bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatic and renal complications arising from accidental carbon tetrachloride poisoning in the human subject
Authors: Alston W. C.
Published: June 2007

A young man, who was admitted to hospital acutely ill following the ingestion of half a mouthful of carbon tetrachloride, was investigated for the degree and duration of hepatic and renal damage, using various tests of function. On the basis of the serum bilirubin and enzyme activities, the acute hepatic damage had subsided after 15 days from the time of the accident, but the serum albumin and total proteins returned to normal only after a considerably longer time interval (between 33 and 129 days). There was no evidence of residual hepatic damage after this time.

Acute renal damage reached a maximum about a week after the accident, and recovery of function in respect of the kidneys' power to reabsorb sodium and chloride and to secrete potassium and acid recovered almost completely after three weeks. However, the power of the kidneys to reabsorb water, ie, to produce a concentrated urine, approached normal only after 139 days. Residual renal damage was not evident after this time interval as indicated by the clearance values for creatinine and inorganic phosphate. The significance of the results is discussed.
The effect of carbon dioxide on the sensitivity ofBacteroides fragilisto certain antibioticsin vitro
Authors: Ingham H. R. , Selkon J. B. , Codd A. A. , Hale J. H.
Published: June 2007

The effect of 10% carbon dioxide on the sensitivity to four antibiotics of 10 strains ofBacteroides fragiliswas studied. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of erythromycin and lincomycin hydrochloride for these strains were four to 32 times higher, when grown in hydrogen plus 10% carbon dioxide, than the values obtained when the strains were grown in pure hydrogen. A similar effect was obtained by growing the strains in hydrogen on an acid medium. Except forHaemophilus influenzaeandClostridium tertiumthe sensitivity to erythromycin and lincomycin hydrochloride of other species of bacteria examined was not affected by the atmosphere in which the tests were carried out. 7-Chlorolincomycin and rifamycin B diethylamide, to which the strains ofB. fragiliswere uniformly sensitive, were not significantly affected by additional carbon dioxide.

The possible mechanisms underlying this phenomenon and its clinical implications are discussed, and a case report describing the successful use of erythromycin in the treatment of a cerebral abscess due toB. fragilisis presented.

In a recent study in this laboratory of the sensitivity to antibiotics ofB. fragilisthe majority of strains were found to be inhibited by 0·15 μg/ml of erythromycin and by 0·55 μg/ml of lincomycin hydrochloride (Ingham, Selkon, Codd, and Hale, 1968). After this work had been completed hydrogen plus 10% carbon dioxide was substituted for pure hydrogen in the anaerobic technique. Strains ofB. fragilisisolated on routine culture now appeared to be relatively resistant to erythromycin and lincomycin hydrochloride when their sensitivity was examined by the disc diffusion method. A more detailed investigation of this phenomenon was carried out, the results of which are reported here. The opportunity was also taken to examine the susceptibility ofB. fragilisto two new antibiotics, namely, 7-chlorolincomycin and rifamycin B diethylamide.
Recurrent urinary infections in general practice
Authors: Grüneberg R. N.
Published: June 2007

Repeated episodes of acute, symptomatic urinary tract infections in domiciliary patients have been shown to be due to reinfection in 71% of instances and to recrudescence of the original infection in 29%. Fresh episodes occurring at intervals of less than eight weeks from the original infection were due to reinfection or to recrudescence of infection in roughly equal numbers but those at intervals of eight weeks or more were due to reinfection.
Computer analysis of routine pathology work schedules using a simulation programme
Authors: Carruthers M. E.
Published: June 2007

A simulation programme is described which compares the efficiency of laboratory work schedules. The number of days' delay on a sample of request forms submitted to a routine biochemistry laboratory has been calculated for each of three schedules. Analysis of the results indicated that this method of comparing existing and potential work routines is likely to lead to a significant acceleration in the return of pathology results to the clinician.
Estimation of prothrombin in liver disease
Authors: Mannucci P. M.
Published: June 2007

Prothrombin, both by a one- and a two-stage method, and progressive antithrombin were determined on the same plasma samples from 47 patients with cirrhosis and 27 patients with acute hepatitis. In the first group prothrombin estimated by the two-stage method was significantly higher than by the one-stage method. The values were often within the normal range and were not correlated with the indices of protein synthesis. Since progressive antithrombin was also depressed, the unduly high levels measured by the two-stage method are probably related to the influence exerted by antithrombin on the two-stage method.

The opposite pattern was observed in patients with acute hepatitis, ie, the one-stage assay gave higher values than the two-stage assay. The one-stage method correlated better with the indices of protein synthesis. It is suggested that a one-stage assay should be used in patients with liver failure to evaluate the haemostatic balance before liver biopsy or surgery.
Use of Triton X-100 scintillant in a simple method for the simultaneous assay of55Fe and59Fe by liquid scintillation counting
Authors: Campbell C. B. , Powell L. W.
Published: June 2007

A method is described using Triton X-100 scintillant to simplify liquid scintillation counting of55Fe alone or in combination with59Fe. The Triton acts as an efficient solubilizing agent allowing small volumes of aqueous solutions of iron compounds in hydrochloric acid to be counted. The efficiencies achieved are comparable with those of previously described methods whilst the technique is less time-consuming and the scintillant-aqueous mixture is stable at low temperatures. Reproducible quantitative recovery of radioactivity has been obtained.
Thin-layer chromatography of trinitrophenyl derivatives of amino acids in urine and plasma
Authors: Philpott D.
Published: June 2007

The preparation and separation by thin-layer chromatography of the trinitrophenyl derivatives of amino acids in plasma and urine is described. The semi-quantitative procedure presents a useful addition to existing methods for screening biological fluids for aminoacidopathies.
The preparation of virus-infected cells for use in immunofluorescence techniques
Authors: Sander George , Hayhoe J. P. V. , McShane Anne
Published: June 2007

This paper describes the preparation of virus-infected cells for the detection of serum antibodies by the use of immunofluorescence techniques. The variations in virus growth in cells in relation to the length of incubation of cell monolayers and polio virus using two different fluorescein isothiocynate conjugates are discussed. It is shown that there is a critical time after virus infection when a definite positive immunofluorescent reaction is given. Furthermore, a method is described enabling the clinical pathologist to prepare infected cells with the use of an automatic tube inoculator at any time during 24 hours.
Adsorption of serum calcium by plastic sample cups
Authors: Hall R. A. , Whitehead T. P.
Published: June 2007

Sera left overnight in plastic AutoAnalyzer sample cups may give low calcium values; the effect is attributed to adsorption of calcium onto the walls of the vessel. The adsorption is brought about by a rise in thepH of the sera, and factors which promote the rise inpH increase the adsorption. This phenomenon is of practical importance because as much as 10% of the calcium in the serum may be adsorbed.

Adsorption occurs particularly onto the walls of polystyrene cups, and when polypropylene cups were used the adsorption was reduced.

The phenomenon cannot be evaluated or controlled by the use of control sera. In order to avoid the sampling error, serum for calcium analysis should be used fresh or stored at 4°C under conditions such that any change inpH is minimal. Sera should not be left to stand in AutoAnalyzer cups at room temperature for longer than three hours before analysis.
Red cell survival in biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Hume R. , Williamson J. M. , Whitelaw J. W.
Published: June 2007

Studies were carried out on eight patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Four patients were found to have a haemolytic anaemia; one had Coombs red cell antibodies. Two patients had evidence of splenic sequestration of red cells using the radio-chromium technique. There was a significant correlation between the red cell survival and the bromsulphthalein retention test and the red cell survival and the serum level of bilirubin. It was concluded that the anaemia of cirrhosis of the liver, including primary biliary cirrhosis, may be due to a number of mechanisms and a unifying hypothesis based on the degree of liver dysfunction is suggested.
A composite malignant tumour of the elderly female breast
Authors: Wayte D. M. , Stewart J. B. , McKenzie C. G.
Published: June 2007

A composite malignant tumour arising in the breast of an elderly woman is described. The cystic tumour containing areas of squamous metaplasia, bone formation, adenocarcinoma, and osteosarcoma was surrounded by the typical changes of mammary dysplasia (fibroadenosis).

The classification and acceptance of such tumours is highly debatable. There is no one acceptable classification of breast sarcomas and hence the prognosis of such neoplasms, particularly those containing heterologous tissues, is poorly defined. Evidence is presented in support of such composite tumours as being definite entities which arise from the closely associated epithelial and mesenchymal components of the breast simultaneously.
Barbiturate blood levels found at necropsy in proven cases of acute barbiturate poisoning
Authors: Gillett Roger , Warburton Frank G.
Published: June 2007

In order to determine whether blood barbiturate levels could be used to ascertain that death had been caused by barbiturate overdose, samples of blood from 128 subjects of coroners' necropsies were examined for barbiturate content. Sixty of these were well authenticated cases of barbiturate overdosage, and barbiturates were implicated, together with other factors such as alcohol and carbon monoxide, in a further 16 cases. The remaining 52 cases were of an eliminatory nature, 10 of which had low barbiturate blood levels considered to be within the therapeutic range.

The results indicate that when the accepted levels producing loss of consciousness are exceeded, and maintained, death will ensue if treatment is not given. These results may be of value in assessing findings in necropsies requested by the coroner, and are in no way applicable to the living patient in whom it is well established that recovery from higher blood levels may take place if adequate treatment is available.
Gastrointestinal lymphoma in childhood
Authors: Berry C. L. , Keeling Jean W.
Published: June 2007

Thirteen cases of lymphoma of the bowel in infancy and childhood are presented. There is a marked preponderance in males. The tumour most commonly presents with abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction; the prognosis is poor. Histological findings characteristic of the `Burkitt' type of lymphosarcoma do not apparently influence survival.
An evaluation of the automated assay of urinary oestrogens in pregnant women
Authors: Muir G. G. , Ryan M. , Conaill D. U.
Published: June 2007

An automated assay suitable for estimating urinary oestrogens in pregnant women has been investigated. Fluorimetry was found to have considerable advantages over colorimetry. The fluorimetric assay was simpler, more precise, more sensitive, and eliminated the need for correction for non-specific chromogens; in the assay of oestriol in pregnant women there was no need for correction for non-specific fluorescence. Spectrofluorimetric and photometric analyses, recoveries, and reproducibility show that the method offers a robust means of providing values for urinary oestrogen in pregnant women on a scale of up to 100 tests a day, the time of the assay being one and a half hours.
The euglobulin lysis time test: An ineffectual monitor of the therapeutic inhibition of fibrinolysis
Authors: Katz J. , Lurie A. , Becker D. , Metz J.
Published: June 2007

In two clinical situations associated with hyperfibrinolysis the administration of antifibrinolytic drugs resulted in clinical haemostasis. The dilute clot lysis time and fibrin plate activity test but not the euglobulin lysis time reflected this control of excessive fibrinolysis by the antifibrinolytic drugs. The inhibition by epsilon-amino-caproic acid (EACA) of hyperfibrinolysis inducedin vitrowas reflected by the dilute clot lysis time but not by the euglobulin lysis time. Paper chromatography of the supernatant and euglobulin fractions as prepared for the euglobulin lysis time test from plasma with added EACA demonstrated that some 85% of the EACA was present in the supernatant, normally discarded during the test. Similarly, cellulose-acetate electrophoresis of the supernatant and euglobulin fractions from plasma containing Trasylol demonstrated the drug in the supernatant only. These findings indicate that when acetic acid is added to plasma containing EACA or Trasylol only a small proportion of the drug is precipitated with the euglobulin fraction. The euglobulin lysis time is thus an inaccurate index of the neutralization of hyperfibrinolysis by antifibrinolytic drugs.
Pernicious anaemia among Arabs in Kuwait
Authors: Ali S. A. , Al-Yusuf A. R. , Salem S. N. , El-Ghamrawy E. , Zagulaul S.
Published: June 2007

Addisonian pernicious anaemia is believed to be very rare in Arabs. Three cases are reported. Two were Jordanians of Palestinian origin and one an Egyptian. All had the typical peripheral macrocytosis, a frankly megaloblastic bone marrow, and a Schilling test result in the range of pernicious anaemia. All three improved remarkably on vitamin B12therapy and have maintained a normal haemoglobin level. There was no evidence of gastric carcinoma in any of these cases.
Studies on the laboratory diagnosis of human filariasis: Preliminary communication
Authors: Goldsmid J. M.
Published: June 2007

Five laboratory methods used for the recovery of microfilariae from the blood were compared for efficiency of recovery and time involved. The methods used were thin blood films, thick blood films, wet preparations, the Polyvidone technique, and the microhaematocrit technique. The last proved superior in both efficiency and saving time.
The double diffusion precipitin test in human fascioliasis
Authors: Everall Philip H.
Published: June 2007

The recent outbreaks of human fascioliasis in Britain provided the opportunity for employing the double diffusion precipitin test in the diagnosis of this disease. In sensitivity and specificity this test appears to equal the complement-fixation test and has the advantages of simplicity and speed in its performance.
Successful treatment of osteomyelitis caused byPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Harding J. W. , Braddock G. T. F. , Croydon E. A. P.
Published: June 2007

A case of generalized osteomyelitis due toPs. aeruginosais described. The condition had failed to respond to therapy with almost all antibiotics available but responded to long-term therapy with carbenicillin in very large doses, and it is suggested that this is now the treatment of choice for severe infections due to this organism.
Cryptococcal meningitis associated with steroid therapy
Authors: Wilson T. S. , Fleming W. A. , Robinson F. L. J. , Nicholl B.
Published: June 2007

Two patients on prolonged steroid therapy developed meningitis due toCryptococcus neoformans.The first responded satisfactorily to treatment with amphotericin B, both initially and again following relapse. The second died shortly after treatment was begun. Pathogenicity studies suggest that the strain isolated from the fatal case was the more virulent.

Cryptococcal meningitis probably occurs more often in Britain than is generally appreciated, and this possibility should be remembered when investigating patients with obscure forms of meningitis; if not, then the correct diagnosis may not be made. Attention is drawn to the increasing number of recently reported cases of this disease which have been associated with long-term steroid therapy.
Endometrial changes associated with myomata of the uterus
Authors: Deligdish L. , Loewenthal M.
Published: June 2007

The endometrium of 30 uteruses with myomata was studied at four standard sites. Glandular atrophy over a myoma or opposite a myoma was the most constant finding. At the margin of a myoma hyperplastic glands were frequently found, and distorted, elongated, or dilated glands were present at this site in half of all specimens. Other changes included adenomyosis and the separation of glands by muscle fibres from the basal layer of the endometrium. The coexistence of many of these findings in endometrial curettings can lead to the histological diagnosis of uterine myomata. Two factors, mechanical and hormonal, may be responsible and their mechanisms are discussed.
Evaluation of haptoglobin phenotype 0-0 in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic hospital populations
Authors: Nandi Manis , Lewis George P. , Jick Hershel , Slone Dennis , Shapiro Samuel , Siskind Victor
Published: June 2007

The haptoglobin phenotypes of 3,332 individuals, consisting of 2,930 caucasians and 402 negroes living in the greater Boston area, were determined. Of these, 3,222 were hospitalized medical patients fully documented regarding diagnoses. One hundred and twentyeight of the total population studied were shown to exhibit starch gel anhaptoglobinaemia (3·7%). Re-evaluation on acrylamide gel of 118 0-0 samples revealed that the majority (94%) were derived from patients exhibiting hypohaptoglobinaemia rather than anhaptoglobinaemia.
Quantitation of a slide test (Monotest) for infectious mononucleosis
Authors: Carter P. Kenneth , Schoen Irwin , Miyahira Teru
Published: June 2007

A slide test for infectious mononucleosis using formalinized horse erythrocytes (Monotest2) was quantitated and compared with standard differential heterophile (Davidsohn) titres performed on the same specimens. The Monotest titre parallels the standard presumptive heterophile (antisheep cell) titre in the degree of elevation, with a ratio of Monotest to heterophile titre of approximately 1 to 56. The simplicity of the quantitative slide test recommends it as a routine test for infectious mononucleosis.
The erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity (E.C. 1.6.4.2) of healthy blood donors
Authors: Salkie M. L. , Simpson E.
Published: June 2007

The erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity was measured in 199 healthy blood donors. The normal range was found to be 6·3 to 39·0 IU/109erythrocytes. There was no variation related to either age or sex.
Thin-layer acrylamide gel electrophoresis
Authors: Nandi Manis , Lewis George P.
Published: June 2007

A thin-layer acrylamide gel electrophoresis technique suitable for analysis of serum or urine proteins is described in detail. The method gives sharp differentiation of protein fractions and is particularly suitable for the analysis of biological solutions containing proteins in low concentration.
Assay of anti-D using the Technicon AutoAnalyzer and the international standard anti-D typing serum
Authors: Judd W. J. , Jenkins W. J.
Published: June 2007

A method is described for the automated quantitation of the anti-D content of sera. This procedure is far more reproducible than current manual techniques. The use of the International Standard anti-D typing serum in the calibration of a working standard enables results to be expressed in μg/ml of antibody protein.
Use of the `Analmatic clinical system' in the microbiological assay of vitamin B12and folic acid in serum
Authors: Colvin Gillian , Gibson G. L. , Neill D. W.
Published: June 2007

The routine estimation of large numbers of serum folic acid and vitamin B12levels using the Baird and Tatlock1Analmatic clinical system is described and the method evaluated.

Precision, accuracy, and carryover are shown to be at acceptable levels, and the advantages and disadvantages of the use of the system are discussed.

It is considered that with some modifications the Analmatic system offers a reliable and labour-saving method of carrying out considerable numbers of routine microbiological assays.
Isolation of fastidious mycoplasma from human sources
Authors: Jansson Elli
Published: June 2007

A method for the isolation of fastidious mycoplasma from human sources is described.
Microscope slide electrophoresis of serum lipoproteins in agarose gel
Authors: Elphick M. C.
Published: June 2007

An ultramicro electrophoretic technique for the separation of serum lipoproteins is described using agarose gel on microscope slides.

The interaction between the agarose gel and lipoproteins has been reduced and the separation between β- and pre-β-lipoproteins has been improved over existing methods. A semiquantitative assay of the lipoproteins can be done in a densitometer. It is suggested that the interaction between agarose gel and lipoproteins, which, without albumin in the system, results in distortion of the lipoprotein bands, may be mediated by free fatty acids.
Isolation ofBacteroides corrodensfrom infections in children
Authors: Marsden H. B. , Hyde W. A.
Published: June 2007

Six cases of infections in children withBacteroides corrodensare reported. In five the infection was mixed but in one fatal extradural and subdural empyema the organism was found in pure culture. The bacteriological findings are presented. It is suggested thatBacteroides corrodensmay assume a pathogenic role and the rarity of its isolation may be due to delay in the appearance of the colony.
False positive Wassermann reaction associated with evidence of enterovirus infection
Authors: Quaife R. A. , Gostling J. V. T.
Published: June 2007

A large proportion of high titre Coxsackie B5 complement-fixation tests was detected among sera giving false positive Wassermann reactions during 1969. Echo virus type 9 proved to be the prevailing enterovirus and is one of those which induces the formation of antibody to Coxsackie B5. One case of Echo virus type 9 meningitis is presented which produced a false positive Wassermann reaction and a high titre Coxsackie B5 complement-fixation test. The relationship between Echo virus type 9 infection, Coxsackie complement-fixation test results, and false positive Wassermann reactions is considered significant.
The preservation of gonococci in liquid nitrogen
Authors: Ward M. E. , Watt P. J.
Published: June 2007

Gonococci suspended in 1% proteose peptone containing 8% glycerol can be snap frozen in liquid nitrogen without detectable loss on thawing. This recovery rate has allowed the use of frozen organisms as the starting inoculum for the bulk growth of gonococci and to preserve gonococci both in urethral pus and after primary subculture for use in studies on gonococcal virulence.

The method described for freezing urethral pus on charcoal swabs should make it possible to transport infected specimens from areas lacking adequate laboratory facilities.
Plasminogen assay by a haemagglutination inhibition technique
Authors: Ludlam C. A. , Das P. C.
Published: June 2007

Formaldehyde or gluteraldehyde cells treated with tannic acid were coated with plasminogen. These cells are agglutinated by plasminogen antiserum and this reaction can be quantitatively inhibited by purified plasminogen, plasma, and euglobulin. Correlation between this haemagglutination assay and a caseinolytic method is good. The sensitivity of the technique is high and compares favourably with other immunological methods and is approximately 10 times more sensitive than caseinolytic assays. The merits of this type of assay are discussed.
The British system for anticoagulant control and Thrombotest
Authors: Poller L. , Thomson Jean M. , Alderson M. R.
Published: June 2007

A study has been made to determine whether a reliable comparison can be made between the British Comparative Thromboplastin and Thrombotest using the nationally adopted standardization procedure. The method recommended appeared sufficiently satisfactory and statistically valid for the comparison between the British Comparative Thromboplastin and Thrombotest.

The degree of diversion in the location of the `best lines', which should have been in an identical position at each centre, suggests that the standardization procedure at individual hospitals with Thrombotest is not usually a sufficiently reliable basis for clinical anticoagulant dosage. The degree of diversion almost certainly arises from technical error in the standardization procedure, and it is suggested that Thrombotest should be calibrated against the British Comparative Thromboplastin only in specialist coagulation centres thoroughly conversant with both techniques.
Equipment for linking the AutoAnalyzer on-line to a computer
Authors: Simpson D. , Sims G. E. , Harrison M. I. , Whitby L. G.
Published: June 2007

An Elliott 903 computer with 8K central core store and magnetic tape backing store has been operated for approximately 20 months in a clinical chemistry laboratory. Details of the equipment designed for linking AutoAnalyzers on-line to the computer are described, and data presented concerning the time required by the computer for different processes. The reliability of the various components in daily operation is discussed.

Limitations in the system's capabilities have been defined, and ways of overcoming these are delineated. At present, routine operations include the preparation of worksheets for a limited range of tests (five channels), monitoring of up to 11 AutoAnalyzer channels at a time on a seven-day week basis (with process control and automatic calculation of results), and the provision of quality control data. Cumulative reports can be printed out on those analyses for which computer-prepared worksheets are provided but the system will require extension before these can be issued sufficiently rapidly for routine use.
Preparation of antiviral sera for immunofluorescence on infected tissue culture
Authors: Herd Susan , Macwilliam Kathleen
Published: June 2007

Antisera were prepared in rabbits against parainfluenza types 1, 2, and 3, respiratory syncytial, herpes, and adenoviruses, either by intranasal administration or by injection of virus grown in RK13cells. These antisera gave satisfactory results when used for immunofluorescence by the indirect method on virus in tissue culture. No absorption of the antiviral serum was carried out.
The significance of folic acid, tissue iron stores, and tissue viability in determining iron uptake from serum by thyroid tissue slices
Authors: Buchanan W. M.
Published: June 2007

This paper describes an attempt to measurein vitroiron uptake from serum by human thyroid slices and to relate the uptake to tissue iron stores, folic acid status, and tissue viability. It is an extension of work previously reported (Buchanan, 1969).

Thyroids were obtained from patients undergoing partial thyroidectomy for colloid goitre and serum from clinically normal healthy adults. The haemoglobin, serum iron, and folic acid levels of both thyroid and serum donors were measured and thyroids examined histologically for the presence of stainable iron. Viable and non-viable tissue slices were incubated in sera treated with radioactive iron so as to produce high and normal levels of transferrin saturation.

Iron was taken up both from sera with normal and high transferrin saturation but the amount was, in almost all cases, greater from the more highly saturated.

The uptake by non-viable tissue was appreciable but did not vary to any great extent from one serum to the next, and was attributed to simple diffusion of ionic iron into the tissue. There was, however, marked variation in uptake from different sera by viable tissue. It was concluded therefore that viability is a factor affecting the uptake. As the variation in uptake by viable tissue incubated in a single serum was significantly less than tissue incubated in a number of different sera it was further concluded that there was also a factor in the serum itself affecting iron uptake. The nature of the factor was not elucidated but neither folic acid nor levels of iron stores appeared to influence uptake because no correlation was found between iron uptake and iron stores or folic acid.
Search for Serratia
Authors: Black W. A. , Hodgson R.
Published: June 2007

During a four-month period an intensive effort was made to isolate and identify everySerratia marcescensstrain present in the clinical material received for bacteriological assessment in the laboratory. Ten strains were isolated from eight patients, the organism possibly being responsible for infection in five of these patients.Serratia marcescensis thus commoner than expected and it is difficult to explain the fact that there are so few references to it as a pathogen in the British literature.
Cobalamins in human pregnancy and lactation
Authors: Craft I. L. , Matthews D. M. , Linnell J. C.
Published: June 2007

Samples of maternal and foetal blood and of human milk, cow's milk, and dried cow's milk have been analysed for cobalamins by chromatography and bioautography. Plasma cobalamins in late pregnancy and after delivery differed quantitatively from those in healthy non-pregnant women. Differences in the proportions of plasma cobalamins were also observed between mothers and their newborn infants. The findings suggest that methylcobalamin may be a more labile plasma form of the vitamin than 5-deoxyadenosyl cobalamin. Breast milk from healthy mothers contained more deoxyadenosylcobalamin and proportionately less methylcobalamin than their plasma. Cyanocobalamin given parenterally to lactating women was detected in the plasma, and high concentrations appeared unchanged in the milk. The B12in fresh cow's milk was found to be largely 5-deoxyadenosyl cobalamin whereas dried milk contained only hydroxocobalamin and a little cyanocobalamin. The nutritional implications of the findings, and their bearing on problems of cobalamin transport, are discussed.
The preparation of59Fe-labelled transferrin for ferrokinetic studies
Authors: Cavill I.
Published: June 2007

Serum labelled with59Fe for ferrokinetic studies should contain only [59Fe] transferrin. [59Fe] ferric citrate was incubated at 37°C for up to 24 hours with sera having an excess latent iron-binding capacity. The results showed that unbound [59Fe] ferric citrate may be present for several hours. An anion exchange resin (IRA 400 Cl−) column removed all the [59Fe] ferric citrate and left only [59Fe] transferrin in the eluate. It is suggested that all59Fe-labelled preparations for ferrokinetic studies should be passed through a resin column before injection.
Observations onAeromonas hydrophilasepticaemia in a patient with leukaemia
Authors: Abrams E. , Zierdt C. H. , Brown J. A.
Published: June 2007

A Gram-negative bacillus isolated from the blood of a leukaemic patient with septicaemia was identified on the basis of common tests asEscherichia coli.However, the organism's antibiogram was atypical ofE. coliand led to its re-examination and correct identification asAeromonas hydrophila. A. hydrophilais sensitive to chloramphenicol and tetracycline, characteristics useful in differentiation fromE. coli.A simple test differentiating this organism from the Enterobacteriaceae is the oxidase test.A. hydrophilais oxidase positive.
Use of peroxidase-conjugated antiglobulin as an alternative to immunofluorescence for the detection of antinuclear factor in serum
Authors: Dorling J. , Johnson G. D. , Webb Janet A. , Smith Mavis E.
Published: June 2007

A method of detecting serum antinuclear factor by the use of antiglobulin conjugated with horseradish peroxidase has been compared with a standard procedure using a fluorescent label. The horseradish peroxidase conjugate was evaluated by block titration against positive serum and by its performance as a test reagent for screening and titrating sera. It is concluded that the horse-radish peroxidase method, in which an ordinary light microscope is employed, provides a satisfactory alternative to immunofluorescence for routine tests for antinuclear factor.
Bisalbuminaemia in a Spanish family: characterization of the albumin variant
Authors: Izquierdo J. M. , Sotorrío Pilar , Dowding B. , Tárnoky A. L.
Published: June 2007

A case of bisalbuminaemia has been found in Luarca, Asturias. At least two relatives also bear the trait. The variant albumin Luarca (Al Lu, gene notationAlLu), the first to be found on the mainland of Spain, is described in terms of its electrophoretic mobilities and dye-binding properties. It is heat-stable but sensitive to storage, freezing, and thawing and it is the first albumin to show this property.
Ultrastructure of a glomus tumour
Authors: Harris M.
Published: June 2007

The ultrastructure of a glomus tumour is described, and the implications of the findings with regard to the histogenesis of this type of tumour are briefly discussed.
Laboratory control of heparin therapy
Authors: O'Shea M. J. , Flute P. T. , Pannell G. M.
Published: June 2007

The effect of heparin therapy was followed in 50 patients treated for thrombo-embolic disease. Individual response to a standard dose of 40,000 units of heparin daily showed a considerable variation and the effect was not constant on subsequent days. Five of the 50 patients developed a serious haemorrhage.

It is proposed that to ensure the adequacy of treatment detectable levels of heparin should be obtained but because of the high risk of bleeding these levels should not be excessive.

The results suggest that control of heparin therapy can be based on the thrombin clotting time. Using this test it is advised that treatment is monitored daily in order to achieve a plasma heparin level of up to 1 mg per 100 ml.
Manpower in pathology 1969-1975
Authors: Greenbury C. L.
Published: June 2007

An attempt has been made to assess for the period 1969-1975 the demand for consultant pathologists and the adequacy of the trainee cadre to fulfil this demand. In addition new data have been acquired on the way in which pathologists apportion their time between specialties and the availability of specialist opinion and other derived information. The demand for consultants in all specialties, with the exception of morbid anatomy, is likely to exceed the supply. The shortfall is greatest in medical microbiology and chemical pathology, but may be felt equally in haematology in the short term.
Technology of a regional Guthrie test service
Authors: Newman R. L. , Starr D. J. T.
Published: June 2007

Investigations were undertaken to discover the effect and importance of technical factors in the Guthrie test and to determine the most satisfactory materials available.

These findings were used in setting up the screening service for phenylketonuria for the South West Metropolitan Region.
Colicine types ofShigella sonneiisolated in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan-Teoh C. H. , Wong W. T. , Huang C. T. , Shum H.
Published: June 2007

Two-hundred and twenty-five strains ofShigella sonneiisolated from sporadic cases of bacillary dysentery were subjected to colicine typing. The result showed that types 15 and 12 were the prevailing types in Hong Kong and two new types which did not fit in with the colicine patterns of the current types were observed. A marked increase in the numbers of strains concurrently resistant to chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and streptomycin occurred in recent years. However, there was no correlation between drug resistance or biochemical pattern and colicine types. Consistency of colicinogenicity was confirmed by the fact that even a rough variant of a smooth strain had not changed its colicine pattern.
The long-term storage of blood for transfusion using an improved container for freezing the red cells in liquid nitrogen
Authors: Jenkins W. J. , Blagdon J.
Published: June 2007

Considerable experience has been gained in the operation of a bank of blood frozen in liquid nitrogen. The procedure for freezing and recovering the red cells is, in principle, that described by Krijnen, Kuivenhoven, and de Wit (1970). An improved metal freezing container offers greater freedom from liquid nitrogen leaks and hence, bacterial contamination. Over 500 units of blood have been preserved and used for transfusions without mishap, and many advantages are seen in this relatively economical method for the long-term storage of blood.
Stability of prothrombin and factor VII in freeze-dried plasma
Authors: Brozović M. , Gurd L. J. , Robertson I. , Bangham D. R.
Published: June 2007

The stability of prothrombin and factor VII was studied using accelerated degradation tests in three preparations of freeze-dried pooled normal plasmas. In a previous report (Brozović, Gurd, Robertson, and Bangham, 1971) factor X was shown to be relatively unstable in these preparations of freeze-dried plasma: it was calculated that up to 8% of the original factor X activity would be lost after 10 years at −20°C, up to 54% at 4°C, and up to 90% at room temperature.

The losses of factor VII activity were estimated to be negligible at −20°C, between 2 and 18% at 4°C, and between 20 and 70% of the original activity at 20°C, after 10 years of storage. Prothrombin was found to be less stable than factor VII: the expected loss in 10 years at −20°C may be up to 4%, at 4°C up to 30%, and at 20°C up to 83% of the initial activity. These findings indicate that in freeze-dried plasma prothrombin as well as factor X may be insufficiently stable for plasma to serve as long-term reference material for the standardization of the one-stage prothrombin time. Moreover, the loss of prothrombin and factor X in freeze-dried plasma stored at 4°C may be so high that when it is required to preserve these factors it may be necessary to store freeze-dried plasma at lower temperatures.
The effect ofpH on the multiplication of a pseudomonad in chlorhexidine and cetrimide
Authors: Bassett D. C. J.
Published: June 2007

Pseudomonas cepacia(Ps. multivorans) can become adapted to a 1 in 30 dilution of Savlon hospital concentrate in distilled water, and can multiply in it.

The organism so adapted did not survive in Savlon of the same strength made with hard tap water (pH 7·2).

This effect was due to the difference ofpH between the two solutions.

At thepH of the distilled water solution (pH 6·0) Savlon also showed reduced activity againstProteus vulgaris,but activity againstPs. aeruginosawas not affected.
Bacteriocine typing of Klebsiella spp
Authors: Hall Felicity A.
Published: June 2007

One hundred and six strains of Klebsiella spp were examined for their ability to produce bacteriocine. Nine of these, together with one strain from the National Collection of Type Cultures, were selected and used to type Klebsiella strains from various sources. Strains were typed by testing their sensitivity to bacteriocines produced by the standard set of 10 strains. Eight hundred strains were tested and 77% of these were typable and could be divided into a relatively large number of groups, some of which occurred consistently more frequently than others.

This simple method has been shown to have some value in epidemiological investigations.
Quantitative studies on the salivary flora
Authors: Ross P. W.
Published: June 2007

In a quantitative bacteriological study of the salivary flora from 50 children the following aerobic organisms were identified and enumerated: alpha-haemolytic streptococci, beta-haemolytic streptococci,Streptococcus faecalis, pneumococci,Staphylococcus aureus, Staph. albusandStaph. citreus, Neisseria spp, N. meningitidis, corynebacteria, aerobic lactobacilli,B. subtilis, H. influenzae, coliform organisms, andCandida spp. Many of the known potentially pathogenic members were present in large numbers.

It is suggested that knowledge of the relative numbers of the organisms that comprise the salivary flora will lead to a greater understanding of the ecology of the mouth and of the pathogenesis of oral infections.
The effect on sepsis rates of closing and cleaning hospital wards
Authors: Noone Paul , Griffiths Rose J.
Published: June 2007

Sepsis rates were studied in five hospital wards before and after closure for cleaning. Each ward was closed because of an outbreak ofStaph. aureusinfection caused by a cloxacillin-resistant strain.

The study shows that sepsis rates, especially sepsis caused by hospital strains ofStaph. aureus, were greatly reduced in the three-month period following re-opening of the ward, provided that patients infected with such organisms were not readmitted to or allowed to remain in the ward.
The distribution of plasminogen activator in the male genital tract
Authors: Kester R. C.
Published: June 2007

The distribution of fibrinolytic activity in the tissues of the male genital tract was studied by a histological technique. Preparations made from testis, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle, prostate, bulbo-urethral gland, and urethra showed that most activity was related to the blood vessels. However, inconsistent fibrinolytic activity related to epithelium was found in all parts of the genital tract. This epithelial activity was least in the testis, greater in the seminal vesicle and prostate gland, and was greatest in the bulbo-urethral gland and terminal urethra. No fibrinolytic activity could be demonstrated in relation to spermatozoa.
Sudden unexplained death in infancy and hyperimmunization
Authors: Urquhart G. E. D. , Logan R. W. , Izatt M. M.
Published: June 2007

Serum immunoglobulin concentrations, predominantly IgM, were raised in 72% of 39 sudden infant death cases, consistent with a state of prolonged or repeated antigenic stimulation.

Anti-antibody was found in cases of sudden death significantly more frequently than in ill but living control infants. It is suggested that anti-antibody might participate in fatal anaphylaxis in such cases.
Seasonal variation of streptococcal vulvo-vaginitis in an urban community
Authors: Morris C. A.
Published: June 2007

A study was made of patients investigated by general practitioners.

Over a three-year periodStreptococcus pyogenes(group A) was isolated most commonly from vaginal and vulval swabs collected in the winter. The serotypes of strains indicate that some had probably been derived from the skin and others from the respiratory tract. The two sources are thought to have masked a consistent, but not obvious, seasonal variation in streptococcal vulvo-vaginitis acquired usually from streptococcal infections of the respiratory tract in winter and from those of the skin in summer.
Human antibody response to lipopolysaccharides fromNeisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Ward M. E. , Glynn A. A.
Published: June 2007

Red cells coated with lipopolysaccharides from three different strains ofNeisseria gonorhoeaehave been used as antigens in a haemagglutination test for gonococcal antibodies. For each strain the geometric mean titre in sera from 50 male and 25 female patients was significantly higher than that in 50 normal controls.

The most useful smooth strain, G1, picked out 84% of females and 46% of males from a group of patients known to have gonorrhoea, but only gave 2% positives among controls. The rough strain, G2, gave 10% positives in controls and 31% in patients. The results suggest that the method is worth developing further as a diagnostic test and that strain differences are important. False positives were probably due to cross-reacting antibodies.
An evaluation of three methods of typing organisms of the genus Proteus
Authors: Tracy Oonagh , Thomson E. Jean
Published: June 2007

An assessment of three simple methods of typing Proteus strains is described. The methods chosen were biochemical typing, bacteriocine typing, and typing by means of the Dienes phenomenon. Dienes typing was deemed to be superior to biochemical typing and bacteriocine typing.

A brief discussion on the relationship between the Dienes phenomenon and bacteriocine production is appended.
Virucidal activity of chlorhexidine on strains ofHerpesvirus hominis, poliovirus, and adenovirus
Authors: Bailey Andrew , Longson Maurice
Published: June 2007

The infectivity titre of two strains ofHerpesvirus hominiswas reduced by not more than six log10units by 90 minutes' exposure to chlorhexidine at a final concentration of 0·02% at room temperature. Under identical conditions the compound was ineffective against a vaccine strain of poliovirus and against an adenovirus. Experimental conditions are described whereby the toxic effect of the disinfectant on the tissue culture assay systems are minimized.
A rapid micro-method for the screening and measurement of barbiturates and related compounds in plasma by gas-liquid chromatography
Authors: Flanagan R. J. , Withers G.
Published: June 2007

A rapid gas-chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of butobarbitone, amylobarbitone, hexabarbitone, pentobarbitone, quinalbarbitone, phenobarbitone glutethimide, and methaqualone in `finger-prick' samples of plasma. This has been applied to the analysis of some of these drugs in plasma taken from patients after therapeutic dosage and over-dosage.
The preparation of a `metal-free' nappy and its application to metabolic balances in children
Authors: Alexander F. W. , Delves H. T.
Published: June 2007

Disposable nappies (diapers) have been satisfactorily demineralized and used for the collection of excreta from infants and young children during mineral and trace metal balances. It was possible to investigate children of both sexes without immobilization.
Incidence of haemagglutinating antibodies to meningococci in north-west England
Authors: Jones D. M. , Tobin Barbara M.
Published: June 2007

Using an indirect haemagglutination technique the incidence of meningococcal antibodies in adults was found to be: group A 21%, group B 3%, and group C 20%. The reasons for some differences between these results and those obtained in America are discussed. A low incidence of antibody was detected in preschool children but the incidence in school children was found to approach that of adults. Comparison of the antibody incidence in the adult population of an area where clinical infections were occurring with that in a similar population elsewhere failed to detect any significant difference.
Further study of strontium selenite and selenite F broths for the isolation ofSalmonella typhi
Authors: Chau P. Y. , Forrest C. R.
Published: June 2007

The efficiency of strontium selenite and selenite F broths in the isolation ofS. typhifrom 625 clinical stool specimens were compared. A total of 126 strains ofS. typhiwere detected. Of these, 96 (76%) were isolated with selenite F broth and 118 (94%) were isolated with strontium selenite broth. At the same time, the number of false positive isolates accruing to strontium selenite broth was less than that accruing to selenite F broth. The superiority of strontium selenite broth over selenite F broth was more obvious when relatively few typhoid bacilli were present in faeces, eg, after antibiotic therapy, or when stools had been left for prolonged periods at room termperature. In the isolation ofS. typhiwith strontium selenite broth, salmonella-shigella agar was found to be a better plating medium than xylose lysine desoxycholate agar.