bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen in haemophiliacs on long-term therapy with Scottish factor VIII.
Authors: Burrell C J , Black S H , Ramsay D M
Published: June 2007

Thirty-five patients with haemophilia A were studied clinically and serologically between 1971-2 and 1975-6 for evidence of hepatitis B infection. One patient suffered from clinical hepatitis B, and a further eight patients showed antibody responses to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) consistent with exposure to HBsAg during this period. No evidence for HBsAg exposure was found in 14 patients, while the remaining 12 patients had high titres of antibody to HBsAg at both times and no inferences could be drawn about HBsAg exposure. All patients had received exclusively replacement factor VIII material prepared locally from HBsAg-screened voluntary Scottish blood donations. From the details of the therapy given we calculated that the rate of HBsAg seroconversion in these patients represented about 0.3 HBsAg-containing donations/1000 donations.
Role of imprint cytology in intraoperative diagnosis: value and limitations.
Authors: Suen K C , Wood W S , Syed A A , Quenville N F , Clement P B
Published: June 2007

Imprints prepared from fresh surgical specimens give excellent cytological clarity. Used intraoperatively, the imprint method can provide valuable information when frozen-section interpretation is equivocal. However, cytologically well-differentiated tumours and tumours with a dense fibrous stroma, constituting 6% of the cases in the present series, cannot be diagnosed by this method. To increase diagnostic accuracy we recommend the combined use of imprints and frozen sections. The imprint technique requires little additional work and does not delay the frozen-section procedure.
Urinary tract infection in young women, with special reference to Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
Authors: Gillespie W A , Sellin M A , Gill P , Stephens M , Tuckwell L A , Hilton A L
Published: June 2007

Acute urinary tract infections in young women attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases were caused by the same bacteria, in the same proportions, as those that caused infections in women students. Staphylococcus saprophyticus biotype 3 (formerly called Micrococcus subgroup 3) was the commonest organism after coliform bacilli and caused about 30% of the infections. It was uncommon in women over 25 years of age and rarely caused asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy. Most infections, irrespective of the causative organism, started soon after sexual intercourse, but neither the staphylococci nor the other organisms were associated with promiscuity, as judged by numbers of sexual partners or the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases. There was no evidence that the staphylococci were sexually transmitted. The reasons for the virulence of Staph. saprophyticus and its predilection for the urinary tract of young women remain unknown.
Free-sporing Cl. welchii in ordinary laboratory media and conditions.
Authors: Rahman M
Published: June 2007

A strain of Clostridium welchii produced spores in ordinary blood agar plates. Investigations confirmed that it was the character of this particular strain and that the laboratory media were not inducing sporulation. During a period of 12 months a total of 100 strains of Cl. welchii were studied. None of them produced spores in ordinary laboratory media and conditions when examined microscopically.
The morphology of cirrhosis. Recommendations on definition, nomenclature, and classification by a working group sponsored by the World Health Organization.
Authors: Anthony P P , Ishak K G , Nayak N C , Poulsen H E , Scheuer P J , Sobin L H
Published: June 2007

This memorandum provides guidelines on the definition, nomenclature, and classification of cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and hepatic fibrosis. These are considered according to morphological characteristics and aetiology. It is hoped that this system will serve as a standard for diagnostic, research, and epidemiological purposes. The relationship of cirrhosis to liver cell carcinoma is briefly discussed and the possible morphological markers of an increased risk of malignancy are defined.
Alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase for double immunoenzymatic labelling of cellular constituents.
Authors: Mason D Y , Sammons R
Published: June 2007

The use of alkaline phosphatase in an immunoenzymatic procedure for the localisation of antigens in paraffin sections or cell smears is described. The results of this method, when applied to the detection of immunoglobulins, lysozyme, or lactoferrin, were comparable in intensity and clarity to those obtained with the PAP immunoperoxidase procedure. Furthermore, double immunoenzymatic labelling (with alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase) of two cellular constituents in a tissue section is possible, the brown peroxidase reaction product contrasting well with the blue alkaline phosphatase product. Since the two antibody 'sandwiches' are applied simultaneously rather than sequentially the total duration of this double immunostaining procedure is only a few minutes longer than that required for detection of a single antigen. It was also found that the unlabelled antibody immunohistological procedure (whether used in conjunction with alkaline phosphatase or peroxidase) can be shortened without loss of sensitivity by carrying out two of the incubation steps simultaneously.
IgM-class rheumatoid factor interference in the solid-phase radioimmunoassay of rubella-specific IgM antibodies.
Authors: Meurman O H , Ziola B R
Published: June 2007

The interference of IgM-class rheumatoid factor (RF) in the solid-phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) of rubella virus IgM antibodies was studied. Acute rubella infections did not significantly activate RF. False-positive rubella antibody results were obtained, however, when patients with raised RF levels were tested. If a low rubella IgG antibody titre was present, a high level of RF was required to cause a false-positive IgM result; conversely, in sera with high IgG titres, only a low level of RF was required for interference. Although the false-positive IgM titres obtained were generally low, thet did show a positive correlation to both RF levels and rubella IgG titres. False-positive results were successfully avoided by removing the RF by absorption with heat-aggregated human gamma globulin. The absorption procedure did not affect true rubella IgM antibody titres.
Coagulation and fibrinolytic activity of cerebrospinal fluid.
Authors: Anderson M , Matthews K B , Stuart J
Published: June 2007

Fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (fragments D and E) were detected in cerebrospinal fluid in 23.4% of 252 patients admitted to a neurological/neurosurgical unit. Other coagulation proteins of low molecular weight (plasminogen and factor IX) were also present but larger proteins (fibrinogen and factor V) were not. These findings are consistent with protein leakage across a blood-CSF barrier damaged by inflammatory, vascular, or neoplastic disease. Fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products in cerebrospinal fluid after subarachnoid haemorrhage may not, therefore, be a reliable index of increased fibrinolytic activity in the subarachnoid space and may be misleading when selecting patients for fibrinolytic blockade.
Determination of antibiotic sensitivities by the Sensititre system.
Authors: Phillips I , Warren C , Waterworth P M
Published: June 2007

The Sensititre system provides antibiotics dried in microtitre trays in appropriate concentrations for the determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) when organisms are added in liquid culture medium and incubated overnight. Results with a variety of media--for Gram-negative bacilli tested with ampicillin, carbenicillin, cephaloridine, and gentamicin, staphylococci with penicillin, cloxacillin, fusidic acid, and gentamicin, and streptococci with penicillin, ampicillin, cephaloridine, and erythromycin--were usually very similar to those of agar dilution tests. Discrepant results are found in a few situations, and in some cases, especially those involving borderline resistance to fusidic acid and gentamicin among staphylococci and Gram-negative bacilli, we have been unable to suggest modfication to produce the right results. Despite these problems, fortunately few and identifiable, we recommend the system especially for use in laboratories that determine the MICs infrequently.
A case of type III hyperlipoproteinaemia studied by acrylamide gel gradient electrophoresis.
Authors: Chew M Y , Gutman J M , Green J
Published: June 2007

A case of type III hyperlipoproteinaemia has been investigated before and after treatment, and the unusual serum lipoprotein patterns obtained by molecular exclusion or pore limit electrophoresis on acrylamide gradients have been compared.
Output of peritoneal cells during peritoneal dialysis.
Authors: Fakhri O , Al-Mondhiry H , Rifaat U N , Khalil M A , Al-Rawi A M
Published: June 2007

Peritoneal dialysis provides a good source for the collection of macrophages. Six patients with chronic renal failure undergoing peritoneal dialysis for the first time were studied, and maximum cell egress, mostly macrophages, occurred at 24-48 hours and diminished after 48 hours.
Viral antigens and antibodies in hepatitis B infection.
Authors: Howard C R , Zanetti A R , Thal S , Zuckerman A J
Published: June 2007

Hepatitis B virus antigens and antibodies were detected in the sera of acute and persistently infected patients. Evidence of active virus replication was confined to immediately before or during the initial detection of hepatitis B surface antigen during acute hepatitis B. Hepatitis B core antibody appeared during the period of antigenaemia and preceded recovery. Hepatitis B e antigen was dound in a proportion of sera which contained significant levels of virus particles. In contrast, all sera containing hepatitis B virus particles from persistently infected patients treated by maintenance haemodialysis also contained the e antigen. Among a group of 50 persistent carriers of hepatitis B virus, significant levels of virus production occurred in the presence of antibody to e antigen. In addition, evidence of exposure to hepatitis B virus was found among 3% of blood donors in whose sera the surface antigen was not detected by radioimmunoassay. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the aetiology of hepatitis type B.
Histamine release reaction of basophils in chronic granulocytic leukaemia. Induction by heterologous anti-immunoglobulin E, concanavaline A, and phytohaemagglutinin; effect of heavy water.
Authors: Sebahoun G , Vervloet D , Charpin J , Carcassonne Y
Published: June 2007

Basophils possess membrane bound IgE molecules, and immunological activation leads to a secretory process with cell degranulation and histamine release. Heterologous anti IgE, concanavaline A, and phytohaemagglutinin are potent non-cytotoxic releasing agents. They operate by a mechanism similar to that of immunological activation. Heavy water is not a histamine releasing inducer but it increases histamine release of the cells. We studied the histamine release reaction of leukaemic basophils in 10 patients and found a physiological response such as that previously reported with normal human basophils.
A clinicopathological study of liver disease in haemophiliacs.
Authors: Mannucci P M , Ronchi G , Rota L , Colombo M
Published: June 2007

Chronic liver disease is not often reported in patients with haemophilia. Although a high incidence of abnormal liver function tests has been reported, the clinical significance of these findings and their relation to chronic liver disease cannot be established without a liver biopsy. The results of this procedure, carried out in 11 patients with severe haemophilia A and B, in whom SGOT had been persistently raised for three years, are reported. Five patients had chronic active hepatitis, four had chronic persistent hepatitis, one had cirrhosis, and one alcoholic hepatitis. No haemorrhagic complication followed the biopsy procedure, which was carried out in patients given prophylactic clotting factor concentrates. These results suggest that duration of abnormal liver function tests is likely to represent liver disease in haemophiliacs, and that biopsy should be considered to establish the diagnosis and plan a suitable therapeutic programme.
Assessment of a tissue transport-medium in preservation of tissue-fixed immunoglobulins and complement demonstrated by direct immunofluorescence. A pilot study with skin from SLE patients.
Authors: Jonsson R , Kristensson-Aas A , Kutti J
Published: June 2007

The present work was undertaken in order to test the value of a tissue transport-medium (Histocon) for direct immunofluorescence studies. For this purpose one skin biopsy was performed on each forearm of 26 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. One of the specimens was left in ice-cold Histocon solution for 4, 8, or 20 hours, and the other was immediately quick-frozen. The results of the immunofluorescence tests with the two methods yielded similar results. It is concluded that the solution allows the preservation of tissue-fixed immunoglobulins and complement during short periods of transport.
Radioimmunoassay of serum ferritin.
Authors: Deppe W M , Joubert S M , Naidoo P
Published: June 2007

Purified human spleen ferritin was labelled with 125I. On Sepharose 6-B gel filtration four species of labelled products were separated: a component with a higher molecular weight than ferritin; a component which is eluted in the same volume as unlabelled ferritin; and two labelled compounds with molecular weights lower than ferritin. When these labelled materials were used in a double antibody radioimmunoassay, the high molecular weight fraction showed variable and high non-specific binding and was poorly displaced by unlabelled ferritin; the fraction behaving like true ferritin gave good standard curves and showed non-specific binding of less than 1%. The remaining two components showed poor binding to rabbit antiferritin. Using labelled material from the second fraction, a double antibody radioimmunoassay capable of measuring 2 microgram ferritin protein/litre of serum was developed. Inter- and intra-assay variation was between 3% and 8% over a concentration range of 0 to 250 microgram ferritin protein/litre. Good agreement between serum ferritin levels assayed by the present method and by an immunoradiometric method was obtained. Labelled ferritin was stable for at least six weeks. The simplicity of the methodology makes it possible to assay serum ferritin in large batches.
Cytohormonal patterns in mature and pre-term babies.
Authors: Cummins M , Gordon H , Hudson E , Wachtel E
Published: June 2007

Comparison of cytohormonal patterns in full-term and pre-term babies of both sexes showed significant differences. At birth, irrespective of gestational age, both groups had high oestrogen levels, reflecting the maternal hormonal environment, but whereas the mature neonates were capable of metabolising and excreting the excess hormone within the first week of life, the pre-term infants took much longer to do so. It is thought that immaturity or impairment of liver function is at least partially responsible for this finding.
Unusual increases in serum lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-5 activity caused by severe congestive cardiac failure: two case reports.
Authors: Prabhakaran V , Henderson A R
Published: June 2007

Two cases of congestive cardiac failure had unusually high activities of serum lactate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-5. Values for isoenzyme-5 exceeding 87% of the total serum activity, and increases of 228- to 380-fold of the upper reference limit, are very uncommon.
False-positive antiglobulin tests in healthy subjects and in hospital patients.
Authors: Freedman J
Published: June 2007

An antiglobulin reagent containing anti-IgG, -C4c, -C4d, -C3c, and -C3d was used to test red blood cells from healthy subjects and from patients in hospital. In tests read macroscopically on opal tiles, no positive reactions were found in the healthy subjects. Positive reactions were, however, observed in 7% of the hospital patients. Further tests with monospecific reagents showed the positive reactions to be due to the presence of C4d and C3d on the red cells. All patients with positive antiglobulin reactions had serious disease, in most cases associated with abnormal antibody production or abnormal immunoglobulin levels.
An evaluation of 12 methods for the demonstration of penicillinase.
Authors: Lucas T J
Published: June 2007

Twelve methods for the demonstration of bacterial penicillinase production by strains of Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus are compared, and their suitability for routine clinical laboratory use is evaluated. The acidometric agar plate method is recommended.
Cytological diagnosis of virus-infected cells in Papanicolaou smears and its application in clinical practice.
Authors: Coleman D V
Published: June 2007

The cytopathic changes of herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, the human polyomaviruses, and the trachoma agent can be recognised in smears prepared from a wide variety of specimens. The morphology of virus-infected cells is described, and the clinical value of these observations is discussed. Cytological diagnosis offers a rapid and convenient method of detecting infection with these viruses which can be confirmed by conventional virological method while the patient is still in the acute stages of the disease. Confirmation can also be made retrospectively by reprocessing cells, identified in the Papanicolaou smear, for electron microscopy. Screening for virus-infected cells in cytological smears is a technique that can be developed in any pathology laboratory prepared to provide a comprehensive cytology service, and it is proving to be a useful tool in clinical diagnosis and applied research.
Action and interaction of penicillin and gentamicin on enterococci.
Authors: Soriano F , Greenwood D
Published: June 2007

The action and interaction of benzylpenicillin and gentamicin on Streptococcus faecalis was studied using mainly turbidimetric methods. The minimum antibacterial concentration (MAC) of each antibiotic lay considerably below the conventionally determined minimum inhibitory concentration, and levels of the two agents exceeding the MAC were necessary in order to obtain a synergic interaction. Evidence was obtained that gentamicin interfered with bacterial lysis induced by penicillin, and this suggests that the aminoglycoside is responsible for the bactericidal activity of the combination, the role of the penicillin being solely to facilitate access of the aminoglycoside to its target site. Our findings do not, however, fully support the generally held view that the increased permeability of enterococci to aminoglycosides is due to penicillin-induced cell wall damage. 'Persisters'--cells surviving prolonged exposure to the optimum lethal concentration of penicillin--were not killed by subsequent exposure to gentamicin if the penicillin was removed but were killed if the penicillin remained present.
Serological grouping of streptococci by slide agglutination.
Authors: Efstratiou A , Maxted W R
Published: June 2007

Streptococcal grouping sera for groups A, B, C, and G prepared for conventional testing by precipitation were made specific by absorption and used to identify streptococci by slide agglutination with and without staphyloccocal coagglutination. Trypsinised suspensions of 1055 strains, identified by precipitation as belonging to group A, B, C, or G, were tested by slide agglutination. Of these, 998 were correctly identified using a streptococcal suspension and antisera alone and a further 65 were identified when a loopful of protein A-positive staphylococci was added. Suspensions of 88 strains not of groups A, B, C, or G gave no reaction in the agglutination test with or without the addition of staphylococci. Group polysaccharide extracted by conventional methods also caused agglutination of staphylococci on a slide when specific antiserum was added. Growth from primary or secondary cultures digested in streptomyces enzyme for only 15-30 minutes provided an excellent antigen for a quick and simple method of streptococcal grouping using non-sensitised staphylococcal suspension and specific antisera for coagglutination.
Assessment of thrombocytopenic patients for splenectomy.
Authors: Richards J D , Thompson D S
Published: June 2007

Platelet survival and splenic sequestration patterns were studied in 32 patients with thrombocytopenia using donor platelets labelled with chromium-51. A shorter mean platelet lifespan was observed in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) (mean 12 hours) than in hypersplenism (mean 56 hours) or marrow hypoplasia (mean 102 hours). There was no such correlation between diagnosis and splenic sequestration. A biphasic survival curve was seen in nine of 22 patients with ITP. Thirteen patients underwent splenectomy with complete (9) or partial (4) response, but no consistent pattern of results was manifest. It is concluded that in vivo isotope studies are of little value in predicting the benefit of splenectomy in thrombocytopenic patients, although they may demonstrate the mechanism of the thrombocytopenia, in particular the biphasic survival curve revealing separate 'immune' and 'hypersplenic' components of platelet destruction in ITP.
C-reactive protein for rapid diagnosis of infection in leukaemia.
Authors: Mackie P H , Crockson R A , Stuart J
Published: June 2007

C-reactive protein, measured in serum from 38 patients with leukaemia, was elevated to at least 100 mg/l at the beginning of 32 of 34 episodes of infection, and subsequently rose above 100 mg/l in all 34. Uninfected patients, whether in leukaemic remission or relapse and whether pyrexial or not, always had levels below 100 mg/l, with four exceptions out of 290 measurements. Estimation of two other acute-phase proteins, alpha 1-antitrypsin and orosomucoid, was not of additional diagnostic value. Serial measurement of C-reactive protein may be important for the early detection of infection in the leukaemic patient with neutropenia.
Mechanisms of smooth muscle antibody production: a clinical study in children with infections, haemolytic syndromes, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Authors: Kanakoudi-Tsakalidis F , Cassimos C , Papastavrou-Mavroudi T , Akoglu T , Toh B H , Yildiz A , Osung O , Holborow E J , Sotelo J
Published: June 2007

Sera from 530 children suffering from various diseases and from 64 controls were tested for smooth muscle autoantibodies (SMA) by indirect immunofluorescence. A high incidence of SMA (51-86%) was found in patients with viral and bacterial infections (viral hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, measles, mumps, chickenpox, typhoid fever, and brucellosis), independently of liver invovlvement, and in patients with acute haemolytic anaemia due to G-6-PD deficiency (48%). By contrast, the incidence of SMA from patients with beta-thalassaemia major and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura was no higher than in the controls. The discrepancy in incidence in haemolytic anaemias due to different causes may reflect the effect of endogenous and extrinsic agents. In the viral infections, SMA were mainly of the IgM class and gave an 'SMA-V' staining pattern. In bacterial infections (typhoid fever and brucellosis), SMA were either IgG only or IgM and IgG, and the staining pattern was also mainly 'SMA-V'. In infections which affect or may affect the liver (viral hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, typhoid fever, and brucellosis), SMA was present at high titres (1:80-1:320), whereas in infections not affecting the liver (measles, mumps, and chickenpox) the titres were lower (less than or equal to 1:80). In most patients SMA occurred transiently and without apparent pathogenetic significance. The antigen against which infection-induced SMA is directed is not actin; its nature has yet to be identified.
Clinical significance of an ultrafast alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme.
Authors: Koett J , Howell J , Wolf P L
Published: June 2007

We have studied five patients who have exhibited an unusual alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme (ALP EC 3.1.3.1) migrating in an ultrafast position electrophoretically on cellulose acetate. This ALP isoenzyme has been identified in patients with benign and malignant liver diseases. In addition, a number of these patients exhibited a regular ALP liver isoenzyme and a fast (preliver) ALP isoenzyme in conjunction with the ultrafast ALP liver isoenzyme.
Effect of pH on sporicidal and microbicidal activity of buffered mixtures of alcohol and sodium hypochlorite.
Authors: Death J E , Coates D
Published: June 2007

The effect of pH on the activity of buffered sodium hypochlorite solution, and a buffered methanol/sodium hypochlorite mixture, against Bacillus subtilis spores was investigated. The best results, considering both sporicidal activity and stability, were achieved in the pH range 7.6--8.1. The sporicidal activity and stability of five alcohol/hypochlorite mixtures, each containing a different alcohol and buffered to pH 7.6 and of hypochlorite alone buffered to pH 7.6, were compared. The mixtures were marginally more sporicidal than hypochlorite alone when fresh but were much less stable. An unbuffered methanol/hypochlorite mixture, a methanol/hypochlorite mixture buffered to pH 7.6, and hypochlorite alond buffered to pH 7.6 were all found to be effective against six vegetative organisms and spores of B. subtilis and Clostridium sporogenes. By buffering alcohol/hypochlorite mixtures or hypochlorite solution alone in the pH range 7.6--8.1, high sporicidal activity can be achieved with low concentrations of alcohol and hypochlorite. Such formulations show promise for the disinfection of heat-sensitive medical equipment.
A rapid method for electron microscopic examination of blood cells.
Authors: Coppola A
Published: June 2007

A method is described whereby the time required for the processing of white blood cells for electron microscopy can be shortened from 36 to 3 1/2 hours. Because cells of the peripheral blood are not attached to each other, fixation, dehydration, and infiltration of the embedding medium is more rapid. This makes it possible for clinicians to use fine structural data for diagnosis as illustrated in three cases.
Gastin cells and fasting gastrin levels in duodenal ulcer patients: a quantitative study based on multiple biopsy specimens.
Authors: Piris J , Whitehead R
Published: June 2007

The number of gastrin-producing cells in biopsy specimens from the gastric and duodenal mucosae in 19 duodenal ulcer patients was quantitated using a morphometric method. The level of immunoreactive gastrin in a sample of fasting serum obtained at the time of the biopsy was measured by radioimmunoassay. The results show no significant difference when compared with those from a group of normal control volunteers. Moreover, there was no correlation between the numbers of gastrin-producing cells and the fasting serum gastrin level in either controls or duodenal ulcer patients.
Gastric function and histology in chronic renal failure.
Authors: Mitchell C J , Jewell D P , Lewin M R , McLaughlin J E , Moorhead J F
Published: June 2007

Gastric function and histology were investigated in 24 patients with untreated chronic renal failure. At endoscopy nine patients had oesophagitis, 12 patients were considered to have gastritis, and the duodenum appeared inflamed in 20 patients. Endoscopic biopsies were taken at standard sites in the stomach and duodenum; gastritis was found in all patients, and 17 patients had duodenitis. Stimulated acid secretion was impaired in seven out of 20 patients and acid hypersecretion was found in a further two patients. Pepsin output correlated well with acid output in these patients. Fasting serum gastrin levels were elevated in 12 of the 19 patients tested. Patients with atrophic gastritis had low acid outputs and hypergastrinaemia, and when extensive gastritis was present, the patients tended to have more severe renal failure and hyposecretion of acid. Three patients were studied again after regular haemodialysis or renal transplantation and were found to show marked endoscopic and histological improvement.
Failure to demonstrate specificity of the morphological and histochemical changes in mucosa adjacent to colonic carcinoma (transitional mucosa).
Authors: Isaacson P , Attwood P R
Published: June 2007

Characteristic morphological and histochemical changes in mucosa adjacent to colorectal adenocarcinomas have been described. It has been suggested that this type of mucosa, labelled transitional mucosa (TM) because of its specific association with colorectal adenocarcinoma, is indicative of a premalignant change. In an investigation of mucosa adjacent to anal tumours extending into the rectum and mucosa from solitary ulcer syndrome and colostomies the mucosal alterations described in TM could be demonstrated. Thus TM is not specifically related to colorectal adenocarcinoma and probably arises as a secondary phenomenon. The claim that TM represents a premalignant change cannot be substantiated.
Plasma binding capacity for 25-hydroxy-vitamin D in the elderly.
Authors: MacLennan W J , Hamilton J C
Published: June 2007

Plasma 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OHD) concentrations and 25-OHD binding capacities were measured in 14 elderly patients and in 14 young controls. Both 25-OHD concentrations and 25-OHD binding capacities were reduced in the elderly. In neither group, however, was there a significant correlation between 25-OHD binding capacities and 25-OHD concentrations. Thus, although 25-OHD binding capacities are reduced in sick old people this does not account for the low 25-OHD concentrations often found in this group.
Evaluation of an indirect haemagglutination kit for the rapid serological diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.
Authors: Taylor P
Published: June 2007

A recently introduced indirect haemagglutination kit for the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies is compared with the standard method complement fixation. It is concluded that the kit provides a rapid, simple, and moderately sensitive means of detecting antibodies and, in some cases, enables these to be detected in the early, acute stage of infection.
Urinary infection with coagulase-negative staphylococci in a teaching hospital.
Authors: Shrestha T L , Darrell J H
Published: June 2007

In the eight-month period of study of all urine samples processed in our routine laboratory, only 85 out of 12 152 specimens yielded a bacteriologically significant growth of either Staphylococcus epidermidis or micrococci. Their growth on MacConkey medium was strictly comparable to that on cysteine lactose electrolyte-deficient (CLED) media. Most micrococci isolated were from urine samples of non hospitalised women patients, were resistant to a novobiocin (5 micrograms) disc, and belonged to Baird Parker type 3. Staph. epidermidis came mainly from postoperative surgical in-patients. Their antibiotic sensitivity patterns are variable whereas micrococci are fully sensitive to all urinary antibiotics. We agree that the use of a novobiocin (5 micrograms) disc for provisional identification of micrococci and Staph. epidermidis is simple and practical for a busy routine diagnostic laboratory. The use of more extensive systems to biotype these organisms in a routine laboratory is not practical and not relevant to patient management.
Identification of the paraproteins and clinical significance of more than one paraprotein and clinical significance of more than one paraprotein in serum of 56 patients.
Authors: Gore M E , Riches P G , Kohn J
Published: June 2007

Sera from 56 patients with more than one paraprotein were investigated for immunoglobin class and light chain type of each paraprotein. The patients were divided into two groups according to the diagnosis, that is myeloma and macroglobulinaemia or others. The frequency of combinations of paraproteins was considered in the whole series and in the two groups. The laboratory and clinical findings were analysed to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of more than one paraprotein in a serum. It is concluded that a lower percentage of patients with more than one paraprotein can definitely be shown to have myeloma than might be expected from studies on monoclonal paraproteinaemia, that patients having IgA paraproteins in the serum had the poorest prognosis, and that paraproteins with lambda light chains were more likely to be associated with myeloma or macroglobulinaemia. A discriminant analysis of ESR and total paraprotein levels in the two groups of patients showed that combinations of the two parameters were not more effective at distinguishing the groups than the ESR alone.
Total and free thyroid hormone concentrations after elective surgery.
Authors: Prescott R W , Yeo P P , Watson M J , Johnston I D , Ratcliffe J G , Evered D C
Published: June 2007

Changes in thyroid hormone concentration and distribution and plasma cortisol levels have been followed in 11 patients undergoing elective cholocystectomy. A significant rise in total and free thyroxine (T4) and fall in total and free triiodothyronine (T3) were noted after surgery. Reverse T3 concentrations rose substantially, suggesting that peripheral conversion of T4 to T3 is diminished and that there is preferential formation of reverse T3. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations did not change. There was no direct correlation between the change in cortisol and the change in thyroid hormone or reverse T3 concentrations.
Evaluation of T and B lymphocytes in liver infiltrates of patients with chronic active hepatitis.
Authors: Fargion S , Sangalli G , Ronchi G , Fiorelli G
Published: June 2007

The proportions of T and B lymphocytes in the liver infiltrates of 23 patients with chronic active hepatitis have been determined. The results were compared with the values obtained from peripheral blood and with the presence of HB virus markers and alpha-fetoprotein in liver tissue. A group of patients with chronic liver disease other than chronic active hepatitis were studied as controls. In chronic active hepatitis the percentage of hepatic T cells was 49 +/- 8 SD (control patients 61 +/- 8) (P less than 0.01), whereas the percentage of B cells was 40 +/- 10 (control patients 18 +/- 8) (P less than 0.01). No correlation was observed between hepatic T and B cells and the presence of HB virus. The numbers of T cells in liver tissue was significantly higher, the numbers of B cells lower, in patients whose biopsies were positive for alpha-fetoprotein than in those whose biopsies were negative. In peripheral blood, only the patients with chronic active hepatitis and established cirrhosis presented lower absolute values of T cells, whereas surface immunoglobulin-positive lymphocytes were within the normal range.
Viral exposure and abnormal liver function in haemophilia.
Authors: McVerry B A , Ross M G , Knowles W A , Voke J
Published: June 2007

Several studies have recently documented the presence of persistently abnormal liver function tests in asymptomatic haemophiliacs. While the aetiology is unknown it is possible that repeated exposure to agents transmitted in blood products may be important. This study has attempted to determine the prevalence of viral exposure and its relationship to liver function in this multitransfused group of individuals. The prevalence of viral antibodies with the exception of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) was normal when compared to that in the general population. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was not detected, but anti-HBs was found in 83% of patients; 50% of patients had abnormal liver function. However, liver function tests were normal in all patients with mild haemophilia and were only rarely abnormal in patients who had no detectable antibody to CMV, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and HBsAg. This study demonstrates that multiple transfusions of blood products, that is, cryoprecipitate and factor concentrates, do not increase the risk of exposure to the viruses studied with the exception of hepatitis B virus.
Particle size distribution analysis for the rapid detection of microbial infection of urine.
Authors: Dow C S , France A D , Khan M S , Johnson T
Published: June 2007

The accuracy and practicality of particle size distribution analysis for rapid screening of urine specimens are assessed. Six hundred urines were subjected simultaneously to routine bacteriological examinations and particle size distribution analysis using a Coulter Counter (ZBI) linked to a C1000 Channelyzer. There was complete agreement in the results of 593 (98.8%) specimens. Characteristic profiles of various bacterial species in infected specimens were consistently obtained. This system can easily be linked to any existing computer reporting in a district hospital laboratory, and the results of negative specimens (70--80%) can be obtained within 5--10 minutes.
Platelet aggregation studies during transient hypoglycaemia: a potential method for evaluating platelet function.
Authors: Hutton R A , Mikhailidis D , Dormandy K M , Ginsburg J
Published: June 2007

The effect of acute hypoglycaemia on platelet function was examined in patients undergoing an insulin stress test. Enhanced platelet aggregation was observed in all cases but platelet count, platelet adenine nucleotides, and the plasma level of von Willebrand factor were unchanged overall. The onset of the hypoglycaemia-induced increase in platelet aggregation coincided with the lowest blood glucose levels recorded and with the clinical signs of adrenaline release. Increased platelet aggregation was maintained thereafter for the two-hour test period. There was no apparent correlation with changes in cortisol, growth hormone, and prolactin. No change in platelet function was observed after the administration of L-dopa. We suggest that the measurement of platelet aggregation during a standard insulin stress test may provide a means of evaluating platelet function in vivo and the influence of drugs thereon.
Bacteria causing symptomatic urinary tract infection or asymptomatic bacteriuria.
Authors: Roberts A P , Phillips R
Published: June 2007

One thousand bacterial isolates from consecutive suprapublic aspirations of urine in two groups of patients with symptomatic urinary tract infection and two groups with asymptomatic bacteriuria were studied. Staphylococci accounted for 13 and 27% of the isolates from symptomatic patients but for only 3 and 4% of strains from asymptomatic bacteriuria. Conversely, 18 and 30% of Escherichia coli isolates from asymptomatic bacteriuria were auto-agglutinable when tested with antisera to the common urinary O-serogroups, whereas such strains accounted for only 5 and 7% of the E. coli from symptomatic patients. The high prevalence of auto-agglutinable E. coli in asymptomatic bacteriuria was accompanied by a reduction in the frequency of the common uninary O-serogroups rather than other smooth strains.
Bordetella bronchicanis (bronchiseptica) infection in man: review and a case report.
Authors: Ghosh H K , Tranter J
Published: June 2007

Bordetella bronchicanis is a common respiratory tract commensal of mammals. Rarely it causes whooping cough in children. Compromised adults in hospitals may be colonised, and one terminal pneumonia is on record. The fatal pneumonia of a malnourished alcoholic described here was contracted at home.
A histopathological study of gastric mucosal biopsies in infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.
Authors: Batcup G , Spitz L
Published: June 2007

Gastric biopsies from 35 infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis have been assessed for histological features of gastritis. No erosions were found, and there was no excess cellular infiltration of the lamina propria compared with a control group. Fresh haemorrhage into the lamina propria was frequent in both pyloric stenosis and control sections.
Malakoplakia of the prostate: a report of two cases and a review of the literature.
Authors: McClure J
Published: June 2007

Two cases of malakoplakia of the prostate are documented, bringing the total described in the world literature to 15. This literature is reviewed, and typical features of the condition are established. The majority of the cases have had proven previous episodes of Escherichia coli infection of the urinary tract, but bacilliform organisms have yet to be demonstrated in the diseased prostatic tissue. Five of the reported cases have also had important additional disease, including three instances of malignant lung tumour. Finally, it is emphasised that recognition of prostatic malakoplakia as an entity will prevent its confusion with prostatic carcinoma.
Chronic hepatitis B infection in male homosexuals.
Authors: Skinhøj P , Høybye G , Hentzer B , Faber V , Poulsen H
Published: June 2007

Ten cases of hepatitis B virus infection were identified among asymptomatic male homosexuals. These patients shared a number of characteristics: A subclinical origin and course of infection; Persistence of HGsAg for periods exceeding six to 25 months; Persistent GPT elevation of two to five times upper normal limit; Morphological changes in the liver with portal and parenchymal inflammation (chronic persistent hepatitis, six cases; non-specific reactive hepatitis, 2 cases; cirrhosis and acute hepatitis with signs of chronicity, one case each). HBeAg was found in six cases, anti-HBe in none. These results indicate that screening for hepatitis B should be performed whenever these individuals come under medical attention in order to detect asymptomatic chronic liver diseases and to detect these silent vectors of an infection that presently shows an increased frequency among homosexuals.
Anti-cartilage antibody.
Authors: Greenbury C L , Skingle J
Published: June 2007

Antibody to cartilage has been demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence on rat trachea in the serum of about 3% of 1126 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Titres ranged from 1:20 to 1:640. The antibody was not found in 284 patients with primary or secondary osteoarthritis or in 1825 blood donors, nor, with the exception of two weak reactors, in 1314 paraplegic patients. In most cases the antibody appears to be specific for native type II collagen. Using this as an antigen in a haemagglutination test 94% of anti-cartilage sera were positive, whereas among 100 rheumatoid control sera there were only three weak positives. More than 80% of patients with antibody had some erosion of articular cartilage, but there was no correlation with age, sex, duration of disease, nor any recognisable clinical event or change.
An outbreak of calicivirus infection in a mother and baby unit.
Authors: Cubitt W D , McSwiggan D A , Arstall S
Published: June 2007

A small outbreak of infection due to a calicivirus occurred in a mother and baby unit. All the infants showed evidence of infection but the clinical features varied. None of the staff or mothers showed evidence of illness, and antibody studies indicated past experience of this virus.
Histological evidence of initiating factors in acute necrotising pancreatitis in man.
Authors: Foulis A K
Published: June 2007

In this necropsy review of 37 cases of acute pancreatitis, evidence is presented that there are at least two different initiating mechanisms in acute necrotising pancreatitis in man. Firstly, there is primary duct inflammation, with subsequent inflammation and necrosis of the pancreatic parenchyma surrounding the excretory ducts. Included in this group are cases secondary to alcohol abuse and cholelithiasis. Secondly, there is necrosis confined to the microcirculatory periphery of the pancreatic lobule. These cases are usually secondary to some form of shock (septic or cardiogenic) and are thought to represent ischaemic pancreatitis. These patterns of necrosis are discussed in relation to the pancreatic anatomy and clinical findings.
Direct immunofluorescence of skin using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections.
Authors: Mera S L , Young E W , Bradfield J W
Published: June 2007

The technique of direct immunofluorescence has been applied to skin biopsy specimens fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax. The results have been compared with those obtained by using snap-frozen biopsy specimens from the same patients. Trypsinisation of the dewaxed material allowed subsequent detection of immunoglobulins, complement, and fibrinogen. When compared to the fluorescence in the snap-frozen specimens, the staining in the paraffin sections was less bright and there was a higher rate of negatives. Even so, it was possible to establish the diagnosis in most cases of pemphigus, pemphigoid, and lupus erythematosus.
An assessment of red cell deformability using a simple filtration method.
Authors: Drummond M M , Lowe G D , Belch J J , Barbenel J C , Forbes C D
Published: June 2007

We assessed the simple method of measuring red cell deformability described by Reid et al. The technique was found to be reproducible. The validity of the method as a measure of red cell deformation was confirmed by (a) marked reduction of the deformability index after fixation of red cells with glutaraldehyde, and (b) an inverse correlation of deformability index with high-shear blood viscosity (r = 0.4; P < 0.001). There was no correlation of deformability index with low-shear blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, fibrinogen, or the white cell count. In normal subjects, deformability index was similar in males and females, and in smokers and non-smokers. Patients with acute myocardial infarction, or intermittent claudication, had reduced deformability compared to controls (P < 0.01).
An experimental model for ascending acute pyelonephritis caused by Escherichia coli or proteus in rats.
Authors: Larsson P , Kaijser B , Baltzer I M , Olling S
Published: June 2007

Experimental, ascending acute pyelonephritis in rats was produced by injecting 0 x 5 ml of 10(9) bacteria/ml into the urinary bladder via the urethra. No traumatic manipulation of the ureters of kidneys was necessary. A grading system for kidney lesions based on macro- and microscopical examination was used. The capacity of different Escherichia coli and proteus strains to induce acute pyelonephritis was tested, and the E. coli 06K13H1 strain and the Proteus mirabilis 03H1 strain were especially capable of causing urinary tract infection. For the P. mirabilis 03H1 strain, a dominance of right kidney lesions was noted in contrast to the E. coli 06K13H1 strain which did not show any side preference.
Human lymph node morphology as a function of age and site.
Authors: Luscieti P , Hubschmid T , Cottier H , Hess M W , Sobin L H
Published: June 2007

Cervical, axillary, cubital, inguinal, popliteal, and mesenteric lymph nodes from subjects of various ages who had died a sudden death were examined histologically. Care was taken to establish by morphometry the proportional distribution in lymph node cross-sections of cortical, paracortical, and medullary areas. In addition, numbers and surface areas of cross-sectioned germinal centres were registered. Important differences related to age and anatomical site of lymph nodes were established by this survey. Germinal centre formation, particularly evident in infants and children, less so in young adults, and often absent in ageing individuals, was most impressive in lymph nodes normally exposed to antigenic stimulation (mesenteric and cervical lymph nodes). Paracortical and medullary areas exhibited a slight but gradual reduction with advancing age. Replacement of lymphatic parenchyma by fat tissue (lipomatous atrophy) was a characteristic of more peripheral lymph nodes usually subjected to little antigenic stimulation, that is, cubital, axillary, and popliteal nodes. It should be emphasised that both age-related and regional differences have to be taken into account in a meaningful functional interpretation of lymph node morphology.