Showing papers by "Monash University published in 1983"
TL;DR: Cryopreservation procedures that allow a high survival rate of four- and eight-cell human embryos and the establishment of a pregnancy following the freezing and storage of an eight- cell embryo for 4 months in liquid nitrogen are reported.
Abstract: The widespread use of clomiphene citrate and exogenous gonadotrophins for in vitro fertilization (IVF) in human frequently results in the production of multiple embryos. Replacement of more than two embryos increases pregnancy rate but may result in multiple pregnancies with increased pre- and post-natal abnormality. Preservation of embryos for a limited time allows fewer embryos to be replaced on several different occasions and thus the problems of multiple pregnancy can be minimized, the effectiveness of a single IVF procedure increased and embryo replacement in adverse maternal conditions avoided. Preimplantation embryos have been successfully cryopreserved in many animal species. The sensitivity of embryos to cooling and freezing varies between species and stages of embryo development. We report here the cryopreservation procedures that allow a high survival rate of four- and eight-cell human embryos and the establishment of a pregnancy following the freezing and storage of an eight-cell embryo for 4 months in liquid nitrogen. The pregnancy terminated at 24 weeks' gestation due to development of a septic Streptomyces agalactiae chorion amnionitis after premature membrane rupture.
995 citations
TL;DR: The development of apparently isolated incisional scar tissue recurrences after curative excisions for large-bowel cancer proved unusual, and eleven patients with such a recurrence all died of disseminated disease within four years, and most within 12 months, of its development.
Abstract: In the Melbourne (Monash) series reviewed here the development of apparently isolated incisional scar tissue recurrences after curative excisions for large-bowel cancer proved unusual. Eleven patients with such a recurrence all died of disseminated disease within four years, and most within 12 months, of its development. This suggests that an incisional recurrence is a manifestation of disseminated cancer rather than isolated implantation.
314 citations
TL;DR: Fertilization rates in vitro were highest in women with bilateral tubal blockage and women treated for endometriosis, and donor spermatozoa not be used for cases of idiopathic infertility, but it may be needed in cases of poor semen quality.
193 citations
TL;DR: Disconnection of the pituitary gland from the hypothalamus by subpial deafferentation provides a good in vivo isolated pituitaries model in the sheep.
Abstract: A surgical procedure is described for isolating the pituitary gland from hypothalamic influences in sheep. The procedure results in total deafferentation of the stalk and median eminence but maintains the blood supply to the pituitary gland. The median eminence, pituitary stalk and anterior face of the pituitary gland were exposed by a transnasal, transphenoidal approach. In early studies section of the pituitary stalk as close as possible to the pituitary gland caused almost total infarction of the gland. Attempts were made to disconnect the pituitary gland from the hypothalamus by section immediately above the lateral inputs of the superior hypophyseal arteries but variable results were obtained, always with infarction of part of the pars distalis. When the pituitary gland was disconnected from the hypothalamus by entering the median eminence above the portal circulation and evacuating the nervous tissue of the tuber cinereum, (hypothalamo-pituitary disconnection; HPD), a small area of infarction was found in the pars distalis of only 1/10 cases. HPD effectively disconnected the pituitary gland from hypothalamic control whilst the pars distalis was not deprived of its blood supply. Complete severance of hypothalamo-pituitary connections also caused atrophy of the pars nervosa and enlargement of the cells of the pars intermedia. Following HPD, plasma LH and FSH concentrations diminished and plasma prolactin concentrations rose. On the day after surgery there were no LH, FSH or prolactin responses to 50 micrograms (i.m.) of oestradiol benzoate indicating the functional isolation of the pituitary gland from the hypothalamus. The isolated pituitaries were capable of responding to gonadotropin releasing hormone by LH release. Disconnection of the pituitary gland from the hypothalamus by subpial deafferentation provides a good in vivo isolated pituitary model in the sheep.
176 citations
142 citations
TL;DR: Preliminary evidence suggests a possible topographic organization of IID sensitivity in deep SC, such that the steeply sloping portion of the function (corresponding to the medial edge of the receptive field) is shifted laterally for EO/I neurons located more caudally in the nucleus.
Abstract: 1. The auditory responses of 207 single neurons in the intermediate and deep layers of the superior colliculus (SC) of barbiturate -or chloralose-anesthetized cats were recorded extracellularly. Sealed stimulating systems incorporating calibrated probe microphone assemblies were employed to present tone- and noise-burst stimuli. 2. All acoustically activated neurons responded with onset responses to noise bursts. Of those neurons also tested with tonal stimuli, approximately 30% were unresponsive over the frequency range tested (0.1-40 kHz), while the others had higher thresholds to tones than to noise. 3. Details of frequency responsiveness were obtained for 55 neurons; 21 were broadly tuned, while 34 were sharply tuned with clearly defined characteristic frequencies (CFs). All sharply tuned neurons had CFs greater than or equal to 10 kHz. 4. The majority of neurons (81%) responded with latencies in the range 8-20 ms; only 11% of neurons had latencies greater than 30 ms. 5. Binaural response properties were examined for 165 neurons. The great majority (79%) received monaural excitatory input only from the contralateral ear (EO). However, most EO cells were binaurally influenced, the contralateral response being either inhibited (EO/I; 96 of 131 units) or facilitated (EO/F; 33 of 131 units) by simultaneous ipsilateral stimulation. Small subgroups were monaurally excited by either ear (EE cells; 8%) or were unresponsive monaurally but responded strongly to binaural stimulation (OO/F cells; 7%). 6. EO/I, EO/F, and OO/F neurons showed characteristic forms of sensitivity to interaural intensity differences (IIDs). The IID functions of EO/I neurons would be expected to produce large contralateral spatial receptive fields with clearly defined medial borders, such as have been described in studies of deep SC neurons employing free-field stimuli. 7. Preliminary evidence suggests a possible topographic organization of IID sensitivity in deep SC, such that the steeply sloping portion of the function (corresponding to the medial edge of the receptive field) is shifted laterally for EO/I neurons located more caudally in the nucleus. 8. The auditory properties of deep SC neurons are compared with previous reports and implications for the organization of auditory input are considered. The binaural properties and auditory spatial fields of deep SC neurons suggest that any representation of auditory space in this structure is unlikely to be based on restricted spatial fields.
119 citations
TL;DR: The presence of immunoreactive (ir) β-endorphin, ir-adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and presumptive high molecular weight forms of both in extracts of sheep ovary are reported, consistent with ovarian production from a common precursor.
Abstract: Although the ovarian production of sex steroids is of obvious physiological importance, recent studies suggest that peptides such as oxytocin, relaxin and inhibin are also synthesized in the ovary1–11. We report here the presence of immunoreactive (ir) β-endorphin, ir-adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and presumptive high molecular weight forms of both in extracts of sheep ovary, consistent with ovarian production from a common precursor. Our findings suggest that β-endorphin and ACTH are produced and secreted by the follicular cells, and that their production may be related to the oestrous cycle.
96 citations
TL;DR: It seems that as research in opioids advances, the putative physiological opioid ‘spheres of influence’ widen and mechanisms of action are being revealed to be more subtle and complex than previously thought.
Abstract: During the past 8 years there has been substantial progress in our understanding of the structure, distribution and action of endogenous opioid peptides. Currently, there appear to be 2 groups of peptides; those derived from β-lipotropin and an enkephalin-related group. Some of these peptides have been shown to be distributed widely in the central nervous system and in endocrine tissues. The activity of the peptides probably occurs at several receptors but only 1 relatively specific (μ-receptor) antagonist, naloxone, is well studied. Although there have been many clinical studies of the action of opioids in man, no novel therapeutic applications have yet been established in clinical practice.
90 citations
TL;DR: A study of recognition accuracy with tachistoscopic presentation lateralized to the visual hemifields suggests some parallel between left and right hemisphere processing and the contrast of normal and agrammatic speakers: with direct input restricted to the left hemisphere, the vocabulary types show different levels of accuracy; no such differences are evident with presentations to the right.
88 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, it is shown that full scale configurations with circular features can be performed satisfactorily provided the test Reynolds number in turbulent flow with turbulence intensity greater than 4%, is in excess of 2×10 5 ; tests at Reynolds numbers below this value are shown to have little relevance to such full scale structures.
85 citations
TL;DR: It is postulate that hormones from both adrenal medulla and cortex are involved in the retention of information post-stress, and that these hormones act directly on the CNS rather than via the pituitary, since the response to adrenalectomy is not dependent on the presence of the pituitsary gland.
TL;DR: Frozen-thawed donor semen was compared with freshly ejaculated donor semen for in vitro fertilization of human oocytes in patients with infertile husbands as mentioned in this paper, and there was no significant difference in the fertilization rates between frozen-thaw (85%) and fresh spermatozoa (78%).
TL;DR: Examination of the data for individuals suggests that light exposure synchronizes the direction of lateralization rather than generates its presence, which suggests that environmental and genetic factors interact to produce the lateralization of attack and copulation.
TL;DR: The results obtained in Brattleboro rats and the change in baroreflex sensitivity brought about by infusions of vasopressin and DDAVP provide strong evidence that vasoppressin may be an important physiological modulator of barore Flex function.
Abstract: To determine the influence of vasopressin on baroreceptor reflex mechanisms, baroreflex function in Brattleboro rats was compared with that in normal Long-Evans rats. Baroreflex function was assessed in conscious unrestrained rats during increases in blood pressure with phenylephrine (200 Mg/kg per min for 10 seconds). The baroreflex function line was obtained by plotting the log (pulse period) against the preceding systolic pressure on a beat-by-beat basis. The slope of the baroreflex function line (baroreflex function slope) in Long-Evans rats [(19.0 ± 1.4) X 10", mean ± SEM, n = 34] was significantly steeper than that in Brattleboro rats [(6.9 ± 0.6) X 10~\ n = 44, P < 0.001]. A subpressor intravenous infusion of arginine-vasopressin (2 ng/kg per min for 2 hours), which elevated plasma vasopressin to 48.1 ± 6.8 pg/ml, caused bradycardia and increased the baroreflex function slope in Brattleboro rats, from (7.5 ± 1.0) x 10"" to within the normal Long-Evans range [(17.0 ± 0.8) x 10~\ n = 7, P < 0.001]. The basal pulse period and the baroreflex function slope in Brattleboro rats [(7.0 ± 0.9) x 10~] was also increased significantly to (12.0 ± 1.7) X 10"* (n = 11, P < 0.01) by an infusion of l-desamino-8D-arginine vasopressin, (2 ng/kg per min for 2 hours), a vasopressin analogue with potent antidiuretic but minimal vascular actions. Acute volume expansion, which increased body weight significantly, did not change the baroreflex function slope in Brattleboro rats [(7.7 ± 1.1) X 10" vs. (8.2 ± 1.7) X 10~\ n = 6]. A specific vasopressin vascular receptor antagonist [d(CH2)5 Tyr(Me)AVP], although blocking the pressor effect of exogenous vasopressin, did not change the pulse period or the baroreflex function slope [(16.0 ± 2.3) X 10~* vs. (19.0 ± 1.7) X 10"*, n = 6)] in normal Long-Evans rats. The results obtained in Brattleboro rats and the change in baroreflex sensitivity brought about by infusions of vasopressin and DDAVP provide strong evidence that vasopressin may be an important physiological modulator of baroreflex function. (Circ Res 53: 140-149, 1983)
TL;DR: Preston as discussed by the authors showed that the class of all eventually regular semigroups includes both the classes of all regular semiigroups and all group-bound semigroup and so in particular includes all finite semiigroup classes.
Abstract: A semigroup is called eventually regular if each of its elements hassome power that is regular. Thus the class of all eventually regular semi-groups includes both the class of all regular semigroups and the class ofall group-bound semigroups and so in particular includes the class of allfinite semigroups [J].Many results that hold for all regular semigroups also hold for allfinite semigroups; often this occurrence is not just a coincidence but isnecessarily the case since the results concerned hold for eventuallyregular semigroups. We show that many results may be generalized fromregular semigroups to eventually regular semigroups. In particularLallement's Lemma that for every congruence p on a regular semigroup 5 ,every idempotent p-class contains an idempotent is shown to hold foreventually regular semigroups [I].We define a relation that we denote by \i = u(S) on an arbitrarysemigroup S and show that u is an idempotent-separating congruence onS . For an eventually regular semigroup 5 it is shown that \i is themaximum idempotent-separating congruence on S . Let S be an arbitrarysemigroup. We show that the semigroup S/p is finite if and only if theset of idempotents of S , E(S) is finite [1]. The semigroup S iscalled fundamental if the only idempotent-separating congruence on S isu . It is shown that p is the identity congruence on S/]i(S) [2].(Using the previous result David Easdown has shown that for any semigroupReceived 16 Augus 198t U . Thesis submitted to Monash University February198U. Degree approved August 198U. Supervisor: Professor G.B. Preston.Copyright Clearance Centre, Inc. Serial-fee code: OOOU-9727/85$A2.00 + 0.00.157
01 Jan 1983
TL;DR: With the resulting increase in the number of pregnancies obtained in the programme, it was possible to begin detailed analyses of the factors with influence pregnancy rate, or indirectly, the rate of implantation of embryos obtained by in vitro fertilization.
Abstract: Following the unequivocal demonstration that in vitro fertilization could be successful carried out in women given clomiphene citrate and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) to induce multiple follicular growth and to control the time of oocyte recovery (Trounson et al. 1981a, b), we have attempted to determine systematically the factors which govern the success rate of in vitro fertilization. The initial experiments were aimed to improve the rate of oocyte recovery because it was considered necessary to at least begin with as many mature oocytes as possible; in particular it was hoped to have at least one oocyte for every patient undergoing laparoscopy. Changes to instruments and techniques had a marked effect on increasing the recovery rate of oocytes (Renou et al. 1981; Wood et al. 1981). It was then possible. to examine the procedures of fertilization and culture of oocytes and embryos to see if the rate of apparently normal embryo development could be increased so that the majority of patients would be transferred at least one normal embryo. Again it was demonstrated that a marked increase could be obtained in the rate of development of apparently normal embryos by the adjustment of the time of insemination (Trounson et al. 1982). With the resulting increase in the number of pregnancies obtained in the programme (Trounson 1982a) it was possible to begin detailed analyses of the factors with influence pregnancy rate, or indirectly, the rate of implantation of embryos obtained by in vitro fertilization.
TL;DR: A detailed case review showed that in this population monitoring was irrelevant to almost all of the 13 perinatal deaths, and the previously well‐documented association between abnormal antenatal fetal heart rate traces and low Apgar score was confirmed.
TL;DR: From reactions of bis(polyfluorophenyl)ytterbium compounds R2Yb (R = C6Fs or p-HC6F4) with trans-Rh(CO)Cl(PPh3)2, NiCl2(bpy) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl), NiCl 2(Pph3) 2, PtCl2bpy 2 triphenyltin chloride, iodine and mercuric chloride, the polyfluorphenyl derivatives trans-RRh(CO)(PPh
Abstract: From reactions of bis(polyfluorophenyl)ytterbium compounds R2Yb (R = C6Fs or p-HC6F4) with trans-Rh(CO)Cl(PPh3)2, NiCl2(bpy) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl), NiCl2(PPh3)2, PtCl2(bpy)2 triphenyltin chloride, iodine and mercuric chloride, the polyfluorophenyl derivatives trans-RRh(CO)(PPh3)2, R2Ni(bpy), trans-(C6F5)2Ni(PPh3)2, (C6F5)2,Pt(bpy), Ph3SnC6Fs, C6F5I and (C6FS)2,Hg have been obtained. Reduction to mercury metal accompanied formation of the last compound. Carbonation of (C6F5)2Yb in tetrahydrofuran followed by acidification yields pentafluorobenzoic acid and, surprisingly, a significant amount of 2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoic acid, in which the aromatic hydrogen is substantially derived from tetrahydrofuran. Reaction of (C6F5)2Yb with pentafluorobenzoic acid followed by acidification also gives 2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoic acid. Fluoride elimination is less extensive and less specific in a similar reaction of YbI2.
TL;DR: Results confirmed the biochemical studies showing separation of viral sites of RNA synthesis and translation, and the accumulation of envelope protein in nuclear-associated membranes, in flavivirus-infected cells.
Abstract: The sites of replication and of accumulation of viral macromolecules were examined using fluorescent antibodies to viral products and to cell organelles. Synthesis of envelope protein and its accumulation in a narrow rim around the nucleus were detected at 4 hours post infection; concurrently, a progressive change was observed in the rough endoplasmic reticulum from a fine to a coarse network emanating from around the nucleus. This change in the network was visible by light microscopy. The immunofluorescent sites of viral RNA synthesis, located by use of anti-double stranded RNA, extended from the perinuclear region in another fine network which included many small foci or vesicles; these sites were also visible by light microscopy late in infection. None of these changes were associated with any visible redistribution of actin, intermediate filaments or microtubules, and no nuclear involvement was detected. However, when microtubules were disrupted by vinblastine treatment of cells, the distribution of the immunofluorescent sites of viral RNA synthesis was modified and the virus yield was reduced by at least 10-fold. These results confirmed our biochemical studies showing separation of viral sites of RNA synthesis and translation, and the accumulation of envelope protein in nuclear-associated membranes. The relevance of these observations is discussed in relation to the reports of specific membrane structures induced in flavivirus-infected cells.
TL;DR: Ultrasound results are no better than the menstrual history in predicting the time of the LH surge in stimulated cycles, and multiparameter assessment of follicular development is required.
TL;DR: The experience of this series highlights the danger of carcinomatous transformation in the retained rectum, the requirement for regular long-term follow-up, the need for markers of precancerous change, and the value, where relevant, of prophylactic proctectomy.
Abstract: In a series of 1439 patients with ulcerative colitis, managed by one of the authors (E.S.R.H.), surgical resection was performed on 374 patients (26 per cent): colectomy, 273 (subtotal colectomy and mucous fistula, 172, colectomy and primary ileorectal anastomosis, 101); proctocolectomy, 61; and miscellaneous procedures, 40. Of the 172 patients undergoing subtotal colectomy and mucous fistula, 93 (54 per cent) subsequently required rectal excision, 33 (19 per cent) had ileorectal anastomosis performed as a second procedure, and in 46 (27 per cent) subsequently developed as a mucous fistula. Two hundred seventy-three patients were at risk for the development of rectal, cancer after subtotal colectomy; ten patients (3.6 per cent) subsequently developed rectal cancer. The cumulative probability of developing rectal cancer after subtotal colectomy reached 17 per cent at 27 years from disease onset. The tumors were more advanced in stage and of higher grade malignancy than those of a parallel general series of patients with rectal cancer uncomplicated by inflammatory bowel disease. Colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis has been successful for most patients. However, the experience of this series highlights the danger of carcinomatous transformation in the retained rectum, the requirement for regular long-term follow-up, the need for markers of precancerous change, and the value, where relevant, of prophylactic proctectomy.
TL;DR: The recording of individual uterine contractions ≥15 mmHg between 20 and 28 weeks gestation was found to be useful for the prediction of preterm labour in this high risk group of patients.
TL;DR: In this article, the semi-strong form efficiency of the London Metal Exchange has been studied in terms of the number of trades traded and the amount of transactions traded per session. Applied Economics: Vol. 15, No. 5, pp. 681-698.
Abstract: (1983). The semi-strong form efficiency of the London Metal Exchange. Applied Economics: Vol. 15, No. 5, pp. 681-698.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider pricing and depletion of an exhaustible nonrenewable resource in an economy wherein domestic consumption is provided for by supplementing extraction from the economy's own resource stock with imports, the future supply of which is not assured.
Abstract: This paper considers pricing and depletion of an exhaustible nonrenewable resource in an economy wherein domestic consumption is provided for by supplementing extraction from the economy's own resource stock with imports, the future supply of which is not assured. The socially optimal response to threat of trade disruption is a more-conservationist depletion program for the domestic resource stock than would be called for, if import supplies were assured to persist. Competitive domestic firms adopt the socially optimal conversationist program. However, firms anticipating domestic market power after the disruption of import supplies are revealed to overextract the domestic resource stock. 33 references, 2 figures.
01 Jan 1983
TL;DR: In an in vitro fertilization programme, where pregnancy rates are low and the time between laparoscopy and eventual birth is too great to afford any reliable feedback, a means of assessing early embryo viability is essential.
Abstract: The ultimate indicator of embryo viability after in vitro procedures is the establishment of pregnancy and the birth of normal healthy offspring. In an in vitro fertilization programme, where pregnancy rates are low and the time between laparoscopy and eventual birth is too great to afford any reliable feedback, a means of assessing early embryo viability is essential. This early assessment is important firstly in establishing culture conditions and techniques making possible the fertilization and growth of human embryos and secondly to provide some means of assessing embryos on a day-to-day basis. An ongoing assessment is necessary where modifications to existing procedures are being examined for optimization.
TL;DR: Monoclonal antibodies were produced by hybridoma cell lines derived by fusion of mouse NS‐1 myeloma cells with splenocytes from mice immunized with Leptospira interrogansserovar pomona, but one hybridoma (A3) produced an lgG2a antibody which agglutinated all leptospires of the Pomona serogroup but not lePTospires representative of serovars of any other serogroups.
TL;DR: In this paper, electron spin resonance spectroscopy has been used to investigate free radical involvement in the oxidation of Victorian brown coal, showing that the free radicals responsible for the narrow signal interact reversibly with atmospheric oxygen while the broad signal changes intensity dramatically during prolonged exposure to air.
TL;DR: In this article, a detailed investigation was undertaken to evaluate the influence of a number of important factors on the results obtained during triaxial testing of a saturated soft rock, namely the Silurian mudstone of Melbourne.
TL;DR: Peripheral blood lymphocyte subclasses were determined in 60 women with normal pregnancies, 20 from each trimester, and in 20 controls using automated flow cytofluorimetry using monoclonal antibodies to stain total T cells, T helper and T suppressor-cytotoxic lymphocytes.