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Biomedical subjects

A McNaught

Publications and source records attributed to A McNaught.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

Theoretical perspectives on suicide in gay men with AIDS.

Suicide among gay men with AIDS constitutes a significant theoretical and practical problem. In order to understand this problem it is necessary to consider the specific circumstances that surround these individuals. Whilst there are many theories of suicide with which to address the problem, few are able to capture the special context within which gay men with AIDS live. This article explores three broad concepts from the theoretical literature on suicide that have explanatory potential in this unique context. The three concepts are: the search for meaning in the midst of suffering, Shneidman's [Shneidman, E., 1985. Definition of Suicide. John Wiley, New York] notion of unendurable psychological pain, and hopelessness. This article attempts to demonstrate how these three concepts can incorporate the experiences of gay men with AIDS and contribute to understanding the problem of suicide in this population.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Surgery for normal tension glaucoma.

The long term follow up of surgery in normal tension glaucoma is presented. One eye of 18 patients with bilateral progressive disease underwent fistulising surgery. Over follow up periods ranging from 2 to 7 years (50% > or = 5 years) the operated eye showed on average a 30% reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP). This was associated with a marked difference in the rate and number of retinal locations showing a progressive decline in retinal function, suggesting some protective function for lowering IOP in patients with normal tension glaucoma.

Adult↗

Neuro-ophthalmological presentation of non-invasive Aspergillus sinus disease in the non-immunocompromised host.

Two cases of non-invasive aspergillosis of the nose and paranasal sinuses are described. The first presented with left proptosis and ophthalmoplegia. Imaging and histology showed a maxillary sinus aspergilloma. The second case presented as a compressive optic neuropathy and histology showed allergic aspergillus sinusitis. The pathological distinction between invasive and non-invasive forms of aspergillus sinusitis is important as in invasive aspergillosis surgical treatment is most effectively combined with systemic antifungal treatment, whereas in aspergilloma of the paranasal sinuses surgical drainage of the sinuses alone is usually sufficient, and in allergic aspergillus sinusitis surgery is best combined with systemic or topical steroids. The distinction between invasive and non-invasive forms is particularly important as both may present with cranial neuropathies.

Adult↗

Contact diode laser cyclo-photocoagulation for refractory glaucoma. A pilot study.

Initial experience with non-contact diode cyclo-photocoagulation for refractory glaucoma has shown positive results. Diode laser irradiation applied via a contact probe results in greater transmission through the sclera and delivery of more energy to the ciliary body. A trial was performed to evaluate the effects of contact diode cyclo-photocoagulation. A total of 12 patients with glaucoma due to conditions such as central retinal vein occlusion were treated. A mean of 22 pulses (810 nm) with powers of up to 2 W and of 2 s duration were applied via a fibre-optic delivery system and a contact probe. The mean intra-ocular pressure dropped from 42.3 to 13.6 mmHg over 3 months. Four patients required retreatment. Three patients had side effects that included hyphaema, anterior fibrinous uveitis and pupil block. In conclusion, contact diode cyclo-photocoagulation had a significant ocular hypotensive action in the treatment of refractory glaucoma. As compared with non-contact diode cyclo-photocoagulation, the contact modality produced more marked non-therapeutic side effects.

Adult↗

A radical future for health authorities?

The ethos of the NHS reforms has forced mergers between district health authorities, and alliances with family health services authorities. Alan McNaught highlights some of the advantages created and the problems caused, and suggests some ways of dealing with 'merger mania'.

Health Care Reform↗

Training and developing health services administrators in Zimbabwe.

An article by Stephen Thornton in "Hospital and Health Services Review" in 1984 ended with a challenge to the unwary: "Could we as members of a highly developed profession in the United Kingdom assist our colleagues in Zimbabwe to acquire the necessary skills to become a thriving profession in a health care system so clearly modelled on our own?" Allan McNaught found himself in a situation where he was able to take up the challenge. This article outlines his experience in Zimbabwe, over 1987-1989, developing a local training programme for health services administrators. His work was undertaken as part of the World Bank funded "Family Health Project". His formal contract of employment was held by the British Overseas Development Administration, which contributed to most of the Project's "Management Strengthening Component".

Administrative Personnel↗