bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malignant lymphoma with a high content of epithelioid histiocytes.
Authors: Hayes D , Robertson J H
Published: June 2007

A series of 12 patients with a rare malignant lymphoma containing numerous epithelioid histiocytes (MLEH), originally believed to be an atypical variant of Hodgkin's disease, is described. Clinicopathological studies suggest MLEH is a distinct entity among the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas which is generally resistant to therapy and has an unfavourable prognosis. Differentiation of the disease from angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy and Hodgkin's disease is discussed. In the necropsy case MLEH had transformed into a malignant lymphoma of histiocytic type.
A radioimmunoassay for hepatitis A antigen and antibody.
Authors: Skidmore S J , Boxall E H
Published: June 2007

The HAVAB radioimmunoassay for the detection of antibody to hepatitis A is assessed. Its modification to detect virus in faecal samples is described and in this it was found to be more sensitive and specific than electron microscopy.
Biochemical identification of clinically important yeasts.
Authors: de Louvois J , Mulhall A , Hurley R
Published: June 2007

Four commercially available kits for the speciation of yeasts were tested against 50 clinical isolates that had been identified by conventional methods. On biochemical grounds alone, the four systems varied from 71% to 100% in their efficiency in identifying Candida albicans. Yeasts other than C. albicans were identified with an efficiency varying from 24% to 83%. Conclusions are drawn on the value of these systems to the routine laboratory.
Rapid diagnosis of beta-haemolytic streptococcus group B endocarditis by buffy-coat examination and gas-liquid chromatography.
Authors: Maliwan N , Reid R , Katzen R
Published: June 2007

A semicomatose 34-year-old man had fever, heart murmur, and multiple gangrenous lesions. Several blood cultures were negative. Cultures of the heart valve grew beta-haemolytic streptococcus group B. The organism was seen in buffy-coat examination of the venous blood. The gas-liquid chromatogram of the serum was different from those of normal controls and of patients with invasive candida infection; it closely mimicked the one obtained from the organism itself. These studies promise to be valuable diagnostic adjuncts.
Hepatitis Bs antibody in alcoholic cirrhosis.
Authors: Mills P R , Pennington T H , Kay P , MacSween R N , Watkinson G
Published: June 2007

Sera from patients with chronic liver disease were tested for antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen by radioimmunoassay. The antibody was found in 25% of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and in 52% when alcoholic cirrhosis was associated with portal hypertension, these results being significantly higher than in a matched control population. Other forms of chronic liver disease did not differ from the control population. Hepatitis B virus infection might be a factor in determining which alcoholic patients go on to develop chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
An inter-laboratory survey of paediatric bilirubin analyses.
Authors: St John A , Penberthy L A
Published: June 2007

A regional quality control trial of paediatric bilirubin analyses is described. The overall performance of the group was unsatisfactory with an unacceptably high inter-laboratory variation. The use of a common standard produced improvement in performance but it is concluded that the poor performance was also due to methodological problems. This lack of agreement between laboratories is a major problem when patients are transferred between hospitals.
Significance of serum complement levels in patients with gastrointestinal disease.
Authors: Ross I N , Thompson R A , Montgomery R D , Asquith P
Published: June 2007

Levels of the serum complement components, C3 and C4, in patients with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and miscellaneous gastrointestinal disorders were compared with those of normal blood donors. Significant increases of both components were found in all three patient groups, the highest being in patients with Crohn's disease. Generally, levels of C3 and C4 were lower in patients with inactive rather than active Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These results provide some evidence in support of an immunological basis for inflammatory bowel disease. However, in view of the frequent elevation of C3 and C4 in other gastrointestinal diseases, it is equally possible that the complement components are behaving as acute phase proteins.
Fibrinolytic activity of tissue surfaces during surgery.
Authors: Davies A J , Strachan C J , Hurlow R A , Stuart J
Published: June 2007

A non-invasive method has been developed for the study of tissue surface fibrinolytic activity during surgery in man. Surface exudate was collected using a filter-paper disc which was then applied directly to a fibrin plate or used to prepare a euglobulin fraction. The method detected the intraoperative increase in fibrinolytic activity. At 45 minutes from the start of surgery the increase in lytic activity for tissues was four to eight times greater than that of venous blood taken simultaneously. The technique may be used to compare regional differences in tissue fibrinolysis, to determine the effect of excess local fibrinolysis on postoperative bleeding, and to study the relation between low fibrinolytic activity and postoperative adhesion formation.
Serum immunoreactive trypsin concentrations in infectious and non-infectious illnesses and in juvenile diabetes.
Authors: Gamble D R , Moffatt A , Marks V
Published: June 2007

Serum immunoreactive trypsin (SIT) concentrations were measured in 244 patients with infectious illnesses and in 281 children with diabetes of recent onset. Results were compared with reference ranges established in 107 patients with non-infectious, non-diabetic illnesses, in whom SIT concentrations were found to increase with advancing age. Reduced or undetectable concentrations of SIT were associated with diabetes in children and with a few cases of severe childhood infection. Increased SIT concentrations were associated with virologically confirmed cases of infection with mumps and Coxsackie B virus infection, and with clinical diagnoses of mumps, PUO, and meningitis in children, and with Bornholm disease, cardiac infection, and respiratory infection in adults. It is suggested that silent invasion of the exocrine pancreas with elevation of the SIT concentration may accompany infection by Coxsackie B, mumps, and, possibly, other viruses.
Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase isoenzymes in extrahepatic biliary obstruction.
Authors: Wenham P R , Price C P , Sammons H G
Published: June 2007

The gamma-glutamyltransferase isoenzymes in the sera of patients with extrahepatic biliary obstruction have been studied, using electrophoretic, gel filtration, and ultracentrifugation techniques, and compared with those present in normal sera. Five isoenzymes were shown to exist in patients' sera, three of which were not demonstrated in normal sera. The observations are discussed in relation to the influence of biliary regurgitation and the possible solubilisation of membrane-bound enzymes. The results are compared with those of previous studies on alkaline phosphatase.
Plasma blood group changes in gastrointestinal tract carcinoma.
Authors: Rouger P , Riveau D , Salmon C , Loygue J
Published: June 2007

The levels of A, H, I, and i plasma antigens and of anti-B, anti-I, and anti-T antibodies were measured in 70 subjects with colonic or gastric carcinoma. These studies showed a significant increase in A plasma activity of the A subjects, and in H plasma activity of the O subjects, while 25% of the tested subjects showed increased I plasma activity. There was no difference in i plasma activity between cancer patients and healthy subjects. These results take into account the marked polymorphism acquired by neoplastic tissue, which is capable also of producing a greater quantity of antigens than that of healthy subjects. Nevertheless this heterogeneity forms a barrier to the clinical measurement of these plasma antigens for screening neoplasms. The significant fall in the amount of anti-T antibodies seemed to be secondary to the absorption of these antibodies on the surface of the tumour cells.
Use of the ultracentrifuge vertical rotor in the detection of rubella-specific IgM on a sucrose density gradient.
Authors: Luton P , Ridgway G L
Published: June 2007

A comparison was made of the performance of swing-out and vertical ultracentrifuge rotors in the detection of rubella-specific IgM on a sucrose density gradient. Tests were performed on 30 sera, of which 11 were found to contain rubella-specific IgM by both methods. The centrifugation time for the swing-out rotor was 16 hours at 35,000 rpm. This was reduced to 2 hours using the vertical rotor at 50,000 rpm. Routine use of the vertical rotor would allow a reduction in the time taken to perform the test, increase the number of sera tested each time, and reduce wear on the ultracentrifuge.
A survey of the sensitivity of fresh clinical isolates to cefuroxime and other antibiotics.
Authors: Potaschmacher L O , Dash C H , Jefferson K A , Kennedy M R
Published: June 2007

The sensitivities to cefuroxime and cephradine of potentially pathogenic bacteria isolated in two British general hospitals comprising 900 beds have been assessed. In a three-month period 2537 strains were studied; 30 microgram cefuroxime discs were used with 2511 strains, and cephradine discs of the same strength were used with 2525 strains. The organisms were also examined routinely for sensitivity to other antibiotics. Overall, 91.7% of the isolates were sensitive to cefuroxime and 85.8% were inhibited by cephradine, the differences in percentage strain susceptibility to cefuroxime and cephradine being mainly a result of the greater activity of cefuroxime against the Gram-negative bacteria. The wide antibacterial effectiveness of cefuroxime should make it a useful antibiotic for the treatment of serious infections including those conditions in which the causative organism has not been identified.
Meningitis caused by Pseudomonas paucimobilis.
Authors: Hajiroussou V , Holmes B , Bullas J , Pinning C A
Published: June 2007

This appears to be the first report of meningitis due to Pseudomonas paucimobilis and the first report of a clinically significant isolate of this species in the UK. Characteristics by which the species may be recognised are given, and attention is drawn to the possible confusion of Ps. paucimobilis with other yellow-pigmented pseudomonads and Flavobacterium species.
Long-term storage of blood in liquid nitrogen, and the response of the recovered red cells to haemagglutination by viruses.
Authors: Rodgers F G
Published: June 2007

Human and chicken blood were snap-frozen as droplets in liquid ntirogen. Storage in the vapour phase liquid nitrogen container for nine months followed by rapid thawing resulted in approximately 10% haemolysis of the red cells. The ability of the thawed red cells to haemagglutinate viruses was unimpaired by the manipulations.
Ionised calcium in pathological human bile.
Authors: Sutor D J , Wilkie L I , Jackson M J
Published: June 2007

An automated ion-selective electrode system has been used to measure ionised calcium in bile from patients undergoing cholecystectomy for gallstones. Ionised calcium ranged from 0.63 to 1.73 mmol/l for a range of total calcium concentrations of 1.35 to 10.93 mmol/l. The correlation coefficient for ionised calcium regressed on total calcium was highly significant (r = 0.97). The slope of the line was 0.126 and the intercept 0.443.
Applications of a modified Cortipac procedure for the estimation of urinary free cortisol in various clinical situations.
Authors: West P
Published: June 2007

A modification of the Cortipac procedure (Radiochemical Centre, Amersham) for the estimation of urinary free cortisol was found to be of value in the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and in the differentiation of simple obesity from that due to Cushing's syndrome. The effect of renal failure and late pregnancy on the urinary free cortisol was also studied. The results were expressed both in terms of the urinary free cortisol and as a urinary free cortisol:creatinine ratio.
Immunochemical and ultrastructural study of multiple myeloma with a heavy chain protein in the serum.
Authors: Bartoloni C , Flamini G , Gentiloni N , Russo M A , Barone C , Gambassi G , Terranova T
Published: June 2007

A patient with multiple myeloma had antigenically related monoclonal Fc-gamma fragments and complete IgG-kappa molecules in the serum. The urine contained only Fc-gamma fragments in the absence of Bence-Jones protein. The two distinct M-components in the serum showed electrophoretic identity but could be separated by chromatography. The simultaneous presence of complete monoclonal IgG molecules and Fc-gamma fragments, though difficult to detect, could be a frequent occurrence in multiple myeloma, and it could be defined as 'double paraproteinaemia'. A detailed ultrastructural study was performed in this case and showed fibril bundles being released from the malignant plasma cells; such fibrils could be the supramolecular organisation of the neosynthesised heavy chain fragments.
Familial hypouricaemia associated with renal tubular uricosuria and uric acid calculi: case report
Authors: Hedley JM , Phillips PJ
Published: June 2007

We describe a patient with the rare combination of uric acid calculi, familial hypouricaemia, and increased renal urate clearance.
Quantitation of C3 subcomponents on red cells coated with complementin vitro
Authors: Freedman J , Massey Anne
Published: June 2007

In order further to characterise and evaluate the reproducibility of human red cells coated with complementin vitro,the number of molecules of C3 subcomponents/red cell were determined by Scatchard analysis of equilibrium concentrations of bound and free antibody using125I-labelled goat anti-rabbit IgG. A 1:1 combining ratio was assumed. Red cells coated via the classical pathway had twice as much bound C3b and C3d as alternative pathway-coated cells. Assays using different anti-C3d sera gave different amounts of bound antigen, but results with any one antiserum versus one cell type were reproducible. Anti-C3d sera raised to C3d-tryp and to C3d-KAF detected significantly different amounts of bound C3d on the same cells. Both trypsinisation and serum KAF treatment of classical pathway-coated cells resulted in marked reduction of C3b molecules/cell (over 90% in both cases). Similar reduction in bound C3b was seen after trypsinisation of alternative pathway-coated cells, but serum KAF treatment of such cells had no significant effect. K0values were lower with anti-C3c than with anti-C3d. Anti-C3d K0values with the various cells coated with complementin vitrowere not statistically different (approximately 107litres/mol), with the exception of trypsinised alternative pathway-coated cells (approximately 108litres/mol, the same order of magnitude observed with cells coated with C3din vivo). A non-linear relationship between antiglobulin titre and antigen strength was observed. The minimal number of C3d molecules/red cell detectable by agglutination with the various anti-C3d sera ranged from 200 to 670 molecules. The minimal number of C3b molecules detectable by agglutination was approximately 9000 molecules/cell.
Spontaneous calcific coronary embolisation: necropsy x-ray study.
Authors: Steiner I , Hlava A
Published: June 2007

Thirty-one hearts with advanced calcification of one or both left heart valves were investigated for the presence of spontaneous calcific emboli. X-ray (Mammograf) showed coronary emboli in 14 cases, that is, in 45% of the whole series. In seven cases (23%) calcific particles were also present in the left ventricular cavity. A total of 265 calcific emboli (205 intracoronary plus 60 intravenous) was demonstrated. The embolisation occurred most frequently and most extensively in association with postrheumatic mitral valve disease. Coronary calcific embolisation must be considered in the differential diagnosis of symptoms of ischaemic heart disease in patients suffering from valvular heart lesions.
Mixed hepatoblastoma in the adult: case report and review of the literature.
Authors: Honan R P , Haqqani M T
Published: June 2007

A case of mixed hepatoblastoma in a woman is described. A survey of the English literature reveals 13 cases acceptable as mixed hepatoblastoma; these have been described and published under a variety of names. Difficulties in nomenclature and the histology of these cases are discussed. Diagnosis depends on the identification of both malignant mesenchymal and malignant epithelial elements. The former include myxoid connective tissue resembling primitive mesenchyme and areas resembling adult fibrosarcoma. Mature fibrous tissue with calcification and bone formation may be seen. Epithelial areas show tissue resembling fetal liver, poorly differentiated epithelial cells, and/or areas of adenocarcinoma. The current view on histogenesis is also given.
Adenoacanthoma of the endometrium: a separate entity or a histological curiosity?
Authors: Barrowclough H , Jaarsma K W
Published: June 2007

In a series of 42 patients with endometrial adenoacanthoma and of 53 with adenocarcinoma, age at the time of diagnosis, age at the onset of the menopause, gravidity, pathological staging, and survival were compared to see if there was any significant difference, apart from morphology, between the two tumours. No significant differences could be established, and it was concluded that adenoacanthoma should be regarded as a histological variant of adenocarcinoma and not as a separate entity.
Angiofollicular and plasmacytic polyadenopathy: a pseudotumourous syndrome with dysimmunity.
Authors: Diebold J , Tulliez M , Bernadou A , Audouin J , Tricot G , Reynes M , Bilski-Pasquier G
Published: June 2007

Two cases are reported of an apparently distinct type of immune disorder. Beginning with mild anaemia and widespread massive lymphadenopathy, the disease progressed to a fatal autoimmune type haemolytic anaemia. Serum investigation showed polyclonal hypergamma-globulinaemia and some autoantibodies. Repeat lymph node biopsies in each case showed hyperplasia within B lymphocyte territory (follicular hyperplasia and polyclonal plasmacytosis with IgG predominance) and atrophy of T dependent areas. Dilatation of lymph sinuses, vascular proliferation, and sclerosis were striking features. This appears to be a new entity, and reasons are given for separating this disease from other pseudotumourous lymph node disorders associated with dysimmunity.
Bullous impetigo caused by Streptococcus salivarius: a case report.
Authors: Brook I
Published: June 2007

A 19-month-old child presented with bullous impetigo around the perineal region, penis, and left foot. Streptococcus salivarius was the only isolate recovered from the lesions. The child was treated with parenteral penicillin, debridement of the bulli, and local application of silver sulphadiazine cream. This case of bullous impetigo illustrates another aspect of the pathogenicity of Strep. salivarius.
Senile amyloidosis: a protean manifestation of the aging process.
Authors: Cornwell G G , Westermark P
Published: June 2007

Senile amyloidosis represents a group of diseases which, while sharing features common to other forms of amyloidosis, are unique and differ from one another in their morphology, biochemical behaviour, protein components, and organ distribution. Although the exact prevalence of various forms of this group of amyloidosis is not yet known, it appears that some forms are extremely common in elderly patients and in many patients may have no clinical significance.
Megakaryocytes in pleural and peritoneal fluids: prevalence, significance, morphology, and cytohistological correlation.
Authors: Kumar N B , Naylor B
Published: June 2007

Over a period of 22 years, 4844 pleural and peritoneal fluids from 3279 patients were examined cytologically. Megakaryocytes were found in the fluids from five patients. The clinical diagnoses in the five patients were agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, chronic myeloid leukaemia, and lymphocytic lymphoma. All of these patients had persistent serous effusions. Megakaryocytes in serous fluids occurred in three forms: (1) a large type with abundant cytoplasm and multilobed nuclei, (2) a smaller type with a high nucleocytoplasmic ratio and unlobed nuclei, and (3) anucleate cytoplasmic masses. Foci of agnogenic myeloid metaplasia found on the serous surfaces at necropsy of two patients contained megakaryocytes similar to those in the corresponding effusions. The clinical course of our patients confirmed that the presence of megakaryocytes in serous fluids signifies an advanced haematopoietic malignancy.
The diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease by counterimmunoelectrophoresis.
Authors: Holliday M G
Published: June 2007

Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) was found to be a rapid, specific method for detecting circulating antibodies to Legionella pneumophila, the aetiologic agent of Legionnaires' disease in human sera. Optimum conditions for performing the test are given. Better precipitin lines are observed when the gel support is neutral, and a result may be obtained in 90 to 180 minutes. Comparison of results of CIE and indirect fluorescent antibody tests on 22 sera from patients with Legionnaires' disease and on 27 sera from healthy control subjects showed 100% correlation, and 75 paired sera from patients with pneumonia of unknown aetiology showed 96.7% correlation. Laboratory diagnosis may be made quickly and accurately by CIE. The method is simple and easily performed in the routine laboratory. The antigen is stable at 4 degrees C for at least six months.
Electron microscopic evidence of flagella and pili on Legionella pneumophila.
Authors: Rodgers F G , Greaves P W , Macrae A D , Lewis M J
Published: June 2007

Twenty-one strains of Legionella pneumophila, representing the six known serotypes of the organism, cultured on various bacteriological media and in the yolk sacs of fertile hens' eggs were examined by negative stain electron microscopy for flagella and pili. These appendages were usually observed after cultivation on media capable of inducing an early profuse growth of the organisms.
Detection of Bacteroides fragilis and Bacteroides melaninogenicus by direct immunofluorescence.
Authors: Labbé M , Delamare N , Pepersack F , Crokaert F , Yourassowsky E
Published: June 2007

A new diagnostic kit, which contains a polyvalent antiserum for either Bacteroides fragilis or Bacteroides melaninogenicus, was tested for reliability and specificity on 146 clinical samples of different origin. A correlation between the culture and immunofluorescence was observed for B. fragilis in 87.39% of cases and for B. melaninogenicus in 81.48% of cases. When pure cultures were tested, aerobically as well as anaerobically, false-positive reactions were observed with staphylococci and Clostridium ramosum spores. The well-defined morphology of these bacteria and spores allows for the elimination of any diagnostic error. The method is rapid, and the margin for error is limited. The test gives a semiquantitative idea of the number of bacteroides organisms present in the clinical specimens even in the presence of a mixed flora.
On the histological diagnosis and prognosis of malignant melanoma.
Authors: Levene A
Published: June 2007

This review deals with difficulties of diagnosis in cutaneous malignant melanoma encountered by histopathologists of variable seniority and is based on referred material at The Royal Marsden Hospital over a 20-year period and on the experience of more than two-and-a-half thousand cases referred to The World Health Organisation Melanoma Unit which I reviewed when chairman of the Pathologists' Committee. Though there is reference to the differential diagnosis of primary and metastatic tumour, the main concern is with establishing the diagnosis of primary melanoma to the exclusion of all other lesions. An appendix on recommended diagnostic methods in cutaneous melanomas is included.
Evaluation of the Honeywell ACS 1000 leucocyte differential counter.
Authors: Clowes M , Giles C , Ibbotson R M , Johnson P H
Published: June 2007

The Honeywell ACS 1000 is a relatively inexpensive differential white cell counter, which is only partially automated. This instrument has been evaluated in a routine haematology laboratory.
Substance P in ovarian carcinoid.
Authors: Skrabanek P , Dervan P , Cannon D , Powell D
Published: June 2007

A high content of substance P (124 ng/g wet tissue) was demonstrated by radioimmunoassay in lymph node metastases in a patient with bilateral ovarian carcinoid tumours. The plasma substance P level was elevated but urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) was low. It is suggested that, in some carcinoid patients, an elevated plasma substance P level may help diagnosis and follow-up when urinary 5-HIAA is normal.
Serum alpha 2-macroglobulin levels in diabetes.
Authors: James K , Merriman J , Gray R S , Duncan L J , Herd R
Published: June 2007

Serum alpha 2-macroglobulin levels have been determined in diabetic patients by quantitative radial immunodiffusion and compared with those observed in age- and sex-matched controls. In addition, the results in diabetics have been analysed with respect to such variables as the age and sex of the patient, the duration of disease, treatment, control, and the occurrence of retinopathy or nephropathy. The alpha 2-macroglobulin levels in diabetic patients were found to be significantly higher than in age- and sex-matched controls, thus confirming previous observations. However, these differences were most apparent in the more extreme age groups. Multiple regression analysis also revealed that the only variables contributing significantly to the regression apart from age and sex were control and retinopathy.
A comparison of the sensitivity of immunofluorescence and Giemsa for staining Chlamydia trachomatis inclusions in cycloheximide-treated McCoy cells.
Authors: Munday P E , Johnson A P , Thomas B J , Taylor-Robinson D
Published: June 2007

In a clinical study of 190 men with non-gonococcal urethritis, Chlamydia trachomatis inclusions were sought in cycloheximide-treated McCoy cells by an indirect immunofluorescent antibody technique. The method was consistently reliable over a period of two years, and the results were obtained within 24 hours of a patient's attendance. The results correlated with those obtained by Giemsa staining in 91.6% of patients, and the new method was at least as sensitive as the established Giemsa-staining method.
An evaluation of commercial radioisotope methods for the determination of folate and vitamin B12.
Authors: Dawson D W , Delamore I W , Fish D I , Flaherty T A , Gowenlock A H , Hunt L P , Hyde K , MacIver J E , Thornton J A , Waters H M
Published: June 2007

Five commercial kits for the determination of folate and six kits for the determination of vitamin B12 were investigated. Their performance has been compared with microbiological methods for the two vitamins and with a non-commercial radioisotopic method for B12. The results show the importance of the determination of the reference range for an individual laboratory for each method. The precision of the kits varied appreciably, as did their performance using specimens from patients with different haematological disorders. In particular, certain kits failed to detect all patients with pernicious anaemia. The relative accuracy of the kits was assessed. Various factors which should be taken into account in the final selection of a satisfactory kit are discussed.
Microscopic amyloid deposits in the heart valves: a common local complication of chronic damage and scarring.
Authors: Goffin Y
Published: June 2007

The presence of amyloidosis was detected in 33 out of 213 (15.5%) mitral and aortic valves that had been surgically removed for chronic valvular disease. No correlation could be found with age or type of valvular disease, neither was there any clinical evidence of an associated generalised amyloidosis. Histologically, the amyloid deposits were microscopic and restricted to areas of dense scar tissue. No comparable alterations were found in 147 unaltered valves which served as controls. The term 'dystrophic' is proposed to describe this particular form of valvular amyloidosis.
Sensitivity to carbenicillin and ticarcillin, and the beta-lactamases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the UK in 1978-79.
Authors: King J D , Farmer T , Reading C , Sutherland R
Published: June 2007

A total of 438 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa supplied by 10 hospitals in the UK reporting an increase in resistance to carbenicillin was tested for sensitivity to carbenicillin and ticarcillin. It was found that 85% of the strains were inhibited by 125 microgram carbenicillin/ml and 87% by 50 microgram ticarcillin/ml, and that ticarcillin was from two- to four-fold more active than carbenicillin against the majority of these strains. Strains with a high level of resistance to carbenicillin (MIC greater than 1000 microgram/ml) possessed constitutive beta-lactamases, and five different types of enzyme were identified. There was good correlation between minimum inhibitory concentrations and the results of disc sensitivity tests in this study, 82% with the 100 microgram carbenicillin disc and 90( with the 75 microgram ticarcillin disc, but results reported in the hospital laboratory tests with the carbenicillin disc were less satisfactory (64% correlation). From a comparison with data reported in 1967 there does not appear to have been a significant increase in the incidence of carbenicillin-resistant strains of Ps aeruginosa in the UK.
Evaluation of rapid methods of identifying group B streptococci.
Authors: Waitkins S A
Published: June 2007

Rapid methods of identifying Lancefield group B streptococci were compared to the standard Fuller's extraction method. Such tests as sodium hippurate hydrolysis, bile tolerance, aesculin hydrolysis, pyruvate fermentation, Camp factor, pigmentation, and bacitracin haemolysis were tested on both routine clinical specimens and National Collection of Type Culture strains. The results show that pigmentation on Islams's medium was the most definitive test available rapidly to identify group B streptococci.
An outbreak of rotavirus infection in a long-stay ward of a geriatric hospital.
Authors: Cubitt W D , Holzel H
Published: June 2007

An outbreak of rotavirus infection in elderly patients in a long-stay ward of a geriatric hospital is described. Virus was detected in 7/15 (47%) symptomatic individuals. Four members of staff were among those affected. The findings emphasise the need for electron microscopy to be used in the initial investigation of outbreaks of diarrhoea in all age groups.
Demonstration of carcinoembryonic antigen in human breast carcinomas by the immunoperoxidase technique.
Authors: Walker R A
Published: June 2007

Using an antiserum against carcinoembryonic antigen, which was free from non-specific cross-reacting antigen activity, carcinoembryonic antigen has been demonstrated in 45 out of 90 breast carcinomas by an indirect three-stage immunoperoxidase method. The presence of carcinoembryonic antigen appears to be related to good histological differentiation but not to histological type, lymph node metastasis, or recurrence within two years of primary diagnosis. It is suggested that the varying results obtained by different workers may be due to the differing characteristics of the anti-carcinoembryonic antigen serum used.
Quantitation of oestrogen receptors: use of solid-phase antisteroid antibodies to quantify binding sites and determination of dissociation constant.
Authors: Raam S , Cohen J L
Published: June 2007

The dextran-coated charcoal assay method of McGuire and DeLaGarza is a well-known method for quantitation of oestrogen receptors in breast tumour tissues. Castañeda and Liao reported that the solid-phase antisteroid antibodies are superior to dextran-coated charcoal for quantitating the receptor bound steroids. In this report we compare the results obtained using both methods to quantitate oestrogen receptors and determine the affinity for steroid binding in seven human breast tumours and the uteri of rat and calf.
Grouping of beta-haemolytic streptococci by agglutination.
Authors: Easmon C S , Cox S E , Howard A
Published: June 2007

Streptococcal grouping sera, diluted and absorbed to remove cross-reactions, were bound to staphylococci and used to group trypsinised beta-haemolytic streptococci by coagglutination. The results compared well with those obtained using the Phadebact streptococcal grouping kit. The same sera bound to staphylococci without prior dilution and absorption could be used to group enzyme extracts of haemolytic streptococci by slide agglutination, the results again comparing favourably with those of the Phadebact kit.
Synergistic haemolysis test for presumptive identification and differentiation of Clostridium perfringens, C. bifermentans, C. sordellii, and C. paraperfringens.
Authors: Gubash S M
Published: June 2007

A new test for the presumptive identification of Clostridium perfringens, C. bifermentans, C. sordellii, and C. paraperfringens is described. The test is based on the synergistic haemolysis shown by the clostridia and group B streptococci on sheep and human and CaCl2-supplemented human blood agar. C. perfringens gave crescent-shaped synergistic lytic zones (7 to over 20 mm in length), and C. paraperfringens usually small-sized (3 mm), bullet-shaped reactions on all three types of media. C. bifermentans showed a horseshoe-shaped synergistic reaction only on human blood containing media, and C. sordellii only on CaCl2-supplemented human blood agar. C. perfringens type A antiserum inhibited synergistic lytic activities of the four species. The test provided a reliable method for presumptive identification and differentiation of the four clostridial species and may obviate the need for the Nagler test.
Maintenance control of oral anticoagulant therapy by a chromogenic substrate assay for factor X.
Authors: Erskine J G , Walker I D , Davidson J F
Published: June 2007

An amidolytic assay employing the chromogenic substrate S 2337 (Kabi Diagnostica) was used to assay factor X in 35 healthy controls and in 100 outpatients receiving oral anticoagulant therapy. This method correlated well with a coagulation assay of factor X in the control group (r = 0.88). When compared with two routine tests for the control of anticoagulant theray (Thrombotest and prothrombin ratio) good correlation was obtained between the methods, r = 0.84 and r = -0.74 respectively. These results suggest that a chromogenic substrate assay for factor X might be a suitable method for the maintenance control of oral anticoagulant therapy.
Electron microscopical studies of vessels in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Authors: Williams E , Timperley W R , Ward J D , Duckworth T
Published: June 2007

the results of an electron microscopical study of sural nerve biopsies from 11 patients with diabetic neuropathy are presented. Thrombi were seen in six cases in at least one intraneural vessel; nine cases showed hyperplasia of endothelial cells, and in seven out of these nine the hyperplasia was sufficient to occlude completely the lumen of small vessels; six cases showed degenerate pericytes and endothelial cells, and in some cases endothelial cells had been shed from the vessel wall, exposing the blood within the vessel to the underlying basement membrane; in five cases large lipid droplets were seen within endothelial cells. Abnormalities of the vessel wall would result in decreased fibrinolytic activity and a reduction of the antiplatelet aggregating proprties of the vessel. Desquamation of endothelial cells from the vessel wall, with exposure of platelets to underlying collagen, may act as a trigger for thrombus formation, particularly as the blood of diabetic patients is often in a hypercoagulable state. The significance of hyperplasia of endothelial cells is at present unknown but, once established, this too would result in profound alterations of loal blood flow and ischaemia of nerve. Damage to endothelial cells may also allow seepage of haematological constituents into the vessel wall, resulting in its progressive thickening.
Postmortem bacteriology of the lung by printculture of frozen tissue. A technique for in situ culture of microorganisms in whole frozen organs.
Authors: Zanen-Lim O G , Zanen H C
Published: June 2007

Lung lobes obtained at necropsy from 100 patients were frozen at -70 degrees C and sectioned as a whole in a sledge microtome as used on complete frozen animals. Prints of freshly cut surfaces were cultured on different solid media in 14 cm Petri dishes. The printcultures showed three patterns of bacterial growth: dense growth in 24%, patchy growth in 43%, and no significant growth in 33%. Forty-two of the 67 positive printcultures showed to or more bacterial species. Besides bacteria known to be pathogens of the lung, streptococci of the viridans group, enterococci, and streptococci of group B were grown, sometimes in pure cultures. The patterns of the printcultures were reproducible in successive sections, and the quantity of the bacterial species could be assessed. Contaminating bacteria on the surface of the lung lobe could be recognised, as these produced colonies restricted to the edges of the print. Because there was no smearing of infecting and contaminating bacteria, printculture offers a method of reference.
Influence of laboratory reports on prescribing of antimicrobials for urinary tract infection.
Authors: Barnes M P
Published: June 2007

The effect of laboratory reports, with restricted reporting of antibiotic information, on the prescribing of antimicrobials for urinary tract infection was assessed in a series of 250 patients. There was considerable prescribing of broad-spectrum antimicrobials, to which sensitivity was rarely reported, whether treatment was begun before or after the laboratory report was available, although they were used rather less in the latter situation. Of 147 patients with no evidence of bacteriuria, 26 (19%) received a full course of antimicrobial treatment. Of 49 asymptomatic catheterised patients with bacteriuria, 30 (61%) received antibiotics despite a recommendation to the contrary. The influence of laboratory reports is limited, and when the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria necessitates restraint with antimicrobials, restriction of antibiotic sensitivity reporting and recommendations by the laboratory may be insufficient.
Quantification of human gastric G cell density in endoscopic biopsy specimens: effect of shape of specimen.
Authors: McIntyre R , Piris J
Published: June 2007

Experiments performed on endoscopic biopsy specimens show that when they are curved, as they often are, the inner surface of the mucosa is contracted and the outer surface is expanded. When estimating G cell numbers per unit length of mucosa from such biopsy specimens, artefacts produced by variations in shape are minimised by relating the number of G cells to the mean of the length of the muscularis mucosae and the length of the outer mucosal profile on the tissue section containing these cells.
Progression and regression of cervical lesions
Authors: Spriggs AI , Boddington MM
Published: June 2007

Cervical smears were reviewed from patients in whom a cytological abnormality was followed, after an interval without interference, either by regression to `negative' or else by progression to invasive carcinoma. Twenty-eight cases were from a previously analysed series with positive smears and an interval of at least two years before investigation, resulting from refusal or failure to trace. Slides were also reviewed from 25 cases in which `positive' smears had regressed to negative without escaping from surveillance, and from 10 patients subsequently developing invasive carcinoma whose previous slides, taken several years earlier, showed abnormalities on review. None of these 63 patients had any biopsy or other surgical procedure to the cervix between the initial smear and the outcome.

Slides showing `superficial cell dyskaryosis' and/or well-differentiated `parabasal cell dyskaryosis' were found only among the groups with subsequent regression. Those showing dissociated poorly differentiated dyskaryotic parabasal cells regressed to negative in two cases and progressed to invasion in nine. This suggests that many examples of spontaneous regression correspond to mild dysplasias which are not precancerous, and overdiagnosis must often have resulted in unnecessary surgical procedures in the past.

`Regressing' and `progressing' groups both included cases in which the spatula had removed coherent pieces of undifferentiated epithelium. These are difficult to interpret cytologically. In nine of them (including four which regressed) the cytological picture was that of carcinoma in situ. The remainder (14 cases) were probably examples of reserve cell hyperplasia, and it is noteworthy that, of the 21 cases subsequently progressing to invasive carcinoma, five were preceded by appearances of this type. It is concluded that cell aggregates suggesting an unusual degree of reserve cell hyperplasia are a danger signal and require careful surveillance.
Osteogenesis imperfecta (lethal) bones contain types III and V collagens.
Authors: Pope F M , Nicholls A C , Eggleton C , Narcissi P , Hey E N , Parkin J M
Published: June 2007

Lethal osteogenesis imperfecta (OI-L) and normal fetal bones contain types I and V collagen with relatively more type V in OI-L bones. The latter, unlike normal fetal bone, also contain some type III collagen. Such altered collagen ratios could directly produce the bony fragility and radiotranslucency of OI-L bones. Since this is an inherited osteoporosis similar alterations in acquired osteoporoses are also possible.
Diagnosis of hairy-cell leukaemia by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity in paraffin-embedded tissue sections.
Authors: Grouls V
Published: June 2007

Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity may be demonstrated in paraffin-embedded liver and spleen specimens as well as in decalcified bone marrow biopsies after fixation in a mixed glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde-calcium acetate solution. This technique may routinely be applied to haematologically relevant material and aids in the differential diagnosis of hairy-cell leukaemia.
Alkaline phosphatase as a marker of maturity in human neutrophils. Studies in normals dosed with aetiocholanolone and prednisolone.
Authors: Mishler J M , Williams D M
Published: June 2007

Changes in the level of neutrophil alkaline phosphatase (NAP) in a population of peripheral blood neutrophils were determined in healthy subjects dosed with either aetiocholanolone (Aetio, 4 mg/m2 im) or prednisolone sodium succinate (Pred, 30 mg/m2 iv). Before dosing the mean NAP score, as measured by a modified Gomori azo-dye method, was 109 and 118 in the Aetio and Pred groups, respectively. Fifteen hours after injection the NAP score in the Aetio group had risen to 187 concomitant with the appearance of large numbers of juvenile (band) and mature neutrophils. Twenty-four hours after dosing, the NAP score increased to 213 with still further concentrations of juvenile cells, while the numbers of mature neutrophils returned to approximately baseline values. Five hours after injection, in subjects given Pred, the NAP score had fallen to 108 concomitant with a marked increase in the numbers of mature neutrophils. These data in normals dosed with either Aetio or Pred appear to substantiate a 'first-in, first-out' cellular progression with initial release of the oldest of the mature bone marrow reserve neutrophils containing less (relative to juvenile forms) NAP activity. These data also indicate that NAP activity is inversely related to cellular age and may support previous findings in the rat that enzyme levels are higher in bone marrow relative to peripheral blood.
An evaluation of the Replireader in the identification of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from urine and in the recording of sensitivity tests performed by an agar dilution method.
Authors: Waterworth P M
Published: June 2007

In the Replireader system for identifying Enterobacteriaceae, plates of biochemical media are inoculated with a replicator and the results are put into a computer. The machine correctly identified 92x2% of 734 strains of Gram-negative bacilli isolated from urine; it was incorrect in 0x8% and failed to recognise 7%. The Replireader was also used to record the results of sensitivity tests using a plate dilution method in which the drugs were provided by impregnated filter papers (Adapads).
Comparison of methods available for assay of chloramphenicol in clinical specimens.
Authors: de Louvois J , Mulhall A , Hurley R
Published: June 2007

Eight methods for the assay of chloramphenicol in clinical samples were compared with our own modification of a plate diffusion technique using Sarcina lutea and yeast extract agar. Six of the eight methods were less sensitive than originally reported, and five of them were considered unsuitable for use in clinical microbiology practice. The remaining three methods together with the S. lutea/yeast extract modification were used to assay chloramphenicol in 20 samples of serum. Twenty samples of cerebrospinal fluid were also assayed by the S. lutea/yeast extract method. Our results indicate that only the Bacillus subtilis (sensitivity 6x0 mg/l) and the S. lutea (sensitivity 2x5 mg/l) diffusion methods are suitable for use with clinical samples in routine practice. The problems of chloramphenicol toxicity, appropriate dosage regimens, and the need for assay of the drugs are considered.
Paraproteinaemia in neurological disease: incidence, associations, and classification of monoclonal immunoglobulins.
Authors: Kahn S N , Riches P G , Kohn J
Published: June 2007

Fifty-six patients presenting with neurological complaints were found to have paraproteinaemia unassociated with immunocytic malignancy; 16 patients presented with peripheral neuropathy. There was an association between IgM paraproteinaemia and an idiopathic neuropathy with markedly slowed nerve conduction velocities.
Liver function and the diagnostic significance of biochemical changes in the blood of African children with sickle cell disease.
Authors: Isichei U P
Published: June 2007

The blood biochemistry of 84 young homozygous sickle cell patients aged 1 to 11 years was analysed for evidence of liver disease. A comparison of the values found in their blood with those seen in normal children from an identical age group, assessed at the same time, shows no convincing evidence of liver cell damage except in 12% of cases. The normal transaminase observed in many of the patients assessed, together with the high alkaline phosphatase activity which seemed to be out of proportion to plasma bilirubin, is a picture compatible with localised obstructive lesions of the liver or bone lesions, both of which are common in sickle cell disease. This biochemical pattern suggests that the conjugated bilirubin, which dominates the picture in 40% of patients who have 'haemolytic jaundice', is due largely, not to liver cell damage, but to a combination of two factors, namely, intrahepatic cholestasis and the presence of actively functioning liver cells. Adequate albumin synthesis found in these patients, together with normal thymol reactions, provides further evidence of the absence of severe liver cell damage.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for quantitation of toxoplasma antibodies in human sera.
Authors: van Loon A M , van der Veen J
Published: June 2007

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was developed for the detection of toxoplasma antibodies using a single serum dilution (1:800) in conjunction with a standard curve Antigen was prepared from Toxoplasma gondii cultivated in human cell cultures. A nearly linear relationship was found between the logarithms of the absorbance values of 120 human sera at a dilution of 1/800 and the titres as determined by an end point dilution ELISA. The reproducibility of the single dilution ELISA was excellent; the coefficients of variation for within-day and day-to-day tests were less than 15%. A close correlation was found between the results obtained with ELISA, indirect immunofluorescence (IF), and complement fixation (CF). The titres in ELISA were 20 to 40 times higher than in IF and 200 to 1000 times higher than in CF.