bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coordination structures of Ca2+ and Mg2+ in Akazara scallop troponin C in solution
Authors: Yumoto Fumiaki , Nara Masayuki , Kagi Hiroyuki , Iwasaki Wakana , Ojima Takao , Nishita Kiyoyoshi , Nagata Koji , Tanokura Masaru
Published: March 2003

FTIR spectroscopy has been applied to study the coordination structures of Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions bound in Akazara scallop troponin C (TnC), which contains only a single Ca2+ binding site. The region of the COO– antisymmetric stretch provides information about the coordination modes of COO– groups to the metal ions: bidentate, unidentate, or pseudo‐bridging. Two bands were observed at 1584 and 1567 cm−1 in the apo state, whereas additional bands were observed at 1543 and 1601 cm−1 in the Ca2+‐bound and Mg2+‐bound states, respectively. The intensity of the band at 1567 cm−1 in the Mg2+‐bound state was identical to that in the apo state. Therefore, the side‐chain COO– group of Glu142 at the 12th position in the Ca2+‐binding site coordinates to Ca2+ in the bidentate mode but does not interact with Mg2+ directly. A slight upshift of COO– antisymmetric stretch due to Asp side‐chains was also observed upon Mg2+ and Ca2+ binding. This indicates that the COO– groups of Asp131 and Asp133 interact with both Ca2+ and Mg2+ in the pseudo‐bridging mode. Therefore, the present study directly demonstrated that the coordination structure of Mg2+ was different from that of Ca2+ in the Ca2+‐binding site. In contrast to vertebrate TnC, most of the secondary structures remained unchanged among apo, Mg2+‐bound and Ca2+‐bound states of Akazara scallop TnC, as spectral changes upon either Ca2+ or Mg2+ binding were very small in the infrared amide‐I′ region as well as in the CD spectra. Fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that the spectral changes upon Ca2+ binding were larger than that upon Mg2+ binding. Moreover, gel‐filtration experiments indicated that the molecular sizes of TnC had the order apo TnC > Mg2+‐bound TnC > Ca2+‐bound TnC. These results suggest that the tertiary structures are different in the Ca2+‐ and Mg2+‐bound states. The present study may provide direct evidence that the side‐chain COO– groups in the Ca2+‐binding site are directly involved in the functional on/off mechanism of the activation of Akazara scallop TnC.
Collared Dove Responses to Playback: Slaves to the Rhythm
Authors: Slabbekoorn Hans , Ten Cate Carel
Published: March 2003

Temporal features are the most important parameters for differentiating among the perch coo vocalizations of doves in the genus Streptopelia. The role of temporal features in inducing territorial responses was studied for one of these species, the collared dove (S. decaocto), using playback experiments. The playback stimuli consisted of manipulated coos, which were tested against a preplayback period and against unmanipulated control coos. In a first set of three manipulations, the temporal structure was altered by removing an element from the species‐typical three‐element coos. A coo lacking the third element, which is a naturally occurring variant, was as equally effective as the control in eliciting a territorial response. The same applied to a coo lacking the second and longest element. In contrast, a coo lacking the first element did not elicit a significant increase in territorial activities compared with the preplayback period, and there was a significant reduction in response compared with the control coo. A second set of two manipulations concerned changes in the species‐typical rhythm. The two variants both led to a significant reduction in response compared with the normal rhythm, although they were still effective in eliciting an increase in activities compared with the preplayback period. The results indicate that the rhythm of territorial cooing plays an important role in communicating to conspecifics. As different sympatrically living dove species differ in particular in temporal features, rhythm may be an important cue for species recognition and may contribute to reproductive isolation.
Preference for Chemical Cues Associated with Recent Prey in the Wolf Spider Hogna helluo (Araneae: Lycosidae)
Authors: Persons Matthew H. , Rypstra Ann L.
Published: March 2003

In the wolf spider, Hogna helluo, we tested the response to insect and spider prey chemical cues and whether they show a preference for cues associated with prey consumed most recently. Thirty adult female H. helluo were maintained on a diet of either females of a smaller co‐occurring wolf spider (Pardosa milvina) or domestic crickets (Acheta domesticus). A single P. milvina or cricket nymph was maintained on filter paper for 24 h, after which the papers from both prey sources were simultaneously presented to individual H. helluo from each diet treatment group. H. helluo locomotor behavior on each treatment and initial substrate preference was recorded (n = 15/treatment). H. helluo fed crickets showed significantly longer residence time and decreased mobility on filter paper previously occupied by a cricket; spiders fed P. milvina showed longer residence times and decreased mobility on filter paper previously occupied by P. milvina. H. helluo fed P. milvina exhibited an initial preference for substrates previously occupied by P. milvina but H. helluo fed crickets did not show a corresponding initial preference for crickets. Results suggest that H. helluo can detect distant cues associated with P. milvina but not crickets before contacting the substrate and that H. helluo respond to chemical cues from prey and show a preference for those cues associated with their most recent prey.
An Adaptive Difference in the Relationship between Foraging Mode and Responses to Prey Chemicals in two Congeneric Scincid Lizards
Authors: Cooper William E.
Published: March 2003

Sensory abilities must allow efficient detection of prey, but the senses used and their relative importance may vary with hunting methods. In lizards, ambush foragers locate prey visually and active foragers use a combination of vision and vomerolfaction, the chemical sense associated with the vomeronasal system. Active foragers, but not ambush foragers, discriminate between prey chemicals and other chemical stimuli sampled by tongue‐flicking. In active foragers, features of the tongue that may improve chemical sampling, such as elongation and forking are more pronounced and density of vomeronasal chemoreceptors is greater, than in ambush foragers. Foraging mode is fixed in most lizard families, and correlated evolution has been demonstrated among foraging mode, discrimination of prey chemicals, and lingual‐vomeronasal morphology by interfamilial comparisons. Here I present information on a rare case of an intrageneric difference in foraging mode in the genus Mabuya. Laboratory experiments on the discrimination of prey chemicals showed that the active forager M. striata sparsa exhibits prey chemical discrimination, but the ambush forager M. acutilabris does not. The active forager also has a slightly more elongated tongue with deeper notching at the tip than the ambush forager, which might be a response to a change in foraging behavior or a reflection of unrelated differences in head shape. These findings confirm predictions based on correlated evolution between the hunting method and use of the chemical sense to locate food. They further show that chemosensory behavior is adjusted to change in foraging mode more rapidly than was previously known and suggest that behavioral changes may occur more rapidly than associated modifications of chemosensory morphology.
Effects of UV‐B Radiation on Anti‐predator Behavior in Three Species of Amphibians
Authors: Kats Lee B. , Kiesecker Joseph M. , Chivers Douglas P. , Blaustein Andrew R.
Published: March 2003

Ultraviolet radiation has been suggested as a possible contributing cause of amphibian declines around the world. Both laboratory and field studies have demonstrated that exposure to ultraviolet radiation can lead to increased mortality of developing amphibians. Virtually no studies have examined the sub‐lethal effects of ultraviolet on amphibian behavior. In this study, we examine the anti‐predator behavior of three species of amphibians after short‐term exposure to ultraviolet‐B radiation. Toad (Bufo boreas) juveniles that had been exposed to ultraviolet radiation did not respond to chemical extracts from conspecifics and heterospecifics as much as juveniles that had not been exposed. Both newt larvae (Taricha granulosa) that had been exposed to ultraviolet radiation and those that had not been exposed responded to chemical cues from conspecific predators by increasing the amount of time spent in shelter. Frog tadpoles (Rana cascadae) that had been exposed to ultraviolet radiation did not reduce their movement in response to chemical cues from predators as much as tadpoles that had not been exposed. These results indicate that ultraviolet exposure may have important sub‐lethal effects in amphibians that could adversely effect their fitness.
Group Choice by Subadult Bighorn Rams: Trade‐offs between Foraging Efficiency and Predator Avoidance
Authors: Ruckstuhl Kathreen E. , Festa‐Bianchet Marco
Published: March 2003

In addition to sexual segregation, many social ungulates show varying degrees of age segregation, especially among males. We investigated factors affecting group choice by subadult male bighorn sheep, using census data collected between 1982 and 1998 in a marked population. We examined whether group composition varied with population size and structure. Changes in total population size were correlated with the number of yearling males and yearling females, but not with the size of other sex‐age classes. In years of high population size, female groups were larger than in years of low population size, while mixed sex‐age and subadult groups showed a nonsignificant trend in the same direction. Typical group sizes of bachelor groups and the occurrence of mixed or bachelor groups were not affected by population size. When there were few subadult males in the population, groups of subadult males were less frequent than in years with many subadult males in the population, but the typical group size did not change. Subadult males were rarely seen in peer groups, and switched from female groups in spring to bachelor groups in autumn. An individual’s choice of group type is affected by its body mass, but also by the availability of enough potential group mates to provide sufficient predator‐detection efficiency.
Burrow Use and the Influence of Ectoparasites in Brants' Whistling RatParotomys brantsii
Authors: Roper T. J. , Jackson T. P. , Conradt L. , Bennett N. C.
Published: March 2003

In Brants' whistling rat,Parotomys brantsii, single animals inhabit unusually complex burrow systems containing several nest chambers. We investigated burrow use and examined the effect of ectoparasites on choice of alternative nest chambers by radiotelemetrically monitoring the nocturnal sleeping locations of individual whistling rats, before and after treating them to remove ectoparasites. Prior to treatment, animals used several different nest chambers within a single burrow, moving from one chamber to another every 1.6 d on average, and most individuals also slept in more than one burrow. Anti‐parasite treatment reduced the rate at which animals switched from one nest chamber to another within a burrow. Screening of a separate sample of animals for ectoparasites revealed that they were infested with fleas, mainlyXenopsylla eridos. We suggest that by switching periodically from one nest chamber to another, whistling rats reduce the rate at which ectoparasites, especially fleas, accumulate.
Behaviour is not Reliably Inferred from End‐Product Structure in Caddisflies
Authors: Stuart Alison E. , Currie Douglas C.
Published: March 2003

Many animals engage in elaborate behavioural sequences in order to build structures. The ‘end‐products’ (e.g., nests of birds, cases of caddisflies) of these behaviours have occasionally been used either to infer details of building behaviour or to infer that structures similar in appearance are constructed by similar behavioural sequences. However, behavioural information can be extrapolated from end‐products only if there is congruence between the end‐product structure and the animal's movements. Case building behaviour was studied in caddisflies (Trichoptera) to examine the relationship between end‐products and behaviour. We found examples of taxa that built similar structures using different behavioural patterns, and taxa that built different structures using similar behaviours, regardless of whether these taxa were closely or distantly related. These findings question the reliability of behavioural inferences based solely on details of their associated end‐products and suggest that end‐product structure should be removed from the definition of animal behaviour.
Proximate Determinants of Reproductive Skew in Polygyne Colonies of the AntFormica fusca
Authors: Hannonen Minttumaaria , Sundström Liselotte
Published: March 2003

Understanding the determinants of reproductive skew (the partitioning of reproduction among co‐breeding individuals) is one of the major questions in social evolution. In ants, multiple‐queen nests are common and reproductive skew among queens has been shown to vary tremendously both within and between species. Proximate determinants of skew may be related to both queen and worker behaviour. Queens may attempt to change their reproductive share through dominance interactions, egg eating and by changing individual fecundity. Conversely, workers are in a position to regulate the reproductive output of queens when rearing the brood. This paper investigates queen behaviour at the onset of egg laying and the effect of queen fecundity and worker behaviour on brood development and reproductive shares of multiple queens in the antFormica fusca. The study was conducted in two‐queen laboratory colonies where the queens produced only worker offspring. The results show that in this species reproductive apportionment among queens is not based on dominance behaviour and aggression, but rather on differences in queen fecundity. We also show that, although the queen fecundity at the onset of brood rearing is a good indicator of her final reproductive output, changes in brood composition occur during brood development. Our results highlight the importance of queen fecundity as a major determinant of her reproductive success. They furthermore suggest that in highly derived polygyne species, such as theFormicaants, direct interactions as a means for gaining reproductive dominance have lost their importance.
Testing Functional Hypotheses for the Behavior of Resident Pine Voles,Microtus pinetorum, Toward Non‐Residents
Authors: Back Shasta R. , Beeler Lisa A. , Schaefer Robert L. , Solomon Nancy G.
Published: March 2003

Members of a social group should attempt to maximize their fitness by maintaining an optimal group composition. Allowing an immigrant into the group may be beneficial or costly depending on the characteristics of the immigrant as well as the composition of the group. Therefore, we examined behavioral interactions between pine voles to test three functional hypotheses proposed to explain behavior of residents toward non‐residents: the resource defense, mate defense, and benefit of extra‐pair copulation hypotheses. To test these, we examined the effects of age, sexual experience and sex of non‐residents as well as the effects of sex of residents on the behavior of residents. Neither male nor female residents showed affiliative behavior toward non‐residents. Residents were more aggressive toward non‐residents than vice versa. The frequency of same‐sex aggression was greater than opposite‐sex aggression for male residents and this aggression was directed at adult male non‐residents to a greater degree than at subadult males. Resident males were least aggressive toward adult females. We found no differences in the behavior of females toward subadults, sexually naive adult non‐residents or sexually experienced adult non‐residents. Females also displayed similar amounts of aggression toward male and female non‐residents. Therefore, for males, aggression may function in defense of a mate while for females, aggression functions in resource defense. For both sexes, aggression is likely to play a role in the regulation of group composition.
Behavioral Analysis of Social Effects on the Problem‐Solving Ability in the House Mouse
Authors: Valsecchi Paola , Bosellini Ilaria , Sabatini Francesca , Mainardi Marisa , Fiorito Graziano
Published: March 2003

The effects of the social context on the problem‐solving ability in the house mouse was evaluated by means of a puzzle box containing food, which could be opened by rotating a revolving door. The aim of the study was to clarify which mechanisms of social learning promote the acquisition of this complex motor skill. Young mice were exposed to the puzzle box in the presence of (i) demonstrators opening of the puzzle box; (ii) adults unable to open the puzzle box; and (iii) adults confined in one part of the cage and not manipulating the puzzle box. Results of the detailed analysis of the sequence of behaviors showed that (i) young mice successful in opening the puzzle box did not copy the sequence of actions performed by demonstrators; and (ii) the presence of adult conspecifics in proximity of the problem apparatus increased the rate of success of young mice. Results suggest that trial‐and‐error learning, social exposure and stimulus enhancement all play a role in the acquisition of the opening ability.
Variation of RAMS markers within the intersterility groups of Heterobasidion annosum in Europe
Authors: Vainio E. J. , Hantula J.
Published: March 2003

Random amplified microsatellite (RAMS) markers were used for the analysis of genetic variation within and among the intersterility groups of Heterobasidion annosum. Isolates from seven European countries were used, and the analysis of 77 markers revealed banding patterns with several markers unique to intersterility (IS) groups S, P and F. The highest number of polymorphic markers and the lowest number of fixed markers was observed within IS group P. In addition, a low level of geographic differentiation was observed within IS groups S and P by amova analysis.
Simultaneous analyses of chromosomes in root meristems and of the biochemical status of needle tissues of three different clones of Norway spruce trees challenged with moderate ozone levels
Authors: Wonisch A. , Muller M. , Tausz M. , Soja G. , Grill D.
Published: March 2003

Biochemical effects of both low and high ozone impact in long‐term and short‐term experiments are well investigated and documented; however, short‐term treatments with moderate ozone levels have revealed divergent information concerning the biochemistry of needle tissues. Damage to the meristems of spruce trees have been found for several ozone treatments, in the form of an enhanced number of chromosomal aberrations, which appeared to be persistent for up to 2 years after the ozone challenge. One of the main aims of the present study was to determine whether a moderate ozone concentration is able to induce damage in needle biochemistry and/or only in the genetic material of root meristems. In the experiment three different clones of Norway spruce trees (Picea abies) were challenged with moderate ozone concentrations (up to 80 nl/l) for 11 weeks in greenhouses. Simultaneous investigations of root tip meristematic cells and the biochemical status of needle tissues regarding antioxidants and pigments were performed at two different sampling times: directly after the ozone treatment and 1 year later. Ozone effects in needles were absent both at the end of the fumigation and also after 1 year, but different clonal behaviour was found. Effect of ozone on chromosomal aberration rates in root tip meristems were observed and also the types of persisting chromosomal aberrations changed within the time course and within the different clones.
Cultural characteristics and pathogenicity of Melanconium juglandinum
Authors: Belisario A.
Published: March 2003

Cultural characteristics and pathogenicity of Melanconium juglandinum, the agent of the black pustular dieback of Juglans spp. in Europe were investigated. Melanconium juglandinum was consistently isolated from diseased twigs and branches of Persian (English) walnut trees (Juglans regia) in Central Italian Apennine valleys. In growth and conidia germination tests, the fungus was shown to be active within a broad range of temperatures (5–30°C), with the optimum being between 20 and 30°C. Monthly artificial inoculations performed over a period of 2 years with mycelial plugs on 2‐year‐old seedlings of Persian (English) walnut developed symptoms within 15 days with maximum canker length occurring when inoculation was carried out between June and August. Koch's postulates were fulfilled and M. juglandinum was proved to be a virulent pathogen.
Genetic variability of the ‘bark canker resistance’ character in several natural provenances of Cupressus sempervirens
Authors: Santini A. , Donardo V.
Published: March 2003

Several Aegean (Greece) and Anatolian (Turkey) cypress provenances were studied for resistance variability to bark canker, a disease caused by the fungal pathogen Seiridium cardinale. The investigation also examined whether the low disease rate within the natural area of cypress was due to genetic or geographic‐climatic reasons. Results demonstrated strong variability for the ‘bark canker resistance’ character, in particular for trees within families. As trees from the provenances studied were not found to have genetic superiority for bark canker resistance, the above‐mentioned low disease rate could be due to geographic‐climatic barriers that inhibit the development of the fungus or its ability to infect the host. Several half‐sib progenies exhibited high resistance, suggesting that this character is totally inherited through the maternal line. Should this finding be confirmed by further research, it would facilitate the task of genetic improvement for resistance, allowing progenies of resistant trees to be obtained.
Pathogenicity of fungi isolated from Quercus suber in Catalonia (NE Spain)
Authors: Luque J. , Parladé J. , Pera J.
Published: March 2003

Summary Thirty‐four fungal species isolated from cork oak (Quercus suber) in Catalonia (NE Spain) during 1992–95 were tested for pathogenicity either in stem, leaf or root inoculations. Eleven species were found to be pathogenic on stem: Biscogniauxia mediterranea, Botryosphaeria stevensii, Diatrype cf. stigma, Endothia gyrosa, Fusarium solani, Graphium sp., Ophiostoma quercus, Phomopsis sp., Phytophthora cinnamomi, Sporendocladia bactrospora and an unidentified Coelomycete. Three fungi showed pathogenic effects on leaves: Dendrophoma myriadea, Lembosia quercina and Phomopsis quercella. No clear pathogenic effects were detected in the root inoculation experiment. Trunk pathogens were differentiated into two groups according to the effects induced in the inoculated plants; B. stevensii, Phomopsis sp. and P. cinnamomi caused the death of the inoculated plants and induced the formation of large cankers and vascular necroses. The other pathogenic species also produced severe cankers and vascular lesions, but no significant mortality was detected. Water stress increased the lesions caused by B. mediterranea and Phomopsis sp., but limited those of P. cinnamomi and the rest of the inoculated fungi. However, water stress did not significantly affect the damage caused by B. stevensii, which was the most virulent of the species tested. Leaf pathogens only showed their effects if the leaf cuticle was previously damaged. Lembosia quercina caused small dark lesions whereas D. myriadea and P. quercella produced large necrotic areas in well‐watered plants. The lesions caused by the last two fungi were reduced by water stress.
The aggressiveness of Sphaeropsis sapinea on Austrian pine varies with isolate group and site of infection
Authors: Blodgett J. T. , Bonello P.
Published: March 2003

The aggressiveness of the A and B isolate groups (morphotypes) of Sphaeropsis sapinea on shoot tips and lower stems of Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) was compared. The distinct differences in aggressiveness between the two S. sapinea groups, previously reported for other conifers, are confirmed for Austrian pine. However, the relative aggressiveness of the B group isolate varied by site of infection. Although the B group isolate of S. sapinea was not aggressive on shoot tips of Austrian pine, it was aggressive on stems of this host.
Differences in composition of endophytic mycobiota in twigs and leaves of healthy and declining Quercus species in Italy
Authors: Ragazzi A. , Moricca S. , Capretti P. , Dellavalle I. , Turco E.
Published: March 2003

The composition of the endophytic fungal assemblages in Quercus cerris, Q. pubescens and Q. robur, three oak species most susceptible to decline, was investigated in Fagarè (Padova), Ulignano (Pisa), and Radda in Chianti (Firenze). The endophytic assemblages were studied as a function of health status of the whole tree and of twigs and leaves. The effect of station altitude was tested on Q. cerris. Samples were gathered from healthy and declining trees. In April (bud opening time) 20 twigs and 10 leaves were collected from each tree. Fungi were isolated from twig segments and leaf portions. A total of 23 fungal genera with 27 different species were isolated, in addition to a few sterile mycelia. Eleven species were found to be common to all three oak species, while other species were found only on one oak species, suggesting host specificity. Among the fungal species isolated, some were known to be pathogenic (Apiognomonia quercina, Colpoma quercinum, Diplodia mutila, Phomopsis quercina). The colonization frequency (CF) of pathogenic species varied between 0.9% for A. quercina in Q. cerris and 60.2% for P. quercina in Q. robur. Analysis of variance showed a statistically significant difference among the oak species tested. The CF was higher in declining trees in comparison with healthy trees, and also in twigs vs. leaves. The CF was found to be higher for Q. cerris trees growing at sea level as compared with those situated at an elevation of 350–400 m. In stands where, on account of particular ecological conditions, pathogenic behaviour is displayed simultaneously by more than one endophytic fungal species, trees accentuate their decline.
Stress and adaptation: Preparation for successful retirement
Authors: Lo Ruth , Brown Ron
Published: March 2003

Retirement from work can present a significant adjustment challenge for the older population financially, socially and emotionally. Retirement has been identified as a significantly stressful event. Work provides both a structured activity within a regular time frame and a sense of purpose and daily meaning. Energy is channelled into intellectual, creative, and/or physical tasks that offer a sense of satisfaction when they are completed. The planning for retirement is associated with successful adaptation. A realization of the potential and rewards of retirement will also facilitate this adaptation.
Suicide prevention: A public health approach
Authors: Cantor Christopher H. , Baume Pierre J. M.
Published: March 2003

This article proposes a model for developing a national or regional suicide prevention strategy. Suicide is examined from the perspectives of stress, coping behaviours, lethality and multiple causation. Public health concepts of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention are applied to suicide with minor modifications. This exercise facilitates clarity with respect to planning strategies. Conceptual clarity may improve prospects for success but ultimately evaluation will elucidate the outcome.
Re‐awakenings?: A discourse analysis of the recovery from schizophrenia after medication change
Authors: Rudge Trudy , Morse Kristy
Published: March 2003

This paper explores the construction of recovery from schizophrenia after medication change through the analysis of people living with schizophrenia. The study is framed by a discourse analysis which assumes that the language used to discuss schizophrenia and its treatment by medication is imbued with the power relations of mental health. The analysis uses research literature, pharmaceutical literature and previous studies of schizophrenia as the discursive background that frames how recovery can be talked about. The discussion highlights how the discourses of medical science construct recovery as a linear event that silences the embodiment of schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia refuse this construction, through finding a ‘niche’ for themselves. In conclusion, the paper suggests how such analysis opens up for exploration of the silencing of ‘insanity’, and establishes a beginning dialogue with people who live with the continuing presence of schizophrenia.
Survey of stakeholders’ opinions of community psychiatric nursing services
Authors: Shanley Eamon , Watson George , Cole Alison
Published: March 2003

The paper describes a telephone survey of the views of representatives of users, purchasers and providers of community psychiatric nursing services on services in Scotland. The telephone interview protocol was based on seven themes derived from interviewing 63 users, purchasers and providers throughout the UK. Descriptive statistics were used to present the responses in the survey to the forced choice questions. Responses to the open ended questions were coded, categorized and computed. The paper describes the responses by the major stakeholders to each of the themes. Overall, the quality of the existing services was placed in the ‘good’ category. However, criticism was directed at the insufficient numbers of Community Psychiatric Nurses in the service, the inadequate amount of time spent with clients and their poorly organized method of working. Other findings and stakeholders’ recommendations are discussed.
TRAUMA DURING PREGNANCY
Authors: Sugrue Michael , Kolkman Karel A.
Published: March 2003

Injury to the pregnant woman evokes a certain amount of anxiety because of its infrequent occurrence and the complex implications. By definition, it constitutes a multitrauma and, throughout the resuscitation and assessment of the woman, it is important to remember that there are two patients. Of particular importance is that one of these patients must be resuscitated aggressively to save the other and, very occasionally, the baby has to be delivered to save the mother. Early transfer to an urban environment should be considered. The aim of the present paper is to provide an overview of the current management and issues in relation to trauma in pregnancy.
Immigrants and Equitable Health‐Care Delivery in Rural Areas
Authors: Fuller Jeff , Ballantyne Alison
Published: March 2003

In response to settlement patterns in Australia, most immigrant specialist services and programs have been developed in metropolitan locations and large provincial cities. However, immigrants have also settled in smaller numbers in country locations. It is of concern, therefore, to consider how responsive and equitable health‐care services can be delivered in country regions when immigrants do not reach the critical mass that would warrant the development of specialist services. This paper draws on a consultation conducted in South Australia to propose a way forward in linking country health services with local immigrant communities and immigrant specialist services in cities.
PREVENTING MEDICATION ERRORS IN CANCER CHEMOTHERAPY REFERRED TO RURAL AND REMOTE HOSPITALS
Authors: Gilbar Peter J.
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: Patients from rural areas receiving simple chemotherapy regimens in regional or metropolitan centres are often sent back to their local hospital for treatment. As these centres commonly have health professionals with limited experience in the use of antineoplastic agents, it is particularly important to provide information that is accurate, thorough and has no potential for misinterpretation. The minimum information necessary has been identified in a previous study and includes patient details, diagnosis, chemotherapy protocol, dosages and method of confirmation, interval between cycles, supportive care and contact details for the prescriber. Staff at a number of small rural and remote hospitals were contacted to determine further useful information. Suggestions included: availability of premixed cytotoxics, methods of administration and possible adverse effects. A standardised computer format for providing oncological information was developed. Specific patient information is entered into the chosen protocol for each individual referred. This initiative has proven popular with participating hospitals and resulted in fewer inquiries and problems.
DEVELOPING A RURAL COMMUNITY‐BASED DISABILITY SERVICE: (I) SERVICE FRAMEWORK AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
Authors: Kuipers Pim , Kendall Elizabeth , Hancock Therese
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: In response to widely recognised dilemmas associated with rehabilitation and disability service provision in remote and rural areas of Australia, a community‐based, participatory approach to service development was adapted for a disability service project in central Queensland. The service framework, known as Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR), fosters the involvement of community members in disability service provision. Although this framework has been described previously, few guidelines exist regarding appropriate implementation of such an approach. Consequently, the implementation strategy known as Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) was adopted. Participatory Rural Appraisal has been reported to foster the participation and decision‐making of community members in community projects. The present article describes the application of this implementation strategy to disability service provision in a relatively under‐resourced rural shire. The rationale, framework and process of the pilot are described. A subsequent publication will document the service component, detail evaluation findings and describe the long‐term outcomes of this research.
Variation in religious affiliations between different populations: metropolitan, rural, agricultural and elderly
Authors: Peach Hedley G.
Published: March 2003

People with a religious affiliation are more likely to hold beliefs affecting health care choices. It is hypothesised that a religious affiliation, particularly to a Christian religion, is more common outside metropolitan areas, particularly in rural, very elderly and agricultural populations. The study's aim was to test this hypothesis. Rural, very elderly and agricultural populations within regional Victoria were compared with Melbourne on religious affiliations reported in the 1996 census. A religious affiliation was significantly more common in the very elderly (83.3%) and agricultural (86.1%) populations than in Melbourne (79.1%). A Christian affiliation was significantly more common in the rural (78.6%), very elderly (82.9%) and agricultural (85.8%) populations than in the metropolitan area (72.5%), while a non‐Christian affiliation was significantly less common (< 0.8
vs
. 6.6%). This study confirms that a Christian religious affiliation is more common outside metropolitan areas, particularly in rural, very elderly and agricultural populations. Beliefs affecting health‐care choices are also likely to be more common in very elderly and agricultural populations due to their higher level of religious affiliation overall.
Dexamethasone Suppression Test Reversal in Rapid Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation-Treated Depression
Authors: Reid Philip D. , Pridmore Saxby
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this paper is to report the effect of rapid transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the mood and dexamethasone suppression test (DST) of a patient with major depressive disorder (DSM-IV).

Clinical picture: A36-year-old woman with a past history of prolactinoma and recurrent major depressive disorder presented with major depression on three separate occasions over a 3-month period. DST was positive on each occasion.

Treatment: During each episode, a course of rTMS was given. Courses varied from seven to 13 once-daily treatment sessions depending on clinical response. These treatment sessions were 20 trains of 10 Hz for 5 s at 100% of motor threshold.

Outcome: Remission was achieved, psychiatric rating scales improved and the DST status converted from positive to negative. There were no side effects.

Conclusion: DST status in major depressive disorder can be converted from positive to negative by rTMS. This so far unreported observation increases our knowledge of rTMS.
The Response of Healthcare Services to People at Risk of Suicide: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Nirui Meredith , Chenoweth Lynn
Published: March 2003

Objective: This paper describes a small qualitative research study conducted in the area of suicide. Family and close friends of 15 young people who lived in Sydney, New South Wales, prior to their suicide, between 1990 and 1995, were interviewed to elicit their perceptions of the healthcare support given to the suicidees prior to their death.

Method: Content analysis of in-depth interview transcripts identifying common themes in the description of the participants' experiences and impressions was carried out. A recurring theme was their call for more proactive management and support programs for people at risk of suicide, as well as education and support for close family and friends.

Result: Participants claimed that they believed there were inadequate supports in place, that information and education were uncoordinated and sparse, and that healthcare workers were not effective in preventing suicide attempts because they lacked adequate diagnostic and management skills and displayed poor attitudes towards suicidees.

Conclusion: Experiences of care received and suggestions for improving them by people closely associated with suicide, provide healthcare staff with important information about the types of information, education and support that those at risk of suicide and their loved ones require at a time of crisis.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Anxiety Phenomena in Children Treated with Psychostimulant Medication for 6 Months or More
Authors: Vance Alasdair L.A. , Luk Ernest S.L. , Costin Jan , Tonge Bruce J. , Pantelis Christos
Published: March 2003

Objective: The intermediate- to long-term use of psychostimulant medication has unclear benefits on the core symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and delayed onset affective symptom side effects which can mimic these core ADHD symptoms. ‘ADHD and anxiety’ has also been associated with a poor response to short-term psychostimulant medication treatment. In addition, it is unclear whether ‘ADHD and anxiety’ should be defined from the child's and/or the parent's perspective. We propose that anxiety will be increased in children with ADHD who are treated with psychostimulant medication in the intermediate- to long-term who are identified by clinicians as poor responders.

Method: Twenty children with ADHD who were medicated for 6 months or more and who had ongoing core symptoms of ADHD were compared to 20 age- and IQ-matched children with ADHD who were medication-naive. Chi-squared tests were performed on the categorical dependent variables and independent t-tests on the dependent continuous variables.

Results: Anxiety is significantly increased in children with ADHD treated with psychostimulant medication in the intermediate- to long-term who are noted by clinicians to have ongoing core symptoms of ADHD. This statistically significant finding is evident with both categorical and dimensional measures of anxiety from the child's perspective.

Conclusions: The recognition of anxiety and its management in children with ADHD is generally poorly understood. In this particular group of children with ADHD, anxiety may be a side effect of intermediate- to long-term psychostimulant medication and/or a potential marker for a poor response to intermediate- to long-term psychostimulant medication treatment.
The Evaluation of Depression in Inpatients with HIV Disease
Authors: Cockram Alexandra , Judd Fiona K. , Mijch Anne , Norman Trevor
Published: March 2003

Objectives: The aim of this paper is: to compare the utility of four approaches to the diagnosis of depression in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease; to examine the utility of four rating scales to assess the presence and severity of depression; and to devise a set of substitutive criteria that would be appropriate in patients with HIV disease.

Method: A group of inpatients was assessed using standard clinical interview. Patients found to have major depression using DSM-III-R (aetiological) criteria were assessed using inclusive, substitutive and exclusive criteria for the diagnosis of depression. Severity was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Rating Scale (CES-D). Agroup of control patients were matched for age and severity of HIV illness.

Results: Seventeen patients met DSM-III-R (aetiological criteria) for major depression. All were male; they had a mean age of 40.6 years and one-third had acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Using alternative approaches to the diagnosis of depression, up to five additional ‘depressed’ patients were identified (‘false positives’). All 17 patients meeting the DSM-III-R criteria also met the substitutive and exclusive criteria but only 15 exclusive criteria. Of the 17 controls (not meeting DSM-III-R criteria), two met substitutive, five inclusive and one exclusive criteria for depression. The mean (±SD) scores for the patients and controls were significantly different on all four rating scales. Analysis of individual items on the rating scales revealed that a number did not show significant differences between the depressed and non-depressed groups: on the MADRS the items lassitude and inner tension; on the HDRS the three items depicting anxiety symptoms, loss of libido, hypochondriasis, loss of weight, and maintenance of insight; on the BDI a sense of being punished, disappointed in self, being self-critical, a feeling of looking unattractive, fatigue, weight loss, worried about health and loss of libido; on the CES-D I felt just as good as others, hopeful, talk less, people unfriendly and felt people dislike me.

Conclusions: The aetiological approach used by clinicians familiar with the features of HIV disease, was found to be useful. All four rating scales differentiated equally well between depressed and non-depressed groups.
Post-Disaster Service Provision Following Proactive Identification of Children with Emotional Distress and Depression
Authors: McDermott Brett M. C. , Palmer Lyle J.
Published: March 2003

Objective: Proactive, school-based psychological testing for emotional distress and depression was employed 6 months after a bushfire disaster. The service provision aim was to provide children with the greatest emotional distress the relatively limited therapeutic resources available in the post-disaster environment. Specific hypotheses were tested: that the prevalence of emotional distress and depression would be elevated 6 months post disaster; that emotional distress would be correlated with traumatic events; and that depression would be related to experiences of loss.

Method: Six months after a bushfire disaster grade 4, 5, and 6 students (n = 601) participated in screening using a test battery measuring emotional distress, depressive symptoms and trait anxiety.

Results: Twelve percent (n = 72) of children experienced severe emotional distress 6 months after the bushfire. Rates of depression were similar to rates in non-traumatised child community samples. Multivariate analysis suggested that emotional distress was significantly associated with trait anxiety, evacuation experience, the perception that parents may have died during the bushfire, and depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were associated with total distress score, trait anxiety and perception of threat to the parents.

Conclusions: Substantial mental health morbidity was identified 6 months after a bushfire disaster. The usefulness of post-disaster service provision influenced by proactive screening is discussed and reasons for further research highlighted.
Preventative Mental Health Care: Accessing the Target Population
Authors: Phillips Lisa , Yung Alison R. , Hearn Narelle , McFarlane Colleen , Hallgren Mats , McGorry Patrick D.
Published: March 2003

Objective: Preventative approaches to mental illness are becoming a focus of clinical and research settings. To date, however, few clinical programs have been established with this primary aim. This descriptive paper summarises patterns of referral to one service providing clinical care for young people known to be at high risk of developing a psychotic illness.

Methods and results: A 20-month survey of referrals to the service revealed that most patients had a prolonged and circuitous route to assessment. Additionally, a lengthy time period elapsed between the onset of symptoms and initiation of help seeking.

Conclusions: Information arising from this survey may influence the development of strategies to improve access to this service and others aimed at the prevention of psychosis. Further, this information may affect the development of generalised pre-ventative mental health services for young people.
The Psychotherapeutic Management of a Patient Presenting with Brief Psychotic Episodes
Authors: Schimmel Paul
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this article is to illustrate: (i) the advantages of a psycho-dynamically informed management of patients with a borderline personality organisation who require inpatient treatment; and (ii) the principles of a ‘therapeutic community’ approach in practice.

Method: The 18-month residential therapeutic community treatment of a patient presenting with a history of brief psychotic episodes is described. An attempt is made to analyse the relationships between treatment variables and the patient's clinical progress over the treatment period.

Results: By the end of treatment significant improvement in the patient's clinical state had occurred. Evidence is presented to support the conclusion that the treatment was an important factor in this outcome.

Conclusions: Clinical management based upon a psychodynamic understanding of the borderline patient's presentation is likely to best fit the individual patient's needs. Such a treatment approach, as embodied in a well-functioning therapeutic community, may help create the possibility of a ‘new beginning’ for the patient.
A Jacksonian and Biopsychosocial Hypothesis Concerning Borderline and Related Phenomena
Authors: Meares Russell , Stevenson Janine , Gordon Evian
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this paper is to develop an aetiological model for borderline personality disorder.

Method: The postulates of Hughlings Jackson are used to provide a preliminary explanatory framework for borderline phenomena. As a necessary background to this discussion, the findings concerning abuse in the early history of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other conditions, notably somatisation disorder and dissociative states, are briefly reviewed. Other data, including family studies, which might have significance in the aetiology of BPD are also reviewed.

Results: The hypothesis is put forward that the symptoms of BPD are due to the failure of ‘experience-dependent’ maturation of a cascade of neural networks, with prefrontal connections, which become active relatively late in development and which coordinate disparate elements of central nervous system function. These networks subserve higher psychological functions, including attentional focus and affect regulation. They also underpin the reflective function necessary to the emergence of self as the stream of consciousness, which appears at about the age of 4 years.

Conclusion: Adverse developmental circumstances may produce an interrelated set of symptom clusters, with associated neural network disturbances that are amenable to investigation with psychometric and brain imaging techniques. Since these disturbances are seen as ‘experience-dependent’, they are considered reversible, at least in part.