bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thein-vitroactivity of tobramycin compared with that of other aminoglycosides
Authors: Waterworth Pamela M.
Published: June 2007

The influence of medium composition,pH, serum, and magnesium on the action of tobramycin is compared to that on the action of gentamicin. The minimum inhibitory concentration of tobramycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, and streptomycin was determined for 472 strains including 19 species: tobramycin was found to be the most active againstPs. aeruginosaand kanamycin against Providence, but gentamicin was usually the most active against all other species.Ps. aeruginosapassaged on medium containing either gentamicin or tobramycin showed increased resistance to both. Sensitive strains of this species were shown to contain a small minority of cells resistant to these antibiotics, the presence of which is believed to account for the marked bactericidal synergy which was demonstrated between tobramycin and carbenicillin.
Histological Hashimoto's disease in a benign cystic ovarian teratoma
Authors: Watson Alan A.
Published: June 2007

A case of Hashimoto's disease of the thyroid component of a benign cystic ovarian teratoma is reported, unassociated with previous neck surgery. Three hundred and fifteen cases of ovarian teratomata were reviewed to determine the incidence of this complication.
An immunoradiometric assay for ferritin in the serum of normal subjects and patients with iron deficiency and iron overload
Authors: Addison G. M. , Beamish M. R. , Hales C. N. , Hodgkins M. , Jacobs A. , Llewellin P.
Published: June 2007

An immunoradiometric assay for human ferritin has been developed. Concentrations of ferritin in the serum of male and female controls and patients with iron deficiency and iron overload were measured.

Male controls were found to have a significantly higher mean concentration of serum ferritin than females. Patients with iron deficiency had significantly lower levels than normals of either sex and patients with iron overload had greatly elevated serum ferritin concentrations. It is thought that the serum ferritin concentration may reflect the iron stores of the body.
Renal hyalin
Authors: Lendrum A. C. , Slidders W. , Fraser D. S.
Published: June 2007

This describes the sodium sulphate-Alcian Blue (SAB) method for staining amyloid in paraffin sections. Its value lies in the possibility of subsequent counterstaining and thus of revealing the structural relationships of amyloid.

In the kidney the topical disposition of amyloid closely resembles the disposition of fibrin in the kidney of diabetics; this suggests that upset in vascular permeability plays a part in determining the site of the amyloid deposits. Furthermore, an aging process in amyloid can now be envisaged resembling the aging of extraluminal fibrin. Both materials proceed to a hyalin material that, staining like collagen, merits the name pseudo-collagen. This term we apply to a hyalin, staining like collagen, for which, we can postulate a specific precursor.
Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis
Authors: Scott G. B. D. , Quigley P. J.
Published: June 2007

The origin of the intracellular fat in human xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis has been the centre of some discussion in the past. A report of a case in a domestic cat is of interest as normal feline renal epithelium is rich in stainable fat. A comparison of the human and feline varieties of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis reveals certain fundamental differences between the two and reinforces the view that the fat concerned in the human disease does not originate in the renal epithelium.
A serum-free medium for testing fermentation reactions inNeisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Flynn John , Waitkins Sheena A.
Published: June 2007

Gonococcal infections can no longer be considered exclusively urogenital but it is difficult in a busy routine laboratory to identify gonococci from non-genital sites, especially if other commensal neisseria are present. Unfortunately, conventional serum agar sugars sometimes give equivocal results. A fermentation medium is described for the identification of gonoccoci. On preliminary testing this medium gives rapid and reliable results and should prove to be much more helpful to the routine laboratory than conventional serum agar sugars. Its potential usefulness, as demonstrated by the results of our first 200 examinations, would seem to justify further study in the routine work of other laboratories.
Pulmonary fibrosis following therapy with Melphalan for multiple myeloma
Authors: Codling B. W. , Chakera T. M. H.
Published: June 2007

A patient suffering from multiple myeloma developed pulmonary fibrosis, of a type known to be associated wtih busulphan, whilst being treated with Melphalan.

The possible role of Melphalan as the causative agent is discussed. Reference is made to other possible aetiological agents and the reasons for their exclusion are discussed.
Routine application of the nitroblue tetrazolium test in the clinical laboratory
Authors: Gordon A. M. , Rowan R. M. , Brown T. , Carson H. G.
Published: June 2007

A modified nitroblue tetrazolium test (NBT) is described which is suitable for routine application in the haematology or bacteriology laboratory and which provides a rapid aid to the diagnosis of bacterial infection.

Hitherto published methods have recommended the use of heparinized whole blood samples for the performance of the NBT test. However, we have demonstrated that the use of the sucrose polymer Ficoll permits the test to be carried out on buffy coats prepared from venous blood anticoagulated in sequestrene (EDTA).

The mean percentage of NBT-positive neutrophils in 60 healthy control subjects was 6·1. The mean percentage of NBT-positive neutrophils in 56 patients with confirmed or presumed bacterial infection was 34·2. Scores within the normal range were observed in 13 patients in this group. Forty-eight individuals with viral infection yielded a mean percentage of NBT-positive neutrophils of 8·5. Six patients in this group gave scores above the upper limit of normal.

Both pathological groups are described in detail and applications of this test are suggested.
Hepatic cirrhosis: A clinico-pathological review of 520 cases
Authors: MacSween R. N. M. , Scott A. R.
Published: June 2007

A clinico-pathological review of 520 patients with hepatic cirrhosis coming to necropsy at the Western Infirmary, Glasgow over the period 1900-69 is reported. There has been an overall increase in incidence of cirrhosis since the 1940s, and this has been largely due to a rise in female incidence. A similar trend in the period 1940-71 has been confirmed at a national level in data abstracted from the Annual Reports of the Registrar General for Scotland.

The mean age at death has risen for both sexes. Aetiologically, the cirrhosis was alcoholic in 18·5%, posticteric in 10·4%, cryptogenic in 61·9%, and haemochromatosis was diagnosed in 7·5%. Primary malignant tumours of liver supervened in 12·3%. The causes of death and the morphological patterns of the cirrhosis are reviewed.
Fine structural evidence for hormone secretion by the human thymus
Authors: Vetters J. M. , Macadam R. F.
Published: June 2007

The epithelial cells of the Hassall's corpuscles in 11 human thymus glands (nine cases of myasthenia gravis and two glands from patients undergoing surgical correction of congenital heart disease) have been examined by electron microscopy. In every instance the epithelial cells have the cytoplasmic organelle complex necessary for `export'-type secretory activity and in addition contain large numbers of membrane-limited small spheroidal secretion granules.

Hassall's corpuscles are avascular anatomical units and a pericorpuscular zone, at least 50 μm broad, is also without blood vessels.

It is therefore suggested that the secretory product(s) of the corpuscular epithelial cells has a purely intrathymic function.
Liver cell dysplasia: a premalignant condition
Authors: Anthony P. P. , Vogel C. L. , Barker L. F.
Published: June 2007

Liver cell dysplasia is defined as cellular enlargement, nuclear pleomorphism, and multinucleation of liver cells occurring in groups or occupying whole cirrhotic nodules. The prevalence, natural history, and relationship to the Australia or hepatitis-associated antigen (HAA) have been studied in 552 Ugandan African patients with normal, cirrhotic, and cancerous livers. Liver cell dysplasia was found in only two of 200 (1%) patients with normal livers, in three of 43 (6·9%) of patients with normal livers bearing primary liver cell carcinoma, 35 of 175 (20·3%) patients with cirrhosis, and 80 of 124 (64·5%) of patients with cirrhosis and primary liver cell carcinoma. Cirrhotic patients without dysplasia were, on average, ten years younger than those with dysplasia and the latter were on average six years younger than those with cirrhosis and carcinoma. Liver cell dysplasia occurred more frequently in males than in females. It was found in all but one instance in macronodular or mixed forms of cirrhosis only. There was a strong relationship between dysplasia and the presence of HAA in 104 patients that suggests a possible carcinogenic mechanism for the longincubation (serum or B) hepatitis virus in liver cell carcinoma. It is concluded that the presence of liver cell dysplasia identifies a group of patients with a high risk of liver cell carcinoma and that they should be followed up by serial alpha-fetoprotein estimations.
TheTreponema pallidumhaemagglutination (TPHA) test in biological false positive and leprosy sera
Authors: Garner M. F. , Backhouse J. L. , Daskalopoulos G. , Walsh J. L.
Published: June 2007

TheTreponema pallidumhaemagglutination (TPHA) test was carried out on 274 sera known to show biological false positive reactions to reagin tests for syphilis. TheTreponema pallidumimmunization (TPI) and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) tests were non-reactive on all these sera. Thirty-one or 11·3% showed reactive results in the TPHA test.

Sera from 267 people who had lepromatous leprosy were also tested in the TPHA test. Fourteen sera were reactive in the TPHA, TPI, and FTA-ABS tests and were from people who had both syphilis and leprosy. Biological false positive reactions were shown by 26 of the leprosy sera, of which three or 11·5% were also reactive in the TPHA test. A further four sera in the leprosy group were reactive only in the TPHA test.

The possible cause of false reactive TPHA test results is discussed.

It was concluded that where reagin and TPHA tests are reactive in a person who has no history or clinical signs of syphilis, the serum should be referred for TPI and FTA-ABS testing.
An enzyme preparation inactivating all penicillins and cephalosporins
Authors: Waterworth Pamela M.
Published: June 2007

Commercial penicillinases vary in their capacity to destroy penicillinase-resistant penicillins and cephalosporins. A new freeze-dried preparation containing both beta-lactamase I and II was found to inactivate all penicillins and cephalosporins at levels above those likely to be encountered in clinical specimens.
An outbreak of diphtheria in a hospital for the mentally subnormal
Authors: Anderson G. S. , Penfold J. B.
Published: June 2007

An account is given of two separate outbreaks of diphtheria amongst mentally subnormal patients and nursing staff. In a total hospital population of about 1000 the number of people involved as carriers or cases was 60 and there were five deaths. The 60 people comprised 56 patients, of whom four were involved in both outbreaks, and four nurses. The organisms isolated wereC. diphtheriae mitisbut five strains were non-toxigenic. It is postulated that the outbreak began following the conversion of a non-toxigenic organism to a toxigenic one by bacteriophage action. The fatal cases were examples of membranous pharyngo-laryngo-tracheo-bronchial diphtheria with well marked pseudo-casts of the upper air passages.
Latex agglutination test for detection of Australia antigen (HB-Ag) among blood donors and patients
Authors: Hopkins R. , Das P. C.
Published: June 2007

The application of the latex test for the detection of Australia antigen (Au-Ag) was investigated. Reagents from two commercial sources were compared with the electrophoresis method with regard to sensitivity and specificity using samples from blood donors, hospital patients, and plasma fractions. Discordant results were further investigated by electron microscopy and radioimmunoassay.

Differences were noted in the results between these reagents and the significance of the findings together with suggestions for minimizing false positive results are discussed.
The estimation of serum thyroxine by competitive binding analysis: A modified method
Authors: Goldie D. J. , Jennings R. D. , McGowan G. K.
Published: June 2007

The method of estimating serum thyroxine by competitive binding analysis has been examined stage by stage. The extraction procedures recommended by some authors are shown to extract protein as well as thyroxine, and so produce inaccurate results. A modified method is proposed which increases accuracy and precision.
Systemic nodular panniculitis with cardiac involvement
Authors: Wilkinson P. J. , Harman R. R. M. , Tribe C. R.
Published: June 2007

A case of systemic nodular panniculitis is described in which the myocardium was found at necropsy to be extensively involved with focal interstitial carditis, identical histologically with nodules of panniculitis biopsied from the skin. This degree of myocardial involvement, which was not apparent during life and was not confined to pericardial or myocardial adipose tissue, has not previously been reported. The literature relating to nodular panniculitis is briefly reviewed and the concept of Weber-Christian disease critically re-appraised.
High counting rates from125I in radioimmunoassays
Authors: Bell T. K.
Published: June 2007

Responses from one manual and four automatic gamma counters for assaying125I were compared. The resolution times quoted by manufacturers when applied in a standardized correction formula to obtain true counts from observed counting rates above 104counts per second appeared to be inadequate. The need to investigate the errors associated with high counting rates for all instruments and electronic settings employed to determine125I in radioimmunoassays is emphasized.
The role of circulating hepatitis B antigen/antibody immune complexes in the pathogenesis of vascular and hepatic manifestations in polyarteritis nodosa
Authors: Trepo Christian G. , Zuckerman Arie J. , Bird Richard C. , Prince Alfred M.
Published: June 2007

To investigate further the role of hepatitis B antigen (HBs Ag) and specific immune complexes in polyarteritis, sera from 55 histologically confirmed cases were tested for the presence of hepatitis B antigen-associated particles and hepatitis B-antibody (anti HBs) by solid phase radio-immunoassay, electron microscopy, and passive haemagglutination. Results of these findings have been correlated with the clinical course of the disease.

HBs Ag was detected in 30 patients (54·5%) and anti HBs in 13/45 (28%). Subtyping in 20 patients revealed that 11 were Y and 9 D. Thirty-seven cases (69%) demonstrated either HBs Ag or anti HBs and 5/45 (11%) had both. Electron microscopic examination showed 20 nm spherical and tubular particles in sera of 20/27 patients with 42 nm particles in 11 cases and clumped particles in 12 (60%).

No correlation was found between detection of immune complexes and liver disease whereas the presence of coexisting hepatitis B antigen and antibody or aggregated particles was restricted to cases of active vasculitis. Seroconversion or the presence of hepatitis B antibody alone was associated with improved prognosis. Circulating hepatitis B antigen antibody complexes may be responsible for vasculitis or polyarteritis but do not appear to be pathogenic for the liver.
Training and career appointments in the pathological sciences in the United Kingdom
Authors: Baron D. N.
Published: June 2007

Pathologists usually receive initial training in clinical work, or in general pathology, or in academic work, followed by speciality training as a senior registrar or lecturer. Consultant status is generally achieved by the age of 34, now almost always in a single discipline. The distribution of pathologists between disciplines, in National Health Service and university posts, is tabulated: there are many unfilled appointments.
Quality control in cervical cytology
Authors: Husain O. A. N. , Butler E. Blanche , Evans D. M. D. , Macgregor J. Elizabeth , Yule R.
Published: June 2007

From surveys conducted by the authors it is concluded that the best and most acceptable quality control methods in cytology are those from within the laboratory. Most of these have results which can be reported centrally. Where the overall control and codes of practice are high, there the results are the most reliable, as sources of error from whatever cause are quickly brought to light. These conclusions are illustrated by data from the five centres and correlated in the tables.
Tietze's disease
Authors: Cameron H. U. , Fornasier V. L.
Published: June 2007

The material from a case of Tietze's disease has been examined histologically. A review of the literature on the pathology of this lesion correlated with the findings from this case indicates that there is a pathological lesion in the costal cartilage in this disease. This consists of an increased vascularity and degenerative changes with patchy loss of ground substance leading to a fibrillar appearance. Cleft formation may occur with mucoid debris which may undergo calcification. Hypertrophic changes may be present at the periphery.

The aetiology still remains obscure.
The effect of age upon the coagulation system
Authors: Hamilton P. J. , Allardyce Mary , Ogston D. , Dawson Audrey A. , Douglas A. S.
Published: June 2007

Factors V, VII, VIII, X, XI, and XII of the coagulation system, platelet count, and antithrombin III levels were assayed in 20 healthy volunteers aged 20-40 years and 61 elderly subjects aged 66-96 years whose skinfold thickness was also measured. Factors XI, XII, and antithrombin III levels tended to increase in women and decrease in men while factors X, VII, and V tended to increase in both males and females with advancing years. No age or sex differences were found in platelet counts or factor VIII levels. Factor VIII levels were inversely correlated with obesity in elderly males (r = −0·56,p< 0·005).
A reappraisal of the antibacterial action of cotrimoxazolein vitro
Authors: Lewis Evelyn L. , Anderson J. D. , Lacey R. W.
Published: June 2007

Thein-vitroaction of the sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim combination (cotrimoxazole) against coliforms,Proteusspp, andStaphylococcus aureuswas re-examined. In nutrient broth the components of cotrimoxazole did not produce bacteriostatic synergy against most sulphonamide-resistant and a significant proportion of sulphonamide-sensitive strains. Any bactericidal action appeared to be due to the trimethoprim component. After addition to urine the combination was only bacteriostatic against most coliforms andProteusspp over six hours. Further clinical trials are needed to determine the circumstances under which cotrimoxazole is superior to either trimethoprim or sulphonamides against some infections, particularly of the urinary tract.
Asymptomatic infection with EB virus
Authors: Sutton R. N. P. , Marston S. D. , Almond E. J. P. , Reynolds K. , Pounds F. J.
Published: June 2007

Evidence of asymptomatic EB virus infection was sought in healthy medical students and nurses following the observation that 1·4% possessed heterophile antibodies. The proportion of subjects with EB virus antibodies rose with age and there was evidence of recent infection in 19%. Smooth muscle antibodies were detected in 13 individuals and recent infection with EB virus was probable in six of these. Subclinical EB virus infections, in some cases associated with some disturbance of immunological function, may therefore be not uncommon in young adults.
An automated micromethod for measuring iron concentration in serum using thioglycollic acid and bathophenantroline sulphonate
Authors: Brozović B. , Purcell Yvonne
Published: June 2007

An automated micromethod for measuring iron concentration in serum employing thioglycollic acid and bathophenantroline sulphonate as reducing agent and chromogen respectively, is described. Measurements are carried out using an AutoAnalyzer (Technicon) and require 0·1 ml of sample. The reproducibility, assessed by the mean coefficient of variation (1·9%), and the mean recovery of iron added to samples (99·5%), as well as the correlation between the serum iron values estimated by the described method and the method recommended by the Expert Panel on Iron of the International Committee for Standardization in Haematology (r = 0·9779;p< 0·001;y= 0·9713x−0·0546), is highly satisfactory. The method can also be used for measuring total ironbinding capacity of serum. The method appears equally suitable for routine work and research studies when a large number of samples and a small volume of serum are available.
The bone marrow in aplastic anaemia: Diagnostic and prognostic features
Authors: Frisch B. , Lewis S. M.
Published: June 2007

Bone marrow preparations were examined from 80 patients with aplastic anaemia. The degree of cellularity varied greatly and in a third of the cases it was normal or even hypercellular at one site of aspiration. In the severely hypoplastic marrows lymphoid cells were predominant and this situation was associated with a worse prognosis. There was no correlation between marrow lymphoid cell content and blood lymphocyte count but there was an inverse relationship between blood lymphocyte count and marrow erythroblasts and a close direct relationship between the blood neutrophil count and marrow myeloid cell content.

In all cases a proportion of the erythroblasts showed morphological abnormalities. These included especially megaloblastic changes and asynchrony of nuclear-cytoplasmic maturation. There were also binucleated cells, internuclear chromatin bridges, intercellular cytoplasmic connexions, nuclear degenerative changes, namely, blurred outlines, irregular shapes, budding and fragmentation, and atypical mitotic figures. These appearances illustrate the extent to which a qualitative defect of erythropoiesis occurs as part of the haematological pattern in aplastic anaemia, and in some cases dominates the bone marrow picture.

Similar cytological features were found in all cases, including five patients with Fanconi's anaemia.
The estimation of haemoglobin A2: Is visual assessment reliable?
Authors: Yawson G. I. , Fessas H. , Boulton F. E. , Huntsman R. G. , Menzies I. S.
Published: June 2007

Haemoglobin A2in 11 normal and 42 B thalassaemia minor subjects was estimated by simple visual assessment of the electrophoretogram. The results obtained give rise to doubts as to the reliability of this technique when used to estimate haemoglobin A2under normal laboratory conditions.
Heparin therapy: A simpler test of control
Authors: Handley Anthony J.
Published: June 2007

A bedside test of heparin activity (whole blood activated partial thromboplastin time) was assessed during clinical control of anticoagulation. It correlated closely (r = 0·94) with the whole blood clotting time but had a number of advantages.
Mucin histochemistry of mucous carcinomas of breast and colon and non-neoplastic breast epithelium
Authors: Cooper D. J.
Published: June 2007

Although epithelial mucin has been demonstrated in ordinary mammary duct carcinomas, it is formed profusely in the uncommon mucous carcinomas. A histochemical study of mucous carcinomas of the breast and colon showed that both types produce similar mucins, viz, acid and neutral, although the mammary carcinomas produce more neutral mucin and small amounts of sulphated mucins are produced by colonic tumours. Similar studies on sections of normal breast and cystic mammary dysplasia have shown that intracellular neutral mucin was present in the ducts and lobules, and that intracellular acid mucin was present within cells of the terminal ducts and lobules. It was demonstrated enzymatically that the acid mucins produced by the normal and neoplastic tissues is sialic acid. Hence it can be shown that the mucin produced by mucous carcinomas is of epithelial rather than connective tissue type. It is contended that mucous carcinoma of breast arises by metaplasia of duct cells that have already undergone malignant change and not from the lobules of the breast.
Comprehensive one-day renal function testing in man
Authors: Györy A. Z. , Edwards K. D. G. , Stewart J. H. , Whyte H. M.
Published: June 2007

A comprehensive one-day renal function test consisting of a single outpatient visit lasting nine hours, with a minimum of time off work or away from home, is described in detail. Although a large number of laboratory tests are performed in one day, patients usually appreciate thoroughness, and the cost is more than offset by the saving in occupancy of hospital beds and by the early and precise diagnosis of reversible aspects of renal disease. Some aspects of improved methodology, such as the sequential determination of minimum urinary pH, bicarbonate, titratable acid, ammonium, and total acid on a single sample using an automatic titrator, are given in detail. Clinical application of the comprehensive nine-hour renal function testing system is illustrated by the result sheet of a patient with analgesic nephropathy, who was shown in one day to have secondary severe renal failure (glomerular filtration rate 20% of normal for age and surface area), renal tubular acidosis of the distal gradient type (minimum urinary pH 6·20), increased urinary white cell excretion rate, hyaline casts, and absence of red cell casts, consistent with a diagnosis of analgesic nephropathy and urinary tract inflammation. Normal values with 95% range for this laboratory are also given. This testing system has been found to be very useful in investigating patients with analgesic nephropathy, renal tubular acidosis, and after renal transplantation.
The nitroblue-tetrazolium test following acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Shafar J. , Behr G. , Rusius J.
Published: June 2007

The percentage nitroblue-tetrazolium (NBT) leucocyte levels were evaluated daily in the 10 days following a first attack of coronary thrombosis. In 12 uncomplicated cases the peak increase was on the second or third day; thereafter the level declined and was below 10% by the tenth day. Three other patients did not conform to this pattern of NBT behaviour. They had experienced a second myocardial infarction and this was attended by a secondary rise in the NBT score; in the two survivors the score remained elevated on the tenth day. Comparison of the score on the second-third and tenth-fourteenth days is a possible useful index of a further complication.
The reliability of methicillin sensitivity tests on four culture media
Authors: Brown D. F. J. , Kothari D.
Published: June 2007

The influence of culture medium, incubation temperature, and antibiotic content on the reliability of methicillin disc-sensitivity tests on strains ofStaphylococcus aureuswas evaluated. Tests were performed with an inoculum giving semiconfluent growth of colonies on four media, with 5-μg and 10-μg methicillin discs at incubation temperatures of 30, 35, and 37°C. With Sensitest agar and Mueller-Hinton agar at 35°C or below, methicillin resistance was reliably detected. On DST agar and Wellcotest agar discrimination between sensitive and resistant strains was possible only at 30°C. On Wellcotest agar and DST agar it was not possible to detect methicillin resistance in one resistant strain at any temperature. For sensitive and resistant strains, the use of a 5-μg disc allowed greater differentiation than the 10-μg disc.
Comparative sensitivity and resistance of some strains ofPseudomonas aeruginosaandPseudomonas stutzerito antibacterial agents
Authors: Russell A. D. , Mills A. P.
Published: June 2007

A comparison has been made of the sensitivities to various antibiotic and non-antibiotic substances of some strains ofPseudomonas aeruginosaandP. stutzeri, the latter including strains isolated from eye and other cosmetic products and from other sources. WhereasP. aeruginosastrains showed a high resistance to cetrimide and to benzalkonium chloride, theP. stutzeristrains were generally more sensitive to these and to chlorhexidine. TheP. stutzeristrains were also more sensitive to the various antibiotics tested. The loss of the ability to transfer an R factor by two strains ofP. aeruginosacaused no significant change in their drug sensitivity pattern.
Coagulation fibrinolysis in sickle-cell disease
Authors: Gordon P. A. , Breeze G. R. , Mann J. R. , Stuart J.
Published: June 2007

A study of fibrinolytic activity in sickle-cell patients during asymptomatic periods has shown a normal fibrinolytic response to exercise and local heat to the arm. During vasoocclusive crises there was no significant decrease in fibrinolytic activity. These results contrast with earlier reports of decreased fibrinolysis during crisis and a suggestion that fibrinolytic activators might be of value in preventing vasoocclusive episodes.

Patients in painful crisis showed a significant rise in fibrinogen concentration and fall in platelet count. The former may contribute to localized vascular sludging by increasing whole-blood viscosity, while the latter probably results from local trapping of platelets in areas of sickling or from subsequent splenic sequestration of damaged platelets. There was no evidence of disseminated, as opposed to localized, intravascular coagulation during crisis.
Intracellular immunoglobulins
Authors: Burns J. , Hambridge Maria , Taylor C. R.
Published: June 2007

Formalin fixation followed by routine paraffin embedding allows the demonstration of intracellular immunoglobulin by a sandwich technique using either peroxidase or fluorescein isothyocyanate labelled antibody conjugates. The results compared favourably with those obtained using either the fresh frozen or the Sainte-Marie method for preserving tissue immunoglobulins. The formalin-paraffin method with peroxidase-labelled antibody has advantages for routine use. Morphology is excellent, preparations are permanent, and retrospective studies of stored paraffin-embedded tissue are possible.

Some of the problems of labelled antibody studies are discussed.
Differential white cell counts by frequency distribution analysis of cell volumes
Authors: Hughes-Jones N. C. , Norley Ian , Young Janet M. S. , England J. M.
Published: June 2007

Absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts on peripheral blood can be made by analysis of the output from a Coulter particle counter, utilizing the difference in the relative cell volume between these two types of cell. A comparison has been made between the results obtained by volume analysis and those obtained by standard microscopical techniques in 10 normal people and 45 patients. The absolute neutrophil count obtained by volume analysis agreed well with values obtained by microscopy; the lymphocyte count did not give such good agreement, since the smaller number of cells counted gave rise to larger sampling errors. The method of volume analysis is suitable for the assessment of absolute neutrophil counts for clinical use.
Asymptomatic arteritis of the uterine cervix
Authors: Ansell I. D. , Evans D. J. , Wight D. G. D.
Published: June 2007

A necrotizing arteritis in the uterine cervix is described as an incidental finding in surgical material from 10 patients. The histological features are compared with those seen in polyarteritis nodosa. Subintimal hyaline deposition and a relative paucity of neutrophil and eosinophil polymorphs characterized the lesion but the histological appearance was never sufficiently specific to exclude confidently the possibility of polyarteritis nodosa. None of the patients had evidence of multisystem disease either at the time of operation or at subsequent follow-up assessment.
Interaction of gelatin with stereospecific binding proteins and its enhancement of competitive binding assays
Authors: Murphy Beverley E. Pearson , Marvin Mavis
Published: June 2007

The effect of gelatin (0·5 g/l) on binding curves at high dilution of three classes of stereo-specific binding proteins was studied. These included two antibodies (to oestradiol and aldosterone), six transins (horse and dog transcortins, human thyroxine-binding globulin, human sex steroid-binding globulin, and guinea pig transprogestin), and one receptor (bovine adrenal protein kinase). Gelatin increased the apparent binding of all these proteins, particularly at the highest dilutions and sometimes in a striking manner. While much of this action can be attributed to its decreasing the adhesion of the dilute binding protein to glass, gelatin also increased the apparent uptake of some tracers by certain adsorbents. Similar findings were obtained using human gamma globulin (2 g/l). These effects resulted in increased sensitivity and improved reproducibility in the assays employing them.
The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test in renal transplantation
Authors: Gordon A. M. , Briggs J. D. , Bell P. R. F.
Published: June 2007

The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test has been evaluated as a means of differentiating episodes of infection and rejection in 10 cadaver kidney transplant recipients. Normal NBT values were observed during all 11 episodes of acute rejection. A significant elevation of the NBT score was encountered in six of eight episodes of infection after transplantation. A positive NBT result is useful additional evidence in favour of infection in patients in whom the differentiation of infection and rejection is proving difficult.
Automated quality control for the haematology laboratory
Authors: Cavill I. , Ricketts C.
Published: June 2007

Two simple methods of using sophisticated statistical techniques to analyse intralaboratory quality control data are described. One method uses a plastic grid to assess the cumulative sum (cusum) graph. An equivalent procedure, which may be carried out by a laboratory computer, gives automated on-line quality control of the Coulter S blood counter. The possible development of simple apparatus to carry out the same function is discussed.
The flora of renal haemodialysis shunt sites.
Authors: Rebel M H , Van Furth R , Stevens P , Bosscher-Zonderman L , Noble W C
Published: June 2007

During investigations of the microbial flora of the skin over haemodialysis shunt sites it has not proved possible to predict clinical infection by a preceding colonization of the shunt site with a pathogenic organism. The normal non-pathogenic flora of the sites is not specifically related to the flora of other sites on the body though Staphylococcus aureus on a shunt site appeared to be acquired principally from the nose when the shunt was in the arm or from the perineum when the shunt was in the leg. Cimino shunt sites had a greater density of organisms than did Scribner shunt sites; this may be related to the disinfection procedures.
Comparison of antibiotic discs from different sources.
Authors: Brown D F , Kothari D
Published: June 2007

Antibiotic discs from Oxoid, Mast, AB Biodisk, Difco, and Baltimore Biological Laboratories were compared, where discs of similar antibiotic content were available, in diffusion-sensitivity tests against organisms of known sensitivity. Discs from Oxoid and Mast gave zones 1-5 mm larger than discs from other manufacturers with penicillin 2 units, ampicillin 10 mug, cephalothin 30 mug, methicillin 10 mug, carbenicillin 100 mug, erythromycin 15 mug, chloramphenicol 50 mug, and trimethoprim 1-25 mug, while discs containing aminoglycoside antibiotics, lincomycin, fusidic acid, tetracycline, nalidixic acid, penicillin 10 units, and polymyxin B gave similar zone sizes whatever the source. Where tested, different batches of single discs from the same source did not vary significantly in antibiotic content as indicated by variation in zone size; but with some antibiotics Multodisks gave larger zones than single discs from the same source. The implications of these differences are discussed.
Bacteriocine typing of Proteus.
Authors: Al-Jumaili I J
Published: June 2007

A method of typing isolates of Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris is described based on the sensitivity of the organisms to bacteriocine. Twelve standard proteocine producing strains were selected from a large number of isolates tested, and from these liquid proteocine preparations were prepared. The sensitivities of 1805 isolates to these 12 preparations were then determined and none was found to be untypable. From the results a bacteriocine typing system has been developed.
Anaerobic and aerobic skin bacteria before and after skin-disinfection with chlorhexidine: an experimental study in volunteers.
Authors: Nielsen M L , Raahave D , Stage J G , Justesen T
Published: June 2007

The amount, composition, and localization of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria in the normal skin before and after disinfection were the subject of a volunteer study. The superficial bacterial flora were sampled by velvet pad imprints, and the deep flora were determined from whole skin biopsies. Only one anaerobic species, Propionebacterium acnes, was encountered even though other and more strict anaerobic bacteria could have been grown with the anaerobic technique employed. Staphylococcus albus dominated among the aerobic superficial bacteria, while diphtheroids, Micrococcus spp., and lactobacilli occurred sporadically. The deep aerobic bacteria were present in a significantly greater amount than the anaerobic. A two-step cleansing/disinfection procedure was evaluated in vivo in volunteers as well as in surgical patients, and aqueous cetrimide/chlorhexidine (Savlon) followed by chlorhexidine in alcohol (Hibitane) almost eradicated both the superficial and deep anaerobic and aerobic skin flora.
False positive infectious mononucleosis serology in epilepsy.
Authors: Hamilton P J , Edmond E , Davidson R J
Published: June 2007

Positive serum tests for infectious mononucleosis (IM) unaccompanied by the clinical syndrome or blood changes characteristic of the disease were detected in 39/177 (22%) mentally subnormal patients investigated with three different commercially available IM slide tests. Slide positively was still detectable six months later in 27/35 (77%) positive reactors. Positive IM slide tests were significantly associated with anticonvulsant, primarily phenobarbitone therapy and with concomitant elevations of immunoglobulins IgG and IgM. Epstein Barr virus antibodies were not detectable in the sera of 8/38 (21%) positive slide reactors. The implications of these observations are discussed and attention is drawn to the variations in sensitivity, specificity, and comparability of different IM slide tests.
The VDRL test in a blood transfusion service.
Authors: Beal R W , Merry D J
Published: June 2007

A survey has been made of the results of 12 months' VDRL screening in a blood transfusion service. Positive VDRL tests were found on 318 of the 73 350 blood donations collected during 1974. Thirty-four tests confirming specific treponemal infection were found in 24 donors. A battery of confirmatory tests showed the remaining 284 positive VDRL reactions from 235 donors to be biological false positive (BFP) results, and, of these, one-third were considered entirely negative by the reference laboratory. BFP reactions were commoner in female donors than in males, and a higher incidence than expected was observed in younger female donors and older male donors. A marked seasonal incidence was noted, 65% of all BFP tests from the transfusion service being found in the four colder months of May to August. Although some differences exist between the group as a whole and the 36 donors (15.3%) found to have BFP results on more than one occasion during the year, there is little evidence from these studies to suggest that regular blood donation per se is a contributing factor to the finding of a BFP result in VDRL screening. It is probable that the population tested regularly by the blood transfusion service reflects a small but representative sample of the community as a whole.
Renal dysplasia in nephrectomy specimens from adolescents and adults.
Authors: Fisher C , Smith J F
Published: June 2007

In a review of 156 total or partial nephrectomy specimens from patients over the age of 12 years, renal dysplasia was found 14 times. The cases were divided initially into five groups on the basis of the predominant pathological changes, namely (1) dysplasia (14 cases), (2) chronic pyelonephritis (31 cases), (3) calculous inflammation (58 cases), (4) hydronephrosis (35 cases), and (5) miscellaneous (18 cases). The diagnosis of dysplasia was made on gross and microscopic criteria and included 12 of segmental dysplasia, one of total dysplasia, and one multicystic dysplastic kidney. The principal differential diagnosis is from the irregularly scarred chronic pyelonephritic kidney. The criteria for the separation of the two are emphasized and, in particular, the distinction from those pyelonephritic kidneys with aglomerular scars. A high incidence of anomalies of drainage was found in association with dysplasia, but such were not always present. It was not thought that intrarenal reflux in infancy was an aetiological factor. Six of the cases presented with urinary infection, but only two had hypertension. It was thought that acquired glomerular damage was more important in the aetiology of hypertension than segmental glomerular agenesis.
Quantitative study of uterine curettage in the menstrual cycle.
Authors: Biswas B , Finbow J A
Published: June 2007

The histological appearances in 114 endometrial curettings from cases of dysfunctional bleeding have been analysed quantitatively by the method of Dunnill and Whitehead (1972) and Risdon and Keeling (1974). As applied to this type of specimen, the technique provides indices of both tubular volume and tubular surface to volume ratio. The histological diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia is made from the increase in stromal and epithelial elements and the change in the pattern of the glands. These changes, on some occasions, can be difficult to detect. Quantitative analysis can be used to distinguish minor degrees of abnormal endometrial hyperplasia, in comparing serial endometrial changes in a given patient, and in comparing different menstrual cycles in dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Endometrial biopsies were collected and put in categories according to the clinical diagnosis. These biopsies were then examined morphometrically to find the volume/glandular surface and glandular/volume ratio. A significant change in these ratios was found.
Extrarenal malignancy and the nephrotic syndrome.
Authors: Heaton J M , Menzin M A , Carney D N
Published: June 2007

The clinical and histological findings are described of a patient who presented with the nephrotic syndrome and was found at necropsy to have a bronchial carcinoma. Amyloidosis, renal vein thrombosis, and neoplastic infiltration of the kidneys were excluded. The kidneys showed a diffuse glomerulonephritis of mesangiocapillary type. The possible aetiological association between these two conditions is discussed.
Effect of Bacteroides fragilis on the human erythrocyte membrane: pathogenesis of Tk polyagglutination.
Authors: Inglis G , Bird G W , Mitchell A A , Milne G R , Wingham J
Published: June 2007

Incubation of normal human erythrocytes with the supernatant of centrifuged culture of some strains of Bacteroides fragilis results in the exposure of Tk polyagglutination determinants on the erythrocyte membrane. These determinants are present on non papain-labile structures and are probably exposed by an enzyme mechanism. Other strains of B. fragilis were found to produce neuraminidase, haemolysins, and protease. It is suggested that early recognition of Tk determinants may be an aid to the diagnosis of B. fragilis infection.
A note on the use of immunofluorescent methods for the detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in bronchitic sputum.
Authors: Sands R L , Green I D
Published: June 2007

By immunofluorescent microscopy of sputum from 67 cases of bronchitis Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detectable in 14 as compared with nine by cultural methods.
Computer card morphometry of jejunal biopsies in childhood coeliac disease.
Authors: Meinhard E A , Wadbrook D G , Risdon R A
Published: June 2007

The histological changes in 95 jejunal biopsy specimens from children have been analyzed by a new mporphometric technique. The microscope image of the specimen is traced directly onto computer data cards. A simple sketch records accurate quantitative data in a matrix of 840 points, retaining the spatial arrangement of the tissue components. The data are fed via an optical mark data card reader, into a mini-computer. FORTRAN IV programs allow calculation of surface area, villous heights, and component volumes in metric units, and of volume proportions, volume-to-volume ratios, and surface-to-volume ratios. Pictorial and numerical printouts are produced, which are suitable for inclusion in the patient's notes. Jejunal biopsies from 37 controls and 26 untreated coeliac patients were clearly distinguished morphometrically. Sixteen pairs of biopsies from coeliac patients on long-term gluten-free diets before, and 12 weeks after, the reintroduction of dietary gluten significantly reflected the effects of gluten challenge. Comparison of control and abnormal biopsies showed a spatial redistribution of the components, more than a change in their absolute amounts. There was no significant differences in the total epithelial volumes in controls, treated or untreated patients, suggesting that the mucosal lesion in coeliac disease is not a true atrophy.
The predictive value of histometry of thyroid tissue in anticipating hypothyroidism after subtoatl thyroidectomy for primary thyrotoxicosis.
Authors: Young R J , Beck J S , Michie W
Published: June 2007

Thyroid tissue removed at partial thyroidectomy from primary thyrotoxicosis patients, after preparation for operation with carbimazole and Lugol's iodine, was studied with the histometric technique. In patients with little or no evidence of autoimmunity before operation, the chance of developing postoperative hypothyroidism was approximately 1 in 2 in those who had volume percentage of epithelium greater than 40, but only approximately 1 in 10 in those who had volume percentage of epithelium less than 40. This approach may ultimately prove of predictive value in a substantial proportion of patients for anticipating hypothyroidism after subtotal thyroidectomy for primary thyrotoxicosis.
Herniation of mucosal epithelium into the submucosa in chronic ulcerative colitis.
Authors: Dyson J L
Published: June 2007

Herniation of the glandular epithelium into the submucosa has been observed in 11 out of 27 cases of chronic ulcerative colitis. Glandular herniation was associated with thickening of the muscularis mucosae, with interruption of the muscularis mucosae by lymphoid follicles, and, in five of the 11 cases, with significant crowding of the glands of the mucosa. This study strongly suggests that sustained contraction of the muscularis mucosae, which has been shown by others to be a major feature of chronic ulcerative colitis, is the prime factor in the formation of downgrowths or herniations of the glandular epithelium into the submucosa. Comparison of the cases in which cancer developed with those where there was glandular herniation led to the conclusion that they are independent associations of chronic ulcerative colitis, and that glandular herniation plays no part in the development of dysplasia or cancer.