Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Diabetes And Cognitive Deficits In Chronic Schizophrenia: A Case-Control Study, Mei Han, Xu-Feng Huang, Da Chun Chen, Meihong Xiu, Thomas R. Kosten, Xiang Yang Zhang

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Cognitive impairment occurs in both schizophrenia and diabetes. There is currently limited understanding whether schizophrenia with diabetes has more serious cognitive deficits than schizophrenia without diabetes or diabetes only. This study assessed cognitive performance in 190 healthy controls, 106 diabetes only, 127 schizophrenia without diabetes and 55 schizophrenia with diabetes. This study was conducted from January 2008 to December 2010. Compared to healthy controls, all patient groups had significantly decreased total and five index RBANS scores (all p<0.01-p

Making Things In A High-Dollar Australia: The Case Of The Surfboard Industry, Andrew Warren, Chris Gibson

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

In August 2011 the announcement by Bluescope Steel of mass layoffs at its Port Kembla steelworks, in the Illawarra region, sparked renewed public debate and media commentary on the future of manufacturing in Australia. The debate has since spread to cars, aluminium smelting - even Mortein fly spray - and has quickly coalesced around the unprecedented high Australian dollar, its impacts on exports, and the prospects of the production of goods shifting overseas. As Australian mining magnates such as Clive Palmer, Gina Rinehart and Twiggy Forrest attempt to remould Australia around their 'quarry vision' (Pearse, 2009) of extractive minerals exports, …

Beyond Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty For Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: Single Surgeon Case Series Of Contemporary Airway Reconstruction, S G. Mackay, N Jefferson, N S. Marshall

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Objective: Adult patients with obstructive sleep apnoea can be a therapeutic surgical challenge if other treatments fail or are rejected. We report the outcomes of a series of 17 patients for whom standard device-based treatments failed or could not be used. These patients were considered unsuitable for a lesser operation and therefore underwent multilevel upper airway reconstruction. Method: Data from 17 consecutive patients were collected prospectively. This included pre- and post-surgery findings for clinical assessments, body mass index, sleep questionnaires, and laboratory polysomnograms. Patients underwent a combination of modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, transpalatal advancement and various tongue reduction procedures. Results: Analyses revealed …

Translocation Of The Eastern Bristlebird 2: Applying Principles To Two Case Studies, Jack Baker, David Bain, Jean Clarke, Kris French

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

The Eastern Bristlebird (Dasyornis brachypterus) is an endangered endemic passerine of south-eastern Australia. The re-establishment of extirpated populations through translocation was identified as a key action in New South Wales to address the threats to this species associated with habitat fragmentation and widespread and frequent fire. At Jervis Bay during 2003-2005, 50 birds were translocated from Bherwerre Peninsula to Beecroft Peninsula. In the Illawarra in 2008, 50 birds were translocated from Barren Grounds Nature Reserve to Cataract. At Jervis Bay, monitoring indicated that after 7 years, (i) there was no detectable impact on the source population from the removal of …

Curriculum Renewal For Public Health Nutrition - A National Case Study, Australia, Heather Yeatman, Andrea Begley, Roger Hughes, Lisa Schubert, Lauren Williamns, Claire Palermo

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Effective workforce preparation and continuing professional development in public health nutrition are essential to address the immense challenges facing nutrition in the world today. A national Curriculum Renewal in Public Health Nutrition project in Australia (2011/12) built on previous international work on PHN competencies and facilitated scholarly dialogue on innovative teaching and learning and curriculum mapping strategies.

A Patient Experiencing Pseudoseizures: A Case Report, F Joseph, J Quinlan

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Pseudoseizures are a relatively complex problem of unknown aetiology and prognosis. They can at times resemble genuine seizure attacks but they have no abnormal electroencephalograpic (EEG) activity. Understanding the patient's unique psychological background appears to be fundamental in managing seizure frequency. Pseudoseizures can be disruptive to a person's lifestyle, limiting their ability to function and progress in society, particularly when it comes to employment or social interaction. The case discussed involves a 59-year old man who presents with what is believed to be seizurerelated activity but through the course of clinical evaluation, this turned out to be pseudoseizures

An Empirical Case For Introductory Psychology Tutorials In A Large-Class Format, Amy Y. C Chan, Chris Brewer, Jessica L. Browne

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This study examined the effectiveness of an instructional format that Involved conducting introductory psychology tutorials in large conventional kdure theatres with over 100 students per cia s. We maximised the u e of ~killed tutors, ' hari n ~ of studem perspectives, and cooperative k arning in delivering interactive, aClive learn ing activities, Studenls (N = 284) wilh in l'm:h class were randomly assigned to smaller groups th'\I were scaled within the same large class environment (Ud'l1l:' rep >ned posi ti e t 'rception of Ihei r learning experience at an end-of-semester survey. Moreover, lhey performed significantly better in a …

Approach To Multiple Pulmonary Nodules: A Case Report And Review Of Literature, Farshid Niknam, Jiezhong Chen, Sarbar Napaki, Morteza Aghmesheh

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Chest X-ray and CT examinations often find pulmonary nodules that could be malignant or benign. A case is presented and discussed here in order to improve diagnosis and management of pulmonary nodules. A 62-year-old lady was found to have multiple pulmonary nodules by X-ray when she complained of a cough and fever. This was confirmed by a CT scan. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of one of the lung lesions reported scant atypical epithelial cells that stained positive for TTF-1 and cytokeratin 7, but negative for cytokeratin 20. Thus, it was suspicious for large cell carcinoma. A videothoracoscopic lung biopsy and …

Case Study In Academic And Industry Collaboration: The Development Of An Adolescent Targeted Sun Protection Intervention In Nsw, Melinda Williams, Sandra Jones, Donald Iverson, Peter Caputi, Sofia Potente

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Academic and industry collaboration is increasingly identified as a critical element in the future health of Australians through linking theory and practice, with the major priority for academic institutions being the identification of new knowledge and the transfer of this knowledge into changes in policy and health services. Collaborations between academia and industry are increasingly encouraged in Australia by research funding schemes such as ARCLinkage and, more recently, NHMRC Partnerships. While a recent US study suggests that such schemes have a moderate effect on academics’ propensity to work with industry (Bozeman and Gaughan, 2007), industry groups have recognised the value …

When Does Alcohol Sponsorship Of Sport Become Sports Sponsorship Of Alcohol? A Case Study Of Developments In Sport In Australia, Sandra C. Jones

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Alcohol sponsorship of sport is common in Australia, with much debate about the appropriateness of linking sport with alcohol advertising and promotion. This paper provides examples of such sponsorships to appreciate the extent and nature of complex relationship between sport and alcohol sponsors. The public health and policy implications of alcohol sponsorship of sport extending to creating a sporting competition purely to promote an alcohol brand are considered.

Stroke And Plasma Markers Of Milk Fat Intake - A Prospective Nested Case-Control Study, Bengt Vessby, Eva M. Warensjo, Goran Hallmans, Lars Weinehall, Ingegerd Johansson, Birgitta Stegmayr, Annika Smedman

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background

Dairy products are high in saturated fat and are traditionally a risk factor for vascular diseases. The fatty acids 15:0 and 17:0 of plasma lipids are biomarkers of milk fat intake. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the risk of a first-ever stroke in relation to the plasma milk fat biomarkers.

Methods

A prospective case-control study was nested within two population based health surveys in Northern Sweden. Among 129 stroke cases and 257 matched controls, plasma samples for fatty acid analyses were available in 108 cases and 216 control subjects. Proportions of 15:0 and 17:0 of …

A Taxonomy For Homework Used By Mental Health Case Managers When Working With Individuals Diagnosed With Severe Mental Illness, Peter Kelly, Frank P. Deane, Robert King, Nikolaos Kazantzis, Trevor P. Crowe

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

A survey was completed by 122 case managers describing the types of homework assignments commonly used with individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI). Homework types were categorized using a 12-item homework description taxonomy and in relation to the 22 domains of the Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN). Case managers predominately reported using behaviourally based homework tasks such as scheduling activities and the development of personal hygiene skills. Homework focused on CAN areas of need in relation to Company, Psychological Distress, Psychotic Symptoms and Daytime Activities. The applications of the taxonomy for both researchers and case managers are discussed.

A Review Of Consumer Involvement In Evaluations Of Case Management: Consistency With A Recovery Paradigm, Sarah L. Marshall, Trevor P. Crowe, Lindsay G. Oades, Frank F. Deane, David J. Kavanagh

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

This Open Forum examines research on case management that draws on consumer perspectives. It clarifies the extent of consumer involvement and whether evaluations were informed by recovery perspectives. Searches of three databases revealed 13 studies that sought to investigate consumer perspectives. Only one study asked consumers about experiences of recovery. Most evaluations did not adequately assess consumers' views, and active consumer participation in research was rare. Supporting an individual's recovery requires commitment to a recovery paradigm that incorporates traditional symptom reduction and improved functioning, with broader recovery principles, and a shift in focus from illness to well-being. It also requires …

Fatality After Deliberate Ingestion Of Sustained-Release Ibuprofen: A Case Report, David Wood, Jane Monaghan, Peter Streete, Alison L. Jones, Paul Dargan

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Introduction Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug available over the counter and on prescription for the management of pain and inflammation. Severe toxicity is rare following deliberate self-poisoning with ibuprofen, and patients are usually either asymptomatic or develop only mild gastrointestinal toxicity. Although there have been nine other reported fatalities, co-existent factors have probably contributed to all of these deaths. We report here a fatality from isolated toxicity following self-poisoning with sustained-release ibuprofen. Case report A 26-year-old female presented after deliberate ingestion of up to 105 g sustained-release ibuprofen, with a reduced level of consciousness, severe metabolic acidosis and haemodynamic …

Use Of Homework By Mental Health Case Managers In The Rehabilitation Of Persistent And Recurring Psychiatric Disability, Peter Kelly, Frank P. Deane, Nikolaos Kazantzis, Trevor P. Crowe, Lindsay G. Oades

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: Homework refers to between-session activities that are tied to therapeutic goals. Homework has been suggested as being an important clinical adjunct to case management practices, however, to date, research has not examined case managers’ use of homework. Aims: To identify the degree that case managers use homework within their clinical practice and explore the way it is administered with people diagnosed with a persistent and recurring psychiatric illness. Method: A survey was completed by 122 case managers (63% of those approached) comprising nurses, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and welfare/support workers. Results: Ninety-three percent of case managers implement homework, …

Fatality After Deliberate Ingestion Of The Pesticide Rotenone: A Case Report., David Wood, Hadi Alsahaf, Peter Streete, Paul Dargan, Alison L. Jones

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Rotenone is a pesticide derived from the roots of plants from the Leguminosae family. Poisoning following deliberate ingestion of these plant roots has commonly been reported in Papua New Guinea. However, poisoning with commercially available rotenone in humans has been reported only once previously following accidental ingestion in a 3.5-year-old child. Therefore, the optimal management of rotenone poisoning is not known. After deliberate ingestion of up to 200 ml of a commercially available 0.8% rotenone solution, a 47-year-old female on regular metformin presented with a reduced level of consciousness, metabolic acidosis and respiratory compromise. Metformin was not detected in premortem …

Case Managers' Use Of Homework Assignments, Peter Kelly, Frank P. Deane

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Background: Homework refers to between-session activities that are tied to therapeutic goals. Homework has been suggested as being an important clinical adjunct to case management practices, however to date research has not examined case managers’ use of homework. Aims: To identify the degree that case managers use homework within their clinical practice and explore the way it is administered with people diagnosed with a persistent and recurring psychiatric illness. Method: A survey was completed by 122 case managers comprising of nurses, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and welfare/support workers. Results: Ninety-three percent of case managers implement homework, but only 15% …

Estimated Intake Of Milk Fat Is Negatively Associated With Cardiovascular Risk Factors And Does Not Increase The Risk Of A First Acute Myocardial Infarction. A Prospective Case-Control Study, Eva Warensjo, Jan-Hakan Jansson, Lars Berglund, Kurt Boman, Bo Ahren, Lars Weinehall, Bernt Lindahl, Goran Hallmans, Bengt Vessby

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Milk fat is high in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and high intakes of SFA are associated with cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the potential risk of a first-ever acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in relation to the estimated milk-fat intake, reflected as the proportions of pentadecanoic acid (15:0) and heptadecanoic acid (17:0) in serum lipid esters. This was evaluated in a study population selected within the Västerbotten Intervention Program and the northern Sweden ‘Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular disease’ survey populations. A prospective case–control design was used. The proportions of the biomarkers …

An Archaeology Of Historical Reality?: A Case Study Of The Recent Past, Alistair Paterson, Nicholas Gill, M.J. Kennedy

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

An Aboriginal elder, an archaeologist and a geographer report on an interdisciplinary project about colonial-era settlement in the Murchison and Davenport ranges in the Northern Territory. Oral history, physical evidence and historical records reveal a distinct central Australian cultural landscape and show that archaeology can do more than merely exhume material to support historical 'realities'. This project provides new or improved understandings of (1) colonial technology in pastoral ventures, (2) continuity and change in Aboriginal life following European arrival, (3) social behaviour in colonial settings, and (4) alternatives to Eurocentric Australian histories.

Case Report: Survival After Deliberate Strychnine Self-Poisoning, With Toxicokinetic Data, David Michael Wood, Emma Webster, Daniel Martinez, Paul Ivor Dargan, Alison L. Jones

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

Introduction Strychnine poisoning is uncommon, and in most severe cases, the patient dies before reaching hospital. The management of strychnine poisoning is well documented, although there are few data on the kinetics of elimination of strychnine after overdose. Case report A 42-year-old man presented shortly after ingestion of an unknown quantity of strychnine powder. After a respiratory arrest, with intensive supportive management requiring admission to an intensive care unit, he survived. Eight serum samples were taken over the first 5 days and analysed subsequently for strychnine concentrations. Results The initial concentration at 1.5 hours after ingestion was 4.73 mg/l, falling …

Nutrition, Health And Old Age: The Case Of Urban South African Elderly, Karen E. Charlton

Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A

The southern African region (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe) has the continent's highest percentage of older inhabitants; 6.2% of the population in 1997 was estimated to be 60 years or older. Within southern Africa, South Africa has the highest proportion of older population. The 1996 census data estimate that 2.8 million South Africans are aged 60 years and older, which constitutes 7% of the total population. This percentage is projected to increase to almost 11% of the population over the next 20 years. (Mostert W, Hofmeyr B, Oosthuizen K Demographic projections for South Africa. Pretoria: Human …