bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transient Global Amnesia–A Review of 213 Cases from the Literature
Authors: Rollinson R. D. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Transient global amnesia–A review of 213 cases from the literature. R D. Rollinson, Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1978, 8, pp. 547–549.TGA is a clearly recognisable clinical syndrome with many and varied aetiologies, the most ubiquitous being transient cerebral ischaemia. This entity is probably much more common than the literature suggests, many patients not coming to the attention of a physician due to the transient nature of the isolated memory defect and the risk of recurrence being low. It is of interest that many of the original patients described tended to be the more prominent members of the community, e.g. physicians and relatives of physicians, perhaps suggesting that the occurrence of TGA in such a person is less likely to pass unnoticed. In the differential diagnosis one should include the following: transient cerebral ischaemia, epilepsy, migraine, temporal lobe encephalitis, psychogenic fugues, post‐traumatic, and rarely cerebral neoplasms.
Brain Atrophy and Intellectual Impairment in Heavy Drinkers—A Clinical, Psychometric and Computerized Tomography Study
Authors: Cala L. A. , Jones B. , Mastaglia F. L. , Wiley B. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Brain atrophy and intellectual impairment in heavy drinkers–A clinical, psychometric and computerized tomography study.The frequency of cerebral and cerebellar atrophy was assessed by computerized tomography (CT) in 26 heavy drinkers. Findings were correlated with clinical deficits, with the results of psychometric testing using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), and with the alcoholic history and nutritional status. Cerebral atrophy was present in 19 cases (73%), 16 of whom also had cerebellar atrophy. There was a good correlation between the degree of cerebral hemisphere atrophy and age and length of drinking history, but a poor correlation between neurological deficits and atrophy. Impairment of visuo‐spatial and visuo‐motor functions with sparing of other non‐dominant hemisphere functions and of verbal skills was the characteristic pattern found with the WAIS in 18 subjects; four showed a more global depression of intellectual function. The degree of cerebral hemisphere atrophy correlated significantly with the impairment of non‐dominant hemisphere functions but not with total IQ.
Compartmental Shift of Potassium—A Result of Sympathomimetic Overdose
Authors: McCleave D. J. , Phillips P. J. , Vedig A. E. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Compartmental shift of potassium—A result of sympathomimetic overdose.A 17‐year‐old youth was admitted with a serum potassium concentration of 1 ‐8mmol/l after taking an overdose of pseudoephedrine and choline theophyllinate. Apart from tachycardia, tachypnoea and ankle clonus, examination was normal as was the initial electrocardiograph. The hypokalaemia resolved, but there was an overall positive potassium balance of only 13 mmol. This suggests that the sympathomimetics provoked a compartmental shift of potassium perhaps indirectly by inducing hyperg/ycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia, as well as directly. Other factors known to affect body potassium distribution were excluded. The fact that features commonly associated with hypokalaemia could not be demonstrated may be explained by a normal body potassium content.Severe hypokalaemia caused by a compartmental shift occurs with large doses of sympathomimetics as well as in periodic paralysis.
The Association of Chronic Active Hepatitis with Pyoderma Gangrenosum
Authors: Marshall A. W. , Slonim J. M. , Smallwood R. A. , Fraser K. J. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: The association of chronic active hepatitis with pyoderma gangrenosum. A. W. Marshall, J. M. Slonim, R. A. Smallwood and K. J. Fraser, Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1978, 8, pp. 656–658.This report deals with a 25‐year‐old man with chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis who developed the rare complication of pyoderma gangrenosum which improved rapidly following the commencement of prednisolone.
Limitation of Work Performance in Normal Adult Males in the Presence of Beta‐Adrenergic Blockade
Authors: Anderson S. D. , Bye P. T. P. , Perry C. P. , Hamor G. P. , Theobald G. , Nyberg G. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: The effect on work performance of a single oral dose of the cardio‐selective beta‐adreno‐receptor blocking agent, metoprolol, was compared with an equipotent dose of the non‐selective agent, propranolol, in the same subjects. A number of biochemical and physiological variables including heart rate, oxygen consumption, ventilation, lactate, free fatty acid and glucose levels were measured.Following exercise in the presence of both active drugs, subjects complained of excessive leg fatigue. For the group there was a significant reduction in the total work performed and the maximum heart rate achieved on both drugs.There was a significant correlation between plasma levels of metoprolol, reduction in total work performed and reduction in maximum heart rate. By contrast, after propranolol, there was a wide variation in work performed at a time when the reduction in maximum heart rate was similar for all subjects. This suggests for propranolol that a reduction in heart rate alone is an inappropriate guide to the impairment of work performance.There was a fall in the circulating level of free fatty acids at the end of exercise in the presence of both drugs and it is possible that this biochemical variable contributed to the decrease in work performance.
Multiple Myeloma—Prognosis, Treatment and Survival in an Eight Year Study
Authors: Colls B. M. , Darlow B. A. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Data are presented from an unselected group of 76 patients with multiple myeloma, diagnosed over an eight year period in Christ‐church. The median survival time was 31 months from commencement of treatment. The median survival of patients with Bence Jones proteinuria (29 months) was significantly shorter than those without this feature (47 months). Patients with lambda proteinuria had a median survival of 25·5 months and those with kappa proteinuria 32 months, but this difference was not statistically significant.The correlation of presenting anaemia, azotaemia or hypoalbuminaemia with a bad prognosis was confirmed.Immunosuppression of nonmyeloma immunoglobulins in patients with IgA or IgG myeloma was associated with a significantly worse median survival.Chemotherapy was discontinued in 11 patients at a variable period after one year of remission. In six cases the disease did not relapse, but relapse occurred in four cases and in three of these control could not be reasserted. One patient developed acute myeloblastic leukaemia five months after treatment was discontinued.
High‐dose Methotrexate Therapy—An Area of Uncertainty*
Authors: Paxton J. W. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: A brief review of our present knowledge of the pharmacology and the pharmacokinetics of high‐dose methotrexate (MTX) therapy is presented. Although this drug has been in use for 30 years, there are many areas of uncertainty regarding the mode of action of its selective cytotoxicity, the degree of plasma protein binding, the renal toxicity, pharmacokinetics and extent of metabolism after a high dose.During the last decade, high‐dose methotrexate followed by citrovorum factor (CF) rescue has become a popular mode of cancer treatment, especially for osteogenic sarcoma, even though there is a lack of definitive evidence in man supporting the superiority of the high dose over more conventional doses. The rationale for the administration of these high doses and the necessity of citrovorum factor rescue to prevent toxicity are discussed.Even with citrovorum factor rescue and the recommended routine hydration and alkalinisation of the patient, a 6% mortality rate is still encountered with this therapy. It is to be hoped that the relative safety of these high‐dose regimens will be increased in the future with the greater availability of a rapid, precise assay for monitoring methotrexate during and after infusion as an indication of impending toxicity and the discovery of more efficient rescue agents (such as thymidine?).More research is required to determine the optimal methotrexate regimens with regard to the many variables which are associated with this therapy. Bearing in mind the high cost of high‐dose MTX therapy and the increased risk of severe toxicity, further comparative trials against the conventional‐dose regimens are essential to establish whether high‐doses do offer additional clinical advantages.
Sudden, Unexpected Death and Wernicke's Encephalopathy: A Complication of Prolonged Intravenous Feeding
Authors: Harper C. G. 
Published: March 2008

Summary: Sudden, unexpected death and Wernicke's encephalopathy: A complication of prolonged intravenous feeding. C. G. Harper, Aust. N.Z. J. Med., 1980, 10, pp. 230–235.Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is thought to be largely confined to the alcoholic population. However, another “at risk” group of patients has been identified. Three patients maintained on prolonged intravenous feeding died suddenly and unexpectedly from acute WE. Six similar cases from the recent literature are reviewed. Six of these nine cases died as a result of this disease. Neuropathological examinations showed a prominent haemorrhagic component of the acute WE. Six patients did not exhibit any of the classical signs of WE
New Methods to Separate Artifacts from Normal and Defective Breathing Patterns in Different Sleep‐states, if Infants are Monitored at Home
Authors: Jeffery H. , Cunningham R. A. , Cubis A. , Read D. J. C. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: Respiratory and cardiac monitoring was undertaken in the home for seven months in an infant at increased risk for cot‐death (SIDS). The infant was a surviving non‐identical twin of a SIDS sibling.In hospital, clinical and cardio‐respiratory studies during sleep were normal. Analysis of eleven 24‐hour tape‐recordings showed that many of the alarms at home were the result of technical problems. Suspected apnoeas were identified initially from an oscilloscopic display of the original waveforms and from a compressed‐record and histogram of the computed breath‐to‐breath intervals. Expanded pen‐recordings confirmed some, but not all, of these suspected apnoeas (> 15s). The results indicate (i) the importance of verifying apnoeic episodes; (ii) the value of 24‐h compressed recordings for identifying and timing the sleep cycles and their possible relationships to breathing defects; (iii) the need for improved instrumentation; (iv) the dangers of evaluating clinical prognosis or research from parental diaries
THE ROLE OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS IN THE ETIOLOGY OF HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: DALGLEISH A. G. , WOODS R. L. , LEVI J. A. , RAGHAVAN D. , McCAUGHAN G. W. , TATTERSALL M. H. N. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract::Fifty‐three patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) from three Sydney teaching hospitals were examined for possible evidence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Hepatitis Surface Antigen (HBsAg) was positive in 38% of those in whom it was sought, a higher incidence than previously reported in an Australian series. A further 13 patients had antibody to Hepatitis B core (Anti‐HBC), but negative HBsAg, confirming past exposure to HBV. Where serum was available evidence of HBV infection was obtained in 62% of patients. It is argued that the incidence of HBV infection may be shown to be higher still with the advent of new technology as applied to HBV assays and tissue stains. The need to be aware of the growing evidence of a strong association between Hepatitis B virus and the development of HCC is stressed and the clinical implications are discussed. (Aust NZ J Med 1983; 13: 605–607.)
COLLAGENOUS COLITIS: A RECENTLY RECOGNISED REVERSIBLE CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL ENTITY
Authors: EAVES E. R. , WALLIS P. L. , McINTYRE R. L. E. , KORMAN M. G. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract::A case of collagenous colitis is reported in an 86 year old man who presented with watery diarrhea. This case differs from previous reports in that five of the six reported cases involved women, mostly in their mid‐forties, and that previously the collagenous band has been demonstrated in the mucosa of the left side of the colon only. This case is the first report to demonstrate the collagenous band in the right side of the colon as well as the left, and is the thickest band reported to date. In keeping with the two reported cases with follow‐up, the subepithelial collagenous band was shown to have disappeared three months after the initial biopsy with a corresponding clinical improvement after symptomatic treatment only. The diagnosis needs to be considered in all patients presenting with watery diarrhea, and can only be confirmed after rectal or colonic biopsy. (Aust NZ J Med 1983; 13: 630–632.)
SODIUM CROMOGLYCATE AS A PRESSURISED AEROSOL (VICROM) IN EXERCISE‐INDUCED ASTHMA
Authors: SCHOEFFEL R. E. , ANDERSON S. D. , LINDSAY D. A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: We investigated the effect of sodium cromoglycate (SCG), delivered as a pressurised aerosol, in a dose of 2 or 4 mg in 15 patients known to have exercise‐induced asthma (EIA).All patients had a fall in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) greater than 20% of the pre‐exercise level following placebo (Range 21.1 to 74.7%). When an identical exercise test was performed after 2 mg of SCG aerosol, nine of the 15 patients had falls in PEFR less than 50% of the value observed on placebo. Of the remaining six patients, four had greater than 50% protection afforded by 4 mg of SCG. Of the 15 patients, 12 had falls in PEFR less than 11% after either 2 or 4 mg of SCG aerosol.The dose of aerosol SCG required to inhibit EIA is only 10 to 20% of that delivered by conventional spinhaler. The apparent superiority of the pressurised aerosol may be due to its site of deposition in the airways.
ABSENCE STATUS: A REPORT OF TWO CASES
Authors: YEO P. T. , WODAK J. , ROE C. J. , GILLIGAN B. S. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Two known epileptics presented with abnormal behaviour. One was inattentive, aggressive and ataxic. The other carried out quite complex, though purposeless activity. EEG's revealed that the patients' behavioural abnormalities were due to uncontrolled seizures. Absence Status is an uncommon condition and its various manifestations can lead to delays in its recognition and treatment. It should be considered as a possible diagnosis in any patient who presents with recurring episodes of confusion.
TRENDS IN CIGARETTE CONSUMPTION IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: WOODWARD S. D. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Historical trends are presented showing an increase in total cigarette consumption but a fall in the number of adult male smokers. The prevalence of smoking among children appears to have increased. The role of tobacco advertising and reduced cigarette prices are discussed. The need to prevent children from taking up smoking is emphasised, and recent data show that the earlier a child begins to smoke, the higher will be the subsequent daily cigarette consumption.
ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF CORONARY ARTERY SURGERY ON MORTALITY AFTER RECOVERY FROM MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
Authors: THOMPSON P. L. , VANDONGEN Y. K. , ECCLES J. L. , KLERK N. H. DE 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Death rates over a nine year period were studied in 1,232 survivors of myocardial infarction. From 1973 to 1981, the 29 to 365 day case fatality rate in 28 day survivors dropped from 13.3% to 3.2%. This down‐trend in case fatality was highly significant, averaging 14.3% in each year. After adjustment for changes in age and severity of infarction, using a prognostic score derived from the Perth Coronary Register (the PCR score), the estimated decline was still 12.2% in each year. During the nine years, the rate of coronary surgery in the post‐infarction year rose from 1.5% to 12.0%. Overall, the surgically treated cases had a lower case fatality rate (1.6%) than the medically treated cases (7.7%). However, the surgical cases had a better prognosis at the time of infarction than the medical cases. When the severity of infarction (PCR score) and year of admission were considered, coronary surgery in the post‐infarction year had no independent effect on outcome.
COMPARISON OF DELAYED TYPE HYPERSENSITIVITY AND T SUBSETS IN RANDOM AND HOMOSEXUAL POPULATIONS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: GRIMSLEY G. , LATTIMORE M. , DAWKINS R. L. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Random and homosexual populations were tested for delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) (Multitest) reactivity and T cell subsets. In the random population DTH reactivity was stronger in males irrespective of age. Reactivity in the homosexuals was generally even stronger especially with respect to tuberculin. As a group, male homosexuals had low OKT 4/8 ratios when compared with sex and age matched controls. Analysis of DTH and T cell subset results in the random group showed an association between anergy and low OKT 4/8 ratios. It is concluded that homosexuals demonstrate some alteration of cell mediated immunity and therefore may be at risk of various infections.
LIDOCAINE AND THE REDUCTION OF POST‐VENOGRAPHIC PAIN
Authors: OCKELFORD P. A. , POWERS P. J. , HULL R. D. , McLAUGHLIN D. , STRASBERG Z. , GENT M. , HIRSH J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Venography remains the standard method for the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis but it is invasive and frequently causes discomfort. A randomised double‐blind study was performed to determine the efficacy of lidocaine in reducing pain and discomfort associated with venography. Sixty patients undergoing ascending venography received 40 mg of lidocaine (2 ml of 2% lidocaine mixed with 50 ml of contrast medium) in one leg and saline in the other. Assessment of pain was by a standard questionnaire administered by an investigator unaware of the sequence of administration of lidocaine or saline placebo. Twenty‐four patients reported no difference in pain or discomfort between the two limbs. Of the 36 patients experiencing an overall difference in pain between the two legs, 12 reported more pain in the leg receiving lidocaine and 24 reported more pain in the leg receiving saline (p = 0.023). There were no significant side effects attributable to lidocaine. These results indicate that lidocaine is beneficial in reducing pain and discomfort associated with venography.
ASBESTOSIS AND CRYPTOGENIC FIBROSING ALVEOLITIS: A RADIOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL COMPARISON
Authors: COOKSON W. O. C. M. , MUSK A. W. , GLANCY J. J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:This study compares the relationship between lung function and radiological abnormality in 46 subjects with asbestosis and 38 subjects with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis. Radiographs were graded separately by two observers according to the 1980 International Labour Organisation criteria for classification of the pneumoconioses. The correlation between the transfer factor of the lungs and the radiographic profusion of small parenchymal opacities was found to be greater in subjects with asbestosis than in subjects with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis. At any level of radiological profusion transfer factor was higher in cases with asbestosis than in cases with fibrosing alveolitis. As pleural thickening is seen commonly in asbestosis and may influence lung volumes and the ratio of transfer factor to effective alveolar volume, the results of these measurements were compared only in the cases showing absent or minimal pleural thickening. Both of these variables were higher in the subjects with asbestosis. The results indicate that despite pathological, functional and radiographic similarities, lung function for a given degree of radiographic parenchymal abnormality is better in subjects with asbestosis than in subjects with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis, and that changes in the plain chest x‐ray appearances in asbestosis correlate more closely with the results of lung function tests.
THE EFFECT OF CIGARETTE SMOKING ON GASTRIC ACID SECRETION AND GASTRIC MUCOSAL BLOOD FLOW IN MAN
Authors: FLETCHER D. R. , SHULKES A. , HARDY K. J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: Smoking leads to a higher incidence of peptic ulcer and delays healing of those ulcers. Possible mechanisms include increased gastric acid secretion, reduced gastric mucosal blood flow, and reduced duodenal bicarbonate production. In six subjects we determined the effect of one hour of cigarette smoking on gastric mucosal blood flow (14C–aminopyrine clearance), acid secretion (triple lumen perfused oro–gastric tube), and plasma levels of gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide. Smoking reduced acid secretion from a median of 433 (range 160–707) μmol/min to 166 (47–340) μmol/min (p < 0.05) and blood flow from 66 (40–70) ml/min to 36 (22–58) ml/min (p<0.05). There was no change in plasma gastrin and the small rise in pancreatic polypeptide would be insufficient to affect duodenal bicarbonate production.We conclude that cigarette smoking decreased gastric acid secretion and gastric mucosal blood flow. The increased incidence of gastric ulcers seen in smokers may be related to this reduction in gastric mucosal blood flow.
CARDIAC TAMPONADE FOLLOWING INFARCTION: MANAGEMENT WITH PERICARDIOCENTESIS AND SURGERY
Authors: LIMAYE S. B. , STUBBERFIELD J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: Four patients with cardiac tamponade following myocardial infarction are presented. Diagnostic clinical features and the role of echocardiography are discussed. Pericardiocentesis resulted in rapid improvement in clinical state but frequently tamponade recurred. Surgery was undertaken in three patients and two have survived long term.If promptly recognised, tamponade following myocardial infarction may be treated.
THE EFFECT OF INSPIRATORY RESISTIVE TRAINING ON EXERCISE CAPACITY IN OPTIMALLY TREATED PATIENTS WITH SEVERE CHRONIC AIRFLOW LIMITATION
Authors: McKEON J. L. , TURNER J. , KELLY C. , DENT A. , ZIMMERMAN P. V. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract This study was designed to determine whether inspiratory resistive training could improve the exercise performance of patients with severe chronic airflow limitation who had already received optimum conventional therapy with bronchodilators and physiotherapy. Eighteen patients were studied. Ten patients were trained with an inspiratory resistance device for six weeks and eight patients used a placebo device. Psychological factors, likely to influence exercise capacity, were taken into account. Although there was no significant increase in maximum inspiratory pressure in the ten trained subjects, inspiratory muscle endurance was improved. Exercise performance, as assessed by progressive cycle exercise, stair climbing, 12 minute walking distance and treadmill walking did not change significantly in either group.It was concluded that inspiratory muscle training, using a currently available technique, produced no additional improvement in exercise capacity beyond that achieved by conventional bronchodilator and rehabilitation therapy. (Aust NZ J Med 1986; 16: 648–652.)
A POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MIGRAINE AND CORONARY ARTERY SPASM
Authors: WAYNE V. S. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Five patients, all women in their 50s and all with a documented history of migraine headaches, had ischemic chest pains investigated. Four patients had angina primarily occurring at rest, with documented ischemic electrocardiographic changes during pain in all five. Three subjects sustained myocardial infarction, one shortly after taking ergotamine tartrate for an acute attack of migraine. Subsequent coronary angiography in all five subjects revealed no evidence of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, suggestive of spasm as the cause of ischemia.In subjects with known migraine, the occurrence of chest pain may represent coronary artery spasm, and should be investigated with concurrent electrocardiographs, as these two clinical entities may be related as part of a generalised vasospastic disorder. The use of ergot preparations should be contraindicated in such patients, as exacerbation of chest pain and frank myocardial infarction may result. These chest pains responded favourably to calcium channel blockers. (Aust NZ J Med 1986; 16: 708–710.)