bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A COMPARISON OF LOW DOSE LEVAMISOLE and PENICILLAMINE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Authors: CLEMENS L. E. , ANSELL B. M. , BERNSTEIN R. M. , HALL M. A. , McCAULEY D. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Levamisole (150 mg once weekly) was compared with penicillamine (250 mg daily) in a single blind independent observer study in 28 patients with rheumatoid arthritis over twelve months. Fifty percent (8/16) of patients stopped levamisole, five within three months of starting, while only two of twelve stopped penicillamine. In those patients able to tolerate treatment for twelve months, both regimes produced a significant and comparable reduction in disease activity, with the onset of action of penicillamine occurring at three months compared with six to nine months for levamisole. Radiological progression of disease occurred in both groups.Levamisole in low dose may improve parameters of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis but poor patient tolerance, slow onset of action and failure to prevent radiological progression limit its usefulness. (Aust NZ J Med 1983; 13: 578–582.)
RATIONALISATION OF THERAPY IN SEVERE EPILEPSY
Authors: ROMAN E. J. , LAMBERT J. B. , BUCHANAN N. , BARRAH N. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Anticonvulsant therapy in 18 institutionalised adult epileptic persons was rationalised.The mean number of drugs administered was reduced from 3.2 to 2.0 per patient with improvement of seizure control in 11 patients and either no alteration or a mild deterioration of seizure control in seven patients. In this latter group however, there was an improvement in cerebellar signs andlor mentation associated with the reduction in drug therapy. It is proposed that even in patients with apparently severe epilepsy, whilst monotherapy may not be achieved, a significant reduction in the number of medications administered may be. Moreover medication can be effectively administered twice daily. (Aust NZ J Med 1983; 13: 601–604.)
NEUROLOGICAL TOXICITY ASSOCIATED WITH VIDARABINE (ADENINE ARABINOSIDE) THERAPY
Authors: COLLIGNON P. J. , SORRELL T. C. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Disorientation, myoclonic jerks, generalised rigidity and tremor developed in a young woman while on treatment with vidarabine for disseminated cutaneous varicella. Residua were still present 11 months later. She had normal renal function and was being treated with relatively low dose vidarabine therapy. A possible drug interaction with allopurinol is described.
ADRIAMYCIN COMBINATIONS AS SALVAGE THERAPY IN ADVANCED MOPP‐RESISTANT HODGKIN'S DISEASE
Authors: OLVER I. N. , WOLF M. M. , BISHOP J. F. , DING J. C. , COOPER I. A. , MATTHEWS JANE 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Thirty one patients with advanced MOPP‐resistant Hodgkin's disease were treated with adriamycin, bleomycin, vinca alkaloid and prednisolone (ABVP). Sixteen patients received vinblastine, seven received vincristine and in eight VM26 was substituted for the vinca. Of 28 patients evaluable for response 17 (61%) achieved an objective response with five (18%) complete responders. Response was significantly inferior in patients receiving VM26. Patients with a prolonged interval since previous chemotherapy had a greater chance of complete response (p<0.02) as did those with previous complete response to MOPP therapy (p<0.05). Response to treatment did not affect overall survival (p= 0.8) although relapse free survival was significantly longer for those achieving complete response (p<0.01). The regimen produced minimal gastrointestinal toxicity, but significant myelosuppression. ABVP is a well tolerated salvage therapy in advanced MOPP‐resistant Hodgkin's disease. (Aust NZ J Med 1983; 13: 369–373.)
HEPATOSPLENIC SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN A SOUTH‐EAST ASIAN REFUGEE CHILD IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Authors: SOUTHWOOD T. , DAVIDSON G. P. , PHILLIPS G. E. , RICE M. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:This report documents a case of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis in a South‐East Asian refugee boy who presented with malaise, abdominal distension, and was found to have massive splenomegaly and esophageal varices. The diagnosis was confirmed by liver biopsy and he was treated with a highly efficacious schistosomicide, Praziquantel. The case highlights the possible occurrence in Australia of non‐endemic tropical diseases in immigrants.
CAUDA EQUINA LESION DUE TO THOROTRAST
Authors: FREILICH D. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Thorotrast (Thorium dioxide) has been used in the past as a radiological contrast medium. Its use resulted in serious side‐effects, often after a delay of many years. There was an increased incidence of tumours and blood dyscrasias. Meningeal fibrosis, hydrocephalus and progressive lesions of the cauda equina have followed its injection into the sub‐arachnoid spaces. A patient with such a cauda equina lesion is reported.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF INTRAPERITONEAL MALIGNANCY
Authors: EPSTEIN R. J. , OLIVER B. , MACINTOSH P. K. , LEVI J. A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:A review of 205 abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scans in 83 patients with gastric or ovarian neoplasms was performed in order to assess their contribution to management. Assessment of scan accuracy was based on results of invasive procedures, clinical data, and double‐blind re‐reporting. Scans appeared to be of greater value in patients with ovarian rather than gastric neoplasms (p< 0.001), and in patients undergoing clinically‐indicated rather than routine scans (p< 0.001). No clinical benefit accrued from the use of pre‐treatment scans. Overall accuracy of scanning was judged to be significantly greater for the ovarian than the gastric group (p< 0.001), while concordance of scan reports with re‐reporting was also greater in the ovarian group (p<0.001). The data indicate the inherent limitations of the CT scan and the high degree of subjectivity in its interpretation, particularly when used in the follow‐up of patients with known or suspected recurrent gastric cancer. CT scanning remains a potentially useful adjunct to clinical assessment of patients with intraperitoneal malignancy, but should not be regarded as obviating the need for clinical judgement in management decisions.
HOW “REPRESENTATIVE” ARE SUBJECTS ATTENDING A CORONARY RISK FACTOR SCREENING PROGRAMME?
Authors: SIMONS L. A. , SIMONS J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Coronary risk factors were compared in two groups of subjects aged 25–64 years. One group voluntarily, and at no cost, attended a risk factor screening clinic (n = 3844), while the second group represented a population sample drawn from the metropolitan Sydney electoral roll (n = 1394). Older subjects were over‐represented in the screening clinic compared with the electoral roll sample. Hypercholesterolemia was more prevalent in the screening clinic in older females, while hypertension and current cigarette smoking were less prevalent in the screening clinic in older subjects of both sexes. Obesity was less prevalent in the screening clinic in older males. A voluntary screening programme may generate a unique and possibly unreproducible population sample.
SUBACUTE HEART RUPTURE AND HEMOPERICARDIUM FOLLOWING ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION: REPORT OF SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT AND TEN YEAR FOLLOW‐UP
Authors: WINDSOR H. M. , O'ROURKE M. F. , FENELEY M. P. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Hemopericardium complicating acute myocardial infarction generally has a poor prognosis. Two cases of this complication, one due to subacute rupture of the free left ventricular wall, are reported. Both patients are still alive and well ten years after urgent surgical intervention. Good long‐term results are possible in this condition if diagnosis and surgical intervention are not delayed.
FULMINANT HEPATIC FAILURE DUE TO ALLOPURINOL
Authors: RAPER R. , IBELS L. , LAUER C. , BARNES P. , LUNZER M. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:A 58‐year‐old Chinese woman was admitted to hospital with a presumed hypersensitivity reaction to allopurinol. Her illness was characterised by high fever, eosinophilia, exfoliative dermatitis and jaundice. She developed fulminant hepatic failure and septicemia with a fatal outcome. Clinical details are presented and the possible relationship of allopurinol hypersensitivity to renal impairment is discussed. (Aust NZ J Med 1984; 14: 63–65.)
NEWER ASPECTS OF REGULATION OF HUMAN GRANULOCYTE FUNCTION
Authors: VADAS M. A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:The regulation of granulocyte function by cell‐derived factors is emphasised in this review. The most important of these cell‐derived factors belongs to a class of substances known as colony stimulating factors (CSF) so named because they stimulate the maturation of progenitor cells into clumps or “colonies” of mature cells. CSF mediated regulation of granulocytes is likely to be important for the two reasons (i) the site of CSF production can determine the site of granulocyte activation and (ii) the type of CSF produced can determine the type of granulocyte activated. Blood mononuclear cells were found to be a good source of granulocyte activating material suggesting that interaction between these two cell types is important in vivo. The potential clinical use of CSF‐like substances is discussed. (Aust NZ J Med 1984; 14: 71–74.)
ALCOHOL AND ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE: A REVIEW
Authors: ROHAN T. E. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Evidence from epidemiological studies suggests that consumption of alcohol at moderate levels might be protective against IHD. The alcohol‐IHD relationship appears to be U‐shaped, so that the risk of IHD associated with moderate levels of alcohol consumption is lower than that for abstainers and heavy drinkers. However, the effects of alcohol upon the risk of IHD must be examined in the context of its overall effects upon health. When this is done, the potential benefits are not clear‐cut. This paper reviews the epidemiological evidence relating to the alcohol‐IHD association, considers the mechanisms by which alcohol might exert its effects upon IHD risk, and suggests some avenues for future research in this area. (Aust NZ J Med 1984; 14: 75–80).
TRENDS IN ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY IN PERTH STATISTICAL DIVISION
Authors: HOBBS M. S. T. , HOCKEY R. A. , MARTIN C. A. , ARMSTRONG B. K. , THOMPSON P. L. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTrends in mortality from Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) and other principal causes of death, and in hospital admission rates for Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) have been studied in residents aged 35–64 years of the Perth Statistical Division for the period 1968–1982. Death rates were based on data abstracted from official statistics or computer tapes of unit death records. Hospital admission rates were derived from the computer tapes of the Western Australian Hospital Inpatient Survey, 1968–1982.Since 1968, mortality from IHD has fallen in the Perth Statistical Division in both males and females by 30% and 33%, respectively. This fall has occurred principally in deaths occurring out‐of‐hospital and has been accompanied by similar fails in mortality from other vascular diseases and in total mortality. Hospital admission rates for Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) in the Perth Statistical Division have fallen since 1971 by 17% in males and 27% in females. These findings taken together suggest that the improvement in IHD mortality in Western Australia has been due mainly to a fall in the incidence of acute manifestations of IHD (sudden death and AMI), rather than improvements in case fatality. The possible underlying mechanisms responsible for this are discussed.
DIETARY FATS AND BLOOD PRESSURE
Authors: MARGETTS B. M. , BEILIN L. J. , ARMSTRONG B. K. , VANDONGEN R. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:The blood pressure lowering effect of elevating the dietary polyunsaturatedlsaturated (PIS) ratio has been assessed in a randomised, controlled trial in normotensive volunteers. Subjects were allocated either to a control group who ate a low PIS ratio diet throughout, or to one of two experimental groups who ate a high P/S ratio diet for one of two six week experimental periods. There were significant changes in estimated dietary P/S ratio and measured changes in plasma fatty acids and buccal mucosal cell phospholipids. Changes in blood pressure were not related to changes in P/S ratio. There were no changes in other factors which may have confounded the relationship between blood pressure and PIS ratio change. This study suggests that PIS ratio change, without changing other nutrients, does not affect blood pressure in normotensive subjects.
ALCOHOL AND HYPERTENSION
Authors: ARKWRIGHT P. , BEILIN L. J. , VANDONGEN R. , ARMSTRONG B.K. , MASAREI J. R. L. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:The nature of the association between alcohol consumption and blood pressure has been studied in 491 working men in Western Australia. The effect of alcohol on systolic blood pressure was seen to be independent of obesity, age, cigarette smoking, coffee or tea consumption, educational attainment or personality type. Ex‐heavy drinkers had similar blood pressures to teetotallers. Men drinking the equivalent of three or more glasses of beer a day had a 10.4% prevalence of hypertension compared with 2.6% in teetotallers while the most introverted tertile of non‐smoking drinkers had a 22% prevalence of hypertension. Possible mechanisms by which repeated alcohol ingestion might lead to hypertension are discussed in the light of hernodynamic and biochemical studies in pairs of drinkers and teetotallers.
TRANSVENOUS ABLATION OF ATRIOVENTRICULAR CONDUCTION FOR REFRACTORY OR MALIGNANT SUPRAVENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIAS
Authors: DAVIS M. J. E. , MEWS G. C. , COPE G. D. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:In nine patients with recurrent disabling supraventricular arrhythmia refractory to, or intolerant of, multiple drug combinations, and two patients with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) syndrome and documented malignant atrial fibrillation, transvenous ablation of atrioventricular (AV) conduction, utilising synchronised unipolar DC shocks delivered by catheter to the AV node‐His bundle or to the accessory AV pathway, was attempted. One to two 200–300 J discharges produced complete heart block in all of the nine patients, with markedly improved symptomatic status at one to ten month follow‐up including the one patient with recovery of modified AV conduction. Single 100–150 J shocks ablated pre‐excitation for five to fifteen minutes in the two WPW patients without subsequent modification of accessory pathway conduction. There were no complications. This simple technique has great potential and may supplant some open‐heart procedures. With refinement it may be possible to slow rather than to ablate AV‐His conduction, to ablate conduction via accessory AV pathways permanently and to interrupt ventricular re‐entrant circuits.
AUTOIMMUNE THYROID DISEASE AND GIANT CELL ARTERITIS: A REVIEW, CASE REPORT AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY
Authors: NICHOLSON G. C. , GUTTERIDGE D. H. , CARROLL W. M. , ARMSTRONG B. K. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:A 75‐year‐old man with the simultaneous onset of Graves' disease and giant cell arteritis is described. Although there have been few previous reports of simultaneous onset, literature review and a retrospective study of the records of this hospital suggest that the association of Graves' disease and the polymyalgia rheumatica‐giant cell arteritis syndrome is not simple coincidence. The patient's course was complicated by cerebral infarction secondary to either arterial thrombo‐embolism or arteritis.
CONGENITAL HEPATIC FIBROSIS ASSOCIATED WITH MALLORY BODIES AND COPPER RETENTION
Authors: EVANS J. , HARRIS O. , DETH A. G. VAN 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:New observations are described in a case of congenital hepatic fibrosis. Histochemical stains of liver tissue for copper (rhodanine) and copper associated protein (orcein) were positive and hepatic copper concentration, measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy, was markedly elevated being 550 μg/g dry weight (NR <30 μg/g dry weight). Mallory bodies were observed in several areas in liver sections. These observations have not been previously recorded in congenital hepatic fibrosis. Increased hepatic copper concentration in this case may have contributed to the production of liver damage. Hepatic copper concentration should be specifically measured in other patients with congenital hepatic fibrosis.
THE INTERACTIONS OF BODY WEIGHT, AGE, CIGARETTE SMOKING AND HORMONE USAGE WITH BLOOD PRESSURE AND PLASMA LIPIDS IN AN AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY
Authors: SIMONS L. A. , SIMONS J. , JONES A. S. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:The predicted variation of blood pressure and plasma lipid levels, based on association with body weight, age, cigarette smoking and oral contraceptive usage, was examined in 47 000 self‐referred subjects who attended a community programme for coronary risk factor screening. In both sexes, blood pressure and plasma lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels were positively correlated with age and body mass index (BMI, kg/m2). Plasma triglyceride concentrations were positively correlated with cigarette smoking. Partial correlation analysis showed age and BMI to be independently correlated with blood pressure and plasma lipids. Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels were correlated with each other independently of the effects of age and BMI. Multiple regression analysis showed age to be a more powerful predictor of blood pressure and plasma lipid levels in females than in males, while BMI was a more powerful predictor of blood pressure and plasma lipid levels in males than in females. Current cigarette smoking did not contribute to the prediction of blood pressure or plasma cholesterol level in either sex, but did predict a 10% higher plasma triglyceride level in both sexes. Oral contraceptive usage did not contribute to the prediction of plasma cholesterol level in multiple regression analysis, but did predict higher plasma triglyceride and blood pressure levels. In view of the high prevalence of overweight people in the Australian community, weight reduction would probably be associated with a significant fall in the risk of coronary heart disease, particularly in males.
PEER REVIEW OF UTILISATION OF MEDICAL BEDS AT FLINDERS MEDICAL CENTRE
Authors: POPPLEWELL P. Y. , CHALMERS J. P. , BURNS R. J. , MILLER C. D. J. , MULLINS P. G. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:A clinical audit of all medical inpatients was undertaken and the appropriateness of admissions and of length of stay was assessed from a clinical viewpoint on 4 separate days within an 11 day period. In addition, the mode of entry to hospital, length of stay of patients, occupancy rate, and the vacancy interval were analysed for all medical patients during the preceding three months.The mean length of stay of medical patients in hospital during this 3 month period was 5.6 days, with an occupancy rate of 93% and a vacancy interval of 0.43 days. Seventy‐four percent of all medical inpatients were admitted through the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E). The short length of stay, high occupancy rate and low vacancy interval indicated that bed usage in the medical wards was efficient.A total of 493 reviews was carried out on 294 individual patients. In 87% of cases, both admission to hospital and length of stay were appropriate on clinical grounds alone. The number of patients whose admission to hospital (11), or length of stay (27) was not justified on medical grounds alone was 38 (13% of total patients). These patients were elderly, or had complex social and psychological problems contributing to their illness. It was concluded that stricter control of admissions or length of stay was unlikely to make a significant number of beds available for other admissions.
VENTILATORY CONTROL IN TWO ASTHMATICS RESUSCITATED FROM RESPIRATORY ARREST*
Authors: OLSON L. G. , SAUNDERS N. A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Two female patients revived from fulminant attacks of asthma are described. Ventilatory responses to asphyxia in these patients were 0.70 ± 0.10 I min‐1% SaO2‐1 and 0.64 ± 0.21 I min‐1% SaO2‐1 (mean ± SEM), respectively. These values were significantly less than the responses of seven normal female subjects (1.54 ± 0.11 I min‐1% SaO2‐1 mean ± SEM; p<0.01). Ventilatory responses to hypercapnia of the two patients were in the low normal range. Dopamine‐receptor blockade with prochlorperazine significantly increased the ventilatory response to asphyxia in normal subjects (p<0.05 or less for each subject) but did not alter the depressed responses in the asthmatic patients. In one patient, naloxone in a dose of 400 μg reversed the decreased ventilatory responsiveness; the response to asphyxia was increased from 0.72 I min‐1% SaO‐1 to 1.80 I min‐1% SaO2‐1 (p<0.01) and the response to hypercapnia was increased from 0.90 I min‐1 mmHg‐1 to 4.80 I min‐1 mmHg‐1 (p<0.01). Naloxone had no effect in the second asthmatic patient nor in five normal subjects. Defective chemoreceptor responses to chemical stimuli may play a role in sudden death from asthma; endogenous opioids may mediate this disorder of ventilatory control.
ADVANCED BREAST CANCER: RESPONSE TO HIGH DOSE ORAL MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE
Authors: HEDLEY D. , DALGLEISH A. , RAGHAVAN D. , TATTERSALL M. H. N. , COATES A. , FOX R. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:We treated 105 patients with advanced breast cancer, using the progestational agent medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), 200 mg orally tds in a non‐randomised trial. In general they were a poor risk population, since 78 had received prior endocrine therapy (21 more than one type) and 58 prior chemotherapy. Treatment was well tolerated. Side effects included weight gain, muscle cramps, fine tremor and fluid retention, but these were usually mild, resolved if the dose of drug was reduced, and only one patient stopped treatment because of toxicity. Seventeen patients died within six weeks of starting MPA, and disease progression occurred in a further 58. Nine have had stable disease for periods ranging from two to 11 months, and there were 21 who showed disease regression. Response to treatment continues in 13 of these patients, and at the time of writing the median duration of response is 10 months. Response rates were similar in pre‐ and post‐menopausal patients.The dose of MPA was doubled to 400 mg tds in 16 patients whose disease had progressed on 200 mg tds, but no additional responses were seen in this group. Seven out of 24 (29%) patients who had not received prior endocrine therapy responded to high dose oral MPA, a response rate similar to that seen following other hormonal manipulations, but because the drug also has activity against hormone‐resistant tumours and is well tolerated, it should have a role in the treatment of advanced breast cancer.
SERUM AMYLASE, ISOAMYLASE AND LIPASE IN ACUTE ALCOHOLISM
Authors: D'EMDEN M. C. , WONG L. , HARRIS O. D. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Hyperamylasemia is found in asymptomatic alcoholics. The aim of this study was to document the incidence of elevations of serum amylase and lipase in asymptomatic alcoholics and to evaluate the contribution of salivary isoamylase to the total serum amylase. One hundred and three patients with acute alcohol withdrawal were studied. Total serum amylase was elevated in 7 patients (6.8%) of whom 4 (57%) showed elevation of salivary isoamylase. Elevated lipase levels were found in 11 patients (10.7%) but correlation of lipase levels with either amylase or isoamylase levels was poor. Thus there was a low but significant incidence of hyperamylasemia which resulted from an elevated salivary isoamylase in the majority of cases. Lipase determination did not assist in defining the origin of the hyperamylasemia and correlated poorly with the other enzymes. It is probably more sensitive than amylase in reflecting the toxic effects of alcohol on the pancreas