bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrocytosis in Down's syndrome and during long-term anticonvulsant therapy
Authors: Eastham R. D. , Jancar J.
Published: June 2007

In a group of non-anaemic mentally retarded patients a significant increase in mean red cell volume has been demonstrated in epileptic patients being treated with anticonvulsants. The possible sites of interference of anticonvulsants with folate activity in the body, and problems associated with folic acid supplements during anticonvulsant therapy, are discussed.

During the survey it was confirmed that the mean red cell volume is abnormally increased in many cases of Down's syndrome.
Paneth cells in diverticular disease of the colon
Authors: Subbuswamy S. G.
Published: June 2007

Paneth cells were found in the mucosa of the sigmoid colon in 13 out of 27 cases of diverticulosis and diverticulitis. It is concluded that their appearance at this site is a non-specific reaction to injury.
Parathyroid adenomas associated with the malabsorption syndrome and chronic renal disease
Authors: Smith J. F.
Published: June 2007

The pathology of the parathyroid glands in two cases in which hyperparathyroidism was associated with chronic renal disease and 10 in which the association was with the malabsorption syndrome is described. It is concluded that whereas in chronic renal disease the development of an autonomous adenoma may be preceded by anatomical secondary diffuse hyperplasia such a stage is not proven when the adenomas develop against a background of the malabsorption syndrome. The importance of this latter association is stressed.
Relationships between platelet function tests in normal and uraemic subjects
Authors: Hassanein A. A. , McNicol G. P. , Douglas A. S.
Published: June 2007

In tests of platelet function in normal subjects, the following relationships were found: the greater the platelet adhesiveness the less the ability to disaggregate after challenge with adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and the greater the disaggregation after ADP, the longer the clotting time in the test for platelet factor 3 availability. Such correlations were disturbed in uraemic patients.
The irrelevance of adhesive platelet estimations after thrombosis
Authors: Eastham R. D.
Published: June 2007

It has been found that adhesive platelet counts are not of clinical use either after surgical operation or during long-term anticoagulant therapy in the detection of thrombosis. Calculation of the theoretical risk of development of platelet thrombi related to the platelet count suggests a possible reason for this absence of clinical significance. The evidence that platelet adhesiveness alters because of uncontrollable platelet variables and is controlled at least in part by plasma factors is discussed. The possibility of measuring the plasma factors is considered briefly.
An assessment of an automated fluorimetric blood phenylalanine technique for phenylketonuria screening and for accurate estimations
Authors: Holton J. B. , West P. M.
Published: June 2007

An assessment of the automated fluorimetric technique for the estimation of phenylalanine, using blood collected and stored on filter paper, indicated that its accuracy and precision compared favourably with those of other methods, including the bacteriological inhibition assay. The method appeared to offer advantages, both in the detection of phenylketonuria and for the more accurate determinations required in the further investigation and control of known cases.
Tubular metaplasia in Bowman's capsule
Authors: Ward A. Milford
Published: June 2007

Proximal tubular type metaplasia of the epithelium of Bowman's capsule is described in a fit young adult male. This form of metaplasia is unlike those previously described and could cause initial confusion if encountered in a percutaneous renal biopsy.
Fucidin in patients on haemodialysis
Authors: Hobby J. A. E. , Beeley Linda , Whitby J. L.
Published: June 2007

Fucidin is useful against `antibiotic-resistant staphylococci' which are a major problem in causing shunt site infections in patients on chronic intermittent haemodialysis for end-stage renal failure. A new form of intravenous fucidin has been usedin vivoin three patients on haemodialysis, and also in experimentsin vitroin order to assess its dialysing properties. The experimentsin vitroshow that some fucidin does cross the dialyser membrane but, in the patients studied, adequate serum levels were maintained throughout a 10-hour haemodialysis. A single intravenous dose of Fucidin is, therefore, adequate for treating `antibiotic-resistant' staphylococcal infections in patients during haemodialysis.
Electrophoretic separation of tissue-specific serum alkaline phosphatases
Authors: Canapa-Anson R. , Rowe D. J. F.
Published: June 2007

Previous electrophoretic methods for the separation of tissue-specific serum alkaline phosphatases have either been unable to separate the liver and bone enzymes or have been too involved for routine clinical use. A relatively simple electrophoretic method is described which separates placental, liver, bone, and intestinal alkaline phosphatases in serum. The clinical applications of such a method appear to be mainly in the differential diagnosis of liver and bone disease, especially in complicated hypercalcaemic states where tumour metastases can affect both bone and liver, in children, and possibly in cirrhosis of the liver.

No differences in electrophoretic mobility could be seen between zymograms of different diseases affecting the same organ. Patients presenting with hepatic cirrhosis all showed a marked serum intestinal alkaline phosphatase zone as well as a liver zone on electrophoresis. An intestinal zone was not present with other types of hepatobiliary disease.

The heterogeneity of total serum alkaline phosphatase activity in normal subjects is demonstrated, alkaline phosphatases of liver and bone, and sometimes of intestine being present in normal serum.

Results obtained in women in the last trimester of pregnancy and in old people are also discussed.
An AutoAnalyzer method for estimating serum glyceride glycerol using a glycerokinase procedure
Authors: Bell Joyce L. , Atkinson Susan M. , Baron D. N.
Published: June 2007

The glyceride glycerol analysis depends, after saponification of triglycerides, on a linked enzymatic procedure using glycerokinase, pyruvate kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase: the final conversion of NADH to NAD+is followed fluorimetrically. Twenty analyses can be performed per hour on the AutoAnalyzer; recoveries of added triglycerides ranged between 90 and 104%. In a mixed male and female group the normal range for glyceride glycerol was 2·5 to 15·5 mg/100 ml (0·2-1·4 mmol/l) fasting, and 2·5 to 18·0 mg/100 ml (0·2-1·6 mmol/l) postprandially using fresh serum. There was a significant rise postprandially in older men.
Serum alpha2-macroglobulin, transferrin, albumin, and IgG levels in preeclampsia
Authors: Horne C. H. W. , Howie P. W. , Goudie R. B.
Published: June 2007

A radial immunodiffusion technique has been used to measure levels of four serum proteins in preeclampsia with or without proteinuria and in normal pregnant and non-pregnant controls. In preeclampsia unaccompanied by proteinuria, albumin and transferrin levels are similar to those found in the normal pregnant controls, but there are significant falls in α2-macroglobulin and IgG. When preeclampsia is accompanied by proteinuria there is a marked fall in albumin and an increase in α2-macroglobulin. Since α2-macroglobulin has antiplasmin activity it is possible that increased levels of this protein in preeclampsia accompanied by proteinuria contribute to the intravascular coagulation which has been described in this disorder.
Dehydrogenase enzyme cytochemistry of unfixed leucocytes
Authors: Stuart John , Simpson Jennifer S.
Published: June 2007

An inert, synthetic, sucrose polymer (Ficoll) has been found to have a protective effect on leucocytes during incubation for cytochemical reactions at 37°C. This permits enzyme cytochemistry to be performed on unfixed bone marrow and peripheral blood smears, and on leucocytes culturedin vitro, thus avoiding enzyme inhibition by the use of a fixative. The technique is suitable for the demonstration of both cytoplasmic and intramitochondrial dehydrogenase enzyme activity.
Sensitivity of platelets to aspirin in von Willebrand's disease
Authors: Leslie J. , Mason D. Y.
Published: June 2007

The sensitivity of collagen-induced platelet aggregation to aspirin was measuredin vitroon platelet-rich plasma from 20 normal subjects and five patients with von Willebrand's disease. Although aspirin tolerance tests performedin vivoat the same time showed an abnormal prolongation of the bleeding time in three of the patients studied, no evidence was found for an enhanced sensitivity to aspirinin vitro.
An assessment of techniques suitable for the diagnosis of sickle-cell disease and haemoglobin C disease in cord blood samples
Authors: Yawson G. I. , Huntsman R. G. , Metters J. S.
Published: June 2007

Agar gel, cellulose acetate, and starch gel electrophoresis are all capable of diagnosing sickle-cell anaemia, sickle-cell haemoglobin C disease, and haemoglobin C disease in cord blood samples. Of these three electrophoretic techniques, agar gel is the easiest to interpret.

Paper electrophoresis can reliably and rapidly detect sickle haemoglobin and haemoglobin C in cord blood samples. Being incapable of differentiating foetal and normal adult haemoglobin, the value of paper electrophoresis is limited to an initial screening procedure.
A new rapid method for automatic complement-fixation tests
Authors: Vargues R. , Studievic C. , Maupas Ph.
Published: June 2007

Several automatic methods have been described for complement-fixation tests. However, each of these methods presents some inconvenience either due to cross contamination or to limited sensitivity. The new method consists basically in separating clearly the fixation stage from the haemolytic stage by using two different sampler plates placed on the same sampler. By this procedure, it becomes possible to obtain a very high sensitivity. The serologist may set the temperature and the duration of the reaction according to the properties of the tests under study. In addition, the sampling rate can be raised to 120 analyses per hour.
Chromosomal aberrations in infective hepatitis
Authors: Matsaniotis N. , Kiossoglou K. , Maounis F. , Anagnostakis D.
Published: June 2007

Structural chromosomal aberrations, in the form of breaks, were found in a significantly higher proportion of bone marrow cells in patients with infective hepatitis than in controls. These anomalies were observed during the first and third weeks after the onset of jaundice but had subsided by the sixth week.

Chromosomal aberrations did not appear to be related to the severity of infective hepatitis or to the sex or age of the patients.

The distribution of chromosomal abnormalities did not appear to be random; they were observed predominantly in the A2and B4-5series. Since no abnormalities were detected in the G-group chromosomes, no evidence in support of a relationship between infective hepatitis and Down's syndrome was obtained.

Numerical chromosomal aberrations were not observed, nor was any evidence obtained that mitotic activity of bone marrow cells is suppressed in patients with infective hepatitis.
Vitamin B12absorption in some neurological and neuroendocrine disorders
Authors: Donaldson D. , Lascelles P. T.
Published: June 2007

An assessment of vitamin B12absorption in neurological patients has been made by both serum and urine counting of57Co cyanocobalamin during the conventional Schilling test. Although patients with pernicious anaemia, some with subacute combined degeneration of the cord, have been studied, emphasis in the discussion is placed on the significantly increased excretion of the radioactive vitamin in a group of patients with pituitary insufficiency. Results are also given for epileptic patients who have developed folate deficiency (as assessed by serum folate levels) coincidental with anticonvulsant therapy, as well as for some patients who have had neurological symptoms or signs following partial gastrectomy operations.
Alkaline phosphatase activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes and lymphocytes separated from normal human blood
Authors: Park Judith K.
Published: June 2007

Suspensions of polymorphonuclear leucocytes and lymphocytes were prepared from normal human blood by the glass bead column method of Rabinowitz (1964). The alkaline phosphatase activity of the separated cells was determined by biochemical and cytochemical techniques.

Lymphocytes were found to contain an enzyme catalysing the hydrolysis of β-glycerophosphate at alkalinepH but not of p-nitrophenylphosphate at the samepH and in the same buffer system. The alkaline phosphatase in polymorphonuclear leucocytes catalysed the hydrolysis of both substrates equally. The importance of this finding to the interpretation of clinical data is discussed.
Cellular contamination during automatic and manual staining of cytological smears
Authors: Barr W. T. , Powell D. E. B. , Raffan J. B.
Published: June 2007

Three routine cervical smears were contaminated with adenocarcinoma cells from a malignant serous effusion which was being processed simultaneously in an automatic staining machine. Further investigation showed that cells were transferred in up to 17% of cases. However, with manual staining, the figure could be as high as 30%. The possibility of misleading cellular transfer should therefore always be considered. Serious fluids should not be processed with routine cervical smears.
Glomerular fine structure in mixed membranous and proliferative glomerulonephritis
Authors: Macadam R. F.
Published: June 2007

A case of mixed membranous and proliferative glomerulonephritis has been studied by light and electron microscopy. Electron microscopy has shown that the cellular proliferation is mesangial in origin and that there are qualitative and quantitative alterations in the filtration basement membrane. In addition there are numerous examples of direct contact between filtration basement membrane and neutrophil polymorphonuclear leucocytes. This latter phenomenon is good direct evidence that interaction of glomerular-bound antigen-antibody complex and complement has taken place. The light and electron microscopic evidence is thus in favour of the histopathological entity, mixed membranous and proliferative glomerulonephritis, being fundamentally a proliferative glomerular lesion initiated by complement-induced basement membrane injury.
Role of bacterial growth inhibitors in urine in diagnostic culture
Authors: Ghosh H. K.
Published: June 2007

Frequently no growth is obtained on ordinary cultures from urines of patients with typical symptoms of infection, and sometimes not even from those with pyuria. The possibility that this could be due to antibacterial substances—whether endogenous or exogenous from non-specific medication—has been investigated.
Sensitivity ofHartmannella(Acanthamoeba) to5-fluorocytosine, hydroxystilbamidine, and other substances
Authors: Casemore David P.
Published: June 2007

The effect of 24 anti-amoebic and other chemotherapeutic compounds on six strains of hartmannellid amoebae was studied by tissue culture, agar diffusion, and liquid axenic culture.

Of the recognized anti-amoebic compounds only one inhibited growth of the amoebae, which were remarkable for their resistance.

Two compounds, hydroxystilbamidine isethionate and 5-fluorocytosine, showed some amoebicidal activity while some others were inhibitory.
Folate binders in body fluids
Authors: Retief F. P. , Huskisson Yvonne J.
Published: June 2007

In normal serum, saline dialysis for 48 hours in Visking casing resulted in folate clearance closely comparable to that produced by haemoglobin-coated charcoal adsorption, except in kwashiorkor where charcoal removed a greater proportion of folate. Pre- and post-dialysis values probably represented total and bound folate, respectively. Urinary folate consisted almost exclusively of dialyzable or free folate. Folate in saliva, bile, and erythrocytes consisted of dialyzable and non-dialyzable fractions; gastric juice contained minimal amounts of folate.

In spite of low serum albumin in kwashiorkor the bound folate fraction was increased rather than decreased; in myeloma with hyperglobulinaemia there was no increase in the bound folate fraction. Nephrotic urine did not contain excess folate, but pregnancy urine (third trimester) showed increased total folate.

Serum, chromatographed on Sephadex G-25, produced two folate peaks, only the first being associated with serum proteins. Urine contained only a second folate peak corresponding to the elution peak of pteroyl-monoglutamic acid (PGA). Adsorption studies with charcoal coated with `molecular sieves' of varying size suggested that the predominant serum folate binder was of molecular weight 70,000-120,000. It is unlikely to be albumin.
An evaluation of photoelectric haemoglobinometers
Authors: Lewis S. M. , Burgess B. J.
Published: June 2007

A number of photoelectric haemoglobinometers have been evaluated as to their suitability for haemoglobinometry in the routine clinical laboratory. They have been tested for accuracy, precision, linearity of response, instrument comparability and, where relevant, for carry-over. The advantages and defects of each are described.
Immunofluorescent staining of rat gastric parietal cells by human antibody unrelated to pernicious anaemia
Authors: Muller H. K. , McGiven A. R. , Nairn R. C.
Published: June 2007

Immunofluorescence tests on 94 human sera reacting with rat gastric parietal cells revealed that 41 (44%) of the sera contained antibody to a rat parietal cell antigen that was distinct from the pernicious anaemia autoantigen. Ten of the sera contained antibodies to both parietal cell antigens. The remaining 53 (56%) sera contained only parietal cell antibodies of the pernicious anaemia type. We recommend that mouse gastric mucosa, which does not react with the heterologous rat parietal cell antibody, replace rat gastric mucosa for immunofluorescence diagnostic tests.
Activities of various cobalamins forEuglena graciliswith reference to vitamin B12assay with Euglena
Authors: Adams J. F. , McEwan Fiona
Published: June 2007

Coenzyme B12and methylcobalamin in water are less active in promoting growth ofEuglena gracilisZ strain than the same concentrations of cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin which are equally active. When bound to human serum or human liver homogenate, however, the activities of these four cobalamins do not differ significantly with one exception. The results suggest that the Euglena assay using cyanocobalamin standards is not satisfactory for quantitation of coenzyme B12and methylcobalamin in water but acceptable when coenzyme B12and methylcobalamin are bound to serum or liver. Sulphitocobalamin in water is as active as cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin but nitritocobalamin is less active. Factor B, the monocarboxylic acids of cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin, and the dicarboxylic acid of cyanocobalamin in water were inactive.
The Australia (hepatitis-associated) antigen in fibrinogen and other fractions of human plasma
Authors: Zuckerman A. J. , Taylor Patricia E. , Bird R. G. , Russell Susan M.
Published: June 2007

Human plasma containing the Australia (hepatitis-associated) antigen was fractionated by the cold ethanol method of Cohn, Strong, Hughes, Mulford, Ashworth, Melin, and Taylor (1946) and small aliquots were examined for the presence of this antigen by immunodiffusion and by electron microscopy. The findings were in general agreement with the postulated risk of transmitting hepatitis by blood derivatives. The Australia (hepatitis-associated) antigen was detected in fibrinogen, thrombin, and antihaemophilic globulin as well as in other fractions. The antigen was not found in gamma globulin (immunoglobulin fraction) nor in albumin.

The use of radioiodinated fibrinogen for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis is discussed and it is concluded that the use of fibrinogen for diagnostic procedures should be assessed against the possible risk of hepatitis.
Coagulation studies in haemophilic patients taking oral contraceptives
Authors: Bloom A. L. , Beck Peter , Giddings J. C. , Sweetnam P. M.
Published: June 2007

Coagulation studies were performed on haemophilic patients during a controlled trial of oral contraceptive therapy. Treatment with a combined oestrogen-progestogen preparation was associated with a significant rise in the factor VII-X complex. This change was not observed during treatment with progestogen alone. The highest levels of factor IX and fibrinogen and the lowest levels of factor X were observed during the first period of the trial but these effects were independent of the type of treatment. The results suggest that the effects of oral contraceptives on blood coagulation in haemophilic males are similar to those observed in normal females and that the changes are due to the oestrogenic component.
Filter paper blood samples used in serological studies of respiratory virus infections in children
Authors: Chishty S. M. K.
Published: June 2007

Filter paper blood samples were used to measure complement-fixation antibody in 34 children with sore throats. The method was satisfactory and should be particularly useful to minimize trauma in general practice and to conserve reagents in developing countries.
Cloxacillin-resistant staphylococci in a children's hospital
Authors: Skirrow M. B. , Rogers K. B.
Published: June 2007

Two hundred and thirty-seven selected, penicillin-resistant isolates ofStaph. aureuscollected over a 13-month period were examined retrospectively for cloxacillin/methicillin resistance; 44 were found to be resistant. Six other strains which had been preserved from an earlier period were also found to be resistant. All 50 cloxacillin-resistant strains were in addition resistant to streptomycin and several other antibiotics. According to their resistance patterns and reactions to phages, they could be classified into two categories.

The proportion of cloxacillin-resistant strains among the total number of staphylococci isolated during the 13-month period was estimated to be 2·7%. Children most at risk from infection were those undergoing long-term hospital treatment and on several occasions children transferred from other hospitals in the region were found to be carrying resistant strains. Most infections caused by these strains were minor but they were nevertheless capable of producing severe illness and they were responsible for 33% of all staphylococcal wound infections.
Comparison of three serological methods for the detection of hepatitis-associated antigen
Authors: White G. B. Bruce , Lasheen Ragaa M. , Baillie Margery B. , Turner G. C.
Published: June 2007

Serum hepatitis (Australia) antigen in the sera of hepatitis patients and carriers can be detected in one and a half to three hours by crossover electrophoresis. The method is more sensitive than the immunodiffusion technique commonly employed in this field. It is of the same order of sensitivity as complement fixation but is less complicated.

Crossover electrophoresis is thus the method of choice for the rapid screening of sera for hepatitis antigen; complement fixation may be used for quantitative determination of antigen in positive cases.
The development of a urological cytodiagnosis service and an evaluation of its success
Authors: Cowen P. N.
Published: June 2007

Results are given of a year's survey of a urological cytodiagnosis service (229 specimens) in its early stages. A significant degree of success has been obtained in detecting carcinomas of the bladder but bladder papillomata and prostatic and renal carcinomas are not so easily revealed. Other limitations are described.
Effect of carbenicillin, gentamicin, and their combination on experimentalPseudomonas aeruginosaurinary tract infection
Authors: Koníčková L. , Prát V.
Published: June 2007

The therapeutic efficacy of a combination of gentamicin with carbenicillin was compared with those of each antibiotic alone. The efferent urinary ducts of rats were infected withPseudomonas aeruginosaand antibiotic therapy was started six days later. After seven days' therapy quantitative bacteriological findings in the urine and renal tissue were compared with those of untreated rats that had been infected. The degree of infection was least in the group treated with concurrent gentamicin and carbenicillin. It was concluded that the therapeutic efficacy of the gentamicin-carbenicillin combination exceeded those of each antibiotic administered alone.
Partial villous atrophy in nutritional megaloblastic anaemia corrected by folic acid therapy
Authors: Dawson D. W.
Published: June 2007

A patient with megaloblastic anaemia due to nutritional folate deficiency is described. Partial villous atrophy and malabsorption of xylose showed progressive improvement to normal with folic acid therapy.
A combined qualitative and quantitative procedure for the chemical analysis of urinary calculi
Authors: Hodgkinson A.
Published: June 2007

A better understanding of the physico-chemical principles underlying the formation of calculus has led to a need for more precise information on the chemical composition of stones. A combined qualitative and quantitative procedure for the chemical analysis of urinary calculi which is suitable for routine use is presented. The procedure involves five simple qualitative tests followed by the quantitative determination of calcium, magnesium, inorganic phosphate, and oxalate. These data are used to calculate the composition of the stone in terms of calcium oxalate, apatite, and magnesium ammonium phosphate. Analytical results and derived values for five representative types of calculi are presented.
The perinatal postmortem examination
Authors: Langley F. A.
Published: June 2007

In order to determine the cause of a perinatal death it is important to correlate the postmortem findings with the clinical histories of both mother and infant. The postmortem examination of a newborn infant differs from that of an adult in a number of ways, especially in the method of removal and dissection of the brain, the examination of the cervical spine, the dissection of the cardiovascular system for congenital abnormalities, and the examination of the placenta. A systematic technique for performing a perinatal necropsy is described. Stress is laid on measurement of the size of the infant and of the individual organs and comparison of these with known standards, allowance being made for the maturity of the infant.
Enzymatic and immunochemical determination of plasminogen and plasmin in different physiological and pathological states
Authors: Mannucci P. M. , Stabilini R. , Bragotti R. , Marasini Bianca , Agostoni A.
Published: June 2007

Plasminogen and plasmin have been determined in the same plasma samples in normal subjects and in various physiological and pathological conditions (pregnancy, liver cirrhosis, untreated cancer, and myocardial infarction during treatment with streptokinase) by means of two different methods. These were an enzymatic assay and a new immunochemical assay based on radial immunodiffusion employing cellulose acetate strips.

A significant correlation was found in normal subjects. However, in the other conditions marked discrepancies were observed in the results by the two methods. These findings might be related to variations in the functional activity of plasminogen and plasmin in disease.
Endocardial fibroelastosis in children with special reference to the lesions of cardiac ganglia
Authors: Żółtowska Albina
Published: June 2007

In all cases of primary endocardial fibroelastosis investigated diffuse degenerative changes in the ganglion cells were detected. Thickened endocardium was formed by the proliferation of mesenchymal cells located under the endothelial endocardium and of the mesenchyme surrounding the necrobiotic muscle cells. In some cases `axial' vacuolar degeneration, necrobiosis, and necrosis of muscle cells, interstitial oedema, and dilatation of capillaries and lymphatic spaces were found in the whole myocardium. In all cases these changes were in the subendocardial layer.

In the cases discussed morphological changes in the endocardium were seen to be secondary to lesions in myocardial and possibly in neural structures.
A blue catalase screening test for pyuria and haematuria
Authors: Thomas Mair , Baldwin Gillian
Published: June 2007

The blue catalase test is easy to perform and economical of materials. In a series of 529 adult female hospital patients it appeared to be a good screening test for pyuria and haematuria, detecting all but one of the specimens examined with more than 20 red and white cells combined per cubic millimetre of urine and 95·2% of those with more than 10 cells. It indicates a raised leucocyte or red cell excretion rate but is not a test for bacteriuria.
A laboratory study of spontaneous platelet aggregation
Authors: Friedlander I. , Cook I. J. Y. , Hawkey C. , Symons C.
Published: June 2007

During studies on platelet aggregation using the EEL platelet aggregation meter, 8% of the individuals tested were found to have platelets which aggregated spontaneously when citrated, platelet-rich plasma was stirred at 37°C. The EEL aggregation meter differs from other machines in that it incorporates a vertical stirrer which subjects platelets to greater mechanical force. When using this machine it is suggested that spontaneous platelet aggregation is related to increased mechanical fragility of the platelets and low levels of plasma ADP-inhibitor.
Simplified organ cultures of human embryo trachea in the diagnosis of viral respiratory disease of children
Authors: Roome A. P. C. H. , Dickinson Valerie , Caul E. O.
Published: June 2007

Organ cultures of human embryonic trachea in test tubes were used as an adjunct to tissue cultures in the isolation of respiratory viruses from children in hospital. Fifty-one viruses were obtained from 127 specimens, giving an isolation rate of 40%. Fifteen viruses were isolated from the original tissue cultures and also after passage through organ culture. Thirty viruses were isolated from the original tissue culture only, and six viruses only from organ culture (three para-influenza, one influenza A, and one rhinovirus). An increase of 5% in virus isolation rate over that of standard tissue culture was obtained.
Haemangiosarcoma of breast
Authors: Kessler E. , Kozenitzky I. L.
Published: June 2007

This is a report of a haemangiosarcoma involving the breast, spleen, liver, lungs, and subcutaneous tissue. There appears to be evidence that the tumour arose in the breast with the other sites representing metastases rather than a malignant transformation of multiple haemangiomatoses. Histologically the primary breast tumour appeared deceptively innocuous.
A micro-method for peripheral leucocyte migration in tuberculin sensitivity
Authors: Federlin K. , Maini R. N. , Russell A. S. , Dumonde D. C.
Published: June 2007

Inhibition of buffy layer peripheral leucocyte migration by tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) from micro-capillaries mounted in small tissue culture chambers correlates in all cases with a positive Mantoux test. This quick and reproducible test of cellular hypersensitivity in man requires only 5-15 ml of blood and is applicable for study in children and in clinical situations where repeated monitoring of cellular immunity may be required.
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura with normal platelet survival time
Authors: Donaldson G. W. K. , Parker A. C. , McArthur M. , Richmond J.
Published: June 2007

Platelet survival has been measured in 16 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Of this group, three patients had a normal result and surface counting did not show high splenic uptake. The clinical features of these patients are described. These patients have remained well for several years without treatment.
On-line acquisition of the output of a multi-channel analyzer (SMA 12/60) by means of an Elliott computer system
Authors: Carter N. W. , Griffiths P. D.
Published: June 2007

The introduction of a multi-channel analyzer (Technicon SMA 12/60) into a laboratory, in which the outputs from single-channel, continuous flow analyzers (Technicon AA1) are acquired on-line to an Elliott 903 computer system presented an additional problem. One possible solution is discussed.
Electron microscope study of PNH red cells and AET-treated normal red cells (PNH-like cells)
Authors: Lewis S. M. , Lambertenghi G. , Ferrone S. , Sirchia G.
Published: June 2007

The morphology of red cells damaged by 2-aminoethylisothiouronium bromide (AET) has been compared to that of PNH cells by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The main features of the effect of AET as demonstrated by the scanning electron microscope were spherical and deformed cells, with surface craters and relatively large pits. The transmission electron microscope revealed loss of surface structure, an unusual amount of irregularly shaped electrondense material and fine pits in the cell membranes. The paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria cells showed, by transmission electron microscope, electron-dense material scattered over the cell and fine pitting; by scanning electron microscope, larger craters were seen and swellings protruded from the cell surface. Although the AET changes were not identical with the natural abnormality of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, the two types of cells were sufficiently similar to each other to support the proposition that AET cells have many of the characteristics of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria.
The effect of oxygen on the fibrinolytic enzyme systemin vivo
Authors: Cunningham G. M. , Boyd G. , Windebank J. , Moran F. , McNicol G. P.
Published: June 2007

Arterial hypoxia has been accepted as a potent stimulus to increased fibrinolytic activityin vivo.

This study has shown that significant levels of arterial hypoxaemia induced in healthy volunteers by breathing a hypoxic gas mixture have failed to induce changes in the fibrinolytic enzyme system.
Multiple immunological abnormalities in a family
Authors: Mason Alastair M. S. , Golding Peter L.
Published: June 2007

The family of a woman with multiple autoimmune diseases has been investigated. Clinical evidence of an autoimmune disorder was detected in two relatives, and five others had serological and immunoglobulin abnormalities. It is suggested that there is an inherited predisposition to develop immunological abnormalities, and that a number of associated autoimmune diseases may develop in families in which this occurs.
Some observations on complement-fixing antibodies to the EB virus
Authors: Sutton R. N. P. , Marston S. D. , Emond R. T. D.
Published: June 2007

Complement-fixing antibodies against an antigen prepared from the EB3 line of cultured Burkitt tumour cells were studied in various groups of patients and control individuals. Higher antibody titres were observed in patients with Burkitt's tumour than in African patients with other diagnoses. Significantly more medical students and nurses with a history of infectious mononucleosis possessed antibodies than those with no such history. Low levels of antibody were observed in patients during the acute phase of infectious mononucleosis and these levels were significantly lower than those in patients admitted to the same hospital with other diagnoses.

During the early months following the acute phase of illness, EB complement-fixing antibodies remained stationary or apparently declined in titre but, in patients tested one or more years later, significantly higher antibody levels were observed.
The fibrinolytic enzyme system in hepatic cirrhosis and malignant metastases
Authors: Ogston D. , Bennett N. B. , Ogston C. M.
Published: June 2007

Components of the blood fibrinolytic system were measured in 18 patients with hepatic cirrhosis, in two patients with acute hepatic necrosis, and in 10 patients with hepatic metastases. The frequency of an elevation of plasminogen activator and a reduction in plasminogen in hepatic cirrhosis has been confirmed. Patients with compensated cirrhosis had low levels of the serum inhibitor of plasminogen activation while those with severe hepatic insufficiency or coma due to cirrhosis or hepatic necrosis had elevated levels. The presence of hepatic metastases was associated with reduced plasminogen activator levels and an increase in the fibrinogen concentration.
The colon mucus antibody
Authors: Gibbs N. M. , French L. W.
Published: June 2007

One thousand one hundred and thirty sera from hospital patients under investigation for autoimmune disease were tested for colon mucus antibody and tissue antibodies. The sera with a positive mucus antibody were retested against a panel of test colons of known blood group using IgG, IgA, and IgM antihuman globulin fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate. It was found that there was a variation between the results obtained with different test colons. This was considered to be due to a system in tissues of mucus isoantigens produced by the goblet cells of the colon. Using this panel of test colons raised the percentage of mucus antibodies detected in cases of ulcerative colitis from 14 to 37%. The presence of the mucus antibody was found to be shortlived in some patients. The colon mucus antibody was also found in thyroid disease and chronic asthma and the reasons for this finding are discussed.
A one-week introductory course in clinical biochemistry and research based on renal function testing in man
Authors: Edwards K. D. G. , Curtis Elizabeth A. , Stoker Lynn M.
Published: June 2007

A one-week introductory course in clinical biochemical and research techniques was devised to provide a brief but concentrated experience for interested persons. Urinary creatinine concentrations were measured to demonstrate acceptable degrees of precision of a method (co-efficients of variation, 0·5-2·4%), and to give confidence by favourable comparison with routine laboratory results (day 2, mean 0·95 vs 0·94 mg/ml). Subjects then submitted themselves to one-day renal function testing, and subsequently measured their own urinary acid-base parameters by autotitrimetry and glomerular filtration rates by spectrophotometry. The values obtained for the latter fell within the normal range (85-124% of normal, corrected for age and surface area). Finally, statistical methods and a small desk-top computer were employed to compute linear regression equations, correlation coefficients, and t tests from the week's data. The course contained a number of features which stimulated learning, including active participation by the learner, and the use of meaningful materials to induce both desire for success and tolerance of mistakes.
The morphology of the lymph node in the macroglobulinaemia of Waldenström
Authors: Harrison C. V.
Published: June 2007

In 16 cases of Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia the following findings were sufficiently frequent to justify a provisional diagnosis: a modestly enlarged node with lymphocytic infiltration through the capsule into the adjacent connective tissue, retention of the sinus and medullary reticulin pattern, few or no peripheral follicles, sinuses marked out by pale histiocytes, scanty mitoses, numerous plasma cells, and dark staining of plasma in blood vessels. Mast cells were not more frequent than in reactive nodes, but were more frequent than in lymphomas. Periodic acid-Schiff-positive inclusions were found in every case, but were usually very scanty. Similar inclusions can rarely be found in other cases.
Preparation of unfixed undemineralized bone sections: the Bright bone cryostat
Authors: Pearse A. D. , Gardner D. L.
Published: June 2007

A bone cryostat is described with which cold sections of unfixed, undemineralized calcified tissue can be prepared.

The bone cryostat is suitable for the preparation of the sections required for the histochemical and immunofluorescent study of bone, for electron microprobe analysis, and for bone and joint autoradiography with soluble compounds.
Comparison of two triiodothyronine uptake techniques for the assessment of thyroid function
Authors: Chan Vivian , McAlister Joan , Landon J.
Published: June 2007

The present study was designed to compare the Thyopac and Triosorb triiodothyronine uptake tests. A normal range was established for the two procedures. Neither test was affected by iodine-containing drugs or contrast media but abnormal results were obtained during pregnancy and in subjects receiving oestrogens. Both tests proved satisfactory in the diagnosis of hypo- and hyperthyroidism, giving results consistent with clinical assessment and with serum protein-bound iodine determinations. The Thyopac procedure was preferred for a number of reasons. It requires less plasma; it is slightly simpler and quicker and it is not time dependent.
Bacteriocins fromNeisseria gonorrhoeaeand their possible role in epidemiological studies
Authors: Flynn J. , McEntegart M. G.
Published: June 2007

Although no consistent results can be demonstrated when freshly isolated strains ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeare tested for bacteriocin activity on chocolate blood agar, such activity can be demonstrated on GC base medium (Difco), enriched with a defined supplement. At the present time, using six indicator strains, 75% of isolates ofN. gonorrhoeaeshow characteristic patterns of inhibition. These observations are encouraging and suggest that `gonocin' typing may be possible.
Coagulase-negative strains ofStaphylococcus pyogenes
Authors: Bayston R.
Published: June 2007

The isolation of two coagulase-negative strains ofStaphylococcus pyogenesis reported, and their biochemical characteristics are given. The reliability of coagulase tests alone in the identification ofStaph. pyogenesis discussed, and the deoxyribonuclease test is recommended as a useful confirmatory test.
Immunofluorescence for routine diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Urquhart G. E. D. , Walker G. H.
Published: June 2007

A comparison of immunofluorescent tests for the diagnosis of respiratory syncytial (RS) virus infections was carried out on 42 hospitalized cases of respiratory infection in childhood. Respiratory syncytial virus was detected in 22 (52%) cases, the most sensitive method of detection being by indirect immunofluorescence of Bristol HeLa tissue cultures inoculated with nasopharyngeal aspirates. The highest detection rate was in bronchiolitis cases (92%). Detection of antibody rises in paired sera, eight days apart, confirmed RS virus infection in 13 of 16 cases, the most sensitive test being detection of a specific rise in IgG antibody by indirect immunofluorescence. A serodiagnosis was made in all 10 non-bronchiolitis cases. Recommendations are made for the application ofimmunofluorescence to routine diagnosis of RS virus infection.
A fluorescent antibody test in the diagnosis of farmer's lung
Authors: Parratt D. , Peel J. A.
Published: June 2007

A test for farmer's lung is described employing the indirect fluorescent antibody technique. The test compared very favourably with standard precipitin tests, detecting 88% of a series of positive cases, as opposed to 38% detected by a precipitin test. The fluorescent antibody test, in addition, introduced some measure of quantitation of the serological response in the disease.
Observations on a new family showing bisalbuminaemia of the slow type
Authors: Mikulska Teresa , Mikulski Paweł , Rogulski Jerzy
Published: June 2007

A new family with an electrophoretically more slowly moving albumin variant is described. The pattern of variance was studied using three different electrophoretic techniques, and compared with certain other known fast and slow variants. Features of penicillin and bromphenol blue binding by normal and variant albumins were also studied. Both normal human albumin and the albumin variant treated with penicillin broadened and moved faster. Native albumin A, prestained with bromphenol blue, binds approximately twice as much of the dye as the slow-moving variant. On the other hand, staining of denatured proteins on paper showed that both bands take up equal amounts of dye.
Changes in the normal range of thyroidal radioiodine uptake
Authors: Keeling D. H. , Williams E. S.
Published: June 2007

Three series of patients shown to be euthyroid but originally referred for thyroid uptake testsin vivohave been compared.

In 1958-59, the `normal' mean thyroid uptake was 23·5% and 38·2% respectively at four and 24 hours. By 1967, the mean uptakes had dropped to 20·4% and 31·6%—a significant change at both times. By 1972 there was, however, no sign of a further reduction of the mean normal values for thyroid uptake.

These results are compared with changes observed in other series in the USA and elsewhere.
Some factors influencing the effect of cholesterol on streptolysin O activity
Authors: Watson K. C. , Rose T. P. , Kerr E. J. C.
Published: June 2007

Inhibition of streptolysin O activity by cholesterol depends on the latter being in free form. The normal esterified and protein-bound cholesterol fractions in serum do not influence streptolysin O activity. However, high cholesterol levels in rabbits fed cholesterol with cholic acid were associated with an increased antistreptolysin O effect. It is suggested that this occurs when all available protein sites are saturated and where a true `free' cholesterol fraction is present.

Splitting the esterified cholesterol fraction of human sera with raised cholesterol levels, by means of pancreatin, produced an increased antistreptolysin O effect, again presumably because of saturation of protein-binding sites. Similarly, removal of non-esterified cholesterol from sera of cholesterolfed rabbits, by means of digitonin, reduced antistreptolysin O activity of the sera.

Evidence is presented that combination of bovine serum albumin and streptolysin O has a steric hindrance effect on attachment of cholesterol to streptolysin O.

The method described for the estimation of free cholesterol is extremely sensitive, being capable of detecting concentrations of less than 1·0 μg/ml.
The role of creatinine and histidine in Benedict's qualitative test for reducing sugar in urine
Authors: Sur B. K. , Shukla R. K. , Agashe V. S.
Published: June 2007

The statement made in some standard textbooks that Benedict's qualitative test gives a green, yellow, or orange-red precipitate with pure solutions of glucose of varying strength has been shown to be incorrect. Pure solutions of glucose give only a bright red precipitate at all concentrations. These changes in the colour of the suspensions are observed with urinary glucose only.

The difference in the action of glucose in water and in urine has been shown to be mostly due to creatinine and to a small extent to the histidine content of urine. The colour of the precipitate depends not only on the concentration of glucose but also on that of creatinine. An increase in concentration of creatinine tends to make the precipitate more yellow. Histidine has a similar though much smaller effect. Attention has been drawn to possible errors in the semi-quantitative assay of urinary glucose by Benedict's test arising out of variation in concentration of creatinine and histidine.
Rapid analysis of pregnanediol in pregnancy urine
Authors: Cooper W. , Coyle M. G. , Smith V. K.
Published: June 2007

A simple, inexpensive, and rapid method for the determination of pregnanediol in pregnancy urine by gas liquid chromatography is described. Automatic injection of the samples into the gas chromatograph allows up to 36 samples to be run overnight thus saving valuable technical time.

The method described can easily be adopted for use in a routine steroid laboratory. The results obtained by this method have been compared with values obtained by the method of Klopper, Michie, and Brown (1955).