bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BETA‐BLOCKERS AFTER MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
Authors: ROSE G. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Excellent recent trials have demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that beta‐blockade started during convalescence from confirmed myocardial infarction reduces mortality in the next year or two by about a quarter. Similar confidence does not extend to the mechanisms of action, choice of drug, defining treatment criteria in relation to severity and age, or to the duration of treatment.
THE FALL IN MORTALITY FROM ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE IN AUSTRALIA: HAS SURVIVAL AFTER MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IMPROVED?
Authors: MARTIN C. A. , HOBBS M. S. T. , ARMSTRONG B. K. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Trends in mortality and survival after myocardial infarction (MI) were studied by use of computerised death and hospital discharge records for 25 to 64 year old residents of the Perth Statistical Division between 1971 and 1979. Highly significant falls in ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality rates were found for men (18%) and women (29%) but 4, 26 and 52 week survival after hospital admission for MI remained constant at around 88%, 84% and 81% respectively. Further, as 75% of all IHD deaths between 1971 and 1979 occurred before the victim was admitted to hospital, the survival of those receiving treatment would have had to be greatly improved to influence total mortality from IHD appreciably.As the age and sex composition of persons hospitalised for MI and the proportion of MI victims hospitalised did not change during the study period it would seem that improved survival after hospital admission for MI did not contribute to the fall in IHD deaths between 1971 and 1979.
DIETARY MODIFICATION OF PLATELET AND RENAL PROSTAGLANDINS
Authors: CROFT K. D. , BEILIN L. J. , MAHONEY D. P. , VANDONGEN R. , CODDE J. P. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:The effects of specific types of dietary fats on prostanoid biosynthesis, platelet function and the cardiovascular system are reviewed. Studies examining the influence of dietary modification of prostanoid synthesis on blood pressure regulation in normotensive and Goldblatt hypertensive rats showed that while dietary supplementation with either sunflower or linseed oil at 40% of energy respectively stimulated and inhibited tissue prostanoids in virro and urinary PGE2 excretion in vivo, the development of 1 kidney, 1 clip hypertension was not altered in parallel. Rats on both oil rich diets did however, show an average lower blood pressure than animals on a standard diet. In order to minimise possible non‐specific effects of large amounts of dietary fats, the effects on prostanoid metabolism of different oils at 5, 20 and 40% of energy in the diet were studied. While as little as 5% dietary supplements alter fatty acid and prostanoid synthesis in platelets, it appears that higher levels (at least 20%) are required to alter significantly renal prostaglandin metabolism.
GENETIC, FAMILIAL AND RACIAL INFLUENCES ON BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL SYSTEMS IN MAN
Authors: GRIM C. E. , LUFT F. C. , WEINBERGER M. H. , MILLER J. Z. , ROSE R. J. , CHRISTIAN J. C. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:This paper reviews investigations by the Indiana University Medical Centre Hypertension Research Centre into genetic influences on blood pressure control systems in man. Our studies have used the families of adult identical twins to partition the relationships of age, sex and body size to the genetic contribution to blood pressure variability.These studies provide little evidence for environmental influence on the familial aggregation of blood pressure and suggest that at least 63% of the variability is due to genetic factors. Studies on the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system and on the kidney's ability to excrete sodium were also undertaken in identical and fraternal twins, as well as in black and white subjects, and provided unequivocal evidence of genetic control. Studies in first degree relatives of patients with essential hypertension have demonstrated higher plasma renin levels and a decreased ability to excrete a sodium load when compared to first degree relatives of normotensive subjects. Blacks in the U.S.A. have a decreased ability to excrete a sodium load and a greater rise in blood pressure with sodium loading than do whites.We suggest that the heritability of blood pressure is directly related to a genetic influence on the level of renin and that this increase in renin level results in subtle increases in angiotensin II. These chronic elevations of angiotensin II directly increase blood pressure and decrease the kidney's ability to excrete sodium by either a direct renal effect or indirectly by stimulating aldosterone‐dependent sodium retention.
A COMPARISON OF INTRAVENOUS AND INTRACORONARY STREPTOKINASE IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
Authors: WOOLLARD K. V. , MEWS G. C. , COPE G. D. , CUMPSTON N. , IRELAND M. A. , DAVIS M. J. E. , BLACK A. J. , TAYLOR R. R. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:A randomised study of intravenous and intracoronary streptokinase therapy was carried out in 20 subjects with acute myocardial infarction and angiographically confirmed complete obstruction of the associated coronary artery. Two dose levels of therapy were used. Although more recanalisations occurred with intracoronary than intravenous therapy at the low dose levels, overall there was not a significant difference between the two groups; one million IU intravenously over 20 minutes recanalised four of five arteries. While seven of nine recanalisations with intracoronary therapy occurred within an hour, only two of five with intravenous therapy did so. Hence prolonged angiographic observation is necessary to document recanalisation with intravenous therapy adequately. Nevertheless, the time disadvantage of large dose intravenous therapy is not great and it may yet prove as effective as, and more practical than, intracoronary therapy.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PHYSICAL FITNESS AND RISK FACTORS FOR CORONARY HEART DISEASE IN MEN AND WOMEN
Authors: SEDGWICK A. W. , DAVIDSON A. H. , TAPLIN R. E. , THOMAS D. W. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:The aim of the study was to examine the cross‐sectional relationships between physical fitness and risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). Measurements were made of fitness (defined as predicted maximal oxygen uptake), blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose in 1500 healthy men and women aged 20 to 65 years. After controlling for the effects of age, physique, smoking, alcohol use and stress, by multiple regression analyses, it was found that fitter men had lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides than less fit men, and fitter women had lower blood pressure than less fit women. However, these fitness/risk factor relationships were seen as weak trends, probably of minor clinical importance. It is emphasised that such cross‐sectional data should not be interpreted as support for the popular claim that people who increase their fitness can expect to improve their CHD risk factor status.
HYPOFIBRINOGENEMIA DUE TO INCREASED FIBRINOLYSIS IN TWO PATIENTS WITH ACUTE PROMYELOCYTIC LEUKEMIA
Authors: CHAN T. K. , CHAN G. T. C. , CHAN VIVIAN 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Two patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia and severe bleeding associated with hypofibrinogenemia were studied. The markedly shortened whole blood clot lysis time and dilute clot lysis time suggested that the defect was an increase in fibrinolysis. Although disseminated intravascular coagulation could not be totally excluded as an alternative mechanism, excessive fibrinolysis was confirmed as the pathogenic cause by the prompt response to the administration of tranexamic acid. The low circulating plasminogen, α2 plasmin inhibitor level and the presence of α2 plasmin inhibitor‐protease complex in both patients suggested that the increased fibrinolysis probably resulted from the liberation of plasminogen activator from the promyelocyte.
HYPOGLYCEMIC EPISODES DURING CONTINUOUS SUBCUTANEOUS INSULIN INFUSION: DECREASED FREQUENCY BUT INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY
Authors: CHISHOLM D. J. , KRAEGEN E. W. , HEWETT M. J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:There has been concern regarding the susceptibility of patients on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) to hypoglycemic episodes. This study has examined glycemic control, the frequency of hypoglycemic reactions and the counterregulatory response to an IV insulin infusion of 2.4 units per hour in five brittle insulin‐dependent diabetics before and during CSII.CSll was associated with a significant reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin, standard deviation of blood glucose estimations and daily insulin dosage. The frequency of symptomatic hypoglycemic reactions was reduced (mean 14/4 weeks pre CSII, 5/4 weeks post CSII, p<0.05). However, after CSll the IV insulin infusion caused a more rapid fall in blood glucose from the physiological to the hypoglycemic range while growth hormone and cortisol responses were both reduced (p<0.05) and the deficient glucagon response was not improved.Thus, although the frequency of reported hypoglycemic reactions was reduced by CSII, susceptibility to hypoglycemia due to excess insulin delivery was enhanced, owing to increased insulin sensitivity and/or additional impairment of the counterregulatory response.
RADIOLOGICALLY‐GUIDED PERCUTANEOUS FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSIES OF ABDOMINAL AND OSSEOUS LESIONS
Authors: PHILIPS J. , WAUGH R. , NG A. B. P. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:The indications, technique, complications and results of radiologically‐guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of abdominal and osseous sites performed over a four and a half year period at an Australian tertiary referral hospital are presented. FNAB provided a positive tissue diagnosis for malignancy in 79% of osseous and 78% of abdominal lesions with no false positive diagnoses in either series. Particular problems encountered and the methods employed to overcome them are discussed.
ALTERNATING SKEW DEVIATION ASSOCIATED WITH MANDRAX OVERDOSAGE
Authors: PAN H. Y. M. , HUANG C. Y. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Alternating skew deviation has been described in patients with pretectum and mesodiencephalon lesions. Total external ophthalmoplegia has been reported in patients consequent to oral or intravenous administration of diphenylhydantoin and amitriptyline. This case report presents a patient with alternating skew deviation as a result of Mandrax ingestion.
CONGENITAL ANEURYSM OF THE LEFT ATRIUM: DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT
Authors: ROBINSON P. J. , NEUTZE J. M. , BRANDT P. W. T. , HILL D. G. , ANDERSON R. J. , RUTLAND M. D. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:A case of congenital aneurysm of the left atrial appendage is presented and previously reported cases are reviewed. The diagnosis can be strongly suspected with the combination of an unusually prominent left heart border in the chest X‐ray and two‐dimensional echocardiographic findings of a large echo‐free space close to the left atrium. The site of communication must be defined accurately and cardiac catheterisation and angiocardiography should usually be performed. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, surgery is indicated even in the asymptomatic patient because of the risk of systemic embolism.
TWO PATIENTS WITH ABNORMALITIES OF REGIONAL SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS TONE
Authors: O'HEHIR R. , ESLER M. , JENNINGS G. , LEONARD P. , LITTLE P. , JOHNS J. , PANETTA F. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:The traditional biochemical tests of sympathetic nervous system function used in clinical diagnosis (urine and plasma catecholamine measurements) are indices of “overall” sympathetic nervous activity, and incapable of detecting localised changes in sympathetic tone confined to individual organs. Recently developed radiotracer methods, which enable the pattern of sympathetic nervous dysfunction in disease states to be delineated, were used to detect abnormalities in regional sympathetic nervous system activity in two patients presenting problems in management. In one, the abnormality of sympathetic function was iatrogenic, a post‐sympathectomy denervation of the lower regions of the body, associated with incapacitating postural hypotension. In the other, unexplained persistent sinus tachycardia proved to be due to an increase in sympathetic nervous tone restricted to the innervation of the heart. Knowledge of the underlying sympathetic nervous pathophysiology in these patients influenced the choice of drugs subsequently used in their treatment.
DETERMINANTS OF PATIENT COMPLIANCE, CONTROL, PRESENCE OF COMPLICATIONS, AND HANDICAP IN NON‐INSULIN‐DEPENDENT DIABETES
Authors: PETERSON G. M. , McLEAN S. , SENATOR G. B. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Factors affecting patient compliance with diet and medication, clinical control, complications, and handicap were studied in 114 subjects with non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus who were attending a hospital diabetic clinic. Compliance with diet and hypoglycemic medication was correlated. The perceived importance, and the ease of compliance were the principal correlates of patient compliance. Factors independently related to diabetic control were compliance with diet, and the quality of the patient's diet. Diabetes which was poorly controlled, and which was of several‐years' standing, was more likely to involve complications. Both poor control and the presence of complications contributed to handicap. Increased dietary education and counselling, with emphasis placed on the importance and benefits of compliance with prescribed diets, may improve control, decrease the incidence of complications, and ultimately minimise handicap due to diabetes in non‐insulin‐dependent patients.
ABNORMAL T‐CELL SUBPOPULATIONS IN HEMOPHILIC PATIENTS RECEIVING FACTOR Vlll CONCENTRATES FROM VOLUNTARY DONORS
Authors: WEARNE A. , JOSHUA D. E. , RICKARD K. A. , KRONENBERG H. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Recently, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has been reported in hemophiliacs in the USA, Canada and Spain, and this has caused considerable concern amongst hemophiliacs regarding the use of factor Vlll concentrates. The aim of this study was to determine whether hemophiliacs in Australia have T‐lymphocyte subpopulation changes similar to those observed in patients with AIDS. Factor Vlll produced in Australia is derived from a totally volunteer blood donor system and none of the hemophiliacs in this study had received commercial blood products.For the hemophiliacs, the T‐helper cell to T‐suppressor cell ratio was 1.1±0.6 (mean ± SD) which was significantly less (p<0.001) than that of the normal age and sex‐matched controls. There was a significant relative (p < 0.001) and absolute (p < 0.05) reduction of the helper cell subsets and a significant relative (p< 0.001) and absolute (p<0.05) increase of the suppressor cell subsets, in the hemophiliacs compared to the normal controls. There appears to be no correlation between the amount of factor Vlll therapy received during the last three years and the T‐cell subset changes. All patients with Christmas disease had T‐cell subsets within the normal range. All patients were negative for the hepatitis B virus antigen, but all were positive for the antibody, indicating that there had been exposure to the hepatitis virus in all cases. Cytomegalovirus titres were uniformly low and immunoglobulin levels were normal.These findings have been reported from many centres and in view of the absence of the other criteria for AIDS in our hemophiliacs, may only reflect a response to chronic antigenic stimulation. It is of interest that factor IX preparations do not seem to have this effect.
THE CHRONIC AND SEVERE FORMS OF EOSINOPHILIC MENINGITIS
Authors: REID I. R. , WALLIS W. E. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Two cases of chronic eosinophilic meningitis (presumed to be due to Angiostrongylus cantonen‐sis) and a third patient with a severe form of this disease are described. Such cases are rare in the published literature. All patients developed their illness in Western Samoa, an area previously thought to be free of the disease. The need to consider eosinophilic meningitis in patients with chronic and severe neurological disease who live in, or have recently come from, endemic areas is emphasised.
ADULT RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME: MECHANISMS OF LUNG INJURY*
Authors: SAUNDERS N. A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Lung injury in the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may be mediated through a variety of mechanisms and may involve the interaction of a number of systems involved in the inflammatory reaction — complement, granulocytes, prostaglandins and platelets. Studies in animals, involving the infusion of endotoxin, have produced convincing evidence that these agents can cause pulmonary vascular injury and a syndrome resembling human ARDS. Direct evidence of these pathogenic mechanisms in man is lacking, however, but some suggestive clues have emerged in the last few years that support this general scheme.Secondary lung injury through inappropriate fluid administration, sepsis, oxygen toxicity and barotrauma is potentially avoidable. Improved understanding of the pathophysiology of ARDS and improved hemodynamic monitoring should allow minimising of fluid administration and positive end‐expiratory pressure in the management of these patients without dangerous impairment of cardiac output. Such an approach, combined with the avoidance of colloid in the early stages of the disease, and the use of vasoactive agents to support cardiac output if necessary, should minimise edema formation and barotrauma and maximise tissue oxygenation. Pulmonary sepsis continues to play an important role in ARDS. Patients are frequently infected after the initial pulmonary injury; such patients have a far worse prognosis than those who are not infected. Until ways are established at a cellular level to minimise colonisation of the upper respiratory tract, reliance must be placed on avoidance of cross infection by strict personal hygiene, avoidance of prophylactic antibiotics, and prompt, vigorous treatment of suspected pulmonary infection.
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY FOR PYODERMA GANGRENOSUM
Authors: HENG M. C. Y. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Hyperbaric oxygen administered systemically has been advocated in the treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum. Owing to the serious potential risks of oxygen toxicity with systemic administration, we have devised a simplified technique for the administration of hyperbaric oxygen topically, and have used this method successfully to treat two patients with pyoderma gangrenosum, in whom the underlying etiology was not apparent, and specific therapy, therefore, not possible. The abundant formation of granulation tissue and the ability of the hyperbaric oxygen to arrest further extension of the ulceration suggests that this form of therapy might become the treatment of choice for all ulcers of the pyoderma gangrenosum type.
RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS IN TASMANIAN ADOLESCENTS: A FOLLOW UP OF THE 1961 BIRTH COHORT
Authors: GILES G. G. , LICKISS N. , GIBSON H. B. , SHAW K. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:The 1961 birth cohort of Tasmanians (n= 8410) was initially surveyed in 1968 and was followed up in 1974 for the history and presence of respiratory symptoms and signs. The study was designed to describe and compare the natural histories of wheeze and productive cough. In 1981 a 10% stratified random sample of the original cohort was again followed up and this sample's responses were compared across the three surveys. Wheezing was found to be more persistent than productive cough. Wheezers were twice as likely as coughers to persist with their symptoms to the age of 20. These persistent wheezers represented 3.6% of the cohort available for follow‐up in 1974 (n= 7132). Wheezing was also invariably associated with decreased spirometric performance, particularly FEV at 0.5 s and FEF 25–75. The new wheezers first detected in 1974 had had significantly decreased spirometry measurements in 1968 compared to those of their coughing or symptom‐free peers. An early history of cough was associated with triple the incidence of wheeze in previously asymptomatic children. Hayfever and eczema were associated with persistence of wheeze. A child with either of these diagnoses was four times as likely to persist in wheezing to the age of twenty than a wheezer without atopic complaint. No significant associations could be demonstrated between wheezing and smoking.
“LONG‐TERM” SURVIVAL IN LIGHT‐CHAIN MYELOMA WITH DIALYSIS THERAPY ALONE
Authors: BOYCE N. W. , HOLDSWORTH S. R. , THOMSON N. M. , ATKINS R. C. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:We report a case of a 59 year old woman who presented in end‐stage renal failure with lambda (A) light‐chain myeloma (LLCM). Despite a large tumour burden, and refusal to accept cytotoxic chemotherapy, she was commenced on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPO). With dialysis therapy alone she has shown considerable hematological improvement and remains well 18 months after diagnosis. The extremely poor prognosis attributed to light‐chain myeloma is largely due to death from uremia. As the natural history of this disease in patients offered dialysis therapy is unknown, dialysis should not automatically be withheld from patients with LLCM.
ULTRASOUND IN THE ASSESSMENT OF SYNOVIAL THICKENING IN THE HEMOPHILIC KNEE
Authors: WYLD P. J. , DAWSON K. P. , CHISHOLM R. J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Two patients with severe hemophilic arthropathy of the knee were studied using ultrasound. Post‐operative confirmation of the ultrasound findings is presented. The possible role of ultrasound in the assessment and management of joint disease in hemophilia is discussed.
McARDLE'S DISEASE PRESENTING WITH RHABDOMYOLYSIS
Authors: HAINS A. D. B. , PANNALL P. R. , BOURNE A. J. , CAREY W. F. , DISNEY A. P. S. , BLACK A. B. , ALBERTYN L. A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:A patient with McArdle's disease is described who presented with rhabdomyolysis following severe exertion. An episode of acute renal failure four years earlier was probably secondary to a combination of myoglobinuria and an intravenous contrast agent.
MANAGEMENT OF EXTRA‐SELLAR PITUITARY TUMOURS WITH BROMOCRIPTINE: COMPARISON OF PROLACTIN SECRETING AND NON‐FUNCTIONING TUMOURS USING HALF‐FIELD VISUAL EVOKED POTENTIALS AND COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: PULLAN P. T. , CARROLL W. M. , CHAKERA T. M. H. , KHANGURE M. S. , VAUGHAN R. J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:To determine whether prolactin secreting and non‐functioning pituitary tumours respond differently in terms of shrinkage to bromocriptine, we prospectively studied ten consecutive patients (five with prolactinomas and five with non‐functioning tumours) complicated by extra‐sellar extensions. No patient had received prior radiotherapy or bromocriptine and the mean dose and duration of bromocriptine treatment were identical in the two groups of patients. Objective evidence of tumour shrinkage was provided by serial half‐field visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and computerised tomography (CT). All five prolactinomas were shown to shrink as assessed by improvement in VEP and four of the five as assessed by CT. In contrast, only one of the five patients with nonfunctioning tumours showed any improvement in VEP or CT. Macroprolactinomas frequently shrink rapidly when treated with bromocriptine, whereas non‐functioning tumours seldom show such a dramatic response.