bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of rapid methods including imprint cytodiagnosis for the diagnosis of breast tumours
Authors: Tribe C. R.
Published: June 2007

Rapid diagnoses were made on 510 breast lumps by three methods in sequence and the results compared with those obtained by paraffin histology.

Naked-eye examination of the excised lumps correctly distinguished between benign and malignant tumours in 95·1% of cases with 23 (4·5%) false negative and two (0·4%) false positive results.

Rapid imprint cytodiagnosis was correct in 96·9% of the 391 lumps imprinted with 12 (3·1%) false negatives and no false positive results.

Frozen sections gave the correct diagnosis in 99·4% of the 510 cases with three (0·6%) false negative and no false positive results.

The use of cytology in the diagnosis of breast tumours is discussed.
Lysozymuria and acute disorders of renal function
Authors: Harrison J. F. , Parker R. W. , De Silva K. L.
Published: June 2007

On the assumption that increased urinary lysozyme concentration (`lysozymuria') indicates tubular proteinuria and therefore impaired tubular function, urinary lysozyme has been estimated in acute disorders where transient disturbances of renal function might be expected, in cases diagnosed clinically as extrarenal uraemia, and in a few examples of acute renal disease. Reversible lysozymuria occurred with hypokalaemia, postoperative `collapse', electrolyte depletion, severe extrarenal infection, acute pyelonephritis, the nephrotic syndrome, after a few apparently uncomplicated surgical operations, and very transiently after ventricular fibrillation abolished by DC shock. There was no lysozymuria with severe uraemic heart failure, aspirin and paracetamol poisoning, or severe jaundice, nor in two cases of acute glomerulonephritis. Although lysozymuria may occasionally be useful in the clinical diagnosis of acutely disordered renal function, the results suggest that its value is limited; on the other hand, they have provided information on renal pathophysiology in acute disease.
A proposal for a standardized system of reporting human lymph node morphology in relation to immunological function
Authors: Cottier H. , Turk J. , Sobin L.
Published: June 2007

This memorandum proposes a standardized system of reporting the histology of human lymph nodes based on commonly used simple staining techniques. The purpose is to provide a uniform, internationally acceptable system by which the histological structure of lymph nodes can be correlated with other parameters of immunological status. The proposed protocols are intended to provide information that is not available in conventional written reports that use such terms as `hyperplasia' or `nonspecific lymphadenitis'.
Effect of intravenous prostaglandin E2on platelet function, coagulation, and fibrinolysis
Authors: Howie P. W. , Calder A. A. , Forbes C. D. , Prentice C. R. M.
Published: June 2007

Prostaglandin E2(PGE2) was infused intravenously to eight women for the termination of pregnancy and tests of platelet function: coagulation and fibrinolysis were studied before and during the infusion.

Platelet adhesiveness, as measured by a cellophane membrane test-cell system, was significantly diminished by PGE2, a change which was not noted by the glass-bead column technique. The administration of PGE2caused more rapid platelet disaggregation following ADP-induced aggregation but had no effect on the platelet count, collagen-induced aggregation, or platelet factor 3 activity. An increase in plasma antithrombin concentration and euglobulin lysis activity was also noted.

These results support the concept that prostaglandin E2might have a role in the prevention of thrombosis.
Clinical trial of a chemical test for bacteriuria
Authors: Paterson Lindsay , Miller A. W. F.
Published: June 2007

A chemical test for the detection of bacteriuria—Uriglox—has been compared with the results obtained on culturing urine obtained by suprapubic aspiration in 351 pregnant or puerperal women. The results of this comparison show a correlation of 96·9%, both false positive and false negative results occurring.
Anti-gamma haemolysin as a diagnostic test in staphylococcal osteomyelitis
Authors: Taylor A. G. , Plommet M.
Published: June 2007

The anti-alpha-haemolysin test is widely used in the diagnosis of staphylococcal osteomyelitis. An additional test would be welcomed because raised antibodies to this antigen are not seen in all proven cases. This communication reports that anti-gamma-lysin was present in the serum of most of the 19 patients with proven staphylococcal osteomyelitis studied here. In two cases followed up after chemotherapy was initiated both tests indicated the satisfactory progress of the patient.
Tuberculoid lymphadenitis due toMycobacterium chelonei
Authors: Morris C. A. , Grant G. H. , Everall P. H. , Myres A. T. M.
Published: June 2007

An 8-year-old boy developed cervical lymphadenitis four months after an injection of dental anaesthetic. Histology of the lymphatic tissue showed a tuberculoid granulomatous reaction with scanty acid-fast bacilli.Mycobacterium cheloneiwas isolated in pure culture (NCTC 10882). The patient showed specific skin hypersensitivity to an extract ofM. chelonei, but not to that ofM. ranae.This is thought to be the first recorded case of lymphadenitis in man caused byM. chelonei; it adds another possibility to be considered in the differential diagnosis of `a lump in the neck'.
A rapid assay method for cephalosporins
Authors: Noone Paul
Published: June 2007

A simple, rapid assay for cephalosporins is described. The method is based on the inhibition by cephalosporins of the fermentation of glucose or inositol by a strain of Providence resistant to aminoglycoside antibiotics.

The method gives answers which are as accurate as those obtained by standard agar diffusion techniques within four hours, and utilizes skills and resources readily available in most routine bacteriology departments. Results are not affected by gentamicin or kanamycin concurrently administered to the patient.

This method will be of value in helping to monitor cephalosporin therapy in patients with serious sepsis, especially those with impaired renal function, and may help in elucidating and preventing the problem of nephrotoxicity associated with cephalosporin administration.
Effects of observer variation in population screening for cervical carcinoma
Authors: Lambourne A. , Lederer H.
Published: June 2007

A stratified random sample of 100 cervical smears was taken from routine population screening material and graded by three cytological laboratories. The sensitivity of the smear test for detecting cervical malignancies varied from 72 to 88%—a difference of 16%; for all serve epithelial abnormalities the sensitivity varied from 52 to 71% (a difference of 19%). The histological material pertaining to these smears was re-examined `blindly' and then sent for diagnosis to a second pathologist. Using each set of histodiagnoses as reference, the sensitivity of the test for detecting cervical malignancies varied from 77 to 85%—a difference of 8%; the sensitivity for all epithelial abnormalities varied from 62 to 76% (a difference of 14%). The significance of these observer variations on the efficacy of screening for cervical carcinoma is discussed.
Experimental hypercalcaemia and whole blood clotting
Authors: Hilgard P.
Published: June 2007

Experimental hypercalcaemia was induced in rats by (1) transplantation of the solid Walker 256 tumour, and (2) intraperitoneal injections of calcium gluconate. Whole blood clotting was studied by means of thromboelastography and whole blood clotting times in polystyrene and glass test tubes. At serum calcium levels between 10·3 and 11·5 m-equiv/l a slight delay in clot formation was found which was reversible by the addition of EDTA to whole blood. Acute, calcium-gluconate-induced hypercalcaemia, however, leads to a significant shortening of the clotting time in the polystyrene tube and to a lesser degree in the glass tube. Maximal factor XII activationin vitrowith ellagic acid levels the difference of clotting times again. From these experiments it is concluded that acute hypercalcaemia induces a hypercoagulable state, possibly by partial contact activation, and thus may favour thrombus formationin vivo.
Fat embolism in sickle cell disease
Authors: Hutchinson R. M. , Merrick M. V. , White J. M.
Published: June 2007

Fat embolism is a known complication of marrow infarction in patients with sickle cell disease (Hb S/S and Hb S/C) disease. It should be considered in sickle cell crisis when there is deterioration in respiratory function, a fall in arterial PO2, a normoblastaemia, and a thrombocytopenia in the peripheral blood. We now report a patient in whom the diagnosis was confirmed in life by identifying fat in the sputum, demonstrating disseminated intravascular coagulation, and using a double isotope technique to distinguish recent from old marrow infarction. Use of these features enabled an early diagnosis to be made which led to a successful outcome in a potentially fatal condition.
Evaluation of a tanned red cell technique for thyroid microsomal antibodies
Authors: Bird T. , Stephenson J.
Published: June 2007

A haemagglutination test for thyroid microsomal (cytoplasmic) antibodies, using formolized tanned sheep red cells, is described and evaluated. The technique is essentially similar to the thyroglobulin tanned red cell test. It has been shown to be more sensitive and easier to use than the complement-fixation test. A combined screening test to detect both thyroglobulin and microsomal antibodies is described.
Simplification of urinary aldosterone measurement by radioimmunoassay
Authors: Cope C. L. , Loizou S.
Published: June 2007

An anti-aldosterone serum has been used to measure urinary aldosterone concentration. A single stage of paper chromatography provides an extract of sufficient purity. Further purification by additional chromatography in a different solvent system only improves the purity by 3% ± 8 (SD). Blanks are negligible and recovery of added aldosterone is 104% ± 10 (SD).

A simplified rapid screening assay capable of revealing gross deviations from the normal is also suggested.

The diagnostic value of the assay is indicated.
Mesangial cells in membranous glomerulonephritis
Authors: Portch P. A. , Williams G.
Published: June 2007

Renal biopsies of seven patients with membranous glomerulonephritis were examined by light, electron, and immunofluorescence microscopy. All had characteristic changes of glomerular basement membranes, typically with bright granular membranous fluorescence of IgG and variable deposits of complement. Cellularity was normal or slightly increased due largely to mesangial cell proliferation. These cells assumed a variety of appearances referred to as resting, hyperactive, and dark. Resting forms occurred in cases with normal cellularity and limited complement deposition. Hyperactive cells showed ultrastructural evidence of increased secretory and digestive activity and were associated with proliferation and more pronounced complement deposition. Dark cells, interpreted as undergoing shrinkage and degeneration, were found in small numbers in all biopsies.
Dose response relationships and interference of simultaneous skin tests in delayed hypersensitivity
Authors: Jokipii A. M. M. , Jokipii Liisa
Published: June 2007

The relationship between the intensity of the delayed hypersensitivity reaction and the dose of antigen used for its elicitation change with time after sensitization. At three weeks the reactions to 100 μg of egg albumen were little different from those to 1 μg but at 14 weeks 100 μg gave much stronger reactions. This means that to follow the development of a delayed hypersensitivity response several antigen doses should be used.

If two skin tests were performed simultaneously in the same individual, the stronger one suppressed the weaker one, regardless of whether two different doses of the same antigen or two different antigens were used. Consequently, not more than one skin test at a time should be performed.
Hyperaggregation effect in idiopathic thrombocytopenia and multiple transfused patients
Authors: Wagner Norman , Degnan Thomas J.
Published: June 2007

A new technique for detecting platelet antibodies was investigated. The serum from patients having platelet antibodies was added to normal group O compatible pooled platelet-rich plasma. Platelet aggregation induced by adrenaline and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was significantly increased as compared to the identical platelet-rich plasma without serum. The platelet-rich plasma with serum added did not aggregate spontaneously. When an alpha-adrenergic blocking agent (tolazoline) was added, the primary wave of aggregation induced by adrenaline was equally reversed with platelet-rich plasma, with or without serum.

Although platelet antibodies by themselves did not agglutinate platelets in our test system, it is probable that platelet antibodies interact with platelets and potentiate their ability to aggregate. It is suggested that the platelet aggregometer is a useful tool for the detection of platelet antibodiesin vitro.
The interrelationships and stability of Coulter S-determined blood indices
Authors: Hamilton P. J. , Davidson R. L.
Published: June 2007

The blood of 104 medical inpatients was examined at various intervals during storage for 72 hours using a Coulter S counter. Over this period remarkable stability of the white cell count, red cell count, haemoglobin, and mean cell haemoglobin was demonstrated. This permits a useful interpretation of indices obtained in routine postal samples sent to the laboratory by general practitioners for screening. Furthermore, the implications of high correlations between red cell indices in freshly examined blood are considered and the regression line MCV = 2·5 MCH + 16 is derived. Using this relationship the normal range of the Coulter S MCHC is defined as 32·6-33·7 g/dl. The significance of the Coulter MCHC in present-day practice is reassessed and the importance of recognizing values for MCV and MCH not coinciding with the regression line is briefly discussed.
The isolation of enteroviruses from cases of acute conjunctivitis
Authors: Higgins P. G. , Scott R. J. D.
Published: June 2007

In two epidemics of acute enterovirus conjunctivitis the diagnosis could only be established by the use of human embryonic organ cultures. In one instance cultures of ciliated respiratory epithelium proved sensitive to the virus but similar culture failed to support growth of the virus from the second outbreak which was isolated in organ cultures of conjunctiva.

The virus associated with a third outbreak had previously been isolated from the original material by culture in human embryo kidney cells, but it required passage in organ culture for its detection after the specimens had been diluted.
Genetic determinants of trimethoprim resistance in a strain ofStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Nakhla L. S.
Published: June 2007

Trimethoprim resistance was transduced from a resistant to a sensitive strain ofStaphylococcus aureusby means of a cell-free phage lysate of the resistant strain. The resistance acquired by the sensitive strain was stable and could not be eliminated by growth at an elevated temperature or in the presence of acridine or ethidium bromide. This stability and the kinetics of transduction by ultraviolet-irradiated phage suggest that resistance to trimethoprim inStaph. aureusis determined by a chromosomal rather than a plasmid gene.
Testing a steam-formaldehyde sterilizer for gas penetration efficiency
Authors: Line Stuart J. , Pickerill J. K.
Published: June 2007

A test piece is described for monitoring the performance of low-temperature steam-with-formaldehyde sterilizers. Comparative tests have shown it to be more difficult to penetrate than an arterial catheter when exposed to the same sterilizing conditions. It is permanent and simple to use and maintain. The growth or non-growth of bacterial spores, in the convenient form of spore strips, is used to indicate the efficacy of sterilization.
Diffuse and focal oxygen pneumonitis
Authors: Sevitt Simon
Published: June 2007

Utilizing hyaline membranes and proliferative pneumonitis as evidence of pulmonary oxygen toxicity, the lung changes in 21 patients (19 injured, two inhaled smoke) who died after oxygen therapy are correlated with the intensity and duration of oxygen administration. Diffuse pneumonitis inducing hypoxaemia was found in 10 (or 11) subjects, and in nine of them it was associated with the breathing of high concentrations of oxygen (60 to 100%) for at least two days. In at least eight subjects the pneumonitis contributed to death, and two others who survived for weeks had extensively fibrosed lungs. The breathing of 40% oxygen for a sufficient time seems to be a threshold for dangerous lung effects, since one patient developed a diffuse pneumonitis and another a partly-diffuse partly-focal pneumonitis while exposed to this concentration. Those respiring oxygen concentrations between 25 and 40% for days developed either subclinical focal lung lesions or had no relevant lung changes.
Torulopsis glabrataurinary tract infection treated with 5-fluorocytosine
Authors: Speller D. C. E.
Published: June 2007

Two diabetic patients with symptomatic urinary tract infection byTorulopsis glabratawere successfully treated with two-week courses of 5-fluorocytosine.
Characteristics of colony growth from normal human bone marrow
Authors: Morris T. C. M. , McNeill T. A. , Bridges J. M.
Published: June 2007

The number of granulocyte/macrophage colonies grownin vitrofrom bone marrow cells obtained from 90 rib segments and 30 `normal' bone marrow aspirates was found to be highly variable. Considerable variation was also noted in the relationship between colony number and the number of cells cultured in both groups. The aspirate group was found to have a significantly greater ability to form colonies without the addition of colony-stimulating factor to the culture medium at low cell concentrations.
Sickle cell anaemia and the NBT test
Authors: Walters Thomas R. , Reddy B. Narasimha
Published: June 2007

Patients with sickle cell anaemia have an increased susceptibility to bacterial infections Previous reports of false-negative nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) tests in the presence of bacteria infection and of a faulty phagocytic response following stimulationin vitrohave suggested the possibility of polymorphonuclear dysfunction in certain patients with sickle cell anaemia.

In the present study an unstimulated, histochemical NBT technique was used to evaluate the test in patients with sickle cell anaemia. There was a significant difference between the results in the group of patients with infection (mean NBT-positive cells 42·7%) compared to those without infection (mean 9·4%). There was no significant correlation between the total white blood cell count, absolute number of polymorphonuclear cells, and infectious complications.

These findings indicate an appropriate polymorphonuclear cell response, as evaluated by the NBT test, in patients with sickle cell anaemia and bacterial infection. The NBT test may be used as an additional parameter in the differentiation of those patients with sickle cell anaemia with bacterial infection.
Discrepancies between immunological and caseinolytic plasma plasminogen assays in health and hyperfibrinolytic states
Authors: Musumeci V. , Leone G. , Bizzi B.
Published: June 2007

A sensitive immunological assay for plasminogen and/or plasmin was developed by using a haemagglutination inhibition technique. Plasma and the corresponding euglobulin fraction of healthy subjects and of patients with hyperfibrinolysis (liver cirrhosis, thrombolytic treatment) were assayed for plasminogen using immunological and caseinolytic techniques. In hyperfibrinolytic states discrepancies were found between immunoreactive and caseinolytic plasma plasminogen whereas a good correlation was observed between immunoreactive and caseinolytic euglobulin plasminogen. Experimentsin vitrosuggested that these discrepancies might depend on the presence in hyperfibrinolytic plasma of variable amounts of plasmin(ogen)-related antigen which has no caseinolytic activity and is not precipitated with euglobulin.
An immunoperoxidase technique for the identification of gastrin-producing cells
Authors: Piris J. , Whitehead R.
Published: June 2007

A technique for the identification of gastrin-producing cells (G cells) is described. This is applicable to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded material. It is based on an immunohistochemical method using peroxidase-labelled antibodies.
Primary myxoma of the aorta
Authors: Gough J. , Moreano W.
Published: June 2007

A case of primary myxoma of the aorta is described in a 62-year-old woman. The patient died following surgery in which a teflon graft was inserted to bypass the tumour which had caused partial obstruction of the ascending aorta. The tumour was limited to the subintima and had not metastasized.
Comparative activity of ampicillin and seven cephalosporins against group D streptococci
Authors: Hamilton-Miller J. M. T.
Published: June 2007

Minimum inhibitory concentrations have been determined for ampicillin and seven cephalosporins against 93 strains of group D streptococci isolated recently from clinical material. Ampicillin was much the most active compound (modal MIC = 1·6 μg/ml); cephaloridine, cephacetrile, and cefazolin had a modal MIC of 25 μg/ml, while corresponding figures for cephalothin, cephradine, cephalexin, and cefoxitin were 50, 100, 200, and 800 μg/ml, respectively. Thus, none of the newer cephalosporins is an improvement in respect to activity against enterococci over existing compounds, and ampicillin remains overwhelmingly the β-lactam antibiotic of choice for the treatment of infections by such organisms. Pharmacokinetic considerations, however, indicate that certain cephalosporins, for instance, cephaloridine, cefazolin, and cephanone, may be worthy of further study in view of possible synergy with aminoglycoside antibiotics.
Deep scopulariopsosis: A case report and sensitivity studies
Authors: Sekhon Awatar S. , Willans D. J. , Harvey J. H.
Published: June 2007

A 36-year-old female was admitted to hospital for debridement of chronically inflamed tendon sheaths and adjacent tissues near the left ankle. Despite antibiotic therapy and initial surgical interventions, the inflammation had progressed slowly over 16 months. Histopathological examination of excised tissues in September 1973 revealed a chronic granulomatous inflammation of tendon sheaths and muscle. Many branched hyphal segments, intercalary swollen cells, and a few conidia-like bodies were seen in sections, and also in KOH- and PAS-stained slides prepared from homogenized tissues. Culture of homogenized tissues yielded pure colonies ofScopulariopsis brevicaulis.Sensitivity tests were initially begun with amphotericin B, potassium iodide, and potassium tartrate (0·05-15 μg/ml of the phytone-yeast extract agar), and no inhibitory effect was observed. Subsequently, amphotericin B, antimony, 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), griseofulvin, hamycin, and mycostatin were tested (25-300 μg/ml of the phytone-yeast extract agar). Of these chemicals, griseofulvin and hamycin proved to be most effective. Antimony and 5-FC were ineffective, and mycostatin produced a negligible effect on growth. The four strains ofLysobacter antibioticus,the producer of myxin antibiotic, strongly inhibited the growth of the fungus.
Immunological studies in a case of T-cell leukaemia
Authors: Stathopoulos G. , Papamichail M. , Sheldon P. , Catovsky D. , Davies A. J. S. , Holborow E. J. , Wiltshaw Eve
Published: June 2007

The blood lymphocytes from a case of prolymphocytic leukaemia were subjected to a battery of different tests in order to establish as certainly as possible their T or B cell type of origin. The results of the tests for surface markers indicated the T-cell origin of the leukaemic cells in this patient, and this provided a good opportunity to determine the participation of T cells in the various tests proposed for measuring human lymphocyte function.
A simple method for the clinical determination of the mitotic activity of the human prostatein vitro
Authors: Senius K. E. O. , Pietilä J. , Arvola I. , Tuohimaa P.
Published: June 2007

Patients with a hyperplastic prostate were studied for the epithelial mitotic activity of adenomatous tissue by the3H-thymidine labelling method. A simple methodin vitrowas improved for biopsy samples. The mitotic activities obtainedin vitrowere compared with those obtainedin vivo.The results show that the mitotic activity is not affected by the short incubation of the samples in Tyrode's balanced salt solution.
Culture of specimens other than sputum for Mycobacteria
Authors: Mitchison D. A. , Aber V. R.
Published: June 2007

A comparison has been made of Lowenstein-Jensen medium, with or without added pyruvate, 7H11 oleic acid-albumin agar slopes made selective by the addition of antibiotics, and selective Kirchner medium in the isolation of tubercle bacilli from specimens other than sputum. A combination of a standard mild preliminary treatment with sulphuric acid and selective medium reduced the contamination rate to 0·1%. Neither acid treatment nor antibiotics appeared to reduce the isolation rate. An effective procedure is to treat all specimens (except cerebrospinal fluid) with acid and culture on two Lowenstein-Jensen slopes (one with pyruvate), a 7H11 selective slope, and in two bottles of selective Kirchner medium.
Unusual skin sepsis due to a strain of multiresistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Harrison Joy , Lacey R. W.
Published: June 2007

A strain ofStaphylococcus aureusresistant to as many as nine distinct antibiotics has shown unusally high virulence as indicated by its ability to cause an epidemic of furunculosis amongst hospital nurses.
Comparison of the titres of ASO, anti-DNase B, and antibodies against the group polysaccharide of group A streptococci in children with streptococcal infections
Authors: Groot L. E. Goedvolk-De , Michel-Bensink N. , Van Es-Boon M. M. , Van Vonno A. H. , Michel M. F.
Published: June 2007

Antibodies against the group polysaccharide of group A streptococci were estimated by means of a haemagglutination reaction. In this reaction human erythrocytes of blood group O were sensitized with polysaccharide esterified with myristoylchloride. The optimal conditions of the reactions were determined by varying the ester group content in the antigen and the amount of ester used for sensitization. The specificity of the reaction could be established by reacting sensitized erythrocytes with homologous and heterologous sera and by absorption experiments. Antistreptococcal group A polysaccharide titres (ASPAT) and antibody levels to streptolysine O and DNase-B were compared in a group of 52 children with proved streptococcal infection and in 52 age- and season-matched controls. Antibody levels were significantly higher in the patient group than in the controls. In the ASPAT there was clearly less overlap between patients and controls than in both other reactions. In the patient group the ASO titres were raised above normal in 27 cases (51·9%), anti-DNase-B titres in 18 (34·6%), and ASPAT in 40 (76·9%). Taken together the three reactions gave a positive score in 51 cases (98·1%) in the patient group against 17 cases (32·7%) in the controls. A positive antibody response is usually defined as a rise of two dilution increments between the acute and convalescent sera. According to this definition the ASPAT showed a response in 42%, ASO and/or DNase-B in 42%, and the three reactions taken together in 68% of paired sera from patients. It is believed the ASPAT will prove a welcome addition to the diagnostic outfit when the presence of streptococcal infection in children is considered.
Sensitivity ofStreptococcus pyogenesto sulphamethoxazole, trimethoprim, and cotrimoxazole
Authors: Yourassowsky E. , Vanderlinden M. P. , Schoutens E.
Published: June 2007

When tested on Wellcotest (sensitivity test agar, Wellcome) supplemented with lysed horse blood, 59 clinical isolates of beta-haemolytic streptococci, belonging to several serological groups, are all sensitive to sulphamethoxazole, to trimethoprim, and to cotrimoxazole. The results obtained on diagnostic sensitivity test agar (Oxoid) containing lysed horse blood are comparable. When Mueller Hinton agar (Difco) is used, some of these strains are called resistant: this is especially true in the case of sulphamethoxazole.

Furthermore, on Mueller Hinton agar, even supplemented with lysed blood, discrepancies between diameters of inhibition zone and MIC values exist for the three drugs tested, strains with a low MIC being considered resistant by the disc method. Such disagreements are not observed with non-streptococcal control strains.
Plasma alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes in hepatobiliary disease
Authors: Afonja A. O. , Baron D. N.
Published: June 2007

By cellulose acetate or acrylamide gel electrophoresis it is possible to separate these alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes from serum: [anode] fast liver, slow liver, placenta/Regan, bone, intestine, bile [cathode]. Heat or chemical inhibition can confirm the differentiation.

Normal adult serum always contains slow-liver isoenzyme, and sometimes bone isoenzyme: the latter is always present in serum of children. In hepatobiliary disease slow-liver isoenzyme was always increased: intestinal isoenzyme appeared in many cases of cirrhosis (of blood groups B and 0) but fast-liver and bile isoenzymes were occasionally seen in miscellaneous cases. The findings in other diseases included Regan isoenzyme in six out of 45 cases of malignant disease.
Progress towards agreement in reports of antibiotic sensitivity
Authors: George R. H.
Published: June 2007

Results of three quality control trials of antibiotic sensitivity testing carried out on staphylococci by the Birmingham Regional Bacteriologists Group are presented. An overall reduction in the number of discrepant results from 5·2 to 1·2% when retesting the same organisms was thought to be due largely to the alteration in methods of testing for resistance to neomycin- and penicillinase-resistant antibiotics. Improvements were noted in the performance of all laboratories, which were felt to be due partly to participation in the trials.
Implementation of a British computer system for laboratory data handling
Authors: Gray C. H. , Hirst A. D. , Howorth P. J. N. , Locke T. P. , Mellor B. , Walter M.
Published: June 2007

This paper describes the development and implementation of a small real-time British computer system for the handling of patient and test result data in the chemical pathology laboratories of the King's Health District (Teaching). Work destined for subsequent reporting by the computer system is entered by continuous on-line teletype. Test result data from multichannel analyzers are input using an on-line trace reader. Cumulative reports are printed both by line printer at the central laboratory and by on-line teletypes at two peripheral hospital laboratories. In a working day over 4000 new items of data are generated and 300-500 reports printed. The use of a trace reader as an inputing device and the method of employing a high capacity disk to give both speed of operation and limited archive facility are discussed.
Observer variation and quality control of cytodiagnosis
Authors: Evans D. M. D. , Shelley Glenys , Cleary B. , Baldwin Yvonne
Published: June 2007

The aim of quality control of a laboratory investigation is to ensure that similar results are obtained on the same material at different centres. To investigate its practicability in cytodiagnosis, the same cytological material was examined independently at six centres. Each centre supplied material from 20 cases, providing a total of 120 cases, ie, 100 cases excluding the donor centre's own material. The degree of agreement between the centres was studied using (a) the standard National Health Service cytology report terminology, (b) the centre's own terminology, and (c) the recommended recall time. The results revealed close agreement between five out of six centres in the reports obtained in relation to dysplasia and malignancy, namely, less than 3% false negative results and not more than 1·7% false positive results. The recommended recall time provided a similar order of agreement after discrepancies due to the management of inflammatory conditions had been eliminated. There was marked disagreement in the diagnosis of both presence and type of infection. The results indicate that improvement in the quality of cytological material would increase the consistency of cytodiagnosis. Cytodiagnosis itself, being an expression of opinion, does not appear to be an appropriate field for quality control.
A functioning black adenoma of the adrenal cortex: A clinico-pathological entity
Authors: Visser J. W. , Boeijinga J. K. , Meer C. V. D.
Published: June 2007

A 25-year-old woman is described who had suspected hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex. She complained of fatiguability, excessive hair growth, and attacks of swelling of the face, hands, and ankles. Moreover she had a `moon face', hypertension, a `buffalo hump', and livid striae of the loins and hypogastrium. Adrenal function tests yielded values which could not be clearly interpreted.

Operation showed a `black adenoma' of the adrenal cortex on the right side. As far as it is known this is the first published case of this extremely rare lesion which was operated upon and caused nearly complete remission of the endocrine disturbance.
The elution of99Tcmfrom red cells and its effect on red-cell volume measurement
Authors: Ferrant A. , Lewis S. M. , Szur L.
Published: June 2007

Technetium-labelled erythrocytes provide a satisfactory agent for the measurement of red-cell volume with the advantages that there is a low radiation dose and repeated measurements can be readily carried out. A method of labelling red cells using99TcmO4−with a small amount of stannous chloride has been evaluated in 20 patients, and compared with measurements of red-cell volume with51Cr-labelled erythrocytes carried out simultaneously in the same subjects.

No significant differences between the results by either method occurred if the period of observation was limited to 20 minutes after the injection of labelled cells. Thereafter, elution of Tc from the cells made the determination of red-cell volume with99Tcmless reliable. Accordingly, the use of99Tcmas the label for red-cell volume measurements will result in errors if mixing of the erythrocyte pool is delayed, unless an elution correction factor is applied.
An evaluation of low voltage counterimmuno-electrophoresis for the detection of hepatitis-B antigen (HB Ag)
Authors: Caul E. O. , Roberts P. C.
Published: June 2007

A newly available low voltage counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP) system for the detection of HB Ag (Hapindex, Ortho Diagnostics) was compared with a conventional CIEP method used at this laboratory. A total of 1216 sera were tested. The Hapindex system was found to be at least as sensitive as the conventional CIEP. No false positives were found in this series. The elimination of any preparative work makes the Hapindex system particularly suitable for laboratories not testing large numbers of sera for HB Ag. It also eliminates many of the contamination hazards inherent in the conventional method.
A case of acute measles meningoencephalitis with virus isolation
Authors: Purdham D. R. , Batty P. F.
Published: June 2007

A case of measles meningoencephalitis is described. Measles virus was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid cells, in which virus antigen was also detected by indirect immunofluorescence.
Hepatitis B antigen (HBAg) and its antibody (HBAb) in hospital patients
Authors: Payne R. W. , Barr A. , Wallace J.
Published: June 2007

Sera from 5171 inpatients have been tested for HBAg and HBAb during the 18-month period ending in December 1972. The incidence of HBAg (0·116%) was similar to that in blood donors (0·119%) in the same area, being tested for the first time by the same technique. By contrast the incidence of HBAb in patients (0·271%) was significantly higher than in donors (0·103%). A possible mode of infection was identified in three of six HBAg-positive patients and in seven of 12 HBAb patients. None of the positive patients was regarded as `high risk' when admitted to hospital. The study thus emphasizes the need to regard all specimens as potentially infective.
A rapid method for determining decarboxylase and dihydrolase activity
Authors: Brooks K. , Sodeman T.
Published: June 2007

A total of 764 fresh clinical isolates were used to test a rapid method for determining lysine, arginine, and ornithine decarboxylase activity as well as arginine dihydrolase activity. The conventional Møller decarboxylase broth was tested in parallel with the rapid method on 234Enterobacteriaceaeand 140 non-fermentative Gram-negative rods. The 0·3% agar method was tested in parallel on 245Enterobacteriaceaeand 146 non-fermentors. All media were checked at half-hour or hourly intervals for up to eight hours, with the final reading taken after incubation for 24 hours at 37°C. The rapid method detected 17 positive decarboxylase or dihydrolase reactions that were not detected by the Møller broth and 16 more than the agar medium when testingEnterobacteriaceae. The corresponding figures for the nonfermentative Gram-negative rods were three and two respectively. Lysine and ornithine decarboxylase were generally detected by the rapid broth in two to four hours' incubation while the arginine decarboxylase and dihydrolase were slower and required six to eight hours. This compares with overnight incubation as the general rule for the Møller broth and agar decarboxylases. The comparable accuracy of the rapid method with conventional techniques and the shorter incubation time required for detection of positive reactions make this procedure well suited to a routine clinical laboratory.
An assessment of one year of computer-assisted microbiology reporting at Charing Cross Hospital
Authors: Andrews H. J. , Vickers M.
Published: June 2007

The pilot scheme began in August 1972 after three months of running parallel with a conventional system. In October 1972 the system was moved from Fulham Hospital into the new Charing Cross Hospital. Sixty thousand routine bacteriology requests have been processed satisfactorily by the computer system, about 70% of the total received. The cost for a computer-printed report is 32p compared with 6p for a typed one.
A morphological assessment of immunoreactivity in colonic Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis by a study of the lymph nodes
Authors: Skinner J. M. , Whitehead R.
Published: June 2007

The mesenteric lymph nodes in total colectomy specimens from patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's colitis were assessed for immunological reactivity. Despite the suggestion of previous work using different methods that immunological difference between the diseases exist and may be important in pathogenesis, no significant differences were found in this study. Changes were observed in both diseases and when ulceration was present these consisted of both cellular and humoral immune reactivity. There was no evidence of diminished cell-mediated immunity in Crohn's disease and the presence of granulomata did not constitute any special immunological group.
Experience with a cholinesterase histochemical technique for rectal suction biopsies in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease
Authors: Trigg P. H. , Belin R. , Haberkorn S. , Long W. J. , Nixon H. H. , Plaschkes J. , Spitz L. , Willital G. H.
Published: June 2007

Cryostat sections from 160 rectal suction biopsies were stained for cholinesterases by the method of Karnovsky and Roots (1964) in an attempt to facilitate the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease.

The method proved at least as reliable as experienced assessment of paraffin haematoxylin-eosin sections, and appeared to offer the advantages of reduced scanning fatigue and superior demonstration of the increased cholinesterase-positive nerves in Hirschprung's disease.

Contrary to the findings of Meier-Ruge (1971) it was not possible to base a diagnosis on mucosal cholinesterase activity.
An improved test forHaemophilus influenzaeprecipitins in the serum of patients with chronic respiratory disease
Authors: Davies Judith L. , Laughton Christian R. , May J. Robert
Published: June 2007

The detection of antibacterial precipitins in the serum of patients with chronic lower respiratory infections has been shown to be of great value in the assessment of pathogenicity of the corresponding bacterial species in the sputum. The test used hitherto, however, is time-consuming and cumbersome owing to the need to distinguish, by immunoelectrophoresis, between antibodies specific to the organism in question and those which react with antigens common to various Gram-negative species. A method has now been devised for the preparation of an extract ofHaemophilus influenzaecontaining species-specific antigens only. Use of this extract obviates the need for immuno-electrophoresis and improves the sensitivity of the test.
An experimental assessment of different anaerobic blood culture methods
Authors: Shanson D. C.
Published: June 2007

Simulated blood cultures were performed to test the ability of various methods to yield growth from small inocula of different strains of bacteroides and anaerobic cocci. For good early growth and reliable isolation of non-sporing anaerobes a Southern Group Brewers thioglycollate method, without Liquoid, appeared to be the best of the methods tested. A glucose cooked meat method also gave good results. Liquoid had no inhibitory effect on bacteroides. Anaerobic cocci were inhibited by Liquoid in some media, particularly thioglycollate, where one out of six strains tested was completely suppressed.
Changes in composition of mucin in the mucosa adjacent to carcinoma of the colon as compared with the normal: A biochemical investigation
Authors: Filipe M. I. , Cooke K. B.
Published: June 2007

Fifteen surgical specimens from patients with carcinoma of the colon and rectum were studied. Scrapings from normal mucosa distant from the tumour and from macroscopically normal mucosa adjacent to the tumour (`transitional') were used for chemical estimation of hexosamines, sialic acid, and proteins. The presence of hexosamines and sialic acid was confirmed in both normal and transitional mucosa. Transitional mucosa showed increased levels of total hexosamines and sialic acid as compared with the normal and this was accompanied by an increase in neuraminidase-sensitive sialic acids. The present data have been compared with previous histochemical and autoradiographic studies and it is suggested that the changes described in the transitional mucosa are transformations representing an early stage of carcinogenesis.
Training of pathologists by a system of modules
Authors: Stuart John , Gordon Philip A.
Published: June 2007

The training requirements of the individual pathology subjects within laboratory medicine are changing rapidly and there is a trend to earlier specialization. A new training scheme based on a system of 10 modules, each of six months' duration, is suggested. Six of the modules comprise obligatory specialist training while the remaining four provide an element of choice both in subject matter and timing. This allows the advantages of multidisciplinary training to be retained, despite earlier specialization, since the subjects studied need not necessarily be restricted to the traditional pathology disciplines. The system allows 20% of training time to be devoted to full-time research and has been designed to be attractive to trainees in general medicine. Modular training provides an inherently flexible system which can readily be adapted to future developments in pathology and medicine.
Identity of a newly isolated human polyomavirus from a patient with progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy
Authors: Field Anne M. , Gardner Sylvia D. , Goodbody R. A. , Woodhouse M. A.
Published: June 2007

Isolation of a strain of polyomavirus, designated COL, from the brain of a patient with progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy is described. The COL strain is antigenically similar to JC polyomavirus, previously isolated from a brain affected by progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy and is unrelated to BK, another human polyomavirus isolated from urine. Immunological cross testing of viruses in the Polyomavirus genus shows that there are at least six antigenic types in this group.
The effect of the dye neutral red on a strain ofStaphylococcus aureusin the presence of sunlight
Authors: Chattopadhyay B.
Published: June 2007

A strain ofStaphylococcus aureuswas isolated, the growth of which in the presence of neutral red was inhibited by sunlight. This phenomenon was not shown by any of a number of other strains of the same or different genera.
Rapid gentamicin assay by enzymatic adenylylation
Authors: Krooden Elisabeth Ten , Darrell J. H.
Published: June 2007

A method is described for the assay of gentamicin using the enzyme gentamicin adenylyltransferase derived from an R-factor-carrying strain ofEscherichia coli.The reaction involves adenylylation of the gentamicin with (14C)—ATP to form a radioactively labelled product. The technique is compared with the plate diffusion and the urease methods. The adenylylation technique gives results comparable to the plate diffusion assay and is more accurate than the urease method.
Amino acid imbalance in cystinuria
Authors: Asatoor A. M. , Freedman P. S. , Gabriel J. R. T. , Milne M. D. , Prosser D. I. , Roberts J. T. , Willoughby C. P.
Published: June 2007

After oral ingestion of a free amino acid mixture by three cystinuric patients, plasma increments of lysine and arginine were lower and those of many other amino acids were significantly higher than those found in control subjects.

Similar results were obtained in control subjects after amino acid imbalance had been artificially induced by the omission of cystine, lysine, and arginine from the amino acid mixture. Especially high increments of alanine and proline provided the best evidence of amino acid imbalance caused by a temporary lysine and, to a lesser extent, arginine and cystine deficit.

No such amino acid imbalance was found to occur in the cystinuric patients after ingestion of whole protein, indicating that absorption of oligopeptides produced by protein digestion provided a balanced physiological serum amino acid increment. This is considered to explain the lack of any unequivocal nutritional deficit in cystinuric patients despite poor absorption of the essential free amino acid, lysine.
Thiamine deficiency and oxalosis
Authors: Salyer William R. , Salyer Diane C.
Published: June 2007

Type I hyperoxaluria results from reduced activity of α-ketoglutarate: glyoxylate carboligase, which is necessary for the synergistic decarboxylation of glyoxylate and α-ketoglutarate to α-hydroxy-β-keto-adipate.

Since thiamine pyrophosphate is a cofactor in the reaction, thiamine deficiency might be expected to result in tissue oxalosis. However, there was no significant increase in the incidence of renal oxalosis in 15 patients with Wernicke's encephalopathy at necropsy compared with controls.

It is possible that hyperoxaluria was present in these thiamine-deficient patients but at a urine concentration below that necessary for calcium oxalate deposition. It is also possible that the severity of the thiamine deficit required for hyperoxaluria exceeds that for the neuronal and cardiac manifestations.