bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
nirS‐type denitrifying bacterial assemblages respond to environmental conditions of a shallow estuary
Authors: Lisa Jessica A. , Jayakumar Amal , Ward Bess B. , Song Bongkeun
Published: September 2017

Molecular analysis of dissimilatory nitrite reductase genes (nirS) was conducted using a customized microarray containing 165 nirS probes (archetypes) to identify members of sedimentary denitrifying communities. The goal of this study was to examine denitrifying community responses to changing environmental variables over spatial and temporal scales in the New River Estuary (NRE), NC, USA. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed three denitrifier assemblages and uncovered ‘generalist’ and ‘specialist’ archetypes based on the distribution of archetypes within these assemblages. Generalists, archetypes detected in all samples during at least one season, were commonly world‐wide found in estuarine and marine ecosystems, comprised 8%–29% of the abundant NRE archetypes. Archetypes found in a particular site, ‘specialists’, were found to co‐vary based on site specific conditions. Archetypes specific to the lower estuary in winter were designated Cluster I and significantly correlated by sediment Chl a and porewater Fe2+. A combination of specialist and more widely distributed archetypes formed Clusters II and III, which separated based on salinity and porewater H2S respectively. The co‐occurrence of archetypes correlated with different environmental conditions highlights the importance of habitat type and niche differentiation among nirS‐type denitrifying communities and supports the essential role of individual community members in overall ecosystem function.
Female reproductive system morphology of crab‐eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) and cryopreservation of genetic material for animal germplasm bank enrichment
Authors: Machado L. C. , Roballo K. C. S. , Cury F. S. , Ambrósio C. E.
Published: September 2017

The sprawl of the urbanization and road network process without building ecological corridors contributes to the high mortality rates and a threat to the population decline of wild species such as the crab‐eating fox. A strategy for the ex situ conservation is the study of the reproductive biology of the species and cryopreservation of their genetic heritage through the formation of an animal germplasm bank. This research is in accordance with the principles adopted by Brazilian College of Animal Experimentation. Reproductive systems of Cerdocyon thous females (n = 7) were examined macroscopically and microscopically by histological techniques and scanning electron microscopy. Gross features showed the shape of the ovaries was similar to a bean, and the elongated oviducts lengths were between 5 and 8 cm, with body of the uterus (3 cm) with long and narrow uterine horns (9–11 cm). The cervix was as a single annular conformation carrying out communication between the uterus and the vagina. The vagina has lengthened and circular muscle and the vulva with dense anatomical conformation with a quite pronounced clitoris. In addition, with regard to the establishment of a cell line (fibroblasts) for the gene bank enrichment, cells showed a low clonogenic capacity, especially when compared to domestic dogs, which can be explained by “in vitro” environment, age and diet of the animal. However, it was possible to create a bank of limited cell number. This study had morphological and preservationist character and aimed to help at long term in the conservation of wild animal's genetic resources.
Mucocutaneous inflammation in the Ikaros Family Zinc Finger 1‐keratin 5–specific transgenic mice
Authors: Ueta M. , Hamuro J. , Nishigaki H. , Nakamura N. , Shinomiya K. , Mizushima K. , Hitomi Y. , Tamagawa‐Mineoka R. , Yokoi N. , Naito Y. , Tokunaga K. , Katoh N. , Sotozono C. , Kinoshita S.
Published: September 2017

Background

Our genomewide association study documented an association between cold medicine‐related Stevens‐Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (CM‐SJS/TEN) and Ikaros Family Zinc Finger 1 (IKZF1). Few studies examined biological and pathological functions of IKZF1 in mucosal immunity. We hypothesized that IKZF1 contributes to the mucocutaneous inflammation.

Methods

Human skin and conjunctival tissues were obtained for immunohistological studies. Primary human conjunctival epithelial cells (PHCjECs) and adult human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKa) also used for gene expression analysis. We also generated K5‐Ikzf1‐EGFP transgenic mice (Ikzf1 Tg) by introducing the Ik1 isoform into cells expressing keratin 5, which is expressed in epithelial tissues such as the epidermis and conjunctiva, and then examined them histologically and investigated gene expression of the epidermis. Moreover, Ikzf1 Tg were induced allergic contact dermatitis.

Results

We found that human epidermis and conjunctival epithelium expressed IKZF1, and in PHCjECs and HEKa, the expression of IKZF1 mRNA was upregulated by stimulation with polyI:C, a TLR3 ligand. In Ikzf1 Tg, we observed dermatitis and mucosal inflammation including the ocular surface. In contact dermatitis model, inflammatory infiltrates in the skin of Ikzf1 Tg were significantly increased compared with wild type. Microarray analysis showed that Lcn2, Adh7, Epgn, Ifi202b, Cdo1, Gpr37, Duoxa1, Tnfrsf4, and Enpp5 genes were significantly upregulated in the epidermis of Ikzf1 Tg compared with wild type.

Conclusion

Our findings support the hypothesis that Ikaros might participate in mucocutaneous inflammation.
Loss of regulatory characteristics in CD4+CD25+/hi T cells induced by impaired transforming growth factor beta secretion in pneumoconiosis
Authors: Bian Lu‐Qin , Mao Ling , Bi Ying , Zhou Shao‐Wei , Chen Zi‐Dan , Wen Jun , Shi Jin , Wang Ling
Published: September 2017

Pneumoconiosis is caused by the accumulation of airborne dust in the lung, which stimulates a progressive inflammatory response that ultimately results in lung fibrosis and respiratory failure. It is possible that regulatory cells in the immune system could function to suppress inflammation and possibly slow or reverse disease progression. However, results in this study suggest that in pneumoconiosis patients, the regulatory T cells (Tregs) and B cells are functionally impaired. First, we found that pneumoconiosis patients presented an upregulation of CD4+CD25+ T cells compared to controls, whereas the CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25hi T cells were enriched with Th1‐ and Th17‐like cells but not Foxp3‐expressing Treg cells and evidenced by significantly higher T‐bet, interferon (IFN)‐γ, and interleukin (IL)‐17 expression but lower Foxp3 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β expression. Regarding the CD4+CD25hi T‐cell subset, the frequency of this cell type in pneumoconiosis patients was significantly reduced compared to controls, together with a reduction in Foxp3 and TGF‐β and an enrichment in T‐bet, RORγt, IFN‐γ, and IL‐17. This skewing toward Th1 and Th17 types of inflammation could be driven by monocytes and B cells, since after depleting CD14+ monocytes and CD19+ B cells, the levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐17 were significantly decreased. Whole peripheral blood mononuclear cells and isolated monocytes and B cells in pneumoconiosis patients also presented reduced capacity of TGF‐β secretion. Furthermore, monocytes and B cells from pneumoconiosis patients presented reduced capacity in inducing Foxp3 upregulation, a function that could be rescued by exogenous TGF‐β. Together, these data indicated a potential pathway for the progression of pneumoconiosis through a loss of Foxp3+ Treg cells associated with impaired TGF‐β secretion.
A lotic‐breeding salamander (Hynobius kimurae) modifies physiological and morphological traits during wintering
Authors: Kakegawa Masaichi , Hasumi Masato
Published: September 2017

Unlike other migratory salamanders, Hynobius kimurae moves to aquatic hibernacula during fall. Does submergence into water during fall induce changes in physiological and morphological traits? We investigated whether such changes occur in both sexes from the entrance into the water (November) to the exit from the water (May) in the laboratory. Mean duration of stay in the water was 21.7 weeks in males and 19.0 weeks in females. Spermiation began 13.8 weeks after the males entered the water. Sperm storage lasted for 6.3 weeks. Spawning occurred 18.3 weeks after the females entered the water. Cloacae swelled greatly soon after the sexes entered the water. In males after entering the water, tail shape changed from sticklike to finlike. Although physiological and morphological traits in other species change simultaneously in both the submergence into water and the onset of breeding activity only during spring, such changes occurred in individual H. kimurae firstly during fall (shortly after entering the water) and secondly during spring (shortly after awaking from hibernation). This difference suggests that these two‐step changes during a prolonged period (fall–spring) are concentrated in a short period of aquatic‐breeding activity during spring in other species with terrestrial hibernation and associated reproductive cycles.
Which children and young people are excluded from school? Findings from a large British birth cohort study, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)
Authors: Paget A. , Parker C. , Heron J. , Logan S. , Henley W. , Emond A. , Ford T.
Published: September 2017

Background

Exclusion from school is increasingly recognized as pertinent to child health. National educational data reveal that boys, children who are looked‐after, living in poverty, have special educational needs, or from certain ethnic minorities, are disproportionately excluded from school. As population‐based data on the wider characteristics of excluded children are scarce, we aimed to describe predictors of school exclusion in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.

Method

Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a prospective U.K. population‐based birth cohort study, collected parent reports of permanent school exclusions by 8 years and parent and self‐reports of permanent and fixed‐term exclusions in the preceding 12 months at 16 years. Potential risk factors were examined for associations with exclusion using logistic regression, with a focus on child mental health and neurodevelopment.

Results

Analyses were based on all available data on 53/8,245 (0.6%) pupils excluded from school by 8 years and 390/4,482 (8.7%) at 16 years. Key factors associated with exclusion at both time points included male gender, lower socio‐economic status, maternal psychopathology, mental health and behavioural difficulties, psychiatric disorder, social communication difficulties, language difficulties, antisocial activities, bullying/being bulled, lower parental engagement with education, low school engagement, poor relationship with teacher, low educational attainment, and special educational needs (all p < .05).

Conclusion

Exclusion from school was associated with child, family and school‐related factors identifiable at, or prior to, primary school age. Child health professionals have an important role in the holistic, multidisciplinary assessment of children who are at risk of exclusion from school. Mental health and neurodevelopmental difficulties should be recognized and supported, to improve the health and educational outcomes among this vulnerable group.
Assessment of histopathological features of maculopapular viral exanthem and drug‐induced exanthem
Authors: Singh Sanjay , Khandpur Sujay , Arava Sudheer , Rath Ramashankar , Ramam M. , Singh Manoj , Sharma Vinod K. , Kabra Sushil Kumar
Published: September 2017

Background

Viral infections and drug reactions are the commonest causes of exanthems in clinical practice. Clinically, their overlapping features may pose a diagnostic challenge. Hematologic, in vitro, and drug provocation tests are either unreliable or impractical.

Methods

This was a descriptive, prospective study to assess and compare histopathological features of maculopapular viral and drug exanthem. Subjects fulfilling case definition of exanthems were included. Serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) and absolute eosinophil count (AEC) were also studied.

Results

Skin biopsy slides of 48 cases were evaluated and AEC and CRP were performed. Both median AEC and CRP were lower in viral exanthem compared with drug exanthem. On histopathological evaluation, features such as lymphocytic exocytosis, and dermal infiltrate of eosinophils, lymphocytes and histiocytes were seen in a significantly greater number of drug exanthems. Other findings such as focal spongiosis, acanthosis, keratinocyte necrosis, basal cell damage, papillary dermal edema and atypical lymphocytes in the dermis were also observed in higher though not statistically significant number of drug exanthem biopsies.

Conclusions

Certain histopathological features can help to differentiate between the two exanthems and this modality may be used in situations when there is clinical overlap and when drug rechallenge cannot be undertaken.
Diagnostic accuracy of FNAC and cyto‐histopathological correlation in testicular and paratesticular mass lesions
Authors: Singh A. D. , Wani F. A. , Bhardwaj S.
Published: September 2017

Objective

FNAC has a definitive role and has proved extremely useful in diagnosis of testicular and paratesticular mass lesions. In view of the dearth of literature of studies involving large cohorts of patients, the present study describes at length the detailed cytological evaluation of testicular and paratesticular mass lesions.

Methods

Our study consisted of 85 cases in 5‐year retrospective and 1‐year prospective analyses carried out in the Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Jammu. The study depicts cytomorphological findings of testicular and paratesticular mass lesions. We evaluate the concordance rate of cytological diagnosis with the histological diagnosis as a percentage and assess the diagnostic accuracy of FNAC by calculating sensitivity and specificity.

Results

Out of 85 cases, inflammatory lesions comprised the largest group comprising 47 cases (55.29%) followed by 20 cases (23.5%) of cystic lesions. In addition, there were 10 cases (11.76%) of malignant tumours and three cases (3.5%) of benign tumours. Overall, acute orchitis was the most common inflammatory lesions (12.94%) followed by tubercular epididymitis (9.4%). The most common cystic lesion was benign epididymal cyst (10.5%) and the most common malignant tumours were seminoma and embryonal carcinoma. Cytohistological correlation was available for 16 (18.82%) cases only and cytological diagnosis was concordant with the histological diagnosis in all these cases. Sensitivity and specificity of FNAC was 100% in our study.

Conclusion

FNAC is a useful diagnostic modality for testicular and paratesticular mass lesions due to its high sensitivity and specificity in discriminating between different types of lesions and high concordance rates with histopathological diagnosis.
Urinary WT1‐positive cells as a non‐invasive biomarker of crescent formation
Authors: Fujita T. , Sofue T. , Moritoki M. , Nishijima Y. , Tokuhara Y. , Wakisaka H. , Kushida Y. , Haba R. , Ohsaki H.
Published: September 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between urinary WT1‐positive cells (podocytes and active parietal epithelial cells) and WT1‐positive cells in renal biopsy to investigate whether urinary WT1‐positive cells are useful for detection of crescent formation.

Methods

Fifty‐two patients with kidney disease were investigated (15 cases with crescentic lesions and 37 cases with non‐crescentic lesions) for immunoenzyme staining using anti‐WT1 antibody for urine cytology and renal biopsy. Numbers of WT1‐positive cells in urine and renal biopsy were counted.

Results

There was no correlation between urinary WT1‐positive cells and WT1‐positive cells in renal biopsy. However, the number of urinary WT1‐positive cells in patients with crescentic lesions was significantly higher than in patients with non‐crescentic lesions. In addition, the best cut‐off value to detect patients with crescentic lesions using urinary was 5 cells/10‐mL (area under the concentration‐time curve=0.735).

Conclusions

The results of our study suggest urinary WT1‐positive cells can be used to detect patients with crescent formation using 5 cells/10‐mL cutoff value. WT1‐positive glomerular podocytes and parietal epithelial cells may be shed into urine in active glomerular disease. This study, investigating the relationship between WT1‐positive cells in urine and in the renal biopsy found no correlation; however, the results do suggest that, using a cutoff value of 5 cells/10 mL, WT1 positive urinary cells can be used to detect patients with crescent formation.
Restoring at landscape scales: Interview with Andrew Bennett
Authors: Bennett Andrew , McDonald Tein
Published: September 2017

Intrigued by the power of science to grapple with questions relevant to management, Victorian landscape ecologist Andrew Bennett has directed his career to investigating how human land‐use and landscape change affect native fauna and ecological processes, seeking ways to achieve the ongoing conservation of Australian native fauna.
Using restoration as an experimental framework to test provenancing strategies and climate adaptability
Authors: Broadhurst Linda , Prober Suzanne , Dickson Fiona , Bush David
Published: September 2017

Restoring degraded Australian landscapes through revegetation is a key concern of land holders, NGOs and government agencies. With the advent of climate change, it is increasingly important that revegetation activities take into consideration the species and provenance of plant materials to ensure that environmental plantings will be resilient to future climate conditions. A major strength of the past 30 years restoration programmes is the development of a distributed network of educated and experienced practitioners. We have recently invited stakeholders from among this network to participate in a process to cost‐effectively build Environmental Research Infrastructure – a nationally distributed network of restoration plantings that explore a broad range of research activities including a better understanding of the adaptive responses of different species and provenances. This would also facilitate long‐term monitoring of change and adaptation across Australia, providing a wealth of information to inform future conservation and restoration programmes.
Restoring Angasi oyster reefs: What is the endpoint ecosystem we are aiming for and how do we get there?
Authors: Gillies Chris L. , Crawford Christine , Hancock Boze
Published: September 2017

Three‐dimensional reefs and beds created predominately by the native Angasi Oyster or Flat Oyster (Ostrea angasi) were once common across its range in Australia's southern coastal waters but were lost during the mid‐late1800s and early 1900s due to a combination of destructive fishing practices, overfishing and changes to estuarine conditions. Despite the continued presence of low densities of individuals and cessation of commercial fishing, reefs structures and their associated communities have shown little signs of natural recovery. Since 2014, a range of oyster reef restoration projects have commenced in Australia, guided by international restoration protocols that prioritise the re‐establishment of the keystone species on artificial stable substrates placed in locations where natural oyster reefs have previously existed. These projects invariably need clear and realistic goals and objectives for restoration, which are aided by the use of a reference ecosystem as a model or target, for the local oyster reef ecosystem being restored, yet few reference sites exist. Reefs, established by Angasi, are absent from much or all of its geographical distribution, and the ecosystem has been poorly studied to date; hence, the application of restoration target ecosystems will largely depend on deriving a model based on historical descriptions and observation of what remains. Here, we develop an interim reference model to help set restoration objectives and recommended procedural framework for Angasi reef restoration based on available knowledge of the ecology, biology and aquaculture of the keystone species. We use the Port Phillip Bay oyster reef restoration project as a case study for using the reference model to guide interventions and evaluate the progress of recovery.
Personality traits and behavioural profiles in the domestic canary are affected by sex and photoperiod
Authors: Amy Mathieu , Ung Davy , Béguin Nathalie , Leboucher Gérard
Published: September 2017

Personality traits and behavioural profiles are generally assumed to be stable in adulthood. Yet, it has been hypothesised that animals should cope with cyclical fluctuations by adjusting both single behaviours and suites of behaviour. Photoperiod is well known to induce hormonal and physiological changes, and these changes can in turn affect personality traits and behavioural profiles. This study is the first to explicitly investigate the influence of photoperiod on both behavioural profiles and personality traits. Six potential personality traits (within‐flock activity, ability to escape, response to threat, isolation calling, boldness and neophobia) and dominance were measured four times in 96 domestic canaries Serinus canaria (48 males and 48 females): twice during a long photoperiod (Long Days) and 6 months later twice during a short photoperiod (Short Days). Without regard to sex and photoperiod, most traits were highly repeatable, and bolder canaries were more dominant, less sensitive to an external threat and to isolation and less neophobic. In addition, the more active individuals within a flock were the more difficult to catch. Yet, both sex and photoperiod affected personality traits and behavioural profiles. Personality traits remained repeatable within each photoperiod though we observed behavioural plasticity and sex differences for response to threat, neophobia and within‐flock activity. Concerning behavioural profiles, the negative relationship between boldness and neophobia remained homogenous in both sexes during Short Days as well as during Long Days. Then, the more active individuals within a flock were the more difficult to catch in Short Days but not in Long Days. Finally, the other correlations not only varied with photoperiod but also with sex. Our study highlights the importance of photoperiod and sex in the expression of personality traits and behavioural profiles, and of the need to measure them across the whole photoperiodic cycle.
Ethnic disparities in renal cell carcinoma: An analysis of Hispanic patients in a single‐payer healthcare system
Authors: Suarez‐Sarmiento Alfredo , Yao Xiaopan , Hofmann Jonathan N , Syed Jamil S , Zhao Wei K , Purdue Mark P , Chow Wong‐Ho , Corley Douglas , Shuch Brian
Published: September 2017

Objective

To investigate differences between Hispanics and non‐Hispanic whites diagnosed with and treated for renal cell carcinoma in an equal access healthcare system.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective cohort study within the Kaiser Permanente healthcare system using records from renal cell carcinoma cases. Ethnicity was identified as Hispanic or non‐Hispanic whites. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, tumor characteristics and treatment were compared. Overall and disease‐specific survival was calculated, and a Cox proportion hazard model estimated the association of ethnicity and survival.

Results

A total of 2577 patients (2152 non‐Hispanic whites, 425 Hispanic) were evaluated. Hispanics were diagnosed at a younger age (59.6 years vs 65.3 years). Clear cell renal cell carcinoma was more prevalent, whereas papillary renal cell carcinoma was less common among Hispanics. Hispanics had a lower American Joint Committee on Cancer stage (I/II vs III/IV) than non‐Hispanic whites (67.4% vs 62.2%). Hispanics were found to have a greater frequency of comorbidities, such as chronic kidney disease and diabetes, but were more likely to receive surgery. The presence of metastases, nodal involvement, increased tumor size, non‐surgical management, increasing age and Hispanic ethnicity were independent predictors of worse cancer‐specific outcome.

Conclusions

Within an equal access healthcare system, Hispanics seem to be diagnosed at younger ages, to have greater comorbidities and to present more frequently with clear cell renal cell carcinoma compared with non‐Hispanic white patients. Despite lower stage and greater receipt of surgery, Hispanic ethnicity seems to be an independent predictor of mortality. Further work is necessary to confirm these findings.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF THE SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF OXYHÆMOGLOBIN AND METHÆMOGLOBIN CONCENTRATIONS
Authors: ROBIN HELEN , HARLEY J. D.
Published: September 2017

Simple modifications of existing methods have been described in detail, to allow simultaneous determination of the concentrations of oxyhæmoglobin, methæmoglobin and “ intact ” hæmoglobin (oxyhæmoglobin plus methæmoglobin) in samples of blood.

Both in vitro and in vivo, application of phenylhydrazine was found to cause preponderance of “ total ” hæmoglobin as determined by the cyanmethæmoglobin method over “ intact ” hæmoglobin measured by the method described.

In the course of the methæmoglobin reduction test of Brewer et alii (1960), some destruction of “ intact ” hlemoglobin was usually observed in normal infants, children and adults. Greater loss of “ intact ” hæmoglobin occurred on testing an adult female with hæmoglobin H, two children with acute lead poisoning, and a new‐born infant and two adults with hæmatological manifestations following exposure to aromatic compounds. Increased propensity to destruction of “ intact ” hæmoglobin could not be detected in cord erythrocytes from normal infants, or in female children and adults with intermediate degrees of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Susceptibility to loss of “ intact ” hæmoglobin appeared to be decreased in glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase‐deficient males. In normal subjects, no decline in the concentration of “ intact ” hæmoglobin took place if either nitrite or methylene blue was excluded from the incubation mixture.

It is suggested that “ intact ” hæmoglobin determination might well be adopted to indicate the level of potentially‐functional hæmoglobin in the peripheral blood of patients suspected of circulating non‐functional pigments. In addition, application of this determination to the methæmoglobin reduction test should provide useful information concerning the stability of hæmoglobin under redox stress.
TUBULAR FUNCTION IN MEDULLARY CYSTIC DISEASE OF THE KIDNEY
Authors: PAK POY R. K. , NIALL J. F.
Published: September 2017

The urinary acidifying and concentrating mechanisms have been studied in three patients with cysts in the medullary region of the kidney, in association with extensive medullary nephrocalcinosis (Case I), chronic renal failure due to pyelonephritis (Case II) and renal calculi with infection and obstruction relieved by pyeloplasty (Case III). The excretion of ammonium after a loading dose of ammonium chloride was normal in two cases and was reduced in the third case, in which factors other than medullary cysts may have contributed to the defect. Mild impairment of urinary acidification during acid load was demonstrated in two patients with normal ammonia excretion; urinary pH was 5·3 units (glomerular filtration rate 145 ml. per minute) in one patient, a young man (Case I), and 5·6 units (G.F.R. 60 ml. per minute) in another patient, a middle‐aged man (Case II). The maximum reabsorption of solute‐free water, , was normal in all three patients, but the maximum osmotic U/P ratio was significantly reduced in all three patients, indicating a defective concentrating mechanism.
ULCERATIVE JEJUNITIS ASSOCIATED WITH MALABSORPTION
Authors: GOULSTON KERRY J. , SKYRING ALAN P. , McGOVERN V. J.
Published: September 2017

Four cases, in all of which ulcerative jejunitis is associated with evidence of malabsorption, are described. None of the usual known causes of jejunitis were found, and the ætiology of this group of cases is unknown. The histological picture of the mucosa adjacent to the ulceration resembled that seen in adult cœliac disease, and two patients were given this diagnosis and treated for this disease. Three of the four patients died, the complications including hæmorrhage, perforation and obstruction.
PLASMA LIPOPROTEINS IN HYPERLIPÆMIC STATES IN MAN AND IN THE RABBIT
Authors: GARLICK D. G. , COURTICE F. C. , MUNOZ-MARCUS M.
Published: September 2017

The lipoproteins in the plasma of human subjects with various naturally‐occurring hyperlipæmic disorders and in the plasma of rabbits with experimentally‐induced hyperlipæmic states were separated in a preparative ultracentrifuge at densities of 1.019, 1.063 and 1.200, and the composition of each of these classes determined by chemical analysis. The results showed that certain physical and chemical characteristics of the plasma lipoproteins in cases of human hypercholesterolæmia closely resembled those of the lipoproteins in the plasma of cholesterol‐fed rabbits. The lipoprotein patterns in cases of human hypertriglyceridæmia were also similar to those in hypertriglyceridæmic states induced by the administration of Triton WR1339 or cortisone to rabbits fed a normal diet or a diet to which cholesterol was added.

The possible significance of these and other experiments in animals in an understanding of lipid deposition in the human atherosclerotic lesion is briefly discussed.
SUBCLINICAL ACUTE LIVER DISEASE OF THE ALCOHOLIC
Authors: GREEN JEREMY R.
Published: September 2017

A group of alcoholics, admitted to hospital for reasons other than liver disease, were studied in order to determine the presence and nature of any acute liver damage due to their drinking. The only clinical evidence to suggest liver disease was the finding, in some cases, of a palpable and occasionally tender liver. On the basis of the histological findings in the liver, the patients were separated into three groups—those with essentially normal livers, those with simple fatty livers, and those with acute alcoholic hepatitis. There were no clinical features to suggest to which of the three groups the patient belonged, except that liver enlargement greater than 5 cm. indicated liver disease. The results of liver function tests, although always abnormal in the patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis, were not helpful in the individual case. Previously reported studies are compared, and the usual clinical and biochemical findings of the groups are outlined. The importance of recognizing patients with fatty liver and acute alcoholic hepatitis is discussed, together with the therapeutic implications. It is considered that liver biopsy is a desirable part of the investigation of alcoholics if the natural history of liver disease in the alcoholic is to be understood, and if the more serious irreversible changes are to be prevented.
CHANGES OF ARTERIAL CARBON‐DIOXIDE TENSION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE BREATHING OXYGEN
Authors: PAIN MICHAEL C. F. , READ D. J. C. , READ JOHN
Published: September 2017

Pulmonary ventilation and arterial carbon‐dioxide tension (Pco2) were compared in 54 patients with chronic lung disease breathing air and breathing oxygen. Changes in arterial Pco2 did not simply reflect the effects of changes in ventilation which occurred with oxygen breathing, even after allowance had been made for ventilation‐induced changes in physiological dead space. It was necessary to invoke changes in respiratory muscle work and redistribution of pulmonary blood flow to explain the data in all instances. Changes of respiratory muscle work “buffered” the anticipated changes in arterial Pco2. Reversal of “compensatory” regional pulmonary vasoconstriction by oxygen produced levels of arterial Pco2 higher than those to be expected from changes in ventilation alone.
EOSINOPHIL LEUCOCYTES IN THE CHILD'S THYMUS
Authors: BHATHAL P. S. , CAMPBELL P. E.
Published: September 2017

Eosinophils were found in all of the 180 thymuses of children examined. They were distributed chiefly in the interlobular septa and medulla, especially around vessels. Some Hassall's corpuscles contained them. They can multiply in the thymus as indicated by the presence of myelocytes which occasionally showed mitotic activity.

The presence of eosinophils in the thymus was thoroughly documented in the early years of this century but has been ignored in recent years. There is no satisfactory explanation of their function in the thymus.

From the literature it appears almost certain that the eosinophil plays a part in the immune response. Reports indicate that at least one of its functions is the phagocytosis of antigen‐antibody complexes and that these complexes attract eosinophils.

In view of what is known of the function of the eosinophil and the not unusual presence of plasma cells and very rarely of germinal centres in the thymus, the presence of eosinophils may indicate the production of some antibody by the thymus. A second possibility is that the eosinophils have been attracted to areas of elimination of “self”‐reactive lymphocytes in the thymus.
THE EFFECT OF INCUBATION OF NORMAL PLATELETS WITH PLASMA FROM PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA ON THE PLATELET'S LIFE SPAN
Authors: PENNY R. , ROZENBERG M. C. , FIRKIN B. G.
Published: September 2017

Normal 51Cr‐labelled platelets were incubated in plasma from patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and the survival of these platelets in the normal subject was determined. In two of eight patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, a factor which reduced platelet survival was clearly demonstrated. As all eight patients had shortened platelet survival, the possibility that there may be two groups of patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura was discussed.
MEASUREMENT OF CALCIUM‐47 ABSORPTION BY WHOLE‐BODY GAMMA SPECTROMETRY
Authors: DELLER D. J. , WORTHLEY B. W. , MARTIN HEATHER
Published: September 2017

Absorption of calcium from the gastro‐intestinal tract was studied by a new and simple method, combining the use of Ca47, a gamma‐emitting isotope of calcium, and a whole‐body counter. The physical characteristics of the isotope and the design and efficiency of the whole‐body counter are described. The results of 86 studies carried out on 53 subjects with normal or disturbed calcium metabolism are presented. Absorption of Ca47 as estimated by whole‐body counting correlated well with the clinical state and experimental condition. The advantages and disadvantages of the technique are briefly discussed.
CHANGES IN NUCLEOTIDES FOLLOWING THE ADDITION OF ADENOSINE DIPHOSPHATE TO PLATELET SUSPENSIONS
Authors: TURTLE J. R. , FIRKIN B. G.
Published: September 2017

The presence of adenylic kinase has been demonstrated in the intact platelet and in platelet‐poor plasma. The addition of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to platelet suspensions results in further release of ADP by the platelet. Subtle changes of nucleotide concentrations induced in this way may be important in platelet aggregation.
THE EXOCRINE PANCREAS AND IRON ABSORPTION
Authors: BIGGS J. C. , DAVIS A. E.
Published: September 2017

We have studied the uptake of iron in loops of small intestine in the rat. Pure sheep pancreatic juice has been shown to inhibit iron uptake by such loops, an effect we had observed previously with a commercial pancreatic extract. This inhibiting effect on iron uptake is not shared by lyophilized human gastric juice and could not be produced with crystallized trypsin. After dialysis of the pancreatic juice, an effect on iron uptake was produced by both the dialysate and diffusate; this suggests that the factor involved is capable of partial diffusion through the dialysis tubing, or alternatively, that more than one factor is involved.

These experiments provide further evidence that pancreatic secretions play a role in the absorption of iron.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS IN HUMAN LIVER DISEASE
Authors: THORPE M. E. C. , SHOREY C. D.
Published: September 2017

Fourteen liver biopsy specimens from patients with fatty liver were studied histologically and with the electron microscope, together with four biopsy specimens from non‐fatty livers. Cellular inclusions visible with the light microscope were able to be identified under the electron microscope and their fine structure elaborated. The electron microscope also permitted a study of organellar morphology and pathology.

Difficulty was encountered in correlating the appearance of the cytoplasmic ground substance with the histological findings. The apparent variability of cellular degeneration was confirmed and emphasized at the ultrastructural level and was usually seen as alterations to the endoplasmic reticulum. No consistent ultrastructural alteration was seen which could explain the variability of lipid deposition in the degenerating cell. A degenerative cell type in fatty livers was described which was not seen to contain lipid. A very similar degenerative cell type was seen in infectious hepatitis. Alcoholic hyalin bodies were present in 25% of the alcoholic fatty livers. No other ultrastructural alteration was detected to implicate alcohol or poor nutrition as the ætiological agent. A biopsy specimen with features of alcoholic hepatitis is described.

The findings are discussed in relation to our present understanding of liver structure and function.
PITUITARY DEFICIENCY IN PATIENTS WITH PITUITARY TUMOURS
Authors: MARTIN F. I. R.
Published: September 2017

In 44 cases of tumours of the pituitary gland, the incidence of pituitary deficiency was determined; eight patients were severely hypopituitary, 16 had partial pituitary deficiency, and in 20 there was no evidence of loss of endocrine function. There was an increased incidence of hypopituitarism in patients with purely chromophobe tumours and in those with an upward extension above the diaphragma sellæ of more than 1·5 cm. There was no relation between the incidence of hypopituitarism and the size of the pituitary fossa on X‐ray examination.

In the 28 patients explored by transfrontal craniotomy, there was a close association between the development of both severe hypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus and damage to the median eminence of the hypothalamus or the infundibulum.

Despite some difficulty in the accurate classification of pituitary function, this investigation has demonstrated the importance of the integrity of the hypothalamic‐hypophyseal neuro‐vascular connections in the maintenance of pituitary function, even in the presence of a pituitary tumour. It is hoped that this will be of value in the management of patients undergoing operations for pituitary tumours, and in rare cases may influence the type of surgical procedure employed.
CYSTINE STORAGE DISEASE
Authors: CASEY T. P.
Published: September 2017

A case of cystinosis or Lignac‐Fanconi disease is presented in detail to demonstrate the main features of this condition, which is a separate entity distinguishable from “Fanconi's syndrome”. Cystine crystals were extracted from formalin‐fixed tissues.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Authors: SCHWARTZ C. J. , ARDLIE N. G.
Published: September 2017

The prevalence, distribution and severity of the macroscopic types of coronary artery lesions found in 206 subjects comprising an unselected necropsy series have been described. It was found that the total coronary artery area increases with age in both men and women. No significant relationship between coronary artery area and diastolic blood pressure levels was found, but coronary artery area was found to show a significant correlation with heart weight.

Fatty streaking was found to have almost a 100% prevalence in all age and sex groups studied. The prevalence of raised sudanophilic plaques was considerable, even in adults before middle age, and under 45 years only 20% of men and 30% of women were free of this type of lesion. In this Australian study, raised fibrous plaques showed a prevalence not dissimilar to that of their American counterparts, a prevalence which rose with age, and which was greater in males than in females, particularly in the younger age groups. Complicated plaques showed a progressive age‐dependent increase in prevalence in both men and women, with no consistent sex difference.

Both the prevalence of raised lesions and their extent were greater in the left anterior and right coronary arteries than in the left circumflex artery, an anatomical localization which suggests that local hæmodynamic factors may play a role in plaque development. This study has revealed that mural coronary disease is practically ubiquitous in an Australian necropsy series, except for the very young.
EXPERIENCE WITH THE USE OF 6‐MERCAPTOPURINE AND “IMURAN” IN THE TREATMENT OF PROGRESSIVE HEPATITIS (ACTIVE CHRONIC HEPATITIS)
Authors: ARTER W. J. , PERKINS K. W. , BLACKBURN C. R. B.
Published: September 2017

The cytotoxic agents 6‐mercaptopurine and azothioprine (“Imuran”) were used in the treatment of six young women with progressive hepatitis. Effective suppression of clinical and biochemical evidence of activity of the disease was not associated with histopathological improvement. These drugs may be particularly suited to the treatment of progressive hepatitis when corticosteroid therapy has failed to exert control or has caused prohibitive complications.
ALDOSTERONE METABOLISM IN CARDIAC FAILURE
Authors: HICKIE JOHN B. , LAZARUS L.
Published: September 2017

The place of aldosterone in the pathogenesis of cardiac failure remains controversial. In order to clarify this problem, aldosterone metabolism has been studied before and after therapy in 11 cases of untreated cardiac failure, and repeatedly during therapy in seven others. The studies, which have included measurement of the aldosterone secretion rate, plasma metabolic clearance rate, ratio of the urinary metabolites and calculation of the plasma aldosterone content, have been correlated with sodium and potassium balance measurements.

The aldosterone secretion rate and plasma aldosterone levels are normal in untreated cardiac failure, but are abnormally elevated during successful therapy. Digitalis may not cause a significant change in these levels, but diuretic therapy causes a marked rise. The metabolic clearance rate of aldosterone is impaired in cardiac failure, and this may contribute to a raised plasma level. The secretion rate and plasma levels are particularly related to sodium status.

These observations suggest that aldosterone plays little part in the renal conservation of sodium in cardiac failure, and that hyperaldosteronism, when present, is secondary to therapy.
THE EFFECT OF TWO DIFFERENT GASTRONES ON ACID SECRETION BY THE RAT IN VIVO AND BY ISOLATED RAT GASTRIC MUCOSA
Authors: BAUME PETER E. , NICHOLLS ANNETTE
Published: September 2017

A number of substances (“gastrones”) found in gastro‐intestinal mucous secretions inhibit gastric acid secretion when given by intravenous injection in vivo. The mode of this action is unknown. The present experiments have defined the effect of two potent gastrones on acid secretion by isolated rat gastric mucosa. In each instance the addition of the gastrone preparation to the solution bathing the in‐vitro mucosal preparation resulted in significant extra secretion of acid, although the same gastrone preparations had inhibited acid secretion in the intact animal. This paradoxical stimulant effect of gastrone on isolated gastric mucosa has not previously been described. Its demonstration is evidence that the inhibitory action of these substances in the intact animal is exerted at a more proximal site than the parietal cell.
ARTERITIS OF THE AORTA AND ITS MAJOR BRANCHES
Authors: SCHRIRE V.
Published: September 2017

The clinical spectrum of diffuse arteritis of the aorta and its main branches has been reviewed in a series of 34 patients.

The inflammatory process leads to intimal proliferation, atheroma and superimposed thrombosis, with the result that the lumina of the aorta or its branches are narrowed or even blocked. Weakening of the vessel wall with aneurysm formation is less common. The lesion is diffuse but patchy, so that several vascular territories are simultaneously affected, but to different degrees. Combinations of stenosis and aneurysm formation are also encountered.

The commonest symptoms are cardiac, mainly secondary to hypertension, but coronary arterial and myocardial factors also play a part. Mitral and aortic incompetence occurs, but has no hæmodynamic significance. Involvement of the main branches of the aorta is the hallmark of the disease, resulting in pulse abnormalities and vascular murmurs. When the upper limb vessels are involved, the anastomotic circulation is usually adequate, but the blood pressure is difficult to record with the sphygmomanometer, so that central aortic pressure tends to be underestimated. Involvement of the lower limbs gives rise to claudication and nutritional disturbances of the affected members. Involvement of the carotid arteries and of the mesenteric and the renal vessels produces symptoms due to ischæmia of the organs supplied by these channels. Renal involvement results in hypertension which aggravates the disease, but other factors contribute to the hypertension.

The angiographic appearances in 27 cases are described. A new entity, the so‐called “coronary steal” syndrome, has been found in two cases. A rich anastomosis between the coronary arteries and the diseased part of the descending thoracic aorta acts as a potential diversion of blood from the heart to the aorta.
PIG‐BEL—EPIDEMIC AND SPORADIC NECROTIZING ENTERITIS IN THE HIGHLANDS OF NEW GUINEA
Authors: MURRELL T. G. C.
Published: September 2017

Pig‐bel is a severe necrotizing enteritis which is probably caused by Clostridium welchii type C. The patient may present with the clinical features of enteritis, an acute surgical abdomen or malabsorption syndrome. The epidemiology of the disease is associated with the periodic consumption of pork by the New Guinea Highlander. Pigs play a vital role in the cultural life of these Melanesian peoples.
LUPOID HEPATITIS: COMPUTER ANALYSIS DEFINING “HEPATITIS” AND “CIRRHOSIS” PHASES AND RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HEPATOCELLULAR DAMAGE AND IMMUNE REACTIONS IN THE LIVER
Authors: GOLDSTEIN GIDEON , MACKAY IAN R.
Published: September 2017

The interrelationships between histopathological, clinical, biochemical, and serological indices in 30 patients with lupoid hepatitis were analysed by a digital computer which was used to calculate 225 correlation coefficients.

First, the study defined two groups of significantly interrelated histological indices corresponding to “hepatitis” and “cirrhosis” phases of the disease. The hepatitis phase comprised liver cell necrosis, Kupffer cell hyperplasia and plasma cell accumulation, and the cirrhosis phase comprised loss of architecture, fibrosis, bile duct proliferation, and lymphocyte and plasma cell accumulation.

Secondly, the study defined significant interrelationships in the hepatitis phase between hepatocellular damage and an immune reaction as shown by plasma cell accumulation in the liver, gamma globulin increase in the serum and lupus erythematosus (LE) cell positivity.

The immune reaction is, in part at least, to antigens of damaged liver cells; it may be entirely a consequence of damage from a primary process, such as a virus infection, or it may be an autoimmune cause of continuing cell injury. The analysis did not discriminate between these two possibilities.
TAKAYASHU'S DISEASE WITH GASTRO‐INTESTINAL SYMPTOMS
Authors: KATER R. M. H.
Published: September 2017

A case of Takayashu's disease occurring in Sydney is reported. Cœliac axis ischæmia, in the presence of a patent superior mesenteric artery, may have been the cause of a syndrome with the features of pyloric stenosis.

The primary cause of death was perforation of the bowel due to ischæmic enterocolitis.