Showing papers in "Journal of Clinical Pathology in 1978"
TL;DR: In this review outlines are given on various types of enzyme immunoassay that have high sensitivity and will be suitable in due course as routine laboratory tests.
Abstract: In this review outlines are given on various types of enzyme immunoassay. The applications to such enzyme immunoassays, especially ELISA, are dealth with in detail. It is concluded that these techniques have high sensitivity and will be suitable in due course as routine laboratory tests.
748 citations
TL;DR: This memorandum provides guidelines on the definition, nomenclature, and classification of cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and hepatic fibrosis according to morphological characteristics and aetiology to serve as a standard for diagnostic, research, and epidemiological purposes.
Abstract: This memorandum provides guidelines on the definition, nomenclature, and classification of cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and hepatic fibrosis. These are considered according to morphological characteristics and aetiology. It is hoped that this system will serve as a standard for diagnostic, research, and epidemiological purposes. The relationship of cirrhosis to liver cell carcinoma is briefly discussed and the possible morphological markers of an increased risk of malignancy are defined.
403 citations
TL;DR: It was found that the unlabelled antibody immunohistological procedure can be shortened without loss of sensitivity by carrying out two of the incubation steps simultaneously, and the total duration of this double immunostaining procedure is only a few minutes longer than that required for detection of a single antigen.
Abstract: The use of alkaline phosphatase in an immunoenzymatic procedure for the localisation of antigens in paraffin sections or cell smears is described. The results of this method, when applied to the detection of immunoglobulins, lysozyme, or lactoferrin, were comparable in intensity and clarity to those obtained with the PAP immunoperoxidase procedure. Furthermore, double immunoenzymatic labelling (with alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase) of two cellular constituents in a tissue section is possible, the brown peroxidase reaction product contrasting well with the blue alkaline phosphatase product. Since the two antibody 'sandwiches' are applied simultaneously rather than sequentially the total duration of this double immunostaining procedure is only a few minutes longer than that required for detection of a single antigen. It was also found that the unlabelled antibody immunohistological procedure (whether used in conjunction with alkaline phosphatase or peroxidase) can be shortened without loss of sensitivity by carrying out two of the incubation steps simultaneously.
394 citations
TL;DR: Case of colitis indeterminate form a small distinctive group in the spectrum of inflammatory bowel disease which is characterised by a common pattern of pathology that presents a diagnostic dilemma.
Abstract: It is stated that 10-20% of cases of non-specific inflammatory bowel disease cannot be classified. Thirty such cases, designated colitis indeterminate at the time of colectomy, were identified from the pathology files of St. Mark's Hospital. The Histopathological features of the surgical specimens and any available biopsy specimens were studied. In nearly all the cases urgent surgery had been required and the features of incipient or established fulminating disease were present. The pathology of these cases of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis overlapped, and differentiating features were scant or unreliable. Accepted criteria of Crohn's disease--namely, fissuring ulceration, transmural inflammation, and a maintained goblet-cell population--were found in cases subsequently proved to be ulcerative colitis. Disease activity greatly affected the evaluation of morphological features. Many of the difficulties were resolved when biopsy material obtained during a quiescent phase was examined. The specimens gave a dynamic perspective of the disease process, often more valuable than the static, non-specific picture of acute disease seen in the surgical specimens. Case of colitis indeterminate form a small distinctive group in the spectrum of inflammatory bowel disease which is characterised by a common pattern of pathology that presents a diagnostic dilemma.
369 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that the administration of high-dose steroids in transplantation may permit active infection with human polyomavirus to occur in ureteric epithelium which has been damaged by ischaemia or inflammation.
Abstract: Human polyomavirus (BK) was detected in two renal allograft recipients as a result of routine examination of Papanicolaou-stained smears of urinary sediment in the light microscope. Infection with this recently identified virus was confirmed by virus isolation and electron microscopy. The cytological, histological, and ultrastructural changes due to the virus are described, and virus excretion is correlated with the clinical progress of the patients and the pathological findings. The transplant ureters in both patients were found to be ulcerated and stenosed, and virus-infected cells were observed in the ureteric epithelium. We suggest that the administration of high-dose steroids in transplantation may permit active infection with human polyomavirus to occur in ureteric epithelium which has been damaged by ischaemia or inflammation.
207 citations
TL;DR: The two antiseptic detergents showed variable results, but against Gram-negative bacilli neither was significantly more effective than plain soap, and 70% alcohol was the most effective preparation.
Abstract: A standardised test procedure is described in which finger-tips are inoculated with broth cultures of organisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphyloccocus saprophyticus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa): counts are made from washings of hands after disinfection with various antiseptic-detergents, alcoholic solutions, or unmedicated soap. 70% alcohol, with or without chlorhexidine, was the most effective preparation. The two antiseptic detergents showed variable results, but against Gram-negative bacilli neither was significantly more effective than plain soap. Some tests were also made on the death rate of organisms dried on the skin without disinfection.
206 citations
199 citations
TL;DR: An immunoperoxidase staining technique was used for detecting three major iron-binding proteins (transferrin, ferritin, and lactoferrin) in routine histological paraffin sections of human tissue, potentially valuable for investigating abnormal iron states.
Abstract: An immunoperoxidase staining technique was used for detecting three major iron-binding proteins (transferrin, ferritin, and lactoferrin) in routine histological paraffin sections of human tissue. Transferrin was found mainly in hepatocytes, a variety of epithelial and myoepithelial cells, renal tubular cells, and histiocytes. Ferritin was most readily found in histiocytes and liver cells, with weaker reactions seen in epithelial cells. Lactoferrin was found in lactating breast tissue, bronchial glands, polymorphs, and gastric and duodenal epithelial cells. The technique is potentially valuable for investigating abnormal iron states.
196 citations
TL;DR: In this article, 60 faecal samples, 39 from adults and 21 from infants, were investigated by means of a simple scheme to isolate and identify any group D streptococci present.
Abstract: Sixty faecal samples, 39 from adults and 21 from neonates, were investigated by means of a simple scheme to isolate and identify any group D streptococci present. A number of differences were found between the two groups. Group D streptococci were absent from 43% of the neonates compared with only 13% of the adults; Streptococcus bovis was commoner in the neonates (23.8%) than in the adults (5%), and Streptococcus faecium was not isolated from any of the infant samples although it was common in the adult samples (25%). The viable counts of Strep. faecium were found to be, on average, 100-fold lower than those of Streptococcus faecalis. The methods and results are discussed with reference to the clinical significance of group D streptococci, especially in bacterial endocarditis and carcinoma of the colon.
193 citations
TL;DR: The synoptic overview of Professor Spencer and his lucid style are strengths of the book, which make it particularly suitable for those preparing for examinations, and as a bench reference book for the diagnostic pathologist.
Abstract: graphs. There is much new material, notably on Gram-negative and viral pneumonias and on the pulmonary vasculitides. The section on less frequent pulmonary tumours and tumour-like conditions is particularly useful. Excellent gross and microphotographs are an important feature, but although the ultrastructure of the normal lung is well illustrated, relatively few electron micrographs appear in relation to particular lesions. The synoptic overview of Professor Spencer and his lucid style are strengths of the book, which make it particularly suitable for those preparing for examinations, and as a bench reference book for the diagnostic pathologist. As in other single-author reference texts that have successfnlly run to several editions, there are a few areas, for example, 'shock lung', where the text is more superficial. Nevertheless this book remains overall the 'best buy' for a pulmonary textbook in a diagnostic laboratory. The production is up to the normal, high standard of Pergamon Press but the book is now in a two-volume format. This makes for easy handling, but only volume 2 is indexed, and this is a minor irritation, which the publishers might have avoided in view of the relatively high price, and which they should correct if there are to be reprintings. G. SLAVIN
178 citations
TL;DR: The results of histological and immunohistochemical examination of gastric and duodenal biopsy specimens from 50 volunteers without a clinical history of gastrointestinal disease are reported, finding considerable variation in the appearance of the surface epithelium of the duodenum within as well as among individual subjects.
Abstract: The results of histological and immunohistochemical examination of gastric and duodenal biopsy specimens from 50 volunteers without a clinical history of gastrointestinal disease are reported. Multiple specimens of tissue from standard sites in the stomach and duodenum were carefully orientated, and serially sectioned for examination by light microscopy and for immunohistochemical characterisation of plasma cells within the lamina propria. The antrum and fundus were normal in 32 of the 50 subjects but the other 18 showed histopathological evidence of gastritis in either the antrum or fundus. The latter appeared to be age-related. There was considerable variation in the appearance of the surface epithelium of the duodenum within as well as among individual subjects. Superficial gastric metaplasia in one or more biopsy specimens from the duodenal bulb was found in 64% of individuals. Histopathological examination of the duodenum revealed signs of chronic inflammation in 12% of the subjects. In two individuals there was active inflammation but in only one of these was the diagnosis made on endoscopic appearances. Histological criteria important for the diagnosis of duodenitis are discussed. The number of plasma cells in different biopsy specimens from subjects not showing histological signs of inflammation was variable. The ratio IgA:IgG:IgM producing plasma cells was remarkably constant from subject to subject as well as from specimen to specimen.
TL;DR: Trypsin and other proteolytic enzymes were used to 'unmask' the antigen in paraffin sections and formaldehyde-sucrose solution proved more suitable for fixing tissues for immunohistochemistry than glutaraldehyde.
Abstract: A fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) technique and one based on peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) were used to study the distribution of immunoglobulin (Ig) in cryostat and paraffin sections of human tonsil. Trypsin and other proteolytic enzymes were used to 'unmask' the antigen in paraffin sections. The effects of processing, and particularly of fixation, on the immunohistochemical response of tissues were studied. The FITC and PAP methods detected Ig in paraffin and cryostat sections equally well. The distribution of the antigen was the same with both methods but the PAP method was the more informative. Formaldehyde-sucrose solution proved more suitable for fixing tissues for immunohistochemistry than glutaraldehyde. Trypsin revealed antigen in parraffin sections more efficiently than pepsin, papain, or pronase. Surface Ig (s-Ig) could be demonstrated in trypsinised paraffin sections but less effectively than in cryostat sections. Trypsinised paraffin sections were, however, more suitable for intracellular Ig (c-Ig) than cryostat sections although the performance of cryostat sections could be improved by prior fixation with a coagulative fixative.
TL;DR: The interference of IgM-class rheumatoid factor in the solid-phase radioimmunoassay of rubella virus IgM antibodies was studied and did show a positive correlation to both RF levels and rubella IgG titres.
Abstract: The interference of IgM-class rheumatoid factor (RF) in the solid-phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) of rubella virus IgM antibodies was studied. Acute rubella infections did not significantly activate RF. False-positive rubella antibody results were obtained, however, when patients with raised RF levels were tested. If a low rubella IgG antibody titre was present, a high level of RF was required to cause a false-positive IgM result; conversely, in sera with high IgG titres, only a low level of RF was required for interference. Although the false-positive IgM titres obtained were generally low, thet did show a positive correlation to both RF levels and rubella IgG titres. False-positive results were successfully avoided by removing the RF by absorption with heat-aggregated human gamma globulin. The absorption procedure did not affect true rubella IgM antibody titres.
TL;DR: No significant difference was observed in the phagocytic and killing functions of a single donor's PMNs and MNs when studied several times in one day and longitudinally over a period of 1-12 weeks for six donors tested.
Abstract: The phagocytosis and killing of 3H-thymidine-labelled Staphylococcus aureus by polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) and monocytes (MNs) obtained from 50 health donors were evaluated. In addition, extracellular factors that might influence phagocytosis and killing were studied. The method described gave highly reproducible results. No significant difference was observed in the phagocytic and killing functions of a single donor9s PMNs and MNs when studied several times in one day and longitudinally over a period of 1-12 weeks for six donors tested. Likewise, no signigicant difference in uptake and killing was observed when bacteria were opsonised with sera from 11 different normal donors. When Staph. aureus opsonised with normal serum was added to the leucocytes in a ratio of 10 bacteria: 1 leucocyte, the uptake by PMNs and MNs from 50 donors after 20 minutes9 incubation was 85% +/- 7 standard deviation (SD) (range 75-98%) and 69% +/- 11 SD (range 54-90%), respectively. The rate of uptake by MNs in the first three minutes of the assay period was only 60% of that by PMNs.
TL;DR: Tumours and tumours with a dense fibrous stroma, constituting 6% of the cases in the present series, cannot be diagnosed by the imprint method and to increase diagnostic accuracy the combined use of imprints and frozen sections is recommended.
Abstract: Imprints prepared from fresh surgical specimens give excellent cytological clarity. Used intraoperatively, the imprint method can provide valuable information when frozen-section interpretation is equivocal. However, cytologically well-differentiated tumours and tumours with a dense fibrous stroma, constituting 6% of the cases in the present series, cannot be diagnosed by this method. To increase diagnostic accuracy we recommend the combined use of imprints and frozen sections. The imprint technique requires little additional work and does not delay the frozen-section procedure.
TL;DR: Staining of liver sections can be useful in detecting elevation of liver copper in PBC, but not in Wilson's disease, where the absolute concentration must be measured.
Abstract: Liver copper concentrations in percutaneous biopsy specimens were measured by neutron activation analysis and compared with histological staining for copper by rubeanic acid and rhodanine, and with copper-associated protein stained by orcein. Liver copper concentrations were elevated in 31 of 35 biopsies from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and discrimination between normal and elevated liver copper was correct in 32 of the 35 biopsies by staining with rubeanic acid, and 31 of the 35 by staining with rhodanine. Orcein staining of copper-associated protein was positive in 33 of the 35 biopsies. All 17 biopsy specimens from patients with Wilson's disease had high liver copper concentrations, but only nine had positive staining for copper, and six were orcein positive. Similarly, histological stains gave little indication of the liver copper concentrations in tissue from 16 patients with chronic active hepatitis. Staining of liver sections can be useful in detecting elevation of liver copper in PBC, but not in Wilson's disease, where the absolute concentration must be measured. Excess copper appears to accumulate in the liver in different chemical forms in PBC and Wilson's disease.
TL;DR: There was a correlation between kitchen, food, faecal, and clinical serotypes of klebsiellae over a four-week period and patients often acquired a food strain that had been ingested by another patient on the same ward.
Abstract: Food prepared for intensive care patients was frequently contaminated with Klebsiella species. Sixty-eight per cent of nasogastric feeds were contaminated with up to 10(4) klebsiellae per ml. Hospital kitchens were the source of contamination. Three patients ingested klebsiellae and subsequently excreted the same serotype in their faeces. Over a four-week period there was a correlation between kitchen, food, faecal, and clinical serotypes of klebsiellae. Serotypes ingested by intensive care patients occurred more frequently in clinical isolates from intensive care patients than from other hospital patients. Patients often acquired a food strain that had been ingested by another patient on the same ward.
TL;DR: When a detergent-disinfectant method (washing with Hibiscrub and water) was used, there was a significantly greater effect against rubbed-on than against dried-on bacteria; soap and water was slightly more effective than HibiscRub and water against the latter.
Abstract: A suspension of Staphylococcus aureus deposited on the skin was much more effectively removed by soap-and-water washing when it had been spread and allowed to dry (mean survival 2%) than when it had been rubbed on to the skin (mean survival 29.9%); when antiseptics (70% ethyl alcohol, Hibiscrub without added water) were used, there was no difference between their action against bacteria dried on and bacteria rubbed on to the skin; both of these methods, and especially alcohol, were more effective than soap and water. When a detergent-disinfectant method (washing with Hibiscrub and water) was used, there was a significantly greater effect against rubbed-on than against dried-on bacteria; soap and water was slightly more effective than Hibiscrub and water against the latter. The need to reappraise methods of reducing transient skin flora in 'hygienic' hand cleansing and the tests used for this purpose are discussed.
TL;DR: Sometimes a more diffuse or disseminated intravascular coagulation is encountered, which affects predominantly the microcirculation and causes deposition of derivatives of fibrinogen in arterioles, capillaries, and venules.
Abstract: Widely differing diseases offering no obvious threat to haemostasis are occasionally associated with inappropriate activation of the coagulation mechanism. When such a reaction is focal and involves a large vessel thrombosis ensues. Sometimes a more diffuse or disseminated intravascular coagulation is encountered. This affects predominantly the microcirculation and causes deposition of derivatives of fibrinogen in arterioles, capillaries, and venules. Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a secondary phenomenon, an intermediary mechanism of disease (McKay, 1965), complicating a variety of primary disorders (Table 1).
TL;DR: The results suggest that replacing some of the tests in the present API 20E kit might further improve its diagnostic performance, and the most advanced identification scheme so far developed allowed 88% of the 206 strains to be correctly identified, although 2% were incorrectly identified.
Abstract: Since the introduction of the API 20E kit a number of identification schemes have been developed by the manufacturer for use with the kit. We evaluated the success of these various schemes in identifying 206 strains belonging to 34 taxa of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Many of the strains were atypical and only 94% could be identified by our own system of 50 conventional tests and a computer program. The most advanced identification scheme so far developed for the API 20E kit (the Analytical Profile Index and complementary Computer Service) allowed 88% of the 206 strains to be correctly identified, although 2% were incorrectly identified. The tests in the API 20E kit and 52 conventional tests were separately evaluated for their ability to discriminate between the 34 taxa considered in this study. Our results suggest that replacing some of the tests in the present API 20E kit might further improve its diagnostic performance.
TL;DR: The normal range is defined and the incidence and distribution of the high MCV in routine hospital practice is determined and the underlying cause is established.
Abstract: With the advent of electronic particle counters of the Coulter S type the mean cell volume (MCV) has become an integral and useful feature of the red cell profile Abnormally high values, often of minor degree, are particularly common but their precise clinical significance may be difficult to establish This study defines the normal range and determines the incidence and distribution of the high MCV in routine hospital practice Two hundred consecutive adult patients with an MCV of 100 fl or more were identified from the Coulter S analysis of 6542 blood samples and the underlying cause was established in 80% Some of the clinical and economic implications of these findings are presented and briefly discussed
TL;DR: The place of myocardial biopsy is still being debated, and the editors conclude that although the procedure may be useful for prognosis its main value is in research, and its general application is not justified.
Abstract: Althoughcardiomyopathy is no longeran uncommon diagnosis the definition as heart muscle disease of unknown etiology still applies. This book, which appears to be based on a symposium, aims to present an up-to-date account of recent developments in this field. Most contributions relate to the primary forms; there are also papers on hypertrophy of other causes, experimental cardiomyopathy, tefhnical aspects and problems of myocardial biopsy techniques together with a large section on angiography and non-invasive diagnostic procedures. All but three of the 46 contributors are from Germany, and the editors are to be congratulated on the fact that this is in no way apparent in their texts. The papers are mainly short, clearly written, and well illustrated. The place of myocardial biopsy is still being debated, and the editors conclude that although the procedure may be useful for prognosis its main value is in research, and its general application is not justified. The book probably offers little of immediate relevance to most readers of this journal since the pathological emphasis is predictably on ultrastructure. However, those working in centres where myocardial biopsies are performed or under consideration will undoubtedly find it of interest. ARIELA POMERANCE
TL;DR: Six patients in the neurosurgical ward of Fukushima Medical College Hospital suffering from ventriculitis due to Achromobacter xylosoxidans infection had undergone craniotomy or cranial trepanation before the infection.
Abstract: Six patients in the neurosurgical ward of Fukushima Medical College Hospital suffering from ventriculitis due to Achromobacter xylosoxidans infection had undergone craniotomy or cranial trepanation before the infection. The strains of A. xylosoxidans isolated from the patients were resistant to streptomycin, ampicillin, cephaloridine, gentamicin, and colistin. They were also resistant to chlorhexidine digluconate (Hibitane) in a concentration of 2%. When a study of the chlorhexidine used in the hospital was carried out four strains of A. xylosoxidans were isolated from 20 containers of chlorhexidine solution in the surgical ward but not from those in the operating theatre.
TL;DR: Testing for the presence of specific bacterial antigens by latex agglutination, counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE), and protein A co-agglutination proved to be equally sensitive, but the first method was easier to adopt in practice.
Abstract: Specimens of cerebrospinal fluid from 201 patients with meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis groups A/B/C/135, Streptococcus pneumoniae (23 types), and Haemophilus influenzae type b were tested for the presence of specific bacterial antigens by latex agglutination, counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE), and protein A co-agglutination. Specific antigens were found in 75% of the specimens by latex agglutination and CIE, and in 60% of the specimens by protein A co-agglutination. Non-specific reactions in protein A co-agglutination were prevented by heating the specimens to 100 degrees C for a few minutes. The three methods are simple and quick to perform. The smallest amount of antiserum was used in protein A co-agglutination, but we found this method less sensitive. Latex agglutination and CIE proved to be equally sensitive, but the first method was easier to adopt in practice.
TL;DR: In 1969, Said and Mutt reported the extraction from secretion, increased flow of alkaline pancreatic normal lung tissue of a peptide which was capable juice and small intestinal juice with increased cyclic of causing gradual but prolonged peripheral AMP content, leading them to search for markedly with the actions of the other three peptides.
Abstract: In 1969, Said and Mutt reported the extraction from secretion, increased flow of alkaline pancreatic normal lung tissue of a peptide which was capable juice and small intestinal juice with increased cyclic of causing gradual but prolonged peripheral AMP content (Makhlouf and Said, 1975), overlap vasodilation. This finding led them to search for markedly with the actions of the other three peptides. similar vasoactive substances in extracts of other Thus VIP was included as a member of the secretin metabolically active organs and, in 1970, they family ofhormonal peptides and, in 1974, it appeared described the isolation of a potent peripheral and in a list of 'candidate hormones of the gut' compiled splanchnic vasodilatory peptide from hog small by Grossman et al. (1974). intestine, which they named Vasoactive Intestinal In the eight or so years since its discovery, a great Peptide (VIP) (Said and Mutt, 1970 a, b). Subsequent deal of information has been amassed about VIP. purification of VIP allowed determination of its With the development of highly sensitive and specific amino-acid sequence, which showed it to be a radioimmunoassays for VIP, it has been possible to straight chain of 28 amino-acid residues with basic study its distribution in the body and its mode of properties because of a predominance of arginine release. However, with this growth in knowledge and lysine residues (Said and Mutt, 1972). Comparicontroversy developed as to whether VIP fulfilled son of the amino-acid sequence of VIP with those of the classical criteria for a hormone or whether it the classical hormones secretin and pancreatic acted locally as a paracrine substance or even as a glucagon showed a considerable degree of homology neurotransmitter or neuromodulatory substance. (Fig. 1). Thus, these three peptides, together with the This has now been resolved in favour of the latter, more recently discovered glucose-dependent insulin as discussed below. releasing polypeptide (GIP), were thought to be Perhaps one of the first indications that VIP related and it was suggested that they were perhaps might not be a hormone was obtained -from its derived from a common ancestral peptide. Further distribution in the gut. Unlike the other members of weight was added to these suggestions by the fact the secretin family, which are located in discrete that the many biological effects of VIP, which regions of the upper small intestine (secretin) and include systemic vasodilation, glycogenolysis (Kerins pancreas (glucagon), VIP appeared to have a much and Said, 1973), lipolysis (Frandsen and Moody, wider distribution. High concentrations of VIP were' 1973), inhibition of gastric acid production found throughout the length of the gut from the (Makhlouf and Said, 1975), stimulation of oesophagus to the rectum, including the pancreas myocardial contractility (Said et al., 1972), insulin (Bloom et al., 1975; Said, 1975) (Fig. 2). A similar *Serum is [unsuitable for VIP estimations as the level falls distribution of VIP-producing endocrine cells was during the time taken for the clot to form and retract. also observed by some authors (Polak et al., 1974; Plasma should be frozen immediately after collection-Ed. Buffa et al., 1977) (Fig. 2). Others, however, (Larsson
TL;DR: This book forces us to conceive how the haemopoietic system functions, how successive stages of proliferation and differentiation are controlled, and how break-downs may occur, and is a valuable and thought-provoking book.
Abstract: The main title 'Hemopoietic Dysplasias' was the consensus term finally agreed by the participants to a conference on 'Preleukaemic States', which is the subtitle. Although the conference was held in 1975 and the proceedings have been published as Volume 2 Nos. 1-2 of Blood Cells, it is nevertheless helpful to have this reedition because the subjezt is one of great theoretical importance. To contemplate the pathology of sideroblastic anaemia, marrow hypoplasia, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, indeed all those conditions which may prezede overt leukaemia, forces us to conceive how the haemopoietic system functions, how successive stages of proliferation and differentiation are controlled, and how break-downs may occur. The speakers deal expertly with the subject from many aspects-clinical, morphological, experimental, theoretical, and so forth-and their discussions are illuminating. If there is one criticism it is the absence of a cytogeneticist since the chromosomal data receive adequate attention only in the section on radiation leukaemogenesis. The distinction between polyclonal and monoclonal proliferations might have been made and the evidence for progression more clearly demonstrated. There are also errors in the editing: on page 349, for example, there is a reference to 'myeloid dysphasia' and it is almost appropriate! But, all in all, for haematologists and oncologists this is a valuable and thought-provoking book.
TL;DR: Examination of both 'cold' and 'warm' type antibodies demonstrated that the results obtained by the DTT reagent are in close agreement with those obtained by 2-mercaptoethanol reagents and DEAE Sephadex treatment.
Abstract: A newly introduced sulphydryl compound, dithiothreitol (DTT), is evaluated for its optimal conditions of inactivation of IgM antibodies. The maximal effects of DTT reagent are observed when its final concentrations are between 0.0025 M and 0.005 M, pH between 7.0 and 8.0, and incubation at 37 degrees C. Concentrations over 0.01 M, pH values greater than 8.0, and an incubation temperature over 40 degrees C resulted in a gel formation of the specimen. Examination of both 'cold' and 'warm' type antibodies demonstrated that the results obtained by the DTT reagent are in close agreement with those obtained by 2-mercaptoethanol reagents and DEAE Sephadex treatment. Since the procedure is simple and rapid and lacks offensive odour, DTT is recommended for routine use in blood banking for the inactivation of IgM antibodies.
TL;DR: Results comparing the time needed for the development of cytopathic effects in cell cultures with that needed to cause death in mice using inocula of Naegleria and Acanthamoeba are presented.
Abstract: Results comparing the time needed for the development of cytopathic effects in cell cultures with that needed to cause death in mice using inocula of Naegleria and Acanthamoeba are presented. The significance of the source and concentration of the inocula is demonstrated. The use of cell cultures as an indicator of the pathogenicity of free-living amoebae is discussed.
TL;DR: In a small astrovirus-associated outbreak of gastroenteritis in a ward of a local children's hospital two out of five children with symptoms excreted astrov virus particles, and rising antibody titres to theAstrovirus particles were demonstrated in one child, and IgM was also demonstrated in this patient's serum.
Abstract: In a small astrovirus-associated outbreak of gastroenteritis in a ward of a local children's hospital two out of five children with symptoms excreted astrovirus particles. No astrovirus particles were found in faeces from the remaining asymptomatic child, and no other viral or bacterial pathogens were found in any of the children. Virus excretion persisted for only a few days. Rising antibody titres to the astrovirus particles were demonstrated in one child, and IgM was also demonstrated in this patient's serum.
TL;DR: This book contains a very detailed de-ption of the investigations of the haenmoglobinopathies, in which the authors are acknowledged authorities and have themselves developed many of the techniques used.
Abstract: This book contains a very detailed de-ption of the investigations of the haenmoglobinopathies, in which the authors are acknowledged authorities and have themselves developed many of the techniques used. There is no doubt that thisis a valuable reference book for those doing work in the field. The general haematologist will find it useful for the appraisal of techniques, which would be appropriate in his laboratory. I am sure that many who see patients with these diseases commonly will wish to have the book on the shelf while others will find it useful to look at a library copy occasionally. Unfortunately, most of us will be forced into the latter category by the price: SFr. 140 (£35).