bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An assessment of platelet aggregation induced by 5-hydroxytryptamine
Authors: Hilton Barbara P. , Cumings J. N.
Published: June 2007

A method of expressing platelet aggregation response after incubation relative to the response before incubation has been used in preference to using direct measurements, and some reasons are given for this choice.

The effect of pre-incubating human platelets with reserpine has been compared with the effect of pre-incubation with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT). Reserpine inhibited 5HT-induced aggregation more slowly than 5HT and on this basis their actions could be distinguished.

It was found that the aggregation response of human platelets to 5HT without pre-incubation (R) is inversely proportional to the natural 5HT content of whole blood, and an explanation has been suggested.

A decrease in the aggregation response of human platelets to 5HT without pre-incubation (R) with increasing age has been noted, and is commented upon with reference to the release of amines from blood platelets.

Platelets in plasma obtained from control subjects and incubated with methysergide and from migrainous patients taking methysergide both have reduced aggregation responses to 5HT.

Platelets incubated with clonidine (St155) do not have reduced aggregation responses. A potentiating effect was noted after 20 minutes' incubation, but platelets from migraine patients taking St155 behaved normally.

Tyramine affected the response of platelets to 5HT, giving results similar to those reported for reserpine.

The differences between the aggregation responses to 5HT of platelets from migraine patients and normal control subjects are discussed.
Structure and ultrastructure of the labial salivary glands in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Doggett R. G. , Bentinck B. , Harrison G. M.
Published: June 2007

The morphology of the labial salivary glands in subjects with and without cystic fibrosis has been studied by light and electron microscopy. The terms `light' cell, `dark' cell, `clear' cell, and `myoepithelial' cell are used to describe the four cell types distinguished at the level of the electron microscope. The dark cells were found to stain specifically with alcian blue at and abovepH 1·0, and the light cells to stain specifically using the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) technique. This staining reaction suggests that an acidic mucosubstance is being produced by the dark cells and a neutral mucosubstance by the light cells. While no marked morphological differences were observed in the labial glands of patients with cystic fibrosis when contrasted with normal controls, it was observed that the cells from patients with cystic fibrosis contained quantitatively more mucus.
Bacterial and fungal flora of seagull droppings in Jersey
Authors: Cragg John , Clayton Yvonne M.
Published: June 2007

In Jersey 166 fresh and 122 dried seagull droppings were obtained and studied locally and in London for the presence of bacteria and fungi of potentially pathogenic nature. There were no salmonella or shigella bacteria isolated from the two groups but there was a high proportion ofCandida albicansobtained from the fresh material (21·7%) and only 1·6% from the dry faeces.Cryptococcus neoformansandHistoplasma capsulatumwere not found in either the dry or fresh droppings. The normal bacterial and fungal flora of the seagull was established and it is considered that theC. albicansin fresh gull droppings would not materially increasealbicansinfections in man.
The possible significance of IgA in abnormal cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Sheth Neela K.
Published: June 2007

In a study of 21 patients with disease of the central nervous system IgA, which is normally absent, could be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid in the presence of meningitis of bacterial or fungal origin: the concentration of IgA in the cerebrospinal fluid could not, however, be correlated with serum levels. A reaction of non-identity has been demonstrated between serum and cerebrospinal fluid IgA using the diffusion technique on cellulose acetate.

These data seem to suggest that cerebrospinal fluid IgA is produced independently of serum IgA and can be detected in measurable amounts where microorganisms are the cause of inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.
Colorimetric determination of serum acid phosphatase activity using adenosine 3′-monophosphate as substrate
Authors: Ellis Graham , Belfield Alan , Goldberg David M.
Published: June 2007

The hydrolysis of adenosine 3′-monophosphate by serum acid phosphatase has been coupled to the liberation of ammonia from the adenosine generated through the action of exogenous adenosine deaminase. The ammonia is measured at the end of the incubation by a modification of the phenol-hypochlorite reaction of Berthelot. Optimum conditions for the enzyme reaction have been defined. Inhibition of the Berthelot reaction by the serum used in the assay is small, and may be compensated by a correction factor. Although the value for the control is high in relation to the test over the normal range, this is largely outweighed by the good sensitivity and precision of the method.

The substrate is not significantly hydrolysed by erythrocyte acid phosphatase within the limits encountered in haemolysed sera. Experience of the method in routine hospital diagnosis compared favorably with that of a standard method employing disodium phenyl phosphate as substrate. It is suggested that activities greater than 3·1 IU/l should be further investigated and those greater than 3·7 IU/l should be regarded as definitely raised. The stability of human serum AcPase when promptly separated and held at 4°C or − 20°C was confirmed. At room temperature, acidification topH 6·0 greatly improved stability.
Phenacetin-induced haemolytic anaemia
Authors: Davidson R. J. L.
Published: June 2007

Haemolytic anaemia, rarely severe, is a common yet often unrecognized complication of the prolonged use or abuse of phenacetin-containing analgesics. Irregularly contracted (pyknocytes) or fragmented erythrocytes (schistocytes) are commonly present in the peripheral blood in this form of anaemia. It is emphasized that their recognition during screening of blood films may reveal patients previously unsuspected of analgesic abuse and at a stage before the development of the more serious complication of nephropathy. Fourteen such patients, detected during the last 18 months, are briefly described and the pathogenesis and laboratory features of the anaemia reviewed.
Histological findings in pseudomembranous trigonitis
Authors: Henry L. , Fox M.
Published: June 2007

Pseudomembranous trigonitis presents in females with the urethral syndrome and a characteristic lesion restricted to the trigone of the bladder. The histology shows `vaginal metaplasia' of the epithelium together with underlying oedema and vascular dilatation, but no significant inflammation. Thirty-one such cases are included in the study. The possible role of oestrogen stimulation is discussed, together with a suggestion that the trigone has an embryological derivation distinct from the remainder of the bladder, allowing the trigonal epithelium to respond to oestrogenic stimulation in a manner denied to the vesical transitional epithelium.
A method for studying antibiotic concentrations in inflammatory exudate
Authors: Raeburn J. A.
Published: June 2007

A new technique is described for studying antibiotic concentrations in an experimental inflammatory exudatein vivo. In most exudates concentrations of four antistaphylococcal drugs which were of potential therapeutic significance could be assayed, and fucidin appeared to diffuse best. Higher concentrations of all antibiotics gained access to the lesion in the first two hours of inflammation, suggesting that their mobility did not depend on binding to cells during the inflammatory response. The technique may ultimately help to elucidate the relationship between antibiotics and host defences at the primary sites of infection.
Malignant lymphoma of parotid associated with Mikulicz disease (benign lymphoepithelial lesion)
Authors: Azzopardi J. G. , Evans D. J.
Published: June 2007

Benign lymphoepithelial lesion (Mikulicz disease) is generally regarded as an inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology, characterized by epimyoepithelial islands, and unrelated to malignant lymphoma. Five cases have been collected which show evidence at the same site of both Mikulicz disease and a malignant lymphoma. The latter took the form of reticulum-cell sarcoma or Hodgkin's disease. The two diseases were discovered simultaneously or the malignant lymphoma was detected at a subsequent date. The probable sequence of events is discussed. These cases are regarded as one of the best illustrations in man of an autoimmune disorder being followed by the development of malignant lymphoma. It is concluded that so-called benign lymphoepithelial lesion is not always innocuous and an attempt is made to establish histological criteria which might be regarded with suspicion in a particular case.
The sensitivity ofPseudomonas pseudomalleito trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazolein vitro
Authors: Bassett D. C. J.
Published: June 2007

Twelve out of 14 strains ofPseudomonas pseudomalleiwere inhibitedin vitroby a combination of trimethoprim 1 μg per ml and sulphamethoxazole 20 μg per ml or by lower concentrations. Of the remaining strains, one was marginally more resistant and one was distinctly so. In tests utilizing two of the sensitive strains, inhibitory concentrations of the individual drugs exerted a bactericidal effect when combined.
An evaluation of the heat precipitation method for plasma fibrinogen estimation
Authors: Millar H. R. , Simpson J. G. , Stalker A. L.
Published: June 2007

A rapid heat precipitation micromethod for the estimation of plasma fibrinogen is described. Its validity and reproducibility have been extensively tested. The method correlates well with a more generally used thrombin-clotting technique over a wide range of fibrinogen levels.
Starch and talc emboli in drug addicts' lungs
Authors: Lamb D. , Roberts G.
Published: June 2007

The lungs of eight drug addicts dying as a consequence of their habit have been examined. All showed the presence of small amounts of talc emboli and five the presence of starch emboli. Talc was invariably associated with a marked foreign body reaction which was insignificant in association with starch. Animal experiments showed very rapid (90% in 24 hours) removal of maize starch emboli; such rapid removal in man would explain the lack of a foreign body response. Quantitation of the amount of starch present in lungs from two of the cases gave values of 1·5 and 5·2 g. The higher amount could have been a contributory factor in the sudden death of the addict. The amounts of talc seen were not sufficient to be of clinical significance.
Congenital stenosis and atresia of the jejunum and ileum
Authors: Desa D. J.
Published: June 2007

The macroscopic and microscopic findings in 12 cases of stenosis and/or atresia of the jejunum and ileum are presented. There was considerable uniformity within the series with overlapping of cases of atresia, stenosis, and gut infarction. An analysis of associated lesions in cases coming to necropsy suggests that the infants were suffering from shock. In nine out of the 12 cases there was evidence of intrapartum asphyxia and in eight cases evidence of retardation of intrauterine growth. It is argued that, since many of the associated complications of pregnancy are known to be of importance in the aetiology of gut infarction in the neonatal period, they are likely to be of aetiological significance in the development of atresia and stenosis of the gut. A review of perinatal deaths shows that gut ischaemia of varying degrees of severity is a common finding at necropsy, being noted in 19 out of 56 cases studied. It is suggested that stenosis and atresia are sequelae of previous gut ischaemia.
Changes in antibiotic sensitivity patterns of Gram-negative bacilli in burns
Authors: Roe Elizabeth , Lowbury E. J. L.
Published: June 2007

Sensitivity tests with 12 antibiotics on 1,018 strains of Gram-negative bacilli isolated in a burns unit between 1969 and 1971 showed some important differences from results in similar tests on a series of strains isolated between 1965 and 1967. These changes included the emergence of a large proportion of kanamycin-resistant strains ofKlebsiella aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis, andEscherichia coliand of smaller proportions of trimethoprim- and gentamicin-resistant strains; also the complete replacement ofProteus mirabiliswith dissociated resistance to ampicillin by strains showing linked resistance to ampicillin and carbenicillin. The probable relationship of these changes to the emergence of an R factor determining resistance to tetracycline, kanamycin, carbenicillin, ampicillin, and cephaloridine in Enterobacteria andPseudomonas aeruginosais discussed.
A method for the quantitation of small intestinal biopsy specimens
Authors: Dunnill M. S. , Whitehead R.
Published: June 2007

A simple method is described for the quantitative examination of small intestinal mucosal biopsies involving the determination of an index related to the surface-to-volume ratio of the mucosa. The method is of value in distinguishing minor degrees of villous abnormality and will prove useful in comparing serial changes in a given patient. It will also allow comparisons to be made between biopsies taken in different medical centres.
Quantitative observations on mineralized and non-mineralized bone in the iliac crest
Authors: Ellis H. A. , Peart Kathleen M.
Published: June 2007

The amounts of mineralized bone and osteoid in thin undecalcified sections of iliac crest have been measured in 68 control subjects at necropsy using a point-counting method. The effect of varying the site selected for quantitative study on the value obtained for total bone mass has been investigated in decalcified sections of iliac crest.

The total bone mass shows individual variation within a fairly constant range with a mean of 22·7 ± 0·5% up to the age of 50 years and then progressively falls to a mean of 15·5 ± 1·1% for individuals aged > 50 years. Some of the lowest values in the range 5·5 to 16·4 (mean 8·9 ± 1·9%) were observed in elderly women in the seventh to ninth decades. It is concluded that so-called senile osteoporosis is usually a manifestation of a normal aging process. In controls osteoid accounts for only about 0·1% of the area measured and for a maximum of 1·8% of bone with a mean mineralization of 99·5%. Osteoid is patchily distributed and the maximum number of birefringent lamellae in any seam is four.

The results of quantitative histology carried out in different parts of the iliac crest indicate that there are variations with the distance of the site from the anterior superior spine and its depth below the crest surface. The importance of this in relation to the site and size of iliac crest biopsies used for quantitative histology is discussed.

There is a significant correlation between the values for total bone mass when estimated by the point-counting technique in undecalcified sections and by a volumetric method using blocks of bone.
A rapid automated screening technique for the detection of placental-like alkaline phosphatase in malignant disease
Authors: Jennings R. C. , Brocklehurst D. , Hirst M.
Published: June 2007

An automated heat-stability procedure at 65°C for the detection of heat-stable placental and placental-like alkaline phosphatase is described. Placental-like enzymes were found in the serum of three patients suffering from malignant disease and one of these is described in detail.
Virological studies of sudden, unexplained infant deaths in Glasgow 1967-70
Authors: Urquhart G. E. D. , Grist N. R.
Published: June 2007

Virus isolation tests on 72 sudden unexplained infant deaths and 34 cases of explained death showed that 42 and 29% respectively had virus infections. A wide range of viruses was encountered, mainly enteroviruses and adenoviruses, mostly from bowel specimens. The findings did not suggest that overwhelming virus infection was a common feature of sudden death in infancy.
Myeloma of the Oesophagus
Authors: Morris W. T. , Pead J. L.
Published: June 2007

A case of myeloma of the oesophagus is presented. A search of the literature has revealed no other. The tumour was treated by local resection and postoperative treatment with cyclophosphamide was attempted. The patient died 14 months after operation from a massive myocardial infarct and at necropsy no tumour was found in any organ.
The influence of spleen size on the distribution of red cells and plasma
Authors: Toghill P. J. , Green Sheila
Published: June 2007

The red cell mass, splenic red cell pool, and plasma volume have been measured in a series of 64 patients with splenomegaly due to haematological disorders. In 45 patients the total blood volume was increased, this being due to expansion of the plasma volume which was closely correlated with spleen size. There was no significant relationship between the red cell mass and spleen size but the splenic red cell pool increased with increasing spleen size. In 12 patients serial estimations were made whilst changes in spleen size occurred as a result of therapy or progression of the disease. The red cell mass did not alter but the splenic red cell pool showed a significant change from 8·9 ± 6·1% of the red cell mass at minimum spleen size to 17·5 ± 10·5% at maximum spleen size. There was progressive expansion of the plasma volume from 42·9 ± 5·0 ml/kg at minimum spleen size to 57·4 ± 15·3 ml/kg at maximum spleen size.
Effect of feeding fat on fibrinolysis, stypven time, and platelet aggregation in elderly Africans
Authors: Ferguson J. C. , Mackay N. , McNicol G. P.
Published: June 2007

The effects of acute fat feeding on fibrinolytic activity, platelet aggregation, and stypven time in six elderly Africans are presented. These indicate that there is no alteration in the pattern of response seen in Africans with advancing age.
Immunoelectroosmophoresis in the diagnosis of meningococcal infections
Authors: Tobin Barbara M. , Jones D. M.
Published: June 2007

Specimens of cerebrospinal fluid and serum from 22 cases of meningococcal infection were examined by immunoelectroosmophoresis and the results compared with those obtained by microscopy and culture. The results were the same except that three of 10 cases of group B infection were not diagnosed by immunoelectroosmophoresis and two of 10 cases of group C infection were not diagnosed by culture. The sensitivity of the method depends on the potency of the antiserum used and antisera from commercial sources were satisfactory except for those prepared against group B meningococci. The method may be more sensitive than microscopy and culture under certain conditions, in particular, where the patient has already begun antibiotic treatment, where the specimens have become contaminated and, where the infecting organism is either a group A or group C meningococcus.
In-use testing of disinfectants in hospitals
Authors: Prince Jean , Ayliffe G. A. J.
Published: June 2007

One hundred and five samples of clear, soluble phenolic disinfectants were obtained from varying sites in the wards of six hospitals. The concentration of disinfectant in each sample was measured by a colorimetric method and bacterial contamination was measured by an `in-use' test and a membrane filter technique. The concentrations of disinfectant in 24/105 (23%) samples were at the recommended level and 53 (50·5%) were below. Bacterial contamination with Gram-negative bacilli was found in 26/49 (53%) samples containing less than 0·8% of disinfectant and 5/86 (8·9%) samples containing more than 0·8%. The concentrations in two of the heavily contaminated samples were 1·5% and 1·6% respectively.
Spontaneous infarction of superficial lymph nodes
Authors: Davies J. Douglas , Stansfeld A. G.
Published: June 2007

Five cases of extensive infarction of lymph nodes were traced in just over 16 years' surgical material. All presented with painful swelling in a superficial lymph node chain. None was diagnosed clinically; two were interpreted as fibroadenoma of the axillary tail of the breast, and two as a femoral hernia. Microscopically the lymph nodes in the first three weeks after infarction were characterized by extensive necrosis of medullary and cortical lymphoid cells, but the central reticulin architecture and a narrow, incomplete rim of viable subcapsular lymphoid tissue were preserved. Reactive perinodal inflammation and the formation of granulation tissue resembled the reaction to myocardial infarction. The late stage of the lesion was characterized by incomplete regeneration of lymphoid tissue in the lymph nodes. The lesions appeared attributable to thrombosis of veins within the substance and the hila of the nodes.
Chromosome abnormalities in chronic active hepatitis
Authors: Stefanescu D. T. , Moanga M. , Teodorescu M. , Brucher J.
Published: June 2007

An investigation on human peripheral blood lymphocyte chromosomes in chronic active hepatitis was carried out. A higher percentage of chromatid and chromosome lesions was recorded in all patients studied as compared with control groups—normal individuals, healthy subjects who had suffered from acute viral hepatitis, patients with alcoholic liver disease, and patients with mechanical jaundice due to cancer. The possible origin of these abnormalities is discussed.
An example of anti-s causing mild haemolytic disease of the newborn
Authors: Davie M. J. , Smith D. S. , White Ursula M. , Dyball D.
Published: June 2007

An example of anti-s found during routine antenatal tests and causing mild haemolytic disease of the newborn is described. The serological and immunological properties of the antibody are described.
Congenital dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts with cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Gallagher P. J. , Millis R. R. , Mitchinson M. J.
Published: June 2007

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas were found at necropsy in two previously reported cases of congenital dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. The nature of the developmental abnormality is discussed and compared with other forms of biliary dilatation. Slow-flowing bile for many years probably leads to cholangiocarcinoma.
FL 1060: a new beta-lactam antibiotic with novel properties
Authors: Greenwood D. , O'Grady F.
Published: June 2007

The effect of FL 1060, a newly described beta-lactam antibiotic, on three strains ofEscherichia coliwas studied. The agent showed extraordinarily high activity as judged by conventional titrations, but inoculum size, osmolality of the medium, and length of the incubation period were all found to have a marked effect on the result. Continuous turbidimetric monitoring and microscopical observation of cultures ofE. coliexposed to FL 1060 showed the effect of the antibiotic to have many novel features. Exposed bacterial rods converted to spherical forms, but in a different manner from that of classical penicillin-mediated transformation. Furthermore, although FL 1060 was bactericidal for the majority of the bacterial population, a fraction not only survived its lethal action but grew in high concentrations of the agent thereby producing a phenotypically resistant population which nonetheless continued to show characteristic morphological deformities. Possible reasons for this anomalous behaviour are discussed.
Comparison of two-point (AutoAnalyzer II) with kinetic methods for transaminase assay
Authors: Smith A. F. , Taylor R. H.
Published: June 2007

The general performance of the Technicon AutoAnalyzer II method for the routine estimation of serum aspartate and alanine transaminase has been assessed and compared with that of the LKB reaction rate analyser. The results of the two methods correlate, there is little difference in precision, and running costs are comparable. Some of the relative advantages of the two types of analysis are discussed.
Blood zinc in the spinal patient
Authors: Burr R. G.
Published: June 2007

A rapid microspectrophotometric method was used to measure zinc concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes. A circadian variation in plasma zinc related to the ingestion of food was observed. Fasting plasma zinc concentrations were low in 20 out of 23 paraplegic patients with pressure sores, indicating that oral zinc supplementation may be expected to accelerate healing in such patients. Erythrocyte zinc levels did not differ between different groups of subjects and exhibited no circadian rhythm.
A disposable bedpan system using an improved disposal unit and self-supporting bedpans
Authors: Gibson G. L.
Published: June 2007

A system using totally disposable self-supporting bedpans requiring no carrier was examined in use in two hospitals. The bedpans and their contents were disposed of by destruction and flushing to waste carried out in a modified Haigh Sluicemaster disposal unit. This incorporates a positively closing and locking lid with refinements to avoid the lid slamming and has effective safety devices.

The new bedpans and the improved disposal units reduce the risk of transfer and dispersal of pathogenic organisms to an acceptable level in ward and sluice room.
Metastasizing ependymoma of the cauda equina
Authors: Wight D. G. D. , Holley K. J. , Finbow J. A. H.
Published: June 2007

A case of metastasizing ependymoma is described, only the second in the British literature. The tumour, which arose in the cauda equina, spread to humerus and pleura over a period of 32 years. It is postulated that, in common with most of the previously reported cases, dissemination was a direct consequence of either surgical intervention or radiotherapy since neither the primary tumour nor its metastases shows any of the conventional morphological criteria of malignancy. The literature of similar cases is briefly reviewed.
Superiority of simplified assay for folate withLactobacillus caseiATCC 7469 over assay with chloramphenicol-adapted strain
Authors: Cooper Bernard A. , Jonas Erika
Published: June 2007

Direct assay of serum folate by mixing serum with a mixture ofL. caseiand medium without autoclaving was found to provide serum folate results similar to those by extraction of serum with heat. This procedure was found more reliable than that using the same technique with chloramphenicol and a strain ofL. caseiadapted to grow in this material. A portion of apparent folate activity assayed in haemolysates by such direct assay was found to be due to material other than folate. It is recommended that heat extraction of haemolysates be continued for determination of whole blood folate, or that an additional standardization of technique be included if direct assay is used.
Identification of intrarenal fibrin deposition
Authors: Davison A. M. , Thomson D. , Macdonald Mary K. , Rae J. K. , Uttley W. S. , Clarkson A. R.
Published: June 2007

The site and extent of intrarenal fibrin deposition has been examined by routine histological staining, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy in 109 patients with a wide variety of renal diseases. The findings have been correlated with the amount of urinary fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) excretion as measured by the tanned red cell haemagglutination inhibition immunoassay. The results show that routine histological stains (Martius Scarlet Blue and Picro Mallory) are unreliable, particularly where there is mesangial accumulation of material or where the amount of fibrin deposited is small and confined to a subendothelial position. Similarly the electron microscope may overassess the degree of fibrin deposition, particularly if this is associated with the deposition of immunoglobulins and complement. There is a close relationship between the site and extent of fibrin, as detected by immunofluorescence, and the maximal urinary FDP excretion.
The antimycotic activity of 5-fluorocytosine
Authors: Holt R. J. , Newman R. L.
Published: June 2007

5-Fluorocytosine (5 FC) showed markedin vitroactivity against nearly all the clinical isolates ofCandidaandCryptococcusexamined; the required minimal inhibitory concentration was usually below 2 μg/ml and the minimal cidal concentration below 10 μg/ml. The drug had limited activity towardsAspergillusspecies and dermatophytes. Strains ofCandidaand other fungi with greatly enhanced resistance were fairly readily obtained by successive cultures on increasingly high concentrations of 5-fluorocytosine.

Serum, urine, and faecal assays of 5 FC were made by a microbiological method on specimens from eight children who received between 100 and 25 mg/kg/day of the drug over several weeks for candidosis of the urinary tract usually associated with congenital anatomical abnormalities. Seven of these cases were successfully treated but in the other theCandidabecame highly resistant and treatment was discontinued. Serum drug levels ranged up to 30 μg/ml; urine levels were frequently between 200 and 500 μg/ml. No 5 FC was detected in faecal samples.

Sensitivity tests and assays were also made on samples from subjects receiving 5 FC in other hospitals; five had systemicC. albicansinfection, the sixth had cryptococcal meningitis. In the latter case levels up to 34 μg/ml were recorded in the cerebrospinal fluid after oral administration, and an investigation was made into the possibility of competitive antagonism by intrathecal cytosine arabinoside given for Hodgkin's disease. The emergence in two other cases of strains ofCandidahighly resistant to 5 FC is discussed, and it is suggested that careful laboratory monitoring of cases receiving 5 FC must continue throughout therapy and afterwards.
Effects of changes in temperature (local and central) on plasma fibrinolytic activity
Authors: Dodman B. , Cunliffe W. J. , Roberts B. E. , Buchan C. W.
Published: June 2007

The effect of local and whole-body heating and cooling on plasma fibrinolytic activity has been investigated in 59 subjects. An increase in whole-body temperature and both local cooling and heating increased the fibrinolytic activity. The results demonstrate that the application of local heat or cold will produce a local increase in fibrinolytic activity which is independent of general factors such as emotion and stress.
Triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids in normal heart papillary muscle and in patients suffering from diabetes, cholelithiasis, hypertension, and coronary atheroma
Authors: Alavaikko M. , Elfving Riitta , Hirvonen J. , Järvi J.
Published: June 2007

The triglyceride, cholesterol, and phospholipid contents of heart papillary muscle were measured in groups of obviously healthy and diseased females and males on whom either routine or forensic necropsies were performed. In healthy men the triglyceride content was 1·77 ± 1·30 mg/g of wet weight and in women 1·25 ± 0·48 mg/g wet weight. The corresponding values for cholesterol were 1·07 ± 0·24 mg/g and 1·21 ± 0·22 mg/g and those for phospholipids 17·70 ± 5·15 mg/g and 19·65 ± 10·21 mg/g. The differences between the sexes were not significant.

The hypertensive or cardiac hypertrophy group had about the same or slightly lower means for lipid content.

In the cholelithiasis group, women had significantly high triglyceride values (3·38 ± 2·36 mg/g). The cholesterol values were not significantly elevated in either men or women.

In the diabetic group, triglycerides were significantly increased both in men (mean 8·12 ± 0·54 mg/g) and in women (6·85 ± 5·66 mg/g). The cholesterol mean values were also high in both sexes, but the rise was not significant because of the great variation.

In the coronary atheroma group, both male and female hospital cases had high triglyceride contents (mean 4·48 ± 4·25 mg/g and 3·65 ± 3·94 mg/g) whereas the forensic cases had only slightly elevated or normal values. Cholesterol assays paralleled the triglyceride ones, but phospholipids showed an inverse trend.

The results showed that the lipid content of papillary muscle was increased in diseases where disturbances of lipid metabolism are evident, as in diabetes and cholelithiasis. In coronary atheroma only those cases with advanced obstruction of the arteries were associated with abnormal values of papillary lipids. No increase of the lipid content with age alone was found, nor was there any correlation with obesity.
The fibrinolytic enzyme system in hypertension
Authors: Bennett B. , Ogston D. , Crawford G. P. M. , Douglas A. S.
Published: June 2007

Fibrinogen, fibrinogen-related antigen (FR-antigen), and components of the fibrinolytic enzyme system were measured in patients with essential hypertension, renal disease with and without hypertension, and normal subjects. Essential hypertension was associated with a decrease in plasminogen activator and an increase in FR-antigen. In renal disease these changes were accompanied by increases in plasminogen activation inhibitor, alpha2-macroglobulin, alpha1-antitrypsin, and fibrinogen.
A comparative survey of the results of analyses of blood serum in clinical chemistry laboratories in the United Kingdom
Authors: Whitehead T. P. , Browning D. M. , Gregory A.
Published: June 2007

Since July 1969, portions of the same blood serum have been dispatched to clinical chemistry laboratories in the United Kingdom at 14-day intervals. The results of each serum survey were reported to each of the 390 participants within 11 days of their originally receiving the specimen.

During the first 18 months of the survey no overall improvement in the results was seen. Therefore a summary of each laboratory's ability consistently to produce results close to the mean of the method used was calculated and reported as a single figure, the variance index, and sent to all participants at regular intervals together with a histogram distribution of the variance indices of other participants. The subsequent improvement in the overall results is described.
An automated microbiological method for the measurement of vitamin B12
Authors: Davis R. E. , Moulton J. , Kelly A.
Published: June 2007

An automated method for the microbiological assay of vitamin B12is described. A chloramphenicol-resistant strain ofLactobacillus leichmanniiis used as the test organism and this eliminates the need for sterilization or aseptic addition. Precipitation of the serum protein is avoided by dilution of the serum with a glutamic/malic acid solution before heating the preparation to free the vitamin B12. Tests can be set up at a rate of 80 an hour and after incubation they can be read at 160 an hour. By interfacing a programmed electronic calculator directly with the Mecolab M which is used for the assays, results are printed directly in ng/l.
Early detection of influenza virus in cell culture by means of immunofluorescence
Authors: Rahman A. F. M. S.
Published: June 2007

An indirect fluorescent antibody technique using human serum for the rapid detection of influenza A virus in monkey kidney cell cultures is described.

Influenza A2 virus was isolated from 38 of 88 nose/throat swabs received from patients with suspected influenza during the winter of 1971-72.

Thirty-two strains isolated in monkey kidney cell cultures were identified by immunofluorescence on the day haemadsorption was observed, 22 of them within a week of receipt of the specimen.

Human antiserum was found to be very satisfactory for this purpose.
Antithrombin-III deficiency in a Dutch family
Authors: Van Der Meer J. , Stoepman-Van Dalen E. A. , Jansen J. M. S.
Published: June 2007

A Dutch family (family A) with inherited antithrombin-III deficiency and an increased incidence of venous thrombosis was investigated. Antithrombin-III levels were measured by means of a coagulation assay in plasma and by single radial immunodiffusion in plasma and serum.

Three groups could be distinguished: group I comprised the relations-in-law of family A, group II the members of family A with a plasma antithrombin-III level higher than 90% of normal, when determined by the immunoassay, and group III the members of family A with an antithrombin-III level of less than 60%. To group III belonged all eight adults with an abnormal tendency to thrombosis, and furthermore nine children, all having a parent with abnormally low antithrombin-III levels. Mean plasma and serum antithrombin-III levels were significantly decreased in group III. However, the results of the coagulation assay showed some overlap between groups II and III. In addition, the immunoassay appeared to be much less laborious than the coagulation assay. Therefore, the former assay is recommended in any search for similar families.

The results of our family investigation confirm the findings of Egeberg (1965) that inherited antithrombin-III deficiency, giving rise to plasma levels between 50 and 60% of normal, causes thrombophilia and that the pattern of inheritance is autosomal dominant.
Current trends and problems in health screening
Authors: Wilson J. M. G.
Published: June 2007

Automation in clinical chemistry is a powerful tool. Like most innovations it is posing many questions as well as resolving some. Its use in population screening has led to questioning the validity of the old system of `normal values' and to the search for better methods of indicating the significance of laboratory tests. This in itself is likely to have a good effect in that it is leading to a rigorous examination of the clinical value in diagnosis of the ever increasing number of laboratory tests.

The ease and cheapness with which laboratory screening can be carried out is in itself a danger; it can readily lead to an increasingly large diagnostic effort but diminishing returns, including some inconvenience or even harm to a fair proportion of the people screened. It is, therefore, important to examine thoroughly, through population surveys and intervention studies, the validity of all novel forms of prescriptive screening, including those of clinical chemistry. Cheapness of testing needs to be examined in the wider context of the overall cost-effectiveness of screening.
The incidence of germinal centres in thymus glands of patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Vetters J. M. , Barclay R. S.
Published: June 2007

The incidence of thymic germinal centres in normal individuals is disputed by various authors. The present study gives the results of a detailed histological assessment of 75 thymic biopsies obtained during operations to correct congenital heart lesions. Serial sectioning showed structures previously of disputed significance to be obliquely sectioned germinal centres. Comparison with the data of Hammar (1926) showed that there was some stress involution of the glands studied. Despite this 40% of the subjects had thymic germinal centres. Germinal centres were not detected in subjects under 4 years of age and there were insufficient subjects over 16 years of age to allow assessment of the frequency in adult thymus glands.
A case of chronic granulocytopenia associated with vasculitis and amyloidosis
Authors: Jennings G. H. , Levi A. J. , Reeve J.
Published: June 2007

A patient is described with chronic neutropenia who was followed for 22 years. She had varying patterns of neutropenia, sometimes cyclical, sometimes almost agranulocytic; at times the counts were normal. The course was complicated by a vasculitis and finally by large vessel thrombosis; extensive amyloid was found in small vessels at necropsy.
Recurrent haematuria and mesangial IgA deposition
Authors: Davies D. R. , Tighe J. R. , Jones N. F. , Brown G. W.
Published: June 2007

Six patients are described in whom recurrent haematuria was associated with IgA deposits in the glomerular mesangium. These patients conform closely to the nephropathy described by Berger. The condition can only be definitely diagnosed by immunofluorescence techniques. These six patients were diagnosed in one renal unit within 18 months and, despite the absence of reports from British units, this nephropathy is probably not uncommon. No treatment for it is known at present but the prognosis appears to be good in most patients. Renal failure and hypertension have been reported and long-term follow up is necessary to clarify the natural history of the disease.
Serum D-glutamyl transferase following myocardial infarction
Authors: Connell Margaret D.
Published: June 2007

D-glutamyl transferase (GMT) activity was measured in 49 patients with proven myocardial infarction. Twenty-three patients had normal GMT activity and 26 had increased GMT activity. Most of the patients with increased GMT had evidence of liver dysfunction and it is suggested that any increases in serum GMT activity following myocardial infarction are a result of secondary liver damage rather than a release of GMT from cardiac tissue.
The demonstration of plasma cells and other immunoglobulin-containing cells in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues using peroxidase-labelled antibody
Authors: Taylor C. R. , Burns J.
Published: June 2007

A method is described for the demonstration of specific immunoglobulin in plasma cells and other lymphoid cells in sections taken from routine surgical histology specimens which have been formalin fixed and paraffin embedded.

An indirect sandwich technique was employed using specific rabbit antihuman immunoglobulin antisera (anti-K, L, G, A, and M) and a swine antirabbit serum Ig G, conjugated with horseradish peroxidase. The presence of plasma cells was revealed by staining the tissue-bound peroxidase-labelled antibody, having previously stained the endogenous peroxidase a contrasting colour.

It was possible to demonstrate clearly immunoglobulin in the plasma cells of tissues processed and embedded several years previously.

Some of the potential uses of the method are discussed.
Cytochemical profile of B and T leukaemic lymphocytes with special reference to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Catovsky D. , Galetto J. , Okos A. , Miliani E. , Galton D. A. G.
Published: June 2007

The PAS and acid phosphatase reactions showed a different pattern of positivity in the cells of lymphoproliferative disorders according to their B or T cell nature. In B-cell leukaemias (chronic lymphocytic and prolymphocytic) a low proportion of lymphocytes gave a positive result with the acid phosphatase reaction, while the majority were PAS positive in granular form. In contrast, in the T-prolymphocytic and T-lymphoblastic leukaemias the acid phosphatase reaction was positive in the majority of cells, while the PAS reaction was only positive in a minority. The significance of these findings, particularly for the recognition of a distinct T-cell variant of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, is discussed.
Serum ferritin concentration as an index of storage iron in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bentley D. P. , Williams P.
Published: June 2007

Serum ferritin concentration has been compared with semi-quantitative histochemical estimates of bone marrow iron deposits in 60 anaemic patients with rheumatoid arthritis. There was considerable variation in the visual assessment of iron stores made by different observers. Serum ferritin appears to be a particularly sensitive index of iron status when stores are low. The best means of detecting iron deficiency in rheumatoid arthritis are discussed.
Glomerular nodules and long-spacing collagen in kidneys of patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Schubert G. E. , Adam A.
Published: June 2007

Light microscopic examination of the kidneys in 170 patients with multiple myeloma revealed three from patients without diabetes with glomerular nodules that were indistinguishable from those of diabetic glomerular sclerosis. Electron microscopic studies showed the nodules to be deposits of fine-grained material that corresponded to precipitations of protein but lacked the basement-membrane-like material characteristic of nodular glomerulosclerosis in diabetics. What is more, a unique collagen was observed in the marginal area of the nodules and in the periglomerular interstitium. The possible causes of the origin and distribution of this collagen not so far described in the human kidney are discussed.
The small intestine in dermatitis herpetiformis
Authors: Fry Lionel , Seah P. P. , Harper P. G. , Hoffbrand A. V. , McMinn R. M. H.
Published: June 2007

Small intestinal biopsies from 43 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis have been studied. The diagnosis of dermatitis herpetiformis was made on clinical and histological criteria and the presence of IgA deposits in the uninvolved skin. The macroscopic appearance of the intestinal biopsy was flat in 13, convoluted in 10, leaves only in eight, and fingers and leaves in 12. Twenty small intestinal biopsies from patients who did not have dermatitis herpetiformis or gastrointestinal disorder showed leaves only in three and fingers and leaves in 17. The mean total lymphocyte count per 1000 epithelial cells for this control group was 159 ± SE 13; for the dermatitis herpetiformis patients with flat biopsies it was 464 ± SE 27; for the convoluted biopsies 365 ± SE 59; for leaves only 535 ± SE 39; and for the fingers and leaves biopsies 301 ± SE 31. The counts for all four groups are significantly greater than the control group (P < 0.001). Three of the 43 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis had lymphocyte counts below 200 per 1000 epithelial cells, and four of our controls had counts greater than 200 but none above 300.

In the control group the mean counts for lymphocytes per 1000 epithelial cells in the basal position of the intestinal epithelium was 79 ± SE 8; in the dermatitis herpetiformis flat biopsies it was 89 ± SE 11; for the convoluted biopsies 93 ± SE 12; for the leaves only biopsies 121 ± SE 18 and for the fingers and leaves 98 ± SE 13. However, the mean lymphocyte count in the perinuclear position was 81 ± SE 7 for the controls, 362 ± SE 23 for the flat dermatitis herpetiformis biopsies; 251 ± SE 46 for the convoluted specimens; 402 ± SE 43 for the leaves only specimens, and 195 ± SE 25 for the fingers and leaves biopsies. The mean lymphocyte count for the supranuclear position was 0·55 ± SE 0·22 for the control group; 13·7 ± SE 2·3 for the flat dermatitis herpetiformis biopsies; 20·0 ± SE 6·9 for the convoluted biopsies; 14·5 ± SE 3·3 for the leaves only biopsies; and 8·3 ± SE 2·6 for the fingers and leaves biopsies. Thus in gluten-sensitive enteropathy the increase in lymphocytes in the intestinal epithelium is in the perinuclear and supranuclear position. The ratio of basal lymphocytes to peri- and supranuclear lymphocytes appears to be 1:1 in normal intestinal epithelium, but approximately 1:4 in the gluten-sensitive enteropathy of dermatitis herpetiformis.
Micro method for manual analysis of true glucose in plasma without deproteinization
Authors: Bauminger B. B.
Published: June 2007

A sensitive micro method for the manual estimation of true glucose in 10 μl plasma by an enzymatic technique is described. Protein precipitation is avoided.

The method is simple to perform, accurate and precise. Agreement with a glucose oxidase autoanalyzer method is excellent, even with haemolysed and icteric specimens.
Leukaemic reticuloendotheliosis: A morphological and immunological study of four cases
Authors: Haegert D. G. , Cawley J. C. , Collins R. D. , Flemans R. J. , Smith J. L.
Published: June 2007

Morphological and immunological studies of four cases of leukaemic reticuloendotheliosis are reported. The findings indicate that leukaemic reticuloendotheliosis is a monoclonal B cell neoplasm in which the leukaemic cell expresses either Κ or λ light chain and δ heavy chain determinants. The similarity between this disease and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is discussed.