bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ankle Load Modulates Hip Kinetics and EMG During Human Locomotion
Authors: Gordon Keith E. , Wu Ming , Kahn Jennifer H. , Dhaher Yasin Y. , Schmit Brian D.
Published: February 2009

The purpose of this research was to examine the role of isolated ankle-foot load in regulating locomotor patterns in humans with and without spinal cord injury (SCI). We used a powered ankle-foot orthosis to unilaterally load the ankle and foot during robotically assisted airstepping. The load perturbation consisted of an applied dorsiflexion torque designed to stimulate physiological load sensors originating from the ankle plantar flexor muscles and pressure receptors on the sole of the foot. We hypothesized that 1) the response to load would be phase specific with enhanced ipsilateral extensor muscle activity and joint torque occurring when unilateral ankle-foot load was provided during the stance phase of walking and 2) that the phasing of subject produced hip moments would be modulated by varying the timing of the applied ankle-foot load within the gait cycle. As expected, both SCI and nondisabled subjects demonstrated a significant increase ( P < 0.05) in peak hip extension moments (142 and 43% increase, respectively) when given ankle-foot load during the stance phase compared with no ankle-foot load. In SCI subjects, this enhanced hip extension response was accompanied by significant increases ( P < 0.05) in stance phase gluteus maximus activity (27% increase). In addition, when ankle-foot load was applied either 200 ms earlier or later within the gait cycle, SCI subjects demonstrated significant phase shifts (∼100 ms) in hip moment profile ( P < 0.05; i.e., the onset of hip extension moments occurred earlier when ankle-foot load was applied earlier). This study provides new insights into how individuals with spinal cord injury use sensory feedback from ankle-foot load afferents to regulate hip joint moments and muscle activity during gait.
Mental Arithmetic Leads to Multiple Discrete Changes From Baseline in the Firing Patterns of Human Thalamic Neurons
Authors: Kim J. H. , Ohara S. , Lenz F. A.
Published: February 2009

Primate thalamic action potential bursts associated with low-threshold spikes (LTS) occur during waking sensory and motor activity. We now test the hypothesis that different firing and LTS burst characteristics occur during quiet wakefulness (spontaneous condition) versus mental arithmetic (counting condition). This hypothesis was tested by thalamic recordings during the surgical treatment of tremor. Across all neurons and epochs, preburst interspike intervals (ISIs) were bimodal at median values, consistent with the duration of type A and type B γ-aminobutyric acid inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. Neuronal spike trains (117 neurons) were categorized by joint ISI distributions into those firing as LTS bursts (G, grouped), firing as single spikes (NG, nongrouped), or firing as single spikes with sporadic LTS bursting (I, intermediate). During the spontaneous condition (46 neurons) only I spike trains changed category. Overall, burst rates (BRs) were lower and firing rates (FRs) were higher during the counting versus the spontaneous condition. Spike trains in the G category sometimes changed to I and NG categories at the transition from the spontaneous to the counting condition, whereas those in the I category often changed to NG. Among spike trains that did not change category by condition, G spike trains had lower BRs during counting, whereas NG spike trains had higher FRs. BRs were significantly greater than zero for G and I categories during wakefulness (both conditions). The changes between the spontaneous and counting conditions are most pronounced for the I category, which may be a transitional firing pattern between the bursting (G) and relay modes of thalamic firing (NG).
Chlorophyll Detection and Mapping of Shallow Water Impoundments Using Image Spectrometry
Authors: Artigas Francisco , Marti Alex , Yao Norman , Pechmann Ildiko
Published: February 2009

There exists a common perception that chlorophyll a concentrations in tidal coastal waters are unsuitable to be captured by remote sensing techniques because of high water turbidity. In this study, we use band index measurements to separate active chlorophyll pigments from other constituents in the water. Published single- and multiband spectral indices are used to establish a relationship between algal chlorophyll concentration and reflectance data. We find an index which is suitable to map chlorophyll gradients in the impoundments, ditches, and associated waterways of the Hackensack Meadowlands (NJ, USA). The resulting images clearly depict the spatial distribution of plant pigments and their relationship with the biological conditions of the waters in the estuary. Since these biological conditions are often determined by land usage, the methods in this paper provide a simple tool to address water quality management issues in fragmented urban estuaries.
Off‐Design Considerations through the Properties of Some Pressure‐Ratio Line of Radial Inflow Turbines
Authors: Binder N. , Carbonneau X. , Chassaing P.
Published: February 2009

Radial turbines are commonly used in applications involving operation through severe off‐design conditions. The emergence of variable‐geometry systems leads to the distinction between two off‐design concepts: operational and geometric off‐designs. Both of these operating constraints should be integrated in the design procedure. Recent developments in prediction and optimization methods allowed such an integration, but involving complex algorithms is coupled with semiempiric loss models. This paper provides a basis to obtain simple information from an existing or predesigned machine, for both operational and geometric off‐design conditions. An alternative turbine map is defined using loading and flow coefficients. A one‐dimensional analysis shows that the constant pressure‐ratio lines are straight lines whose slope is remarkably correlated with the pressure‐ratio value and geometrical characteristics. This theoretical approach is validated against the experimentation of two machines, the linearity is observed in both cases. The direct influence of the stator configuration on the pressure‐ratio lines confirms the applicability of this work to variable‐geometry stages. A dimensionless cross‐section of the stator is thus defined. However, the unexpected displacement of the intercept of the pressure‐ratio lines limits the application field of this method. Nevertheless, a simple performance prediction analysis is proposed for blocked mass flow operation.
Simultaneous Determination of Genomic DNA Methylation and Uracil Misincorporation
Authors: Chango Abalo , Abdel Nour Afif M. , Niquet Celine , Tessier Frederic J.
Published: February 2009

Objective: To develop a method for the simultaneous measurement of 5-methylcytosine (5-metC) and 2’-deoxyuridine monophosphate (dU). Materials and Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from the HepG2 cell line grown in experimental complete medium or in folate-depleted medium. Samples were treated with RNAse A and RNAse T1 to avoid any RNA contamination. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/electrospray ionization mass spectrometric (ESI-MS) method was used to separate nucleotides after enzymatic hydrolysis of DNA with nuclease P1, phosphodiesterase I and alkaline phosphatase. Results: Using this sensitive new methodology, we were able to quantify simultaneously the concentration of DNA-5-metC and DNA-uracil in DNA. The linear correlation coefficient (R2) between the MS signal and the concentration of 5-metC in a range of 0.5–5 μM or dU in a range of 10–100 μM was 0.9954 and 0.9999, respectively. The coefficient of variation was 16.94 and 14.77%, respectively. The applicability of this assay is demonstrated by detection of a decrease in 5-metC% and elevation of dU/thymidylate (dT) into genomic DNA extracted from the HepG2 cell line grown in a folate-depleted medium. Conclusion: Our results confirm that the HPLC/ESI-MS method reported earlier for measuring 5-metC allows measurement of uracil misincorporation into DNA.
Association of Low Heart Rate Variability with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Longenecker J.C. , Zubaid M. , Johny K.V. , Attia A.I. , Ali J. , Rashed W. , Suresh C.G. , Omar M.
Published: February 2009

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the left-ventricular (LV) mass-adjusted association between low heart rate variability (HRV) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among hemodialysis patients in Kuwait. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and eight patients were enrolled in the study. HRV time domain measures were obtained by 48-hour Holter monitoring, including the standard deviation of all R-wave-to-R-wave (RR) intervals (SDNN), standard deviation of all 5-min averaged intervals (SDANN), HRV triangular index (HRV-TI), percent of adjacent RR intervals differing by >50 ms (pNN50), and root mean square of sums of squares of all differences (rMSSD). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV mass index (LVMI) were measured by M-mode echocardiography. Comorbidity was assessed using medical record review. Prevalent ASCVD was defined as coronary artery, cerebrovascular, or peripheral vascular disease. Results: Prevalence of ASCVD, LV hypertrophy, and LVEF <40% were 56, 59, and 10%, respectively. The SDANN was negatively associated with ASCVD (–20 ms; p = 0.003), LV systolic dysfunction (–20 ms; p = 0.001), elevated LVMI (–20 ms; p = 0.002), hypertension (–34 ms; p = 0.01), and diabetes (–20 ms; p = 0.001). After adjustment for hypertension and LVMI using logistic regression, ASCVD was associated with the lowest quartile of SDANN (OR = 4.3, p = 0.009), HRV-TI (OR = 3.3, p = 0.03), and SDNN (OR = 2.3, p = 0.10). These associations persisted after adjusting for LVEF. Conclusion: In dialysis patients, low HRV indices were strongly associated with prevalent ASCVD, independent of LVMI and LVEF. The interrelationships among HRV, diabetes, hypertension, and LVMI should be addressed in studies of HRV and ASCVD.
Treatment of Penetrating Hepatic Injuries: A Retrospective Analysis of 50 Patients
Authors: Gonullu D. , Koksoy F.N. , Ilgun S. , Demiray O. , Yucel O. , Yucel T.
Published: February 2009

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the possibility of non-operative treatment via retrospective analysis of our patients. Methods: Fifty patients with penetrating hepatic injuries were examined retrospectively with respect to trauma scores, associated injuries, complications, and mortality parameters. Results: Thirteen injuries were caused by firearms, whereas 37 injuries were caused by stab wounds. Forty-three patients (86%) underwent laparotomy and 7 patients (14%) were monitored by CT and clinical findings (nonoperative group, NO group). The laparotomies were evaluated as non-therapeutic in 11 patients (22%) (NTL group) and therapeutic in 32 patients (64%) (TL group). The morbidity and mortality rates were 40 and 10%, respectively. RTS and ISS scores of the nonsurviving and the surviving patients were significantly different. The rates of major venous, grade IV–V hepatic injuries, and gunshot wounds were significantly higher in the nonsurviving patients when compared to the surviving patients. Conclusion: Major venous and grade IV–V hepatic injuries were the primary factors determining mortality and these injuries generally occurred as a result of firearm injuries. NTL occurring at a rate of 22% would decrease to 2% if ‘RTS <7’ criteria was added to the hemodynamic instability and/or peritoneal irritation findings determining surgical candidacy.
Some of the People, Some of the Time
Authors: Bryant Penelope A. , Robins-Browne Roy , Carapetis Jonathan R. , Curtis Nigel
Published: February 2009

Acute rheumatic fever is a major cause of heart disease in large parts of the world, but it remains unknown why only a small fraction of those who are infected with rheumatogenic group A streptococci develop an abnormal immune response that leads to acute rheumatic fever. An understanding of the mechanisms underlying host susceptibility can provide important insights into pathogenesis that in turn can inform new treatments. Extensive searches for susceptibility factors have been undertaken, including human leukocyte antigens, B-cell alloantigens, and cytokine genes. Although significant associations have been found between genetic factors and acute rheumatic fever, study results often conflict with each other. This review explores current understanding about host susceptibility to acute rheumatic fever and provides an overall perspective to the number of studies that have recently addressed this subject.
Commentary: Growth Prospects and Financial Services
Authors: Weale Martin
Published: February 2009

Over the past twenty years the expansion of the British economy has been supported by growth in the financial services industry. With the onset of the financial crisis it seems most unlikely that the financial services industry can, in the future, act as the sort of motor of growth that it had done in the past. This commentary provides an overview of the role of the financial services sector in the economy over the past twenty years and assesses likely developments in the future. It first assesses the contribution of the sector to the economy and then considers the issues surrounding its likely shape in the future.
The World Economy: The global cost of delaying bank stability
Authors: Holland Dawn , Barrell Ray , Fic Tatiana , Hurst Ian , Liadze Iana , Orazgani Ali , Pillonca Vladimir
Published: February 2009

In October 2008, we were already projecting that 2009 would see the worst recession in the OECD economies since 1982, and if the resolution of problems in the banking sector were to be delayed then the outcome would be much worse. We are now facing the deepest global recession in post-war history, with global growth of just ½ per cent expected this year. Output in the OECD group of economies is projected to decline by 1.8 per cent this year, with annual declines in output anticipated in all the G7 economies, even after all fiscal stimulus packages are taken into account. We estimate that about 0.8 per cent of global GDP, or roughly $550 billion, will be lost this year due to the delay in restoring capital adequacy in the banking sector in the major economies over the past three months.
The World Economy: Fiscal expansions in North America
Authors: Holland Dawn , Barrell Ray , Fic Tatiana , Hurst Ian , Liadze Iana , Orazgani Ali , Pillonca Vladimir
Published: February 2009

According to the formal dating of the business cycle by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), the US economy reached a peak of economic activity in December 2007, which marks the beginning of the US recession. While some economists tend to refer to a technical recession as two consecutive quarters of decline in real GDP, the NBER uses a broader definition of ‘a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy and lasting more than a few months, normally visible in production, employment, real income, and other indicators'. The committee pays particular attention to payroll employment, which has declined by 1.9 per cent since the peak reached in December 2007, allowing the unemployment rate to reach 7.2 per cent in December 2008, the highest rate since 1992. We expect a sharper decline in US employment this year, and see the unemployment rate reaching 10½ per cent in 2010, the highest level since a brief peak in 1982.
Market Value without a Market: Perspectives from Transaction Cost Theory
Authors: Mooya Manya M.
Published: February 2009

The concept of market value is central to the property valuation profession world-wide. While the valuers themselves still remain hugely influential in the market, there is increasing evidence of widespread scepticism about their skills. This article engages with the question why valuers remain important despite the parlous state of their craft. Using insights provided by transaction cost theory, this article argues that market value, as a knowable, determinate and autonomous figure, does not exist because market conditions necessary for its emergence are not found in reality. To account for the continued importance of valuers, the article proposes an alternative theory of market value, one which emphasises its role as a transaction-cost-minimising device.
A Comparison of Statistical Significance Tests for Selecting Equating Functions
Authors: Moses Tim
Published: February 2009

This study compared the accuracies of nine previously proposed statistical significance tests for selecting identity, linear, and equipercentile equating functions in an equivalent groups equating design. The strategies included likelihood ratio tests for the loglinear models of tests' frequency distributions, regression tests, Kolmogorov—Smirnov tests, and equated score difference tests. Results showed that the most accurate strategies were the likelihood ratio tests and the equated score difference tests. The implications of these results are discussed in terms of applications to equating practice.
Quintuplets and a Mother's Determination to Provide Human Milk: It Takes a Village to Raise a Baby—How About Five?
Authors: Szucs Kinga A. , Axline Sherry E. , Rosenman Marc B.
Published: February 2009

This is the first published case of quintuplets who breastfeed and receive expressed mother's own milk and supplemental pasteurized donor human milk. In this case, all 5 babies receive exclusively human milk at 7 months. This result is achieved because of the mother's strong advocacy for human milk feedings and a remarkable support system of 200 individuals drawn from family, friends, and congregation. J Hum Lact. 25(1):79-84.
Freedom, Revolt and `Citizenship'
Authors: Butler Udi Mandel
Published: February 2009

This article investigates the experiences, identities and aspirations of children and adolescents living on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, formed as they are around the conditions of exclusion, violence and discrimination. Significant here are experiences of revolta — revolt or rage — the aspiration for freedom through life on the street and the desire to be considered a citizen, like everyone else. The complexity of these experiences and aspirations in a society that continues to discriminate and curtail possibilities for social mobility are outlined.
Parent Participation At School
Authors: Vyverman Veerle , Vettenburg Nicole
Published: February 2009

The present article discusses the attitude of children towards parent participation at school. To this end, a quantitative study was conducted among 250 10-year-old children in Flanders. The analysis shows that children tend to rather like parent participation, and that this attitude is related to the extent to which parents participate. Children from `deprived' schools tend to like parent participation better. This article argues that children should be approached as fully-fledged, active participants in their parents' participation process and that it is necessary to take account of the specific perspectives of children on this topic.
The Controlled Study of Torture Victims
Authors: Petersen Hans D.
Published: February 2009

Sequelae to torture have only been described in recent years. Only few controlled and no longitudinal studies have been made. Such studies are encumbered with many difficulties. Torture victims included in documentary and scientific studies have been selected on several levels. Certain forms of exposure e.g. torture and exile, which often occur simultaneously, may cause identical clinical pictures. Thus, some of the health effects of torture may be concealed in controlled studies in which matching is very close. Small populations present a considerable risk of confounding. So far, only simple methods have been used to assess the health of torture victims quantitatively. The validity of these methods is not known. In the future, methods used for health assessment of torture victims should be evaluated. Longitudinal studies may disclose characteristics for victims with specific prognostic features and may thereby be helpful when setting priorities and choosing strategies for treatment.
Mortality and Social Class in Sweden — Exploring a New Epidemiological Tool
Authors: Vågerö Denny , Norell Staffan E.
Published: February 2009

Total mortality, mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease, and other causes of death, were examined for three social groups and ten socio-economic groups in Sweden. The study included all subjects born in the country between 1896 and 1940 who were economically active in 1960—1.9 million men and 0.7 million women. Information on social and socio-economic status, and other social and demographic characteristics, was obtained from the 1960 Census. Information on cause-specific mortality during the period 1961-68 was obtained from a record linkage with the Cause of Death Registry. The analyses were based on 112469 deaths and 21 million person years at risk. Information on smoking habits was obtained from a sample of 55000 from the Census population. CHD mortality for women was high among manual workers, SMR=110 (95% confidence limits 104-117), and low among non-manual workers, SMR=84 (78-91). CNS-vascular mortality for women was also high among manual workers, SMR=107 (110-115), and low among non-manual workers, SMR=89 (82-97). Heavy smoking was more common among non-manual workers in both sexes, which may have contributed to a reverse social class gradient among men, with non-manual male workers being at higher risk for CHD than manual male workers. Farmers (and agricultural workers) generally had a low mortality. Other self-employed men and women had a high total mortality, a high mortality from CHD and CNS-vascular disease—and a high proportion of heavy smokers. There remain differences in mortality between social and socio-economic groups which cannot be explained by smoking habits, age, gender, urbanization, region of residence and marital status.
Mortality among Criminals with Suspected Mental Disturbance
Authors: Lidberg Lars , Wiklund Nils , Jakobsson Sten W.
Published: February 2009

Mortality rates and cause of death are reported from a long-term follow-up study of 620 Swedish criminals who were subjects of a forensic psychiatric examination in 1965-1968. The results show that there is an increased mortality rate in criminals mainly due to violent deaths (suicides, accidents) and diseases related to alcohol abuse. The increased mortality was found in all age groups throughout the follow-up period of 13-16 years. The total mortality was 17%. An analysis of different mortality risk factors showed that drug abuse, type of crime (violent crimes or property crimes) and criminal recidivism did not further increase the mortality risk. There were relatively few deaths due to overdose of drugs. Alcohol abuse increased the mortality rate significantly.
Functional Capacity and Associated Factors in Elderly Finnish Men
Authors: Lammi Ulla-Kaija , Kivelä Sirkka-Liisa , Nissinen Aulikki , Pekkanen Juha , Punsar Sven
Published: February 2009

Functional capacity and associated factors were studied in 321 men from eastern Finland and 395 men from southwestern Finland in connection with the 25-year follow-up survey of the East-West Study. The survey was carried out in autumn 1984, when the men were 65-84 years of age. In the measurement of different activities of daily living, 55 to 95% in the east and 62 to 97% in the south-west reported that they managed daily activities without another person's help. Both the mean age of the men and the mean of the sum index of functional capacity as stratified by age were in southwestern Finland significantly higher than in eastern Finland. Older age groups had lower functional capacity in both areas. Lowered functional capacity was associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and impairments of vision in both areas, and with impairments of the locomotor system in the south-west. High pulmonary function was associated with high functional capacity. No connection was found between smoking and functional capacity, but heavier alcohol and coffee consumption were associated with high functional capacity.
Factors Influencing the Turnover of Swedish Professional Drivers
Authors: Hedberg Gudrun E. , Langendoen Stina M.
Published: February 2009

The aim of the study was to investigate the occupational turnover among Swedish professional drivers in order to explain if there is a health-based dropout from the job. The retrospective study covered the period from 1974 to 1985 and included 1731 male members of the Swedish Transport Workers' Union in 1974. A questionnaire concerning occupation since 1974 was sent 1986 to 1567 subjects (91% of the sample); 84% replied, of whom 55% were still working as professional drivers, 29% had switched to another trade, and 14% had retired. An AID analysis showed that the variables age and education reduced the variance of the number of change of job most between 30 and 54 years of age and the variable location at the age of 29 or younger. The most common reasons for leaving the trade were irregular working hours, musculoskeletal complaints and dissatisfaction with the salary. Older drivers often stated health factors such as musculoskeletal complaints and cardiovascular diseases as reasons for leaving the trade.
Theoretical and empirical problems in the assessment of alternative medical technologies
Authors: Lynöe Niels
Published: February 2009

Critical situations help to clarify and define otherwise indistinct and vague phenomena. The paradigm-collision which occurs when assessing alternative medical phenomena against the background of a medical school paradigm is analogous to a critical situation. An analysis of the conditions for such an appraisal has helped to highlight aspects which are not normally ascribed any great significance in the assessment of technology. It turns out that theoretical requirements, the specific concept and certain irrational elements play a large role in the assessment of medical and alternative medical technology. One conclusion is that in the appraisal of e.g. alternative medical technology, one must take into account these conditions for forming a judgement, as a basic requirement for an objective appraisal of the technology in question.
Age and Injury Severity
Authors: Brorsson Bengt
Published: February 2009

This study aims at showing if and to what extent injury severity in frontal car crashes increases with the age of front seat occupants. Data on 2658 belted drivers and front seat passengers in Volvo private car series 140, 240 and 740/760, involved in frontal crashes were extracted from the Volvo Car Crash Register.

The results show that the risk of injury resulting in “medical observation” does not increase systematically with age. However, the risk of fracture with any localization is more than three times higher among those aged 65-74 than in those aged 18-24, and the risk of fracture in the rib cage is nearly eleven times higher among the older than in the younger age group. It can be concluded that the incidence of specific types of injuries—as exemplified with fractures of any localization and fractures in the rib cage—increases with advancing age.
Accident Involvement and Attitudes towards Hazards and Countermeasures in a Swedish Rural Population
Authors: Jansson Bjarne , Eriksson Carl-Gunnar
Published: February 2009

Research on the resistance to implementation of effective injury control measures is needed. An important task is to identity factors or circumstances that influence the possibilities of taking active safety measures, and also factors that may limit or hinder such efforts. The objective of this study was to describe the farmers' own attitudes towards farm accident hazards and their interest in participating in preventive measures. The study is part of a project to develop systems for injury surveillance and control in Swedish emergency care. A standardised questionnaire for telephone interviews was used. All patients who had consulted an emergency department during a one-year period for injuries caused by accidents on 2,454 farms in two Swedish rural municipalities were interviewed. The results demonstrated that adults, especially young adults with small children, seem to be most conscious of accident risks and best motivated for participation in active safety measures, e.g. safety education.
Simply osteoporosis — or multifactorial genesis for the increasing incidence of fall injuries in the elderly? The need for a scientific approach to reducing injuries
Authors: Svanström Leif
Published: February 2009

Both the high and rising incidence of injuries in old age and a situation where accidents are looked upon as “super-human” events, impossible to prevent, call for a scientific approach to the problem.

Another strong reason for stressing the scientific approach is the complex aetiological origin of injuries in the elderly. Individual factors as well as factors overrepresented in the injured population must find a developed model as site for their importance compared to agent factors and environmental factors. If not, there will be an everlasting contradiction between the discussion on monofactorial “causes” of injuries like osteoporosis, lacking physical exercise, environmental risks, etc.

Still another reason is that the present serious situation with an increasing incidence of injuries in the elderly call for urgent preventive programmes as well as development of operation methods, rehabilitation methods and environmental changes. Unfortunately, in spite of the importance and magnitude of the number of injuries as a publich health problem, relative little scientific attention has been given to the area of injury control. In the paper it is concluded that there is a need for model development. These models should combine an epidemiological approach with a behavioural scientific method as well as a system-oriented model. Such models are available in occupational injury prevention and should as well be tested in prevention of injuries in the elderly.
Varicella Among Immigrants from the Tropics, a Health Problem
Authors: Kjersem Helge , Jepsen Søren
Published: February 2009

The incidence of varicella in Tamil refugees in Denmark was evaluated. Of 256 Tamils, 44% developed varicella infection in the first few months after arrival, representing 38% of the adults, and 68% of the children. During approximately four months' observation in Denmark, 75% of the refugees with no history of varicella developed a typical infection whereas only 2% of those with a history of varicella developed the disease. Tropical refugees with a negative history of varicella must therefore be considered non-immune. Nine of 44 fertile women were pregnant. Two aquired the varicella infection during the first-trimester, none in relation to delivery. By organizing a health-check on arrival, prophylactic measures can reduce the health hazard of varicella infection in refugees from the tropics.
Illness behaviour in mental ill-health in Kuwait
Authors: El-Islam M. Fakhr , Abu-Dagga Sanaa I.
Published: February 2009

Two hundred and eight individuals were interviewed in order to study the behaviour they adopt in relation to the most common somatic and emotional symptoms of mental ill-health. Illness behaviour included ignoring, brooding, self-help and consultation of others. Older individuals tended more frequently to resort to meditation, native healers and doctors. Males consulted doctors more than females. Brooding was more frequent in well educated subjects. A group of married expatriates who left their wives in their original countries were the most likely to consult doctors. Education and marital status were the most predictive of brooding and self-help behaviour.

Self-help was the most commonly adopted illness behaviour. The results are explained in terms of the social and cultural background of the individuals studied because this influences their methods of expressing distress and their action in relation to symptoms.
Male Partners in Infertile Couples. Personal Attitudes and Contact with the Norwegian Health Service
Authors: Oldereid Nan B , Rui Hallgeir , Purvis Kenneth
Published: February 2009

The present study summarizes the results of a questionnaire sent to 312 men involved in a fertility investigation. The answers illustrate the psychological problems linked to the infertile state, indicate that men are generally well orientated about the extent of the problem and imply an increasing negative attitude to donor insemination. In the majority of cases, the infertile couples first contacted a gynecologist rather than a general practitioner or other specialist. In over one third of the cases, this contact occurred within the first 12 months of attempting to procure a pregnancy. In most cases, the male partner was already involved in the fertility investigation at the start. Approximately one fifth had at some time consulted fringe medicine (e.g. homeopathy or acupuncture).
Family Resources and Children's Use of Primary Health Care Services in Finland in 1979
Authors: Vuorinen Heikki S.
Published: February 2009

The purpose of the study was to determine how children's use of primary health care services was related to family resources (socio-economic status, marital and residential stability of the family, and core/periphery dichotomy). The population consisted of a random sample of 3201 children from 15 municipalities in the province of Uudenmaan Iääni in Southern Finland in 1979. Among two-parent families in the core regions total utilization of primary health care services was significantly higher among the children of workers and upper white-collar employees. Children of farmers and lower white-collar employees in the periphery exhibited low primary health care utilization. Children in upper white-collar employees' families (both two-and one-parent) in core regions frequently used private services. Among children of one-parent families, exceptionally high users of private services were children of upper white-collar mothers in core regions, and of municipal health services the children of working-class mothers in the periphery. Non-migrated children had a slight tendency to use health services more than migrated children. Differences in family resources thus cannot be ignored when children's utilization of primary health care services is studied.
Soft-Tissue injury of the neck in a hospital based material
Authors: Björnstig Ulf , Hildingsson Christer , Toolanen Göran
Published: February 2009

In a study from northern Sweden, 139 patients with a history of a soft-tissue injury of the neck were studied. The incidence was 1 per 1000 inhabitants. Male patients in the age group 20-29 years were most commonly injuried. Traffic accidents constituted the major group with 96 (69%) and falls with 24 (17%). Forty-one cases received sickness benefit for a median time of 16 days for males and 25 days for females. Five persons were on sickleave for over a year. The calculated total cost of treatment and sickness insurance benefit was about 0.9 million SEK/year.
Winter weather conditions and myocardial infarctions
Authors: Ohlson Carl-Göran , Bodin Lennart , Bryngelsson Ing-Liss , Helsing Marie , Malmberg Lars
Published: February 2009

The daily number of cases of myocardial infarctions admitted to a hospital in middle Sweden over three winter seasons 1984-87 was correlated to the weather conditions on a day-to-day basis. The study encompassed 634 days and all cases younger than 70 years, living within the catchment area, in all 382 subjects. Information on temperature, wind force, precipitation and atmospheric pressure was obtained from the Swedish Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology. A low number of myocardial infarctions was seen on Saturdays and Sundays with a mild wind chill factor and on days with moderate snowfall and high atmospheric pressure. A high number was observed for workdays, especially Mondays, as day of diagnosis. Heterogeneity of the study population and a misclassification of the time relationships between dates of diagnosis and weather changes may have caused an underestimation of the impact of weather conditions. However, weather conditions do not seem to be a major triggering factor of myocardial infarctions in Sweden.
Longitudinal studies on environmental factors and disease. A model for analysis of ethical conflicts
Authors: Haglund Bengt , Nilstun Tore , Smedby Björn , Westrin Claes-Göran
Published: February 2009

The use of individual-based data in research has recently come in for much discussion. The basic issue of the discussion is how to balance between different legitimate interests: the interest in improving knowledge on matters important to human health and the interest in respecting individual autonomy. In this paper we will use a model for description and analysis of ethical conflicts in individual-based research. The model consists of two dimensions: the first specifies the persons involved in the conflict, the second specifies the relevant ethical principles. We have chosen the case of the Rönnskär study as an example. For illustration we distinguish between: no study, a study without informed consent and a study with informed consent. In the Rönnskär study the decision between the three situations rests upon an assessment of the conflict between two obligations: to improve the working environment and to respect autonomy.
Social Class and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Danish Men
Authors: Møller Lars , Kristensen Tage S. , Hollnagel Hanne
Published: February 2009

During the last 25 years, a series of epidemiological studies in North-Western Europe and U.S.A. have demonstrated a negative association between social class and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), that is, an increasing incidence the lower the social class. In studies where possible explanations of this negative gradient have been analyzed, it was concluded that the traditional individual risk factors, such as elevated blood pressure, high serum cholesterol, and smoking, could explain about one half of the differences demonstrated. In a prospective study of a cohort of 504 men from the County of Copenhagen, the participants were examined when 40 and 51 years old. At both examinations the social class of the participants was recorded in addition to a number of cardiovascular risk factors. The latter included both the traditional risk factors and some not previously analyzed in relation to social class. At the 51-year examination we found statistically significant negative associations between social class and the following risk factors: plasma fibrinogen (p < 0.001), short height (p < 0.001), smoking (p < 0.05), physical inactivity in leisure time (p < 0.01), shift work (p < 0.05), job strain (p < 0.05), living alone (p < 0.01), and having a poor social network (p < 0.05). Two factors showed a significant opposite association with social class: Type A behaviour (p < 0.001) and physical inactivity at work (p < 0.001).

In the last 10-15 years, a tendency has been demonstrated in many countries towards a strengthened association between social class and cardiovascular risk factors. This tendency was not found in our cohort. It has been discussed whether some of the social inequalities observed could be due to selection, so that people with a favourable cardiovascular risk profile socially were upward mobile. We found no support for such a selection hypothesis in our study.
Suicide among young people aged 10–29 in Sweden
Authors: Hultén A. , Wasserman D.
Published: February 2009

Suicide among young people aged 10–29 in Sweden. Hultén, A., Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gävle Hospital, S-803 28 Gävle, Sweden and Wasserman, D., Department of Psychiatry, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge University Hospital, S-141 86 Huddinge, and Center for Suicide Research and Prevention Stockholm County Council, Karolinska Hospital, Sweden.

This study analyses the incidence of suicide among children and young people aged between 10 and 29 in Sweden, during the period 1974–1986 . The study comprises 4,624 individuals whose deaths were the outcome of verified, E950-E959 ( n = 3,511) and undetermined, E980-E989 ( n = 1,113) suicides. Regression analysis of different age groups separately and all age groups combined shows that the frequency of suicide among children and young people in Sweden did not increase in this period. Nonetheless, mortality figures are high, especially for boys and young men aged 15–29. The maximum suicide-mortality rate (43.2 per 100,000) is noted for young men aged 25–29 in 1984. The male-female ratio with respect to deaths from suicide is 2.5 for the entire group, the smallest difference being in the 15–19 age group (1.7) and the largest in the 25–29 age group (2.8). Methods of committing suicide vary between the sexes and the various age groups. Boys and young men use violent methods more often, and this situation has remained stable throughout the 13-year period. Girls use non-violent methods to a greater extent, but young women aged 18–29 use violent and non-violent methods to almost the same extent. During the 13-year period studied, a change took place in the girls' and young women's choice of methods towards more violent methods in the 1980s compared with the 1970s. Regardless of sex, there are significantly (p < 0.001) fewer married and more divorced people among those committing suicide compared with corresponding age groups in the overall population.
Intravenous drug abuse in young men
Authors: Stenbacka Marlene , Allebeck Peter , Brandt Lena , Romelsjö Anders
Published: February 2009

Intravenous drug abuse in young men: Risk factors assessed in a longitudinal perspective. Stenbacka, M. (Department of Social Medicine, Kronan Health Centre, S-172 83 Sundbyberg, Sweden).

The role of family background as well as behavioural and psychological factors as risk factors for intravenous drug abuse was analysed in a longitudinal study of 8168 Swedish men conscripted for military service in 1969-70. Information about risk factors was obtained from a survey of all Swedish conscripts. Records on intravenous drug abuse, during a followup ending in 1986, were obtained from a survey of intravenous drug abusers among persons brought to the Central police arrest in Stockholm. Strong predictors of intravenous drug abuse were contact with the police or juvenile authorities (RR = 22.3 95% CI 15.1-33.0), high alcohol consumption (RR = 9.2 95% CI 6.7-12.7) and psychiatric diagnosis at conscription (RR = 6.0 95% CI 4.5-8.1) and low social class (RR = 3.6 95% CI 2.2-5.9). In multivariate analyses, these factors and indicators of deviant behaviour still carried significantly increased relative risk for intravenous drug abuse, although several of them are interrelated. Low emotional control, nervousness, sleeping problems and other nervous problems were associated with an increased relative risk in univariate but not in multivariate analyses.
Genetic epidemiology — possibilities and problems
Authors: Magnus Per
Published: February 2009

Genetic epidemiology — possibilities and problems. Magnus, P. (Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health, 0462 Oslo, Norway).
Coronary risk factors in middle-aged men as related to smoking, coffee intake and physical activity
Authors: Høstmark Arne T. , Berg John , Brudal Stein , Berge Steinar R. , Kierulf Peter , Bjerkedal Tor
Published: February 2009

Coronary risk factors in middle-aged men as related to smoking, coffee intake and physical activity. Høstmark, A. T., Berg, J., Brudal, S., Berge, S., Kierulf, P. and Bjerkedal, T. (Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Oslo, Occupational Health Service for STK-Alcatel, and Oslo Transport. Research Group, Central Laboratory, Ullevål Hospital, Oslo).

The relationship between lifestyle and coronary risk factors in blood was investigated in 165 middle-aged men. Plasma fibrinogen, serum triacylglycerols (TG), and apolipoprotein B (apo B) were higher, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) lower in smokers ( n = 69) than in non-smokers ( n = 96). By linear regression analysis there was a significant positive association between degree of smoking and either total cholesterol (TC), apo B, or plasma fibrinogen, whereas smoking was inversely related to HDLc.

Smoking and coffee intake were positively correlated with an atherogenic index, reflecting the balance between low and high density lipoproteins. Sedentary men (n = 59) had higher mean TC, apo B, and atherogenic index than physically active men (n = 104). Smokers used salt more often than non-smokers. Physically active men used vegetables more often than sedentary men. Combining several habits into a “badhabit” score gave a high level of significance for its association with TC, apo B, and the atherogenic index. The results indicate that lifestyle may influence several blood factors involved in atherosclerosis development.
The epidemiology of sick leave in an urban population in Malmö, Sweden
Authors: Isacsson Agneta , Hanson Bertil S. , Janzon Lars , Kugelberg Gunnel
Published: February 2009

The epidemiology of sick leave in an urban population in Malmö, Sweden. 1Isacsson, A., 1Hanson, B. S., 1Janzon, L. and 2Kugelberg, G. (1Department of Community Health Sciences, Lund University, and 2Social Insurance Board, Malmö, Sweden

The epidemiology of sick leave was studied in the city of Malmö, Sweden, (230000 inhabitants). Every current and completed sick-leave episode during the year of 1985 was collected for 124411 persons aged 16 to 65, who were registered with the National Health insurance scheme in 1985. Absence rate, absence incidence, absence prevalence and absence duration were analyzed in relation to age, sex, marital status, nationality, income and place of residence. Absence rate (mean value) in the total population was 25.5 days with a median of three days. The absence rate increased by age. High absence rates were seen for females, single people and some immigrant groups. This was even true for residential areas characterized by a higher proportion of single-person households and households on social welfare, of unemployed and people with a low income and a foreign background. The absence rate gives limited information as to the epidemiology of sick leave. Through adding absence incidence, absence prevalence and absence duration it was possible to get a more comprehensive picture of the phenonemon. Sex-differences in absence rate for instance were mainly explained by differences in absence incidence and prevalence, while differences in absence rate regarding nationality were explained by differences in absence duration. This is an important step towards a better understanding of the factors behind sick leave.
Initiation into drug abuse
Authors: Stenbacka Marlene , Allebeck Peter , Romelsjö Anders
Published: February 2009

The aim of the study was to analyse the initiation process into illicit drug use focusing on three endpoints which can be seen as stages in the drug career: being offered drugs, using cannabis and using intravenous drugs. Questionnaire data were available on 23482 men, aged 18–20 years, conscripted for military service in 1969–70. The association between family background, social conditions, other licit drug use, emotional control and the three endpoints were analysed. Although many conscripts tried cannabis, a smaller number continued with intravenous drug abuse. These were in general characterised by poor emotional control and a history of social maladjustment, and early onset of use. Our findings give further evidence for social maladjustment as a causative factor for illicit drug use and for the role of cannabis as a stepping stone to heavy drug abuse.