Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2019
Prevalence and nature of lung function abnormalities among Indigenous Australians referred to specialist respiratory outreach clinics in the Northern Territory.
Poor lung function is a predictor of future all-cause mortality. In Australia, respiratory diseases are particularly prevalent among the indigenous population, especially in remote communities. However, there are little published pulmonary function tests' (PFT) data of remote-based adult indigenous patients. ⋯ In this first study of PFT findings of indigenous adults from a remote-based clinical service, we found a high rate of at least moderate airflow limitation and low FVC along with preserved FEV1/FVC ratio. Increased awareness and screening for reduced lung function needs to be considered in this population.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2019
Cross-sex hormone therapy in Australia: the prescription patterns of clinicians experienced in adult transgender healthcare.
Despite increasing demand for transgender healthcare, guidelines for cross-sex hormone therapy are based on low-level evidence only. As most data are based on international expert opinions, interpretations and practices vary significantly. ⋯ Experienced hormone prescribers in Australia largely use medication regimens and monitor sex steroid levels and potential adverse effects of sex hormone therapy in accordance with broad, subjective recommendations listed in international guidelines. Additional practitioner training is necessary, and local Australian-based guidelines would offer specific, relevant guidance to clinicians in the initiation and monitoring of cross-sex hormone therapy for adult transgender individuals.
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Internal medicine journal · Feb 2019
Comparative StudyGreater insulin response to acute fructose ingestion among Māori and Pacific people compared to European people living in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Fructose consumption has been linked with insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes, which are more prevalent in those of Māori or Pacific ethnicity compared to New Zealand European. ⋯ Even after adjustment for BMI, those of Māori and Pacific ethnicity have a significantly higher insulin response to fructose than New Zealand Europeans. Higher habitual SSB intake may be a contributing factor.