bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of decalcifying agents on the staining of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Authors: Anderson G , Coup A J
Published: June 2007

Lymph nodes from guinea pigs inoculated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis were fixed in buffered formalin, then treated for the recommended times in Gooding and Stewart's fluid, EDTA, aqueous nitric acid, von Ebner's fluid, and rapid decalcifier (RDC). The blocks were processed to paraffin wax and sections were stained by the Ziehl-Neelsen technique. Only in sections of the blocks treated with RDC were no acid alcohol fast bacilli demonstrable. Hydrochloric acid is a known constituent of RDC and it was found that Myco. tuberculosis is altered by treatment with 2-5M solutions of hydrochloric acid and above and cannot subseuqently be demonstrated by the Ziehl-Neelsen stain. From these results it is recommended that calcified tissue from patients in whom there is a suspicion of tuberculosis should be decalcified with an agent other than RDC.
Evaluation of a dehydrated test strip for the detection of yeasts.
Authors: Davies R R , Savage M A
Published: June 2007

Use of a dehydrated test strip for the detection of yeasts is compared with traditional culture on Sabouraud's agar containing 50 mug/ml chloramphenicol. While the selective medium of the strip is satisfactory for the isolation of species of Candida, Torulopsis glabrata grows only very slowly. The strip has the advantage of a long storage life without deterioration, but a high cost may preclude general usage. The numbers of yeasts collected by a bacteriological swab disadvantages of the selective medium, and the value of direct microscopy in the examination of vaginal swabs are discussed.
Effects of hyperthermia therapy on the liver. II. Morphological observations.
Authors: Wills E J , Findlay J M , McManus J P
Published: June 2007

Liver biopsy specimens obtained from three patients during treatment of advanced malignant disease by exogenous hyperthermia were studied by light and electron microscopy. In two patients the parenchymal cells showed either slight swelling or nuclear alterations by light microscopy and, at the fine structural level, large numbers of autophagic vacuoles, dilatation of Golgi elements and endoplasmic reticulum, and large cytoplasmic vacuoles. Similar changes, but in much more severe form together with parenchymal cell necrosis and cholestasis, were seen in the liver of case 3, who developed jaundice 24 hours after hyperthermia. The findings are discussed in relation to earlier accounts of liver changes following hyperthermia, and the functional implications are considered.
Correlation between serological and immunofluorescence results in the investigation of brucellosis in veterinary surgeons.
Authors: Henderson R J , Hill D M , Vickers A A , Edwards J M , Tillett H
Published: June 2007

Four serological tests and three immunofluorescence tests for IgG, IgM, and IgA were compared for value in the investigation of brucellosis in veterinary surgeons. No one serological test stood out over the others, and the immunofluorescence tests did not appear to have advantages over the serological tests. If a laboratory is limited in time and resources then the saline agglutination or the complement fixation test would be reasonably satisfactory. The 2-mercaptoethanol test and the antihuman globulin (Coombs' test) have no advantages over the other two and could be dropped. Immunofluorescence tests are not recommended for routine testing of brucellosis sera. The results and these recommendations apply to the 'vet' sera tested; it is reasonable to suppose that what applies to 'vet' sera will also apply to sera of those who work with or are in repeated contact with cattle and who will have had previous experience of brucella antigen, that is, dairy farmers, herdsmen, or slaughter house employees.
An optimized semi-automatic rate method for serum glutathione reductase activity and its application to patients with malignant disease.
Authors: Delides A , Spooner R J , Goldberg D M , Neal F E
Published: June 2007

An improved and optimized method for serum glutathione reductase is described. The reference range for normal subjects is 47-79 IU/1. The method is more sensitive than conventional enzyme tests in the detection of malignant disease. It was not raised more frequently in patients with clinical evidence of metastases than in those clinically free of such metastases, and it did not seem to correlate with prognosis among those patients who failed to survive six months from the time the analysis was first conducted.
Changing blood picture in sickle-cell anaemia from shortly after birth to adolescence.
Authors: Davis L R
Published: June 2007

The blood picture of children with sickle-cell anaemia was found to change with age. The changes were most marked in the first year but the mean level of haemoglobin, haemoglobin F, and target cells fell until adolescence, and irreversibly sickled cells rose. Reticulocytes, Howell Jolly bodies, and normablasts altered little after one year. The fall in haemoglobin F suggested a delayed changeover from fetal to adult haemoglobin production. It was concluded that the blood changes in sickle-cell anaemia were progressive throughout childhood.
Oat-cell carcinoma of the oesophagus: a recently recognized entity.
Authors: Cook M G , Eusebi V , Betts C M
Published: June 2007

A primary oat-cell carcinoma of the oesophagus is described with an adjacent squamous carcinoma, both parts having characteristic ultrastructure. The origin of this mixed tumour is discussed together with the literature on oesophageal carcinomas having an oat-cell pattern.
A comparison of brain heart infusion blood agar sterilized by filtration and heat on the growth of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Authors: Seth A D , Wilkinson A E
Published: June 2007

The growth of Neisseria gonorrhoeae on brain heart infusion blood agar in which the base was sterilized by filtration has been compared with growth on the same medium sterilized by heat. Colonies were larger on the unheated medium, and autoclaving at 115 degrees C of 121 degrees C for 15 minutes was accompanied by a progressive decrease in colony size. Viable counts on the three media showed no difference in end points. Colonies on the unheated medium were usually large enough to be easily recognizable after overnight incubation.
Cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin quotients, kappa/lambda ratios, and viral antibody titres in neurological disease.
Authors: Roberts-Thomson P J , Esiri M M , Young A C , Maclennan I C
Published: June 2007

A description has been given of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) immunoglobulins in 355 patients with demyelinating, infectious, neuropathic, and other neurological disorders. An increase in the CSF IgG/albumin quotient was observed in 19/36 (53%) cases of definite multiple sclerosis (MS), in 13/47 (28%) cases of probable or possible MS, in 6/9 (67%) cases of proven herpes simplex viral encephalitis (HSVE), in 3/4 (75%) cases of neurosyphilis, in 1/1 case of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), in 2/9 )22%) cases of other central nervous system infections, and in 2/12 (17%) cases of polyneuritis when compared with a group of 236 patients having other neurological disorders. In constrast, a relative increase in the CSF IgA of IgM was seen only in some of the patients with central nervous system infections. It was also found that the quotient CSF/serum IgG, expressed as a percentage of the CSF/serum albumin, was better in distinguishing patients with definite or suspected MS from those with other neurological disorders than the quotients IgG/albumin or IgG/total protein. The CSF K/lambda ratio and the CSF and serum complement-fixing antibody titre to measles and herpes simplex virus were measured in many of the patients. In general, abnormalities of these measurements were associated with raised IgG/albumin quotients. However, in eight patients with definite or suspected MS, a normal IgG/albumin quotient was found with abnormal CSF K/lambda ratios (6 cases) or abnormal CSF titres of measles antibody (7 cases). In addition, two patients, with HSVE had normal IgG/albumin ratios but detectable herpes antibody in the CSF. These findings suggest that the measurement of the relative concentration of CSF immunoglobulin in combination with the K/lambda ratio and antibody titre to various viruses may supplement each other in the endeavour to detect central nervous system immunglobulin sysnthesis in neurological diseases.
Comparison of four techniques for the routine diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis infection.
Authors: Mason P R , Super H , Fripp P J
Published: June 2007

Specimens from 495 patients attending Johannesburg hospitals and family planning clinics were examined for Trichomonas vaginalis by microscopy of Giemsa (GS), Papanicolaou (PAP), and acridine-orange (AO) stained smears, and by culture in Feinberg-Whittington medium. Culture, Pap and GS stained smears from vaginal swabs yielded fewer positives than AO stained smears. Although Pap-stained cytological smears gave the highest number of positives, in 30% of these cases the presence of T.vaginalis could not be confirmed by examination of vaginal swabs. Of the positive AO-stained smears, 93% were also positive by at least one other technique.
The 'septic spleen'--a critical evaluation.
Authors: Wise R
Published: June 2007

The relationship between the consistency of the spleen at necropsy and the presence of bacteria in that organ was examined in 192 consecutive necropsies. Also it was noted if the patient had received antibiotics just before death. An estimate of the number of neutrophils in the spleen was also made. No correlation could be found between any of these factors.
EDTA dependent red cell neutrophil rosetting in autoimmune haemolytic anaemia.
Authors: Pettit J E , Scott J , Hussein S
Published: June 2007

Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) dependent platelet-neutrophil rosetting is a well-known but infrequently reported in vitro blood abnormality. We describe a patient with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in whom EDTA dependent red cell-neutrophil rosettes were a persistent blood film feature.
Clinical and laboratory studies into the pathogenesis of malacoplakia.
Authors: Lewin K J , Fair W R , Steigbigel R T , Winberg C D , Droller M J
Published: June 2007

Three cases of malacoplakia are described. Electron microscopic studies revealed intact bacteria or bacteria in varying states of degradation within phagolysosomes of the malacoplakic macrophages. Michaelis-Gutmann bodies arise within the phagolysosomes. These findings suggest that the bacteria incorporated within the phagolysosomes persist as dense amorphous aggregates which later become encrusted with calcium phosphate crystals to form the laminated Michaelis-Gutmann bodies. Possible explanations for the unusual macrophage response in malacoplakia are: (1) infection with an unusual strain of bacteria, (2) an immunological abnormality affecting intracellular killing of organisms, and (3) an abnormality affecting intracellular digestion of organisms. In considering each of the possibilities, we have been unable to detect any unusual strain of infecting organisms in association with malacoplakia, and in vitro studies have revealed normal T lymphocyte response to mitogen and normal monocyte bactericidal capacity. According to the history, each patient had reason to have a compromised immune status; in only one, however, was this demonstrated.
Fluorescent antibody responses to adenoviruses in humans.
Authors: Ariyawansa J P , Tobin J O
Published: June 2007

Specific IgG, IgA, and IgM immunoglobulin antibody responses to adenovirus infections were studied by the indirect immunofluorescent technique in six pairs of human sera obtained during acute and convalescent phases of the illness. In addition, 70 single specimens of sera showing adenovirus IgG antibody from different age groups from birth to the 60th year of life were titrated for the same antibody to adenovirus types 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7, and 170 serum specimens from the same age groups were screened for specific immunoglobulin antibodies against types 1 and 5. Specific immunoglobulin antibodies lacked type specificity and in acute infections measured heterologous antibody response as well. On the other hand, IgG antibodies detected in single specimens of sera by immunofluorescence correlate with surveys of the isolation of virus from patients and neutralizing antibody studies by other workers. Fluorescent antibodies appeared in all three fractions of the immunoglobulins in acute adenovirus infections. Although this technique may be used in the diagnosis of adenovirus infections there is no advantage compared to complement-fixation testing. However, the use of sera absorbed with group antigen may have a more useful place in serological epidemiology than in diagnostic work. In five pairs of sera obtained during acute and convalescent phases of adenoviral illness and in 70 random single specimens from different age groups, "T" antibodies were detected only in the IgG fraction. The paired sera did not show a significant rise to indicate the usefulness of "T" antibody study in diagnosis.
Evaluation of a new technique for the demonstration of gonococci and other micro-organisms in host cells.
Authors: Sowter C , McGEE Z A
Published: June 2007

A method (Gram-MGPLG) for demonstrating micro-organisms was compared with Gram and four other known methods. Each method was tested on tissue infected with Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which were then fixed in Bouin's formol saline, formol sublimate, or Van de Grift solutions. Gram-positive organisms in tissues were easily seen even at low magnification when stained by several of the methods tested. Gram-negative organisms, however, are very difficult to locate when stained by Gram's method because tissue components and the organisms are all shades of red, whereas the Gram-MGPLG provided easier location of organisms because these are stained red while the nuclei are blue and connective tissue is green. All methods are markedly affected by fixation; better preservation of cytological detail and improved staining reactions were produced by fixative containing mercuric chloride.
Instability and linkage of silver resistance, lactose fermentation, and colony structure in Enterobacter cloacae from burn wounds.
Authors: Annear D I , Mee B J , Bailey M
Published: June 2007

A strain of Enterobacter cloacae from a burn wound has displayed unstable resistance to silver nitrate and a linkage of this characteristic to that for rapid lactose fermentation and mucoidcolony structure. Attempts to demonstrate transferability of these unstable determinants gave negative results.
Serum beta-lipoprotein and other specific protein concentrations in patients with immunocytoma.
Authors: Shulman G , Lynch S R , Bezwoda W R , Gilich G C
Published: June 2007

Serum beta-lipoprotein and other specific protein concentrations were measured in 56 patients suffering from multiple myelomatosis, "benign" paraproteinaemia or Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia and in 56 control subjects. The mean level of B-lipoprotein in untreated patients with multiple myelomatosis and macroglobulinaemia was significantly lower than that of the controls. Patients who responded to chemotherapy showed a rapid return to normal of the beta-lipoprotein concentration, while the level remained unchanged in most of those who did not.
Hepatitis in clinical laboratories 1973-74.
Authors: Grist N R
Published: June 2007

The survey of laboratories in 1970-72 was continued by a questionnaire to members of the Association of Clinical Pathologists covering the next two years. Hepatitis B accounted for 14 of the 32 cases reported from 28 laboratories. A moderate excess of laboratories reporting hepatitis tested speciments from transplant units. The average attack rate for staff of all types was 143 per 100 000 with higher rates for science-biochemists (308), medical morbid anatomists (302), and haematology technicians (292). No case was fatal and only seven required hospital admission. The findings confirm the need for continued vigilance and precautions but do not justify alarm.
Isolation of oxidase-positive Gram-negative cocci not belonging to the genus Neisseria from the urogenital tract.
Authors: Platt D J , Snell J J
Published: June 2007

In a 12-month period, oxidase-positive, Gram-negative cocci showing similar characteristics in biochemical tests have been isolated from the urogenital tract of 39 male and female patients. Although these organisms superficially resemble Neisseria gonorrhoeae, biochemical characterization and the results of DNA base composition analysis indicate that they do not belong to the genus Neisseria. The relationship of these organisms to the genera Neisseria, Achromobacter, and Pseudomonas is discussed.
Factors influencning mitotic yields from suspension cultures of normal and acute leukaemic bone marrows.
Authors: Lawler S D , Summersgill B M , Lewis J P
Published: June 2007

Cytogenetic studies of bone marrow are often hampered by a paucity of dividing cells. In an attempt to improve mitotic yields we have tried to promote mitotic activity in suspension cultures of bone marrow from both normal and leukaemic subjects. Enrichment of the media always increases yield and the addition of bone marrow stimulating factor (BMSF) may do so. The best prospect for improving the yield of mitoses in acute myeloid leukaemia is to culture the marrow in an enriched medium with BMSF.
Sea-blue histiocytosis associated with hyperlipidaemia.
Authors: Parker A C , Bain A D , Brydon W G , Harkness R A , Smith A F , Smith I I , Boyd D H
Published: June 2007

A patient with sea-blue histiocytosis in spleen and bone marrow with an accompanying hyperlipidaemia is described. The hyperlipidaemia was due to an increase in "free" cholesterol, lecithin, and triglycerides. Despite these findings lecithin-cholesterol acyl transferase activity was normal. Although the precise biochemical defect was not identified, there was a failure of transport of cholesterol from chylomicrons in vitro. We propose that the sea-blue histiocyte is a marker, in some cases, of abnormal lipid metabolism.
Chemotherapeutic compounds and Acanthamoebae from eye infections.
Authors: Nagington J , Richards J E
Published: June 2007

The amoebicidal and amoebistatic action in vitro of 24 compounds was tested on two strains of Acanthamoeba, A. polyphaga and A. castellanii, isolated from eye infections in this country. For comparison, the Ryan strain of A. castellanii and Naegleria gruberi L-1 were also examined. Nine compounds showed sufficient activity to merit further consideration, ie, acriflavine, proflavine, hydroxystilbamidine isethionate, paromomycin, miconazole, amphoterin, neomycin, polymyxin, and the last two combined in Neosporin.
Granuloma formation in patients receiving BCG immunotherapy.
Authors: Whittaker J A , Bentley D P , Melville-Jones G R , Slater A J
Published: June 2007

Eleven patients with acute myeloblastic leukaemia have received repeated intravenous injections of BCG containing 4-9 X 10(6) live organisms per millilitre. Non-caseating epithelioid granulomas, sometimes with giant-cell formation, have been demonstrated in eight bone marrow aspirates. Seven patients had granulomas in the liver, three in the lung, one in the spleen, one in lymph nodes, and one in a skin biopsy. One patient had a raised serum alkaline phosphatase, but none of the patients had any illness which could be related to the presence of granulomas. Granuloma formation appeared more extensive in four patients who were probably anergic before BCG treatment. Until the significance of this finding becomes clear great care should be taken when giving BCG by the intratumour of intravenous routes to potentially immunoincompetent patients.
Effect of methotrexate therapy in psoriatics on the Ito cells in liver biopsies, assessed by point-counting.
Authors: Hopwood D , Nyfors A
Published: June 2007

To evaluate the relationship, both quantitative and qualitative, between the Ito cells and methotrexate (MTX) therapy Ito cells were studied by light microscopy in 1 mum toluidine blue stained sections and by electron microscopy in 24 pairs of Menghini needle biopsies before and after MTX therapy of 24 consenting patients with severe psoriasis. Light microscopy showed a statistically significant increase in pathological findings (P less than 0-05) and in the number of Ito cells and their size (P less than 0-0001) after MTX therapy. It was not possible to show a statistically significant correlation between the increase in the number of Ito cells and the cumulative dose of MTX. Ultrastructural analysis of Ito cells showed no marked difference from pre to post-MTX specimens. The fibrosis and cirrhosis seen after MTX therapy in some liver biopsies from psoriatics and the post-MTX increase in the number of Ito cells direct attention to the possible role of Ito cells as fibroblast precursors.
Immune potential in human uraemia. 1. Relationship of glomerular filtration rate to depression of immune potential.
Authors: Byron P R , Mallick N P , Taylor G
Published: June 2007

Aspects of immune potential in uraemic subjects, categorized by glomerular filtration rate, were intercompared and compared with results obtained from a group of normal volunteers. Evidence is presented to show that depression of both cellular and humoral immune potential occurs with progressive reduction of glomerular filtration rate. Lymphocyte transformation testing to the non-specific mitogen PHA revealed a significant elevation of blastogenic response in uraemia after 96 hours of incubation.
Papillary tumours of the minor salivary glands.
Authors: Whittaker J S , Turner E P
Published: June 2007

The clinical and histological features of oncocytic adenomatous hyperplasia, papillary adenoma, and papillary adenocarcinoma of the oral cavity are described, and the literature is reviewed. Histological features which may be of value in distinguishing between benign and malignant variants are described, and in view of the slow growth rate of most of these tumours, the importance of long-term follow-up is stressed.
Susceptibility of the "penicillinase-resistant" penicillins and cephalosporins to penicillinase of Staphylococcus aureus.
Authors: Lacey R W , Stokes A
Published: June 2007

The activities of some semisynthetic penicillins and cephalosporins have been tested against clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus. The apparent activity in vitro varies with the method of testing used. Determination of MICs using light inocula fails to detect the destructive effect of penicillinase on the antibiotic. This was, however, demonstrated reproducibly by the use of a technique in which a heavy inoculum was pre-incubated for two hours before application of antibiotic to wells. This method of testing probably represents most of the clinical situations in which the drugs are used since both in vitro and in vivo a growing culture is exposed to an antibiotic gradient. Flucloxacillin was inactivated by penicillinase considerably more than either methicillin, cloxacillin, or nafcillin. Cephaloridine was the most vulnerable of the cephalosporins. Cephazolin, cephalothin, and cephalexin were intermediate. Cephradine was the least hydrolysed by staphylococcal penicillinase. It is recommended that the activities of all penicillins and cephalosporins against staphylococci should be tested by diffusion at 37 degrees C with pre-incubation of the culture for two hours at this temperature.
Formaldehyde induced anti-N: a possible cause of renal graft failure.
Authors: Gorst D W , Riches R A , Renton P H
Published: June 2007

Treatment of human red cells with low concentrations of formaldehyde induces an antigenic change which makes them react very strongly with the anti-N sera found in certain patients treated by haemodialysis. This supports the idea that formaldehyde sterilisation of reusable home dialysers leads to the development of anti-N in these patients' sera. The clinical problems produced by this antibody are discussed together with ways of overcoming them.
Bacteriological findings in cultures of clinical material from Bartholin's abscess.
Authors: Wren M W
Published: June 2007

Purulent exudate from 28 cases of Bartholin's abscess were examined for aerobic, anaerobic, and microaerophilic bacteria. Three cases gave no bacterial growth, five cases grew facultative bacteria only, and a further three grew a mixture of facultative and anaerobic bacteria. One case gave a pure growth of a microaerophilic streptococcus. Anaerobic bacteria were the only isolates in 16 cases and Bacteroides species were the most common organisms isolated; they were present as 62.5% of the total anaerobes cultured and accounted for 45.4% of the total bacteria cultured. Escherichia coli was the most common of the facultative organisms, accounting for 18% of the total bacteria. Most infections seemed to be caused by a single organism, anaerobic types predominating.
A comparison of three rapid methods for the detection of beta-lactamase activity in Haemophilus influenzae.
Authors: Skinner A , Wise R
Published: June 2007

Three methods for rapidly detecting beta-lactamase activity in Haemophilus influenzae are compared. The chromogenic cephalosporin method was found to be the most easily performed and the reagents could be stored for up to three weeks. The phenol red method was simple to perform but the iodometric method was more time consuming. All three tests gave identical results.
Serum protein changes in breast cancer: a prospective study.
Authors: Pettingale K W , Tee D E
Published: June 2007

Sixty women admitted to the King's College Hospital group for biopsy of a lump in the breast have been followed sequentially for one year. Thirty women had early operable breast cancer and 30 had benign breast disease. Each patient had 10 serum proteins measured preoperatively and postoperatively at three months and at one year. The patients with breast cancer had significantly higher levels of beta2 glycoprotein preoperatively and caeruloplasmin at one year postoperatively than those with benign breast disease. There were a number of significant correlations between serum protein levels and the progression of breast cancer as measured by the clinical score. There were significant correlations with caeruloplasmin preoperatively and at three months postoperatively. Prealbumin and haemopexin showed correlations preoperatively; alpha1 antitrypsin and beta2 glycoprotein only correlated at three months postoperatively. A longer follow-up will be required to establish the value of serum protein changes which could predict the development of metastases in patients with breast cancer.
A new histochemical technique of use in the interpretation and diagnosis of adenocarcinoma and villous lesions in the large intestine.
Authors: Culling C F , Reid P E , Worth A J , Dunn W L
Published: June 2007

The periodic acid-thionin Schiff/potassium hydroxide/periodic acid-Schiff (PAT/KOH/PAS) procedure has been used to investigate the histochemical staining characteristics of the mucins found in adenocarcinoma and villous lesions of the large intestine. The 46 blocks examined represented 58 lesions from 37 patients, all of whom had had resections for carcinoma of the colon. tin sharp contrast to normal colon, none of the adenocarcinomas stained red with the PAT/KOH/PAS. With two exceptions the poorly and moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas stained blue, whereas of the well differentiated lesions half were blue and half purple. The malignant villous lesions demonstrated the same trends, although a larger percentage were purple. None of the benign lesions stained blue. It is suggested that malignancy in the colon is accompanied by an increase in blue staining in the PAT/KOH/PAS technique and that such staining may be of value in the interpretation of highly atypical adenoma where it might identify the onset of malignancy. This change in staining indicates a distinct alteration in the chemistry of the mucins which we interpret as a reduction in the degree of side chain O-acylation of their constituent sialic acids.
Evaluation of the Hemalog D differential leucocyte counter.
Authors: Cairns J W , Healy M J , Stafford D M , Vitek P , Waters D A
Published: June 2007

The main objectives of the evaluation were to (1) establish 'normal values' for the Hemalog D, (2) compare the Hemalog D with existing manual procedures, and (3) assess the machine's reliability. It proved to be a practical machine in a routine haematology laboratory. Comparison with established techniques showed systematic differences in the total white blood cell count and percentages of lymphocytes. An existing laboratory computer system was used to collect and file the data.
The Birmingham Histopathology Data Pool: a co-operative project among 10 laboratories.
Authors: Codling B W , Alexander M K , Parker R G , Curran R C
Published: June 2007

In 1970 the Birmingham Histopathology Data Pool was established to collect information on biopsies of surgical specimens from three hospitals. The scheme has gradually expanded and 10 hospitals now participate. The pathologist gives each specimen a numerical code based on the Systematised Nomenclature of Pathology (SNOP). The information is processed by computer and stored on cumulative magnetic tape file. At regular intervals (at three, six, and nine months) 'printouts' listing all the information recorded within the interval are produced and a cumulative print-out is issued when the information for a whole year is complete. The data pool system has provided accurate alphabetical and SNOP diagnostic files and has simplified retrieval of data for both follow-up and research purposes. The pathologist may use the computer to retrieve and analyse information from the data pool for this own use or on behalf of clinicians, but he may use information from laboratories other than his own for research purposes and publication only with the permission of the pathologists who submitted the data.
Severe coagulation defect due to a dietary deficiency of vitamin K.
Authors: Colvin B T , Lloyd M J
Published: June 2007

A patient with multiple injuries developed a severe coagulation defect due to a deficiency of vitamin K. None of the usual predisposing factors was present and the patient's diet was very poor. Dietary deficiency of vitamin K and the importance of antibiotic therapy in its production are discussed.
Granuloma formation in patients after injection of methanol extraction residue (MER-GCG).
Authors: Bartal A , Kerner H , Cohen Y , Robinson E
Published: June 2007

Nine patients with advanced cancer who were receiving the methanol extraction residue of BCG (MER-BCG) intradermally or intratumorally underwent biopsies from the injected sites or from locally enlarged lymph nodes. Most preparations showed a chronic granulomatous reaction consisting of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and epithelioid cells as well as either Langhans's or foreignbody type giant cells, or both. The degree of granuloma formation and giant cell infiltration varied. In only one case did the reactions consist merely of chronic lymphocytic and histiocytic inflammation with no granuloma formation. Examination of melanoma nodules injected with MER showed, in addition to granulomas, large numbers of giant cells penetrating the tumour.
An enzyme inhibition assay for 2,4-diamino-5-(3'4'-dichlorophenyl)-6-methylpyrimidine (DDMP,NSC 19494).
Authors: Calvert A H , Cridland J S , Harrap K R
Published: June 2007

An enzyme inhibiton method for the determination of serum levels of DDMP is described. This has proved to be a simple, practical, and reliable method for the clinical monitoring of patients.
Features of prognostic significance in testicular germ cell tumours.
Authors: Parkinson C , Beilby J O
Published: June 2007

One hundred and one testicular tumours previously diagnosed as "teratoma" were examined and 93 of the patients were followed up. These neoplasm were assigned to one of three groups. Those compared exclusively of somatic tissues were the only tumours referred to as teratoma. The second group was exclusively extra embryonic and consisted of either yolk sac or choriocarcinoma. Neoplasms in the third group were called mixed germ cell tumours and incorporated somatic and extra embryonic tissue and occasionally seminoma. The patients with teratomas showed a very low mortality whereas pure yolk sac tumours proved highly malignant. In mixed germ cells tumours the malignant nature of the yolk sac components was maintained even when combined with somatic elements, but when seminoma was also present the survival rate was significantly improved. It would appear the yolk sac tumour tissue occurs more frequently in adult testicular neoplasms than was previously suspected and in mixed germ cell tumours it can be expected to dictate behaviour except when combined with seminoma.
Malignant histiocytosis (histiocytic medullary reticulosis) with spindle cell differentiation and tumour formation.
Authors: Macgillivray J B , Duthie J S
Published: June 2007

Malignant histiocytosis (histiocytic medullary reticulosis) in a 45-year-old white man is described. Unusual features were presentation as a surgical emergency with signs of obstruction and peritonitis due to an ileal tumour and extensive spindle cell differentiation. Problems in the differential diagnosis of malignant histiocytosis are briefly discussed.
Frequency of renal impairment in paracetamol overdose compared with other causes of acute liver damage.
Authors: Wilkinson S P , Moodie H , Arroyo V A , Williams R
Published: June 2007

In an analysis of 160 patients with fulminant hepatic failure, the frequency of renal failure in the patiens who had taken an overdose of paracetamol was not significantly higher than in those with hepatic failure due to other causes. The same was found in another group of patients with less severe hepatic damage. In both the latter group and the patients with fulminant hepatic failure, the development of renal failure was closely related to the occurrence of endotoxaemia as detected by the Limulus lysate assay. These findings do not support the concept that an overdose of paracetamol has a specific nephrotoxic effect.
An evaluation of the Modified R/B Enteric Differential System for the identification of the Enterobacteriaceae.
Authors: Hayek L J , Willis G W
Published: June 2007

Two hundred and twenty-two organisms were identified by conventional methods and by the Modified R/B Enteric Differential System. Two hundred and eighteeen (98-2%) of these organisms were correctly identified by the R/B system. The results of individual tests were also compared. The convenience and general ease of handling of the R/B system are discussed.
Improving the performance of anaerobic bacteriology in a hospital laboratory.
Authors: Morgan J R , Smith J A , Liu P
Published: June 2007

A comparison was made of the performance of a newly established anaerobic section of a clinical laboratory and the routine diagnostic section in terms of isolation and identification of anaerobic bacteria. Both sections attempted to isolate obligate anaerobes from the same clinical specimens which were not transported in anaerobic containers. Anaerobic and diagnostic sections isolated anaerobes from 35% and 6% respectively of clinical specimens. The use of antibiograms greatly improved the identification of anaerobic organisms.
Correlations between the detection of e antigen or antibody and electron microscopic pattern of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) associated particles in the serum of HBsAg carriers.
Authors: Trepo C , Bird R G , Zuckerman A J
Published: June 2007

The distribution of HBsAg associated particles, especially the presence of Dane particles, was studied by electron microscopy in coded sera of 68 chronic HBsAg carriers. Results were correlated with the detection of eAg or Ab and clinical diagnosis. Sera from haemodialysis and chronic hepatitis patients showed a high prevalence of e antigenaemia (9/13, 69-2% and 8/19, 42-1%) and Dane particles (11 and 16 respectively, 84%). By contrast, out of 36 chronic asymptomatic carriers of HBsAg, 28 (77-7%) were positive for e antibody but only 1 (2-7%) had eAg. Dane particles were found in 13/36 (36-1%). A statistically significant correlation was observed between the detection of eAg and the presence of Dane particles (94-4%) in the serum. However, Dane particles were still observed in 10/28 (35-7%) of anti-e positive sera. The data suggest that eAg may be linked to complete HB virions.
Modification of factor VIII complex properties in patients with liver disease.
Authors: Maisonneuve P , Sultan Y
Published: June 2007

Factor VIII procoagulant activity (VIII:C), factor VIII related antigen (VIIIR:AG), and the von Willebrand factor (VIII:WF) were measured in 19 patients with liver disease (8 cases of alcoholic cirrhosis and 11 with acute viral hepatitis). In both groups of patients the levels of VIII:C, VIIIR:AG, and VIIIR:WF were above normal or normal with mean values well above the normal range. VIIR:AG was also measured in the same patients by two-dimensional electrophoresis, and its biological properties were measured after purification by chromatography. By both methods the VIIIR: AG in the patients with liver disease differed from normal VIIIR:AG. In five of the patients with acute viral hepatitis, who were tested after they had recovered, the previously elevated levels of VIII:C, VIIIR:AG, and VIIIR:WF had dropped to normal limits and the qualitative abnormalities had disappeared.
Myeloproliferative disorders: a paradox of in-vivo and in-vitro platelet function.
Authors: Boughton B J , Corbett W E , Ginsburg A D
Published: June 2007

A patient with features of a myeloproliferative disorder developed an acute multisystems illness and died. In-vitro platelet aggregation was imparied, but necropsy revealed widespread platelet-rich thromboemboli and multiple organ infarctions. It is suggested that platelets are damaged during disseminated intravascular platelet aggregation (DIPA) and that disaggregation of platelet thrombi and recirculation of platelets give rise to their subsequent hypofunction when tested in vitro.
A population of lymphocytes in human blood distinctive in morphology and other characteristics.
Authors: Smith H , Collins R J
Published: June 2007

Evidence is presented that lymphocytes characterised by being large and having abundant feebly staining, and usually profusely granulated cytoplasm ('pale' cells) are a group which is distinct from the other small basophilic ('dark') cells. In patients with genetic storage disorders characterised by abnormalities of lymphocyte structure, the structural peculiarites were confined to the basophilic cells, and cytochemical differences were found between the 'pale' and 'dark' cells in normal subjects.
Cryptococcal meningitis complicating systemic lupus erythematosus: two patients treated with flucytosine and amphotericin B.
Authors: Speller D C , Fakunle F , Cairns S A , Stephens M
Published: June 2007

Two fatal cases of cryptococcal meningitis complicating adrenocorticosteroid-treated systemic lupus erythermatosus are reported. In one patient who was treated with flucytosine alone, after an initial period of improvement cryptococci resistant to flucytosine were isolated, and subsequent amphotericine B treatment silated, and subsequent amphotericin B treatment did not alter the progress of the disease. In the second patient, who received both drugs concurrently, resistant cryptococci did not appear and the patient recovered sufficiently to return home. Flucytosine-resistant mutants could be demonstrated in vitro in the original cryptococcal isolated from both patients. The use of flucytosine and amphotericin B in combination is discussed.
Observations on the use of the double diffusion test in the diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis.
Authors: Jones G R , Warnock D W
Published: June 2007

Precipitins to mannan and cytoplasmic antigens of three Candida species were determined in an unselected series of 289 non-pregnant women. Precipitins were present in 20% of sera of women with vaginal candidiasis, in 23% of women harbouring yeasts in the vagina without clinical signs of infection, and in 21% of women harbouring yeasts in sites other than the vagina. Of the 47 patients who reacted with Candida albicans mannan or cytoplasmic antigens, 98% reacted with mannan antigen but only 13% with cytoplasmic antigen. The inclusion of mannan and cytoplasmic antigens of C. guilliermondii and C. parapsilosis did not increase the specificity or sensitivity of the test in the diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis. It is suggested that the double diffusion test is of doubtful value as an adjunct to the diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis.
Infection of the foot with Peptococcus magnus.
Authors: Sanderson P J
Published: June 2007

Peptococcus magnus was the predominant organism in severe infections of the feet in three diabetic patients. In one patient the organism was found also in blood culture, and in two it was repeatedly recovered from the feet, usually in pure culture.
Evaluation of a semi-automated platelet-counting system.
Authors: Rowan R M , Fraser C , Gray J H , McDonald G A
Published: June 2007

Coulter Electronics Ltd have produced a semi-automated platelet-counting system. Platelet-rich plasma may be obtained either by tube sedimentation or by means of the Thrombo-fuge, the latter being an instrument designed to produce accelerated sedimentation. The instrument is linear over the entire range of platelet counts, and machine reproducibility is good. Comparison of machine-rated with visual counts satisfied statistical evaluation. The technique can be handled by one operator and platelet counts can be achieved at the rate of 30 per hour by both methods although individual counts on the Thrombo-fuge may be obtained in approximately one-quarter of the time required for tube sedimentation. The throughput using the Thrombo-fuge could certainly be doubled were two sample plates supplied. Few problems were encountered during the evaluation and most could be avoided by meticulous technique. Visual counts must be performed when the sample haematocrit is greater than 50%-Discrepant counts have been obtained in patients with white cell counts exceeding 50 X 10(9)/1 and in patients with giant platelets. ESR elevation for any reason does not lead to serious discrepancy in results. The incidence of platelet clumping due to the presence of platelet agglutinins and of microclot formation due to inadequate mixing is probably much higher than is commonly thought, and certainly peripheral blood film scrutiny should never be omitted in patients with low counts. Careful examination of peripheral blood films must be combined with instrument counting for some time lest further causes of discrepant counting emerge.
Detection of Aspergillus fumigatus precipitins: a comparison of counter immunoelectrophoresis and double diffusion.
Authors: Warnock D W
Published: June 2007

A counter immunoelectrophoresis method was compared with a double diffusion test for detecting Aspergillus fumigatus antibodies. Of 70 patients, 23 gave positive results in both tests and the remainder gave negative results. Fifteen patients with proven aspergillosis gave positive results in both tests.
Routine laboratory assessment of postoperative chest infection: a prospective study.
Authors: Wilkinson P J , Ball A J , Doran J , Gillespie W A , Orton V S
Published: June 2007

Postoperative chest infection was studied prospectively in 73 patients in order to evaluate standard laboratory methods of sputum examination and to relate the results to the patients' clinical state and to antibiotic therapy. When a culture medium selective for haemophilus was used in addition to unselective media, homogenisation of the specimen gave no advantage. Laboratory and clinical findings usually corresponded well. Profuse growths of Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae were clearly associated with clinical evidence of chest infection but other Gramnegative bacilli and Staphylococcus aureus much less so. Coliforms were more prominent after antibiotic therapy.
Further studies on the reliability of the bacitracin inhibition test for the presumptive identification of Lancefield group A streptococci.
Authors: Coleman D J , McGhie D , Tebbutt G M
Published: June 2007

The reliability of the bacitracin inhibition test to differentiate between 125 Lancefield group A and 122 non-group A beta-haemolytic streptococci was studied. Bacitracin discs containing 0-02, 0-04, or 0-1 international units and the conditions recommended by both the Association of Clinical Pathologists and the Federal Drug Administration for routine sensitivity testing were used. The results suggest that the presence or absence of a zone of inhibition around a 0-04 unit disc can be used routinely for the presumptive identification of group A streptococci and that a specific zone size can be used for reading the test only with a 0-1 unit disc.
Evaluation of a commercial radioisotopic kit for folate assays.
Authors: Hill P W , Dawson D W
Published: June 2007

A commercial kit for the radioisotopic assay of folate in serum, the Bio-Rad 'Quanta Count' folate kit, produced lower results than the Lactobacillus casei microbiological assay method. Its normal range was 2-0-13-0 microng/l and the reproducibility was similar to that of the microbiological assay method. The kit was also satisfactory for whole bood folate assays. The cost requires careful consideration before the kit is used for routine purposes.
Alpha-1-antitrypsin globules in the liver and PiM phenotype.
Authors: Bradfield J W , Blenkinsopp W K
Published: June 2007

The finding is recorded of typical a1-antitrypsin globules, confirmed by immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase methods, in the hepatocytes of a patient shown to have a normal serum antitrypsin level and normal phenotype (TiM) for a1-antitrypsin. The identification of such globules can no longer be regarded as conclusive evidence of an abnormal a1-antitrypsin phenotype.
Skeletal muscle pathology in chronic heart block.
Authors: Lambert C D , Fairfax A J
Published: June 2007

Skeletal muscle samples, mainly from the deltoid, were studied morphologically and histochemically in 35 patients with chronic heart block and from nine elderly control subject. The average age of the first group was 67-7 (range 11-94) years. Abnormalities were present in 20 cases, no difference being found between patients with idiopathic and secondary heart block. In 15 samples there was increased oxidative enzyme activity in some muscle fibres, and in six there was fibre type grouping. Six had unexplained type 11 fibre atrophy and two had a predominance of type 1 fibres. Tubular aggregates were conspicuous in one biopsy specimen, and in another, rod bodies were found. Minor abnormalities were also seen in the control group. In the absence of any consistent pattern many of these changes were attributed to ageing.
Factors affecting the value of a simple biochemical scheme for identifying Enterobacteriaceae: the reproducible recognition of biotypes.
Authors: Barr J G , Mahood R J , Curry K P
Published: June 2007

A biochemical screening scheme on agar media for differentiating Enterobacteriaceae in a hospital laboratory is evaluated. Careful observation of test reactions within the scheme permitted the recognition of 78 biotypic reaction patterns which could contribute to epidemiological surveillance. The limitations of the technique are described and discussed and methods of importance in ensuring the reproducibility of reaction patterns emphasised.