The Medical journal of Australia
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Comment Letter Comparative Study
Predictive validity of the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test for medical students' academic performance.
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Comparative Study
Increasing incidence of malignant mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos during home maintenance and renovation.
To determine trends in incidence of malignant mesothelioma (MM) caused by exposure to asbestos during home maintenance and renovation. ⋯ MM after exposure to asbestos during home renovation is an increasing problem in WA, and these cases seem to have a shorter latency period than other types of exposure. MM cases related to renovation will probably continue to increase because of the many homes that have contained, and still contain, asbestos building products.
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To document trends in: (i) prescribing of morphine and oxycodone; (ii) hospital separations for overdose; (iii) presentations for treatment of problems associated with these drugs; and (iv) oxycodone-related mortality data in Australia. ⋯ Oxycodone prescriptions in Australia have increased, particularly among older Australians. The increase may, in part, reflect appropriate prescribing for pain among an ageing population. However we are unable to differentiate non-medical use from appropriate prescribing from this data. In comparison to heroin, the morbidity and mortality associated with oxycodone is relatively low in Australia. There is a continued need for comprehensive training of general practitioners in assessing patients with chronic non-malignant pain and prescribing of opioids for these patients, to minimise the potential for harms associated with use of these medications.
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To determine the prevalence of multiresistant organism (MRO) colonisation of reusable venesection tourniquets. ⋯ Reusable tourniquets can be colonised with MROs and may be a potential source of transmission of MROs to hospitalised patients.