bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prioritization of radiotherapy in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Lim KSH , Vinod SK , Bull C , O'Brien P , Kenny L 
Published: November 2005

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to document how radiation oncology departments in Australia and New Zealand manage extended waiting lists by prioritizing patients for radiotherapy and how these centres define the ‘waiting time’. A literature search on strategies for management of waiting lists in radiotherapy, both locally and internationally, was performed. A collaborative survey of all the radiotherapy departments in Australia and New Zealand was then undertaken. Of the 32 centres surveyed around Australia and New Zealand, 25 (77%) responded. There was considerable variation in the definitions used for ‘waiting times’. Eleven of the 25 centres had formally documented protocols. New Zealand has a national policy for prioritization of patients for radiotherapy. Six centres had verbal protocols. Four centres had no significant waiting times and did not require a protocol for prioritization. One centre prioritized according to clinician discretion, two centres used a first‐come, first‐served basis. One centre replied but their protocol was missing. The variation in the definition of waiting time reduces its usefulness as an indirect measure of resources and as a method of comparing centres. There is also wide variation in the management of waiting lists, particularly in the prioritization schedules used by different centres. The major factor contributing to waiting lists at present is a shortage of radiation oncology staff, particularly radiation therapists. The implementation of standardized protocols for prioritizing patients may be useful in helping to manage scarce resources not withstanding the need to increase the resource base. However, the existence of such protocols should not give legitimacy to undue delays in commencing radiation treatment.
Bilateral optic pathway glioma with intracranial calcification: Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings
Authors: Pungavkar SA , Lawande MA , Patkar DP , Agrawal NV , Gadani S 
Published: November 2005

SummaryOptic nerve glioma is the most common primary neoplasm of the optic nerve in childhood. It can extend intracranially along the optic pathway (optic pathway glioma). The lesion tends to present with decreased visual acuity in the affected eye, but can cause additional symptoms when it is large. Local involvement within the orbit can be characterized using CT, but MRI is superior in showing the intracranial extent of the lesion. Intracranial calcification in optic pathway glioma is rare. We present a rare case of optic pathway glioma with calcification in the intracranial component. Also, we describe MR spectroscopy (MRS) findings in this case.
Review of non‐positron emission tomography functional imaging of primary musculoskeletal tumours: Beyond the humble bone scan
Authors: Ho YY 
Published: November 2005

SummaryBone and soft tissue tumours are rare neoplasms. There are five major roles of imaging in the management of primary musculoskeletal tumours, that is, to differentiate between benignity and malignancy, to evaluate for local tumour extension, to screen for metastases, to judge the effect of chemotherapy, and to monitor for recurrence. To accomplish this, multiple modalities are required because no single examination is able to complete all these tasks. These modalities include plain radiography, CT, MRI, conventional nuclear medicine as well as positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Elsewhere, PET imaging has been discussed at length, because it is likely to be superior in the assessment of bone and soft tissue tumours over conventional nuclear medicine procedures. However, conventional nuclear medicine may be of value when PET is unavailable. In this review, an overview of anatomical imaging will be given and the role of non‐PET functional imaging will be discussed in detail. A variety of illustrative cases will be presented.
Multiple pancreatic metastases from clear cell renal carcinoma: Diagnosis with chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging before surgery
Authors: Koyama H , Maruta T , Kudo T , Mayahara H , Yoshida K 
Published: November 2005

SummaryWe present a case in which multiple pancreatic tumours were diagnosed as metastatic clear cell renal carcinomas with chemical shift MRI (CSI) before surgery. Radiologists may be unable to recognize the loss of intensity on CSI macroscopically. We believe that it is useful to make subtraction images and calculate signal intensity on CSI, even if the lesions are multiple metastatic tumours.
Intracranial metastasis from prostatic adenocarcinoma simulating a meningioma
Authors: Lath CO , Khanna PC , Gadewar S , Patkar DP 
Published: November 2005

SummaryWe report an unusual case of extra‐axial metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate that closely simulated a frontal, parasagittal, dural‐based meningioma. Such tumours, which satisfy several criteria for a diagnosis of meningioma, but which have proved instead to be metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate, form the focus of our report.
Paradoxical embolization via a patent foramen ovale following acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Thomas DV , Bynevelt M , Price R 
Published: November 2005

SummaryThe foramen ovale is usually obliterated following establishment of the adult circulation but remains patent in 25% of individuals. This potential communication between the venous and arterial circulations can allow thromboembolic material to bypass the lungs and enter the systemic circulation. We report two cases of paradoxical embolization through a patent foramen ovale following acute large pulmonary embolism (PE) and discuss the factors that predispose to paradoxical embolization following PE.
Paget's disease of the bone in a Chinese woman
Authors: H’ng MWC , Ho YY 
Published: November 2005

SummaryPaget's disease, otherwise known as osteitis deformans, is an unusual condition in the Oriental population. We report a case of Paget's disease in a Chinese woman, incidentally diagnosed on a bone scan. This was confirmed by clinical history, biochemistry and imaging findings using other modalities. Although bone scans are commonly performed to diagnose traumatic occult fractures and bone metastases, they can also be used to diagnose metabolic bone diseases, such as osteoporotic fractures, and to evaluate Paget's disease. It can also diagnose acute fractures secondary to renal osteodystrophy and osteomalacia.
Movement of the side hole occurring in a port‐catheter system percutaneously implanted for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy
Authors: Yamagami T , Kato T , Nishimura T 
Published: November 2005

SummaryThe authors report a case in which catheter‐related difficulties occurred with a port‐catheter system implanted to perform repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinomas. The port‐catheter system had been percutaneously implanted with the catheter tip fixation method, and a side hole had been created in the indwelling catheter for placement in the common hepatic artery. Four months after port‐catheter placement, however, the indwelling catheter became bent at the location of the side hole in the proper hepatic artery. Subsequently, the side hole moved into the left hepatic artery, resulting in a lack of distribution of chemotherapeutic agents to the tumours in the segments of the liver supplied by the right hepatic artery. This situation was easily corrected with a simple interventional radiological method so that hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy could be resumed with sufficient distribution over the entire liver. To our knowledge, such a problem involving a port‐catheter system implanted with the catheter tip fixation method and its management thereafter has not been reported in the published literature.
Pre and postnatal diagnosis of fetus‐in‐fetu
Authors: House MK , Pahuja M , Bethune M 
Published: November 2005

SummaryDifferentiation of abdominal masses detected on prenatal ultrasound is difficult and requires careful characterization of the mass and precise localization. Differentiation is required in order to distinguish benign from potentially malignant conditions. We describe a case of fetus‐in‐fetu with pre and postnatal imaging.
Managing waiting time for radiotherapy: A single machine unit experience
Authors: Martin J , Bowden P , Stephens R , Andrews J , Bishop M 
Published: November 2005

SummaryWaiting time (WT) for radiotherapy (RT) is a significant clinical problem. This paper examines various strategies for managing WT for patients treated with radical and palliative intent in the new setting of a rural single machine unit in Australia. Cohorts of patients undergoing both radical and palliative RT in Bendigo had their WT prospectively recorded. Matched cohorts from the hub centre (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne) treated with palliative intent were also collated. Strategies implemented included a devoted priority meeting, palliative points system, and reallocation of appointment times. The audit was to continue until best practice guidelines were bettered. Three cohorts of patients were compared. There is a significant trend for increasing numbers of patients treated per month since the centre opened (P < 0.0001). The ratio of palliative to radical intent patients remained stable between 46 and 52%. Mean WT for palliative RT reduced from 25 days in the first cohort to 7 days in the final cohort (P < 0.0005). Waiting time for palliative RT was initially longer at Bendigo than the hub centre (P < 0.0005), but by the final cohort there was a non‐significant difference favouring the Bendigo cohort (P = 0.26). Waiting time for radical treatment also improved throughout the three cohorts in Bendigo (P < 0.0005). A number of new strategies have successfully resulted in the abolition of lengthy WT for RT in Bendigo despite the increasing demand for the RT service.
Carcinoma of the tonsil with bilateral breast metastasis: A rare presentation
Authors: Munshi A , Sharma R , Iyer VK , Chander B , Rath GK 
Published: November 2005

SummaryWith increasing local regional control and survival rates, the incidence of distant metastasis is increasing. Head and neck malignancies traditionally metastasize to the lung, liver and bone. We present a case of an elderly woman who was loco‐regionally controlled after radiotherapy for carcinoma of the tonsil, but later presented with breast metastasis. To our knowledge, this metastatic pattern has never been reported in published literature. We also discuss the management of breast metastasis and the need to avoid unnecessary mastectomies in such patients.
Glomus tumour in a child
Authors: Lim KAS , Borg MF , Schultz M , Rice M , Potter AE 
Published: November 2005

SummaryGlomus tumours are uncommon neoplasms. Very rarely do they present in the paediatric age group. We describe a case of bilateral glomus tumours in a 13‐year‐old girl that were successfully treated with radiotherapy. The patient remains well 8 years after completion of treatment.
Endovascular treatment of arterial mesenteric ischaemia: A retrospective review
Authors: Lim RP , Dowling RJ , Mitchell PJ , Vrazas JI , Thomson KR , Tress BM 
Published: November 2005

SummaryMesenteric ischaemia is a condition that has traditionally been managed surgically. It poses a challenging diagnostic and therapeutic problem, particularly in the acute setting. We review a small series of eight patients managed with endovascular techniques for either acute or chronic mesenteric ischaemia at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, from 1997 to 2002. We describe our results and relate these to the recent published literature regarding endovascular and surgical management of mesenteric ischaemia. Our experience confirms the valuable contribution of angioplasty and stenting in chronic mesenteric ischaemia, which compares favourably with surgery with regards to complication rates and mortality. We suggest the need for further studies to compare the long‐term efficacy of endovascular techniques compared with surgery in the management of chronic mesenteric ischaemia. Furthermore, we demonstrate a role for endovascular management in acute mesenteric ischaemia, in the appropriate clinical setting.
Ultrasound characteristics of histologically proven grade 3 invasive ductal breast carcinoma
Authors: Rotstein AH , Neerhut PK 
Published: November 2005

SummaryHigh‐grade invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) may paradoxically display features similar to benign breast masses. This study analysed the ultrasound features of histologically proven cases of grade 3 IDC. At North Western BreastScreen Victoria, from 4 February 1993 to 30 September 2002, 181 cases of grade 3 IDC that had ultrasound evaluation were available for retrospective analysis. For each tumour, four features were assessed: margin, attenuation characteristics, echotexture and depth versus width ratio. Eighty‐seven per cent of tumours had an aggressive margin with an echogenic rind, microlobulation or angular margins. However, 11% had a well‐defined smooth margin. The classic sonographic malignant feature of posterior shadowing was present in only 30%, whereas the tissues posterior to the lesion remained isoechoic in 48% and showed posterior enhancement in 11%. Six per cent of the tumours were isoechoic and difficult to appreciate on ultrasound. The best feature to characterize lesions as malignant was the margin of the lesion. To ensure that malignant lesions are correctly categorized, it is important that interfaces between the tumour and adjacent breast parenchyma are meticulously evaluated in a real‐time fashion rather than viewed as a single still image.
Decreased total antioxidant capacity and increased oxidative stress in passive smoker infants and their mothers
Authors: Aycicek Ali , Erel Ozcan , Kocyigit Abdurrahim 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Background
: Smoking has many adverse health effects in infants and adults. The purpose of the study was to study the effect of passive cigarette smoking on oxidative and antioxidative status of plasma in passive smoker infants and their mothers and to compare with those of non‐smokers.
Methods
: Subjects were randomly chosen from infants aged 8–26 weeks and their mothers aged 20–34 years. Passive smoker infants (n = 29) and their mothers (n = 29) were defined as having other family members who smoked six or more cigarettes per day continually for at least 8 weeks. Non‐smokers were defined as infants (n = 30) and their mothers (n = 24) who had never been exposed to passive smoking. The antioxidative status of plasma were perused by measuring the total antioxidant capacity. Oxidative status was evaluated by predicating total peroxide level, oxidative stress index, protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation.
Results
: Plasma concentrations of total antioxidant capacity were significantly lower in passive smoker infants and their mothers than non‐passive smoker infants and their mothers. However, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress index were remarkably higher in passive smoker infants and their mothers than those of non‐passive smoker infants and their mothers. There were significant correlations between the oxidative and antioxidative parameters of the passive smoker infants and their mothers.
Conclusions
: Oxidants are increased and antioxidants are decreased in passive smoker infants and their mothers than those of non‐smokers. Passive smoker infants and their mothers are exposed to potent oxidative stress.
Familial cases of Henoch‐Schönlein purpura in eight families
Authors: Motoyama Osamu , Iitaka Kikuo 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Background
: Familial cases of Henoch‐Schönlein purpura (HSP) have rarely been reported.
Methods
: Familial cases of HSP were reviewed by medical records of 418 children with HSP.
Results
: Two members developed HSP in eight families. HSP occurred in a mother and her daughter in one family and in siblings, including one pair of twin sisters, in seven other families. Four pairs of patients developed HSP at the same age. Three pairs presented HSP within 1 month of each other and the other pairs presented HSP between 9 months and 5 years. Seven patients had a history of allergic diseases. The clinical courses of 12 patients were reviewed. Upper respiratory tract infection preceded HSP in 10 patients, two of whom had elevated antistreptolysin‐O titers. No pairs of patients in a family received the same drugs before the onset of HSP. Abdominal pain was noted in eight patients, arthralgia in six and nephritis in four. Severity of skin lesions, presence of abdominal pain and nephritis, and serum IgA levels at the acute stage varied among family members of HSP.
Conclusions
: The incidence of HSP in family members of children with HSP seems to be high. Onset at the same age and onset of HSP within 1 month in siblings have not previously been reported. There were no characteristic or similar findings between two patients of the same family. No trigger or genetic factor causing HSP was identified.
Clinical course of congenital nephrotic syndrome and Denys‐Drash syndrome in Japan
Authors: Motoyama Osamu , Arai Kenji , Kawamura Takeshi , Aikawa Atsushi , Ohara Takehiro , Iitaka Kikuo , Hasegawa Akira 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Background
: The prognosis of Japanese patients with congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS) and Denys‐Drash syndrome (DDS) is not clear.
Methods
: Five patients with CNS and four patients with DDS, which causes secondary CNS, were studied retrospectively.
Results
: Seven patients were sporadic and two DDS patients were identical twins. Five CNS patients presented with edema within 3 months of birth. In four DDS patients, edema was not noted and end‐stage renal disease developed between 7 months and 6 years of age. Of these five CNS patients, one patient had cerebral thrombosis and cytomegalovirus pneumonia at the onset and another patient died during dialysis. Frequent intravenous albumin administration required, growth and development during infancy were varied. Of the nine patients with CNS and DDS, seven received renal transplantation and were alive with functioning grafts at the last follow up. Catch‐up growth was observed in five patients after transplantation. Five school‐aged patients attended school and received adequate grades and two adults worked full‐time. Of the DDS patients, dysuria due to hypospadias persisted in one patient and treatment for hypogonadism was needed in one patient.
Conclusions
: CNS and DDS were diagnosed early after onset and adequate treatment was started. Growth and development after renal transplantation were relatively good. Thrombotic episodes or severe infection in CNS patients was difficult to manage and complications resulting from DDS affected the quality of life.
Familial Mediterranean fever in a childhood population in eastern Turkey
Authors: Ertekin Vildan , SelimoĞlu M. AySe , Pirim Ibrahim 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Background
: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by recurrent attacks of inflammation of serosal membranes. Amyloidosis is the most severe complication of the disease The aim of this study was to explore the magnitude of the FMF problem and to describe clinical phenotypic and genotypic profile in the childhood population in Eastern Turkey.
Methods
: In this study, 52 patients who were diagnosed as FMF between January 2000 and January 2003 in Department of Pediatrics, Ataturk University Hospital, were included. The diagnosis of FMF was based on typical clinical and laboratory features. The 12 FMF mutations were investigated in the patients.
Results
: Of the 52 patients, 30 (57.7%) were girls, 22 (42.3%) were boys, and the age ranged from 9 months to 15 years (8.5 ± 3.2 years). A positive family history for FMF was noted in 33 (63.5%) patients. The mean onset age was 6 ± 3.4 (from 8 months to 14 years). Nineteen children (36.5%) were symptomatic below the age of 5 years. Abdominal pain was observed in 50 (96.2%), fever in 42 (80.8%), arthralgia in 29 (55.8%), arthritis in 18 (34.6%), splenomegaly in 11 (21.2), hepatomegaly in 15 (28.8%), myalgia in 11 (26.2%), erysipelas‐like erythema in 10 (19.2%), thoracic pain in four (7.7%), protracted febrile myalgia in three (5.8%), and seizures in two (3.8%). The most frequent mutation was the M694V/M694V. Clinical presentation of the patients was not different in respect with genotypes (P > 0.05). Two patients had chronic renal disease suggestive of amyloidosis.
Conclusion
: It was noted that the FMF patients in this study had a broad spectrum of mutation combination, which might reflect the intercultural interactions of ancient ethnic groups that lived in Anatolia, and these mutations were not significantly different in respect to clinical presentations.
Effects of montelukast on symptoms and eNO in children with mild to moderate asthma
Authors: Lee Ming‐Yung , Lai Yuan‐Sheng , Yang Kuender D. , Chen Chun‐Jung , Hung Chih‐Hsing 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Background
: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease. Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is a marker reflecting airway inflammation. This study was conducted to investigate whether montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, could be used for the management of asthma and how fast the montelukast sodium decreased airway inflammation as demonstrated by eNO levels.
Methods
: Twenty children aged 6–14 years (mean age: 9.2 ± 2.4 years; mean weight 30 ± 4.6 kg) with mild to moderate asthma were recruited for the study. They received montelukast plus an inhaled short‐acting beta2 agonist as open and uncontrolled therapy. Asthma score (AS) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and eNO concentrations were measured at pretreatment (0 week) and post‐treatment (1 and 2 weeks) as well as 2 weeks after withdrawal of therapy.
Results
: In one week, the eNO levels (33.3 ± 15.5 p.p.b. vs 14.8 ± 8.6 p.p.b.; P < 0.05), and AS (4.2 ± 1.3 vs 1.8 ± 1.3; P < 0.05) decreased rapidly, and PEFR (206.9 ± 69.7 L/min vs 236.2 ± 69.8 L/min; P < 0.05) increased. Concurrent beta2 agonist use decreased from a mean ± SD of 2.2 ± 0.4–1.3 ± 0.3 puffs per weeks (P < 0.05). After the withdrawal of treatment for 2 weeks, the eNO levels (29.2 ± 16.1 p.p.b) rebounded again, although the improvements in AS (1.1 ± 1.3) and PEFR (245.0 ± 91.3 L/min) persisted.
Conclusion
: Oral montelukast sodium treatment of these children with mild to moderate asthma effectively improved asthmatic symptoms and suppressed airway inflammation in 1 week, suggesting that this leukotriene antagonist combined with short‐acting beta2 agonists may provide effective treatment option in mild to moderate childhood asthma. Larger, controlled, and double‐blinded studies are needed to confirm these preliminary open uncontrolled observations.