bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conventional and dual competitive binding analyses of thyroxine using the Thyopac-4 kit
Authors: Hamada Satoshi , Torizuka Kanji , Uete Tetsuo
Published: June 2007

A simple method is described for the simultaneous determinations of thyroxine and the effective thyroxine ratio (ETR) using a single kit of Thyopac-4. Thyopac ETR values obtained were 1·00 ± 0·03 for normal subjects; 1·22 ± 0·11 for hyperthyroid; 0·87 ± 0·04 for hypothyroid; and 1·02 ± 0·05 for pregnant women. Cases with TBG deficiency and the nephrotic syndrome indicated normal values. The value (x) was correlated significantly (γ = + 0·961) with the free Thyopac index (y), representing a regression equation ofy= 71·7x2− 88·4x+ 24·2. Thyopac ETR was shown to be useful in differentiating normal thyroid states from abnormal, irrespective of changes in T4-binding globulin (TBG). Further, the T4value obtained simultaneously made it possible to detect changes in the TBG level by noting an inconsistent value for the effective thyroxine ratio.
A one-day selective migration procedure for detecting salmonellae in faeces
Authors: Chau P. Y. , Huang C. T.
Published: June 2007

A one-day procedure for detecting salmonellae was developed and evaluated with clinical faecal specimens. The procedure was based on the selective retardation of enterobacteria in their migration through a semi-solid enrichment medium. It was shown that a pure or almost pure growth of salmonella could often be obtained within 16 to 24 hours by this method. The culture thus obtained could then be used directly for serological confirmation. The method was rapid, economical, and efficient. Clinical trials indicated an increase of 28% in the frequency of positive isolations of salmonella with this procedure as compared with the conventional multistep cultural procedures with no false-positive results. However, the method was unsatisfactory for detectingSalmonella typhidue to its slow migration through the semi-solid medium.
Gram-positive, motile, cluster-forming cocci as a cause of urinary infection
Authors: Virtanen S.
Published: June 2007

One hundred and thirteen strains of motile, Gram-positive, catalase-positive, cluster-forming cocci were isolated from patients with urinary infection attending a private surgery. They constituted 1% of the total 11 302 positive cultures. The biochemical characteristics and the drug sensitivities of the strains are described. The significance of motility for organisms which cause urinary infections is pointed out.

At the present time the organisms isolated are orphans in the controversial classification of staphylococci and micrococci.
The effect of bilirubin on the assay of gentamicin
Authors: Renshaw S. , Cornere B.
Published: June 2007

An experiment was set up to examine the effect of `jaundiced' serum on the estimation of gentamicin levels in serum. Varying amounts of gentamicin were assayed in the presence of a range of bilirubin concentrations and compared with assayed levels in normal serum.
Serum gentamicin assay: A comparison and assessment of different methods
Authors: Phillips I. , Warren Christine , Smith S. E.
Published: June 2007

We have compared, in a clinical laboratory, three methods for estimating the concentration of gentamicin in serum. The adenylase method is most accurate, but requires considerable skilled technical time and expensive apparatus. The urease method requires an accurate pH meter but is otherwise inexpensive, but in our hands, although it produces results most rapidly, it also requires considerable technician time and is least accurate. The agar diffusion method requires no expensive apparatus, least technician time, and produces results of acceptable accuracy. It does, however, take longer than the other two methods to produce results.
Assay of rifampicin in serum
Authors: Dickinson Jean M. , Aber V. R. , Allen B. W. , Ellard G. A. , Mitchison D. A.
Published: June 2007

Two methods for the assay of rifampicin in serum are described. The first is a conventional plate diffusion method, measuring concentrations down to 0·02 μg/ml, and the second a chemical extraction followed by measurement of the inhibition of uptake of14C-uridine byStaphylococcus aureus, which estimates in the range of 0·02 to 0·001 μg/ml. The methods were used to measure serum concentrations in man following doses of about 1050 mg and 75 mg rifampicin.
α1Antitrypsin deficiency and liver disease in childhood: genetic, immunochemical, histological, and ultrastructural diagnosis
Authors: Milford A. , Underwood J. C. E.
Published: June 2007

α1Antitrypsin deficiency is a significant factor in the pathogenesis of neonatal cholestasis and progressive juvenile cirrhosis. The diagnosis may be suggested by the liver biopsy appearances and confirmed by immunochemical analysis of the serum. Genetic counselling of affected families is of importance, as medical treatment is ineffective at the present time.
The antigenic determinant of fibrin(ogen) measured with agglutination inhibition immunoassays
Authors: Molla Ayesha , Donati Maria Benedetta , Vermylen J.
Published: June 2007

Agglutination inhibition immunoassays using antifibrinogen antiserum measure an antigenic determinant of fibrinogen which is located on the fragment D parts of this molecule. This antigenic determinant of fragment D, in contrast to others, does not form an immune precipitate with antifibrinogen antiserum. Upon very extensive hydrolysis by plasmin, this antigenic determinant has a reduced affinity for its antibody.
A rapid, simple assay for digoxin
Authors: Greenwood Helena , Howard M. , Landon J.
Published: June 2007

An extremely rapid radioimmunoassay for digoxin is described which is precise over the range of concentrations required to determine whether, or not, a patient has digoxin toxicity. The assay is based on the use of125-iodine-labelled digoxin and of a gel equilibration technique for the separation of antibody-bound and free digoxin. The results obtained compare closely with those by a conventional radioimmunoassay and the technique is sufficiently simple to enable its performance by relatively inexperienced laboratory staff.
Immunofluorescence staining for the diagnosis of herpes encephalitis
Authors: Tomlinson A. H. , Chinn I. J. , MacCallum F. O.
Published: June 2007

Direct immunofluorescence staining for herpes simplex virus was applied to cryostat sections of 43 specimens removed at brain biopsy. Herpes antigen was found in 10 specimens and virus was isolated from them. Antigen was found in one specimen from which virus was not isolated. Two specimens from which virus was isolated gave equivocal fluorescence. Thirty specimens gave no fluorescence or live virus. Immunofluorescence provided a diagnosis in three hr compared with 24-42 hr for virus isolation.

Indirect immunofluorescence staining was applied to sections of brain removed at necropsy and fixed in formalin. Herpes antigen was found in sections of six of the 12 brains examined.
The structure and growth of valve-pocket thrombi in femoral veins
Authors: Sevitt Simon
Published: June 2007

The structure of 50 small thrombi in femoral valve pockets and the microscopic contents of 35 apparently empty pockets were studied in an attempt to ascertain the nature of the microscopic nidi from which thrombi form and their manner of growth to visible thrombi. Sixteen thrombi had little or no cellular invasion. Most of these recent structures had two main regions, red areas restricted distally in the pocket by the vein wall, and larger white regions comprising most of the thrombus length and often covering the red areas. Red areas are the early sites of cellular adhesion and invasion and the likely sites of origin of most thrombi. They were usually dominated by red cells and fibrin. White zones, which represent propagation growth, are characterized by many foci of platelets with fibrin borders (platelet-fibrin units). Some red areas also contained platelet-fibrin units but they were few and tiny; platelets were not seen in others and one small wholly red thrombus was devoid of platelets. Degenerative changes in platelet-fibrin units were observed, and it is postulated that many become purely fibrin structures. There was no significant evidence of preceding intimal damage in the vein wall. Therefore nidi are laid down on normal endothelium probably on the vein wall near the apex of the pocket. Some pockets, empty of thrombi, contained condensed foci of red cells or tiny fibrin fragments surfaced by endothelial cells and considered to be the remnants of aborted thrombi; a few contained clumps of platelets or leucocytes. It is postulated that any of these may represent the nidi from which thrombi grow. Several thrombi also incorporated large fat droplets, numerous in two. Fat embolic globules derived from fractures are their likely source.
Pathological features of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Davies M. J. , Pomerance Ariela , Teare R. D.
Published: June 2007

The macroscopic features of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy are variable. The most easily recognized picture is of disproportionate and asymmetrical left ventricular hypertrophy with a small ventricular volume. Symmetrical ventricular hypertrophy also occurs and dilatation of the ventricular cavity may lead to a configuration more usually associated with congestive cardiomyopathy. Papillary muscle involvement leads to a bullet shape, often retained even when the ventricle dilates. Eighteen of the hearts showed a distinctive band of fibrous thickening below the aortic valve. This was a mirror image of the free edge of the anterior mitral cusp, had the microscopic features of an endocardial friction lesion, and was clearly the morphological expression of the systolic contact between cusp and septum seen on cineangiography. This band is characteristic of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy; it was more common in older patients and is of particular diagnostic value in cases with symmetrical hypertrophy, including those with dilated ventricular cavities.

Sudden death was the commonest presentation in the younger cases but in several cases over 60 years at death hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy was an incidental necropsy finding.
A membrane filter method for correlating colposcopic, histological, and cytological pictures: The application to nuclear DNA measurements
Authors: Burn G. P. , Singer A. , Spriggs A. I.
Published: June 2007

A method is described for collecting cells on membrane filters in their natural topographical relationships, so that they can be correlated with exact areas in the cervix and with punch biopsy specimens. The same cell sample, after study with Papanicolaou stain, can then be used for other methods without the cells losing their spatial relationships. An example is given of an early cervical carcinoma in which, using a photographic method with a simple type of photometric device, the nuclear DNA was measured from accurately identified normal and neoplastic areas.
Osmotically stable L forms ofHaemophilus influenzaeand their significance in testing sensitivity to pencillins
Authors: Roberts David E. , Ingold A. , Want Susan V. , May J. Robert
Published: June 2007

The sensitivity ofHaemophilus influenzaeto penicillinsin vitro,determined either by serial antibiotic dilution in broth or by the disc method on agar, is apparently profoundly influenced by inoculum size if the results are read by macroscopic inspection. Microscopic inspection of the growth, however, reveals that the turbidity in heavily inoculated broth containing concentrations higher than the minimal inhibitory concentration is the product of L forms which have failed to succumb to osmotic lysis. Similarly, minute colonies appearing in the `inhibition zone' of disc tests are composed of L forms. In both broth and agar tests reduction of the osmolality of the medium from 340 to 144 mOsm per kg failed to bring about lysis of organisms exposed either to ampicillin or amoxycillin. The significance of this remarkable osmotic stability of haemophilus L forms is discussed in relation both to testing of sensitivity of this organism to penicillins and to persistence of chronic haemophilus infections of the lower respiratory tract.
Thymidine-dependentEscherichia coliinfection and some associated laboratory problems
Authors: Tanner Elizabeth I. , Bullin C. H.
Published: June 2007

The rapid emergence of a thymidine-dependent strain ofEscherichia coliin a patient treated with co-trimoxazole is described. The organism was recovered from blood cultures during a septicaemia which developed after only a few days of co-trimoxazole treatment. The cultural characteristics of three thymidine-dependent strains were studied and a remarkable variation was found in their ability to grow on different batches of blood agar, depending upon the age of the plates and the type of agar base used.
A test system for the biological safety cabinet
Authors: Newsom S. W. B.
Published: June 2007

A simple, cheap and readily available test system for biological safety cabinets is described. It depends on the containment of an aerosol ofBacillus subtilisspores generated in a BIRD micronebulizer and the measurement of air flows with an anemometer. The system was set up to survey new equipment but equally valuable results have been obtained from tests during use. New units were often badly installed and used equipment was poorly maintained. It is suggested that any department which has a need for a biological safety cabinet must be in a position to test its function.
Diagnostic electron microscopy of faeces
Authors: Flewett T. H. , Bryden A. S. , Davies Heather
Published: June 2007

A method is described for examining viruses in faeces by direct electron microscopy using negative staining. The particles found in a group of patients with gastroenteritis and a group with other conditions are compared. Small particles in the range of sizes covering parvoviruses and enteroviruses were found about as frequently in each group.

Many of these were probably bacteriophages. Many bacteriophages with tails of various sizes and lengths were found. Adenoviruses were found in five of eight patients from whom they were isolated. Reovirus- (or orbivirus-) like particles were found associated with some gastroenteritis patients.
Failure to demonstrate an advantage in combining sulphamethoxazole with trimethoprim in an experimental model of urinary infection
Authors: Anderson J. D. , Lacey R. W. , Lewis E. L. , Sellin M. A.
Published: June 2007

Co-trimoxazole was found to have a predominantly bacteriostatic effect upon 28 urinary isolates ofEnterobacteriaceaein nutrient broth and was never bactericidal in artificially infected urine. The components of co-trimoxazole were tested individually and trimethoprim was found to be at least as effective as co-trimoxazole in nutrient broth and in urine. Trimethoprim alone produced some bactericidal effect in urine but this was antagonized by sulphamethoxazole.

Laboratory tests for evaluating these drugs may give a misleading impression of their activityin vivo.Further clinical comparisons should therefore be made between trimethoprim and cotrimoxazole to determine when trimethoprim should be used in preference to the combination.
Serum ferritin in children with thalassaemia regularly transfused
Authors: Letsky E. A. , Miller F. , Worwood M. , Flynn D. M.
Published: June 2007

A controlled trial of continuous chelation therapy in regularly transfused children with homozygous β-thalassaemia has been in progress at the Hospital for Sick Children since April 1966. In the sixth and seventh years of the trial the effect of this treatment on iron overload has been assessed by estimating serum ferritin levels and liver iron concentrations in both chelator-treated and control groups. When compared with non-chelated controls, results of both these estimations were invariably lower in the chelated group. However, all the results in both groups were very high, and fell within the ranges observed in untreated idiopathic haemochromatosis. A close correlation was found between serum ferritin levels and liver iron concentrations in these children, indicating that serum ferritin is a valuable alternative to liver iron concentration in the assessment of visceral iron overload, even when massive tissue siderosis is present.
The problem of the demonstration of hepatitis B antigen in faeces and bile
Authors: Moodie J. W. , Stannard Linda M. , Kipps A.
Published: June 2007

Attempts to detect hepatitis B antigen in faeces and bile should take into account the degradation and disappearance of the surface antigens in an environment containing proteolytic enzymes in the presence of bile salts as in the intestinal lumen. The cores of the Dane particles are much more stable than the surface antigens and these may best be identified by immune electron microscopy using core antibody.
Antibodies toCandida albicansin hospital patients with and without spinal injury and in normal men and women
Authors: Everall P. H. , Morris C. A. , Morris Delia F.
Published: June 2007

The presence of serum agglutinins and precipitins toCandida albicansin men and women who had impaired bladder function following spinal injury is compared with that in other patients in hospital and in apparently fit men and women. Antibody levels which have commonly been regarded as significant were found in 35 of 76 patients who had urinary candidiasis; in 10 of 52 patients who had spinal injury without urinary candidiasis; in eight of 57 patients who had neither of these conditions, and in nine of 191 normal men and women. Observations are made on the antigens involved in these reactions and on the need for standardization of both reagents and techniques.
Collimation and surface counting in haematology
Authors: Bowring C. S. , Glass H. I.
Published: June 2007

The effect on the results obtained in surface counting investigations of using a dual detector counting system and multihole collimators has been investigated. The use of the additional detector results in smoother curves for the uptake of the radionuclide and the use of multihole collimators increases the discrimination of the counting system against the effects of radioactivity outside the region of interest. In a clinical trial to compare multihole collimation with conventional single hole collimation it was found that increased excess counts were obtained over the spleen with the multihole collimators in eight of ten cases.
Laboratory tests of antifungal drugs.
Authors: Holt R J
Published: June 2007

The procedures evolved in the author's laboratory over the past 20 years for the microbiological assessment of antifungal drugs are described; methods are detailed for the estimation of the sensitivity of pathogenic fungi to therapeutic agents and for the assay of those agents in body fluids. The preparation and maintenance of stock reference solutions of the drugs, the culture media used, and the incubation temperature and time are discussed. Sensitivity tests by paper disc and by liquid titration for minimal inhibitory and cidal concentrations estimated are described, and the importance of standardized initial inocula is emphasized. Two groups of assay procedures are given, the liquid dilution and the agar diffusion methods, and suitable indicator organisms for both methods are named. The paper concludes with a discussion on the problem of differential assays when two antimycotic agents are in simultaneous clinical use.
Septicaemia due to Corynebacterium haemolyticum.
Authors: Jobanputra R S , Swain C P
Published: June 2007

The clinical and microbiological features of a case of septicaemia due to Corynebacterium haemolyticum are described. Isolation of the organism from blood cultures taken at the time of admission, immediate response to penicillin, presence of agglutinating antibodies in high titre in the patient's serum, and our failure to find evidence of infection with any other pathogen suggests a causative role.
Diagnostic significance and source of lactate dehydrogenase and its isoenzymes in cerebrospinal fluid of children with a variety of neurological disorders.
Authors: Nelson P V , Carey W F , Pollard A C
Published: June 2007

Two hundred and thirty-four cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from 183 different children were analysed for total lactate dehydrogenase (LD) activity and LD isoenzyme distribution. The LD activities were elevated in the CSF of patients with meningitis, especially with bacterial infections, and with central nervous system (CNS) leukaemia. The CSF LD isoenzyme patterns of both groups generally reflected the number and distribution of lymphocytes and granulocytes in the CSF. Increases in CSF LD levels also occurred in patients with other neurological disorders, such as hydrocephalus, raised intracranial pressure, and epileptic seizures. However, no significant increases in CSF LD activity nor abnormality of the isoenzyme distribution were noted in children who had had a non-specific febrile convulsion.
ad and ay subtypes of hepatitis B antigen in a case of hypogammaglobulinaemia.
Authors: Lawton J W , Hopkins R , Paterson I C , Das P C
Published: June 2007

We describe the finding of d and y specificities of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in a case of hypogammaglobulinaemia of the 'common variable' type treated with fresh frozen plasma infusions. Absorption studies show that the two specificities are on separate particles, suggesting dual infection. It raises important questions regarding the relationship between HBsAg persistence and the immune status of the carrier.
Fibrinolytic activity in malignant disease.
Authors: Rennie J A , Ogston D
Published: June 2007

Resting fibrinolytic activity and fibrinolytic capacity were compared in 31 patients with malignant disease and in 24 control subjects without malignant disease. Patients with malignant disease had a lower mean fibrinolytic activity: this was particularly marked in those with disseminated disease. In contrast, patients with malignant disease had a fibrinolytic capacity which did not differ from that of the control subjects.
Quantitative observations on iliac bone marrow mast cells in chronic renal failure.
Authors: Peart K M , Ellis H A
Published: June 2007

Mast cells have been counted in sections of iliac bone from 61 control subjects at necropsy. Mast cells were found in all but three, and the range was 0-33-7, median 1-95 per mm2 marrow. The majority (82%) had less than 4-99 mast cells per mm2 marrow; in 37-7% there was less than 1 mast cell per mm2 marrow. In a group of 45 patients with chronic renal failure there was a significant increase in the numbers of mast cells (P less than 0-001) with a range of 0-96-55-63, median 9-55 per mm2 marrow. Mast cells were common in the areas of marrow fibrosis associated with osteitis fibrosa but this was not the sole cause of the increase since there was also an excess of mast cells in the non-fibrous parts of the marrow. There was a tendency towards greater numbers of mast cells in those cases with most marked osteitis fibrosa in association with the prominent marrow fibrosis, but there was no significant relationship between mast cell numbers and other features of oesteitis fibrosa such as the number of osteoclasts and the amount of woven bone formation. There was no relationship between the numbers of mast cells and the amounts of total bone, ostoid, percentage mineralization of cancellous bone, or the presence of osteomalacia.
Change of blood group from A2 to Ax in a child with congenital abnormalities.
Authors: Bird G W , Roberts K D , Wingham J
Published: June 2007

A blood group change from A2 to Ax is described in a boy who had Fallot's tetralogy, oesophageal atresia, and a tracheo-oesophageal fistula. The change of blood group created a transfusion problem. The unusual serology is discussed.
Comparison of tablets and paper discs for antibiotic sensitivity testing.
Authors: Brown D F , Kothari D
Published: June 2007

The value of tablets and paper discs as reservoirs of antimicrobial agents for use in sensitivity testing was compared. Antibiotics that were unstable in paper discs showed no demonstrable loss of activity in tablets over a period of 50 days under adverse storage conditions. The antibiotic content of commercially prepared tablets is very high in comparison with the accepted content of paper discs used in Britain, but not all of the agent is released from tablets during tests. Comparison of the size of zones of inhibition around tablets and standard paper discs indicated that the amount of the various agents released from the tablets varied between 2-6% and 69% of the stated content. In tests of the sensitivity of a range of common pathogenic organisms, the results obtained with the tablet method--when interpreted as recommended by the manufacturer--were generally similar to those obtained with a paper disc method commonly used in British laboratories. In 47% of tests with aminoglycoside antibiotics, however, strains sensitive by the disc method were 'intermediate' or resistant by the tablet method. As with paper discs, it was necessary to press the tablets on to the medium. With adjustment of the 'effective antibiotic content of tablets to bring it into line with the accepted content in paper discs, the stability of antibiotics in the tablets might make them an acceptable alternative to paper discs.
Observer error in histological assessment of marrow hypocellularity.
Authors: Morley A , Blake J
Published: June 2007

Observer error in the assessment of marrow hypocellularity was studied by examining histological sections from 37 mice having normal or reduced marrow cellularity and comparing the estimated cellularity with a previously measured value. For marrows or mild or moderately reduced cellularity the subjective estimate of cellularity was almost valueless both in terms of accuracy and reproducibility. Only severely hypocellular marrows, having a cellularity of less than 17% of normal, could be recognized as being abnormal with some degree of accuracy and reproducibility.
The acetyltransferase enzyme method for the assay of serum gentamicon concentrations and a comparison with other methods.
Authors: Broughall J M , Reeves D S
Published: June 2007

The adenylytransferase/acetyltransferase methods of gentamicin assay have been evaluated for accuracy, speed, and cost. For a comparable cost of materials the latter method is more accurate than that using the adenylytransferase enzyme. The acetyltransferase method is much quicker than the adenyltransferase due to the shorter time necessary for radioactive counting. Sonication is an easier method of enzyme preparation than the previously used osmotic shock technique. The acetyltransferase method is reproducible and there was a very good correlation between it and a microbiological agar-plate diffusion method.
The measurement of iron-binding capacity in serum and purified transferrin with the aid of chemical affinity chromatography.
Authors: Ramsay W N
Published: June 2007

In a mew method for the estimation of transferrin by iron-binding capacity iron is added as the tartrate in NaCl with about 10 mM bicarbonate. The excess iron is removed by passage through DEAE-Sephadex A-50 previously treated with the iron chelator disodium catechol-3,5-disulphonate. The iron remaining bound to transferrin is measured without protein precipitation by the use of ferrozine. The method is applicable to fresh, frozen, or lyophilized serum, purified transferrin, and some quality control preparations. Validation experiments confirm that transferrin in serum and in pure solution is saturated with iron and give some evidence of specificity. The possible use of commercially available transferrin preparations as analytical reference standards is discussed.
An ultrastructural study of the urinary bladder in children correlated with histological, bacteriological, and clinical findings.
Authors: Haynes M , Trott P A , Islam A K , Hirst G
Published: June 2007

Bladder biopsies from six boys without a history of urinary tract infection were taken during hypospadias repair operations and examined by electron microscopy. The ultrastructure of the epithelium, which was presumed to represent the normal, is described in detail and compared with the reported findings in other mammalian species. The appearances are generally similar although in our material the luminal membrane of the superficial cells was thicker than that surrounding the other epithelial cells but not asymmetrical. We observed membrane-coating granules which have not been reported before in bladder epithelium. The appearances of the normal bladder are compared to those seen in 24 children with urinary infection. In the presence of acute infection in large heterogeneous secondary lysosomes which are present in the intermediate and superficial cells of the normal bladder are reduced in number and the amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum is increased.
ECHO 9 infection in pregnant women with suspected rubella.
Authors: Bell E J , Ross C A , Grist N R
Published: June 2007

Both rubella virus and Echovirus 9 (ECHO 9) were epidemic in Scotland during the summer of 1973; both viruses can cause a mild febrile illness with rash. Sera from 286 rubella-negative pregnant women were tested for neutralizing antibodies to ECHO 9 virus; 40 women had antibody titres suggestive of recent infection. Prospective studies on the outcome of these pregnancies are in progress but preliminary results suggest no connexion between fetal damage and ECHO 9 infection.
Crosslink in bone collagen in Paget's disease.
Authors: Misra D P
Published: June 2007

The crosslink in bone collagen was analysed in specimens of bone obtained at necropsy from cases of Paget's disease and compared with normal bone collagen of the same age. The specimens were stored at -20 degrees C before analysis. The predominant crosslink in a normal bone collagen was hydroxylysinohydroxynorleucine (di OH-LNL) (F1), which was designated syndesine in the past; another fraction, hydroxylysinorleucine (HLNL) (F2), musch less prominent than di OH-LNL, was also noted in a normal bone collagen. Both fractions were reduced in bone tissue of advancing age. The peak corresponding to HLNL was considerably increased in Paget's disease. This abnormality was constantly seen in specimens of bone from cases of Paget's disease, but the significance of the finging could not be assessed from the present investigation. Calcitonin has been shown to produce complete remission in Paget's disease and the crosslink pattern was found to be normal in specimens examined froma calcitonin-treated patient. This shows that calcitonin has some effect on the metabolism of collagen and a normal crosslink in such a situation lends support to this idea.
Intestinal polyps in the Nigerian African.
Authors: Williams A O , Prince D L
Published: June 2007

Intestinal polyps appear to be relatively rare in the African including Nigerians, South African Bantus, and Ugandans. Only 40 histologically confirmed cases were encountered over a period of ten years. Analysis of these cases reveals a preponderance (60%) of the non-neoplastic juvenile type of polyp. Neoplastic polyps were not encountered in any female patient. The mean ages of the patients are much lower than what has been observed in Caucasians inhabiting developed and industrialized countries. It is felt that there is probably a common or related aetiological agent for neoplastic intestinal polyps and carcinoma because the frequency of intestinal carcinoma appears to be relatively low in areas with a low frequency of neoplastic polyps.
An experimental comparison of Thiol broth with Brewer's thioglycollate for anaerobic blood cultures.
Authors: Shanson D C , Barnicoat
Published: June 2007

In a series of simulated blood culture experiments, small inocula of eight different strains of Bacteroides and five strains of anaerobic cocci were added to Difco Thiol broth and Southern Group Brewer's thioglycollate. Both methods enabled all of the strains to be isolated after one to three days' incubation, with the exception of Bacteroides melaninogenicus, and most strains to survive after one week. B. melaninogenicus grew more quickly in Difco Thiol broth than in Southern Group Brewer's whereas three strains of anaerobic cocci were isolated first from Southern Group Brewer's. Difco Thiol broth appears to be a satisfactory alternative to Southern Group Brewer's for the isolation of non-sporing anaerobes likely to be found in the blood.
Resolution of antibiotic mixtures in serum samples by high-voltage electrophoresis.
Authors: Reeves D S , Holt H A
Published: June 2007

The use of high-voltage electrophoresis and bioautography for the separation mixtures of antibiotics received in clinical serum samples is described. The electrophoretic characteristics of 39 antibiotics are given as is the accuracy of the method for quantitating three antibiotics. In screening 189 consecutive serum samples submitted for routine antibiotic assay, undisclosed antibiotics were revealed by the technique in 35.
Minocycline sensitivity related to the phage type of multiply resistant staphylococci.
Authors: Rich G , Davidson J
Published: June 2007

Clinical isolated of multiply antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphlococcus aureus were divided into three groups by phage typing. The most prevalent type, which is usually cloxacillin resistant, was found to be moderately sensitive to minocycline. Unfortunately the degree of sensitivity is not sufficient to warrant the use of the antibiotic in severe staphlococcal infection.
Cor pulmonale due to tumour embolism derived from intrasinusoidal metastatic liver carcinoma.
Authors: Burnett R A
Published: June 2007

Two cases of primary breast carcinoma are described, both terminating in acute cardiorespiratory failure due to multiple tumour micro-embolism. In both cases the source of the emboli was extensive metastatic intrasinusoidal carcinomatous infliltration of the liver. The association of these two uncommon conditions has not previously been reported. A brief review of the literature pertaining to diffuse intrasinusoidal metastatic carcinomaof the liver and to carcinomatous pulmonary embolism is included. The latter condition may be commoner and of greater clinical significance than his hitherto been appreciated. Some of the factors which may be responsible for this peculiar type of tumour dissemination are discussed.
The renal pathology in a case of lithium-induced diabetes insipidus.
Authors: Lindop G B , Padfield P L
Published: June 2007

A case of lithium-induced diabetes insipidus is reported. At necropsy microscopy shoed unique and extensive damage to cells lining the distal nephron. It is suggested that these changes represent a specific toxic effect of lithium, reported here for the first time in man.
Systemic endotheliomatosis: a case report.
Authors: Madara J , Shane J , Scarlato M
Published: June 2007

A 48-year-old Caucasian man was found to have a rare neoplastic process of vascular endothelial origin. The clinical presentation was that of plum-colored cutaneous plaques of the lower extremities. The histopathology, natural history, and treatment of this case are discussed and compared with previously reported cases. It is suggested that this disease entity represents a malignant state with systemic involvement and a poor prognosis.
Postmortem assay of digoxin by radioimmunoassay.
Authors: Holt D W , Benstead J G
Published: June 2007

Analysis of postmortem blood samples from patients previously on maintenance digoxin therapy suggests that the results are of value in assessing the degree of digitalization at the time of death. Control cases gave results within the normal therapeutic range wheras of six cases in which digoxin was suspected of being implicated in the death five had 'serum' digoxin levels above the therapeutic range. Differences in digoxin concentration were noted in blood collected from three sites in the body, and it is suggested that postmortem blood should be collected from the leg veins if assessment of antermortem digitalization is to be made.
Behaviour of commercially prepared I-125 fibrinogen in metabolic studies.
Authors: Bradley J , Hickman J A
Published: June 2007

In-vivo studies of fibrinogen metabolism were carried out using an I-120 labelled preparation of fibrinogen supplied commercially by the Radiochemical Centre, Amerhsham for use in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis. These studies show that the material is suitable for obtaining the main metabolic parameters of clinical interest, though degradation products may be present initially or appear during storage. If suitable corrections are applied the results agree well with those of other authors.
A study of immunoglobulin M antibody to measles, canine distemper, and rinderpest viruses in sera of patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
Authors: Thomson D , Connolly J H , Underwood B O , Brown F
Published: June 2007

Seven boys were studied who had the clinical features of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) and whose brain histology was consistent with SSPE. Measles antigen was detected in the seven brains by the direct fluorescent antibody method. Three out of the seven boys had in their sera measles specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) which was detected by the indirect fluorescent antibody method, and the cell receptors for it were acetone stable. A prozone effect was noted in the sera of two patients. The absorption of one patient's serum with Staphylococcus aureus to reduce the titre of immunoglobulin G (IgG) removed the prozone effect. Two of the boys who had high titres of measles specific IgM also had serum IgM which reacted with canine distemper virus antigen but the titres were eightfold lower. None of the boys had detectable rinderpest specific IgM in their sera.
Measurement of plasma renin activity by semi-micro radioimmunoassay of generated angiotensin I.
Authors: Dillon M J
Published: June 2007

A semi-micro method for determination of plasma renin activity (PRA) by radioimmunoassay of generated angiotensin I (AI) is described. The method permits measurement of PRA on 250 mul of plasma without loss of specificity, sensitivity, accuracy or preision. The small sample size has considerable application in terms of investigation of infants and young children. A reference range was established for healthy children on free diets. There was a 15-fold decline in PRA with age from a mean value of 1404pgAI/ml h-1 (ngAI/1. h-1) in infancy to a mean of 85 pgAI/ml h-1 (ngAI/1. h-1) in adult life.
Quantitation of G-cells in fibreoptic biopsy specimens and serum gastrin levels in healthy normal subjects.
Authors: Piris J , Whitehead R
Published: June 2007

The G-cells of the gastric antrum were accurately quantitated in preparations stained with an immunoperoxidase method. In 15 normal young adults the mean G-cell count per unit area was 200 +/- 15-9. Serum gastrin levels were measured in 12, and all fell within the normal range (mean 59-7 +/- 5-4 pg/ml).
The cytocentrifuge NBT test.
Authors: Gordon P A , Stuart J , Lee T R , Breeze G R , Pugh R N
Published: June 2007

The NBT test is a non-specific test of neutrophil membrane stimulation which has application to the study of neutrophil function, particularly in the septicaemic patient. An improved cytochemical test which eliminates potential sources of laboratory error has been developed. Venous or capillary blood samples may be studied and the technique can be applied to the neutropenic patient since available neutrophils are concentrated by cytocentrifugation. Clinical evaluation in 443 patients is described.
A five-year study of a haemophilia reference centre.
Authors: Ramsay D M , Khoo K K
Published: June 2007

Attendances at the Regional Haemophilia Reference Centre in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary have been analysed over a period of five years from 1969 to 1973. Of 77 patients registered in 1969, 64 had haemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency) and 13 had haemophilia B (factor IX deficiency). In 1973 the numbers were 68 and 14 respectively. An increased attendance at the Centre from 123 in 1969 to 624 in 1973 was noted. This was due to patients reporting earlier and more frequently for outpatient treatment of haemarthroses which occurred with the greater availability of supplies of factor VIII. The number of admissions for inpatient treatment did not change significantly over the period. Haemarthrosis of the knee was the commonest dominant lesion. The amount of replacement therapy in the form of fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, antihaemophilic fraction, and factors II, IX, and X concentrate used in the Centre (ie, excluding that used for elective procedures) increased from 2704 donor units in 1969 to 8778 donor units in 1973, the main increase being in cryoprecipitate. The number of factor VIII units used per patient attending per year, for both elective and emergency treatment in haemophiliacs, is recorded and discussed as are its effects on the treatment patterns of patients and the implications for the future.
Meningitis caused by Pseudomonas maltophilia.
Authors: Patrick S , Hindmarch J M , Hague R V , Harris D M
Published: June 2007

A case of meningitis caused by Pseudomonas maltophilia is described, which was unusual in that it appeared to lack the predisposing factors commonly associated with this organism. Attention is drawn to the difficulties which may be encountered in the identification of Ps. maltophilia.
A practical system of bacterial nomenclature.
Authors: Black W A
Published: June 2007

It is unlikely that any serious attempt will be made to standardize bacterial nomenclature on a national or international scale until the implementation of the proposed revision of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria on 1 January 1980. In the meantime, the lack of such standardization poses major problems in communication between the laboratory and the clinican and also causes difficulties in the latter's reading of the bacteriology literature. The present communication proposes interim regional voluntary standardization of bacterial nomenclature as a solution, and outlines a system of nomenclature which could be used on such a regional basis. The system is specifically designed to demonstrate clearly the relationships between bacteria.
Congenital hepatic fibrosis.
Authors: Hodgson H J , Davies D R , Thompson R P
Published: June 2007

During 10 years four patients with congenital hepatic fibrosis were seen in a general hospital in London; three presented in adult life. It is suggested that the condition may account for a larger proportion of patients with chronic liver disease than has been thought to be the case.
A cause of erroneous diagnosis of pigmented villonodular synovitis.
Authors: Burnett R A
Published: June 2007

An unusual type of benign vascular hamartoma, which shows a curious papillary organization of thrombus and abundant haemosiderin deposition, is liable to be misdiagnosed histologically as pigmented villonodular synovitis. Nine examples of this type of lesion are briefly presented and the differential diagnosis is discussed.
Experience with the sodium sulphate-Alcian Blue stain for amyloid in cardiac pathology.
Authors: Pomerance A , Slavin G , McWatt J
Published: June 2007

The sodium sulphate-Alcian Blue (SAB) method, which stains amyloid green, was evaluated in 220 hearts from elderly patients. The technique proved superior to the Congo red, crystal violet, and thioflavine T methods used either singly or as a battery for the demonstration of cardiac amyloid. Amyloid was easily identified under the X3 objective, even in small amounts. A few non-amyloid components stained varying shades of green but were easily distinguished on morphological grounds. No false positive or equivocal reactions occurred, and in particular elastic laminae and paravascular connective tissue were not tinctorially confused with amyloid. The SAB stain is technically simple and consistently reproducible, and no special light source is required for examination. An additional advantage in cardiac pathology is the simultaneous demonstration of any fibrosis, basophilic myofibre degeneration, tissue mast cells and mucoid degeneration of valves present.
Slide haemagglutination test in hydatid disease: a correlative study of diagnostic procedures.
Authors: Matossian R M , Mamo A J , Dakroub R
Published: June 2007

Human 0 erythrocytes, treated with 1% formalin and subsequently exposed simultaneously to hydatid protein antigen and 0.1% chromic chloride, acquire the property of agglutinating on a slide when brought in coontact with specific antiserum. This constitutes the basis of the slide haemagglutination test, an easy, quick, sensitive, and specific procedure, usefull in the diagnosis of hydatid disease.
Use of anaerobic culture for the improved isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Authors: Howden R
Published: June 2007

The following report compares the results of aerobic and anaerobic cultivation for the primary isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) from the respiratory tract of children. Of 414 specimens of respiratory tract secretions cultured, 65 (15-7%) yielded pneumococci; 31 (47-7%) grew both aerobically and anaerobically, but 34 (52-3%) strains were isolated only from the anaerobic culture. Pneumococci cultured anaerobically with added carbon dioxide characteristically produce large mucoid colonies which are more easily distinguished than the 'normal' colonies commonly seen in the mixed flora isolated from respiratory sites. This advantage justifies the inclusion of anaerobic culture when attempting to isolate Str. pneumoniae from clinical material.
Factors affecting the assay of gentamicin by the plate diffusion method.
Authors: Deacon S
Published: June 2007

Standard curves were prepared by plotting log gentamicin concentration against zone diameter using a conventional plate diffusion method. Results were obtained at varying concentrations of sodium chloride and at different pHs. Under optimum conditions the range in zone diameters was markedly increased, thus considerably improving the potential accuracy of the plate assay method.
Folic acid binding protein in acute myeloid leukaemia.
Authors: Gorst D W , Courtis M , Delamore I W
Published: June 2007

Folic acid binding protein was estimated in the serum of 94 control subjects and a normal range was established. Raised levels were found in folate deficiency and chronic myeloid leukaemia. Considerably raised levels were found in untreated acute myeloid leukaemia, most often in cases with a marked monocytic element.
Solid-phase enzyme-immunoassay for detection of hepatitis B surface antigen.
Authors: Wolters G , Kuijpers L , Kacaki J , Schuurs A
Published: June 2007

The preliminary results of a solid-phase enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are presented. This method has been compared with the solid-phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) for HBsAg in dilution series of four HBsAg positive sera four national reference panels (The Laboratory Panel of the Central Laboratory of the Blood Transfusion Service of the Netherlands Red Cross, USA BOB Reference Panels Nos 2 and 3, and the 1st Panel of the National Reference Centre for virus Hepatitis at the Institute of Hygiene of the University of Göttingen, West Germany). In addition, the two test methods were compared in a weekly (up to 16 weeks) follow-up of 14 patients with acute viral hepatitis B. It was seen that, both by reading EIA test results with the naked eye and by colorimetric reading, the sensitivity and specificity of this test method compared very favourably with those of the RIA. EIA may have a slightly lower sensitivity than RIA for the subtype ad, while its sensitivity for the subtype ay may be slightly higher than that of RIA. These minor sensitivity differences may be due to the specificity profiles of the antisera used.