bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytoplasmic particles in hepatocytes of patients with Australia antigen-positive liver disease
Authors: Haynes Margaret E. , Haynes David W. G. , Williams Roger
Published: June 2007

An electron microscope study was made of liver biopsy material obtained during life or shortly after death from 11 patients. In three of them, where serum was positive for Australia antigen (two had serum hepatitis and one active chronic hepatitis) the hepatocytes contained characteristic particles within membrane-bound cytoplasmic vesicles. The appearance of these particles was very similar to that of the Australia antigen particles found in the serum.

Two sizes of cytoplasmic particles were observed, with average diameters of about 26 and 46 nm. Particles of both sizes often had a membrane-like outer component and a moderately electron-dense inner component. They differed in both size and structure from the mainly intranuclear particles described by previous authors and which were not found in the present patients. The nature of the vesicles containing the particles was not apparent.
Studies on the prekallikrein-bradykininogen system in liver disease
Authors: Stewart David , Blendis Laurence M. , Williams Roger
Published: June 2007

The plasma prekallikrein-bradykininogen system was studied in 45 patients with chronic liver disease since its activation with increased liberation of kinin into the plasma could account for some of the clinical manifestations of cirrhosis, namely, vasodilatation, hypotension, and increased capillary permeability.

A significant reduction in plasma bradykininogen was found in the cirrhotic patients as compared with control groups of normal subjects and hospital inpatients. The mean plasma prekallikrein was not significantly different and only five patients with liver disease had reduced levels. The most likely explanation for the low plasma bradykininogen was impairment of synthesis by the cirrhotic liver, the usually normal prekallikrein levels making the other possibility of increased activation of bradykininogen to bradykinin in the plasma less likely.
Electrophoretic separation and differentiation of enzymes from human and from porcine liver
Authors: Baron D. N. , Buttery J. E.
Published: June 2007

The electrophoretic separations of some human and pig liver enzymes on cellulose acetate and Cellogel were investigated, with reference to their joint occurrence in serum of patients undergoing treatment by extracorporeal pig liver perfusion. In every case it was possible to distinguish between the human and pig enzymes. Pig lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes occupy a position slightly anodic to the corresponding human bands. The aspartate transaminase band of human is more anodic than that of pig, but their cathodic bands have the same mobility. Alanine transaminase of both human and pig liver extract is shown to exist as two bands each towards the anode. The faster moving human band is more anodic than the corresponding pig band, while the other human band is less anodic. Sorbitol dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and ornithine carbamoyltransferase all exist as one band each. Human sorbitol dehydrogenase is more cathodic than the pig enzyme, human alkaline phosphatase more anodic than the pig enzyme, while human ornithine carbamoyltransferase is less anodic than the pig enzyme.
Effectin vitroon platelet function of two compounds developed from the pyrimido-pyrimidines
Authors: Slater S. D. , Turpie A. G. G. , Douglas A. S. , McNicol G. P.
Published: June 2007

VK 774 and VK 744, two new compounds developed from the pyrimido-pyrimidines, have been found to be powerful inhibitors of platelet function testedin vitro.They inhibit adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation, and the release of platelet factor 3 by kaolin, and VK 774 also reduces platelet adhesiveness and inhibits platelet aggregation (`snowstorm' effect) in the Chandler tube system. Although measured percentage whole blood clot retraction was uninfluenced by these drugs the clot produced with VK 774 was friable and soft. VK 774 appears to be the most powerful of these compounds reported so far, being active in some test systems at 10−6M, and, if the results of toxicity testing are satisfactory, it should be an important agent for therapeutic trial.
A comparison of the absorbed fluorescent treponemal antibody (FTA-ABS) test and other screening tests for treponemal disease in patients attending a venereal disease clinic
Authors: Wilkinson A. E. , Scrimgeour G. , Rodin P.
Published: June 2007

Screening tests—absorbed fluorescent treponemal (FTA-ABS), the Reiter protein complement-fixation (RPCFT), VDRL slide test, automated reagin—and cardiolipin Wassermann reaction—were carried out on 1922 consecutive new patients attending the Whitechapel Clinic over a three-month period.

Taking the FTA-ABS test results as an index, the most efficient combination of conventional tests was found to be the RPCFT and automated reagin test. The cardiolipin WR proved to be under-sensitive and of little value compared with the other tests.

Forty-two per cent of the 107 sera reactive in the FTA-ABS test were not detected by the RPCFT or ART tests. An assessment based on the TPI test results and clinical findings in these patients is presented.

The scope and limitations of the FTA-ABS test as a screening procedure are discussed.
Antibacterial activity of nifuratel in urine and serum
Authors: McGeachie J. , Robinson G. , Black D.
Published: June 2007

The minimum inhibitory concentrations of nifuratel for 205 randomly selected isolates from urinary tract infections were tested by tube dilution. Of these, 177 (86·3%) were resistant to more than 6 μg/ml and 140 of 141 (99·3%) strains ofEscherichia coliwere resistant to more than 3 μg/ml. Urine levels of nifuratel were examined in two groups: one group had 400 mg given once and the other group had 2 g given over 24 hours. In both groups samples of urine were collected every hour for seven hours after the last dose. After one 400-mg dose the maximum urine level achieved by any subject was 2·0 μg/ml and the mean maximum level was 0·75 μg/ml. With the 2 g total dose, the maximum level noted was 4 μg/ml and the mean maximum level was 1·8 μg/ml. No measurable inhibition was noted in any of the blood samples removed at one and a half to two hours after the last dose.
Value of surface counting in predicting response to splenectomy in haemolytic anaemia
Authors: Ahuja S. , Lewis S. M. , Szur L.
Published: June 2007

The value of surface counting with51Cr-labelled red cells in predicting response to splenectomy in haemolytic anaemia has been analysed in 18 cases. The cases included six patients with congenital haemolytic anaemias, four with primary autoimmune haemolytic anaemias, and eight patients with secondary haemolytic anaemias (four with a positive antiglobulin test). All patients showed evidence of splenic accumulation of labelled cells and in 16 of the cases this was confined to the spleen. Improvement followed splenectomy in 17 of the cases although there was no close correlation between the magnitude of accumulation of radioactivity as measured by excess counts and the degree of response. The reasons for these discrepancies are discussed, The only patient who completely failed to respond to splenectomy had a sideroblastic element to the anaemia. It has been concluded that surface counting is of value in selecting patients for splenectomy but should not be depended upon without reference to other clinical and haematological factors, which are likely to influence the prognosis.
Disordered blood coagulation in burned children receiving high molecular weight dextran
Authors: Thomas Trevor , Morris Arthur , Rose Michael S.
Published: June 2007

Coagulation studies were performed on nine children with burns. Four of these children received treatment which included intravenous dextran; all four showed abnormalities of coagulation and two of them developed a bleeding state. No abnormalities of haemostasis were detected in the remaining five children who had comparable degrees of burns but whose treatment did not include intravenous dextran.
Platelet adhesiveness, coagulation, and fibrinolytic activity in obesity
Authors: Warlow C. P. , McNeill A. , Ogston D. , Douglas A. S.
Published: June 2007

In a study of 41 fasting subjects it was confirmed that fibrinolytic activity was reduced in obese persons: an increase in fibrinogen was also associated with obesity. There was no correlation between obesity and the platelet count, platelet adhesiveness to glass, the level of serum fibrin degradation products, or the whole blood clotting time in plastic tubes.
Storage, retrieval, and inventory control of donor red cells in liquid nitrogen
Authors: Mitchell R. , Muir W.
Published: June 2007

A system of identification and inventory control of donations and aliquots of human blood stored in liquid nitrogen is described. It is simple and easy to operate. Up to five adequate samples can be obtained from each donation at discrete intervals without the need to recover the main donation or, as is so often the case, the only single aliquot available.
Nitro blue tetrazolium test in children with kwashiorkor with a comment on the use of latex particles in the test
Authors: Shousha Sami , Kamel Karim
Published: June 2007

The nitro blue tetrazolium test was applied on neutrophils from children with kwashiorkor and from control children. The percentage of formazan cells formed in the kwashiorkor patients was significantly less than in the control group in spite of the presence of associated infections in the former. A direct correlation exists between the percentage of formazan cell formation and total serum proteins, albumin, and haemoglobin. These findings may reflect a decreased bactericidal activity of neutrophils in kwashiorkor. The use of latex particles is an unnecessary technical refinement of the test.
Primary glomerular disease with extraglomerular vascular osmiophilic deposits
Authors: Nagi A. H. , Alexander F. , Lannigan R.
Published: June 2007

The ultrastructural changes in renal arterioles and capillaries from three cases of epimembranous nephropathy, one case of minimal change, and one case of minimal change with mild focal proliferation are presented. In addition to the usual subepithelial deposits on the glomerular capillary basement membranes in the cases of epimembranous nephropathy, osmiophilic granular deposits were observed on the outer aspect of extraglomerular vascular basement membranes. No clinical history of hypertension was obtained and there was no histological evidence of renal hypertensive vascular disease.
Weight of the left and right ventricle of the heart during fetal life
Authors: Hislop Alison , Reid Lynne
Published: June 2007

The hearts from 31 fetuses aged from 12 to 40 weeks' gestation were dissected after fixation. The right ventricle and the left ventricle plus septum were weighed separately and a ratio was established. The total and separate ventricular weights increase steadily with age and at a similar rate. Throughout fetal life the left ventricle plus septum is larger than the right ventricle, but the right ventricle forms a greater proportion of the total ventricular weight than it does in the child or the adult.

For the first time, a table of normal fetal heart weights and ratios obtained using the method of Fulton, Hutchinson, and Jones (1952) is presented.
A modified rapid slide test for anti-streptolysin O
Authors: Ingram G. B. P. , Hughes J. E. P.
Published: June 2007

This paper describes the modification of a commercially available rapid slide screening test1for anti-streptolysin O to give quantitative results. The modified technique is compared with the long-established haemolytic technique of Rantz and Randall (1945).

The quantitative results for both techniques are shown to be comparable. The modified slide test offers the advantage of saving time and labour.
Congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia with erythroblastic multinuclearity
Authors: Bright Malcolm , Cobb Jeremy , Evans Byron , Parry T. E.
Published: June 2007

A case of congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia with erythroblastic multinuclearity in a 36-year-old woman is described and the literature reviewed. The syndrome is characterized by a protracted clinical course, a relatively mild anaemia, a low reticulocyte count, slight hyperbilirubinaemia, splenomegaly, pronounced erythroid hyperplasia with reversal of the myeloid erythroid ratio, and in particular by the presence of multinucleated erythroblasts in the marrow. The picture of ineffective erythropoiesis is confirmed by erythrokinetic studies. The present case is the forty-first to be described in the literature and is the third from Britain. Thirty-one of these have occurred in seven families but a family history has been lacking in the remaining ten. The onset of anaemia occurred in childhood in 21 of the 41 cases.
Serum α-macroglobulins in renal disease and preeclampsia
Authors: Horne C. H. W. , Briggs J. D. , Howie P. W. , Kennedy A. C.
Published: June 2007

The serum levels of α2-macroglobulin and pregnancy-associated globulin (another α-macroglobulin) have been measured by means of a radial immunodiffusion technique in (1) renal disease with and without proteinuria, (2) in age- and sex-matched controls, (3) in preeclampsia with and without proteinuria, and (4) in normal pregnant controls. There are significant increases in α2-macroglobulin and pregnancy-associated globulin in renal disease accompanied by proteinuria but normal levels are found in renal disease without proteinuria. Compared with normal pregnancy, α2-macroglobulin is significantly raised in preeclampsia with proteinuria but normal in preeclampsia without proteinuria. In contrast, serum pregnancy-associated globulin is significantly reduced in preeclampsia both with and without proteinuria when compared with normal pregnancy.
Some observations and improvements on SMA 6/60 determinations of creatinine
Authors: Close-Moll Madeleine , Lines J. G.
Published: June 2007

Modifications to an earlier SMA 6/60 method for creatinine determinations are reported. The suggested procedure is linear for concentrations up to 15 mg/100 ml, shows no zero drift, and has a satisfactory analytical precision. Effects have been determined upon the analysis for a number of non-creatinine constituents of biological fluids. Recommendations are made for the optimum determination of plasma and urine creatinine.
Pathological findings after right lung transplantation in a patient with fibrosing alveolitis
Authors: Shilkin K. B. , Reid Lynne
Published: June 2007

The pathological findings in a patient who died two months after right lung transplantation for fibrosing alveolitis are reported. The cause of death was haemoptysis, due to penetrating ulceration causing a fistula between the surface of the cartilagenous part of the main bronchus of the donor lung and the right upper lobe pulmonary artery. The opening in the donor bronchus was immediately distal to the line of the bronchial anastomosis and through an actively inflamed area. Other parts of the donor bronchus had microscopic changes suggesting ischaemia, emphasizing that inadequacy of blood supply to the donor extrapulmonary bronchus is one of the most serious hazards of lung transplantation. Within the lung, histological features of rejection were mild and there was minimal evidence of infection. Another question raised by this case is whether the donor lung was in the process of developing the original disease, evidence for which was sought electron microscopically but was not proven.
The detection of fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products by means of a new antibody-coated latex particle
Authors: Garvey M. Bernadette , Black Joan M.
Published: June 2007

A rapid slide test for the detection of degradation products of fibrinogen/fibrin (FDP) using a new antibody-coated latex particle is described. The latex particle has been specifically coated with antibody to fragments D and E. The latex agglutination test (Thrombo-Wellcotest) has been compared with the tanned red cell haemagglutination inhibition immunoassay (TRCHII) in 143 patients with a variety of clinical conditions. There is a high degree of agreement between the methods with a coefficient of correlation of 0·83. The method provides a rapid, simple screening test for fibrin degradation products.
Amyloid goitre
Authors: James P. D.
Published: June 2007

Amyloid goitre is a rare manifestation of amyloidosis; about 50 cases have been recorded and this paper adds a further six cases, the first to be described from Uganda. The condition has to be distinguished from the more common types of goitre, and histological differentiation from medullary carcinoma may be difficult with small biopsies.

Irrespective of an underlying cause, the distribution of amyloidosis in Uganda resembles the classical secondary type, and the findings in 81 cases confirm this. The age of onset of the primary type is earlier than seen elsewhere and it is possible that these variations result from immune depression following malnutrition or endemic infectious diseases.
Resistance ofStaphylococcus aureusto sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim
Authors: Nakhla L. S.
Published: June 2007

Strains ofStaphylococcus aureusisolated from the lesions of hospital patients were surveyed for resistance to sulphamethoxazole and to trimethoprim. Of 675 strains tested, 18·5% were resistant to sulphamethoxazole and 1·6% to trimethoprim. All the trimethoprim-resistant strains were resistant to sulphamethoxazole and to a 1:20 mixture of the two drugs. Trimethoprim-resistant strains were on average more resistant to sulphamethoxazole than were trimethoprim-sensitive strains. They were all resistant to several other antimicrobial agents. Most of them had the phage-typing pattern 84/85, 84, or 85.
Effect of antibiotic resistance on the survival ofStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Lacey R. W.
Published: June 2007

The survival of strains ofStaphylococcus aureuson glass at 30°C, 37°C, and room temperature was compared with derivatives of them that had either lost or gained naturally occurring antibiotic resistance. In other properties the sets of strains were identical. Neither loss nor gain of antibiotic resistance (methicillin, penicillinase, streptomycin, tetracycline, erythromycin, neomycin) altered survival.
Serological investigations in children with colonized Spitz-Holter valves
Authors: Bayston R.
Published: June 2007

It has been found that children with hydrocephalus, whose Spitz-Holter valves are colonized withStaph. albus, have an antibody to this organism in their serum. Children without colonized shunts have little or no such antibody. A test for this antibody is described, and its use in such cases is discussed.
The measurement of serum thyroxine in children
Authors: Ryness Jennifer
Published: June 2007

A competitive protein-binding method was used to determine serum thyroxine concentration throughout childhood, adolescence, and in young adults. The values showed a gradual decrease as the child became older and reached adult levels by the time of adolescence. The range (mean ± 2 SD μg/100 ml) for cord serum was 8·8-14·8; for 4 weeks to 11 years, 6·5-13·9; for 11 to 17 years, 5·4-12·2, and for young adults 6·0-11·2.
A clinical and experimental study of platelet function in chronic renal failure
Authors: Evans E. P. , Branch R. A. , Bloom A. L.
Published: June 2007

Coagulation and platelet function studies were performed on 24 normal subjects and 29 patients with chronic renal failure due to various causes. Thrombocytopenia was uncommon in the uraemic patients but there was reduced platelet retention in glass bead columns and platelet aggregation with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and thrombin was slower and less complete than normal. The rate of platelet disaggregation in uraemic patients was significantly reduced. The abnormalities tended to be more severe in more uraemic subjects. In normal subjects no inter-relationships were observed between the various measurements of platelet activity. In patients there were significant interrelationships between the measurements of platelet aggregation with ADP and thrombin and between the measurements of aggregation and retention in glass bead columns. It is suggested that if a common pathway is involved in these reactions it is adversely affected in uraemia.

Plasma coagulation defects were uncommon and present in only five of the uraemic subjects. Impaired prothrombin consumption apparently due to defective platelet function was present in half the patients but was not detected by a kaolin activation method. Although platelet coagulation function was activated during ADP aggregation and disaggregation in normal and uraemic subjects, it did not correlate in the latter with impairment of aggregation. It is suggested that aggregation and activation of platelet coagulant activity are not necessarily related aspects of platelet function. An effect of uraemic plasma on normal platelets was demonstrated by mixing experiments consistent with a humoral cause for the uraemic platelet defects.
Detection of fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products by counterelectrophoresis
Authors: Brody Jerome I.
Published: June 2007

Counterelectrophoresis using a discontinuous buffer system permits detection of fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products (FDP) under a variety of clinical circumstances. The method is sensitive, reliable, and is easily performed using conventional equipment in any clinical laboratory assuming the responsibility for assaying fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products.
The erythrasma microorganismin situ:studies using the skin surface biopsy technique
Authors: Marks R. , Ramnarain N. D. , Bhogal B. , Moore N. T.
Published: June 2007

The skin surface biopsy technique has been used to investigate the erythrasma organismin situin the stratum corneum in 11 patients. Staining by PAS and Gram stain showed the presence of a large number of organisms arranged haphazardly in some areas and in microcolonies in others. With the scanning electron microscope it was possible to see that smooth filamentous chains of microorganisms had penetrated horn cells and caused disturbance of the surface structure of these cells.

Enzyme histochemical tests showed that the erythrasma microorganism possessed a strong reactivity for NAD diaphorase and other mitochondrial enzymes. The reactivity was focal confirming a complex subcellular organization of organelles.

It is suggested that the erythrasma microorganism secretes a mucopolysaccharide sheath in some circumstances.
Mucosal metaplasia in the appendix
Authors: MacGillivray J. B.
Published: June 2007

Metaplastic foci do not appear to have been previously described in the mucosa of the appendix. Eight examples are reported, two of which were found in a series of 100 consecutive appendicectomies.
Estimation of virus-neutralizing antibody in microplates
Authors: Pead P. J. , Holley A.
Published: June 2007

A simple and rapid method for the titration of virus-neutralizing antibody is described. The micro-apparatus and reagents are readily available from commercial sources. Results are included from selected cases which illustrate various conditions of immune status and response.
Frequency of intraendothelial `virus-like' particles: An electron microscopy study of 376 human renal biopsies
Authors: Bariéty J. , Richer D. , Appay M. D. , Grossetete J. , Callard P.
Published: June 2007

Intraendothelial `virus-like' particles were found in all cases requiring a renal biopsy: in 89% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in 73% of those receiving renal transplants more than one year before, and in 24·5% of all other renal biopsies.
Pseudo-carcinomatous invasion in adenomatous polyps of the colon and rectum
Authors: Muto T. , Bussey H. J. R. , Morson B. C.
Published: June 2007

The histology of pseudo-carcinomatous invasion in adenomatous polyps of the colon and rectum is described and the appearances are contrasted with those seen in malignant polyps.

The recognition of pseudo-carcinomatous invasion is important in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant polyps of the large bowel. Failure to distinguish it from carcinoma may lead to wrong treatment and false reports of the incidence and prognosis of cancer of the colon and rectum.

The evidence suggests that pseudo-carcinomatous invasion may be the result of repeated twisting of the stalk of a polyp which causes haemorrhage and this facilitates the passage of non-malignant adenomatous epithelium through the muscularis mucosae.
Identification of crystals deposited in brain and kidney after xylitol administration by biochemical, histochemical, and electron diffraction methods
Authors: Evans G. W. , Phillips Gael , Mukherjee T. M. , Snow M. R. , Lawrence J. R. , Thomas D. W.
Published: June 2007

The positive identification of crystals of calcium oxalate occurring in brain and kidney after xylitol administration is described. Biochemical, histochemical, conventional light and electron microscopical methods, including selected area electron diffraction, were used to characterize the crystals.
Serial nitroblue tetrazolium tests in the management of infection
Authors: Freeman R , King B. , Kite P.
Published: June 2007

Two cases are described in which extensive use was made of the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test. In the first case the advantages of using this technique to diagnose and control infection is shown; in the second the considerable advantage of the speed of the technique. In both of these cases the test made a material contribution to the management of the patient, and it is concluded that the test brings bacteriological control of the patient within the immediate clinical area, thus overcoming one of the principal disadvantages of the classical bacteriological methods.
Lysozyme activity and nitroblue-tetrazolium reduction in leukaemic cells
Authors: Catovsky D. , Galton D. A. G.
Published: June 2007

The cytochemical methods for lysozyme and nitroblue-tetrazolium reduction have been used to study the blast cells of acute myeloid leukaemia. Both proved useful in characterizing the cases with predominant monocytic differentiation.

The demonstration of lysozyme activity helped to define two main groups: (a) with predominantly lysozyme-negative cells (myeloblastic-promyelocytic), and (b) with considerable numbers of positive cells (monoblastic-monocytic). In addition this test was also of value in the differentiation of other leukaemic disorders. Reduction of nitroblue-tetrazolium was also a feature of monocytic differentiation. The combination of these two methods with those for myeloperoxidase and non-specific esterase activity contributes to the cytological characterization of acute myeloid leukaemia.
Genus-specific leptospiral antigen and its possible use in laboratory diagnosis
Authors: Palit A. , Gulasekharam J.
Published: June 2007

Sheep red cells, sensitized with a genus-specific leptospiral substance extracted from a water leptospira, were preserved by freeze drying. The serological reactivity of the preparation was tested against a total of 41 sera from proven cases of human leptospirosis and 27 from proven cases of animal leptospirosis. The sensitized, freeze-dried red cells appeared to be a sensitive reagent for the detection of leptospiral antibodies by haemagglutination. The use of this reagent as a screening test for leptospiral diagnosis is discussed. In the reported haemagglutination test on human and rabbit antisera the findings suggested that only IgM (19S) antibodies took part in the reaction.
Comparison of two laboratory tests in the control of anticoagulant therapy
Authors: Pearce Sarah J. , Sekar A. S. C.
Published: June 2007

A prospective, randomized trial is described in which the usefulness of two tests in the control of anticoagulant therapy is compared. Fifty-two patients were controlled by the one-stage prothrombin time and 55 by the activated partial thromboplastin time. There was no significant difference in the incidence of bleeding between the two groups. When bleeding did occur, it was more often reflected by prolongation of the prothrombin time than of the activated partial thromboplastin time. The prothrombin time was found to have some practical advantages over the activated partial thromboplastin time.
Intravenous infusions of heparin and penicillins
Authors: Jacobs J. , Kletter Dina , Superstine E. , Hill K. R. , Lynn B. , Webb R. A.
Published: June 2007

The chemical stability and anticoagulant activity of heparin (20 U/ml) were studied in five intravenous fluids at room temperature. Heparin remained stable and active for 24 hours in normal saline, but there was a rapid inactivation of 40 to 55% in solutions containing dextrose or lactate, as measured by chemical and biological methods.

High concentrations of benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, or methicillin had no effect on heparin activity in normal saline or dextrose 5%: nor was the stability of the penicillins in these fluids affected to any marked extent by the presence of heparin. Ampicillin was, however, found to be unstable in dextrose 5%, and it would be preferable for it not to be added to dextrose infusions. It is concluded that heparin may be given intravenously in normal saline with benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, or methicillin but several other antibiotics were found to be unsuitable for concurrent infusion with heparin.
Flavobacterium meningosepticumfrom cases' of meningitis in Botswana and England
Authors: Lapage S. P. , Owen R. J.
Published: June 2007

Two strains ofFlavobacterium meningosepticumisolated from cases of meningitis are described. One was isolated in Botswana from a man with an aplastic anaemia, the other in the UK from an infant who was probably infected in Bangladesh. The severity of the infection, the characterization of the organism, and the possibility that infection may be found in the UK are discussed.
A batch method for estimating thrombin clottable fibrinogen
Authors: Farrell G. W. , Wolf P.
Published: June 2007

A method for estimating thrombin clottable fibrinogen in a large number of plasma samples is described. This method is based on measuring the optical density difference of a diluted plasma and its corresponding serum after incubation at 59°C in the presence of 10% NaCl. The method gave excellent correlation with previously described thrombin clottable estimates, but was easier to perform and more accurate when estimating friable thrombin clots.

The method is compared with measurements of heat-coagulable plasma protein described by Thorp (1967) and by Millar, Simpson, and Stalker (1971), and direct optical density measurement of plasma after thrombin treatment (Burmester, Aulton, and Horsfield, 1970).

The feasibility of automating the proposed technique together with immunoreactive fibrinogen estimates is discussed.
`Sclerosing haemangioma' of the lung: an alternative view of its development
Authors: Kennedy A.
Published: June 2007

`Sclerosing haemangioma' is a name which has been applied to a group of uncommon benign pulmonary lesions characterized by their papillary nature, a sclerotic stroma containing lipid, and, in some cases, evidence of haemorrhage. There is little evidence that these lesions are really angiomatous. Studies of two examples removed surgically after being discovered as incidental radiographic findings, show that the cells lining the papillae have large vacuoles which contain whorled, electron-dense inclusions. These epithelial cells have the features of granular pneumonocytes, cells known to contain phospholipid. Both lipid and cholesterol are abundant in the stroma of both tumours and the lipid is distributed in a nodular fashion. Histochemically the lipid gives a strong reaction to stains for phospholipid and it is suggested that the lipid is derived, not from the haemorrhage, but is produced by the epithelial element of the tumour.
Non-flagellatePseudomonas aeruginosain pathological material
Authors: Lee F. W.
Published: June 2007

Three isolates of non-flagellatePseudomonas aeruginosaobtained from pathological material of human cases are described. Two were found in urinary tract infections and the third in a respiratory infection. They were shown by typing methods to be distinct strains.
A guide to the histological identification of fungi in tissues
Authors: Anthony P. P.
Published: June 2007

Infections with fungi and fungus-like organisms have increased in recent years. The presence of a fungus is often unsuspected clinically and it may only come to light in the course of microscopic examination of tissues removed by biopsy or at necropsy. Subsequent culture is desirable but not always possible.

A simple scheme for identifying fungi and fungus-like organisms is presented based on general morphology, staining, and other special characteristics with notes on types of tissue reactions and common pitfalls.
Types of `reticulin' antibodies detected in human sera by immunofluorescence
Authors: Rizzetto Mario , Doniach Deborah
Published: June 2007

Reticulin antibodies have been classified by immunofluorescence into five types reacting with distinct antigens of intra- and extracellular components in mesenchyme. Two types of fibrillar antigens can be distinguished on the basis of the staining patterns, anatomical distribution, and species specificity. A third antibody reacts with either small fibres, amorphous proteins, or mucopolysaccharides lining the hepatic sinusoids (ground substance antigens). In addition, at least two kinds of intrasinusoidal cells show cytoplasmic fluorescence, ie, Kupffer cells and glass-adherent, blood-borne cells antigenically related to peritoneal macrophages. Some sera may contain antibodies reacting with sinusoidal endothelial cells though this has not yet been proven.

It has been confirmed that all these distinct antibodies related to reticulin antigens are most frequent in dermatitis herpetiformis and coeliac disease, but they are also found with increased frequency in chronic heroin addicts and in rheumatoid and Sjögren's syndromes. About 5% of normal individuals had such antibodies and no significant increase could be demonstrated in autoimmune disorders or in liver cirrhosis. The antibodies appear to be stimulated by bacterial or nutritional antigens and are likely to represent anamnestic responses rather than direct cross reactions with a multiplicity of foreign antigens.
An automated method for the microbiological assay of serum pyridoxal
Authors: Davis R. E. , Smith B. K. , Curnow D. H.
Published: June 2007

A fully automated method for the measurement of serum pyridoxal has been developed. Acid phosphatase was used for dephosphorylation and precipitation of the serum proteins was not required. A chloramphenicol-resistant strain ofL. caseiwas used as the test organism and this removed the need for sterilization. The method gives highly reproducible results, and is suitable for population and institutional studies.
Urinary infection caused byMicrococcussubgroup 3
Authors: Kerr Helen
Published: June 2007

The laboratory findings and clinical presentations in urinary infections in 23 nurses, 10 caused byMicrococcussubgroup 3 and 13 byEscherichia coli, were studied, and the symptoms and possible predisposing factors compared. There were no important differences between the two groups. The infections caused byMicrococcussubgroup 3 were symptomatically severe, as were those caused byEscherichia coli.
Preoperative sterilization of the perineum: A comparision of six antiseptics
Authors: Byatt Margaret E. , Henderson A.
Published: June 2007

Nine preparations of six antiseptic substances were applied to the perineum of pregnant women at term in order to assess their efficacy in sterilizing the skin. The efficacy, in descending order of effectiveness, after three minutes' exposure, wasp-chlor-m-xylenol in alcohol (surgical Dettol); chlorhexidine gluconate in detergent (Hibiscrub), followed by the aqueous preparationsp-chlor-m-xylenol (Dettol), chlorhexidine gluconate (Hibitane), cetrimide (Cetavlon), povidoneiodine (Disadine), benzalkonium chloride (Resiguard), and merthiolate. Surgical Dettol was the only alcohol-based preparation used.
Fine structure and morphogenesis of spironolactone bodies in the zona glomerulosa of the human adrenal cortex
Authors: Kovacs K. , Horvath E. , Singer W.
Published: June 2007

Numerous spironolactone bodies have been detected in the zona glomerulosa cells of the adrenal cortex of a 36-year-old spironolactone-treated woman whose non-tumorous right adrenal gland was removed surgically because of primary hyperaldosteronism. Electron microscopy revealed spherical laminated whorls which consisted of a central core composed of an amorphous electron-dense material surrounded by numerous smooth-walled concentric membranes. Continuous with and deriving from the endoplasmic reticulum, they were present in viable cells and were not associated with ultrastructural features indicating cellular injury. Cytoplasmic inclusions similar to spironolactone bodies can be detected in other organs after the administration of various compounds. Thus, they can be regarded as neither specific to spironolactone treatment nor exclusively inducible in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex.
The significance of the fluorescent treponemal antibody (FTA-ABS) test in collagen disorders and leprosy
Authors: Wright D. J. M.
Published: June 2007

A test is described to distinguish the immunofluorescence seen onT. pallidumin syphilis from that due to antibodies against DNA.

The method consists of comparing the results of the fluorescent treponemal antibody (FTA-ABS) test with the staining obtained withT. gondiiandT. cruziusing an indirect fluorescent technique. The ability of a particular serum to stain other organisms, in addition toT. pallidum, at a significant titre indicates that the treponemal fluorescence is not specific, and the loss of this staining property when organisms are pretreated with deoxyribonuclease suggests that the common microbial antigen is DNA. The isolated treponemal fluorescence found in syphilis is unaffected by pretreatment ofT. pallidum.

When 123 sera from patients with collagen disorders were examined, non-specific bacterial fluorescence was observed in six sera, while in 95 sera from patients with lepromatous leprosy, a positive FTA-ABS reaction was obtained in 14. There was no accompanying immunofluorescence on other protozoa. Therefore the antibody reacting in the FTA-ABS test in leprosy is likely to be treponemal in origin. A mitochondrial antibody was found in seven out of the 15 sera from patients with lepromatous leprosy.
A new mathematical model for fitting an HPL radioimmunoassay curve
Authors: Harding B. R. , Thomson Ritchie , Curtis A. R.
Published: June 2007

A number of mathematical models have been tested for their suitability in representing the dose response curve of a specific assay of the hormone human placental lactogen (HPL).1

A new equation Y = B[0·14 + 1/[1 + C log [1 + exp[X − D]]] where Y is the percentage activity or counts bound to the antibody and X is the HPL concentration is proposed as representing the overall shape of the curve. This model is shown to give both an accurate representation of the curve and to allow reproducible determination of an unknown over a number of occasions. A number of other models are compared. The new model allows automatic calculation of HPL concentrations from a standard curve using a computer.
Electron microscope study of a case of Australia antigen-positive chronic hepatitis
Authors: Almeida June D. , Gioannini P. , Scalise G. , Harrison C. V.
Published: June 2007

The laboratory findings in a case of Australia antigen (Au-Ag) positive chronic hepatitis in a 4-year-old boy are given. Studies by the electron microscope technique of thin sectioning revealed the presence of 200Å particles in the nuclei of hepatocytes. These particles are identical to those described previously in occasional specimens of Au-Ag-positive liver tissue. However, the pattern found here differs from previous descriptions inasmuch as no heavily infected nuclei could be found but almost all nuclei could be shown to contain extremely small numbers of these particles. The significance of this finding is discussed and the danger that it would be easy to obtain false negatives in similar tissue pointed out.
Intravascular coagulation andE. colisepticaemia
Authors: Preston F. E. , Malia R. G. , Sworn M. J. , Blackburn E. K.
Published: June 2007

Eight patients withE. colisepticaemia had oliguric renal failure which was associated with haematological evidence of intravascular coagulation. Five of these patients also had the characteristic blood picture of microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia.

In an attempt to prevent further deposition of fibrin, intravenous heparin was administered to six patients, three of whom recovered fully and three died.

The diagnosis of intravascular coagulation was subsequently confirmed by histological examination of necropsy material and it is suggested that some of the complications ofE. colisepticaemia may be attributable to disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Bacteriological hazards of disposable bedpan systems
Authors: Gibson G. L.
Published: June 2007

A system using disposable papier maché bedpans and urinals in hospital has advantages of ease of handling for the nurse and cleanliness for the patient. Disposal of the bedpans and their contents is by destruction and flushing to waste. Some bacteriological hazards of this process in the Haigh Sluicemaster and J.M.L. Clinimatic machines are assessed, particularly the dispersal of the contents in spray and aerosol during opening, closing, and running the machines. Various safety devices were tested and some deficiencies are discussed.

A major defect in the system is the need at present for a bedpan carrier or support which is not disposable and requires cleaning and disinfection. Minor problems include ordering and storing bulky items, possibly the texture of the bedpans themselves, and perhaps the effect of the bulk of paper discharged into the sewage system.

At present the system seems unsuitable for use in infectious disease hospitals and has some deficiencies in use in general wards. The improvements suggested would greatly increase its acceptability which should then be completely re-assessed. To this end the examination of improved models using totally disposable bedpans is proceeding.
Selectagerm: A new approach to clinical bacteriology
Authors: Greaves P. W.
Published: June 2007

A method of processing clinical specimens received at the laboratory on cotton wool swabs is described. The method uses a range of selective culture media to assist in the isolation of potential pathogens from mixed cultures. Because the culture media are distributed in 2 millilitre volumes in the small squares of divided plastic petri dishes it is economically possible to use the same series for every specimen. This facilitates the rapid processing of large numbers of swabs and allows the isolation of pathogens from sites where they might otherwise go unnoticed.
The relationship of the dilute whole blood lysis time to the fibrinolytic activity of blood: effect of change in plasma fibrinogen
Authors: Hickman J. A. , Gordon-Smith I. C. , Whitfield P. F. , Godfrey S. J.
Published: June 2007

The rate of digestion of fibrin was measuredin vitroby an isotopic technique in 140 blood samples of differing fibrinogen concentration; the assessment of fibrinolytic activity thus obtained was compared with a standard method of measurement, the dilute whole blood lysis time. The lysis time was related exponentially to the fibrinolytic activity as measured by the isotopic technique, and further was influenced markedly by alteration in the plasma fibrinogen concentration. The relevance of these observations to the use of lysis time methods for the measurement of fibrinolytic activity is discussed.
The role of the mesangial cell in proliferative glomerulonephritis
Authors: Davison A. M. , Thomson D. , Macdonald Mary K. , Uttley W. S. , Robson J. S.
Published: June 2007

In 40 patients with a histological diagnosis of proliferative glomerulonephritis the deposition of immunoglobulins, complement (C3), and fibrin/fibrinogen has been assessed by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. The results of such examinations have been correlated with the outcome of the illness.

In minor or resolving disease there is usually minor functional impairment, a good response to therapy or spontaneous resolution, the deposition of small amounts of material in glomerular capillary walls, and active mesangial removal. In moderate to marked disease there is initially a moderately severe functional disorder, a good response to therapy, considerable deposition of material in glomerular capillary walls but with less active mesangial regions than in the previous group. In progressive glomerulonephritis there was initial severe functional disorder, poor response to therapy, large amounts of material deposited within capillary walls, and active mesangial regions which were greatly enlarged, containing numerous deposits. In the rapidly progressive group there was severe functional disorder with poor response to therapy, the deposition of only small amounts of material within capillary walls, the lack of any significant mesangial cell reaction, and the formation of epithelial crescents.

The results of the study indicate that in proliferative glomerulonephritis following the deposition of material in glomerular capillary loops, the progression of the disease is, to some extent at least, dependent upon the ability of the mesangial cell to remove such material.
Electron microscopic study of the distribution of the Australia antigen in individual sera of 50 serologically positive blood donors and two patients with serum hepatitis
Authors: Stannard Linda M. , Moodie J. , Keen G. A. , Kipps A.
Published: June 2007

The distribution of the morphological types of Australia antigen in 50 blood donors and two patients with serum hepatitis is described.

The significance of the high incidence of immune complexes and Dane particles in these persistent carriers is discussed.
A guide to bullous lesions of the skin
Authors: Gane N. F. C.
Published: June 2007

A simple sequential chart for identifying bullous skin lesions is presented based on the site and size of the bulla and helpful changes in the bulla, epidermis, and dermis.
A trial of prophylactic replacement therapy in haemophilia and Christmas disease
Authors: Ramsay D. M. , Parker A. C.
Published: June 2007

A trial of prophylactic replacement therapy in low dosage once a week is described in two patients with classical haemophilia and one patient with Christmas disease, using concentrates of factor VIII and factor IX respectively. The clinical effectiveness and complications of the therapy are assessed and discussed. It was concluded that the patient suffering from Christmas disease showed both objective and subjective improvement while on prophylaxis and merited further study. Neither of the patients with haemophilia showed objective evidence of improvement, but both stated that they felt fitter and more able to lead a normal life while on the trial.
A comparison of methods for staining tubercle bacilli in histological sections
Authors: Greenwood N. , Fox And H.
Published: June 2007

The Ziehl-Neelsen stain is compared with three alternative methods of staining tubercle bacilli in paraffin sections: Fite's method (1938); a modification by Armstrong and Price (1947) of Fite's method; and a fluorescent method using the auramine-phenol stain.

The fluorescent method was found to be the most effective of the four methods and its use is recommended as a routine tool in diagnostic histopathology.