bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined light and electron microscope in routine histopathology.
Authors: Jones S , Chapman S K , Crocker P R , Carson G , Levison D A
Published: June 2007

We report our experience with a prototype combined light and electron microscope (the LEM 2000) with particular reference to its application to routine surgical histopathology. We found its major advantages over conventional transmission electron microscopies were due to the large grid size (7 mm diameter), low magnification capacity (x 250), and the built-in microprocessor for recording areas of interest. These features combine to reduce sampling errors and greatly facilitate orientation and relocation of fields of diagnostic importance.
Binding of serum ferritin to concanavalin A in patients with iron overload and with chronic liver disease.
Authors: Chapman R W , Gorman A , Laulicht M , Hussain M A , Sherlock S , Hoffbrand A V
Published: June 2007

Total serum ferritin and the proportion of serum ferritin binding to concanavalin A (glycosylated ferritin) was measured in 18 healthy volunteers and in 84 patients, eight with primary haemochromatosis, 43 with beta-thalassaemia major and secondary iron overload and 33 with chronic liver diseases without iron overload. The total serum ferritin was either equally or even more closely related than either the non-binding or the concanavalin A binding ferritin, to the liver iron concentration in all patients with iron overload, and with the units of blood transfused in non-chelated thalassaemic patients. The total serum ferritin showed a significant correlation with serum aminotransferase for the group of 84 patients. In the thalassaemic patients the ferritin binding to concanavalin A also correlated with aminotransferase. However, in the other groups it was the ferritin not binding to concanavalin A which showed a significant correlation with aminotransferase activity. These results suggest that measuring the fraction of serum ferritin which binds to concanavalin A does not offer any advantage over estimation of the total serum ferritin concentration in the assessment of iron stores in patients wit iron overload and liver damage.
Pathological evaluation of computed tomography images of lungs.
Authors: Coddington R , Mera S L , Goddard P R , Bradfield J W
Published: June 2007

A method is described which allows the features seen in images generated during computed tomography (CT) of lungs previously removed at necropsy to be compared with those seen in corresponding thin sections made from the same lungs. After removal from the body, lungs were inflation-fixed using warm formalin vapour before being x-rayed and then scanned in the inflated state. Slices corresponding to the CT scan images were made and x-rayed. Paper mounted sections were then prepared from each slice. Using these methods pathological correlative studies can be used both to validate the interpretation of CT scans of lungs and to assess the sensitivity of this imaging technique.
Comparison of the diagnostic value of serum pancreatic isoamylase and immunoreactive trypsin measurement in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Authors: Brown R C , Chalmers D M , Rowe V L , Kelleher J , Littlewood J M , Losowsky M S
Published: June 2007

We have measured serum immunoreactive trypsin (IRT) and serum pancreatic isoamylase (PIA) activities using commercially available kits in 37 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and 46 hospital controls of similar age range. Immunoreactive trypsin was more often abnormal than PIA (26/37 v 18/37 abnormal respectively); IRT will be particularly useful as an additional diagnostic test in older children, in whom interpretation of the sweat test may be difficult, as 14/15 CF patients aged over 10 years had abnormal IRT results. Less than half of our patients who were aged between one and nine years had abnormal IRT activity, limiting the value of the test, though a low activity would still support the diagnosis of CF. Comparison with faecal fat estimations in 31 patients suggests that neither IRT nor PIA can be used as a non-invasive test of pancreatic function in order to identify those few CF patients who do not require pancreatic enzyme supplements.
Comparison of culture and microscopy in the diagnosis of Gardnerella vaginalis infection.
Authors: Ison C A , Dawson S G , Hilton J , Csonka G W , Easmon C S
Published: June 2007

A comparison was made between human blood agar containing amphotericin B, nalidixic acid and either gentamicin or colistin for the isolation of Gardnerella vaginalis from cases of non-specific vaginitis seen in a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases. The medium containing gentamicin was more inhibitory for non-Gardnerella species, but not sufficiently inhibitory to allow direct plating in the clinic without spreading for single colonies. The diffuse beta haemolysis produced by G vaginalis on human, but not on horse blood agar, proved very useful in differentiating it from other vaginal organisms and was not affected by the antibiotics used. This characteristic, together with Gram stain morphology, oxidase and catalase, provides a simple, reliable methods of identifying G vaginalis. Sixty women with symptoms of vaginitis, in whom no other pathogen was isolated, were examined by culture and microscopy. Gardnerella vaginalis was grown from 45 whereas only 31 had positive microscopy (clue cells or Gram-variable bacilli). There was no significant difference between the rate of isolation of G vaginalis in the group with positive microscopy (25/31) and that with negative microscopy (20/31).
Villous atrophy with crypt hyperplasia in malignant histiocytosis of the nose.
Authors: Aozasa K
Published: June 2007

Intestinal changes, mainly in the jejunum, were investigated in 13 cases of malignant histiocytosis at necropsy and who had presented as lethal midline granuloma. Villous atrophy with crypt hyperplasia was observed in all cases, and a proliferation of atypical histiocytes was observed in seven cases. In the remaining cases, histiocytes with normal morphology increased in number. These findings showed that a prolonged abnormal proliferation of histiocytes was present in the small intestine of these cases concurrently with the nasal lesions.
Value of plasma calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase measurements in the diagnosis of histological osteomalacia
Authors: Peach Hedley , Compston Juliet E , Vedi Shobhana , Horton Leo WL
Published: June 2007

Plasma calcium and phosphate concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activities were examined retrospectively in 50 patients with histologically proven osteomalacia and 50 age- and sex-matched control subjects with normal bone histology. An abnormal plasma alkaline phosphatase activity was more useful than an abnormal plasma calcium or phosphate concentration in distinguishing between normal and osteomalacic subjects, producing a false-negative rate of 14% and a false-positive rate of 8%. False-negative and false-positive rates of 10% and 8% respectively were obtained when the presence of an abnormality in any one of the three biochemical measurements was used as a predictor of histological osteomalacia. When discriminant analysis was applied to plasma calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase together a false-negative rate of 12% and a false-positive rate of 0% was obtained.

Sixty-two patients in whom a diagnosis of osteomalacia was suspected were investigated prospectively, using both single biochemical abnormalities and the classification functions derived from the discriminant analysis of all three biochemical measurements to predict the presence or absence of histological osteomalacia. Plasma alkaline phosphatase activity gave false-negative and false-positive rates of 10% and 32% respectively but was a more reliable predictor of abnormal bone histology than were plasma calcium or plasma phosphate concentrations or the presence of an abnormality in any one of the three measurements. Discriminant analysis using plasma calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase together produced a false-negative rate of 16% and a false-positive rate of 10%.

We conclude that plasma alkaline phosphatase activity is the best single routine biochemical screening test for osteomalacia, although a high false-positive rate may occur. Direct discriminant analysis of plasma calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase together provides a more sensitive method of detecting histological osteomalacia which should be useful in determining the prevalence of osteomalacia within high-risk populations.
Interrelations between cerebrospinal fluid and plasma inorganic ions and glucose in patients with chronic renal failure.
Authors: Pye I F , Aber G M
Published: June 2007

The concentrations of inorganic ions and glucose in the plasma and CSF of 11 patients with "steady-state" chronic renal failure have been measured and their CSF: plasma interrelations studied. The results have been compared with the corresponding data from 34 control subjects. In the patients with renal failure, there was a positive correlation between raised CSF and plasma potassium concentrations. In contrast to the impaired potassium homeostasis, normal CSF magnesium and calcium concentrations were observed despite wide variations in the plasma concentrations of these ions.
A rapid method for staining inclusions of Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia trachomatis.
Authors: Woodland R M , Malam J , Darougar S
Published: June 2007

A new staining method was developed for the detection of inclusions of Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia trachomatis inclusions in cell cultures. Using a combination of methyl green and neutral red stains and washing at pH 5.0, inclusions were stained red while cell cytoplasm was pale pink and cell nuclei were pale green. The method was significantly better than Giemsa staining and comparable to immunofluorescence for detecting C psittaci inclusions. Its sensitivity for detection C trachomatis inclusions by dark field microscopy was similar to that of Giemsa staining.
Determination of specific IGA antibodies to varicella zoster virus by immunoperoxidase assay.
Authors: Haikin H , Sarov I
Published: June 2007

An indirect peroxidase technique was developed for determination of IgA antibodies to varicella zoster virus (VZV). The antigen consisted of acetone-fixed trypsinised VZV-infected cells. Rabbit antihuman IgA peroxidase conjugate was used to detect human IgA antibodies bound to viral antigen. In parallel IgG antibodies to VZV were determined by an immunoperoxidase antibody to membrane antigen (IPAMA) technique. Varicella zoster virus IgA antibodies were detected in all five varicella and seven zoster patients. No VZV IgA antibodies (less than 2) were detected in 45 healthy control sera. Neither were they found in paired sera of five patients with herpes simplex infection, five patients with human cytomegalovirus infection and two patients with Epstein-Barr virus infection. Application of immunoperoxidase IgA technique in serodiagnosis of primary and reactivated VZV infections is discussed.
An ELISA test for the detection of antibodies to Legionella pneumophila.
Authors: Wreghitt T G , Nagington J , Gray J
Published: June 2007

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test has been developed to detect antibodies to Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. There is good correlation between indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) and ELISA titres but ELISA is more sensitive.
Anticoagulant antibodies in the synovial membranes of patients suffering from haemophilia, rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic disorders.
Authors: Rainsford S G , Aronstam A , Holborow E J , McLellan D S
Published: June 2007

This study has identified IgG and IgM anticoagulant antibodies in the synovial membranes of patients suffering from haemophilia and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but not in synovial tissues from normal subjects or in patients with other arthritides. In the majority of cases the antibody appeared to have the specificity of the lupus-like anticoagulant (LLA) seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The importance of these findings with regard to the treatment of certain cases of haemophilia and RA and the possible relation between the presence of these antibodies and viral infections is discussed.
Hepatitis B and A virus antibodies in alcoholic steatosis and cirrhosis.
Authors: Gluud C , Aldershvile J , Henriksen J , Kryger P , Mathiesen L
Published: June 2007

Sera from 74 alcoholics with cirrhosis and 63 alcoholics with steatosis were tested for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen, to hepatitis B core antigen, and to hepatitis A virus by radioimmunoassay or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. No significant difference between the two groups of alcoholics could be found concerning the prevalence of these antibodies. The total group of patients had antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen or hepatitis B core antigen, or both, significantly (p less than 0.001) more often (26%) than sex- and age-matched controls (4%). No significant difference was found between patients and controls concerning the prevalence of antibody to hepatitis A virus (46% v 40%). In patients with cirrhosis, no correlation between wedged hepatic vein pressure or wedged-to-free hepatic vein pressure and any of the viral antibodies could be established. The present results suggest that hepatitis B virus does not play a major role in the progression of alcoholic liver disease, but longitudinal studies are needed to solve this problem. The reason for the increased prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis B virus in these patients is unknown.
Problems in the disinfection of class 1 microbiology safety cabinets.
Authors: Everall P H , Morris C A , Oliver P R , Becker J F
Published: June 2007

Microbiology safety cabinet disinfection procedures using formaldehyde have been tested. Tubercle bacilli were killed by concentrations of formaldehyde obtained by heating commercial formalin irrespective of whether the bacilli were in the cabinet free space or above the prefilters. However, Bacillus stearothermophilus spore papers for for the testing of low temperature steam/formaldehyde sterilisers were almost never sterilised and a strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis (NCTC 7944) showed a resistance intermediate between the B stearothermophilus spores and the tubercle bacilli. Tests using a vaccine strain of poliovirus type 3 indicated a considerable degree of resistance of the virus to the action of formaldehyde. No such resistance was demonstrated by vaccinia virus or echovirus 14. Chemical and biological evidence is presented which indicates that filter paper discs are an unsuitable carrier material for a challenge organism in testing the efficiency of any formaldehyde sterilising process. Recommendations are made towards developing a satisfactory test procedure.
Hypercalcaemia due to the coexistence of parathyroid adenoma and myelomatosis.
Authors: Francis R M , Bynoe A G , Gray C
Published: June 2007

A 70-year-old woman presented with back pain due to vertebral crush fractures and was found to have hypercalcaemia. Investigation revealed evidence of both primary hyperparathyroidism and Bence Jones myeloma and this was subsequently confirmed at necropsy. This is the first description of a case in which the simultaneous occurrence of both diseases was reliably established. The case illustrates the difficulty in identifying the cause of hypercalcaemia in some patients, and emphasises the need to consider the diagnosis of myeloma in all cases of hypercalcaemia.
Glycosylated haemoglobin in chronic renal failure and after renal transplantation.
Authors: Freedman D , Dandona P , Fernando O , Moorhead J F
Published: June 2007

Haemoglobin A1 (HbA1) was determined by ion-exchange chromatography in 37 normoglycaemic patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and 26 with successful renal transplants. Blood glucose concentrations in patients with CRF were similar to those in controls, and there was a significant correlation between fasting blood glucose concentration and HbA1 in these groups. HbA1 in patients with CRF was, however, significantly lower than that in control subjects. Concentrations of HbA1 in patients on haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and those with steady state CRF prior to dialysis were not significantly different from each other. Whereas patients with successful renal transplants of greater than 3 months' duration had HbA1 concentrations indistinguishable from controls, HbA1 in patients with transplants of shorter duration were significantly lower. These observations are suggestive of a shortened erythrocyte survival in CRF per se. Furthermore, these results indicate: (a) the inadequacy of HbA1 in monitoring the quality of diabetic control in patients with CRF, and (b) the absence of a specific effect of dialysis on HbA1, and the restoration to normal HbA1 after successful renal transplantation.
Influence of the gallbladder on serum bile acids.
Authors: Pennington C R , Ross P E , Bouchier I A
Published: June 2007

Serum bile acids (SBA) were studied after a standard fatty meal in patients with gallbladder disease. Early postprandial bile acid values were found to be greater in patients with non-functioning gallbladders. Higher postprandial SBA values were found after cholecystectomy. Serum bile acid measurements were of no value in the assessment of gallbladder function.
Comparison of the Trucut and Surecut liver biopsy needles.
Authors: Littlewood E R , Gilmore I T , Murray-Lyon I M , Stephens K R , Paradinas F J
Published: June 2007

The Trucut and Surecut liver biopsy needles have been compared in a prospective randomised study. Although the Surecut specimens were longer and heavier they tended to fragment during processing. Trucut specimens were subject to less artefact and were rated more highly by the histopathologist. However, the majority of biopsies obtained by both needles were satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
Adamantinoma of long bones: clinical, pathological and ultrastructural features.
Authors: Pieterse A S , Smith P S , McClure J
Published: June 2007

The clinical, pathological and ultrastructural features of two cases of tibial adamantinoma are described. Both lesions showed identical features with a mixed histological picture exhibiting baseloid, tubular and squamous differentiation and a prominent stromal (mesenchymal) component. By light microscopy there appeared to be an intimate relation between the epithelial and mesenchymal components. By electromicroscopy the cellular constituents of these components could be readily distinguished. In the former the cells contained tonofilaments and desmosomes which were associated with basement membrane material. In the latter (mesenchymal component) none of these features was notes, instead the cells appeared similar to fibroblasts and occasional myofibroblasts.
Urine cyclic nucleotide concentrations in cancer and other conditions; cyclic GMP: a potential marker for cancer treatment.
Authors: Turner G A , Ellis R D , Guthrie D , Latner A L , Monaghan J M , Ross W M , Skillen A W , Wilson R G
Published: June 2007

Cyclic guanosine 3',5' monophosphate (cyclic GMP) and cyclic adenosine 3',5' monophosphate (cyclic AMP) have been determined in random urine specimens from 95 healthy individuals, 60 patients with non-cancerous conditions, 52 patients with benign tumours, and 74 patients with malignant tumours. Concentrations of cyclic GMP have also been determined in a number of other groups, including some undergoing cancer treatment. Ninety-three per cent of cancer patients had raised urinary cyclic GMP concentrations compared to the reference range for healthy subjects. For the non-cancerous and benign groups, 33% and 42% respectively had raised concentrations. The urine cyclic AMP concentrations were similar in all groups. Urine cyclic GMP appeared to rise early in the onset of malignant growth. Successful cancer treatment was accompanied by a dramatic fall in the urine cyclic GMP concentrations, whereas if the treatment was unsuccessful the level did not change. It is concluded that urine cyclic GMP may have important applications in the monitoring of cancer treatment.
Lysozyme in chronic liver disease: a biochemical and histological study.
Authors: Manifold I H , Bishop F M , Cloke P , Triger D R , Underwood J C
Published: June 2007

Serum lysozyme activities and semiquantitative analysis of tissue lysozyme distribution were studied in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), chronic hepatitis (CH), miscellaneous liver diseases, and normal subjects. Serum lysozyme was significantly raised in PBC and CH. Portal venous blood has similar lysozyme activities to peripheral venous blood in a group of various liver diseases. Lysozyme-containing intralobular cells were decreased in all liver diseases studied but portal tract lysozyme was increased only in PBC and CH. Thus the increase in serum lysozyme in PBC and CH appears to originate from the portal inflammatory infiltrate, seen in these diseases.
Recurring digital fibroma.
Authors: Mortimer G , Gibson A A
Published: June 2007

Seven cases of recurring digital fibroma were seen over a 35-year period. All demonstrated the classical clinical, macroscopic, and microscopic features of this distinct tumour, including the pathognomonic round, eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. Ultrastructurally, all seven cases were confirmed to be myofibroblastic in nature, and the morphology and intracellular topography of the inclusion bodies suggested their derivation from contractile protein. These findings establish recurring digital fibroma as a neoplastic lesion of the myofibroblast.
Morphological and functional disturbances of platelets induced by cryopreservation.
Authors: Baythoon H , Tuddenham E G , Hutton R A
Published: June 2007

In vitro morphological and functional studies were carried out on platelets which had been cryopreserved in the presence of 5% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO). Overall loss of platelets was around 50%. Those which survived freezing and reconstitution showed marked morphological deterioration, increase of procoagulant activity (PF3a) and a decrease in their aggregability and adenine nucleotide content. We conclude that if transfused, cryopreserved platelets are likely to be less effective than fresh platelets and may activate coagulation in vivo and that they should only be used when suitable fresh platelets are not available.
Methods for the routine characterisation of isolates of Haemophilus
Authors: Zadik PM
Published: June 2007

Methods and their evaluation are described for the routine characterisation ofHaemophilusspp isolates using a test for dependence on V factor and a test for the conversion of delta-amino-laevulinic acid (ALA) to porphyrin in which the ALA is incorporated into a solid medium. A method is also described whereby the difference in the size of the inhibition zones around discs of ampicillin and of amoxycillin/clavulanate can be used to detect the production of beta-lactamase.
Plasma carcinoembryonic antigen concentrations and immunohistochemical patterns of epithelial marker antigens in patients with large bowel carcinoma.
Authors: Rognum T , Elgjo K , Brandtzaeg P , Orjasaeter H , Bergan A
Published: June 2007

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), secretory component (SC), and epithelial IgA were traced by paired immunofluorescence staining in 102 large bowel carcinomas from 99 patients. The immunohistochemical results were evaluated semiquantitatively in relation to histological tumour grade, clinicopathological stage, and preoperative plasma CEA concentration. CEA expression was significantly increased (p less than 0.05) in the following order: histologically normal colon mucosa, transitional mucosa adjacent to tumours, neoplastic epithelium; the reverse was true for the expression of SC and epithelial IgA (p less than 0.01). CEA was significantly more abundant in the moderately and poorly differentiated tumors than in the well differentiated ones (p less than 0.05), whereas the latter showed better expression of SC (p less than 0.05) and epithelial IgA (p approximately 0.06). In the transitional mucosa, CEA staining tended to be inversely related to histological tumour grade, whereas SC and epithelial IgA were significantly better seen in this zone when the adjacent tumour was well differentiated than when it was moderately or poorly differentiated (p less than 0.01). Furthermore, the expression of SC and epithelial IgA in the transitional mucosa decreased with increasing invasiveness of the tumours, whereas the opposite relation was indicated for CEA expression. Plasma CEA concentrations were not clearly correlated with histological levels than the localised well differentiated tumours tended to be associated with lower levels than the localised moderately differentiated ones (p approximately 0.06). Moreover, the latter variety was associated with lower plasma CEA concentrations than disseminated tumours of comparable differentiation (p less than 0.01).
Malignant fibrous histiocytomas of salivary glands
Authors: Benjamin E , Wells S , Fox H , Reeve NL , Knox F
Published: June 2007

The light microscopic, immunohistological and ultrastructural findings in two cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma arising in salivary glands are presented and the features of seven previously reported cases are reviewed. This neoplasm is extremely rare in this site and may pose problems in diagnosis. It has to be distinguished from other spindled cell tumours, in particular from epithelial tumours of predominantly spindled cell pattern; immunohistological markers for histiocytic cells may be of value. The histogenesis of this neoplasm is controversial but our electron microscopic findings support an origin from mesenchymal cells which differentiate along a broad fibrohistiocytic spectrum.
Relation of neutrophil alkaline phosphatase activity to Fc IgG receptor development in human blood and bone marrow.
Authors: Scott C S , Cordingley R J , Roberts B E , Bynoe A G , Hough D
Published: June 2007

A possible correlation between Fc-IgG receptor expression and neutrophil alkaline phosphatase (NAP) activity was investigated in relation to maturation of granulocytes in human peripheral blood and bone marrow. NAP activity was studied in bone marrow from patients with normal peripheral blood NAP scores (20-100) and compared with those with high NAP scores. Results indicate that NAP activity is confined to segmented neutrophils (SN) in marrow and peripheral blood except when peripheral NAP activity is abnormally high. There is a normal increase of approximately 60% in mean NAP scores of peripheral blood compared to marrow SN. Granulocyte Fc-IgG receptor activity, known to increase with maturation, was studied in relation to NAP activity. A combined assay using a rosetting technique with ox-erythrocyte (oxE) antibody-IgG and subsequent NAP cytochemistry was used. Receptor expression was found to be virtually complete in normal granulocytic maturation before the appearance of detectable NAP activity. This was supported by findings in chronic myeloid leukaemia where no cases of low Fc receptor activity were found despite NAP scores of less than 5. The significance of these findings is discussed in the light of current concepts of the control of NAP activity.
An assessment of environmental contamination arising from the use of equipment for carrying out the ELISA technique in microtitre plates.
Authors: Harper G J
Published: June 2007

The generation of aerosols and the contamination of surfaces arising from the use of equipment for the filling, diluting in, and washing of microtitre plates used in ELISA techniques have been measured. With the exception of vacuum pump outlets no significant amount of aerosol was generated by any of the equipment tested. The fitting of a small air filter to vacuum pump outlets eliminated any hazard from this source. Some low level contamination of surfaces was detected. Except when working with known, or suspected, highly infectious materials there is no evidence to support the need to operate the equipment within a microbiological safety cabinet.
Serum copper: a marker of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis.
Authors: Youssef A A , Wood B , Baron D N
Published: June 2007

Serum copper concentrations were measured in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), osteoarthritis (OA), and in healthy controls. Median serum copper concentrations were raised significantly in RA and AS, but not in OA. Serum copper in RA correlated significantly with a number of disease activity markers--for example erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, haemoglobin concentration, morning stiffness, and grip strength. It also correlated well with the overall disease activity as assessed by a composite index. Raised serum copper was associated with severe RA as manifested by the presence of immunoglobulin M rheumatoid factor, extra-articular features, weak grip and highly active disease. High serum copper might be related to the development of the pathological lesions observed in RA and not just be a secondary response.
Haemolytic-uraemic syndrome complicating long-term mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil therapy for gastric carcinoma.
Authors: Crocker J , Jones E L
Published: June 2007

Three cases of acute renal toxicity in patients receiving long-term therapy with mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil are reported. Two of the patients (1 and 3) are from a multicentre trial of adjuvant chemotherapy for gastric carcinoma. All three cases showed extensive fibrin deposition in the kidneys and lungs, the appearances of the renal lesions being similar to those seen in the haemolytic-uraemic syndrome. Two of the three cases had received blood transfusions, and attention is drawn to the possibility that mitomycin C may sensitise the kidneys to minor mismatches. With the increasing use of these antimitotic agents, great vigilance should be exercised with regard to renal function and haemolytic status.
Macroglobulinaemia and intestinal lymphangiectasia: a rare association
Authors: Harris M , Burton IE , Scarffe JH
Published: June 2007

Two cases in which macroglobulinaemia was associated with intestinal lymphangiectasia are recorded. Immunoperoxidase stains demonstrated a high content of monoclonal IgM in the intestinal lymph. The seven previously recorded examples of this association are reviewed. It is concluded that the concurrence of these two conditions is not merely fortuitous, and that increased viscosity of the lymph consequent on its high IgM content may be important in the pathogenesis of the intestinal lymphangiectasia.
Analysis of large-cell lymphomas using monoclonal and heterologous antibodies.
Authors: van der Valk P , van den Besselaar-Dingjan G , Daha M R , Meijer C J
Published: June 2007

Fifteen cases of large-cell lymphoma, diagnosed as centroblastic (5), B-immunoblastic (5) or true histiocytic (5). lymphoma and one case of malignant histiocytosis were studied with monoclonal antibodies. Each diagnosis was based on morphological as well as marker studies. A panel of monoclonal and heterologous antibodies against T lymphocyte differentiation antigens (Leul, Leu2a, Leu3a, OKT4, OKT8, TA1), B lymphocyte subsets (BA1, BA2, HLA-DR, alpha C3b receptor antiserum, surface immunoglobulins), the common acute lymphoblastic leukaemia antigen (CALLA), monocytes/macrophages (OKM1, anti-human monocyte 1, TA1, Mac1, HLA-DR, anti-C3b receptor), myeloid cells (VIM-D5, elastase, OKM1) and the cells of the Langerhans cell/interdigitating reticulum cell series (OKT6, NA1/34). The results show a specific staining pattern for true histiocytic lymphoma (histiocytic sarcoma). Centroblastic and B-immunoblastic lymphomas showed gradual differences with mostly strong staining for HLA-DR and weak with anti C3b receptor for B-immunoblastic lymphomas in contrast to centroblastic lymphomas. Staining with BA1 and BA2 indicated immunological heterogeneity in these lymphomas. The number of admixed cells was usually low with few B cells and a shift in the ratio helper/inducer to suppressor/cytotoxic T cells in favour of the suppressor/cytotoxic subset.
Intermediate filaments in smooth muscle tumours
Authors: Evans DJ , Lampert IA , Jacobs M
Published: June 2007

Antisera to the intermediate filaments vimentin and desmin react with fixed paraffin embedded tissue. Benign uterine myomas contain both classes of filaments. Gastrointestinal “smooth muscle tumours” however often lack desmin even when they appear histologically benign. In the sarcomas examined vimentin was the only class of intermediate filament present. The diagnostic and histogenetic implications of these findings are discussed.
Comparison of selective media for isolation ofCampylobacter jejuni/coli
Authors: Bolton FJ , Coates D , Hinchliffe PM , Robertson L
Published: June 2007

A comparison of Skirrow's, Butzler's, Blaser's, Campy-BAP and Preston media forCampylobacterspp was made using human, animal and environmental specimens. Butzler's medium gave the lowest isolation rate and Preston medium, which was the most selective, the highest isolation rate. Enrichment culture using Preston enrichment broth gave a higher isolation rate than direct plating onto Preston medium.
Nuclear diameter in parathyroid disease.
Authors: Banerjee S S , Faragher B , Hasleton P S
Published: June 2007

The nuclear diameter of chief cells was measured in 17 cases of parathyroid adenomas, four cases of secondary hyperplasia, five cases of primary hyperplasia and six cases of tertiary hyperparathyroidism. All the cases with secondary hyperplasia and tertiary hyperparathyroidism were associated with chronic renal failure. The nuclear diameter in both the adenomatous and hyperplastic areas of tertiary hyperparathyroidism were measured. The adenomatous areas of tertiary hyperparathyroidism contained nuclei of a larger diameter than those in the hyperplastic foci of the same gland. The nuclear diameter in adenomatous foci of tertiary hyperparathyroidism was similar to that in adenomas from primary hyperparathyroidism. These findings lend support to the concept of formation of autonomous adenomas against a background of reactive parathyroid hyperplasia in cases of tertiary hyperparathyroidism. Using statistical methods there were differences between the nuclear diameter in cases of primary adenomata, and cases of primary and secondary hyperplasia. Primary parathyroid hyperplasia stood out as a distinct group. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Assessment of cellularity in bone marrow fragments
Authors: Al-Adhadh Adeba N , Cavill I
Published: June 2007

Bone marrow cellularity was measured using the Quantimet 720 Image Analyser in 50 biopsy samples. In haematologically normal subjects the percentage cellularity of the marrow was between 40 and 63%. Subjective assessment of cellularity was an unreliable indicator of the quantitative measure.
“New” lectins for the identification of erythrocyte cryptantigens and the classification of erythrocyte polyagglutinability:Medicago disciformisandMedicago turbinata
Authors: Bird GWG , Wingham June
Published: June 2007

The seeds ofMedicago disciformisandMedicago turbinatacontain lectins for T or Th but not Tk or Tx red cell cryptantigens. Extracts ofMedicago disciformisseeds are a useful addition to a panel of lectins used in the classification of red cell cryptantigens and of red cell polyagglutinability.
Semiautomated determination of minimum bactericidal concentrations of antibiotics
Authors: O'Grady F , Murphy Barbara , Pearson NJ
Published: June 2007

Using a newly devised 50-channel photometer which records the opacity of growing bacterial cultures, it was shown that the time taken by cultures diluted 1/1000 in fresh broth to reach 50% of the opacity of a fully grown culture was inversely related to the concentration of organisms in the original culture. This relation was used to determine the numbers of survivors after exposure to benzylpenicillin and gentamicin alone and in combination. The procedure is commended as a labour-saving and potentially rapid method of obtaining comprehensive information on the bactericidal action and interaction of antibiotics.
Do urethral Escherichia coli cause abacterial cystitis?
Authors: Walpita P , Marsh F P
Published: June 2007

To determine whether Escherichia coli in or near the urethra caused symptoms of abacterial cystitis, the results of serial cultures from the vaginal introitus of 92 patients with recurrent cystitis were compared with symptoms at clinic visits when they were abacteriuric. Similar comparisons were made in 15 of these patients using cultures from the external urethral meatus and proximal urethra. E coli were grown from the vaginal introitus, urethral meatus and proximal urethra at 41, 66 and 26% of visits respectively. Overall they were not significantly more often isolated when patients had cystitis, and the serotype was unrelated to symptoms. E coli was cultured significantly more often from the introital swabs of symptomatic intermittently bacteriuric (IB) women than from symptomatic persistently non-bacteriuric (NB) patients; and more often from symptomatic than from asymptomatic IB patients, although this difference was not significant. These findings were consistent with previous suggestions that symptoms of apparently "abacterial" cystitis in IB patients are due to occult coliform infection. We found no direct evidence that E coli were the cause of symptoms in persistently non-bacteriuric women, or that urethral colonisation caused them. However E coli were isolated from the introitus of control women only half as often as from both intermittently bacteriuric and persistently non-bacteriuric patients.
A data processing system adapted to the special needs of the emergency laboratory.
Authors: Neumeier D , Sator H , Rindfleisch G E , Knedel M
Published: June 2007

A data processing system for the emergency laboratory was integrated in our clinical laboratory computer system, its prime objective being the service requirements of the laboratory. It included the possibility of simultaneous optical reading of request forms and on-line capturing, processing, and printing of laboratory test data. Priority request forms, which allow the clinician to specify the interval by which emergency test results must be available, are registered by an optical reader and arranged according to urgency by the computer. The production of worksheets is replaced by visual display of information required for accurate specimen analyses on a large colour TV screen. The individual processing status of all tests from as many as 30 request forms is displayed in a colour code. For process control the updated delay time for test performance is faded in. All reports are produced by direct machine transfer of verified test results. For security purposes all steps of sample processing (request, result, report) are recorded via line printers outside the emergency laboratory. The capacity of the computer for managing sample and data processing reduces the work load for technicians. This results in a reduction of the turn-round time of tests. 95% of all requested tests are performed and reported within the requested time period and in emergencies, test results are available within 5-10 min. There has been no major breakdown of the system in over one year of use.
Computer programs in cytology reporting and record keeping.
Authors: Swettenham K V , Nickols C D , Berry C L
Published: June 2007

Large numbers of specimens are handled by cytology laboratories. There is great variation in their origin, a need for a name and disease index and for statistical data about the source and nature of the specimens. A computer program was devised to reduce this workload and to improve the accuracy of record keeping. Much of the tedium of this important aspect of laboratory function can thus be removed.
Demonstration of light chain monotypia in B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas using unfixed freeze-dried and formalin-fixed trypsinised paraffin sections.
Authors: Nemes Z , Thomázy T , Szeifert G
Published: June 2007

Immunohistological light chain analysis was carried out in 55 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of B cell origin. Unfixed freeze-dried paraffin sections were used to detect surface Ig and formaldehyde-fixed trypsinised sections to detect cytoplasmic Ig. Cytoplasmic Ig was seen inconstantly in freeze-dried paraffin sections. There was complete agreement with regard to the type of light chain between freeze-dried and formaldehyde-fixed trypsinised sections. Immunohistology showed the monotypic immunoglobulin light chains in 83% of cases when unfixed freeze-dried paraffin sections were used for sIg demonstration while only in 45% of cases when formaldehyde-fixed material was used for cIg detection. The efficiency of sIg demonstration in unfixed freeze-dried paraffin sections was comparable with that based on unfixed cryostat sections or on cell suspensions when the lymphocytic lymphoma/CLL group was excluded from the evaluation. The relatively low frequency of monotypic sIg positivity obtained in this group (12/19) is due to the low density of surface Ig in CLL lymphocytes.
Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia and microinvasive carcinoma of the vulva.
Authors: Buckley C H , Butler E B , Fox H
Published: June 2007

The pathological, cytological, and clinical features of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) are described. The rate of progression of VIN III to an invasive carcinoma is very low and spontaneous regression can occur. These features prevent the drawing of a direct analogy between vulvar and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The concept of microinvasive carcinoma of the vulva is discussed, and it is concluded that no satisfactory definition of this entity has been achieved.
Enhanced luminescence enzyme immunoassay for factor VIII related antigen.
Authors: Wang H X , George J , Thorpe G H , Stott R A , Kricka L J , Whitehead T P
Published: June 2007

A sandwich enzyme immunoassay for plasma factor VIII related antigen has been developed which exploits a para-iodophenol enhanced chemiluminescent reaction to detect the horseradish peroxidase label. The assay entailed 15 min incubations with sample and with conjugate and had a detection limit of 0.12 mU. It showed good within batch precision (coefficient of variation = 2.95-5.8%) and results on a series of 57 specimens agreed with results obtained by immunoelectrophoresis (correlation coefficient = 0.97).
Blood group antigens A, B, H, Lea, Leb, and I(Ma) in resting and tetragastrin stimulated gastric juice of patients with non-neoplastic diseases of the stomach.
Authors: Picard J K , Hotta K , Feizi T
Published: June 2007

In view of the anomalous expression of blood group and related antigens in the gastric mucosae of patients with malignant and premalignant diseases of the stomach, and the potential clinical value of their measurement, a preliminary study has been performed on the blood group antigens A, B, H, Lea, Leb, and I(Ma) in glycoprotein rich extracts of the resting and tetragastrin stimulated gastric juice of patients without evidence of gastric cancer. The aim has been to assess whether the antigenic profiles known to distinguish the gastric mucosae of secretors from those of non-secretors are reflected in the glycoproteins of gastric juice. Antigenic profiles which distinguish secretors from non-secretors were observed in the stimulated rather than the resting gastric juice as follows: the A, B or H antigens but not I(Ma) were strongly expressed in the glycoproteins of secretors, while I(Ma) was the antigen characteristic of non-secretors. On the other hand, there was considerable overlap in the Lea and Leb antigen values in the resting and stimulated gastric juice of secretors and non-secretors. Among these antigens, I(Ma) is known to appear as a neo-antigen in the gastric mucosae of secretors with malignant and premalignant diseases of the stomach. Thus this antigenic determinant is potentially a clinically useful marker in the gastric juice of 75% of the population who are secretors. The clinical value of the levels of this antigen in the gastric juice now deserves investigation.
Effects of media, working practice, and automation on the rapid detection of bacteraemia.
Authors: Corkill J E
Published: June 2007

Advances in the treatment of disease have resulted in an increasing number of blood cultures being processed by microbiology departments. The effect of media, revision of working hours, and automation on the time taken to detect positive cultures are reported. A 9.5% detection rate at 24 h with broth systems examined manually increased to 76.0% with a semi-automated radiometric technique (BACTEC). The use of radiometry in a restructured working day--that is, 9.00 am to 7.00 pm--resulted in optimum conditions for reducing the reporting time. The efficacy of modern equipment, designed to detect micro-organisms rapidly, can be considerably enhanced by reorganisation of traditional working hours to suit microbial growth rather than the current availability of staff.
Thalassaemia trait and pregnancy.
Authors: White J M , Richards R , Byrne M , Buchanan T , White Y S , Jelenski G
Published: June 2007

The haematological variables, haematinic state, and placental function of more than 2000 pregnant women, heterozygous for either alpha- or beta-thalassaemia genes, were examined during pregnancy. Four features emerged. Firstly, it was possible by discriminant function analysis of haematological variables to distinguish in pregnant patients between the anaemia caused by thalassaemia trait and that caused by iron deficiency. Secondly, patients with thalassaemia become significantly more anaemic in pregnancy, beta more than alpha, but this was mainly due to plasma dilution. From the data percentile curves were drawn for each type of thalassaemia which predicted the patients' expected "normal" haemoglobin throughout gestation. Thirdly, patients with alpha-thalassaemia had the same incidence of iron deficiency as normal pregnant patients, whereas in those with beta-thalassaemia it was four times less common. The incidence of folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency was the same in all groups. Finally, as assessed by serum oestriol concentration, there did not appear to be any abnormality of placental function or fetal development associated with maternal thalassaemia, and, also, there seemed to be no increase in maternal or fetal morbidity in pregnancy.
Comparison of prevalence of human papillomavirus antigen in biopsies from women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
Authors: Singer A , Wilters J , Walker P , Jenkins D , Slavin G , Cowdell H , To A , Husain O
Published: June 2007

Human papillomavirus antigen was found in 39 (16%) of 253 colposcopic biopsies from a group of women at high risk for cervical cancer who had been examined in the early 1970s. Immunohistochemical evidence of papillomavirus infection was found in 20 (30%) of 67 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia lesions infected with wart virus from these patients. When these results were compared with results of a similar study carried out in the early 1980s there was no significant difference in the prevalence of human papillomavirus antigen in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia lesions infected with wart virus from women who had been examined over a decade apart.
Retrospective study of histological features of acute rejection in renal allografts and comparison with circulating T cell populations.
Authors: Wyatt J , Aparicio S R , Guillou P
Published: June 2007

The histological severity of acute rejection in renal allografts was determined for 39 rejection episodes in 30 renal transplant recipients. Data were compared with the peripheral blood T cell subset ratios measured before and at the onset of the rejection episode. T cell subset ratios showed no correlation with the histological severity of rejection, nor with the reversibility of the rejection episode. The grade of histological rejection on biopsy was predictive of graft survival. We conclude that renal biopsy remains the best method for determining the severity and outcome of acute allograft rejection episodes.