bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CAN SINCALIDE CHOLESCINTIGRAPHY FULFIL THE ROLE OF A GALL‐BLADDER STRESS TEST FOR PATIENTS WITH GALL‐BLADDER STONES?
Authors: Gani J. S. 
Published: January 2008

Background:Patients referred to general surgeons for the treatment of gall‐bladder stones were studied to evaluate the role of sincalide cholescintigraphy as a gall‐bladder stress test in an effort to identify a group of patients whose pain was non‐biliary in origin and who would not be improved by cholecystectomy.Methods:Ten asymptomatic controls and 57 patients with gallstones and abdominal symptoms were studied. All patients were interviewed by an independent assessor who identified a group of patients in whom the role of gallstones in their presentation was uncertain (clinically possibly biliary group). All patients and controls underwent sincalide cholescintigraphy. The surgeons remained blinded to the study results throughout the study period. All patients were re‐evaluated 6–12 months later to establish the ultimate diagnosis based on their therapeutic response.Results:Several parameters of gall‐bladder function were studied from analysis of the sincalide cholescintigram. Lag time, ejection period, ejection rate and ejection fraction did not differ significantly among controls, patients proven to have non‐biliary disease and patients proven to have biliary disease. There were significant differences in mean gall‐bladder filling fraction between proven biliary and proven non‐biliary groups. However, the group of patients with clinically possibly biliary symptoms could not accurately be separated into those who benefited from cholecystectomy and those who improved without surgery on the basis of this parameter.Conclusions:Significant differences in gall‐bladder filling fraction between symptomatic and asymptomatic gallstone patients were identified suggesting reduced gall‐bladder compliance in symptomatic patients. However, the sincalide cholescintigram failed to emerge as a useful gall‐bladder stress test. Even in the 1990s, assessment by an experienced surgeon appears to be the most appropriate way to select patients for cholecystectomy.
ROTATIONPLASTY OF THE LOWER LIMB FOR CHILDHOOD OSTEOSARCOMA OF THE FEMUR
Authors: Heeg M. , Torode I. P. 
Published: January 2008

Background: Surgical management of osteosarcoma of the limb in childhood often involves extensive surgery. Intervention ranges from local resection to amputation depending on the level and the extent of the disease process. However, where the disease is extensive the level of amputation may preclude effective prosthetic use. In these circumstances resection of the diseased segment of the limb, i.e. an intercalary amputation and reconstruction with rotation of the tibial component of the limb can provide function equivalent to a below‐knee amputee. Methods: To examine the role of rotationplasty of the lower limb for childhood osteosarcoma of the femur, a retrospective study was carried out which examined the function of five patients who had been treated by a tibial rotationplasty. The records of two patients who had died from metastatic disease 2 and 4 years after surgery were examined. The three surviving patients were examined clinically and their clinical records and radiographs were reviewed. Results: Of the two patients who died from metastatic disease, neither had local recurrence of the tumour, neurovascular complications, late derotations or psychological problems. In the three patients who survived, there had been no local recurrence of tumour or other complication and each has an excellent level of activity with below‐knee function using a rotationplasty prosthesis. Conclusions: For children with osteosarcoma of the femur and with extensive disease that precludes complete limb preservation, resection and tibial rotationplasty provides function far superior to a high above‐knee amputation or a hip disarticulation without the risk of local recurrence.
PRIMARY RECONSTRUCTION AFTER EXTENSIVE CHEST WALL RESECTION
Authors: Fui A. C. Y. , Hong G. S. , Ng E. H. , Soo K. C. 
Published: January 2008

Background: Chest wall resection and reconstruction has been proven to be a safe surgical procedure. This is particularly useful for breast cancer patients with chest wall recurrences or for those who first present with locally advanced cancer in the chest wall where there is both a large soft tissue and bony defect that need repair. In addition, many of these patients have had irradiation or chemotherapy, which can significantly impair wound healing. Methods: Thirty‐four patients underwent chest wall resection and primary reconstruction over an 8‐year period. Results: Twenty‐three patients had breast carcinomas and six had breast and chest wall sarcomas. Of the breast carcinoma patients, 12 had local recurrences and 11 presented with locally advanced primary disease. Bony resection of the chest wall was required in 16 (47%) cases. Thirty myocutaneous flaps (18 rectus abdominis, four pectoralis major, eight latissimus dorsi) and three omental flaps were used for reconstruction. One required a deltovertebral skin flap. Skeletal reconstruction was necessary in four cases. All except one (97%) achieved primary wound healing. There was one mortality (3%) and three patients required further surgery for complications that were related to the reconstruction. Post‐resection metastases occurred in 13 (42%) patients and only 2 (6%) had local recurrences. The 2‐year survival rate was 78% with a mean survival time of 25.5 months. Conclusions: Primary reconstruction for curative or palliative purposes is a useful and safe surgical procedure for patients with recurrent or locally advanced chest malignancies after extensive chest wall resection. Pedicled myocutaneous flap is the preferred option for skeletal and soft‐tissue coverage.
FUNCTIONAL POPLITEAL ENTRAPMENT SYNDROME
Authors: Deshpande Arvind , Denton Michael 
Published: January 2008

Background: Classic popliteal artery entrapment is caused by the abnormal relationship between the popliteal artery and the medial head of the gastrocnemius, resulting in repetitive arterial compression and trauma. There is, however, a distinct subset of calf claudicants who have an anatomically normal popliteal fossa but can occlude the popliteal artery by repetitive vigorous exercise which involves active plantar flexion with or without extension at the knee joint. Methods: Eight patients who led a vigorous athletic lifestyle were evaluated with duplex scan and biplane angiogram after being referred for bilateral calf claudication. They were found to have significant stenosis or occlusion of the popliteal artery with active plantar flexion. All patients had transection of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle with release of any vascular bands tethering the popliteal artery. Results: Seven of the eight patients had complete relief. One patient noticed return of claudication at long distances, but a postoperative angiogram was normal. In all patients postoperative duplex scan showed no stenosis or occlusion of the popliteal vessels with the foot in active plantar flexion and the knee in extension. Conclusions: Functional popliteal artery entrapment is becoming a significant cause of disabling claudication in young athletic individuals and needs to be diagnosed accurately for appropriate treatment. This condition is becoming well known with the incorporation of sports in the daily routine of most young people.
IMPROVING THE EASE AND SAFETY OF LAPAROSCOPY: A TECHNIQUE FOR OPEN INSERTION OF THE UMBILICAL TROCAR
Authors: Rice J. G. , McCall J. G. , Wattchow D. A. 
Published: January 2008

Background: Sharp cannulation of the abdominal cavity for laparoscopy occasionally causes life‐threating injury to major vessels. Methods: A technique of open cannulation is described to minimize this risk. Results: In over 2000 general surgical laparoscopies performed the Flinders Medical Centre, there were no major vessel injuries and only one bowel injury (prior to laparotomy). Conclusions: We advocate the use of open technique to minimize injuries caused by abdominal cannulation for laparoscopy.
THE TENSOR FASCIAE LATAE MYOCUTANEOUS FLAP CLOSURE OF MAJOR CHEST AND ABDOMINAL WALL DEFECTS
Authors: Gruen Russell L. , Morrison Wayne A. , Vellar Ivo D. 
Published: January 2008

Background: The usual methods of closure of major chest and abdominal wall defects have significant disadvantages. Skin grafts provide no structural support and result in incisional hernias. Synthetic mesh requires skin cover and is prone to infection and wound breakdown. The tensor fasciae latae (TFL) myocutaneous flap offers skin cover and a semi‐rigid fascial layer. We document our unit'experience in pedicled and free TFL flaps. Methods: The TFL flap closure of trunk defects was undertaken in 10 patients between August 1989 and April 1997. All cases were not amenable to primary closure and repair with synthetic mesh or skin grafts. Results: The defect was satisfactorily repaired in all cases without subsequent herniation. The closure techniques using a pedicled TFL flap and a TFL flap for a free‐tissue transfer are described. Conclusions: We conclude that the TFL flap is the method of choice for repairs of major truncal defects.
A PRELIMINARY EXPLORATION OF THE INTERACTIONAL SKILLS OF TRAINEE SURGEONS
Authors: Perkins J. J. , Sanson‐Fisher R. W. , Anseline P. , Gillespie W. J. , Lowe A. 
Published: January 2008

Background: The interactional skills of 21 surgical trainees were studied in the areas of breaking bad news to patients and preparing patients for potentially threatening medical procedures. When compared to the established guidelines for dealing with these issues, the trainees performed poorly. Methods: Trainees were videotaped using clinical histories delivered by simulated patients in simulated consulting rooms. All videos were scored on standard rating scales where the criteria for rating the specific interactional skills were adopted from existing guidelines. Results: The proportion of trainees who could meet the guidelines when breaking bad news was low. The proportion of trainees who met the guidelines were: closing the the consultation (0%), provided patient information about prognosis (43%) and treatment (38%) and when they gave support (10%). There were also low numbers of trainees who could meet the guidelines when they prepared patients for potentially threatening procedures. Ten per cent of trainees followed the guidelines when providing information, 25% could establish treatment goals, 35% could give a prognosis and 0% could deal appropriately with psychosocial issues or close the consultation appropriately. Conclusions: It is concluded that there is a need for further formal training in interactional skills as part of surgical training.
Social Indicators
Authors: Owens Helen 
Published: January 2008

This article was prepared by Helen Owens of the Institute research staff.Until the mid‐1960's it was generally accepted that gross national product provided not only a measure of economic performance but also a useful overall indicator of some aspects of human welfare. The limitations of GNP with respect to most non‐market phenomena were well recognised but the implicit assumption was made that the unmeasured aspects of welfare were positively related to changes in income as recorded in national accounts statistics. However, in the last decade or so, growing recognition of social costs and problems asociated with material advancement has led economists and other social scientists to look for new approaches to the measurement of social ‘progress’.1
Trying to Understand Stagflation
Authors: McDonald Ian M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAfter a brief account of some of the salient facts of Australia's recent economic experience, this paper reviews some explanations for the apparent failure of labour markets to clear in recession and then reviews some explanations for the fluctuations in the aggregate demand for labour. Next, some links between real wages and employment are examined. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for economic policy of the preceding analysis.
Flexible Exchange Rates‐Twelve Years After‐Are There Alternatives?
Authors: Argy V. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe article reviews the performance of flexible exchange rates in the last twelve years and considers whether there are any real alternatives to the present regime. It first presents an ‘idealised’ version of what flexible exchange rates were sup posed to do; it then shows how different the reality has been. The article evaluates, in some detail, two claims made for the flexible exchange rate system: that nominal rates would tend to move in line with relative prices and with other changes in fundamentals and that it would provide macroeconomic independence. The article concludes by providing a framework in terms of cost‐benefit analysis for the evaluation of alternative exchange rate regimes.
Australian Monetary Policy: Recent Experience and Some Current Issues
Authors: Davis Kevin 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis article surveys Australia's recent monetary experience highlighting current problems in interpreting the stance of monetary policy. It then examines changes in the techniques of monetary policy stemming from deregulation and changing views of the authorities. Finally, money supply control, deregulation and broad money growth, and commercial bill financing are analysed so as to help to shed light on the current problems of interpreting monetary condition.
Australia's Foreign Debt: 1975 to 1985
Authors: Dixon Peter B. , McDonald Daina 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis article analyses Australia's debt accumulation since 1975 and comments on possible future paths of adjustment. In Section 2 we derive a formula describing the dynamics of debt accumulation. In Section 3 we apply the formula with Australian data for the period 1975 to 1985. A detailed analysis of developments in Australia's goods and services account is provided. Section 4 presents concluding remarks and reviews policy options available to Australia in the light of its external economic position. The article includes two appendices. The first contains some forecasts for the next year of developments In Australia's external accounts. The second gives data details and sets out the algebra underlying various computations in the article.
The Rise and Fall of National Allocative Planning in Australia
Authors: Ward Ian , Kulkarni Anand 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn 1979 the Australian Labor Party's supreme policy making body, Federal Conference, proposed that a future Labor government embark on an extensive program of economic planning. In addition to continuing Keynesian monetary and fiscal policy, the Conference argued in favour of the introduction of a more comprehensive form of stability planning, or incomes policy; partial allocative, or industry, planning; and a national allocative plan. Since coming to power in 1983, the Federal Government has introduced an incomes policy as well as a number of industry plans. However, it has rejected national allocative planning. In this article we discuss the differences between these forms of economic planning and analyse the reasons which might explain the Government's rejection of national allocative planning.
Australia: The Conning of Age
Authors: Kelley Allen C. , Duke James B. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAustralia faces a relatively favourable demographic future: ageing is proceeding at a slower pace here, the pattern of the labour force ageing is conducive to restructuring in the intermediate future, and a well‐established immigration policy can be used to accommodate demographics with social and economic goals. The financing of social services for the aged will produce fewer concerns here partly because of less immediate demographic pressures and partly because of the orientation of the age‐pension system. Provided there are increasing investments in today's youth, then chances of longer term productivity retardation from ageing will be lessened and the necessary funding base for aged welfare secured.
The Effects of Government size on Economic Performance: a Quantitative Assessment of a Budget Reduction
Authors: Dee Philippa 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA question featuring prominently in policy debates over the last few years is whether Australia can gain from having smaller government. Proponents have stressed beneficial impacts on the supply side of the economy; opponents have stressed the deflationary impact from possible reductions in demand. This article provides a quantitative assessment of this essentially empirical question, namely, whether supply or demand responses would dominate. It suggests that over the short term, demand contraction may be important. In the longer term, increased incentives can expand Australia's productive capacity, although incentives to work longer appear less important than incentives created for capital accumulation. But the longer term expansion may be crucially dependent on foreign investor acquiescence to increased involvement in the Australian economy.
Is Monetary Policy Too Tight?
Authors: Harper Ian R. , Lim G. C. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMonetary policy has steadily become tighter over the past twelve months. In various statements, the Government has indicated its view that monetary policy needs to be tight in order to subdue an ‘excessively high’ rate of growth of domestic demand. This article asks whether the current stance of monetary policy is now too restrictive and, if so, what the consequences might be for the pattern and growth of economic activity during 1989‐90. A number of scenarios based on alternative settings of monetary policy in 1989‐90 are derived from a short‐term simulation model of the Australian economy. The scenarios suggest that, if monetary policy remains at the current degree of tightness, the Australian economy may well experience a recession in 1989‐90. Some easing of monetary conditions is mandatory if a sharp and unnecessary slowdown of economic activity is to be avoided. Exactly how far monetary policy should be eased depends crucially on the rate of growth of autonomous investment.
Worldwide Tax Reform ‘How Does Australia Compare?’
Authors: Sandford Cedric 
Published: January 2008

Drawing principally on the English‐speaking countries, where tax reform has proceeded furthest, the common characteristics and causes of the worldwide tax reform movement of the 1980s are examined. Tax reform reflected the change in economic philosophy — disillusionment with state intervention and a revival of belief in the efficacy of markets.The causes and content of tax reform in Australia have much in common with those elsewhere except that the reduction in marginal rates of income tax was achieved with no real change in the tax mix. The success of tax reform is assessed using as criteria: (i) how far the outcome matched the objectives specified by the reformers themselves — in particular tax neutrality; (ii) the sustain‐ability of the reforms; and (iii) how far ‘undesirable’ consequences (especially distributional effects) were avoided. Applying these criteria to Ireland, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, New Zealand and Australia, it is concluded that in all these countries there are deficiencies, but Australia comes second to New Zealand in the success league. The notable Australian deficiencies are the lack of a broad‐based consumption tax (Australia is now the only OECD country without one) and the fact that lower marginal rates of income tax have been achieved mainly because of falling real thresholds of the tax brackets.
Poverty Among Young Australians
Authors: Bell David N. F. , Rimmer Russell J. , Rimmer Sheila M. 
Published: January 2008

In this article the incidence of poverty among the young is explained in terms of their labour force experience, educational attainment, gender, and living arrangements. The availability of the Australian Longitudinal Survey data enables the incomes of individuals to be related to many other socioeconomic variables over a number of years.Generally the poor do not have high levels of education. About half of those classified as poor, endured a poverty spell of one year. But less than five per cent of the poor were so in each of the four survey years. Many of the poor were studying. Their low current incomes were presumably endured in the anticipation of high future earnings. The young women who were poor, many with children, were typically living in households offering them no additional financial support.
Australia, Japan and the OECD: GDP Rankings and Revealed Preference
Authors: Dowrick Steve , Quiggin John 
Published: January 2008

AbstractData on volumes and prices of consumption and investment are used to compare Australian real GDP for 1990 with the other OECD countries. Australian consumption patterns, including leisure, and price structure are very different from most other countries and especially from those of Japan. The Australian bundle of consumption, investment and leisure is revealed preferred to that of Japan and a number of other countries which are conventionally ranked above Australia in comparisons of real GDP per capita at international prices.
Forecasting and Futurology
Authors: Johnson David , Kenyon Peter 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research has published forecasts of the Australian economy since the late 1960s. These forecasts (usually 12 to 18 months ahead) have been dominated by short‐term macroeconomic factors. Compared with when the IAESR commenced its forecasting, there are now many forecasters who concentrate on the performance of the Australian economy over the short term. There is, however, a dearth of regular commentary which focuses on policy options for the medium to long term.This article is the first of many which will aim to fill this perceived gap. In so doing we shall adopt a wider concept of forecasting called futurology.In this approach, many constraints of traditional forecasting are relaxed. In particular, we allow responses by economic agents to policy changes. This will suggest plausible situations in which different outcomes are possible. Our purpose is not to suggest what the future will be, but what it might be under different scenarios.Here, we put together some necessary ingredients to facilitate futurology. We review recent Australian economic performance, consider the implications of meeting a goal of five per cent unemployment by the year 2000 and outline some important influences on likely future growth. We suggest that new growth theory may provide a policy framework to achieve both high growth and low unemployment, noting the constraints imposed by increasing globalisation.In subsequent articles, we shall employ these ingredients to write out plausible timepaths setting out how desirable end‐points (including the reduction of unemployment) may be achieved.
Balance Sheet Restructuring and Investment
Authors: Mills Karen , Morling Steven , Tease Warren 
Published: January 2008

Abstract This article looks at the evolution of corporate balance sheets and investment over the past few years.We find that many companies have significantly improved their balance sheets in this time. Leverage has been reduced, and this, coupled with lower nominal interest rates, has improved the interest cover and cash flows of the corporate sector. For many firms, the process of balance sheet repair has proceeded a long way so that the extent to which the financial position of firms will impinge on investment is much lower than it was a few years ago.Looking further ahead, it appears that the rate of return to investing in capital is relatively high, at least when judged against the standards of earlier downturns. With the recovery picking up pace we should, therefore, see firms more inclined to expand their capital expenditure and less focused on financial restructuring.