bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histological demonstration of copper and copper-associated protein in chronic liver diseases.
Authors: Jain S , Scheuer P J , Archer B , Newman S P , Sherlock S
Published: June 2007

Liver copper concentrations in percutaneous biopsy specimens were measured by neutron activation analysis and compared with histological staining for copper by rubeanic acid and rhodanine, and with copper-associated protein stained by orcein. Liver copper concentrations were elevated in 31 of 35 biopsies from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and discrimination between normal and elevated liver copper was correct in 32 of the 35 biopsies by staining with rubeanic acid, and 31 of the 35 by staining with rhodanine. Orcein staining of copper-associated protein was positive in 33 of the 35 biopsies. All 17 biopsy specimens from patients with Wilson's disease had high liver copper concentrations, but only nine had positive staining for copper, and six were orcein positive. Similarly, histological stains gave little indication of the liver copper concentrations in tissue from 16 patients with chronic active hepatitis. Staining of liver sections can be useful in detecting elevation of liver copper in PBC, but not in Wilson's disease, where the absolute concentration must be measured. Excess copper appears to accumulate in the liver in different chemical forms in PBC and Wilson's disease.
Circulating immune complexes and complement levels in relation to the clinical presentation of Nigerian children with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis.
Authors: Onyewotu I I , Mee J
Published: June 2007

Circulating immune complexes have been detected in the sera of 24 Nigerian children with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis using two methods. There was a significant correlation between levels of soluble complexes, detected in samples taken from patients in the oliguric phase of acute nephritis, and severity of disease, as judged by blood urea levels. Serial estimation of immune complexes was more useful than serial C3 estimation in predicting the onset of anuria in two patients admitted with mild disease who subsequently deteriorated. With one exception, C4 values were normal. Factor B levels were low in 90% of cases, in keeping with activation of the alternate complement pathway.
Routine use of counter-immunoelectrophoresis test for detecting antibody to hepatitis B virus core antigen.
Authors: Freeman R , Hambling M H
Published: June 2007

Tests by counter-immunoelectrophoresis for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were introduced into a routine testing programme for evidence of hepatitis B virus infection. Samples tested for anti-HBc were selected on the basis of the results of tests for HBsAg and clinical details. The sensitivity and specificity of the test were assessed and correlations made with the presence of HBsAg. The presence of anti-HBc was very useful in the interpretation of a doubtful positive result for HBsAg in the haemagglutination test. With very few exceptions the serum samples positive for HBsAg by routine tests also contained anti-HBc. It is concluded that the test is valuable and merits introduction into routine testing programmes.
Serological evidence of presence of HBsAg undetectable by conventional radioimmunoassay in anti-HBc positive blood donors.
Authors: Katchaki J N , Siem T H , Brouwer R
Published: June 2007

Sera from two blood donors, one of whom was implicated in a case of post-transfusion hepatitis B, were found to be positive for anti-HBc and negative for HBsAg by conventional radioimmunoassay and were retested for HBsAg after concentration (pepsin digestion and polyethylene glycol precipitation). The presence of occult HBsAg was confirmed in both. These observations have implications for blood transfusion, and wider studies of anti-HBc in blood donors are recommended before the introduction of routine screening for anti-HBc and exclusion of the positive donors from blood donation.
Food as a source of Klebsiella species for colonisation and infection of intensive care patients.
Authors: Casewell M , Phillips I
Published: June 2007

Food prepared for intensive care patients was frequently contaminated with Klebsiella species. Sixty-eight per cent of nasogastric feeds were contaminated with up to 10(4) klebsiellae per ml. Hospital kitchens were the source of contamination. Three patients ingested klebsiellae and subsequently excreted the same serotype in their faeces. Over a four-week period there was a correlation between kitchen, food, faecal, and clinical serotypes of klebsiellae. Serotypes ingested by intensive care patients occurred more frequently in clinical isolates from intensive care patients than from other hospital patients. Patients often acquired a food strain that had been ingested by another patient on the same ward.
Use of sensitivity discs as primary antibiotic standards in MIC determination.
Authors: Flowers D J
Published: June 2007

A method for the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) is described, in which commercially prepared antibiotic sensitivity testing discs are used as primary antibiotic standards from which the necessary dilutions are prepared in WHO Perspex haemagglutination plates. The materials required are readily available in most laboratories at a cost in time and reagents that compares favourably with most traditional methods of MIC testing. The same techniques may also be used to demonstrate combined antibiotic activity and to differentiate between bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity, with little expenditure of laboratory resources.
Gas liquid chromatography for detection of bacteriuria: examination for volatile acidic and neutral compounds.
Authors: Barrett E , Lynam G , Trustey S
Published: June 2007

Direct injection of clinically infected urines on porous-polymer columns was investigated to determine which microbial metabolites were consistently detectable, and whether their presence could be used as a reliable index of infection. Chromosorb 101 was found to be the most suitable porous polymer for the detection of microbial metabolites; greater sensitivity of detection was achieved by partial purification of the urine before injection. Acetic acid was the only compound found consistently and it enabled 10(6) microorganisms per ml to be detected in urine. However, as urinary tract infection is diagnosed by the presence of 10(5) organisms or more per ml, our method is insufficiently sensitive for the detection of bacteriuria. Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella spp, Proteus spp, Stapyhlococcus albus, and Streptocococcus faecalis were detectable by our method but Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans were not.
An analysis of blood specimen container leakage.
Authors: Lewis S M , Wardle J M
Published: June 2007

Procedures have been designed to test specimen containers for leakage, using blood and aqueous fluorescein solution as indicators. They have been used in a trial evaluation of a number of commercially available containers intended for medical specimens. Glass bijou bottles, evacuated container systems, and several types of plastic container showed no significant leakage rate with either blood or aqueous solution when they were tested at room temperature, but a large proportion of the plastic containers leaked after being subjected to -20 degrees. C. These would thus be suitable and satisfactory for blood count specimens but not for specimens of serum and other body fluids, which are usually stored frozen. With all types of container tested there was spontaneous discharge of contents (blood or aqueous solution) on opening in a proportion of them; thus no container at present available seems to be entirely free from hazard.
Identification of thorium dioxide in human liver cells by electron microscopic x-ray microanalysis.
Authors: Odegaard A , Ophus E M , Larsen A M
Published: June 2007

Thirty-two years after injection of thorium dioxide (Thorotrast) for diagnostic x-ray studies in a female patient deposits were found by light microscopy in the liver macrophages (Kupffer cells). They were shown by electron microscopy to be located inside secondary lysosomes, and by autoradiography and x-ray microanalysis they were identified as thorium.
Multifocal histogenesis of a cystosarcoma phyllodes.
Authors: Salm R
Published: June 2007

An unusual multifocal cystosarcoma phyllodes is reported. It presented as a small, circumscribed tumour mass, which was associated with two diffuse neoplastic lesions which arose sequentially in two geographically separate parts of the mammary disc. Microscopically the tumour appeared to have been enlarging by the formation of isolated satellite tumour nodules within the adjacent normal breast tissue, which represents a third, though rarer way in which a cystosarcoma phyllodes may enlarge.
Medical careers in pathology, 1977.
Authors: Baron D N
Published: June 2007

A survey has been made, mainly covering the second half of 1977, of career grade posts and senior training posts in pathology in the United Kingdom. The survey included all disciplines of pathology and all types of employment--National Health Service, medical school, and many others. The survey also examined the number of applicants for advertised posts and the number of posts left vacant. There were variations between disciplines and between regions; microbiology and Northern Ireland had most failures in filling posts. Overall about 3% of career grade posts, and 15% of training grade posts, were left unfilled.
Neutrophil cytochemistry in bacterial infection.
Authors: Mackie P H , Mistry D K , Wozniak J T , Dodds W N , Geddes A M , Stuart J
Published: June 2007

A new cytochemical technique, sensitive to altered lysosomal membrane permeability of blood neutrophils, has been evaluated as a screening test for bacterial infection. This technique, for the lysosomal enzymes acid phosphatase and chloroacetate esterase, was compared with the neutrophil alkaline phosphatase and nitroblue tetrazolium tests. The mean score for each method was significantly higher in infected patients than in normal controls. There was, however, considerable overlap of individual scores between infected patients and ill, but uninfected, patients. This overlap limits the diagnostic value of existing cytochemical screening methods.
A formalin fixative for immunochemical and ultrastructural studies on gastrointestinal endocrine cells.
Authors: Robinson G , Dawson I
Published: June 2007

Using indirect immunofluorescence, indirect immunoperoxidase, and unlabelled antibody enzyme techniques, gastrin, pancreatic glucagon, insulin, and somatostatin were localised in sections of both wax- and resin-embedded tissues that had been fixed in a buffered formalin solution. Ultrastructural preservation of the resin-embedded samples was also adequate for combined electron microscopy and light microscope immunochemistry. As the fixative concerned is stable it can be permanently available in surgical units. It is suggested, therefore, that this fixative should prove useful as an alternative to buffered formaldehyde, which must be freshly prepared from paraformaldehyde powder, in institutions where specimen collection is difficult or which have to refer cases with an endocrine involvement to other laboratories for immunochemical and fine structural examination.
Yellow bodies in superficial and deep lymph nodes.
Authors: Tudway A J
Published: June 2007

The prevalence of yellow bodies was studied in superficial and deep lymph nodes in material from 46 necropsies. They were found in 22.8% of the 359 lymph nodes collected, ranging from 35.6% of the mesenteric to 11.1% of mediastinal lymph nodes, and were significantly more prevalent in deep abdominal than in superficial groups. Sets of lymph nodes from individuals tended to show an 'all or none' variation in the proportion of nodes that contained yellow bodies, but the presence of the bodies was not significantly related to age, sex, or disease.
Distribution in clinical material and identification of Pseudomonas maltophilia.
Authors: Holmes B , Lapage S P , Easterling B G
Published: June 2007

During the 10-year period ending March 1976, 128 (8.5%) of 1506 strains of Gram-negative non-fermentative bacteria submitted to the National Collection of Type Cultures for computer-assisted identification have been strains of Pseudomonas maltophilia. These figures suggest that Ps. maltophilia is both a relatively common species in clinical material in the United Kingdom and also that many laboratories experience difficulty in identifying this species. We report the sources from which our strains were isolated and also characteristics of the species by which it may be recognised. The clinical significance of Ps maltophilia is discussed and also the susceptibility of this species to certain antimicrobial agents.
Changes in T and B blood lymphocytes after splenectomy.
Authors: Millard R E , Banerjee D K
Published: June 2007

The blood lymphocytes of 37 splenectomised patients were analysed by means of T and B lymphocyte surface markers. Sixteen patients had had a splenectomy for non-haematological and 21 for haematological reasons. The results show that 15 had normal numbers of T and B cells; decreased T cells were found in two patients, raised B cells in seven, raised T and B cells in eight, and raised T cells in five patients. Increased numbers of 'null' cells were observed in some patients, especially in those with raised B cells. Follow-up studies indicate that raised levels of T and B cells can be established by one to three months post-splenectomy and may persist, although in some patients the cells fall to normal levels. The lymphocyte proliferative response to phytohaemagglutinin and Concanavalin A in vitro was normal in eight out of nine patients with raised T cells and was depressed in one patient, possibly due to an intrinsic cell defect.
Plasma and urine cyclic nucleotide levels in malignant disease and cirrhosis of the liver.
Authors: Wood P J , Ross G , Smith C L
Published: June 2007

Plasma and 24-hour urinary cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP levels were determined by saturation analysis in specimens from normal subjects and from 101 patients with tumours of the gastrointestinal tract, breast, lung, bladder or prostate, or with cirrhosis of the liver. Relative to 46 control subjects, plasma cyclic GMP concentrations were significantly elevated in seven patients with gastric tumours, 20 patients with cancer of the breast, six patients with lung cancer, and 12 patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Urinary cyclic GMP/creatinine ratios were significantly increased in cirrhotic patients and in the lung and oesophageal cancer groups. In no cancer group were increases in plasma or urine cyclic GMP levels sufficiently consistent to be of value in the diagnosis of human malignant disease. Changes in extracellular fluid cyclic nucleotide levels in the cirrhotic group were very similar to those that have been reported for primary hepatoma patients.
Neonatal necrotising enterocolitis.
Authors: Tait R A , Kealy W F
Published: June 2007

Five cases of neonatal necrotising enterocolitis occurred in full-term infants at Kingston Hospital in the space of 15 months. In all cases only the colon was involved. The pathological findings are discussed particularly in relation to the aetiology of the disease.
Immunoblastic lymphadenopathy: evolution into immunoblastic sarcoma.
Authors: Banik S , Ward R L , Hasleton P S
Published: June 2007

A case of immunoblastic lymphadenopathy which underwent transformation into immunoblastic sarcoma is reported. A 64-year-old man presented with a rash, generalised lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly. A cervical lymph node removed at biopsy showed the features of immunoblastic lymphadenopathy with the presence of heavy chain classes IgG, IgM, and IgA and both kappa and lambda light chain types in the cytoplasm of the immunoblasts. No such immunoglobulins could be demonstrated in the lymph nodes obtained at necropsy when the patient died of widespread immunoblastic sarcoma. The biological evolution and histogenesis of the disease are discussed and the current literature is reviewed.
Circulating and deposited immune complexes in renal disease and their clinical correlation.
Authors: Cohen S L , Fisher C , Mowbray J F , Hopp A , Burton-Kee J
Published: June 2007

In 48 patients undergoing renal biopsy there was a strong correlation (chi 2 11.45 (P less than 0.01)) between the demonstration of circulating and deposited immune complexes. Serial studies of circulating immune complex levels have shown fluctuations which only sometimes appear to coincide with clinical changes in individual patients.
Serum immunoglobulins in a rural and an urban population of Greece with special reference to immunoglobulin A.
Authors: Economidou J , Manousos O , Trichopoulos D , Triantaphyllidis J , Tsicricas T , Merikas G
Published: June 2007

The serum concentration of immunoglobulins G, A, and M was studied in 390 inhabitants of a rural community and in 204 residents of an urban area of Greece. It was found that serum IgA levels were significantly higher in the rural area where intestinal infections were more prevalent. No significant difference in serum IgG was found between the two groups. IgM was found to be lower among residents of the rural area. The present findings suggest a possible ecological association between increased IgA and chronic exposure to intestinal infection.
Rapid diagnosis of anaerobic infections by gas-liquid chromatography.
Authors: Ladas S , Arapakis G , Malamou-Ladas H , Palikaris G , Arseni A
Published: June 2007

It was postulated that the short chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced by anaerobic bacteria might serve as microbial markers in purulent material. Eighteen pus specimens from various sources were analysed by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), and the SCFA detected were compared with the microorganisms isolated by conventional methods. It was found that the detection of propionic, isobutyric, butyric, or isovaleric acids by direct GLC of pus specimens is strong evidence for anaerobic infection but not specific for Bacteroides fragilis. It was also shown that the presence of succinic acid in pus specimens does not necessarily indicate infection by anaerobes. It can be concluded that direct GLC of purulent material provides a rapid and reliable presumptive method for the differentiation between anaerobic and aerobic infections.
Significance of urinary immunoglobulins in tests for antibody-coated bacteria.
Authors: Hjelm E , Forsum U , Frödin L
Published: June 2007

The relationship between urinary immunoglobulin levels and coating of a panel of bacteria by these immunoglobulins has been investigated. The results indicate that elevated urinary immunoglobulin levels are a distinct hazard in interpreting tests for antibody-coated bacteria as indicating upper or lower urinary tract infections.
Use of human embryo lung fibroblasts to detect a heat labile toxin of Escherichia coli from children.
Authors: Holzel H
Published: June 2007

In order to detect the heat labile toxin of Escherichia coli human embryo lung fibroblast cells were seeded with whole cell lysate preparations of the organism to be tested. Positive results consisted of growth inhibition and cytopathic change which were easily seen. Heat-labile toxin was produced by strains belonging to the conventional epidemic serotypes of E. coli (EEC) and by non-EEC strains. Toxin-producing organisms were detected in 20% of healthy children examined. The method is suitable for use in the diagnostic laboratory and is easily adapted to a microtitre plate system suitable for screening purposes.
Culture diagnosis of meningococcal carriers: yield from different sites and influence of storage in transport medium.
Authors: Olcén P , Kjellander J , Danielsson D , Lindquist B L
Published: June 2007

Different specimens and techniques have been used in the diagnosis of carriers of Neisseria meningitidis, reflecting the uncertainty about the optimal diagnostic procedure. In the present investigation the culture yield of meningococci from throat specimens was compared to that from nasopharyngeal speimens in 178 persons: 44 carriers were diagnosed. All of them were detected by culture of throat specimens while 34% of them would have remained undiagnosed if only nasopharyngeal specimens had been examined. Storage of throat specimens in a transport medium for 24 hours before culture gave a negative culture for meningococci in 41% of the carriers. This loss was surprisingly high, the reasons for which are discussed.
Nuclear diameter in parathyroid adenomas.
Authors: Lloyd H M , Jacobi J M , Cooke R A
Published: June 2007

Nuclear diameter was measured in 55 parathyroid chief-cell adenomas to determine its value in histological diagnosis and to assess its relationship to other features of primary hyperparathyroidism. Mean nuclear diameter for the whole group of adenomas was significantly greater than that for the accompanying normal glands. Mean nuclear diameter in individual adenomas was significantly greater than that in the accompanying normal gland in 27 out of 34 cases. Nuclear diameter was correlated with tumour weight and with plasma calcium but was not correlated with duration of history. It was significantly greater in the group of patients with overt bone disease than in those with kidney stones and in those with neither kidney stones nor overt bone disease. Assessment of nuclear diameter is of value in histological diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma. The rate of growth of the adenoma may be a factor determining nuclear diameter.
Liver damage due to perhexiline maleate.
Authors: Forbes G B , Rake M O , Taylor D J
Published: June 2007

Two middle-aged men, who had received perhexiline in recommended dosage, showed clinical and histological evidence of severe hepatic damage, and one of them died. Histological study of the livers showed a striking resemblance to alcoholic hepatitis.
Serum protein profile in sickle cell disease.
Authors: Isichei U P
Published: June 2007

The total protein, albumin, globulin, and immunoglobulin levels of sera from 96 children with homozygous sickle cell disease were studied. A comparison of the results with the levels found in a control group of normal children of the same age shows that the sicklers have higher total protein, globulin, and IgM levels. The amounts of albumin and IgA seen were almost the same in both groups. The IgG levels differed considerably, the sicklers having only about half the quantity seen in normal children.
Comparison of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique and complement-fixation test for estimation of cytomegalovirus IgG antibody.
Authors: Booth J C , Hannington G , Aziz T A , Stern H
Published: June 2007

The ELISA technique has been found to be reliable for the detection and titration of cytomegalovirus-specific IgG antibody in serum. It is about six times more sensitive than the CF test although some discrepancies were found between the antibody titres determined by the two methods.
Comparison of passive haemagglutination and haemagglutination-inhibition techniques for detection of antibodies to rubella virus.
Authors: Birch C J , Glaun B P , Hunt V , Irving L G , Gust I D
Published: June 2007

Because of the technical problems and length of time involved in the satisfactory performance of the haemagglutination-inhibition test for detection of rubella-specific antibodies, a commercially available passive haemagglutination (PHA) kit utilising rubella antigen-sensitised human erythrocytes was tested for its suitability for use in diagnostic laboratories. The immune response to acute rubella infections as measured by PHA was considerably delayed compared to the response measured by haemagglutination-inhitition. Titres of rubella-specific antibody only became comparable six months after the infection. The commercially available PHA kits is a useful addition to diagnostic laboratories for the determination of immune status and, in conjunction with the haemagglutination-inhibition test, can be an indicator of recent rubella infection.
Rapid serotyping of groups A, B, and C meningococci by rocket-line immunoelectrophoresis and co-agglutination.
Authors: Danielsson D , Olcén P
Published: June 2007

Rocket-line immunoelectrophoresis (R-LIE) with antigen containing intermediate gel, and co-agglutination utilising protein A-containing staphylococci coated with specific antibodies, were adapted for serotyping the prototypes of group B meningococci. Both were found to have the same specificity as agar gel double diffusion (AGDD) but they were more sensitive and more rapid than AGDD. R-LIE required, like AGDD, the extraction of relatively large quantities of bacteria, while the co-agglutination method, performed as a slide agglutination tests with results within a few minutes and no need of special equipment, required only a small amount of heated whole meningococcal cells. Meningococcal strains of serogroups B, C, and A from patients with carriers were serotyped and the results with all three methods were in agreement.
Periodic acid-Schiff reaction and prognosis in lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Authors: Lilleyman J S , Mills V , Sugden P J , Britton J A
Published: June 2007

Diagnostic bone marrow smears from 132 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, (ALL) were stained simultaneously by the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction, and the blast cell positivity was assessed quantitatively. The patients fell naturally into two unequal groups: those with more than 20% PAS-positive blast cells (44 patients) and those with less (88 patients). There was no relation between the degree of positivity and age, sex, or presenting leucocyte count. Actuarial survival studies showed that the group with more than 20% PAS-positive blast cells survived longer, but that this difference assumed statistical significance only after the exclusion of patients over 14 years old and those with high white cell counts at the time of diagnosis. It appears that the PAS reaction can identify long survivors among patients with ALL, but not in the absence of features strongly associated with a poor prognosis.
A comparison of thiomersal and 50% alcohol as preservatives in urinary cytology.
Authors: Beyer-Boon M E , Arentz P W , Kirk R S
Published: June 2007

The efficacy of 50% ethyl alcohol and of thiomersal as preservatives in urinary cytology were compared. In both methods over 80% of the cells were sufficiently well preserved after three days to allow cytomorphological evaluation, and over 50% on the seventh day. In the specimens without preservative, only 54% and 28% were intact after the same time intervals. In contrast with 50% ethyl alchohol, thiomersal is a more effective bactericide, it does not increase the volume of the sample, it is cheaper, and it does not affect the cytomorphology.
Histological appearances of the gastric mucosa 15--27 years after partial gastrectomy.
Authors: Savage A , Jones S
Published: June 2007

Sixty-three patients, who had had a partial gastrectomy 15--27 years previously, were examined by endoscopy and multiple mucosal biopsies. No patient had a completely normal gastric mucosa; they showed varying degrees of gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia: 21% had significant dysplasia, and these are regarded as an 'at-risk' group requiring frequent follow-up examinations. One patient had severe dysplasia (carcinoma-in-situ), but no case of infiltrating carcinoma was found.
The priority test request form: a method for improving communication between the physician and the Emergency Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory.
Authors: Henderson A R
Published: June 2007

Two forms--a priority test request form and a telephone results form--provide improved communication between the physician and the emergency laboratory of the Clinical Biochemistry Department. The priority test request form contains a list of available tests and it allows the physician to tell the laboratory exactly when emergency test results are required. The telephone results form ensures that the physician will receive a report, by telephone, of a test result although it may not be an urgent test. This allows a greater control of work flow, both routine and emergency, through the laboratory.
Hypercalcaemia due to hyperparathyroidism in a patient with chronic renal failure and renal carcinoma.
Authors: Szwed J J , Gott L J , Lempke R E , Seo I S
Published: June 2007

A 65-year-old woman with a history of a left heminephrectomy for renal carcinoma developed hypercalcaemia 11 years after the operation. The same kidney was found to contain a recurrent renal carcinoma. After the radical nephrectomy of the left kidney, hypercalcaemia remitted but reappeared 11 months later. The right kidney was small but functioned at a level of creatinine clearance of 10--15 ml/min. Metastatic work-up was negative, and secondary causes of hypercalcaemia were excluded. A neck exploration revealed a parathyroid adenoma. With parathyroid resection the serum calcium declined to normal, and the risk of hypercalcaemic nephropathy in the remaining kidney was precluded.
`On line' data handling in a routine haematology department
Authors: Burmester H. B. C. , Crow G. S.
Published: June 2007

The use of a `stand alone' mini computer, on line, data acquisition system is described utilising a microprocessor as an adjunct to the main central processor to increase data transmission rates. Visual display units (VDU) provide on line flexibility of data input.

The system acquires, on line, the Coulter S generated parameters together with the associated patient identification data and other requested tests. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, platelet count, and B12 and folate results are fed in at will via the VDUs, using rapid entry subroutines.

Percentage differential white cell count results and the absolute leucocyte count are calculated by the microprocessor, on line input being facilitated by remote keyboards associated with the VDUs.

Total editing of all requests and results is available on all `current' (unfiled) reports via the VDUs, and this facility includes the entry of film appearances using plus symbols and predetermined comments available against a code number. This editing function is also used to enter all other results that can be made available on the computer-printed report form.

The computer system also provides quality control data, immediate printout of Coulter S results outside given limits, cumulative filing for all routine and designated `priority' results, and a daily alphabetical listing of all patients from whom specimens have been examined together with full blood count, ESR, and platelet results on specimens examined that day.
Eosinophilic leukaemia: morphological, cytochemical, and electron microscopic studies.
Authors: Presentey B , Jerushalmy Z , Mintz U
Published: June 2007

The eosinophils of a patient with eosinophilic leukaemia were studied with 13 different cytochemical methods using light and electron microscopy. Apart from the 'left shift' of the eosinophils in bone marrow and peripheral blood, the following morphological changes were noted: uncoordinated maturation of the nucleus and cytoplasm, changes in size of the specific granules, and hypogranulation to such an extent that some of the cells bore only very few granules. The cytochemical studies showed a strongly positive periodic acid Schiff reaction in the eosinophils, caused by a high content of glycogen, and a relatively strong positive acid-phosphatase reaction. These cells were also tested for aryl sulphatase and coenzyme Q. Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of a high-content glycogen and a strong acid phosphatase response in the cells. Peroxidase reaction, detected in electron microscopy as well, enabled us to trace the maturation of the eosinophil cell line.
Serological identification of Bacteroides species by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Authors: Poxton I R
Published: June 2007

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to titrate antisera raised against live cultures of eight type species (biotypes) of Bacteroides with the EDTA-released outer-membrane complex from 29 characterised strains of Bacteroides species. With only minor exceptions, the strains investigated reacted to titre with the antisera raised against the homologous type species and not against the heterologous type species. Cross-reactivity between heterologous species and antiserum was only significant between closely related biotypes. This cross-reactivity could be removed by absorption of the antisera with whole cells. Significant correlation was found between serotype and biotype with this technique.
Haematological features of angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinaemia.
Authors: Brearley R L , Chapman J , Cullen M H , Horton M A , Stansfeld A G , Waters A H
Published: June 2007

A study of seven patients with AILD has confirmed previously reported cytological and immunological changes in the peripheral blood. In themselves these changes should not be considered as specific. Histological examination of the bone marrow may show more characteristic lesions which involve haemopoietic, lymphoid, and stromal cells. Three patients had bone marrow features similar to myelofibrosis, which are considered to be diagnostic of AILD.
Rapid cytological diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma of the skin.
Authors: Brown C L , Klaber M R , Robertson M G
Published: June 2007

Cytological diagnosis in a series of 153 skin lesions is presented. The diagnosis in each case has been compared with the clinical assessment and, where available, the biopsy result (85 lesions). Of 131 basal cell carcinomas, a cytological diagnosis was possible in 124 while biopsyl failed to identify two of the 73 lesions studied. A correct cytological diagnosis was made in five squamous cell carcinomas and in one malignant melanoma. Basal cell papillomas and solar keratoses were not accurately identified. We thus conclude that with this very simple, rapid, and inexpensive method a clinical diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma is reliably confirmed with advantages for both the clinic and the laboratory.
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Authors: Kelly J K , Davies J S , Jones A W
Published: June 2007

Forty-two cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were examined for the presence of the inclusions of alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), which indicate a carrier state for the Pi Z gene. These were found in the non-neoplastic liver tissue of two cases of HCC and in one of the 98 control livers, a difference that is not statistically significant. Typical globules of AAT deficiency were not found in HCC cells. One-quarter of HCCs, however, contained cells which showed diffuse cytoplasmic staining for AAT, a pattern seen also in the non-neoplastic livers.
Classification of staphylococci isolated from ocular tissues.
Authors: Mahajan V M
Published: June 2007

A total of 145 strains of Gram-positive, catalase-positive, coagulase-positive, and coagulase-negative cocci isolated from the human eye were classified by the system of Baird-Parker (1966). These belonged to subgroups I, II, IV, and V and showed a wide range of antibiotic sensitivities unrelated to subgroup and category of lesion. The role of coagulase-negative staphylococci in producing postoperative ocular infections has been especially emphasised.
A monoclonal macroglobulin with antinuclear activity.
Authors: Intrator L , Andre C , Chenal C , Sultan C
Published: June 2007

Serum containing a monoclonal IgM protein from a patient with Waldenstroms' macroglobulinaemia gave intense immunofluorescent staining of kidney nuclei. The Fab mu fragments of this immunoglobulin were obtained. The IgM and Fab fragments reacted in vitro with kidney nuclei using unfixed cryostat sections of rat or mouse kidney. After treatment of the patient with chemotherapy, the monoclonal IgM disappeared, and no more antinuclear activity could be detected in the serum. The results strongly suggest that this IgM protein had antinuclear activity.
Adipose cell size in obese Africans: evidence against the existence of insulin resistance in some patients.
Authors: Joffe B I , Goldberg R B , Feinstein J , Kark A , Seftel H C
Published: June 2007

Aspects of adipose tissue cellularity were examined in 15 non-diabetic premenopausal African women with simple obesity living in Johannesburg. A smaller group of six non-obese Black women served as controls. Adipose tissue was obtained by biopsy from the deltoid, gluteal, and abdominal regions, and the mean fat cell size for each site was determined. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and lipid levels, and the glucose and insulin responses to a 100 g oral glucose load, in these subjects provided metabolic data for correlative analyses. As expected, the overall mean and regional adipocyte sizes were significantly larger in the overweight subjects. Significant regional variations in fat cell size were also seen, the gluteal region adipocytes being larger than those of other sites in both obese and non-obese women. A significant positive correlation was found between fat cell size and the percentage of ideal body weight. There was no significant relationship between adipocyte size, however, and any of the metabolic variables measured--notably basal or stimulated plasma insulin. Nearly half of the overweight women showed large adipocytes with normal plasma insulin concentrations. A proportion of African women with hypertrophic obesity do not appear to demonstrate any classical metabolic features of insulin resistance; this may be related partly to their high carbohydrate intake and unusual degree of physical activity. Our results do not, however, indicate that hyperinsulinaemia is completely absent in obese Black women.
A comparative study of chromosome G-banding using trypsin, papain, and pretreatment with emulphogene.
Authors: Khalid G , Neumann H , Flemans R J , Hayhoe F G
Published: June 2007

G-banding of chromosome metaphase preparations derived from haemic cells of healthy individuals and from patients with acute myeloid leukaemia was performed with the aid of trypsin, papain, and pretreatment of the chromosome spreads with emulphogene before proteolytic digestion. Papain digestion revealed more distinguishable bands than did trypsin digestion. Pretreatment of the chromosome spreads with emulphogene greatly enhanced the number of distinguishable bands for both enzymes. The combination of pretreatment with emulphogene and digestion with papain revealed optimal numbers of bands for individual chromosomes essentially identical with those agreed at the Paris Conference 1971. The use of the emulphogene-papain technique appears also to offer an advantage in the banding of chromosomes from leukaemic cells.
The skin as the source of Acinetobacter and Moraxella species occurring in blood cultures.
Authors: Al-Khoja M S , Darrell J H
Published: June 2007

A study was made of the flora of the skin in hospital inpatients and healthy people to demonstrate the presence of non-fermenting Gram-negative rods of the Acinetobacter and Moraxella group. These organisms were found to be present on the skin of 34.3% of inpatients and occurred even more commonly in those patients with kidney disease. It was also present on the skin of 20% of a group of healthy members of staff. This rather high rate of skin carriage is thought to account for the not infrequent occurrence of this organism in blood cultures.
Identification of Pseudomonas pseudomallei in the clinical laboratory.
Authors: Ashdown L R
Published: June 2007

Ninety-one strains of Pseudomonas pseudomallei were tested in the API 20E system and in equivalent conventional tests. Except for utilisation of citrate there was good correlation between API and conventional tests. Seven-digit profiles were constructed from each strain after 48 hours' incubation, and numerical codes 2 006 727, 2 206 706, 2 206 707, and 2 206 727 accounted for 77% of strains tested. API 20 E, in combination with tests for heat stability of alkaline phosphatase, resistance to colistin and gentamicin, oxidative attack only of glucose, and acid from maltose, was found to provide a simple method for positive identification of all strains of this organism in two days.
Anti-i cold agglutinins in choriocarcinomatosis: trophoblastic i antigen.
Authors: Boughton B J
Published: June 2007

The fetal antigen i has been demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence on cord erythrocytes and placental trophoblast. A patient with disseminated choriocarcinoma developed high-tire anti-i cold agglutinins, and minor elevation of anti-i titres was seen in four out of six further patients with treated choriocarcinoma. In normal pregnant women, 6% showed similar increases in anti-i titres.
A simple biological method for detecting streptococcal nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide glycohydrolase.
Authors: Green N E
Published: June 2007

A biological method for detecting streptococcal nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide glycohydrolase (NADG) is presented, based on its ability to inhibit the growth of Haemophilus parainfluenzae. Three hundred clinical isolates of beta-haemolytic streptococci were tested. All isolates producing NADG belonged to Lancefield's group A, C, or G.
Measurement of serum primary bile acid ratio by gas liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay.
Authors: Pennington C R , Baqir Y A , Ross P E , Murison J , Bouchier I A
Published: June 2007

The application of a sensitive gas liquid chromatography (GLC) assay has enabled patients in different diagnostic groups to be differentiated on the basis of the ratio of the primary bile acids, cholic: chenodeoxycholic acid. Because this method is unsuitable for a routine clinical laboratory, the primary bile acid ratio (PBR) is determined by radioimmunoassay techniques (RIA), and the results were compared with GLC analysis. RIA provided comparable results in control subjects and patients with large-duct obstruction, but significantly higher PBR values were found in cirrhotic subjects.
Measurement of formaldehyde concentrations in a subatmospheric steam-formaldehyde autoclave.
Authors: Marcos D , Wiseman D
Published: June 2007

A method has been developed for measuring formaldehyde concentrations in a subatmospheric steam-formaldehyde autoclave. Data obtained using this method indicate that the concentration of formaldehyde in the chamber atmosphere is not homogeneous and that it decreases rapidly with time. The penetration of formaldehyde vapour into narrow tubes has also been investigated and was shown to be dependent on the length-to-bore ratio of the tubes. The formaldehyde concentration within the tubes could be increased by using a lower vacuum in the air removal stage at the beginning of the cycle.
Performance of exhaust-protective (class I) biological 'safety' cabinets.
Authors: Newsom S W
Published: June 2007

Nineteen open-fronted (class I) safety cabinets were subjected to spore containment and airflow tests, which suggested that a flow of 0.75 m/s was the minimum required for safe operation; further tests on three of the cabinets were repeated at different air speeds and confirmed this. The airflow is required to overcome the effect of laboratory or external air currents. Contamination of surfaces (including the operator's hands) by aerosols liberated inside the cabinets was investigated and found to depend more on turbulence within the cabinet (as from a restricted front opening) than on the number of air changes. The findings suggest that the product protection provided by a well-designed class I cabinet might equal that of a class II (laminar flow) unit.
Automated determination of red cell methaemoglobin reductase activity by a continuous-flow system for screening hereditary methaemoglobinaemia.
Authors: Tanishima K , Fukuda N , Takeshita M , Takizawa Y , Kitamura T , Yoneyama Y
Published: June 2007

A flow diagram for the automated determination of ferricyanide reductase activity in red blood cells was prepared in the modules from AutoAnalyzer AA I (Technicon Instruments Inc). Ferricyanide reductase assay can be substituted for assay of cytochrome b5 reductase (EC 1.6.2.2), which plays a major role in reducing methaemoglobin in erythrocytes, and is defective specifically in the erythrocytes of patients with hereditary methaemoglobinaemia. The effective sampling rate of the analysis is 30/h, and less than 0.05 ml of whole blood is required. Interference of haemoglobin with absorption by potassium ferricyanide at 420 nm is effectively exculded by dialysis. This automated method was compared with the accepted diaphorase method, and it distinguished clearly the ferricyanide reductase activity of cord bloods from that of adult bloods. The activity of the blood from a patient with hereditary methaemoglobinaemia was only residual. It is suggested that the method is useful as a mass screening test for hereditary methaemoglobinaemia.
Bone metastases in children presenting with renal tumours.
Authors: Lawler W , Marsden H B
Published: June 2007

A survey of bone metastases in 132 children presenting with renal tumours has been carried out using material from the Manchester (England) Children's Tumour Registry during the period 1954 to 1976. Seven such cases were found. Only one of the 117 Wilms' tumours developed bone metastases. The remainder included carcinoma (1/4), 'bone metastasising renal tumour of childhood' (2/3), atypical tumours (2/2), and lymphosarcoma (1/1). Bone metastases from true nephroblastoma seem to be an exceptional finding.
Female adnexal tumour of probable Wolffian origin.
Authors: Sivathondan Y , Salm R , Hughesdon P E , Faccini J M
Published: June 2007

Two further cases of 'female adnexal tumour of probable Wolffian origin' are described Both were retroperitoneal and presented a unique histology of uniformly close-packed bland spaces. solid islands, cords, and diffuse areas. A small hamartoma in a female fetus, part of which resembled the tumours, was traced to an area of near apposition with some paroophoron canals, providing further evidence of a Wolffian origin. The literature of this and some other putative Wolffian tumours is briefly reviewed, and the relation to rete adenomas is discussed.
Erythroid progenitors (BFU-e and CFU-e) in acute leukaemia.
Authors: Urabe A , Murphy M J , Haghbin M , Gee T S
Published: June 2007

Bone marrow erythroid progenitor cells were examined from 50 cases of acute leukaemia and from 20 normal subjects using an in vitro semisolid culture method. Numbers of both primitive erythroid progenitor cells (BFU-e) and later-stage erythroid progenitor cells (CFU-e) were remarkably depressed in patient with acute leukaemia in active phase. However, both BFU-e and CFU-e recovered to within normal range when the patients achieved remission. Peripheral blood BFU-e of children with acute lymphocytic leukaemia in remission were also examined and found to have values not significantly different from those of control subjects. There was no distinct correlation between the numbers of erythroid bursts or colonies and the duration of remission in patients with acute leukaemia in remission. The reduction of BFU-e and CFU-e in active acute leukaemia suggests the involvement of erythropoietic progenitors in the pathophysiology of this type of leukaemia.
A study of nuclear diameters in lymph node imprints using the Zeiss Microvideomat.
Authors: Crocker J , Curran R C
Published: June 2007

The diameters of the cell nuclei were measured in imprint preparations of eight tonsils and 28 lymph nodes, each specimen being from a separate patient. The lymph nodes were from cases of Hodgkin's disease (HD), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and reactive benign states. The nuclear diameters were measured by means of an image-analysing device, the Zeiss Microvideomat. For accurate measurements, the cells had to be well separated, and tissue sections could not be used because the close juxtaposition of nuclei gave erroneous readings. However, cell imprints proved suitable. The results show that the mean nuclear diameters for the HD, NHL, and reactive groups differ and show a considerable scatter. However, the distributions for the NHL and reactive nodes are sufficiently different to suggest that the method may have diagnostic value for the former.