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Biomedical subjects

M W Ross

Publications and source records attributed to M W Ross.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Post operative performance of racing Standardbreds treated arthroscopically for carpal chip fractures: 176 cases (1986-1993).

A retrospective study of 176 Standardbred horses that had arthroscopic surgery for carpal chip fractures over a 7 year period was done in order to determine fracture location and post operative performance. Chip fractures of the proximal third carpal bone and the distal radiocarpal bone occurred with equal frequency (49.2 and 49.6% respectively), and chip fractures involving the antebrachiocarpal joint were rare. Trotters had significantly more third carpal bone lesions than radiocarpal bone lesions when compared to pacers (P = 0.0304). Seventy-four per cent of horses made at least one start following surgery. Pacers were significantly more likely to have at least one start after surgery than were trotters (P = 0.0009). Median earnings per start significantly decreased after surgery (P = 0.0081), while median race mark significantly increased after surgery (P = 0.0100). It is concluded that the majority of Standardbreds will be useful racehorses following carpal arthroscopy; however, most earn less money per start and many race at a lower class.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Sexual behaviour, STDs and drug use in a crack house population.

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of ulcerative sexually transmissible diseases (STDs) and hepatitis in crack users. We interviewed 435 crack users on site in crack houses in Houston, Texas and took blood for laboratory analysis. There was evidence of syphilis infection in 13%, herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) in 61%, HIV in 12%, hepatitis B in 52%, and hepatitis C in 41% of cases. On DSM-III-R criteria, 12% were crack abusers and 84% crack dependent: over half reported previous treatment. Forty per cent reported also injecting. Sexual behaviour indicated a mean of 2.4 partners in the past month for men, 3.7 for women. Sexual behaviour was largely vaginal, although women also reported more than twice the level of oral sex of men. Significant multivariate predictors for HIV and hepatitis B and C were previous reported STD and injecting drug use (including sharing needles), while female gender for syphilis and HSV-2, and additionally condom use for HSV-2, were significant risks. These data confirm high rates of STDs in a crack house population as inferred from previous clinic-based and community studies, and the link between STDs, injecting and HIV. The high rates of STDs found should lead to considering STDs and substance abuse to be dual diagnoses in crack users and the integration of STD diagnosis and treatment into crack outreach and treatment programmes.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

HIV/AIDS-related social anxieties in adolescents in three African countries.

This study examines the social anxieties associated with HIV prevention in adolescents in three African countries (Nigeria, Kenya, and Zimbabwe). The subjects used in this study were black Africans in form 2 or grade 10 in public high schools (Nigeria, n = 387; Kenya, n = 274; Zimbabwe n = 313). Subjects responded to the 33 item AIDS Social Assertiveness Scale (ASAS). Data indicated similar factor structures for each of the three countries and included five factors. The combined sample factor intercorrelations were modestly but significantly correlated. The mean scores for each factor were compared, and ANOVA of the factors by country, by gender, and by interaction between country and gender were performed. The factor structures were very similar between countries, each including five factors that had similar themes: condom interactions, refusal of risk, confiding in significant others, contact with people with HIV/AIDS, and general assertiveness. These factor structures were also very similar to one found in previous studies of Australian adolescents on the ASAS. The Kenyan means for four of the five factors were significantly lower than those for Nigeria, and were also significantly lower than the Zimbabwean means for two of the five factors, suggesting that Kenyan students are less anxious about social situations related to HIV/AIDS than others. Significant variance was found for several factors due to gender, country, and the interaction between gender and country. These results have important implications for designing education programs. The similarities of anxieties regarding HIV/AIDS social situations suggest that these clusters of social barriers to reduction of HIV infection risk might form the basis of educational interventions, and that dimensions of HIV social anxieties are similar across countries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Enostosis-like lesions in the long bones of 10 horses: scintigraphic and radiographic features.

Ten horses admitted for lameness evaluation including bone scintigraphy had enostosis-like lesions, described scintigraphically as focal or multifocal areas of intense increased radioisotope uptake within the medullary cavity of one or more long bones, and radiographically as one or multiple round to irregularly shaped radiopacities within the medullary cavity, often in close proximity to the nutrient foramen. There were 6 Thoroughbreds, one male, one female and 4 geldings, 3 Standardbreds, all geldings and one Appaloosa gelding; age 3-10 years. Enostosis-like lesions were seen in the tibia (5 horses), radius (3 horses), humerus (one horse) and third metatarsal bone (MT-III) (4 horses). The number of affected bones in each horse was 1-3. Of 16 affected limbs, there were 9 hindlimbs and 7 forelimbs. Enostosis-like lesions were considered a possible cause of lameness in 5 horses, but were considered incidental findings in the other horses. Lesions thought to cause lameness were seen in the tibia (2 horses), MT-III (one horse) and in the radius (4 horses). Lameness resolved after horses were rested (2-6 months) and given nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (4 horses). Follow-up scintigraphic examination in 3 horses (2, 6 and 9 months later, respectively) revealed normal radioisotope uptake in the affected areas.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Scintigraphic and clinical findings in the Standardbred metatarsophalangeal joint: 114 cases (1993-1995).

To correlate scintigraphic and clinical findings of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) in Standardbreds, radiographic findings in horses with confirmed MTPJ lameness, and determine if stress reaction and more advanced bone remodelling occurred in the MTPJ, medical records of 114 Standardbreds admitted between September 1993 and April 1995 in which bone scintigraphy included standing lateral and plantar views of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) were reviewed. Images obtained using a large field of view gamma camera were evaluated visually for location, definition and intensity of increased radioisotope uptake (IRU), which was graded as mild, moderate, or intense. Clinical history and lameness examination findings were recorded and, in horses with documented MTPJ lameness, radiographic examination included the 30 degree (down-angled) dorsolateral 45 degree plantaromedial view thought to be useful in evaluation of the plantarolateral condyle of the third metatarsal bone (MtIII). The most common abnormality, IRU of the plantarolateral aspect of MtIII, was seen in 67 horses, and horses were further classified according to scintigraphic and clinical findings. In 43 horses in which lameness was not localised to the MTPJ, mild (32 horses), moderate (10 horses), and intense (one horse) IRU of MtHII was found. In 24 horses with lameness localised to the MTPJ, moderate (18 horses) and intense (6 horses) IRU was found. Of 18 horses with moderate IRU of MtIII, 9 had radiographic evidence of abnormal bony remodelling of MtIII, whereas 5 of 6 horses with intense IRU had radiographic changes. In 12 horses with MTPJ lameness and radiographic evidence of bony remodelling without fracture, radiographic changes consisted of plantarolateral subchondral radiolucency and sclerosis (7 horses), radiolucency and osteochondrosis (one horse), and plantar MtIII sclerosis without radiolucency (4 horses). In 2 horses with moderate IRU and MTPJ lameness, radiographic evidence of radiolucency and MtIII fracture was found. Of 19 starters with MTPJ lameness and IRU of MtIII, 18 horses raced after diagnosis, but only 13 remained at the same racing class or improved. The results of this study suggest the most common scintigraphic abnormality of the MTPJ, IRU of the plantarolateral aspect of MtIII, may precede other stress-related changes, and in some horses is associated with a continuum of stress-related subchondral bone remodelling which results in lameness and later radiographic changes. Since 24 of 35 horses with moderate or intense IRU of MtIII had MTPJ lameness, and 5 of 7 horses with intense IRU of MtIII had lameness and radiographic evidence of abnormal remodelling, it was concluded that horses with advanced, scintigraphic findings are more likely to have lameness and radiographic evidence of subchondral bone damage.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Comparison of racing performance before and after treatment of incomplete, midsagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx in standardbreds: 49 cases (1986-1992)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of incomplete, midsagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx (P1) on racing performance in Standardbreds. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS: 49 Standardbred horses admitted to the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals between July 1986 and December 1992 with a definitive radiographic diagnosis of an incomplete, midsagittal fracture of P1 and a known method of treatment. PROCEDURE: Performance index and racing time were compared before and after diagnosis and treatment of fracture, using ANOVA that controlled for the effects of horse, gender, age, track length, and track condition. RESULTS: Expected racing time increased by 0.7 seconds and performance index decreased by 0.7 points, although controlling for factors known to affect racing performance had a substantial impact on these results. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Standardbreds with incomplete, midsagittal fractures of P1 have a favorable prognosis for return to racing; recovered horses will likely have slower racing times and decreased performance indices.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

HIV/AIDS infection control enforcement: a comparison between Nigeria and the United States.

We examined differences in approaches to HIV-related infection control practices in two university teaching hospitals in the United States and Nigeria. Health care workers (n = 202 in Nigeria and 186 in the USA) responded to a previously validated measure of infection control practices. There were significant differences in the estimated probability of treating a person with HIV disease (higher in USA), and a greater probability of peer ridicule as a way of enforcing group norms on infection control in Nigeria. Peer enforcement of norms was significantly lower in the USA. In both countries, more precautions would be taken if it was known that the patient was HIV infected. Infection control practices were more likely to be followed in the USA compared with Nigeria if they were praised for this activity, if appropriate facilities (sharps containers, gloves, etc.) were nearby, and if they felt that infection control procedures were effective. These data point to the importance of normative social pressures in Nigeria and of knowing the patient is HIV infected in the USA and feeling that infection control procedures are effective ways of avoiding occupational HIV infection. The role of normative pressures and assumptions about HIV infection status as well as cues and availability of facilities for infection control appear to differ between these health care workers in Nigeria and the USA.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1997

Concomitants of HIV/STD risk behaviours and intention to engage in risk behaviours in adolescents in India.

A total of 1230 year 11 and 12 anglophone college students, modal age 16 and 17, in three colleges in Mumbai (Bombay), India, were studied with regard to sexual behaviours or risk of sexual behaviours, beliefs about sex, HIV/STD knowledge, and perceived norms regarding sexual behaviours. Data indicated that 8% of males and 1% of females had had sexual experience, but over one-third were not sure at all of being able to abstain from sexual activity with either steady or casual partners. However, perceived norms were slanted toward sexual abstinence for the majority of the sample. Knowledge of the protective effects of condoms was high, although half of those who had had sex did not use condoms. Logistic regression showed that knowledge was higher among males, those who believed it was OK to have sex with a steady partner and that they should not wait until they were older, those who believed that condoms should be used even if the partner is known, and those who believed it was acceptable to have multiple partners. Gender differences in sexual activity and beliefs about sexual activity showed that males were less likely to believe in abstaining from sexual activity and to engage in it. We conclude that this age-group is appropriate for HIV/STD reduction education given the low rate of sexual activity but that, despite knowledge of the importance of condom use, the social skills to apply this knowledge are lacking.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

The last sexual encounter: the contextualization of sexual risk behaviour.

We aim to apply critical incident methodology to details of respondents' last sexual encounter to provide contextualized data on sexual behaviour and alleviate the problem of recall bias. In areas of Houston, Texas, registering high prevalence rates of syphilis, we elicited information from 400 men and women about the last time they had sex. Details of time, place, partner, activities, and situational circumstances were collected in street intercept interviews. Nearly 50% of men and 30% of women were drunk or high the last time they had sex, and more than one-quarter of last encounters occurred in hotel or motel rooms. Drug use was not related to condom use. Both men and women were more likely to use condoms with new than with more familiar sex partners; however, women were less likely than men to report condom use across all types of sexual activity, and particularly for anal sex. The findings are being used to design a syphilis prevention intervention in the study communities.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Cross-national HIV infection control practices and fear of AIDS: a comparison between Nigeria and the USA.

Fears about occupational transmission of HIV may have a significant impact on the behaviour of health care workers and on infection control practices. We investigated the relationships between fear of AIDS and infection control practices in health care workers in major university teaching hospitals in Nigeria and the USA. Data from the fear of AIDS scale and on a measure of infection control practices and beliefs showed that knowledge of whether the patient was HIV-infected determined infection control practices in Calabar but not Texas. Where the patient was known to be infected, there were no differences between the 2 countries. Fears of AIDS were related to infection control practices significantly more in the USA than in Nigeria where there was almost no relationship. These data may be influenced by the greater availability of disposable equipment in the USA compared with Nigeria.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1997

HIV/AIDS prevention-related social skills and knowledge among adolescents in Sierra Leone, West Africa.

This study examined the association between HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions among high school students age 14 years and older who attended school in two large urban towns, Bo and Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa. All subjects in the survey were Africans in grade two to ten in schools in Sierra Leone (n = 137). The mean age of the respondents was 18 years; 55 percent were female and 45 percent were male. The AIDS Social Assertiveness Scale (ASAS) was used. There were five factors derived from the ASAS in the study, which are similar to those used in previous studies. The factors derived were: Disclosure-Help Seeking, Contact with Infected People, Sexual Negotiation, Difficult Social Interaction, and Refusal of Risk Behaviours. These data indicate that the sub-scale structure of the ASAS in students from Sierra Leone is almost identical to the sub-scale structure of the ASAS reported by Venier, Akande, and Ross for Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, and by Ross, Caudle, and Taylor for Australia. Some 52 percent of the subjects who had intercourse reported that they used condoms. Factors related to condom use were age, knowledge about HIV/AIDS, and anxiety about disclosure of HIV/STD problems. Data indicate that intercourse was common and that greater condom use was associated with less anxiety over sexual-negotiation and greater anxiety over disclosure of having HIV or an STD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Atypical villonodular synovitis in a horse.

A 4-year-old sexually intact male Standardbred trotter was evaluated for left forelimb lameness. A presumptive diagnosis of severe cartilage damage was made because the horse had a history of infectious arthritis involving the left metacarpophalangeal joint. Arthroscopic evaluation revealed what was presumed to be a large villonodular lesion. The mass was surgically removed, and the horse was treated with procaine penicillin G, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, phenylbutazone, and polysulfated glycosaminoglycans and eventually returned to racing. Histologic examination of the mass revealed a bed of granulation tissue covered with keratinized epithelium. We hypothesize that the lesion developed secondarily to implantation of epithelial cells into a reactive villonodular lesion.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Measurement and correlates of internalized homophobia: a factor analytic study.

We developed a scale to measure internalized homophobia in men who have sex with men, which is comprised of items derived from theoretical and clinical reports of internalized homophobia. Two hundred two men who have sex with men and who attend "Man to Man" sexual health seminars in a midwestern U.S. city completed the scale at baseline. Orthogonal factor analysis revealed four dimensions of internalized homophobia: public identification as gay, perception of stigma associated with being homosexual, social comfort with gay men, and the moral and religious acceptability of being gay. Factor scoring of these dimensions indicated that they were associated significantly with relationship satisfaction, duration of longest relationship, extent of attraction to men and women, proportion of social time with gay people, membership of gay/bisexual groups, HIV serostatus, and disclosure of sexual orientation. Internalized homophobia is measurable and consists of four dimensions that are associated significantly with low disclosure, shorter length of and satisfaction with relationships, lower degree of sexual attraction to men and higher degree of attraction to women, and lower social time with gay people.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Prediction of grief and HIV/AIDS-related burnout in volunteers.

Burnout in volunteer workers in the HIV/AIDS area results in the loss of dedicated personnel, consequently straining the HIV/AIDS care delivery system. By assessing the predictors of burnout and grief this study describes the role of grief in HIV/AIDS volunteer burnout. Voluntary and anonymous questionnaires were sent to members of the Foundation for Interfaith Research and Ministry (FIRM), a multi-religious organization formed to provide volunteer work in HIV/AIDS care facilities around Houston, Texas. In 174 valid responses, grief was measured against work characteristics, burnout, rewards, stressors, and the general health questionnaire (GHQ). No significant relationship was found between grief and burnout; however, burnout in volunteers may be different from that in health care professionals for the following reasons: (1) volunteers choose to work in the HIV/AIDS area; (2) they have control over the time they spend volunteering; (3) volunteers are internally motivated to work in the HIV/AIDS area; and (4) if the volunteers do not enjoy the work, they can terminate their involvement with minimal cost. The best univariate predictors of grief are time spent as a volunteer and volunteer hours per week, where those who spend the most hours volunteering experience less grief The Reward/Stress measures most significantly associated with grief include empathy/self-knowing reward, emotional support reward, and emotional overload stress. The strongest predictors of grief in the regression analysis, which account for 21% of the variance, were time as a volunteer, emotional support, emotional overload, GHQ-somatic symptoms, and GHQ social dysfunction. The data suggest that in order to reduce grief special attention should be paid te allowing volunteers freely to express problems with emotional overload and workload adjustments, and providing clear emotional support as a reward.

Analysis of Variance↗