bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SPECIFICITY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILES OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME PATIENTS
Authors: WELCH G. W. , STACE N. H. , POMARE E. W. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:The aim of the study was to investigate the specificity of psychological profiles in female Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients by a comparison with a gastrointestinal patient control group and with a normal population control group. The results showed that the IBS patients scored significantly higher than the normal population sample on three test scales: Anxiety, Phobic and Somatisation. Our results thus support the conclusion of earlier authors that a moderate degree of psychoneurotic disorder exists amongst IBS patients. However, the patient control group also scored significantly higher than the normal control group on two factors (Phobic and Somatisation), and the comparison between the IBS group and the patientcontrol group did not reveal any significant differences. It is suggested that attention to the psychological needs of both IBS and other gastrointestinal disease patients should form an important part of the management strategy, particularly in the former — where a consistently clear benefit for any particular therapy has yet to be shown.
CRANIAL ARTERITIS A TWENTY‐YEAR REVIEW OF CASES
Authors: KOOREY D. J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Thirty‐five cases of cranial arteritis in an Australian population have been analysed. The female to male ratio was 2.2:l and the average age of onset was 71 years. Eighty‐five percent of patients suffered headache and this was most frequently temporal or bitemporal. Polymyalgia rheumatica (40%), permanent visual loss (29%) and jaw claudication (26%) were common, six patients complained of diplopia and four gave a past history of thyroid disease.The temporal artery was clinically abnormal in only 69% of cases but biopsy was positive in 26 of 28 specimens examined. Sixty‐seven percent of patients had ESR's greater than 60 mmlh.The average duration of prednisone therapy was 22 months. Side effects of steroids were observed in seven of 19 patients followed up. The importance of starting steroid therapy as soon as the condition is suspected clinically is emphasised by the case of one patient who lost vision while awaiting temporal artery biopsy.
CHOLESTYRAMINE INDUCED HYPERCHLOREMIC METABOLIC ACIDOSIS
Authors: EAVES E. R. , KORMAN M. G. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:The first reported case, in an adult, of cholestyramine induced hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis is a 70 year old female with a two year history of primary biliary cirrhosis confirmed by histologic and immunologic criteria. After taking cholestyramine II sachets twice daily for two months she presented with lethargy, confusion and drowsiness. Examination revealed confusion, jaundice, signs of chronic liver disease, portal hypertension and hepatic encephalopathy. Laboratory investigations confirmed a metabolic acidosis (pH 7.15) and hyperchloremia. Multiple cultures failed to reveal sepsis and a urinary pH of 4.85 together with tests of renal acidification, excluded renal tubular acidosis. She received 600 mEq of sodium bicarbonate intravenously over 36 hours by which time her mentation, electrolytes and pH were normal. It is presumed that her hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis was secondary to cholestyramine because of (i) the similarity to pediatric reports; (ii) the rapid and lasting response to intravenous sodium bicarbonate; (iii) the absence of another etiology; (iv) normal serum potassium, chloride and bicarbonate despite continued spironolactone therapy after recovery.
INTERMITTENT CLAUDICATION: A DOUBLE–BLIND CROSSOVER TRIAL OF PENTOXIFYLLINE
Authors: GALLUS A. S. , GLEADOW F. , DUPONT P. , WALSH J. , MORLEY A A. , WENZEL A. , ALDERMAN M. , CHIVEHS D. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: The influence of the xanthine derivative pentoxifylline (‘Trental’ or BL191; Hoechst–Roussel) on exercise tolerance was measured in 38 subjects with stable, severe to moderately severe, intermittent claudication who completed a randomised, double–blind, placebo controlled, cross–over clinical trial. Patients received placebo tablets or 400 mg slow–release pentoxifylline tablets (‘Trental 400’) twice a day for one week, followed by three times daily for seven weeks, and then crossed over to receive the alternate preparation for another eight weeks.Claudication distance and walking distance were measured on a treadmill before starting treatment and again at four–week intervals during the trial. At the same times, red blood cell filterability, plasma fibrinogen concentration and blood viscosity, resting and post–ischemic calf muscle blood flow, and the resting and post–exercise ankle/brachial systolic pressure ratio were also measured.In this study, the observed effects of pentoxifylline treatment were no greater than those of placebo, even though serum levels of pentoxifylline and its hydroxy–metabolite were within the anticipated range. This was shown by a ‘therapeutic effect ratio’ of 0.98 for treadmill claudication distance and 0.96 for treadmill walking distance after within–patient analysis at the end of the cross–over (where a ratio of 1.0 means the test drug and placebo effects are identical). These ratios have 95% confidence limits of 0.72–1.34 and 0.74–1.25, respectively.
INSULIN SECRETION AND IMMUNO‐GENETIC MARKERS IN DIABETICS WITH SECONDARY FAILURE‘ OF ORAL HYPOGLYCEMIC AGENTS
Authors: COLMAN P. G. , HARRISON L. C. , TAIT B. D. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:‘Secondary failure’ of oral hypoglycemics, in non‐insulin dependent diabetics, has been attributed to dietary non‐compliance, inadequate drug dosage, metabolic stress, or true drug failure. Progressive loss of beta cell function is a suggested mechanism for true drug failure but on the basis of little documented evidence. In view of this, we have measured basal and glucagon‐stimulated C‐peptide levels, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types, and islet cell antibodies in 20 non‐insulin dependent diabetics with ‘secondary failure’ of oral agents.There were 16 females and four males with a mean ideal body weight of 1.30 units and mean duration of diabetes of 9.5 years. Fasting insulin (mean ± SD: 15.1 ± 10.6 mU/l) and fasting C‐peptide (2.3 ± 1.2 μg/l) were normal or slightly elevated in all but one patient. Mean C‐peptide increased from 2.3 ± 1.2 μg/l to 3.5 ± 2.2 μg/l (152% over basal) 6 minutes after 1 mg i.v. glucagon. In 15 patients the C‐peptide response was greater than 130% of basal. Islet cell cytoplasmic antibodies were detected in only two patients. The distribution of HLA types was not significantly different from a control population, with no increase in DR3 or DR4.Thus, absolute insulin deficiency is uncommon in non‐insulin dependent diabetics with ‘secondary failure’ of oral hypoglycemic agents and such patients do not exhibit the immuno‐genetic markers of insulin‐dependent diabetes.
THE DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGE OF EUTHYROID HYPERTHYROXINEMIA
Authors: STOCKIG J. R. , BARLOW J. W. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:In euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia high levels of thyroxine (T4) may be either transient or persistent, associated with high, normal, or low levels of tri‐iodothyronine (T3). Euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia may occur: (i) as a response to abnormal plasma binding (thyroxine binding globulin, albumin, prealbumin, or autoantibodies), (ii) because of hormone resistance, (iii) after exposure to drugs such as amiodarone, cholecystographic contrast agents, or propranolol, (iv) during acute psychiatric illness or stress, and (v) in hyperemesis gravidarum. In some instances the cause of persistent hyperthyroxinemia still remains obscure.No single investigation (including free hormone measurement and the response of thyrotropin to its releasing hormone) can distinguish all of these entities from true hyperthyroidism. Hence, re‐evaluation in cases of diagnostic uncertainty should begin with clinical reassessment. Techniques are now available to identify easily some causes of euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia, allowing us to recognise patients and relatives who are at risk of inappropriate treatment. Because measurement of serum T4 remains the key investigation for diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction, it is important to appreciate the full range of conditions that compromise its specificity
DISABLING NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS OF AMIODARONE
Authors: ANDERSON N. E. , LYNCH N. M. , O'BRIEN K. P. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Five patients developed neurological symptoms during treatment with amiodarone for intervals ranging between five and 40 months. In each case the daily maintenance dose did not exceed 600 mg. The neurological manifestations included gait ataxia, tremor, polyneuropathy, and myopathy. In all five patients, the neurological symptoms were severe and disabling. In one patient with a myopathy, there was no improvement after amiodarone was withdrawn. The neurological side effects of amiodarone may be disabling and are not always reversible with drug withdrawal. Neurological complications may arise during treatment with usual maintenance doses. (Aust NZ J Med 1985; 15: 300–304.)
BODILY HABITUS AND MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE
Authors: HICKEY A. J. , NARUNSKY L. , WILCKEN D. E. L. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:We investigated the hypothesis that patients with idiopathic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) have distinctive anthropometric characteristics as part of an ill‐defined connective tissue abnormality. In 100 consecutive patients with MVP identified at echocardiography, 56 women and 44 men (age range 28–78 years), we compared measurements of height, weight, arm span, upper and lower body segments, anteroposterior chest diameter, anteroposterior chest diameter/height index, body mass index, and metacarpal index with those from an age and sex matched control group. We also compared the frequency of thoracic asymmetry in MVP patients and controls. Both male and female MVP patients had lower body mass indices than their controls (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). Women with MVP were lighter than their controls (p< 0.001) and the same trend was seen in men (p = 0.14). There were no significant differences with any of the other measurements or in the frequency of thoracic asymmetry. We conclude that patients of both sexes with idiopathic MVP are leaner than control subjects but do not otherwise have a specific bodily habitus or an increased frequency of thoracic cage abnormalities. The findings do not support the hypothesis of an underlying generalised connective tissue abnormality but raise the interesting question of why MVP patients should be lean. (Aust NZ J Med 1985; 15: 326–330.)
HOUSE DUST MITES AND SKIN TESTS IN DIFFERENT AUSTRALIAN LOCALITIES
Authors: GREEN W. F. , WOOLCOCK A. J. , STUCKEY M. , SEDGWICK C. , LEEDER S. R. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Dermatophagoides mite concentrations in household dust have been measured in three Australian towns with contrasting geographical features, climate, and degree of urbanisation. Mite allergen skin tests on school children living in these areas showed that the prevalence of positive reactions varied with mite concentrations.In Belmont, D. farinae as well as D. pteronyssinus were present in some of the dust samples.Skin test weals were larger in Busselton than in either Wagga Wagga or Belmont.The importance and practical implications of these findings are discussed. (Aust NZ J Med 1986; 16: 639–643.)
THE PREVALENCE RATE OF RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS IN SCHOOLCHILDREN FROM TWO SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RURAL COMMUNITIES
Authors: CROCKETT A. J. , SCHEMBRI D. A. , RUFFIN R. E. , ALPERS J. H. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract The respiratory symptoms and respirator function of 680 schoolchildren from two rural areas of South Australia were studied. the initial results of this prospective, longitudinal study showed that the cumulative prevalence of asthma and/or wheezy breathing was 27.4% in the Burra population and 23.1% in the Kingston population. The cumulative prevalence of one or more attacks of asthma/wheezy breathing amongst Burra (38.8%) and Kingston (23%) children aged up to 8 years was significantly higher than that reported for urban Melbourne children (11%, p <0.01). The combined South Australian group reported a cumulative prevalence of asthmdwheezy breathing alone of 10% which was significantly higher than the cumulative prevalence rates in three previous studies reported in Australia (1.8%, 2.6%, 2.7%, p <0.01).The highest overall cumulative prevalence of bronchitislloose or productive cough occurred in the 12 year old Burra children (41.5%). Burra girls had the highest prevalence of bronchitis/loose or productive cough (36.8%) compared to other groups studied at both locations.The parental smoking rate (60.4% in Burra, 57.4% in Kingston) is much higher than the national figure reported by the Bureau of Statistics in 1977 (35.9%).The prevalence of asthmdwheezy breathing is much higher in the South Australian cohort compared to the Queensland and Tasmanian cohorts studied using the same questionnaire.Predicted respiratory function parameters using initial algorithms are similar to those reported for urban Australian children. (Aust NZ J Med 1986; 16: 653–657.)
THE ACUTE BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS OF FOUR PROPRIETARY CALCIUM PREPARATIONS
Authors: REID I. R. , SCHOOLER B. A. , HANNAN S. F. , IBBERTSON H. K. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Changes in serum and urine biochemical indices have been studied in ten normal subjects in the four hours following the ingestion of four proprietary calcium supplements. Each was taken in a dose containing 1 gram of elemental calcium. The four preparations were ranked according to the amount of calcium absorbed in the order Spar‐Cal and Calcium Sandoz> Os‐Cal> Ossopan.There were no significant differences between the four preparations in the changes in parathyroid hormone (PTH) and urine hydroxyproline levels. For this reason, the four results from each subject were averaged. Following the calcium load there was a reduction in mean PTH from 0.16 ± 0.01 to 0.10 ± 0.02 μg/l (p<0.001) and a decline in urine hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio from 20 ± 1 to 17 ± 1 (p<0.02), suggesting that bone resorption responds immediately to dietary calcium intake.There was a rise in urine sodium excretion which correlated with the indices of calcium absorption (r= 0.63, p<0.01) but not with the sodium content of the calcium preparations. This effect could be important, particularly in elderly patients on borderline sodium intakes.
NAILFOLD CAPILLAROSCOPY: A BLINDED STUDY OF ITS DISCRIMINATORY VALUE IN SCLERODERMA, SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS, AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Authors: Mcgill N. W. , Gow P. J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe appearances of the nailfold capillaries can be used to distinguish between various connective tissue diseases. In a study of 30 patients (10 with scleroderma, nine with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 11 with rheumatoid arthritis), photographs were taken of the eight nailfolds of each patient (thumbs excluded) and then coded. Each of the photographs was later analysed by a rheumatology registrar and an attempt was made to predict the patient's diagnosis using only the appearance of the nailfold. The diagnostic specificity and sensitivity were 89% and 80%, respectively.The results indicate that nailfold capillaroscopy, performed by a relatively inexperienced observer, can accurately distinguish between patients with scleroderma and those with systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis. (Aust NZ J Med 1986; 16: 457–460.)
EFFECTS OF ENALAPRIL AND HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE ON BLOOD PRESSURE, RENIN–ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM, AND ATRIAL NATRIURETIC FACTOR IN ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION: A DOUBLE BLIND FACTORIAL CROSS‐OVER STUDY
Authors: Chalmers J. P. , Wing L. M. H. , West M. J. , Bune A. J. C. , Elliott J. M. , Morris M. J. , Cain M. D. , Graham J. R. , Southgate D. O. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe hypotensive and hormonal effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril (10 mg twice daily) were compared with those of hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg twice daily), with the two drugs in combination and with placebo in 21 patients with essential hypertension. For each patient there were four randomised double‐blind treatment phases, each of four weeks' duration, which comprised a 2 times 2 factorial experiment.
ADULT ONSET STILL'S DISEASE OR COXSACKIE POLYARTHRITIS?
Authors: Roberts‐Thomson P. J. , Southwood T. R. , Moore B. W. , Smith M. D. , Ahern M. J. , Geddes R. A. , Hill W. R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of two patients with a presumptive diagnosis of coxsackie B4 virus infection are described. A striking feature was the similarity with adult onset Still's disease, with spiking fever, evanescent macular rash, and severe polyarthritis. This latter feature persisted for many weeks and required steroids to control the symptoms. Review of the literature has supported the proposition that many cases of adult onset Still's disease may be due to coxsackie B4 or other viral infection and it is suggested that these agents should be actively sought in future cases. (Aust NZ J Med 1986; 16: 509–511.)
ANATOMICAL AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY CORRELATIONS IN THE NORMAL HEART
Authors: Calder A. L. , Robinson P. J. , Roche A. H. G. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractKnowledge of the normal intracardiac structures and their variations is essential for interpretation of two‐dimensional echocardiography. The anatomical features seen in the standard echocardiography views have been demonstrated in normal heart specimens.Anatomical variants such as a prominent Eustachian valve of the inferior vena cava in the right atrium and fibromuscular strands or ‘heart strings’ traversing the left ventricular cavity are frequently visualised on the two‐dimensional echocardiograms.
TREATMENT OF HAIRY CELL LEUKEMIA WITH INCREASING DOSES OF RECOMBINANT ALPHA A INTERFERON
Authors: HOLMES R. , WHITESIDE M G. , SCHWARZ M. A. , FIRKIN F. C. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Since July 1984, eight patients with advanced hairy cell leukemia have received treatment with recombinant alpha A interferon. At commencement of interferon, seven patients had progressive cytopenia, and one was in leukemic phase (>20times109/L circulating hairy cells). All patients had had previous splenectomy. Interferon was administered subcutaneously. The initial dose was 3times106 U/day, continued until peripheral counts stabilised. Subsequently, patients received 6times106 U/day, 9times106 U/day, and finally 12 times 106 U/day. The dose increases proceeded every 8–12 weeks, as tolerated. Seven patients had an objective response. There were four complete remissions, two partial remissions, and one minor response. Complete remission was documented only in patients on at least 6 times 106 U/day for 12 weeks. The median time to complete remission was 40 weeks (range 35–53). Normalisation of peripheral blood counts preceded histologic marrow improvement. The median times for response (platelets ≤ 100 times 109L, hemaglobin > 12 gm/dL, neutrophils < 1.5 times 109/L), were six to eight and 17 weeks, respectively. Toxicity included myelosuppression during the first four weeks of therapy. With increasing doses of interferon, myelosuppression did not recur. A transient, mild, flu‐like syndrome affected all patients. Two patients developed asymptomatic transaminitis at doses >6 times 106 U/day. This resolved with dose reduction. In one case impotence was reported during the first four weeks of each interferon level. One patient discontinued after two weeks due to an exacerbation of systemic vasculitis. The median duration of treatment for the seven responding patients is 78 weeks (range 30–156). All remain on interferon without disease progression. This report confirms a high remission rate, which may reflect a dose‐response phenomenon for long‐term treatment with alpha interferon in hairy cell leukemia. (Aust NZ J Med 1988; 18: 557–562).
MALIGNANT SYSTEMIC MASTOCYTOSIS
Authors: JANE S. M. , SUTHERLAND R. , SALEM H. H. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Malignant systemic mastocytosis is a rare disorder, a subgroup of the mast cell neoplasms. Its clinical and histological diagnosis is often difficult, especially in patients without cutaneous involvement. We report an unsuspected case who underwent laparotomy complicated by life‐threatening hypotension consistent with vasoactive mediator release from mast cells. The subsequent use of two chemotherapy regimens is detailed and both induced transient reduction in disease bulk. (Aust NZ J Med 1988; 18: 610–612)
LONG‐TERM CLINICAL AND ANGIOGRAPHIC RESULTS FOLLOWING PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY
Authors: GRIGG L. E. , VALENTINE P. A. , MANOLAS E. G. , FLOWER D. J. , HUNT D. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe long‐term results of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty were evaluated in our first 42 patients, who had initial successful angioplasty and no restenosis on angiogram performed four months after angioplasty. Evaluation included repeat follow‐up angiogram performed approximately two years after angioplasty in 22 of the 42 patients.All 42 patients had single vessel disease with severe angina pectoris refractory to medical treatment before angioplasty; at a mean follow‐up of 28 months after angioplasty, 37 (88%) were asymptomatic. No patient died or underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery during the follow‐up period, although three patients (7%) suffered a myocardial infarction due to occlusion of a nondilated artery. In the 22 cases studied at a mean of 28 months after angioplasty, angiogram showed that successful coronary artery dilatation remained in all cases, with no deterioration of a dilated lesion between the four and 28 month angiograms. Progression of atherosclerosis, however, did occur in five of the 22 patients (23%), with development of either stenosis or occlusion of a non‐dilated vessel.This study suggests that the development of restonsis between four and 28 months after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is unlikely. The results suggest an excellent long‐term prognosis after angioplasty, in patients who have no evidence of restenosis at four months after an initially successful dilatation.
PREVALENCE OF RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS, BRONCHIAL HYPERRESPONSIVENESS AND ATOPY IN SCHOOLCHILDREN LIVING IN THE VILLAWOOD AREA OF SYDNEY
Authors: HURRY V. M. , PEAT J. K. , WOOLCOCK A. J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractRespiratory symptoms, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and atopic status were measured in 1 217 schoolchildren, aged 8 to 12 years, living in the Villawood area of the city of Sydney. The findings are compared to those from studies previously conducted, using identical protocols, in the inland town of Wagga Wagga and in the coastal town in Belmont, NSW.There was a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in Villawood and Wagga Wagga (40%) than in Belmont (29%). The prevalence of BHR was 15% in Villawood and Belmont and 20% in Wagga Wagga. However, the distribution of severity of BHR was similar in each study town, reflecting the same pattern of responsiveness. The percentage of children who were atopic was higher in Villawood (44%) than in inland Wagga Wagga (39%) or coastal Belmont (40%). Children in the three areas differed in their reactions to the predominant allergen groups. There were more children who were reactive to grass pollens in the inland area and more children who were reactive to house dust mites in the coastal area. Children in Villawood had a high prevalence of reactivity both to house dust mites and to grass pollens.The Villawood children who were born in Australia had a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms, of BHR and of atopy than the foreign‐born children.