bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular effects of amitriptyline, mianserin, zimelidine and nomifensine in depressed patients
Authors: Burgess C D , Montgomery S , Wadsworth J , Turner P 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThe cardiac effects of amitriptyline, mianserin, zimelidine and nomifensine on the systolic time intervals (STI) and on the high speed surface ECG have been studied in depressed patients. Amitriptyline increased pre-ejection period (PEP) index and the PEP/left ventricular ejection time (LVET) ratio of the STI (P &lt;0·05 and P &lt;0·02). It also increased heart rate significantly (&lt;0·02) and tended to prolong Q-T interval. Mianserin shortened QS2I (P &lt;0·05) and LVET (P &lt;0·01) and prolonged PEP/LVET ratio (P &lt;0·01). Zimelidine did not affect the STI but tended to decrease heart rate and prolong the Q-T interval. Nomifensine decreased T wave height. These findings indicate that amitriptyline decreases cardiac contractility and confirm the quinidine-like action of the tricyclic antidepressants. The changes brought about by mianserin are probably due to effects on the peripheral circulation rather than a direct action on the heart.
Potassium in the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion
Authors: Padfield P L , Morton J J 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Serum potassium concentration was normal (≥3·6 mmol/l) in 29 of 32 patients with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone excess (SIADH) associated with a bronchogenic carcinoma. In 11 of the patients there was no significant change in serum potassium concentration after correction of the syndrome, by fluid restriction. Hypokalaemia is thus an uncommon finding in SIADH due to bronchogenic carcinomas.
A fatal case of Legionnaires' disease originating in Scotland
Authors: Lees A W , Tyrrell W F , Boyd J F 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A 21-year-old female died in May 1976 from a pneumonic illness presenting with a right pleural effusion. Histopathology showed florid hyaline membrane disease of the left lung only, and focal pneumonitis in the lower lobe. Further investigations carried out by the Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, showed that this patient had Legionnaires' disease infection, the first indigenous case diagnosed in Scotland. Post-mortem examination showed features differing from those in other published cases.
Gastroduodenal fistula in the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Authors: Machell R J , Dick A P , Everett W G 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A case of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome complicated by a gastroduodenal fistula is described in a 42-year-old man. So far as the authors know, this is the first report of this complication in gastrinoma.
Two cases of the nephrotic syndrome with a reversible coagulation defect
Authors: Baker M R , Davies J A , Tate G M , Lee M R 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Two cases of the nephrotic syndrome with an apparently identical defect of blood coagulation, discovered during preparation for renal biopsy are described. Plasma from both patients showed prolongation of thrombin and kaolin cephalin times which was probably due to abnormally slow polymerization of fibrin monomer. Corticosteroid therapy reversed the abnormal times in one case. One of the patients showed seasonal relapses which occurred in relation to episodes of hay fever associated with allergy to grass pollen. The other patient showed some similar features, but on renal biopsy was found to have proliferative glomerulonephritis.
Suicide by different methods
Authors: Farmer R D T 
Published: December 2008

Summary
The annual numbers of suicide deaths for the past 100 years by different methods in England and Wales are presented. It is shown that the numbers of deaths by 2 methods, domestic gas poisoning and poisoning by solid or liquid substances, vary independently of all other methods. It is concluded that inferences as to cause drawn from aggregated data should be viewed with great caution.
A study of hyperbilirubinaemia in clinical practice
Authors: Abbott R J , Carter N W , Clee M D , Bouchier Ian A D 
Published: December 2008

Summary
The case records of all patients with an elevated serum bilirubin seen in a hospital group over a consecutive 3-month period were analysed. A judgement was made as to whether the hyperbilirubinaemia had been adequately explained and the aetiology was recorded. Appropriate investigations performed and associated liver function tests were noted.
Eleven per cent. of all bilirubins were elevated. Of 415 patients studied no explanation for the hyperbilirubinaemia was given in 106 (26%). In 287 patients the hyperbilirubinaemia was explained, but in 165 (57%) it was not primarily related to liver or biliary disease. The bilirubin was usually higher and associated liver function tests were more likely to be abnormal when primary hepatobiliary pathology was present. An explanation was more likely to be available when the bilirubin was high (&gt;24 μmol/l) (1·4 mg/100 ml). The commonest overall cause of hyperbilirubinaemia was cardiorespiratory failure (30%).
The non-selective use of profundaplasty in lower limb ischaemia
Authors: Heather Brian P , Ware Colin C 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Previous publications on profundaplasty are reviewed. Results are presented of the use of profundaplasty alone as the sole treatment in 99 limbs with femoropopliteal occlusion. An improvement rate of 77% is recorded in claudicants together with a 28% limb salvage rate in gangrenous limbs. The present place of profundaplasty in treatment of femoro-popliteal occlusion is discussed.
Caecal and sigmoid volvulus in the same patient
Authors: Reasbeck P G 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A patient is described who developed caecal volvulus several years after sigmoid colectomy for recurrent sigmoid volvulus. The pathophysiology of colonic volvulus is briefly reviewed, and it is suggested that an innate tendency to poor muscular tone in the colon may predispose to volvulus, while conversely excessive tone may lead to diverticular disease.
Rupture of a renal angiomyolipoma (hamartoma)
Authors: Stavorovsky M , Irge D , Morag B , Schujman E 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A 54-year-old woman with spontaneous rupture of angiomyolipoma is presented. The literature on the 2 types of angiomyolipoma, without and with association of tuberose sclerosis, their rarity and the difficulties in their diagnoses, is reviewed.
An unusual inflammatory lesion of the jejunum in a patient with late onset immunoglobulin deficiency
Authors: Williams S E 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A 40-year-old male patient is reported in whom a grossly inflamed thickened 70-cm segment of jejunum complicated a ‘late onset’ immunoglobulin deficiency state. The pathogenesis is unknown, but extensive occlusion of the vascular supply to the lesion may have contributed to its development.
Diagnosis of haemobilia by duodenoscopy
Authors: Rose J , Hishon S , Machell R 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A case of haemobilia due to liver abscess presenting as haematemesis and melaena is described. Duodenoscopy in the acute phase can distinguish haemobilia from other causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and is the first step towards accurate localization of the lesion by hepatic arteriography.
Pancreatitis in systemic lupus erythematosus--a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mekori Y A , Yaretzky A , Schneider M , Klajman A 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A young woman with a past history of haemolytic anaemia was admitted to the hospital for pancreatitis and found to have serological evidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The occurrence of pancreatitis as a complication of SLE is reviewed.
The effects of season and stage of pregnancy on plasma 25-hydroxy-vitamin D concentrations in pregnant women
Authors: MacLennan W J , Hamilton J C , Darmady J M 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Plasma 25-OHD levels were measured in the same 26 Caucasian women before pregnancy and during the first, second and third trimesters of their pregnancy. This was done to assess whether pregnancy alters vitamin D status in healthy women. During most times of the year there was no association between the 25-OHD levels and the stage of pregnancy, but between January and March there was a progressive fall in 25-OHD levels with each trimester. When 25-OHD levels were related to hours of possible sunlight exposure a negative association between 25-OHD levels and stage of pregnancy was noted only in subjects with the lowest possible exposure to sunlight. These observations suggest that pregnancy has an effect on vitamin D metabolism, but that in healthy Caucasian women these effects only become manifest where there is a low level of exposure to sunlight.
Osteosarcoma complicating familial Paget’s disease
Authors: Brenton D P , Isenberg D A , Bertram J 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A most unusual family with aggressive Paget’s disease is reported. Three brothers out of 10 siblings developed the disease at a relatively early age. Two of these brothers developed an osteosarcoma and died. It is emphasized that very little information is available concerning the predisposition to severe polyostotic disease and even sarcomatous change when Paget’s disease begins at a young age or is familial. Possibly the risk of these serious complications is then greater than when the disease is sporadic and begins later in life.
Axillary temperature differences in hemiplegia
Authors: Mulley G 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Axillary temperatures were compared in 30 hemiplegic patients. The temperature in the unaffected axilla was greater than or equal to 0.2 degrees C higher in 25 patients, and was greater than or equal to 0.5 degrees C higher in 14 patients. In 4 patients, there was an axillary temperature difference of greater than or equal to 1 degrees C. Axillary temperature readings should always be taken from the normal arm in hemiplegic patients.
Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis: four cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Keidar S , Grenadier E , Palant A 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Hyperthyroidism is a rare side effect of amiodarone treatment.
Four patients with this untoward effect are described One patient with mild hyperthyroidism before treatment with amiodarone, developed prolonged severe resistant thyrotoxicosis 6 months after initiation of this drug. A second patient with Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was successfully stabilized with amiodarone for 18 months. However, the arrhythmia recurred and the thyroid function tests were found to be elevated. In 2 other patients only slight elevation of the thyroid function tests were found without clinical manifestations 4 months after treatment with amiodarone had been initiated.
A case of blindness associated with myocardial infarction
Authors: Brettle R P 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
A patient presented to hospital with sudden onset of blindness which was subsequently shown both clinically and by radionucleotide scanning to be cortical in nature. Four days before admission he had suffered 2 short episodes of aching jaw, dizziness, and profuse sweating. Myocardial infarction was confirmed by serial ECGs and cardiac enzymes. His cortical blindness was thought to be secondary to an embolus from a myocardial mural thrombus. A review of the literature revealed 5 previous patients with cortical blindness and associated myocardial infarction. In 2 of these, blindness followed within days of the myocardial infarct, but in none was it the presenting feature of a myocardial infarct.
Plasma cell dyscrasia with polyneuritis and dermato-endocrine alterations. Report of a new case outside Japan
Authors: Moya-Mir M S , Martin-Martin F , Barbadillo R , Cuervas-Mons V , Martin-Jimenez T , Sanchez-Miro I , Garcia-Merino J A 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA new syndrome has been described comprising polyneuropathy, oedema, hyperpigmentation and thickening of the skin, gynaecomastia in males and amenorrhoea in females, monoclonal gammopathy, papilloedema and diabetes. There is frequent osteosclerosis with or without plasmacytoma, hepatosplenomegaly and polycythaemia. There is a good response to corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs and occasionally to excision or irradiation of the plasmacytoma. This syndrome was first described in Japan, and is still seen predominantly there, and only occasionally in other areas. An example in a 51-year-old Spanish female is described: she had a spectacular response to prednisone and melphalan. The aetiopathogenic possibilities are discussed.
Ingestion of formic acid-containing agents--report of three fatal cases
Authors: Naik R B , Stephens W P , Wilson D J , Walker A , Lee H A 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Three patients were treated after they had deliberately ingested domestic agents containing formic acid. The major complications included the local effects on the oropharynx, oesophagus and stomach, metabolic acidosis, derangement of clotting mechanisms with haemorrhage and shock, widespread intravascular haemolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation and the acute onset of respiratory and renal failure. All 3 patients died between 2 and 14 days after admission. It is the authors’ belief that intensive therapy from the outset to include exchange transfusion, infusion of clotting factors, high dose steroids, ventilatory support and peritoneal or haemodialysis with parenteral nutrition may perhaps offer a better chance for survival.
Corticosteroid treatment, serum lipids and coronary artery disease
Authors: Jefferys D B , Lessof M H , Mattock M B 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Serum lipids and the cholesterol concentrations in the high density lipoprotein (HDL) fractions were measured in patients receiving long-term corticosteroid treatment for connective tissue disorders and asthma. Patients who were not receiving corticosteroid treatment had blood lipid levels which did not differ from those of healthy people. However, female (but not male) patients who had received prednisolone for a mean period of 3.1 years had a significant elevation in total cholesterol and a large decrease in HDL cholesterol. It seems possible that high levels of corticosteroids may increase the incidence of premenopausal ischaemic heart disease in females.
The resolution of hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy following treatment of subacute infective endocarditis
Authors: Shapiro L M , Mackinnon J 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
A patient with a corrected coarctation of the aorta subsequently developed infective endocarditis on a congenital bicuspid aortic valve. Resolution of the radiographic bone changes of hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy was demonstrated following treatment of the infection.
The effect of prenylamine on the QT interval of the resting electrocardiogram in patients with angina pectoris
Authors: Oakley D , Jennings K , Puritz R , Krikler D , Chamberlain D 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Resting ECGs were recorded in 29 patients with angina pectoris before, during and after treatment with prenylamine 180 mg daily. The QT interval became significantly prolonged after one week of treatment. The prolongation persisted as long as therapy was continued, which was up to 6 months. After withdrawal of treatment the QT interval returned to normal within 2 weeks. In this study no serious problems were encountered by those patients in whom the QT interval was prolonged.
Epidermal cysts - a clinicopathological and biochemical study
Authors: Chandrasekaran V , Parkash S , Raghuveer C V 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
The findings of a clinicopathological and biochemical study of epidermal cysts and a review of the relevant literature are presented. A punctum was found in 40% of 34 epidermal cysts that were studied in detail. The findings of the histological study were in favour of the punctum being the orifice of an obstructed hair follicle from which at least a proportion of the epidermal cysts are likely to develop. The biochemical analysis of the contents of the cysts revealed a very low protein and lipid content, thus ruling out any ‘sebaceous’ contribution. Bacteriological study of clinically inflamed cysts showed that inflammation in these lesions was usually aseptic unless there was a communication between the cyst cavity and the exterior.
Finger clubbing and aspartylglucosamine excretion in a laxative-abusing patient
Authors: Malmquist J , Ericsson B , Hultén-Nosslin M B , Jeppsson J O , Ljungberg O 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
A young woman with a previous history of anorexia nervosa presented with severe finger clubbing. Urine samples intermittently contained significant amounts of aspartylglucosamine. Liver biopsy showed abnormal cytoplasmic inclusions in phagocytic cells. The patient was found to be abusing senna laxative.
The place of peripheral neurectomy in the management of trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Freemont A J , Millac Paul 
Published: December 2008

Summary
One hundred and forty-six patients with trigeminal neuralgia were studied. Of 49 patients ultimately maintained pain-free by non-medical means, 26 underwent peripheral neurectomy. Twenty of these achieved excellent pain control in the longer term and 5 of the remaining 6 became more responsive to carbamazepine after operation. Seven patients required repeat neurectomies. Peripheral neurectomy is a useful and simple method of pain control in trigeminal neuralgia.
Commercially available sun lamps and vitamin D formation
Authors: Devgun M S , Johnson B E , Cruickshank Alison J M , Paterson C R 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Four commercially available, medium pressure mercury sun lamps were used to assess their effects on promoting vitamin D synthesis in the skin. It was found that all the lamps studied had vitamin D synthesizing spectral wavelengths and caused an increase in the serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. However, the ultraviolet and visible irradiance measurements showed that a considerable proportion of the ultraviolet radiation was below 290 nm. It was not surprising, therefore, to find that these lamps caused adverse skin reactions. While a useful rise in vitamin D production can be obtained with these sun lamps, the difficulty involved in avoiding skin reaction limits their usefulness. Such lamps are unlikely to provide a safe practical routine method for the prevention of vitamin D deficiency in the home.
Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus due to gastroparesis diabeticorum: treatment with metoclopramide
Authors: Muls Erik E , Lamberigts Gerard F 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A case is reported of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus due to gastroparesis diabeticorum in which treatment with metoclopramide restored diabetic control. Diagnostic, pathological and therapeutic aspects of diabetic gastroparesis, which is thought to reflect autonomic neuropathy involving the gastrointestinal tract, are discussed.
Serum trypsin levels in acute pancreatic and non-pancreatic abdominal conditions
Authors: Artigas J M Gatell , Garcia M Elena , Faure M R Aused , Gimeno A M Ballesta 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Serum trypsin levels have been estimated by radioimmunoassay in 26 healthy controls (248 +/- 94.9 micrograms/l; mean +/- s.d.), 12 patients with chronic renal failure (1100 +/- 584 micrograms/l), 34 with acute pancreatitis (1399 +/- 618 micrograms/l) and 23 with acute non-pancreatic abdominal conditions. Mean serum trypsin in acute pancreatitis and in chronic renal failure was significantly higher than in control group (P less than 0.001). Serum trypsin levels were well above the upper limit of normality in all patients with acute pancreatitis and in all but one with chronic renal failure. Serum trypsin was markedly raised in one patient with a traumatic haemoperitoneum and in one of the 11 with peptic ulcer perforation, and moderately raised in 3 of the 6 with acute cholecystitis. Determination of serum trypsin seems to be a specific test for acute pancreatitis, provided renal failure has been excluded. However, the authors suggest it should be prospectively measured in a larger series of acute non-pancreatic abdominal conditions.
Marfan’s syndrome presenting as bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax
Authors: Gawkrodger David J 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A case of bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax in a 14-year-old girl with previously undiagnosed Marfan’s syndrome is described. The pulmonary abnormalities of Marfan’s syndrome are not commonly encountered and bilateral pneumothorax is itself a rare event which, in most instances, has been reported following invasive procedures.
Intrahepatic cholestasis and cutaneous bullae associated with glibenclamide therapy
Authors: Wongpaitoon V , Mills P R , Russell R I , Patrick R S 
Published: December 2008

SummaryIntrahepatic cholestasis and cutaneous bullae associated with glibenclamide therapy are described in a 61-year-old diabetic patient who presented wit hypoglycaemic coma. These features have not previously been reported as side effects of glibenclamide therapy, but intrahepatic cholestasis may occur with chlorpropamide, a similar sulphonylurea agent. The mechanism of this cholestasis is not clear at present.
Cerebral lupus erythematosus responding to plasmaphaeresis
Authors: Evans D T P , Giles M , Horne D J de L , d’Apice A J F , Riglar A , Toh B H 
Published: December 2008

SummaryA 44-year-old nurse with a 12-year history of systemic lupus erythematosus developed a schizophrenia-like psychosis due to cerebral lupus. Prednisolone in doses up to 200 mg daily was ineffective. Levels of immune complexes by the Raji cell assay were greatly increased in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Plasma exchange was performed on 4 occasions over 4 days. Three days later, there was a marked and sustained improvement in the mental state, the psychosis resolved and tests of psychological function and electroencephalographic abnormalities improved. There was a corresponding decrease in levels of immune complexes and in titres of anti-neuronal antibody. Five months later, several serological indices had risen to pre-plasmaphaeresis levels except for the level of immune complexes. The patient remained in clinical remission. This case provides further evidence that high levels of circulating immune complexes may be a determinant of cerebral lupus and that plasmaphaeresis may be of lasting benefit in this disease.
Subarachnoid haemorrhage and the electrocardiogram - a review
Authors: Harries Anthony D 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Electrocardiographic abnormalities occur in approximately 50% of patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage. The changes can resemble those of myocardial damage, although in most cases post-mortem studies show no macroscopic evidence of injury. Failure to appreciate this can lead to misdiagnosis of organic cardiac disease, cause delay in surgical treatment or even lead to inappropriate therapy. This review deals with the changes that may occur in the electrocardiogram, discusses the explanations put forward, and examines how this may influence future trends in management.
A case of prenylamine toxicity showing the torsade de pointes phenomenon in sinus rhythm?
Authors: Meanock Colin I , Noble Mark I M 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A case of torsade de pointes attributed to prenylamine is described. In addition, the authors show QRS axis variation of a similar nature in sinus rhythm. It is postulated that these changes of QRS axis direction, seen in ventricular tachycardia and sinus rhythm, are both manifestations of partial refractoriness, within the ventricle, producing gross changes in the mean QRS vector.
The quality of genetic counselling in osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Paterson C R , Mowat Elizabeth 
Published: December 2008

Summary
A survey is reported of the genetic advice given to 272 families with osteogenesis imperfecta. An appreciable number of families were not given advice by anyone even though they had asked for it, and only one quarter of the families had been referred to a clinical genetic specialist. Overall approximately one third of the information recollected as having been received was incorrect but genetic specialists were clearly more successful than other doctors.