bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infection with Streptococcus agalactiae in a London hospital.
Authors: Mhalu F S
Published: June 2007

Streptococcus agalactiae is presently the commonest beta-haemolytic streptococcus isolated from clinical material in this hospital. Between October 1974 and March 1975, 81 patients with such infections were seen. Seventeen had urinary tract infections, six had septicaemia, and one neonate had meningitis. Three of those with septicaemia were neonates and two died. The organism was also found to be a cause of pyogenic skin conditions in five patients. Isolates from throat swabs in 12 patients, from sputum in four, and from the female genital tract in 18 were considered part of the normal flora. Human strains of Str. agalactiae were found to be biochemically different from animal strains.
Evaluation of automated large-scale screening tests for syphilis.
Authors: Macfarlane D E , Hare K , Elias-Jones T F
Published: June 2007

Two methods of performing serological screening tests for syphilis are compared. One consisted of the Venereal Diseases Reference Laboratory (VDRL) slide test, the cardiolipin Wassermann reaction (CWR), and the Reiter protein complement fixation test (RPCFT) performed manually; the other was a fully automated system using two Technicon AutoAnalyzers (AAII), one for the automated reagin test (ART) and the other for automated complement fixation tests. The absorbed fluorescent treponemal antibody test (FTA-ABS) was used as a final arbiter in all cases found to be seropositive by either method. A pooled antigen consisting of a mixture of cardiolipin and Reiter protein was used for the automated complement fixation test, thus increasing the scope and capacity of the system. The AutoAnalyzer was shown to be capable of performing 400 cardiolipin and Reiter complement fixation tests and 700 automated reagin tests in an 8-hour day. Modification of the complement fixation test method to take advantage of the highly sensitive colorimeter resulted in a significant increase in sensitivity and a corresponding saving in reagents. Of the 7843 sera tested, 258 gave a positive result in one or more of the screening tests. The automated test detected many more Reiter positive sera (127) than the manual test (83). Conversely, fewer CWR positive sera were detected by the automated test (60) than by the manual test (82). There was little difference between the number of positive sera detected by the ART (73) and the VDRL slide test (71). In 19 instances the automated tests detected positive sera which registered as completely negative in the manual tests, and four seropositive cases which the automated tests had failed to detect were detected by the manual tests, and four seropositive cases which the automated tests had failed to detect were detected by the manual tests. It was concluded that a combination of the ART and automated Reiter protein complement fixation test (ARPCFT) would be ideal for use in a large-scale screening programme for the detection of syphilis.
Introduction of a Vickers M300 analyser into the routine service of a hospital laboratory. 2. Tests, methods, evaluation.
Authors: Buckley-Sharp M D , Miller A L , Stevens J F , Worsley L R , Yeomans F R
Published: June 2007

A Vickers M300 analyser has been introduced into a busy hospital laboratory; a profile of 13 biochemical tests is currently provided. Analytical performance has been assessed over one year of routine service operation, and mechanical performance has been assessed over two separate three-month periods. At its best, the M300 achieves high standards of precision and accuracy and has the advantage of unrivalled speed. Enzyme assay methods are less satisfactory than the kinetic assays in current use. Random analytical errors occur and are difficult to detect. The restricted facilities of the integral process-control computer are inadequate for effective quality control.
Conditions for collection of serum samples for the measurement of fibrin(ogen) degradation products by radioimmunoassay of fragment E.
Authors: Martin M J , Gordon Y B , Ratky S M , Baker L R , Chard T
Published: June 2007

A number of conditions have been assessed for the collection of serum samples for the measurement of fibrin(ogen) degradation products using a radioimmunoassay for degradation fragment E, which permits precise quantitation of differences. Blood should be collected using minimal venous occlusion into glass tubes containing 10 mg/ml of epsilon amino caproic acid and allowed to clot at 4 to 20 degrees C for at least 4 hours before centrifugation. The serum may be stored at 4 or -20 degrees C. Samples from patients receiving anticoagulant therapy should be treated with 10 IU of thrombin per ml.
Serum urea analysis using the Beckman BUN Analyzer.
Authors: Chua K S , Tan I K
Published: June 2007

A new instrument, the Beckman BUN Analyzer, has been produced for the estimation of urea in microvolume (0-01 ml) of serum or plasma. It requires only a simple two-point calibration for standardization and is suitable for a range of urea levels from zero to 70 mmol/l. The test procedure is simple. After the initial calibration the test sample is injected into the testing chamber and a digital result of the urea concentration is displayed. Serum urea measurements made by this method compared well with those obtained by the Technicon AutoAnalyzer method over the entire working range. The within-batch coefficient of variation of the method is 5-5%, and less at urea levels of 11 to 44 mmol/l. The between-batch coefficient of variation of the method is 6-9%, and less at urea concentrations of 10 to 47 mmol/l. The BUN Aanalyzer method is a quick and reliable alternative to conventional laboratory methods for serum or plasma urea estimation and is especially useful for urgent investigations of both adult and paediatric patients in the hospital wards and at the outpatient clinics.
An assessment of the macrophage electrophoretic mobility test (MEM) in cancer diagnosis.
Authors: Crozier E H , Hollinger M E , Woodend B E , Robertson J H
Published: June 2007

The results of an assessment of the macrophage electrophoretic mobility test in cancer diagnosis are described. We found that the test did not reliably distinguish between a group of 18 patients with benign disorders and a group of 25 with malignant disease.
Section preparation of human marrow for light microscopy.
Authors: Dancey J T , Deubelbeiss K A , Harker L A , Greenaway J
Published: June 2007

Preparation of human marrow sections has been studied systematically in order to facilitate accurate identification of marrow cells. Both of the methods developed involve embedding marrow cores in methyl methacrylate. In one, acrolein fixation is followed by staining of deplasticized sections with eosine-y followed by azure II; in the other, neutrophilic forms are identified by their esterase-specific reactivity in marrow fixed with neutral-buffered formalin. These preparations are suitable for quantitative studies of marrow cellularity.
Measurement of heterophil antibody and antibodies to EB viral capsid antigen IgG and IgM in suspected cases of infectious mononucleosis.
Authors: Blake J M , Edwards J M , Fletcher W , McSwiggan D A , Pereira M S
Published: June 2007

The EBV IgG titres in acute and convalescent specimens from 97 cases of infectious mononucleosis were compared with titres from acute and convalescent sera from 96 students with illnesses resembling infectious mononucleosis but without heterophil antibody, EB IgM or EB IgG seroconversion; and also with titres from 91 healthy students known to have had EB IgG antibody for at least six months. These titres were related to the titre of the Research Standard A.66/235 for infectious mononucleosis serum prepared by the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control. Serial sera were tested for heterophil antibody and EBVCA specific IgG and IgM from 61 university students with infectious mononucleosis. The period of persistence of heterophil antibody and EBV IgM after illness was outlined from the results of the tests. Single sera from 406 patients in hospital or general practice sent to the diagnostic laboratory for heterophil antibody tests were also tested for EBV antibodies without prior knowledge of the heterophil antibody result. The close agreement between heterophil antibody and EBV IgM results is shown. False positive EB IgM results were correlated with the presence of rheumatoid factor.
Pseudomembranous colitis.
Authors: Price A B , Davies D R
Published: June 2007

Three basic histopathological patterns which may be seen in rectal biopsies from patients with pseudomembranous colitis are described, based on a study of 29 cases. The spectrum of change is illustrated and the problems of differential diagnosis are discussed--from a non-diagnostic proctitis at one extreme to acute ischaemia at the other. In the differential diagnosis of the acute colitic, the importance of urgent rectal biopsy and a carefully taken drug history is stressed. The association of pseudomembranous colitis with pre-existing disease and antibiotic therapy is confirmed. It is suggested that these cause local mucosal damage and may trigger the first part of a local Shwartzman reaction. Capillary microthrombosis may then paly a part in producing the mucosal necrosis seen later in the disease.
Development and use of a micro haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) technique, based on Hepatest, for the detection and quantitation of hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) in blood donors.
Authors: Wiseman I C
Published: June 2007

A simple micro haemagglutination inhibition technique, based on Hepatest (Wellcome Reagents Limited), is described. Its application in the screening of blood donors is shown, and its sensitivity is discussed in two forms of usage and also when compared to the previous immunoelectroosmophoresis technique used in this centre.
Colony-forming ability of marrow from patients receiving immunotherapy during chemotherapy-induced remission in acute myeloid leukaemia.
Authors: Gordon M Y , Powles R L , Douglas I D
Published: June 2007

An in vivo culture system, the agar diffusion chamber technique, has been used to measure the population of colony-forming precursor cells in the bone marrow of patients receiving immunotherapy during acute myeloid leukaemia in remission. The results of these assays indicate that (1) the level of committed granulocytic stem cells usually remains below the range found in normal marrow throughout remission, and (2) the maintenance of adequate cell counts in the blood may be due to increased cell production by these early granulocytic precursor cells. The relevance of these findings to the possible protective effect of immunotherapy against cytotoxic chemotherapy is discussed.
IgA localisation in glomerular diseases.
Authors: Lawler W , Williams G , Tarpey P , Acheson E J , Mallick N P
Published: June 2007

The structural changes found on light and electron microscopy study of 25 renal biopsy specimens that showed significant glomerular IgA deposition on immunofluorescence were correlated with relevant clinical data. The morphology of a wide range of glomerulopathies seeen included mesangial proliferative (60%), membranous (12%), rapidly progressive proliferative (8%), mesangio-capillary (8%), and no light microscope change (8%). Four of the 15 cases (60%) of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis were associated with focal segmental sclerosis and 10 with focal segmental and focal global sclerosis. In addition, 7 of the 15 cases showed capsular crescents. The clinicopathological correlations indicated that the prognosis in this group is unfavourable when focal global sclerosis and capsular crescents are present, particularly when both occur in the same biopsy specimen.
Streptococcus milleri in the appendix.
Authors: Poole P M , Wilson G
Published: June 2007

The appendix was investigated as a possible habitat of Streptococcus milleri. Both normal and inflamed appendices were examined and the isolation rates compared. S. milleri was present in a quarter of the normal appendices and more than half of those associated with apendicitis--a difference that was statistically highly significant. The isolation rates throughout were indepencent of age. There was a pronounced connection between the presence of S. milleri in the appendix and the purulent manifestations of appendicitis. S. milleri was isolated from other abdominal sites associated with appendicitis. The frequency of isolation was increased by culture in an enrichment broth containing nalidixic acid and sulphadimidine.
Light inactivation of metronidazole sensitivity discs.
Authors: Jones P H , Scott A P
Published: June 2007

We found that daylight inactivated metronidazole sensitivity discs. They should therefore be stored in light-proof containers.
Catecholamines and free fatty acids in myocardial infarction and angina.
Authors: Sharma S C
Published: June 2007

Total urinary catecholamines and plasma free fatty acids (FFA) were estimated serially in 50 patients with myocardial infarction (A) and in 27 cases of angina (B). A group of 24 normal healthy subjects (C) were also studied as controls. Catecholamines were significantly high (p is less than 0.001) in group A in the first 48 hours after infarction as compared to group C. Group B did not show significant variation from the normals (C). FFA also tended to increase only in group A in the first 48 hours. Both the parameters had returned to normal by 72 hours. The significance of the findings is discussed.
Prolyl hydroxylase in the skin of patients with obstructive jaundice.
Authors: Than-Than  , McGee J O , Blumgart L H
Published: June 2007

Prolyl hydroxylase was estimated in the skin of 24 jaundiced patients and 25 non-jaundiced patients. The activity of this enzyme was markedly reduced in the skin of the jaundiced patients.
Histochemical comparison of the epithelial mucins in the ileum in Crohn's disease and in normal controls.
Authors: Culling C F , Reid P E , Dunn W L , Clay M G
Published: June 2007

A comparison of routine and special histochemical methods that were applied to the epithelial mucins of small intestine from patients with Crohn's disease and from normal controls showed that the normal small intestine (ileum) goblet cells secrete a predominantly non-sulphated sialomucin and that, in contradistinction to the colon, the neuraminidase insensitivity of the sialic acids of the small intestine was not due to either O-acylation at C4 or an ester substituent at C1. Presumably this implies that the protection against enzyme attack afforded to the mucosa by the mucin coat in the small intestine utilises a different mechanism from that in the colon and that, although in many respects the small intestinal mucins in Crohn's disease, and in normal controls are similar, there is an increase in side-chain O-acylated sialic acids in such mucins in Crohn's disease. This difference has not been described before, probably because it can be seen only after staining such sections by the PAT/KOH/PAS and the PBT/KOH/PAS techniques.
National Health Service laboratories in England, 1966-74.
Authors: Buttolph M A
Published: June 2007

Laboratory workloads increased substantially between 1966 and 1974, the total number of laboratories was reduced, and productivity improved. The trends are likely to continue, but in the present economic situation the availability of accommodation will be an important constraint in determining the pattern of future development.
Immune complexes and abnormal liver function in haemophilia.
Authors: McVerry B A , Voke J , Mohammed I , Dormandy K M , Holborow E J
Published: June 2007

Abnormal 125I-Clq-binding activity was found in the sera of 94% of 55 haemophiliacs. Sera from 66% of these patients inhibited macrophage uptake of labelled aggregated human IgG in a competitive radiobioassay. These results suggest that large molecular weight immune complexes are present in these sera. Analysis of the precipitates obtained directly from the sera by addition of 4% polyethylene glycol showed either a mixture of IgG and IgM or IgM alone. There was poor correlation between the radiobioassay results and the Clq-binding activities in the whole group of 55 patients, suggesting a heterogeneous population of complexes. Nevertheless, a significant correlation was found between Clq-binding activities and the radiobioassay results in seven patients with antibodies to factor VIII, suggesting a homogeneous population of complexes. There was poor correlation between the level of immune complexes and the amount of replacement therapy the patient had received in the previous six months. Abnormal liver function tests were found in 55% of the patients studied but there was poor correlation between these abnormal levels and the Clq binding activities and radiobioassay results. Only two patients had clinical evidence of liver disease.
A shorter immunoperoxidase technique for the demonstration of carcinoembryonic antigen and other cell products.
Authors: Heyderman E , Neville A M
Published: June 2007

A reliable immunoperoxidase schedule for the cellular demonstration of tumour and normal cell products which can be completed in well under two hours is described. The preparations are as clear and readable as those stained by routine histological techniques and should form a valuable adjunct in research and diagnostic studies.
Red cell indices and serum ferritin levels in children.
Authors: Hows J , Hussein S , Hoffbrand A V , Wickramasinghe S N
Published: June 2007

The blood counts of 187 non-anaemic children who attended hospital with minor illnesses and who were between the ages of 12 months and 6 years were studied retrospectively. As many as 76-8% of these children were found to have MCVs below the normal adult range. A prospective study of a further 28 non-anaemic children in the same age group showed that the majority of children with low MCVs have normal haemoglobin A2 and F levels and have serum ferritin levels within the normal adult range. These findings indicate that microcytosis is an intrinsic feature of erythropoiesis in early childhood and that in most instances this feature cannot be attributed to iron deficiency or beta-thalassaemia syndromes.
Pre-eclampsia presenting with deep jaundice.
Authors: Long R G , Scheuer P J , Sherlock S
Published: June 2007

Pre-eclampsia complicated by deep jaundice occurred in a previously healthy primigravida. The main aetiological factor was disseminated intravascular coagulation; this caused both haemolysis and liver cell necrosis. Liver biopsy showed fibrin thrombi in the capillaries with microhaemorrhages and loss of periportal liver cells. The jaundice was attributed to both haemolytic and hepatocellular processes. Organs other than the liver were relatively unaffected.
Zinc and di-iodohydroxyquinoline therapy in acrodermatitis enteropathica.
Authors: Jackson M J
Published: June 2007

A 25-year-old patient with acrodermatitis enteropathica who had been treated with di-iodohydroxyquinoline for 20 years was changed to zinc sulphate therapy and studied under full metabolic balance control for zinc, calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphorus. The results obtained indicate that there is only a small overall deficit of body zinc stores in this disease and that the function of di-iodohydroxyquinoline is to increase the amount of zinc absorbed and retained by the body.
Centrifugation techniques and reagent strips in the assessment of microhaematuria.
Authors: Freni S C , Heederik G J , Hol C
Published: June 2007

During a survey for bladder cancer in a healthy male population a surprisingly high incidence of significant microhaematuria was found and no urinary sample was completely free of blood. A study of the sensitivity of the different techniques for assessing microhaematuria seemed necessary. A semiquantitative centrifugation technique, developed for cytological purposes, was found to be the most sensitive. Blood could be detected in concentrations of less than 50 RBC/ml urine. With conventional analysis, performed carefully, the minimum detectable concentration was about 500 RBC/ml. Reagent strips, based on the orthotholidin peroxidase reaction and developed specifically for urine analysis, gave positive reactions in minimum concentrations of 1 000 000 RBC/ml (original Hemastix), 50 000 RBC/ml (new Hemastix), and 20 000 RBC/ml (Sangur-Test). Positive scores with lower concentrations could be obtained with the Sangur-Test strip when it was read with a magnifying glass. However, the degree of erythrocyturia that may be regarded as physiological and that which is pathological has yet to be defined.
Effect of local exercise and vessel occlusion on fibrinolytic activity.
Authors: Rennie J A , Bennett B , Ogston D
Published: June 2007

Arterial occlusion of the upper limb did not affect the fibrinolytic activity in the venous blood of that limb; venous occlusion associated with venous distension resulted in a marked rise in activity. Local fibrinolytic activity was increased substantially by active exercise; passive exercise induced a smaller increase. Active exercise undertaken during arterial occlusion did not result in a rise in activator level. It is concluded from these results that blood flow into the venous system rather than accumulation of metabolites is responsible for the increased release of activator into the blood during local exercise and vessel occlusion.
Maintenance and use of cumulative haematology files on a laboratory computer.
Authors: Alexander M K , Corbett M T , Reed R W
Published: June 2007

A system is described for the maintenance of cumulative haematology records for selected patients using a laboratory minicomputer with limited storage capacity. Records are indexed by the patient's name and location since, as in the majority of hospital laboratories, there is no unique numbering scheme which covers all patients. The computer system imitates the procedures of manual filing, listing uncertain record matches for human decision. Applications include the production of a regularly updated printing of of cumulative files, the preparation of graphs from cumulative blood count records, and the provision of a summary and follow-up service for general practitioners.
Test reproducibility of the API (20E), Enterotube, and Pathotec systems.
Authors: Holmes B , Willcox W R , Lapage S P , Malnick H
Published: June 2007

Thirty-three strains of bacteria (30 Enterobacteriaceae and one strain each of Aeromonas formicans, A. hydrophila, and Plesiomonas shigelloides) were tested three times in each of 27 conventional tests and in the API, Enterotube, and Pathotec systems. The results obtained were analysed for test reproducibility within each kit, correlation of the kit tests with the equivalent conventional media, and the identification of the strains by the kits. Difficulties in evaluation and comparison of identifications are discussed. A practical evaluation of the kits was also made.
The API ZYM system in the identification of Gram-negative anaerobes.
Authors: Tharagonnet D , Sisson P R , Roxby C M , Ingham H R , Selkon J B
Published: June 2007

The API ZYM reactions of type species of Gram-negative anaerobes representative of those encountered in human infections and of 56 clinical isolates of such organisms, identified by conventional techniques, were investigated. The API ZYM test clearly distinguished between the different genera and species examined and appears to provide a simple, reliable method for the identification of this group of organisms.
Recovery of anaerobic bacteria from small inocula: a model for blood culture studies.
Authors: Collee J G , Duerden B I , Brown R
Published: June 2007

The recovery of anaerobic, facultative anaerobic, and aerobic pathogens from very small inocula was studied under conditions that could be related to routine blood culture procedures. Results with Brain Heart Infusion broth were unsatisfactory. Freshly prepared Brewer thioglycollate medium gave apparently good results, but there are disadvantages when this medium is used for blood culture. Results with Difco Thiol broth were disappointing. A modification of Robertson's cooked-meat broth supplemented with Brain Heart Infusion gave good recovery and sustained viability with a wide range of test organisms including exacting strains. The findings raise points of practical importance.
Measurement of serum folate: experience with 75Se-selenofolate radioassay.
Authors: Johnson I , Guilford H , Rose M
Published: June 2007

Three hundred and eighty-two serum samples were assayed for folate content by a standard Lactobacillus casei microbiological assay and by radioassay using the 75Se-selenofolate radioassay kit from the Radiochemical Centre, Amersham. Results showed encouraging concordance. Explanations were discovered for the few disparities. The radioassay procedure is simple and an assay batch can be completed in one working day.
Platelet adhesiveness in young patients with ischaemic stroke.
Authors: Sharma S C , Vijayan G P , Suri M L , Seth H N
Published: June 2007

A significant increase in platelet adhesiveness was observed in 13 patients who developed ischaemic stroke at high altitude and in 43 patients who developed stroke at low altitude when compared with a similar group of normal healthy volunteers. Eighty-eight percent of the patients were below the age of 40 years. The role of platelet adhesiveness in the pathogenesis of cerebral schaemia in young patients is discussed.
Cytochemical reactions of normal and neoplastic lymphocytes.
Authors: Davey F R , Huntington S J , Maccallum J , Macmath J M
Published: June 2007

Rosetting and non-rosetting lymphocytes collected from normal individuals were stained for the presence of beta-glucuronidase, periodic-acid Schiff activity, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, acid phosphatase, and alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase. Lymphocytes which formed rosettes with sheep erythrocytes and non-rosette forming lymphocytes contained cytochemical reaction products for all five stains. Beta-glucuronidase (P less than 0-02) and acid phosphatase (P less than 0-01) were more frequently found in rosette forming lymphocytes. However, non-rosetting cells were more frequently periodic-acid Schiff positive (P less than 0-001). Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase were present equally in rosette and non-rosette forming lymphocytes. In addition, 33 non-Hodgkin's lymphomas were studied for cell surface markers and cytochemical reactions. In 17 of 19 B cell lymphomas, there was a paucity of lymphocytes containing beta-glucuronidase. However, in three of four T cell proliferations, there were numerous lymphoid cells positive for beta-glucuronidase. The periodic-acid Schiff and acid phosphatase reactions varied greatly within B, T, and null cell lymphomas and thus were of little diagnostic value in determining the cell of origin of these neoplastic lymphoid cells.
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma presenting as subacute intravascular coagulation.
Authors: Eldor A , Naparstek E , Boss J H , Biran S
Published: June 2007

A patient with rhabdomyosarcoma is described in whom the presenting clinical and laboratory features were those of disseminated intravascular coagulation. The patient's rapid downhill course was primarily expressed by haemorrhagic tendency. An alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, affecting many organs, including vascular and cardiac lumina, was found at necropsy and was considered to be the cause of the consumption coagulopathy.
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent-assay test for hepatitis B surface antigen.
Authors: Vandervelde E M , Cohen B J , Cossart Y E
Published: June 2007

A new commercial test for hepatis B surface antigen based on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent-assay system was evaluated and compared with other tests already available. It was of comparable sensitivity to the radioimmunoassay test but required less expensive equipment (in terms of both outlay and upkeep) and did not use radioisotopes; the reagents were more stable.
e Antigen and antibody in outbreaks of hepatitis B in two renal dialysis units.
Authors: Gibson P E
Published: June 2007

In two renal dialysis units which had outbreaks of hepatitis B, patients were studied for the presence of e antigen and antibody. In one unit, in which the illness was mild and most of the patients (78%) became carriers of HBsAg, all but one patient had e antigen. Most of the HBsAg carriers had persisting e antigen and most of the transient patients had also transient e antigen. In the other unit, in which the illness was more severe, none of the patients became a carrier. Only 30% had e antigen during the acute phase of illness and 40% developed anti-e just before clearing HBsAg. It seems possible that the difference between these two units may reflect strain differences in the infectivity of hepatitis B virus.
Cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulins and complement in meningococcal meningitis.
Authors: Whittle H C , Greenwood B M
Published: June 2007

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) were measured in 107 patients with meningococcal meningitis. Levels were correlated significantly with CSF total protein, and both CSF immunoglobulin and protein increased with age. C3 was measured in the CSF of 38 patients and was also closely correlated with the CSF protein level. C3 breakdown products were found in all six CSFs tested. The CSF immunoglobulin and complement were thought to have leaked from the plasma due to inflammation of the meninges and had little value in diagnosis or prognosis.
Aminoglycoside cross-resistance patterns of gentamicin-resistant bacteria.
Authors: Houang E T , Greenwood D
Published: June 2007

Ten strains each of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were habituated to gentamicin by serial passage in antibiotic containing medium. Complete cross-resistance to streptomycin, neomycin, kanamycin, and tobramycin in a linear proportional fashion was demonstrated at all stages of habituation. Most strains of Staph. aureus and Ps. aeruginosa showed a greater increase in resistance to gentamicin than to the other three aminoglycosides. E. coli required more transfers to reach the same degree of resistance than did the other two species. Reversion to greater susceptibility to gentamicin took place after serial passage on antibiotic-free media. 'Wild' gentamicin-resistant strains showed no such proportionality of resistance to kanamycin, neomycin, or streptomycin. But many of these strains showed a proportional increase in resistance to tobramycin.
Histopathological occurrence and characterisation of calcium oxalate: a review.
Authors: Chaplin A J
Published: June 2007

Oxalosis is the histological manifestation of a number of diverse clinicopathological states involving abnormalities of both endogenous and exogenous oxalate. Crystalline deposits of calcium oxalate, usually first detected by their birefringence, may be characterised by a combination of their physical and tinctorial properties.
Beta-glucuronidase activity of lymph node imprints from malignant lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Authors: Pangalis G A , Yataganas X , Fessas P
Published: June 2007

beta-Glucuronidase activity was semiquantitatively estimated in the cells of lymph node (LN) imprints from patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD), diffuse non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), normal lymph nodes, and benign lymphadenopathies. In addition, in some of these cases beta-glucuronidase activity was semiquantitatively determined in peripheral blood smear lymphocytes. The beta-glucuronidase score (betaGS) was very low in the cells of the LN imprints from patients with diffuse non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The LN lymphocytes of HD had a normal betaGS independently of the histological subtype of the disease, while in the LN imprint of CLL the enzyme activity was low, normal, or high. The betaGS of the lymphocytes in LN imprints of normal controls and HD were in general significantly lower compared with he lymphocytes of the peripheral blood smears in the same cases. The relation of our findings to the B and T cell origin of malignant lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is discussed.
Standardisation of a simple method for the determination of antithrombin activity.
Authors: Frigola A
Published: June 2007

A procedure is described for performing a functional assay of serum antithrombin activity. The method consists of adding serum to a thrombin solution and measuring, after a fixed incubation time, the residual thrombin activity on a substrate plasma. The mean serum antithrombin activity found in 96 healthy blood donors using this procedure was 109.5% (range 82%-160%). The method was linear over an activity range between 30.5% and 176%, was significantly correlated with antithrombin-III protein concentration determined by radial immunodiffusion (r = 0.86, P less than 0.01), and showed good reproducibility (coefficient of variation 2.7%). On account of its simplicity and precision this functional assay should be of considerable use in evaluating hypercoagulability.
Identification of Enterobacteriaceae by the API 20E system.
Authors: Holmes B , Willcox W R , Lapage S P
Published: June 2007

Since the introduction of the API 20E kit a number of identification schemes have been developed by the manufacturer for use with the kit. We evaluated the success of these various schemes in identifying 206 strains belonging to 34 taxa of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Many of the strains were atypical and only 94% could be identified by our own system of 50 conventional tests and a computer program. The most advanced identification scheme so far developed for the API 20E kit (the Analytical Profile Index and complementary Computer Service) allowed 88% of the 206 strains to be correctly identified, although 2% were incorrectly identified. The tests in the API 20E kit and 52 conventional tests were separately evaluated for their ability to discriminate between the 34 taxa considered in this study. Our results suggest that replacing some of the tests in the present API 20E kit might further improve its diagnostic performance.
Serum bile acids in patients with hyperlipidaemia.
Authors: Pennington C R , Ross P E , Bateson M C , Bouchier I A
Published: June 2007

Individual serum bile acids were analysed by an improved gas liquid chromatography method in 12 patients with primary hyperlipidaemia. Total serum bile acid concentrations were raised in 10 subjects. Ursodeoxycholic acid was found in all 12 patients. It was present in significantly greater concentrations, accounted for a greater proportion of the total serum bile acids, and occurred more frequently than in patients with various forms of hepatobiliary disease. Patients with hyperlipidaemia had proportionately less deoxycholic acid than controls but more than patients with liver disease. There was proportionately less chenodeoxycholic acid in patients with hypercholesterolaemia, in whom the primary bile acid ratio was raised.
Cross contamination of cytological smears, with automated staining machines and bulk manual staining procedures. With a specific study of the problems of the Cytotek and the Shandon Elliott staining machines.
Authors: Husain O A , Grainger J M , Sims J
Published: June 2007

Further development of an individual staining machine is to be strongly encouraged but meanwhile, using bulk stainers, frequent changing of wash fluids and staining solutions, particularly leading up to and following the haematoxylin pot, is essential to reduce the risk of cross contamination. Certain smears, such as from semen or from serous fluids where malignancy is suspected or known, must be stained on separate racks. In some laboratories it is the rule not to stain semen or serous fluids in bulk staining machines at all and this may have to become the rule everywhere until we are provided with safe individual slide stainers.
Sensitivity of urine-grown cells of Providencia stuartii to antiseptics.
Authors: Thomas B , Sykes L , Stickler D J
Published: June 2007

Urine-grown cultures of 23 clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria having a range of minimum inhibitory concentration values for chorhexidine were challenged with various concentrations of this antiseptic. The results suggest that cells of Providencia stuartii, in particular, exhibit a considerable degree of resistance to chlorhexidine under these conditions, concentrations of up to 10 000--20 000 microgram/ml of urine being necessary to produce complete loss of viability of such cultures. Of the other two antiseptics tested, phenoxyethanol proved to be the more effective, the recommended use concentration of 2% v/v producing reductions in viable counts of greater than six logarithms in all the strains examined. It is suggested that phenoxyethanol may be a suitable alternative to the cationic agents for use in antiseptic policies for bladder management of urinary tract infections with Providencia stuartii.
Further studies on the umbilical cord and its water content.
Authors: Scott J M , Wilkinson R
Published: June 2007

The results show that the varied appearance of the umbilical cord at birth can be related to its water content and that there are associated changes to be seen histologically in all layers of the cord, but especially in Wharton's jelly. Quantimet analysis confirms these findings and highlights a small group where dual pathology may exist. The relationship between oedematous cords, large drip volume, and respiratory distress in the newborn is considered, and a possible explanation for reduced placental transfusion and low red cell mass in these babies is proffered.
Carcinoid tumour of the uterine cervix.
Authors: Warner T F
Published: June 2007

A carcinoid tumour of the cervix in a 64-year-old woman is described. It is the first time that this rare tumour has been associated with carcinoma-in-situ.
A critical comparison of the value of pregnancy-associated alpha2-glycoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen assays in patients with colorectal cancer.
Authors: Wood C B , Horne C H , Towler C M , Burt R W , Ratcliffe J G , Blumgart L H
Published: June 2007

Absolute serum concentrations of pregnancy-associated alpha2-glycoprotein (alpha2-PAG) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were compared in 54 patients before and after surgery for colorectal cancer. Preoperatively, elevated levels of alpha2-PAG were found in 32 (59%) and of CEA in 35 (65%). Postoperatively, elevated alpha2-PAG levels were found in 10 of 18 patients (56%) without clinical evidence of recurrence whereas elevated CEA levels were present in three (16%). In patients who developed clinical evidence of tumour recurrence, alpha2-PAG levels were elevated in 8 of 13 (62%) while CEA levels were uniformly abnormal. It is concluded that, in this cross-sectional study, measurement of alpha2-PAG concentrations is less reliable than CEA in the detection of tumour recurrence after apparently curative surgery for colorectal cancer.
Diagnosis of Bacteroides fragilis infection with counter-immunoelectrophoresis.
Authors: Okubadejo O A , Lightfoot N F , Hewitt W G
Published: June 2007

In a study of 188 patients and 109 controls, the detection of antibody by counterimmunoelectrophoresis was used as a diagnostic aid in human infections with Bacteroides fragilis. It was found that positive results indicated current infection and negative results were not conclusive. The method used was simple, rapid, and easily performed in a routine laboratory, but further work is needed to enhance antigen potency.
Serological diagnosis of Bacteroides fragilis infections by a complement fixation test.
Authors: Ross C A , Gilmore R F
Published: June 2007

Paired specimens of serum from patients from whom Bacteroides fragilis had been isolated were tested by complement fixation against a crude B. fragilis antigen. A high titre or a rise in titre to B. fragilis was obtained in each of five patients with infection after abdominal surgery but in none of 11 patients with postpartum pyrexia nor in nine with vaginitis.
Propionibacteria as a cause of shunt and postneurosurgical infections.
Authors: Skinner P R , Taylor A J , Coakham H
Published: June 2007

Propionibacterium acnes was isolated from postoperative specimens from nine neurosurgical patients. The role of P. acnes in postneurosurgical infection is discussed.
Acute hepatitis: significance of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen.
Authors: Vandervelde E M
Published: June 2007

The value of testing for core antibody (anti HBc) in acute hepatitis was assessed in 503 patients. All hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive patients tested were also anti HBc positive. Of the 110 HBsAg negative, anti HBc positive patients, 32 were found to have surface antibody, indicating previous infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Of the remaining 78 patients in whom anti HBc alone was detectable, follow-up specimens were received from 28 and, of these, 21 were then found to be anti HBc negative. Thus in acute hepatitis non-specific transient reactions to core antigen may appear, and the presence of anti HBc alone cannot be considered adequate evidence for a diagnosis of HBV infection.
Frequency distribution and 'reference values' of plasma alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) activity in the adult population of a Scottish new town.
Authors: Gardner M D , Scott R
Published: June 2007

As part of a study to establish the prevalence of renal calculus disease, alkaline phosphatase activity was measured by the method recommended by the Scandinavian Society for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Physiology in the plasma of 3823 adults from the Scottish new town of Cumbernauld. The enzyme activity differs in males and females and increases with age. Reference ranges are presented.
Mucin-producing atypical bronchial carcinoid.
Authors: Sweeney E C , Cooney T
Published: June 2007

In a case of atypical mucin-producing bronchial carcinoid in a 40-year-old man covert metastases were present at the time of lobectomy and were revealed at necropsy--a feature highlighting the malignant potential of the atypical carcinoid.
Differential cell counts in the histiocytic variant of lymphocytic predominance subtype of Hodgkin's disease.
Authors: Sutherland F I , MacGillivray J B , Brown R A , Beck J S
Published: June 2007

Differential cell counts were made on a lymph node, the structure of which was replaced by the histiocytic variant of the lymphocytic predominance subtype of diffuse Hodgkin's disease. In terms of numbers of cells in various categories, this lymph node bears a closer relationship to the mixed cellularity subtype than to the classical lymphocytic predominance subtype. In this node, unlike the mixed cellularity subtype, the histiocytes are largely differentiated into epithelioid cells; the significance of this cellular adaptation for defence against neoplastic cells is not known.
Platelet aggregation in chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Authors: Heyns A D , Fraser J , Retief F P
Published: June 2007

A method for washing platelets by albumin density gradient separation has been modified to prepare platelet rich plasma of thrombocytopenic patients for platelet aggregation studies. The concentration procedure, consisting of centrifuging platelets into a specific gravity gradient between plasma and 40-45% aqueous solution of bovine albumin, does not affect platelet aggregation adversely. Platelet aggregation in eight patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura was determined by this method. On the basis of the results the patients could clearly be divided into two groups: four patients with normal aggregation and four with a qualitative platelet defect. In contrast to the other patients, the group with an in vitro platelet functional defect all had more prolonged bleeding times and the presence of a serum antiplatelet antibody.
Marrow graft rejection and inhibition of growth in culture by serum in aplastic anaemia.
Authors: Barrett A J , Faille A , Saal F , Balitrand N , Gluckman E
Published: June 2007

The sera of 28 patients with aplastic anaemia were examined for their effect on granulocyte colony growth in soft agar. Normal sera did not affect colony growth, but 13 sera from patients with aplastic anaemia, three from multiparous women, and six from patients polytransfused for various disorders caused colony inhibition. This inhibition was not due to the presence of HLA antibodies in aplasia patients because some sera inhibited HLA compatible bone marrow, and polyspecific HLA antibodies were not found in all inhibitory sera. All patients who failed to show engraftment or who rejected their bone marrow graft within three weeks had serum inhibitory to normal bone marrow cell culture, but inhibition could not be demonstrated against autologous bone marrow cells in these patients with aplastic anaemia. The results show that patients with serum inhibitors have an increased risk of early graft rejection and suggest that this rejection is mediated by antibodies directed against bone marrow stem cells.
Spectrum of renal tubular damage in renal failure secondary to cirrhosis and fulminant hepatic failure.
Authors: Wilkinson S P , Hirst D , Day D W , Williams R
Published: June 2007

Measurements of urinary lysozyme were used to evaluate renal tubular integrity in 34 patients with cirrhosis or fulminant hepatic failure who had developed renal impairment. In 18 of the patients the lysozyme values were normal but in the remaining 16 were increased, supporting previous concepts that renal failure complicating hepatocellular disease may occur both without and with tubular necrosis. The lysozyme values were inversely related to the creatinine clearance, suggesting that the development of tubular necrosis may be determined by the level of renal perfusion. The validity of simpler laboratory tests often used to assess renal tubular integrity--namely, the urine sodium concentration, the urine:plasma osmolality ratio, and casts in the urine sediment--was evaluated by comparison with the lysozyme measurements. The urine sodium concentration was of most value and the findings in the sediment were of no value at all.
Lymphocyte transformation in cancer patients: variation in results according to technique.
Authors: Gyte G M , Watkins S M
Published: June 2007

Lymphocyte transformation to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) was measured simultaneously by two methods (heparin and methyl cellulose) in 16 patients with non-lymphoid cancer and 21 normal subjects. Twelve cancer patients showed transformation levels below the normal heparin range, but only two patients showed levels below the normal methyl cellulose range. These findings suggest that in interpreting lymphocyte transformation studies close attention should be given to the methods employed.
Chemotactic activity of cerebrospinal fluid in pyogenic meningitis.
Authors: Greenwood B M
Published: June 2007

Cerebrospinal fluid from patients with pyogenic meningitis was found to be chemotactic for polymorphonuclear neutrophil leucocytes. No significant difference was found between the mean chemotactic activity of cerebrospinal fluid obtained from patients with pneumococcal meningitis or meningococcal meningitis. The chemotactic factor present in cerebrospinal fluid is probably a low molecular weight protein, perhaps a complement component.
Some interesting isolates from a diagnostic laboratory.
Authors: Lim P L
Published: June 2007

Citrobacter koseri, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Edwardsiella tarda, Yersinia enterocolitica, Alkalescens dispar, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio alginolyticus were seven interesting microorganisms isolated recently in our diagnostic laboratory.
Cerebral involvement in multiple myeloma: case report.
Authors: McCarthy J , Proctor S J
Published: June 2007

Cerebral myeloma in a 49-year-old white man took the form of diffuse arachnoid infiltration, intracerebral perivascular cuffing, and frank intracerebral invasion.