bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POLYCYTHAEMIA VERA AND CHRISTMAS DISEASE WITH SLIGHTLY PROLONGED PROTHROMBIN TIME
Authors: Amos J. A. S.
Published: June 2007

A family is reported in which Christmas disease in one member and polycythaemia in another were associated with prolongations of the one-stage prothrombin time of the factor-VII deficiency type.

Changes in the prothrombin time were present in the siblings of the case of Christmas disease and in a number of unrelated cases of polycythaemia vera.

The use of “mixing procedures” did not reveal any significant mutual correction of the changes in prothrombin time.
MULTIPLE CONGENITAL COAGULATION DEFICIENCIES
Authors: Bonnin J. A. , Hicks N. D. , Innis M. D. , Simpson D. A.
Published: June 2007

A 6-week-old infant is presented who suffered from a congenital haemorrhagic disorder which caused death from subdural haemorrhage following mild trauma. Haematological investigation revealed deficiencies of factor VII and Christmas factor. Prower-Stuart factor was probably also deficient although investigation of this clotting factor was carried out only on serum obtained at necropsy.
THE BLOOD GROUPS OF GASTRIC ULCER-CANCER
Authors: Beasley W. H.
Published: June 2007

There was a statistically significant excess of Group A blood in a series of ulcer-cancers. It is concluded that an ulcer in a patient of Group A is more liable to become malignant than one in a patient of Group O.
PENICILLIN RESISTANCE IN STAPHYLOCOCCI ISOLATED IN A CASUALTY DEPARTMENT
Authors: Ashley David J. B. , Brindle M. J.
Published: June 2007

The results of a series of antibiotic resistance tests on 118 strains ofStaphylococcus aureusisolated from patients attending a casualty department are recorded. Forty-six per cent. of the strains were resistant to penicillin, 12% to streptomycin, 7.5% to tetracycline, and small numbers to the other antibiotics. It is suggested that tetracycline should be used in those infections which are sufficiently severe to merit antibiotic treatment.
SHORT-TERM ASSESSMENT OF RED BLOOD CELL SURVIVAL USING51Cr
Authors: Jones N. F. , Wetherley-Mein G. , Ingram G. I. C. , Langmead W. A.
Published: June 2007

5Cr techniques for the study of red blood cell survival over long periods in the steady state are now well established (Ebaugh, Emerson, and Ross, 1953; Mollison and Veall, 1955; Hughes Jones and Mollison, 1956). This paper presents the results of an investigation of the validity of a51Cr study not exceeding 10 days which is well suited to a combination with a59Fe technique for the rapid simultaneous assessment of red cell production and destruction where haematological conditions may show fairly rapid changes.
THE ABSORPTION OF VITAMIN B12IN MEGALOBLASTIC ANAEMIA ASSOCIATED WITH PREGNANCY
Authors: Metz J. , Lewis S. M. , Keeley K. J. , Hart D.
Published: June 2007

The absorption of60CoB12has been studied in a group of patients suffering from megaloblastic anaemia associated with pregnancy and in a control group.

The mean urinary excretion of60CoB12in the patients with megaloblastic anaemia is not significantly different from that of the control group. Five of the 30 patients showed a value towards the lower limit of normal, but the serum vitamin B12content in this group was within the normal range.

Malabsorption of vitamin B12does not appear to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of this form of megaloblastic anaemia.
THE DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF TUMOUR CELLS IN CIRCULATING BLOOD
Authors: Alexander R. F. , Spriggs A. I.
Published: June 2007

White-cell concentrates were made by a dextran sedimentation technique from the blood of 140 cases of malignant disease and 60 controls. The slides were searched for tumour cells and for other unusual cells with which they might be confused. Several million white cells were scanned in the slides from each case.

Acceptable tumour cells were identified in the blood of seven patients, none of whom survived for more than a few months. These cells are illustrated, as well as various other cell types which may have been confused with malignant cells in the past. It is concluded that the cytology of white cell concentrates should be further explored before statistics about the occurrence of circulating tumour cells are accepted.
THREE CASES OF ACUTE MESENTERIC LYMPHADENITIS DUE TOPASTEURELLA PSEUDOTUBERCULOSIS
Authors: Mair N. S. , Mair Hélène J. , Stirk E. M. , Corson J. G.
Published: June 2007

Seventeen cases of mesenteric adenitis were investigated between May and October, 1959, for the presence of virus as well as for evidence ofPasteurella pseudotuberculosisinfection.

Specimens examined included mesenteric glands, appendix, throat swab, faeces, and serum, although glands were received from only 12 patients. Virus was not isolated from any of the specimens, but evidence of infection withPasteurella pseudotuberculosiswas obtained in three patients.

The three cases of acute mesenteric lymphadenitis due toPasteurella pseudotuberculosisare reported.

Pasteurella pseudotuberculosisType IA was isolated from the mesenteric glands of two of the cases, and all three cases showed serological evidence of infection with the organism. The mesenteric glands of two of the cases showed histological changes characteristic of pseudotuberculosis.
STUDIES ON REANIMATION WITH PLASMA EXPANDERS
Authors: Nicolau C. T. , Poppa Cecil , Ialomiteanu M. , Pîrvu R. , Ionescu M.
Published: June 2007

In dogs very severe haemorrhage, which leads to a state barely distinguishable from death, can be cured by one intra-arterial injection of dextran equal in volume to three-quarters or more of the estimated blood loss, provided that the dextran injection contains adrenaline and lobeline. Recovery after this treatment is only temporary, and a blood transfusion of about 25% of th e subject's lost volume of blood is needed for complete recovery.

It may be possible to apply these results to man, in which case, the reanimation method of Negovsky could be simplified and therefore be easy to use in any circumstances.
THE ASSAY AND PROPERTIES OF LABILE FACTOR (FACTOR V)
Authors: Quick Armand J.
Published: June 2007

Human oxalated plasma stored at 4° C. until the prothrombin time is increased beyond 60 sec. is a reliable medium for assaying labile factor (factor V) because its response to added labile factor corresponds quantitatively to that of plasma from patients with congenital deficiency of this factor. Such an agreement is not obtained with plasma stored at 37°C. The stability of labile factor is closely associated with ionized calcium. The addition of thrombin to fresh oxalated plasma causes an apparent hyperactivity of labile factor, but this is completely removed by adsorption with Ca3(PO)2. Oxalated plasma when adsorbed with Ca3(PO4)2before treatment with thrombin does not develop this adventitious activity, nor does it occur in stored plasma treated with thrombin. The seemingly high labile factor activity in serum can be explained by the activation of this factor which is independent of labile factor but acts synergistically with it. The true labile factor concentration can be determined only after the accelerator is removed by adsorption with Ca3(PO4)2. A close agreement between the consumption of prothrombin and the loss of labile factor during clotting is observed.
A RAPID “SIDE-ROOM” METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF PLASMA FIBRINOGEN CONCENTRATION AS FIBRIN
Authors: Ingram G. I. C. , Matchett Myrtle O.
Published: June 2007

A method is proposed for the rapid estimation of plasma fibrinogen concentration. The technique depends on the increase of optical density occurring when plasma clots. A kit is described which obviates the use of laboratory apparatus, so that the test may be performed in the ward side-room if a small centrifuge can be provided.

A calibration curve has been prepared for use with commercial opacity standards, and a measure of the error of the method has been obtained.
THE RELATION OF THYROID AUTO-IMMUNITY TO ROUND-CELLED INFILTRATION OF THE THYROID GLAND
Authors: Schade R. O. K. , Owen S. G. , Smart G. A. , Hall R.
Published: June 2007

The relationship between thyroid auto-immunity and the presence of lymphocytes in the thyroid gland has been analysed in patients with Graves' disease, toxic adenoma, and non-toxic nodular goitre. In all these conditions circulating antibody to thyroglobulin was significantly associated with lymphocytic infiltration. No similar correlation was established in the case of the complement-fixing antibody.

Complement-fixing antibody was significantly commoner in Graves' disease (diffuse thyrotoxic goitre) than in toxic adenoma and non-toxic nodular goitre. Circulating thyroglobulin antibody probably originates from lymphoid tissue within and around the thyroid gland itself.

Overactivity of pituitary thyrotropin may favour immunization to the intracellular (complementfixing) antigen.
THE URINARY EXCRETION OF 5-HYDROXYINDOLE-ACETIC ACID IN PATIENTS WITH MENOPAUSAL FLUSHING
Authors: Rowell N. R. , Summerscales Jean W.
Published: June 2007

The 24-hour urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in women with post-menopausal flushing attacks was compared with that of a control group of post-menopausal women without flushing attacks. The results were normal in the women with post-menopausal flushing, and it is concluded that 5-hydroxytryptamine is not a factor in the pathogenesis of post-menopausal flushing.
Efficiency tests on a series of common skin antiseptics under ward conditions
Authors: Verdon P. E.
Published: June 2007

Bacteriological trials were carried out on 11 different skin disinfecting agents to ascertain their relative efficiencies under ward conditions. A statistical analysis of the results is given. Of the antiseptics used, 5% Laurolinium appeared to be the most effective and has been adopted for routine use in the wards.
The effect of corticotrophin zinc on plasma 17-hydroxycorticoids as a test of adrenal cortical function
Authors: Jenkins J. S.
Published: June 2007

The response of plasma 17-hydroxycorticoids to corticotrophin has been determined using a simplified technique. Steroid levels appeared to be maximal four hours after the injection of 40 units of corticotrophin zinc. No response was obtained in cases of Addison's disease and a sluggish increase occurred in hypopituitarism. The effect of steroid therapy is discussed.
Nocardiosis in anaemic patients given steroids
Authors: Whitmore D. N. , Gresham G. A. , Grayson M. J.
Published: June 2007

Two fatal cases of infection withNocardia asteroidesare described with necropsy findings in one. Both patients had been anaemic and had received steroid therapy.

The bacteriological problems of species recognition in the genusNocardiaare considered and the results of infection in experimental animals described.
A family study of the biochemical defects in Wilson's disease
Authors: Soothill J. F. , Blainey J. D. , Neale F. C. , Fischer-Williams M. , Melnick S. C.
Published: June 2007

Estimations of serum copper, serum ceruloplasmin (immunochemical), and urinary amino-acids excretion (quantitative and chromatographic) in 44 healthy relatives of patients with Wilson's disease (39 from one family) are reported. Each technique revealed some abnormal individuals. Good agreement was obtained between the serum copper and serum ceruloplasmin estimations and between the quantitative and chromatographic estimations of amino-acid excretion. Some individuals were abnormal to one or other of the pairs of tests only.

These results cast doubt on the hypothesis that the symptoms of Wilson's disease are secondary to a quantitative (or qualitative) abnormality of ceruloplasmin. They also suggest that the mode of inheritance of the biochemical defects may be more complicated than that of a simple recessive mutant gene.

Two of the relatives (one pregnant and one immediately post-partum) had a high serum copper level, as is expected in pregnancy, but normal serum ceruloplasmin. This suggests that the mechanism of control of the serum ceruloplasmin concentration may, normally, depend on the serum copper concentration.
Soluble cerebral proteins in normal and oedematous brain
Authors: Cumings J. N.
Published: June 2007

The soluble cerebral proteins of cortex and white matter from normal brains of adults and infants and of oedematous brain tissue have been subjected to starch electrophoresis. The protein patterns with their nitrogen, lactic dehydrogenase, and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase contents were estimated. The normal patterns of these substances have been compared with the findings of workers using other methods of electrophoresis.

Oedematous brains have been shown to possess an albumin band with an increase in lactic dehydrogenase in some globulin bands. These findings are discussed in relation to the mode and site of production of oedema.
The usefulness of counting `heat-affected' red cells as a guide to the risk of the later disappearance of red cells after burns
Authors: Topley Elizabeth
Published: June 2007

The technique for counting heat-affected red cells (`microcytes') in the head of the blood film taken from patients on admission is described. Although crude, it does appear to increase the precision with which it is possible to predict the disappearance of red cells in the first 24 hours after a burn, and therefore to decide those cases in which51Cr red cell volume estimates may be clinically useful.
The determination of magnesium in biological materials by flame photometry
Authors: Fawcett J. K. , Wynn V.
Published: June 2007

A method is described for the measurement of magnesium in biological materials and has been applied to the Unicam flame spectrophotometer SP 900.

Samples were diluted in 10 mM strontium ethylenedinitrolo tetraacetate (EDTASr), 10 mM potassium carbonate, giving final magnesium concentrations of about 0·1 to 0·2 mM. The EDTASr almost eliminated the depression of magnesium emission by interfering anions. The potassium carbonate slightly depressed both magnesium emission and flame background, which were then virtually unaffected by further addition of cations.

Spectral interference by sodium was controlled by including 14 mM sodium chloride in the plasma standards and making small corrections (usually under 2%) on the basis of the plasma sodium level. The urine standards contained no sodium, but a small correction (usually about 2%) was made on the basis of the urine sodium level. There was insufficient sodium in faeces to cause spectral interference.

Using the diluent described, added magnesium was satisfactorily recovered from plasma deproteinized with perchloric acid, urine, and faeces. When different volumes of identical samples of plasma and urine were analysed, the magnesium found was proportional to the volume of sample diluted.

The plasma magnesium levels reported for a small group of healthy people were similar to those found by previous workers.
The artificial kidney and urea clearance
Authors: Blackmore D. J. , Elder W. J.
Published: June 2007

A theoretical efficiency has been calculated from the known urea clearance of the artificial kidney, the assumed total body water of the patient, and the initial plasma urea.

The efficiency of dialysis never significantly exceeded the calculated figure. In some patients with trauma or glomerulonephritis the efficiency was very poor whereas in patients with renal failure complicating pregnancy the actual and calculated efficiencies were very close.

These observations are discussed and possible reasons for the failure of dialysis to bring down the plasma urea to the expected concentration are suggested.
Estimation of gamma globulin in the serum of patients with hypogammaglobulinaemia
Authors: Kekwick R. A. , Vallet L. , Cutbush M. , Mollison P. L. , Thomas A. R. , Gell P. G. H. , Soothill J. F.
Published: June 2007

Three methods of estimating γ globulin in the serum of patients with hypogammaglobulinaemia are described and compared, namely free electrophoresis, the inhibition of antiglobulin antiserum method, and the gel diffusion precipitin method. Data from 142 parallel estimations are reported.

The errors of these methods are determined.

The results of the three techniques give good general agreement. This is due to the fact that the 7S component dominates the estimations whichever technique is used. Some discrepancies are discussed.

All of the techniques are applicable to the diagnosis of hypogammaglobulinaemia. Their practical limitations are discussed.
Studies on the disturbance of glucuronide formation in infectious hepatitis
Authors: Vest M. F. , Fritz E.
Published: June 2007

The ability of the liver to form glucuronides was measured in 10 patients with infectious hepatitis. One test was done at the onset and another about four weeks later after the clinical symptoms had disappeared. N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (N.A.P.A.) or acetanilide was administered in doses ranging from 10 to 20 mg. per kg. body weight, either orally or by intravenous injection. N.A.P.A. is conjugated by the liver at the hydroxyl group and excreted in the urine as sulphuric and glucuronic acid conjugates. Total conjugated p-aminophenol, free N.A.P.A., and N.A.P.A. glucuronide were estimated in the urine of our patients. In the blood the disappearance of N.A.P.A. (free form) and the formation of N.A.P.A. glucuronide were traced.

During the acute phase of hepatitis the excretion of total conjugated p-aminophenol and of N.A.P.A. glucuronide in the urine is lower than after recovery from the disease. Likewise free N.A.P.A. disappears more slowly from the circulation and the peak concentration of N.A.P.A. glucuronide in the serum remains lower at the onset of hepatitis than after clinical cure. These results indicate that glucuronide formation during the acute stage of infectious hepatitis is depressed, as are other transformation mechanisms,i.e., of hippuric acid.
Disinfection of woollen blankets in steam at subatmospheric pressure
Authors: Alder V. G. , Gillespie W. A.
Published: June 2007

Blankets may be disinfected in steam at subatmospheric pressures by temperatures below boiling point inside a suitably adapted autoclave chamber.

The chamber and its contents are thoroughly evacuated of air so as to allow rapid heat penetration, and steam is admitted to a pressure of 10 in. Hg below atmospheric pressure, which corresponds to a temperature of 89°C. Woollen blankets treated 50 times by this process were undamaged. Vegetative organisms were destroyed but not spores.

The method is suitable for large-scale disinfection of blankets and for disinfecting various other articles which would be damaged at higher temperatures.
Coagulation tests on capillary blood
Authors: Dormandy Katharine M. , Hardisty R. M.
Published: June 2007

A method of investigating the coagulation mechanism is described.

Results obtained by this procedure are compared with those of tests carried out on venous blood obtained simultaneously from normal subjects and patients with a variety of clotting defects. Good correlation was found between the results of P and P tests on venous and capillary blood, and also between thromboplastin screening tests on capillary blood and antihaemophilic and Christmas factor levels.

The methods described have proved reliable as a pre-operative screening procedure in routine use over a period of nearly two years.
A simple method of weighing the heart
Authors: Marshall A. G.
Published: June 2007

A simple method of dividing and weighing the heart is described. It is quick to perform and ratios between the left and right ventricles and the total weight of the heart are remarkably constant.

Analysis of 788 cases shows that these ratios are of value in the diagnosis after death of systemic and pulmonary hypertension. This is applicable to both sexes at all ages.

An unexpected finding was a significant correlation between pulmonary hypertension and acute massive pulmonary embolism, of which the prophylactic and therapeutic implications are mentioned.

The value of the method in childhood and infancy is indicated.
Radio-isotope investigations in primary myeloid metaplasia
Authors: Bowdler A. J.
Published: June 2007

Chromium-51 and iron-59 studies in patients with primary myeloid metaplasia show that the anaemia of the condition is dependent on depression of marrow activity, aggravated in about one-third of cases by accelerated red cell destruction to which the marrow compensatory response is inadequate. Surface measurements of isotope activity assist in assessing dependence on extramedullary sites for erythropoiesis and in diagnosis. The relevance of these findings to the hypotheses of the pathogenesis of the condition is discussed.
Carbohydrates and sulphur-containing compounds in the anaemic buccal epithelium
Authors: Jacobs Allan
Published: June 2007

Mucosal biopsies from the inside of the cheek show epithelial atrophy, glycogen depletion, and an occasional increase in sulphydryl content in both iron-deficiency and megaloblastic anaemias. These changes are the same in the two types of anaemia but are more marked in the latter group.
The plasma clearance of injected doses of folic acid as an index of folic acid deficiency
Authors: Metz J. , Stevens K. , Krawitz S. , Brandt V.
Published: June 2007

The folic acid clearance test of Chanarin (1958) has been studied in normal white subjects, patients with megaloblastic anaemia, healthy Bantu males, Bantu females, hospital patients without anaemia, and in patients with scurvy.

The test clearly distinguishes patients with megaloblastic anaemia, where clearance from the plasma of injected folic acid is abnormally rapid, from normal subjects. The rate of clearance of folic acid is abnormally rapid both in vitamin B12and in folic acid deficiency. Rapid clearance of injected folic acid in patients with primary B12deficiency may be the result of a conditioned deficiency of folic acid.

The test is sufficiently sensitive to detect body deficiency of folic acid before the development of anaemia.

In patients with scurvy, folic acid is cleared from the plasma abnormally rapidly. It is suggested that this may be the result of an associated dietary deficiency of folic acid.
Pulmonary cytomegalic inclusion-body disease in a diabetic
Authors: Heard Brian E. , Hassan A. M. , Wilson Stephanie M.
Published: June 2007

Cytomegalic inclusion-body disease was found at necropsy in the lungs of a 57-year-old diabetic man. The characteristic large cells were found in all parts of the lungs. The alveolar walls showed no cellular infiltration, supporting Hamperl's suggestion that the cytomegalic virus alone may be incapable of causing pneumonitis. A small focus of aspergillosis was also found in one lung.

The rarity of cytomegalic inclusion-body disease in adults was confirmed by re-examining histologically the lungs of 15 further cases of diabetes as well as 60 of other chronic diseases. No further example of pulmonary cytomegaly was found.
Pulmonary nodular granulomatosis caused by inhaled vegetable particles
Authors: Crome L. , Valentine J. C.
Published: June 2007

Two cases are described of nodular granulomatosis of the lungs due to starch cells derived from peas, beans, or lentils. One was an idiot of 2 years and 4 months and the other an adult who was known to have inhaled vomit during electroconvulsive treatment.
Lymphocyte glycogen content in various diseases
Authors: Jones R. Vaughan , Goffi G. P. , Hutt M. S. R.
Published: June 2007

The lymphocyte glycogen content has been measured semi-quantitatively by staining peripheral blood films by the periodic-acid-Schiff (P.A.S.) technique. The high values reported in chronic lymphatic leukaemia, lymphosarcoma, Hodgkin's disease, and infectious mononucleosis have been confirmed. High values have also been found in cases with chronic suppuration, ulcerative colitis, myelomatosis, and epithelial malignancies. Our results suggest that a high lymphocyte glycogen content may be produced by several different mechanisms and that the test is of little value in differential diagnosis.
Serum sialic acid levels in health and disease
Authors: Carter Ann , Martin N. H.
Published: June 2007

Sialic acid levels in normal and pathological sera estimated by the improved Svennerholm technique are reported. The increased levels demonstrable in rheumatoid arthritis, cirrhosis, γ myelomata, and macroglobulinaemia are demonstrated as being explicable on the basis of increased production of proteins of normal sialic content.

Tentative reasons are given for the possibility that abnormal binding of sialic acid may occur in nephrotic sera and sera from β globulin myelomata. The latter may be confused with `macroglobulinaemia'.
A method for the determination of free131I in radio-iodinated lipids
Authors: Cox A. G. , Hinchliffe Zena
Published: June 2007

Experiments are described showing that an anion exchange resin may be used as a simple means of determining the amount of free radio-activity in emulsions of triolein and oleic acid labelled with131I in the form of131ICl. In the case of radio-iodinated triolein no special modifications are necessary. With radio-iodinated oleic acid, the working solution is made up with an excess of unlabelled oleic acid emulsion to prevent uptake of bound radio-activity by the resin. Recovery experiments show the method to be approximately 90% efficient, which is adequate when the radio-lipids are to be used for clinical purposes.
Congenital defect of the pericardium
Authors: Bruning E. G. H.
Published: June 2007

The morbid anatomy and histopathology is described as found at necropsy on a 7-year-old coloured girl who suffered from partial defect of the pericardium with prolapse and partial incarceration of the cardiac apex. Because of the absence of any history of illness during life the defect is considered to have been congenital, and because of the lack of any other significant necropsy findings, it is considered to have been the cause of death.
Exfoliated `myeloma cells' in the urine of a case of multiple myelomatosis
Authors: Prowse C. M. , Blecher T. E.
Published: June 2007

The clinical features and special investigations in a case of multiple myelomatosis are described. The finding of exfoliated `myeloma cells' in the urine of this case is thought to be unique, these cells closely resembling the myeloma cells seen in the bone marrow. The necropsy findings indicated that the origin of the cells was from a plasma cell infiltrate of the kidneys rather than from isolated plasmacytoma of any part of the urinary tract.
The ABO and Rhesus blood groups in Perthes' disease
Authors: Cameron J. Malcolm , Izatt Marian M.
Published: June 2007

Determinations were carried out of the ABO blood groups and Rhesus phenotypes of a series of 142 children with Perthes' disease. Where possible their parents and sibs were also grouped. Sera from the mothers of affected children were examined for the presence of Rhesus antibodies.

No apparent association was demonstrated between Perthes' disease and any ABO phenotype. The disease is also apparently independent of ABO incompatibility between mother and child.

There is the suggestion in these families of an increased incidence of the Rhesus cc phenotype among the affected children. The level of significance is estimated at 0·02, even after taking into account the numerous significance tests possible on the data.

Parental and sibship studies show that any association between Perthes' disease and the Rhesus Cc phenotypes, if one does exist, is unlikely to be the product of genetical stratification within the population.

Maternal Rhesus antibody, acting through the agency of haemolytic disease of the newborn, plays no detectable part in the aetiology of a subsequently developing Perthes' disease in the child.
An improved dinitrosalicylic acid method for determining blood and cerebrospinal fluid sugar levels
Authors: Mohun A. F. , Cook I. J. Y.
Published: June 2007

A development of a technique for estimating sugar in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, etc., is described, using 3:5-dinitrosalicylic acid (D.N.S.A.) originally introduced by Sumner (1921).

Results can be obtained in less than 10 minutes if required. The method is well suited to the estimation of random blood sugars and the handling of diabetic clinic requirements in hospital laboratories. The reagents are cheap, stable, and easily prepared. The results are very close to true glucose values in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The technique has justified its existence in a busy clinical laboratory on the grounds of simplicity and rapidity, and is sufficiently precise for all ordinary work.
Cellular types in acute leukaemia: diagnosis and significance
Authors: Gunz F. W. , Burry A. F.
Published: June 2007

Two independent observers, one using haematological and the other histological methods, analysed material from 68 patients with acute leukaemia. A correct diagnosis of the cell type of leukaemia was made in 70% of cases by haematological methods, and in 83% of those cases histological examination gave the same result. In two-thirds of the haematologically equivocal cases histological examination provided a positive diagnosis. The finally undiagnosed cases amounted to 12% of the total. The types so diagnosed could not be correlated with any clinical features.

Differentiation of the cell types in acute leukaemia showed that children with granulocytic types of acute leukaemia survived for shorter periods than those with other types but in adults the type of cell had no significance when related to survival. In adults the immediate prognosis for all cell types was relatively bad. The unfavourable prognosis attached to a high initial leucocyte count was confirmed.
Four cases of Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia
Authors: Kok D'A. , Whitmore D. N. , Ainsworth R. W.
Published: June 2007

The clinical course and pathological features of four cases of Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia are described. One was associated with a localized carcinoma of the bronchus and one with a chromophobe adenoma of the pituitary.

Trypsin digest preparations of the retina were examined in two cases, one with severe retinopathy and the other with no clinical evidence of ocular disease, and the findings are briefly described.

The aetiology of the anaemia is discussed. Haemolysis due to circulating autoantibodies was not demonstrated in any of the cases. Erythrophagocytosis was a prominent feature in case 4, of moderate degree in cases 1 and 2, and inconspicuous in case 3. It was not proportionate to the serum macroglobulin levels.

The cytological and histological features in all four cases are distinctive, and their value in differential diagnosis is stressed.
Electrophoretic patterns of tumour tissue proteins
Authors: Afonso Emidio
Published: June 2007

A method of constructing pherograms is described. The study of electrophoretic patterns shown on pherograms of tumour tissue from man and animals is claimed to offer a new approach to the identification and classification of tumour tissues.
Reversible absorptive defects in anticonvulsant megaloblastic anaemia
Authors: Reynolds E. H. , Hallpike J. F. , Phillips B. M. , Matthews D. M.
Published: June 2007

Two cases of anticonvulsant megaloblastic anaemia are described, showing features of unusual interest. Though both cases were apparently deficient in folic acid, the Figlu tests were negative. One patient had an extremely low serum B12concentration apparently associated with defective B12absorption due to deficiency of intrinsic factor, and both showed impaired intestinal absorption of D-xylose. There was, however, no evidence of permanent gastro-intestinal dysfunction, and the absorptive defects disappeared completely after treatment with folic acid.

Possible reasons for the findings are discussed. It is suggested that absorptive defects produced by the drugs may play some part in initiating anticonvulsant megaloblastic anaemia, and that once deficiencies of haemopoietic factors are established, a vicious circle may be set up owing to the effects of these deficiencies on the gastro-intestinal tract.
Cerebral infarction due to intracranial sinus thrombosis
Authors: Ata M.
Published: June 2007

Four cases, two infants and two adults, of extensive thrombosis of the intracranial venous sinuses are described. Infarction of the brain had occurred in three cases. The first two cases presented as diabetic coma. The third case has been included to represent primary puerperal cerebral venous thrombosis. Extensive venous sinus thrombosis was seen at post-mortem examination in the fourth case, an infant who died suddenly, but there was no cerebral infarction in this case.
Lipid studies in the blood and brain in multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease
Authors: Cumings J. N. , Shortman R. C. , Skrbic T.
Published: June 2007

The lipid patterns of plasma, red blood cells, and leucocytes from normal controls and from patients with multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease have been studied by thin-layer chromatography. The fatty acid composition of cholesterol esters and lecithin in plasma from normal subjects and from patients with multiple sclerosis are reported. The fatty acid composition of lecithin of cerebral white matter from normal control subjects, from multiple sclerosis, and from motor neurone disease as well as of cholesterol esters in multiple sclerosis are recorded and compared. No significant abnormalities were found in the blood lipid profile in multiple sclerosis, but in motor neurone disease red cell sphingomyelin was slightly reduced and white cell lecithin slightly increased. The fatty acids of plasma cholesterol esters showed a slight decrease in palmitic and stearic acid in multiple sclerosis. The fatty acids in lecithin in multiple sclerosis, both in the apparently normal white matter and in the plaques, showed a slightly increased degree of saturation, while the loss of unsaturated acids was in oleic acids.
Malignant change and multiple metastases in Ollier's disease
Authors: Cowan W. K.
Published: June 2007

An example of chondrosarcoma developing in a patient with Ollier's disease is described. Necropsy showed an unusual pattern of multiple metastases including several within the cranial cavity.
Release of formaldehyde from polynoxylin and noxythiolin
Authors: Kingston D.
Published: June 2007

Polynoxylin and noxythiolin (Anaflex and Noxyflex) have been recommended for the treatment of certain bacterial infections. Both compounds were shown to release formaldehyde. Detailed studies with noxythiolin showed that it decomposed in solution to liberate most of its formaldehyde, and that solutions of formaldehyde of the appropriate strength gave zones of inhibition on seeded plates comparable in size with those given by noxythiolin. It is suggested that the effects observed with these compounds are caused by the formaldehyde released.
Serial laboratory reports and records for chemical analyses
Authors: Whitby L. G. , Owen J. A.
Published: June 2007

A system of reporting laboratory data is described which provides serial and composite presentation of the results of chemical analyses as reports in the patients' notes in the form of copies of serial and composite records which are prepared and kept in the laboratory. The system has been used for seven months, providing reports for patients in 250 general medical beds, which generate an annual workload of approximately 90,000 chemical tests.
Changes in serum enzyme levels accompanying cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation
Authors: Welbourn Nora , Melrose D. G. , Moss D. W.
Published: June 2007

Serum lactic dehydrogenase, alpha-hydroxy-butyrate dehydrogenase, iso-citric dehydrogenase, and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activities were measured daily for two weeks postoperatively in the serum of 22 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation.

The length of perfusion was found to be a major factor affecting the extent of increased post-operative enzyme activities. Significantly higher levels were demonstrated in patients perfused for over one hour compared with those perfused for under one hour. Hepatocellular damage, age, and type of operation were not considered to be major factors in determining the extent of this increased activity.

A considerable increase in enzyme activity was found to occur during perfusion when the dilution introduced by mixing the patient's circulation with the priming fluid of the heart-lung machine was taken into account. This dilution, when accounted for, increased the observed enzyme activity by 30 to 50%.
Alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase activity in sex-linked muscular dystrophy
Authors: Johnston H. A. , Wilkinson J. H. , Withycombe Wendy A. , Raymond S.
Published: June 2007

In two families with severe sex-linked muscular dystrophy, high levels of α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBD), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), aspartate transaminase (AspT), aldolase, and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) were found in the sera of three young affected males. In both families the mother had a raised level of HBD activity. Four sisters of the three affected boys had raised serum enzyme levels, and they are regarded as presumptive carriers of the disease. Biopsy specimens of dystrophic muscle had LD and HBD contents which were significantly lower than those of control specimens, while the HBD/LD ratios were markedly greater. Muscle from two unaffected members of the same family also exhibited high ratios, indicating the presence of the electrophoretically fast LD isoenzymes, and this was confirmed by acrylamide-gel electrophoresis.
Multiple myeloma in Jamaica: A study of 40 cases with special reference to the incidence and laboratory diagnosis
Authors: McFarlane H.
Published: June 2007

For two years protein abnormality was studied in 40 cases of myelomatosis in Jamaica. Thirty-nine of these were in West Indian Negroes. The minimum incidence of myelomatosis in this group was estimated to be of the order of 50 cases per million per annum which is considerably higher than in Caucasians as reported by previous workers. A larger number showed myeloma protein with β-globulin mobility and hypogammaglobulinaemia than with γ-globulin mobility. As in the Caucasians the disease is more common in men than in women and the age incidence in both seems to be the same. Combined serum and urinary electrophoresis was diagnostic in every case, and examination of the urine for Bence-Jones protein by electrophoresis yielded more consistent findings than the classical heat test. It is suggested that combined serum and urine electrophoresis should be done in all cases of suspected myelomatosis.
Automated estimation of urinary calcium using the Eppendorf flame photometer
Authors: Bold A. M.
Published: June 2007

A method is described for estimating urine calcium on a mechanized Eppendorf flame photometer with twin channels at a rate of 60 per hour. Sodium is estimated simultaneously so that a correction can be made for the small sodium error. Errors due to potassium and phosphate are minimized by adding these ions to the standards and to the diluting fluid. Results agree well with those obtained by Trinder's naphthal-hydroxamic acid precipitation method.
Fibrous bands in conducting pulmonary arteries
Authors: Morrell M. Tessa , Dunnill M. S.
Published: June 2007

Fibrous bands have been described in the elastic (conducting) pulmonary arteries in 38 cases at necropsy, which represents a necropsy incidence of 14·4%. The fibrous bands are considered to represent one of the end results of episodes of pulmonary embolism. The formation of the bands is described and their significance is discussed in relation to their haemodynamic effects. Most of these bands are the result of clinically silent emboli.
Hypofibrinogenaemia in metastatic carcinoma of the prostate: suppression of systemic fibrinolysis by heparin
Authors: Straub P. W. , Riedler G. , Frick P. G.
Published: June 2007

In a patient with generalized prostatic carcinoma and hypofibrinogenaemia heparin infusion on four occasions abolished systemic fibrinolysis as determined by euglobulin clot lysis time, bovine fibrin plate assay, thromboelastography, and immunoelectrophoretic demonstration of fibrinogen split products.

The pathogenesis of hypofibrinogenaemia in cases of prostatic carcinoma and the possibility of a direct heparin effect on fibrinolysis are discussed. Despite the lack of histological evidence for intravascular coagulation, the findings are considered additional evidence for the view that fibrinolysis in this syndrome may be secondary to intravascular coagulation.
Use of Sephadex column chromatography in the assessment of thyroid status
Authors: Gimlette T. M. D.
Published: June 2007

A method is described for assessing thyroid status using Sephadex column chromatography of serum samples with added125I triiodothyronine. The method is simple and inexpensive. It gave a correct diagnostic result in 97% of 258 euthyroid, 90% of 80 hyperthyroid, 78% of 59 hypothyroid, and 67% of 50 euthyroid, ill patients.

The principle of the method and its limitations are briefly discussed.
Diagnostic value of liver function tests andEntamoeba histolyticaantibody studies in East Africans
Authors: Mullan D. P. , Ward A. M. , Shah S. , Jeanes A. L.
Published: June 2007

Liver function tests andEntamoeba histolytica(E.H.) antibody titres have been studied in a variety of tropical and liver diseases. Patients with hepatic amoebiasis had a raised E.H. antibody titre and tended to have a low pseudocholinesterase activity. In two cases of amoebic liver abscess, which were treated by aspiration and emetine, there was a remarkable drop in the E.H. antibody titre. In a number of other hepatic and tropical conditions the E.H. antibody titre was not significantly raised and the liver function tests were typical of the various conditions studied.
Biological findings in Von Willebrand's pedigrees: implications for inheritance
Authors: Meyer Dominique , Larrieu Marie-José , Maroteaux Pierre , Caen Jacques P.
Published: June 2007

Thirty-one subjects from three families affected by Von Willebrand's disease have been investigated with the following tests: Ivy's bleeding time; platelet adhesiveness according to Salzman; two-stage factor VIII assay. Twelve patients have a complete form of the disease,i.e., a prolonged bleeding time with low platelet adhesiveness, and a reduced factor VIII level. Eight subjects have an isolated low platelet adhesiveness associated in three cases with a prolonged bleeding time. The low platelet adhesiveness in these subjects was corrected, as in Von Willebrand's disease, by infusion of haemophilia A plasma. The dominant autosomal mode of inheritance appears to be due to a pleiotropic gene, expressed in a variety of ways
Diagnosis and treatment of infection withBrucella abortus, biotype 5
Authors: Robertson L.
Published: June 2007

A case of brucellosis due toBrucella abortus, biotype 5, occurred in a bulk milk-tanker driver who collected milk from refrigerated tanks on 23 farms.

The organism was isolated from blood cultures by using a serum dextrose broth containing antibiotics. Serological investigations indicate that both abortus and melitensis antigen suspensions should be used in the investigation of cases of suspected brucellosis.

AsBrucella abortusis an intracellular parasite heavy, prolonged, antibiotic therapy is necessary in the treatment of the disease. The danger of inadequate treatment of the acute disease is that it may become chronic, and response to antibiotic therapy in chronic brucellosis is not good.
Results with radioisotopic assay of serum B12using serum binding agent
Authors: Matthews D. M. , Gunasegaram R. , Linnell J. C.
Published: June 2007

Results obtained with a radioisotope method for assay of serum vitamin B12(Ekins and Sgherzi, 1965) are described. This method, which uses serum as binding agent, is simple, easy to set up, and suitable for routine diagnostic use. It gives results extremely similar to those obtained with standard microbiological assays.
Adenosine diphosphate and the measurement of platelet adhesiveness
Authors: Bloom A. L. , Davies A. J.
Published: June 2007

Platelet adhesiveness to glass beads was measured in citrated blood at intervals up to two hours after the addition of adenosine diphosphate (A.D.P.). Adhesiveness increased for 15 minutes, fell towards the original level, and then steadily increased. The initial changes were associated with the formation and subsequent dispersal of platelet clumps. The sequence of events resembled the reported platelet aggregation, the disaggregation and secondary aggregation effect of A.D.P. and emphasizes the importance of a standard technique in the measurement of A.D.P.-induced platelet adhesiveness.
Retention of platelets by glass bead filters
Authors: Pitney W. R. , Potter Mary
Published: June 2007

Whole blood was passed through glass bead filters and the retention of platelets studied under various experimental conditions. Platelet retention was similar over a wide range of blood flow rates; however, it was decreased at fast rates of flow. Platelet retention was not influenced by the haematocrit value of the blood over a wide range. Retention in filters containing siliconized beads was similar to that in filters with untreated beads. Platelet retention was inhibited by the addition of citrate or adenosine to the blood before passage through the filter and was also less when the blood was cooled. Heparin and phenylindandione therapy did not affect the results.

There was a wide range of results of platelet retention tests with normal blood samples and considerable variability between the results of duplicate samples from the same donor. Repeated testing of normal donors over a three-month period gave results which varied widely within the normal range. Twenty-two of 40 uraemic blood samples showed decreased platelet retention. The mechanism of platelet retention from whole blood by glass bead filters is not clear but may be related to platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate or other aggregating agents.
Developments in immunofluorescence: the need for standardization
Authors: Johnson G. D. , Beutner E. H. , Holborow E. J.
Published: June 2007

Difficulties experienced by the newcomer to the fluorescent antibody staining method largely arise from two causes: (1) the many modifications in the procedure which have been suggested over the last decade; (2) the variability of the basic reagent, fluorescent conjugate, in terms of potency and specificity. The ensuing problem of non-reproducibility is clearly an important factor for clinical laboratories now faced with increasing demands for routine tests involving immunofluorescence. In this paper a simple approach to standardization is described which, if adopted, would lead to a more efficient use of the method.
Cesar: cervical smear analyser and reader
Authors: Dawson I. M. P. , Heanley C. P. , Heber-Percy A. C. , Tylko J. K.
Published: June 2007

Cesar presents an automated multiparameter approach to pattern recognition in the rapid detection of malignant cells from cervical and other cancers. Cells are cybernetically classified. They are collected into a container into which a nuclear stain may be incorporated and laid as a track on 35 mm. film using a disposable mapping pen device. The film track (Cytotrack) may be scanned using conventional optics and provision may be made for electronic sensing devices measuring a number of parameters, some of which are not normally used in conventional microscopy.
Drug sensitivity of Proteus species
Authors: Huang C. T. , Chou Grace
Published: June 2007

The results of sensitivity test for four Proteus species were compared.P. mirabiliswas, in general, more drug sensitive than the other species andP. rettgeriwas the least sensitive. The conclusion was drawn that species identification of Proteus is essential in routine bacteriological diagnosis.
Improved method for the estimation of plasma ammonia by ion exchange
Authors: Fenton J. C. B. , Williams A. H.
Published: June 2007

Care in the preparation and preservation of reagents, together with certain modifications in apparatus and technique, have eliminated the difficulties from plasma ammonia analysis. Ammonia contamination from the laboratory atmosphere has not proved an especial hazard, and no major setback has been encountered in the analysis of several thousand specimens over the last few years. The method has been found particularly suited to the performance of the occasional estimation, since, once prepared, all reagents are stable for a considerable time.