bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies of plasma zinc, copper, caeruloplasmin, and growth hormone
Authors: Andrews G. S.
Published: June 2007

The levels of plasma zinc, copper, caeruloplasmin, and growth hormone were determined in a group of normal people and in four groups of patients who were suffering from carcinoma of the bronchus, other forms of malignancy, chest illnesses, and diseases other than chest illness or malignancy. The plasma zinc was higher, and the plasma copper lower, in people without malignancy below the age of 30 years than they were in other age groups.

It was confirmed that about 66% of patients with carcinoma of the bronchus had plasma zinc levels less than 11·5 μmol/l but low levels were also found in 23% of other cases of malignancy and in 9% of the other patients. In carcinoma of the bronchus the low plasma zinc was found to be associated with epidermoid and anaplastic tumours and was to some extent related to the duration of the disease.

In carcinoma of the bronchus the plasma copper was found to be higher than in all other groups, and values higher than 26·5 μmol/l were considered to support a diagnosis of carcinoma of the bronchus. There was, however, no relationship between the increase in the plasma copper and the decrease in the plasma zinc.

Raised caeruloplasmin levels above 420 mg/l were found in 65% of cases of carcinoma of the bronchus, and these high levels were usually associated with raised plasma copper. Growth hormone was normal in all groups except six patients with carcinoma of the bronchus with secondary carcinoma of the liver, in whom it was raised. Surgical operations lowered plasma zinc and raised growth hormone but did not affect plasma copper.

A plasma zinc below 11·5 μmol/l is helpful in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the bronchus, but by itself it is not sufficiently specific to be considered diagnostic or to form a reliable screening test. A raised plasma copper and a raised plasma caeruloplasmin were useful supportive findings.
Antibodies to germinating and yeast cells of Candida albicans in human and rabbit sera.
Authors: Ho Y M , Ng M H , Huang C T
Published: June 2007

Two major antigenic components, I and II, were detected by double immunodiffusion in sonic extracts of the germinating (G) or yeast (Y) cells of the dimorphis organism, Candida albicans group A. Component I may be a heterogeneous mixture of antigens which are stable to heating and phenol. Component II is more homogeneous but is labile to heat and phenol. Rabbit antisera, showing only precipitin to component II or certain human sera at high dilution, were found to react with G cells to give an immunofluorescence which was confined to the germ tubes. This suggested that component II is localised on the germ tubes, whereas no immunofluorescent reaction against the yeast cells could be detected under the same conditions although component II was as readily extracted from these cells as from G cells. This suggested that component II might exist in a cryptic state in the Y cells. In support of the latter contention it was shown that live Y cells did not absorb precipitin to component II nor were they capable of providing these antibodies in rabbits. Using both human and rabbit sera, it was shown that the antigenic specificity of the immunofluorescence assay where Y cells were used was related to component I and that where G cells were used it was related to both components I and II.
An ultrastructural study of a nasal haemangioendothelioma.
Authors: Williams R M , Thomas J N
Published: June 2007

A malignant haemangioendothelioma of the nose has been examined with the electron microscope. The tumour is predominantly poorly differentiated with only little evidence of its vascular ancestry identified. The cells are polygonal with a wide spectrum of organelles, including microfilaments. A conspicuous feature was the presence of cytoplasmic fenestrae developing into intracytoplasmic vacuolated spaces. The satisfactory progress of this patient is noted, and the value of electron microscopy in enabling an early and accurate diagnosis of this tumour to be made is emphasised.
Adjusted calcium conflict resolved? Differing effects on plasma total calcium of changes in plasma albumin after venous stasis or myocardial infarction.
Authors: Walker B E , Payne R B
Published: June 2007

Others have challenged the concept of adjusting total plasma calcium for albumin concentration on the grounds that after the application of a tourniquet the increase in calcium for a given increase in albumin differs significantly between normal individuals. We have confirmed this finding. In contrast, we have found that after myocardial infarction the fall in calcium for a given fall in albumin does not differ significantly between patients. Thus the adjustment of calcium for albumin using a single equation remains valid in patients with changes in albumin due to disease. We recommend that for consistent results blood should be taken with the minimum of venous stasis even though the patient's calcium is to be adjusted for albumin.
Class II (laminar flow) biological safety cabinet.
Authors: Newsom S W
Published: June 2007

A microbiological survey of the effectiveness of class II (laminar flow) 'safety' cabinets found in the UK in the last six years is recorded. Only two of the nine units tested approached the containment of aerosols achieved by a good class I (exhaust protective) cabinet. The others were potentially hazardous if used with pathogenic material. The National Sanitation Foundation and the British Standards Institute have now laid down adequate specifications based on biological containment, and hopefully the conforming cabinets will be much better; even so, the purchase of a cabinet must be undertaken with care, and the cabinet requires frequent monitoring during use and after servicing.
Reactogenicity and immunogenicity of a surface-antigen-adsorbed influenza virus vaccine in children.
Authors: Eastwood L M , Jennings R , Milner R D , Potter C W
Published: June 2007

An influenza virus vaccine containing the purified surface haemagglutinin and neuraminidase antigens of A/Victoria/75 and B/Hong Kong/73 viruses adsorbed to an aluminium hydroxide gel was assessed for reactogenicity and immunogenicity in children aged 4 to 11 years, since there is no influenza virus vaccine available for this age group. Significant serum haemagglutination-inhibiting antibody responses to the A/Victoria/75 and B/Hong Kong/73 haemagglutinin antigens present in the vaccine were observed in 47% and 35%, respectively, of the children vaccinated, with a single dose. The vaccine induced no significant local or systemic reactions.
Haemophilus influenzae type b antigenuria in children.
Authors: Kaldor J , Asznowicz R , Dwyer B
Published: June 2007

Detection of Haemophilus influenzae type b (HIb) antigenuria by latex agglutination has been shown to be sensitive, specific, and rapid. In children, antigenuria persisted for a mean duration of 10 days and a maximum of 18 days. Antigenuria was demonstrated in 25 of 30 patients with HIb infection but not in 62 with other types of infection. In five children, antigenuria confirmed the diagnosis in the absence of bacteriological confirmation. In five other children, antigenuria was not found, but in this group the antigen was detected in another body fluid or HIb was recovered.
Intravenous feeding in a gastroenterological unit: a prospective study of infective complications.
Authors: Powell-Tuck J , Lennard-Jones J E , Lowes J A , Danso K T , Shaw E J
Published: June 2007

We have assessed the bacteriological safety of a system of intravenous feeding by culturing catheters on removal, swabs taken from the catheter's skin entry sites, and samples of infusion fluid. Among 38 treatment periods using 51 catheters over 1551 patient days, septicaemia due to Staphylococcus aureus was observed in one treatment period and bacteraemias due to Staphylococcus albus and Diphtheroid species in two others. The Staph. aureus and the diphtheroids probably gained access via the skin entry site along the outside of the catheter. The origin of the Staph. albus was uncertain. Parenteral nutrition over extended periods can be a safe procedure if aseptic precautions are taken. The importance of the catheter's skin entry site as a source of contaiminating organisms is emphasised.
A new chromogenic assay for the specific determination of prothrombin.
Authors: Francis J L
Published: June 2007

A new method for the specific assay of prothrombin is described which utilises Taipan snake venom and the chromogenic substrate Tos-Gly-Pro-Arg-pNA (Chromozym TH). The method is sensitive and reproducible and shows good correlation with a conventional specific assay for prothrombin. The reaction is dependent on calcium ions and phospholipid, and is therefore sensitive to the coumarin-induced prothrombin defect. The assay is rapid and well suited for use in the routine coagulation laboratory.
An improved method for the measurement of red cell survival using non-radioactive chromium.
Authors: Drysdale H C , Emerson P M , Holmes A
Published: June 2007

An improved technique for the measurement of red cell survival is described in which non-radioactive 50Cr is used in patients for whom radioactive labels are not advisable. The 50Cr was measured by neutron activation analysis using a high resolution germanium (lithium) diode gamma-ray spectrometer. In adult controls, the values obtained were in the range accepted as normal for the 51Cr method, and double labelling experiments showed close agreement. The application of this technique to the measurement of red cell survival in pregnant women suspected of having haemolytic anemia is described.
Bone marrow culture in aplastic anemia.
Authors: Barrett A J , Faille A , Balitrand N , Ketels F , Najean Y
Published: June 2007

Blood and bone marrow granulocyte colony forming units (CFUc) were assayed in 46 patients with aplastic anemia, and the serum was examined for its inhibitory action on normal CFUc growth. All patients showed a gross reduction in colonies and clusters in incidence and absolute number in the bone marrow and blood. Two proliferative abnormalities of CFUc in aplastic anaemia were identified: a significantly higher than normal cluster to colony ratio (P less than 0.05) and a higher than normal ratio of granulocytes to total aggregates in the bone marrow. Eleven out of 34 patients tested had serum inhibitory to normal CFUc. These patients were indistinguishable from the rest on haematological and CFUc culture characteristics, and no correlation between the results of CFUc assay and haematological severity was found. The results suggest that the CFUc is abnormal in aplastic anaemia, the reduction in pool size being related to a failure of self-renewal, but an immunological role in the pathogenesis of aplastic anaemia remains unproven. The close relationship of CFUc incidence to the percentage of granulocyte precursors in the marrow, together with the failure of the CFUc assay to predict clinical severity, limits the practical use of the assay to the confirmation of diagnosis in aplastic anaemia.
A renal biopsy study in toxaemia of pregnancy.
Authors: Tribe C R , Smart G E , Davies D R , Mackenzie J C
Published: June 2007

Renal biopsy specimens from 11 women with severe pre-eclamptic toxaemia were examined by light and electron microscopy linked with immunofluorescence and immuno-electron microscopy. The part played by the mesangium in causing capillary loop thickening is stressed, and the progress of this 'strangulation' is illustrated. In contrast to the findings of most previous authors, IgM was demonstrated by direct immunofluorescence in all biopsy specimens, and its presence and site within the glomerulus were shown by immuno-electron microscopy in three cases.
Human endodermal sinus tumour in nude mice and its markers for diagnosis and management.
Authors: Takeuchi T , Nakayasu M , Hirohashi S , Kameya T , Kaneko M , Yokomori K , Tsuchida Y
Published: June 2007

Two human endodermal sinus tumours (yolk sac tumours) were transplanted successfully into nude mice. The transplanted tumours maintained not only morphological characters, such as Schiller-Duval bodies, but also the ability to synthesise alpha-fetoprotein, lactic dehydrogenase 1, liver and bone type alkaline phosphatase, and some human serum proteins. Since these tumours produced lactic dehydrogenase 1 but not the other four isozymes of lactic dehydrogenase, this isozyme, like alpha-fetoprotein, seems to be a good marker for the diagnosis and management of cases of endodermal sinus tumour. One of the two tumours produced another fetal antigen or carcinoembryonic antigen in addition to alpha-fetoprotein. These two endodermal sinus tumours, with their various markers in nude mice, will be useful in studies on diagnostic markers.
Effect of tobacco and nicotine on growth of Haemophilus influenzae in vitro.
Authors: Roberts D , Cole P
Published: June 2007

Two nutritionally poor bacteriological media, prepared from phosphate-buffered saline and from bronchial secretions, support the growth of Haemophilus influenzae only poorly. The presence of tobacco or pure nicotine in these media stimulates the growth of the organism, and the component(s) responsible appear(s) to be volatile.
Bone aluminium in haemodialysed patients and in rats injected with aluminium chloride: relationship to impaired bone mineralisation.
Authors: Ellis H A , McCarthy J H , Herrington J
Published: June 2007

Iliac bone aluminium was determined by neutron activation analysis in 34 patients with chronic renal failure and in eight control subjects. In 17 patients treated by haemodialysis there was a significant increase in the amount of aluminium (mean +/- SE = 152 +/- 30 ppm bone ash). In eight patients treated by haemodialysis and subsequent renal transplantation, bone aluminium was still significantly increased (92 +/- 4.5 ppm bone ash) but was less than in the haemodialysed patients. In some patients aluminium persisted in bone for many years after successful renal transplantation. There was no relationship between hyperparathyroidism and bone aluminium. Although no statistically significant relationship was found between the mineralisation status of bone and bone aluminium, patients dialysed for the longest periods tended to be those with the highest levels of aluminium, osteomalacia, and dialysis encephalopathy. In 20 rats given daily intraperitoneal injections of aluminium chloride for periods of up to three months, there was accumulation of aluminium in bone (163 +/- 9 ppm ash) to levels comparable to those obtained in the dialysis patients, and after about eight weeks osteomalacia developed. The increased bone aluminium and osteomalacia persisted after injections had been stopped for up to 49 days, although endochondral ossification was restored to normal. As a working hypothesis it is suggested that aluminium retained in the bone of the dialysis patients and the experimental animals interferes with normal mineralisation.
A clinical view of analytical goals in clinical biochemistry.
Authors: Barrett A E , Cameron S J , Fraser C G , Penberthy L A , Shand K L
Published: June 2007

The analytical goals inferred desirable by a group of clinicians for the imprecisions of a wide range of analytes have been studied by survey. The goals required have not in general become more stringent in the past decade and are not as demanding as those promulgated by laboratory professionals. Clinical biochemistry laboratories can now attain analytical imprecisions which satisfy the general demands of clinicians except for analyses of calcium and of low levels of glucose. The lack of published data on analytical goals does not allow wide comparison of criteria for performance standards with the results of this study.
Use and interpretation of Schlichter's test on Haemophilus influenzae: relation of in vitro to in vivo results for cefamandole.
Authors: Yourassowsky E , van der Linden M P , Schoutens E
Published: June 2007

When Haemophilus influenzae infections are treated by an antibiotic acting on the bacterial wall, the adequacy of antimicrobial therapy can be assessed by Schlichter's test. This test may be carried out using Mueller Hinton broth (or Mueller Hinton broth with 50% pooled serum and a supplement of Ca++ and Mg++) supplemented with Fildes' enrichment and an inoculum adjusted to the 0.5 McFarland turbidity standard diluted 200x. However, correct reading of end points can be obtained only by phase contrast microscopic examination, which allows the establishment of good correlation between the in vitro and in vivo findings. In patients with lung infections successfully treated with cefamandole, the presence of spheroplasts in samples derived from Schlichter's tests correlates well with clinical improvement and eradication of the pathogenic organism checked by transtracheal aspiration.
Serological studies on 40 cases of mumps virus infection.
Authors: Freeman R , Hambling M H
Published: June 2007

The results of serological study of 40 cases of mumps virus infection are presented. Mumps virus was isolated from 20 of the patients studied and antibodies to the V antigen, the S antigen, and the haemagglutination antigen were performed in all cases. Analysis of these results shows that estimation of all three types of antibody is necessary to confirm the diagnosis in the maximum number of instances and that the long-accepted view that a characteristic pattern of antibody response is typical of the acute illness (namely, anti-S appearing earlier and in greater titre than anti-V) is questionable.
Sex-related differences in the haematological effects of excessive alcohol consumption.
Authors: Chalmers D M , Chanarin I , Macdermott S , Levi A J
Published: June 2007

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was measured at presentation in 320 hospital patients with a history of excessive alcohol consumption. The MCV of the 94 women thought to be actively drinking more than 80 g/day of alcohol was 101.3 fl compared with 96.7 fl in their male counterparts. Alcohol consumption, age, smoking habits, prevalence of inadequate diet, or serum and red cell folate levels did not differ significantly between men and women. It is suggested that MCV is a better indicator of excessive alcohol consumption in women than in men, and that women are more susceptible to the haematological toxicity of alcohol.
Significance of bacterial and white cell counts in midstream urines.
Authors: Little P J , Peddie B A , Sincock A R
Published: June 2007

The results of cultures carried out on urine collected by a midstream technique (MSU) have been compared with the results of cultures of urine collected by suprapubic bladder aspiration (SPA) in the same 903 patients. Comparisons indicate that when there are more than 100 x 10(6)/l (100 000/ml) Gram-negative bacteria in the midstream urine this finding is confirmed by suprapubic aspiration in 92% of patients, and in 70% when the urine contained this number of Gram-positive bacteria. When the culture contained more than one species (mixed organisms), the presence of infection was confirmed in only 11%. When there were 10-100 x 10(6)/l bacteria in the MSU the finding of Gram-negative bacilli still indicated urinary infection in 74% of patients, but the presence of Gram-positive organisms was confirmed in only 30% and mixed organisms in 2%. In asymptomatic patients, the presence of white cells in the urine was not helpful in confirming the diagnosis of infection. The nature of the organism found in the MSU is almost as important as the number of bacteria in assessing the validity of the result.
Multiple selective media for the isolation of anaerobic bacteria from clinical specimens.
Authors: Wren M W
Published: June 2007

Using fresh clinical material, a comparison of a number of anaerobic selective media was made. For Gram-negative anaerobes nalidixic acid tween agar (NAT), neomycin agar (NA), and neomycin-vancomycin agar (NVA) all performed equally well. Kanamycin-containing media were more inhibitory to all Gram-negative anaerobes other than Bacteroides fragilis and B. melaninogenicus. When the recovery of Gram-positive anaerobes was examined NAT performed better than any of the other selective media used. No single selective medium could recover all anaerobes. Better isolation was achieved using a combination of two selective media (the best combinations being NAT and NVA or NAT and NA). Only a combination of three selective media gave the maximum recovery of anaerobes in this study (NAT, NVA, and NA or KA).
Bacteriological examination of pus from abscesses of the central nervous system.
Authors: de Louvois J
Published: June 2007

The methods used successfully to examine pus from abscesses of the central nervous system are described. The association between direct inoculation of intracranial pus into a liquid anaerobic culture medium and the isolation of viable bacteria is emphasised. Cultural methods for the recognition of the streptococci associated with brain abscess and methods for the assay of antimicrobial drugs in pus are presented. The role of gas liquid chromatography is discussed.
Faecal carriage of group B streptococci.
Authors: Islam A K , Thomas E
Published: June 2007

Consecutive stool samples from 116 female and 98 male patients (both adults and children), and rectal and vaginal swabs from 28 and 53 cases respectively, were quantitatively cultured for group B streptococci using Islam's medium. Group B streptococcus was recovered from 5% and 2% of faeces in female and male patients respectively, and the colony counts ranged from 10(2) to 10(3)/g. In women, the faecal carriage rate was 6%, which was significantly lower than the rectal carriage rate (p 0.02), suggesting that the higher recovery rate (27%) from rectal specimens may be due to contamination of swabs by perianal skin flora. Type II group B streptococcus was the only faecal isolate in adults (numbers involved are small for statistical significance), and we suspect that this type strain may be the only resident gut flora in adults, and the gastrointestinal tract is unlikely to serve as the main reservoir of all group B streptococci.
Monocytes in inflammatory bowel disease: phagocytosis and intracellular killing.
Authors: Mee A S , Szawatakowski M , Jewell D P
Published: June 2007

The ability of peripheral blood monocytes from patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease to phagocytose and kill a standard strain of Staphyloccus aureus has been studied. Using lysostaphin, a rapidly acting muralytic enzyme, phagocytosis could be accurately differentiated from intracellular killing. When compared with normal healthy individuals and patients with gastrointestinal diseases not thought to be immunologically mediated, monocytes from patients with inflammatory bowel disease showed a statistically significant increase in the number of bacteria phagocytosed in 2 hours. There was no difference, however, between patients with Crohn's disease and those with ulcerative colitis. For all groups studied, more than 95% of ingested organisms were killed, and there was no difference between groups. These results suggest that peripheral blood monocytes in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are activated. It is unlikely that the granulomata of Crohn's disease result from a defect in the microbicidal function of the monocyte/macrophage system.
Chronic liver disease in transfusion-dependent thalassaemia: hepatitis B virus marker studies.
Authors: De Virgiliis S , Fiorelli G , Fargion S , Cornacchia G , Sanna G , Cossu P , Murgia V , Cao A
Published: June 2007

The systematic screening of 253 children with transfusion-dependent homozygous beta-thalassaemia revealed a high incidence of hepatitis B virus markers. The highest frequencies of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were found in the group of patients with the smallest number of transfusions, while the highest frequency of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) was detected in the patients who had had the largest number of transfusions. Follow-up of these patients showed (a) a high incidence of acute hepatitis B, which was mainly subclinical; (b) normal hepatitis B surface antigen clearance and normal antibody to hepatitis B surface development; and (c) a high frequency of increased transaminase values for over six months. In all the subjects with persistently high transaminase, histological examination revealed chronic persistent hepatitis or chronic active hepatitis. Apart from two cases of chronic active hepatitis with no B virus markers, and two cases of chronic persistent hepatitis with HBsAg and anti-HBc in the serum, all these subjects were anti-HBs positive but HGsAg and anti-HBc negative.
Platelet monoamine oxidase activity in megaloblastic anaemia.
Authors: Glover V , Sandler M , Hughes A , Hoffbrand A V
Published: June 2007

Platelet monoamine oxidase activity has been measured in 17 patients with megaloblastic anaemia due to either vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, and in 20 healthy subjects. There was a highly significant increase in patients compared with controls. In two patients, platelet activity decreased following successful treatment. A significant correlation between platelet activity and the severity of bone marrow megaloblastic change, assessed by the deoxyuridine suppression test and bone marrow morphology, was also observed. If the change in activity also occurs in the nervous system, this may contribute to the mental disturbance associated with vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
Serial urinary and cervical cytological studies in women undergoing renal transplantation.
Authors: Ingoldby C J , McWhinney N A , Wachtel E , Castro J E
Published: June 2007

Cervical dysplasia has been reported to occur more frequently in female renal transplant patients. The incidence of pre-existing dysplasia is unknown. A prospective study of several urinary and cervical cytological screenings of 50 transplant patients was undertaken. Two of 38 patients studied before transplantation had pre-existing dysplasia. No new cases of dysplasia were found during the study (mean surveillance 3 years). A high incidence of urinary viral infection was found, but a relation to cervical dysplasia was not noted. The frequency of cervical abnormalities previously reported might have been due to different immunosuppressive regimes or to failure to exclude pre-existing disease. Despite the low incidence of abnormalities the use of cytological screening provided valuable reassurance to our patients, and its use is recommended.
False negative hepatitis B surface antigen detection in dialysis patients due to excess surface antigen: postzone phenomenon.
Authors: Hefter L G , Hix M A , Stoner M , Cook C B
Published: June 2007

Renal dialysis patients are well known to have a high incidence of hepatitis B carrier state. In studying a group of 63 long-term dialysis patients, 10 were found to be positive for hepatitis B surface antigen by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Surprisingly, however, only three of these RIA positive patients were positive by counter immunoelectrophoresis (CIEP). The discrepancy could not be accounted for by the difference in sensitivity of the two methods. The cause for the negative reactions by CIEP in seven patients was found to be the marked excess surface antigen in these sera which produced false negative results by the postzone phenomenon. After dilution all seven sera were positive by CIEP, requiring a dilution up to 1/20 to produce a positive result. Also, all seven sera were positive by the less sensitive Ouchterlony double diffusion.
Light-scattering methods for antibiotic sensitivity tests.
Authors: Murray J , Evans P , Hukins D W
Published: June 2007

The total intensity of light scattered in the angular range 30 degrees-130 degrees by a suspension of bacteria can be used as the basis of a method of antibiotic sensitivity testing. A procedure is given in which the bacteria are incubated in the presence of antibiotic, as a test, and in its absence, as a control, for 60 minutes. An incubation time of 90 minutes gives slightly more reliable results. With this increased incubation time it is necessary to measure the intensity of scattered light only at a single fixed angle or, at most, a few angles. Measuring the angular dependence of the scattered intensity does not allow the incubation period to be reduced.
IgM associated primary diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis.
Authors: Lawler W , Williams G , Tarpey P , Mallick N P
Published: June 2007

Twenty-three cases of IgM associated primary diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis are presented. In 18, IgM was the sole localising host immunoglobulin, and it was the predominant globulin in five; C3 was also present in 18. Light microscopy revealed variable diffuse and global mesangial proliferation in all cases, with additional focal global sclerosis in 16, focal segmental sclerosis in 15, and small capsular crescents in seven. Material for electron microscopy was available from 19 patients; in 13, occasional intramesangial electron dense deposits were identified, and in 18 there were irregular, rather ill defined areas of increased electron density in mesangial regions. Clinically, 14 patients presented with the nephrotic syndrome, and nine had asymptomatic proteinuria. During follow-up, only 10 patients showed no change in renal function or improved; the remainder showed increasing hypertension and/or renal function deterioration and four developed end stage renal failure. It is suggested that IgM associated mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis should be considered as a distinct clinicoimmunopathological entity.
Condylomatous tumours of vulva, vagina, and penis. Relation between histological appearance and age.
Authors: Schmauz R , Owor R
Published: June 2007

Among 237 cases of condyloma diagnosed in Uganda between 1964 and 1975 seven types of lesions were defined. Three of these were found within a wide age range in both young and elderly people, namely, the common (49.4%) and the flat (2.0%) condyloma acuminatum, and condyloma acuminatum of irregular outline (13.5%). Four variants, on the other hand, fell into different age groups. Condyloma acuminatum, showing marked cell death (5.1%) and observed exclusively among girls in the first decade of life, displayed numerous aciophil bodies, presumably reflecting single cell necroses. Condylomata acuminata showing marked acanthosis (16.9%) were found in patients between 12 and 30 years, dysplastic condylomata acuminata (5.9%) between 20 and 62 years, and proliferative (giant) condylomata acuminata (7.2%) between 31 and 80 years of age. In the latter two groups of lesions, the inflammatory stromal infiltrate was more prominent, but cytoplasmic vacuolation, often believed to be a sign of viral infection, was seen less frequently than in the remaining types. In young people, the features seen resemble, therefore, a cytocidal and/or vacuolating viral infection, whereas the dysplastic and proliferative changes observed in older patients are compatible with malignant transformation being under way.
An investigation into the efficiency of disposable face masks.
Authors: Rogers K B
Published: June 2007

Disposable face masks used in hospitals have been assessed for the protection afforded the patient and the wearer by challenges of simulated natural conditions of stress. Operating theatre masks made of synthetic materials allow the wearer to breathe through the masks, and these have been shown to protect the patient well but the wearer slightly less. Cheaper paper masks are worn for ward duties, and of these only the Promask protected in area in front of the wearer: air does not pass through this mask, expired air is prevented from passing forward, and the wearer breathes unfiltered air. All the other paper masks tested allowed many bacteria-laden particles to pass through them.
A problem with the recognition of penicillin-resistant pneumococci.
Authors: Rees T , Waterworth P M
Published: June 2007

A strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae requiring 0.25 mg/1 penicillin to inhibit its growth was isolated from the antrum of a child who had no history of either foreign contacts or previous treatment with penicillin. The penicillin resistance was recognised by chance because the disc used contained substantially less than its stated content of 1.5 unit. When discs containing 2 units were used there was little reduction in size of the zone of inhibition.
Serum isoamylase activities in diabetes mellitus.
Authors: Foo Y , Rosalki S B , Ramdial L , Mikhailidis D , Dandona P
Published: June 2007

Serum pancreatic isoamylase activities were used to assess exocrine pancreatic function in 39 patients with diabetes mellitus (21 on insulin, 12 on sulphonylureas, and six on biguanides or diet), and the results were compared with serum immunoreactive trypsin concentrations. Thirteen patients had decreased pancreatic isoamylase activity, the insulin-dependent diabetics showing the highest incidence of abnormality. This incidence of abnormality is similar to that previously described for serum immunoreactive trypsin, and the two procedures gave excellent overall correlation (r = 0.9). Our observations offer further evidence that pancreatic exocrine function is impaired in diabetes mellitus. Serum isoamylase determination provides a convenient, inexpensive, and rapid procedure for its detection.
Phagocytosis of neutrophil polymorphonuclears by macrophages in human bone marrow: importance in granulopoiesis.
Authors: Dresch C , Flandrin G , Breton-Gorius J
Published: June 2007

The cytological and electron-microscopic appearance of aneutrophil phagocytosis by macrophages in normal human bone marrow is described. This feature can be observed in every normal bone marrow and is especially frequent in autoimmune disease. Bone marrrow phagocytosis of polymorphonuclear neutrophils seems to be a physiological process resulting from the random egress of neutrophils from bone marrow to blood.
Identification of group B streptococci in tissue sections using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method: a retrospective necropsy study.
Authors: Andres T , MacPherson B
Published: June 2007

The peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method was used to demonstrate group B streptococci in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections using commercial group specific streptococcal antiserum. Sections from neonatal necropsies in which postmortem lung cultures were positive for group B streptococci showed positively stained intra- and extra-cellular cocci in the alveolar exudate. Many hyaline membranes contained intact organisms whereas some membranes showed only diffuse positive staining. One case of neonatal death was evaluated in which there was a clinical diagnosis of group B streptococcal infection, but postmortem cultures were not obtained. Group B streptococci were identified in the lung by the PAP method. This method may be of assistance in the postmortem evaluation of certain infectious diseases such as those due to group B streptococci.
Role of coagulase-negative staphylococci and micrococci in ocular disease.
Authors: Mahajan V M , Alexander T A , Jain R K , Agarwal L P
Published: June 2007

Forty-nine strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci and 26 strains of micrococci isolated from human eyes were classified by the Baird-Parker system of 1966. The staphylococci belonged to subgroups II, III, IV, and V with one strain each in subgroups III and IV. However, when biotyped by Baird-Parker's system of 1974, less than 50% (23/49) of strains were typable and they belonged to biotypes 1 and 2. With our proposed modified classification all strains could be classified into biotypes 1, 2, and 3. All the 26 strains of micrococci belonged to subgroup VII. Staphylococci isolated from diverse sources produced, qualitatively and quantitatively, different corneal pathology in rabbits when compared to those isolated from healthy conjunctiva. This bore no relation to the present system of subtyping based on biochemical reactions. Micrococci were incapable of producing experimental corneal lesions in the rabbit.
Cytoplasmic vacuolation of peripheral blood cells in acute alcoholism.
Authors: Davidson R J , McPhie J L
Published: June 2007

Cytoplasmic vacuolation of peripheral blood leucocytes is reported in three patients with acute alcoholism. Apparently this is the first report of vacuolation of peripheral blood leucocytes associated with acute alcoholism. Apart from any direct cytotoxic effect of alcohol the metabolic acidosis and hypoglycaemia associated with acute alcoholic poisoning may be important factors in the pathogenesis of the morphological changes.
Congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type II (HEMPAS): a family study.
Authors: McCann S R , Firth R , Murray N , Temperley I J
Published: June 2007

A family having two affected siblings with congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type II (HEMPAS) is described. The proband was diagnosed after referral for investigation of haemolytic anaemia. Clinical evaluation and in vivo red cell (RBC) survival and the sequestration studies in the proband indicated that the anaemia was due to a combination of ineffective erythropoiesis and premature destruction of RBCs in the spleen. Scanning electron microscopic examination of peripheral RBCs was undertaken and is reported. The polypeptide composition of RBC membranes was also examined using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after solubilisation in sodium dodecyl sulphate. These results are also reported.
Antithrombin III in patients on long-term oral anticoagulants.
Authors: Bull H , Mackie I , Brozović M , Woodings D
Published: June 2007

The antithrombin III (AT III) concentration in plasma was measured in 63 patients on oral anticoagulant treatment (mean age 57.7 years), 26 healthy laboratory controls (mean age 28 years), and 21 patients attending the hypertensive clinic who had never been on oral anticoagulants (mean age 50 years). Three methods were used to measure AT III: a coagulation assay, a chromogenic substrate assay, and an immunological assay. In patients on oral anticoagulants, the mean values for AT III in the three assays were: 124%, 107%, and 96% respectively. The mean AT III concentration in laboratory staff was 103.4%, 94%, and 104.1% for the three assays; patients attending the hypertensive clinic had AT III concentrations indistinguishable from those in patients on oral anticoagulants: 117.9%, 110.5%, and 93.9%. The difference between both patient groups and laboratory staff was statistically highly significant, but no difference was demonstrated between patients on anticoagulant treatment and those not receiving it. Our results show that the increase in the functional AT III concentration (measured by coagulation and chromogenic assays) observed in patients on oral anticoagulants is probably due to the effects of age and underlying disease rather than to the anticoagulant treatment itself.
Heparin stability: effects of diluent, heparin activity, container, and pH.
Authors: Goodall K T , Chooi C C , Gallus A S
Published: June 2007

The effects have been studied of diluent, heparin activity after dilution, container, and pH on the stability of heparin solutions stored under conditions resembling those present during heparin infusion by intravenous drip or syringe pump. Heparin activity was measured by activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin clotting time (and, in one set of studies, also by factor Xa inhibitor assay and protamine sulphate neutralisation). Heparin activity was stable for 6 hours regardless of storage conditions. After 24 hours heparin activity was stable when the drug was diluted in 0.9% saline and stored in plastic, but a small loss of activity was observed in several studies after dilution in 5% dextrose or storage in glass. A more extensive comparison confirmed a 3-5% loss in heparin activity over 24 hours after dilution in 5% dextrose. Changing the pH to 3.5 or 10.0 had little effect on storage stability. We conclude that heparin activity in vitro remains stable during short infusions but recommend dilution in 0.9% saline and a plastic container when a heparin solution is infused over 24 hours.
Ribonuclease as a tumour marker for pancreatic carcinoma.
Authors: Doran G , Allen-Mersh T G , Reynolds K W
Published: June 2007

Serum ribonuclease has been measured in 61 patients with a variety of inflammatory and malignant conditions. Serum activity is elevated in pancreatic carcinoma but it is not restricted to this condition. Levels were significantly elevated in cases of disturbed liver function.
A comparative trial of liver biopsy needles.
Authors: Bateson M C , Hopwood D , Duguid H L , Bouchier I A
Published: June 2007

A sheathed needle (Tru-Cut) was compared with a suction biopsy needle (Menghini) in a randomised prospective trial over 18 months to determine whether the former offered any special advantages in routine percutaneous liver biopsy. Seventy-seven consecutive biopsies were performed by a single operator. Although biopsy fragmentation was commoner with the suction needle, the length and volume of the largest core obtained was similar to results with the sheathed needle. Cytology provided useful additional information with the Menghini technique. The suction needle was repeatedly reusable and considerably cheaper than the sheathed needle, which may be used once only.
Basal cell carcinoma arising in a smallpox vaccination site.
Authors: Rich J D , Shesol B F , Horne D W
Published: June 2007

A case of pigmented basal cell carcinoma developing in a smallpox revaccination site is presented. Any progressive change within a smallpox vaccination scar should be thoroughly evaluated and treated appropriately after tissue diagnosis.
Abnormal chromosomal marker (D14 q+) in a patient with alpha heavy chain disease.
Authors: Gafter U , Kessler E , Shabtay F , Shaked P , Djaldetti M
Published: June 2007

A patient with alpha heavy chain disease (alphaHCD), who showed an abnormal chromosomal marker (D14 q+) in 10% of the bone marrow cells, is described. The mesenteric lymph nodes, which showed reactive hyperplasia in the first biopsy, transformed later to a malignant lymphoma and finally to a plasma cell tumour. The small intestine revealed villous atrophy, diminished crypts, and intact surface epithelium. The ultrastructure of the goblet and epithelial cells appeared to be normal, and the microvilli were preserved except for circumscribed areas of destruction. The lamina propria was heavily infiltrated with mononuclear cells, mainly mature plasma cells. Alpha heavy chains (alphaHC) were found in the patient's saliva.
Sex and acid phosphatase in childhood non-T lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Authors: Lilleyman J S , Britton J A , Laycock B J , Sugden P J
Published: June 2007

A semiquantitative assessment of blast cell acid phosphatase activity, expressed as a score, was made in 41 unselected children with newly diagnosed and untreated non-T acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Despite a wide range of enzyme activity in both sexes boys had significantly higher scores than girls, and, in view of the known association between males and T ALL on the one hand, and between acid phosphatase and T ALL on the other, these findings raise the possibility that boys may have a predisposition to a type of pre-T ALL which could contribute to the as yet unexplained difference in prognosis between the sexes.
Indirect micro-immunofluorescence test for detecting type-specific antibodies to herpes simplex virus.
Authors: Forsey T , Darougar S
Published: June 2007

A rapid indirect micro-immunofluorescence test capable of detecting and differentiating type-specific antibodies to herpes simplex virus is described. The test proved highly sensitive and, in 80 patients with active herpes ocular infection, antibody was detected in 94%. No anti-herpes antibody was detected in a control group of 20 patients with adenovirus infections. Testing of animal sera prepared against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 and of human sera from cases of ocular and genital herpes infections showed that the test can differentiate antibodies to the infecting serotypes. Specimens of whole blood, taken by fingerprick, and eye secretions, both collected on cellulose sponges, could be tested by indirect micro-immunofluorescence. Anti-herpes IgG, IgM, and IgA can also be detected.
A regional programme to collect plasma for preparation of human immunoglobulin anti-rabies.
Authors: Crawford R J , Morgan M , Mitchell R
Published: June 2007

We identified over 100 recipients of rabies vaccine (human diploid cell vaccine) and recruited them as plasma donors. Some were plasmapheresed at static centres, others by mobile teams. The operation of these teams is described in detail. No plasma was sent to the Fractionation Centre until the date of vaccination had been checked. Assay results showed that the majority of plasma collected between four and 20 weeks after the second dose of vaccine contained 6 or more IU/ml.
Diagnostic value and biological significance of antibody-coated bacteria in urine
Authors: Mengoli C , Arosio E , Bonato D , Spiazzi G , Pancera P , Montesi G , Lechi A , Scuro LA
Published: June 2007

The incidence of antibody-coated bacteria (ACB) in the urinary sediments as an indication of the site of urinary tract infections (UTI) was investigated in 103 adult subjects with persistent bacteriuria by means of a direct immunofluorescence technique.

ACB were found in 49 of 58 (84·5%) subjects with long-standing upper urinary tract obstruction and in 5 of 45 (11·1%) with lower UTI; this difference was statistically significant (X2= 51·79; P<0·001). The group with upper UTI was further subdivided according to renal function (patients with renal insufficiency had both bilateral obstruction and bilateral renal damage); 21 positive results were obtained in 27 (77·8%) patients with normal renal function, whereas 28 positive cases were observed among 31 (90·3%) patients with chronic renal insufficiency. Thus the degree of renal involvement also seemed to influence the outcome of the test. Within the group of lower UTI, a higher rate of `false-positive' results was obtained in 14 patients with symptomatic long-standing infection (21·4%) than in 31 subjects with asymptomatic bacteriuria (6·4%). The three major immunoglobulin classes and the secretory component were studied in 42 cases. Of these, 29 were found to be positive for ACB. The constant presence of IgA and secretory component on the surface of ACB suggests that the secretory immune system plays an important role in UTI.
Serious infection caused by group C streptococci.
Authors: Ghoneim A T , Cooke E M
Published: June 2007

Group C streptococci commonly cause infection in animals but only occasionally give rise to severe infection in man. We report here three cases of serious human infection due to this organism and discuss its pathogenicity in relation to the clinical manifestations of the disease.
Interlaboratory comparison of serum vitamin B12 assay.
Authors: Mollin D L , Hoffbrand A V , Ward P G , Lewis S M
Published: June 2007

The results have been compared of microbiological and radioisotope dilution (RID) assay of serum vitamin B12 by participants in national interlaboratory trials in Britain. There was wide variation between the individual participants, especially marked in the L. leichmannii microbiological assay and in the RID methods, whereas excellent correlation, reproducibility, and recovery were obtained in reference laboratories by microbiological assay with both E. gracilis and L. leichmannii. In general, RID gave higher results than microbiological assay. The need for suitable reference sera is emphasised.