Psychosocial risk factors which may differentiate between women with Functional Voice Disorder, Organic Voice Disorder and a Control group.

This study aimed to explore psychosocial factors contributing to the development of functional voice disorders (FVD) and those differentiating between organic voice disorders (OVD) and a non-voice-disordered control group. A case-control study was undertaken of 194 women aged 18-80 years diagnosed with FVD (n = 73), OVD (n = 55), and controls (n = 66). FVD women were allocated into psychogenic voice disorder (PVD) (n = 37) and muscle tension voice disorder (MTVD) (n = 36) for sub-group analysis.

Universal antenatal group B streptococcus screening? The opinions of obstetricians and neonatologists within Australia.

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the leading infectious cause of morbidity and mortality in Australian newborns. Although intrapartum chemoprophylaxis is recommended to reduce the risk of neonatal GBS transmission and disease, controversy exists as to the best method to select women 'at risk' for this treatment. Our study aimed to survey the opinions of obstetricians and neonatologists currently in practice in Australia on GBS screening and treatment.

Expression of essential B cell genes and immunoglobulin isotypes suggests active development and gene recombination during equine gestation.

Many features of the equine immune system develop during fetal life, yet the naïve or immature immune state of the neonate renders the foal uniquely susceptible to particular pathogens. RT-PCR and immunohistochemical experiments investigated the progressive expression of developmental B cell markers and immunoglobulins in lymphoid tissues from equine fetus, pre-suckle neonate, foal, and adult horses. Serum IgM, IgG isotype, and IgA concentrations were also quantified in pre-suckle foals and adult horses.

Glial cells missing homologue 1 is induced in differentiating equine chorionic girdle trophoblast cells.

The objective of this study was to identify transcription factors associated with differentiation of the chorionic girdle, the invasive form of equine trophoblast. The expression patterns of five transcription factors were determined on a panel of conceptus tissues from early horse pregnancy. Tissues from Days 15 through 46 were tested.

Development of a modified diagnostic classification system for voice disorders with inter-rater reliability study.

Diversity in nomenclature and on-going dilemmas over the conceptual bases for the classification of voice disorders make it virtually impossible for the collation and accurate comparison of evidence-based data across different clinical settings. This has significant implications for treatment outcome studies. The first aim of this study was to develop a modified diagnostic classification system for voice disorders with clearly defined operational guidelines by which we might reliably distinguish voice disorders from one another.

The impact of point of care testing on diabetes services along Victoria's Mallee Track: results of a community-based diabetes risk assessment and management program.

Introduction: In the State of Victoria in Australia, diabetes is considered one of the top 10 health problems for people living in the rural Mallee Track region (which is centred on the town of Ouyen and extends west to the border with South Australia). A project entitled 'Diabetes Management Along the Mallee Track' was conducted through a Rural Chronic Disease Initiative (RCDI) program grant from the Australian Government's Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra, with the aim of improving the delivery of diabetes services in this region. The project's aims were achieved through the implementation of a community risk assessment program and the establishment of an integrated, multidisciplinary 'one-stop' service for the management of people with diabetes.

Repeat prenatal corticosteroids: who still recommends their use and why?

Background: Repeat prenatal corticosteroids have been in common use worldwide, even though the National Institutes of Health recommends that 'Until data establish a favourable benefit-to-risk ratio, repeat courses of antenatal corticosteroids, including rescue therapy, should be reserved for patients enrolled in clinical trials.'

Objectives: To describe the current use/recommendations for the use of repeat prenatal corticosteroids by obstetricians and neonatologists and to examine the sources of evidence on which their practice is based.

Design: Postal questionnaire.

Effects of a single course of corticosteroids given more than 7 days before birth: a systematic review.

Objectives: To determine the risk of fetal, neonatal and maternal mortality and morbidity for women and their infants who remained undelivered more than 7 days following a course of prenatal corticosteroids.

Design: Systematic review.

Population: Women who gave birth more than 7 days after a course of prenatal corticosteroids compared with women not administered corticosteroids.