bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro interactions between bacteria isolated from Sitka spruce stumps and Heterobasidion annosum
Authors: Murray A. C. , Woodward S. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryCulture medium composition affected antagonism by bacterial isolates from Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) stumps against Heterobasidion annosum. Fifty percent of bacterial isolates inhibited H. annosum growth on sporulation agar or yeast–dextrose–peptone agar; only 10% of isolates caused inhibition on both media. Proportions of isolates inhibiting H. annosum varied with stump age; fewer isolates from 4‐ or 6‐year‐old stumps exhibited antagonism than isolates from older or younger stumps. Fifteen isolates showing antagonism on sporulation agar were tested against H. annosum in spruce wood cubes. None of the bacterial isolates alone caused a significant weight reduction in inoculated cubes. Relative inoculation times of bacterial isolates and H. annosum had an effect on weight loss in interactions; simultaneous inoculation with isolates and H. annosum inhibited weight loss caused by H. annosum compared with bacteria‐free controls. Inoculation with bacterial isolates 10 days before H. annosum had no effect on the decay rate. In contrast, inoculation with H. annosum 10 days before bacteria increased weight loss of cubes by 200% relative to cultures lacking bacteria. The effect of a mixed bacterial inoculum on weight change in 0.2‐mm spruce wood slips co‐inoculated with H. annosum, Resinicium bicolor, Hypholoma fasciculare, Stereum sanguinolentum or Melanotus proteus differed between different fungi.
Factors influencing nurse–patient interaction in the acute psychiatric setting: An exploratory investigation
Authors: Cleary Michelle , Edwards Clair , Meehan Tom 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTNurse–patient interaction in acute psychiatric in‐patient facilities has been the subject of much discussion in the literature and remains a contentious issue. How and why nurses interact with patients in the acute care setting requires definition within the current dynamic environment of mental health service provision. Factors which impact on the manner in which nurses care for patients also require investigation. This article presents the findings of a collaborative research study that investigates factors that influence nurse–patient interaction in the acute psychiatric setting. Ten nurses on the study ward were given opportunity, through semi‐structured interviews, to outline and describe the factors perceived to influence nurse–patient interaction. Factors identified as influencing interaction included the ward environment, something always comes up, nurses’ attributes, patient factors, instrumental support and focus of nursing. Issues which emerged from the study provide managers and clinical nurses with an opportunity for generating new possibilities for nurse–patient interaction. However, these issues must be addressed in a sensitive way that takes into account the complex and dynamic nature of acute care settings.
Development and validation of clinical indicators for mental health nursing practice
Authors: Skews Georgina , Meehan Tom , Hunt Glenn , Hoot Sandra , Armitage Paul 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:A national study was undertaken in Australia to develop and validate a set of clinical indicators for mental health nursing. Using survey and action research procedures, the indicators were developed in two stages. During stage one, focus group interviews involving 39 nurses were conducted at national conferences in Australia and New Zealand in order to provide a pool of indicator statements. A Delphi survey of an Australian sample of mental health nurses (n = 33) was then conducted to refine the indicators. In stage two, the refined indicators were tested and validated in selected clinical settings. A total of 1751 mental health nurses employed at 14 sites were involved in the second stage of the study. The resulting data were used to establish the set of national indicators that the Australian and New Zealand College of Mental Health Nurses will use in practice accreditation and benchmarking.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF RURAL DOCTORS: METHODOLOGICAL AND LOGISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Authors: Veitch Craig , Harte Jans , Hays Richard , Pashen Dennis , Clark Steve 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTTwo Queensland rural communities with histories of poor general practitioner (GP) recruitment and retention participated in a process aimed at developing broadly based community action plans to recruit and retain GPs. Despite their very different physical and social characteristics, the two communities developed many similar objectives and strategies, which had the possiblility of being implemented more widely. The community participation process can be both time‐ and cost‐effective if consideration is given to a variety of methodological and logistical issues. The process is a means by which communities, Divisions of General Practice, government, academic institutions and others can work together to recruit and retain medical practitioners.
Rural Health Research in Canada: At the Crossroads
Authors: Pong Raymond W. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTRural health research in Canada is at the crossroads. Jolted by the establishment of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, rural health researchers are trying hard to overcome past benign neglect and the lack of cohesion and collaboration within the rural health research community. Although there is considerable catching‐up to do, rural health research in Canada has a firm foundation. Backed by a growing network of rural health research centres, researchers are searching for ways to work together in order to advance rural health research and the health and wellbeing of rural Canadians.
Systematic Overview of Rural Health Research in Australia Published in the Serial Literature
Authors: Patterson Carla 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTIt is acknowledged that research outcomes need to be made available to other researchers, practitioners and consumers if the benefits of such research are to be disseminated as quickly as possible to other researchers and translated to influence practice and produce new products. If strategies are to be developed on future research directions, an analysis of current output will provide baseline data as well as a map for analysing gaps and overlaps in the research effort. This paper provides an overview of rural health research output in serial publications from 1990. It highlights the content of such literature, the relationship to the National Health Priority Areas and the types of research produced. The overview showed that there was a yearly increase in the absolute number of defined research articles produced over the period. There was also an increase in the relative number of rural health articles that could be defined as research articles (as opposed to commentary‐type articles). Forty per cent of research articles are in the National Health Priority Areas and more than 30% address indigenous health specifically. Fifty per cent of articles address public health or health services issues. These data provide a general picture of the type and content of Australian rural health research that has been reported in the serial literature over the decade. This can be used to inform future strategies, provide the baseline for future targets, as well as giving a general picture of the gaps and overlaps from which more specific data can be compiled.
ABORIGINAL HEALTH: A SICK MINORITY SKEWS STATISTICS
Authors: Dugdale Alan , Watlemaro Imogen 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:Overall morbidity and mortality rates are higher among Aboriginal people than in the general Australian population. It is unclear, however, whether this is because of general poor health or a minority with very high levels of disease within a reasonably healthy Aboriginal community. At Cherbourg Community, almost all health care is given by the hospital. All visits to the casualty/outpatient departments at the hospital have been recorded since 1993. These data have been analysed to find the patterns of visiting by person, by diagnosis and by year. Over the 5 years with complete data, most people made less than five visits per year (low visit group) to the hospital ambulatory clinic, but at the other extreme, approximately 14% of people made 50% of the visits (high visit group). People who made many visits in 1 year made approximately three times as many visits as the low visit group in other years. When the high and low visit groups were compared, the high visit group was more likely to be female and to come for problems related to infection, but were less likely to come with injuries or accidents. The age distribution was similar in both groups. If the number of visits to a health service is an indicator of health, then most Aboriginal people at Cherbourg have reasonable health, but a sizeable minority have health problems that extend over several years. This group skews the overall statistics of Aboriginal health and should be targeted for extra attention.
Effectiveness of changes in the delivery of diabetes care in a rural community
Authors: O'Grady Andrew , Simmons David , Tupe Stan , Hewlett Gailene 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:Diabetes has a significant impact upon health in rural Maori communities. A diabetes club was established to support self‐care and improve diabetes management in a rural community in Northland, New Zealand. A structured approach to care and an associated audit were also introduced. Patient involvement and ownership of the condition were considered important issues. Monitoring of care processes increased by 79%. The first year of audit was associated with a reduction in mean fructosamine from 369 ± 85 µmol L−1 to 321 ± 65 µmol L−1 and this was sustained for a further 3 years. The number of people using insulin increased from 15 to 22%. The audit process facilitated the implementation of changes in the delivery of care. We conclude that the data indicate that the enthusiastic delivery of care in general practice, with a devolution of power to the patient, linked to an audit service can result in improved management among patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Self‐reported heart health behaviour patterns in a rural context
Authors: Ray Robin 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:Does health behaviour change after people receive the results of screening tests? A cohort from rural central Queensland were contacted through telephone interview at 6‐month intervals following heart risk screening. Participants self‐reported their health behaviour and identified aspects of their lifestyles that supported or inhibited positive health behaviour. Qualitative analysis revealed the types of changes made and the contextual issues that affected health behaviour. The majority of participants did change their behaviour or maintained existing positive behaviours. Some participants were unsuccessful in making health changes. Health enablers included physical ability to undertake activities, appearance and support. The cost and availability of nutritious food in rural areas and the need for more socially supportive environments at a community level were issues raised by participants. Resources need to be made available so that mobile health services can augment local health initiatives, supporting positive health behaviour in rural areas.
Management of HIV/AIDS on the Mid North Coast: A Collaborative Model of Care Involving General Practitioners and the Public Health System
Authors: Andrews Doug 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: The Coffs Harbour AIDS Information Network was set up to co‐ordinate care planning and support service delivery for HIV/AIDS patients. This paper describes a collaborative model of care that brought together private general practitioners, a community nurse and a sexual health counsellor. Time involved in delivering services was monitored for each of the health professional groups during a 6 month period.Twenty‐three patients were involved in our study. Doctors averaged 23 min per consultation over 57 occasions of service. Travel or telephone contact took up 17% of the time spent on these patients. Corresponding figures for the nurse and counsellor were an average of 67 min over 144 services and 71 min over 16 services. They spent 16% and 27% of their time travelling or on the phone, respectively.HIV/AIDS care is time consuming for health professionals but comprehensive care can be given in rural areas with adequate support and integration.
Opinions of healthcare professionals regarding the maternity experiences of indigenous women in an acute care setting
Authors: Watson Jennifer , Hodson Katrina , Johnson Rhona , Kemp Kath , May Jessica 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:  This is the report of stage three of a three stage project. The aims of the overall project were to seek advice from expert Indigenous women on how to gather information from birthing Indigenous women while in hospital. Information was gathered from Indigenous women who gave birth in hospital or were admitted after the birth of their baby. The opinions of healthcare professionals on the care of these women were investigated. This paper describes the opinions and concerns of healthcare professionals regarding identified cultural, social and economical issues for Indigenous women at a large acute care hospital in the Northern Territory, Australia. The opinions of healthcare professionals are vital if the needs and concerns of Indigenous women are to be considered within the hospital setting. Stages one and two of this project have been presented previously. Stage three, reported here, describes a survey of 18 non‐Indigenous and one Indigenous healthcare professionals regarding their opinions of the maternity experiences of Indigenous women admitted to an acute care setting. The consultative process for designing the questionnaire and reflections on issues raised by Indigenous women during their interviews in the previous two stages is presented. The methodology of the survey, demographics and perceptions of healthcare professionals who participated in the project are examined and the similarities and differences between the issues raised by the healthcare professionals and the Indigenous women in stage two of the project are discussed. Suggestions made by the healthcare professionals regarding improving quality of care for Indigenous women when admitted to an acute healthcare setting are presented.
Ipsilateral rotational autokeratoplasty for the management of corneal opacities
Authors: Verma Nitin , Melengas Simon , Garap Jambi Arringa 
Published: March 2003

Purpose/Background: Penetrating keratoplasty is the logical solution for the management of corneal opacities. In situations such as in Papua New Guinea, where donor corneal tissue is scarce and corneal opacities are plenty, an alternative procedure for the management of corneal opacities in the form of ipsilateral rotational autokeratoplasty was considered. Methods: In the present prospective study, ipsilateral rotational autokeratoplasty was performed in 17 eyes over a 2 year period in a general hospital. The patient’s cornea was trephined eccentrically and the corneal opacity was dialed out of the visual axis and was replaced by clear peripheral cornea. Results: Most opacities were leucomata (76.4%). The average size of the opacity was 5.1 mm and the corneal button size was 7 mm. A final visual acuity of 6/18 or better was obtained in 64.7% of cases (at 12 months). No significant postoperative complications were encountered. No complex formula was needed to calculate the size of the button and, by simply adding 3 mm to the pupillary diameter in standard illumination, one could make an estimation of the graft diameter. Conclusions: Rotational autokeratoplasty has a definite role in places where donor corneal tissue is scarce, in patients in whom long‐term steroids are a risk or in situations where follow up of patients is difficult. Rejection is a theoretical impossibility, but late endothelial failure could occur, requiring regrafting. Rotational autokeratoplasty should be seriously considered as an alternative to conventional penetrating keratoplasty.
Clinicopathological report: Mucinous carcinoma of the eyelid*
Authors: Lee Graham A , Cominos Diane , Sullivan Timothy J 
Published: March 2003

Background: Mucinous carcinoma of the skin is a rare tumour that may involve the peri‐ocular region. Methods/Results: A case report is presented of a 73‐year‐old woman with a right upper lid tumour, initially diagnosed as a basal cell carcinoma. Excisional biopsy of the residual tumour revealed mucinous carcinoma. Re‐examination of the original pathology proved to be mucinous carcinoma, originating in the eyelid skin. Further treatment involved wide local resection and reconstruction. Systemic investigations were undertaken to exclude the possibility of metastatic mucinous carcinoma. Conclusion: This case is presented to alert ophthalmologists to the occurrence of this rare tumour in the peri‐ocular region, to highlight the importance of surgical excision with wide margins and the need for systemic investigation to exclude a primary malignancy in other sites, in particular the gastrointestinal system and breast.
Pursuit of the Perfect Mother: An Unusual Case of Stalking
Authors: Samuels Anthony H. , Allnutt Stephen , Tan Eng-Kong 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To highlight issues of adoption and twinship in an unusual case of stalking.Clinical picture: An ususual case of same gender, serial stalking which began at an early age in a young woman who was one of a set of twins adopted at birth.Treatment: Insight orientated psychotherapy.Outcome: Beneficial outcome in context of clear boundaries, therapist selection and emphasis upon legal consequences of behaviour.Conclusions: Early disruptions to attachments including adoption and twinship may have relevance in some patterns of adult stalking behaviour.
How Long does it Take for Antidepressant Therapies to Act?
Authors: Parker Gordon , Roy Kay , Menkes David B. , Snowdon John , Boyce Philip , Grounds David , Hughson Bernard , Stringer Catherine 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To review the proposition that antidepressants have a delayed onset of action by employing measurement and analytic strategies that overcome problems confounding interpretation of many efficacy studies. Method: A subset of patients was recruited to the longitudinal component of the Australasian database study, was assessed at baseline, and then completed measures of depression and anxiety when treatment commenced, and every 3 days over the next 4 weeks. The trajectories of defined 4-week outcome responders and non-responders were compared. Results: Both groups showed a similar decrease in depression (and anxiety) over the first 3 days. A clear trend break then occurred, with little further improvement in the non-responders, as against distinct and progressive improvement in the responders. Ongoing early improvement (across days 3–6) was a strong predictor of responder status. Conclusions: The small sample size limits firm interpretation, although distinct interpretive advantages to the study design are evident. Findings are compatible with a number of recent studies arguing against any extensive delayed onset of action for the antidepressant drugs, but argue for caution in interpreting immediate improvement as predicting likely responder status, and more for examining early and sustained improvement as such a marker.
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Schizophrenia: What have we Learnt?
Authors: Vance Alasdair L.A. , Velakoulis Dennis , Maruff Paul , Wood Stephen J. , Desmond Patricia , Pantelis Christos 
Published: March 2003

Objective: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has been increasingly used to investigate the in vivo biochemistry of particular regions of the brain in patients with schizophrenia. We review the literature and discuss the theoretical constructs that form the presumed impetus for these studies in light of the current methodological limitations. Future directions are noted. Method: The available published literature in English formed the basis for this review. Results: The results of 31P-MRS have been interpreted as reflecting a relative increase in cell membrane degradation in prefrontal cortical regions at certain phases of schizophrenia. 1H-MRS studies, though less consistent, provide evidence suggestive of a decrease in neuronal cell mass in the hippocampal region, which supports the findings of volumetric studies. Both groups of MRS studies support a neuro-developmental hypothesis of brain dysfunction in schizophrenia. However, current methodological problems limit the reliable interpretation of MRS data. A clear understanding of the methodology and its reliable interpretation is yet to emerge. Conclusions: MRS remains a research instrument that is yet to be fully utilised in schizophrenia research. A few replicated findings are emerging, although the interpretation of these spectroscopic findings needs to be validated.
FAMILIAL FATAL AND NEAR‐FATAL THIRD VENTRICLE COLLOID CYSTS
Authors: Stoodley Marcus A. , Nguyen Thai P. , Robbins Peter 
Published: March 2003

Background: Despite having a presumed congenital origin, familial cases of colloid cysts have been reported only rarely. The first case of a brother and sister with colloid cysts is reported here, and the relevant literature is reviewed. Methods: A 25‐year‐old man presented with a 24‐h history of headache and vomiting. He rapidly became unconscious and fulfilled the criteria for brain death on arrival at hospital. No surgical intervention was performed. Results: The patient’s sister presented at the age of 41 with headaches and rapidly became unconscious. The sister had urgent bilateral ventriculostomies, followed by transcallosal removal of a colloid cyst. Conclusions: These cases support the hypothesis that colloid cysts are congenital lesions and provide some evidence of a possible genetic predisposition to their formation. Sudden death remains a real risk for patients harbouring a colloid cyst.