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Showing papers by "Monash University published in 1984"


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1984-Nature
TL;DR: In one of these women a donated oocyte, fertilized by her husband's spermatozoa7 and cultured to the two-cell stage in vitro, was transferred in utero, resulting in a normal pregnancy and the delivery of a healthy child.
Abstract: Ovarian steroid replacement therapy in the ovariectomized ewe, given in the correct sequence to mimic endogenous steroid changes in the normal ovulatory cycle, allows the development of embryos transferred in utero. A similar type of sequential therapy was designed for steroid replacement in women with primary ovarian failure. This produces the histological changes in uterine endometrial morphology and plasma oestradiol and progesterone similar to those observed in the normal ovulatory cycle. We now report that in one of these women a donated oocyte, fertilized by her husband's spermatozoa and cultured to the two-cell stage in vitro, was transferred in utero, resulting in a normal pregnancy and the delivery of a healthy child. Oestrogen therapy was withdrawn at 12 weeks and progesterone at 19 weeks gestation. This technique allows the treatment of human infertility due to primary ovarian failure.

579 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The relationship of conventional semen parameters and the limits of these parameters for fertilization in vitro were analyzed from data over a 3-year period (1980 to 1982) as mentioned in this paper, where sperm motility was the single most important parameter determining the fertilization rate.

226 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The biocompatibility of Mg-PSZ ceramics aged to peak strength at 1100° C was assessed by in vitro and in vivo experiments and there was no significant adverse soft tissue response to the implants.
Abstract: The biocompatibility of Mg-PSZ ceramics aged to peak strength at 1100° C was assessed by in vitro and in vivo experiments. The former consisted of immersing the material in saline solution, boiling under reflux, for 1000 hours. A 6% loss in strength was the only discernible change in the ceramic. The in vivo experiments comprised implanting Mg-PSZ samples in the paraspinalis muscles of rabbits for 6 months. There was no significant adverse soft tissue response to the implants. Neither was there any change in the surface phase content, surface roughness or strength of the implants during the course of the experiment.

125 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results add suort to previous conclusions that these autacoids may normally have important influences on blood flow in the fetal extra‐corporeal circulation.

125 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It was found that mean total scores were lower for both groups of physically handicapped children when compared tomean scores for the non-handicapped controls, with similar results amongst the groups of siblings, the mean scores for siblings of handicap children being generally lower than those of the controls.
Abstract: Following a brief review of studies devoted specifically to the self-concept of the child with a physical handicap and the non-handicapped sibling, 20 pre-adolescent physically handicapped children attending normal schools and their siblings nearest in age were administered the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale for Children Their responses were then compared with those of 13 physically handicapped children attending special schools and their siblings, and with 18 non-handicapped children and their siblings It was found that mean total scores were lower for both groups of physically handicapped children when compared to mean scores for the non-handicapped controls, with similar results amongst the groups of siblings, the mean scores for siblings of handicapped children being generally lower than those of the controls The same results were found when the handicapped children's groups were pooled and analysed according to diagnosis It was also found that there were few significant differences between pairs of target children and siblings, irrespective of their groupings

101 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Endogenous EGF-LA was detectable in human testis, seminal vesicle, prostate, and epididymis, and specific EGF binding activity was detected in testicular membrane preparations but was not detectable in membranes prepared from human prostate, seminal VESicle, epididy, or spermatozoa.
Abstract: Epidermal growth factor-like activity (EGF-LA) has been detected in human seminal plasma in concentrations of 5–150 ngeq/ml (36.4 ± 2.1, mean ± SEM), using a heterologous RRA with murine EGF. The samples were obtained from normal, subfertile and azoospermic men, aged 21–50 yr. No correlation was found between EGF concentration and age of donor, sperm count, sperm motility, or period of sexual abstinence before sample collection. High performance liquid chromatography of the seminal plasma resulted in a main peak of EGF-LA which eluted at 29% acetonitrile, compared to 33% for murine EGF. Microsomal membranes were prepared from several tissues from the human male reproductive tract and were tested for their ability to bind radioiodinated murine EGF. Specific EGF binding activity was detectable in testicular membrane preparations but was not detectable in membranes prepared from human prostate, seminal vesicle, epididymis, or spermatozoa. Endogenous EGF-LA was detectable in human testis, seminal vesicle, pro...

100 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results demonstrate that the transient spermatogenic disruption induced by heating is accompanied by significant alterations in Sertoli and Leydig cell function which are identical to those produced in other models of s permatogenic dysfunction.
Abstract: This study was designed to determine the effects of a short episode of testicular heating (43 degrees C for 15 min) on spermatogenesis and Sertoli and Leydig cell function. Rats killed at intervals up to 156 days after heating were assessed by histological examination, and by measurement of serum FSH and LH, and by tests of Sertoli cell function consisting of fluid production, androgen binding protein (ABP) content of the ligated and unligated tests, together with the binding of [125I]FSH. Leydig cell function was assessed by in vitro testosterone production, serum testosterone levels and [125I]hCG binding to testes homogenates. Testis weight declined 7 days after heating to 70% of control and remained lower until 82 days, whereas epididymal weight did not decrease significantly until 26 days and also recovered by 82 days. Fluid production was significantly lower in heated testes at 26 days and returned to normal at 56 days. ABP production measured as the difference between the ABP content of ligated and unligated testes was significantly reduced at 14 and 26 days, but subsequently recovered. Serum FSH levels were significantly elevated from 14-26 days in the heat treated group and the binding of [125I]FSH was reduced at 26 days post-heating. Basal and stimulated in vitro T production was significantly increased in the heat-treated testes at 14 days and subsequently returned to normal whilst [125I]hCG binding was significantly lower in the heat-treated testes from 7-26 days. Serum T and LH did not alter significantly during the study. Primary spermatocytes and young spermatids were the most heat sensitive germ cell type and a reduction in spermatogenesis was noted from 7 to 26 days, although recovery appeared complete by 56 days and thereafter. These results demonstrate that the transient spermatogenic disruption induced by heating is accompanied by significant alterations in Sertoli and Leydig cell function which are identical to those produced in other models of spermatogenic dysfunction. The results suggest that the duration of these changes appears to correlate closely with alterations occurring in the germ cell compartment.

92 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Curative local excision in 16 patients had no operative mortality or morbidity and the probability of lymph-node metastases in primary rectal tumors confined to the mucosa and submucosa was found to be 6.2 per cent irrespective of their diameter,i.e., slightly less than the mortality of resection.
Abstract: A safe, simple technique of curative local excision is used for early invasive carcinoma of the rectum. Strict criteria were applied in selecting patients for curative local excision: (1) the tumor was less than 3cm in diameter; (2) there were no clinically involved pelvic lymph nodes; (3) the tumor had a pedicle or pseudopedicle, and (4) subsequent histopathologic examination showed that the tumor was confined to the mucosa and submucosa of the bowel wall and completely excised. Curative local excision in 16 patients had no operative mortality or morbidity. The five-year cancer specific survival was 100 per cent, which compares favorably with the 88 per cent cancer specific survival rate in 268 patients managed by conventional curative resection for Dukes' stage A tumors. When the 7.1 per cent operative mortality of resection was additionally considered, the five-year survival fell to 81 per cent. The probability of lymph-node metastases in primary rectal tumors confined to the mucosa and submucosa was found to be 6.2 per cent irrespective of their diameter,i.e., slightly less than the mortality of resection.

89 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
05 Jul 1984-Nature
TL;DR: The detection and localization of immunoreactive (ir) AVP in the luteal cells of adult homozygous Brattleboro rats, and the modulation of this ovarian ir-AVP by gonadotropins are reported.
Abstract: Homozygous (di/di) Brattleboro rats have normal hypothalamic levels of oxytocin and neurophysin I, but undetectable levels of neurophysin II and arginine-vasopressin (AVP). This defect has been presumed to be at the genomic or transcriptional level, as AVP messenger is reported to be drastically reduced, if not absent, from the hypothalamus of Brattleboro rats. Recent studies suggest de novo production of various neuropeptides in the mammalian gonad, including AVP. We report here the detection and localization of immunoreactive (ir) AVP in the luteal cells of adult homozygous Brattleboro rats, and the modulation of this ovarian ir-AVP by gonadotropins. These findings are thus consistent with a tissue-specific defect of AVP expression in the magnocellular neurones of the Brattleboro rat, and suggest that a comparable defect does not occur in the ovaries of such animals.

84 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is concluded that protein supplementation of culture medium may adversely affect embryo development and viability and could have important implications for human in vitro fertilization.
Abstract: The effects of supplementing culture medium with protein for the culture of mouse embryos from two cells to blastocysts were examined in vitro. The proportion of embryos developing was affected by the type of protein and concentration. The highest rates were obtained in protein-free medium, fetal calf serum, and A Grade bovine serum albumin at all concentrations tested (2–16 mg/ml). Reduced rates of embryo development were observed in proteins of human origin, particularly at the highest concentrations tested. Purification of human and bovine serum albumin resulted in a marked reduction of embryo development. Significantly more normal fetuses were found in pregnant mice receiving transferred embryos grown in protein free-medium than in medium containing fetal calf serum. It is concluded that protein supplementation of culture medium may adversely affect embryo development and viability. These observations could have important implications for human in vitro fertilization.

84 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1984-Fuel
TL;DR: In this paper, electron spin resonance spectroscopy has been used to study the changes in free-radical nature and content of brown coals as a result of vacuum drying the coal at various temperatures, and exposing the dried coal to either air at room temperature or oxygen at 105 °C.

Journal ArticleDOI
Lee D. Parker1
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the contribution of Mary Parker Follett's contribution to the conceptual management literature on control in organizations and argued that her contribution has been somewhat neglected by subsequent writers and commentators.
Abstract: Mary Parker Follett's contribution to the conceptual management literature on control in organizations is examined. It is argued that her contribution to management thought has been somewhat neglected by subsequent writers and commentators. From the concepts that she explored, two models of control—behavioral and holistic—are constructed. The extent to which they reflect Follett's own life and philosophy also is considered. It is argued that her concepts of control anticipated behavioral and systems concepts of the 1960s and 1970s.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In vitro human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-stimulated testosterone production was significantly increased in the cryptorchid group at higher hCG doses and changes were found in Cryptorchid testes at 130 days except that Leydig cell cross-sectional area was now significantly increased.
Abstract: Cryptorchidism surgically induced in 14-day-old rats, was allowed to persist until 35 days when one group was killed to assess testicular function. In a second group the cryptorchid testis was returned to the scrotum surgically (orchidopexy) and subsequently killed at 130 days. A third group remained persistently cryptorchid to 130 days, while in a fourth group two sham operations were performed at 14 and 35 days. At 35 days, cryptorchidism resulted in a significant decline in testis weight due to suppressed spermatogenesis. Sertoli cell function as measured by seminiferous tubule fluid (TF) production after unilateral efferent duct ligation and androgen-binding protein (ABP) production was significantly depressed in the cryptorchid group. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were significantly elevated with cryptorchidism but serum testosterone levels were unchanged. Although morphometric measurements showed no change in Leydig cells cross-sectioned area, in vitro human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-stimulated testosterone production was significantly increased in the cryptorchid group at higher hCG doses. Similar changes were found in cryptorchid testes at 130 days except that Leydig cell cross-sectional area was now significantly increased. Orchidopexy at 35 days restored spermatogenesis and fertility during test mating was not impaired. TF production, ABP accumulation and serum FSH levels returned to normal following orchidopexy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a particular class of p-dimensional exponential distributions have Laplace transforms |I + VT|−1, V positive definite or positive semi-definite and T = diagonal (t1,…, tp).

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Analysis of responses indicated that team members experienced considerable stress during their postdisaster work but also gained a great deal at both professional and personal levels.
Abstract: The reactions of a volunteer mental health team which convened in the aftermath of the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires are reported. A questionnaire designed to explore psychological and physical responses was completed by the 19 staff who made up the team. Using both open-ended and closed questions, the questionnaire tapped such areas as motivation, goals, expectations and observations, initial and later emotional and physical reactions, fantasies and evoked memories; an evaluation of the service and the experience was also included. Analysis of responses indicated that team members experienced considerable stress during their postdisaster work but also gained a great deal at both professional and personal levels. Sources of stress are discussed as are recommendations for their alleviation.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The deleterious effects observed in the sperm head membranes following dilution and freezing and thawing may explain why generally the fertility of frozen/thawed semen is lower than that of fresh semen and may also explain individual variation in fertility of donors after insemination of frozen semen.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is suggested that tracheal flow is normally retarded by a laryngeal mechanism during apnea, giving rise to an elevated pressure within the trachea and probably resulting in increased pulmonary distension.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a basse temperature of microemulsions and liquides dans des etats inhabituels is determined by microscopie electronique par microscopy electronique of ces microemulsion diluees dans l'eau.
Abstract: Le developpement recent de systemes de microemulsion qui ne se separent pas au cours du refroidissement et dans lesquels aucune phase ne se cristallise au cours de ce processus, permet des etudes a basse temperature de la structure des microemulsions et celle des liquides dans des etats inhabituels. Le benzene, le tetrachlorure de carbone et CS 2 peuvent etre sous-refroidis, sans limites, sous forme de microemulsion et les temperatures de leurs transitions vitreuses sont determinees. Les etudes sont completees par microscopie electronique de ces microemulsions diluees dans l'eau


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the results of the reaction of ytterbium with thallous cyclopentadienides (RC5H4)TI (R = H or Me) in tetrahydrofuran or 1,2-dimethoxyethane were shown.
Abstract: Cyclopentadienyllanthanoids (C5H5)3M(thf) (M = Ce, Nd, Sm, Gd or Er; thf = tetrahydrofuran), (C5H5)3M (M = Er or Yb), (MeC5H4),M (M = Nd, Sm or Gd), (C5H5)2Yb, (C5H5)2Yb(dme) (dme = 1,2-dimethoxyethane), and (MeC5H4)2Yb(thf), have been synthesized in satisfactory-to-good yield by reaction of the lanthanoid elements with the thallous cyclopentadienides (RC5H4)TI (R = H or Me) in tetrahydrofuran or 1,2-dimethoxyethane. The outcome of the reaction of ytterbium with thallous cyclopentadienide [(C5H5),Yb; n = 2 or 3] depends on the stoichiometry; it has been shown that (C5H5),Yb is reduced by ytterbium metal to (C5H5),Yb and that the divalent compound is oxidized to (C5H5),Yb by thallous cyclopentadienide. Addition of mercury metal aids initiation of transmetallation, but it is not essential for reaction to occur.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Sun position sensing is successfully performed using phototransistors mounted in a simple structure using a small panel of solar cells with a rechargeable battery as a back-up and night time supply.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The existence of seamless endothelial cells (SE) is concluded, confirming the dual structural design of capillary systems, and may be used as a detector for net capillaries.
Abstract: The distribution and number of seamless endothelial cells (SE) were studied in various organs and tissues of rats, rabbits and humans (1) by light microscopy after silver impregnation of the endothelial cell boundaries, (2) by electron microscopy, and (3) in three-dimensional reconstructions of duodenal villi and renal glomeruli. Since SE are situated mostly at branching points, the number of SE is roughly correlated to the number of branchings in the capillary system concerned. SE make up about 50% of all endothelial cells in the renal glomerulum and duodenal villi, and about 30% in the cerebral cortex. However, they rarely occur in bradytrophic tissues. SE have been found exclusively in net capillaries (true capillaries). They seem to be absent in most arterio-venous capillaries (capillary parts of thoroughfare channels), in the capillaries of endocrine glands, as well as in the sinusoidal systems of heart muscle, liver, spleen and bone marrow. It is concluded that SE are developed when tube formation is confined to a single endothelial cell. SE are intercalated most frequently in those capillaries that develop lastly in the terminal vascular bed. The seamless segments are canalized by fusion of intraendothelial vacuoles with pre-existing vascular walls. The existence of SE, confirming the dual structural design of capillary systems, may be used as a detector for net capillaries.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results indicate that while the changes in food and water intake produced by the central injection of cholecystokinin, bombesin or gastrin may involve central catecholamine systems, those occurring after its systemic administration do not.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Examination of plasma progesterone (P4) changes in women superovulated with clomiphene citrate and human Menopausal Gonadotrophin for in vitro fertilization concluded that changes in plasma P4 concentrations may be used to determine the time of ovulation or oocyte recovery for IVF because of their close association with the timing of the onset of the LH surge.
Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to examine plasma progesterone (P4) changes around the time of the onset of the LH surge in women superovulated with clomiphene citrate and human Menopausal Gonadotrophin for in vitro fertilization (IVF). It was considered that changes in P4 levels which should be closely associated with the onset of the LH surge may be an accurate indicator for the time of oocyte recovery for IVF and that premature P4 secretion may prevent the establishment of pregnancy after embryo replacement. The plasma P4 concentrations determined at 0800, 1400, and 2100 h during the period 36 h before to 16 h after the onset of the LH surge in 72 women showed a significant diurnal variation with the nadir at 0800 h. The onset of the LH surge was detected in 51%, 32%, and 17% of patients at 0800, 1400, and 2100 h, respectively. The first significant increase in mean P4 concentrations was coincident with the onset of the LH surge at 1400 and 2100 h but because of the diurnal nadir of P4 at 0800 h, the increase in mean P4 levels was delayed until 1400 h when the LH surge began at 0800 h. Elevation of P4 concentrations from 2 to 8 nmol/liter in individual patients at 1400 and 2100 h before the onset of the LH surge did not prevent the establishment of pregnancy after embryo transfer. P4 concentrations before and after the onset of the LH surge were higher with increasing numbers of mature follicles. We conclude that changes in plasma P4 concentrations may be used to determine the time of ovulation or oocyte recovery for IVF because of their close association with the timing of the onset of the LH surge.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper examined the literature on financial reporting to employees between 1919 and 1979 and found that the level of publication interest has varied widely during the period as has the relative interest of accountant and non-accountant groups.
Abstract: This paper examines the literature on financial reporting to employees between 1919 and 1979. It finds that the level of publication interest has varied widely during the period as has the relative interest of accountant and non-accountant groups. Periods of heightened publication activity appear to repeatedly coexist with four major socioeconomic factors, and arguments that this coexistence is not coincidental are considered. Finally it is noted that the same reporting to employee issues are frequently recalled and re-examined; possible reasons for this are considered.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A review of developments since studies on in vitro fertilization were begun at Monash University in 1970 is presented, culminating in pregnancy rates of 18% in 1980, 22% in 1981, and 19% in 1982.
Abstract: Studies on in vitro fertilization were begun at Monash University in 1970. A review is presented summarizing developments since then, culminating in pregnancy rates of 18% in 1980, 22% in 1981, and 19% in 1982.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Mar 1984-Drugs
TL;DR: Inhibiting endogenous vasoconstrictor mechanisms or enhancing endogenous vasodilator substances is an alternative, more physiological approach to lowering high blood pressure.
Abstract: Inhibiting endogenous vasoconstrictor mechanisms or enhancing endogenous vasodilator substances is an alternative, more physiological approach to lowering high blood pressure. The renin angiotensin system is the most powerful and important hormonal system in the control of blood pressure and in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Investigators for many years have researched for methods of blocking this system. The advent of potent, orally active angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors has now made this approach a practical clinical reality.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The presence in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells of angiotensin receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase inhibition is demonstrated and it is shown that their properties are similar to those of adrenal angiotENSin receptors described previously.
Abstract: Adenylate cyclase in homogenates of rat adrenal glomerulosa cells was inhibited in a concentration dependent manner by angiotensin II (All). The maximum inhibition of basal activity was 34.5 ± 2.7% and the EC50 value for All was 1.1 ± 0.4 nM (n = 6). Similar maximum inhibitions were produced by the precursor decapeptide, AI, and the heptapeptide, AIII [(des asp) All]. The EC50 values for these two peptides were respectively 72 ± 8 nM and 25 ± 5 nM (n = 6). The antagonist compound (1-sarcosine, 8-isoleucine)-AII, reversed the effect of AIL Inhibition of the adrenal enzyme required guanosine triphosphate and monovalent cations as has been described for adenylate cyclase inhibition in other tissues. Maximum inhibition was observed at 10−5 M guanosine triphosphate and 150 mM Na+ or Li+ ion. Both basal adenylate cyclase activity and activity stimulated by adrenocorticotrophic hormone were inhibited. These results demonstrate the presence in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells of angiotensin receptors coupled to aden...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is concluded that at present neither reinsemination nor embryo replacement in utero of embryos resulting from delayed fertilization is useful for human in vitro fertilization.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated at a single Melbourne Hospital between 1969 and 1981 were examined for susceptibility to a range of antimicrobial agents and for the presence of plasmid DNA.
Abstract: SUMMARY. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated at a single Melbourne Hospital between 1969 and 1981 were examined for susceptibility to a range of antimicrobial agents and for the presence of plasmid DNA. Isolates obtained during 1969 possessed a plasmid of mol. wt 20 x 106, encoding heavy metal resistance and penicillinase production, and a plasmid of mol. wt 2-8 x 106, mediating tetracycline resistance. In the majority of isolates obtained after 1973, these functions were chromosomally encoded. Before 1980, both high- and low-level chromosomally-encoded gentamicin resistances were encountered, whereas isolates from 1980 and 1981 displayed low-level gentamicin resistance only; the latter phenotype was most commonly mediated by a plasmid of mol. wt 18xl06 that also encoded resistance to tobramycin and kanamycin. Chloramphenicol resistance in strains isolated throughout the period was mediated by one of three plasmids, each of mol. wt c. 3 x 106.