bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reversible myopathy induced by clofibrate
Authors: Geltner D , Shapiro M , Chaco M 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A 49-year-old man was given clofibrate in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. A myopathy developed accompanied by laboratory enzyme changes and a pathological electromyographic pattern. After ceasing the medication the clinical picture of myopathy disappeared and the enzyme and EMG changes reverted to normal. The EMG changes were once again produced by a short challenge with clofibrate.
Sex determination and differentiation in mammals: hints from nature
Authors: Polani P E 
Published: December 2008

There are a number of experiments that nature has carried out, in man and other animals, that have helped us considerably in achieving the present understanding of sex determination and differentiation. Some of the key experiments are concerned with:
(1) The origin of the germ cells from the wall of the extraembryonic gut, to an understanding of which the W mutants in the mouse have contributed well.
(2) The maintenance of the germ cells which in mammals demands not only the ‘right’ gonadal ambient but also its correct chromosomal make-up and correspondence with that of the germ cells (see below).
(3) The key role of the Y chromosome in sex determination (namely gonad formation). This was established from the discovery of the sex chromosome anomalies in man (and the mouse), the XO (45, X) and XXY (47,XXY) complements. Other ‘experiments’, in man, with chromosome deletions, would suggest that the sex-determining factor(s) of the Y is on the short arm of this chromosome, now known to be that which associates at meiosis with the X chromosome. Studies, in embryos of the very frequent and very lethal 45,X condition, have uncovered the fact that an ovary develops with a single X chromosome (i.e. does not need the second X) which thus is not a sex determining chromosome, as far as we know, but that its ‘inert variant’ (the X-chromatin, or Barr-body, forming X) is essential for ovarian upkeep and function and thus for continued oögenesis. Yet other experiments (the XX male in man, the goat and the mouse, and the XO male mouse) suggest that ‘switch’ genes for testicular development may exist on the autosomes and be capable of working without a Y, i.e. they may take over its function in unison with two Xs, or (not surprisingly) better still with a single X. But this arrangement is not fully satisfactory as far as the production of competent mature germ cells is concerned.
Fatal neonatal meningitis due to Group B streptococci
Authors: Chattopadhyay B 
Published: December 2008

SummaryA case of fatal neonatal meningitis due to Group B β-haemolytic Streptococcus is described. Early diagnosis and institution of vigorous antibiotic therapy were of no avail. Although the mortality rate is very high in comparison to many other neonatal bacterial infections reported so far, it is difficult to explain the fact that there are so few references to it as a pathogen in the British literature.
The current status of lead poisoning in children
Authors: Alexander F W 
Published: December 2008

Introduction
In 1964, Moncrieff et al. recorded a normal range for the level of lead in blood as 24 μg%±4·9 μg%, with an upper limit of normal of 36 μg%. There has been discussion ever since as to the level of blood lead which denotes poisoning. A blood lead level of 80 μg% was designated as a toxic level for children, requiring urgent and immediate treatment (U.S. Surgeon General, 1971). Barltrop (1971) presumed that 60 μg% was an acceptable level below which symptoms did not occur. The Department of Public Health of Massachusetts (1973) took 50 μg% as their upper limit of acceptability. More recently, Betts, Astley and Raine (1973) have shown a significant correlation between haemoglobin levels and blood lead concentrations in the range 37–60 μg%; levels which were previously accepted as harmless.
Hypercalcaemia and parathyroid hyperplasia associated with renal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jung A , Schneider Ph , Millet R , Walton R J 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A patient with recurrent renal adenocarcinoma had progressive hypercalcaemia associated with hypophosphataemia and inappropriately high circulating levels of immuno-reactive parathyroid hormone. At post-mortem, there was no evidence of bone metastases but hyperplasia of all four glands was found. It is suggested that the malignant tissue was producing a parathyroid-stimulating substance.
Host defence mechanisms against influenza infection. II. Protection of mice with vaccines against A/Port Chalmers/1/73 and B/Hong Kong/5/72
Authors: Ennis F A , Wells M A , Barry D W , Daniel S , Manischewitz J 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Influenza virus strains A2/Port Chalmers/1/73 (H3N2) and B/Hong Kong/5/72 were adapted to mice by serial passage of virus infected mouse lungs. The adapted viruses were used to challenge mice after they had been immunized with serial dilutions of several bivalent vaccines, containing both A/Port Chalmers and B/Hong Kong antigens. Vaccines included both whole virus and split-product preparations disrupted by Tween 80 and ether (ET) or tri-N-butyl phosphate (TBP).
These bivalent vaccines induced antibodies and conferred protection to mice against challenge with approximately 30 LD50 of the adapted A2/Port Chalmers virus. Significant protection against lethality (P&lt;0·01) was observed in groups of mice which developed haemagglutinin-inhibition antibody titres of ≥1:16 following immunization. Protection was not statistically significant in groups of mice which developed antibody titres of ≤1:8 to the A/Port Chalmers/1/73 virus following immunization with higher dilutions of certain vaccines.
In a similar fashion, current bivalent vaccines containing B/Hong Kong/5/72 stimulated antibodies and conferred significant protection to immunized mice against lethal challenge with the adapted B/Hong Kong virus. Protection was demonstrated against approximately 30 LD50 of adapted virus in groups of mice which developed mean antibodies of ≥1:16. Groups of mice, which developed antibody titres of &lt;1:8 following immunization with certain dilutions of these vaccines, were not significantly protected. These studies confirm and extend observations made with formerly circulating influenza viruses, i.e. immunization with a specific inactivated vaccine in adequate dosage confers protection against a challenge dose of virus lethal to unimmunized mice.
Preparation and immunogenicity of a purified influenza virus haemagglutinin and neuraminidase subunit vaccine
Authors: Laver W G , Webster R G 
Published: December 2008

SummaryA vaccine was prepared containing the haemagglutinin and neuraminidase subunits from the A/Port Chalmers. 1/73 (H3N2) strain of influenza virus. The virus particles were disrupted with ammonium deoxycholate and the matrix protein, which was insoluble in this detergent, was removed by centrifugation. Following removal of deoxycholate, the haemagglutinin and neuraminidase subunits aggregated by their hydrophobic ends, forming mixed clusters. These were then freed from nucleocapsids by electrophoresis.The haemagglutinin and neuraminidase subunits were as effective as intact inactivated virus (at equivalent concentration) in eliciting a late primary antibody response when injected in saline into rabbits.In humans also, the subunits were as immunogenic as intact inactivated virus particles at equivalent concentration. Many people, however, responded only to the ‘common’ antigenic determinant(s) on the haemagglutinin subunit of Port Chalmers/73 virus and did not respond at all to the ‘specific’ determinant(s). Sera from these people contained antibodies which reacted equally as well with Hong Kong/68 virus as with the Port Chalmers/73 strain and none which reacted exclusively with the latter virus.
Concepts and controversies about the prevention of coronary heart disease
Authors: Blackburn Henry 
Published: December 2008

SummaryCongruent evidence from several medical disciplines provides compelling argument for a preventive approach to atherosclerotic diseases. Intervention trials and community health education programmes are under way. Reasonable, safe and practical approaches are available for hygienic interventions within the medical system. But major impediments to medical and community researches and action in prevention include professional controversy and public confusion about risk factors and their management. It is suggested here that most of this controversy and confusion is unnecessary and much of it due to professional attitudes and experience. These attitudes appear to result from failure to distinguish adequately the risk, diagnosis and therapeutic decisions appropriate to a culture, in the population-at-large.
Genetics of ischaemic heart disease
Authors: Epstein Frederick H 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Coronary heart disease, especially when it affects younger individuals, tends to cluster in families. Known risk factors occur in 50-75% of patients with myocardial infarction. Yet commonly occurring risk factors are not strongly inherited, and the familial aggregation of coronary heart diseas may not be attributable to familial resemblance in serum cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Alternatively, such aggregation may be due to unknown familial risk factors. Nevertheless, screening of relatives of individuals with evident risk factors is of importance, and environmental manipulation is likely to be of value in prevention of coronary heart disease.
Carcinoid tumour of the ampulla of Vater associated with cutaneous neurofibromatosis
Authors: Barber P V 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A case of carcinoid tumour of Vater's ampulla is described from a patient with widespread cutaneous neurofibromatosis. The literature concerning the few known cases of carcinoids occurring at this site is briefly reviewed and the presentation, prognosis and treatment discussed, together with the possible significance of such a clinical association.
Chemoprophylaxis in surgery
Authors: Hobbs K E F 
Published: December 2008

Summary
The literature on the prophylactic use in surgery of disinfectants, antibiotics and the chemotherapeutic agents is reviewed. It is concluded that there is little place for the routine use of antibiotics or chemotherapeutic agents except in a very few conditions. Disinfectants do have a part to play in skin sterilization and in the reduction of postoperative wound infection. However, none of the compounds yet replaces careful technique and standard surgical procedure.
Co-existent chronic lymphatic leukaemia with polycythaemia vera
Authors: Taberner D A , Chang J , Otridge B W 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A patient presenting with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and iron deficiency anaemia who, following oral iron therapy, developed the clinical and pathological features of polycythaemia vera is reported. The relationship between these two diseases when co-existing is discussed.
Betamethasone valerate compared with sodium cromoglycate in asthmatic children
Authors: Ng S H , Dash C H , Savage S J 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A double-blind, cross-over study was undertaken to compare inhalation of betamethasone valerate (BV, 800 microgram daily) with sodium cromoglycate (SCG, 80 mg daily) in twenty children requiring bronchodilators for perennial asthma. Each treatment period lasted 4 weeks but statistical comparisons were made only in respect of the last 14 days of each therapy. When the children were using BV they required not only less of the bronchodilator drugs but had fewer symptoms and higher daily peak expiratory flow rates when taking SCG. Statistically, all these differences were highly significant. For 2 weeks before the main trial each child was given a placebo aerosol (single-blind) to assess severity of asthma. In comparison with this period, SCG was associated with a significantly increased peak expiratory flow rate a lower symptom score by day but not by night, but their usage of bronchodilators followed a similar pattern. When the BV period was compared with the placebo period, patients had an even more significant rise in peak expiratory flow rate, less day and night symptoms, and took hardly any bronchodilators. The response to the two drugs did seem to depend upon which was given first. No monilial infections were found, nor any measurable defect in adrenal response from either treatment. Betamethasone valerate is considered to be superior to sodium cromoglycate as a treatment for childhood asthma insufficiently controlled on bronchodilators.
Recent advances in the identification of hepatitis viruses
Authors: Dienstag J L , Purcell R H 
Published: December 2008

SummaryResulting directly from the discovery of virus-related antigens, rapid progress has marked the last decade of viral hepatitis research. The hepatitis B virion has been tentatively identified as a DNA virus with an endogenous DNA polymerase, and new serological markers for type B hepatitis have been discovered. Hepatitis A antigen has been identified on a virus-like particle thought to be the hepatitis A virion. Progressively more sophisticated assays for hepatitis antigens and antibodies have been applied to the study of viral hepatitis epidemiology and biochemical-biophysical characterization of the agents. Most recently, knowledge learned from such studies has been exploited to develop a prototype non-infectious but immunogenic hepatitis B vaccine using hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) purified in large quantities from chronic HBsAg carriers. Especially exciting is the prospect, suggested by serological studies of viral hepatitis, that hepatitis viruses besides hepatitis A and B viruses will be identified.
The embryological basis of craniofacial dysplasias
Authors: Poswillo D E 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Craniofacial dysplasia of a syndromic pattern can usually be classified into one of two easily identifiable groups. In the first group are those malformations of the craniofacial skeleton and soft tissues that are asymmetrical in form and in the other, those that are principally symmetrical. Clinical studies have demonstrated that affected subjects in the symmetrical group frequently improve in terms of facial appearance as growth and development proceed to maturity, while those with asymmetrical defects often deteriorate in this respect. Embryological studies on animal models of these malformations have shown that asymmetrical lateral facial dysplasia and symmetrical mandibulofacial dysplasia exhibit discrete and widely disparate causal mechanisms of malformation. Analysis of these mechanisms and their effects on subsequent growth and development has suggested significant variations in the timing and technique of reconstructive procedures which will enable the surgeon to produce the most effective results when used for the rehabilitation of the afflicted.
Oedema and vasodilatation in inflammation: the relevance of prostaglandins
Authors: Williams T J 
Published: December 2008

Summary
The role of prostaglandins in inflammation is still disputed. Some workers have attempted to fit prostaglandins into a simple model, i.e. inflammatory leads to chemical mediator leads to vascular response. Recent work has shown that this approach may be misleading. An alternative model is proposed, involving the interaction of two chemical agents, i.e. a vascular permeability-increasing mediator (such as histamine or bradykinin) and a vasodilator (prostaglandin) which potentiates the plasma exudation produced by the permeability-increasing mediator. The results obtained in testing this model support the further proposal that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds suppress inflammatory swelling by inhibiting vasodilatation.
Aplasia and leukaemia following chloroquine therapy
Authors: Nagaratnam N , Chetiyawardana A D , Rajiyah S 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Three patients with aplastic anaemia following chloroquine therapy are described. In two, chloroquine had been administered in large doses over a long period. One of them subsequently developed acute myeloblastic leukaemia. The third received only a small dose and pancytopenia with aplasia followed three weeks after ingestion of the drug. The mechanism(s) of chloroquine-induced marrow injury is not known. A parallel to chloramphenicol-induced blood dyscrasias is drawn, but remains unproved.
The place of the hyperlipidaemias
Authors: Truswell A S , Lloyd June K , West Richard J 
Published: December 2008

SummaryOf the primary hyperlipidaemias, familial hypercholesterolaemia (hyerbetalipoproteinaemia, type II) is always expressed in childhood and carries a high risk for the early development of coronary heart disease. The diagnosis can be established with a high degree of certainty by estimating the serum cholesterol concentration in selected children in whom the genetic risk is known to be great, e.g. if a parent or other first-degree relative is known to have the disease, or if a parent has had an attack of ischaemic heart disease at a young age. Screening of the general population in order to detect this disorder is not advocated. Treatment by either diet or drugs will lower serum cholesterol but long-term compliance is poor and the effect of treatment on the atherosclerotic process has not been evaluated. Follow-up studies must be maintained.Familial hypertriglyceridaemic states are rarely fully expressed during childhood, and screening for them at this age is not practicable. Control of co-existent obesity and dietary treatment are usually successful in lowering serum lipids but long-term results have not yet been evaluated.In a childhood population, single estimations of serum cholesterol or triglyceride should be interpreted with caution. Percentile rank correlations for serum cholesterol are of the order of 0·61 and for triglyceride of 0·31. Prediction of adult values cannot therefore be assured in childhood and the place of hyperlipidaemia in the childhood population as a risk factor for coronary heart disease in adult life is not established. Thus population screening of serum lipids in children cannot be justified. Evidence that a change in the diet of children which would be expected to lower serum lipids will also delay the development of atherosclerosis in general and coronary heart disease in particular is lacking. Nevertheless the dietary changes which have been recommended for adults can safely be followed by children, and changes in eating habits are perhaps more likely to succeed if promoted on a family basis rather than for individual sections of the population.
Auto-immune neutropenia in an infant
Authors: Thompson D S , Stableforth P , Darlow B , Brazier D M 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A case of neutropenia in an infant is described, associated with repeated minor infections which responded to treatment with antibiotics. A granulocyte agglutinin was detected in the serum. Following treatment with prednisolone the neutropenia remitted, the antibody disappeared and the infections ceased. Treatment was discontinued after three months and the child remained well five months later. Reports of similar cases are reviewed and the significance of the antibody discussed.
Incidence of congestive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Torp A 
Published: December 2008

Summary
In a stable population of 250 000, the diagnosis of congestive cardiomyopathy could be firmly established in fifty-nine cases during a period of 8 years. This gives an incidence of the disease of 3/100 000/year. If cases disclosed at post-mortem during the same period are included, the frequency of the disease will equal 5/100 000/year.
Persistence in herpes simplex virus infections
Authors: Longson M 
Published: December 2008

SummaryDiseases of man caused by the virus of herpes simplex fall into two broad categories. The primary disease occurs only once in any individual's life and is caused by transmission of virus from an already infected human. Thereafter, the individual may be subject to recurrent herpetic disease, the manifestations of which are different from the primary disease. Recurrent disease varies in severity from trivial, to incapacitating and frankly lethal (as in diseases resulting from the virus's neurotropic and oncogenic properties). The source of the virus in recurrent herpetic disease has never been conclusively resolved, but is almost certainly endogenous to the patient. Theories, case reports and experiments exist to show that endogenous virus may, in periods of clinical quiescence, be latent (or persistent) at the site of the recurrent lesions itself, or more remotely in nerve tissues related to the site of recurrence.
Teething complications, a persisting misconception
Authors: Swann I L 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Fifty children were admitted to hospital with symptoms of illness that were attributed, by the parent or general practitioner, to the process of teething in the course of one year.
In all but 2 cases an organic cause, other than teething, could be found and the most serious conditions were meningitis in one patient and febrile convulsion in 11.
Myocardial infiltration with immature cells in hypereosinophilic syndrome
Authors: Scott D G I , Leatherdale B A 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A case of hypereosinophilic syndrome is reported. Investigation failed to reveal any precipitating cause or evidence of leukaemia. Death was due to intractable cardiac failure, and post-mortem examination showed infiltration of the myocardium with sheets of immature cells. The relevance of these cells is discussed and further investigation such as cardiac biopsy is suggested for similar cases.
Leiomyoma of the duodenum—an unusual presentation of a rare tumour
Authors: Anderson J R , Ford M J 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A case of leiomyoma of the duodenum presenting with sub-acute intestinal obstruction and a palpable abdominal mass is described. Both the siting of the lesion in the duodenum and a presentation other than gastro-intestinal bleeding are unusual for this type of tumour.
Sensitivity of strains of Candida albicans to jaritin, haloprogin, clotrimazole and miconazole
Authors: Langsadl L , Jedlickova Z 
Published: December 2008

Summary
The antifungal activity of jaritin and haloprogin against Candida albicans is similar. In vitro they had less activity than clotrimazole and miconazole, but the activity was independent of inoculum size.
SimultaneousListeria monocytogenessepticaemia in mother and pre-term infant
Authors: Burgess P , Smith C S , Ben-Musa A , Harris F 
Published: December 2008

SummaryAlthough infection by Listeria monocytogenes during pregnancy with subsequent infection of the fetus is well known, it is uncommon to encounter acute maternal septicaemia with the onset of premature labour and delivery of an infected infant. Such a case is described of maternal septicaemia with an infected liveborn preterm infant who was successfully treated and recovered.
Demonstration of lesions of cerebral toxoplasmosis by computerized tomography
Authors: Summerfield G P 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A patient who was treated for 11 years with cytotoxic drugs for Hodgkin’s disease developed cerebral toxoplasmosis. Discrete lesions including an occipital abscess were visualized in the brain by computerized tomography (CT). This permitted a brain biopsy to be taken but the appearances were non-specific. At post-mortem pseudocysts of Toxoplasma gondii were found in several sites within the CNS. The recognition of these CT appearances as being due to toxoplasmosis should in future prompt serological investigation and urgent treatment of this potentially curable condition, despite negative biopsy material.
Beta-adrenoceptor-blocking drugs, growth hormone and acromegaly
Authors: Feely J 
Published: December 2008

SummaryChronic treatment with oxprenolol or propranolol in active hypertensive patients was associated with elevation of serum growth hormone (GH). Propranolol, 80 mg orally, caused a marked rise in GH in 3 of 4 acromegalic patients.