bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The partial thromboplastin (cephalin) time test
Authors: Poller L. , Thomson Jean M.
Published: June 2007

Nine partial thromboplastin (cephalin) reagents have been compared in a parallel investigation of groups of patients on `long-term' anticoagulants, a group with moderate haemophilia, and patients on heparin infusion.

Results with the seven commercial reagents and a human cephalin extract have been correlated with those of a specially prepared and standardized reference preparation of human brain origin. The comparison was similar in principle to that of the prothrombin time thromboplastin standardization using the British Comparative Thromboplastin (BCT).

Results, which for comparative purposes were expressed as ratio of patients' cephalin times to control cephalin times, varied greatly in all three groups. In the oral anticoagulant group some of the commercial reagents were particularly insensitive to the `intrinsic' clotting defect. The correlation between the `standardized preparation' and the other reagents was not good and the use of a reference cephalin material for quality control of cephalin time tests does not appear promising.

In moderate haemophilia the commercial reagents were either relatively poor at picking out the clotting defect compared with the `standardized preparation' or gave such a bad endpoint that the results were not dependable. The poor endpoint also limited the dependability of the results of all but the `standardized preparation' and two of the commercial reagents in controlling heparin administration.

In view of these standardization difficulties, which cannot apparently be resolved by the use of reference material, there is need for bulk, routine supplies of a sensitive, standardized cephalin reagent giving good reproducible endpoints. The method for the provision of such material in a recently introduced national supply scheme is described.
A comparison of two methods of prognostic typing in breast cancer
Authors: Turner D. R. , Berry C. L.
Published: June 2007

The value of two different systems for the prognostic assessment of breast cancer has been tested by comparing a group of 74 long-term survivors with a group of 54 short-term survivors. The system devised by Bloom and Richardson (1957) gave a good general correlation with prognosis. Appearances described by Harveit (1971) showed some correlation with prognosis but were rarely seen in our cases. The degree of lympho-plasmacytic infiltrate did not show any correlation with prognosis.
The value of a study of the mucosubstances in rectal biopsies from patients with carcinoma of the rectum and lower sigmoid in the diagnosis of premalignant mucosa
Authors: Filipe M. Isabel
Published: June 2007

One hundred and twenty-one rectal biopsies from 99 patients with carcinoma of the rectum or lower sigmoid colon were investigated using a high iron-diamine-Alcian blue technique for sulphated and non-sulphated acid mucins. It was found that in normal rectal mucosa sulphomucins are the main carbohydrate component of the goblet cell mucin. This normal `mucous pattern' changes in the `transitional' mucosa (histological normal mucosa adjacent to carcinoma) where there is an increase of non-sulphated acid mucins concomitantly with a decrease or absence of sulphated groups in 60 to 90% of the cases according to the type of tumour. The same type of changes in mucus were observed in the `transitional' mucosa surrounding adenomatous polyps and papillary adenomas; they were not marked in areas around carcinomain situand not observed in the metaplastic polyps. These changes seem to be in direct relationship to the grade of differentiation and invasiveness of the tumour.

The histochemical changes in the mucins seem to be in favour of a malignant potential in the so-called neoplastic polyps.

The high iron diamine-Alcian blue, because of its `specificity', consistent results, and easy technique is recommended for routine use together with haematoxylin and eosin staining in the diagnosis of premalignant changes.
Serum hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBD) assays in the clinical laboratory
Authors: Montazemi K. , Lines J. G.
Published: June 2007

Measurement of serum hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBD) activity for suspected myocardial infarction will nowadays usually be carried out with a commercially available test kit. Four such kits have been compared and evaluated: British Drug Houses HBDH set, Boehringer Corporation LDH-1-Iso-enzyme `α-HBDH' kit, Calbiochem α-HBDH Statpack, and Eskalab α-HBDH reagent tablets. Of the 100 sera examined, 60 were from patients believed to have suffered a recent myocardial infarction, and 40 samples were from patients aged between 45 and 65 years who had no known hepatic, renal, or cardiac pathology, these being used to determine the normal range for each kit. Under standardized conditions the activity found differed from kit to kit; the clinical value of the various assay systems in terms of their ability to discriminate between normal and pathological sera is assessed; and finally the cost and the convenience of use of each kit procedure are discussed. Theoretical and experimental evidence is provided in support of an assay temperature of 30°C, and a plea is made for international agreement on enzyme assay conditions.
A satisfactory quantitative test of lymphocyte response to phytohaemagglutinin for the definition of normal control values and recognition of immunological defects
Authors: Fitzgerald Margaret G.
Published: June 2007

Despite widespread doubts about the quantitative validity or clinical usefulness of lymphocyte response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), a satisfactory quantitative test of such responsiveness suitable for the clinical recognition of immunological defects has been developed here. This was achieved by exploring and controlling technical and other variables in the culture of lymphocytes and the quantitation of their response to phytohaemagglutinin. The aspects evaluated included intraperson as well as person-to-person variations, non-lymphocytic cell content, lymphocyte number, PHA batch, atmospheric conditions, culture duration, and quantitation of response. As a result of the information gained from these studies, together with the normal dose-response curve previously established (Fitzgerald, 1971), a satisfactory quantitative and reproducible method suitable for routine clinical use has been realized. This has been applied to the investigation of patients with suspected immunological deficiency disorders, and significant deviations from the normal have been shown. In addition, a PHA dose-response ratio derived from the responses of normal individuals and patients gives a practical quantitative expression of such defects.
Microbiological assay of amino acids in serum: valine, leucine, and methionine
Authors: Blackmore J. A. , Parry T. E.
Published: June 2007

A microbiological method for the assay of valine, leucine, and methionine in serum is described and its accuracy and reproducibility are assessed. Under the conditions specified the L-isomers only of the three amino acids are measured. The serum levels of the three amino acids in 60 normal subjects are presented.
The origin of fibrin breakdown products and the interpretation of their appearance in the circulation
Authors: Gallimore M. J. , Tyler H. M. , Shaw J. T. B.
Published: June 2007

It has been shown that the incubation of human plasma with urokinase at a concentration sufficient to cause rapid lysis of the clots formed on the addition of thrombin does not give rise to the production of measurable concentrations of non-clottable fibrinogen breakdown products. Also, breakdown products could not be detected in the course of experimentsin vivowhen urokinase was administered to monkeys and only in very low concentrations when a fibrinolytic state was induced by exercise in three healthy human volunteers. In contrast, high concentrations of breakdown products were found after thrombin infusion into monkeys.

It is concluded that circulating fibrinogen is not readily broken down into non-clottable products by the fibrinolytic enzymes, and that normal animals and healthy human subjects do not have substantial deposits of fibrin that are available for breakdown during a fibrinolytic episode. The presence of breakdown products in the circulation is therefore likely to be indicative of the fibrinolytic response to an initial coagulation event.
Timed fibrin digestion: A simplified technique for the measurement of the fibrinolytic activity of the blood
Authors: Hickman J. A. , Gordon-Smith I. C.
Published: June 2007

When the rate of fibrinolysisin vitrowas measured by an isotopic technique, it was found that the amount of fibrin digested after incubation for three hours correlated closely with the overall rate of the digestion process. It is suggested that, using an isotopic technique, estimation of fibrin digestion after three hours' incubation provides a useful method for measuring the fibrinolytic activity of blood. A recommended technique is described and its advantages are discussed briefly.
Manipulative and inherent errors in anti-D quantitation using the AutoAnalyzer
Authors: Gunson H. H. , Phillips P. K. , Stratton F.
Published: June 2007

The limits of accuracy for the quantitation of anti-D using the AutoAnalyzer have been reduced from ± 26% with manually prepared dilutions to ± 14% using an automatic pipette, as expressed by the 95% confidence limits. The error inherent in the AutoAnalyzer was estimated to contribute ± 10% to the overall error.

Problems associated with the reproducibility of this method for anti-D quantitation have been investigated, namely, the effect of the age of a given test cell, the use of different test cells, loss of sensitivity of the machine over a given day, and the reproducibility of results obtained at different positions on the standard graph.
Necropsy findings in a case of progressive vaccinia
Authors: Paradinas F. J. , Wiltshaw Eve
Published: June 2007

A case of progressive vaccinia complicating chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is reported. At necropsy a vaccinial pneumonia, focal pancreatitis, and evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation were found. Epithelial proliferation was noted in sweat glands, bronchi, and pancreatic ducts associated with lesions in these sites. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia (Castleman)
Authors: Anagnostou Dimitra , Harrison C. V.
Published: June 2007

Six personally observed cases of this lesion are reported and the literature is reviewed. One hundred and thirty-four cases have been reported to date. The lesion has occurred in many sites, but is commonest in the thorax (60%), abdomen (11%), neck (14%), and axilla (4%).

Ninety per cent of cases are symptomless or have only the pressure symptoms, 10% have systemic signs, namely, fever, raised ESR, anaemia, cured by removal of the tumour. These cases have a slightly different histology. All recorded cases have been benign. Microscopically the lesion is follicular but instead of germinal centres the follicles have one or more thick-walled arteries and often some surrounding histiocytes. Increased numbers of vessels occur between the follicles, whilst sinuses are absent. These vessels have thick, cellular walls like post-capillary venules. Sometimes they become hyaline.

The cases with symptoms have true reaction centres as well as a few intrafollicular vessels. Between the follicles there are increased numbers of vessels and, in addition, there may be collections of plasma cells or eosinophils.
An automated screening technique for the detection of sickle-cell haemoglobin
Authors: Canning D. M. , Crane R. S. , Huntsman R. G. , Yawson G. I.
Published: June 2007

An automated technique is described which is capable of detecting sickle-cell haemoglobin and differentiating the sickle-cell trait from sickle-cell anaemia. The method is based upon the Itano solubility test and utilizes Technicon equipment.
Methods for improving the sensitivity and specificity of the fibrin plate
Authors: Edward Neil
Published: June 2007

Fibrinogen prepared by the method of Blombäck and Blombäck is most suitable with respect to sensitivity and stability for the estimation of urokinase by the fibrin plate technique. Adding plasminogen to a concentration of around 0·5 casein units/ml 0·2 g% clottable fibrinogen provides substrate conditions of optimal sensitivity and reproducibility.
The relation of growth hormone to altered carbohydrate metabolism in women taking oral contraceptives
Authors: Maw D. S. J. , Wynn Victor
Published: June 2007

Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed on a group of women before and during oral contraceptive administration and the plasma glucose, insulin, and growth hormone levels were studied. A significant impairment of glucose tolerance and an altered insulin response were observed in women taking oral contraceptives. The women had higher plasma growth hormone levels in the fasting state but this is not of primary aetiological significance in the development of altered carbohydrate metabolism.
An original approach to the diagnosis of scoline-induced apnoea
Authors: Fishtal A. , Evans R. T. , Chapman C. N.
Published: June 2007

A new technique is described for measuring the rate of scoline hydrolysis by plasma cholinesterase, which may prove useful in the diagnosis of scoline sensitivity. The importance of extensive family screening is emphasized and three cases possessing a silent gene are described.
Cross-reacting material in genetic variants of haemophilia B
Authors: Meyer Dominique , Bidwell Ethel , Larrieu Marie José
Published: June 2007

Cross-reacting factor IX material (CRM) was immunologically detected in the plasma of 38 normal individuals and 21 out of 22 haemophilia B patients using a rabbit antibody to factor IX. The same reacting material was detected in only nine of these patients using a human antibody. These results indicate that the plasma of the majority of haemophilia B patients contains a protein-lacking biological activity but having antigenic determinants in common with normal factor IX.
Observations on interactions between fluorescein-iso-thiocyanate conjugates and cellsin vitro
Authors: Sander G. , Jacobs J. P.
Published: June 2007

During the course of some routine immunofluorescence studies `non-specific' staining occurred in the absence of free fluorescein and of any known impurities. The cause of such staining seems to be associated with phasic changes occurring at varying population doublings (`passages') in species-homologous cells subjected to serial cultivation.
The occurrence of folic acid (pteroyl-L-monoglutamic acid) in human blood serum after small oral doses
Authors: Leeming R. J. , Portman-Graham Heather , Blair J. A.
Published: June 2007

Human serum folates analysed by bioautography after oral doses of 0·5 mg folic acid (pteroyl-L-monoglutamic acid) show folic acid to be present.
Application of an improved system of electrophoresis in acrylamide gel to studies on the sera of different species
Authors: Hyslop N. St. G.
Published: June 2007

Polyacrylamide gels constitute a generally better matrix for routine electrophoresis of serum proteins than other media commonly employed, but the immunoglobulin fractions of the largest size may not migrate into gels in which the acrylamide concentration exceeds 5%. To facilitate adequate separation, slabs containing a semi-solid layer were prepared from discontinuous gels consisting of 2 to 8% acrylamide. Serum samples were subjected to electrophoresis, under carefully controlled conditions atpH 9·0, by means of a pulsed constant power supply.

The method provided a rapid, reproducible, and relatively simple technique for the study of human serum proteins, either by electrophoresis or by immunoelectrophoresis, and for differentiation of serum samples from various animal species.
The relation of total body potassium to height, weight, and age in normal adults
Authors: Boddy K. , King Priscilla C. , Hume R. , Weyers Elspeth
Published: June 2007

Total body potassium was measured in 103 healthy adults using a shadow-shield whole-body monitor of high sensitivity. The range of height was 147 to 192 cm, of weight 43 to 92 kg, and of age 18 to 77 years.

The values obtained for total body potassium were correlated with height, with weight, and with height and weight. Age was then included as an additional variable.

The standard deviation from regression was smaller when total body potassium was correlated with height than with weight and was further reduced, to about 9%, in a multiple regression using height and age. The advantages of this relationship over indices involving weight are discussed.

The smallest standard deviation from regression, 7·5%, was obtained when total body potassium was correlated with height, weight, and age. The usefulness of this relationship is discussed with comment on its limitations.

A regression equation was derived between lean body mass (derived from height and weight) and total body potassium with a standard deviation from regression of 5·5% in males and 7·3% in females.
Clinical pharmacology of cephalexin administered by intravenous injection
Authors: Davies J. A. , Holt J. M.
Published: June 2007

Cephalexin IG was given by intravenous injection to eight normal volunteers, five patients with chronic renal failure, and three patients during a period of haemodialysis. In normal subjects there was a rapid fall in serum concentration and 80% of the administered dose was excreted in the urine within two hours. The mean serum half life was 1·1 hours (range 0·6-1·8 hours). Prior treatment with probenecid in two subjects led to a twofold increase in serum concentration two hours after injection. In the patients with chronic renal failure antimicrobial activity persisted for 24 hours and the half life ranged from 6·1 to 18·1 hours. Haemodialysis led to partial removal of cephalexin from the blood, but antimicrobial activity remained eight hours after injection at the end of the dialysis period. The serum half life in these patients was 5·1, 5·6, and 5·7 hours.
The isolation of influenza viruses
Authors: Higgins P. G. , Ellis Eileen M.
Published: June 2007

Of 129 strains of the Hong Kong variant of influenza A2 virus isolated from 176 respiratory infections, 105 (81·4%) were isolated in tissue culture, the remainder being detected only by the inoculation of fertile hen's eggs. Organ cultures of chick embryo trachea were at least as sensitive as monkey kidney tissue culture for the isolation of this virus but organ cultures of human embryonic ciliated epithelium were much less efficient. The reverse was true for strains of influenza B virus studied in 1970 and 1971 when eggs and chick embryo tracheal organ culture were of little value and organ cultures of human embryonic ciliated epithelium and monkey kidney tissue cultures were the systems of choice.
Serotype and sulphonamide sensitivity of meningococci isolated from 1966 to 1971
Authors: Abbott J. D. , Graves J. F. R.
Published: June 2007

From 1966 to 1971, 298 cultures of meningococci from clinical material (cerebrospinal fluid or blood) were examined. Eighty-nine cultures were from the Manchester area and the remainder from other parts of England or Northern Ireland. Five per cent of strains were group A, 57% group B, and 31% group C; 6% were untypable. Eighteen strains (6%) had an MIC of 6·4 μg/ml or more of sodium sulphadiazine and 10 of these (3·5%) an MIC of 50 to 100 μg/ml. The incidence of sulphonamide resistance was higher in group A strains than in group B or group C strains.
An evaluation of the Celloscope 401 electronic blood cell counter
Authors: Lappin T. R. J. , Lamont A. , Nelson M. G.
Published: June 2007

For counting erythrocytes the instrument was precise, with a mean coefficient of variation of 1·21%.

Erythrocyte counts showed close agreement with results obtained on a Coulter A electronic counter of proven accuracy.

When the Celloscope 401 was modified by the manufacturers to eliminate electrical interference from other laboratory equipment, satisfactory precision and accuracy for white cell counting was obtained. Using cetrimide diluent the coefficient of variation was 1·6% but when using saponin/saline diluent the coefficient of variation was 3·5%. For leucocyte counting there was close agreement between duplicate tests performed on the Celloscope 401 and the Coulter S.

The instrument was capable of satisfactory precision and accuracy in platelet counting, provided that the sedimentation method was used to obtain a platelet-rich plasma. The best results were obtained if a two-step dilution was carried out with a first dilution in 10% EDTA and a second in 2·5 mM cocaine in water. Using this method the precision study indicated a coefficient of variation of 3·11%. Close agreement was obtained between platelet counts on the Celloscope 401 when compared with the results obtained either by phase-contrast microscopy or using another electronic counter.

Allowing for predilution and duplicate counts on each sample, the rate of throughput was approximately 32 samples per hour.

Throughout the test period, the instrument remained electronically and mechanically stable.
Exfoliative cytology of diffuse mesothelioma
Authors: Roberts G. Hefin , Campbell G. M.
Published: June 2007

The exfoliative cytology of 14 diffuse mesothelioma (11 pleural and three peritoneal) is described. Malignant cells were identified in 10 patients; in eight malignant cells still retaining the characteristics of mesothelial cells were found. It is suggested that only if malignant cells of this type are recognized should the probable diagnosis of diffuse mesothelioma be made.
Data processing in haematology
Authors: Nelson M. G. , Elder E.
Published: June 2007

The output from a Coulter model S is captured by a specially designed silent interface which visualizes the results, automatically prints the data on a continuous paper roll and transmits the information to a card punch located in a data processing room. Further requested test data and patient identification data are subsequently added manually to the punch card. The completed deck of cards is used in an off-line batch mode on a dedicated laboratory computer to format report documents, produce ward listings, and quality control information. A punch card off-line method is also described for blood group and related data.
Red cell size as measured by the Coulter model S
Authors: Okuno Takashi
Published: June 2007

The MCV (mean corpuscular volume) was examined by the Coulter model S. It was found that the MCV measured by the Coulter S was larger than the generally accepted range 82 to 92, or 76 to 96 μ3. The range in 500 healthy individuals was 82·2 to 100·6 μ3. It was also found that the mean MCV became larger with increasing age. No sex difference was found. The low MCV by manual methods was generally thought to be attributed to less accurate measurement of erythrocyte counts.
The role of fibrin deposition in diabetic glomerulosclerosis: a light, electron and immunofluorescence microscopy study
Authors: Farquhar A. , MacDonald Mary K. , Ireland J. T.
Published: June 2007

The possible role of fibrin deposition in the development of diabetic glomerulosclerosis has been investigated by light, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy examination of renal tissue obtained by percutaneous biopsy from seven diabetic patients having minimal clinical evidence of renal involvement and at necropsy on nine diabetic patients. Although the biopsy specimens showed only early to moderate diffuse glomerulosclerosis without either nodular or exudative lesions, approximately 70% of glomeruli examined showed specific fluorescence for fibrinogen in a discontinuous linear pattern along the capillary basement membrane and diffusely in the mesangium. Moreover the immunofluorescence findings correlated well with the distribution patterns of material thought to be fibrin both in the light microscopy studies, by virtue of its staining properties, and by electron microscopy, because of periodicity, texture, and electron density. It is suggested that electron-dense granular deposits seen on electron microscopy may represent intermediate compounds in the fibrinogen to fibrin conversion, and that endothelial and mesangial trapping of fibrinogen or other macromolecules may initiate or accelerate mesangial enlargement, nodule formation, and irregularity of the basement membrane.
A `virus-free' cell line derived from a patient with infectious mononucleosis
Authors: Marston S. D. , Almond E. J. P. , Bishun N. P. , Maunsell E. D. , Sutton R. N. P.
Published: June 2007

A continuous cell culture line, derived from a nurse with infectious mononucleosis, is described. Electron microscopic and immunofluorescent examination suggested that it was substantially free from detectable complete virus particles, although the presence of a soluble complement-fixing antigen showed the persistence of other antigenic components of the EB virus.
A stable haemagglutinating antigen for detecting toxoplasma antibodies
Authors: Thorburn H. , Williams H.
Published: June 2007

The production of a toxoplasma-sensitized cell preparation stable for at least one year at 5°C and its performance in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is described.
Radioimmunoassay of human growth hormone: technique and application to plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and pituitary extracts
Authors: Thomas Frances J. , Lloyd H. M. , Thomas M. J.
Published: June 2007

A radioimmunoassay for human growth hormone using activated charcoal is described and its precision, accuracy, and sensitivity are defined. Results are presented for growth hormone measurements in plasma obtained during hypoglycaemia induced with insulin in patients of short stature and during glucose tolerance tests in patients with acromegaly. The method was used to measure growth hormone concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and in extracts of pituitary tumours. No growth hormone was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients without acromegaly. In patients with acromegaly, the concentration of growth hormone in cerebrospinal fluid was measurable and was considerably elevated in one patient with extrasellar extension of a pituitary tumour. Extracts of chromophobe pituitary tumours contained very small concentrations of growth hormone. In extracts of pituitary tumours removed from acromegalic patients, concentrations fell either below or within the normal range.
An evaluation of the Monosticon rapid slide test diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis
Authors: Scott G. L. , Priest C. J.
Published: June 2007

A new rapid slide test for the detection of infectious mononucleosis heterophile antibody has been compared with the Paul-Bunnell absorption test. Out of 200 sera, 46 were seropositive for infectious mononucleosis by the Paul-Bunnell test and 43 of these were detected by the Monosticon test; the three Monosticon-negative sera were of low titre. There was no problem with false positive reactions due to heterophile antibody not specific for infectious mononucleosis.
The rapid plasma reagin (circle) card test in biological false positive and leprosy sera
Authors: Garner M. F. , Backhouse J. L.
Published: June 2007

The rapid plasma reagin (RPR) circle card and the Venereal Disease Reference Laboratory (VDRL) slide test results were compared on a group of sera known to show biological false positive (BFP) reactions to reagin detection tests for syphilis. The RPR test was more specific than the VDRL test on the sera selected, ie, it gave fewer false positive results than the VDRL test. However, in a group of presumed normal sera, the RPR test gave BFP reactions while the VDRL test gave none.

The RPR test gave fewer BFP reactions than the VDRL test in 269 sera from patients with lepromatous leprosy.
Serum protein levels in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: MacSween R. N. M. , Horne C. H. W. , Moffat Anne J. , Hughes Hazel M.
Published: June 2007

Serum levels of albumin, transferrin, α2-macroglobulin, β1C/β1A, IgA, IgG, and IgM have been determined in 73 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and in age- and sex-matched controls. A highly significant fall in albumin was demonstrated, and there were highly significant increases in α2-macroglobulin and all three immunoglobulin levels. Transferrin and β1/Cβ1A levels were unchanged. No significant correlations were found between the titre of antimitochondrial antibody, the duration of symptoms, and any of the serum proteins estimated. A highly significant positive correlation was present between serum albumin and transferrin levels in both patient and control groups.
Foetus in foetu: serological assessment of monozygotic origin by automated analysis
Authors: Boyce M. J. , Lockyer J. W. , Wood C. B. S.
Published: June 2007

A further example of the rare disorder of embryonic development known as `foetus in foetu' is described. Extensive blood group determinations, using a new autoanalytical technique, were combined with chromosome studies to show that the chance of the foetus in foetu and its host being of monozygotic origin was 0·947.
The separation of epinephrine from norepinephrine and dopamine from DOPA on Sephadex G-10
Authors: McDonald T. J. , Murphy B. E. P.
Published: June 2007

Epinephrine and norepinephrine were separated by acid elution through a Sephadex G-10 column with high recovery (better than 90%), excellent reproducibility, and little overlap (less than 10%). Once packed, the columns could be re-used indefinitely. Total elution time was about six hours and the columns could be left untended since the gravity flow stops automatically once the level of the eluant reaches the gel bed. The resulting dilution was five-fold. 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) was completely separated from 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine) by the same procedure.
Characteristics of the antitrypsin activity of human serum
Authors: Rowley Peter T. , Oette Dagmar
Published: June 2007

The antitrypsin activity of human serum was studied as a function ofpH, preincubation of serum with trypsin, and the concentrations of substrate, trypsin, and serum. Maximal activity was observed betweenpH 8·0 and 8·3. Activity was enhanced by preincubation of serum with trypsin, and reduced by high concentrations of trypsin and substrate. Percentage inhibition was a sigmoid function of log serum concentration. Theoretically, this relationship is expected of a reversible enzyme inhibitor; reversibility was demonstrated by dilution of enzyme serum mixtures. Practically, this relationship limits accurate antitryptic activity assay to the 25-75% inhibition range.
Thrombocytopenic purpura as the sole manifestation of a recurrence of Hodgkin's disease
Authors: Hamilton P. J. , Dawson Audrey A.
Published: June 2007

A man with apparently quiescent Hodgkin's disease presented with acute severe isolated thrombocytopenic purpura. Splenectomy revealed macroscopic involvement with Hodgkin's tissue and cured the thrombocytopenia.
Clinical, light, and electron microscopy findings in idiopathic haematuria
Authors: Alexander F. , Lannigan R. , Bull R.
Published: June 2007

The electron microscopic findings are reported in detail in 20 patients submitted to renal biopsy with the major complaint or clinical finding of gross or microscopic haematuria. The lesions were classified histologically into four groups: group 1, minor glomerular alterations; group 2, focal mesangial thickening and/or cellular proliferation; group 3, diffuse mesangial proliferation; and group 4, other lesions. The major ultrastructural alterations included irregularity in thickness and density of the capillary basement membrane, with apparent discontinuity and bi- or multilaminar splitting of the lamina densa. There were varying degrees of foot process fusion, visceral epithelial polykaryocytosis, and granular deposits related to the capillary basement membrane. Densities were found in the mesangial basement membrane-like material, which was often markedly increased in quantity. A few microtubular aggregates were observed in endothelial cell cytoplasm. Changes consistent with acute diffuse proliferative and membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis were also seen. The significant clinical findings, histological groups, and ultrastructural changes are correlated.
The ortho-nitrophenol (ONPG) test and acid from lactose in Gram-negative genera
Authors: Lapage S. P. , Efstratiou Androulla , Hill L. R.
Published: June 2007

The results are given of the ortho-nitrophenol test for beta-galactosidase production (ONPG test) on 588 strains of 123 aerobic species of bacteria, representing 30 genera. Apart from some strains ofErwinia herbicola(synonymChromobacterium typhiflavum) and ofYersiniaspp, these strains were not members of the Enterobacteriaceae, in which family the ONPG test is widely used and well documented. The strains were also tested for acid production from 1, 5, and 10% lactose and the findings are discussed in relation to the ONPG test.
Epidemiological and quantitative relationships between mesothelioma and asbestos on Tyneside
Authors: Ashcroft T.
Published: June 2007

Thirty-five necropsied cases of diffuse malignant mesothelioma of pleura and six cases of mesothelioma of peritoneum are reported. Occupational histories from 40 cases showed that 32 cases (80%) were definitely exposed to asbestos; six cases (15%) were probably exposed and two (5%) had no known exposure. The mean latent interval was 34 years. Occupational histories of 56 control patients matched in pairs for age and sex with 28 of the mesothelioma cases revealed definite exposure to asbestos in 12 controls (21%), probable exposure in 11 (20%), and no evidence of exposure in 33 (59%). The difference in incidence of exposure between mesotheliomas and controls is statistically highly significant. Six-micron histological sections of lung, available in 39 mesothelioma cases, contained coated asbestos fibres in 36 cases (92%). Sixteen cases of mesothelioma showing fibres were free of asbestosis; asbestosis was slight in 14 cases, moderately severe in five cases, and severe in one case. The incidence of asbestos bodies in sections from mesothelioma cases was significantly higher than in a previously reported series of routine necropsies examined by lung smear.

Counts of coated and uncoated asbestos fibres were performed on samples of lung tissue from 33 mesothelioma cases. No fibres were identified in one case and only occasional coated fibres in a second case. The remainder gave counts ranging from 154 thousand to 684 million fibres per gram dry weight. Uncoated fibres were invariably present and usually comprised 50 to 80% of the count. No relationship was found between total fibre count and the latent period of the mesothelioma. Fibre counts were also performed on lung samples from 18 smear-positive and 30 smear-negative routine necropsies. Cases with numerous coated fibres in the smear gave total fibre counts similar to those of mesothelioma cases without asbestosis. Routine cases with only one fibre in the smear usually yielded only occasional fibres on analysis. Coated and uncoated fibres were found in 13 out of 30 smear-negative cases, indicating a true incidence of 56% of exposure to asbestos in the whole necropsy series. When compared with the mesothelioma series the difference in incidence of fibres remains statistically significant.

The data suggest that, on Tyneside, exposure to asbestos sufficient to cause an appreciable risk of developing mesothelioma has usually occurred through occupational exposure rather than by general environmental pollution by asbestos.
Quantitative immunoelectrophoretic analysis of the plasma proteins in the sol phase of sputum from patients with chronic bronchitis
Authors: Ryley H. C. , Brogan T. D.
Published: June 2007

An analysis of the plasma proteins in the sol phase of sputum was carried out using quantitative cross immunoelectrophoresis. The average concentrations of nine plasma proteins were estimated in the sol phase of sputum specimens from 30 patients with chronic bronchitis and the values were compared with the concentrations of these proteins in saliva and serum specimens from the same group of patients.

The results showed that alpha1antichymotrypsin and IgA concentrations were higher in the sol phase of sputum than would be expected if their presence were due entirely to passive transudation.
Stability of freeze-dried plasma prepared from patients on oral anticoagulants
Authors: Brozović Milica , Howarth D. J. , Visser L. P. Van Halem , Loeliger E. A.
Published: June 2007

The suitability of freeze-dried plasmas from patients on oral anticoagulants to serve as reference material in the calibration of thromboplastins used in the control of oral anticoagulant treatment was assessed in two centres. One pooled normal plasma and four pooled plasmas from patients at different levels of anticoagulation were collected into HEPES-citrate containing Trasylol. The plasmas, in 1 ml volumes, were freeze dried in siliconized ampoules under the optimal conditions used for biological standards. Small aliquots of the same plasmas were stored at −70°C.

Five different thromboplastins were used to carry out the tests on these plasmas. There was little difference in the clotting times obtained with five reference thromboplastins (two human, two rabbit, and one bovine reagent) on frozen and freeze-dried plasma, if the latter was tested immediately after complete reconstitution or within six hours of reconstitution if kept at +4°C. Reconstituted plasmas showed a marked shortening of clotting times when stored at 22 and 37°C if thromboplastins sensitive to activation of factor VII were used. In contrast, when thromboplastins sensitive to factor V were used, prothrombin times in plasmas stored at 22 and 37°C became prolonged due to the loss of factor V.

Freeze-dried plasmas from patients on oral anticoagulants can be used to calibrate thromboplastins, provided they are used immediately after complete reconstitution or kept at +4°C for use within four to six hours of reconstitution.
Human platelet reactivity during stressful diagnostic procedures
Authors: Gordon J. L. , Bowyer D. E. , Evans D. W. , Mitchinson M. J.
Published: June 2007

Conscious subjects undergoing cardiac catheterization and other diagnostic procedures showed a rise in platelet-aggregation response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) one hour before and during the procedure. The responses returned towards normal one hour afterwards. The response to glass beads was decreased one hour before the procedure, but was unchanged in subsequent samples. Plasma-free fatty acid (FFA) levels were increased during the procedure, and one hour afterwards, but had returned to normal by the following day. Platelet counts were slightly reduced on the day after the procedure. It is suggested that catecholamines released due to emotional stress may be responsible for the increased platelet responses to ADP and that this could influence the development of thrombosis and atherosclerosis.
Variable sex chromatin pattern in an early carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Atkin N. B. , Petković I.
Published: June 2007

Sex chromatin studies on squash preparations of a well differentiated transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder without evidence of invasion from a female aged 63 revealed a single body in some regions, but two to four bodies in others. All regions were near diploid according to DNA estimations. Previous observations on a variety of invasive tumours of females showed that the presence of more than one sex chromatin body is generally associated with a high chromosome number. The pattern of two or more bodies in near-diploid cells seen in this non-invasive tumour may therefore characterize an intermediate stage of clonal evolution, eventually resulting in malignancy, when the cell line has not yet achieved the ability to invade or metastasize.
The effect of pancreatectomy and other agents on iron absorption and storage in the rat
Authors: Sinniah R. , Bell T. K. , Neill D. W.
Published: June 2007

Evidence from both animal and human studies had been presented by various authors to suggest that reduction of pancreatic function increased iron absorption. The present experimental studies in rats showed that there was increased radioiron (59Fe) absorption after pancreatectomy, but this appeared to be due to the operative procedure as there was a similar increased absorption in animals who had sham operations performed. There was no certain evidence that pancreatic enzymes or extract had a specific inhibitory effect on the absorption of iron. But with increased doses of pancreatic extract, above the normal doses, the amount of radioiron absorption was greatly enhanced.

A significant increase in hepatic storage iron was found in the groups of rats who had been fed a diet supplemented with dl-ethionine. All these animals showed extensive damage and atrophy of the pancreas, with degeneration and considerable regenerative activity in the liver. The absolute increased hepatic storage iron was not due to the liberation and laying down of haemosiderin from the damaged cells or to decreased liver mass. Rats who had carbon tetrachloride-induced liver cirrhosis without pancreatic damage showed no increased hepatic storage iron.

It was observed that in liver damage with considerable cellular proliferation there was increased liver iron content. As this was found only when there was associated pancreatic injury, it is suggested that decreased pancreatic function in the presence of liver cell injury with cellular proliferation leads to increased iron absorption and storage. The relationship of liver injury with cellular proliferation and pancreatic damage to increased hepatic storage iron merits further study.
Controlling infection in a district general hospital
Authors: Noone Paul , Shafi M. S.
Published: June 2007

The way in which hospital-acquired infection has been brought under control over a three-year period in a district general hospital is described.

The main success has been achieved in reducing sepsis caused byStaph. aureus, especially methicillin-resistant strains, andPseudomonas aeruginosa.

These reductions were achieved in spite of inadequate ward isolation and operating theatre facilities, and before there was any marked change in patterns of prescribing antibiotics.

Our experiences indicate the significant improvements that can be made in controlling nosocomial sepsis even without structural or other major alterations in a hospital, providing that the problem is fully appreciated and the infection control team are concerned enough to act vigorously in influencing their clinical colleagues.
Study of the pedigree of a patient with type III hyperlipoproteinaemia and sinking prebeta lipoprotein
Authors: Ballantyne D. , Jubb Janet S. , Morgan H. G. , Lawrie T. D. V.
Published: June 2007

A 49-year-old woman, suffering from peripheral vascular disease, was found to have two lipoprotein abnormalities, namely, type III hyperlipoproteinaemia and sinking prebeta lipoprotein. Twenty-one members of the kindred were investigated in an attempt to determine the pattern of inheritance of both of these abnormalities.

In a 21-year-old son of the proband plasma electrophoresis was in keeping with a type V hyperlipoproteinaemia. It is suggested that this may be a stage in the development of the characteristic type III pattern. If this is so it is consistent with previous suggestions of an incompletely penetrant single autosomal allele. Sinking prebeta lipoprotein was found in the plasma of two other members of the family. If this abnormality is also inherited as a single autosomal allele it must have a very low penetrance and the possibility that the abnormality is acquired cannot be excluded.
A controlled trial of the use of dip slides in general practice for the diagnosis of urinary infection
Authors: Maskell Rosalind
Published: June 2007

A controlled trial of the use and interpretation of dip-inoculation slides for the diagnosis of urinary infection in four general practices is reported. Two slides were inoculated from each specimen, one being incubated and read in the surgery by the practitioner, the other being sent to the laboratory for incubation and interpretation. It is shown that the presence or absence of bacteriuria can be detected with a high degree of accuracy by a surgery procedure. The implications for the laboratory, the patient, and the practitioner are discussed. It is suggested that the financial saving on laboratory time and unnecessary treatment would far outweigh the outlay on apparatus and materials, and that many patients would benefit from the accurate diagnosis of urinary infection which, for a variety of reasons, is at present denied them.
The optical and electron microscopic determination of pulmonary asbestos fibre concentration and its relation to the human pathological reaction
Authors: Ashcroft T. , Heppleston A. G.
Published: June 2007

The quantitative extraction of asbestos fibres from asbestotic lung by alkali digestion has been refined by maceration of the tissue without prior drying, the minimum use of centrifugation, and the adoption of phase contrast microscopy. Preliminary experiments suggested that, using this technique, asbestos fibre counts were accurate to within at least ± 20% and in most instances to within ± 10%.

The method was used to assess asbestos concentrations in lung tissue showing various degrees and forms of fibrosis. The results, as determined by light microscopy, indicated that uncoated fibres generally outnumbered coated fibres. In mild and moderate asbestosis there was a progressive increase in concentration of asbestos fibres, both coated and uncoated, with increasing severity of fibrosis, whereas in severe asbestosis no correlation existed between the fibre concentration and the form or the extent of the pathological reaction. It is suggested that the severe fibrosis results from the supervention of non-specific inflammatory processes.

Asbestos fibre diameter distributions, gauged by electron microscopy, were fairly constant irrespective of the degree of fibrosis. Optically visible fibres constituted between 12 and 30% of the total, so that an optical count may be said to give an approximate indication of the total asbestos concentration and, so far as asbestosis is concerned, may well serve for comparative purposes. The relation between asbestos and neoplasia will, however, require identification and quantitation of particular types of the mineral by microanalytical techniques.
Selective media in the isolation of tubercle bacilli from tissues
Authors: Mitchison D. A. , Allen B. W. , Lambert R. A.
Published: June 2007

Direct culture on Lowenstein-Jensen slopes and on three media made selective for tubercle bacilli by the addition of four antibacterial agents was compared with guinea-pig inoculation on 490 tissue specimens. Tubercle bacilli were obtained from 15 specimens by culture and 14 by guinea-pig inoculation; only one specimen was positive by guinea-pig and not by culture. The most efficient culture medium was a selective 7H11 slope. Routine guinea-pig inoculation has been replaced by a wider range of culture procedures.
Indirect cutaneous immunofluorescence
Authors: Burnham Thomas K.
Published: June 2007

Sera of 532 patients with bullous diseases, connective tissue diseases and malignancies were tested for pemphigus epidermal intercellular fluorescence (ICF) and for the bullous pemphigoid `tubular' band by the indirect fluorescent antibody technique. Human normal skin cryostat sections were used.

The band and ICF were seen primarily only in bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus respectively, Some indirect band and ICF-negative patients demonstrated positive direct results in involved skin. suggesting that direct tests should be performed in indirect negative patients clinically thought to have pemphigus or bullous pemphigoid.

No close correlation was found between disease activity and positive or negative indirect tests in bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus. Steroids did not interfere with positive results of this diagnostically extremely valuable test.