The Medical journal of Australia
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To review the results of opinion polls on community attitudes to in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and other aspects of assisted reproductive technology over a 20-year period. ⋯ Community approval of the use of IVF to treat infertility has risen significantly in Australia over the past 20 years.
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To examine the association between emergency department length of stay (EDLOS) and inpatient length of stay (IPLOS). ⋯ EDLOS correlates strongly with IPLOS, and predicts whether IPLOS exceeds the state benchmark for the relevant diagnosis-related group, independently of elderly status, sex and time of presentation to ED. Strategies to reduce EDLOS (including countering access block) may significantly reduce healthcare expenditure and patient morbidity.
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To study the relationship of blood pressure to birthweight and current body mass index in a population with high rates of low birthweight (< 2.5 kg). ⋯ Low birthweight is significantly associated with higher blood pressure in adult life, and the effect is amplified by higher current weight. Given the high rates of low birthweight in Aboriginal people in remote areas, and the detrimental effect of higher blood pressures on chronic diseases (currently present in epidemic proportions), interventions should focus on improving birthweights and on weight control in adolescents and adults. Special attention should be paid to children with low birthweight to avoid their becoming overweight in adult life.