bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creative compliance and behaviour in response to mandatory changes in accounting policy: three cases from pre-Dearing Britain
Authors: Rutherford Brian A.
Published: February 2006

This paper employs three British case studies to examine the nature of creative compliance and the way in which it may be implicated in preparers' and standard-setters' behaviour in the face of proposed and adopted mandatory changes in accounting policy. The period before the implementation of the Dearing reforms is chosen because standardisation was then a relatively new phenomenon and enforcement powers limited, so that there is an opportunity to observe relatively unsophisticated and unconstrained behaviour. It is suggested that the scope for creative compliance, sometimes quite subtle and elusive in character, may play a part in explaining preparers' and standard-setters' behaviour and that as parties come better to appreciate the scope for creative compliance, their behaviour and lobbying position may change. It is argued that "political" models of the lobbying process need to incorporate both the scope for creative compliance and the way in which the parties concerned come to appreciate and manipulate it.
Lifting stones: a place for microhistory in accounting research?
Authors: Williams Robert B.
Published: February 2006

This paper discusses a role for microhistory in the writing of accounting histories. It begins by discussing the concept of microhistory and its application to accounting research. The paper argues that microhistories can be of great assistance in writing about accounting during periods such as the industrial revolution. The second part of the paper provides an example of a microhistory by discussing an episode involving an embezzlement at Boulton & Watt's Soho Foundry in Birmingham, England. Knowledge of the incident was gleaned from a small bundle of letters found in the Boulton & Watt archive. It is suggested that this incident forms a microhistory that expands our knowledge of accounting in practice at the Foundry.
The measurement of nineteenth century accounting error: cases from the British coal industry 1864-1900
Authors: Baldwin Trevor J. , Berry Robert H.
Published: February 2006

The appeal to economic historians of utilising nineteenth century company financial reports as a primary historical source in the measurement of corporate performance of that period is often tempered by a strong mistrust of data which was, until 1900 at least, published in an environment substantially lacking in statutory accounting and auditing regulation. One significant consequence of this is the propensity for such reports to contain a degree of so called, "accounting error" resulting from, "... the failure to systematically distinguish between capital and revenue expenditures and the failure to periodically allocate the cost of fixed assets to expense..." (Brief 1965). This paper examines the accounts produced by four major coal and iron companies during the second half of the nineteenth century and attempts to develop a methodology by which accounting error might be more consistently measured and compared than has previously been the case.
Historiography for the new millennium: adventures in accounting and management
Authors: Parker Lee D.
Published: February 2006

This paper reflects upon the status of historical research in the contemporary accounting and management research literature, briefly revisits some of its fundamental methodological dimensions and considers the multiple potential roles which it has the capacity to fulfill. The author then selects a number of methodological and research subjects which show signs of maintaining their momentum or deserve experimentation or increased application. These include the historical narrative, “macro” literary style narrative histories, business history lessons for accounting and management history, critical theory informed research, emerging social history, and opportunities for research employing oral and visual history. The paper concludes with reflections on the dividends for the individual historian and the historical research community that may accrue from opportunities taken up in the new millennium.
The power of words: explaining recent accounting reforms in the Australian public sector
Authors: Potter Brad
Published: February 2006

This study explores the power of words and their usage in the context of recent reforms to accounting regulation for the Australian public sector. The broad framework for analysis advanced by Mills (1989) is applied. Mills argued that the discipline of accounting is peculiarly dependent on a specialised vocabulary or terminology, both in determining the nature and content of accounting regulation and practice and also in shaping the accounting domain. According to Mills, given such a close relationship between accounting and its vocabulary, the analysis of the use of key words in accounting during particular periods in history can assist our understanding of important events in the development of accounting thought and practice. It is argued that the definition and interpretation of the terms “accrual accounting” and “asset” were integral to the presentation of a form of accounting conventionally applied to private sector firms as the “solution” to perceived financial management problems in the Australian public sector. This study seeks to augment existing literature by adding to our understanding of the role of altruistic discourse in promoting and justifying changes to accounting practice.
UK companies legislation: accounting publicity and "mercantile caution": a response to Maltby
Authors: Jones Stewart
Published: February 2006

This paper responds to an article by Maltby (1998) which, in part, challenges the Jones and Aiken (1995) (British Accounting Review, Vol.27, No.1) analysis of social and political influences on the development of nineteenth century companies legislation. Maltby asserts that the laissez-faire/collectivist framework proposed by J&A provides an insufficient basis for evaluating legislation of the period. She presents evidence of an alternative hypothesis, claiming, among other things, that large investors played a more significant role in the shaping of companies legislation. The analyses and rationales underlying Maltby's “large investor” hypothesis are critically examined. While there are some noteworthy strengths to Maltby's methodological approach, it is concluded that her findings are, nevertheless, insufficient to reject the laissez-faire thesis.
Accounting does not "evolve": a reply to Jones
Authors: Maltby Josephine
Published: February 2006

Jones (1999) attempts to explain the course of UK company law in the Victorian era by referring to Dicey's schema, according to which a period of laissez-faire legislation was succeeded in the 1870s by an era of collectivism. Jones asserts that the removal of an accounting disclosure requirement reflected laissez-faire principles, which he takes to mean a Victorian belief that business should be free of all regulation. I question this approach. The Victorians invoked laissez-faire, but their interpretation of its policy implications varied widely. There was no consensus as to whether limited liability companies created a free market or distorted one by removing the natural sanction of business failure. Similarly, some commentators stressed that accounting publicity helped to protect small investors, others that it was an intrusion into the private affairs of large investors. Non-disclosure was not, as Jones asserts, a concomitant of laissez-faire; it was a policy choice that promoted the interests of large “insider” investors and disadvantaged outsiders.
Enteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Hastings Yvonne , White Melinda , Young Jeanine
Published: February 2006

This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of enteral nutrition for pediatric patients undergoing the challenging treatment of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. During the period from January 1999 to May 2000, 15 patients were transplant recipients. On admission to the hospital, 87% of patients were above the 50th percentile for weight for age. Nasogastric tubes were inserted while platelet counts remained greater than 50 × 10 9 mL/L. A specialized elemental formula for pediatric patients was commenced. These feeds were administered continuously and were titrated until caloric requirement or tolerance level had been achieved. During hospitalization for bone marrow transplantation, enteral nutrition was the major form of nutritional support for all patients. Enteral feeds continued even during maximal gut toxicity and were supported with antiemetics and analgesia. There were insignificant weight fluctuations during hospitalization, with 80% of children above the 50th percentile weight for age being discharged. Enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube was effective in the provision of nutrition during bone marrow transplantation and continues to have an important role in this unit.
The Concept of Suffering in Children and Adolescents With Cancer
Authors: Fochtman Dianne
Published: February 2006

Survival rates for childhood cancer have increased over the past 2 decades, due in large part to the increase in the intensity and complexity of the treatment modalities used. We can presume that this increase in intensity has produced increased distress or suffering (physical, psychological, social, and spiritual) in the child or adolescent undergoing these therapies for cancer. However, measurement of suffering is more than symptom occurrence, frequency, duration, and severity. An analysis of the concept of suffering is presented. Suffering needs to be defined and measured by self-report (as opposed to parent or staff report) to gain an accurate, complete holistic picture of the nature and scope of the child’s and adolescent’s suffering. Knowledge of how children and adolescents experience suffering would enable practitioners to design interventions to prevent or ameliorate this suffering.
Ready-to-use simulation: CONFRONTING GLOBAL ISSUES: A multipurpose IR simulation
Authors: Shellman Stephen M. , Turan Kürşad
Published: February 2006

This article describes an international relations simulation that focuses on threats of transnational insurgent organizations, the future of the Iraqi regime, and the effect of globalization on foreign policies. It contains both the Simulation Director’s Guide and the Participant’s Guide. The guides explain the steps taken to run the simulation and offer a description of the process. During the game, conflicting goal-directed participants, representing specific actors in the international system, must derive and achieve foreign policy goals given military and monetary constraints. The general rules and procedures apply to simulations involving myriad international processes and actors.
Pervasive learning games: Explorations of hybrid educational gamescapes
Authors: Thomas Siobhán
Published: February 2006

Pervasive gaming has tremendous potential as a learning tool and represents an interesting development in the field of video games and education. The literature surrounding video games and education is vast: For more than 20 years, educationalists have been discussing the potential that exists for the application of video games to learning. Advances in pervasive and ubiquitous computing offer the potential for significant innovation in the use of games and education. Pervasive learning games build on the framework provided by commercial video games and the theoretical foundation (design and practice) offered by the field of games and education. Commercial pervasive games such as NOKIAGAME and Electronic Arts'MAJESTIC used multiple media platforms—mobile phones, computers, PDAs, fax machines, television, and newspapers—to deliver game content in real time. While the structure of these games is derived from a digitally created gameworld, the games are framed by the players' real-life physical surroundings and the players' interactions with these surroundings. This article presents a theoretical overview of pervasive games and pervasive and ubiquitous computing, looking specifically at the benefits these areas offer learning.
Collaborative games: Lessons learned from board games
Authors: Zagal José P. , Rick Jochen , Hsi Idris
Published: February 2006

Collaborative mechanisms are starting to become prominent in computer games, like massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs); however, by their nature, these games are difficult to investigate. Game play is often complex and the underlying mechanisms are frequently opaque. In contrast, board games are simple. Their game play is fairly constrained and their core mechanisms are transparent enough to analyze. In this article, the authors seek to understand collaborative games. Because of their simplicity, they focus on board games. The authors present an analysis of collaborative games. In particular, they focus on Reiner Knizia's LORDOFTHERINGS, considered by many to be the quintessential collaborative board game. Our analysis yields seven observations, four lessons, and three pitfalls, that game designers might consider useful for designing collaborative games. They reflect on the particular opportunities that computers have for the design of collaborative games as well as how some of the issues discussed apply to the case of computer games.
Child-invented health education games: A case study for dengue fever
Authors: Lennon Jeffrey L. , Coombs David W.
Published: February 2006

The study's goal was to demonstrate the ability of an 8-year-old child to create educational games for the topic of dengue fever control. A naturalistic descriptive case study method was employed. The child had two dengue fever educational game creation activities. The study demonstrated that a child could develop functional games related to dengue fever control. The study however revealed knowledge gaps and mixed methods for dengue fever–related mosquito control. The game constructions were consistent to the child's cognitive level. The case study revealed that a child-centered educational game creation may be both diagnostic for a child's topical knowledge and cognitive development but also serve as a learning tool for children. This activity may also be an informational tool for formative research for dengue fever control.
A globalization simulation to teach corporate social responsibility: Design features and analysis of student reasoning
Authors: Bos Nathan D. , Shami N. Sadat , Naab Sara
Published: February 2006

There is an increasing need for business students to be taught the ability to think through ethical dilemmas faced by corporations conducting business on a global scale. This article describes a multiplayer online simulation game, ISLAND TELECOM, that exposes students to ethical dilemmas in international business. Through role playing and perspective taking, the authors wanted students to actively work through problems related to both ethics and corporate social responsibility. Qualitative analysis of simulation data demonstrated that students were successful in perspective taking, they considered trade-offs between profitability and social responsibility, and they were able to come up with creative solutions to difficult trade-offs.
Ready-to-use simulation: THE CAMPUS INFORMATION GAME
Authors: Martin Andrew
Published: February 2006

The primary purpose of THE CAMPUS INFORMATION GAME is to help to induct new students into their unfamiliar study environment. Typically it forms an early element of an overall induction program for their course of study. THE CAMPUS INFORMATION GAME has a key secondary theme of information quality that is particularly appropriate for students of information systems, informatics, or communications. The game includes an element of group work, and therefore it can also act as a team-building exercise. It is easy to adapt the content of this frame game to any given location; indeed, the game must be adapted for obvious reasons. The information quality theme can also be adapted. The game can be used in other induction situations: for example, new staff joining any organization, particularly where groups of staff join at the same time.
The Lone Ranger as Technical Writing Program Administrator
Authors: Sapp David Alan
Published: February 2006

The popularity of technical writing and communication has caused many colleges and universities to scramble to hire qualified tenure-track faculty members. So-called lone ranger candidates are often lured to workplaces in which they are the sole technical writing faculty members by promises of autonomy and the ability to develop programs in ways, and at a pace, that would not necessarily be possible at other institutions. This article explores challenges faced by several such lone ranger faculty members and outlines survival strategies that may help lone rangers sustain and build their technical writing programs.
Look Who’s Talking
Authors: Spafford Marlee M. , Schryer Catherine F. , Mian Marcellina , Lingard Lorelei
Published: February 2006

In a pediatric teaching hospital, the authors examined 16 novice medical case presentations that were classified as instances of a hybrid apprenticeship genre. In contrast to strict school and workplace genres, an apprenticeship genre results from the sometimes competing activity systems of student education and patient care. The authors examined these novice case presentations for the amount and patterns of time devoted to student learning and expert teaching, the difficulties created for participants, the sometimes misunderstood implicit messages delivered by experts, and the opportunities to address educational objectives. This study offers professional communication researchers a model that combines quantitative and qualitative methodologies to assess the effects of competing activity systems in the development of communication expertise.
Dynamics of Iterative Reader Feedback
Authors: De Jong Menno , Rijnks Dietha
Published: February 2006

A brochure that had been revised on the basis of feedback from readers using the plus-minus evaluation method was evaluated again using the same method. This article compares the results of these two successive evaluation studies to examine the dynamics of evaluating and revising using a troubleshooting method based on verbal self-reports. The findings show that the plus-minus method does not necessarily lead to a decrease in the number of problems readers find in a revised document. But the types of problems readers find are significantly different. For example, after the brochure was revised, it had fewer clarity and structural problems, and readers could focus more on credibility issues.
Visual Inscriptions in the Scientific Hierarchy
Authors: Arsenault Darin J. , Smith Laurence D. , Beauchamp Edith A.
Published: February 2006

Previous research has shown that the level of graph use in science journals is linearly related to the hardness of disciplines, confirming Bruno Latour’s “graphism” thesis that graphs are central to science. To determine whether the same is true of other visual displays, journals in seven disciplines were surveyed for their use of nongraph illustrations (NGIs) along with other inscriptions, both visual and nonvisual. Like graphs, NGIs were used more by the harder sciences. Among NGI types, photographs were used most in the biomedical fields and conceptual diagrams most in the soft sciences. Neither the use of tables nor the use of equations was systematically related to hardness, suggesting that the scientificity of disciplines may be more closely related to their visuality than to their mathematization. The uneven distribution of visual displays across the sciences is discussed in terms of their ease of comprehension, rhetorical power, and role in consensus formation.
Community Involvement in Biotechnology Policy?
Authors: Schibeci Renato , Harwood Jeff , Dietrich Heather
Published: February 2006

The authors analyze the framework for public participation in Australian biotechnology policy and argue that participation is undermined by the institutional structures that were ostensibly designed to facilitate consultation. They conclude that for the moment, community consultation in the formulation of Australian biotechnology policy appears limited. Indeed, the Australian Gene Technology Act 2000 and the Gene Technology Community Consultative Committee Operating Procedures effectively exclude the community from participating in deliberations on biotechnology policy. The community continues to be treated as consumers of advice, rather than technological citizens who can make a genuine contribution to biotechnology policy.
WISC-IV and WISC-III Profiles in Children With ADHD
Authors: Mayes Susan Dickerson , Calhoun Susan L.
Published: February 2006

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 3rd and 4th editions (WISC-III n = 586 and WISC-IV n = 118), profiles were compared for children with ADHD and normal intelligence. Mean Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) and Perceptual Organization/Perceptual Reasoning Index (POI/PRI) scores were significantly higher than Freedom From Distractibility/Working Memory Index (FDI/WMI) and Processing Speed Index (PSI), and Symbol Search was higher than Coding. FDI/WMI and PSI scores were similar on both tests, but VCI and POI/PRI were higher on the WISC-IV than on the WISC-III. Therefore, index discrepancies were greater for the WISC-IV, suggesting that the WISC-IV might be better than the WISC-III in delineating the strengths and weaknesses of children with ADHD. All children in the WISC-IV sample scored lowest on WMI or PSI, whereas only 88% of the WISC-III children scored lowest on FDI or PSI. Thus, the WISC-IV may be more helpful in diagnosing ADHD than the WISC-III.
Validity of Self-Report and Informant Rating Scales of Adult ADHD Symptoms in Comparison With a Semistructured Diagnostic Interview
Authors: Magnússon Páll , Smári Jakob , Sigurðardóttir Dagbjörg , Baldursson Gísli , Sigmundsson Jón , Kristjánsson Kristleifur , Sigurðardóttir Solveig , Hreiðarsson Stefán , Sigurbjörnsdóttir Steingerður , Guðmundsson Ólafur Ó.
Published: February 2006

In a study of ADHD symptoms in the relatives of probands diagnosed with ADHD, the validity of self-reported and informant-reported symptoms in childhood and adulthood was investigated with a semistructured diagnostic interview, the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children (K-SADS) adapted for adults, as a criterion. The participating relatives were 80 women and 46 men aged 17 to 77. Rating scales based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) were completed by participants and informants. Internal consistency of the scales and interrater reliabilities of the diagnostic interview were satisfactory. Correlations between ratings across sources of information supported convergent and divergent validity. Self-report scales and informant scales predicted interview-based diagnoses in childhood and adulthood with adequate sensitivities and specificities. It was concluded that the rating scales have good psychometric properties, at least in at-risk populations.
Efficient Allocation of Attentional Resources in Patients With ADHD
Authors: Gualtieri C. Thomas , Johnson Lynda G.
Published: February 2006

Background: It has been proposed that ADHD is an executive control disorder. Little is known however about the maturation of executive control in ADHD. Method: A cross-sectional study of ADHD patients compared to normal controls tested on a computerized neurocognitive test battery. Participants: 175 patients with ADHD, age 10 to 29, compared to 175 age-matched normal controls. Results: In every age group, ADHD patients were impaired in measures of psychomotor speed, reaction time, cognitive flexibility, and attention. Participants in both groups improved with age. In tests of executive control, normals improved their performance with shorter reaction times. ADHD patients improved their performance but by adopting a less efficient strategy: Their reaction times increased with age. Conclusions: These data support executive control as a “core deficit” in ADHD. In the Stroop and the shifting attention tests, ADHD patients proved to be inefficient in allocating their attentional resources.
Association of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Gestational Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Bhatara Vinod , Loudenberg Roland , Ellis Roland
Published: February 2006

Objective and methods: To explore association between prevalence of ADHD and levels of risk for gestational alcohol exposure, the authors reviewed the charts of 2,231 youth referred for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Participants were categorized into four groups by different levels of risk for gestational alcohol exposure. For each group, the prevalence rates of ADHD and other selected disorders were determined. Results: The disorder ranking first in overall prevalence was ADHD (41%), followed by learning disorder (17%) and oppositional-defiant/conduct disorder (16%). Prevalence rates of ADHD across the groups generally were high risk > some risk > unknown risk > no risk. Conclusion: The frequency distribution of ADHD cases was according to the levels of risk for gestational alcohol exposure. These results add to a growing body of evidence supporting an association between ADHD and prenatal alcohol exposure. Findings need to be confirmed by definitive studies on ADHD and gestational alcohol exposure.
Symptoms Versus Impairment
Authors: Gordon Michael , Antshel Kevin , Faraone Stephen , Barkley Russell , Lewandowski Larry , Hudziak James J. , Biederman Joseph , Cunningham Charles
Published: February 2006

Diagnosing ADHD based primarily on symptom reports assumes that the number/frequency of symptoms is tied closely to the impairment imposed on an individual’s functioning. That presumed linkage encourages diagnosis more by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) style symptom lists than well-defined, psychometrically sound assessments of impairment. The current study correlated measures reflecting each construct in four separate, large-scale ADHD research samples. Average correlation between symptoms and impairment accounted for less than 10% of variance. Symptoms never predicted more than 25% of the variance in impairment. When an ADHD group was formed according to a measure of current symptoms, the sample size shrunk by 77% when a criterion-based measure of impairment was added. The partial unlinking of symptoms and impairment has implications for decisions about the diagnostic process, research criteria for participant inclusion, prevalence estimates, gender ratios, evaluation of treatment effects, service delivery, and many other issues.
Donepezil in the Treatment of ADHD-Like Symptoms in Youths With Pervasive Developmental Disorder
Authors: Doyle Robert L. , Frazier Jean , Spencer Thomas J. , Geller Daniel , Biederman Joseph , Wilens Timothy
Published: February 2006

Background: Recent studies reported ADHD-like symptoms and cognitive deficits in pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Because work in dementia documents improvement in executive function deficits with the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil, the authors reason that similar benefits could be obtained in PDD. Method: The authors describe eight cases of PDD youth ages 10 to 17 treated with donepezil targeting ADHD-like symptoms associated with PDD. Results: Most participants improve ADHD-like symptomatology. In addition, improvement in communication and socialization is noted. Conclusion: Donepezil may have a role in treating ADHD-like symptoms in children with PDD.
A catastrophe in the 21st century: the public health situation in South Africa following HIV/AIDS
Authors: Walker Alexander R P , Walker Betty F , Wadee Ahmed A
Published: February 2006

During the early 1900s, African populations in South Africa were subject to very widespread infections which especially affected the young. This resulted in high mortality rates and a low life expectancy of 20-25 years. By the mid-century, mortality rates from infections had decreased considerably. Moreover, the occurrences of non-communicable diseases, even in urban areas, remained very low. In the 1970s, the proportion of Africans aged 50 or over that reached 70 years was 38.5%, higher than that in the juxtaposed white population, which was 35.5%. And by 1985, the life expectancy of Africans reached 61 years for males and 63 years for females, probably the highest in sub-Saharan African populations. Since then, however, the African continent has been devastated by the AIDS epidemic. In 2001, HIV was responsible for the death of a third of the African population in South Africa, but even higher proportions prevailed in Botswana and in Tanzania. The calamitous advent of the HIV infection has caused major falls in life expectancy, in the case of Africans in South Africa reducing this to just 43 years. With little hope of meaningful changes occurring in sexual habits or of an early vaccine becoming available, the infectionís high morbidity/mortality burden is likely to continue.
Allergic rhinitis: an update
Authors: Savage Julian , Roy Dev
Published: February 2006

Allergic rhinitis is extremely common and a global health problem. One study has quoted a prevalence of 16% and, as with asthma, it seems to be increasing. This increase and association with asthma have raised concerns about appropriate treatment.

Fortunately, with new knowledge of the pathophysiologic mechanisms, newer and better treatment strategies have been developed.

This short review of allergic rhinitis highlights its prevalence, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, investigation and management. A new classification and recommendations by the World Health Organizationís guidelines ëAllergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthmaí are also discussed.
Overactive bladder
Authors: Kavia Rajesh , Mumtaz Faiz
Published: February 2006

Overactive bladder (OAB) is defined as urgency, with or without urge incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia, in the absence of local pathological or hormonal factors. It is a common complaint of men and women alike, with estimates of 22 million sufferers. Approximately 70% of men with bladder outflow obstruction will have some symptoms of OAB. The exact pathophysiology of OAB in bladder outflow obstruction is yet to be elucidated; evidence to date points to changes in both the efferent and afferent innervation and the detrusor. Management of OAB can be is generally with pharmacological agents such as anticholinergics or operative measures such as the ëClamí cystoplasty. More recent treatment modalities include intravesical oxybutynin, intradetrusor botulinum toxin and neuromodulation. More specific treatment options for OAB in bladder outflow obstruction include relief of the obstruction with surgical (e.g. transurethral resection of prostate) or pharmaceutical (e.g. a blockers) methods.
Prevention of postnatal depression
Authors: Mallikarjun Pavan Kumar , Oyebode Femi
Published: February 2006

Postnatal depression is the most frequent psychiatric disorder seen after childbirth, with a prevalence rate of 10% to 15%. The women at risk need to be identified by a valid and reliable method, either using a screening instrument or an interview schedule.

The preventive strategies need to have enough power to detect a clinically worthwhile effect to be considered useful in clinical practice. Many of the risk factors for developing postnatal depression are present during the pregnancy and immediate post-partum period. The risk factors for postnatal depression include depression or anxiety during pregnancy, experiencing stressful life events during pregnancy or the early puerperium, maternity blues, low levels of social support, past history of depression and poor marital adjustment. The antenatal and postnatal period provides an ideal opportunity to screen women for these risk factors. The women identified to be at risk can be identified, and preventive interventions can be implemented.

Routine clinical practice can be improved to identify some of the women at risk by better communication between health professionals. There are no antenatal screening tools that have been shown to be of benefit in predicting postnatal depression. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is widely used in the postnatal period to screen for depression. The psychosocial interventions to prevent postnatal depression have not been shown to be beneficial and there is a dearth of psychopharmacological trials to make firm conclusions about their efficacy in preventing postnatal depression. Individualised psychosocial interventions aimed at the at-risk populations and initiated in the postnatal period appear to have some benefit in preventing postnatal depression. The focus of this article will be the risk factors associated with postnatal depression, screening methods and tools to identify those at risk of developing the disorder and the psychosocial, psychological and psychopharmacological interventions to prevent postnatal depression.
Bowel cancer: the outcome is improving
Authors: Burden Claire , Rose David , Daniels Ian R
Published: February 2006

The management of rectal cancer has been revolutionised over the last 20 years through improvements in staging, surgery and the use of radiotherapy and combination chemoradiotherapy. The traditional approach involved surgery followed by pathological assessment of the specimen reporting the completeness of excision. Incomplete excision in many cases led to local recurrence of the cancer within the pelvis with the disabling symptoms of pelvic pain, bowel fistulation and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Indeed, many patients died with local recurrence alone and salvage therapy in these patients was rarely successful.

However, the recognition of the advantage of pre-operative therapy for patients in whom surgery would not provide local cure has been a major advance. The ability to downstage/downsize the tumour before curative surgery has improved outcome. However, these pre-operative therapies are toxic and not without their own complications, therefore the select use, targeted at the appropriate patient, represents the ëgold-standardí. The development of magnetic resonance imaging staging that accurately predicts operability has completed this triad approach which is focused through the weekly multidisciplinary team meeting. National acceptance of these techniques and standards can only improve the outcome for patients with this disease.
HIV infection and circumcision: cutting through the hyperbole
Authors: Van Howe Robert S , Svoboda J Steven , Hodges Frederick M
Published: February 2006

The objective of this study was to determine whether the justifications given for promoting mass circumcision as a preventive measure for HIV infection are reasonable and whether mass circumcision is a feasible preventive measure for HIV infection in developing countries.

The medical literature concerning the practice of circumcision in the absence of medical indication was reviewed regarding its impact on HIV infection and related issues. The literature was analysed with careful attention to historical perspective.

Our results show that the medical literature supporting mass circumcision for the prevention of HIV infection is inconsistent and based on observation studies. Even if the two ongoing randomised controlled trials in Africa show a protective benefit of circumcision, factors such as the unknown complication rate of the procedure, the permanent injury to the penis, human rights violations and the potential for veiled colonialism need to be taken into account. Based on the best estimates, mass circumcision would not be as cost-effective as other interventions that have been demonstrated to be effective.

Even if effective, mass circumcision as a preventive measure for HIV in developed countries is difficult to justify.
Knowledge of sexually transmitted infections and sources of information amongst men
Authors: Mason Linda
Published: February 2006

The objective of this study was to investigate menís awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexual health services, together with the best ways of providing information about them.

Information was collated via a self-administered questionnaire, which was answered by 429 men, giving a response rate of 31%.

Men aged 16+ living in two primary care trusts (PCTs) in the north-west of England were accessed through a range of different sources, including social, educational, health, work and religious facilities.

Despite the high rates of STIs in the north-west, approximately one in five men had not heard of herpes, syphilis or chlamydia. One in ten had not heard of gonorrhoea. The majority of men were unaware that many STIs could be asymptomatic. Only 13% knew where their local genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic was. The main deterrents to accessing the clinic were embarrassment and not knowing where it was.

Menís knowledge of STIs is limited, particularly in relation to the symptoms. The best way of providing information, according to the respondents, was through their general practitioner (GP). However, in practice this might be difficult, as men are reluctant users of GP services in general. Knowledge of the whereabouts of the local GUM clinics is also limited. Although most men thought that they would visit their GP if they thought they might have an STI, this may result from them not knowing the alternatives, rather than having a real choice. More information, targeted wisely, is thus necessary in order to educate men about STIs and service provision.
Journalists and gender-based violence in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Fawole Olufunmilayo I , Asekun-Olarimoye Esther O
Published: February 2006

Violence against women (VAW) continues to occur in many countries of the world despite various measures taken to stop it. The media can shape the attitudes and perceptions of people and can be an advocate for social change. Thus an assessment of the knowledge, attitude and coverage of prevention of VAW by 230 media practitioners in Nigeria was conducted using semi-structured self-administered questionnaires.

Results of the survey revealed that 86 of the 230 (37%) stated that both sexes have equal privileges and rights, while 78 (34%) felt that violence could help to keep women ëin checkí or in control. Mean knowledge score out of 10 was 7.5+2.1, while attitude scores out of 11 were 6.4+1.2.

Two main groups of journalist were identified: prejudiced, (105, 46%), and non-prejudiced (125, 54%). The non-prejudiced group consisted mostly of females (p<0.05), over the age of 36 (p<0.05), and held senior positions within their profession (p>0.05). Female media practitioners had significantly higher knowledge and attitude scores than their male counterparts (7.47+2.0 versus 6.39+2.3) and (6.27+2.0 versus 5.11+6.1). Ninety respondents (39%) had worked on prevention of VAW in the last two years. Most of these (60, 67%) had worked on one-off programmes. Regular programmes usually consisted of 30-minutes or one-hour weekly programmes on radio and television as well as articles in the newspapers. Enlightening the public (41%) and ëportraying women in a successful lightí (12%) were some of the activities the practitioners were ready to embark upon.

Media practitioners need first of all comprehensive training on VAW, which should be followed by increased coverage of prevention of VAW in the media. Finally, more interactive media engagement with the public should be employed. Media organisations for women may be useful in initiating some of these changes.
Long-term influence of working abroad on returneesí mental health
Authors: Tsutsumi Atsuro , Izutsu Takashi , Sakami Shotaro , Miyazaki Takao , Wakai Susumu
Published: February 2006

Although international business travel is increasing, there is a lack of research on its repercussions for mental health. This study analysed the long-term influence of international business travel on the mental health status by comparing depression, anxiety and job stress between workers with and without international assignment experience.

The subjects were divided into an ëexperienced groupí composed of 70 male workers who had experienced an overseas assignment of at least six months, and a ënon-experienced groupí consisting of 2,163 male workers who had not. To assess the mental health status, Zungís Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Sheehanís Patient Rated Anxiety Scale (Sheehan) were employed. The Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) was used to examine job stress. In addition, information about the characteristics of the overseas assignments was collected.

The experienced group had significantly higher scores for job control, supervisor support and coworker support in the JCQ, while no differences were observed for the SDS and Sheehan. Whether or not the subjects travelled abroad with their families, whether or not they went against their will, and whether or not they enjoyed their stay had no effects on their mental health. Job demand had a significantly positive correlation with the duration of the assignment.
The assessment and implementation of mouth care in palliative care: a review
Authors: Gillam J L , Gillam David G
Published: February 2006

Aim: From a review of the literature it is evident that the importance and maintenance of oral health for patients with cancer is recognised as an integral part of basic nursing care and yet from practical observation in the hospital environment together with reviewing the published literature it is clear that there appears to be limited evidence of regular assessment of the mouth or implementation of oral protocols on the ward. Furthermore there is a lack of adequate training in the assessment and implementation of mouth care by nurses during their general nurse training. The aim of the present study was to review existing literature published between 1995 and 1999 to determine whether mouth care was effectively assessed and implemented in the palliative care setting.

Method and results: Relevant articles selected from the 1995–1999 period highlighted the lack of published research in this very important aspect of care. Results from these published articles raised concern about the lack of training and education among nurses in the assessment of mouth care as well as the need to rationalise the assessment tools used on the ward or hospice. Furthermore, while it was recognised in palliative care that a multiprofessional approach was beneficial, in practice this did not appear to apply to mouth care with a few notable exceptions.

Conclusion: This review has highlighted a number of inconsistencies in both the knowledge of mouth care and its implementation by nursing staff. The importance of establishing protocols and setting standards of care was also indicated in this review. It is clear that without effective assessment of the mouth, the appropriate implementation of care will not be delivered. The implementation of mouth care should not be anecdotal in nature but based on research (evidence-based) and this in turn will enable nurses to embrace an evidence-based practice (which will benefit their patients) that can be effectively audited.
A survey of the physical health screening of all in-patients in a residential rehabilitation population
Authors: Panesar Narinder Pal
Published: February 2006

Aim:It has been noted for many years that people with severe and enduring mental illness frequently have poor physical health. Their physical health needs often go unrecognised by the mental health team. This study aims to investigate the physical health status of all in-patients in a residential rehabilitation setting.

Methods:All the clients in a rehabilitation centre in Doncaster, England, were included in the health screening survey. The physical health of patients was assessed following the guidelines from ‘Physical Health of the Severe and Enduring Mentally Ill. A Training Pack for GPEducators’.1

Results:Over one-third (35%) of the patients studied were found to be obese and more than one-half (53%) were heavy smokers. These compare with figures of 24% for obesity and 25% for smoking in the general population.

Conclusions:The physical health needs of people residing in rehabilitation units should be a high priority for the mental health staff and regular surveys should be considered. If we are successful at encouraging the mental health team to be involved in annual physical health screening of patients with severe mental illness in the rehabilitation unit, we might improve their physical health and reduce mortality.
Should Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy Be Prescribed Antioxidants?
Authors: Moss Ralph W.
Published: February 2006

In September 2005, CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians published a warning by Gabriella D’Andrea, MD, against the concurrent use of antioxidants with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, several deficiencies of the CA article soon became apparent, not least the selective omission of prominent studies that contradicted the author’s conclusions. While acknowledging that only large-scale, randomized trials could provide a valid basis for therapeutic recommendations, the author sometimes relied on laboratory rather than clinical data to support her claim that harm resulted from the concurrent use of antioxidants and chemotherapy. She also sometimes extrapolated from chemoprevention studies rather than those on the concurrent use of antioxidants per se. The article overstated the degree to which the laboratory data diverged in regard to the safety and efficacy of antioxidant therapy: in fact, the preponderance of data suggests a synergistic or at least harmless effect with most high-dose dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. The practical recommendations made in the article to avoid the general class of antioxidants during chemotherapy are inconsistent, in that if antioxidants were truly a threat to the efficacy of standard therapy, antioxidant-rich foods, especially fruits and vegetables, ought also be proscribed during treatment. Yet no such recommendation is made. Furthermore, the wide-scale use by both medical and radiation oncologists of synthetic antioxidants (eg, amifostine) to control the adverse effects of cytotoxic treatments is similarly overlooked. In sum, this CA article is incomplete: there is far more information available regarding antioxidant supplements as an appropriate adjunctive cancer therapy than is acknowledged. Patients would be well advised to seek the opinion of physicians who are adequately trained and experienced in the intersection of 2 complex fields, that is, chemotherapeutics and nutritional oncology. Physicians whose goal is comprehensive cancer therapy should refer their patients to qualified integrative practitioners who have such training and expertise to guide patients. A blanket rejection of the concurrent use of antioxidants with chemotherapy is not justified by the preponderance of evidence at this time and serves neither the scientific community nor cancer patients.