Plasma biochemistry and urinalysis variables of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) with and without oxalate nephrosis.

Background: Oxalate nephrosis is a highly prevalent disease in the Mount Lofty Ranges koala population in South Australia, but associated clinicopathologic findings remain undescribed.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine plasma biochemical and urinalysis variables, particularly for renal function and urinary crystal morphology and composition, in koalas with oxalate nephrosis.

Methods: Blood and urine samples from Mount Lofty Ranges koalas with oxalate nephrosis were compared with those unaffected by renal oxalate crystal deposition from Mount Lofty and Kangaroo Island, South Australia and Moggill, Queensland.

Nipple-areolar pigmentation: histology and potential for reconstitution in breast reconstruction.

The makeup of nipple-areolar skin, in terms of its melanin and melanocyte content has not previously been established. This histological information is required if pigmentation of the reconstructed nipple-areola is to be successful in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. We describe examination of 200 parallel sections of nipple-areolar skin of 20 women using histochemical (Masson-Fontana) and immunohistochemical (Mel-5) techniques, evaluated using quantitative image analysis.

Use of complementary and alternative medical therapies among children with special health care needs in southern Arizona.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the frequency and type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies used by families of children with special health care needs in southern Arizona, as well as the correlates of their use.

Methods: Families of 376 children who were receiving services in a regional facility that serves children with special health care needs and were residing in southern Arizona were surveyed regarding CAM use.

Results: Sixty-four percent of these families reported using CAM for their child.

Immunohistochemical labeling of normal melanocytes.

Comparison of seven antibodies for the demonstration of normal melanocytes in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded surgical discard skin showed that the monoclonal antibody Mel-5 (clone TA99) directed against pigment associated antigen was the most sensitive. Quantitative data were obtained for the sensitivity of the antibodies NKI/beteb, S100, T311, Melan A (clone A103), c-kit, and Mel-5 in parallel sections of human skin. An anticytokeratin antibody (CK34betaE12) was also used to stain basal keratinocytes and provide a negative image of the melanocytes present.