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Biomedical subjects

S Paxton

Publications and source records attributed to S Paxton.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

AIDS-related discrimination in Asia.

The Asia Pacific Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (APN+) conducted the first regional documentation of AIDS-related discrimination in Asia. This project was an action-based, peer-implemented study that aimed to develop an understanding of the nature, pattern and extent of AIDS-related discrimination in several Asian countries. Trained HIV-positive people interviewed 764 positive people in four countries (India 302; Indonesia 42; Thailand 338; the Philippines 82) using a structured questionnaire. Findings indicate that the major area of discrimination in each country is within the health sector, where over half of those surveyed experienced some form of discrimination. In all countries, the majority of people did not receive pre-test counselling before being tested for HIV. People who reported coerced testing were significantly more likely than other respondents to face subsequent AIDS-related discrimination. A considerable number of respondents were refused treatment after being diagnosed with HIV and many experienced delayed provision of treatment or health services. Breaches of confidentiality by health workers were common. Within the family and the community, women were significantly more likely to experience discrimination than men, including ridicule and harassment, physical assault and being forced to change their place of residence because of their HIV status. These findings have serious implications, particularly in light of the increasing trend in many countries to test all pregnant women in order to prevent transmission of HIV to their unborn children.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2002

The paradox of public HIV disclosure.

In order to examine the impact on HIV-positive people of publicly disclosing their status, in-depth interviews were conducted with 75 HIV-positive speakers from 20 countries in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. Decreasing stigma and stopping new infections were equally strong motivators in becoming community AIDS educators. Although few respondents were trained, most had good support from peers and/or family. Public disclosure led to a diminution of discrimination. Speaking out was extremely rewarding. Disclosure led to a less stressful, more productive life and to improved wellbeing. Virtually all speakers from every setting had no regrets and saw only the benefits of public disclosure. The paradox of coming out openly as an HIV-positive person is that by facing AIDS-related stigma, one finds psychological release-liberation from the burden of secrecy and shame. Disclosure is beneficial to all concerned. It enriches the speakers' lives and it helps the community. HIV-positive speakers may be a fundamental component of successful AIDS education campaigns, but increasing the numbers of people who are 'out' is only possible in a conducive environment. Governments and AIDS organizations must provide adequate emotional and optimal organizational support to those who do so, including peer support, counselling and appropriate training.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Reconstruction of the articular facets of the subtalar and talonavicular joints from volumetric magnetic resonance data.

Image processing methods have been used to visualize the articular surfaces of an intact foot from an MR scan and to allow the relationship between the joint surfaces to be studied. The MR protocol employed would be applicable in the living foot. Several standard image-processing methods have been used to develop protocols for manual and automated editing of a volumetric MR scan. The result is a volume-rendered foot, displaying the articular surfaces of the tarsal and metatarsal joints. The methods employed are discussed and reconstructions of the subtalar and talonavicular joints presented, thereby enabling a qualitative analysis of the facets on the talus, calcaneus and navicular.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Public disclosure of serostatus -- the impact on HIV-positive people.

AIDS is steeped in moral judgments about who becomes infected with HIV. Consequently, an AIDS diagnosis inevitably brings with it feelings of shame, guilt, loss, depression, fear of disclosure and some form of self-imposed isolation. Because of the stigma of an HIV-positive diagnosis, people are often reluctant to come forward and be tested, which makes it difficult for them to make informed decisions about their own future and that of their family. Nevertheless, since early in the epidemic, people living with HIV/AIDS have spoken out to present their personal perspectives on living with HIV and to challenge perceptions about who can and cannot become infected. However, there has been little research to explore their role in the global response to AIDS and the impact of public HIV disclosure on the HIV-positive persons themselves.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed1999

Psychosocial predictors of adherence to nutritional recommendations and growth outcomes in children with cystic fibrosis.

This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between maternal psychosocial factors related to dietary adherence and growth outcomes in their children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Twenty-five children with CF and mild lung disease, aged 7-12 years, were weighed and measured and completed detailed food records. Mothers completed questionnaires that measured general nutritional knowledge, nutritional knowledge specific to CF, coping strategies, dieting behaviors, self-efficacy about the ability to provide the correct diet, and attitudes and beliefs about CF. Of the cohort, only 16% adhered to the dietary recommendations. Dietary adherence was positively correlated with weight. Maternal nutritional knowledge specific to CF significantly predicted children's dietary adherence score. There was a significant negative correlation between the child's weight and mothers who were dieting successfully. Other psychosocial factors assessed were not related to dietary adherence. Improving the mother's knowledge about nutritional needs in CF appears worthwhile and may have an impact on growth.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Physiological and psychosocial contributors to malnutrition in children with cystic fibrosis: review.

Malnutrition was once thought to be an inevitable consequence of cystic fibrosis (CF). It is now considered preventable but still contributes considerable morbidity in children. Malnutrition is linked to poorer pulmonary function, reduced survival and quality of life. As the anticipated lifespan of children with CF continues to lengthen, the prevention of malnutrition attains greater importance. This review explores the complex organic and psychosocial factors implicated in the aetiology of malnutrition associated with CF.

Child↗
PubMed1998

Current approaches to the nutritional management of cystic fibrosis in Australia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine current Australian practice for the nutritional management of cystic fibrosis (CF) and compare it to USA and UK guidelines. METHODOLOGY: A structured questionnaire was completed by dietitians from 15 major CF centres. It was estimated that these centres manage or co-manage 84% of Australians with CF. RESULTS: There was close agreement between UK and USA guidelines and Australian practice for dietary intervention strategies, nutritional monitoring and surveillance, and electrolyte replacement. Infant feeding practices were more closely aligned with the UK. There were some differences in the areas of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, vitamin requirements in CF and dietary management of CF-related diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of formal agreement, nutritional management practices of most Australian centres are closely aligned with current published international recommendations. However, there is need for consensus in the area of enzyme replacement therapy, management of CF-related diabetes and vitamin supplementation based on optimal clinical outcomes.

Australia↗
PubMed1998

Relation between dietary intake and nutritional status in cystic fibrosis.

This study evaluated adherence to current dietary recommendations of children with cystic fibrosis and mild lung disease and their siblings by comparing energy intake. Fifty children (25 with cystic fibrosis) aged between 7 and 12 years completed the study. Energy intake was assessed by weighed dietary intake, resting energy expenditure was used to calculate recommended daily intakes. The children with cystic fibrosis had significant deficits in Z scores for both height and weight compared with their siblings, but there was no difference in percentage of ideal weight for height. The cystic fibrosis group had a significantly higher energy intake per kilogram body weight per day but there was no difference in the percentage of energy derived from fat, protein or carbohydrate. Energy intake (per kg/day) and fat intake (g/kg) were both significant predictors of weight for height in the cystic fibrosis group. Targets for dietary management in cystic fibrosis should perhaps be related to fat intake per kilogram body weight.

Body Height↗
PubMed1993

Penetration of an aerosol, produced by film atomization, through the carinal bifurcation.

We have measured the size of spots produced by atomization of simulated biofilm particles from a tracheal tube. Draughtsman's ink was atomized from 8.5-mm i.d. Portex tracheal tubes, using an airflow of 1 litre s-1, and trapped on vertical acetate sheets. The spots produced by these particles were compared with the spot size after entrainment and dissemination from an ink-lined tracheal tube through a bifurcating tracheobronchial tube towards a glass plate. Spot dimensions were measured by computer-assisted image analysis of a video image. The smallest particles observed on the acetate sheets were 4-17 microns in size. In the bifurcating tube experiment, large particles were deposited around the carinal bifurcation, but smaller particles traversed the bend. The smallest spot size observed (7 microns minimum; 17 microns median) corresponds to particles small enough to penetrate further into the lower respiratory tract. Travel via a tube similar to the carinal bifurcation suggests that fragments of biofilm entrained in the tracheal tube could be propelled deeper into the respiratory tract during the inspiratory phase of mechanical ventilation.

Aerosols↗
PubMed1989

Secondary osteoporosis and the microanatomy of trabecular bone.

Osteoporosis is a generic term implying a decrease in bone mass which increases the risk of fracture. It is now becoming appreciated that decreases in bone mass alone are not the sole factor in increasing the risk of osteoporotic fracture, and that other skeletal and extraskeletal factors also contribute significantly to this risk. Extraskeletal factors include the propensity to falls and responses to falls, whereas additional skeletal factors include bone turnover, the ability to repair fatigue damage and the tertiary structure of bone, particularly trabecular tissue. There are a large number of causes of secondary osteoporosis each with their own specific pathophysiological mechanisms. It is therefore not surprising that they have heterogeneous effects on the skeleton. A good example is provided in corticosteroid osteoporosis which is characterised by thinning of trabecular elements, whereas postmenopausal osteoporosis is characterised less by thinning and more by destruction of trabecular elements which derange trabecular continuity. A variety of techniques are now being developed to address the heterogeneity of trabecular osteoporosis. These include direct histomorphometric techniques to assess trabecular continuity, and indirect techniques such as the attenuation of ultrasound. These different pathophysiological mechanisms in osteoporosis have important therapeutic implications, particularly with agents that affect bone remodelling. Since bone remodelling is a surface-based phenomenon, if trabecular surfaces are destroyed, the augmentation of bone mass may thicken remnant structures without restoring trabecular continuity. Since most treatments for osteoporosis affect bone remodelling they are likely to have a greater effect in restoring structural integrity of the skeleton in corticosteroid than in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1988

Physical exercise and sleep: the effect of the age and sex of the subjects and type of exercise.

Exercise has generally been held to result in an increase in slow wave sleep (SWS) and sleep duration. We report the results of three experiments which assessed the effects of exercise on the sleep of young fit women as compared to young fit men; fit older men (aged 41 years) as compared to fit younger men (aged 22 years); and the effects of power exercise on the sleep of a group of trained power lifters. In each experiment physically fit subjects had their sleep assessed following both late afternoon exercise and no exercise conditions. In none of the experiments did exercise result in an increase in SWS or sleep duration. Instead the tendency was for exercise to affect sleep adversely.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Contrast sensitivity functions and specific reading disability.

Contrast sensitivity functions for normal and specifically disabled readers were measured in two experiments. Each study showed that specifically disabled readers and controls differ in the pattern of relative sensitivity across spatial frequencies. Both studies provide evidence of differences between normal and disabled readers on measures of visual mechanisms fundamental to the reading process.

Child↗
PubMedDate not supplied

University students' knowledge of STDs: labels, symptoms and transmission.

A sample of 630 Victorian university students, aged between 17 and 24, completed a questionnaire on knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Overall students demonstrated moderate levels of knowledge about the names of diseases which are transmitted by sexual contact, symptoms and medical facts and transmission modes of common STDs. However, they had more knowledge about the labels than they did about symptoms and transmission modes and were misinformed about certain clinical aspects of STDs. It was found that the different levels of knowledge varied with the type of STD. Knowledge about symptoms of transmission did not correlate with a disease's incidence or clinical aspects. Sexual experience and having an Australian born mother correlated with higher scores. This study suggests that young people do not have high levels of knowledge about common STDs they may encounter. Identification of a label is of limited personal value if there is no concurrent knowledge about disease transmission and prognosis.

Adolescent↗