bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A histological study of the effect of chronic gastritis on gastrin cell distribution in the human stomach.
Authors: Sloan J M , Buchanan K D , McFarland R J , Titterington P , Sandford J C
Published: June 2007

To determine the effect of varying degrees of gastritis on the distribution of immuno-reactive gastrin cells 38 partial gastrectomy specimens have been studied. Routinely stained histological sections of mucosa were compared with serial and adjacent sections stained by specific immunohistochemistry using peroxidase and fluorescent techniques. While chronic superficial gastritis had no obvious effect, mild atrophic gastritis was associated with an uneven distribution of gastrin cells which became more marked with increasing severity of gastritis. In the region of intestinal metaplasia gastrin cells were almost totally absent. Small numbers of gastrin cells were found within areas of pseudopyloric metaplasia in the fundus, a region where those cells are not normally seen. Similarly, gastrin cells were detected within regenerative gastric polypi in both antrum and fundus.
Granular cell myoblastoma: positive staining for carcinoembryonic antigen.
Authors: Shousha S , Lyssiotis T
Published: June 2007

An immunoperoxidase technique for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen was applied to 10 cases of granular cell myoblastoma. Consistent, strong, intracytoplasmic granular staining, which can be easily interpreted, was obtained in all cases. Schwannomas, neurofibromas, dermatofibromas, and leiomyomas were negative. The test is helpful in confirming doubtful cases. The results tend to support the suggestion that granular cell myoblastoma is derived from perineural rather than endoneural cells.
Gas-liquid chromatographic measurement of lignocaine in small samples of canine myocardium after enzymatic digestion.
Authors: Holt D W , Loizou M , Wyse R K
Published: June 2007

A method is described whereby lignocaine can be measured in small samples of canine myocardium. A proteolytic enzyme is used to digest the tissue, and the drug, together with an internal standard, is subsequently extracted into an organic solvent and measured by gas-liquid chromatography. The method is reproducible using tissue samples as small as 50 mg and appears to be suitable for the measurement of a number of drugs in small samples of tissue.
Central nuclear counts in muscle fibres before and during treatment in hypothyroid myopathy
Authors: McKeran R. O. , Ward P. , Slavin G. , Paul E. A.
Published: June 2007

Serial percutaneous needle muscle biopsies of vastus lateralis were studied in 10 patients who had varying degrees of hypothyroid myopathy. The biopsies were taken before and during treatment withl-thyroxine. Before treatment the most severely clinically affected patients showed type II muscle fibre atrophy and loss, together with increased central nuclear counts preferentially affecting the type II muscle fibre. Both the type II muscle fibre atrophy and loss and the increased central nuclear counts tended to return towards normal values during treatment withl-thyroxine. The severity of myopathic symptoms before and during treatment correlated with the biochemical evidence of hypothyroidism, a type II fibre atrophy, and increased central nuclear counts. The severity of myopathic signs before and during treatment was correlated with both a type II fibre atrophy and loss and increased central nuclear counts. There was no evidence that the myopathic signs before and during treatment were related to the biochemical parameters of hypothyroidism, except the level of thyroid stimulating hormone.

It is suggested that sequential studies of muscle fibre percentages, diameters, and central nuclear counts may provide an additional method of assessing the response to treatment in hypothyroid and possibly other types of myopathy. When increased central nuclear counts are confined to a specific muscle fibre type, this may suggest a hitherto unsuspected specificity of muscle fibre damage.
Quality control trials of prothrombin time: an assessment of the performance in serial studies.
Authors: Poller L , Thomson J M , Yee K F
Published: June 2007

A series of collaborative exercises on the one-stage prothrombin time test involving hospitals in Britain and overseas was performed between 1972 and 1977. The British Comparative Thromboplastin (BCT) and the lyophilised test plasmas were issued from the National (UK) Reference Laboratory for Anticoagulant Reagents and Control. Participants were asked to test the plasma samples with the BCT using the recommended technique. Variability of performance was assessed by the 'index of reliability' based on the plasma variance and error variance within each exercise. The results show that hospitals have attained higher precision in the later trials.
Biosynthesis and characterisation of IgMlambda in a case of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia with intracellular immunoglobulin inclusions.
Authors: Roberts G H , Gordon J , Smith J L , Newell D , Pike R
Published: June 2007

Lymphocytes from a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia were found to contain crystalline inclusions in the cytoplasm. These crystals were characterised as IgMlambda immunoglobulin. The cells did not have detectable surface immunoglobulin. No paraprotein was detected in the serum and no excess of immunoglobulin was detected in the urine. The cells incorporated radioactive leucine into mu and lambda chains during an 18-hour culture. Studies of labelled lysate immunoglobulin revealed a molar excess of heavy chain over light chain while in contrast free light chain was the only detectable secreted immunoglobulin product during the culture period. These findings are discussed in relation to immunoglobulin synthesis by normal and other neoplastic lymphocyte preparations.
Severe clinical conditions associated with Bacillus cereus and the apparent involvement of exotoxins.
Authors: Turnbull P C , Jørgensen K , Kramer J M , Gilbert R J , Parry J M
Published: June 2007

Twenty-one cases of infection with Bacillus cereus are summarised. The histories supplied showed that at least 15 of these were associated with severe or potentially severe symptoms including two deaths. Analysis of the production of exotoxins, including haemolysin and phospholipase, by these strains is given, and the relevance of these metabolites to the severity of the condition is discussed. Three incidents of bovine mastitis resulting from B. cereus and involving three deaths are also included. The observations presented here together with those of previous reports which are reviewed indicate that B. cereus may be of clinical importance, not just an opportunist but also as an agent of potentially severe infections in its own right.
Progression of hepatitis non-A, non-B to chronic active hepatitis: a histological follow-up of two cases.
Authors: Iwarson S , Lindberg J , Lundin P
Published: June 2007

Two patients with histologically verified acute hepatitis but without any serological evidence of hepatitis A or hepatitis B infection are described. In both cases the acute attack of hepatitis type 'non-A, non-B' progressed histologically and clinically to chronic active hepatitis within a two-year period. One of the patients died from liver insufficiency a year later, while the other is still alive after eight years of follow-up. The two cases illustrate that a progression of acute hepatitis 'non-A, non-B' to chronic liver disease may occur just as has been reported for hepatitis B infection.
Detection of bacterial phosphatase activity by means of an original and simple test.
Authors: Satta G , Grazi G , Varaldo P E , Fontana R
Published: June 2007

A new test for the detection of bacterial phosphatase activity has been devised. The test is performed using agar media containing both methyl green (MG) and phenolphthalein diphosphate (PDP); in these media phosphatase-producing strains grow deep-green-stained colonies whereas non-producing strains do not. A total of 739 different strains were tested, including 593 staphylococci, 95 micrococci, 11 streptococci, 10 corynebacteria, 14 enterobacteria, and 16 candidae. All strains found phosphatase-positive according to the conventional phosphatase test displayed deep-green-stained colonies on MG-PDP media, whereas all phosphatase-negative strains showed unstained colonies on the same media. The main advantages of the present phosphatase test as compared with other conventional ones are that it is more simple to perform, it can reveal the phosphatase activity of colonies grown in deep agar, and can be incorporated into commercial multitest kits.
Acquired lipidosis of marrow macrophages: birefringent blue crystals and Gaucher-like cells, sea-blue histiocytes, and grey-green crystals.
Authors: Hayhoe F G , Flemans R J , Cowling D C
Published: June 2007

Three varieties of compound lipid inclusions occurring as a secondary phenomenon in marrow macrophages are detectable and distinguishable by Romanowsky staining, ultraviolet fluorescence, and polarised light. Birefringent blue crystals and Gaucher-like cells form one variety, sea-blue granules another, and grey-green crystals a third. All occur chiefly in myeloid leukaemias, either acute or chronic.
Increased interaction of vascular endothelium and leucocytes after administration of antiplatelet serum: role in the developing vascular defect.
Authors: Kovacs I B , Caen J P
Published: June 2007

Antiplatelet serum (APS) induced an increase in the stickiness of white cells which manifests itself in the increase in number of granulocytes rolling along or sticking to the venous endothelium. Lidocaine treatment prevented the increased stickiness of white cells and, at the same time, the microvascular haemorrhage developing after APS. It can be assumed that increased stickiness of white cells after APS may contribute to endothelial damage.
Radioimmunoassay of primary bile salts in serum.
Authors: Baqir Y A , Murison J , Ross P E , Bouchier I A
Published: June 2007

Rapid, sensitive radioimmunoassays have been developed for the conjugated primary bile salts, cholate and chenodeoxycholate, using immunogens prepared by the mixed anhydride procedure. Antibodies produced showed equal specificity for glycine and taurine conjugates. Cross-reactivities were comparable with those from other published radioimmunoassays. The assays were routinely performed on unextracted sera and the concentrations correlated well with concentrations determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Accuracy, determined by the addition of bile salt to charcoal-extracted serum, and percision, determined by replicate analysis of a normal sample, were both less than +/- 10%. These figures are comparable with those obtained by both gas-liquid chromatography and other radioimmunoassays for bile salts. Normal sera were found to contain 0.49-1.32 mumol/l of cholate and 0.55-2.02 mumol/l of chenodeoxycholate. Serum concentrations in patients with liver disease were higher than this normal range. Three patients with mild liver distrubance were found to have one bile salt in the upper limit of normal, but in each case the other primary bile salt was outwith the normal range.
Electron microscopy of hepatitis B virus components in chronic active liver disease.
Authors: De Vos R , Ray M B , Desmet V J
Published: June 2007

Eighteen liver biopsy specimens from patients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive chronic aggressive hepatitis were studied by electron microscopy. All cases were selected on the basis of positive liver cell membrane fluorescence for HBsAg on immunohistochemical investigation. Striking changes in the morphology of the liver cell membrane were observed in nearly all cases. Furthermore, a dual aspect of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) is described. HBcAg particles may occur as either 'naked' or 'cloudy' particles surrounded by semi electron dense material. The nature of the 'cloud' remains to be identified.
Alpha-1-antitrypsin Pi S phenotype and liver cell inclusion bodies in alcoholic hepatitis.
Authors: Kelly J K , Taylor T V , Milford-Ward A
Published: June 2007

Typical liver cell inclusions of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency were found in a patient with the Pi S phenotype and acute alcoholic hepatitis. It is suggested that the inclusions resulted from the combined effects of the S phenotype and alcohol and, on the basis of the known chemistry of the variant antitrypsins, that the lowered serum concentration of antitrypsin associated with the S allele may be due to hepatic holdup.
Handwashing and antiseptic-containing soaps in hospital
Authors: Jarvis J. D. , Wynne C. D. , Enwright L. , Williams J. D.
Published: June 2007

Two aspects of handwashing in hospital were considered. A study was carried out to examine the contamination of bar soap and containers, and the use of antiseptic soaps in reducing the resident flora of the skin. Swabs were collected from soap dishes on six wards and from a bacteriology laboratory on four consecutive days. The unmedicated bar soap was replaced by bar soap containing 2·5% povidone-iodine, and further swabs were collected over a period of seven days. Ninety-two isolates from 48 samples were obtained when unmedicated bar soap was used, and nine isolates from 42 samples when povidone-iodine (Betadine) soap was substituted. The number of organisms recovered when povidone-iodine soap was used was much reduced, andPseudomonasspp were recovered in low numbers on only one occasion.

Six laboratory workers took part in a study to compare bar soap with other agents—povidone-iodine soap, povidone-iodine surgical scrub, povidone-iodine alcoholic solution, chlorhexidine surgical scrub, and alcoholic chlorhexidine. Samples were collected after standard washes and after surgical gloves had been worn for 90 minutes. The effect of multiple washes was assessed by samples collected after six washes with the agent under study (three per day) followed by 90 minutes wearing surgical gloves. The average percentage reduction in normal flora obtained indicated that alcoholic chlorhexidine was superior to the other agents.
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonitis: a serological study.
Authors: Shepherd V , Jameson B , Knowles G K
Published: June 2007

Sera from 23 proven or clinically suspected cases of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonitis (PCP) in immunosuppressed patients predominantly with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and from 91 normal people, were examined for antibody to P. carinii by indirect immunofluorescence. Low levels of antibody were found in 51 of 91 normal people and elevated or rising titres of antibody in 18 out of 21 cases from whom paired or serial convalescent sera could be obtained.
Winter vomiting disease caused by calicivirus.
Authors: Cubitt W D , McSwiggan D A , Moore W
Published: June 2007

The clinical, epidemiological, and virological features of an outbreak of winter vomiting disease among London schoolchildren are described. Evidence is presented to support the view that this epidemic was caused by a human calicivirus, a virus not previously shown to be associated with this disease in man.
Distribution of T-lymphocytes in follicular lymphomas as revealed by acid alpha-naphthol acetate esterase.
Authors: Papadimitriou C S , Papacharalampous N X
Published: June 2007

Twelve cases of follicular centroblastic/centrocytic malignant lymphoma were studied for acid non-specific esterase. The majority of the lymphocytes in interfollicular areas showed a pattern of enzymatic activity consistent with a T-cell nature. Variable numbers of lymphocytes with a similar enzymatic pattern were also seen among the negative centroblasts and centrocytes in neoplastic follicles.
Platelet function in hairy-cell leukaemia
Authors: Zuzel M. , Cawley J. C. , Paton R. C. , Burns G. F. , McNicol G. P.
Published: June 2007

A quantitative study of various aspects of platelet function was carried out in eight patients with typical hairy-cell leukaemia (HCL). In at least two patients platelet aggregation was convincingly reduced to more than one aggregating agent (ADP, adrenaline, collagen, thrombin, and ristocetin). Granular storage capacity for {14C} 5-HT was reduced in five of the six patients tested. The two patients with definitely abnormal aggregation had the greatest reduction in granular storage pool and the longest bleeding times of those tested but, like the other patients, they did not have a clinical haemostatic defect. It was concluded that a granular storage pool defect (SPD) was at least partly responsible for aggregation abnormalities in HCL since the platelet release reaction in response to thrombin appeared to be normal. All our patients ran a chronic course uncomplicated by any of the factors known to predispose to a platelet SPD acquired in the circulation. Although in the one patient tested before and after splenectomy there was some improvement in platelet aggregation after operation, there was no clear general relationship between defective platelet function and either previous splenectomy or platelet count. Since a direct involvement of the megakaryocytic series in the underlying cell proliferation of HCL seems unlikely, it is concluded that the platelet defect can most reasonably be attributed to the production of abnormal platelets as a result of marrow fibrosis and/or infiltration by hairy cells.
An immunohistochemical study of distribution of carcinoembryonic antigen in epithelial tumours of the ovary.
Authors: Heald J , Buckley C H , Fox H
Published: June 2007

An immunohistochemical study of the tissue CEA content of 82 epithelial neoplasms of the ovary has shown that mucinous tumours contain more of this substance than do their serous counterparts; otherwise a knowledge of tissue CEA content appears to be of little value in the differential histological diagnosis of this group of neoplasms. Among mucinous tumours there is only a partial correspondence between their degree of malignancy, as assessed histologically, and their content of CEA. It is postulated that immunohistological study of tissue CEA may add a degree of finesse to morphological analysis of these neoplasms and thus allow for a more precise grading of their degree of malignancy.
Adult pulmonary cytomegalic inclusion disease: report of a case.
Authors: Browning J D , More I A , Boyd J F
Published: June 2007

A case is presented of pulmonary cytomegalic inclusion disease in adult. The condition was only diagnosed post mortem. A detailed description of the inclusions and inclusion-bearing cells is given. Histochemical observations which reveal an outer and inner zone to the intranuclear inclusion body are confirmed. Electron microscopy shows the viral basis of the infection. The morphology of the virus particles is compatible with a herpesvirus infection.
Improved economics of HBsAg screening with commercial radioimmunoassay reagents.
Authors: Hopkins R , Ross S , Jordan T , Watt A D
Published: June 2007

Commercial 125I anti-HBs was processed to yield a sixfold improvement in economy without significant loss of sensitivity or specificity. Additional polystyrene beads were coupled with commercially supplied anti-HBs. The modified assay (Mod-RIA) was compared with commercial RIA, EIA, and RPHA using established HBsAg panels. Mod-RIA was also compared with HEPATEST (RPHA) for screening 71 200 fresh blood donations during an 11.5-month period.
Automated methods for identification of bacteria from clinical specimens.
Authors: Bascomb S , Spencer R C
Published: June 2007

Automated methods for measuring enzyme activities of bacterial suspensions in saline are described. The methods were applied to bacteria cultured from urine specimens, and specific enzyme profiles characteristic for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp, Proteus sp, and Pseudomonas sp were established. Identification of 294 freshly isolated strains by automated and conventional methods were compared. Results from automated identification based on eight enzyme tests and assay of protein content, all performed on a bacterial suspension made from one colony in 1 ml of saline, agreed 100% with those obtained by conventional methods. Identification was achieved in 6 hours.
A shortened scheme for the identification of indifferent streptococci.
Authors: Waitkins S A , Ball L C , Fraser C A
Published: June 2007

A shortened biochemical scheme was devised for the reliable identification of the 'viridans' streptococci. It compared favourably with the classical identification system of Colman and could be recommended for use in the busy routine laboratory to investigate streptococcal isolates from clinical sources.
Use of the API-ZYM system in rapid identification of alpha and non-haemolytic streptococci.
Authors: Waitkins S A , Ball L C , Fraser C A
Published: June 2007

The API-ZYM method of detecting enzymes was tested using 99 streptococci isolated from clinical material and 14 type species obtained from the National Collection of Type Cultures. We found the method easy and reliable. The results obtained indicate that this method could be a useful identification system in busy routine clinical laboratories.
Haemangioleiomyomatous tumour of the lung.
Authors: Soorae A S , Bharucha H
Published: June 2007

A case of haemangioleiomyomatous tumour of the lung, occurring as a peripheral, solitary nodule in an asymptomatic 54-year-old man is presented. The tumour was well-demarcated and microscopically it was characterised by the presence of vascular spaces with endothelial, pericytic, and, predominantly, smooth muscle proliferation. Islands of cartilage and slit-like spaces lined by bronchial epithelium make this a hamartomatous lesion of a quite distinctive and unusual variety, which does not fit any of the well-recognised patterns of hamartomas previously described. The long-term prognosis after limited excision is considered to be favourable.
Antimicrobial susceptibilities of Clostridium difficile.
Authors: Shuttleworth R , Taylor M , Jones D M
Published: June 2007

The antimicrobial susceptibilities of 78 strains of Clostridium difficile isolated from patients with and without gastrointestinal symptoms were determined and compared. Strains from patients with symptoms were more likely to show resistance to antibiotics. The antimicrobial susceptibilities of toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains were found to be similar.
Processing haematological data on a dedicated computer.
Authors: Nelson M G , Farrington C L , Rogers J D , Purdy G W
Published: June 2007

A system of processing the laboratory data of a busy haematology department serving a teaching group of hospitals and the general practitioners of the district is described. The system, which has been in routine use for over two years, is based on a dedicated CTL8030 computer sited in the laboratory utilising Lynwood visual display units (VDUs) for both input and access to the data files. Data from the Coulter 'S' is fed by an interface to the computer and to other data handling modules. Manual test results are entered via VDUs, mainly by laboratory staff who also validate all data. Access is available to all data for answering telephone requests. Data are retained on the disc file for 48 hours only, and cumulative reporting was not planned into the system as deliberate policy. Quality control of the Coulter 'S' output is maintained both throughout the day and retrospectively at the end of each working day using both whole blood patient blood transfusion profiles, a record of blood and product usage, worksheets, quality control information, end-of-day listing in alphabetical order plus statistical information for administrative purposes. Since its introduction the system has been remarkably free from breakdown as a result of hardware failure. A number of fail safe/fallbacks have been included in the system.
Evaluation of an AutoAnalyzer method for quantitating anti-A and anti-B haemagglutinins in factor VIII preparations.
Authors: Bowell P J , Abdalla S , Snape T J , Gunson H H
Published: June 2007

The continuous flow principle employed in the Technicon AutoAnalyzer has been adapted for the assay of anti-A and anti-B. The method has an acceptable degree of reproducibility and has been used, principally, for the quantitation of anti-A and anti-B in factor VIII concentrates of intermediate activity. It is, however, a method that can be applied to the assay of these antibodies in serum samples.
Determination of plasma malondialdehyde-like material and its clinical application in stroke patients.
Authors: Santos M T , Valles J , Aznar J , Vilches J
Published: June 2007

Plasma malondialdehyde-like material (MDA-LM) was evaluated in 138 normal subjects and in a group of 57 stroke patients using a modification of the method of Smith et al. (1976). The basal level of MDA-LM in the control group was 35 mumol/l with a range of 22-50 mumol/l. Values above 50 mumol/l were found in 80% of the patients suffering from subarachnoid haemorrhage, in 68% of those with cerebral thrombosis, and in 17% with transient ischaemic attacks. None of the patients with cerebral embolism, intracerebral haematoma, or lacunar infarct had values above 50 mumol/l. Significant statistical differences were found between the control group and all the patients except those with lacunar infarcts.
Effects of fixation and processing on immunohistochemical demonstration of immunoglobulin in paraffin sections of tonsil and bone marrow.
Authors: Curran R C , Gregory J
Published: June 2007

A number of fixatives were tested to determine their suitability for use with the unlabelled antibody peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method for demonstrating immunoglobulin in paraffin sections of tonsil and trephine samples of bone marrow. It was found that tonsil fixed in 'isotonic' solutions of formaldehyde reacted with the PAP method only after the sections had been trypsinised. Several other fixatives, including Bouin's fluid, Carnoy's fluid, and solutions containing mercuric chloride, gave tissues which reacted without trypsinisation of sections, and particularly good results were obtained with formol saline to which acetic acid (2-10%) had been added. A combination of acetic acid (10%)-formol saline and formol sublimate also gave excellent results with bone marrow. The influence on the PAP method of a number of steps in the processing of tissues and sections was also examined.
Anti-collagen antibodies in sera from rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Authors: Beard H K , Ryvar R , Skingle J , Greenbury C L
Published: June 2007

Anti-cartilage antibodies, demonstrable by immunofluorescence, were found in 3.3% of rheumatoid arthritis patients. In most of these patients antibodies to type II collagen were detected. In specificity studies on these anti-collagen antibodies, they appeared to be type specific, showing no reaction with collagen types I and III. Denatured type II collagen reacted much less well than native type II, but isolated peptides from different regions of the collagen molecule were differentiated by individual sera. Removal of the glycoside side chains from native type II collagen had no effect on its antigenicity. The findings suggest that these patients produce highly specific antibodies which react with the triple helix of type II collagen.
Rubella-specific IgM detection using Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration.
Authors: Morgan-Capner P , Davies E , Pattison J R
Published: June 2007

Sephacryl S-300 has been compared with Sephadex G-200 in the fractionation of sera for the detection of rubella-specific IgM. No difference in sensitivity was found with sera that had low titres of rubella-specific IgM. Sephadex G-200 was apparently more sensitive with some sera which had high titres of rubella-specific IgM due to the contribution of rubella-specific IgA. Sephacryl S-300 offers considerable advantages in ease and speed of preparation, and as it is a more rigid gel higher flow rates can be obtained. Sera may be fractionated in 2.5 hours on Sephacryl S-300 compared with 7-10 hours on Sephadex G-200.
Significance of tests for HBeAg and anti-HBe in HBsAg positive blood donors.
Authors: Dow B C , Macvarish I , Barr A , Crawford R J , Mitchell R
Published: June 2007

A sensitive radioimmunoassay method for HBeAg and anti-HBe allowed 98.4% of HBsAg positive blood donors to be classified. HBeAg was more prevalent in blood donors under 30 years of age and anti-HBe was more prevalent in those over 30 years. The mean HBsAg concentration was four times greater in donors with HBeAg than in those with anti-HBe. No significant associations were found with sex, blood groups, or HBsAg subtypes. It is likely that this test system will be extremely useful to blood transfusion centres and hepatitis reference laboratories in the future.
Visual versus mechanised leucocyte differential counts: costing and evaluation of traditional and Hemalog D methods.
Authors: Hudson M J , Green A E
Published: June 2007

Visual differential counts were examined for efficiency, cost effectiveness, and staff acceptability within our laboratory. A comparison with the Hemalog D system was attempted. The advantages and disadvantages of each system are enumerated and discussed in the context of a large general hospital.
Primary clear cell carcinoma of the larynx.
Authors: Pesavento G , Ferlito A , Recher G
Published: June 2007

The clinical and pathological findings in three patients with clear cell carcinoma of the larynx are described. This type of neoplasm in the larynx is extremely rare. The aggressiveness of the tumour and its high biological malignancy are stressed.
Preliminary report on the pathogenicity of Legionella pneumophila for freshwater and soil amoebae.
Authors: Rowbotham T J
Published: June 2007

Legionella pneumophila, the causative organism of Legionnaires' disease, is pathogenic for free living, ubiquitous, freshwater, and soil amoebae of the genera Acanthamoeba and Naegleria. Some species support the growth of strains from serogroups 1 to 6, others only strains from certain serogroups. Initial studies with seeded material indicate that amoebal enrichment could be utilised for the isolation of legionellae from clinical specimens and natural habitats. It is suggested that a vacuole, or amoeba, full of legionellae, rather than free legionellae, could be the infective particle for man.
Post-transfusion survival of hydroxyethyl starch 450/0·70 in man: a long-term study
Authors: Mishler John Milton , Ricketts Colin R , Parkhouse Edward J
Published: June 2007

Intravascular persistence concomitant with changes occurring in the circulating molecular size distribution were determined in five healthy normovolaemic men dosed with 7 ml/kg of a 6% (w/v) solution of a species of hydroxyethyl starch (HES 450/0·70) possessing a Mw- of 450 000 daltons combined with a molar hydroxyethyl group substitution (MS) of 0·70 (70 hydroxyethyl groups/100 glucose residues). The concentration of HES 450/0·70 in serum fell to 24% of its peak value (measured 2 minutes post injection) one week after the infusion. By 17 weeks after injection, < 1·0% remained in the intravascular space. The HES 450/0·70 material recovered from the bloodstream 2 minutes after injection was shown by gel filtration on a column of Sepharose CL-4B to be less polydisperse than the injected solution. The Kavcalculated for the peak of material eluted after one week showed a definite shift of molecular size toward that of a lower molecular weight composition. However, at four weeks the value of Kavindicated a shift toward the high molecular weight region of the injected solution, and by seven weeks this movement was quite pronounced. These data clearly indicate the complex nature of the removal of HES 450/0·70 from the intravascular space of man and appear to substantiate previous clinical studies reporting that the MS plays the major role influencing the rate of elimination of this material from the bloodstream.
Variations in the ultrastructure of human nasal cilia including abnormalities found in retinitis pigmentosa.
Authors: Fox B , Bull T B , Arden G B
Published: June 2007

The electron microscopic structure of cilia from the inferior turbinate of the nose was studied in 12 adults, four with chronic sinusitis, one with allergic rhinitis, two with bronchiectasis, three with deviated nasal septum, and two normals. The changes are compared with those found in nasal cilia in 14 patients with retinitis pigmentosa. There were compound cilia in the seven cases with chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and bronchiectasis but, apart from this, the structure of the cilia was similar in all 12 cases. There were variations in the microtubular pattern in about 4% of cilia, dynein arms were not seen in 4%, and in the rest an average of 5-6 dynein arms were seen in each cilium. The orientation of the cilia was 0 to 90 degrees. In the retinitis pigmentosa patients there was a highly significant increase in cilial abnormalities. The establishment on a quantitative basis of the variations in normal structure of nasal cilila facilitated the recognition of an association between cilial abnormalities and retinitis pigmentosa and should help in the identification of associations that may exist between cilial abnormalities and other diseases.
A serum-dependent defect of neutrophil function in chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis.
Authors: Walker S M , Urbaniak S J
Published: June 2007

Investigations into the immunological functions of three patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis were carried out. Phagocytosis of Candida albicans, nitroblue tetrazolium dye reduction, complement, and immunoglobulin levels were normal. Candidacidal assays using the neutrophils of the patients in autologous serum showed significant decreases below normal levels. This decrease in kill could be corrected by incubating the patients' cells in normal control or human AB serum. Cross-over serum studies also showed that the patients' sera had inhibitory effects on the candidacidal capacity of normal neutrophils. These changes in kill were related to candida antibody levels.
Age- and sex-related reference ranges for eight plasma constituents derived from randomly selected adults in a Scottish new town.
Authors: Gardner M D , Scott R
Published: June 2007

The results of analysis of blood specimens from randomly selected adults aged 19-88 years in the new town of Cumbernauld were used to establish age- and sex-related reference ranges by the centile method (central 95%) for plasma calcium, phosphate, total protein, albumin, globulins, urea, creatinine, and urate. The possible existence of a subpopulation with a higher reference range for urea is mooted.
Epidemiological study of klebsiella infection in the special care baby unit of a London hospital
Authors: Riser EVE , Noone Paul , Howard Frances M
Published: June 2007

Of the babies admitted to the Special Care Baby Unit of the Royal Free Hospital over 20 months, 10·2% were infected or colonised by klebsiella. The fluorescent antibody technique was used to identify epidemics caused by three strains: capsular type 8K. aerogenes,type 68K. oxytoca,or type 13K. aerogenes,each of which was predominant at a different time, exhibited a difference in virulence, and showed a predilection for different sites of infection. Intestinal colonisation was frequently followed by the presence of sepsis in other sites by the same capsular type. Antibiotic administration led to a higher incidence of klebsiella infection, while the widespread use of compounds containing hexachlorophane could have contributed to skin colonisation and infection by klebsiella. An environmental survey indicated that 1% Hycolin failed to disinfect the incubators, that the babies were the reservoirs of the organisms, and that transmission was due to inadequate hand-washing of nurses and mothers. The mothers were found to have been uninformed of hygienic techniques. They were observed in various practices which could have contributed to the spread of the organism, including contaminating communal areas and handling babies other than their own. It has been recommended that the mothers of premature infants be instructed in the hygienic measures required in dealing with this susceptible population and that the nursing and medical staff be more strict in their own observance of these procedures.
Fibrin cross-linking in congenital factor XIII deficiency.
Authors: Rodeghiero F , Barbui T
Published: June 2007

Homozygous patients with factor XIII deficiency are devoid of immunologically identifiable A protein, the active enzymatic component. Quantitative studies of transamidase activity of the factor are available in only a few cases, and the fibrin cross-linking pattern is not well known. The present paper deals with the quantitative estimation of factor XIII transamidase activity (dansylcadaverine system), factor XIII molecular subunits, and the corresponding fibrin cross-linking pattern in seven homozygous patients with factor XIII deficiency. The results indicate that transamidase activity was present in all patients, and the range was 0.5-1.7%. The pattern of fibrin stabiisation showed an absence of cross-linking in two patients, the presence of gamma-gamma-dimers (traces) in four, and gamma-gamma-dimers plus incomplete alpha-polymers (traces) in one patient. In conclusion, the homozygous patients reported here were not completely devoid of functioning factor XIII.
Detection of monoclonal immunoglobulins by immunoelectrophoresis: a possible source of error.
Authors: Smith A M , Thompson R A , Haeney M R
Published: June 2007

The technique of immunoelectrophoresis (IEP) is widely employed in the qualitative analysis of serum immunoglobulins. The most commonly used support media are agarose or agar gels, but the mobility of immunoglobulins is different in these two media. The presence of a small amount of a cathodal monoclonal immunoglobulin G may not be detected on IEP in agar if it is masked by larger amounts of polyclonal immunoglobulin of the same class. In these circumstances the use of agarose imparts to the monoclonal protein a different mobility from that of the bulk of the serum IgG and allows its positive identification.
A histochemical study of simple laryngeal polyps.
Authors: Edlin G P
Published: June 2007

Benign laryngeal polyps and normal larynxes have been studied by histochemical and other staining methods. These show that the polyps contain much free hyaluronic acid and 6-chondroitin sulphate. Their mode of production may be the mechanical separation of these compounds from collagen fibres by vibration. An alcian-elastic stain may be a helpful diagnostic method.
Biochemical findings in sarcoidosis.
Authors: Studdy P R , Bird R , Neville E , James D G
Published: June 2007

The majority of patients with sarcoidosis in this large series have had a number of biochemical investigations performed. Abnormal calcium metabolism was demonstrated in 40% of the patients but permanent renal damage due to nephrocalcinosis as a result of persistent derangement of calcium metabolism was rare. Raised immunoglobulin levels were seen. Half the white and two-thirds of the West Indian patients had elevated IgG levels. Abnormal immunoglobulin levels carried no obvious diagnostic or prognostic significance. Raised alkaline phosphatase levels reflected space-occupying hepatic granulomas and occurred in 23% of patients. Serum angiotensin converting enzyme (SACE) was elevated in half the patients. The highest SACE activity was found in patients with severe parenchymal lung infiltration due to sarcoidosis, and the lowest levels in those with inactive disease or after successful management with steroid drugs. SACE levels were not significantly elevated in four other granulomatous conditions: Crohn's disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, Hodgkin's disease, and active tuberculosis.
Unusual presentation of patients with myelomatosis in Malawi.
Authors: Tozer R A , Clear A S , Davies D R , Hutt M S
Published: June 2007

Malignant myeloma is not rare in tropical Africa. Its mode of presentation in Malawi is most often that of a tumour mass in bone. The types of immunoglobulin heavy and light chains in the tumour cells occur with a frequency similar to that observed in temperate countries.
Platelet hyperactivity in sickle-cell disease: a consequence of hyposplenism.
Authors: Kenny M W , George A J , Stuart J
Published: June 2007

Platelet function was measured on 29 occasions in 16 adult patients in the asymptomatic steady state of sickle-cell anaemia. There was a significant increase in platelet number and micro-aggregate formation, and a lower aggregation threshold with adenosine diphosphate, compared with 23 healthy controls. Similar changes were found, however, in 12 splenectomised patients without sickle-cell diseases. The platelet hyperactivity of the sickle-cell steady state therefore reflects an increased circulating population of young, metabolically active platelets resulting from previous autosplenectomy.
An evaluation of the ToxHA test for the detection of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in human serum.
Authors: Balfour A H , Bridges J B , Harford J P
Published: June 2007

The titre of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii was compared in 1985 sera by use of an indirect haemagglutination test (ToxHA test--Wellcome Reagents Ltd) and the dye test. Sera from 42 patients with clinical or serological indications of recent toxoplasmosis were also examined to determine if the ToxHA test would be of value in detecting early stages of the disease. Nine recent cases of lymphadenopathy and four cases of eye infection were not detected by the test. In addition, a large number of sera found negative in the dye test gave a positive result in the haemagglutination test.
Hydrocolpos with peritonitis in the newborn.
Authors: Gupta I , Barson A J
Published: June 2007

Two cases of hydrocolpos are described presenting soon after birth. One infant who died on the first day had an intrauterine peritonitis caused by compression of the caecum on the pelvic brim. The other surviving infant developed a caecal perforation secondary to Hirschsprung's disease. Neither infant had rectal atresia, which is the commonest cause of intestinal obstruction in these infants. The association of hydrocolpos with polydactyly in one of these cases may represent an autosomal recessive trait.
Comparison of cytological 'jet-wash' specimens and histology in endometrial carcinoma.
Authors: Segadal E , Iversen O E , Ulstein M
Published: June 2007

Jet-washing of the uterine cavity for cytological examination has been performed in 200 patients. The results were compared with the histological diagnoses obtained by curettage. In 24 patients with endometrial carcinoma, both methods showed one specimen to be 'not adequate' while the other showed malignancy. A combination of jet-wash and curettage gave a diagnosis in 96% of patients while curettage alone gave a diagnosis in 82%, and cytology alone in 90%. The method is simple and may be of special value in postmenopausal patients.
Distribution of pathogenic yeasts and humoral antibodies to candida among hospital inpatients.
Authors: Odds F C , Evans E G
Published: June 2007

The frequencies of the carriage of yeast pathogens and of serum precipitins to a variety of candida antigens among 254 patients generally tended to increase with the length of the patient's stay in hospital. This trend was observed even though none of the patients investigated showed signs or symptoms of superficial or systemic candidosis. The extent of the general trend varied considerably between subgroups of patients within the general categories of 'surgical' and 'nonsurgical' inpatients. Increases in both frequencies and quantities of yeasts in the mouth were most evident postoperatively among patients who underwent open-heart surgery and among nonsurgical patients who received antibiotics or steroids in hospital. The frequency of precipitins to Candida albicans cytoplasmic antigens in the absence of candidosis rose overall from 11% of 217 sera obtained within 24 hours of admission to 35% of 85 sera obtained five to 11 days after admission or operation. These 'false positive' antibodies were thought to arise after transient yeast overgrowth in the gut at the time of an acute illness or immediately after surgery. The study adds further data to documented examples of 'false positive' candida antibodies and indicates the need for care in the diagnostic interpretation of candida precipitin test results among groups of patients at risk of yeast overgrowth during their hospital stay.
Serotyping of Campylobacter jejuni/coli.
Authors: Abbott J D , Dale B , Eldridge J , Jones D M , Sutcliffe E M
Published: June 2007

Antisera were prepared from strains of Campylobacter jejuni/coli isolated from patients in six outbreaks of enteritis. Bactericidal antibodies, and agglutinating antibodies to heat-labile and heat-stable antigens, were demonstrated. These reactions were used to type a number of strains isolated from patients in each outbreak, and to distinguish 'epidemic' from 'non-epidemic' strains.
Clinical applications of immunofixation: a more sensitive technique for the detection of Bence Jones protein.
Authors: Whicher J T , Hawkins L , Higginson J
Published: June 2007

Immunofixation in agarose gel has been compared with agarose electrophoresis for the detection of Bence Jones protein in urine. The technique has a sensitivity between five and 10 times greater than electrophoresis and allows the identification of multiple Bence Jones proteins and Bence Jones proteins with fast mobility in the presence of other urinary proteins. In four out of 12 patients studied, Bence Jones protein was undetectable by electrophoresis of 300 times concentrated urine but was clearly identified by immunofixation.
Human alpha 1-microglobulin levels in various body fluids.
Authors: Takagi K , Kin K , Itoh Y , Enomoto H , Kawai T
Published: June 2007

alpha 1-Microglobulin levels in serum and urine were estimated by using single radial immunodiffusion, resulting in the following mean values: umbilical cord blood serum, 40.6 mg/l; normal adult serum, 44.2 mg/l; and normal urine, 5.7 mg/24 h urine volume. Slightly higher levels of serum alpha 1-microglobulin were found in infants and the aged. Serum and urine alpha 1-microglobulin levels in patients with renal failure, however, were greatly increased, mean levels being 231.5 mg/l and 100.7 mg/24 h urine volume, respectively. Serum alpha 1-microglobulin levels in these patients correlated well with both serum creatinine and beta 2-microglobulin levels. Serum alpha 1-microglobulin level did not correlate positively with serum levels of other plasma proteins, such as alpha 1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, complement, etc. Ouchterlony immunodiffusion also revealed the presence of alpha 1-microglobulin in synovial fluid, ascites, pleural effusion, amniotic fluid, cyst fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid. The levels of alpha 1-microglobulin in these fluids were measured by single radial immunodiffusion, except that its level in cerebrospinal fluid was measured by radioimmunoassay. Mean alpha 1-microglobulin concentration was 20.8 mg/l in synovial fluid, 28.7 mg/l in ascites, 21.5 mg/l in pleural effusion, 2.7 mg/l in amniotic fluid, 8.2 mg/l in cyst fluid, and 42.3 ng/ml in cerebrospinal fluid.
Haemagglutination kinetics using a continuous-flow system.
Authors: Rouger P , Gane P , Salmon C
Published: June 2007

An automated technique for measuring haemagglutination kinetics is described. Equipment used in this test is very simple and already present in most blood transfusion centres. This method may be used with advantage to differentiate homozygous and heterozygous subjects in Rhesus, MNSs, and Kell systems, and to study antigen variations, especially in genetic investigations.
Sensitisation to Mallory bodies (alcoholic hyalin) in alcoholic hepatitis.
Authors: Triggs S M , Mills P R , MacSween R N
Published: June 2007

Using a leucocyte migration inhibition test sensitisation to Mallory bodies (alcoholic hyalin) was found in a statistically significant 41% of 17 patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Patients with alcohol-induced fatty liver and cirrhosis did not demonstrate sensitisation. Mallory bodies are a characteristic feature of alcohol-induced liver damage, and immunological sensitisation to them might lead to liver cell death and cell progression of the hepatitis process.