bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of smoke on respiratory hospital outcomes during the 2002–2003 bushfire season, Victoria, Australia
Authors: THAM Rachel , ERBAS Bircan , AKRAM Muhammad , DENNEKAMP Martine , ABRAMSON Michael J.
Published: November 2008

Background and objective:  Uncontrolled bushfires produce copious amounts of smoke that can result in adverse effects on human health and so are important considerations for emergency, public health and environmental protection agencies. During January to March 2003, the north‐east and Alpine regions of the state of Victoria experienced major bushfires that created a blanket of smoke over the entire state for extended periods of time. This study aimed to explore the daily trends in air pollutants and temporal correlations with changes in respiratory outcomes and to determine whether variation in particulate matter < 10 µm (PM10), visibility‐reducing particles and ozone produced by bushfires could explain variation in respiratory outcomes.

Methods:  A time‐series ecological study was conducted using hospital admission and emergency attendances, air quality and meteorological data. A semi‐parametric overdispersed Poisson regression model was used to evaluate the effect of air pollutants.

Results:  In a semi‐parametric analysis of respiratory outcomes adjusted for day‐of‐the‐week and trend effects, only daily levels of PM10 were strongly associated with emergency department attendances and weakly associated with hospital admissions.

Conclusions:  Elevated levels of PM10 increase the risk for exposed people to attend emergency departments for respiratory conditions. The health effects of bushfire smoke need to be considered when planning health and emergency services and designing public health messages.
Community‐acquired pneumonia in older patients: Does age influence systemic cytokine levels in community‐acquired pneumonia?
Authors: KELLY Emer , MacREDMOND Ruth E. , CULLEN Garret , GREENE Catherine M. , McELVANEY Noel G. , O'NEILL Shane J.
Published: November 2008

Background and objective:  Community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major cause of death in the elderly. The age‐related increase in comorbid illnesses plays a part but the effect of aging on the immune response may be equally important. We aimed to evaluate patients with CAP for evidence of a muted response to infection in elderly patients admitted to hospital compared with a younger patient group.

Methods:  Patients with CAP admitted through the Emergency Department were recruited for this prospective observational study. Clinical data were collected at presentation. Severity of pneumonia was assessed using the British Thoracic Society confusion, urea nitrogen, respiratory rate, blood pressure (CURB) score, the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) definition. IL‐6 and IL‐10 levels were measured within 24 h of admission.

Results:  Eighty patients were included in the study, of whom 38 (48%) were female. The median age was 74 years (range 18–95). Patients greater than 65 years of age had a lower incidence of chest pain and a higher incidence of altered mental status on presentation. CURB score and PSI were higher in the older patients. SIRS showed similar frequencies in both groups. IL‐6 and IL‐10 levels were similar in young (< 65 years), older (> 65 years) and very elderly (> 80 years) patients. This finding was not altered by severity of pneumonia.

Conclusions:  Age does not diminish the severity of illness scores in patients with CAP. There was no blunting of the systemic cytokine response with advanced age in this study.
Stroke discharges from a rehabilitation unit: 1‐year and 5‐year domicile outcomes. Function is important
Authors: Hanger H. C. , Wilkinson T. J. , Mears A.
Published: November 2008

Background: Stroke units save lives, reduce disability and increase the chances of the person returning to their own home. Following the introduction of a stroke rehabilitation unit, we assessed the durability of stroke discharges over a 1‐year period and predictors of early ‘failed’ home discharges. Stability of discharge domicile and survival over 5 years was also reviewed.

Methods: A 6‐month cohort of all discharges was followed for 5 years. Changes in domicile, including entry into institutional care, were recorded out to 5 years or until death. Predictors of early (3 months) and later (1 year) discharge stability were assessed.

Results: There were 142 discharges. Fifty‐eight (76%) of those who returned home were still at home 12 months later. In contrast, there was a high mortality of dependent patients who were discharged to high dependency care (9 (29%) and 13 (42%) at 3 and 12 months, respectively). The chance of an early failed discharge was associated with lower functional ability on discharge (P= 0.012). Lower function on discharge was also independently associated with death in the next 12 months (P < 0.0001). At 5 years the mortality for the whole sample was 55% (78 of 141) and 38 (61%) of the survivors still lived in the community whereas 24 (39%) resided in institutional care.

Conclusion: Functional ability on discharge is a key predictor of ability to remain at home as well as survival and therefore every effort should be made to maximize function.
Effects of long‐term transdermal hormone replacement therapy on the renin–angiotensin– aldosterone system, plasma bradykinin levels and blood pressure in normotensive postmenopausal women
Authors: Ichikawa Akiko , Sumino Hiroyuki , Ogawa Tetsuya , Ichikawa Shuichi , Nitta Kosaku
Published: November 2008

Aim:  This study was designed to investigate the effects of 24‐month long‐term transdermal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the circulating levels of components of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) and bradykinin, blood pressure (BP) and lipid profile in normotensive postmenopausal women (PMW).

Methods:  Twenty‐two normotensive PMW were randomized to receive transdermal HRT (continuous 17‐β estradiol patch at 36 µg/day plus cyclic oral medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg/day for 12 days/month) (n = 12) or control (n = 10). The plasma renin activity (PRA), serum angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) activity, plasma angiotensin (Ang) I, Ang II, aldosterone, bradykinin, and BP were measured before, and 12 and 24 months after, the start of the HRT.

Results:  In the HRT group, the diastolic BP and mean BP were significantly decreased at 12 and 24 months (both P < 0.05) after the start of therapy, however, no significant change of the systolic BP was noted during the study period. No changes in the RAAS components or lipid profile were noted in either group. The plasma bradykinin levels were significantly reduced at 12 (P < 0.05) and 24 months (P < 0.01), while no changes were observed in the control group.

Conclusion:  More than 12 months of long‐term transdermal HRT kept diastolic BP, mean BP and plasma bradykinin levels decreased in normotensive PMW, without influencing any of the components of the RAAS. This therapy may allow optimal blood pressure control and prevent elevation of the cardiovascular risk.
Incidence of vertebral fractures in Thai women and men: A prospective population‐based study
Authors: Jitapunkul Sutthichai , Thamarpirat Jittima , Chaiwanichsiri Dootchai , Boonhong Jariya
Published: November 2008

Background:  Vertebral fracture is the most common but the least well‐investigated osteoporotic fracture. A population‐based prospective study was conducted to determine incidence of vertebral fracture in Thai older adults.

Methods:  Lateral thoracic and lumbar spine radiographs obtained in 1997 and 2002 of 322 participants were evaluated morphometrically. Incidence of fracture was considered if the vertebra was determined as normal at baseline and any of the anterior, central, posterior vertebral heights on the follow‐up film showed a decrease of at least 20% or 4 mm compared with baseline height.

Results:  Incidences of vertebral fracture in women and men were 32.1/1000 and 54.5/1000 person‐year, respectively. Incident rates in men were higher than those in women in all age groups. Incidence increased with age, ranging from 27.4/1000 person‐year at ages 50–59 years to 46.1/1000 person‐year at ages of 70 years or more for women, and 42.3/1000 person‐year at ages 50–59 years to 66.7/1000 person‐year at ages of 70 years or more in men. The incidence was markedly high compared with other studies conducted in white older adults. Thai older adults with incidental vertebral fractures had a much higher proportion of having multiple‐level fractures compared with white older adults.

Conclusions:  This study showed a remarkably high incidence of vertebral fractures in a Thai population, particularly in men. The main contributing factor for incidental vertebral fracture was likely to be trauma or micro‐trauma associated with strenuous physical activity or work rather than osteoporosis, particularly among the younger age group and men.
Predictors of length of stay between the young and aged in hospitalized community‐acquired pneumonia patients
Authors: Kaysar Mamun , Augustine Tee , Jim Lim , Benjamin Castasus
Published: November 2008

Aim:  To determine the factors that may prolong the length of stay (LOS) for older patients hospitalized for community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) and also to see if they are applicable to the younger patients.

Methods:  A retrospective case record review was conducted of all adult patients who were discharged from the general medical service or the geriatric medicine service of an acute care hospital over 6 months.

Results:  During the study period, 393 patients were discharged with the diagnosis of pneumonia. Based on the study criteria, 200 patients were included in the study. Of the elderly patients, 39% had severe pneumonia compared to 9.3% in the younger group (P < 0.001), resulting in a higher mortality rate. All patients with severe pneumonia had serum albumin levels of less than 3.7 g/dL. The median LOS was significantly shorter in the younger patients (4 days) compared to the elderly patients (9 days, P < 0.001). Severe pneumonia, dysphagia, chronic renal disease, hypoalbuminemia and older age group were found to be significantly associated with longer LOS.

Conclusion:  Compared to younger patients, older subjects aged 65 years and above hospitalized with CAP were more likely to have severe pneumonia and longer LOS. Presence of severe pneumonia, dysphagia, chronic renal disease, hypoalbuminaemia and age of more than 65 years were significantly associated with longer LOS for all patients. However, in the younger group, only hypoalbuminaemia remained a significant factor. In the elderly patients, severe pneumonia, dysphagia and type of residence were important factors predicting longer LOS.
Osteocytes in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis
Authors: Ikeda Kyoji
Published: November 2008

Bone is continuously renewed by bone resorption and subsequent bone formation, a coupling process that maintains the quality as well as the quantity of bone. It is widely accepted that osteoporosis develops when bone resorption exceeds bone formation, and the treatment as well as diagnosis has been targeted to two major cell types, osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Inside bone is a network of the third cell type, osteocytes, the physiological function of which has long remained an enigma. We have developed a transgenic mouse model in which inducible and specific ablation of osteocytes can be achieved in vivo, and here use it to demonstrate that osteocytes serve an important function in regulating the activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, while sensing and transducing the mechanical forces exerted on bone. Thus, osteocytes should provide an attractive target for the development of new types of mechanotransduction‐based therapeutics and diagnostics for osteoporosis.
Stress‐induced blood pressure elevation in subjects with mild cognitive impairment: Effects of the dual‐type calcium channel blocker, cilnidipine
Authors: Kawashima Yumiko , Akishita Masahiro , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Kozaki Koichi , Toba Kenji
Published: November 2008

Aim: We investigated whether mental stress‐induced blood pressure elevation was related to cognitive function in the elderly, and further examined the effects of the dual‐type calcium channel blocker, cilnidipine, on stress induced hypertension in subjects with mild cognitive impairment.

Methods: In study I, 39 consecutive outpatients (mean age ± standard deviation, 77 ± 8 years), who were referred to our memory clinic and were not taking any medications, were studied. They were divided into three groups according to cognitive function on the Hasegawa Dementia Scale‐Revised (HDSR): group 1 (n = 8), 28 points or more; group 2 (n = 18), 21–27 points; and group 3 (n = 13), 20 points or less. In study II, 14 outpatients with hypertension and mild cognitive impairment (aged 79 ± 8 years; HDSR score, 24 ± 4) were assigned to receive cilnidipine (10–20 mg/day). The control group (n = 10) matched for age, HDSR and blood pressure was followed without cilnidipine.

Results: In study I, although age and basal blood pressure were similar among the three groups, the blood pressure response to a mental arithmetic test was twice as large in group 2 (26 ± 12 mmHg in systolic pressure and 11 ± 8 mmHg in diastolic pressure) as those in groups 1 and 3. In study II, after 4 weeks, cilnidipine treatment significantly decreased the blood pressure responses to the mental arithmetic test compared to the baseline as well as to those of the control group.

Conclusions: Stress‐induced blood pressure elevations are exaggerated in subjects with mild cognitive impairment. Cilnidipine may have inhibitory effects on stress‐induced hypertension.
Isolation of novel bacteria within the Chloroflexi capable of reductive dechlorination of 1,2,3‐trichloropropane
Authors: Yan J. , Rash B. A. , Rainey F. A. , Moe W. M.
Published: November 2008

Two strictly anaerobic bacterial strains were isolated from contaminated groundwater at a Superfund site located near Baton Rouge, LA, USA. These strains represent the first isolates reported to reductively dehalogenate 1,2,3‐trichloropropane. Allyl chloride (3‐chloro‐1‐propene), which is chemically unstable, was produced from 1,2,3‐trichloropropane, and it was hydrolysed abiotically to allyl alcohol and also reacted with the sulfide‐ and cysteine‐reducing agents in the medium to form various allyl sulfides. Both isolates also dehalogenated a variety of other vicinally chlorinated alkanes (1,2‐dichloropropane, 1,2‐dichloroethane, 1,1,2‐trichloroethane, 1,1,2,2‐tetrachloroethane) via dichloroelimination reactions. A quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) approach targeting 16S rRNA genes indicated that both strains couple reductive dechlorination to cell growth. Growth was not observed in the absence of hydrogen (H2) as an electron donor and a polychlorinated alkane as an electron acceptor. Alkanes containing only a single chlorine substituent (1‐chloropropane, 2‐chloropropane), chlorinated alkenes (tetrachlorothene, trichlorothene, cis‐dichloroethene, trans‐dichloroethene, vinyl chloride) and chlorinated benzenes (1‐chlorobenzene and 1,2‐dichlorobenzene) were not dechlorinated. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence data showed these isolates to represent a new lineage within the Chloroflexi. Their closest previously cultured relatives are ‘Dehalococcoides’ strains, with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of only 90%.
Phylogenetic analysis of actinobacterial populations associated with Antarctic Dry Valley mineral soils
Authors: Babalola Olubukola O. , Kirby Bronwyn M. , Le Roes‐Hill Marilize , Cook Andrew E. , Cary S. Craig , Burton Stephanie G. , Cowan Don A.
Published: November 2008

Despite the apparent severity of the environmental conditions in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Eastern Antarctica, recent phylogenetic studies conducted on mineral soil samples have revealed the presence of a wide diversity of microorganisms, with actinobacteria representing one of the largest phylotypic groups. Previous metagenomic studies have shown that the majority of Antarctic actinobacterial populations are classified as ‘uncultured’. In this study, we assessed the diversity of actinobacteria in Antarctic cold desert soils by complementing traditional culture‐based techniques with a metagenomic study. Phylogenetic analysis of clones generated with actinobacterium‐ and streptomycete‐specific PCR primers revealed that the majority of the phylotypes were most closely related to uncultured Pseudonocardia and Nocardioides species. Phylotypes most closely related to a number of rarer actinobacteria genera, including Geodermatophilus, Modestobacter and Sporichthya, were also identified. While complementary culture‐dependent studies isolated a number of Nocardia and Pseudonocardia species, the majority of the cultured isolates (> 80%) were Streptomyces species – although phylotypes affiliated to the genus Streptomyces were detected at a low frequency in the metagenomic study. This study confirms that Antarctic Dry Valley desert soil harbours highly diverse actinobacterial communities and suggests that many of the phylotypes identified may represent novel, uncultured species.
Childbearing beliefs among Low‐German‐speaking Mennonite women
Authors: Kulig Judith C. , Wall Margaret , Hill Shirley , Babcock Ruth
Published: November 2008

Background: Low‐German‐speaking (LGS) Mennonites are a conservative religious group that has migrated from Eastern Europe to Canada and then to countries such as Mexico. They are now returning to Canada in large numbers. They adhere to religious principles based upon a literal interpretation of the Bible. This conservative religious group provides opportunities for nurses and midwives to implement culturally competent care.

Aim: The purpose of this article is to discuss LGS Mennonite women's childbearing knowledge and beliefs to develop and implement care that considers and includes their conservative religious beliefs.

Methods: An exploratory, descriptive study was conducted to generate information through open‐ended interviews with 38 LGS Mennonite women about their knowledge, beliefs and practices related to childbearing. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously; emerging themes were discussed by the research team to ensure a contextual understanding of the data.

Findings: The participants engage in proscribed practices (‘turning the baby’) and adhere to specific dietary measures (increasing dairy products) during pregnancy to ensure a healthy birth outcome. During the post‐partum, extensive support is provided by other Mennonite women to assist the mother and newborn during this important transition.

Conclusion: Building trust and working in a respectful manner with religious groups such as the LGS Mennonites are a cornerstone of culturally competent nursing practice.
Persons' experience of HIV/AIDS in Japan: application of Margaret Newman's theory
Authors: Awa M. , Yamashita M.
Published: November 2008

Purpose:  To describe human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) persons' experience in Japan applying Margaret Newman's theory of health as expanding consciousness.

Method:  Five men who had sex with other men and who were afflicted with HIV/AIDS were interviewed to describe their experience.

Findings:  Their narratives revealed an evolving pattern of the whole of five stages; self‐conscious of own sexual orientation, chaos, stagnation, turning point and regaining a new identity. After viewing their pattern, their expanding consciousness was evident from their becoming compassionate for those who were underserved and underprivileged, and having deeper levels of connectedness with their family and friends. The a priori nature of theory in this praxis research was evident when the researcher embodied the theory of expanding consciousness.

Recommendations:  The findings of the study demonstrated the relevance and importance of understanding how the condition intersects with race, gender and ethnicity in constructing the unique experience of living with HIV/AIDS. Community health workers, community mental health nurses in particular, should be cognizant of the illness trajectory of those who are afflicted with the condition. Programmes such as outreach should be carried out on an ongoing basis in order to identify and render support to those who might need help from various stages of illness. Community health workers should identify clients' specific needs to refer to appropriate services because there are physical, mental and socio‐economic implications throughout illness trajectory in HIV/AIDS.
Menopause: a qualitative study of Jordanian women's perceptions
Authors: Mahadeen A.I. , Halabi J.O. , Callister L.C.
Published: November 2008

Purpose:  The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to describe the perceptions of Jordanian midlife women about making the menopausal transition.

Methods:  Audio taped interviews were conducted with 25 peri‐menopausal Jordanian women. Interviews were analysed as appropriate for descriptive qualitative inquiry.

Results:  The major theme generated was ‘A Life Transition’, which included: a time of no more reproductive obligations, changing from the burdens and obligations of reproductive roles and responsibilities to freedom, relief and rest; a time for managing peri‐menopausal symptoms; and a time for growing into a wise woman and accepting aging as a part of life.

Nursing implications:  These data can assist healthcare providers to provide culturally competent health care to midlife Jordanian women. Support groups may be helpful to facilitate connections between midlife women, increase self‐awareness, assist women to come to value their menopausal experiences, to manage their symptoms appropriately through self‐care measures and healthcare interventions and to more fully embrace being ‘wise women’.
Disability Rights Commission: From Civil Rights to Social Rights
Authors: Fletcher Agnes , O'Brien Nick
Published: November 2008

This paper argues that, although originally conceived as part of the ‘civil rights’ agenda, the development of disability rights in Britain by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) is better seen as a movement towards the realization of social, economic, and cultural rights, and so as reaffirmation of the indissolubility of human rights in the round. As such, that process of development represents a concrete exercise in the implementation of social rights by a statutory equality body and a significant step towards the conception of disability rights as universal participation, not just individual or minority group entitlement. The paper considers the distinctive features of that regulatory activity. It asks what sort of equality the DRC set out to achieve for disabled people and where, as a result, its work positioned it on the regulatory spectrum. From the particular experience of the DRC, the paper looks forward to considerations of general relevance to other such bodies, including the new Equality and Human Rights Commission.
The Strategic Use of Formal Argumentation in Legal Decisions
Authors: KLOOSTERHUIS HARM
Published: November 2008

In legal decisions standpoints can be supported by formal and also by substantive interpretative arguments. Formal arguments consist of reasons the weight or force of which is essentially dependent on the authoritativeness that the reasons may also have: In this connection one may think of linguistic and systemic arguments. On the other hand, substantive arguments are not backed up by authority, but consist of a direct invocation of moral, political, economic, or other social considerations. Formal arguments can be analyzed as exclusionary reasons: The authoritative character excludes—in principle—substantial counterarguments. Formal arguments are sometimes used to conceal value judgements based on substantial arguments. This paper deals with reconstructing problems regarding this strategic use of formal arguments in legal decisions, with a focus on linguistic argumentation.
Sun, sea, sand and tsunami: examining disaster vulnerability in the tourism community of Khao Lak, Thailand
Authors: Calgaro Emma , Lloyd Kate
Published: November 2008

The impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami on coastal tourism communities highlights the vulnerability of tourism destinations to external shocks. Based on fieldwork conducted in Thailand in the wake of this disaster, this paper addresses one fundamental question: what sociopolitical and environmental conditions contributed to the vulnerability of the affected tourism community of Khao Lak in the southern Phang Nga Province. We argue that an understanding of the root causes of destination vulnerability is vital not only for the successful implementation of regional recovery plans, but also for building long‐term resilience against future shocks. In the absence of an appropriate tourism vulnerability framework, this paper analyzes Khao Lak's vulnerability through an innovative theoretical framework comprised of the sustainability vulnerability framework, relational scale and place. The findings reveal that Khao Lak's vulnerability is shaped by 13 interlinked factors. These are the complex outcomes of social norms and developmental and dynamic governance processes driven by the competing agendas and scaled actions of key government and industry stakeholders. The identification and understanding of the drivers of Khao Lak's vulnerability and a strong vulnerability framework have significant implications for the wider tourism community. First, the empirical findings provide tourism communities with a blueprint for understanding the foundations of their vulnerability to external shocks. Second, the tourism vulnerability framework presented here provides destination communities and government stakeholders with an analytical tool through which to analyze their unique sociopolitical conditions. Together, these empirical and theoretical contributions bring us closer to securing sustainable livelihood futures for tourism dependent communities.
Environmental and socioeconomic dynamics of the Indian Ocean tsunami in Penang, Malaysia
Authors: Horton Benjamin , Bird Michael , Birkland Thomas , Cowie Susan , Eong Ong Jin , Hawkes Andrea , Khoon Gong Wooi , Law Lisa , Macgregor Colin , Shau‐Hwai Aileen Tan , Sa Teh Tiong , Yasin Zulfigar
Published: November 2008

This paper addresses some of the environmental and socioeconomic dimensions of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami on Penang, Malaysia. We aim to offer wide access to unique and perishable data, while at the same time providing insight to ongoing debates about hazards, vulnerability and social capital. Our social survey examines some of the dynamics that shaped the tsunami impact, response and recovery process. While in terms of lives lost Penang may not conform to arguments surrounding vulnerable environments, the recovery process is more marked by social disparities in terms of the ability to access resources. Our physical survey records local topography, flow depth and flow direction, and charts the differential impact of the tsunami. Yet measuring hazards is not a straightforward process, and relies on reflexive methodologies and eyewitness accounts.
Climate variability and maize production in Cameroon: Simulating the effects of extreme dry and wet years
Authors: Tingem Munang , Rivington Mike , Colls Jeremy
Published: November 2008

The effects of interyear variability of extreme rainfall events on maize yields at locations in Cameroon, in central‐west sub‐Saharan Africa were investigated through a simulation assessment combining a weather generator with a crop growth model. This study analyzes the potential of using dry/wet year predictions to reduce risk in subsistence agricultural production associated with climate variability at the site level. Weather data sets from eight provincial study localities were classified into three precipitation scenarios – dry (lower threshold), normal and wet (upper threshold) years. According to the modelling results, there is a less than 12 per cent variance in mean maize yields across six out of the eight localities when planting occurs in March, May and August. The variance is equivalent to approximately 100–300 kg per ha, which represents a significant amount of food in the household security of the majority impoverished sectors of rural and urban society, and which could greatly impact the socioeconomic activities of the entire populace. The results lead to the conclusion that all extreme dry and wet years are not equal in terms of their regional manifestation. This calls for precise monthly and sub‐seasonal local level forecasts and the effective dissemination of this information to farming communities in Cameroon, thereby facilitating the adaptive management of indigenous cropping practices and reducing their vulnerability to climate related disasters.
Let the children have their say: children with special educational needs and their experiences of Physical Education – a review
Authors: COATES JANINE , VICKERMAN PHILIP
Published: November 2008

This paper reviews literature examining the perspectives of children with special educational needs related to their experiences of Physical Education (PE). The extent to which literature addresses inclusion in PE was determined and emerging themes arising from consultation with children with special educational needs regarding PE were examined. Qualitative studies, concentrating on consultation with special educational needs children, were reviewed and six key themes were identified: children's experiences of PE; their experiences of PE teachers; discrimination by others; feelings of self‐doubt; barriers to inclusion; and empowerment and consultation. Findings indicate children with special educational needs enjoy PE when fully included; however, participation is restricted by discrimination, limited teacher training and material barriers to inclusion. Consequently, teacher training in special educational needs and the education of non‐disabled children about special educational needs requires extensive consideration.
THE IDEA OF DEFENSE IN HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY THINKING ABOUT JUST WAR
Authors: Johnson James Turner
Published: November 2008

What is, or should be, the role of defense in thinking about the justification of use of armed force? Contemporary just war thinking prioritizes defense as the principal, and perhaps the only, just cause for resorting to armed force. By contrast, classic just war tradition, while recognizing defense as justification for use of force by private persons, did not reason from self‐defense to the justification of the use of force on behalf of the political community, but instead rendered the idea of just cause for resort to force in terms of the sovereign's responsibility to maintain justice, vindicating those who had suffered from injustice and punishing evildoers. This paper moves through three major stages in the historical development of just war thinking, first examining a critical phase in the formation of the classical idea of just cause as the responsibility to maintain justice, then discussing the shift, characteristic of the modern period, to an idea of sovereignty as connected to the state and the prioritization of defense of the state as just cause for use of force, and lastly showing how this conception of the priority of defense became part of the recovery of just war thinking in the latter part of the twentieth century. The paper concludes by noting recent changes in thought on international law that tend to emphasize justice at the expense of the right of self‐defense, suggesting that the roots of just war thinking imply the need for a similar rethinking of contemporary just war discourse.
THE SECULAR FAITH OF GILLIAN ROSE
Authors: Lloyd Vincent
Published: November 2008

Gillian Rose was a philosopher, social theorist, memoirist, and Jewish convert to Christianity who died an untimely death in 1995. She offers a novel account of faith, which grows out of her Hegelian philosophical background inflected by her reading of Kierkegaard and her rediscovered Jewish heritage. For Rose, faith is a mode of social practice. Rose's conception of faith is here reconstructed by translating her obscure jurisprudential idiom into the language of social practices and norms. The conception of secular faith developed by Rose is shown to have implications for contemporary discussions of ethics and politics. The contemporary relevance of Rose's work is made clear through comparison with recent work by Robert Brandom, Robert Adams, and Patrick Deneen.
The impact of HIV‐1 co‐infection on long‐term mortality in patients with hepatitis C: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Omland LH , Jepsen P , Skinhøj P , Jørgensen HL , Münster A‐MB , Bangsborg J , Fenger M , Sørensen HT , Obel N ,   on behalf of the Danish HIV Cohort Study and the DANVIR Cohort Study
Published: November 2008

Objective

To investigate the impact of HIV co‐infection on mortality in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Methods

From a nationwide Danish database of HCV‐infected patients, we identified individuals diagnosed with HCV subsequent to an HIV diagnosis. For each co‐infected patient, four control HCV patients without HIV were matched on age, gender and year of HCV diagnosis. Data on comorbidity, drug abuse, alcoholism and date of death were extracted from two healthcare databases. We constructed Kaplan–Meier curves and used Cox regression analyses to estimate mortality rate ratios (MRRs), controlling for comorbidity.

Results

We identified 483 HCV–HIV co‐infected and 1932 HCV mono‐infected patients, yielding 2192 and 9894 person‐years of observation with 129 and 271 deaths, respectively. The 5‐year probability of survival was 0.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–0.80] for HCV–HIV co‐infected patients and 0.87 (95% CI 0.85–0.89) for HCV mono‐infected patients. Co‐infection was associated with substantially increased mortality (MRR 2.1, 95% CI 1.7–2.6). However, prior to the first observed decrease in CD4 counts to below 300 cells/μL, HIV infection did not increase mortality in HCV‐infected patients (MRR 0.9, 95% CI 0.5–1.50).

Conclusions

HIV infection has a substantial impact on mortality among HCV‐infected individuals, mainly because of HIV‐induced immunodeficiency.
The associations between age and the development of laboratory abnormalities and treatment discontinuation for reasons other than virological failure in the first year of highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Sabin CA , Smith CJ , Delpech V , Anderson J , Bansi L , Gilson R , Schwenk A , Leen C , Gazzard B , Porter K , Mackie N , Fisher M , Orkin C , Johnson M , Easterbrook P , Hill T , Phillips AN ,   on behalf of the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (CHIC) Study
Published: November 2008

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between age and the time to treatment discontinuation in the absence of virological failure as well as the development of specific laboratory abnormalities, in patients starting highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the first time.

Methods

Analyses included 8708 antiretroviral‐naïve patients from the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (CHIC) study who started HAART from 1998 onwards. We considered time to the first discontinuation of any drug in the initial HAART regimen for reasons other than virological failure; the association between this and age at the start of HAART was determined using proportional hazards regression after adjustment for potential confounders. The incidence of specific laboratory abnormalities in the first year after starting HAART was compared in those of different ages using multiple logistic regression.

Results

A total of 2650 patients discontinued at least one drug in their HAART regimen in the first year for reasons other than virological failure; after controlling for confounders, those aged < 30 years at the time of starting HAART were more likely to discontinue than those aged 30–39 years [relative hazard (RH) 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01, 1.24] as were those aged 50 years (RH 1.14; 95% CI 1.00, 1.31). There were strong associations between greater age and raised total cholesterol, decreased haemoglobin and raised triglycerides over the first year, although the latter disappeared after adjustment for pre‐HAART levels, suggesting that this finding reflected higher pre‐HAART triglyceride levels in older individuals.

Conclusions

Continued attempts to improve the tolerability of HAART regimens may help to sustain the good outcomes in all age groups over the longer term.
Taxonomies of Squatting: Unlawful Occupation in a New Legal Order
Authors: O'Mahony Lorna Fox , Cobb Neil
Published: November 2008

Legal responses to the activity of ‘squatting’ include criminal justice, civil actions, property law and housing policy. Some legal analyses of unauthorised occupation focus on the act of squatting, others on the squatter's claim to title through adverse possession. This paper explores recent developments in the law of adverse possession which have been shaped by particular discursive constructions of both squatters and dispossessed landowners. It develops a ‘taxonomy of squatting’ by mapping the positions adopted by the Law Commission, the legislature and various domestic and European courts, in respect of moral issues thrown up by the doctrine of adverse possession, including the distinction between good faith and bad faith squatting, the landowner's duty of stewardship, and the question of compensation. By unpacking the circumstances in which squatting occurs, the paper develops a series of matrices to classify legal responses to unlawful occupation and to facilitate a more systematic and coherent understanding of law's responses to squatting.
Crimes and Security
Authors: Tadros Victor
Published: November 2008

This essay considers the role that the value of security might play in criminalisation. While endorsing security as a legitimate rationale for the creation of a criminal offence, it examines some existing offences that are created or structured in a particular way for security reasons. This is done through a two‐stage analysis. Stage one considers the consequences of adopting an offence or offence definition if it was interpreted ideally and complied with perfectly. Stage two considers how we can expect the offences to operate in the real world given imperfect compliance and non‐ideal interpretation.
The Content of Support of Persons with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities: An Analysis of the Number and Content of Goals in the Educational Programmes
Authors: Van Der Putten Annette , Vlaskamp Carla , Poppes Petra
Published: November 2008

Background  This study focuses on the support of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) by analysing the number and content of formulated goals in the educational programmes.

Methods  The programmes of 145 persons with PIMD were analysed. The number of long‐ and short‐term goals as well as the number of goals reached was determined. To clarify the content of given support, goals were categorized into different domains.

Results  In total, 220 long‐term goals were formulated (mean: 2; SD: 0.88; range: 1–4), of which 14% were reached. Of the 1624 short‐term goals (mean: 11; SD: 10.07; range: 0–51) formulated, 52% were reached. Further detailed analyses show that although the number of goals was not dependent on age, the number of long‐term goals reached was significantly higher in children; 52% of the 220 long‐term goals focused on ‘interaction and social’ roles and 68% of the 1624 short‐term goals focused on ‘gathering knowledge about the client’.

Conclusions  Results indicate that support to persons with PIMD especially focuses on ‘interaction and social roles’. Especially, health issues seem to be under‐represented. Short‐term goals mainly focus on gathering knowledge. Further studies are needed to clarify if professionals indeed lack detailed information about their clients or if available knowledge (e.g. in files) is not transferred into day‐to‐day practice.
The 90‐Second Collaboration: A Critical Study of Collaboration Exercises at Extensive Accident Sites
Authors: Berlin Johan M. , Carlström Eric D.
Published: November 2008

In this study, a critical examination of collaboration, focusing on the alternatives, is carried out. The study is based on empirical data from four inter‐organizational exercises involving ambulance police and fire departments. We studied collaboration between the three organizations, from the arrival of the first units, until the mission was completed. It was found that collaboration was practiced to a relatively small degree, and that it primarily took place due to understaffing. In summary, the different organizational phenomena are sorted on a scale of stability vs. change. The result of the study shows that the organizations observed strive for stability, preferring repeated and well‐known behaviour.
Interwoven Leadership: the Missing Link in Multi‐Agency Major Incident Response
Authors: Devitt Katherine R. , Borodzicz Edward P.
Published: November 2008

This paper reports on research into the effectiveness of strategic commanders and their multi‐agency teams in response to major incidents. It is argued that current models of crisis leadership fail to establish a balance between the requirement for task skills, interpersonal skills, stakeholder awareness and personal qualities of commanders and their teams. The paper sets out a theoretical model for interwoven leadership combining these features.
Effect of Environment and Appearance Compliment on College Women's Self-Objectification, Mood, Body Shame, and Cognitive Performance
Authors: Tiggemann Marika , Boundy Michelle
Published: November 2008

Objectification theory contends that women self-objectify as a result of internalizing an external observer's perspective of their physical selves. Self-objectification has been examined as both a stable enduring trait and as a context dependant state. The present study attempted to trigger state self-objectification by relatively subtle manipulation of the immediate physical and social environment. Participants were 96 female undergraduate students who completed questionnaire measures and cognitive tasks in a 2 (a subtle objectifying environment versus a standard environment) x 2 (an appearance compliment versus no comment) x 2 (high versus low trait self-objectification) design. It was found that, for women high on trait self-objectification, the objectifying physical environment enhanced state self-objectification, and the appearance compliment enhanced body shame. The findings demonstrate that subtle situational factors not requiring women to explicitly focus attention on their own bodies can elicit self-objectification and its proposed consequences, particularly among women high in trait self-objectification.
Is His Heroism Hailed and Hers Hidden? Women, Men, and The Social Construction of Heroism
Authors: Rankin Lindsay E. , Eagly Alice H.
Published: November 2008

Two studies examined how the social construction of heroism affects the representation of women and men as heroes. In the first study, community participants defined heroism or identified heroes. Although the most common defining elements of heroism were benefiting others, acting selflessly, and confronting risk, participants reported more male than female public heroes. However, when naming heroes whom they personally know, participants represented women and men equally. In the second study, undergraduates read a scenario describing a male or female protagonist who confronted high or low risk in rescuing a child in a situation yielding high or low benefit to the endangered child. Consistent with Study 1's typical definitions of heroism, both risk and benefit increased participants' ascription of heroism to the protagonist. Although participants perceived that men are in general more likely than women to perform heroic rescues, reading about a female protagonist caused the participants to perceive female heroism as increasingly likely.
Exploring Sex Differences in Worry with A Cognitive Vulnerability Model
Authors: Zalta Alyson K. , Chambless Dianne L.
Published: November 2008

A multivariate model was developed to examine the relative contributions of mastery, stress, interpretive bias, and coping to sex differences in worry. Rumination was incorporated as a second outcome variable to test the specificity of these associations. Participants included two samples of undergraduates totaling 302 men and 379 women. A path analysis of the full sample demonstrated good overall fit and revealed that low mastery, high stress, and high interpretive bias predicted increases in both worry and rumination. There proved to be no interactive effect of sex with the model. Comparisons of mean differences indicated that women reported significantly lower mastery and significantly higher stress, worry, and rumination than men. Results suggest similar processes confer risk for worry and rumination in men and women; however, lower levels of mastery and higher levels of stress in women may contribute to the female preponderance of anxiety and depression.
POVERTY EQUIVALENT GROWTH RATE
Authors: Kakwani Nanak , Son Hyun H.
Published: November 2008

This paper proposes a new type of growth rate, called the “poverty equivalent growth rate” (PEGR), which takes into account both the growth rate in mean income and how the benefits of growth are distributed between the poor and the non‐poor. The proposed measure satisfies a basic requirement that the proportional reduction in poverty is a monotonically increasing function of the PEGR. Thus, maximizing the PEGR implies a maximum reduction in poverty. The paper demonstrates that the magnitude of PEGR determines the pattern of growth: whether growth is pro‐poor in relative or absolute sense or is “poverty reducing” pro‐poor. The pattern of growth has been analyzed for Brazil using the National Household Survey (PNAD) covering the period 1995–2005.
COMPARABLE HOUSEHOLD SAVING RATES FOR CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Qin Xiao , Ren Ruoen
Published: November 2008

This paper focuses on how the household saving rate should be measured. The current method used in China to measure the saving rate is compared with that used in the U.S. Significant differences in concept and scope are discovered. Using these differences as a basis, we make relevant adjustments to the official measurement and recalculate the household saving rates of the two countries on a comparative scale. Our results show that the average of the Chinese household saving rate during the 1992–2004 period falls from 29.4 to 22.9 percent, and is lower than 20 percent in 2000, 2001, and 2003. The gap between China's household saving rate and that of the U.S. narrows by 8.6 percent on average and the adjusted difference is merely 17.5 percent on a comparable scale. It is therefore reasonable to conclude that the difference between the household saving rates of these two countries is in fact much smaller than is often suggested. Our study also shows that the household saving rates of these two countries are experiencing the same decreasing trend, but that both have increased slightly since 2002.