bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The long‐term neurodevelopmental outcome for very low birthweight (VLBW) infants with ‘dystonic’ signs at 4 months of age
Authors: KHADILKAR V. , TUDEHOPE D. , BURNS Y. , O'CALLAGHAN M. , MOHAY H. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract  As very low birthweight (VLBW) infants are at a high risk of developmental handicap, it is important to establish predictors of long‐term adverse outcome at an early age so that early intervention can be instituted. Longitudinal neurodevelopmental assessments were performed in 107 VLBW infants at 1,4, 8 and 12 months corrected age. Eighteen were diagnosed as ‘dystonic’ at 4 months of age.This study compared the outcomes at 4 and 6 years for 15 of the 18 dystonic with 75 of the 89 non‐dystonic VLBW infants, respectively. At 9 years of age, nine dystonic and 54 non‐dystonic infants were assessed on the Rutter Behaviour Questionnaire. Dystonic children had a lower mean General Cognitive Index (GCI; P= 0.001) and a higher incidence of disability as measured by the Burns Neuro‐Sensori‐Motor Developmental Assessment Scale (P = 0.0005) and Kitchen disability grading (P = 0.001). Even if the minor neurological aberrations of the premature dystonia syndrome in VLBW infants abate by one year of life, these infants still constitute a high‐risk group for subsequent neurodevelopmental disability and therefore require close observation and probably early intervention.
Short‐term outcome of mechanically ventilated infants weighing more than 2499 g at birth: A population based study*
Authors: SUTTON L. , BAJUK B. , DUFFY B. , ALEXANDER I. , ARNOLD J. , LESLIE G. , HENDERSON‐SMART D. , JOHN E. , ROBERTS V. , BERRY A. , GILL A. , GARVEY P. , CARTER G. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Very little data exist describing the neonatal outcome of infants of birthweight 2500 g or more who require mechanical ventilation. Our aim was to collect population‐based data on such infants in New South Wales (NSW), and to monitor their neonatal morbidity, mortality to 1 year of age and the associated risk factors. The study group (NICUS infants) comprised all 341 infants weighing >2499 g who were admitted to the seven neonatal intensive care units in New South Wales and mechanically ventilated for 4 h or more between 1 January and 31 December, 1987.Two groups of infants emerged: those who were preterm and mostly had hyaline membrane disease, and term and post‐term infants for whom the most common problem was ‘perinatal asphyxia’.The most important factors associated with dying were a birthweight of over 3499 g (OR = 2.6; CI 1.03–6.6) and a 1 min Apgar score <4 (OR = 4.8; C11.4–16.9). Study group mothers were significantly more likely than all NSW mothers to have had a spontaneous abortion in the previous pregnancy (P<0.01), a pre‐existing medical condition or an obstetric complication in this pregnancy, or a Caesarean section for this delivery (P<0.001). This is the first population‐based study of high‐risk neonates without congenital anomalies to clearly document the worsening prognosis associated with a birthweight over 3499 g. Further research should be directed towards identifying prenatal and perinatal factors which might minimize the morbidity and mortality in this group of babies.
Trends in the health burden due to urinary tract infection in children in Australia
Authors: CRAIG JC , IRWIG LM , KNIGHT JF , ROY LP 
Published: August 2010

Objective: To estimate the health burden of urinary tract infection in children less than 15 years of age in Australia and to ascertain whether any significant change has occurred during the past decade. Methodology: The number of children less than 15 years of age who were admitted in New South Wales for urinary tract infection between 1981 and 1994 was ascertained from the Department of Health, and age and sex specific incidence rates were calculated using Australian Bureau of Statistics population data. Costs for inpatient care were calculated using the cost weights from Australia National Disease Related Groups Version 3 for urinary tract infection (DRG 577). The frequency of the four most commonly requested renal tract imaging procedures in children following urinary tract infection and which qualified for Medicare reimbursement were obtained from the Health Insurance Commission for 1984–1994: micturating cystourethrography, intravenous urography, renal ultrasonography, and nuclear medicine renal studies. Results: There were 1203 children who were admitted with urinary tract infection in New South Wales in 1994, at an estimated cost of $A1.6 million. Since 1981, the age standardized annual incidence of urinary tract infection requiring hospitalization has increased from 0.5 to 0.9 per 1000 children, largely because of an increase in the number of young children admitted (from 0.6 to 2.0 per 1000 children less than 5 years of age). In 1994, 46 230 non‐inpatient renal imaging procedures were undertaken in children under 15 years of age at a cost of $A5.3 million. Conclusions: Urinary tract infection is an important and increasing health problem for Australian children, particularly for preschool children. Whether this represents a true increase in the incidence of urinary tract infection or improved diagnosis and more intensive management is not possible to establish with this study design. Prospective population based studies are required to assess more completely the frequency with which urinary tract infection occurs in children and any changes that may be occurring.
Limitations of school entry immunization certificates
Authors: MIKSEVICIUS H , JOHNSON P , WATT PD 
Published: August 2010

Objective: To compare the immunization certificate submission rate for kindergarten school children on the Central Coast of New South Wales for 1994 and 1995; to contact individual parents of children with incomplete or missing immunization certificates by issuing a personalised immunization reminder letter, and measuring their response. Methodology: Seventy Central Coast schools were surveyed. Immunization documentation for 4177 kindergarten enrolments in 1995 were assessed. Children with incomplete or unknown immunization status were identified. Immunization reminder letters were sent by the schools to parents of the children that were identified. The school recorded any additional immunization certificates submitted. Results: In 1995, 79% of kindergarten children submitted immunization certificates, unchanged from the previous year. Immunization reminder letters were sent to 856 families of children with no certificate and 215 families of children with an incomplete certificate. A further 263 immunization certificates were submitted, representing a 25% response rate. This intervention increased the percentage of kindergarten children with a certificate from 79% to 86%. Conclusions: Education of school staff during the 1994 immunization survey did not change the overall immunization certificate submission rate. Specifically targeting parents through schools can be an effective way of increasing immunization certificate submission.
Seed germination ecophysiology of two western North American species of Sambucus (Caprifoliaceae sensu lato), and comparisons with eastern North American and European congeners
Authors: HIDAYATI SITI N. , WALCK JEFFREY L. , TAYLOR JEANIE 
Published: August 2010

AbstractSeeds of the western North American (wNA) species Sambucus caerulea in the Sambucus nigra species complex and Sambucus callicarpa in the Sambucus racemosa complex contain embryos that are 70–75% fully developed when freshly matured. These embryos must elongate approximately 15–25% before radicle emergence occurs. Embryos in seeds of both species grew better at 5°C than at 25/15°C. Dormancy was broken by cold stratification at 5°C, which was also the optimal temperature for germination. Gibberellic acid substituted for cold stratification in both species. Thus, seeds of both species have intermediate complex morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). The seed dormancy characteristics of both species differ from those of congeners in eastern North America (eNA). In contrast, dormancy break in S. callicarpa is similar to its European congeners, but is unclear in S. caerulea. Our study represents the first to compare seed dormancy among wNA, eNA and European congeners. In North America, the geographic pattern of dormancy break for Sambucus is similar to that of Osmorhiza (Apiaceae) and Erythronium (Liliaceae): cold stratification is required in wNA taxa and warm + cold stratification is required in eNA taxa. Moreover, the pattern in S. callicarpa is similar to that in some species of Sanicula (Apiaceae): cold stratification in Europe and warm + cold stratification in eNA. The evolution of seed dormancy in these groups might have occurred under similar environmental circumstances, resulting in the sharing of dormancy‐breaking mechanisms within geographical regions.
Introduction to the updated Australian and New Zealand consensus guidelines for the use of antifungal agents in the haematology/oncology setting, 2008
Authors: Slavin M. A. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe process for development of these consensus Australasian antifungal guidelines for use in adult patients with haematological malignancy is described. New features included, how the guidelines should be applied, the risk assessment tool used and the grading system for evidence and strength of recommendation are discussed.
Laryngoscopic techniques to assess vocal cord mobility following thyroid surgery
Authors: Kundra Pankaj , Kumar Vinoth , Srinivasan Krishnamachari , Gopalakrishnan Surianarayanan , Krishnappa Sudeep 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground:  Assessment of vocal cord mobility using Macintosh laryngoscope is frequently performed after extubation following thyroid surgery to rule out laryngeal nerve palsy. This study compared patient comfort and assessment accuracy of post‐operative vocal fold mobility with Macintosh laryngoscope and fibreoptic endoscope.Methods:  One hundred four physically fit patients undergoing thyroid surgery were included for the study. Tele‐laryngoscopy was done to rule out pre‐existing vocal cord palsy. Direct laryngoscopy (DL) was performed to each patient after extubation, followed by nasal fibreoptic endoscopy (NFE) to assess the vocal cord mobility. Tele‐laryngoscopic assessment was repeated after 1 week to compare the DL and NFE findings. Patient reactivity score (PRS) and haemodynamic parameters were recorded with each technique.Results:  Macintosh laryngoscope could pick up 4 (50% sensitivity and 88% specificity) and fibreoptic endoscope 7 (87.9% sensitivity and 98.9% specificity) out of the 8 vocal cord palsies identified by tele‐laryngoscopy. Patients had significant discomfort during DL (PRS median 3) when compared with NFE and tele‐laryngoscopy (PRS median 2), P < 0.05. Grade 1 view of larynx in 92.1% patients during intubation worsened to grade 2 (76.3%) and grade 3 (15.8%) during extubation with DL, and a significant rise in mean arterial pressure and heart rate was observed from the baseline value till 5 min and when compared with NFE (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  NFE provides accurate assessment of vocal fold mobility with reasonable patient comfort in the immediate post‐operative period. Macintosh laryngoscope fails to give optimum visualization and predisposes the patient to significant discomfort and stress.
COMPARISON OF EXERCISE ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY, THALLIUM‐201 MYOCARDIAL IMAGING and EXERCISE GATED BLOOD POOL SCAN IN PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Authors: O'KEEFE J. C. , EDWARDS A. C. , WISEMAN J. , COOPER R. A. , SHUTER B. , DONNELLY G. L. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract::We compared three non invasive tests, 12 lead exercise electrocardiography (ECG), thallium 201 myocardial imaging (T1), and rest and exercise equilibrium gated blood pool scanning (GBPS) for the detection of coronary disease, in 50 patients undergoing coronary angiography for evaluation of chest pain. Twenty eight patients had significant coronary disease, while 22 patients had insignificant coronary disease. The sensitivity of exercise ECG for detecting coronary disease was 64%. By comparison the sensitivities for the other tests were: T1 imaging 79% (NS); exercise GBPS 86% (p<0.05); T1 imaging combined with exercise ECG 89% (p<0.01) and the combination of all tests 96% (p<0.005). The specificity for exercise ECG was 82%, and was similar to T1 imaging 86%, GBPS 82% and the combination of all tests 64% (borderline significance, p<0.1). Thus GBPS and T1 imaging combined with exercise ECG, are more sensitive indicators of coronary disease than exercise ECG alone. Combined testing is highly sensitive for coronary disease but with a reduction in specificity.
LORAZEPAM AS AN ADJUNCT TO ANTIEMETIC THERAPY WITH HALOPERIDOL IN PATIENTS RECEIVING CYTOTOXIC CHEMOTHERAPY
Authors: FRIEDLANDER M. L. , KEARSLEY J. H. , SIMS K. , COATES A. , HEDLEY D. , RAGHAVAN D. , FOX R. M. , TATTERSALL M. H. N. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract:Twenty‐seven consecutive patients were treated with 3 mg oral lorazepam and 2.5 mg intravenous haloperidol in an effort to improve patient tolerance of cytotoxic chemotherapy and decrease nausea and vomiting. Antiemetic efficacy and side‐effects were assessed using a patient questionnaire. Vomiting either did not occur, or was considered to be of only moderate intensity in 22 patients (81%) and usually ceased within 24 hours of commencing chemotherapy. Similarly, nausea was either absent or of only moderate severity, lasting less than 48 hours in the majority of patients. Eight of 11 patients who had received similar previous cytotoxic treatment with antiemetic agents but not lorazepam considered that lorazepam and haloperidol had considerably improved their tolerance of chemotherapy. The side‐effects of haloperidol and lorazepam were mild and well tolerated.
TOTAL LIPODYSTROPHY — A REPORT OF A CASE WITH PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY and GLOMERULONEPHRITIS
Authors: TUCK R. R. , ELLIS D. , McLEOD J. G. , KIRWAN P. D. , BASTEN A. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract:The clinical, neurophysiology, and pathological findings are reported in a man who had total lipodystrophy associated with glomerulonephritis and a painful sensory peripheral neuropathy. It is suggested that the three conditions may be related and that they have an immunological basis.
NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME
Authors: SCARLETT J. D. , ZIMMERMAN R. , BERKOVIC S. F. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract:Two cases of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) are presented. This rare pattern of neuroleptic drug toxicity is characterised by fever, muscular rigidity, akinesia and elevated plasma creatine kinase. The condition may be fatal and early recognition is essential. Evidence is presented that NMS is unrelated to malignant hyperpyrexia.
Experience of once‐daily aminoglycoside dosing using a target area under the concentration‐time curve
Authors: Barclay M. L. , Duffully1 S. B. , Begg E. J. , Buttimore R. C. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract Background: Many centres are changing to once‐daily aminoglycoside administration. However, proposed methods for this practice often have theoretical and practical difficulties. We have developed a method in which a target area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) is used instead of traditional peak and trough serum concentrations. Methods: Following a starting dose of 5–7 mg/kg, administered by 30‐minute infusion, the AUC was calculated using two serum aminoglycoside concentrations taken at one and six‐14 hours after the start of the infusion. Dose adjustment was made to correct for any difference between the calculated AUC and a target AUC (72–101 mg.1‐1.h). The method was assessed for practicality and precision in 100 courses of treatment. The incidence of aminoglycoside toxicity was documented. Aims: To analyse our experience with the target AUC method in the first 100 courses of once‐daily aminoglycoside administration in the Christchurch, New Zealand hospitals. Results: The mean final dose of 6.68 mg/kg, and AUC of 92.8 mg. 1 ‐1.h, were significantly different from the mean starting dose and AUC of 5.67 mg/kg and 74.0 mg.1‐1.h, respectively. The method appeared to be more precise than empirical dosing at achieving the target AUC even though the final recommended dose had more variability than the starting dose. Although the study was uncontrolled, observed nephrotoxicity (2%) and ototoxicity (up to 6.9%) were no greater than expected from the results of other studies. There were no deaths related to antibiotic failure. Conclusions: The AUC method was practical, and more appropriate for once‐daily dosing than the conventional method of aiming for target peak and trough concentrations. Dose adjustment can be made before the next dose.
Low yield in screening patients with sporadic motor neuron disease for Kennedy disease
Authors: Saunderson R. B. , Yu B. , Trent R. J. A. , Pamphlett R. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe diagnostic yield of testing for Kennedy disease in patients diagnosed with sporadic motor neuron disease (MND) is unclear. We measured the CAG repeat lengths in the androgen receptor gene of patients with progressive limb weakness who had either upper and lower motor signs (n = 130), or lower motor neuron signs alone (n = 30). Only one patient with a long history of lower motor weakness had a repeat length in the Kennedy disease range. Testing for Kennedy disease is unlikely to benefit MND patients with upper motor neuron signs or those with a short history of lower motor signs.
Fracture prevention strategies in patients presenting to Australian hospitals with minimal‐trauma fractures: a major treatment gap
Authors: Teede H. J. , Jayasuriya I. A. , Gilfillan C. P. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground: The aim of this study was to examine current fracture prevention strategies through the recognition, investigation and treatment of osteoporosis in patients presenting to acute hospitals with minimal‐trauma fracture.Methods: A retrospective audit using a standardized database was conducted in 16 Australian hospitals. This involved 1829 cases of minimal‐trauma fracture initially presenting to hospital emergency departments during 2003–2005. Cases of minimal‐trauma fracture were retrospectively identified using diagnosis‐related group fracture codes and case record review at each site. Relevant data were entered into a standardized database and analysed centrally and independently. Risk factors for osteoporosis, investigations, interventions and discharge follow up were recorded.Results: The percentage of minimal‐trauma fracture patients who underwent investigation or initiated therapy designed to prevent subsequent minimal‐trauma fracture was obtained. Less than 13% of patients presenting to hospital with minimal‐trauma fractures had risk factors for fracture identified. Ten per cent were appropriately investigated, 12% were commenced on calcium and 12% on vitamin D. Eight per cent started bisphosphonates and 1% selective oestrogens receptor modulators in the acute setting.Conclusion: Most patients presenting to Australian hospitals with minimal‐trauma fracture are neither investigated nor treated for osteoporosis. As this group is at high risk of subsequent fracture, this is a missed opportunity to reduce fracture burden.
Death of the first white resident of North Queensland
Authors: Bossingham D. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe first white resident of North Queensland’s death certificate gives the final illness as ‘arthritis’. This examination of contemporary records and more recent reports, together with the results of discussion with colleagues interested in medicine and history, attempts to suggest the reasons for his various symptoms and his final demise. This life story is reminiscent of a ‘Boy’s own’ adventure with shipwrecks, survival at sea, coexistence with Aboriginal tribesmen before returning to ‘white society’, marriage and the start of a family.Are there lessons here for the twenty‐first century physician and rheumatologist? Would the commonplace illnesses of mid nineteenth‐century Queensland be very different to the problems seen in our outpatient clinics today?
Nitric oxide and the clinical manifestations of acute porphyria
Authors: Thachil J. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe porphyrias comprise a clinically and genetically heterogenous group of diseases mostly arising from a genetically determined dysfunction of specific enzymes along the pathway of haeme biosynthesis. This leads to a pathological accumulation and measurable excretion of porphyrins and/or porphyrin precursors, which is considered the cause of the clinical features related to this group of diseases. However, acute porphyria can present with varied symptoms, which have some features in common with other diseases where nitric oxide has been shown to play a role. The article describes the possibility of nitric oxide depletion in porphyria contributing to its clinical manifestations.
Prenatal diagnosis and postnatal follow‐up of a child with mosaic trisomy 22 with several levels of mosaicism in different tissues
Authors: Mazza Vincenzo , Latella Silvia , Fenu Valentina , Ferrari Paola , Bonilauri Carlotta , Santucci Sandra , Percesepe Antonio 
Published: August 2010

AbstractWe report on the case of a patient with mosaic trisomy 22, who was diagnosed prenatally by amniocentesis during the 16th week of pregnancy. In the foetus, three trisomic clones were found out of the nine that were analyzed (the other six clones had a 46,XY karyotype). Cytogenetic analysis of cord blood during the 20th week of pregnancy showed a normal male karyotype; however, a placental biopsy that was performed at the same time showed 100% and 95% trisomic cells in the chromosomal analysis of direct and long‐term cultures, respectively. A follow‐up ultrasonographic examination excluded major congenital malformations and the abdominal and cranial circumferences were normal until the 24th week of pregnancy. At this point, a deflection of the growth curve occurred and the values were persistently below the 3rd centile until birth. After birth, karyotypic and fluorescent in situ hybridisation analyses performed on the fibroblasts of the neonate showed that 3–4% of the cell lines were trisomic, and studies using microsatellite markers showed normal allelic segregation, which excluded uniparental disomy. The period of postnatal follow‐up was characterised by a significant growth deficit (height and head circumference were less than the 3rd centile) and by mental retardation. The present case is compatible with other earlier reports that showed that the levels of trisomy 22 are tissue‐specific and are of little help in establishing the prognosis of the chromosomal abnormality.
On the use of nominal stresses to predict the fatigue strength of welded joints under biaxial cyclic loading
Authors: SUSMEL L. , TOVO R. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTIn this paper, the modified Wöhler curve method proposed by Susmel and Lazzarin is employed to predict the fatigue life of welded connections subjected to biaxial cyclic loading. This criterion is reformulated here in order not to take into account the mean stress effect, as suggested by several design codes (at least when welded connections are not completely stress relieved). The accuracy of the proposed method in fatigue lifetime estimation was evaluated by using a number of data sets taken from the literature. The modified Wöhler curve method was applied in terms of nominal stresses and was calibrated using the uniaxial and torsional fatigue curve determined by reanalysing the experimental data, as well as using the standard fatigue curves of the Eurocode 3. The proposed approach was seen to be successful, giving multiaxial fatigue life predictions located within the widest scatter band related either to uniaxial or to torsional data, independently of both out‐of‐phase angle and load ratio value. Finally, the accuracy of the modified Wöhler curve method was compared to the one obtained by applying the procedure suggested by the Eurocode 3: the proposed criterion is demonstrated to be much more accurate and reliable than the standard one.