bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum gentamicin assays of 100 clinical serum samples by a rapid 40 degrees C. Klebsiella method compared with overnight plate diffusion and acetyltransferase assays.
Authors: Shanson D C , Hince C
Published: June 2007

We have compared the results of gentamicin assay of 100 clinical serum samples by a rapid 40 degrees C plate diffusion method, an overnight plate assay at 37 degrees C, and radioactive acetyltransferase methods. The results of assay obtained by both plate diffusion methods agreed closely. There was excellent correlation between the results of acetyltransferase and plate assays provided that human serum gentamicin standards were used for the acetyltransferase assay and turbid sera were excluded. Lipaemic sera were associated with falsely high results by the acetyltransferase method. There was no difference in specificity between the methods when antibiotics other than gentamicin were present. Much less skilled technician time was required to perform the rapid 40 degrees C plate method than the radioactive acetyltransferase method. The 40 degrees C plate method is preferred for routine serum gentamicin assays in our clinical laboratories.
A new coagulation defect associated with a case of melanomatosis.
Authors: Phillips J D , O'Shea M J
Published: June 2007

A marked abnormality of the intrinsic coagulation system was observed in a patient with melanomatosis and frank melanuria. With successful treatment of the tumour there was a parallel improvement in the clotting abnormality. This defect was shown to be a deficiency of factor XI together with a previously unrecognised factor. This is distinct from either Fletcher or Fitzgerald factors and appears to act between factors XI and X in the coagulation sequence.
Aetiology of cirrhosis, hepatic fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Authors: Blenkinsopp W K , Haffenden G P
Published: June 2007

Histological study of 69 cases of cirrhosis, 9 of severe generalised hepatic fibrosis, and 19 of hepatocellular carcinoma showed an association with alcohol, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or a1-antitrypsin bodies in, respectively, 41 (cirrhosis), 5 (fibrosis), and 9 (carcinoma). Eight of the cirrhotic cases and two of the carcinoma cases had double associations, HBsAg being present in all. Torcein and aldehyde fuchsin staining gave both false positive and false negative results when compared with immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase methods for HBsAg. Large amounts of copper were found in four cirrhotic livers, and moderate amounts in 13: the diagnostic value of copper staining is questioned.
Comparison of coagulase, deoxyribonuclease (DNase), and heat-stable nuclease tests for identification of Staphylococcus aureus.
Authors: Menzies R E
Published: June 2007

One thousand and thirty-five clinical isolates of the genus staphylococcus were used to compare the coagulase test with the deoxyribonuclease (DNase) and heat-stable nuclease tests as methods for identifying Staphylococcus aureus. Conflicting results were obtained with 65 isolates when the coagulase test was compared with the DNase test but with only one isolate when the coagulase test was compared with the heat-stable nuclease test. The heat-stable nuclease test produced reliable results after four hours' incubation and was considered a satisfactory substitute for the coagulase test in the clinical laboratory.
Novobiocin and the differentiation of peptococci and peptostreptococci.
Authors: Wren M W , Eldon C P , Dakin G H
Published: June 2007

Paper discs containing 5 microng of novobiocin were used as a presumptive test to differentiate peptococci and peptostreptococci. Zone diameters were measured and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the antibiotic for each group were performed to ascertain the activity of the antibiotic against these genera. All strains of peptococci showed no zone of inhibition in the disc test together with an MIC of 25 microng/ml or greater. All strains of peptostreptococci showed zones of inhibition of at least 15 mm diameter together with an MIC of 1-6 microng/ml or less.
Comparison between the automated reagin test and reagin screen test methods of VDRL screening tests for syphilis in use in a routine laboratory.
Authors: Simon R D , Peacock A M
Published: June 2007

A comparison is made between the automated reagin test (ART) using Technicon AutoAnalyzer equipment and the reagin screen test (RST) introduced by Lederle using a new antigen formulation. Treponemal haemagglutination tests (TPHA) were done simultaneously as second screen tests. The absorbed fluorescent treponemal antibody test (FTA-ABS) was used in all seropositive cases. Altogether 1154 sera were tested; 1028 were negative with all tests, 66 were positive with all tests, 42 were positive with TPHA and negative with ART and RST, and 16 were positive with TPHA and RST and negative with ART. It was concluded that the use of the RST and TPHA together would be the more sensitive screen test.
Hydroxyproline excretion in infantile gastroenteritis.
Authors: Begent R H , Lambert H P
Published: June 2007

Total hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio (THP:Cr) was measured in random urine specimens from 18 infants with gastroenteritis. THP:Cr was sometimes increased during the acute phase of the illness and the reasons for this are discussed. Seven patients failed to thrive after the acute phase and THP:Cr was low in all of these. The test appears to be a sensitive indicator of the onset of failure to thrive, and it is suggested that it may be of value in the management of these patients.
Comparison of thyroid stimulating hormone and triiodothyronine response to thyrotrophin releasing hormone in the assessment of thyroid status.
Authors: Squire C R , Gimlette T M
Published: June 2007

The response to an intravenous dose of 200 microng of thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) has been studied by estimating, by radioimmunoassay, baseline levels followed by further estimations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) 20 minutes after the injection and triiodothyronine (T3) three hours after the injection in 112 patients referred for routine thyroid assessment. Comparison of diagnostic accuracy of the response to TRH gave similar results with both procedures but slightly better overall accuracy for the response measured by TSH assay. However, estimation of baseline T3 is a valuable test for hyperthyroidism, in contrast to baseline TSH, and combined with the estimation of T3 three hours after TRH injection provides an accurate additional test in borderline cases.
The erroneous haemoglobin-hyperlipidaemia relationship.
Authors: Nicholls P D
Published: June 2007

Hyperlipidaemia, whether primary or secondary to parenteral feeding with intravenous lipid emulsions, causes the haemoglobin level to be erroneously high when measured spectrophotometrically. Contrary to a previous report, evidence is presented which suggests a relationship between the amount of the false rise in the haemoglobin level and the type and degree of hyperlipidaemia.
West Midlands regional quality control scheme for haematology.
Authors: Frew I D , Roome T W , Ashman B
Published: June 2007

A regional quality control scheme is described together with details of the organisation, preparation of material, and an evaluation of the results.
Reaction of human smooth muscle autoantibody with gastric parietal cells: a pitfall in the diagnosis of parietal cell autoantibody.
Authors: Ceredig R , Toh B H
Published: June 2007

Thirteen smooth muscle antibody (SMA) sera obtained from patients with active chronic hepatitis were examined for immunofluorescence reactivity with gastric mucosal cells. Eight out of 13 sera stained the cytoplasm of gastric parietal cells in a pattern indistinguishable from that obtained with parietal cell autoantibody (PCA). The staining reaction was localised to parietal cells by the demonstration that the same cells stained with both SMA and PCA in double immunofluorescent tests. The SMA staining intensity for parietal cells was weaker than that for smooth muscle. Specificity of the staining reaction for actin was established by the observation that parietal cell staining by SMA was inhibition by serum absorption with skeletal muscle F-actin but not by a microsomal fraction derived from gastric mucosa.
Kaposi's sarcoma in lymph nodes: histological study of lesions from 16 cases in Malawi.
Authors: O'Connell K M
Published: June 2007

Biopsy of lymph nodes containing Kaposi's sarcoma from 16 patients showed that the tumour is identical in appearance with that of Kaposi's sarcoma of the skin, regardless of the age of the patient or the mode of presentation. Spread of tumour along sinusoids throughout the lymph node was seen only in the cases of two children with generalised lymphadenopathy, but discrete deposits were present both in lymph nodes regional to skin lesions and in lymph nodes from patients who had presented with primary lymphadenopathy. The reaction of the remainder of incompletely involved nodes was variable. No transition was seen between Kaposi's sarcoma and malignant lymphoma.
Modified semiautomated method for free fatty acids in serum.
Authors: Crane B , Lane C
Published: June 2007

Modifications have been made to the reagent system of the semiautomated method for the determination of plasma free fatty acids by Baird et al. (1967), and results are reported of investigations into parameters affecting sensitivity and analytical range.
Serial plasmapheresis in a haemophiliac with antibodies to FVIII.
Authors: Cobcroft R , Tamagnini G , Dormandy K M
Published: June 2007

Serial plasmaphereses were performed on a 23-year-old haemophiliac, with antibodies to factor VIII (FVIII), in order to reduce the antibody level before multiple dental extractions. Eight phereses were carried out in which approximately 1.5 litres plasma was exchanged with isotonic saline. By the ninth exchange, which was carried out immediately before the extraction, the antibody level had fallen from 4 u/ml to 0.8 u/ml. On this occasion fresh frozen plasma and FVIII concentrate were infused immediately after the pheresis. A normal post-infusion level of FVIII was achieved with a normal half disappearance time of the infused FVIII.
Radioimmunoassay of capsular polysaccharide antigens of groups A and C meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae type b in cerebrospinal fluid.
Authors: Käyhty H , Mäkelä P H , Ruoslahti E
Published: June 2007

Sensitive radioimmunoassays capable of measuring 0-5 ng/ml of the Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide and 2 ng/ml of the groups A and C meningococcal polysaccharides were developed and used to detect these substances in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Polysaccharide of the causative agent was detected in the CSF of 14 out of 15 patients with Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis, in 18 out of 23 patients with group A, and in two out of four patients with group C meningococcal meningitis. In some cases the antigen could be detected even after three days of antibacterial treatment. No false positive reactions were seen. The assay procedure could be shortened to approximately three hours. These assays could be useful in routine diagnostic work and epidemiological investigations.
Taxonomy of Acinetobacter: the usefulness of beta-D-xyloside xylohydrolase for strain differentiation.
Authors: Hansen W , Schoutens E , Yourassowsky E
Published: June 2007

One hundred and twenty-two clinical isolates of Acinetobacter were studied for the presence of beta-galactosidase and of beta-xylosidase, for biochemical characteristics, and for genetic interspecies transformation tests. All strains lacked beta-galactosidase; in contrast, beta-xylosidase was always present in the oxidative strains. This test proved to be of value for separating strains able to form acid from carbohydrates (A. anitratum and A. haemolyticus spp haemolyticus) from the non-oxidative strains (A. lwoffi and A. haemolyticus spp alcaligenes). However, the genetic relationship of all strains tested warrants further study before Acinetobacters are grouped into clearly defined species.
Abnormal lipoproteins in multiple myelomatosis.
Authors: Avgerinos A , Skliros P , Pyrovolakis J , Stathakos D
Published: June 2007

In a study of the lipoprotein pattern in multiple myelomatosis electrophoresis on agarose gel showed abnormal lipoproteins, named paralipoproteins (p-Lp), in 24 out of 30 normolipidaemic patients. These paralipoproteins were grouped according to their mobility into one or another of the following types: (1) p-Lp1 with a mobility identical with that of gamma-globulin, (2) p-Lp2 with a mobility between that of beta- and gamma-globulin, (3) p-Lp3 with a mobility identical with that of beta-globulin. On ultracentrifugation the abnormal lipoproteins were found to have a density above 1-063 g/ml.
Measurement of red cell folate with 75Se-selenofolate radioassay.
Authors: Johnson I , Rose M
Published: June 2007

75Se-selenofolate radioassay was adapted for the purpose of red cell folate measurement. The results of assay of 124 whole blood samples by Lactobacillus casei microbiological assay and by radioassay using the adapted selenofolate method were concordant (r = 0.8). Red cell folate levels by the radioassay were below 170 microgram/1 in people who had haematological features of folate depletion. The distribution of results among reputedly healthy subjects extended down to 140 microgram/1.
Dysfibrinogenaemia and liver cell growth.
Authors: Barr R D , Allardyce M , Brunt P W , McPhie J L
Published: June 2007

From the evidence presented, it is proposed that 'dysfibrinogenaemia' represents the production of normal fetal fibrinogen by rapidly proliferating liver cells in both regenerating and neoplastic tissue. Prolongation of the reptilase clotting time, which was formerly believed to reflect dysfibrinogenaemia, may be rather the result of hepatocytic death.
Transient skin flora: their removal by cleansing or disinfection in relation to their mode of deposition.
Authors: Lilly H A , Lowbury E J
Published: June 2007

A suspension of Staphylococcus aureus deposited on the skin was much more effectively removed by soap-and-water washing when it had been spread and allowed to dry (mean survival 2%) than when it had been rubbed on to the skin (mean survival 29.9%); when antiseptics (70% ethyl alcohol, Hibiscrub without added water) were used, there was no difference between their action against bacteria dried on and bacteria rubbed on to the skin; both of these methods, and especially alcohol, were more effective than soap and water. When a detergent-disinfectant method (washing with Hibiscrub and water) was used, there was a significantly greater effect against rubbed-on than against dried-on bacteria; soap and water was slightly more effective than Hibiscrub and water against the latter. The need to reappraise methods of reducing transient skin flora in 'hygienic' hand cleansing and the tests used for this purpose are discussed.
A test for 'hygienic' hand disinfection.
Authors: Ayliffe G A , Babb J R , Quoraishi A H
Published: June 2007

A standardised test procedure is described in which finger-tips are inoculated with broth cultures of organisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphyloccocus saprophyticus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa): counts are made from washings of hands after disinfection with various antiseptic-detergents, alcoholic solutions, or unmedicated soap. 70% alcohol, with or without chlorhexidine, was the most effective preparation. The two antiseptic detergents showed variable results, but against Gram-negative bacilli neither was significantly more effective than plain soap. Some tests were also made on the death rate of organisms dried on the skin without disinfection.
A direct binding assay for rheumatoid factor serum antiglobulins using fluorescein-labelled Fc fragment of human immunoglobulin-G.
Authors: Singh I , Francis G E
Published: June 2007

A simple routine method is described for the quantitation of antiglobulin (rheumatoid factor) in human serum irrespective of its immunoglobulin class. Papain Fc fragment of human IgG is labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate and incubated with the serum. Bound Fc is separated from free Fc by precipitation with polyethylene glycol and measured by the fluorescence of the precipitate. Results are expressed as a percentage of the binding obtained with a normal pool serum. About 60% of seronegative rheumatoid sera and 96% of seropositive rheumatoid sera gave results more than 2SD above the mean value for normal sera. Only 17% of osteoarthritis sera gave positive results by the same criterion. A relationship is also deduced to show that if the test is carried out at a number of Fc concentrations a double reciprocal plot of bound Fc against free Fc enables both the total antiglobulin and the ratio of binding constants of antiglobulin for Fc and for IgG to be calculated. This ratio is approximately unity. Under the standard conditions the results correspond to a measurement of approximately 30% of the total antiglobulins present.
Myotonia dystrophica with heart involvement: an electron microscopic study of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.
Authors: Ludatscher R M , Kerner H , Amikam S , Gellei B
Published: June 2007

The electron microscopic features of the striated skeletal muscle, the striated cardiac muscle, and the smooth muscle from a woman who had been suffering for many years from myotonia dystrophica with cardiac involvement are described. The skeletal muscle was studied at two different stages of the disease. In the first material the main changes consisted of centrally situated nuclei, disorganisation of the sarcomeres, and focal disruption of the Z-line. The satellite cells were well represented. Three years later atrophy and degenerative, necrotic changes of the skeletal muscle were evident. The satellite cells were absent. Few changes were seen in the striated cardiac muscle. These consisted of slight interstitial fibrosis and large accumulations of mitochondria with intramitochondrial dense granules. The smooth muscle cells of the oesophagus showed disorientated filaments and mild degenerative changes. It is concluded that the skeletal muscle was more severely affected than the other types of muscle.
Failure of factor VIII inhibitor bypassing activity (Feiba) to secure haemostasis in haemophilic patients with antibodies.
Authors: Parry D H , Bloom A L
Published: June 2007

Factor IX concentrates have been widely advocated in the treatment of haemophilic patients with factor VIII inhibitors. Five such patients were given the 'activated' factor IX concentrate--factor VIII inhibitor bypassing activity (Feiba)--for 14 separate bleeding episodes. In six of the episodes, including two with external blood loss, bleeding progressed in spite of treatment. In none of the other eight episodes was there a prompt response, and it was not possible to ascribe a definite therapeutic effect.
Ristocetin and the thrombin clotting time.
Authors: Aronstam A , Dennis B , Friesen M N , Clark W F , Linton A L , Lindsay R M
Published: June 2007

The addition of the antibiotic ristocetin to plasma accelerated the thrombin clotting time (TCT) in 20 out of 22 subjects. Prior incubation of ristocetin with thrombin or plasma did not alter its effect on the TCT. Ristocetin accelerated clotting greatly at low but not at high levels of thrombin. A simple linear correlation between heparin concentrations and the TCT was demonstrated when ristocetin at 2.5 mg per ml was added to plasma containing between 0.05 and 0.5 unit of heparin per ml. There are implications for assay procedures involving heparin and the TCT.
Immunoglobulin and complement in normal skin.
Authors: Blenkinsopp W K , Clayton R J , Haffenden G P
Published: June 2007

Cryostat sections of normal skin from 57 white adults were examined by direct and indirect immunofluorescence for immunoglobulins, complement factors, and transferrin. The results for basement membrane zone (BMX) were significantly different for the 11 face and 46 non-face biopsies: in the face, IgM was found in five, IgG in two, IgA in one, and C3 in none, whereas, in non-face, IgM was present in six, IgG in none, IgA in one, and C3 in five. The results for dermal vessel walls (DV) were not apparently different for face and non-face; in the 57 biopsies IgM was present in one, IgG in none, IgA in one, and C3 in one. The 11 biopsies from the face and 26 of the non-face biopsies were examined further. No IgD or C4 was identified, but one case (scalp) showed BMZ Clq, properdin, and transferrin, and in two cases (one face, one non-face) DV properdin was found. Cytoid bodies (IgM and IgA) were present in moderate numbers in one case; all other positive reactions were finely granular.
Paraprotein estimation: a comparison of immunochemical and densitometric techniques.
Authors: Smith A M , Thompson R A
Published: June 2007

Paraproteins have been estimated by both immunochemical methods and densitometric analysis of electrophoretic strips. Correlation between the results obtained by these two methods, although generally good for assessing trends, varied between patients.
Comparison of counter-current immunoelectrophoresis, latex agglutination, and radioimmunoassay in detection of soluble capsular polysaccharide antigens of Haemophilus influenzae type b and Neisseria meningitidis of groups A or C.
Authors: Leinonen M , Käyhty H
Published: June 2007

Three serological methods, radioimmunoassay (RIA), latex agglutination (LX), and counter-current immunoelectrophoresis (CIEP), for sensitivity in the detection of the capsular polysaccharide antigen of Haemophilus influenzae type b or Neisseria meningitidis groups A and C were compared. RIA was consistently the most sensitive, LX the next, and CIEP the least sensitive. When RIA and LX were used to test cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of patients with meningitis, they gave very similar results. In only two out of 47 samples, in which RIA detected one of the three antigens, was the amount of the specific polysaccharide too low to be detected by LX. By the serological methods we could detect evidence of specific pathogen in 49 samples, including nine from patients who had received intensive antimicrobial treatment for up to three days and from whom specimens yielded no bacteria on culture. The reactions were specific in all cases except two out of 47 tests positive by LX. From these two CSF samples N. meningitidis group B could be cultivated, whereas the LX was recorded positive for N. meningitidis of group A in one case, and of group C in the other. The nonspecific reactions could be due to antibodies to bacterial components other than the capsular polysaccharide.
Acquisition of antibiotic resistance by Staphylococcus aureus in skin patients.
Authors: Naidoo J , Noble W C
Published: June 2007

Acquisition of resistance to neomycin, gentamicin, fusidic acid, or clindamycin has been observed in three strains of Staphylococcus aureus and data from three patients infected with these strains are presented in detail. Clindamycin resistance followed the expected pattern by appearing in a strain of Staph. aureus with dissociated resistance to erythromycin after treatment with erythromycin and clindamycin. Low-level resistance to fusidic acid appeared in two strains in the apparent absence of exposure to that antibiotic. Labile neomycin resistance was encountered in a previously sensitive strain after topical neomycin therapy. Gentamicin resistance appeared in all three strains after topical therapy. In all three strains, a labile resistance (presumably plasmid-mediated) occurred with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 64-128 microgram/ml but in one strain a stable resistance with MIC over 3000 microgram/ml appeared.
Effect of thymidine on activity of trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole.
Authors: Stokes A , Lacey R W
Published: June 2007

Thymidine at levels as low as 0.05 mg/1 reduces the activities of sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim and their combination in vitro. Using a biological assay procedure, levels of thymidine greater than this were interpreted as being present in urine. The addition of sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim, singly or in combination, to urine obtained from patients with urinary tract infections showed that all the antibacterial effect towards sensitive organisms was due to the trimethoprim component. It is suggested that trimethoprim should replace the combination co-trimoxazole for the treatment of some lower urinary tract infections, and that laboratory media, if they are to resemble the clinical environment, should contain thymidine.
Routine diagnosis of human rotaviruses in stools.
Authors: Zissis G , Lambert J P , De Kegel D
Published: June 2007

Electron microscopy, immune electron microscopy and complement fixation as methods of detecting rotavirus in the stools of young children with gastroenteritis were compared in a blind study during the winter of 1975-6. Complement fixation was the simplest to perform, was as sensitive as the other two, and allowed a quantitative measurement of viral excretion. Absorption of faecal extracts with fetal calf serum usually removed the anticomplementary activity of faecal extracts.
Laboratory diagnosis of EB virus infection in some cases presenting as hepatitis.
Authors: Edwards J M , Vandervelde E M , Cohen B J , McSwiggan D A
Published: June 2007

In 1975 and 1976, 7580 serum specimens were tested for HBsAg by the passive haemagglutination test, Hepanosticon. Serum from 38 people gave a positive result after absorption with the absorbent provided, but the presence of HBsAg could not be confirmed by other tests. Tests for current infection with EB virus, namely, the presence of heterophil antibody and EB virus specific IgM, were performed and were positive in 11 of the 38. In six of these the clinical picture was of hepatitis rather than infectious mononucleosis.
Staining clinical specimens for acid-fast bacilli by means of a mechanical conveyor system.
Authors: Heimer G V , Joseph N , Taylor C E
Published: June 2007

A Cyto-Tek staining machine designed for Papanicolau staining of cervical smears has been adapted for auramine staining of smears of sputum and other clinical specimens for acid-fast bacilli. The results compared favourably with those obtained by a manual method of staining. Contamination of negative smears by acid-fast bacilli from positive smears was not found. Since this study the machine has continued to be in routine use with a considerable saving in labour.
Outbreak of infantile enteritis caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli O6.H16.
Authors: Rowe B , Gross R J , Scotland S M , Wright A E , Shillom G N , Hunter N J
Published: June 2007

Ten out of 18 babies at risk developed enteritis in an outbreak in a special-care baby unit. Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli belonging to the traditional infantile enteropathogenic serogroups were not found in faeces from the babies and the staff, and no virus particles were found by electron microscopy. Detailed serotyping of E. coli showed that five of the 10 babies with diarrhoea and one of the eight without diarrhoea were excreting E. coli O6.H16. All six isolates of this serotype produced both heat-labile and heat-stable enterotoxin. Enterotoxigenic strains of E. coli O6.H16 have caused outbreaks of enteritis in adults in the USA and Japan.
Effect of Tween 80 on incubation period of Lactobacillus casei assay of serum folate.
Authors: Tennant G B
Published: June 2007

Contamination of folic acid assay medium with oleate led to a lag phase when Lactobacillus casei cultures were grown on folic acid but not when whole serum provided the folate source. This led to high assay values when using 20-hour incubation periods but satisfactory results were obtained after 48 hours' incubation. The addition of Tween 80 to the medium eliminated the lag phase and the assay results were consistent after 13, 24, and 48 hours' incubation.
Significance of alpha-subunit HCG demonstrated in breast carcinomas by the immunoperoxidase technique.
Authors: Walker R A
Published: June 2007

Fifty-three breast carcinomas were examined by an indirect immunoperoxidase technique for the presence of the alpha-subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin. Positive staining occurred in 12 (22.6%). There was no correlation between alpha-subunit production and specific histological features, but production was related to the presence of lymph node metastases and hence a poorer prognosis. The alpha-subunit could be used as a prognostic indicator in the assessment of breast carcinoma.
Abridged differential leucocyte counts provided by a Coulter Channelyzer in a routine haematology laboratory.
Authors: Wycherley P A , O'shea M J
Published: June 2007

We have used automated differential leucocyte counts by volume analysis for the past six months after initial evaluation had shown several advantages--namely, accuracy, simplicity, speed, and low cost. We describe the operation of the Coulter Channelyzer Model C-1000, which is linked to a Coulter Model S cell counter, analyse the cost, and comment on the clinical and laboratory consequences of adopting this method.
Staining properties and stability of a standardised Romanowsky stain.
Authors: Marshall P N , Bentley S A , Lewis S M
Published: June 2007

An evaluation of the standardised Romanowsky stain of Marshall et al. has been made in a routine haematology laboratory. It was noted that this stain had several advantages over the May-Grünwald Giemsa stain used in most British laboratories. These advantages include ease and speed of preparation, a shorter staining time, and reproducibility of results. These results are described in detail. The stability of the stock stain solution and of the 'working' stain (stock + buffer) has been studied by, respectively, thin-layer chromatography and visible spectroscopy. No change was detected in the composition of the stock solution at ambient temperature over a period of six months. Stability was unaffected by the composition of the container (polyethylene, PyrexTM, or soda-glass) or by daylight. The 'working' solution was stable for 3 hours. Thereafter a precipitate is formed, consisting of thiazine dyes and eosin in a molar ratio of approximately 2:1.
Measuring IgG anti-A/B titres using dithiothreitol (DTT).
Authors: Knight R C
Published: June 2007

In comparing the use of the sulphydryl compounds 2-mercaptoethanol (2ME) and dithiothreitol (DTT) a rapid one-stage technique for titrating IgG anti-A and anti-B using DTT in an antiglobulin test was tried. The results correlated well with those obtained by either of the two-stage methods using 2ME or DTT.
Performance of converted pressure cookers and two conventional jars for anaerobic bacterial culture.
Authors: Gargan R A , Phillips I
Published: June 2007

The simple conversion of commercial pressure cookers into inexpensive anaerobic jars is described. These containers were shown to be as good as the small conventional BBL polycarbonate GasPak and large vented 150 gas-replacement jars when assessed by means of three biological indicators: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacteroides melaninogenicus, and Bacteroides fragilis. Ps. aeruginosa seeded on Simmond's citrate agar was shown to be the most sensitive indicator of the three for traces of oxygen.
Survival of upper respiratory tract bacteria on cotton-wool swabs.
Authors: Ross P W , Lough H
Published: June 2007

Plain, buffered cotton-wool swabs and albumen-coated cotton-wool swabs were prepared with known numbers of the following: Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, corynebacteria and Escherichia coli. Swabs were plated immediately (0 hours) after loading with a 0.1 ml standardised inoculum; each swab was plated out four times by streaking on both halves of two plates. At 0 hours recovery rates from first platings on solid media ranged from 3.3%-8.9%; from platings 1-4 ranges were 2.5%-5.7%. Both types of swabs gave similar results. The greater the delay in plating swabs at room temperature and 4 degrees C the lower was the recovery rate of H. influenzae and Strep. pneumoniae, though both species survived better on either kind of swab when these were held at 4 degrees C. There was a very small reduction in numbers of Staph. aureus from 24 to 48 hours but the recovery rate of corynebacteria was similar over the 48-hour period, at both room temperature and 4 degrees C. Twenty-four-hour counts of E. coli at room temperature were approximately five times greater than at 0 hours, and at 48 hours colonies were too numerous to count. At 4 degrees C, however, counts of E. coli fell during the 48-hour period.
N. gonorrhoeae: pathogenicity of colonial type 5.
Authors: Hafiz S , Jennings R , McEntegart M G , Jephcott A E
Published: June 2007

This paper records the results of the intravenous inoculation of chick embryos with type 5 gonococci and establishes that these strains are pathogenic.
Effect of clindamycin and lincomycin therapy on faecal flora.
Authors: Leigh D A , Simmons K
Published: June 2007

Bacterial counts were carried out on the faeces of 160 patients receiving clindamycin or lincomycin treatment for bacterial infections. In all the patients the total bacteroides count was significantly reduced while strains of Enterobacteriaciae, yeasts, and streptococci were correspondingly increased. Severe diarrhoea developed in 25 (16%) patients, but this could not be related to a change in faecal flora. Diarrhoea was most common when clindamycin was given prophylactically, women were more affected than men, and the incidence was highest in those aged over 60 years. No cases of pseudomembranous colitis were seen. Although clindamycin is a valuable antibiotic for treating established severe anaerobic bacterial infections it should be used cautiously in elderly patients.
Urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans in disseminated neoplasm
Authors: Manley Gerald , Bower Lynne , Anson Anna
Published: June 2007

Urinary glycosaminoglycan excretion was studied in 24 cases of disseminated neoplasm, 12 of which had unequivocal evidence of skeletal involvement. Urinary hydroxyproline, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC)-precipitable uronic acid, and CPC-precipitable hexosamine were expressed as a ratio to urinary creatinine. Glycosaminoglycans contained in urine concentrated × 1000 by vacuum-dialysis were separated by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate and stained with alcian blue. Of the 12 cases with clear evidence of skeletal involvement, eight (66%) showed elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase, five (42%) showed elevation of urinary hydroxyproline, and three (25%) showed elevation of urinary uronic acid. It is concluded that urinary uronic acid is not a sensitive index of skeletal involvement in disseminated neoplasm.

The most striking feature of the study was the identification of a well-defined fraction indist inguishable from hyaluronic acid in seven (58%) of the cases with evidence of skeletal involvement. Hyaluronic acid is not normally identifiable in adult human urine. The hyaluronic acid excretors showed more consistent biochemical evidence of bone disease (elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase and urinary hydroxyproline) than the non-excretors. The possibility that the urinary hyaluronic acid is derived from degradation of skeletal hyaluronic acid is discussed. An alternative explanation is that the hyaluronic acid is derived from neoplastic cells as part of a reversion of glycosaminoglycan synthesis to a more `fetal' state, a glycosaminoglycan counterpart of the production of oncofetal antigens by neoplastic cells.
High mean red cell volume: its incidence and significance in routine haematology.
Authors: Davidson R J , Hamilton P J
Published: June 2007

With the advent of electronic particle counters of the Coulter S type the mean cell volume (MCV) has become an integral and useful feature of the red cell profile. Abnormally high values, often of minor degree, are particularly common but their precise clinical significance may be difficult to establish. This study defines the normal range and determines the incidence and distribution of the high MCV in routine hospital practice. Two hundred consecutive adult patients with an MCV of 100 fl or more were identified from the Coulter S analysis of 6542 blood samples and the underlying cause was established in 80%. Some of the clinical and economic implications of these findings are presented and briefly discussed.
Measurement of total haemolytic complement activity in body fluids.
Authors: Strong W M , Lea D J , Ward D J
Published: June 2007

The measurement of total haemolytic complement is of diagnostic value in the rheumatic diseases. A method which is easier to perform than that of Kabat and Mayer (Experimental Immunochemistry, 2nd ed., Thomas, Springfield, Ill.) is described. A unit based on the mean value of the complement activities of normal sera is proposed to replace CH50 units. Other steps by which standardisation of the assay may be improved are suggested.
An assessment of the Sensititre method for determining minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations.
Authors: Pykett A H
Published: June 2007

Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of various antibiotics were determined for 90 strains of five organisms by Sensititre and compared with those obtained by conventional methods. Results by both methods corrleated well. The advantages and limitations of Sensititre are discussed.
Serum immunoglobulin concentrations before and after splenectomy in patients with homozygous beta-thalassaemia.
Authors: Constantoulakis M , Trichopoulos D , Avgoustaki O , Economidou J
Published: June 2007

Serum IgM, IgA, and IgG concentrations were measured in 19 patients suffering from blood-dependent homozygous beta-thalassaemia. The study was prospective and the same patients served as presplenectomy controls. IgG levels rose rapidly and continuously after splenectomy IgA levels also rose but not so sharply. IgM fell to low levelr pattern was found in the cross-sectional part of the study comprising 39 splenectomised and 51 non-splenectomised patients who were tested once.
Ontogeny of actin and microsomal antigens in gastric parietal cells.
Authors: Ceredig R , Toh B H
Published: June 2007

Six fetal and 10 neonatal rat or mouse stomachs and a 14-week human fetal stomach were examined for immunofluorescence reactivity with four sera containing parietal cell antibody (PCA) and four other sera containing smooth muscle antibody (SMA). In rat and mouse stomachs, parietal cells first reacted with PCA in 19-day fetal stomachs and with SMA in two-day neonatal rat stomachs or newly-born mouse stomachs. SMA reactivity with fetal rodent stomachs was restricted to the cytoplasm of smooth muscle, the apices of gastric mucosal cells, and the cytoplasm of fibroblasts surrounding invaginating gastric pits. In the 14-week human fetal stomach, parietal cells stained with PCA but not with SMA. Specificity of the staining reactions was established by the complete inhibition of PCA staining by serum absorption with a gastric microsomal fraction but not with actin. Conversely, the SMA staining was abolished by serum immunoabsorption with actin but not with microsomal fraction. These observations, indicating that the development of the parietal cell microsomal antigen precedes that of actin, may be used to distinguish between the staining of parietal cells by SMA and PCA.
Use of a mucolytic agent (Cytoclair) in the preparation of cell material for the detection of malignant cells in sputum.
Authors: Grainger J M , Husain O A
Published: June 2007

A mucolytic agent, methyl cysteine HC1 (Cytoclair), has been used to obtain a centrifuged cell deposit for the detection of malignant cells in sputum. In 178 sputum samples from 52 patients with primary lung cancer there was a slightly higher rate of detection with the mucolytic method than with the routine method: 54 positives from 27 patients compared with 48 positives from 24 patients. Morphological studies using the mucolytic agent indicated that a millipore filter with fixation of cells in suspension produces a satisfactory cell preparation and is valuable in certain problem cases.
A histological comparison of adenomatous and hyperplastic parathyroid glands.
Authors: Lawrence D A
Published: June 2007

The histological findings in 18 cases of parathyroid hyperplasia associated with chronic renal failure and haemodialysis have been compared with a series of 35 cases of primary adenomatous hyperparathyroidism. Analysis of several features suggests that there are no definite criteria for distinguishing microscopically between individual enlarged glands in primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, although nuclear pleomorphism is more common in primary adenoma and nodules are more common in secondary hyperplasia. These findings are discussed.
Myometrial vascular damage after surgical sterilisation by tubal diathermy.
Authors: Tregson-Roberts G , Hanley S A , Roberts J T
Published: June 2007

Vascular damage is described in the myometrium adjacent to areas of previous tubal diathermy for sterilisation. Elastosis, different in degree from that seen in the multiparous uterus, is most common, but more striking is medial arteriolar muscle loss with microaneurysm formation and occasional rupture.
Lysosomal enzyme cytochemistry of blood neutrophils.
Authors: Wozniak J T , Orchard T L , Mackie P H , Mistry D K , Stuart J
Published: June 2007

Patients with bacterial infection may show altered membrane permeability of the primary azurophilic lysosomes of blood neutrophils. A new enzyme cytochemical technique, sensitive to increased membrane permeability caused by contact of neutrophils with acetone, saponin, low pH, Streptolysin O, bacteria, and nylon wool, has been developed. The method is of potential value as a screening test for bacterial infection and for detecting neutrophil damage during filtration leucopheresis.
A computer-assisted bacteriology reporting and information system.
Authors: Mitchison D A , Darrell J H , Mitchison R
Published: June 2007

A computer system for reporting and recording all specimens processed by the routine bacteriology laboratory at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School is described. Features of interest are the method of input using a mixture of 3-character alphanumeric codes and numbers, cumulative reporting to the wards, and selective listing of relevant previous results for the patient, which is available to technical and supervisory staff during processing of the specimen. The relative value to the wards and the laboratory of each type of information transfer has been assessed. Overall the use of a computer has resulted in higher quality bench work and more accurate reporting. It seems little more expensive than a previous manual system, although it has transferred work from the technical to the clerical staff.
A cerebrospinal fluid leucocidin in pyogenic meningitis.
Authors: Greenwood B M
Published: June 2007

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were tested for their cytotoxicity to polymorphonuclear neutrophil leucocytes (PMN) using a 51Cr release assay. Most samples from patients with pyogenic meningitis damaged PMN while normal CSF samples did not. No difference was found between the cytotoxic activity of CSF from patients with pneumococcal meningitis and from patients with meningococcal meningitis. It is, therefore, unlikely that a CSF leucocidin plays an important part in producing the high mortality of pneumococcal meningitis.
Use of pyruvate fermentation compared with tetrazolium reduction in the differentiation of group D streptococci.
Authors: Waitkins S A
Published: June 2007

The reduction of 2, 3, 5 triphenyltetrazolium chloride in the original medium of Barnes (Journal of General Microbiology, 14, 57, 1956), and in a modified medium, was compared with the ability to ferment pyruvate as a means of separating Streptococcus faecalis from all other group D streptococci. The tetrazolium reduction test gave an occasional negative reaction with Str. faecalis strains. In addition, a number of strains gave a weakly positive reaction in the test, as did some strains of Str. faecium and Str. bovis. With some batches of tetrazolium, these weak reactions with Str. faecalis were so frequent that interpretation of the results was difficult. On the other hand, all Str. faecalis strains, and no other group D streptococci, gave a positive pyruvate-fermentation reaction in 48 hours.
Flucloxacillin in bone.
Authors: Unsworth P F , Heatley F W , Phillips I
Published: June 2007

Ten patients undergoing total hip replacement for osteoarthritis were each given intramuscular flucloxacillin about two hours preoperatively; bone and serum were sampled simultaneously at operation. Trabecular and compact bone were separated, partly dried, reduced to powders, and then extracted with buffer. The concentration of flucloxacillin in bone washings and serum was determined by well-diffusion assay. The mean concentration of flucloxacillin in serum was 8.9 mg/l, in trabecular bone washings, 1.3 mg/l, and in compact bone washings 0.9 mg/l. The amount of blood contaminating the bone washings was measured, and was calculated to account for at most 26% of the flucloxacillin present. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the prophylactic use of flucloxacillin in hip replacement surgery.
Detection of rubella haemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) and virus-specific IgM antibody using trypsin-treated human group O erythrocytes in the HAI test.
Authors: Al-Nakib W , Lilley H
Published: June 2007

The modification of the standard rubella haemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) test using trypsin-treated human group O erythrocytes instead of chick erythrocytes was evaluated. In a comparative study we found that, of 816 samples tested by both methods, the titres of 807 (98.9%) sera were in close agreement within an acceptable twofold difference. Trypsin-treated human group O erythrocytes usually provided titres that were twofold higher than those obtained with chick erythrocytes. In general, a very good correlation between the two methods was obtained. Data are presented that emphasise the importance of trypsin treatment of human group O erythrocytes before use in the HAI method. Furthermore, we found that trypsin-treated human group O erythrocytes can be stored for periods of up to 30 days and used in the HAI test without any appreciable loss of sensitivity or specificity. Moreover, we replaced chick erythrocytes with trypsin-treated human group O erythrocytes in the sucrose density gradient/HAI method used for the detection of rubella virus-specific IgM and found it to be a very satisfactory method. In view of these findings we recommend that trypsin-treated human group O erythrocytes should replace chick erythrocytes in the standard rubella HAI test since the former provided not only a more sensitive, more economic, and less time-consuming method but also a technique which is as specific as that using chick erythrocytes.
Giant lymph node hyperplasia of the mediastinum and refractory anaemia.
Authors: Geary C G , Fox H
Published: June 2007

An example is described of the syndrome of refractory anaemia in association with the plasma cell variant of giant lymph node hyperplasia of the mediastinum; the anaemia responded to removal of the lymphoid mass. The entity of giant lymph node hyperplasia is discussed and its relationship to the haematological syndrome is considered.
A pseudolymphomatous reaction in soft tissue associated with phenytoin sodium.
Authors: Wilden J N , Scott C A
Published: June 2007

A pseudolymphomatous reaction involving subcutaneous tissue and underlying skeletal muscle is described in a woman who was receiving phenytoin sodium and phenobarbitone. The histological appearance was of nodular, densely cellular tissue composed of histiocytes, plasma cells, lymphocytes, fibroblasts, and occasional polymorphonuclear cells. The significance of this finding is briefly considered in relation to the existing literature.
Splenic lipidosis after administration of intravenous fat emulsions.
Authors: Forbes G B
Published: June 2007

Spleens showing fatty infiltration and necrosis of the pulp were found at necropsy on several patients who had received intravenous fat emulsions during their terminal illnesses. The postmortem findings are described and the clinicopathological correlation is discussed with special reference to the phenomenon of creaming of the emulsion.