bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Publication bias in presentations o the Annual Scientific Congress
Authors: Kiroff George K. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Free papers presented to the Annual Scientific Congress (ASC) of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) were reviewed for the years 1994, 1995 and 1996. Reports were examined for evidence of publication bias. Methods: Suitable free papers were identified from the proceedings of the meetings and authors were contacted to obtain information about the research reported and any publications resulting from it. Results: Responses were obtained from 302 of 576 presentations considered suitable. A total of 55% of responding authors reported publication of their paper. Basic science papers were most likely to be published. There was a significant bias in favour of publication of positive results (98 of 139 positive vs 76 of 159 inconclusive or negative reports; P < 0.01). Retrospective data were as likely to be published as prospective (51% and 57%, respectively). Reports describing studies of high‐level evidence were more likely to be published in journals with a high impact factor. Conclusion: The ASC is a comprehensive meeting that attracts a wide range of free papers from most sections of the RACS. There appears to be no evidence of bias in selection of papers for inclusion in the meeting but there is bias in the subsequent publication, which favours positive reports.
Management of extravasation injuries
Authors: Kumar Rohit J. , Pegg Stuart P. , Kimble Roy M. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Various agents have been implicated in causing tissue necrosis after intravenous infusions have extravasated. These include solutions of calcium, potassium, bicarbonate, hypertonic dextrose, cytotoxic drugs and antibiotics. Views on management of these injuries differ, and range from a non‐operative conservative approach to early debridement and grafting. Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken of the hospital files of patients with extravasation injuries seen in three Australian hospitals. Nine patients were identified, and their management and long‐term follow up are reported. Results: Age ranged from 17 days to 60 years. Two patients received their injuries from solutions containing isotonic dextrose/saline. The other seven patients received injuries from a variety of solutions including calcium gluconate (n = 1), parenteral nutrition (n = 1), sodium bicarbonate (n = 1), immunoglobulin (n = 1), gentamicin and penicillin (n = 1), flucloxacillin (n = 1), and the chemotherapeutic agents epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (n = 1). The sites involved included the dorsum of the right foot (n = 3), the dorsum of the left foot (n = 3), the right groin (n = 1), the right hand (n = 1) and the left hand (n = 1). Four patients were managed by delayed debridement and split skin grafting, while five were treated non‐operatively. Prolonged scar management was necessary in seven of the nine patients. Final results were satisfactory in all patients who received skin grafting and in all patients who were managed conservatively. Conclusions: Management of extravasation injuries should be conservative if possible. Delayed debridement and split skin grafting is required if the area of skin loss is extensive. Scar management remains a problem. Prevention of these injuries with the education of both medical and nursing staff remains the ultimate aim.
Lumbrical muscle with an additional origin in the forearm
Authors: Singh Gurmit , Bay Boon‐Huat , Yip George W. C. , Tay Samuel 
Published: March 2003

Background: Although variations in the attachments of the lumbrical muscles have been commonly reported, these have been seen mainly in the Caucasian population. The present study is the first reported case of such an anomaly in a Chinese cadaver in the literature. Methods: The upper extremities of 26 Chinese (23 male and three female) cadavers were examined. Results: Dissection of a male 66‐year‐old Chinese cadaver has revealed the rare case of a bipennate first lumbrical muscle with an additional origin extending from the distal part of the forearm. Its first origin arose from the flexor digitorum profundus in the hand distal to the flexor retinaculum. The intrinsic muscles in the hands of all the other cadavers were normal. Conclusions: An anomalous origin of the lumbrical from muscles in the forearm has the potential to cause compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel.
Cusum analysis of trends in operative selection and conversion rates for laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Bartlett Adam , Parry Bryan 
Published: March 2003

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) requires a high degree of technical ability, spatial resolution and dexterity. Assessing trainees and competent operators is an important aspect of quality assurance in patient care. Most institutions quote mean conversion rate as a method of comparing operators’ performance. The purpose of the present study was to use the technique of cumulative sum (cusum) analysis to determine whether a learning curve phenomenon exists in operators performing LC. Methods: Data were obtained retrospectively by reviewing the operative records of all patients undergoing elective and acute cholecystectomy for a 30‐month period coinciding with the commencement of LC at North Shore Hospital. Patients’ age and gender, date and type of operative procedure, duration of operation, and name of operator were recorded. Mean and cusum‐transformed data were derived for all operations as well as for four individual operators’ performances. Results: Over the study period a total of 614 cholecystectomies was performed, with 85% attempted laparoscopically. A total of 9.8% required conversion to the open technique. Time trend analysis with the cusum technique for all surgeons revealed an inverse relationship between selection rate and conversion rate. Analysis of four individual surgeons revealed three different time trend profiles. Conclusion: There was a direct inverse relationship between conversion rate and selection rate, in that careful selection is associated with a low conversion rate. Comparison of individual surgeons’ performance showed wide variation, with only one surgeon exhibiting the phenomenon of a learning curve. Contrary to other reports, we found that performance on LC was not always related to operative experience. This highlights the need for a more objective method to analyse operator competence than operator experience alone.
Anastomotic leak in colorectal surgery: A single surgeon’s experience
Authors: Isbister William H. 
Published: March 2003

Background: Anastomotic leakage following colorectal resection and anastomosis has been proposed as a colorectal surgical indicator. Leak rates after elective surgery vary and tend to be higher as anastomoses become lower. The present study audits leak rates and outcomes of patients undergoing colorectal surgery, under the care of a single surgeon, in two geographically different centres. Methods: Patients presenting to the University Colorectal Service in Wellington between 1975 and 1990 and patients presenting to the colorectal service at King Faisal Specialist Hospital (KFSH) between 1990 and 1999 were recorded in computerized databases. These databases were searched for patients who developed anastomotic leakage. The records of patients identified were examined in relation to diagnoses, presentation, primary operation, further surgery performed, and final outcome. Results: Two thousand and 11 patients were entered into the Wellington database and 1348 were entered into the Riyadh database. Twenty‐nine patients with a leaking anastomosis (3.6%) were identified. There were 19 male patients. The postoperative mortality rate in patients who did not leak was 1.7% but in patients who developed a leak after the same operation this rate was 24.1%. Most patients who sustained a leak had an original diagnosis of colorectal cancer. More non‐leaking anastomoses were sutured. Sixteen patients with leaks (55.2%) received perioperative total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (9.2% in the no‐leak group). Leaking anastomoses were associated with more postoperative respiratory problems (55.2%vs 24.0%) and wound infections (65.5%vs 14.8%). Of the 22 living patients, seven had no surgical intervention, 14 had stomata (two stomata were retained) and one patient with a localized leak was drained percutaneously. Five other patients in addition to having a stoma constructed were drained percutaneously. No patient developed an enteric fistula following leakage. Conclusion: Anastomotic leakage may be minimized by ensuring that patients are as fit as possible prior to surgery, stomata are used liberally, particularly in emergency patients, and a good anastomotic technique is utilized at all times. Despite these precautions some patients will still develop a leak and if timely and appropriate action is taken the majority will survive and have their stomata closed.
Multiple authorship in published occupational therapy reports
Authors: Mahmoud Hossam , Paterson Janis , Abu‐Zidan Fikri M. 
Published: March 2003

This study aimed at evaluating the extent of multiple authorship in published occupational therapy reports. Multiple authorship is the listing of more than one author for a paper. A review of the original articles of five English‐language occupational therapy journals published during the last 10 years (1989–1998) was carried out. The total number of articles examined was 2131. There was no statistically significant change over time in the number of authors in the five journals when combined together. However, when each journal was studied individually, there was a significant change in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy ( P < 0.001, Kruscal–Wallis test) and the Occupational Therapy Journal of Research ( P < 0.05, Kruscal–Wallis test). The maximum number of authors from a single department was significantly higher in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. There was a significant correlation between the number of authors per article and the maximum number of authors from a single department ( R = 0.70, F = 2106, P < 0.0001) and a significant correlation between the number of authors per article and the number of departments involved in the study ( R = 0.68, F = 1822, P < 0.0001). This study shows that multiple authorship is not a major problem in the published occupational therapy reports.
Cerebellopontine angle Hodgkin’s disease
Authors: Antonio Gregory , Dahlstrom Jane , Chandran K Nadana , O’Neil Ross 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYIntracranial Hodgkin’s disease is a rare site of involvement, and even more rare is its presentation as a cerebellopontine angle mass. The imaging findings are non‐specific but the rapid response to therapy may provide a clue to diagnosis.
Meningeal infiltration in recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chong Vincent Fh , Fan Yoke‐Fun 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYPermeative infiltration of the meninges appears to be a distinct form of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The present report of eight patients with recurrent NPC illustrates meningeal infiltration following basal foramina extension. Seven of the eight patients (88%) showed jugular foramen involvement. Three patients had concomitant infiltration of the foramen magnum. There was one patient showing spread through the foramen lacerum. Only four (50%) of these patients had clinically detectable tumour in the nasopharynx, while the other half showed deep submucosal recurrence with endoscopically unremarkable findings. Permeative meningeal infiltration appears to be a distinct form of NPC recurrence. It is important to recognize this phenomenon so as to optimize the treatment options.
Early glottic carcinoma: Results of treatment by radiotherapy
Authors: Smee R , Bridger Gp , Williams J , Fisher R 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYThe purpose of the present paper was to review the results of treating early (stages T1–2N0) glottic, squamous cell carcinoma by radiotherapy in the Department of Radiation Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney. A retrospective review was carried out of all patients seen in the department from 1967 to 1994, inclusive. To be eligible, patients had to have newly diagnosed cancer and to have been treated with curative intent by radiotherapy alone. Three hundred and sixty‐nine patients satisfied the eligibility requirements. The mean follow‐up time was 12.2 years (maximum: 28 years). At 5 years the actuarial local control rate was 80% (84% for stage T1 and 72% for T2). The ultimate local control rate was 96%. The overall survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 73% and 52%, respectively. The risk of nodal recurrence was much higher after persisting disease or local recurrence. Our results confirm the high cure rates achieved with this modality of treatment and are comparable with those reported in the literature.
A study of concurrent radiochemotherapy with paclitaxel in glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Julka Pk , Awasthy Bs , Rath Gk , Agarwal S , Varna T , Mahapatra Ak , Singh R 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYDespite advances in neurosurgery and radiotherapy, the prognosis of patients with glioblastoma multiforme remains poor. Reports in the literature about the radiosensitizing properties of paclitaxel stimulated the authors to conduct a study using paclitaxel concurrently with radiation in a group of 18 patients who had residual disease postoperatively. Paclitaxel was delivered weekly as an intravenous infusion in a dose of 60 mg/m 2 along with radiation to the primary lesion. A total of 108 cycles of paclitaxel was given. All the patients tolerated the treatment well. The main side effects were haematological, and neuropathy which was self‐limiting. The overall 1‐year survival rate was 70%, with 12 patients alive at 13 months. The median survival has not yet been reached although it is more than 13 months. Thus, paclitaxel can be safely delivered concomitantly with radiation in patients with glioblastoma multiforme. Larger, randomized trials are required to establish the comparative efficacy of paclitaxel as a radiosensitizer in glioblastoma multiforme.
Synovial, chondropathic, depositional: The radiological categories of arthritis. A review
Authors: Alexander Colin 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYThe accepted optimum logic frame for complex diagnostic problems is sequential hypothesis testing. The X‐ray diagnosis of arthritis has now become sufficiently complex to make this the procedure of choice, but standard classifications of arthritis lack the discriminatory power needed for its effective deployment. This obstacle can be overcome if these standard classifications are replaced by a more discriminant classification based on radiologically identifiable discriminators. This classification divides arthritis into three groups: synovial, chondropathic and depositional. The initial categorization is usually made fairly simply from two or three markers, of which the most important is the site of any erosions present. Once categorized, the subsequent analysis can proceed in an approximately binary manner using the discriminators appropriate for that category. The use of this radiological classification simplifies the diagnostic approach, reduces the workload, and provides the algorithm needed for sequential hypothesis testing.
Two‐tone pancreas on T1‐weighted images: Correlation with abnormalities on magnetic resonance pancreatography
Authors: Matar Luke D , Frazer Christopher 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYTwo patients are presented in whom geographical alteration in signal between areas of normal and abnormal pancreatic tissue on T1‐weighted magnetic resonance images of the pancreas was observed. This alteration in signal intensity produced a ‘two‐tone’ pattern; magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in both patients revealed altered pancreatic duct drainage. It is believed that the ‘two‐tone’ pancreas effect on T1‐weighted images of the abdomen, may indicate aberrant duct drainage and that MRCP is an ideal means of further evaluation.
Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy: An unusual manifestation in nasopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Biswal BM , Kareem A , Ahmed NM 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYA patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma developed clubbing and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy 6 months before radiological detection of secondary deposits in the lung. Another patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma developed digital clubbing and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy 6 months after the discovery of lung metastases. Development of a paraneoplastic syndrome in the form of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy and digital clubbing is very rare. This manifestation of nasopharyngeal cancers is presented, with a short review of its biology and pathogenesis.
Computed tomography versus intravenous urography in diagnosis of acute flank pain from urolithiasis: A randomized study comparing imaging costs and radiation dose
Authors: Thomson Jacqueline MZ , Glocer Jeffrey , Abbott Christopher , Maling Thomas MJ 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYThe equivalent sensitivity of non‐contrast computed tomography (NCCT) and intravenous urography (IVU) in the diagnosis of suspected ureteric colic has been established. Approximately 50% of patients with suspected ureteric colic do not have a nephro‐urological cause for pain. Because many such patients require further imaging studies, NCCT may obviate the need for these studies and, in so doing, be more cost effective and involve less overall radiation exposure. The present study compares the total imaging cost and radiation dose of NCCT versus IVU in the diagnosis of acute flank pain. Two hundred and twenty‐four patients (157 men; mean age 45 years; age range 19–79 years) with suspected renal colic were randomized either to NCCT or IVU. The number of additional diagnostic imaging studies, cost (IVU A$136; CTU A$173), radiation exposure and imaging times were compared. Of 119 (53%) patients with renal obstruction, 105 had no nephro‐urological causes of pain. For 21 (20%) of these patients an alternative diagnosis was made at the initial imaging, 10 of which were significant. Of 118 IVU patients, 28 (24%) required 32 additional imaging tests to reach a diagnosis, whereas seven of 106 (6%) NCCT patients required seven additional imaging studies. The average total diagnostic imaging cost for the NCCT group was A$181.94 and A$175.46 for the IVU group (P < 0.43). Mean radiation dose to diagnosis was 5.00 mSv (NCCT) versus 3.50 mSv (IVU) (P < 0.001). Mean imaging time was 30 min (NCCT) versus 75 min (IVU) (P < 0.001). Diagnostic imaging costs were remarkably similar. Although NCCT involves a higher radiation dose than IVU, its advantages of faster diagnosis, the avoidance of additional diagnostic imaging tests and its ability to diagnose other causes makes it the study of choice for acute flank pain at Christchurch Hospital.
Methanol intoxication with bilateral basal ganglia infarct
Authors: Çomoğlu Selçuk , Özen Banu , Özbakır Şenay 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYMethanol is a toxic agent that affects the central nervous system, especially the optic nerves and basal ganglia. Symmetrical hypodense lesions in the basal ganglia, which can be demonstrated by CT or MRI, is accepted as the most characteristic radiological feature of the disease. A case of a patient with bilateral putaminal hypodense infarcts due to methanol intoxication is presented.
Chordoma: Review of clinicoradiological features and factors affecting survival
Authors: Soo Mark YS 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYThis study reviews the clinicoradiological features of cranial and sacrospinal chordomas and identifies factors affecting survival. Nineteen patients seen between January 1980 and December 2000 with histopathological diagnosis of chordomas were retrospectively reviewed with reference to clinical presentation, imaging features, treatment modalities and post‐therapy status. Eight had tumours in the skull base while 11 patients had spinal and sacrococcygeal lesions. Surgical resection was performed in 16 patients whose subsequent natural history was used to identify clinical indicators that may influence survival. Completeness of resection, age, gender and postoperative irradiation were subjected to analysis using the Cox proportional hazard models. Kaplan–Meir survival curves illustrate the survival distributions. Diplopia and facial pain are prime clinical presentations in cranial lesions, while extremity weakness and a sacrogluteal mass are common complaints in the sacrospinal group. Lesional calcifications are present in 40% while an osteolytic soft tissue mass is detectable by CT in all cases. Heterogeneous signals and internal septations on T2‐weighted MRI are predominant features. In sacrospinal tumours, complete excision with adjuvant radiotherapy achieves the best results with a disease‐free survival of more than 5 years. The clinical and imaging findings in this study are in accordance with those of other series. Except for complete surgical excision followed by radiotherapy in the subset of patients with sacrospinal tumours, none of the other clinical indicators show a statistical significant influence on survival.
Disappearing liver sign
Authors: Loh Y Han , Dunn Graham D 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYThe development of a pneumothorax is a recognized complication of ultrasound‐guided percutaneous liver biopsy. A way of detecting such a complication using real‐time ultrasound is described, whereby the well‐visualized liver disappears from the monitor screen. We also discuss the reasons for this occurrence.
Primary leiomyosarcoma of inferior vena cava, a rare entity: Imaging features
Authors: Hemant Deshmukh , Krantikumar Rathod , Amita Joshi , Chawla Ashish , Ranjeet Narlawar 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYLeiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is an uncommon neoplasm, most frequently seen in the sixth decade with a female predominance. Imaging modalities allow an early and accurate preoperative diagnosis resulting in a higher rate of surgical resection and improved survival. Imaging findings in a 65‐year‐old woman with leiomyosarcoma of IVC are described. Computed tomography and MRI typically showed a non‐fatty, necrotic intraluminal IVC mass with extension to retroperitoneal compartments. Cavography was useful to evaluate the collateral circulation associated with the extensive intraluminal mass. The lesion was biopsied under ultrasound guidance.
Investigations of fatal causes of chest pain: Case report and literature review
Authors: Kalouche H 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYA case of fatal ascending aortic dissection (AAD) misdiagnosed as pulmonary embolism (PE) despite strong radiological evidence is described. The occurrence of this serious pathology is uncommon. Its prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Anticoagulant therapy for pulmonary embolism should be withheld until acute aortic dissection is excluded definitively. A management approach to optimise the outcome of patients with chest pain in which ascending aortic dissection and/or pulmonary embolism are suspected is presented.
Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome: Magnetic resonance imaging findings in endomyocardial fibrosis
Authors: Puvaneswary Murugasu , Joshua Fred , Ratnarajah Siva 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYSignificant eosinophilia and even eosinophilic tissue infiltration has been associated with a variety of clinical disorders including allergic and immunodeficiency states, drug reaction, infection, parasitic infestation and malignancy. Eosinophilia without an underlying aetiology and with multi‐organ dysfunction has been designated idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome. We report a case of endomyocardial fibrosis with MRI findings.