Investigation of criterion variates can be by direct measurement, or by a theoretical approach which may include simulation. The aims of simulation are discussed and an attempt to simulate the operation of a large clinical chemistry laboratory is described.

The difficulty of constructing an overall measure of efficiency is considered in relation to improving performance within an existing framework, to evaluating new equipment such as computers on-line to laboratory apparatus, and to inter-laboratory comparisons of performance. It is concluded that complex operational research techniques, including simulation, have little to offer at least for the present, and may even lead to misleading conclusions.
Serum enzyme changes after intramuscular bleeding in patients with haemophilia and Christmas disease
Authors: Forbes Charles D. , King John , Prentice Colin R. M. , McNicol George P.
Published: June 2007

Serum creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate and alanine transaminases, and aldolase were determined in 41 hospital inpatients with haemophilia or Christmas disease and no significant differences from the normal ranges were found.3Levels of these enzymes in a further 10 such patients who had sustained muscle haematomata were determined: in all of these there was a consistent rise in the level of creatine kinase, the peak occurring between 36 and 96 hours.

In bleeding disorders a rise in serum creatine kinase levels may be useful as a diagnostic test for intramuscular haemorrhage.
Experience with microbiological assay for folate using a chloramphenicol-resistantL. caseistrain
Authors: Chanarin I. , Kyle Rita , Stacey Jennifer
Published: June 2007

Experience with a semi-automatedL. caseifolate assay using a chloramphenicol-resistant strain of organism is described. Control ofpH of medium and incubation time was required. The normal range for serum folate was 2 to 16 ng/ml and red cell folate 200 to 600 ng/ml.
Measurement of DNA synthesis in leucocyte microcultures
Authors: Robbins J. H.
Published: June 2007

A microculture technique is described in which human peripheral blood leucocytes undergo DNA synthesis in response to specific and non-specific blastogenic factors. A sensitive Millipore filter assay technique is shown to be suitable for determining the incorporation of radioactive thymidine into the DNA of the stimulated cells in these microcultures. With these methods it is possible to measure the DNA synthesis in a 50-μl culture containing an innoculum of only 105leucocytes. This small culture volume, with its low number of leucocytes, therefore makes it possible to perform experiments when either the available leucocytes or blastogenic factors are in limited supply.
Laboratory assessment of the antimycotic drug clotrimazole
Authors: Holt R. J. , Newman R. L.
Published: June 2007

Laboratory studies on clotrimazole showed that it had marked activityin vitroagainst all theCandidaspp. andCryptococcusspp. tested, against almost all strains ofdermatophytes, and againstAspergillusspp and other fungal genera responsible for systemic mycoses; it had limited activity towards Gram-positive bacteria. The majority ofCandidastrains required MICs below 1 μg/ml and MCCs below 2 μg/ml.

Serum, urine, and faecal assays of clotrimazole were made by microbiological methods on five children who received 100 mg/kg/day clotrimazole for several weeks.In-vitrosensitivity tests and biological fluid drug assays are also reported on specimens from 18 patients in other hospitals receiving clotrimazole for severe candidosis; several were renal transplant cases. Similar investigations are reported on specimens from 18 patients with pulmonary aspergilloses.

The significance of low levels of the drug in body fluids, even after prolonged therapy, is discussed, and it is suggested that clotrimazole may be the first of a long series of imidazole derivatives with varying pharmacological and therapeutic properties.
The nature of the alkaline phosphatases of bile
Authors: Price C. P. , Hill P. G. , Sammons H. G.
Published: June 2007

The main alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes of human bile have been purified by DEAE-cellulose chromatography. Characteristics of the isoenzymes, such as electrophoretic mobility before and after butanol extraction, Michaelis constant, and change in electrophoretic mobility following exposure to neuraminidase have been studied and compared with isoenzymes from other sources.

The results show that the main alkaline phosphatase of bile is derived from the liver. It is present as a protein phosphatidylcholine complex.
Haem biosynthesis studied in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Johansson S. V. , Strandberg P. O.
Published: June 2007

In a study of the urinary excretion of haem precursors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, iron-deficiency anaemia, and in healthy controls, certain differences were found.

In iron-deficiency anaemia the excretion of both porphobilinogen and δ-aminolevulinic acid was increased, whereas in patients with rheumatoid arthritis only the porphobilinogen excretion was increased.

A further study on the erythrocyte activity of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydrase showed a higher activity in the erythrocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared with healthy controls.
Target cells in haemoglobinopathies
Authors: Davis L. R.
Published: June 2007

A semi-quantitative method of estimating the number of target cells in blood films has been developed. It has been applied to 250 films from normal persons, pregnant women, and patients with a variety of haemoglobinopathies. Allowing for the frequency of target cells found in normal films the results show that such an examination is of value in eliminating or suggesting certain haemoglobinopathies, but not in excluding the majority of the traits.
The isolation of an X-dependent strain of Haemophilus from otitis media identified asH. haemoglobinophilus (canis)
Authors: Frazer Joyce , Rogers K. B.
Published: June 2007

The growth factor requirements, together with the serological results, would seem to justify the view that strain M.G., isolated from a child, M.G., with otitis media, in pure culture has to be regarded asH. haemoglobinophilus(canis).

It is interesting to note that two out of the three strains ofH. haemoglobinophilus(canis) available in this laboratory agglutinate to a titre of 1:80 with the serum produced againstH. aphrophilus,the only other X-dependent haemophilus we had used for the preparation of antiserum.
Ischaemic lesions of the alimentary tract
Authors: McDonald G. S. A. , Hourihane D. O'B.
Published: June 2007

The clinical and pathological findings in 23 patients with ischaemic lesions of the alimentary tract (ischaemic enterocolitis) are described. These are compared with findings in 13 patients with occlusive thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery. The pathological features distinguishing the two conditions are discussed.

Ischaemic enterocolitis was found to be a relatively common condition (0·6% of necropsies). The occurrence of mucosal fibrosis (a hitherto undescribed feature) has been of help in the biopsy diagnosis of ischaemic lesions of the gut.
Aggregation of human platelets by commercial preparations of bovine and porcine antihaemophilic globulin
Authors: Forbes C. D. , Barr R. D. , McNicol G. P. , Douglas A. S.
Published: June 2007

Infusion of commercial preparations of porcine and bovine antihaemophilic globulin into three haemophilic patients produced transient thrombocytopenia. This platelet-aggregating activity has been shown to be present in a wide range of animal plasmas and is related to the fibrinogen fraction. The mechanism of platelet aggregation by animal fibrinogen is discussed and some inhibitors of the reaction are described.
Normal osteoid tissue
Authors: Raina Vinita
Published: June 2007

The results of a histological study of normal osteoid tissue in man, the monkey, the dog, and the rat, using thin microtome sections of plastic-embedded undecalcified bone, are described. Osteoid tissue covers the entire bone surface, except for areas of active resorption, although the thickness of the layer of osteoid tissue varies at different sites and in different species of animals.

The histological features of osteoid tissue, apart from its amount, are the same in the different species studied.

Distinct bands or zones are recognizable in some layers of osteoid tissue, particularly those of greatest thickness, and their significance is discussed.

Some of the histological features of the calcification front are described.
Chronic glomerular nephritis in a man with an IgM cold autoantibody of anti-I specificity and a cold lymphocytotoxic antibody
Authors: Bailey R. R. , El-Maghraby M. , Balfour I. C. , Mitchell T. R.
Published: June 2007

This communication describes a young man with chronic glomerular nephritis whose serum contained cold antibodies directed against both red cells and lymphocytes. A renal biopsy revealed unusual histological features including extensive deposits of IgM and complement. Although abnormal immune responses are not uncommon in chronic renal failure, it is suggested that there may be a causal relationship between the underlying renal lesion and the abnormal antibodies.
Aortic disease in idiopathic retroperitoneal and mediastinal fibrosis
Authors: Mitchinson M. J.
Published: June 2007

In three patients with idiopathic mediastinal or retroperitoneal fibrosis, postmortem sections of the aorta showed aortitis (in one case) or extrusions of atheromatous debris into the inflamed adventitia (two cases). It is suggested that damage to the aortic wall, followed by adventitial inflammation due to allergy to a component of the atherosclerotic plaque, is one way in which this disease may develop.
A simple assay of intrinsic factor-vitamin B12complex employing the binding intrinsic factor antibody
Authors: Jacob Elizabeth , O'Brien H. A. W.
Published: June 2007

The reaction between binding intrinsic factor antibody and intrinsic factor-vitamin B12complex has been studied. Initially in the zone of antibody excess, the relationship between the amount of antigen present and the amount of antigen-antibody complex adsorbed onto zirconium phosphate gel was linear. With increasing amounts of antigen, the curve departed from linearity and reached a plateau. The linear portion of the reaction forms the basis of a simple and reproducible assay for quantitating intrinsic factor to which vitamin B12has already been bound. The assay provides a method for studying the fate of intrinsic factor-vitamin B12complex during digestion and absorption. In two normal subjects given radioactive vitamin B12orally, aspiration of ileal contents showed that only 50 to 70% of the radioactivity was bound to intrinsic factor at that level.
Australia antigen and antibody in British patients with leprosy
Authors: Shwe Tin , Zuckerman A. J.
Published: June 2007

Seventy-five sera collected from leprosy patients in England were tested for Australia antigen and antibody. Australia antigen was detected in only two patients with lepromatous leprosy and in one patient with borderline pure leprosy. Antibody to Australia antigen was found in one patient with lepromatous leprosy. These findings differ from previous reports and it is suggested that the frequency of Australia antigen in lepromatous leprosy is a function of the incidence of this antigen in the general population rather than increased genetic susceptibility to chronic infection.
Platelet ascorbic acid levels in normal subjects and in disease
Authors: Lloyd J. V. , Davis P. S. , Emery H. , Lander H.
Published: June 2007

The platelet ascorbic acid concentration was measured in 26 normal subjects and found to be 20 times as high as in plasma. This is in agreement with previous reports in the literature. The platelets of patients with uraemia, leukaemia, and megaloblastic anaemia had a lower than normal platelet ascorbic acid content. In uraemia and megaloblastic anaemia the plasma ascorbic acid concentration was normal suggesting that a platelet defect may be responsible for the low platelet ascorbic acid content. In leukaemia the low platelet ascorbic acid content is probably secondary to a low plasma level.
Trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole in urinary tract infection due toStreptococcus faecalis
Authors: Chattopadhyay B.
Published: June 2007

In-vitrosensitivities were performed on 140 specimens of urine which grewStreptococcus faecalisof more than 100 000 organisms/ml between March 1970 and February 1971. Although the combination of trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole definitely appeared to be more effective than sulphonamide alone and as effective as ampicillin, its use for more than two weeks in 14 cases of uncomplicated urinary tract infection due toStreptococcus faecalisled to development of resistance. As in these cases organisms were resistant to sulphonamide to start with, it is suggested that the combination should be used in prolonged treatment only where the organisms are sensitive to both the individual antibiotics. Ampicillin is still the drug of choice in urinary tract infection due toStreptococcus faecalis. The alternative appears to be rotational therapy with other potent antibiotics.
The sensitivity of diphtheria bacilli to eight antibiotics
Authors: Zamiri Iraj , McEntegart M. G.
Published: June 2007

Antibiotics are of equal importance to antitoxin in the treatment of diphtheria, as an effective antibiotic rapidly halts the production of toxin. There appear to have been only two reports of the sensitivity of diphtheria bacilli to various antibiotics and these are based on the examination of less than 60 strains. In this paper the sensitivity of 192 strains to eight representative antibiotics is reported.
Comparative and serial assays of folate metabolism in anticonvulsant-treated epileptics
Authors: Teasdale P. R. , Pearce John
Published: June 2007

A prospective study of folate metabolism has been conducted in outpatient anticonvulsant-treated epileptics on 68 occasions. An attempt was made to compare the relative sensitivities of serum and red cell measurements of folic acid, lactic dehydrogenase (LD), and 2 hydroxybutyric dehydrogenase (2HBD). The most sensitive indices of folate deficiency appeared to be serum folate, red cell LD, red cell folate, and red cell 2HBD, respectively. The correlation between these measurements was not close, except in comparisons of red cell and serum folate. No easily performed screening test for folate deficiency emerged.

Serial changes in these measurements were carried out on 15 patients during an interval of 18 months. No progressive signs of folate depletion appeared during this time. The significance of these findings is discussed.
A comparison of the TRCII and latex-particle tests for the titration of FR-antigen
Authors: Arocha-Piñango C. L.
Published: June 2007

The great convenience of a method using a suspension of antibody-coated latex particles for the titration of fibrinogen-related antigens over the tanned red cell haemaglutination immunoassay (TRCHII test) of Merskey, Lalezari, and Johnson (1969) has been demonstrated. The usefulness of Ca-Ancrod for the defibrination of heparinized plasma is presented here.
Variations in interferon production by lymphocytes from patients with chronic lymphatic leukaemia
Authors: Mackenzie A. M. R.
Published: June 2007

In a group of patients with chronic lymphatic leukaemia leucocyte cultures showed a diminished capacity to synthesize interferon when compared with controls. The leucocyte culture with the lowest capacity to synthesize interferon came from the patients with the highest peripheral blood lymphocyte counts and vice versa. These results are presented as indirect evidence that T lymphocytes are more competent producers of interferon than B lymphocytes.
Granuloma venereum
Authors: Bhagwandeen S. B. , Mottiar Y. A.
Published: June 2007

Granuloma venereum is endemic in Zambia but there are no previous reports of the disease from this geographical area. Six cases of granuloma venereum in African females were discovered on biopsy specimens. One unusual case with primary cervical involvement simulating carcinoma of the cervix is presented. This case illustrates the difficulties of diagnosis and the ease with which it may be mistaken for malignancy in the absence of histological confirmation.
A histological analysis of granulomatous hepatitis
Authors: Hughes M. , Fox H.
Published: June 2007

A study has been made of 33 cases of granulomatous hepatitis. Of these, 12 were eventually established as cases of sarcoidosis, nine as cases of tuberculosis, and four as examples of primary biliary cirrhosis. No clinical diagnosis was ever reached in six cases.

Analysis of the histological features of these cases shows that the presence of caseation or of tubercle bacilli will only allow for the diagnosis of approximately 50% of cases of tuberculosis. Histological features which are suggestive of tuberculosis are a paucity of granulomata, a scantiness of giant cells, a relatively mild surrounding chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate, and an absence of reticulin. The granulomata are more likely to be due to sarcoidosis if they are numerous, contain many giant cells, are confined to the portal areas, and show a well marked surrounding non-specific chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate.

Histological features of cases in which no clinical diagnosis was reached suggest that they are more likely to be due to sarcoidosis than to tuberculosis.
Light and electron microscopy of globular hyaline inclusions in liver cells
Authors: Underwood J. C. E.
Published: June 2007

Numerous large globular hyaline inclusions were found in the liver cells of a patient with congestive cardiac failure due to cor pulmonale. The nature of the inclusions is discussed with particular emphasis on certain ultrastructural features which suggest a possible derivation from peroxisomes.
An outbreak of infantile gastroenteritis due toE. coli0142
Authors: Kennedy D. H. , Walker G. H. , Fallon R. J. , Boyd J. F. , Gross R. J. , Rowe B.
Published: June 2007

Twelve cases of gastroenteritis caused byEscherichia coli0142K86H6 are described. Ten of these cases were clearly involved in an outbreak of cross infection. The other two cases yielded interesting information on infection withE. coli. 0142. Five cases, two being fatal, required repeated intravenous infusion, and one further infant required parenteral replacement therapy on a single occasion only. Cross infection occurred at the primary site—a ward partitioned into cubicles—despite full barrier nursing techniques. Infection spread also to two other wards, and resulted from transfer of latently infected cases. Illness in several infants was protracted and debilitating because of the relapsing nature of the infection. The pathology of the two fatalities is reported briefly.
Incidence and isolation of Bacteroides species from clinical material and their sensitivity to antibiotics
Authors: Mitchell A. A. B.
Published: June 2007

One thousand and sixty-seven strains of anaerobic Gram-negative bacilli were isolated from routine clinical material between January 1971 and December 1972. Most of the strains were isolated from sites allied to the lower intestine and genito-urinary tract. Resistance to tetracycline was present in 39·2% of strains tested. In contrast only one strain was found resistant to clindamycin. It is suggested that the recovery of anaerobes from material sent to the laboratory depends largely on the efficiency of the anaerobic system used.
Detection of fibrinogen antigens with two latex techniques applied to urine concentrates
Authors: Donati Maria Benedetta , Semeraro N. , Vermylen J.
Published: June 2007

Fibrinogen antigens were measured either with an agglutination inhibition method (using latex particles coated with fibrinogen; Diagen test) or with a direct agglutination technique (using latex particles coated with a mixture of anti-D and anti-E antibodies; Thrombo-Wellcotest). Both methods were compared with the tanned red cell haemagglutination inhibition immunoassay (TRCHII) during progressive degradation of fibrinogen with plasmin and using purified fibrinogen fragments or urine concentrates from chronic glomerulonephritis or transplanted patients. Due to the different sensitivity of the two latex techniques to fibrinogen and its plasmin derivatives, their combined use may be helpful to distinguish the nature of the fibrinogen-like material excreted in urine.
Serum ferritin concentration and iron stores in normal subjects
Authors: Walters G. O. , Miller F. M. , Worwood M.
Published: June 2007

The relationship between serum ferritin concentration and the amount of storage iron has been studied in normal subjects. A high degree of correlation was demonstrated between serum ferritin concentration and storage iron measured by quantitative phlebotomy. The possible advantages of assessing iron stores by using the serum ferritin concentration are discussed.
Relationship between hepatic morphology and clinical and biochemical findings in morbidly obese patients
Authors: Manes J. L. , Taylor H. B. , Starkloff G. B.
Published: June 2007

This study was undertaken to determine the interrelations between clinico-biochemical parameters and hepatic morphology in markedly obese patients. One hundred and sixty-six women and 52 men comprise this series. There was a statistically significant association of carbohydrate metabolism disturbance with increasing age and corpulence and, in women, with hyperuricaemia and morphological alterations of the liver. Menstrual irregularities also correlated well with hepatic morphology. The livers frequently exhibited steatosis, but other morphological changes were mild. Compared with women, men had higher triglyceride values, more severe hepatic involvement, and poorer correlation of carbohydrate disturbances with hepatic histology. The results indicate a central role of the impaired carbohydrate utilization in the biochemical and hepatic alterations of obesity.
Prognostic typing in breast cancer
Authors: Maehle B. O. , Hartveit F.
Published: June 2007

A comparison of material from necropsy and surgical series has shown that breast carcinoma of cytological types II and III are rare. The majority of cases are of type I. Of the latter, tumours in TNM stage I were not found in the necropsy series, while infiltrating duct carcinomas of type I TNM stage II were also absent. This suggests that the possibility of surgical cure may be better in type I duct carcinomas in stage II than with other histological types. Prolonged survival in contrast to surgical cure was related to type III tumours irrespective of TNM stage.
An assessment of the usefulness of dip slides in a children's hospital
Authors: Shrestha T. L. , Richardson N. E. G.
Published: June 2007

The introduction of the dip inoculum technique has made possible the immediate culture of urines which in the normal way might take a number of hours to reach the laboratory. We have used this technique in conjunction with conventional methods of culture to try to ascertain whether the delay in transit normally encountered in this hospital affects materially the clinical significance of the results. We have not been able to demonstrate any advantage in the dip inoculum technique in the circumstances in which we have used it in the present study.
A report on the interlaboratory quantitation of haemoglobin A2and haemoglobin F
Authors: White J. M. , Lewis S. M.
Published: June 2007

An interlaboratory trial of the quantitation of Hb A2and Hb F has been carried out on two samples of blood by 90 laboratories in the British Isles. The results have been compared with those obtained by four reference laboratories. Overall, the correlation was very poor and indicated that the methods used have to be standardized before interlaboratory values become meaningful. Moreover, in many laboratories the level of Hb A2in a patient with proven beta thalassaemia was not reported as being increased.
Acute haemolytic anaemia associated with polyagglutinability of red cells
Authors: Bird T. , Stephenson J.
Published: June 2007

A 7-week-old albino infant developed acute haemolytic anaemia following an operation for strangulated inguinal hernia. This was considered to be due to polyagglutinability of the red cells, the haemolysis subsiding as the cells returned to normal. The red cell changes were shown to be due to activation of T-antigen, reacting with anti-T in the adult blood transfused to the infant.
The Leeds regional quality control scheme for clinical biochemistry: A progress report
Authors: Howarth A. T. , Noble R. L. , Payne R. B. , Steel A. E. , Teasdale P. R.
Published: June 2007

The results from a regional quality control scheme for clinical biochemistry are analysed. Comparison with results from an earlier period shows that the quality of several of the 15 routine analyses has improved.

The methods by which the sera are produced and distributed, and the weekly results are analysed, are described. Each of the 25 laboratories receives an individual weekly computer printout within 24 hours of the deadline for the receipt of results. At the end of each six-month period a printout is produced ranking each laboratory for `accuracy' and `precision' for each test.
Rapid adenovirus typing by immunoelectron microscopy
Authors: Luton P.
Published: June 2007

A rapid method of typing adenoviruses by immunoelectron microscopy is discribed. This emphasizes the value of an electron microscope in diagnostic virology, especially when a rapid result is required in epidemiology.
Inflammatory pseudo-tumours of the abdomen: plasma cell granulomas
Authors: Wu Jane P. , Yunis Eduardo J. , Fetterman George , Jaeschke Walter F. , Gilbert Enid F.
Published: June 2007

Pseudo-tumours of the plasma cell granuloma type are reported in two patients. One was retroperitoneal and the other intraabdominal. Most of the cases of plasma cell granulomas described in the literature have been in the lung (Brunn, 1939; Childress and Adie, 1950; Cotton, 1952; Umiker and Iverson, 1954; Lane, Krohn, Kolozai, and Whitehead, 1955; Liebow and Hubbell, 1956; Titus, Harrison, Clagett, Anderson, and Knaff, 1962; Mason, Keats, and Baker, 1963; Wentworth, Lynch, Fallis, Turner, Lowden, and Conen, 1968; Bahadori and Liebow, 1973). A retroperitoneal site has not to our knowledge been reported previously. The postinflammatory nature of such lesions and the significance of a previous history of abdominal surgery are emphasized. It is important to be aware of such benign lesions which may simulate malignant tumours so that unnecessary radical treatment can be avoided.
Neonatal meningitis caused byCitrobacter koseri
Authors: Gross R. J. , Rowe B. , Easton J. A.
Published: June 2007

Three cases of neonatal meningitis, two of which were fatal, occurred in a premature baby unit during a period of one week. A fourth case occurred in the same unit six months later.Citrobacter koseriwas isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of all four cases. Detailed biochemical and serological examination of the organisms showed that two distinct bioserotypes were involved.
Gentamicin as a selective agent for the isolation of beta haemolytic streptococci
Authors: Black William A. , Van Buskirk Frances
Published: June 2007

The isolation of beta haemolytic streptococci was compared using Columbia sheep blood agar with and without gentamicin in a final concentration of 5·5 micrograms per ml. The inclusion of gentamicin gave greatly improved results whenever the isolation of this organism in pure culture was complicated by overgrowth with Gram-negative bacilli or staphylococci.
Present significance of resistance to trimethoprim and sulphonamides in coliforms,Staphylococcus aureus, andStreptococcus faecalis
Authors: Lewis Evelyn L. , Lacey R. W.
Published: June 2007

The incidence of trimethoprim resistance in coliforms and multiresistant strains ofStaphylococcus aureusisolated in Bristol from 1970 to 1972 is low—2·3 and 1·0% respectively. The resistance is probably intrinsic; there is no evidence that it is R-factor or plasmid mediated. A single mechanism that confers resistance to both trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole has not been detected. Normal growing one-step mutants ofS. aureusandEscherichia coliresistant to trimethoprim could not be isolatedin vitro. For these reasons cotrimoxazole should retain its usefulness against these bacteria for some years. However, contrimoxazole was found not to be bactericidal against many coliforms.

The usefulness of cotrimoxazole againstStreptococcus faecalisseems limited because mutants resistant to trimethoprim occurred at high frequency in one step.
An automated passive haemagglutination technique suitable for the detection of hepatitis B virus antigen and antibody in blood donors
Authors: Nelson Margaret , Phipps Elizabeth J. , Watson Pamela G. , Watts Jacqueline R. , Zwolenski Roman
Published: June 2007

A method is described for preparing purified hepatitis B antigen (HB Ag) viral antigen without density gradient centrifugation. A method for sensitizing human group O red cells with this preparation is given, together with the technical details of an automated passive haemagglutination technique suitable for the mass screening of blood donors for HB virus and anti-HB antibody.
The production and testing of staphylococci with clumping factor activity for use in the assay of fibrinogen degradation products
Authors: Richardson G.
Published: June 2007

A method for the large-scale production of a staphylococcal preparation for use in the assay of fibrinogen degradation products is described. The material is assayed against a fibrinogen standard and is shown to be stable over long periods and of high sensitivity. The possibility of production on an occasional basis in a routine laboratory is discussed.
Isolation ofNeisseria lactamicusfrom the nasopharynx
Authors: Pykett Angela H.
Published: June 2007

During 1971 and 1972, 71 cultures of neisseriae that attacked lactose were received by this laboratory. All strains except one from an eye swab were from the nasopharynx of healthy subjects. Nineteen similar strains from the nasopharynx were isolated in this laboratory.

The characteristics of these strains were compared with those ofNeisseria meningitidis, Neisseria pharyngis, Neisseria catarrhalis, andNeisseria lactamicus. The 90 strains under investigation closely resembledNeisseria meningitidisbut could be differentiated by production of acid from lactose and beta-galactosidase activity and were therefore classified asNeisseria lactamicus.
Speciation and amphotericin B sensitivity studies on blood isolates ofCandidafrom burned patients
Authors: Stieritz Donald D. , Law Edward J. , Holder Ian Alan
Published: June 2007

Methods of speciatingCandidaisolates from clinical specimens are described and the necessity of speciation is emphasized. Differences in susceptibility ofC. albicansandC. tropicalisto amphotericin B were observed and the implications of this in relation to treatment with amphotericin B and the development of resistance are discussed.
Measurement of methaemalbumin in plasma
Authors: Murray K. , Knight M. , Owen J. A.
Published: June 2007

Using the method of Chong and Owen (1967), the normal range of methaemalbumin in plasma was 0 to 0·6 mg/100 ml, expressed as milligrams of haematin per cent. Previous results, using the method of Shinowara and Walters (1963), reported a normal range of 0 to 8·0 mg/100 ml, but it was expressed as milligrams of haemoglobin percent. The conversion factor from the Shinowara method is as follows: mg haematin % = mg haemoglobin % × 0·04.
Benign sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy: transient immunological defects in a child with mediastinal involvement
Authors: Becroft D. M. O. , Dix M. R. , Gillman J. C. , MacGregor Beth J. L. , Shaw R. L.
Published: June 2007

A 16-month-old boy presented with cervical lymphadenopathy and a mediastinal mass causing tracheal displacement. Treatment of what at first was suspected to be a malignant neoplasm was limited to low-dose irradiation of the mediastinum and biopsy excision of the cervical lymph nodes. There has been no recurrence of disease in the subsequent four years.

The pathological features and clinical course correspond to a benign disease first described in 1969 in which there is massive proliferation of histiocytes in lymph node sinuses. No infectious cause was identified. Consistent but eventually reversible defects in lymphocyte response to phytohaemagglutinin and in augmentation of nitro-blue tetrazolium reduction by neutrophils during phagocytosis were demonstrated in the patient and in his monozygous twin. These defects in cellular immune function are believed to be important in the pathogenesis of the histiocytosis.
Routine operation of an Elliott 903 computer in a clinical chemistry laboratory
Authors: Whitby L. G. , Simpson D.
Published: June 2007

Experience gained in the last four years concerning the capabilities and limitations of an 8K Elliott 903 (18-bit word) computer with magnetic tape backing store in the routine operation of a clinical chemistry laboratory is described. Designed as a total system, routine operation has latterly had to be confined to data acquisition and process control functions, due primarily to limitations imposed by the choice of hardware early in the project. In this final report of a partially successful experiment the opportunity is taken to review mistakes made, especially at the start of the project, to warn potential computer users of pitfalls to be avoided.
Enzymes involved in phenylalanine metabolism in the human foetus and child
Authors: McLean Anne , Marwick Margaret J. , Clayton Barbara E.
Published: June 2007

The activities of phenylalanine p-hydroxylase, tyrosine: alpha-ketoglutarate and phenylalanine: pyruvate aminotransferases, and aromatic alpha-ketoacid reductase have been measured in liver biopsies obtained from children with a series of disorders other than phenylketonuria and from human foetuses aged 8·5 to 24 weeks. The importance of such a study in relation to the management of infants with hyperphenylalaninaemia and pregnant phenylketonuric women is discussed
The measurement of serum transferrin by iron-binding capacity
Authors: Ramsay W. N. M.
Published: June 2007

Two criteria which ought to be satisfied by an acceptable method for the estimation of serum transferrin by iron-binding capacity are enunciated. A screening procedure is described which involves the sequential quantitative use of ion exchange and gel filtration. Its use in testing the extent to which two published methods fulfil the recommended criteria is described. Both methods give results for total iron-binding capacity which are 1-10% high because of the inclusion of non-transferrin iron.
Experience with a commercial kit for the radioisotopic assay of vitamin B12in serum: the Phadebas B12Test
Authors: Raven J. L. , Robson M. B.
Published: June 2007

The first commercial kit for the radioisotopic assay of vitamin B12in serum—the Phadebas B12Test produced higher values than the radioisotopic method of Raven, Robson, Walker, and Barkham (1969) and theLactobacillus leichmanniimicrobiological assay. Its normal range was 300-1100 pg/ml and its reproducibility was similar to that of the other radioisotopic method. It should be possible to lower the results obtained by the Phadebas method by modifying its standard curve and to reduce the time taken for the assay by shortening its incubation period.
Serum `uracil + uridine' levels in normal subjects and their possible significance
Authors: Parry T. E. , Blackmore J. A.
Published: June 2007

A microbiological method for the assay of uracil is described. The growth of the test organism is supported by uracil and also by uridine but not by uridylic acid. The method therefore measures uracil and uridine together. The `uracil + uridine' level, expressed as uracil, has been measured in blood from 144 normal subjects ranging in age from cord blood to the eighth decade. The mean level of 22 μ mol/l (0·25 mg%) in cord blood decreases to 15 μmol/l (0·17 mg%) in adults over the age of 20. There is no difference between the sexes.

Uracil is of interest because (a) it is a constituent base of RNA, (b) it is the precursor of two of the bases thymine and cytosine that enter into the composition of DNA, and (c) under certain circumstances it has mutagenic properties. The last is dependent upon the existence of two tautomeric forms of uracil, the common keto form which pairs normally with adenine and the rare enol form which pairs with guanine. A mistake in base pairing which allows uracil in its enol form to enter the DNA molecule and pair with guanine can result in a G = C → A = T base transition in the DNA molecule. The molecular mechanism involved as well as the possible bearing on somatic mutation are discussed.
Surface viable counts with nichrome wire loops
Authors: Khairat Omar
Published: June 2007

A surface viable counting method is described making use of a nichrome wire loop having an external diameter 5 mm, which is streaked on an overdried plate. The loop holds 1/35 ml (0·02857 ml) peptone water. When tried in parallel with pipettes that delivered 1/50 ml (0·02 ml) drops, it gave reproducible results not at all inferior to those obtained with 50-dropping pipettes.
Capillary blood collection in haematology
Authors: Stuart J. , Barrett B. A. , Prangnell D. R.
Published: June 2007

A capillary blood collection technique which facilitates the estimation of routine haematological parameters, including platelet count and sedimentation rate, is described. The technique requires 0·5 ml of blood, allows closer reproducibility than pipette collection methods, is suitable for monitoring blood counts in patients receiving cytotoxic agents, and can be integrated with semi-and fully-automated production lines.
The pre-albumin fraction: A useful parameter in the interpretation of routine protein electrophoresis
Authors: Harris R. I. , Kohn J.
Published: June 2007

A technique of protein electrophoresis suitable for routine use which ensures good separation of the prealbumin fraction is described. The clinical value of visually estimating this protein fraction from the electrophoretic strip is shown with reference to 134 cases. Low levels of prealbumin were found to be associated with liver disorders, malignancy, collagen diseases, congestive cardiac failure, and burns. Finally, pitfalls in electrophoretic technique which may cause failure to visualize the prealbumin fraction are discussed.
Red face and reduced plasma volume
Authors: Davies Sylvia W. , Glynne-Jones Eveline , Lewis E. Patricia
Published: June 2007

Twenty-five patients who were suspected clinically of having either polycythaemia rubra vera or secondary polycythaemia had no haematological abnormalities apart from a reduction in the plasma volume. Twenty-one were hypertensive. The plasma volume was lowest in those who were receiving treatment with diuretic agents, antihypertensive drugs, or steroid therapy. These cases demonstrate the need for blood volume studies in patients with high values for the blood haemoglobin and the packed cell volume in order to establish a differential diagnosis from myeloproliferative disorder or secondary polycythaemia.
The detection of autoantibodies with an enzyme bridge method
Authors: Ford P. M. , Stoward P. J.
Published: June 2007

The horseradish peroxidase bridge method described by Mason, Phifer, Spicer, Swallow, and Dreskin (1969) has been found to be as sensitive and specific as fluorescence methods for detecting antinuclear factor and gastric parietal cell antibody, and to a lesser extent, antibodies to smooth muscle and mitochondria. However, the method has at least four practical advantages over fluorescence techniques.
Arthritis, deformities, and runting in C5-deficient mice injected with human rheumatoid arthritis synovium
Authors: Crocker J. F. S. , Ghose T. , Rozee K. , Woodbury J. , Stevenson B.
Published: June 2007

The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis might be more easily understood and the efficacy of therapeutic measures might be more accurately assessed if a convenient animal replica of this disease were available for laboratory study. Intraperitoneal injection of homogenates of inflamed synovium taken at operation from patients with rheumatoid arthritis produces inflammatory swelling and deformity in the tail and extremities of a proportion of injected mice from a complement (C5)-deficient inbred strain. Swelling of the paws leads to limping of the affected mice. The lesions are transmissible from generation to generation. The results support the theory of a transmissible agent in the inflamed synovium of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Steroid excretion and metabolism by gonadal tissue from a subject with testicular feminization syndrome
Authors: Lockwood E. , Ghosh P. C. , Pennington G. W. , Tipton R.
Published: June 2007

The initial clinical, pathological, and hormonal investigation of a patient with testicular feminization syndrome is described. Incubation of gonadal tissue with various radioactive substrates, together with the isolation and identification of the resulting metabolites, was demonstrated a high capacity to synthesize testosterone.

Two biosynthetic pathways were demonstrated, originating from progesterone and pregnenolone. These are essentially similar to those of the normal adult testes.

Low levels of activity were found in the phenolic fractions and no measurable production of oestrone, oestradiol, or oestriol was found.
Evans blue as counterstain in the demonstration of muscle antibodies by immunofluorescence in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Closs O. , Aarli J. A.
Published: June 2007

The binding of muscle antibodies to skeletal muscle was studied by immunofluorescence techniques. The non-specific fluorescence was not significantly reduced by absorption of the conjugate by tissue powder but was abolished by counterstaining with a 0·1% Evans blue. Possible explanations for this effect are discussed. By this method, immunofluorescence may become more useful in the demonstration of muscle antibodies.
Serum IgM and IgA responses in influenza A infections
Authors: Urquhart G. E. D.
Published: June 2007

Immunofluorescent serum IgM and/or a significant level of IgA antibody was detected in 87% of 39 cases of current or recent influenza A infection from two to 84 days after the onset of illness. Secondary IgM staining occurred in 5% of sera and a significant correlation was found between complement-fixing and class-specific antibodies. It was estimated that the immunofluorescent test could be diagnostic in 64% of single sera with levels of CF antibody between 32 and 256, and because anti-s antibody was detected in the IgM test this test did not differentiate primary and secondary influenza A infection.