AMJ

Medical journals published in South Asia and other developing regions encounter many challenges. Often authors do not perceive that they have received a fair deal from the journals. In this article the author puts forward a few suggestions to strengthen medical journals in South Asia and also other developing regions. 

Picture by Stuart Miles

Cancer often has a profound and enduring impact on sexuality, affecting both patients and their partners. Most healthcare professionals in cancer and palliative care are struggling to address intimate issues with the patients in their care. This study finds that a complementary team approach, with clearly defined roles for different team members and clear referral pathways, is required to enhance communication about sexuality and intimacy in cancer and palliative care.

Picture by Ambro

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic viral disease that is asymptomatic in infected animals, but a serious threat to the health of humans. The most recent CCHF outbreak occurred in January 2011 in the state of Ahmedabad (India). 

Picture by Arvind Balaraman

In this editorial we explain how the AMJ has been serving the scientific community in Australasia and how the journal will continue to put authors first.

Picture by ningmilo 

Sexual Assault (SA) is a major public health and pervasive social problem that transcends sociocultural bounds; with myriad biopsychosocial effects on both victims/survivors and the wider community. Indeed, survivors of SA suffer the effects of assault for a lifetime. This paper aims to provide an overview of SA; including its historical basis, operationalization, prevalence, risk factors and sequalae.

Picture by Nutdanai Apikhomboonwaroot

In this study, the authors report high rates (79%) of inconsistent condom and lubricant use among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM). This proportion is higher than the findings of a previous study conducted in the same place in 2006. With such high sexual risk behaviour among MSM, this group is at high risk for the acquisition and transmission of STI/ HIV infection. Many social and behavioural factors are involved in the inconsistent condom and lubricant use in this population. Preventive programmes have to identify and target these factors in order to effectively promote consistent safe sex practices in this group.

Picture by Posterize.

This multimedia project mimics a beer commercial, a lad’s night in, an environment that can be used to target the relevant audience. The goal was to deploy familiar atmosphere and recognisable characters whilst delivering a serious message with humour in a very short space of time.

Picture by @thedeiwz

Nocardia brasiliensis is a rare human pathogen that is usually associated with localised cutaneous infections. This study reports a case of primary cutaneous Nocardia brasiliensis infection causing delayed wound healing that developed after ovarian cystectomy in an otherwise healthy 32-year-old woman.

Picture by digitalart

Aspergillus spp. often colonise the respiratory tract of critically ill patients in intensive care units and subsequently cause invasive disease. Here we report a case of fatal invasive pulmonary aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus versicolor in a post-operative patient on mechanical ventilation, who did not respond to intravenous itraconazole.

Picture by Sura Nualpradid

It is well-known that sexual dysfunction can result from many classes of drugs including sedatives, anti-hypertensives and anti-depressants. Whilst sexual dysfunction as a result of medication is not uncommon, this study discuss how simple a sexual problem can be to resolve, and how important it is for doctors or other health professionals to routinely raise the topic of sexual function with patients.

Picture by photostock

Allied health professionals with their specific training and knowledge can add value to management plans for both general and specialist medical practitioners. Their input reflects enhancement in the care of patients with chronic diseases, rather than replacement or competition.

Picture by pixbox 77

In this review twenty-two professional and semi-professional writers combine their considerable talents to communicate personal stories of the lasting heartbreak and sorrow, which accompanies miscarriage in Australia. 

Picture by Michelle Meiklejohn