bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community Demonstration Programs for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: The Asia-Pacific Experience
Authors: Beaglehole Robert
Published: June 2011

Cardiovascular diseases are an important and increasing cause of death in many countries in the Asia-Pacific Region. Formal demonstration programs for the prevention of cardiovascular disease are few in number and not likely to be widely used in the future. Prevention programs focused on key risk factors are widely used in the Region and have been successful. Smoking prevention remains a high priority for all countries in the Region.
Cancer in the Elderly: A Prospective Study Among Hawaiian Japanese Men
Authors: Chyou Po-Huang , Nomura Abraham MY , Stemmermann Grant N
Published: June 2011

In the United States, little has been done to compare the cancer risk of elderly subjects, aged 65 and older, with that of younger subjects. Although the elderly constitute only 12% of the population, they are diagnosed with more than 50% of the cancers. The study consisted of 7, 783 Japanese-American men, born from 1900-1919 and examined from 1965-1968. During 154, 000 person-years of follow-up, 1, 478 incident cases of cancer were identified. The incidence rate of cancer was high among the elderly (142.7 per 10, 000 person-years) compared with younger subjects (48.2 per 10, 000 person-years), yielding a significant (p < 0.05) rate ratio of 3.0. Of the site-specific cancers, prostate cancer showed the highest rate raio of 7.0, followed by oral, stomach, lung, and colon cancer. In addition, the five-year age-specific rates for stomach and colon cancer rose directly with age. A similar pattern was also observed for lung and prostate cancer in men before age 80, but the rates declined thereafter. The findings from this study suggest that the reduction in risk for cancers of the prostate, oral cavity, stomach, lung, and colon must be viewed as a major goal for improving the public health in the elderly population.
Child Health and Nutritional Status in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: A Preliminary Assessment
Authors: Kachondham Yongyout , Dhanamitta Sakorn , Oyunbileg Mishigdorg , Brown Lyndon
Published: June 2011

Over 85% of Mongolia's foreign trade and development aid, which formerly came from the USSR, have abruptly ceased causing shortfalls in almost all sectors. The UNICEF Mongolia Country Program and the East Asia and Pacific Regional Of fice (UNICEF/EAPRO) realized that Mongolian children are likely to suffer the most as reduced income and food availability aggravate problems associated with malnutrition. Hence, from 16 June-7 July 1992, a team from the Institute of Nutrition at Mahidol University, Thailand, collaborated with local UNICEF personnel and government health of ficials in designing and initiating the 1992 Mongolian Child Nutrition Survey. This paper presents the preliminary survey data of 342 randomly selected children aged 0-48 months in Ulaanbaatar. Results indicate that the four major health and nutrition problems are protein energy malnutrition (PEM), iodine deficiency disorders, vitamin D deficiency, and an unusually high rate of acute respiratory infections. Also requiring more in-depth study are low birth weight, iron deficiency anemia and vitamin A deficiency.
The Interaction of Lead Exposure and Pregnancy
Authors: O'Halloran K , Spickett JT
Published: June 2011

The toxic effects of low-level lead exposure have been the subject of a good deal of research and media attention in recent times. In most countries, the acceptable occupational exposure limit for lead is being progressively decreased as the adverse health effects of lead are being identified at levels approaching those found in non-occupational environments.

Due to the sensitive nature of the fetus to hazardous substances, the exposure to lead of the unborn child via maternal sources is of critical concern. Preterm delivery, congenital abnormalities and decreases in growth stature have all been associated with prenatal lead exposure at “acceptable” levels.

There is an accumulation of evidence which indicates that maternal exposures prior to conception can play an important role in determining blood lead levels during pregnancy. In light of these observations the practice of removing the pregnant woman from lead sources may be of questionable value with regards to providing sufficient protection for the fetus. This article reviews the relevant literature pertaining to the mobilization of lead from bone during pregnancy and the toxicity of low-level lead exposure to the fetus, and briefly discusses some factors which may affect this toxicity.
Denver Developmental Screening Test Survey of Bangkok Children
Authors: Sriyaporn Poolsook P , Pissasoontorn W , Sakdisawadi Orathai
Published: June 2011

A preliminary developmental survey (using DDST) of 1442 Bangkok children who were between the ages of two weeks and six years was conducted between June 1983 and December 1987. The results of this study showed that the 25th percentile for the development of Bangkok children in the areas of personal-social, fine motor adaptive, language and gross motor skills were comparable to the children in original samples in Denver. Although the Bangkok group seems to have passed many test items at earlier ages, the 75th-90th percentile in each test item was generally more delayed in the Bangkok group. The investigative team suggests that further research for the purpose of establishing a norm for the DDST be pursued on the basis of geographical sampling more than socioeconomical sampling that was used in this study. Asia Pac J Public Health 1994;7(3):173-7.
Health Practices and Indices of a Poor Urban Population in Indonesia Part I: Patterns of Health Service Utilization
Authors: Kaye Katherine , Novell Michael K
Published: June 2011

This first section in a two-part study of health indices and practices among residents living in a Jakarta slum describes the use of public and private primary health care services in relation to socioeconomic and health status. As problems associated with urban poverty rapidly increase in developing countries, it is important to study the ethnic and economic diversity which exists in slums and shanty towns: results of such studies should inform the development of effective strategies for outreach and service delivery.

Through a survey of 690 mothers and 593 children, we found that 1) poorer residents were more likely than relatively affluent ones to rely on local government clinics ( posyandus) for primary health care; 2) regular posyanduusers were more likely than non-users to be fully immunized and to use ORT correctly; 3) delivery in hospital w as common among all residents, but especially among the more affluent; and 4) prevalence of contraception was high and not associated with socio-economic status or type of primary health care service used.

Strengthening primary health care services at the government's local health posts could benefit all groups in the community if wealthier residents participated more in the posyandus. Standards of care in the private sector should also be improved. Asia Pac J Public Health 1994;7(3):178-82.
Epidemiological Investigations into an Outbreak of Building-Associated Illness in Singapore
Authors: Ooi Peng-Lim , Goh Kee-Tai , Heng Bee-Hoon , Toh Yong-Hua
Published: June 2011

In August 1991, the Ministry of the Environment was informed of the occurrence of illnesses suspected to be related to a modern, multi-story of fice building. Investigations revealed that 34 of the occupants on two floors of the building had non-specific ailments such as eye, throat or skin irritation which caused acute discomfort but resolved upon leaving the premises. Case-control study identified a number of factors significantly associated with the illness; viz. a personal history of allergy, asthma or sinusitis; a high level of work-related stress; and a lack of thermal comfort. One feature of the affected of fices was the numerous high partitions which tended to obstruct air movement. Adjustments of central temperature to compensate for complaints of “stuffiness” had resulted in wide fluctuations of temperature and relative humidity. Indoor air quality measurements also revealed high bacterial counts, a condition aggravated by the raised relative humidity and inadequate air movement. The problems gradually resolved following major modifications at the of fices and air-handling units. This episode confirmed the need for further studies of building-associated illness in the tropics. Asia Pac J Public Health1994;7(4):201-5.
The Health Impact of Cigarette Smoking in Taiwan
Authors: Wen Chi Pang , Tsai Shan Pou , Yen David D
Published: June 2011

This study examined mortality attributed to active and passive smoking in Taiwan for the years 1981 and 1990. It was estimated that 19, 283 deaths, representing 19% of the total number of deaths in 1990 (almost one out of five deaths in Taiwan), were smoking related. On an average day, 53 people died as a result of cigarette smoking, including 13 deaths from passive smoking. More men died (14, 140 deaths) from smoking-related causes than from all cancer deaths combined (13, 161 deaths); 91% of lung cancer and 30% of all cancers were due to smoking. In comparison, the smoking attributable mortality was much less for women, with 5, 143 deaths. In addition, almost 5, 000 deaths can be attributed to passive smoking every year in Taiwan with more deaths from women than from men. The overall prevalence rates for cigarette smoking has changed little in the last 20 years; approximately 60% for men and 4% for women although a consistent increase of one million new smokers was added every decade. Among younger people, the rate increased substantially, while it dropped 10-15% among middle-aged and older persons. Smoking is the largest single source of health risk in Taiwan. It is crucial that strategies to prevent smoking initiation among young people be developed so that the most vulnerable group can receive immediate attention. Despite the recent aggressive smoking cessation campaign by the Department of Health, much work remains. In order to facilitate this work, it is therefore recommended that the government commit to a goal of a smoke-free nation by the year 2010. Asia Pac J Public Health1994;7(4):206-13.
In Pursuit of Rational Drug Use and Effective Drug Management: Clinical and Public Health Pharmacy Viewpoint
Authors: Passmore Phillip Raymond , Kailis Stanley George
Published: June 2011

Drugs are a major technology in preventing and combating disease both at the individual and community levels. Managing this valuable resource for optimum public health benefit is paramount. Pharmacists have been recognized by the World Health Organisation and others as having a key role to play in promoting rational drug use and strengthening effective drug management. However, the profession needs to answer some critical questions relating to effective communication of their clinical role. Factors associated with the primary care role of pharmacists are discussed and include education, social and political pressures and professional attitudes. There is evidence of an expanding role for pharmacy in the health sector and a number of new challenges for pharmacy's role in strengthening public health are emerging. These include the profession's involvement in overcoming chronic shortages of essential drugs, strategies to combat the fake and inferior quality drug problems, and increased efforts to educate the public in optimal drug therapy and compliance with recognized drug dosages. Pharmacists are urged to assist governments develop effective policies and legislations for the pharmaceutical sector, based on research findings of pharmaceutical issues affecting public health. Asia Pac J Public Health1994; 7(4):236-41.
Effects of Cadmium and Lead Exposure on urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, β2-microglobulin and metallothionein of workers
Authors: Kawada Tomoyuki , Tohyama Chiharu , Suzuki Shosuke
Published: June 2011

Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), β2-microglobulin (BMG), metallothionein (MT) and creatinine (ere) in urine were measured in 36 male workers. Urinary Cd and Pb ranged from 0.2 to 9.7and 0.1 to 4.8 μg/g ere with geometric means of 1.17 and 1.27 μg/g ere, respectively. Partial correlation coefficients between the logarithm of urinary Cd and that of NAG, BMG or MT controlling for pH and age were 0.460 (p < 0.01), 0.095 and 0.677 (p < 0.01), respectively. Partial correlation coefficients between the logarithm of Pb and that of NAG, BMG or MT controlling for pH and age were 0.040, 0.403 (p < 0.05) and-0.183, respectively. Multiple regression analysis was conducted on urinary NAG, BMG and MT using age, pH, log U-Cd and U-Pb. Log U-Cd was the only significant predictor variable of NAG (β = 0.572; p < 0.01). Log U-Pb was the only predictor variable of BMG (β = 0.386, p < 0.01). pH (β = 0.286, p < 0.05) and Log U-Cd (β = 0.839, p < 0.05) were significant predictor variables of MT.
Prevalence and Determinants of the Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hong Kong
Authors: Wai Wong Tze , Lan Wong Siu , Donnan Stuart P B
Published: June 2011

We studied 2, 822 subjects above 18 years of age in Hong Kong by random telephone interview to assess the role of traditional Chinese medicine in health care. During their most recent illness, 73% consulted Western doctors, 17% self-medicated while 9% consulted herbalists. Age and education were important determinants of their health care choice. The most common reason given for their choice was faith in the practitioners they consulted. When they needed further consultation for the same illness, 42% consulted herbalists, illustrating that herbalists played an important supplementary role when Western medicine failed to provide relief. Compared with previous findings, there appeared to be little decline in the popularity of traditional Chinese medicine in Hong Kong.
The Health Status and Characteristics of Hypertensives in Guam
Authors: Pinhey Thomas K
Published: June 2011

Studies of Asian Pacific American populations are of ten flawed because while the population is quite heterogeneous, researchers usually collapse them into a single category, making it impossible to assess the health status or needs of individual Asian Pacific American ethnic groups. Using a probability sample of Guam residents, the analysis reported here addresses the problem by documenting the health status and characteristics of Chamorro and Filipino hypertensives. In contrast to predictions from the literature, Chamorros have a higher prevalence of hypertension than Filipinos. Additional results show that hypertensive Chamorro men and women are from lower socioeconomic status levels than their Filipino counterparts, while hypertensive men and women of both ethnic groups appear equally likely to be overweight and to suffer diabetes. Male hypertensives are at greater risk for psychological distress than normotensives, and have a greater chance of heart failure. Compared to Filipinos, hypertensive Chamorros are more likely to evaluate their overall physical health as poor.
Suicide and Undetermined Violent Deaths in Malaysia, 1966-1990: Evidence for the Misclassification of Suicide Statistics
Authors: Maniam T
Published: June 2011

Suicide statistics are generally recognised to be unreliable. This study of the reported rates of suicide in West Malaysia between 1966-1990 shows that the mean crude suicide rate between 1966-1974 was 6.1 per 100, 000, but had dropped drastically between 1975-1990 to a mean of 1.6 per 100, 000. Three lines of evidence are presented to show that this reduction in the suicide rate is due to a systematic misclassification of medically certified suicides as deaths due to undetermined violent deaths (which refers to violent deaths not known to be accidentally or deliberately inflicted). Firstly, the large drop in reported suicide rates corresponds closely to an increase in the rate of deaths due to undetermined violent deaths. There is a highly positive negative correlation between the two rates (coefficient of correlation, r =-0.9). Secondly, the misclassification appears to be mainly a problem with the medically certified deaths which follow the ICD classification. The mean ratio of uncertified to certified suicides before 1975 was 0.8, but from 1975 onwards the mean was 3.1. This is in contrast to the corresponding ratio for deaths due to all accidents which has remained fairly constant throughout these years. Thirdly, the race and sex differences for the rates of undetermined violent deaths are identical to those of suicide. Taking the misclassification into account the corrected suicide rate for West Malaysia is estimated to be between 8-13 per 100, 000 since 1982.
Flow Volume Curves as Screening Tests for Early Effects of Smoking in Asymptomatic Children and Young Adults
Authors: Milaat Waleed A , El-Gamal Fathi M , Ghabra Tawfik M
Published: June 2011

The objectives of this study were to investigate the early effects of smoking on ventilation function of the lungs of children and young adults, and to determine the suitable lung function tests that can be used for screening of this effect. Medical and personal questionnaires, spirometric tests for twelve different lung function indices as well as anthropometric measurements were conducted on 538 randomly selected asymptomatic subjects (134 smokers, 404 non-smokers).

Smokers had significantly lower values for peripheral airway lung function tests compared to non-smokers and this is evident within a few years of initiating smoking. The number of cigarettes smoked per day was also significantly associated with decrease to these lung function parameters. Lung function tests suitable for screening were identified.

The number of cigarettes and duration of smoking seem to interact to increase the insult on the peripheral airway function in children and young adults suggesting an irritant effect, probably mediated through an airway inflammation which starts at the periphery of the lungs. Lung function tests used here can be the early indicators of early changes in asymptomatic children and young adults and can be a valuable screening tool.
Household Health Care Facility Utilization in the Philippines
Authors: Russo Gerard , Herrin Alejandro N , Pons Melahi C
Published: June 2011

This paper presents probit estimates of household utilization of health care facilities in the Philippines. Using household data from the 1987 National Health Survey and supply data from the Department of Health, separate probit equations are estimated for each of the four major types of facilities in the Philippines: Public hospitals, private hospitals, major rural health units and barangay (village) health stations. The probability that a household will utilize services from these facilities is estimated as a function of socioeconomic, demographic and supply variables. The results indicate substantial differences in utilization patterns by income class. Households in the highest income quartile are approximately twice as likely (0.451 versus 0.236) to utilize private hospital services vis-à-vis households in the lowest income quartile, ceteris paribus. The results also indicate substantial substitution between public and private. services. An increase in the availability of private hospital beds significantly reduces the probability that a household will utilize government facilities.
Linking Public Health Education And Practice: The Australian Experience
Authors: Rotem Arie , Hine Bronwyn , Hodgkinson Alan
Published: June 2011

The public health workforce in Australia is highly skilled, multifunctional, and drawn from a variety of backgrounds, including clinical practice and non-health areas. A wide range of activities is needed to meet the educational and training requirements of this workforce, including on the job inservice training, context specific continuing education programs and short courses, distance and self-directed learning packages, and postgraduate University level courses.

The core components of public health today include: a social and political commitment to health, a shared responsibility between government and the public, and a multidisciplinary field of action. The challenge for those providing education and training for the public health workforce is to ensure graduates have the broad range of knowledge and skills needed in this climate.

A system-wide approach to learning, where knowledge and skill development is related to the practices and settings of service and program delivery, will ensure strong links between education and practice.
A survey of potential risk factors for HIV transmission through dental practice in Japan
Authors: Aizawa Fumie , Yonemitsu Masami , Akada Hiromasa , Boutsi Elizabeth , Aizawa Yuzuru , Nishihara Tatsuji , Hanada Nobuhiro
Published: June 2011

A survey was conducted to find potential risk factors for HIV transmission through dental practice. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the members of the dental associations of various prefectures and small cities in Japan. A total of 747 questionnaires was returned by dentists. The findings revealed several problems. Gloves, masks, and other protective garments were generally worn, but most dentists did not always use them during the full course of treatment limiting usage to surgical treatment, and when treating patients in “high-risk groups” and in dental practice the exact percentage of the dentists who reused a used anesthetic liquid cartridge is 12.7%. The effectiveness of the education for dentists regarding AIDS was statistically clarified. It is obviously necessary to provide important information regarding AIDS and HIV transmission to the dentists. Potential risk for HIV transmission through dental practice will be prevented by AIDS education for the dentists.
Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Lung Function of Saudi Students
Authors: Milaat Waleed A. , EI-Ganai Fathim M.
Published: June 2011

This study was carried out to investigate the association between cigarette smoking and state of lung function among Saudi male students.

A cross sectional study was conducted on a group of 680 male Saudi students. Detailed personal questionnaire, British Medical Research Council questionnaire on respiratory symptoms and smoking habit, were administered and forced spirometry and anthropometric measurements were conducted on them. Multiple regression models were used to study the cumulative effect of smoking on the function of the lung of smoking students.

The percentage of cigarette smoking among the studied group was 20.29%. Smoking students had significantly lower values for lung function tests (FEV1%, FEF200-1200, FEF25-75, FEF75-85, and PEFR) compared to non-smokers. After controlling for other confounding variables, increased duration of smoking and number of cigarette smoked per day were significantly associated with more limitation of airflow in airways of the smoking young students. Recommendations were discussed accordingly.
Subjective Evaluation of Chewing Ability and Self-Rated General Health Status in Elderly Residents of Japan
Authors: Miura Hiroko , Arai Yumiko , Sakano Shoji , Hamada Akira , Umenai Takusei , Isogai Emiko
Published: June 2011

The purpose of the present study was to statistically analyse the relationship between subjective evaluation of chewing ability and self-rated general health status in elderly Japanese residents. Interviews were conducted with 1, 544 respondents over 65 years of age in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. The interviews included questions concerning age, sex, health status, capacity to understand conversation, chewing ability, and ADL status. First, the age-adjusted odds ratio between subjective evaluation of chewing ability and self-rated health status was 2.242 (p≤0.01). Second, the age-adjusted odds ratio between respondentive evaluation of chewing ability and ADL status was 2.572 (p<0.01). Third, the age-adjusted odds ratio between self-assessment of chewing ability and the degree of understanding conversations was 5.290 (p≤0.01). These results suggest that chewing ability is related to self-rated general health, ADL status, and the degree of understanding conversation among the elderly.
Influence of Low Birth Weight on the Intellectual Performance of Children at Entry to First Year of School
Authors: Dharmage Shyamali , Fernando Dulitha N.
Published: June 2011

Influence of low birth weight (LBW) on children at entry to school was studied by comparing a group of LBW children with a group of normal birth weight (NBW) children. A wide variety of study instruments was used to obtain required information and steps were taken to ensure quality of data. Influence of LBW on competency at entry to school was examined while accounting for the possible confounders of the relevant association.

LBW group was found to have a lower level of intellectual performance at the time of school entry. The significant factors influencing this association were: poor socio-economic status, lower duration of pre-school education, lack of availability of reading material and lower nutritional status. However the influence of LBW on performance at entry to school remained significant once the above confounders were controlled. This highlights the need to prevent LBW and to maximize the intellectual ability of LBW survivors by appropriate interventions.
Depressive Symptoms and Cigarette Smoking among Native Hawaiians
Authors: Kaholokula Joseph Keawe'aimoku , Grandinetti Andrew , Crabbe Kamana'opono M. , Chang Healani K. , Kenui Cynthia K.
Published: June 2011

The present study estimated the prevalence of depressive symptoms and cigarette smoking and examined the relationship between depressive symptoms and cigarette smoking among native Hawaiians. Cross-sectional data from 524 rural, native Hawaiian from the Native Hawaiian Health Research Project are presented. Depressive symptoms were measured using the self-report Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale. Information on smoking behavior and sociodemographic variables was collected. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 15%, and significantly higher among participants with lower educational attainment. The prevalence of current smokers was 32%, and significantly higher among younger adults and participants with lower educational attainment. Regression analyses reported a significant relationship between CES-D scores and smoking status as well as between CES-D scores and number of cigarettes smoked daily. However, when education and age were included in the regression models, the relationships were attenuated. The findings and implications of this study are discussed.
Association of Lifestyle Parameters with the Prevention of Hypertension in Elderly Japanese Men and Women: A Four-Year Follow-up of Normotensive Subjects
Authors: Kanda Akira , Hoshiyama Yoshiharu , Kawaguchi Takeshi
Published: June 2011

To study the association of lifestyle parameters with the future risk of hypertension in normotensive subjects, a baseline questionnaire and a four-year follow-up were performed in 445 normotensive Japanese at 35 to 89 years of age. In 60 to 69 year old subjects, the changes of blood pressure during four years were negatively correlated with the amount of boiled rice intake in men and with Japanese tea intake in women. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that miso-soup intake at two bowls per day or over was protective against hypertension during follow-up ( p<0.05). These results indicate that food intake is important in the prevention of hypertension in the elderly.
Life at the track: Country race clubs and social capital
Authors: Hoye Russell , Nicholson Matthew
Published: June 2011

The aim of this article is to report the findings of a study that explored both the contributions of country race clubs to social capital within rural and regional communities as well as their utilization of social capital. The article reviews the key concepts associated with social capital and their relationships to sport, and presents evidence of how country race clubs contribute to and benefit from social capital in their respective communities based on a series of interviews with individuals associated with race clubs and their communities. The final section of the article discusses the implications of these findings in relation to what we currently know of social capital and community level sport clubs.
Senses, Bodily Knowledge, and Autoethnography
Authors: Uotinen Johanna
Published: June 2011

In this article, I discuss the possibilities and limits of bodily knowledge for research. The text is based on my personal experiences as a patient in an intensive care unit (ICU). It seems that through my senses I unconsciously gained knowledge of the time I spent in the ICU. To describe this specific form of bodily knowledge, I introduce the concept of “unbeknown” knowledge, and suggest that autoethnography is a useful method for analyzing this knowledge. In conclusion, I maintain that there is a certain hierarchy for both senses and knowledge and, in spite of the possible vagueness and fuzziness of the concept, unbeknown knowledge both enhances recovery and can be used for research purposes.
How many political parties are there, really? A new measure of the ideologically cognizable number of parties/party groupings
Authors: Grofman Bernard , Kline Reuben
Published: June 2011

We offer a new measure of the ideologically cognizable number of political parties/party groupings that is intended to be complementary to the standard approach to counting the effective number of political parties – the Laakso–Taagepera index (1979). This approach allows the possibility of precise measurement of concepts such as polarized pluralism or fragmented bipolarism and is applicable to both unidimensional and multidimensional representations of party locations. Using recent CSES (Comparative Study of Electoral Systems) data on one-dimensional representations of party locations in four real-world examples (two of which are available in an online appendix), we find that Slovenia, treated initially as a five-party system, has its optimal reduction as a two-bloc/party system, as does Spain, which is treated initially as a four-party system. However, Canada, treated initially as a four-party system, has its optimal reduction as a three-bloc/party system if we look at a unidimensional representation of the party space, while it remains a four-bloc system if we draw on Johnston’s two-dimensional characterization of Canadian political competition. Finally, the Czech Republic, initially a five-party system, is optimally reduced to a system with four party groupings.
Islamists and the regime
Authors: Catalano Serida Lucrezia
Published: June 2011

This paper develops a theoretical framework for analyzing the strategic interaction between Islamists – pragmatic and dogmatic – and the regime when Shari’a-based issues are negotiated. I advance the new notion that pragmatists might be responsive to the Islamist electorate. Within the framework I generate the hypothesis that, if the regime promotes substantive reforms and the Islamist electorate supports them, then the internal cohesiveness of Islamist parties is weakened. In the case of Family Code reforms in Morocco, empirical analysis confirms that Islamists' change of strategy in 2003 – from opposing to not opposing the reforms – was due to changed preferences within the electorate in favour of reform. This change in preferences was matched by deep divisions within the Islamists of the Parti de la Justice et du Développement and had dramatic repercussions upon the internal cohesiveness of the party.
Relationship between central and peripheral atherosclerosis and left ventricular dysfunction in a community population
Authors: Tsao Connie W , Gona Philimon , Salton Carol , Murabito Joanne M , Oyama Noriko , Danias Peter G , O’Donnell Christopher J , Manning Warren J , Yeon Susan B
Published: June 2011

We aimed to determine the relationships between resting left ventricular (LV) wall motion abnormalities (WMAs), aortic plaque, and peripheral artery disease (PAD) in a community cohort. A total of 1726 Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort participants (806 males, 65 ± 9 years) underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance with quantification of aortic plaque volume and assessment of regional left ventricular systolic function. Claudication, lower extremity revascularization, and ankle–brachial index (ABI) were recorded at the most contemporaneous examination visit. WMAs were associated with greater aortic plaque burden, decreased ABI, and claudication in age- and sex-adjusted analyses (all p < 0.001), which were not significant after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. In age- and sex-adjusted analyses, both the presence ( p < 0.001) and volume of aortic plaque were associated with decreased ABI ( p < 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, an ABI ≤ 0.9 or prior revascularization was associated with a threefold odds of aortic plaque ( p = 0.0083). Plaque volume significantly increased with decreasing ABI in multivariable-adjusted analyses ( p < 0.0001). In this free-living population, associations of WMAs with aortic plaque burden and clinical measures of PAD were attenuated after adjustment for coronary heart disease risk factors. Aortic plaque volume and ABI remained strongly negatively correlated after multivariable adjustment. Our findings suggest that the association between coronary heart disease and non-coronary atherosclerosis is explained by cardiovascular risk factors. Aortic atherosclerosis and PAD remain strongly associated after multivariable adjustment, suggesting shared mechanisms beyond those captured by traditional risk factors.
The association of arterial shear and flow-mediated dilation in diabetes
Authors: Gibbs Bethany Barone , Dobrosielski Devon A , Lima Michael , Bonekamp Susanne , Stewart Kerry J , Clark Jeanne M
Published: June 2011

While adjusting flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a measure of vascular function, for shear rate may be important when evaluating endothelial-dependent vasodilation, the relationship of FMD with shear rate in study populations with cardiovascular risk factors is unclear. We aimed to investigate the association of four measures of shear rate (peak shear rate (SRpeak) and shear rate area under the curve through 30 seconds (SRAUC 0–30), 60 seconds (SRAUC 0–60), and time to peak dilation (SRAUC 0–ttp)) with FMD in 50 study subjects with type 2 diabetes and mild hypertension undergoing baseline FMD testing for an exercise intervention trial. Associations among measures of shear rate and FMD were evaluated using Pearson’s correlations and R2. The four measures of shear rate were highly correlated within subjects, with Pearson’s correlations ranging from 0.783 ( p < 0.001) to 0.972 ( p < 0.001). FMD was associated with each measure of shear rate, having a correlation of 0.576 ( p < 0.001) with SRAUC 0–30, 0.529 ( p < 0.001) with SRAUC 0–60, and 0.512 ( p < 0.001) with SRpeak. Nine of 50 subjects (18%) did not dilate following the shear stimulus. Among the 41 responders, FMD had a correlation of 0.517 ( p < 0.001) with SRAUC 0–ttp and similar correlations to those found in the full sample for SRAUC 0–30, SRAUC 0–60, and SRpeak. In conclusion, shear rate appears to explain up to a third of between-person variability in FMD response and our results support the reporting of shear rate and FMD with and without adjustment for shear rate in similar clinical populations with CVD risk factors.
The effect of optimism on depression: The mediating and moderating role of insomnia
Authors: Cheuk Yan Sing  , Wong Wing S
Published: June 2011

This article aims to clarify if insomnia exerts a mediating or moderating effect on the optimism-depression association in Chinese college students. 529 Chinese college students completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R) and the Multidimensional Scale of Social Support (MSPSS). The results failed to show any moderating effect but after adjustment for age, gender and social support, a mediating effect was observed. In conclusion, insomnia qualifies as a mediator, suggesting considerable variance in depressive symptoms of college students could be due to change in their sleep status.
Do Parents Maintain or Exacerbate Pediatric Functional Abdominal Pain? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Van Der Veek Shelley M.C. , Derkx H.H.F. , De Haan Else , Benninga Marc A. , Plak Rachel D. , Boer Frits
Published: June 2011

Parents may maintain or exacerbate functional abdominal pain (FAP) in children through modeling of physical symptoms and solicitous responses to the child’s complaints. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine these relationships. Parents of children with FAP reported more physical symptoms than parents of healthy children (effect size d = .36). As all studies were cross-sectional or retrospective, the causal direction was unclear. For parental responses to child complaints, not enough studies were available to perform a meta-analysis. We conclude that the present literature is unfit to establish whether parents maintain or exacerbate pediatric FAP through the processes investigated.
Adjustment and Coping in Spousal Caregivers Following a Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Dickson Adele , O’Brien Grainne , Ward Richard , Flowers Paul , Allan David , O’Carroll Ronan
Published: June 2011

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 spousal caregivers to people with a traumatic spinal cord injury and were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Here, we present two inter-related master themes: (1) coping with the spousal caregiver role; and (2) putting the pieces back together again. Within these, the analysis describes how regular venting of emotion, social support and focusing on the positive aspects of the situation all promoted coping. Adjustment was reportedly hindered by the introduction of paid caregivers as this represented a loss of privacy and power for the participants. The findings are discussed in relation to the wider literature and recommendations for future caregiver support are highlighted.
Thanking and reciprocating under the New Zealand organ donation system
Authors: Shaw Rhonda
Published: June 2011

Organ donation and transplantation has been extensively addressed in the biomedical and bioethics literature in relation to debates around organ allocation and procurement strategies, and concerns about consent, coercion and commodification. This article addresses the topic sociologically, drawing on data from face-to-face in-depth interviews undertaken between 2008 and 2010 with organ and tissue recipients, anonymous altruistic donors and donor family members to discuss questions of reciprocity and intercorporeality that arise in the course of tissue exchange. In particular, the article examines the place of anonymity protocol for organ donors and transplantation recipients in New Zealand and their responses to conventions and scripts surrounding this rule. The article concludes by calling for discussion to re-examine anonymity protocol and rituals around organ donation and transplantation, citing lessons from gamete donation policies and recent law in New Zealand as productive for thinking through matters of personhood and identity relating to organ transfer.
Profile as promise: A framework for conceptualizing veracity in online dating self-presentations
Authors: Ellison Nicole B. , Hancock Jeffrey T. , Toma Catalina L.
Published: June 2011

This research explores how users conceptualize misrepresentation (their own and others’) in a specific genre of online self-presentation: the online dating profile. Using qualitative data collected from 37 online dating participants, we explore user understandings of self-presentational practices, specifically how discrepancies between one’s online profile and offline presentation are constructed, assessed, and justified. Based on our analysis, we propose the profile as promise framework as an analytic lens that captures user understandings about profile-based representation through a qualitative analysis of their retrospective reflections.
Polylingual and polycultural learning ecologies: Mediating emergent academic literacies for dual language learners
Authors: Gutiérrez Kris D. , Bien Andrea C. , Selland Makenzie K. , Pierce Daisy M.
Published: June 2011

In this article, we examine the affordances of polylingual and polycultural learning ecologies in expanding the linguistic repertoires of children, particularly young Dual Language Learners. In contrast to settings that promote the development of English and academic language at the expense of maintaining and developing home language, we argue that the social organization of learning should privilege participation in dynamic, hybrid literacy practices. Children are often more likely to experiment with English and academic genres, while also taking on powerful identities as learners and language users, when formal and informal modes of communication are leveraged, multimodality and language-crossing encouraged and the use of both home and academic vernaculars promoted within a context that values social relationships and the playful imagination. We argue that children’s literacy practices develop in particular social and ‘located’ relationships, and we examine one such after-school setting designed with these principles in mind, the long-standing UC Links/Las Redes partnership, where home languages and intercultural experiences are unmarked and necessarily integral to participating in the shared practices of the community. We highlight the affordance of one common practice of the community, children s communication with the mythical cyber wizard, El Maga (sic), and the ways this practice strategically draws on students full linguistic toolkits in order to invite them to integrate modes and genres of communication that challenge the divide between everyday and school-based literacies, stretching children beyond their current levels of literacy development.
Barriers in the Implementation of a Physical Activity Intervention in Primary Care Settings
Authors: Josyula Lakshmi K. , Lyle Roseann M.
Published: June 2011

Barriers encountered in implementing a physical activity intervention in primary health care settings, and ways to address them, are described in this paper. A randomized comparison trial was designed to examine the impact of health care providers’ written prescriptions for physical activity, with or without additional physical activity resources, to adult, nonpregnant patients on preventive care or chronic disease monitoring visits. Following abysmal recruitment outcomes, the research protocol was altered to make it more appealing to all the participants, i.e., health care providers, office personnel, and patients. Various barriers—financial, motivational, and executive—to the implementation of health promotion interventions in primary health care settings were experienced and identified. These barriers have been classified by the different participants in the research process, viz., healthcare providers, administrative personnel, researchers, and patients. Some of the barriers identified were lack of time and reimbursement for health promotion activities, and inadequate practice capacity, for health care providers; increased time and labor demands for administrative personnel; constrained access to participants, and limited funding, for researchers; and superseding commitments, and inaccurate comprehension of the research protocol, for patients. Solutions suggested to overcome these barriers include financial support, e.g., funding for researchers, remuneration for health care organization personnel, reimbursement for providers, payment for participants, and free or subsidized postage, and use of health facilities; motivational strategies such as inspirational leadership, and contests within health care organizations; and partnerships, with other expert technical and creative entities, to improve the quality, efficiency, and acceptability of health promotion interventions.
Comparison of surgical treatment and nonoperative management for radial longitudinal deficiency
Authors: Kotwal P. P. , Varshney M. K. , Soral A.
Published: June 2011

We compared the radiological and functional outcomes in patients with radial longitudinal deficiency treated surgically with those managed nonoperatively and correlated the ease of performance of activities with radiological and functional parameters in the two groups. A retrospective analysis was done in 446 type 3 and 4 hands (modified Bayne classification) over 20 years comparing the subjective assessment, objective and functional scores in nonoperatively managed hands (Group 1; n = 137) to hands managed with centralization or radialization (Group 2; n = 309). The subjective, objective and functional measures were significantly better in Group 2. Improved alignment, finger and wrist range of motion and grip strength were related to improvement in functional score. Surgical treatment of radial longitudinal deficiency provides improvement in cosmesis, function and ease of performance of activities when compared with nonoperatively managed hands.
What’s Wrong with Morality?
Authors: Batson C. Daniel
Published: June 2011

Why do moral people so often fail to act morally? Standard scientific answers point to poor moral judgment (based on deficient character development, reason, or intuition) or to situational pressure. I consider a third possibility: a relative lack of truly moral motivation and emotion. What has been taken for moral motivation is often instead a subtle form of egoism. Recent research provides considerable evidence for moral hypocrisy—motivation to appear moral while, if possible, avoid the cost of actually being moral—but very little evidence for moral integrity—motivation to actually be moral. The lack of truly moral motivation may, in turn, be linked to a lack of truly moral emotion, at least in response to violation of certain moral standards.
Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex and the Future of Morality
Authors: Ciaramelli Elisa , di Pellegrino Giuseppe
Published: June 2011

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) is crucial for moral behavior, yet the mechanism through which the VMPFC promotes moral behavior remains unclear. In this article, we emphasize that moral choice is often intertemporal, requiring foregoing short-term gains in favor of future outcomes of larger value. We propose that the VMPFC may be necessary for mental time travel (MTT), a cognitive process enabling vivid preexperiencing of future outcomes. By providing anticipated outcomes that inform decisions, MTT may promote farsighted, moral behaviors.
The Ordinary Concept of Happiness (and Others Like It)
Authors: Phillips Jonathan , Misenheimer Luke , Knobe Joshua
Published: June 2011

The authors provide evidence for a distinction between two fundamentally different kinds of emotion concepts. Certain concepts serve simply to pick out a psychological state, whereas others involve a role for moral evaluation.
Me, My “Self” and You: Neuropsychological Relations between Social Emotion, Self-Awareness, and Morality
Authors: Immordino-Yang Mary Helen
Published: June 2011

Social emotions about others’ mind states, for example, compassion for psychological pain or admiration for virtue, are an important foundation for morality because they help us decide how to treat other people. Although these emotions are ostensibly concerned with the mental qualities and situations of others, they can precipitate intimately subjective reflections on the quality of one’s own social life and mind, and via these reflections incite a desire to engage in meaningful moral actions. Our interview and neural data suggest that the shift from social emotion to introspection may be facilitated by conscious mental evaluation of emotion-related visceral sensations.
A Puzzle about Empathy
Authors: Roskies Adina L.
Published: June 2011

Is empathy important for moral behavior? To answer this we will have to be conceptually clearer, empirically more detailed, and pay attention to the neural mechanisms underlying empathy-related phenomena.