bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recruitment and retention of rural general practitioners: A marketing approach reveals new possibilities
Authors: Hemphill Elizabeth , Dunn Steve , Barich Hayley , Infante Rebecca 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjective:  This paper repositions the challenge of attracting and retaining rural GPs in a marketing context as a new focus for future research and policy development. Design:  Case study with mixed design of surveys of GPs and medical students and depth interviews with GPs, medical students, regional‐division administrators and GP recruitment agents. Setting:  GP recruitment and retention in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia. Participants:  Twenty‐seven Limestone Coast (LC) GPs; random sample of medical students from Adelaide University, Adelaide University Rural Health Society and Flinders University; snowball sampling two adjacent rural regions (20 GPs); and administrators from LC and adjacent regions and GP recruitment agencies in Adelaide. Main outcome measures:  Drawing from marketing theory, creative suggestion of ‘promotion of the practice and not the region’ offers a means of GP recruitment and retention for structured succession planning for rural general practices. Results:  Structural attempts to broaden the GP market with overseas recruitment have done little for improving full‐time equivalent GP levels. Market segmentation and market orientation offer a new emphasis on value exchange between the corporation (the practice), customer (GPs) and competition (all practices) to influence future mobility. Conclusion:  A marketing orientation to the GP challenge emphasises individual's perceptions of value, GP expectations and practice offerings. Failure to acknowledge benefits of this marketing approach means that solutions such as those developed in the Limestone Coast region are unlikely. Research is now required to define GP satisfaction and value for long‐term viability of general practices.
Primary health care in the Kimberley: Is the doctor shortage much bigger than we think?
Authors: Roach Sally , Atkinson David , Waters Andrew , Jefferies Felicity 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjective:  This study describes the extent to which general practitioners in the Kimberley region are available for doctor‐provided primary care and relates primary care availability to need and standardised population. Design:  Data collection and analysis was based on government statistics and interviews with general practitioners, local managers and regional employers and organisations. Results:  A shortfall of 20.6 full time general practitioner positions was identified and this was aggravated by a significant number of unfilled positions in the areas of greatest need. Overall the region had only half the primary care general practitioners needed. The Shire of Halls Creek at the time of survey had less than a quarter of the doctors required based on this analysis. Conclusion:  Steps to increase the Australian medical workforce have begun but resources to recruit, support and sustain this workforce are required. Aboriginal health workers and locally trained nurses competently provide much of the primary care but need greater resources to support the available medical care.
Physiotherapy in rural and regional Australia
Authors: Williams Elizabeth , D'Amore Wendy , McMeeken Joan 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjective:  To inform rural physiotherapy recruitment and retention strategies by describing physiotherapists in the Shepparton region: reasons for career choice, education and physiotherapy professional issues. Design:  Survey.Setting:  Health service providers. Participants:  Practising and non‐practising physiotherapists. Main outcome measure:  Survey responses. Results:  Survey response rate 79%. Eighty four physiotherapists (79 practicing and 5 non‐practicing; 80% female) clustered in main regional centres responded. Two‐thirds worked part‐time with most in the public sector (70%), with one third holding more than one position. One‐third considered themselves generalists and one‐third specialists. Physiotherapy was first career choice for 83% who made this decision between 14 and 19 years old (16.8–2.5 years) because of contact with a physiotherapist. Professional issues challenging physiotherapists in a rural location are compounded by lack of career path, professional support, access to professional development and postgraduate education. Additional issues are the costs and time to attend courses and conferences, travel/distance, and inadequate resources. Positive elements of rural practice were part‐time employment opportunities, independence as primary health providers, practice variety and community recognition. Conclusion:  Rural physiotherapy recruitment and retention strategies must address resource shortcomings by developing career paths, access to postgraduate education and support. Enhancing workforce capacity could enable more students to have meaningful rural experience to assist recruitment. Strategies highlighting existing positive features of rural practice, reinforced with tangible rewards and recognition of physiotherapists’ contribution to the health care of Australians are recommended.
OATP1B1 POLYMORPHISM IS A MAJOR DETERMINANT OF SERUM BILIRUBIN LEVEL BUT NOT ASSOCIATED WITH RIFAMPICIN‐MEDIATED BILIRUBIN ELEVATION
Authors: Zhang Wei , He Yi‐Jing , Gan Zhou , Fan Lan , Li Qing , Wang An , Liu Zhao‐Qian , Deng Sheng , Huang Yuan‐Fei , Xu Lin‐Yong , Zhou Hong‐Hao 
Published: October 2007

SUMMARY

Elevated serum bilirubin levels are caused mainly by liver diseases, haematolysis, genetic defects and drug intake. Unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) is taken up into hepatocytes by human organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1; encoded for by the SLCO1B1 gene). The present study was performed to determine the association between SLCO1B1 gene polymorphisms and serum bilirubin levels in vivo. Moreover, the effects of administration of low‐dose rifampicin on serum bilirubin levels in different SLCO1B1 genotypes was examined.
Serum bilirubin levels were examined in 42 healthy volunteers who had been analysed for SLCO1B1 genotype (seven, 13, 14 and eight with SLCO1B1 genotypes *1a/*1a, *1b/*1b, *1b/*15 and *15/*15, respectively). Among them, 24 subjects (seven, seven, eight and two with SLCO1B1 genotypes *1a/*1a, *1b/*1b, *1b/*15 and *15/*15, respectively) were selected to participate in an open‐label, two‐phase clinical trial. Each was given 450 mg rifampicin orally once daily at 2000 hours for 5 consecutive days. Serum bilirubin concentrations at 0800 hours on the 1st and 6th days were compared between the different SLCO1B1 genotypes.
In the 42 volunteers, the mean (±SD) serum UCB in both SLCO1B1*1b/*15 and *15/*15 groups was significantly higher than that in the SLCO1B1*1b/*1b group (11.07 ± 2.31, 13.01 ± 3.87 and 8.21 ± 2.68 µmol/L, respectively; P = 0.009 and P < 0.001). Total bilirum (T.BIL) in both the SLCO1B1*1b/*15 and *15/*15 groups was significantly higher than that in the SLCO1B1*1b/*1b group (16.69 ± 4.09, 20.71 ± 5.12 and 13.06 ± 5.12 µmol/L, respectively; P = 0.029 and P < 0.001). The direct bilirubin (D.BIL) in the SLCO1B1*15/*15 group was significantly higher than that in the SLCO1B1*1b/*1b group (7.69 ± 1.81 vs 4.85 ± 1.81 µmol/L, respectively; P = 0.001). Rifampicin significantly increased UCB, T.BIL and D.BIL concentrations in 24 healthy volunteers (17.68 ± 5.96 vs 13.95 ± 4.44 µmol/L (P = 0.040), 5.72 ± 2.01 vs 4.35 ± 1.50 µmol/L (P = 0.028) and 12.00 ± 4.26 vs 9.61 ± 3.15 µmol/L (P = 0.035), respectively). However, the extent of the increase in serum bilirubin caused by 450 mg rifampicin for 5 days was not affected by SLCO1B1 genotype.
Genetic polymorphism in SLCO1B1 is a major determinant of interindividual variability in the serum bilirubin level. SLCO1B1*15 carriers had higher baseline serum UCB, T.BIL and D.BIL levels compared with subjects with the SLCO1B1*1a/*1a and SLCO1B1*1b/*1b genotypes. SLCO1B1*15/*15 homozygotes are more susceptible to hyperbilirubinaemia. Serum bilirubin levels could be increased by low‐dose rifampicin administration, but the extent of the increase was not associated with SLCO1B1 genotype.
Shared signals –‘alarm calls’ from plants increase apparency to herbivores and their enemies in nature
Authors: Halitschke Rayko , Stenberg Johan A. , Kessler Danny , Kessler André , Baldwin Ian T. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe attraction of natural enemies of herbivores by volatile organic compounds as an induced indirect defence has been studied in several plant systems. The evidence for their defensive function originates mainly from laboratory studies with trained parasitoids and predators; the defensive function of these emissions for plants in natural settings has been rarely demonstrated. In native populations and laboratory Y‐tube choice experiments with transgenic Nicotiana attenuata plants unable to release particular volatiles, we demonstrate that predatory bugs use terpenoids and green leaf volatiles (GLVs) to locate their prey on herbivore‐attacked plants. By attracting predators with volatile signals, this native plant reduces its herbivore load – demonstrating the defensive function of herbivore‐induced volatile emissions. However, plants producing GLVs are also damaged more by flea beetles. The implications of these conflicting ecological effects for the evolution of induced volatile emissions and for the development of sustainable agricultural practices are discussed.
Genes encoding the candidate enzyme for anaerobic activation of n‐alkanes in the denitrifying bacterium, strain HxN1
Authors: Grundmann Olav , Behrends Astrid , Rabus Ralf , Amann Judith , Halder Thomas , Heider Johann , Widdel Friedrich 
Published: October 2007

SummaryStrain HxN1, a member of the Betaproteobacteria, can grow anaerobically by denitrification with n‐alkanes. n‐Alkanes are apparently activated by subterminal carbon addition to fumarate yielding (1‐methylalkyl)succinates, the postulated enzyme being (1‐methylalkyl)succinate synthase (Mas). Genes encoding this enzyme (mas) were searched for via proteins that were specifically formed in n‐hexane‐grown cells (in comparison with caproate‐grown cells), as revealed by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. Partial amino acid sequencing and subsequent probe development for hybridization of restricted DNA led to the identification of a gene cluster. Deduced proteins are similar to the subunits of benzylsuccinate synthase (Bss), the toluene‐activating enzyme in other anaerobic bacteria and its activase. The tentative (1‐methylalkyl)succinate synthase is presumably a heterotrimer (MasDEC) which, like benzylsuccinate synthase, contains a motif (in MasD, the large subunit) characteristic of glycyl radical‐bearing sites. Based on amino acid sequence comparison, the tentative (1‐methylalkyl)succinate synthase branches outside of the phylogenetic cluster of benzylsuccinate synthases from different organisms and represents a separate line of descent within glycyl radical enzymes. n‐Hexane‐induced co‐transcription of the mas genes and additional genes of an apparent operon was demonstrated by Northern hybridization experiments.
The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme – a realistic approach with additional benefits
Authors: West N. J. , Poullis A. P. , Leicester R. J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK with 36 100 new cases diagnosed each year in England and Wales and 55% of all patients presenting with lymph node metastases at the time of diagnosis. Early detection, before the development of symptoms, may be an effective way of reducing mortality and it is this which a screening programme seeks to address. The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (NHS BCSP) commenced in April 2006 and invites men and women aged 60–69 to participate via submission of a faecal occult blood test every 2 years; those with a positive result will be offered colonoscopy as the next investigation of choice. This article will explore the background to the programme, including the financial considerations behind it and the implication that this has had on colonoscopy standards and training in the UK. The chosen programme is not the most effective neither in terms of survival benefit nor cost effectiveness but is a compromise within a financially strained health care system. Endoscopy standards because of its introduction have, however, considerably improved in terms of patient experience, safety and improved practice.
Goniodysgenesis associated with primary glaucoma in an adult European Short‐haired cat
Authors: Trost Katrin , Peiffer Robert L. , Nell Barbara 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA 9.5‐year‐old, male castrated European Short‐haired (ESH) cat was presented with bilateral glaucoma associated with pectinate ligament dysplasia and an open iridocorneal angle (ICA) upon gonioscopy. The right eye (OD) was avisual and slightly enlarged; the left eye (OS) was still visual. Intraocular pressure (IOP) had been controlled with medical therapy over a 1.5 year‐period in both eyes (OU). Eventually IOP could not be adequately controlled medically and the painful and blind right eye was enucleated and transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation was performed twice in the left eye with less than optimal results and progressive loss of vision. Histopathology of the right eye showed goniodysgenesis characterized by failure of differentiation of the pectinate ligament, which existed as a solid sheet of uveal tissue at the entrance of a hypoplastic ciliary cleft, which contained loose mucoid mesenchymal tissue. The trabecular meshwork was hypoplastic and the scleral venous plexus could not be identified. Other findings of chronic glaucoma were inner retinal atrophy, optic nerve atrophy with disc cupping, scleral thinning, peripheral corneal vascularization and pigmentation, and mild focal iridal mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate.
Variation in intraocular pressure following application of tropicamide in three different dog breeds
Authors: Taylor Nicole R. , Zele Andrew J. , Vingrys Algis J. , Stanley Robin G. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjective  To record intraocular pressure (IOP) of three different dog breeds following administration of one drop of 1% tropicamide.Animals  Three dog breeds – Golden Retrievers (n = 20), Siberian Huskies (n = 20) and English Cocker Spaniels (n = 36) – were studied.Procedure  IOPs were measured using a Tonopen following corneal anesthesia with a single drop of 0.5% proxymetacaine. A drop of 0.5% tropicamide was then administered bilaterally and a second IOP measurement was taken 30 min later (postdilation). The difference between the two measurements was considered as the effect of mydriasis on IOP.Results  Dogs had an average IOP of 14.9 ± 3.2 mmHg, with 95% confidence limits ranging from 8 to 22 mmHg. There were significant differences between breeds (P < 0.006) with Siberian Huskies having higher IOPs (17.2 ± 3.7 mmHg) than the other breeds (Spaniels: 14.2 ± 2.8 mmHg, P < 0.01; Retrievers: 14 ± 1.9 mmHg, P < 0.001). The majority (60%) of dogs displayed 5 mmHg or less in IOP change postmydriasis. Siberian Huskies showed the highest IOP levels, and also had the greatest variability with dilation.Conclusions and clinical relevance  Interbreed variability in effect of tropicamide of canine IOP is evident.
Immunocytochemical localization of smooth muscle actin‐containing cells in the trabecular meshwork of glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous dogs
Authors: Hassel Brant , Samuelson Don A. , Lewis Patricia A. , Gelatt Kirk N. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPurpose  It has been recently demonstrated that trabecular meshwork (TM) cells within the canine iridocorneal angle (ICA) contain smooth muscle actin (smA) and possess contractile abilities that probably alter aqueous outflow. As the number of trabecular meshwork cells in glaucomatous canine eyes have been found to be less than those in age‐matched nonglaucomatous eyes, we hypothesize that the sub‐population of TM cells that contain smooth muscle actin will also decline with age. We also hypothesize that a greater loss of these cells will be observed in glaucomatous eyes than in nonglaucomatous eyes of the same age. In the present study the ICA of 17 glaucomatous and eight nonglaucomatous eyes were examined for the presence of smA‐containing TM cells.Material and methods  Five‐micron sagittal sections of each whole globe were immunolocalized for smooth muscle actin. Positive and negative controls were performed concomitantly.Results  Labeling was observed in the meshwork of 10 out of the 17 glaucomatous eyes, distributed across all of the age groups represented, including eyes with primary and secondary glaucoma. Smooth muscle actin labeling was observed in the TM of 7 out of 14 eyes with closed‐angle glaucoma. Positive immunoreaction was observed in 3/3 eyes with open ICAs. Labeling of smooth muscle actin was observed in the anterior part of the meshwork in only 4 of the 17 glaucomatous eyes, each having had secondary glaucoma. There were no eyes in which label was observed exclusively in the anterior portion of the meshwork. Labeling was most consistently observed in the outer, posterior uveal TM and the inner, posterior corneoscleral TM. All of the eight nonglaucomatous eyes showed greater labeling in both area and intensity than the glaucomatous eyes of the same age.Conclusion  It was concluded that smooth muscle actin‐cell loss is associated with age in canine eyes and that this loss is more severe in glaucomatous eyes.
Endothelin‐1, nitric oxide, and glutamate in the normal and glaucomatous dog eye
Authors: Källberg Maria E. , Brooks Dennis E. , Gelatt Kirk N. , Garcia‐Sanchez Gustavo A. , Szabo Nancy J. , Lambrou George N. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPurpose To document differences in the levels of the endothelin‐1 peptide, nitric oxide, and glutamate in aqueous humor and vitreous in the dog eye with spontaneous glaucoma compared to the normal dog eye.Methods Samples of aqueous humor and vitreous from enucleated normal eyes (n = 21) of 14 dogs and glaucomatous eyes (n = 8) of eight dogs were collected. Levels of endothelin‐1, nitric oxide, and glutamate were measured by enzyme immunoassay.Results Endothelin‐1 aqueous humor levels (mean ± SD) increased significantly from 3.05 (± 1.66) pg/mL for the normal eyes to 6.22 (± 2.83) pg/mL for the glaucomatous eyes (P = 0.0054). The increase in vitreous from 1.83 (± 1.66) pg/mL for the normal eyes to 2.86 (± 1.31) pg/mL for the glaucomatous eyes was not significant (P = 0.0840). Nitric oxide levels (mean ± SD) increased significantly in aqueous humor from 4.12 (± 2.64) µM for the normal eyes to 12.95 (± 14.42) µM for the glaucomatous eyes (P = 0.0141). The vitreous levels increased from 4.86 (± 3.92) µM for the normal eyes to 15.33 (± 16.22) µM for the glaucomatous eyes (P = 0.0179). Glutamate levels (mean ± SD) decreased nonsignificantly in aqueous humor from 2.35 (± 3.84) µM for the normal eyes to 1.61 (± 0.74) µM for the glaucomatous eyes (P = 0.9377) and in vitreous from 1.37 (± 1.89) µM for the normal eyes to 1.02 (± 1.11) µM for the glaucomatous eyes (P = 0.3303).Conclusion Endothelin‐1 and nitric oxide increased in aqueous humor and vitreous of dogs with spontaneous glaucoma while the changes in glutamate varied.
Cloning of caninemyocilincDNA and molecular analysis of themyocilingene in Shiba Inu dogs
Authors: Kato Kumiko , Sasaki Nobuo , Matsunaga Satoru , Nishimura Ryohei , Ogawa Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjective To identify caninemyocilincDNA and compare its sequence in glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous Shiba Inu dogs with closed and open iridocorneal angles (ICAs).Procedures Total RNA was extracted from the ciliary body of the eyes of a healthy Beagle, and the caninemyocilingene was cloned and sequenced. Of the Shiba Inu dogs tested, five were glaucomatous with closed ICA, three were nonglaucomatous with open ICA, and two were nonglaucomatous with closed ICA. The genomic DNA of these dogs was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. The exons of the caninemyocilingene were amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sequenced. The frequency of mutation in caninemyocilinDNA was verified in these dogs by using themyocilincDNA of a Beagle.Results The caninemyocilincDNA was 1452 bp long and contained the entire open reading frame encoding 483 amino acids. A leucine zipper‐like motif and olfactomedin‐like domain were conserved in the amino acid residues. The presence of sequence variants in the genomic DNA of Shiba Inu dogs was independent of the occurrence of glaucoma and ICA grading.Conclusions MyocilinRNA was detected in the ciliary body and trabecular meshwork (TM) of a Beagle. Themyocilinsequence of Shiba Inu dogs suggests thatmyocilinmutations are unlikely to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of primary closed‐angle glaucoma in this breed. However, several mutations in themyocilingene in exon 1 of Shiba Inu dogs may predispose them to an obstruction in the anterior aqueous outflow.
Microvessel loss, vascular damage and glutamate redistribution in the retinas of dogs with primary glaucoma
Authors: Alyahya Khaleel , Chen Chu‐Te , Mangan Brendan G. , Gionfriddo Juliet R. , Legare Marie E. , Dubielzig Richard R. , Madl James E. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjective Vascular damage and ischemia‐like changes in glutamate distribution occur in primary glaucoma (PG) in dogs. We measured the microvessel density in PG retinas to determine whether microvessel loss may induce ischemia and glutamate redistribution.Animals studied Sections from 12 control and 33 glaucomatous dog retinas.Procedures Vessels in retinas were identified by staining withGriffonia simplicifoliaisolectin B4 or immunohistochemical staining for laminin or glutamate. Damage to regions of the inner nuclear layer (INL) was classified as mild (< 10% damaged neurons), moderate (≥ 10% damaged neurons, INL ≥ 2 cells thick) or severe (INL < 2 cells thick).Results Glutamate redistribution was found in some mildly damaged regions and increased as damage increased. Regions with increased glutamate redistribution and increased damage had lower densities of microvessels in plastic sections. However, neuronal damage and glutamate redistribution were seen even in areas adjacent to the remaining microvessels. Microvessel loss in damaged regions was confirmed in paraffin sections with lectin staining and immunohistochemical localization of laminin. The density of larger vessels was not decreased in PG, but larger vessels often had thickened walls, cuffing with leukocytes, and leakage of albumin.Conclusions Microvessel loss may occur in regions of glutamate redistribution and neuronal damage in PG retinas. Larger vessels were often damaged. The redistribution of glutamate is associated with a loss of microvessels, even in mildly damaged regions. However, neuronal damage and glutamate redistribution may occur close to remaining microvessels, suggesting microvessel loss was not the sole factor inducing these changes.