A discussion of cases in the 2001 RCPA-AQAP chemical pathology case report comments program

Aim: We present a descriptive analysis of the 10 case reports distributed in the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) and the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB) Chemical Pathology Patient Report Comments Program to assess the quality of interpretative commenting in clinical biochemistry in 2001. Method: Participants were asked to comment on a given set of biochemistry results attached with brief clinical details. All responses received were translated into key phrases and graphically presented on a histogram. An expert panel was asked to evaluate the appropriateness of the key phrases and to propose a suggested composite comment. Results: While the majority of comments received were felt to be acceptable by the expert panel, some comments were felt to be inappropriate or misleading. As comments on laboratory reports may affect clinical management of patients, it is important that these comments reflect accepted practice and current guidelines. Conclusion: The Patient Report Comments Program may play an important role in continuing education and possibly in quality assurance of interpretative commenting.

Discussion of "Hydrodynamic loading on river bridges" by Stefano Malavasi and Alberto Guadagnini

Abstract not available.

Bioerosion Research Before and After 1996 - A Discussion of What Has Changed Since the First International Bioerosion Workshop

The First International Bioerosion Workshop held in 1996 provided a forum for an increasing interest in bioerosion research and helped foster convivial relations among researchers in this specialization. The current trend in bioerosion publishing is positive and will be aided with consolidated efforts to attract both new recruits and grant awards. Contributors of the Fourth IBW in Prague decided to hold the next meeting in Erlangen, Germany.