bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CHRONIC LEAD NEPHROPATHY IN QUEENSLAND: ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF DIAGNOSIS
Authors: CRASWELL P. W. , PRICE J. , BOYLE P. D. , HEAZLEWOOD V. J. , BADDELEY H. , LLOYD H. M. , THOMAS B. J. , THOMAS B. W. , WILLIAMS G. M. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Indices of past lead absorption were measured and compared in patients with chronic renal failure from many causes, including some with chronic lead nephropathy. X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) yielded finger bone lead concentrations by a new in vivo method. These correlated significantly with excess urinary lead following calcium di‐sodium EDTA (ethylenediamine tetra‐acetate) and erythrocyte lead concentration.Discriminant function analysis demonstrated that the patients in the study could be separated into two groups without any reference to the EDTA lead excretion test using the following variables, all of which contributed significantly to the discrimination. In order of importance, these were: a childhood history of acute lead poisoning, a history of gout, a family history of gout and detectable XRF finger bone lead.Although the XRF finger bone lead measurement is convenient and non‐invasive, its lack of sensitivity (48%) limits its usefulness as a screening test for chronic lead nephropathy.
APLASTIC ANEMIA: ANALYSIS OF TWO METHODS OF TREATMENT
Authors: Dodds A. J. , Atkinson K. , Biggs J. C. , Concannon A. J. , Gillett A. , Penny R. , Raphael H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBetween 1981 and 1985, 27 patients with aplastic anemia have been treated by immunosuppression with antilymphocyte globulin and prednisolone or allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Fifteen have undergone bone marrow transplantation and have an actuarial survival at 54 months of 65%± 12% (95% confidence limits). There have been four deaths from graft rejection, septicemia (two), and graft‐versus‐host disease. Twelve have received antilymphocyte globulin and have an actuarial survival at 56 months of 67%± 21 %. Five of these now have a normal blood count and two have had good partial responses and are self supporting. Of the five non‐responders, three survived, two with persistent aplasia and one after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Two are dead, one of hemorrhage and one after mismatched bone marrow transplantation. In this study antilymphocyte globulin produced survival equivalent to bone marrow transplantation although only 58% of patients had a response to the antilymphocyte globulin. The advantages and disadvantages of these two methods of treatment are discussed. (Aust NZ J Med 1986; 16: 470–474.)
CEREBRAL ANEURYSMS AND THE ←MISSED→ HEMORRHAGE
Authors: Dorsch N. W. C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractEleven patients are described in whom a warning subarachnoid hemorrhage, preceding severe or fatal rupture of an intracranial aneurysm, was misdiagnosed; a 12th had a successful outcome from surgery after a single hemorrhage. Erroneous labels included meningitis, migraine, hysteria, tension, and head and neck injury. The vital importance of diagnosing an aneurysm before a major rupture occurs is emphasised. Apart from the ‘warning leak’, other signs may be due to the location or expansion of an aneurysm, which should alert doctors to the diagnosis. (Aust NZ J Med 1986; 16: 486–490.)
LOCALISING VALUE OF PRIMARY POSITION UPBEATING NYSTAGMUS
Authors: HANKEY G. J. , SILBERT P. L. , EDIS R.H. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Primary position upbeating nystagmus has been associated clinically with intra‐axial brainstem and cerebellar lesions but evidence for more precise localisation to the ponto‐mesencephalic and ponto‐medullary junctions is accumulating.We report the occurrence of primary position upbeating nystagmus in three patients who had clinical signs of pontine lesions at the ponto‐mesencephalic and ponto‐medullary junctions. Radiological confirmation was possible in two cases.
FACIAL NERVE TUMOURS OR ALL THAT PALSIES IS NOT BELL'S
Authors: MA K. H. , FAGAN P. A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Most cases of facial nerve palsy are idopathic, that is to say, Bell's palsy. A few cases are due to tumours on the facial nerve. Early diagnosis will avoid extensive tissue destruction with loss of hearing and lead to satisfactory facial reinnervation.Five cases are presented. In three, there was a significant delay in diagnosis. A facial nerve tumour generally presents as a paralysis of slow onset and the degree of paralysis often fluctuates. Diagnosis can be made in most cases by high resolution CT. (AustNZ J Med 1988; 18: 613–616).
THE ROLE OF PERMANENT PACING AFTER ANTERIOR MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION COMPLICATED BY TRANSIENT COMPLETE ATRIOVENTRICULAR BLOCK
Authors: GRIGG L. , KERTES P. , HUNT D. , GOBLE A. , PITT A. , BOXALL J. , HALE G. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA randomised study was performed to assess the influence of prophylactic permanent pacing on the incidence of late sudden death in patients surviving transient complete atrioventricular block with acute anterior myocardial infarction. Fourteen patients were studied, of whom ten died within two years, confirming the high overall late mortality in this group. The deaths included eight of the nine paced patients, of whom seven died suddenly. We conclude that prophylactic permanent pacing is not warranted in patients surviving transient complete atrioventricular block with acute anterior myocardial infarction.
DEATHS FROM SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS
Authors: MITCHELL E. A. , STEWART A. W. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Deaths from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) between 1979 and 1984 were tabulated by month for weekdays, weekends and public holidays. Examination of deaths by day of the week showed the weekend had more deaths than the weekdays (χ2= 26.3, df = 6, p= 0.0002) and that this pattern occurred in both the under three months and three‐11 months age group. There were 40 deaths on the 78 public holidays in the six years under study. Modelling the data showed that there was no difference between the number of deaths on holidays compared to weekends.
BRUCELLOSIS COMPLICATED BY AORTIC VALVE ENDOCARDITIS
Authors: SKILLINGTON PETER D. , McGIFFIN DAVID C. , KEMP RICHARD , BETT J. H. N. , HOLT GEOFFREY , FORGAN‐SMITH ROSS 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:A 30 year old veterinary surgeon developed a febrile illness with serological evidence of Brucellosis. He was known to have aortic valve disease and during the course of the illness, the clinical features of endocarditis became evident, with a vegetation visible echocardiographically on the aortic valve. Because of persisting fever despite appropriate antibiotic therapy, aortic valve replacement with a viable cryopreserved allograft aortic valve was undertaken. Organisms consistent with Brucella species were demonstrated in the excised vegetation. The patient received a six week course of antibiotics and his post‐operative course was uneventful.
LEAD INTOXICATION IN SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE WORKERS*
Authors: POLLOCK C. A. , IBELS L. S. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Thirty‐eight Sydney Harbour Bridge workers were assessed for possible lead intoxication. Forty‐seven per cent were found to have significant lead intoxication as assessed by calcium disodium edetate chelation (Ca EDTA) testing and were subsequently effectively and safely treated with Ca EDTA. The prevalence of neurological, constitutional, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal symptoms was significantly greater in those with, than those without, lead toxicity. Although blood lead levels and, to a lesser extent, hematological parameters were of some use in diagnosis, they were not sufficiently sensitive and thus should not be used in screening workers at risk of lead intoxication. Ca EDTA testing remains the diagnostic method of choice. Patients exposed to lead dust and fumes, in whom symptoms of lead intoxication are present, should undergo such testing and if a positive result is obtained, then EDTA chelation therapy should be instituted. (Aust NZ J Med 1988; 18: 46–52).
MITOCHONDRIAL MYOPATHY, ENCEPHALOPATHY, LACTIC ACIDOSIS AND STROKE‐LIKE EPISODES (MELAS): ADOLESCENT ONSET WITH SEVERE CEREBRAL EDEMA
Authors: DANKS R. A. , DOREVITCH M. , CUMMINS J. T. , BYRNE E. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:A 19‐year‐old woman with long‐standing sensorineural deafness, bilateral cataracts and mild clumsiness, presented with acute focal edema in the left temperoparieto‐occipital area which required surgical decompression as a life‐saving measure. Investigation revealed a persistent lactic acidemia and evidence of many ragged red fibres in a skeletal muscle biopsy specimen, suggesting a diagnosis of mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke‐like episodes (MELAS) syndrome. The patient developed two further stroke‐like episodes over a short period. One sibling died at the age of 14 years with a progressive neurological illness characterised by seizures, bilateral optic atrophy, ataxia, myoclonus and progressive dementia.The diagnosis of MELAS syndrome should be considered in young people presenting with stroke‐like episodes that fail to conform to a given vascular territory, particularly if they have longstanding minor neurological abnormalities or a family history of obscure early onset neurological disease.The different clinical pictures in the two affected siblings in this family suggest that MELAS syndrome is part of a spectrum of inherited mitochondrial cytopathies rather than a discrete disease entity.
PAROXYSMAL CEREBELLAR ATAXIA
Authors: FEENEY G. F. X. , BOYLE R. S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis report describes the clinical features of 13 cases of periodic, paroxysmal cerebellar ataxia. A family history suggestive of an autosomal dominant disorder was present in 10 cases, the first two reported Australian families involved with this disorder. Variation in the age of onset, frequency of attacks and the presence of distinct symptom complexes within one kindred confirm the heterogeneous nature of this disorder. CT head scans were performed on nine cases and were normal in eight. EEG findings were abnormal in six of nine performed. Treatment with acetazolamide resulted in abolition of paroxysms in nine of the 10 treated cases. In addition, two children had dramatic improvement in previously impaired gross and fine motor skills.
PERICARDITIS ASSOCIATED WITH TICK‐BORNE Q FEVER
Authors: BEAMAN M. H. , HUNG J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA case of pericarditis associated with Q fever is described. Transmission was probably via an arthropod vector, which was most likely the kangaroo tick Amblyomma triguttatum. Complete recovery occurred in association with the use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory agents only. This is a rare presentation of Q fever implicating transmission by a novel vector.
COMMUNITY‐ACQUIRED ACINETOBACTER PNEUMONIA
Authors: GOTTLIEB T. , BARNES D. J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe describe the first case report of community‐acquired Acinetobacter pneumonia in Australia. Well recognised risk factors for this entity (alcoholism, diabetes mellitus and chronic lung disease) were present in our patient. His pneumonia ran a fulminant course, with death occurring within 24 hours of presentation to hospital. Whilst rare, this infection is being described with increasing frequency, particularly in developing countries including Papua New Guinea.
THE KETOCONAZOLE‐CYCLOSPORIN INTERACTION IN AN ELDERLY RENAL TRANSPLANT PATIENT
Authors: CHARLES B. G. , RAVENSCROFT P. J. , RIGBY R. J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAdministration of ketoconazole to an elderly renal transplant patient who was taking cyclosporin resulted in markedly increased whole blood cyclosporin concentrations and evidence of both renal and hepatic dysfunction.
CORONARY ARTERY VASCULITIS AND MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION ASSOCIATED WITH ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODIES IN A PREGNANT WOMAN
Authors: RALLINGS P. , EXNER T. , ABRAHAM R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA 28‐year‐old, 16 week primigravida presented with an acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction and a past history of recurrent venous thromboembolism and primary infertility. Although she lacked other clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus, she had a circulating lupus' anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, a weakly positive anti‐nuclear antibody and thrombocytopenia. She died suddenly despite corticosteroid therapy and autopsy revealed coronary arteritis and thrombosis.
ALLERGIC FUNGAL SINUSITIS PRESENTING AS A PARANASAL SINUS TUMOUR
Authors: ROBSON J. M. B. , HOGAN P. G. , BENN R. A. V. , GATENBY P. A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAllergic fungal rhinosinusitis is a rare complication of atopic upper airways disease which may present initially as an expansive tumour of the paranasal sinuses. This reported case was caused by the rare fungal pathogen Bipolaris hawiiensis and illustrates typical clinical and laboratory features of this disorder. Although the optimum management of allergic fungal sinusitis is controversial, combined therapy with surgical clearance, antifungal agents and corticosteroids produced a favourable outcome.
HYPERCALCEMIA AND SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA COMPLICATING CHRONIC OSTEOMYELITIS
Authors: FENTON A. J. , KING A. R. , REID I. R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA case of chronic osteomyelitis complicated by the development of squamous cell carcinoma in the sinus tract is described. This complication was itself associated with the development of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy, a phenomenon not previously described in this context. Common misconceptions relating to the interpretation of serum parathyroid hormone levels led to the misdiagnosis of hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid exploration. Forced saline diuresis, mithramycin and oral phosphate supplements were not able to provide long‐term control of the hypercalcemia but the patient was subsequently managed successfully with intravenous (3‐amino‐1‐hydroxypropylidene)‐1, 1‐bisphosphonate (APD) and resection of the causative tumour.
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF THE THROMBOCYTOPENIA AND ABSENT RADII (TAR) SYNDROME
Authors: GOUNDER D. S. , PULLON H. W. , OCKELFORD P. A. , NICOL R. O. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSix patients with the classical features of the TAR syndrome were diagnosed at birth. In one case an older sibling was also affected. The characteristic features of foreshortened forearms and radially deviated hands were noted in all cases at presentation and confirmed radiologically. With one exception skeletal abnormalities of the lower limbs were also present. Varying degrees of thrombocytopenia were present at birth with three of the five patients having platelet counts below 50 ± 109/L. Bone marrow examination was performed in two patients and revealed an absence of normal megakaryocytes. Two patients with severe thrombocytopenia had bleeding complications during infancy requiring transfusion support. Severe gastroenteritis occurred in two patients, in one of whom it was attributed to cow's milk intolerance. In all patients the platelet count has risen progressively since birth. Orthopedic surgical procedures have been performed without hemorrhagic complications.
CEREBRAL DYSFUNCTION WITH EVIDENCE OF CEREBRAL HIV INFECTION AMONGST ASYMPTOMATIC HIV SEROPOSITIVE SUBJECTS
Authors: FIELD M. , KUNZE H. , TATE J. , FRAZER I.H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTwelve asymptomatic HIV seropositive subjects ages 21 to 40 years were examined for serologic evidence of cerebral HIV infection, for cerebral structural abnormalities, and for neuropsychologic evidence of cerebral dysfunction using standard methods. Eleven of the 12 had antibody to HIV in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Nine subjects had oligoclonal immunoglobulins in the CSF, of whom five had some for which there were no corresponding serum oligoclonal immunoglobulins (‘unique’ oligoclonal immunoglobulins). Intracerebral synthesis of HIV specific antibodies was demonstrated for four subjects. Significant deficits of memory and frontal lobe function were found in five of the 12 subjects. Subjects who had oligoclonal immunoglobulins unique to the CSF all had significant neuropsychological abnormalities. No structural cerebral abnormalities were demonstrated using CT scanning for any subject tested. These results support other evidence that HIV is neurotropic and capable of directly inducing brain damage even in immunologically normal subjects. Tests of memory and frontal lobe function are frequently abnormal in patients with early HIV infection, and identify as abnormal a similar group of patients to immunological or biochemical tests which might indicate cerebral HIV infection.
ERYTHROCYTE SODIUM‐POTASSIUM PUMP IN THYROTOXIC PERIODIC PARALYSIS
Authors: LAM K. S. L. , YEUNG R. T. T. , BENSON E. A. , WANG C. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:To search for a genetic marker in patients with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP), we studied the erythrocyte sodium‐potassium pump activity in 13 patients with TPP; 30 thyrotoxic patients with no history of paralysis (T) and 69 euthyroid controls. In thyrotoxic patients (TPP and T), erythrocyte ouabain sensitive sodium efflux rate constant were decreased while erythrocyte sodium content as increased. All these changes reverted to normal when the patients became euthyroid. Maximal ouabain binding capacity correlated positively with ouabain sensitive sodium efflux rate constant (r = 0.542; p < 0.001; n = 155) and negatively with serum thyroxine concentration (r = ‐0.571; p < 0.001; n = 60) and erythrocyte sodium content (r = ‐0.521; p < 0.001; n = 155). In the thyrotoxic state, maximal ouabian binding capacity was just significantly higher in TPP when compared with T (0.268 ± 0.014 and 0.234 ± 0.009 pmol/109 cells respectively; p < 0.05). This difference could not be demonstrated when the patients became euthyroid. Our findings suggest that patients with TPP respond to thyrotoxicosis with a smaller decrement in erythrocyte sodium‐potassium ATPase activity than patients without a history of paralysis. However, the difference is too small to represent a useful genetic marker for this disease entity. (Aust NZ J Med 1989; 19: 6–10.)
FAMILIAL HYPOPARATHYROIDISM DUE TO AN ABNORMAL PARATHYROID HORMONE MOLECULE
Authors: McELDUFF A. , WILKINSON M. , LACKMANN M. , GRANT S. , WEISSBERGER A. , ROBINSON B. , WILLIAMSON P. , WILMSHURST E. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:The case of a 53‐year‐old man with familial hypoparathyroidism in the presence of circulating immunoreactive PTH is discussed. The patient responded to exogenous PTH by an increase in urinary cAMP excretion and by several post cyclase parameters including an increase in serum calcium and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D, an increase in urinary phosphate excretion and a decrease in urinary calcium. Immunoreactive PTH was detected in this patient's serum by three separate anti‐PTH antisera. This immunoreactive PTH behaved aberrantly with these antisera. Nonparallelism to the standard curve was seen in two radioimmunoassays and the material was detected by an antiserum which preferentially binds bovine PTH. No circulating PTH binding activity was detectable. Family studies confirmed the genetic nature of the abnormality. HPLC studies revealed the presence of an abnormally hydrophobic fraction containing immunoreactive PTH. We believe these findings constitute strong evidence for the presence of an abnormal PTH molecule with reduced biological activity resulting in hypoparathyroidism. (Aust NZ J Med 1989; 19: 22–30.)
MALIGNANT PARAGANGLIOMA CAUSING BILATERAL PLEURAL EFFUSIONS
Authors: CLARNETTE ROGER M. , BAYLISS E. J. , MATZ L. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:A male patient presented with dyspnea due to a large left pleural effusion, and pleural biopsy revealed a malignant paraganglioma. Raised urinary catecholamine levels confirmed a functioning tumour. Aggressive local spread occurred which did not respond to cytotoxic chemotherapy. The primary site of the tumour was most likely the aorticosympathetic chain. (Aust NZ J Med 1989; 19: 61–63).
Wegener's granulomatosis—use of cyclosporin‐A: a case report
Authors: Harley N. , Ihle B. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWegener's granulomatosis is a chronic relapsing condition requiring long term immunosuppressive treatment. Periodic exacerbations may require increased dosage of steroids and/or cyclophosphamide. We present a case of a patient with end‐stage renal failure who had repeated pulmonary cavitating lesions but was unable to tolerate high dose standard therapy. After only a few months with cyclosporin A there was almost complete resolution of his lung lesions.
Plasma concentrations of salbutamol in acute severe asthmatics
Authors: Lewis L.D. , McLaren M. , Essex E. , Cochrane G.M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe studied prospectively 11 asthmatic patients presenting to the Accident and Emergency department with acute asthma. (Four patients reported historically that they were taking some form of oral salbutamol as part of their maintenance therapy.) Standard cardiovascular and respiratory parameters and plasma salbutamol concentrations were measured before and one hour after treatment with five milligrams of nebulised salbutamol.The median plasma salbutamol concentration before treatment was below the level of detection of the assay (less than 3 ug.l‐1) with a range from less than 3 ug.l‐1 to 34.6 ug.l‐1. One hour post treatment the median plasma salbutamol concentration was 7.4 ug.l‐1 (range<3.0 ug.1‐1 to 56.0 ug.1‐1) p <0.05. (Wilcoxons test).Correlations were investigated between the measured pretreatment physiological variables and pre‐treatment plasma salbutamol concentrations. None were found to be significant. Similar analysis of the measured post‐treatment physiological variables and post‐treatment plasma salbutamol concentrations again revealed no significant correlations. However, a significant negative correlation was noted between the change in plasma salbutamol concentration with treatment and the change in respiratory rate (Rs=–0.56, p= 0.04).If asthmatics do indeed use high doses of inhaled beta‐2‐agonists (salbutamol) in an attempt to abort an acute attack (as many clinicians suspect) little, if any, of the drug appears to reach the systemic circulation. In this study the administration of five milligrams of nebulised salbutamol to acute asthmatics did not produce excessive increases in plasma salbutamol concentration, even in those patients taking oral salbutamol as part of their maintenance therapy.
Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease in a recipient of human pituitary‐derived gonadotrophin
Authors: Cochius J. I. , Burns R. J. , Blumbergs P. C. , Mack K. , Alderman C. P. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract A forty‐year‐old female presented with an unsteady gait 13 years after receiving an eight‐month course of human pituitary‐derived gonadotrophin injections as treatment for infertility. Over the next ten months the patient subsequently developed generalised myoclonic jerks and dementia and finally died. Neuropathological examination revealed changes in the brain consistent with Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease.This is the first reported case of Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease in a recipient of human derived gonadotrophin.