bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prognosis of acute post infectious glomerulonephritis in adults: a long‐term prospective study
Authors: Richmond D. E. , Doak P. B. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe contributions of pre‐selected predictions of outcome for survival and renal function following acute post infectious glomerulonephritis were tested in a group of 41 adults, followed up for a mean of 13 years 5 months (range: 2 weeks to 15 years 2 months), using a proportional hazards model. The best predictor of outcome was the severity of the renal lesion, as judged by histology obtained at renal biopsy. The extent of functional deterioration during the acute phase and the aetiology were also related to outcome, though less significantly. Other variables including sex, age, race and the presence or absence of hypertension during the acute phase did not appear in this model to have an important bearing on prognosis, whether the latter was determined by patient and renal survival or by the extent of renal functional deterioration in survivors.
A serial study of gastric emptying in anorexia nervosa and bulimia
Authors: Szmukler G. I. , Young G. P. , Lichtenstein M. , Andrews J. T. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTo determine the natural history of delayed gastric emptying of solid foods in anorexia nervosa (AN), gastric emptying was assessed by scintigraphy in 20 consecutive inpatients; eight had restrictive AN, ten had both AN and bulimia nervosa (BN), and two BN alone. Initial gastric half‐emptying time (HET) exceeded 110 min (the upper limit of normal for the laboratory) in 16; their body mass index ranged from 11.7 to 18.1. HET showed a significant negative correlation with body mass (r = 0.71; p<0.001) but not age, duration of illness or use of psychotropic medication. Fourteen patients with prolonged emptying were retested; HET improved in nine of 12 retested at one month (p= 0.0005) but none showed a change in the lag phase of emptying. All four patients retested a further one to two months later achieved a HET < 110 min. Fourteen patients reached a body mass index of 16.3 during treatment and HET improved to better than 110 min in all but one of these. However, normalisation occurred while body mass was still subnormal (<20.3) and with amenorrhea still present. This study shows that delayed gastric emptying in AN improves quite rapidly as feeding recommences; thus the motility disturbance is secondary to restriction in food intake and is not fundamental to the disorder.
Ranitidine‐associated recurrent acute pancreatitis
Authors: Herrmann R. , Shaw R. G. , Fone D. J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractRanitidine is a safe, widely prescribed drug for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and is rarely associated with serious adverse reactions. This report describes a patient who suffered three episodes of acute pancreatitis associated with ranitidine prescribed for duodenal ulcer disease. On each occasion the pancreatitis resolved after withdrawal of ranitidine and recurred upon re‐exposure. Underlying biliary and pancreatic disease was excluded. There has been no recurrence of pancreatitis in the five years of follow‐up since ranitidine was discontinued.
Community‐acquired pseudomonas pneumonia in a normal host complicated by metastatic panophthalmitis and cutaneous pustules
Authors: Quirk J. A. , Beaman M. H. , Blake M. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a frequent pathogen of patients with chronic underlying disease in the hospital environment. This organism is, however, an extremely rare cause of either community‐acquired pneumonia in a normal host, metastatic bacterial endophthalmitis or metastatic cutaneous pustules. We report here a case combining these three rare manifestations in a previously well young woman, to highlight the serious disease that may result from this pathogen and the difficulties of treatment.
Multiple pneumatocoeles and bilateral tension pneumothoraces complicating Pneumocystis pneumonia in AIDS
Authors: Summers Q. A. , Helprin G. A. , Tarala R. A. , French M. A. H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPneumatocoele and pneumothorax are uncommon complications of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. We report a patient with the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome who developed multiple bilateral pneumatocoeles which we demonstrate to have ruptured leading to the subsequent bilateral tension pneumothoraces and to death. The computerised tomographic appearances, and histopathology of these unusual complications are presented. The literature on these manifestations is reviewed and management discussed.
What has happened to programmes in quality assurance by physicians in large teaching hospitals in Australia and New Zealand?
Authors: Richmond D. E. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractHospital Quality Assurance (QA) programmes by divisions and departments of medicine have developed since the late 1970s. The Continuing Education Unit of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians played a facilitatory role in this development, especially in the first five to six years.A survey of 38 major teaching hospitals in Australia and New Zealand early in 1989 revealed that of the 35 responding all had introduced a formal QA programme in internal medicine between 1976 and 1988.The ‘Austin Hospital Method’ of review seminars was the most popular format when QA programmes were introduced and 26 hospitals still maintain such a format – at least as a component of their programmes. Most programmes have been subject to modification to suit local needs. There have been no serious problems in maintaining confidentiality of information derived from QA exercises.Despite a formidable array of constraining forces, the majority of continuing QA programmes appeared to be stable. Seventeen hospitals reported that the organising group was recognised as an official committee of their hospital's administration.Although eight programmes have been discontinued in the last four years, nearly as many new ones have been introduced.
A comparison of two methods of eliciting the ankle jerk
Authors: Schwartz R. S. , Morris J. G. L. , Crimmins D. , Wilson A. , Fahey P. , Reid S. , Joffe R. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Two methods of eliciting the ankle jerk have been compared. One, the traditional method, involved tapping the Achilles tendon (the tendon tap); the other (the plantar tap) involved tapping the sole of the foot. The study was done on 110 inpatients in the medical wards of a teaching hospital.The results showed an 89% agreement between the two methods. The extent of agreement was unrelated to the level of experience of the examiner. Forty three per cent of patients favoured the plantar tap method; 14% the tendon tap. The plantar tap method of eliciting the ankle jerk is an acceptable alternative to the traditional method.
Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation associated with cardioembolic stroke: the role of hypertensive heart disease
Authors: Seneviratne B. I. , Reimers J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Epidemiologists have not identified high risk groups nor the entire spectrum of heart disease, especially the subclinical forms underlying nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) predisposing to cardioembolic (CE) stroke. We analysed 36 cases of ‘isolated’ NVAF among 106 consecutive cases of CE stroke after excluding cases of AF associated with valvular disease, myocardial infarcts, ischaemic and other cardio‐myopathies (34 cases). This revealed echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (LV mass index 136 ± 25 g, vs normal 68 ± 12 g p < 0.001), enlarged left atria (left atrial area 27.4 ± 3.6 cm2 vs normal 14.3 ± 1.6 cm2p < 0.001), normal systolic function and formed the largest group associated with CE stroke (34%), mean age 72.6 years – Study Group D. Eighty nine per cent had known or undetected hypertension compared to 60% in matched controls (x2= 8.3 df= 1 p < 0.01), and hypertension remained the predominant risk factor for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Although all had echocardiographic LVH, 60% had neither electrocardiographs LVH nor cardiomegaly on chest X‐ray. Hence usual epidemiologic methods may fail to detect these cases. Hypertensive heart disease is known to predispose to left atrial enlargement and AF. Progressive atrial enlargement is associated with increasing risk of embolie stroke.We conclude that NVAF associated with hypertensive heart disease forms a major component of the spectrum of heart disease associated with NVAF predisposing to CE stroke. Detection and treatment of hypertension to prevent or reverse LVH and atrial enlargement should be an important preventive measure.
Studies on an unusual von Willebrand's variant – type IID
Authors: Exner T. , Hill P. , Cleland J. , Berry E. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract We describe a man and his daughter from a large New Zealand family with the extremely rare variant von Willebrand's (VW) disease type IID. These two patients had a severe bleeding history following minor surgery and displayed easy bruising. However, routine laboratory screening tests and factor VIII studies were essentially normal except for slightly reduced ristocetin cofactor activity and prolonged skin bleeding times.Although lacking higher molecular weight forms of VW antigen in common with VW type II's the patients' multimer patterns were clearly different from types IIA and IIB. Instead of showing the characteristic ‘triplet’ pattern in each multimer band the patients gave a single prominent band with faint satellite bands different in mobility to those in normals. Von Willebrand factor from the patients' platelets gave a similar abnormal pattern.DDAVP failed to correct the bleeding time in either patient and multimer analysis confirmed that there was no increase in the higher molecular weight VWF antigen.
At medium term follow‐up (3.4 ± 2.4 years, range two months to eight years) there was one late death in each group, and seven patients in each group had return of angina or congestive heart failure. Twenty‐one patients in the emergency group and 22 patients in the elective group were asymptomatic on no cardiac medications
Authors: Celermajer D. S. , Zeng G. E. , Bailey B. P. , Bernstein L. , Beetson R. , Hughes C. F. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe clinical characteristics, perioperative complications and medium term outcome were analysed for patients undergoing emergency coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) following failed coronary angioplasty (PTCA).Seven hundred and twenty PTCAs were performed from June 1981 to June 1989, of which 30 (4.2%) resulted in CABG within four hours of PTCA. The perioperative course and follow‐up were compared to 30 patients undergoing elective CABG, matched retrospectively for age, sex, month of operation and number of grafts.The emergency group had a tendency to more post operative bleeding, but no increased incidence of early reoperation for bleeding, and had a high incidence of periprocedural Q wave infarction (20% vs 3%, p < 0.05). The emergency group had shorter bypass time and decreased use of the internal mammary artery (7% vs 50%, p<0.05). There was one in‐hospital death in the emergency group.We conclude that patients with failed PTCA requiring emergency CABG are more likely than an elective group to have post operative bleeding but no increased risk of early reoperation, and have a higher incidence of perioperative Q wave infarction.There is significant difference in operative technique between emergency and elective coronary bypass groups (greater use of the internal mammary artery in the elective group), but not in hospital mortality. Rapid successful surgical revascularisation after failed PTCA resulted in medium term outcome similar to that of patients undergoing elective coronary surgery. (Aust NZ J Med 1991; 21: 211–216.)
Home oxygen therapy: an audit of survival
Authors: Crockett A.J. , Alpers J.H. , Moss J.R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA retrospective audit of the medical records and respiratory function data of 186 subjects placed on long term continuous home oxygen therapy between 1979 and 1988 was undertaken. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves were constructed for subjects with Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease (COAD) and Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD).There was an almost twofold greater mortality rate for COAD subjects at 12 months when compared to the Medical Research Council Working Party (MRC) and the Nocturnal Oxygen Therapy multicentre clinical trials (NOTT). However, the mean values of the baseline physiological parameters were similar to these major studies of long term oxygen therapy.Survival of ILD patients was significantly less than COAD patients (p < 0.001). Within both disease categories, females survived significantly longer than males. Within the COAD category the observed sex difference was not abolished when the data was controlled for age, Pco2, Po2 and pack‐years (as an estimate of total cigarette consumption). However, prior smoking history appeared to modify the male‐female difference in COAD survival.These are the first Australian survivorship data for patients on long term oxygen therapy. The more adverse survival figures compared with the overseas studies may reflect the co‐existence of other diseases. (Aust NZ J Med 1991; 21: 217–221.)
Wheat dust‐associated respiratory disease in a farming community
Authors: Clancy R. L. , Saunders N. A. , Ruhno J. , Wrigley C. , Scicchitano R. , Walsh B. , Cripps A. W. , Sutherland D. C. , Hensley M. J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSixty‐six volunteers who considered themselves to have wheat dust‐related respiratory disease, were reviewed from a farming community. A spectrum of disease was described ranging from a mild allergic rhinitis limited to periods of wheat dust exposure through to perennial asthma in which wheat dust was but one of several precipitating factors. Approximately half of those with asthma had symptoms limited to times of wheat dust exposure. Results of a limited survey of farmers showed patterns of symptoms similar to those in the volunteer group. Most subjects were atopic with elevated IgE levels, and had positive skin prick tests to environmental allergens. All but one of 65 subjects tested had a positive RAST test to wheat dust antigen. It is concluded that wheat dust associated respiratory tract disease is a significant problem in Australian farming communities, that a particular pattern of asthma can be described, and that IgE mediated reactions contribute to this disease pattern. (Aust NZ J Med 1991; 21: 211–215.)
XY female athlete with Olympic potential
Authors: Hill P. T. , Stepanas A. V. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe report a 16‐year‐old phenotypic female with XY pure gonadal dysgenesis. A dysgerminoma was found in one of the dysgenetic gonads stressing the importance of prophylactic gonadectomy. Her case presents a difficult problem because as a member of a national junior training squad, she had the potential for competing at international level where her genetic sex could be a profound liability. (Aust NZ J Med 1991; 21: 242–243.)
Complete response of a transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis to leucovorin/5 fluorouracil chemotherapy
Authors: Bonaventura A. , Stewart J. F. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA 56‐year‐old female underwent treatment with leucovorin and 5‐fluorouracil for extensive metastatic moderately differentiated transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the renal pelvis. This resulted in a complete response for 20 + months. This combination has not been reported before in TCCs of the urinary tract and requires further exploration. (Aust NZ J Med 1991; 21: 244–245.)
Salmonella empyema in a patient with lymphoma
Authors: Cistulli P. A. , Barnes D. J. , Young G. A. R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSalmonella empyema occurred in a patient with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. He was successfully managed with a combination of antibiotics and surgery. (Aust NZ J Med 1991; 21: 246–247.)
Diclofenac hepatitis
Authors: Sallie R. W. , Quinlan M. F. , McKenzie T. , Shilkin K. B. , Reed W. D. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe report five cases of biopsy‐proven hepatitis developing between six and 20 weeks after administration of diclofenac. In one patient jaundice had previously developed following use of ibuprofen. In another the clinical, biochemical and histopathological features were those of chronic active hepatitis and treatment with corticosteroids was required. All patients recovered from their liver injury without sequelae. Resolution of symptoms occurred between three and 12 weeks following cessation of the drug, while liver function tests returned to normal between seven and 16 weeks after drug withdrawal, except in the patient with chronic active hepatitis who remained biochemically abnormal for eight months. Three of the five patients developed transient circulating autoantibodies, suggesting immune mechanisms may be important in the pathogenesis of this injury. The incidence of severe hepatic dysfunction related to the use of diclofenac appears low and is probably in the order of one case per 50–100,000 prescriptions. (Aust NZ J Med 1991; 21: 251–255.)
Chronic myeloid leukaemia treated by allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from histocompatible sibling donors – an invariably fatal malignancy rendered highly curable
Authors: Szer J. , Sheridan W. P. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Twenty‐eight patients aged 16–50 years with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐identical sibling donors. Of the 28 patients, 21 were in chronic phase, five were in accelerated phase and two were in blast phase at the time of BMT. Twenty‐three of the patients survived more than 63–2187 days after BMT, 21 in continuous complete remission and two with haemato‐logic relapse of CML. Two patients died of interstitial pneumonitis and one died of relapsed CML, cerebral aspergillosis and cytomegalovirus enterocolitis.The overall probability of survival at six years was 78%± 9% (mean ± standard error) and of disease free survival 66 ± 11%. For patients transplanted in chronic phase, the survival probability was 90 ± 6%, while all of the patients undergoing BMT in chronic phase within the first year after diagnosis were alive with a relapse‐free survival of 88 ± 12%. The actuarial probability of occurrence of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) was 57 ± 9%, while for Grades II and III GVHD it was 28 ±9%. Chronic GVHD occurred in 18 of 25 patients at risk. The majority of patients had a Karnofsky performance score at latest follow‐up of at least 90% (range 50–100). We conclude that allogeneic BMT is effective, curative therapy for CML and that BMT performed earlier in the natural history of the disease is associated with the best outcome. (Aust NZ J Med 1991; 21: 408–413.)
Oat bran and cholesterol reduction: evidence against specific effect
Authors: Bremer J. M. , Scott R. S. , Lintott C. J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Most placebo‐controlled studies testing the hypo‐cholesterolaemic action of oat bran have compared high fibre against low fibre diets. To determine whether oat bran had greater cholesterol‐lowering action than another source of fibre (wheat bran) we compared the effect of breads of similar total fibre content containing either oat bran or additional wheat bran. Twelve hyperlipidaemic subjects (38–66 years) were stabilised on lipid‐lowering diets for at least three months prior to the study. Subjects were given each type of bread for four‐week periods in a single‐blind, cross‐over design.Cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL‐cholesterol levels did not change significantly during the oat and wheat bread periods. HDL‐cholesterol rose equivalently but only to a just significant level during the oat bran diet. Body weights, lipids and lipoprotein parameters were not significantly different between the two diet periods. Both diet treatments lowered serum cholesterol approximately 4%.We conclude that this oat bran bread consumed as part of a lipid‐correcting diet did not influence lipoproteins to any greater extent than wheat bread of similar total fibre content. (Aust NZ J Med 1991; 21: 422–426.)
Primary leiomyosarcoma of the heart: a rare cause of obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract
Authors: Fox J. P. , Freitas E. , McGifgin D. C. , Firouz‐Abadi A. A. , West M. J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Primary cardiac tumours are rare and frequently only diagnosed post‐mortem. Recent improvements in non‐invasive imaging techniques have led to an increasing number being diagnosed in life, allowing surgical resection.We report a primary leiomyosarcoma presenting with obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract. (Aust NZ J Med 1991; 21: 881–883.) Key words: Cardiac tumour, leiomyosarcoma, obstruction to left ventricular outflow.
Frusemide antagonises exercise‐induced but not histamine‐induced bronchospasm
Authors: Feather I. R. , Olson L. G. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Frusemide has recently been shown to antagonise exercise‐induced bronchospasm, an action attributed to blockade of chloride channels in the bronchial epithelium. In order to test the hypothesis that frusemide non‐specifically antagonises bronchospasm, we tested the bronchial reactivity to inhaled histamine in ten subjects aged 22 to 35 years, after nebulising 30 mg of frusemide, and after nebulising the frusemide vehicle (water at pH 9.1). The geometric mean (histamine PD20) after inhalation of the solution was 0.6 μmol and after frusemide was 0.45/μmol. The mean difference in PD PD20 between control and frusemide was – 0.50 μmol (frusemide test more reactive) but this change was not statistically significant. We conclude that nebulised frusemide does not antagonise histamine‐induced bronchospasm, and that the ability of frusemide to block exercise‐induced bronchospasm may be specific to that stimulus.
Diabetic end stage renal failure – the Wellington experience 1975–1988
Authors: Thompson T. J. , Fisher M. , Hatfield P. J. , Morrison R. B. I. , Neale T. J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Since the late 1970s patients with diabetic nephropathy have formed an increasing proportion of new entrants to the Hospital renal dialysis and transplantation programme, reaching 28% for the three year period to December 1988. Between 1 January 1975 and 31 December 1988, 87 diabetic patients were accepted for treatment. Fifty‐one per cent were European, predominantly type I diabetics. Maori (9% of the total reference population) accounted for a disproportionately high 47% due to an over‐representation by type II diabetic patients (34 of 41 Maori). These findings cannot be explained by the higher prevalence in Maori of type II diabetes but appear to be due to a more prevalent and/or aggressive diabetic renal lesion in this group. On commencing treatment, nearly all patients had retinopathy and the majority had evidence of peripheral vascular disease, hypertension and neuropathy. CAPD was the initial mode of renal replacement therapy in 70% of patients. Overall patient survival was 77% at one year and 42% at three years, and survival on CAPD was 76% and 37% at one and three years, respectively. Patient survival on transplantation was 63% at one year and 58% at three years. Graft survival was 51% at one year and 46% at three years. Although the short term outlook for diabetic patients on renal replacement therapy is encouraging, longer term survival compared to non‐diabetic patients is poor. Vascular disease is the major cause of death and an important factor in patient morbidity.