bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some parasites of the eastern pygmy-possum, Cercartetus nanus (Marsupialia: Burramyidae).
Authors: Harris J.M. , Vilcins I.
Published: August 2011

This short review presents 25 parasite records (11 species) for Cercartetus nanus and summarises data on the fleas, mites, ticks, nematodes and a land planarian that have been recorded from this host.
Variation in grain β-glucan due to site, cultivar and nitrogen fertiliser in Western Australia
Authors: Paynter Blakely H. , Harasymow Stefan E.
Published: August 2011

To adjust to projected changes in the future climate, maltsters are looking to reduce their water use. One option is to reduce the number of periods of water immersion during steeping from two to one. This might be possible if cultivars with very low grain β-glucan are used, as high β-glucan concentrations can restrict water penetration into the endosperm and the speed of germination. This study compared the grain β-glucan and various grain quality traits of nine two-row, Australian barley cultivars when grown at three sites with four rates of nitrogen (N) in Western Australia. Significant differences in grain β-glucan were found. Of the main factors, cultivar was found to have the largest effect on grain β-glucan followed by site, with N having the smallest effect. Grain β-glucan increased with increasing N application at two of the three sites. Not all cultivars responded similarly to N application. Grain with low β-glucan concentration generally had lower hectolitre weights, higher screenings, lower grain protein and was softer than grain with high grain β-glucan. There was no correlation between grain β-glucan and average grain weight, grain brightness or malt extract. The implication of these interactions and correlations in the breeding of very low grain β-glucan cultivars suited to single steep malting is discussed.
Seed production of Lotus tenuis (Fabaceae), a forage legume: effects of row spacing, seeding date, and plant defoliation
Authors: Vignolio O. R. , Cambareri G. S. , Maceira N. O.
Published: August 2011

Indeterminate flowering, pod dehiscence, and seed shattering are some the most important factors that limit seed yield in some Lotus species. The objective of this study was to determine strategies to maximise Lotus tenuis seed yield by evaluating: (i) the effects of row spacing (17.5 and 35.0 cm) and seeding date (autumn 2007, autumn 2008, and spring 2008) on vegetative biomass and reproductive components, and (ii) plant defoliation at the beginning of flowering to make the time of seed ripening more uniform. Plant density was held constant at 20 plants/m2. The beginning of flowering was later in plants seeded in spring than in those seeded in autumn. Defoliation retarded peak flowering through destruction of reproductive organs. Vegetative and reproductive biomasses were not significantly different between row spacings or defoliation conditions. Vegetative biomass, seed yield, pod dehiscence, and shattered seed varied between seeding dates in different years, and within the same year between seeding seasons. Harvest seed yield was greater for autumn 2007 than for spring 2008 and autumn 2008 seeding (181.67 ± 9.76, 71.41 ± 4.16, and 41.73 ± 3.39 g/m2, respectively). Lost seed (shattered seed) was greater for spring 2008 than for autumn 2008 and autumn 2007 (76.04 ± 5.29, 71.43 ± 3.31, and 16.11 ± 2.61 g/m2, respectively). Under defoliation conditions, harvest seed yield and lost seed were 92.59 ± 3.07 and 2.07 ± 0.63 g/m2, respectively. Potential seed yield was highly correlated with avoveground vegetative biomass (R2 = 0.758; P < 0.0001), no. of umbels with pods/m2 (R2 = 0.859; P < 0.0001), and pod biomass/m2 (R2 = 0.949; P < 0.0001). Thousand-seed weight was not significantly different between row spacings, but was greater with spring seeding and lower if the crop was defoliated. Air temperature and relative humidity during reproduction affected seed shattering and, consequently, seed yield. The results are discussed in relation to the management of L. tenuis seed crops and the importance of row spacing, seeding date, and plant defoliation for seed production.
The major source and impact of phenyltin contamination on freshwater aquaculture clam Corbicula fluminea and wild golden apple snail Pomacea canaliculata
Authors: Lee Ching-Chang , Jhuang Yu-Fei , Liu Li-Lian , Hsieh Chia-Yi , Chen Colin S. , Tien Chien-Jung
Published: August 2011

Environmental context. Phenyltin contamination is worldwide, and can be detrimental for aquatic ecosystems. Such contamination is largely due to the wide use of triphenyltin-based antifouling paints in the marine environment, but also to its use as fungicides and molluscicides in agriculture. This study provided the data to allow assessment of the accumulation potential of phenyltin compounds in molluscs, and established the correlation of phenyltin concentrations between biota and environmental matrices.
Abstract. This study determined the concentrations of triphenyltin (TPT) and its degradation products, diphenyltin (DPT) and monophenyltin (MPT), in the aquaculture clam Corbicula fluminea and the wild golden apple snail Pomacea canaliculata. Sediments from irrigation ditches and clam aquaculture ponds, and soils from paddy fields were also analysed for these compounds in order to elucidate the sources and impact of phenyltin contamination. Considerably high levels of TPT were found in clams (<5.7–68.7 ng g–1 WW, wet weight), snails (ND (not determined)–1558.0 ng g–1 WW), and soils (ND–336.8 ng g–1 DW, dry weight), but not in sediments. The accumulation of phenyltin compounds in clams and snails was attributed to the spraying of triphenyltin-based pesticides in paddy fields. The higher levels of phenyltins accumulated in snails did not result in higher imposex levels, but caused a longer penis sheath length. The biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) indicated that clams (2.3–6.9) had a higher bioaccumulative ability of TPT from sediments than snails (1.0–1.4). Relatively low levels of the hazard quotients of TPT (i.e. <1) suggested consumption of the aquaculture clam might not have a potential human health risk.
Molecular modeling of iron and arsenic interactions with carboxy groups in natural biomass
Authors: Silva Gabriela C. , Vasconcelos Igor F. , de Carvalho Regina P. , Dantas Maria Sylvia S. , Ciminelli Virginia S. T.
Published: August 2011

Environmental context. Arsenic has been considered one of the most important global environmental pollutants. Its occurrence in water systems is a result of natural processes and anthropogenic activities. In view of their high toxicity and the consequent health problems associated with human exposure to contaminated waters and food, there is an increasing interest in the study of the specific interactions of arsenic species with organic matter. Here, specific interactions among arsenic, iron and a vegetable biomass are investigated with a view to demonstrate how these interactions can affect arsenic mobility in the environment.
Abstract. The interaction of iron and arsenic with dried lettuce leaves was investigated using a combination of spectroscopic techniques. Iron binding to carboxy groups is indicated by a decrease of 84% in iron loading after esterification. According to extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis, FeIII is coordinated by six oxygen atoms (Fe–O distance of 1.98 Å), two carbon atoms (Fe–C distance of 2.85 Å) in a bidentate mononuclear form, and 0.5 or 1 arsenic atoms (Fe–As distance of 2.93–2.94 Å). Arsenic is sorbed only when the biomass has been previously loaded with iron. AsV is coordinated by four oxygen atoms (As–O distance of 1.71 Å) and one iron atom in a bidentate mononuclear form or two iron atoms (As–Fe distance of 2.93–2.94 Å) in a bidentate binuclear form. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that carboxylic acid groups can affect AsV mobility in the environment so long as iron is available for bridging.
Estimation of the association and dissociation rate constants of Cd complexes with various aminopolycarboxylic acids by an exchange method
Authors: Schneider André , Nguyen Christophe , Denaix Laurence
Published: August 2011

Environmental context. Phytoremediation is a potential way to remove cadmium from polluted soils. The process of plant uptake of cadmium can be enhanced by the addition of chelating compounds. The ability of roots to effectively take up Cd when bound to these complexes is dependent on the speed at which the Cd is associated or dissociated (bound or unbound) from the complex. An exchange method is used here to estimate these association and dissociation rates for a series of Cd–aminopolycarboxylate complexes (some of which have been tested elsewhere in phytoextraction studies). The results of these studies may make it possible to better model the bioavailability of Cd to plant roots.
Abstract. Plant uptake of Cd depends not only on the concentration of Cd2+ in the soil solution but also on Cd complexes, the contribution of the latter depending on their association (ka) and dissociation (kd) rate constants. We used a previously designed exchange method to estimate ka and kd constants of Cd complexed with chelates of the aminopolycarboxylic acid series, i.e. ethylenediamine-N,N′-diacetic acid (EDDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylene-diamine-N,N′,N′-triacetic acid (HEDTA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethyl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), and trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (CDTA) for future mechanistic modelling of Cd bioavailability including the lability of complexes. The precision of ka and kd estimates depended on the stability of the complexes. For the chelates with the highest stability, HEDTA, EDTA, EGTA and CDTA, the constants were estimated with a good precision. The knowledge of these constants enables improved modelling of bioavailability of Cd to plant roots by considering the contribution of Cd-complexes.
Impact of pH on CdII partitioning between alginate gel and aqueous media
Authors: Kalis Erwin J. J. , Davis Thomas A. , Town Raewyn M. , van Leeuwen Herman P.
Published: August 2011

Environmental context. Biogels, such as those in cell walls or biofilm matrices, generally comprise negative structural charge which leads to accumulation of positively charged species, e.g. metal ions. The magnitude of the effective charge, and hence the local chemical speciation within the gel phase, is pH dependent. In situ speciation measurements in biogels, such as the model alginate studied in this work, offer a better estimate of bioavailable concentrations than does analysis of the surrounding aqueous medium.
Abstract. Many microorganisms exist in a biogel-mediated micro-environment such as a cell wall or a biofilm, in which local concentrations of ionic nutrients and pollutants differ from those in the surrounding bulk medium. The local concentration is the relevant parameter for considerations of bioavailability. These modified concentrations arise as a consequence of the negative charges within biogels which may induce a Donnan potential inside the biogel phase. For metals, the net effect on the speciation within the biogel, relative to the bulk medium, is an enhancement of the concentration of free cations. Since the structural charge in the biogel arises from protolytic functional groups, the Donnan potential is pH dependent. Here we apply in situ voltammetry to measure the free metal ion concentration inside alginate gel as a function of pH. In the pH range 3 to 7, the speciation of CdII within this model biogel can be explained by specific binding to carboxylic functional groups and electrostatic binding resulting from the Donnan potential.
Is the species composition of rocky intertidal invertebrates across a biogeographic barrier in south-eastern Australia related to their potential for dispersal?
Authors: Hidas Eszter Z. , Costa Trudy L. , Ayre David J. , Minchinton Todd E.
Published: August 2011

This paper presents the results of surveys quantifying species richness of rocky intertidal invertebrates across a potential biogeographic barrier on the south-eastern coast of Australia, as well as at Red Bluff, which is an isolated rock platform within the otherwise soft-sediment barrier. It was predicted that the number and composition of invertebrate species would differ on either side of the barrier and at Red Bluff and that these differences would be related to the potential for dispersal of the constituent species. Time-per-area searches at two sites within each of five rock platforms on either side of the barrier and at Red Bluff revealed that species richness and composition differed significantly on either side of the barrier, and that Red Bluff supported many species on both sides of the barrier, indicating its potential as a stepping-stone. The distribution of species was not related to their potential for dispersal, because potentially ‘good’ dispersers with planktonic larvae were sometimes restricted to one side of the barrier and potentially ‘poor’ dispersers with direct developing juveniles were present on both sides of the barrier. These results support increasing evidence that the geographic distribution of intertidal invertebrates cannot be inferred by simple reference to their life histories.
Spatial patterns of ascidian assemblages on subtidal rocky reefs in the Port Stephens - Great Lakes Marine Park, New South Wales
Authors: Newton Kathryn L. , Creese Bob , Raftos David
Published: August 2011

Spatial and temporal patterns of variability in ascidian assemblages were investigated on horizontal subtidal rocky reefs at Port Stephens, New South Wales (NSW). The study was designed to provide a baseline dataset on ascidian diversity and distribution patterns for an area destined to become a marine park (the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park: PSGLMP). Differences in ascidian assemblages between exposed oceanic island reefs and sheltered reefs within Port Stephens, and between two depth zones within each subtidal reef, were quantified using non-parametric multivariate techniques coupled with analysis of variance (ANOVA). Ascidian assemblages were highly variable between reef sites, reef exposures and particularly between depth zones within each reef surveyed. However, temporal variation was only observed for a few ascidian species. These highly variable spatial patterns in diversity indicate that numerous subtidal reefs may need to be protected within PSGLMP if the aim of the marine park is to adequately represent the entire array of marine biodiversity in the area.
Coral assemblages and physico-chemical characteristics of the Whitsunday Islands: evidence of recent community changes
Authors: van Woesik R. , Tomascik T. , Blake S.
Published: August 2011

Benthic communities were assessed and 22 environmental variables were
monitored at seven leeward localities (L1ŒL7) in the Whitsunday Islands,
Queensland, Australia. L1 was near the Proserpine and O’Connell river
mouths and L7 ~80 km north of the river mouths. Distinct physico
Œchemical and biological gradients were evident. Sparse scleractinian
coral communities, dominated by faviids, Montipora spp.
and encrusting Porites colonies, were present at L1, L2
and L3, whereas diverse reef-building communities, dominated by
Acropora spp., were more common at and beyond L4. The
number of coral recruits (age <6 months) did not differ significantly among
localities, suggesting that coral recruitment was near random and that the
environment shapes the adult community from those recruits. The study
demonstrates strong negative relationships between chlorophyll
a and the following: percentage coral cover, coral
species richness and coral abundance. The reef-building capacities of the
coral communities and the extent of Holocene reef development were
inconsistent at L2 and L3, which is interpreted as a sign of anthropogenic
effects.
Population structure and reproductive biology of the smalltail shark (Carcharhinus porosus) off Maranhão (Brazil)
Authors: Lessa Rosangela , Santana Francisco , Menni Roberto , Almeida Zafira
Published: August 2011

C. porosus is common throughout the year in shallow waters off the
Maranhão coast, northern Brazil, where it is the most abundant
elasmobranch species. Of 1128 smalltail sharks collected from June 1984 to
November 1987 in gill-nets from coastal waters, ~80% were juveniles.
Male and female numbers did not differ from a 1:1 ratio. Modal classes were
50.0–60.0 cm (TL) for both sexes. A 120.5 cm female was the largest
specimen caught and a 29.4 cm male was the smallest. Age distribution for the
whole sample ranged from 0 to >12 years. The length–weight
relationship did not differ significantly between the sexes. Diameter of
ovarian follicles, presence of eggs/embryos and nidamental gland traits in
females point to a major physiological change toward maturity at about 70.0
cm. Vitellogenesis was first observed at 63.0 cm, and the smallest of the six
pregnant females was 70.0 cm. There was a significant relationship between the
number of embryos and female size. From September to November, ovulation and
newborns were observed in catches.
Resumo. Carcharhinus porosus é comum ao longo do
ano em águas rasas do norte do Brasil onde é a espécie
mais abundante entre os elasmobrânquios. De 1128 exemplares coletados em
águas costeiras de junho 1984 a novembro 1987 em redes de emalhar
~80% eram jovens. O número de machos e fêmeas não
diferiu da razão 1:1. A classe modal foi a de 50.0–60.0 cm para
ambos os sexos. Uma fêmea de 120.5 e um macho de 29.4 cm corresponderam
ao maior e ao menor exemplar capturado, respectivamente. A
distribuição de idades na amostra total variou de 0 a >12
anos. Arelação peso–comprimento não mostrou
diferenças significativas entre os sexos. O diâmetro dos
ovócitos, presença de embriões/ovos e largura da
glândula nidamentária nas fêmeas indica
aquisição da maturidade em 70.0 cm. Foi estabelecida uma
relação significativa entre o número de embriões e
o tamanho das femeas. Entre setembro e novembro ocorre a
ovulação e recém nascidos foram observados nas capturas.
Variability in surface water chemistry and phytoplankton biomass in two tropical, tidally dominated mangrove creeks
Authors: Trott L. A. , Alongi D. M.
Published: August 2011

Surface water concentrations of dissolved nutrients and phytoplankton biomass
(as chlorophyll a) were examined monthly in relation to
physicochemical characteristics and rainfall for 30 months in two tropical,
tidally dominated mangrove creeks in north Queensland, Australia. Dissolved
nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton biomass peaked during summer with no
or little significant change throughout the rest of the year. Dissolved
nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations correlated inversely with salinity
changes, implying that fresh water and suspended material from the watershed
were the main source of dissolved nutrients.The mean dissolved inorganic N : P
ratio in each creek (Control Creek 58 : 1, Sandfly Creek 26 : 1) was greater
than the Redfield ratio (16 : 1), suggesting excess nitrogen relative to
phosphorus. Variability in phytoplankton biomass did not correlate
significantly with dissolved nitrogen or phosphorus concentrations, but did
relate to rainfall patterns and changes in dissolved oxygen
concentrations.These results suggest that pelagic conditions in these mangrove
creeks are constant all year round, except during the summer wet season.
What skills do primary health care professionals need to provide effective self-management support?Seeking consumer perspectives
Authors: Lawn Sharon , Battersby Malcolm , Lindner Helen , Mathews Rebecca , Morris Steve , Wells Leanne , Litt John , Reed Richard
Published: August 2011

This research aimed to identify the skills required by primary health care (PHC) professionals to provide effective chronic condition prevention and self-management support, according to the perceptions of a sample of Australian consumers and carers. Qualitative data were collected and integrated from a focus group, key informant interviews and National Stakeholder meetings and a National Workshop, supported by an extensive literature review. With the exception of health professionals specifically trained or currently working in this area, consumers and carers perceive there is a lack of understanding, competence and practice of chronic condition prevention and self-management support among PHC professionals. The PHC workforce appears not to have the full set of skills needed to meet the growing burden of chronic conditions on the health system. Recommendations include education and training that focuses on improved communication skills, knowledge of community support resources, identification of consumers’ strengths and current capacities, collaborative care with other health professionals, consumers and carers and psychosocial skills to understand the impact of chronic conditions from the person’s perspective.
Which comes first: the partnership or the tool? Reflections on the effective use of partnership tools in local health partnerships
Authors: Sunderland Naomi , Domalewski Debra , Kendall Elizabeth , Armstrong Kylie
Published: August 2011

This paper focuses on the use of a partnership self-evaluation tool in local health partnerships in Australia. Partnership tools are intended to be used across all phases of partnership development and are typically delivered in the form of a self-administered survey. Survey questions are designed to encourage members of local partnerships to reflect on their progress to date and, if necessary, to reorient future activities to satisfy objectives and desired outcomes. In this paper we argue that without a broader surrounding framework of partnership development and appropriate assistance in administering partnership tools, the potential benefits of self evaluation in local partnerships may be restricted. We base these comments on a study of the use of a partnership self-evaluation tool as part of a broader chronic disease initiative in 17 communities across regional Australia during 2008. Although participants reported favourable outcomes from being involved in the local partnerships, and some found the tool to be of benefit, only 8 of the 17 partnerships actually used the self-evaluation tool. The reported reasons for non-use related primarily to: (1) lack of time; (2) perceptions that it was too early to ‘evaluate’ the partnership; and (3) difficulty in administering the tool. These barriers to use indicate that participants may have been unaware of the potential of the tool to assist in partnership development over time. Partnership participants may require more preparation to use partnership tools in a way that can secure high quality sustainable local health partnerships.
Interorganisational and interprofessional partnership approaches to achieve more coordinated and integrated primary and community health services: the Australian experience
Authors: McDonald Julie , Davies Gawaine Powell , Harris Mark Fort
Published: August 2011

Improving collaboration and coordination in primary and community health is a national priority. Two major approaches have been taken: strengthening interorganisational and interprofessional collaboration. This paper reviews current and emerging models of partnerships: divisions of general practice and primary care partnerships (organisational models); and collaboration between general practitioners with practice nurses and with allied health professionals (interprofessional models). The models are reviewed in terms of the governance and formalisation of the partnership arrangements and the level of collaboration they achieve. The organisational models have had different purposes and taken different forms, the ‘hub and spoke’ model of divisions and decentralised ‘network’ relationships of primary care partnerships, both of which have broadly achieved their aims. Interprofessional collaboration involves a complex mix of allegiances and interests that influences the level of collaboration that is achieved. A combination of approaches is needed to achieve more coordinated and integrated primary health care. The implications for several current policy debates are discussed: the establishment of local integrated and comprehensive primary health care centres, regional level primary care organisations and alternative payment mechanisms.
Health partnerships: perspectives of medical practitioners in general practice, health systems and hospital settings
Authors: Kendall Elizabeth , Ehrlich Carolyn , Young Megan , Muenchberger Heidi , Wilkie Ken , Rushton Carole
Published: August 2011

The pressure for medical practitioners to work collaboratively has intensified over the last few decades in most industrialised countries, including Australia. However, many barriers prevent doctors from engaging in macro-level health partnerships. If these partnership initiatives are to succeed, it is essential to understand how and why doctors participate. This paper explored the views of eighteen medical practitioners, including general practitioners (in both small and large practices), division representatives, hospital-based doctors and health system managers. The findings revealed eight key themes, which were dominated by scepticism about partnerships based on previous experiences, but juxtaposed against a strong enthusiasm for the approach. There was a significant cost for medical practitioners to engage in partnerships, either financially or in terms of workload. Their enthusiasm was based on the belief that partnerships could achieve their vision for an ideal service system. They highlighted the importance of ongoing consultation, feedback and monitoring and the need for evidence to balance enthusiasm. Partnership initiatives need to engage local medical champions to increase the profile of this approach and enlist the enthusiasm of the diverse medical community.
Rural children referred for conduct problems: evaluation of a collaborative program
Authors: Swift Michelle Carr , Roeger Leigh , Walmsley Cathy , Howard Sara , Furber Gareth , Allison Stephen
Published: August 2011

Rural families can find it difficult to access mental health treatment for children’s conduct problems. The current program was designed to provide immediate assistance to families who faced extended waiting times in the south-eastern region of South Australia. In this collaborative project, a primary care professional delivered a telephone-guided version of a clinically based parent training program (Barkley’s Defiant Children) with program support from mental health services. The 12-week trial included 29 children aged 2–12 years who were referred for disruptive behaviour, attention-deficit hyperactivity and learning difficulties. Children were randomised to either a parent training group or a waiting list control group. Parents in the training program were generally satisfied (Therapy Attitude Inventory overall rating = 4.3 measured on a 5-point Likert scale). The main behavioural measure showed significantly better outcomes for the training program (Eyberg Child Behaviour Inventory (ECBI): Intensity scale (F1,27 = 11.39, P < 0.01) and Problem scale (F1,27 = 11.64, P < 0.01). For the parent training group, the mean score for the ECBI Intensity scale was reduced from above the clinical cut-off before treatment to below the cut-off after treatment. The effect sizes were 0.45 for the ECBI Intensity scale and 0.31 for the ECBI Problem scale. This suggests that the Defiant Children parent training can be adapted successfully for use by primary care professionals.
Improving coordination of care for Aboriginal people with mental health, alcohol and drug use problems: progress report on an ongoing collaborative action research project
Authors: Kowanko Inge , de Crespigny Charlotte , Murray Helen , Kit Jackie Ah , Prideaux Colleen , Miller Harry , Mills David , Emden Carolyn
Published: August 2011

This paper outlines the background and progress to date of a project to improve the coordination of care for Aboriginal people with mental health and/or alcohol and other drug problems living in the Eyre Peninsula region of South Australia. The project responds to recommendations from previous research by this team in this area, and has been running since 2004. Working with a wide range of health and human service providers, we explored issues that improve or hinder coordination of care and identified useful strategies. Some of these have already been implemented through the project: e.g. interagency cross-disciplinary training in response to shared needs, and lobbying for after-hours telephone help. Other strategies are still in progress: e.g. implementing a uniform triage and referral system and improving information sharing within Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service. The paper reflects on our experience of conducting Aboriginal health service research using a participatory action oriented approach, and discusses the challenges in providing effective and well coordinated rural and remote mental health/alcohol and other drug care in the context of complex health and social needs of Aboriginal people.
Climate change and primary health care intervention framework
Authors: Walker Rae , South East Healthy Communities Partnership
Published: August 2011

Climate change has been described as the issue of our times. The World Health Organization argues that it will result in both beneficial and harmful effects for human populations and that the harms are likely to outweigh the benefits. Climate scientists can sketch an outline of the probable changes by country, and even region within a country. The effect of climate change on communities is much harder to predict. However, it can be argued with some confidence that the effects will be unequally distributed across communities and that the ways in which communities respond will make a substantial difference to their wellbeing. This paper uses the predictions for climate change in Victoria, Australia, as the background to a discussion of primary health care principles and how they might translate into coping, adaptation and mitigation activities within the primary health care sector. The major primary health care agencies are linked to one another through Primary Care Partnership structures and processes, which provide a foundation for sector-wide responses to climate change. The concept of a storyline, a brief scenario capturing the logic of changes and potential responses, is used to link evidence of climate change effects on communities and individuals to potential responses by primary health care agencies.
The photovoice method: researching the experiences of Aboriginal health workers through photographs
Authors: Wilkin Alice , Liamputtong Pranee
Published: August 2011

This paper discusses the methodological framework and perspectives that were used in a larger study aiming at examining the experience of working life among female Aboriginal health care workers. Currently, the voice of Aboriginal women who work in the Australian health system has not received much attention. In comparison to other occupations and backgrounds, there is virtually no literature on Aboriginal woman health care workers despite 15% of health care and social service industry employees in Australia being Aboriginal. In this study, we selected female participants because of the fact that of these 15% of health workers in the Victorian health system, 76% of them are women. This paper outlines some of the barriers in researching Indigenous communities. These barriers were overcome in this study by framing the research in feminist theory, decolonising theory, empowerment and by employing the photovoice method. The photovoice method was used because it is relatively unobtrusive and has the capacity to be empowering. All data was extrapolated from the participants’ own narratives that were prompted by the photographs they had taken. The data produced were rich descriptions and narratives that were oral as well as visual. Finally, the article discusses the experience of using the photovoice method from the researcher and participants’ perspective.
A response to patient-initiated aggression in general practice: Australian professional medical organisations face a challenge
Authors: Ceramidas Dagmar M. , Parker Rhian
Published: August 2011

Little is known about the incidence, prevalence, and impact of patient-initiated aggression against general practice staff in Australia or how medically related professional organisations respond to this. The few available Australian studies suggest that up to about two-thirds of Australian GPs experience patient-initiated aggression within a 12-month period. This paper reports on relevant professional stakeholder organisations’ perceptions of and response to aggression perpetrated against their members working in Australian general practices. Thirteen organisations each nominated a representative to undertake a one-off semi-structured interview. Respondents informed the study findings from organisational, practice level, and Divisions of General Practice perspectives. While all professional organisations were cognisant of the presence of violence and aggression in Australian general practice, very few offered proactive measures in the management of difficult or aggressive patients, or practical support to their members. Organisations with fewer members involved in general practice were overall more supportive and proactive with regard to education, training, and publications than were organisations with a greater proportion of their membership involved in general practice settings. Respondents believed the current socio-political climate provided opportunity for a greater organisational response, but there was uncertainty regarding the appropriate response in view of a lack of evidence base.
A picture speaks a thousand words: evaluation of a pictorial post-vaccination care resource in Australia
Authors: Ali Hammad , Seale Holly , Ward Kirsten , Zwar Nicholas
Published: August 2011

Evaluating the ‘Common Reactions to Vaccination’ post-vaccination care resource was seen as an opportunity to contribute to the limited literature base in this important area, learn from the strengths and weaknesses of the resource and gain insight into post-vaccination care practices. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 general practitioners and 29 practice nurses in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory, Australia. Structured interview guides were used and data was analysed thematically. A self-administered survey was also distributed to parents or guardians during routine childhood vaccination visits. When compared with previous resources, participants felt the new resource was more appropriate as it had a simple layout; it was colourful, incorporated pictures and had basic and practical information. Information about post-vaccination care and common reactions to vaccination must be provided in written form accompanied by a verbal reinforcement so that patients can revisit the information at a later stage if required. The ‘Common Reactions to Vaccination’ post-vaccination care resource provides comprehensive information in an easy-to-understand pictorial way and was appreciated by both vaccination providers and patients.
Family food work: lessons learned from urban Aboriginal women about nutrition promotion
Authors: Foley Wendy
Published: August 2011

This article reports on ethnographic study of urban Aboriginal family food and implications for nutrition promotion. Data were collected over 2 years through in-depth interviews and participant observation in groups conducted through Indigenous organisations in a suburb of Brisbane. Issues when organising family food include affordability, keeping family members satisfied and being able to share food, a lack of cooking ideas, the accessibility of nutrition information, additional work involved in ensuring healthy eating, and a desire for convenience. Many different health professionals provide nutrition advice, often directing it towards individuals and not providing adequate guidance to facilitate implementation. The easiest advice to implement worked from existing household food practices, skills and budget. Cooking workshops helped to provide opportunities to experiment with recommended foods so that women could confidently introduce them at home. Aboriginal women are concerned about healthy eating for their families. Disadvantage can limit dietary change and the complexity of family food work is often underestimated in nutrition promotion. Household, rather than individual, framing of nutrition promotion can lead to more sustainable healthy eating changes.
'Not the full Monty': a qualitative study of seniors' perceptions of generic medicines in Western Australia
Authors: Bulsara Caroline , McKenzie Anne , Sanfilippo Frank , Holman C. D'Arcy J. , Emery Jon E.
Published: August 2011

The study explored consumers’ perspectives on generic medicine use in Australia. A qualitative methodology was used to explore the topic, including community participation in the form of forums, focus groups and a panel of seniors. Three consumer forums were held from which a seniors’ panel was formed and a series of focus groups were conducted. Participants demonstrated considerable mistrust of generic medicines. Participants highlighted their uncertainty about the extent of pharmaceutical companies’ influence on health professionals, the mistrust of foreign generic manufacturers and scepticism in their equivalence. In addition, the substitution of generic medicines and variability in packaging added to the overall concern and reported poor compliance. Altering consumers’ beliefs and attitudes about generic medicines might require a more concerted effort to reduce consumer mistrust. Consumers’ beliefs about generic medicines will strongly affect attempts to increase generic prescribing in Australia. Many seniors require multiple medications for a range of chronic conditions. Currently however, the lack of uniformity in information and packaging implies that closer monitoring, greater clarity of information and improved packaging of generic medicines is required. Otherwise, the widespread problems and lower uptake of generic medicines amongst seniors will remain.
Nurse - patient encounters in general practice: patterns in general practitioner involvement and use of nurse-specific Medicare items
Authors: Joyce Catherine M. , Piterman Leon
Published: August 2011

A significant gap exists in knowledge about general practice nurses’ (GPNs) patient care activities, despite their now strong presence in Australian general practice. The aim of this paper is to explore the extent of direct general practitioner (GP) involvement in nurse–patient consultations, and to compare consultations where nurse-specific Medicare items were claimable with consultations where they were not. Data from the Practice Nurse Work Survey, a national cross-sectional survey conducted between May 2007 and May 2008, were analysed. Of the total 5253 nurse–patient encounters, 29% did not involve any contact between the patient and a GP, either directly before, during or directly after the nurse consultation. Encounters without GP involvement were more likely to be indirect (e.g. by telephone) and off-site (e.g. home visits), and had higher rates of administrative actions such as documentation and arranging visits. Nurse-specific Medicare item numbers applied in less than half (42%) of nurse–patient encounters. Encounters where no such item applied were more likely to involve medical examinations, blood tests, electrical tracings, physical function tests, removal of sutures, test results, assisting at operations and preparing for procedures. These results confirm that existing data collections do not capture the extent and nature of GPNs’ clinical work.
Follicular somatic cell factors and follicle development
Authors: Buratini J. , Price C. A.
Published: August 2011

Considerable attention is currently paid to oocyte-derived secreted factors that act upon cumulus and granulosa cells. Also important for follicle development are somatic cell-derived secreted factors. This is illustrated by the ability of granulosa cell-derived Kit ligand (KITL) to promote primordial follicle activation, and the loss of follicle development that accompanies KITL gene disruption. This review summarises our current understanding of somatic cell factors during both preantral and antral follicle growth, involving not only signalling from granulosa cells to the oocyte, but also signalling between granulosa and theca cells. Principal granulosa cell-derived factors include activin, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). Theca cells also secrete BMPs and FGFs. The interplay between these factors is equally important for follicle growth as the activity of oocyte-derived factors.
Next generation sequencing allows deeper analysis and understanding of genomes and transcriptomes including aspects to fertility
Authors: Werner Thomas
Published: August 2011

Reproduction and fertility are controlled by specific events naturally linked to oocytes, testes and early embryonal tissues. A significant part of these events involves gene expression, especially transcriptional control and alternative transcription (alternative promoters and alternative splicing). While methods to analyse such events for carefully predetermined target genes are well established, until recently no methodology existed to extend such analyses into a genome-wide de novo discovery process. With the arrival of next generation sequencing (NGS) it becomes possible to attempt genome-wide discovery in genomic sequences as well as whole transcriptomes at a single nucleotide level. This does not only allow identification of the primary changes (e.g. alternative transcripts) but also helps to elucidate the regulatory context that leads to the induction of transcriptional changes. This review discusses the basics of the new technological and scientific concepts arising from NGS, prominent differences from microarray-based approaches and several aspects of its application to reproduction and fertility research. These concepts will then be illustrated in an application example of NGS sequencing data analysis involving postimplantation endometrium tissue from cows.
In vitro and in vivo regulation of follicular formation and activation in cattle
Authors: Fortune Joanne E. , Yang Ming Y. , Muruvi Wanzirai
Published: August 2011

The establishment of a stockpile of non-growing, primordial follicles and its gradual depletion through activation of primordial follicles are essential processes for female fertility. However, the mechanisms that regulate follicle formation, the activation of primordial follicles to begin growth and the primary-to-secondary follicle transition are poorly understood, especially in domestic animals and primates. The authors’ laboratory is engaged in studying early stages of follicular development in cattle and this review summarises the progress to date. Bovine follicles begin to form in fetal ovaries around the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy (about Day 90), but the first activated, primary follicles do not appear until after Day 140. Bovine fetal ovaries produce steroids and production is highest during the first trimester. In vitro, oestradiol and progesterone inhibit follicle formation and acquisition by newly formed follicles of the capacity to activate. Meiotic arrest of the oocyte in the diplotene stage of first prophase does not occur until after follicle formation and is correlated with acquisition of the capacity to activate. This may explain the gap between follicle formation and appearance of the first activated follicles. Once capacity to activate has been acquired, it seems likely that activation in vivo is controlled by the balance between stimulators and inhibitors of activation. Insulin and kit ligand stimulate and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) inhibits activation in vitro. Few bovine follicles transition from the primary to the secondary stage in vitro, but this transition is increased by medium supplements, testosterone and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
101 EXTERNAL PARAMETRIC INDICATORS OF IN VITRO DEVELOPMENTALLY COMPETENT WATER BUFFALO OOCYTES
Authors: Hufana-Duran D. , Duran P. G. , Atabay E. P. , Kanai Y. , Takahashi Y. , Cruz L. C.
Published: August 2011

External parametric indicators for in vitro developmentally competent water buffalo oocytes were determined. Oocytes were retrieved from ovarian follicles and classified based on the 1) density of surrounding cumulus cells (Rank A, n = 94: with >5 layers, Rank B, n = 73: with 3 to 5 layers, Rank C, n = 73: with <3 layers, Rank D, n = 63: with irregular or denuded from cumulus cells, and Rank E, n = 42: with expanded cumulus cells, and 2) granulation of ooplasm (Homogeneous, n = 164: evenly granulated, Heterogeneous, n = 180: not evenly granulated where some part is either light or dark), 3) size of the ooplasm, n = 647 (<100, n = 87; 100–119, n = 312; 120–139, n = 164; ≥140 μm, n = 84), and 4) size of the donor antral follicle, n = 688 (<2, n = 244; 2 to 3.9, n = 221; 4 to 5.9, n = 116; 6 to 7.9, n = 61; ≥8 mm, n = 46). Oocytes classified based on these parameters were matured for 22 to 24 h and the nuclear maturation was examined with cleavage rate and blastocyst development rate assessed after in vitro fertilization. To validate the hypothesis that oocytes with compact cumulus (n = 248) are at growing phase while those with loose cumulus (n = 270) are at developmental phase, they were matured and fertilized in vitro at shorter (20 to 22 h) or longer (24 to 26 h) period and embryo development was assessed. Each study was replicated 5 to 10 times. Data were statistically analysed by chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and correlation analysis. Results showed that oocytes surrounded by multi-layers (>5 layers) of cumulus cells had highest developmental competence. Oocytes with a diameter of <100 μm lacked developmental competence, evidenced by the failure to develop to metaphase II (MII) after in vitro maturation (IVM), whereas oocytes with diameter of ≥100 μm developed to MII and cleaved after IVF. Optimum cleavage (96.8%) and blastocyst development (27.0%) was observed in oocytes with ≥120 μm. The size of the donor follicle was linearly correlated with oocyte developmental competence with follicles ≥6 mm containing highly developmentally competent oocyte. Based on the findings, oocytes surrounded by >3 layers of compact or loose cumulus with evenly granulated and with ∼110 μm diameter ooplasm and derived from ≥4 mm follicles are developmentally competent. Oocytes with a compact cumulus required 24 to 26 h of IVM while those with loose cumulus required 20 to 22 h of IVM for optimum blastocyst development. These results suggest that the density and compactness of the surrounding cumulus, and the diameter of ooplasm and donor follicles are positive indicators for oocytes with developmental competence.