bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Daily Asthma Attendance, Weather Parameters, Spore Count and Pollen Count
Authors: Hobday John D. , Stewar Allan J. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: The daily incidence of asthma as measured by the attendance of children with asthma in the season of low pollen numbers (April to September) is compared with total casualty attendance figures, the atmospheric pollen and fungal spore counts, and with climatic conditions including atmospheric ionization.A multiple regression computer programme with up to three days lag for the effect of climate factors on asthma attendance and fungal and pollen counts was used to demonstrate association between these factors. Statistical analysis of this data shows that there is a significant association between reduction in asthma attendance (p < 0.05) and increased atmospheric ionization three days before, increased barometric pressure two days before, and increased temperature one day before. This association accounts for 16.18% of the daily variation in asthma attendance. There is also a significant association between increased fungal spore counts and increased asthma (p < 0.05). In this April to September period there is no association between pollen grain counts and asthma. Climate factors, as might be expected, are significantly associated with variation in pollen (26.44%) and fungal spore numbers (21.74%). With the exception of atmospheric ionization three days before (being associated with both a reduction in fungal spore count and a reduction in asthma attendance), there is no coincidence between the climate factors associated with variation in air spora numbers and those associated with variation in attendance with asthma. It would appear that, in the Perth area between April and September, variation in climate factors and fungal spore counts are associated with variation in the asthma attendance rate.
Computer Diagnosis of Thyroid Carcinoma*,†
Authors: Hooper M. J. , Oddie T. H. , Stiel J. N. , Reeve T. S. , Hales I. B. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: This paper describes a retrospective study comparing the probabilities of thyroid carcinoma occurring as calculated by a computer with the histopathological diagnosis.In a series of patients subjected to thyroidectomy for nontoxic goitre, the computer calculated probability of thyroid carcinoma correlated well with the final diagnosis. The predicted probability of carcinoma of the thyroid was arbitrarily grouped into five ranges, varying from low probability of less than 5% to high, greater than 75%. The incidence of carcinoma in the low probability group was 1.5% while in the high probability group it was 42.9%.
Electrocardiograms in the Busselton Population
Authors: Cullen K. J. , Murphy B. P. , Cumpston G. N. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: In 1972, electrocardiograms were recorded on members of the Busselton community and classified according to nine major categories of the Minnesota code. Men showed a higher prevalence of abnormalities than women except for ST depression in 60–69 year old women.Comparisons with the 1959‐60 Tecumseh population revealed a significantly lower prevalence of T waves and tall R waves in Busselton people, and a tendency to fewer abnormal Q waves, abnormal ST segments and ectopic beats in Busselton men. The moderate prevalence of Q waves in Busselton compared with elsewhere is consistent with lower death rates from CVD observed in Busselton men over 60 years compared with urban men in Australia.Concerning the predictive value of including electrocardiography in mass health examinations, Busselton's 1966 ECGs were classified into one of three categories—those with either no evidence of ischaemic heart disease (IHD), with suspect IHD, or with probable IHD. All subjects have since been followed for six years. In those with evidence of suspect IHD, the annual death rates for heart attacks in men and women between 1967‐72 was 7–9 times that of those whose ECG showed no evidence of IHD. Men with probable IHD suffered about 20 times the annual risk and women about 47 times the risk of those whose ECG showed no evidence of IHD.
A Forecast of Requirements for the Treatment of Chronic Renal Failure in Victoria
Authors: McBride A.J. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: A forecast of requirements for the treatment of chronic renal failure in Victoria. A. J. McBride, Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1975, 5, pp. 401–407.Using a Markov chain mathematical model, dialysis and transplantation requirements for Victoria in the next five to ten years have been predicted. The numerical constants in the model are based on data from past Australian experience.
Effect of High Dose Spironolactone and Chlorthalidone in Essential Hypertension: Relation to Plasma Renin Activity and Plasma Volume
Authors: Hunyor Stephen N. , Zweifler Andrew J. , Hansson Lennart , Schork M. Anthony , Ellis Charles 
Published: March 2008

Summary: The effect on blood pressure of high (400 mg/day‐S400) and moderate dose (200 mg/day‐S200) spironolactone and chlorthalidone (100 mg/day—C100), given in a random double‐blind manner was related to plasma renin activity and plasma volume in 38 essential hypertensives.The fall in pressure from a control of 154/103 mm Hg was essentially the same after four weeks of each drug—S400 ABP 24/13 mm, S200 18/9 mm, C100 17/12 mm (all P < 0–001).Twelve of 37 patients (32%) had low initial renin, but this appeared as responsive to the chlorthalidone stimulus as that of the normal renin group. The anti‐hypertensive effect of all regimens was unrelated to plasma renin activity.Plasma volume was significantly lowered at the end of each treatment period, but the decline could not be correlated with blood pressure effects. Patients with initially low plasma volume were more likely to respond to S400 (r= 0.545, P < 0.01), whereas the anti‐hypertensive effect of the S200 and C100 regimens was independent of this variable.
Interaction of Bile with Erythromycin Lactobionate in vitro*
Authors: Clarke A. E. , Maritz V. M. , Denborough M. A. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: An interaction of bile with erythromycin lactobionate in vitro has been demonstrated. The major bile components involved in this interaction have been shown to be the bile salts. The nature of the bile salt‐erythromycin interaction has been investigated.The way in which an interaction between bile salts and erythromycin in vivo might lead to the hepatic dysfunction and cholestasis associated with some instances of erythromycin therapy is discussed.
A Clinical and Lung Function Study of Chronic Lung Disease and Asthma in Coastal Papua New Guinea
Authors: Anderson H. R. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: A prevalence survey on the island of Karkar had previously shown that chronic lung disease was common in both sexes after the age of 35 years and that, in part, this was related to the smoking of home‐grown air‐cured tobacco. To investigate the nature of this chronic lung disease, 37 non‐tuberculous subjects with reduced ventilatory capacity (forced expiratory volume in one second less than 75% predicted) underwent clinical and lung function investigations. Ninety‐two per cent had adventitiae, 62% had chronic productive cough and 54% had dyspnoea on exertion. Lung function tests showed an irreversible obstructive defect with a variable, but on average, only moderately reduced transfer factor. The chest radiograph showed evidence of hyperinflation in 38% of cases but none had narrowing or loss of pulmonary vessels suggestive of emphysema. “Inflammatory changes” occurred in 35% and were associated with a mild but significant element of restriction. The results suggest that chronic bronchitis and chronic bronchiolitis were the main underlying abnormalities and that emphysema was comparatively unimportant.Asthma appeared to be relatively uncommon, especially in children. The clinical and lung function findings in 16 asthmatics were essentially similar to those observed in asthmatics elsewhere and the atopic status of asthmatics and controls was similar to that observed in developed societies. In common with Highland asthmatics however, the age at onset was in early adult life rather than in childhood.
Salmonella Meningitis Treatment with Intravenous Trimethoprim
Authors: Briggs A. E. , Robinson M. F. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Intravenous trimethoprim and sulphadiazine were used in the successful treatment of Salmonella meningitis in a four months old child. Pharmacological data are presented which show good penetration of the blood‐brain barrier by trimethoprim. This combination appears to be a useful alternative therapy for gram‐negative meningitis.Trimethoprim is a bacterial dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor which is currently administered in conjunction with Sulphamethoxazole as an oral preparation. Recently a parenteral preparation of trimethoprim (Trimethoprim Lactate Burroughs‐Wellcome) has become available for restricted use. We report our experience with the USC of this drug in an infant with Salmonella meningitis.
IgA‐Associated Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Woodroffe A. J. , Thomson N. M. , Meadows R. , Lawrence J. R. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Mesangial IgA deposition was detected by routine fluorescent microscopy of 19 cases of glomerulonephritis.Twelve patients had a variable degree of diffuse mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. The heterogeneous histological findings in the other seven patients show that mesangial IgA deposition alone does not have diagnostic specificity. However, when interpretation of the mesangial IgA deposition is complemented by clinical and histological information, a group of patients with the characteristic combined features can be distinguished.
The Floppy Mitral Valve Syndrome—A Review of Fourteen Patients Requiring Valve Surgery
Authors: Luxton Michael , Peter Thomas , Hunt David , Westlake George , Sloman Graeme 
Published: March 2008

Summary: The correlation of clinical features with the operative findings in 14 patients with a floppy mitral valve is discussed.The clinical course is typified by rapidly progressive disability. An abrupt deterioration was present in five of our subjects and this may be due to rupture of chordae tendinea or stretching of the valve apparatus. The redundancy of the anterior cusp in 13 of our series may explain the absence of mid systolic clicks in all except one patient. The diagnosis of prolapse can be difficult to make prior to surgery because the prolapsed cusp may be masked by the regurgitant contrast medium. Hypokinesis and prominent sacculation of the left ventricular inflow tract suggest an associated myocardial abnormality. Calcium was present in one valve and thus mitral valve calcification does not exclude the possibility of a floppy valve in patients with mitral regurgitation.
Properdin and Recurrent Macroscopic Haematuria
Authors: Roy L. Paul 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Kidney biopsies from ten children with recurrent macroscopic haematuria, showed mesangial deposition of IgG, IgA and complement. Eight of these ten biopsies also showed deposition of properdin, a basic euglobulin intimately involved in the alternate pathway of complement activation. Serum haemolytic complement activity was normal in the eight patients tested. Incubation of the serum at 4 °C for 24 hours did not result in any change in complement activity.These data suggest that the mesangial inflammatory process in these patients may be mediated in part by the alternate pathway of complement activation and that the mechanism is activated locally.
An Evaluation of a New ECG Monitor which Detects and Classifies Ventricular Extrasystoles
Authors: McLean K. H. , Knuckey L. M. , Friedman Alex 
Published: March 2008

Summary: An evaluation of a new ECG monitor which detects and classifies ventricular extrasystoles.A device is described which is highly efficient in detecting and classifying ventricular ectopic beats. This instrument may have a significant role in patient monitoring. The system is based on analysis of a 5 electrode orthogonal system with comparison of QRS wave forms with a stored normal wave form. The design was based on a test tape derived from 26 patients and evaluated further on long recordings of 16 other patients. Results indicate that the device is highly reliable in QRS detection and in detection of ventricular ectopic beats. The problem of artefacts due mainly to patient movement is held within reasonable limits.
The Effect of Carbenoxolone Sodium on the Plasma 11 Hydroxycorticoid Levels in Chronic Gastric Ulceration
Authors: Gollan J. L. , Heckert R. , Mackinnon A. M. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: The effect of carbenoxolone sodium on the plasma 11 hydroxycorticoid levels in chronic gastric ulceration.The mineralocorticoid effects of carbenoxolone sodium are well established and seem related to the ulcer healing of the drug. In the present study the plasma 11 hydroxycorticoid responses were assessed in 12 patients undergoing treatment with carbenoxolone for chronic gastric ulceration. After treatment with carbenoxolone for one month the plasma 11 hydroxycorticoid levels rose significantly, suppression by dexamethasone was less marked and the normal diurnal periodicity was abolished. Carbenoxolone therapy influences the results of tests designed to assess the function of the pituitary‐adrenal axis and may lead to sub‐clinical adrenocortical hyperfunction.
Alcohol Usage as a Possible Explanation for Socio‐economic and Occupational Differentials in Mortality from Hypertension and Coronary Heart Disease in England and Wales*
Authors: Mathews J. D. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Alcohol usage as a possible explanation for socio‐economic and occupational differentials in mortality from hypertension and coronary heart disease in England and Wales.In England and Wales in 1949‐53, those socio‐economic and occupational groups with high death rates for cirrhosis also had high death rates for hypertension and stroke. Alcohol exposure appeared to be the factor common to the 15 occupational groups with the highest death rates for cirrhosis. Although deaths certified to hypertension and stroke were relatively more frequent in these “high cirrhosis” occupations, deaths from coronary heart disease (CHD) were decreased relative to deaths from all causes. These observations suggest that although alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, there may be a lesser increase in the risk of CHD. These observations could be of causal significance; if so, a study of the effects of alcohol should help dissociate those causal mechanisms unique to hypertension from those unique to CHD.
Rationalisation of Hospital Services for Stroke Patients
Authors: Christie David 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Rationalisation of hospital services for stroke patients.Over a six month period, the Royal Melbourne Hospital admitted 25% of the stroke patients expected from the north‐west region of Melbourne. When the private sector and Mount Royal Hospital were included, a total of 57% of expected demand was met by the hospital services of the region. The natural history of stroke in hospital consisted of an early “active” phase with a high death rate and a high investigation rate. Three weeks after admission this activity had largely subsided and it is suggested that the acute general hospital was no longer providing the most appropriate care. Transfer of patients with stroke three weeks after admission to a lower cost care situation with more appropriate use of staff would enable the Royal Melbourne Hospital to meet the demand for hospitalisation from its region.
Comparison of Plasma Lipids at Birth and in Second Year of Life
Authors: Potter Julia M. , Nestel P. J. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Comparison of plasma lipids at birth and in second year of life. The value of measuring plasma lipids at birth as a guide to hyperlipidaemia in the future has been studied in 230 infants. There was a weak overall correlation between the cholesterol concentration at birth and during the second year of life (r=+0–215, P< 005). There was no such relationship for triglyceride concentration. Not one of seven infants showing hypercholesterolemia at birth had a raised level at follow‐up. By contrast, all seven infants whose cholesterol levels exceeded two standard deviations at follow‐up had normal values at birth.This discrepancy may reflect the influence of diet on plasma lipids. The mean plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations during the second year were significantly lower in those infants being fed diets that contained increased amounts of unsaturated fat. The likelihood of hyperlipidaemia being found during the second year of life therefore depended more on the nature of the infant's food than on the presence of hyperlipidaemia at birth. The added influence of genetic components was suggested by the finding of a greater prevalence of early cardiovascular events in the families of infants showing hyperlipidaemia at one to two years of age.
Vaginal Isolation of Neisseria Meningitidis in Association with Meningococcaemia
Authors: Reiss‐Levy Elizabeth , Stephenson John 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Vaginal isolation of neisseria meningitidis in association with meningococcaemia. Elizabeth Reiss‐Levy and J. Stephenson, Aust. N.Z. J‐ Med., 1976, 6, pp. 487–489. The isolation of meningococci from the vagina is unusual. This report concerns a young woman who presented with vaginal bleeding and subsequently developed a febrile illness which responded to oral ampicillin. The main clinical features included vomiting and drowsiness followed by a rash and arthritis. Neisseria meningitidis group B was isolated from cultures of a vaginal swab and blood. A brief literature review of genital infections with meningococci is given.
Analgesic Abuse and Kidney Disease
Authors: Stewart J. H. , Gallery Eileen D. M. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Analgesic abuse and kidney disease.The analgesic syndrome, comprising renal disease, hypertension, peptic ulcer, anaemia and recurrent headache, accounts for widespread morbidity and mortality, especially in Queensland and New South Wales. Epidemiological and clinical evidence gathered from many Western societies implicates unsupervised consumption of compound analgesic preparations, particularly those containing phenacetin, in the causation of the majority of cases.Laboratory experiments so far have failed to produce an entirely satisfactory model of clinical analgesic nephropathy. In small animals, papillary necrosis results from prolonged feeding with large doses of aspirin and a number of other anti‐inflammatory agents more readily than when phenacetin, paracetamol or phenazone is given alone. The apparently conflicting deductive and experimental data may be reconciled if, as indicated by preliminary observations, salicylates enhance the toxicity of phenacetin derivatives.In planning a programme of prevention for the analgesic syndrome, the central aetiological role of non‐narcotic drug dependency must be recognized. As the analgesics to which addiction commonly occurs are the compound powders and tablets, or those containing a stimulant, these preparations should be available only in circumstances where their use can be monitored. Suspected unsupervised and unwarranted consumption of analgesics should be checked by urinary testing for drug metabolites.Because the underlying problem of analgesic dependency is behavioural and environmental in origin rather than medical, the physician must combine forces with the social engineer to devise a definitive solution for this condition.
The Effect of Rifampicin on Liver Morphology in Tuberculous Alcoholics
Authors: Thompson J. E. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: The effect of rifampicin on liver morphology. J. E. Thompson, Aust. N.Z. J. Med. 1976, 6, pp. 111–116.Seventy‐nine consecutive patients receiving rifampicin in combination with isoniazid and another drug, were found to have an 8.3% incidence of acute clinical liver disease. Half the patients (36) were advanced alcoholics and almost all cases of hepatitis came from this group.Fifteen of the 36 were thought to have evidence of pre‐existing liver disease and were studied by means of serial liver biopsies.Most of those with pre‐treatment abnormalities of liver function developed abnormalities in their biopsies, not attributable to alcohol.In one patient active chronic hepatitis is believed to have followed irregularly taken rifampicin.Those patients with both normal pretreatment liver function and biopsies did not develop histological abnormalities. The dangers of irregularly taken self‐administered rifampicin are stressed.It is suggested that rifampicin is contra‐indicated in alcoholics with initial abnormal liver function tests.
Alpha Fetoprotein in Liver Disease in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Woodfield D. G. , Endo Y. , Clarke C. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Alpha fetoprotein in liver disease in Papua New Guinea. D. G. Woodfield, Y. Endo and C. Clarke, Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1976, 6, pp. 117–120.A radioimmunoassay method was used for the detection of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) in the sera of 112 Papua New Guinean patients who had undergone liver biopsy. Sera from 69 normal subjects and 20 hospital patients were also tested. Alpha fetoprotein was found to be elevated above normal levels in many of these subjects, but particularly in those suffering from viral hepatitis, cirrhosis and primary liver cell carcinoma (PLC). The highest values were found in patients with PLC. It is concluded that because of the elevation of AFP values in all these different types of liver disease the RIA test is not of great value in Papua New Guinea, except in the follow‐up of some patients with cirrhosis who are at risk of developing PLC and in those who have undergone treatment for PLC.
Lung Function in Asymptomatic Cigarette Smokers—The Single Breath Nitrogen Test
Authors: Armstrong John G. , Woolcock Ann J. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Lung function in asymptomatic cigarette smokers—The single breath nitrogen test. John G. Armstrong and Ann J. Woolcock, Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1976, 6, pp. 123–126.The modified single breath nitrogen (SBN) test and simple spirometry were used to study the lung function (LF) of 101 asymptomatic, cigarette smoking and 20 nonsmoking men aged 18 to 39 years. Abnormal LF was demonstrated in 39% of smokers. An abnormal SBN test was found in 28% of the light and 56% of the heavy smokers but only 3% were spirometrically abnormal. Only one non‐smoker had an abnormal SBN test. Closing volume and slope of the alveolar plateau, which are both measured from the SBN test, correlated poorly suggesting that the abnormality caused by smoking may differ among smokers. The SBN test is a simple test which is sensitive enough to detect LF abnormalities in young smokers. The significance of the detected abnormalities in relation to the development of chronic obstructive lung disease is not presently known.
USE OF SYSTOLIC TIME INTERVALS IN STUDYING HYPERTENSION
Authors: Tarazi R.C. , Ibrahim M.M. , Dustan H.P. , Bravo E.L. 
Published: March 2008

SummarySystolic time intervals were measured in 54 hypertensive patients divided into three groups according to severity of hypertension, variability of blood pressure levels and presence or absence of a hyperkinetic heart. The three groups were: borderline hypertension (BLH), fixed essential hypertension (FEU) and hyperkinetic essential hypertension (HEH). Systolic time intervals (STI) provided information indicating an increased cardio‐adrenergic drive in BLH and HEH. This was supported by finding that propranolol abolished the increased contractility found at rest in BLH and HEH.