Population characteristics related to colorectal cancer testing in New South Wales, Australia: results from the 45 and Up Study cohort

In north-eastern New South Wales Miniopterus schreibersii is found at a wide range of cave and mine roosts as colonies that may include up to several thousands of individuals. Between April 1960 and September 1963 a field study of the biology and population characteristics of this species was carried out. Field criteria permitting aging of individuals were developed. Age classes considered were juveniles (< 9 months), yearlings (9-21 months), and adults (> 21 months). Seasonal changes in numbers, and in the sex and age composition of colonies were followed in detail at several roosts and comparative information was obtained at others. Movement patterns were assessed by a marking and recapture programme in which 1365 recoveries were obtained from a marked (toe clips and bands) population of 8775. Conspicuous sex or age biases or both were shown to exist in clusters of M. schreibersii at specific roosts and it was suggested that clustering in this species functions, in part, as a social spacing mechanism. Segregation of different sex or age classes at specific colonies permitted classification of colonies as (1) maternity colonies in which adult females and their young predominate, (2) "adult" colonies which are predominantly adult, or adult and yearling, in composition, and (3) "juvenile" colonies in which juveniles, or juveniles and yearlings, are almost prevalent. The observed social biases of colonies appeared to be related to particular phases of the reproductive cycle. Certain adult colonies were interpreted as important sites of copulatory behaviour. Recovery data for two of these mating colonies showed that adult females were more transient members of the colony than adult males. Juveniles are often well represented at adult colonies in the autumn, and during this season their presence may be correlated with a drop in the abundance of older males.

Download Full-text

A Survey of Screening Compliance among First Degree Relatives of People with Colon Cancer in New South Wales

Journal of Medical Screening ◽

10.1177/096914139700400110 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 29-34 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

Margaret A Harris ◽

Julie E Byles

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Colon Cancer ◽

New South ◽

New South Wales ◽

Degree Relative ◽

First Degree Relatives ◽

South Wales ◽

Self Administered Questionnaire ◽

Insight Into ◽

Medical Recommendation

Objective— To survey screening practices, knowledge, and attitudes towards screening among first degree relatives of people with colon cancer. Setting— A random sample of people with colon cancer listed on the New South Wales (NSW) Cancer Registry were mailed a questionnaire to be passed on to an appropriate first degree relative. Methods— Two hundred and twenty five first degree relatives completed a self administered questionnaire. Results— Although there were high levels of awareness about colorectal cancer, and attitudes towards colorectal cancer were generally positive, screening rates were low, and only three relatives had been screened in accordance with current Australian recommendations. Factors associated with previous participation in any type of screening test (usually once) included receiving a medical recommendation to screen, having more than one relative with colorectal cancer, being a sibling of the relative with colon cancer, the relative with cancer being female, and perceiving screening as messy, but not painful. Conclusions— Strategies to enhance screening awareness and participation among relatives need to be considered. This study provides some insight into factors to be considered in developing awareness programmes. Further research is required to explore these factors, and to identify ways to overcome barriers.

Download Full-text

Population characteristics and management of the long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) in high-quality habitat in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales

Australian Mammalogy ◽

10.1071/am14026 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

pp. 67 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Melinda A. Norton ◽

Alison Prentice ◽

Juliet Dingle ◽

Kris French ◽

Andrew W. Claridge

Keyword(s):

New South ◽

New South Wales ◽

Ground Cover ◽

Population Characteristics ◽

European Settlement ◽

South Wales ◽

Live Trapping ◽

Study Sites ◽

Fox Control ◽

Potorous Tridactylus

Since European settlement in Australia the long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) has suffered greatly from fox predation and habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation. To better understand the threats it faces we examined the population dynamics of the potoroo at two study sites in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales over five years, using live-trapping. As neither site had experienced inappropriate habitat change for over 25 years, fox predation was considered the major threat to this population. An assessment of fox activity and diet was undertaken at both sites for comparison with potoroo abundance. Potoroos increased at both sites over time, although at one site this increase was only in density and not range. The density increase would not have been detected using camera surveys, a monitoring technique recommended for this species. The relative abundance of foxes fluctuated over the study despite fox control in one of the two sites. Analysis of fox scats at the same sites indicated high levels of predation on potoroos. Future management should aim to provide effective fox control (particularly following any fire due to the associated loss of ground cover) and improved fox monitoring to ensure an accurate understanding of what is happening to the fox population.

Download Full-text