bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism: controversies, practical issues and the need for Australian guidelines
Authors: Glendenning P. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is one of the most common endocrine disease processes, however the clinical presentation in 2003 is typically characterized by minimal signs or symptoms of hypercalcaemia or para­thyroid hormone (PTH) excess. Recent developments in imaging and management of PHPT have been published, however the area of biochemical investigation has been relatively neglected. A group of experts convened in April 2002 to consider whether changes were needed to the 1990 consensus guidelines which defined criteria for the diagnosis and management of asymptomatic PHPT. It is appropriate to review the revised recommendations, which have been disseminated by the panel and were recently published. Each of the laboratory ­analytes used to establish the diagnosis of PHPT and exclude alternative diagnoses or complications will be considered in succession in this review: (i) calcium, (ii) intact PTH, (iii) urinary calcium and (iv) 25 hydroxy­vitamin D. Furthermore, critical appraisal of the new diagnostic criteria and their applicability to Australian laboratories will be addressed. Finally, limitations and problems associated with the measurement of each analyte will be reviewed. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 598−603)
Bronchodilator reversibility in Australian adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Reid D. W. , Soltani A. , Johns D. P. , Bish R. , Williams T. J. , Burns G. P. , Walters E. H. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract Background and aims:  Bronchodilator reversibility (BDR) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use were assessed for volunteers who responded to an advertisement requesting current or ex‐smokers who were experiencing breathlessness to attend for lung function testing.Methods:  One hundred and fifty‐four volunteers responded. Forced expiratory volume (FEV1) was measured before and after 400 µg of salbutamol. Significant BDR was assessed according to guidelines of: (i) the American Thoracic Society (≥12% plus 200 mL of baseline FEV1 or forced vital capacity), (ii) the British ­Thoracic Society (BTS) (≥15% plus 200 mL of baseline FEV1), (iii) the European Thoracic Society (≥10% predicted FEV1), and (iv) the most commonly used criteria in Australia and New Zealand (≥15% of baseline FEV1).Results: One hundred and twenty‐three subjects (33 female; 40 current smokers; median pack years 48 (range 5−144)) were suitable for analysis (i.e. had no history of asthma, demonstrable airflow limitation and a forced expiratory ratio (FER) of <70%). Twenty (16%) patients had an FEV1 within the normal range but FER of <70%, 24 (20%) patients had mild disease (FEV1 60−80% predicted), 31 (24%) patients had moderate disease (FEV1 40−59% predicted), and 48 (39%) patients had severe disease (FEV1 <40% predicted), according to BTS criteria. Significant BDR was evident in: (i) 58 (47%) subjects by American criteria, (ii) 26 (21%) subjects by British criteria, (iii) 19 (15%) subjects by European criteria and (iv) 36 (29%) subjects by Australasian criteria. ICS use was reported by 71 (58%) subjects overall and was weakly, but significantly, related to poorer FEV1 (r = −0.2; P < 0.01), and greater BDR (r = 0.3; P < 0.005).Conclusion: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Australian volunteers with no history of asthma encompasses many individuals with significant BDR. Interestingly, most volunteers reported ICS use and this was related to poorer spirometry and greater BDR. However, until the underlying immuno­pathology has been determined they cannot be assumed to have ‘asthma’ or even an ‘asthmatic element’. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 572−577)
The Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation: a decade of support for medical research in Australia
Authors: Whitworth J. A. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract The Sylvia and Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation (http://www.alfredresearch.orgexternalviertel.htm) recently celebrated its first decade of support for medical research in Australia. Its contribution to Australian medical research has centred on support of outstanding young people through Senior Medical Research Fellowships and a unique grant‐in‐aid programme for clinical investigators. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 610−612)
Australasian haematologist referral patterns to palliative care: lack of consensus on when and why
Authors: Auret K. , Bulsara C. , Joske D. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract Background:  Patients with haematological malignancies are not referred to palliative care services as frequently as those with solid cancers (non haematological malignancies).Aims:  The present study surveyed haematologists in Australia and New Zealand. We aimed to record theoret­ical referral times, identify problems with referral to palliative care and clarify elements used to decide whether a patient was ‘terminally ill’.Methods: A questionnaire based on the case‐histories of three patients (with acute leukaemia, lymphoma or mul­tiple myeloma) was distributed at the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand Congress 2000, Perth, Australia. Each case was divided into stages by transitional points in the illness to include issues or prognostic variables that may stimulate referral to ­palliative care. Questions were asked about: (i) referral ­triggers, (ii) problems previously experienced, (iii) definition of when the patient was ‘terminally ill’, (iv) prognostication difficulties and (v) communication about prognosis.Results: The response rate was 11%, which may represent up to 32% of Australian specialists. Eighty per cent had access to all types of palliative care services and refer for symptom control, regardless of illness stage. Twenty‐nine per cent had experienced difficulties in referring. There was a variation as to exactly when referral would occur and when each case was considered ‘terminally ill’. Reasons for early or later referral were explored. Prognostication difficulties were common.Conclusions: In theory there is a willingness to refer to palliative care, however this has yet to be translated to day‐to‐day practice. This may be due to prognostication difficulties, logistical factors and medical concerns. Models of referral are suggested for further study. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 566−571)
Impact of an integrated approach to diabetes care at the Rumbalara Aboriginal Health Service
Authors: Simmons D. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract Aims:  To describe the effectiveness of an integrated ­primary−secondary care diabetes clinic on metabolic control among indigenous patients in a rural communityMethods:  A retrospective audit of attendance to the clinic over 2 years (2 August 1999 to 31 August 2001). The service included a weekly specialist diabetes clinic integrated with the primary care team at the Rumbalara Aboriginal Health Service, Mooroopna, Victoria, Australia. Between clinics, follow up was provided by the Aboriginal health worker and other members of the integrated care team. Of the 47 patients seen, 20 had an HbA1c persistently ≥9.0% (of 21 patients identified in the community) and seven had gestational diabetes.Results:  Among 40 patients without gestational diabetes, microalbuminuria or proteinuria were present in 62%, retinopathy was present in 50%, neuropathy was present in 50% and at least one past cardiac or vascular event/surgical procedure had occurred in 25%. Of these, the 30 patients seen more than once increased their self glucose monitoring (baseline (53.3%) vs. last visit (90%); P = 0.003) and reduced their HbA1c (10.4 ± 2.2%vs. 7.9 ± 1.9%; P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (138 ± 20 vs. 127 ± 18 mmHg; P = 0.003) and diastolic blood pressure (78 ± 11 vs. 73 ± 12 mmHg; P = 0.037) and total cholesterol (6.1 ± 1.7 vs. 5.1 ± 1.6 mmol/L; P = 0.002), but not their weight, smoking or triglycerides.Conclusion: The introduction of an integrated diabetes care service in an Aboriginal health service can overcome many of the pre‐existing barriers to achieving metabolic targets. Poor metabolic control in Aboriginal patients is often due to lack of resources and inappropriateness of approach, rather than ‘compliance’. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 581−585)
Diagnosis of malaria aided by polymerase chain reaction in two cases with low‐level parasitaemia
Authors: Speers D. J. , Ryan S. , Harnett G. , Chidlow G. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract Light microscopy of thick and thin blood smears is the mainstay of malaria diagnosis. In situations of low‐level parasitaemia such as drug‐modified disease, however, this may be difficult making clinical management problematic. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods have shown high sensitivity for the diagnosis of malaria and are able to differentiate the Plasmodium species involved. Two cases are presented in the present study, which illustrate how a PCR method can aid light microscopic malaria diagnosis and species differentiation in returned travellers with low‐level parasitaemia. Plasmodium vivax was detected by PCR prior to the light microscopy becoming positive in one case, and in the second case Plasmodium malariae was detected when light micro­s­copy was unable to speciate the causative Plasmodium species. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 613−615)
Water Quality Statistics
Authors: Hodgson Ted , Andersen Lyle , Robison‐Cox Jim , Jones Clain 
Published: December 2003

SummaryWater quality experiments, especially the use of macroinvertebrates as indicators of water quality, offer an ideal context for connecting statistics and science. In the STAR program for secondary students and teachers, water quality experiments were also used as a context for teaching statistics. In this article, we trace one activity that uses virtual streams and repeated sampling to develop the notion of a hypothesis test for one proportion.
Sensory characteristics of fufu prepared with cassava roots (Manihot esculenta Crantz) stored in polyethylene sacks
Authors: Opare‐Obisaw Clara , Asante Isaac Kojo , Annan Ekua Koba 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis study was carried out to assess the effect of storage of cassava roots in polyethylene sacks for periods of 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks on the sensory characteristics of cassava fufu, a popular Ghanaian dish. Freshly harvested cassava roots were dipped in tap water and packed into polyethylene sacks in 2‐kg batches and stored at room temperature (25°C ± 1°C). Samples of fresh cassava fufu were evaluated and then at two weekly intervals for a period of 8 weeks. Attributes evaluated were colour, smell, elasticity, smoothness and taste. A structured six‐point ranking scale ranging from 6 (excellent) to 1 (very poor) was used for the evaluation. The data were analysed using analysis of variance, and the least significance difference test at P < 0.05 was used to determine differences between means. The results showed that storage of cassava roots for up to 8 weeks did not significantly affect the colour, smell, elasticity and taste of cassava fufu. However, smoothness of fufu prepared with cassava stored for 6 and 8 weeks was significantly different from the samples of the fresh cassava, and those stored for 2 and 4 weeks. It was concluded that cassava roots stored for periods up to 8 weeks in polyethylene sacks produced fufu of similar characteristics as fresh cassava fufu. This method is therefore recommended for use by homemakers, food service operators, cassava retailers and processors to save them time, energy and money used for the frequent trips for purchases. The method would also reduce post‐harvest losses to a large extent.
The acceptability of different types of soymilks available in Cape Town in consumers from high and low socio‐economic areas
Authors: Hinze Astrid , Karg Cheryl , Van Zyl Maryke , Mohamed Nazreen , Steyn Nelia P. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and acceptability of soymilk (defined as consumption pattern/usage and taste) by adult consumers, residing in different socio‐economic areas (low vs. high) in Cape Town. The study population of 214 participants were selected using convenience sampling. A questionnaire was developed in order to obtain demographic data (four items); basic general knowledge of soymilk (four items); and acceptability of the tested products (consumption patterns and taste) (eight items). There was a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.000) regarding basic knowledge of soymilk, with significantly more in the high socio‐economic area (HSEA) having a score of at least 75%. Gender (P = 0.082) and age (P = 0.122) did not have a significant impact on the consumption patterns of soymilk. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to current usage (P = 0.228) and frequency of use (P = 0.213) of soymilk. However, a significantly smaller group (P = 0.000) of participants in the low socio‐economic area had previously tasted soymilk compared with those in the HSEA (16.7% vs. 41.5%; P = 0.000). In conclusion, socio‐economic status appeared to be associated with knowledge of soymilk. No significant differences with regard to gender, age or current usage in the two groups studied were noted.
The effect of the length of soaking time on trypsin inhibitor, crude protein and phosphorus contents of soybeans (Glycine max)
Authors: Mumba P.P. , Chilera F. , Alinafe G. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA study to determine the effect of soaking soybeans (Glycine max) at different periods of time on trypsin inhibitor, crude protein and phosphorus contents was carried out. The results showed that the length of soaking period had significant effect (P < 0.05) on trypsin inhibitor and crude protein contents. The activities of the trypsin inhibitor were 10% in roasted soybeans, 27.5% in raw and a range of 26.6% for those soaked in water for 24 h to 17.7% for soybeans soaked for 96 h or more, with a standard error of 6.56 on each of the values. The crude protein contents were 41.58% in raw, 31.43% in roasted and a range of 40.05–30.64% for those soaked in water for 24–120 h. The standard error on each value was 5.09%. On the other hand, length of soaking period had no significant effect on phosphorus content. It can be concluded from this that soaking soybeans in water can effectively remove the anti‐nutritional factors. While roasting is better, the use of fire wood may not be encouraged as it has caused a lot of deforestation with consequent occurrence of floods and hence food shortages. Such a good animal husbandry practice can help to improve the health of animals, which can in turn help to improve the health of the population.
A consumer education programme based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change
Authors: Xiao Jing Jian , O'Neill Barbara , Prochaska Janice M. , Kerbel Claudia M. , Brennan Patricia , Bristow Barbara J. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractMONEY 2000™ is a successful consumer education programme that was implemented by Cooperative Extension personnel in over two dozen states of the USA between 1996 and 2002. One of the unique features of this programme is that it was based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM), a framework that has been widely used to study health‐related behaviour changes such as smoking cessation. This paper first describes how the MONEY 2000™ programme was developed around major constructs contained within the TTM. Findings are reported from a survey conducted with participants in the first two states that delivered the programme. The findings suggest that several change processes used by MONEY 2000™ participants are associated with specific stages of change. In addition, there may be differences in behavioural changes between participants who increased their savings and those who reduced their debts.
Fashion groups, gender, and boredom proneness
Authors: Studak Cathryn M. , Workman Jane E. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis study examined differences between men and women and among fashion consumer groups (fashion innovators, fashion opinion leaders, innovative communicators, and fashion followers) in propensity toward boredom. Participants (126 male, 130 female university students) completed questionnaires measuring fashion group membership, boredom proneness, and demographics.anovarevealed significant effects for fashion group for two dimensions of boredom proneness: internal stimulation and constraint. Innovative communicators indicated lower propensity for boredom because of need for internal stimulation but more propensity for boredom because of constraint than fashion followers. Men indicated greater propensity for boredom because of need for external stimulation than women did.
The development of consumer protection in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Morris David , Al Dabbagh Maha 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe development of consumer protection in Saudi Arabia is of interest for a number of reasons. First, Saudi Arabia presents a unique combination of size, stage of development of the economy and wealth, coupled with strictness of Islamic observance. Second, consumer protection in the Saudi context has received very little attention from researchers. Despite the richness of Islamic teachings on the conduct of business and trade, very little has been written on consumer protection in Islamic societies other than discussions of financial markets and consumer credit and monopoly. This article briefly explores the background to the emergence of consumer protection in Saudi Arabia. Consumer credit and financial markets are excluded from the discussion. Islamic (Shari’ah) law is analysed as a basis for the regulation of consumer affairs; this system of law is then compared in its major outcomes for consumers with legal systems in advanced Western economies. The development of secular commercial law during recent times in Saudi Arabia is also considered as a parallel development to those in Shari’ah. Both strands of development are then set in the context of Saudi Arabia's 5‐year development plans and the changing position of consumer policy issues is tracked through successive plans. The institutional location of consumer policy within the Saudi government system is discussed before finally considering the changing nature of the Saudi consumer and the possible future for consumer protection in the country.
Modelling purchasing decisions of seafood products: a case study of Mumbai, India
Authors: Redkar Soumil Bharat , Bose Shekar 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis study investigated the factors affecting the purchase decisions of seafood consumers in selected urban areas of Mumbai, India. The primary data were analysed using binary choice modelling techniques. It was found that taste, religion, size of household and age of family member were significant factors at a 95% confidence level. The Indian seafood industry may find this baseline study useful to encourage further consumer‐based research to promote the growth of the domestic seafood market.
Exploring the relationship between money attitudes and Maslow's hierarchy of needs
Authors: Oleson Mark 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis study explores the relationship between basic human needs and money attitudes in a university‐age cohort utilizing Maslow's theory of hierarchical needs. Results confirmed relationships between needs and money attitudes. Specifically, all of Maslow's needs appear to be strongly related to the money attitudes of evaluation and anxiety. In addition, men's and women's needs are highly correlated with obsession, budget, anxiety and particularly evaluation. Findings support existing literature and point to the importance of understanding money attitudes and level of need satisfaction among individuals and families, particularly from a counselling and educational standpoint. Implications and possible areas for future research are discussed.
Taxonomic diversity gradients through geological time
Authors: Crame J. Alistair 
Published: December 2003

Abstract. There is evidence from the fossil record to suggest that latitudinal gradients in taxonomic diversity may be time‐invariant features, although almost certainly not on the same scale as that seen at the present day. It is now apparent that both latitudinal and longitudinal gradients increased dramatically in strength through the Cenozoic era (i.e. the last 65 my) to become more pronounced today than at any time in the geological past. Present‐day taxonomic diversity gradients, in both the marine and terrestrial realms, are underpinned by the tropical radiations of a comparatively small number of species‐rich clades. Quite why these particular taxa proliferated through the Cenozoic is uncertain, but it could be that at least part of the explanation involves the phenomenon of evolutionary escalation. This is, in essence, a theory of biological diversification through evolutionary feedback mechanisms between predators and prey; first one develops an adaptive advantage, and then the other. However, there may also have been some form of extrinsic control on the process of tropical diversification, and this was most likely centred on the phenomenon of global climate change. This is especially so over the last 15 my Various Late Cenozoic (Neogene) vicariant events effectively partitioned the tropics into a series of high diversity centres, or foci. It has been suggested that, in the largest of these in the marine realm (the Indo‐West Pacific or IWP centre), a critical patterns of islands acted as a template for rapid speciation during glacioeustatic sea level cycles. The same process occurred in the Atlantic, Caribbean and East Pacific (ACEP) centre, though on a lesser scale. Tropical terrestrial diversity may also have been promoted by rapid range expansions and contractions in concert with glacial cycles (a modified refugium hypothesis). We are beginning to appreciate that an integrated sequence of Neogene tectonic and climatic events greatly influenced the formation of contemporary taxonomic diversity patterns.
Palaeoecological perspectives on pattern and process in plant diversity and distribution adjustments: a comment on recent developments*
Authors: Odgaard Bent Vad 
Published: December 2003

Abstract.Two developments in the understanding of the relationship between sedimentary pollen assemblages, vegetation and plant diversity are discussed. The Prentice model of vegetation–pollen relationships has improved our understanding of how and at what scale sedimentary pollen records vegetation. The modelling framework allows improved palaeoecological study designs that may, potentially, give important new insights into processes of plant migrations in response to climate change. Also, reconstructions of plant communities and landscape openness may be improved. Competing hypotheses for the relationship between vegetation and palynological diversity are discussed and it is concluded that more attention should be focused on evenness aspects of palynological diversity and on hypothesis testing.