"Sicca complex" in liver disease

Sixty-three patients with liver disease were studied for the presence of the components of Sjögren's syndrome. The "sicca complex" (that is, patients without arthritis) was detected in 42% of patients with active chronic hepatitis, 72% with primary biliary cirrhosis, and 38% with cryptogenic cirrhosis. One patient with active chronic hepatitis and one with primary biliary cirrhosis had rheumatoid arthritis. No evidence of Sjögren's syndrome was detected in seven patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. It is suggested that the sicca complex and autoimmune liver disease may be part of a systemic disorder in which immunological mechanisms are concerned in the pathogenesis.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Regression of optic disc neovascularization after retinal photocoagulation

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Sequelae to preretinal haemorrhage in proliferative diabetic retinopathy

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Leaf temperatures of desert plants

Temperatures of small leaves of many desert plants are within 3 degrees C of air temperature in contrast to the temperature of Opuntia in the same locale; this plant has a temperature 10 degrees to 16 degrees C above air temperature. Theoretical4 justification for the observation is given based on an energy budget analysis.