Dental shape match rates in selected and orthodontically treated populations in New York State: a two-dimensional study.

Forensically identifying a suspect's dentition from a bitemark in an open population requires the supposition that every person's dental alignment is different. There have been few studies that have tested this claim. Four hundred and ten lower anterior dentitions from a selected population and 110 lower anterior dentitions from one that was orthodontically treated were measured using geometric morphometric analysis, allowing comparison of arch shape. Dental match rates of 1.46% and 42.7% of individuals were found in the respective populations, given an established measurement error. Orthodontic treatment had a strong effect on match rate suggesting that treated or naturally well-aligned dentitions may be indistinguishable. Sexual dimorphism was found to be only slightly significant. Principal shape variation in both populations was degree of arch curvature. Results of studying these populations show that dental matches can occur, and that statements of certainty concerning individualization in such populations should be approached with caution.

Physician assistants: employing a new health provider in the South Australian health system.

New health roles and models are needed to address future workforce shortages in Australian health care. A pilot trial of introducing two United States-trained physician assistants (PAs) at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, from October 2008 to October 2009, demonstrated difficulties in introducing PAs into the South Australian health system. Unforeseen delays in planning and implementing the trial occurred. This led to a loss of personnel and a second round of recruitment. The PAs' scope of practice was limited, and they could not demonstrate their work as they do in the US. Full use of their prescribing licence was not allowed until 3 months into the trial, and their authority to order radiology tests was limited. The issues faced at Queen Elizabeth Hospital could be avoided in future trials, ensuring a smoother trial period.

Hepatic artery dissection in a 65-year-old woman with acute pancreatitis.

We describe a case of hepatic artery dissection in a 65-year-old woman. This is the 22nd reported case of hepatic artery dissection, and the first associated with mild acute pancreatitis. The incidence of this condition may be increasing with rising rates of intervention affecting the biliary system. Recognition may also be increasing with growing use of high-quality radiography. Treatment should prevent rupture and ameliorate cardiovascular risk. Surgery should be considered in patients with complications or those likely to have them in future. There is a paucity of data regarding hepatic artery dissection, limiting evidence for guiding management.

Physician assistants: trialling a new surgical health professional in Australia.

BACKGROUND: The Australia health workforce productivity Commission Research Report in 2005 identified workforce shortages. One of the recommendations is that new models of health care be established. As a result South Australia is trialling United States trained physician assistants in a pilot program. This paper summaries the review of literature of the physician assistant role and safety in the surgical setting. METHODS: A literature search using Medline and Pubmed from 1966 until 2009 with key words: physician assistants, midlevel providers, surgery. The references of the results were also searched for suitable articles. The Google search engine was also used with the above keywords to search for latest developments from nontraditional sources. RESULTS: There were over 200 suitable articles relating to the quality and safety of physician assistants. The overwhelming majority of the articles originate from the United States and these vary in quality. There were 13 published studies identified that documented physician assistants in the surgical setting. CONCLUSION: From the published data physician assistants have been shown to provide safe and provide high quality care in surgical units. It is important that prior to their commencement their role is defined to alleviate conflict and confusion in the team. Continued auditing should be conducted to monitor progress and impact.