School of Medicine

Permanent URI for this community

https://hdl.handle.net/2440/296

Comprising the disciplines of Anaesthesia & Intensive Care, Medicine, Orthopaedics and Trauma, Opthalmology & Visual Sciences, Psychiatry and Surgery

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 19106

Metadata only
Management of severe craniofacial deformity
(Australian Paediatric Association, 1980) David, D.J.
The concepts of craniofacial surgery and its place in our society are discussed, with a historical survey detailing the development of the techniques used. The range of conditions seen in the South Australian Craniofacial Unit and the results and complications of surgery are presented. Discussion includes the types of patients considered for craniofacial surgery, the optimal age for operation, the limitations of surgery, and the benefits of a team approach to the patient. Problems associated with the formation and operation of a regional craniofacial service in Australasia are presented.
Metadata only
The regulatory roles of liver and kidney in cobalamin (vitamin-B₁₂) metabolism in the rat: the uptake and intracellular binding of cobalamin and the activity of the cobalamin-dependent enzymes in response to varying cobalamin supply
(Portland Press, 1984) Scott, J.S.D.; Treston, A.M.; Bowman, E.P.W.; Owens, J.A.; Cooksley, W.G.E.
To examine possible regulatory roles of liver and kidney in cobalamin metabolism, specific activities of the two cobalamin-dependent enzymes, uptake in vivo of cyano [57Co]cobalamin [( 57Co]CNCbl) and the binding of [57Co]Cbl to intracellular proteins were measured in normal, cobalamin-loaded and cobalamin-deficient rats. Cobalamin deficiency and cobalamin loading produced greater changes in cobalamin concentration in the kidney than in the liver. Although cobalamin deficiency resulted in a decrease in total methylmalonyl-coenzyme A mutase (methylmalonyl-CoA mutase) in both organs, cobalamin loading had no effect. Neither deficiency nor loading altered total methyltransferase activity. The holoenzyme activities of both enzymes correlated with changes in tissue cobalamin levels. Uptake of [57Co]Cbl indicated that the kidney, in contrast to the liver, increased its uptake during loading and reduced it during deficiency, suggesting a possible regulatory role for this organ. In the normal rat, 24 h after injection of [57Co]CNCbl, 0.3% of the administered [57Co]Cbl was present in the liver as free cobalamin. By contrast, in the kidney, over 13% of the [57Co]Cbl was present in the free form. During deficiency free renal [57Co]Cbl was reduced to 0.6% of the administered [57Co]Cbl whereas in cobalamin-loaded rats it was increased to more than 27%. It is concluded that alterations in tissue cobalamin levels resulting from differences in cobalamin supply are due to changes in the large pool of free cobalamin present in the kidney and not to changes in the intracellular binding.
Metadata only
Mycoplasma pneumoniae: acute illness, antibiotics, and subsequent pulmonary function
(BMJ Publishing, 1984) Sabato, A.R.; Martin, A.J.; Marmion, B.P.; Kok, T.W.; Cooper, D.M.
One hundred and eight children presenting with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection were assessed during the acute illness and followed for three years. The incidence of wheezing with the acute infection (40%) was greater than expected in a normal childhood population. The initial illness precipitated wheezing for the first time in some subjects but others wheezed only with the acute illness. In non-asthmatic subjects significant bronchodilator responsiveness was present one month after infection. Children given erythromycin during the first seven days of their illness had a significantly shorter fever duration compared with those treated inappropriately. No significant effects of treatment were noted on pulmonary function three years later but non-asthmatic children had abnormal mean forced expiratory volume in one second and forced expiratory flow after 50% of the expired vital capacity compared with 64 healthy controls. These findings indicate impaired function three years after initial infection.
Metadata only
High-performance liquid-chromatographic determination of plasma lactate specific radioactivity
(Elsevier, 1984) Owens, J.A.; Robinson, J.S.
Abstract not available
Metadata only
The retention of cobalamin by the liver in the cobalamin-deficient rat
(Portland Press, 1985) Owens, J.A.; Scott, J.S.D.; Cooksley, W.G.E.
The effect of cobalamin deficiency on whole body cobalamin content and its turnover was examined in the rat. Quantitative and qualitative changes in hepatic cobalamin were also followed and the effect of deficiency on the turnover of this cobalamin was determined in the isolated perfused liver. As cobalamin deficiency developed after total gastrectomy, whole body cobalamin content declined at a constant rate, indicating no attempt to conserve total body cobalamin stores even when depleted (5% of normal). In contrast, the cobalamin concentration of liver declined more slowly, indicating conservation of hepatic cobalamin. Furthermore, the methylcobalamin (MeCbl) content of liver was maintained or even increased. Measurement of the rate of release of cobalamin by the isolated perfused liver at varying times after gastrectomy showed that as depletion of whole body and hepatic cobalamin stores proceeded, the rates of release of hepatic cobalamin into plasma and bile decreased. Regression analysis showed that the fractional rates of release of hepatic cobalamin into plasma (r = 0.9, P less than 0.001, n = 15) and bile (r = 0.65, P less than 0.01, n = 15) were significantly correlated with hepatic cobalamin content. It is concluded that conservation of hepatic cobalamin in deficiency is achieved, at least in part, by a specific decrease in the rate of release of hepatic cobalamin.
Metadata only
Isolation and quantitation of carbohydrates in sheep plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography
(Elsevier, 1985) OWENS, J.A.; ROBINSON, J.S.
Abstract not available
Metadata only
Effect of restriction of placental growth on the concentrations of insulin, glucose and placental-lactogen in the plasma of sheep
(BioScientifica, 1985) Falconer, J.; Owens, J.A.; Allotta, E.; Robinson, J.S.
The effect of restricting placental growth on maternal glucose, insulin and placental lactogen was investigated in 16 ewes carrying singleton lambs. Uterine caruncles were removed from seven ewes (caruncle ewes) before pregnancy, resulting in reduced placental size and retarded intra-uterine fetal growth. The concentration of insulin in maternal plasma was similar in both control and caruncle ewes. The concentration of glucose was significantly higher in the caruncle than in the control ewes (3·26 ± 0·15 (S.E.M.) mmol/l, number of observations (n) = 9, vs 2·75 ± 0·1, n = 9, P<0·02, and 3·27 ±0·16, n = 7, vs 2·46± 0·11, n = 12, P<0·001, for the carotid artery and utero-ovarian vein respectively). The concentration of ovine placental lactogen (oPL) in the utero-ovarian vein was reduced in the caruncle compared with the control ewes (283± 65 μg/l, n = and 705±106 μg/l, n = 18, P<0·02, respectively). Restriction of placental growth by removal of endometrial caruncles similarly reduced the concentrations of oPL in maternal arterial plasma (231±54 μg/l, n = 9, and 621±96 μg/l, n = 18, P<0·002). Production of oPL by the placenta was also reduced by limiting placental growth to 30±11 μg/min, n = 8, compared with 133±43 μg/min, n = 15, P<0·05, for the controls. Production of oPL per gram of placenta in the caruncle group, although only 34% of the control value, was not reduced significantly. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that oPL may be involved in the redirection of maternal glucose during pregnancy to maximize the amount available for the fetus.
Metadata only
Effect of restriction of placental growth on umbilical and uterine blood flows
(American Physiological Society, 1986) Owens, J.; Falconer, J.; Robinson, J.
Endometrial caruncles were excised from sheep (caruncle sheep) before pregnancy. The effect of this on umbilical and uterine blood flows in a subsequent pregnancy was examined. Thirteen caruncle and twelve control sheep with indwelling vascular catheters were studied at 121 and 130 days pregnancy. In caruncle sheep, fetal, placental, and total uterine content weights were significantly lower than in control sheep. Six caruncle sheep carried normal-sized fetuses (weight within +/- 2 SD of mean weight for control fetuses) and seven carried small fetuses (weight greater than +/- 2 SD below mean weight for control fetuses). Mean weights of placentas in these groups were 0.290 +/- 0.067 and 0.156 +/- 0.069 kg, respectively, compared with 0.459 +/- 0.157 kg in control sheep. In small caruncle fetuses, umbilical and uterine blood flows and placental antipyrine clearance were significantly lower than in controls at 121 and 130 days gestation. Only umbilical blood flow was reduced in normal-sized caruncle fetuses. Umbilical blood flow and placental antipyrine clearance increased with gestational age in control sheep but not in sheep with normal-sized or small caruncle fetuses. In all sheep, umbilical and uterine blood flows and antipyrine clearance correlated with placental weight. Umbilical blood flow per kilogram of placenta but not uterine blood flow per kilogram of placenta correlated inversely with placental weight. Fetal weight at 130 days generally correlated with placental weight, umbilical and uterine blood flows, and antipyrine clearance in a curvilinear fashion such that fetal weight was not greatly restricted until these variables were less than or equal to 65% of control values.
Metadata only
Mitogenic effects of growth hormone in cultured human fibroblasts: evidence for action via local insulin-like growth factor 1 production
(American Society for Clinical Investigation, 1988) Couper, J.; Haynes, K.; Werther, G.
We examined human growth hormone's (hGH) effect on mitogenesis in cbltured human fibroblasts, and the role of local insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). With 0.5% human hypopituitary serum (HPS), hGH increased thymidine incorporation (TI) over serum-free medium dose responsively, with half-maximal effect at 10 ng/ml (0.5 nM) (hGH 127+/-8.8%; IGF-I 107+/-(1.7% [SEMI) (n = 10). Similarly, with 0.5% HPS, hGH and IGF-I increased cell replication by 172+/-8.2% and 169+/-25%, respectively (n = 4). Specific IGF-I monoclonal antibody (Sml.2) dose dependently blunted TI stimulated by 10 ng/ml hGH or IGF-I (at 1:1000, 38+/-6.5% and 30+/-14% reduction, respectively). Sml.2 also reduced cell replication by both 10 ng/ml hGH and IGF-I, respectively, to 32% and 42% of stimulated values. Dexamethasone (0.1 MiM) synergistically enhanced TI by both IGF-I and hGH. A 28-h time course for TI showed that hGH stimulated a similar peak to IGF-I, lagging in its effect by 4-10 h. We have provided further evidence that hGH stimulates growth of cultured human fibroblasts via local IGF-I production, consistent with IGF-I's paracrine-autocrine role.
Metadata only
Laboratory diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection: 2. Comparison of methods for the direct detection of specific antigen or nucleic acid sequences in respiratory exudates
(Cambridge University Press, 1988) Harris, R.; Marmion, B.P.; Varkanis, G.; Kok, T.; Lunn, B.; Martin, J.
The efficiency of the direct detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in respiratory exudates by an antigen capture, indirect enzyme immunoassay (Ag-EIA), has been compared with its detection with a cDNA probe ('Gen-Probe assay') directed against the specific ribosomal RNA sequences of the organism ('Mycoplasma pneumoniae Rapid Diagnostic System', Gen-Probe, San Diego, California). Both assays showed excellent specificity against a range of mycoplasma species suspended in negative nasopharyngeal aspirates; only M. pneumoniae and M. genitalium reacted. In experiments with graded doses of viable M. pneumoniae cells suspended in negative nasopharyngeal aspirate, the Gen-Probe assay was more sensitive than Ag-EIA; detection limits were respectively 2 X 10(3) c.f.u./ml (3.2 X 10(5) genomes) and 2.5 X 10(4) c.f.u./ml (4 X 10(6) genomes); detection levels 10-100 times less sensitive than culture. The two assays were also tested on nasopharyngeal aspirates or sputum specimens from 90 patients with respiratory infection; 67 of these were culture- or seronegative for M. pneumoniae and 23 were culture- or seropositive. Ag-EIA detected 21 (91%) of the latter but the Gen-Probe assay detected only 5 (22%). Both assays were negative with the 67 culture-/sero-negatives; there were no Gen-Probe assay positive/Ag-EIA negatives. Overall, it is concluded that although Ag-EIA and the Gen-Probe assay are effective substitutes for culture as a diagnostic procedure, there is a significant problem with samples which are culture-negative and from patients who have good serological evidence of current infection. Possible reasons for the disparity between the two assays are advanced.
Metadata only
Laboratory diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection: 1. Direct detection of antigen in respiratory exudates by enzyme immunoassay
(Cambridge University Press, 1988) Kok, T.W.; Varkanis, G.; Marmion, B.P.; Martin, J.; Esterman, A.
Direct and indirect antigen capture enzyme immunoassays (Ag-EIA) have been developed for the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in nasopharyngeal aspirates or sputum from respiratory infection. The sensitivity of the two Ag-EIA were similar, but the indirect method using polyclonal rabbit and guinea-pig antisera was more convenient. The Ag-EIA had a detection limit of 10(4-4.5) colony-forming units/ml of sample. It was specific for M. pneumoniae and gave a low level response with M. genitalium. There were no cross-reactions with 10 other species of mycoplasmas. Tests with a wide range of bacteria and chlamydia group antigen, representing agents sometimes found in the respiratory tract, were also negative. At the current level of development, the Ag-EIA detected about 90% of specimens that were also positive for culture; 43% of specimens from culture-negative--seropositive patients gave a positive result. The overall pattern of results indicated that while antigen detection is a quick and effective substitute for the slow culture method, serological examination for specific IgM antibody is also necessary to give a complete diagnostic coverage.
Metadata only
Comparison of five enzyme immunoassays, electron microscopy, and latex agglutination for detection of rotavirus in fecal specimens
(American Society for Microbiology, 1989) Kok, T.; Burrell, C.
Five different enzyme immunoassays, electron microscopy, and latex agglutination (Slidex; bioMerieux) were compared for the rapid detection of human rotavirus in fecal specimens. The enzyme immunoassay using rotavirus polyclonal antiserum (Dakopatts) with simple in-house modifications was shown by the use of confirmatory tests to be the most sensitive and specific procedure.
Metadata only
Double-blind controlled trial of azathioprine in children with newly diagnosed type I diabetes
(American Diabetes Association, 1989) Cook, J.; Hudson, I.; Harrison, L.; Dean, B.; Colman, P.; Werther, G.; Warne, G.; Court, J.
A double-blind controlled trial of azathioprine (2 mg.kg-1.day-1) was conducted with 49 patients aged 2-20 yr (mean 10.8 yr) who had newly diagnosed type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either azathioprine (n = 24) or placebo (n = 25) for 12 mo, beginning within the 20-day period after diagnosis. Baseline clinical and metabolic characteristics did not differ between the two groups. No patient experienced complete remission, defined as restoration of normal carbohydrate tolerance without other treatment. Partial remission, defined as good metabolic control (hemoglobin A1c less than or equal to 7.9%, preprandial blood glucose less than or equal to 8 mM with an insulin dose of less than 0.5 U.kg-1.day-1), occurred in 10 placebo (40%) and 7 azathioprine (29%) patients at 6 mo and in 4 placebo (16%) and 4 azathioprine (17%) patients at 12 mo (differences not significant). Fasting plasma C-peptide was significantly greater in the azathioprine-treated group at 3 and 6 mo, but this difference was not sustained. C-peptide responses to a standard meal and the frequency of islet cell and insulin antibodies did not differ between the two groups over the 12-mo period. Azathioprine caused no significant side effects. We conclude that in the dosage used, and despite early effects on endogenous insulin secretion, azathioprine alone does not influence the remission phase in children with newly diagnosed type I diabetes.
Metadata only
Development and characterization of primary cultures of smooth muscle cells from the fibromuscular stroma of the guinea pig prostate
(The Society for In Vitro Biology, 1989) Ricciardelli, C.; Horsfall, D.J.; Skinner, J.M.; Henderson, D.W.; Marshall, V.R.; Tilley, W.D.
Primary cultures of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were obtained by a two-step enzymatic digestion of guinea pig prostatic stroma. Ultrastructural morphology and growth characteristics of these cells conformed to those reported for SMCs isolated from vascular and visceral tissue sources. Electron microscopic examination indicated that the cells assumed modified myofibroblastoid features in culture. Microfilaments with associated dense bodies were markedly depleted in cultured smooth muscle cells, in comparison with those of the parent tissue. Cultured cells also possessed increased content of rough endoplasmic reticulum indicating the increased secretory or protein-synthetic capacity of the cells. Immunoperoxidase staining for cytoskeletal markers using monoclonal antibodies to desmin and vimentin supported the ultrastructural observations, suggesting a decline in desmin-staining intermediate filaments during "modulation" to the myofibroblastoid form. Despite this depletion of smooth muscle-specific differentiation markers and reversion to more general mesenchymal properties, the cells retained the ability to contract on challenge with norepinephrine, and grew in the characteristic "hill and valley" pattern on attaining confluence. Inasmuch as the estrogen and androgen receptor expression of the parent stromal tissue is also retained, these primary cell cultures should provide a useful model to study regulation of prostatic development.
Metadata only
Steroid hormone and epidermal growth factor receptors in meningiomas
(Wiley Online Library, 1989) Horsfall, D.J.; Goldsmith, K.G.; Ricciardelli, C.; Skinner, J.M.; Tilley, W.D.; Marshall, V.R.
A prospective study of steroid hormone and epidermal growth factor receptor expression in 57 meningiomas is presented. Scatchard analysis of radioligand binding identified 20% of meningiomas as expressing classical oestrogen receptors (ER) at levels below that normally accepted for positivity, the remainder being negative. ER could not be visualized in any meningioma using immunocytochemistry. Alternatively, 74% of meningiomas demonstrated the presence of progesterone receptors (PR) by Scatchard analysis, the specificity of which could not be attributed to glucocorticoid or androgen receptors. Confirmation of classical PR presence was determined by immunocytochemical staining. The presence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was demonstrated in 100% of meningiomas using immunocytochemical staining. These data are reviewed in the context of previously reported results and are discussed in relation to the potential for medical therapy as an adjunct to surgery.
Metadata only
Laboratory diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection: 3. Detection of IgM antibodies to M. pneumoniae by a modified indirect haemagglutination test
(Cambridge University Press, 1989) Kok, T.W.; Marmion, B.P.; Varkanis, G.; Worswick, D.A.; Martin, J.
The indirect haemagglutination (IHA) test was compared with the complement-fixation (CF) test for the measurement of antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae. A modification of the IHA was used to measure M. pneumoniae IgM antibodies. Sera were obtained from various groups of patients who were either culture or antigen positive for M. pneumoniae in nasopharyngeal aspirates or who had fourfold or greater increase in CF antibody or a titre greater than or equal to 320. The results of these comparisons showed that the modified IHA test was specific and more sensitive (89% as opposed to 64%) than the CF test. The modified IHA test for the detection of IgM antibody was highly effective in the recognition of recent or current infection with the mycoplasma. It was also of equal sensitivity to an indirect enzyme immunoassay for the detection of IgM antibodies to M. pneumoniae.
Metadata only
Alcohol abuse
(Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, 1990) Wurm, C.
Metadata only
Evaluation of the Becton Dickinson Directigen test for respiratory syncytial virus in nasopharyngeal aspirates
(American Society for Microbiology, 1990) Kok, T.; Barancek, K.; Burrell, C.
A premarket trial of the Becton Dickinson Directigen respiratory syncytial virus membrane-based enzyme immunoassay compared the test with virus isolation for the detection of respiratory syncytial virus in 583 nasopharyngeal aspirates. After modification, the Directigen test showed a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 90%. It offers the potential for an efficient bedside test--without the need for any equipment--for the diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus infection and requires only a 0.25-ml sample volume. However, for optimum reliability, freezing-thawing of samples and access to a confirmatory test were shown to be necessary.
Metadata only
Sudden and unexpected death - a late effect of occult intraesophageal foreign body
(Hemisphere Publishing Corporation, 1990) Byard, R.W.; Moore, L.; Bourne, A.J.
Acute upper airway obstruction in a 4-month-old male infant who presented as sudden infant death syndrome is described. At autopsy external tracheal compression and tracheobronchitis with plugging of the trachea and bronchi by an abundant mucopurulent exudate were found. The source of the inflammation was the adjacent esophagus where previous impaction of a coin had caused pressure necrosis with mucosal erosion and transmural granulation tissue formation. This case is reported to demonstrate that foreign bodies that remain in the esophagus, having by-passed the larynx, may still result in upper airway obstruction and death in early infancy by this unusual mechanism.
Metadata only
Opioid peptides and aging
(New York Academy of Sciences, 1990) Morley, J.; Flood, J.; Silver, A.; 10th Annual Winter Neuropeptide Conference - A Decade of Neuropeptides : Past, Present, and Future (16 Jan 1989 - 20 Jan 1989 : Breckenridge, CO); Koob, G.; Sandman, C.; Strand, F.

Browse

Browsing School of Medicine by Issue Date

Results Per Page

Sort Options