Bibliography: leaves 230-294. / xiii, 294 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Analyses in detail a native small fragment of hCG/[beta] hCG subunit, the [beta]-core hCG fragment which is found in large amounts in urine and may be of clinical importance. The aims were to purify the fragment, analyse its protein and carbohydrate structure, develop direct assay methods for its measurement, and to examine it's distribution in body fluids and it's relationship with the intact hCG molecule during pregnancy. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1993

published_or_final_version / Microbiology / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Microbiology / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

published_or_final_version / Medical Sciences / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Medicine / Master / Master of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Surgery / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumour in adults and despite advances in treatment of the primary tumour, the 10-year survival rate remains unchanged. The most frequent cause of death for patients of this disease is liver metastases. Removal of the primary tumour before clinical presentation of metastases, however, has no effect on patient outcome. / In order to understand the interactions between single malignant cells or sub-clinical metastases and affected organs, we have successfully developed a novel animal model of uveal melanoma. We utilized the unique properties of green fluorescent protein, a skin-flap in vivo imaging technique, and nude mice to accomplish this goal. The precision of green fluorescent protein imaging has allowed us to observe single cells interacting with organ tissues and reveal that these malignant cells are only capable of surviving in the liver.

The Application of Magnetic Resonance (MRI) and Computed Tomography Imaging (CT) in the Diagnosis and Management of Maxillofacial Tumours. For decades maxillofacial surgeons over the world have been frustrated by the high and often fatal recurrence of certain advanced jaw tumours. This study conclusively proves that Computed Tomography and especially Magnetic Resonance Imaging significantly decreases recurrence of Odontogenic Keratocyst and Ameloblastoma and allows surgical planning to avoid these recurrences. / Doctor Scientiae (Odontology) - DSc(Odont)

Recently the EPA placed Aeromonas hydrophila on the Candidate Contaminant List (CCL). It has long been known to be a pathogen of cold blooded animals and now is a suspected human opportunistic pathogen as well. Among the various virulence factors produced by A. hydrophila, the cytolytic enterotoxin (AHCYTOEN) is by far one of the most important contributors to the pathogenicity of the organism. This factor is also produced by other pathogenic Aeromonas spp. In this study, PCR technology was used to detect AHCYTOEN gene from a simulated water distribution system. A set of primers was selected to amplify the unique sequence of a pathogenic island, AHCYTOEN gene. To examine the sensitivity of the PCR, serial dilutions of pure A. hydrophila culture were tested. The PCR technique used was sensitive enough to detect samples containing less than 10.0 cells/ml. Source water, bulk water, and simulated distribution biofilm samples were examined for the gene. Biofilm and bulk water samples exposed to raw source water were collected on 4 occasions during a 24-day period. PCR technology detected the AHCYTOEN gene from 100 % of the bulk water samples and 85% of tightly bound biofilm (TB) samples from a simulated water distribution system while no positive results were observed in loosely bound biofilm samples (LB). After the inlet line of the system was changed to normally treated distribution water, 11 biofilm samples were collected on 3 occasions during 15 day sampling period along with bulk water samples. No positive results were observed from the bulk water and LB samples while 91% of TB samples tested for the presence of the gene. No significant difference was observed in detection by PCR from biofilm samples before and after the switch to chloraminated water. / Department of Biology

Gray mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea is the major cause of postharvest loss in strawberries. Detection of flower and fruit infections enables producers to make intelligent management decisions. A plate-trapped ELISA protocol using a Botrytis-specific monoclonal antibody (BC-12.CA4) was developed for the detection of Botrytis cinerea in strawberry flower receptacles and red fruits. Horseradish peroxidase, was chosen as enzyme conjugate because it gave lower background absorbance in disease-free samples. B. cinerea reference antigen (RAg) was isolated from strawberry. BC-12.CA4 was very sensitive to the RAg, detecting up to 6 mug/ml of RAg when mixed with strawberry extracts. The MAb did not show any reaction to Rhizopus sp., Mucor sp. and Penicillium sp. associated with strawberry. B. cinerea could be detected in receptacles two days after inoculation. Treatment of inoculated receptacles with paraquat speeded-up detection. Inoculated red fruit infection could be detected after three days of incubation. Disease in commercially-produced receptacles and red fruits were assessed visually and by ELISA. The ELISA detected B. cinerea in 95% of commercial flower samples, whereas the traditional visual method detected only 50 to 70%. No dramatic differences between methods were found for red fruits.