bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population Differentiation in a Complex Bird Sound: A Comparison of Three Bioacoustical Analysis Procedures
Authors: Baker Myron C. , Logue David M.
Published: March 2003

We examined three bioacoustical analysis methods for comparing complex sounds among different populations. We chose the D‐syllable of the chick‐a‐dee call of the black‐capped chickadee (Poecile atricapilla) because it is a broadband sound representative of a class of vocalizations, common in many animals, that resists simple subjective classification for comparative studies. We examined the properties of the D‐syllable in field‐recorded samples from three different populations. The first method of data extraction sampled the amplitude values of a spectrum obtained in a single fast Fourier transform (SFFT) taken at the midpoint of each D‐syllable using multi‐speech software. The second method employed spectrogram cross‐correlation (SPCC) to obtain a matrix of similarity values between D‐syllables in the samples using canary software. The third method calculated similarity values obtained from the evaluation of four acoustic features of the D‐syllables derived from multi‐taper spectral analysis (MTSA) using sound analysis software. Following data extraction by these three techniques, we used multivariate statistical procedures to reduce the data for examination of differences among populations and to represent in scatter‐plots the patterns of clustering of the sounds. We found that the SFFT in the middle of the D‐syllable provided the poorest population discrimination following statistical processing, the SPCC method produced the next clearest population separation, and the MTSA method resulted in the most distinct separation of the three populations of D‐syllables. In carrying out these comparisons, we discovered that the characteristic environmental noise of a recording area can influence the signal properties of broadband sounds being compared by automated procedures, and could lead to faulty conclusions unless appropriate care is taken to mitigate the noise in which the signals of interest are embedded. Consequently we re‐analyzed our data following noise reduction and found less discrete population separation overall. However, the methods of SPCC and MTSA retained the ability to separate populations, with MTSA providing the sharpest discrimination among groups.
Female Canaries (Serinus canaria) Associate more with Males that Contrast Strongly against the Background
Authors: Heindl Martin , Winkler Hans
Published: March 2003

Male birds with bright plumage colors which entail production costs and increased predation risks should be able to emphasize the handicap function of their ornaments when they present themselves against a contrasting background. Contrast with the background may accentuate the signal's costliness and make the male more conspicuous to predators. Both effects should contribute to increase male attractiveness. It is therefore conceivable that the extent to which the male plumage contrasts against the background modifies female choice behavior as it improves the discrimination of mates. We tested this hypothesis in domesticated canaries (Serinus canaria). In the first experiment, yellow females could choose between two yellow males presented in front of a yellow and a white background, respectively. In the second experiment we replaced the yellow males with white ones. In experiment 1 females associated significantly more with yellow males which contrasted strongly against the white background. In experiment 2 there was at least a trend for preferred associations with the white male in front of the yellow background. We found no support that male properties per se were chosen. We could further clarify that females associated with the contrasting male and not with a particular background color. Thus, our study demonstrates that not only inherent properties of the sender but also the interaction of bird color with the signaling environment may influence mate choice.
RFLP analysis as a tool for identification of lignicolous basidiomycetes: European polypores
Authors: Fischer M. , Wagner T.
Published: March 2003

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms were generated for 52 species of lignicolous European polypores belonging to 31 different genera. An enzymatically amplified portion of the nuclear‐encoded ribosomal DNA was found to be about 1800–1900 bp long for most taxa. After digestion with Hpa II, 44 distinct phenotypes were detected for the species under study; application of the additional restriction endonucleases, Hin 6 I and Hinf I, resulted in 48 species‐specific and two genera‐specific phenotypes. The procedure described should allow for a reliable identification of unknown mycelia of lignicolous fungi.
Treatment of oak decline using pressurized injection capsules of antifungal materials
Authors: Fernandez‐Escobar R. , Gallego F. J. , Benlloch M. , Membrillo J. , Infante J. , de Algaba A. Perez
Published: March 2003

Quercus ilex and Quercus suber trees growing at several sites in Extremadura, Western Spain, that were showing symptoms of oak decline were injected with potassium phosphonate, quinosol or carbendazim using a low‐pressure method of trunk injection composed of a pressurized capsule system. A team of four people injected between 120 and 189 trees per day, depending upon the density of the undergrowth vegetation. This labour cost represented, approximately, 15–20% of the total cost of the treatment. The potassium phosphonate‐injected trees showed a significant improvement in vegetative growth within 2 years of the injection treatment, and they also showed some recovery from the decline symptoms during the third year. Only one injection treatment of an average of 3.5 capsules (corresponding to 24.5 g phosphonic acid) per tree of approximately 36 cm in diameter, was necessary to reduce the disease severity significantly. Indirectly, these results corroborate the implication of Phytophthora cinnamomi in oak decline within Spanish Quercus woodlands.
Detection and quantification of Phytophthora species which are associated with root‐rot diseases in European deciduous forests by species‐specific polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Schubert R. , Bahnweg G. , Nechwatal J. , Jung T. , Cooke D. E. L. , Duncan J. M. , Müller‐Starck G. , Langebartels C. , Jr H. Sandermann , Oßwald W.
Published: March 2003

Oligonucleotide primers were developed for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based detection of selected Phytophthora species which are known to cause root‐rot diseases in European forest trees. The primer pair CITR1/CITR2, complementing both internal transcribed spacer regions of the ribosomal RNA genes, gave a 711 bp amplicon with Phytophthora citricola. The Phytophthora cambivora specific primer pair CAMB3/CAMB4, producing a 1105bp amplicon, as well as the Phytophthora quercina specific primer pair QUERC1/QUERC2, producing a 842 bp amplicon, were derived from randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)‐fragments presented in this paper. All three primer pairs revealed no undesirable cross‐reaction with a diverse test collection of isolates including other Phytophthora species, Pythium, Xerocomus, Hebeloma, Russula, and Armillaria. Under the PCR conditions described the detection of a well discernable amplicon was possible down to 100 pg (P. cambivora), 4pg (P. quercina), and 2pg (P. citricola) target DNA. This diagnostic PCR system was able to detect P. citricola, P. quercina, and P. cambivora in seedlings of pendunculate oak (Quercus robur) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica) which were artificially infected under controlled conditions.
Evaluation of the resistance of 36Heveaclones toMicrocyclus uleiand relation to their capacity to accumulate scopoletin and lignins
Authors: Garcia D. , Troispoux V. , Grange N. , Rivano F. , D'Auzac J.
Published: March 2003

Thirty‐sixHeveaclones were inoculated with conidia ofMicrocyclus ulei, the causal agent of South American Leaf Blight in an air‐conditioned chamber. Components of disease resistance such as latent period, infectious period, lesion size, percentage of damaged leaf area, number of lesions, spore production and stromatic generation period were studied during a single infection cycle. The clones were easily separated on the basis of these characters that were evaluated under controlled conditions. The main components that were highly correlated were the spore production, lesion size and number of lesions with the percentage of damaged leaf area. Others, such the stromatic generation period, were slightly correlated with all other components; latent period and infectious period was slightly correlated with the lesion size; and lesion size was slightly correlated with lesion density. For screening of varieties, damaged leaf area and spore production were the two components that should be considered the most important. Furthermore, the clones were tested for their capacity to produce scopoletin, a phytoalexin ofHevea, and to produce lignins in their infection sites. A strong correlation was observed between scopoletin accumulation and clone resistance. Moreover, strong lignin accumulation was often associated with a longer stromatic generation period. These two physiological reactions could interfere by limiting fungal development in several clones. However, neither scopoletin nor lignin accumulation could individually explain the behaviour of all clones.
A modified sprayer for use in stump treatment trials to control Heterobasidion annosum
Authors: Pratt J.E. , Brooks D.J. , Macaskill G.A. , Rickwood D.
Published: March 2003

New equipment for use in stump treatment trials against Heterobasidion annosum is described. A knapsack sprayer was modified to apply a measured dose of pesticide evenly over a circular target 270 mm in diameter. Stumps of varying size up to this diameter were treated with known doses of disodium octaborate without the need for measurement.
Effect of uninucleate Rhizoctonia on Scots pine and Norway spruce seedlings
Authors: Lilja A. , Rikala R.
Published: March 2003

One‐year‐old container‐grown seedlings were planted in spring on clear cut areas: the Norway spruce (Picea abies) on a moist upland site (Myrtillus‐type) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) on a dryish upland site (Vaccinium‐type). While still in the nursery, half of the seedlings of each species had been inoculated during the previous summer, with a uninucleate Rhizoctonia sp., a root dieback fungus. At outplanting all the seedlings appeared healthy and had a normal apical bud, although the height of the inoculated seedlings was less than that of the uninoculated control seedlings. At the end of the first growing season after planting, the mortality of inoculated Scots pine and Norway spruce seedlings was 25 and 69%, respectively. After two growing seasons the mortality of inoculated seedlings had increased to 38% for Scots pine and 93% for Norway spruce. The mortality of control seedlings after two growing seasons in the forest was 2% for Scots pine and 13% for Norway spruce. After outplanting the annual growth of inoculated seedlings was poor compared with the growth of control seedlings. These results show that, although Rhizoctonia‐affected seedlings are alive and green in the nursery, the disease subsequently affects both their survival and growth in the forest.
Infections of Valdensinia heterodoxa and Pucciniastrum vaccinii on bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). Implications for monitoring ground vegetation
Authors: Aamlid D.
Published: March 2003

Two fungi, Valdensinia heterodoxa and Pucciniastrum vaccinii, have been found to have impact on the leaf coverage of bilberry plants. When studying forest ground vegetation assessors should therefore be aware of the biotic impact of pathogens on plants.
Pathogenicity of Bursaphelenchus sexdentati, Bursaphelenchus leoni and Bursaphelenchus hellenicus on European pine seedlings
Authors: Skarmoutsos G. , Michalopoulos‐Skarmoutsos H.
Published: March 2003

In Greece extensive pine wilting is associated with the presence of nematodes of the genus Bursaphelenchus. In order to check the pathogenicity of Bursaphelenchus sexdentati, Bursaphelenchus leoni and Bursaphelenchus hellenicus, inoculation tests were carried out on 3‐year‐old seedlings of Pinus brutia, Pinus halepensis, Pinus nigra, Pinus pinaster and Pinus sylvestris. For inoculations, 6000 nematodes in 0.5 ml of water were used per seedling. Bursaphelenchus sexdentati proved to be highly virulent causing mortality of up to 100%, followed by B. leoni whereas B. hellenicus was nonpathogenic.
Dothistroma rhabdoclinis sp. nov. associated with Rhabdocline pseudotsugae on Douglas fir
Authors: Butin H. , Kehr R. , Pehl L.
Published: March 2003

Dothistroma rhabdoclinis, a new coelomycete on needles of Pseudotsuga menziesii is described. The fungus is associated, possibly as a hyperparasite, with Rhabdocline pseudotsugae, the causal agent of Rhabdocline needle‐cast of Douglas fir. The presence of D. rhabdoclinis interferes with and sometimes completely inhibits the production of ascomata of R. pseudotsugae. The cultural and morphological characters of the new fungus are compared with the only other known member of the genus, Dothistroma septospora.
Ulocladium chartarum as the causal agent of a leaf necrosis on Quercus pubescens
Authors: Vannini By A. , Vettraino A. M.
Published: March 2003

Summary A necrosis of leaves of Quercus pubescens caused by the fungus Ulocladium chartarum is reported. This fungus causes leaf spots both under natural conditions and following artificial inoculation of unwounded attached leaves. A high incidence of leaf spotting by U. chartarum seems to be associated with wet summers.
Intersterility group differentiation in Heterobasidion annosum using ribosomal IGS1 region polymorphism
Authors: Kasuga T. , Mitchelson K. R.
Published: March 2003

Summary The intergenic spacer region 1 (IGS1) of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene repeat was examined in three European intersterility groups of the wood‐rot fungus Heterobasidion annosum. The IGS1 elements were informative for restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) fingerprinting the fungal intersterility groups following digestion with two different four‐cutter restriction endonucleases. The fingerprints of isolates from the same intersterility group from different localities shared some fragments in common, but also showed specific fragments suggesting that RFLP of the IGS1 region might be used in population studies. RFLP patterns between isolates from different intersterility groups differed more markedly. RFLP were also detected in the IGS1 region of North American strains of H. annosum and in the related species Heterobasidion araucariae. The results indicate that ribosomal IGS1 region fingerprinting could be a useful tool to identify the fungal intersterility group in Heterobasidion annosum.
Variation in growth of Heterobasidion annosum among clones of Picea abies incubated for different periods of time
Authors: Swedjemark  , Stenlid  , Karlsson
Published: March 2003

Thirty‐seven 4‐year‐old clones of Picea abies were inoculated with one isolate of the S intersterility group of Heterobasidion annosum in a greenhouse. The dehardened cuttings were organized in three different groups with four to six ramets in each group. All groups were inoculated on the same day shortly after shoot elongation. The groups were sampled for H. annosum growth after 34 (group 1), 83 (group 2) and 182 days (group 3), respectively. Measured parameters were cutting height and diameter, vigour index of the cuttings, infection incidence, mortality rate and fungal growth in the stem. The height of the cuttings was almost constant during the 6 months of incubation, whereas the diameter increased by about 10% during the same period. The proportion of living cuttings containing H. annosum decreased with time (99.5, 93 and 67% infection in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively) and differed significantly among clones in group 3. Mortality rate increased with time (0.5, 22 and 37% mortality in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively) and differed significantly among clones in groups 2 and 3; the same clones being most susceptible for both times. Mean fungal growth into the wood was significantly different among groups and among clones within each group. The ranking position for fungal growth was similar in the three groups. The results indicate that frequency of infection success, mortality rate and fungal growth are clone‐dependent factors. Broad sense heritability varied between 0.08 and 0.25 for fungal growth and lesion length at the three incubation periods. Infection success frequency was initially not different among clones but in the longer incubation periods there were significant differences among clones, indicating differences in resistance. Fungal growth in wood differed among separate host clones irrespectively of the length of inoculation period. The vigour of the cuttings seem to influence the length of fungal extension only in the initial stage of the infection.
Phytophthora disease of alder (Alnus glutinosa) in France: investigations between 1995 and 1999
Authors: STREITO J‐C. , LEGRAND PH. , TABARY F. , VILLARTAY G. JARNOUEN DE
Published: March 2003

A severe decline of alder associated with an undescribed Phytophthora species was identified for the first time in England in 1993. No generalized decline of alder was reported in France before 1990. The first diebacks and mortalities of common alder were observed at the beginning of the 1990s, but the so‐called alder Phytophthora was not isolated in France until 1996. First, a synthesis about alder declines that were known in France before 1995 is presented. Then, a survey was established in north‐eastern France; 108 sites were visited and the alder Phytophthora was isolated from 57 of them. All the main rivers were found to be affected and damage levels are significant along some of them. The frequency of the alder Phytophthora and other fungi isolated from declining alders is discussed. Finally, information on other alder declines in France is presented region by region, and a map summarizes the known distribution of the disease. The alder Phytophthora is quite common and widespread in France, with western and north‐eastern France being especially affected; however, the number of diseased or dead trees varies greatly from one site to another. All records are from Alnus glutinosa; other Alnus species were seldom seen in the surveys.
An association between the fungus Sphaeropsis sapinea and the cone bug Gastrodes grossipes in cones of Pinus nigra in Italy
Authors: FECI E. , BATTISTI A. , CAPRETTI P. , TEGLI S.
Published: March 2003

Tip blight caused by Sphaeropsis sapinea is a well‐known disease in pine plantations in Italy. Austrian pine Pinus nigra, which was largely used in afforestation programmes during past decades, has recently suffered great damage from this pathogen. The incidence of the fungus in third‐year cones was investigated in four stands. The percentage of cones infected with the fungus varied from 17 to 62%. Infected cones were observed on trees lacking symptoms of the disease as well as on those showing tip blight. The possible association of S. sapinea with the cone bug Gastrodes grossipes, which inhabits mature and open cones of pines, was examined by log‐linear analysis. The cone bug was found in up to 67% of cones. Results revealed that the presence of S. sapinea and G. grossipes in pine cones was not independent; thus, a role of the insect in disseminating the fungus is hypothesized.
METROPOLITAN RESEARCHERS UNDERTAKING RURAL RESEARCH: BENEFITS AND PITFALLS
Authors: Wilkes Lesley
Published: March 2003

Can or should metropolitan residents research their rural counterparts and if they do are there inherent pitfalls or benefits? Throughout the history of social and anthropological research there has been debate on the insider–outsider/native–stranger controversy as to who should carry out the field work. This discourse will explore the author’s personal experiences in the context of planning a rural health project, entering the field, accessing the informants, interviewing the informants and leaving the field.
GP‐BASED EMERGENCY RESPONSE IN RURAL AREAS: IS THERE A NEED?
Authors: Somers George T.
Published: March 2003

Rural general practitioners (GPs) traditionally provide the initial care for the very ill and severely traumatised in small and medium‐sized rural hospitals. It has been said that these patients would be better managed in a level 1 trauma centre. The present paper will test this hypothesis and shows that the benefits of the expertise available in the large centres may be outweighed by the loss of life in the prehospital phase, most of which occurs before the arrival of the ambulance. General practitioner involvement would enhance the current early retrieval system. Very ill and severe trauma should be assessed and stabilised in the most appropriate local facility. Routine by‐passing of local emergency medical services should be avoided. A national standard for training rural GPs in emergency management skills is needed. Emergency facilities and equipment must be maintained and improved throughout rural Australia. These facilities and their staff must be accredited so that the ambulance service can more appropriately determine its transport priorities.
A Nurse Practitioner‐Led Farmers' Health Service: Setting Up and Evaluating a UK Project
Authors: Walsh Mike
Published: March 2003

The farming community in the UK have significant unmet health‐care needs that have traditionally remained invisible. The project that is the subject of this paper is an attempt to improve access to health care for farmers and make their needs visible. It is based in an upland area of England and involves two nurse practitioners (NPs) and two support workers who provide health care for the farming community. The main targets of the project are farm accidents, mental health and occupational diseases. The NPs visit farms, on request, for consultations and also attend auction marts, agricultural shows and other farmers’ meetings. Evaluation is by a telephone follow‐up interview with a sample of clients seen by the NP, who will be compared with a group from a similar area who do not receive the service. A farm accident survey is underway, case notes are being audited and the NPs are keeping a reflective diary as further sources of data.
Preventing Fractures in Large Rural Centres: Sociodemographic Sub‐Groups at Risk of Osteoporosis from their Lifestyle
Authors: Peach Hedley G. , Bath Nicole E.
Published: March 2003

Middle‐aged people living in non‐metropolitan Victoria have higher hospitalisation rates from osteoporotic fractures than those in metropolitan areas. This may reflect a higher prevalence of lifestyle risk factors for osteoporosis. One‐fifth of Victoria’s non‐metropolitan population live in ‘large rural centres’. The aim of the present study was to identify the sociodemographic sub‐groups in a ‘large rural centre’ at risk of osteoporosis because of their lifestyle. Adults on Ballarat’s electoral rolls were invited to complete a questionnaire and have their height and weight measured. A total of 335 eligible people participated in the present study (67% response). The sub‐groups at risk of osteoporosis were identified using logistic regression analyses. Among women, being single/separated/divorced/ widowed was associated with being underweight and having low dietary calcium. A lack of exercise was associated with not completing high school and smoking with being aged 25–44 years. Among men, low dietary calcium was associated with not completing high school and smoking was associated with being employed in a non‐professional/ non‐managerial occupation. These sub‐groups must be considered when planning preventative strategies for people in ‘large rural centres’.
An Assessment of Funding to Support Rural and Remote Health Research in Australia
Authors: Patterson Carla
Published: March 2003

A systematic search was undertaken to ascertain the nature, source and extent of funding awarded to research projects that were directed specifically at aspects of rural health over the past decade. Comment is also made on the challenge of obtaining such information directly from databases. The sources investigated were the conventional research funding bodies, hospital trusts and foundations, university funding schemes and government sources. The results of these searches revealed a crude average of 3 million dollars per year from conventional research funding with the remaining sources adding a similar amount in total. Analysis of the data using a framework modified from the Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research in Australia shows that funding is concentrated in the health services and public health areas with a preponderance of funding being directed towards the description of conditions and interventions. Significant levels of funding have been directed towards the National Health Priority Areas.
HEALTH AND THE 1999 REGIONAL AUSTRALIA SUMMIT
Authors: Humphreys John S.
Published: March 2003

The Regional Australia Summit brought together 282 invited delegates from all parts of Australia. The aim of the Summit was to develop partnerships between the government, business and community sectors to deliver a better future for regional, rural and remote areas facing significant change. Health was one of 12 themes discussed at the Summit. Five key health priorities were identified; the need to change the dominant metropolitan mind‐set, improve access to health‐care services, improve service provision and workforce training, ensure equitable resource allocation, and adopt a population health approach. The ultimate success of the Regional Australia Summit will be gauged over time by the extent to which the health, wellbeing and prosperity of rural, remote and regional Australians has been improved, and existing problems and issues addressed. Nonetheless, the Summit is a significant event because it addresses issues at the highest level of government, emphasises coordination and the adoption of an intersectoral approach, and recognises the need to empower local communities and build partnerships between the government, corporate and community sectors.
POSITIVE IMPACT OF RURAL ACADEMIC FAMILY PRACTICES ON RURAL MEDICAL RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Authors: Wilkinson David , Symon Brian , Newbury Jonathan , Marley John E.
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: Difficulty recruiting and retaining doctors in rural and remote Australia is well recognised. Here, we describe the positive impact on recruitment and retention of general practitioners of a network of university‐linked rural family practices in South Australia. Between August 1995 and October 1999, 17 doctors were recruited; eight (47%) were female and six (35%) worked part time. Four doctors left the practices after an average of 20 months service (annual turnover of 6%). Of the two general practice registrars placed in the single accredited practice, one has since joined the practice and the other will do so in 2000. Five doctors are overseas‐trained (24%) and four are expected to stay permanently. Rural academic family practices have successfully recruited and retained medical staff in this setting over the past few years. This model of practice may be a useful recruitment and retention strategy for other parts of Australia.
The Impact of Coordinated Care: Eyre Region, South Australia 1997–1999
Authors: Harvey Peter
Published: March 2003

The SA HealthPlus Coordinated Care Trial in the Eyre Region began in fortuitous circumstances. First, it coincided with the completion of the Eyre Regional Health Service (ERHS) needs assessment in 1996, which highlighted outstanding health service needs and community concerns in relation to health care across the region. Second, although conceived as a formal trial, using standard research techniques, scientific processes and formal control groups to test significant differences between intervention and control groups, the trial did not conform strictly to the rules of social science or pure science and became more an exercise in action research. More significantly still, the Eyre Region became involved in the process, not so much as a way of proving a concept (the SA Health Plus hypotheses around utilisation, funding and health outcomes), but as a way of creating opportunities for change in the regional health system. If nothing else, the region stood to benefit from the implementation of the trial and involvement in the trial process. The present paper outlines the impact of the Eyre Coordinated Care Trial, not in terms of hypotheses and data analysis, but in terms of the impact of the trial processes on systems change and the evolution of an outcome‐based health system. Such a system has the potential to deliver improved health outcomes to communities within existing financial resources and make much more effective use of resources by integrating care delivery and encouraging collaboration between health providers. In addition, the success of the change process in Eyre also supports the notion that change is not necessarily predicated upon scientific processes and research outcomes alone, but also upon the human and social structures associated with such endeavours. This perspective also contributes to the debate about the nature and role of science in the advancement of knowledge.
PANCREATITIS IN REMOTE AUSTRALIA: AN INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Ah‐Tye Paul J.
Published: March 2003

In Australia, pancreatitis has been associated with gallstones in approximately 35% of cases and alcohol in approximately 25% of cases. The present study was performed to analyse the aetiology of pancreatitis in patients admitted to a remote Australian hospital that has a population base comprising both indigenous and non‐indigenous people. A retrospective study was conducted of all cases of pancreatitis admitted to the Alice Springs Hospital from August 1993 to August 1999. One hundred and two patient records were examined, and 77% of these patients were Aboriginal. Alcohol was the most common aetiological factor (64%), with gallstone disease being the next most common. Aboriginal patients with pancreatitis were younger than non‐Aboriginal patients ( P = 0.0304) and were also more likely to have alcohol as their cause of pancreatitis (

P = 0.035), especially if they were male. In males, alcohol was implicated in at least 70% of cases. In females, the causes were gallstone disease (41%) and alcohol (49%). Patients with gallstone disease were significantly older than patients with other causes of pancreatitis (

P = 0.000). There was an overall 30% increase in admission rate per year, which was primarily due to an increase in the number of Aboriginal admissions (36% per year) (

P = 0.000). The present study highlights a difference in the aetiology of pancreatitis in Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal people from a remote Australian population.
Cataract, cost: Curious questions
Authors: Moran David J
Published: March 2003

An investigation of the pricing of implantable prosthetic devices in Australia reveals some alarming practices. A governmental mechanism exists to prop up the pricing of 7500 listed devices to levels that are unacceptably high by world standards. Private hospitals and doctors are able, legally, to profit by marking up the cost of these devices from the market price to this artificially inflated price. Even the open market prices of implantable prosthetic items, such as intra‐ocular lenses, are high by international standards. In a time of budgetary constraint for health spending and rapidly increasing use of these devices, these issues urgently need to be addressed in Australia.
Localization of IgG in the normal and dystrophic rat retina after laser lesions*
Authors: Chu Yi , Alder Valerie A , Humphrey Martin F , Constable Ian J
Published: March 2003

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that access to extravasated plasma protein IgG may influence photoreceptor survival following laser photocoagulation and to determine whether this correlates with the retinal glial reaction.

Methods: A total of 45 rats (18 Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) dystrophic and 18 RCS‐rdy+ congenic control) were used for this experiment. Nine non‐lasered littermates of same age were used as controls. The superior retinas of postnatal day 23 rats were irradiated with a grid pattern of 40 argon green laser lesions of 50 μm in diameter and two powers (150 and 300 mW) for 0.2 s. At various times after laser lesions (up to 14 days), animals were perfused, the retinas snap frozen and sectioned on a cryostat. A one‐step immunohistochemical technique was used by incubating with rabbit anti‐rat IgG conjugated directly to horseradish peroxidase. Adjacent sections were processed using an antibody to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) by the standard avidin–biotin complex method.

Results: The labelling pattern for extravasated IgG after laser lesion was very similar in both RCS and RCS‐rdy+ rat retinas. At 6, 12 and 24 h after lesions, IgG immunoreactivity (IR) was very intense in the lesion core and flanks. The outer plexiform layer (OPL) and photoreceptor inner segments provided a ready pathway for lateral spread of IgG. However, in the outer nuclear layer (ONL), IgG localization was much more restricted. Despite very intense IgG IR in the ONL of the coagulated lesion core, there was always a very sharply delineated boundary where the label abruptly halted. The GFAP labelling in both RCS dystrophic and RCS‐rdy+ congenic control rat retinas showed that this boundary was between normal and necrotic cells because there was a core where GFAP was not produced by Müller cells. By 2 days after lesions, the coagulated cells in the lesion core were being removed by phagocytic cells that were IgG IR. Labelled phagocytic cells were also found among the inner and outer segment region on the lesion flanks. There was still IgG IR in the lesion, but the label was faint. No IgG IR was found in the retina at 3, 4, 7 and 14 days after lesions. Absorption control with pure rat IgG showed the label to be specific.

Conclusions: The extravasated IgG was derived from the choroidal circulation because at no stage was IgG localized around the retinal vasculature. The IgG labelling was surprisingly widespread and, therefore, did not correlate with photoreceptor sparing, although it preceded the widespread Müller cell expression of GFAP and may, therefore, trigger glial reaction.
Evaluation of oculokinetic perimetry
Authors: Chia W‐L A , Goldberg I , Bauman A
Published: March 2003

Background and Method: Oculokinetic perimetry (OKP) was performed on 98 patients (187 eyes) using the Damato 26‐point glaucoma screening chart. Results were compared with those obtained from a 24‐2 full threshold test on a Humphrey Field Analyser (HFA).

Results: In its ability to detect pathology in individual eyes, OKP had a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 71.4%. To detect glaucoma, OKP demonstrated a sensitivity of 86.0% and a specificity of 56.1%. The number of OKP defects detected increased with increasing HFA mean defect and corrected pattern standard deviation. Whereas moderate and severe field defects were almost always detected, smaller and shallower glaucoma defects were often missed.

Conclusion: The fall in sensitivity and specificity of the OKP chart in identifying milder glaucomatous field defects diminishes its value as a screening test. However, its introduction into wider use in the community may increase awareness of glaucoma amongst general practitioners and members of the public, and help to detect previously undiagnosed glaucoma with moderate to severe damage. A normal OKP finding does not exclude the presence of early glaucoma. Combined with ophthalmoscopy, OKP may improve glaucoma detection rates amongst non‐ophthalmologists.
Amphetamine Withdrawal: II. A Placebo-Controlled, Randomised, Double-Blind Study of Amineptine Treatment
Authors: Srisurapanont Manit , Jarusuraisin Ngamwong , Jittiwutikan Jaroon
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the benefits of amineptine, a dopamine agonist antidepressant, in treating amphetamine withdrawal.

Method: Inpatients with amphetamine withdrawal were recruited to participate in this placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, parallel group, 2-week comparison of amineptine and placebo treatments. The treatment effects were evaluated by means of the self-administered Amphetamine Withdrawal Questionnaire (AWQ) and the interviewer-administered Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale. An intention-to-treat analysis was applied to evaluate the therapeutic effects at the end of week 1 and week 2.

Results: Twenty-two patients took part in each treatment group. The week-1 and week-2 intention-to-treat analyses showed that the mean AWQ reversed vegetative scores (combined scores of decreased energy, increased appetite and craving for sleep items) of the amineptine group were significantly lower than those of the placebo group. The general condition of the amineptine group assessed by CGI also significantly improved at the end of week 2. Although the discontinuation rate due to dissatisfaction with treatment of amineptine group (1/21) was much lower than that of placebo group (6/22), those rates were not significantly different (p = 0.09).

Conclusions: Amineptine is specifically effective for treating a major component of amphetamine withdrawal: a reversed vegetative syndrome. Although more than 2 weeks of amineptine treatment may contribute further benefits, both risks and benefits should be taken into account in doing so.
Chinese Migrants’ Mental Health and Adjustment to Life in New Zealand
Authors: Abbott Max W. , Wong Sai , Williams Maynard , Au Ming , Young Wilson
Published: March 2003

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify and assess the relative importance of predictors of the self-rated adjustment and psychiatric morbidity of recent Chinese migrants.

Method: Chinese migrants (n = 271) living in Auckland and aged 15 years or older completed a postal questionnaire that included the Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ). The majority of respondents came from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Results: Most respondents did not report major adjustment problems. The psychiatric morbidity rate was 19%. Major predictors of experiencing problems included rejection by locals, being aged 26–35 years or over 45 years and low English proficiency. Major predictors of poor adjustment included unemployment, low English proficiency, lack of university education, younger age, shorter residency, expectations not met and regrets about coming to New Zealand. Predictors of minor mental disorder included regretting coming, female gender and younger age. For migrants resident 2 years or less, unemployment and underemployment were additional risk factors. Mothers with absent husbands and young people with absent parents also had elevated rates of mental disorder.

Conclusions: Although the overall prevalence of mental disorder for this sample of recent migrants appears to be similar to that of the general population, significant risk factors were identified. The findings extend knowledge of the adjustment and the mental health of migrants and provide potential focal points for primary and secondary prevention interventions.
Gender Differences in Living Skills and Global Assessment of Functioning Among Outpatients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Hintikka Jukka , Saarinen Pirjo , Tanskanen Antti , Koivumaa-Honkanen Heli , Viinamäki Heimo
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aims of this paper are to study skills in personal and domestic activities, and their associations with Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale scores among outpatients with schizophrenia, and to study the impact of depressive mood on functional capacity in schizophrenia.

Method: Three hundred and two outpatients with DSM-III-R schizophrenia completed the 13-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and a questionnaire relating to their sociodemographic characteristics, and living and working conditions. Staff members completed the GAF scale and a questionnaire relating to the patient's medical history and current treatment. This questionnaire also included the staff's assessments on patient's skills in six personal or domestic activities (personal hygiene, homemaking, management of financial affairs, shopping, decision-making, getting about).

Results: Fifty-six percent of men and 33% of women (p < 0.001) with schizophrenia did not have independent skills in at least one personal or domestic activity but there was no difference in the mean GAF score between men and women. In men, the GAF score was independently and positively associated with all living skills studied and in women with homemaking, management of financial affairs, and decision-making, respectively. The BDI scores were not independently associated with functioning in personal and domestic activities except with getting about in women.

Conclusions: The GAF scale is a simple and time-saving measure for assessing overall living skills among outpatients with schizophrenia. However, assessments on the GAF scale may be biased towards poor functioning in women. Moreover, psychosocial functioning and depression should be evaluated separately.
Psychiatrists in Times of Ethnonationalism
Authors: Kecmanovic Dusan
Published: March 2003

Objective: My goal was to determine the function served by ethnopsychological writings of prominent Croatian and Serbian psychiatrists, published between 1990 and 1998, when fierce interethnic strife between their communities occurred.

Method: These writings, which deal with the national character of the Croats and Serbs, were analysed.

Results: The writings have served the function of detachment.

Conclusion: Croatian and Serbian psychiatrists have been affected by ethnonationalist sentiments that have prevailed in their communities, and have shown bias in stereotyping each others' population.
Sub-Grouping Non-Melancholic Major Depression Using Both Clinical and Aetiological Features
Authors: Parker Gordon , Roy Kay , Wilhelm Kay , Mitchell Phillip , Austin Marie-Paule , Hadzi-Pavlovic Dusan
Published: March 2003

Objective: In previous papers we have considered the extent to which two contrasting analytic approaches, examining reported clinical symptom variables alone and aetiological variables alone, assist definition of subgroups of non-melancholic major depression. Here, we address the same objective but combine both sets of variables, and contrast the combined solution with each of the contributing ones. Method: We study a sample of 185 subjects with a putative non-melancholic major depressive disorder, with analyses involving 13 aetiological and 38 symptom variables.

Results: A four-class subgrouping was derived by use of a cluster analytic technique, with ‘neurotic depression’, non-anxious ‘depressed’, ‘situational’ and ‘residual’ groups. The largest group comprised ‘neurotic depression’ subjects, with characteristics compatible with a spectrum disorder encompassing both clinical features as well as an underlying temperament and personality style marked by anxiety. Conclusions: Comparative advantages and properties of the three differing analytic approaches to defining ‘meaningful’ non-melancholic major depressive subgroupings are considered. As a ‘neurotic depressive’ class has been consistently identified across those three approaches, but with quite varying numbers of subjects circumscribed, it is clearly a ‘fuzzy’ entity which may benefit from a dimensional approach to its measurement. As many of the non-melancholic groupings appear secondary to a substantive predisposing factor such as anxiety or disordered personality functioning, the clinical importance and treatment utility in identifying and circumscribing such classes are clearly supported.
Experience, Knowledge and Attitudes of Mental Health Staff Regarding Patients' Problematic Drug and Alcohol Use
Authors: Siegfried Nandi , Ferguson Joanne , Cleary Michelle , Walter Garry , Rey Joseph M.
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the experience, knowledge and attitudes of mental health staff regarding patients' problematic drug and alcohol use in order to provide direction for planned drug and alcohol education.

Method: A 47-item questionnaire was developed and individually posted to all mental health staff employed by Central Sydney Area Health Service (n == 536). Results: Three hundred and thirty-eight (63%) staff members completed the questionnaire. Thirty-six percent of respondents had received drug and alcohol training and 41% had drug and alcohol work experience. Drug and alcohol training and work experience were associated with increased drug and alcohol knowledge. Respondents' perception of their knowledge and competence was positively correlated with their actual knowledge. Most staff reported having regular contact with patients with psychotic illnesses and drug and alcohol problems. The majority considered the management of this patient group difficult and currently inadequate. Seventy percent believed that as mental health professionals they had a role to play in the management of their patients' drug and alcohol problems. Almost all (95%) were willing to participate in further education and training in this area. Conclusions: Mental health staff are often confronted with drug and alcohol problems in patients with psychotic illnesses. They perceive a need for drug and alcohol education and training specific to the management of these patients. Future research will need to evaluate outcomes of education and training programs for both staff and patients.
Parental Representations Associated with Adult Separation Anxiety and Panic Disorder-Agoraphobia
Authors: Manicavasagar Vijaya , Silove Derrick , Wagner Renate , Hadzi-Pavlovic Dusan
Published: March 2003

Objective: Early bonding abnormalities have been associated with a range of anxiety and depressive disorders in adulthood, but no specific parental patterns have emerged for particular disorders. The present study investigated the possibility that parental overprotectiveness may be linked to a risk of separation anxiety (SA) in adulthood.

Method: Two samples were recruited: volunteers (n=34) whose major anxieties focused on separation concerns, and adult anxiety clinic patients (n=37) who were diagnosed with panic disorder. Parental characteristics and early SA were assessed by dichotomising the combined sample first according to adult SAcategorisation and then by panic disorder status.

Results: Subjects assigned to the adult SAcategory reported high levels of juvenile SA and exposure to maternal overprotectiveness, whereas patients diagnosed with panic disorder reported few differences in their bonding histories compared to residual anxious patients.

Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that early SA and parental overprotectiveness may not be associated with panic disorder per se, but rather with persisting SA symptoms in adulthood. The overlapping samples and retrospectivity of some measures are important limitations of the study.