bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on the folic acid activity of human serum
Authors: Waters A. H. , Mollin D. L. , Pope Josephine , Towler Thurl
Published: June 2007

A method for the measurement of serum folic acid activity is described, which is a modification of previous methods.

The material in serum with activity forL. caseiis made up of a stable and a labile component. The amount of stable component in normal subjects and patients with megaloblastic anaemia is similar. The amount of labile component varies. In patients with folic acid deficiency none is present; in normal subjects it constitutes between 65 and 94% of the total serumL. caseiactivity. The labile component appears to be an index of folic acid metabolism, and the assay of total serumL. caseiactivity is therefore a valuable method for differentiating patients requiring treatment with folic acid from normal subjects and patients with primary vitamin B12deficiency. Normal subjects had serum folic acid levels from 5·9 to 21·0 mμg./ml. (mean 9·9 mμg./ml. ± 0·3 mμg./ml. S.E.). In patients with megaloblastic anaemia requiring treatment with folic acid, other than megaloblastic anaemia of pregnancy, the levels were less than 4·0 mμg./ml. Patients with uncomplicated pernicious anaemia had levels from 6·0 to 27·0 mμg./ml. (mean 16·6 mμg./ml. ± 1·1 mμg./ml. S.E.). The mean level in this group was higher than in normal subjects, and the highest levels of all were found in patients with subacute combined degeneration of the cord with minimal anaemia (range 14·4 to 36·8 mμg./ml.; mean 24·8 mμg./ml. ± 2·4 mμg./ml. S.E.).

TheL. caseiactivity of the labile component is lost during autoclaving or storage at −20°C. This loss can be prevented during autoclaving by using adequate amounts of ascorbic acid in the phosphate buffer used to dilute the serum for assay and by adding ascorbic acid to serum that is to be stored. Moreover, the activity lost during the storage of serum not protected by ascorbic acid could be restored, for periods up to three months, by adding ascorbic acid to this serum before assay.
Methicillin-resistant staphylococci
Authors: Barber Mary
Published: June 2007

Eighteen strains ofStaph. pyogenes(nine penicillin-sensitive and nine penicillin-destroying) were passaged 40 to 50 times on Celbenin1ditch plates.

All strains developed an increase in resistance to Celbenin and eight strains (four penicillin-sensitive and four penicillin-destroying) were able to grow in 100 μg/ml. or more Celbenin. Resistance was of the drug-tolerant type and none of the cultures inactivated Celbenin. There was an associated increase in tolerance to benzyl penicillin.

The highly Celbenin-resistant cultures isolated from penicillin-destroying staphylococci were in sharp contrast to those from penicillin-sensitive strains, as well as to penicillin G-tolerant staphylococci isolatedin vitro, because they retained the cultural characteristics, coagulase and haemolytic activity, and mouse virulence of the parent strains, and the degree of resistance remained stable after repeated passage in the absence of Celbenin.

Three naturally occurring Celbenin-resistant strains ofStaph. pyogenesisolated from infective processes were also studied. All three strains grew luxuriantly in concentrations of Celbenin up to 12·5 μg/ml. but very poorly in higher concentrations.

The possible significance of these findings is discussed.
Plasma magnesium in health and disease
Authors: Hanna Samir
Published: June 2007

Simpler and more accurate flame spectrophotometric techniques are now available for estimating magnesium. Because of the development of modern electrolyte therapy, cases of hypo-magnesaemia are now encountered more frequently. The condition may lead to dangerous convulsions without sufficient warning. Some causes of hypomagnesaemia and hypermagnesaemia are presented.
The use of tetramethylammonium hydroxide in the Zimmermann reaction
Authors: James V. H. T. , De Jong Mary
Published: June 2007

The use of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (T.M.A.H.) in place of potassium hydroxide in the Zimmermann reaction has been investigated. Although various pure steroids have different colour equivalents, a comparison of the results of 17-ketosteroid and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid estimations on a series of urines showed that the differences for the two reagents were only small and may be ignored. Tetramethylammonium hydroxide has the considerable advantage over potassium hydroxide of stability and need not be prepared freshly. The correction procedures available are discussed.
The histological diagnosis of toxoplasmic lymphadenitis
Authors: Stansfeld A. G.
Published: June 2007

The commonest presenting sign of acquired toxoplasmosis in man is enlargement of superficial lymph nodes. The persistence of the nodes may lead to a suspicion of malignant lymphoma and the diagnosis then hinges on the lymph node biopsy.

Three cases of toxoplasmic lymphadenitis are described in each of which the diagnosis was unsuspected clinically. The chance discovery of a toxoplasma cyst in the lymph node section of Case 1 led to the correct diagnosis, after an initial diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease had been made. In the other two, strikingly similar histological changes in the lymph node biopsies suggested the diagnosis, which was confirmed serologically in each case.

The histological changes are described and the clinical and pathological aspects of toxoplasmic lymphadenitis are briefly reviewed, with special reference to the differentiation from malignant lymphomatous conditions and to the specificity of the histological picture. It is concluded that the histology is, in many instances, sufficiently distinctive for a tentative diagnosis of toxoplasmic lymphadenitis to be made on the lymph node biopsy. The diagnosis should always be confirmed by isolation of the parasite or by serological tests. It is exceedingly rare for toxoplasma cysts to be found in lymph nodes and only one previous observation of this kind has been reported.
A stable sheep cell preparation for detecting thyroglobulin auto-antibodies and its clinical applications
Authors: Fulthorpe A. J. , Roitt I. M. , Doniach D. , Couchman K.
Published: June 2007

The preparation of stable formolized sheep cells coated with thyroglobulin and their use for the detection of auto-antibodies in human thyroiditis is described. This provides an easy laboratory test which gives results closely comparable with those using fresh tanned cells.

The agglutination titres do not closely parallel the antibody content of the serum but a good correlation may be obtained by inhibiting agglutination with thyroglobulin.

The diagnostic usefulness of the test in treating disorders of the thyroid is discussed and related to the results of tests for the other two immune systems involved in thyroiditis. The tanned red cell test may be used to differentiate Hashimoto's disease from thyroid cancer and non-toxic colloid goitre, and to assess the choice of treatment in patients with Graves' disease. It has proved of particular value in genetic studies of auto-immunity.
The diagnostic value of faecal trypsin estimation in chronic pancreatic disease
Authors: McGowan G. K. , Wills M. R.
Published: June 2007

Faecal trypsin levels have been estimated by a photometric azo-casein method in 242 children and 45 adults. Analysis of the results shows that this is not a specific test of pancreatic dysfunction but that it appears to be a useful screening test for the selection of patients who may have severe pancreatic disease and on whom further specific investigations should be performed.
Enzymatic release of folate activity from the red cells in megaloblastic anaemia of pregnancy
Authors: Grzesiukowicz Helena , Jennison R. F. , Gowenlock A. H.
Published: June 2007

The content of folate activity precursors in washed red cells and the enzymatic plasma factor activity, necessary for the release of folate from the precursors, were studied in normal subjects and in patients with megaloblastic anaemia of pregnancy. Subjects with megaloblastic anaemia of pregnancy had a significantly reduced folate activity precursor content, and 14 subjects (58%) had significantly low plasma factor activity, which in at least four subjects may have been due to the presence of inhibitors. This study indicates that impaired activity of the plasma factor may play a part in the aetiology of megaloblastic anaemia of pregnancy.
Neural and visceral xanthomatosis in adults
Authors: Miller A. A. , Ramsden F.
Published: June 2007

The clinical, pathological, and chemical findings in a fatal case of generalized Hand-Schüller-Christian disease in a man of 33 years are presented in case 1. The necropsy examination revealed granulomatous infiltration of the infra-orbital fat, the pituitary stalk, and the posterior lobe of the pituitary and also of the skull bones and the thyroid cartilage. The spinal dura mater contained multiple xanthomatous deposits which had produced degenerative changes in the cord substance by epidural compression. Interesting features were the tumour-like enlargement of the right heart, massive pancreatic and renal infiltration, also heavy constricting xanthomatous mantles which had produced compression of both kidneys and adrenal glands.

Case 2 is an example of xanthomatous granuloma, confined to the lungs, in a man of 57 years, and not associated with diabetes insipidus. The histological appearances were those of long-standing chronic xanthoma with marked cystic changes in the lungs, dilated bronchioles, and thick-walled stenosed pulmonary arteries.

The pathogenesis of Hand-Schüller-Christian disease is briefly discussed.
Assessment of hypothalamic pituitary function in endocrine disease
Authors: Greenwood F. C. , Landon J.
Published: June 2007

The insulin test carried out with adequate safeguards under standardized conditions yields valuable information regarding hypothalamic and pituitary function when plasma levels of sugar, cortisol, and growth hormone are determined. The use of a test based on the plasma cortisol response to the infusion of lysine-vasopressin, a polypeptide with a corticotrophin-releasing action, is also of value as a test of pituitary function. Used in conjunction with the insulin test it enables pituitary disorders to be differentiated from those involving the hypothalamus.
Histological features of the nephrotic syndrome associated with quartan malaria
Authors: Kibukamusoke J. W. , Hutt M. S. R.
Published: June 2007

The histological diagnosis in 77 cases of the nephrotic syndrome occurring in Uganda is presented.Plasmodium malariaewas detected in 31 cases and all but one of these showed diffuse proliferative or focal glomerulonephritis. Pure membranous glomerulonephritis was seen in nine cases; none of these had parasitaemia. Children (63%) had a higher incidence of parasitaemia than adults (40%) in the cases examined.
Estimation of intrinsic factor and detection of intrinsic factor antibodies using non-radioactive cyanocobalamin and microbiological assay
Authors: Spray G. H.
Published: June 2007

A method employing non-radioactive vitamin B12and microbiological assay is described for estimating intrinsic factor in gastric juice and for detecting antibody to intrinsic factor in serum. Satisfactory agreement was obtained between the results by this method and by a modification of the method of Ardeman and Chanarin (1963).

During the first hour after gastric stimulation 11 patients with pernicious anaemia secreted between 0 and 240 units of intrinsic factor compared with between 1,600 and 39,000 units in 21 patients with other conditions. The results in three out of four patients with gastric atrophy were higher than those in pernicious anaemia but lower than in other conditions.
Incidence and pathogenesis of megaloblastic erythropoiesis in multiple myeloma
Authors: Hoffbrand A. V. , Hobbs J. R. , Kremenchuzky S. , Mollin D. L.
Published: June 2007

Intermediate megaloblastic changes occurred in six (19%) of 32 patients with multiple myeloma and trivial megaloblastic changes in a further ten (31%). Folate deficiency was the predominant cause of these changes and in at least two patients was sufficiently severe to contribute to anaemia. Folate deficiency appeared to be due to exćess folate utilization by the tumour and was related to the amount of paraprotein produced daily.

Five of the 32 patients had subnormal serum B12levels. Reduction in the serum B12level was related to the reduction in the normal circulating immunoglobulins and occurred despite normal B12absorption. Possible explanations for this finding are discussed.
Postoperative changes in platelet adhesiveness
Authors: Bennett P. N.
Published: June 2007

Platelet adhesiveness was measured in patients undergoing operation. With the rotating bulb technique adhesiveness increased steadily to the sixth and ninth days following surgery. The glass bead filter technique demonstrated a marked increase in platelet adhesiveness on the day following operation.
Effect of injected heparin on platelet levels in man
Authors: Davey M. G. , Lander Harry
Published: June 2007

Platelets from six normal subjects were labelled with radiochromate and reinfused into their donors. Subsequently, the effect of intravenously injected heparin upon the levels of circulating platelets and platelet radioactivity was studied. Although reductions in platelet counts occurred in three subjects following single injections of 10,000 units, these changes were not reflected in the levels of circulating platelet radioactivity. It is concluded that the alterations in platelet counts observed were probably due to an effect of heparinin vitro.The experimental evidence that heparin induces thrombocytopeniain vivo,in man, is unconvincing.
Neutron activation analysis for copper in biological material applied to Wilson's disease
Authors: Fell G. S. , Smith Hamilton , Howie R. A.
Published: June 2007

A method for the neutron activation analysis of copper in biological material is described and applied to the diagnosis and management of four cases of Wilson's disease. Results obtained for serum and urine are in agreement with values obtained by established colorimetric techniques. The method described can estimate 10−9g. copper to within 10% and this sensitivity has allowed the determination of copper from biopsy material such as liver, spleen, hair, and nail.
Thyroid carcinoma and Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Williams E. D. , Morales A. M. , Horn R. C.
Published: June 2007

Two cases of thyroid carcinoma and Cushing's syndrome are reported. Nine other previously published cases of this association are reviewed: in one the thyroid tumour was described as medullary, in two as papillary, and in the other six as anaplastic, undifferentiated, atypical, or solid carcinoma. Both of our own cases were medullary carcinomas of the thyroid, and on reviewing the histology of five of the other cases all proved to be medullary carcinoma with identifiable amyloid in the stroma. A consideration of the temporal relationships of the development of the carcinoma and of Cushing's syndrome suggested that in the two cases with papillary carcinoma these conditions could have been unrelated, but that in eight of the nine cases with medullary carcinoma there was evidence that thyroid carcinoma was present at the time of diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome.

The other main groups of the so-called `non-endocrine' tumours associated with Cushing's syndrome are briefly reviewed, and evidence that a surprising number of these cases are related to carcinoid tumours is put forward. Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid is also probably related to this group of tumours. It is suggested that the great majority of the tumours associated with Cushing's syndrome are derived from cells of foregut origin which are endocrine in nature. In neoplasms derived from these cells the polypeptide hormone may well be imperfectly formed, and possess an amino-acid sequence in common with ACTH or other biologically active polypeptides.
An investigation of three patients with Christmas disease due to an abnormal type of factor ix
Authors: Denson K. W. E. , Biggs Rosemary , Mannucci P. M.
Published: June 2007

Three patients with Christmas disease whose plasma was shown to have a prolonged one-stage prothrombin time with ox brain thromboplastin have been investigated. These patients have an inhibitor for the reaction between factor X, factor VII, and ox brain extract. The abnormal constituent responsible for this inhibitor appears to be factor IX whuch is functionally inactive but antigenically indistinguishable from normal factor IX. It is proposed that patients might be classified into haemophilia B+for patients with this defect (Christmas disease+) and haemophilia B−(Christmas disease−) for patients who have classical Christmas disease.
Effect of blood on the assay of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in vaginal fluid
Authors: Gibbs D. F.
Published: June 2007

The effect of blood in vaginal fluid on the assay of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase has been studied. Alternative assay procedures have been investigated to overcome these effects.
Proteus and coliform meningoencephalitis in neonates
Authors: Shortland-Webb W. R.
Published: June 2007

The characteristic necropsy and histological appearances are described of nine cases of Proteus meningoencephalitis in neonates. One case which was not due to Proteus has been included because of the close similarity of the gross appearances of the brain. Umbilical sepsis in half the cases indicated that this is a common portal of entry of these organisms. That epidemiological factors may be of importance in the aetiology was suggested by the distribution of cases.
Septicaemia caused byNeisseria flavescens
Authors: Wertlake Paul T. , Williams Temple W.
Published: June 2007

Septicaemia caused byN. flavescensis reported for the first time. The septicaemia developed following dental surgery, and the clinical picture was indistinguishable from that of chronic meningococcaemia. The skin lesions resembled the cutaneous manifestations of gonococcaemia. The patient responded to treatment with sulphonamides and penicillin with no relapse over 18 months of follow-up.
Elastofibroma
Authors: Mackenzie D. H. , Wilson J. F. , Cooke K. B.
Published: June 2007

Three cases of elastofibroma are described and the literature is reviewed. It is suggested that they are non-neoplastic lesions resulting from trauma. Their staining reactions and the response of the elastic type fibres to enzyme digestion suggest that these fibres are either true elastin or very closely related to it.
Cystinosis: electron microscopic evidence of lysosomal storage of cystine in lymph node
Authors: Patrick A. D. , Lake B. D.
Published: June 2007

Electron microscopic examination of a biopsy specimen of cystinotic lymph node demonstrated that cystine crystals were entirely intracellular, and that the majority, including those of the largest size, were enclosed by intact limiting membranes. Acid phosphatase activity was localized specifically at the periphery of the crystal profiles and the smallest crystal aggregates were contained in osmophilic dense bodies which had the appearance of progressively swollen lysosomes. The implications of the suggested lysosomal distribution of cystine are discussed.
Horse agglutinins in infectious mononucleosis
Authors: Lee C. L. , Zandrew F. , Davidsohn I.
Published: June 2007

One hundred infectious mononucleosis and the same number of non-infectious mononucleosis sera were studied to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of horse erythrocytes in the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis. Titres of horse agglutinins in infectious mononucleosis sera ranged from 28 to 7,168 with a geometric mean of 550, whereas the corresponding sheep agglutinin titres ranged from less than 7 to 3,584, with a geometric mean of 126. Horse agglutinin titres of non-infectious mononucleosis sera ranged from less than 7 to 896, with a geometric mean of 59.

Infectious mononucleosis sera tested with horse erythrocytes before and after absorption with guinea pig kidney and beef erythrocytes showed patterns different from those of non-infectious mononucleosis sera, even when sheep agglutinin titres were too low for satisfactory evaluation.

After absorption with guinea pig kidney, horse agglutinin titres of infectious mononucleosis sera were uniformly higher than in the corresponding serum absorbed with beef erythrocytes. This was not the case for non-infectious mononucleosis sera.

Results confirm our previously expressed view that horse erythrocytes are preferable to sheep erythrocytes in the serological diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis.
Mycological tests and onychomycosis
Authors: Davies R. R.
Published: June 2007

The value of direct microscopy and cultural tests in onychomycosis is reported on the results of the examination of 3,955 nail collections from patients infected withTrichophyton rubrum.Of the total number of mycological diagnoses, 15% would have been missed if culture had been omitted and 53% if direct microscopy had not been undertaken.
An evaluation of the Auto Analyzer SMA-4
Authors: Lappin T. R. J. , Lamont A. , Nelson M. G.
Published: June 2007

The Technicon AutoAnalyzer SMA-4 has been systematically evaluated. Carry-over from the sample cups was found to be within an acceptable range. The precision and accuracy of the four parameters determined by the instrument have been investigated. The haemoglobin results were found to be accurate. There was good agreement with leucocyte counts performed on the model A Coulter electronic cell counter. After certain modifications had been made in the manifold, satisfactory degrees of accuracy were also obtained for the erythrocyte counts. Although the determination of the haematocrit by conductance is influenced by a variety of factors, the mean coefficient of variation was found to be 0·83% and 95% of the results agreed within ± 2% of those obtained by the microhaematocrit centrifugation method.

A logistic assessment of the SMA-4 when it was put into routine use indicated the need to select blood samples without excess anticoagulant, to calibrate the instrument before each run, to test for instrumental drift, to use a rapid method of correcting stoppages, and, if concurrent reporting is carried out, to employ the part-time services of a second operator. The presence of dust in the environment was found to have a deleterious effect on both the mechanical and electronic components of the system requiring preventive maintenance. It should be possible, by interfacing an analogue-digital converter and automatic punch, to produce data compatible with records.
Determination of blood glucose using an oxidase-peroxidase system with a non-carcinogenic chromogen
Authors: Trinder P.
Published: June 2007

Manual and automated methods for the determination of blood glucose have been devised using an oxidase/peroxidase system, with dl adrenaline, a non-carcinogen, as oxygen acceptor. The manual technique employs a stable single solution protein precipitant and the other reagents used are also stable. The automated methods are operated at 40/hr sample speed and washover between samples, over a very wide concentration range, is negligible.
Estimation of red cell folate activity
Authors: Spray G. H.
Published: June 2007

The conditions described by Hoffbrand, Newcombe, and Mollin (1966) for the estimation of red cell folate activity have been confirmed using a different method (Spray, 1964) of micro-biological assay withLactobacillus casei.

In 81 control subjects the levels of folate activity in the red cells were between 80 and 470 mμg/ml (mean 192), and in plasma between 2·1 and 13 mμg/ml (mean 4·9). In 16 patients with megaloblastic anaemia due to folic acid deficiency, the red cell folate level was between 3 and 74 mμg/ml (mean 32). In 15 of these patients the plasma level was between 0·1 and 1·0 mμg/ml; in the other patient it was 3·3 mμg/ml. Subnormal red cell levels were found in only eight out of 29 other patients whose plasma folate level was below 2·0 mμg/ml. In 26 patients with untreated pernicious anaemia, the red cell folate activity was between 44 and 280 mμg/ml (mean 129) and the plasma level was between 1·6 and 19 mμg/ml (mean 7·5).
Ultramicrofluorimetric determination of calcium in plasma
Authors: Lewin M. R. , Wills M. R. , Baron D. N.
Published: June 2007

A precise and reproducible method is described for the ultramicro fluorimetric determination of calcium in plasma, based upon the formation of a fluorescent complex between calcium and calcein at a strongly alkalinepH.

In a group of normal subjects, the mean concentration of plasma calcium was 9·66 mg/100 ml with a normal range of 8·9 to 10·4 mg/100 ml.
Haemophili from eyes
Authors: Ingham H. R. , Turk D. C.
Published: June 2007

The identity of haemophili isolated in our laboratories from eye swabs was investigated. Ten out of 114 strains belonged to capsulated types ofH. influenzae.Seventy-six strains were submitted to tests for the identification ofH. aegyptius(the Koch-Weeks bacillus), but none was proved to belong to this species. An unexpectedly high proportion of the haemophilus strains, including most of those with capsules, came from patients with lachrymal duct obstruction.
A comparison of the Monospot with the Paul-Bunnell test in infectious mononucleosis and other diseases
Authors: Seitanidis B.
Published: June 2007

The Monospot is a spot test designed for the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis and its efficacy has been compared with that of the standard Paul-Bunnell test. Three out of 210 (1·4%) sera from normal persons and persons suffering from diseases other than infectious mononucleosis gave `false' positive results when compared with the Paul-Bunnell test. Using 38 sera from patients with strong clinical and haematological evidence of infectious mononucleosis no false negative results were found with the Monospot test. The sera of 37 patients gave positive results with the Paul-Bunnell test: the one negative result was positive using serum taken a few days later.
The histology and cytology of changes in the epithelium of the cervix uteri
Authors: Govan A. D. T. , Haines R. M. , Langley F. A. , Taylor C. W. , Woodcock A. S.
Published: June 2007

Abnormalities of the cervical epithelium are set out in two main groups: bland lesions which are regarded as unrelated to malignancy, and malign lesions which are considered as potential precursors of invasive carcinoma. The histological features of each condition and the cytological pattern of the corresponding cervical smear are described and correlated.

Cone biopsy is advocated as the only satisfactory form of cervical biopsy for both the diagnosis and evaluation of lesions such as dysplasia and carcinomain situ.It is emphasized that further study is necessary to determine their natural history and prognosis in relation to invasive carcinoma.
Agglutination of platelets by a serum factor in the presence of EDTA
Authors: Gowland E. , Kay H. E. M. , Spillman Judy C. , Williamson J. R.
Published: June 2007

The platelets of a patient with reticulum-cell sarcoma were found to exhibit agglutination and cytopathic changes when her blood was treated with EDTA but not with other anticoagulants. Investigation showed that the phenomenon was caused by a serum factor that was probably an antibody.
Peritoneal infections in patients on long-term peritoneal dialysis before and after human cadaveric renal transplantation
Authors: Leigh D. A.
Published: June 2007

Long-term peritoneal dialysis was carried out on 38 patients awaiting human cadaveric renal transplantation. Fifty-eight per cent of patients developed infection before transplantation and 41% of those requiring dialysis after transplantation became infected.

Infection did not usually occur before the third day of dialysis and 26% of patients developed their first episode of infection in the first week. Almost 50% of patients had only a single episode of infection.

The overall rate of infection per 100 patient days of dialysis was 1·23 before transplantation and 4·17 after transplantation.

The commonest infecting organisms wereStaph aureusandStaph albusand these organisms were frequently isolated from the skin around the dialysis catheter before the infection occurred. Gram-negative infections were more commonly seen after transplantation.

Sixty-five per cent of the infections responded to a single course of antibiotic therapy administered in the dialysis fluid. After transplantation Gram-negative infections were usually associated with severe complications and were a major cause of death.

Peritoneal dialysis is a convenient way of maintaining patients with chronic renal failure before human cadaveric renal transplantation, and infection, although common is not inevitable, provided precautions are taken to ensure that the dialysis procedure is carried out using aseptic techniques and prophylactic therapy is applied to the skin around the dialysis catheter.
Sensitivity of Gram-negative bacilli to ampicillin after six years' clinical use
Authors: Slocombe B. , Sutherland R.
Published: June 2007

A total of 1,102 clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacilli was obtained from four hospitals during 1967 and these cultures were tested for sensitivity to ampicillin. Approximately 80% of the strains ofEscherichia coliand 90% of the strains ofProteus mirabilis,the two organisms most frequently isolated, were sensitive to ampicillin. Klebsiella-Enterobacter species andPseudomonas aeruginosawere generally insensitive. Comparison of these results with data obtained in an earlier study with Gram-negative organisms isolated in 1961 showed that there had been no significant increase in the incidence of resistance of Gram-negative bacilli to ampicillin during the period 1961-67.

The majority of ampicillin-resistant strains ofE. coliisolated in 1967 transferred ampicillin resistance to a sensitive strain ofE. coliK12. Only four ampicillin-resistant strains ofE. coliisolated in 1961 were available for transferable resistance tests but all four strains transferred ampicillin resistance. Infective or transferable resistance was therefore a feature of ampicillin resistance of certain Gram-negative bacteria before ampicillin became generally available for clinical use.
A simple quantitative and qualitative microbiological screening test for bacteriuria
Authors: Mackay-Scollay E. M.
Published: June 2007

A simple, accurate screening test for significant bacteriuria is described. It entails brief contact of a freshly voided specimen of urine with the surface of a solid culture medium lining the wall of a transparent disposable plastic container, incubating it at 37°C for 24 hours, and counting colonies developing on a proscribed surface area. The method obviates errors due to contaminants, affords a limited species differentiation of the causative organisms, and provides a ready means of obtaining a direct sensitivity test on the responsible bacteria.
Generalized herpes simplex in malnourished children
Authors: Templeton A. C.
Published: June 2007

Five cases of fatal generalized herpes simplex infection in malnourished children are described. This is almost certainly a much more common disease in underdeveloped communities than is at present appreciated. Only a greater awareness of the disease, coupled with full use of histological and cultural methods of diagnosis, will lead to knowledge of its true frequency.

A case of neonatal infection, the first recorded in an African, is also described. Reasons are suggested as to why this disease should be seen in malnourished infants in Africa but only very rarely in neonates.
A data processing system for hospital bacteriology
Authors: Alexander M. K. , Connigale J. , Johnson T. , Poulter I. R. , Wakefield J.
Published: June 2007

A system for the automatic capture and retrieval of information contained in routine bacteriology reports is described. The system depends on the preparation of reports on an electric typewriter producing punched paper tape as a byproduct.

Periodically the information contained on the tape is analysed by computer. The potential value of the system for the analysis of the results of antibiotic sensitivity testing and for the study of the epidemiology of hospital infections is briefly discussed.
Studies on iron metabolism in sickle cell anaemia, sickle cell haemoglobin C disease, and haemoglobin C disease using a large volume liquid scintillation counter
Authors: Ringelhann Bela , Konotey-Ahulu Felix , Dodu Silas R. A.
Published: June 2007

Iron absorption as measured by a faecal recovery method in young adult males living in a tropical zone was high, even in the absence of anaemia. There was an inverse relation between the iron absorption and the packed cell volume. The highest absorption was found in sickle cell anaemia patients, where the packed cell volume is the lowest. The incorporation of iron was also the fastest and greatest in this group. In the controls the iron absorbed accumulated in the marrow and the spleen on the first day; in the sickle cell anaemia group the spleen has an insignificant role in iron storage. The growing radioactivity in the liver parallels that of the heart in the group of sickle cell anaemia patients; however, it remains low in the spleen in the same group, implying a diminution of splenic blood flow. In the sickle cell haemoglobin C and the haemoglobin C patients, the liver and spleen have an intermediate position between that of the sickle cell anaemia group and the control group.
Investigations and preparation of fibrinogencoated tanned sheep red cells
Authors: Das P. C.
Published: June 2007

The preparation and investigations of tanned sheep red cells coated with human fibrinogen are presented in detail and noted variables are discussed. Both tanning and coating are quick processes. Higher concentrations of tannic acid improved the sensitivity of the cells but required an increased concentration of stabilizing serum to prevent autoagglutination. Fibrinogen concentration above 2 μg/ml had no significant effect, although a concentration above 100 μg/ml sometimes produced cells with incomplete patterns. ThepH of the reaction media may be varied widely, although tanning and coating at a more alkalinepH yielded cells showing an indistinct pattern. Cells prepared by this method can be stored for at least six months.
Measurement of plasma volume by means of59Fe-labelled dextran and Evans blue compared
Authors: Wilson R. J. , Mills Ivor H.
Published: June 2007

The apparent volumes of distribution of Evans blue and59Fe-dextran were determined in 18 studies.

59Fe-dextran volume was 5% lower than Evans blue volume, a highly significant difference.

The rate of loss of59Fe dextran from the circulation was significantly less than that of Evans blue.
A haematological study of patients receiving long-term treatment with trimethoprim and sulphonamide
Authors: Jenkins G. C. , Hughes D. T. D. , Hall P. C.
Published: June 2007

The haematological effects of long-term treatment for three months with a combination of trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole were studied in 10 cases of chronic bronchitis. Trimethoprim selectively inhibits dihydrofolate reductase in bacteria but not in man. Only minor effects on folate metabolism were observed in nine cases, causing no clinical concern. Some degree of thrombocytopenia occurred in the tenth case which improved when folinic acid was given.
An assessment of serum57Co cyanocobalamin as an index of vitamin B12absorption1
Authors: Donaldson D. , Blight B. J. N. , Lascelles P. T.
Published: June 2007

A technique has been developed for accurately assaying serum and urine57Co cyanocobalamin during the conventional Schilling test. Serum and urine radioactivity in a large number of patients has been correlated and the precise normal limits have been determined by statistical analysis. The implications of this for investigating conditions other than pernicious anaemia and the malabsorption syndromes are stressed.
Thermal damage to red cells
Authors: Baar S. , Arrowsmith D. J.
Published: June 2007

Erythrocytes from a burned patient show a temporal sequence of morphological changes. Immediate severe changes occur which are followed by a transient phase only of less abnormal morphology.

Heating whole bloodin vitroto 49°C instead of 50°C does not show the expected dose response curve.

Heating whole bloodin vitroto 50°C induces progressive morphological changes.

Fractionation of whole blood and subsequent heating to 48°C show the older cells to be less deformable.
Ultrastructure of plasma cells containing Russell bodies in human stomach and thyroid
Authors: Gray A. , Doniach I.
Published: June 2007

The fine structure is illustrated of plasma cells containing Russell bodies. The material is from chronic inflammatory cell infiltrates in human gastric mucosa and thyroid glands in Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is noted that the Russell bodies lie in distended cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum and are easily distinguished from less electron-dense `secretory granules' covered by a smooth membrane that are situated in the Golgi complex.
Elution of antibodies from biopsy tissue
Authors: Feltkamp T. E. W. , Boode J. H.
Published: June 2007

Cryostat sections proved to be sufficient material for acid elution of bound antibodiesin vitroorin vivo.By single reconstitution of thepH the eluate may be studied for antibodies with the immunofluorescence technique. This micro-elution method may be of value for the study of kidney biopsy tissues.
The effect of exercise on the venous blood ammonium concentration in man
Authors: Sinniah D. , Fulton T. T. , McCullough H.
Published: June 2007

Mild muscular exercise did not cause any significant rise in the ammonium concentration of venous blood draining the exercising forearm of control subjects or patients with cirrhosis. However, in both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic subjects moderate exercise produced significant increases in venous blood ammonium values and these occurred earlier and were more prolonged in cirrhotic patients. Severe exercise caused larger increases in venous blood ammonium concentration in all subjects but there were no significant differences between the mean ammonium concentrations of the cirrhotic and control groups either before or after exercise. All ammonium values returned to their pre-exercise levels within half an hour of resting.

The exact mechanism of these phenomena is not fully understood but they are of practical importance in the study of blood ammonium metabolism in normal subjects and in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. The importance of making subjects rest for at least 30 minutes before obtaining blood for ammonium determination is emphasized in order to obviate misleadingly high readings due to muscular activity.
Colistin, sulphamethoxazole, and trimethoprim in synergy against Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Simmons N. A.
Published: June 2007

The antibacterial activity of the four possible combinations of the three drugs, colistin, sulphamethoxazole, and trimethoprim, has been investigated with Gram-negative bacteria. All of the strains examined, with the exception of the strains of Proteus, were sensitive to colistin.

The combination of colistin and sulphamethoxazole was synergic against all 141 sulphamethoxazole-sensitive bacteria out of a total of 164 organisms against which it was tested. The sensitive strains comprised 27 of the 37Esch. coli, 51 of the 54Ps. aeruginosa, 24 of the 30Kl. aerogenes, eight of the 12 shigellae, and all 21 Proteus and 10 salmonellae tested. The combined effect was indifference against the remaining 23 organisms which were resistant to sulphamethoxazole.

The combination of colistin and trimethoprim was synergic against all 72 organisms against which it was tested, which comprised 10Esch. coli, 14Ps. aeruginosa, 14Kl. aerogenes, 12 Proteus spp, 10 salmonellae, and 12 shigellae. The combination of sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim was synergic against 61 of the same 72 organisms; the exceptions were threeEsch. coli, fourKl. aerogenes, and four shigellae, all of which were sulphamethoxazole resistant.

The combination of all three drugs—colistin, sulphamethoxazole, and trimethoprim—was more active than combinations of any two against 66 of the 72 organisms. The exceptions were three strains ofEsch. coli, two ofKl. aerogenes, and one shigella, all of which were sulphamethoxazole resistant.
A method for deriving normal ranges from laboratory specimens applied to uric acid in males
Authors: Cook M. G. , Levell M. J. , Payne R. B.
Published: June 2007

Plasma specimens from male blood donors gave a normal range for uric acid concentration of 3·3 to 7·5 mg/100 ml. Specimens from male outpatients, which were received in the laboratory for the analysis of urea but not of uric acid and proved to have normal concentrations of urea, showed a positively skewed distribution of values for uric acid from which a `normal range' of 3·2 to 7·6 mg/100 ml was derived. We suggest that specimens from outpatients selected in the way described here may prove to be a convenient source of data for determining the normal range of other substances.
A rapid whole blood solubility test to differentiate the sickle-cell trait from sickle-cell anaemia
Authors: Huntsman R. G. , Barclay G. P. T. , Canning D. M. , Yawson G. I.
Published: June 2007

A simple and rapid screening test which differentiates sickle-cell trait and sickle-cell anaemia is described. The test utilizes 0·1 ml of whole blood and is based on the low solubility of reduced sickle haemoglobin. Results intermediate between the sickle-cell trait and sickle-cell anaemia are obtained in unusual cases of sickle-cell anaemia with high foetal haemoglobin.

The need to supplement the results with haematological and electrophoretic techniques is discusses.
Some effects of mucopolysaccharide stains on platelet aggregation
Authors: O'Brien J. R.
Published: June 2007

Five mucopolysaccharide stains inhibit platelet aggregation induced by several aggregating agents: with two stains inhibition is competitive. Alcian blue, 0·05 mg/ml, added to platelet-rich plasma potentiates ADP-induced aggregation. Alcian blue, 0·5 mg/ml, itself produces platelet aggregation, probably causing the release reaction. Three of these stains produce aggregation of red cells. They also bind heparin, and so may influence heparin-neutralizing sites (platelet factor 4) and probably the charge on the platelet membrane. The only known common factor to these stains is their ability to bind onto the mucopoly-saccharides. It is suggested that when platelets are `stained' the surface mucopolysaccharide is altered and that this alteration can influence platelet aggregation.
Congenital nephrotic syndrome and renal vein thrombosis in infancy
Authors: Alexander F. , Campbell W. A. B.
Published: June 2007

Three of the four cases of the nephrotic syndrome in infancy described show the typical clinical and pathological features of the commonly termed congenital nephrotic syndrome, and two of them abnormal immunoglobulins. Two of the infants were siblings. The placental abnormalities and renal electron microscopic changes are reported and are believed to be involved in antigen-antibody reactions. The literature is reviewed and the possible aetiology of these lesions is discussed. The fourth case is considered to be due to thrombosis of the inferior vena cava and renal veins, an extremely rare cause of the nephrotic syndrome in infants.
Changes in the drug resistance ofStaphylococcus aureusin a non-hospital population during a 20-year period
Authors: Goldie D. J. , Alder V. G. , Gillespie W. A.
Published: June 2007

The antibiotic resistance ofStaphylococcus aureusisolated in Bristol from primary skin sepsis and nasal carriers outside hospital was recorded between 1949 and 1969. The proportion of penicillinase-forming strains rose to about 60% but resistance to other antibiotics remained un-common except for a peak about 1957, due to the spread of multiresistant phage-type 80 staphylococci. Reasons are discussed for the failure of other multiresistant staphylococci to increase outside hospital.

Recently isolated strains from inside and outside hospital were tested with sulphonamide and trimethoprim. All were sensitive to trimethoprim but 5% of non-hospital strains and 40% of hospital strains were resistant to sulphonamide. It is suggested that sulphonamide-resistant staphylococcal infections should not be treated with sulphonamide-trimethoprim mixtures because of the risk of breeding trimethoprim-resistant strains.
Value of plasma chloride concentration and acid-base status in the differential diagnosis of hyperpara-thyroidism from other causes of hypercalcaemia
Authors: Wills M. R.
Published: June 2007

A study is reported of the estimation of plasma chloride concentration and acid-base status in the differentiation of primary hyperparathyroidism from all other causes of hypercalcaemia. In the two groups of patients studied, all of whom had hypercalcaemia, there was complete separation between the two groups on the basis of plasma chloride concentration and acid-base status. In 16 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism the increase in plasma chloride concentration and associated metabolic acidosis could have been accounted for by the known renal tubular effects of parathyroid hormone. In 13 patients with hypercalcaemia due to various other causes the decrease in plasma chloride concentration and associated metabolic alkalosis could be accounted for either by the known effects of an excess of calcium-ion on the renal tubules, or perhaps by suppression of endogenous parathyroid hormone secretion. In patients with hypercalcaemia and hypophosphataemia of `pseudohyperparathyroidism' associated with non-endocrine tumours it is postulated that the low plasma chloride concentrations and metabolic alkalosis found in these patients were due either to a differing biological activity of the parathyroid-hormone-like polypeptide secreted by the tumour cells, or possibly to simultaneous secretion by these cells of an ACTH-like polypeptide.
Effect ofpH changes on the binding of vitamin B12by intrinsic factor
Authors: Shum Hing-Yan , O'Neill Barry J. , Streeter Arthur M.
Published: June 2007

The binding of vitamin B12by human gastric juice has been found to bepH dependent. Maximum binding occurs betweenpH 6·5 and 10. Outside thispH range the vitamin B12-binding ability of human gastric juice decreases and atpH below 2 or above 12·2 this drops sharply to about 10 to 15% of the maximum. Three commercial hog intrinsic factors have been found to give a similar response topH changes. ThepH-dependent binder in human gastric juice has been shown to be intrinsic factor by the addition of intrinsic factor-blocking antibody. About 10% of vitamin B12bound by human gastric juice is not bound by intrinsic factor and is notpH dependent. The reduction in the vitamin B12-binding capacity of human gastric juice induced by an adversepH is reversed by neutralization. The physiological and clinical significance of these observations is discussed and their relevance to various proceduresin vitronoted.