Hypokalaemic hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis and vesical stone complicating appendicovesical fistulae

Two patients with appendicovesical fistulae are described. Both presented with gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms. Biochemical examination showed hypokalaemic hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis; radiographic investigations showed a vesical stone and a communication between the bladder and the bowel. The findings at operation suggested that the fistulae may have arisen as complications of previous appendicitis. The diagnosis of appendicovesical fistulae may be difficult but should be considered in the presence of hypokalaemic hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis and vesical stones.

Improved detection of coliforms and Escherichia coli in foods by a membrane filter method

Analytical procedures based on filtration of homogenates through membrane filters, and particularly hydrophobic grid-membrane filters (HGMF), offer definite improvements in the enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliforms in foods. Whereas the counted specimen in pour plates may not usually be greater than 0.1 g, up to 1.0 g of ground beef, green beans, potato, cod, strawberries, or grapes could be filtered and counted on HGMF. Greatly improved limit of detection, reduced interference by noncoliforms, and complete removal of growth inhibitors such as polyphenols were demonstrated for HGMF, using violet red bile and mFC agars. In addition, counting on HGMF eliminated a false-positive reaction caused by sucrose in ice cream.

Molecular properties of rat intestinal alkaline phosphatase

Rat intestinal alkaline phosphatase is an heterogeneous glycoprotein that contains three protein sub-forms separable by electrophoresis. The molecular weight for the glycoprotein (i.e. the average for the three sub-forms) is 157 000-160 000. Three protein sub-forms are detectable on sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis that migrate at rates corresponding with molecular weights of 64 000, 79 000 and 92 000. Treatment of native alkaline phosphatase with 6 M guanidine - HC1 or buffer at pH 3.0 results in a product with a molecular weight of 78 000 and 70 000, respectively. Thus it is concluded that each of the three sub-forms is a dimer of identical or closely similar subunits. Limited proteolysis results in the production of new enzymically active sub-forms separable by electrophoresis. Using a bacterial protease it is possible to convert intestinal alkaline phosphatase into a form with a molecular weight of 132 000 without causing any significant change in kinetic properties. Electrophoresis of this new form on sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel suggests that it is composed of 66 000-dalton subunits. The native enzyme contains at least 20% by weight of carbohydrate that probably contributes to microheterogeneity of a second degree superimposed on that stemming from the presence of three protein sub-forms. Treatment with various glycosidases has no effect on electrophoretic behaviour, however. It is suggested that the three sub-forms possibly represent different stages of a maturation process that operates by limited proteolysis of a single parent protein.