Edna Ben‐Porath, Jack Wands, Mignon Gruia, Kurt Isselbacher – 1 November 1984 – We assessed the significance of the enhanced detection by monoclonal radioimmunoassay (M‐RIA) of HBsAg in serum of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In acute HBV infection, the M‐RIA detected HBsAg in the blood for a far longer period of time than previously recognized. In some patients, the “window phase” of HBV infection (defined as the presence of anti‐HBc and the lack of detectable HBsAg and anti‐HBs) was shortened or completely eliminated.

Christine M. Cornely, Robert R. Schade, David H. Van Thiel, Judith S. Gavaler – 1 November 1984 – The prevalence of impotence is increased in males who chronically abuse alcohol. Further, impotence may occur in the absence of liver disease in such men. In contrast, no data is available concerning the prevalence of impotence in nonalcoholic men with advanced liver disease.

1 November 1984

Bruce A. Runyon, John C. Hoefs – 1 November 1984 – A review of the medical records of patients diagnosed as having “spontaneous bacterial peritonitis” (SBP) revealed 18 episodes of culture‐negative neutrocytic ascites (CNNA) in 17 patients. The following criteria were all required in order to qualify for this diagnosis: (i) an ascitic fluid neutrophil count greater than 500 cells per mm3; (ii) negative ascitic fluid culture (5); (iii) absence of an intraabdominal source of infection; (iv) no antibiotic treatment within 30 days, and (v) no evidence of pancreatitis.

Rachel Morecki, Joy H. Glaser, Anne B. Johnson, Yvonne Kress – 1 November 1984 – This report describes immunocytochemical and ultrastructural methods which led to the identification of Reovirus type 3 (Reo‐3) in the porta hepatis of a patient with extrahepatic biliary atresia. The study indicates that Reo‐3 antigenic sites are demonstrable by the avidin‐biotinylated complex peroxidase method following formalin fixation and paraffin embedding, but are destroyed by freezing and thawing prior to fixation.

1 November 1984

William V. Mcdermott – 1 November 1984

Mark I. Avigan, Kamal G. Ishak, Richard E. Gregg, Jay H. Hoofnagle – 1 November 1984 – Liver tissue of a newly diagnosed 30‐year‐old patient with abetalipoproteinemia was studied by light and electron microscopy. Despite accumulation of large quantities of lipid droplets in hepatocytes, the lobular architecture remained intact, and there was no fibrosis. Acanthocytes were readily identified in sinusoids by scanning electron microscopy. Profiles of rough endoplasmic reticulum, smooth endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus appeared normal by transmission electron microscopy.

Francesco B. Bianchi, Graziella Biagini, Giorgio Ballardini, Giovanna Cenacchi, Augusto Faccani, Emilio Pisi, Renzo Laschi, Lance Liotta, Spiridione Garbisa – 1 November 1984 – The immunohistologic distribution of fibronectin, laminin, type IV collagen and whole basement membrane was evaluated in liver biopsies from patients with chronic active liver disease. Fibronectin was consistently increased in the areas of piecemeal necrosis, portal tracts and fibrous septa. Laminin was not detected in normal liver parenchyma.

James W. Kesterson, G. Richard Granneman, Joseph M. Machinist – 1 November 1984 – Valproic acid (VPA), its unsaturated metabolites and pent‐4‐enoate (4‐PA) were studied for potential hepatotoxicity in rats. 4‐PA, 4‐en‐VPA and 2,4‐dien‐VPA were potent inducers of microvesicular steatosis in young rats. Microvesicular steatosis induced by the 4‐en‐VPA was accompanied by ultrastructural changes characterized by myeloid bodies, lipid vacuoles and mitochondrial abnormalities. Myeloid bodies and lipid vacuoles were seen to a lesser extent in 2,4‐dien‐VPA and 4‐PA‐treated rats.