bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral Cortical Arteriolar Angiopathy, Vascular Beta-Amyloid, Smooth Muscle Actin, Braak Stage, and
APOE
Genotype
Authors: Stopa Edward G. , Butala Parag , Salloway Stephen , Johanson Conrad E. , Gonzalez Liliana , Tavares Rosemarie , Hovanesian Virginia , Hulette Christine M. , Vitek Michael P. , Cohen Ronald A.
Published: February 2008

Background and Purpose—

We examined the associations among the vascular β-amyloid levels, smooth muscle actin, wall thickness, and lumen diameter to achieve greater understanding of the arteriolar changes that accompany Alzheimer disease (AD).

Methods—

Post-mortem pathology brain specimens from 76 patients with AD and 19 non-AD age control subjects were studied. We analyzed arterioles of the frontal cortex (Brodmann area 10) by immunohistochemistry and morphometry, and derived measures of vascular β-amyloid level, smooth muscle actin (SMA) volume, and arteriolar wall thickness and lumen diameter.
APOE
genotype was determined for each case.

Results—

Overall, there was a striking reciprocal relationship between arteriolar β-amyloid volume and smooth muscle actin (
P
<0.0001). In addition, there was a strong positive association between progressively accumulating vascular β-amyloid and augmentations in both wall thickness (
P
<0.0001) and lumen width (
P
<0.0001). In comparison with non-AD control subjects, smooth muscle actin was decreased in patients clinically diagnosed with AD and was reduced >10-fold in cases with AD pathology (Braak I to VI) compared with those lacking AD neuropathology. Significantly altered composition and structure of cortical vessels in pre-Braak stages corroborated our hypothesis that arterioles are devastated early in the AD pathological process. Smooth muscle actin, arteriolar wall thickness, and luminal diameter did not vary with Braak stage severity (
P
>0.05), indicating that substantial arteriolar damage may precede at least some of the interstitial plaques and neuronal tangles. Moreover, the structural and biochemical arteriolar abnormalities did not vary as a function of
APOE
genotype (
P
>0.05).

Conclusion—

We postulate that in elderly patients, the continually progressing β-amyloid-associated angiopathy, at the arteriolar level, harms the contractile apparatus and cerebral blood flow autoregulation, thereby making the downstream capillaries vulnerable to damage. Collectively, our observations lend further support to the idea that microvascular damage has a role, perhaps relatively early, in the onset of major AD pathology.
How Reliable Is Perfusion MR in Acute Stroke?
Authors: Takasawa Masashi , Jones P. Simon , Guadagno Joseph V. , Christensen Soren , Fryer Tim D. , Harding Sally , Gillard Jonathan H. , Williams Guy B. , Aigbirhio Franklin I. , Warburton Elizabeth A. , Østergaard Leif , Baron Jean-Claude
Published: February 2008

Background and Purpose—

Perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (pMR) is increasingly used in acute stroke, but its physiologic significance is still debated. A reasonably good correlation between pMR and positron emission tomography (PET) has been reported in normal subjects and chronic cerebrovascular disease, but corresponding validation in acute stroke is still lacking.

Methods—

We compared the cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume, and mean transit time (MTT) maps generated by pMR (deconvolution method) and PET (
15
O steady-state method) in 5 patients studied back-to-back with the 2 modalities at a mean of 16 hours (range, 7 to 21 hours) after stroke onset. We also determined the penumbra thresholds for pMR-derived MTT, time to peak (TTP), and Tmax against the previously validated probabilistic PET penumbra thresholds.

Results—

In all patients, the PET and pMR relative distribution images were remarkably similar, especially for CBF and MTT. Within-patient correlations between pMR and PET were strong for absolute CBF (average
r
2
=0.45) and good for MTT (
r
2
=0.35) but less robust for cerebral blood volume (
r
2
=0.24). However, pMR overestimated absolute CBF and underestimated MTT, with substantial variability in individual slopes. Removing individual differences by normalization to the mean resulted in much stronger between-patient correlations. Penumbra thresholds of ≈6, 4.8, and 5.5 seconds were obtained for MTT delay, TTP delay, and Tmax, respectively.

Conclusions—

Although derived from a small sample studied relatively late after stroke onset, our data show that pMR tends to overestimate absolute CBF and underestimate MTT, but the relative distribution of the perfusion variables was remarkably similar between pMR and PET. pMR appears sufficiently reliable for clinical purposes and affords reliable detection of the penumbra from normalized time-based thresholds.
Live Imaging of Neuroinflammation Reveals Sex and Estrogen Effects on Astrocyte Response to Ischemic Injury
Authors: Cordeau Pierre , Lalancette-Hébert Mélanie , Weng Yuan Cheng , Kriz Jasna
Published: February 2008

Background and Purpose—

We sought to develop a model system for live analysis of brain inflammatory response in ischemic injury.

Methods—

Using a reporter mouse-expressing luciferase gene under transcriptional control of the murine glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter (GFAP-luc mice) and biophotonic/bioluminescent imaging as tools, we developed a model system for in vivo analysis of astrocyte activation/response in cerebral ischemia.

Results—

Analysis of photon emissions from the brains of living animals revealed marked sex differences in astrocyte response to ischemic injury. The increase in GFAP signals was significantly higher in female mice in the metestrus/diestrus period compared with male transgenic mice (1.71×10
7
±0.19×10
7
vs 0.92×10
7
±0.15×10
7
,
P
<0.001). Similar results were obtained by quantitative immunohistochemistry (males vs females: 13.4±0.5 vs 16.96±0.64,
P
<0.0001). However, astrocyte activation/GFAP signals showed cyclic, estrus-dependent variations in response to ischemic injury. Physiologically higher levels of estrogen and application of pharmacologic doses of estrogen during replacement therapy attenuated GFAP upregulation after stroke. Interestingly, contrary to a positive correlation between the intensities of GFAP signals and infarct size in male mice, no such correlation was observed in any of the experimental groups of female GFAP-luc mice.

Conclusions—

Our results suggest that GFAP upregulation in ischemic injury may have different functional significance in female and male experimental animals and may not directly reflect the extent of ischemia-induced neuronal damage in female GFAP-luc mice. Using a novel live imaging approach, we demonstrated that the early-phase brain inflammatory response to ischemia may be associated with sex-specific biomarkers of brain damage.
Think to Move: a Neuromagnetic Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) System for Chronic Stroke
Authors: Buch Ethan , Weber Cornelia , Cohen Leonardo G. , Braun Christoph , Dimyan Michael A. , Ard Tyler , Mellinger Jurgen , Caria Andrea , Soekadar Surjo , Fourkas Alissa , Birbaumer Niels
Published: February 2008

Background and Purpose—

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term motor disability among adults. Present rehabilitative interventions are largely unsuccessful in improving the most severe cases of motor impairment, particularly in relation to hand function. Here we tested the hypothesis that patients experiencing hand plegia as a result of a single, unilateral subcortical, cortical or mixed stroke occurring at least 1 year previously, could be trained to operate a mechanical hand orthosis through a brain-computer interface (BCI).

Methods—

Eight patients with chronic hand plegia resulting from stroke (residual finger extension function rated on the Medical Research Council scale=0/5) were recruited from the Stroke Neurorehabilitation Clinic, Human Cortical Physiology Section of the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) (n=5) and the Clinic of Neurology of the University of Tübingen (n=3). Diagnostic MRIs revealed single, unilateral subcortical, cortical or mixed lesions in all patients. A magnetoencephalography-based BCI system was used for this study. Patients participated in between 13 to 22 training sessions geared to volitionally modulate μ rhythm amplitude originating in sensorimotor areas of the cortex, which in turn raised or lowered a screen cursor in the direction of a target displayed on the screen through the BCI interface. Performance feedback was provided visually in real-time. Successful trials (in which the cursor made contact with the target) resulted in opening/closing of an orthosis attached to the paralyzed hand.

Results—

Training resulted in successful BCI control in 6 of 8 patients. This control was associated with increased range and specificity of μ rhythm modulation as recorded from sensors overlying central ipsilesional (4 patients) or contralesional (2 patients) regions of the array. Clinical scales used to rate hand function showed no significant improvement after training.

Conclusions—

These results suggest that volitional control of neuromagnetic activity features recorded over central scalp regions can be achieved with BCI training after stroke, and used to control grasping actions through a mechanical hand orthosis.
Strategic Responses to Perceived Corruption in an Emerging Market: Lessons From MNEs Investing in China
Authors: Yadong Luo
Published: February 2008

Success in foreign emerging markets is increasingly critical to the global market leadership for many multinational enterprises (MNEs). However, corruption in emerging markets is pervasive and rampant. This study addresses how MNE subunits strategically respond to perceived corruption in the business segment of a foreign emerging market wherein they invest and operate. My analysis suggests that an MNE subunit’s investment commitment decreases, and its export market orientation increases, with perceived escalated corruption in the specific business segment. Though perceived corruption in an industrial setting (sectorial corruption) has a stronger effect on the subunit’s market orientation, changes in perceived corruption over time (longitudinal corruption) exert a greater influence on investment commitment. To individual subunits, the strength of these strategic responses to corruption is heightened by their ethical awareness but weakened by their indigenous dependence.
Beyond Clientelism
Authors: Grzymala-Busse Anna
Published: February 2008

In choosing strategies of state capture (the extraction of private benefits by incumbent officeholders from the state), rulers choose whether to share rents with popular constituencies and whether to tolerate competition. These choices are conditioned by existing organizational endowments, the costs of buying support, and the trade-off between the cost and probability of exit from office. In turn, both rent distribution and competition result in distinct configurations of state capture: clientelism, predation, fusion, exploitation, and the formation of specific state institutions and capacities.
The Influence of Sex Offender Registration and Notification Laws in the United States
Authors: Vásquez Bob Edward , Maddan Sean , Walker Jeffery T.
Published: February 2008

Although federal legislation for the implementation of sex offender registration and notification systems is now a decade old, empirical studies on the efficacy of this policy are relatively nonextant. This article explores the impact of registration legislation on the incidence of forcible rapes. Using monthly count data of rapes aggregated at the state level, this analysis uses Box–Jenkins autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models to conduct 10 intervention analyses on the enforcement of Megan's Law. The results of the analyses are mixed on whether the enforcement of sex offender registration had a statistically significant effect on the number of rapes reported at the state level. Although several states showed a nonsignificant increase in the number of rapes, only three states had a significant reduction in rapes. Policy implications are discussed in terms of the efficacy of sex offender registration and whether changes in these laws should be considered.
Anomalous Type I Error Rates for Identifying One Type of Differential Item Functioning in the Presence of the Other
Authors: Finch W. Holmes , French Brian F.
Published: February 2008

A number of statistical methods exist for the detection of differential item functioning (DIF). The performance of DIF methods has been widely studied and generally found to be effective in the detection of both uniform and nonuniform DIF. Anecdotal reports suggest that these techniques may too often incorrectly detect the presence of one type of DIF in the presence of the other type (Type I error). The purposes of this simulation study are to ascertain whether these observations are in fact accurate and, if so, to gain some understanding as to the cause of the inflated Type I error. Results do support that the Type I error rates for detecting one type of DIF in the presence of the other are inflated for most common DIF detection techniques. Discussion focuses on potential causes of these results.
Are Japanese More Collectivistic Than Americans?
Authors: Takano Yohtaro , Sogon Shunya
Published: February 2008

This study examines whether the common view that Japanese are more collectivistic than Americans is valid or not in three respects: First, the authors point out that those empirical studies that were directly related to the commonly accepted definition of individualism and collectivism (I/C) did not support the common view and that those studies whose relations to I/C were merely inferred were inappropriate in judging its validity. Second, the authors show that the reference-group effect (Heine, Lehman, Peng, & Greenholtz, 2002) cannot entirely explain the past questionnaire studies' failure to support the common view. Finally, by replicating Asch's (1956) conformity experiment with 40 groups of 140 Japanese college students belonging to the same college clubs, the authors demonstrate that Japanese conform no more than Americans even in in-groups.
Excessive Daytime Sleep
Authors: Friedman Abby , Luiselli James K.
Published: February 2008

Some children with autism have excessive daytime sleep but intervention research for this problem has not been conducted. The present study evaluated procedures with a 13 year old boy who had autism and slept for prolonged periods during the day. Classroom staff at a specialized school implemented procedures with the boy according to an ABAB experimental design. Intervention eliminated daytime sleep through a 6-month follow-up assessment. The study adds to the literature concerning sleep problems in children with autism and extends intervention to excessive daytime sleep.
Participatory Approaches in Science and Technology
Authors: Lengwiler Martin
Published: February 2008

Recent science and technology studies have analyzed questions of nonexpert participation in science, technology, and science policy from an empirically grounded perspective. The introduction to this special issue offers a double contribution to this debate. First, it presents a summary of the state of the art and an outline of the historical emergence of the participatory question. The argument distinguishes four periods since the late nineteenth century, each with a specific relationship between expert and nonexpert knowledge ranging from a hybrid, to a politicized, to an autonomous, to a participatory relationship. Second, the introduction summarizes the contributions to this issue. Their common concern is to take the debate one step further by critically reflecting the problems and limitations of participatory practices. The contributions point out the need for contextualizing the participatory question within the wider social, economic, and political circumstances in which participatory science and technology is set.
Dealing with In/dependence
Authors: Struhkamp Rita , Mol Annemarie , Swierstra Tsjalling
Published: February 2008

By now, the laboratory tradition, crafting transportable knowledge that allows for comparison, has been amply studied. However, other knowledge traditions, notably that of the clinic, deserve further articulation. The authors contribute to this by unraveling some specificities of rehabilitation practice. How do laboratory and clinical traditions in rehabilitation relate to independence? The first seeks to quantify people's independence; the latter attends to qualitatively different ways of being independent. While measuring independence is a matter of aggregating scores on a priori established dimensions, clinical rehabilitation concerns coordinating different ways of being independent. While independence scales map a linear development in time, rehabilitation participants juggle with time, including uncertain futures in their present. In clinical practice, then, independence is neither a single, coherent, fact nor a clear-cut, stable goal. Instead, professionals as well as patients work by creatively doctoring with the large variety of elements that are relevant to daily life with long-term disabilities.
Examining the Trauma Disclosure of Police Officers to Their Partners and Officers' Subsequent Adjustment
Authors: Davidson Ann C. , Moss Simon A.
Published: February 2008

Disclosure of traumatic experiences is related to health benefits and is central to therapy for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, neither naturalistic patterns of trauma disclosures nor the outcomes of such disclosures have been established empirically. This article reports the development and preliminary psychometric evaluation of a 16-item instrument assessing characteristics of traumatic event disclosure— inhibition, emotional disclosure, and cognitive disclosure—to spouses. Furthermore, the association between the trauma disclosure of 103 Australian police officers and their adjustment is presented. The disclosure subscales demonstrate adequate internal consistency and also predict several psychological outcomes. Consistent with prior literature, officers who did not discuss their trauma experience experienced more psychological distress and traumatic stress. However, failure to observe benefits for cognitive disclosure is discussed with regard to the role of negative appraisals in PTSD and differences between naturalistic and experimental disclosure.
Information Needs and Information Seeking Patterns of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises in Namibia
Authors: Chiware Elisha Rufaro T. , Dick Archie L.
Published: February 2008

Reports on an investigation of the business information needs, information seeking patterns and business information services for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Namibia. The study ranks business information needs of SMMEs as: finance, marketing, production, and training, policies on SMME development, sources of raw materials, regulations, technical information and other types of information. The study reveals that SMMEs largely depend on informal information sources despite the existence of a wide range of business information services in Namibia. Recommendations are made on how business information delivery services can be improved in the SMME sector in Namibia by both government and business support organizations.
Libraries in the Era of HIV/AIDS: facing the challenges in Sierra Leone
Authors: Kargbo John Abdul
Published: February 2008

This article explores the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS in Sierra Leone and the part librarians should play in combating the disease. HIV/AIDS has become a subject of concern in the country because it is a new threatening disease that affects majority of the young people between18 and 25 years. The latest statistics of HIV/AIDS-affected young people in Sierra Leone is 1.53 percent. Hence the Government is making frantic efforts to combat the spread of the disease. Such moves require a multisectoral approach and librarians should be among the key players since they play a central role in information dissemination.
Information Needs of NGOs: a case study of NGO development workers in the northern region of Ghana
Authors: Nikoi Samuel K.
Published: February 2008

This article is about the information behaviour of non-governmental organizations. Despite their rise to development prominence since the 1980s and their growing importance in the socio-economic development of many developing countries, studies focusing directly on the information activities of NGOs have received tangential treatment. The findings presented in this article are based on a qualitative study carried out between 2001 and 2005 to investigate the information behaviour of NGO development workers in the northern region of Ghana. Three major dimensions of need emerged from this study: sociological, cognitive and ecological information needs. The article concludes that instead of the purely cognitive viewpoint which has dominated user needs studies within information science over the years, studies into human information behaviour should take as their starting point a socio-cognitive and political perspective.
With Friends Like These: The Corporate Response to Fair Trade Coffee
Authors: Fridell Mara , Hudson Ian , Hudson Mark
Published: February 2008

Capitalist agriculture is highly exploitative of both producers and the environment. Fair trade is a movement attempting to mitigate this exploitation, partly by baiting corporate actors into the arena of “ethical production.” In the coffee industry, major corporations are responding by discrediting fair trade and branding themselves as ethical. While falling well short of addressing the real demands of the movement, the proliferation of “ethical” labels resulting from this response threatens to destroy fair trade's own ethical brand.
Genetic and Clinical Heterogeneity in eIF2B-Related Disorder
Authors: Maletkovic Jelena , Schiffmann Raphael , Gorospe J. Rafael , Gordon Erynn S. , Mintz Michelle , Hoffman Eric P. , Alper Gulay , Lynch David R. , Singhal Bhim S. , Harding Cary , Amartino Hernan , Brown Candida M. , Chan Alicia , Renaud Deborah , Geraghty Michael , Jensen Lloyd , Senbil Nesrin , Kadom Nadja , Nazarian Javad , Yuanjian Feng  , Zuyi Wang  , Hartka Thomas , Morizono Hiroki , Vanderver Adeline
Published: February 2008

Eukaryotic initiation factor 2B (eIF2B)-related disorders are heritable white matter disorders with a variable clinical phenotype (including vanishing white matter disease and ovarioleukodystrophy) and an equally heterogeneous genotype. We report 9 novel mutations in the EIF2B genes in our subject population, increasing the number of known mutations to more than 120. Using homology modeling, we have analyzed the impact of novel mutations on the 5 subunits of the eIF2B protein. Although recurrent mutations have been found at CpG dinucleotides in the EIF2B genes, the high incidence of private or low frequency mutations increases the challenge of providing rapid genetic confirmation of this disorder, and limits the application of EIF2B screening in cases of undiagnosed leukodystrophy.
Collecting Data From the Criminal Courts
Authors: Sever Brion , Reisner Ronald
Published: February 2008

Because court policies and programs must be evaluated, the relationship between researchers and the staff members overseeing court data is an essential part of the process. Past research indicates that researchers commonly believe that their efforts are hampered by court staff members, who, accordingly, often have suspicions about the agendas of researchers. The present study examines an alternative viewpoint—the perspectives of court staff members who oversee the data requests of researchers. Specifically, 30 county-level and 30 state-level court staff members were interviewed about their relations with researchers in the data collection process, and the strategies they believe researchers can use to make the process more efficient. The authors find that staff members do not view their relations with researchers to be as problematic as the researchers perceive. The authors also discovered that there are several approaches that both sides can use to establish a better data collection process.
Domestic Violence Statutes and Rates of Intimate Partner and Family Homicide
Authors: Bridges F. Stephen , Tatum Kimberly M. , Kunselman Julie C.
Published: February 2008

This study explores whether states adopting specific domestic violence laws have significantly lower rates of intimate partner and family homicide, as well as a lower average of the two homicide rates. Point biserial correlation and multiple regression were used to analyze homicide rates, as measures of domestic violence, across seven statutory categories of state domestic violence laws for 47 continental states in the United States. With two exceptions, data show that state laws on domestic violence were not related to intimate partner and family homicide rates by state, or the average of the two homicide rates. The exceptions were moderate, but significant inverse correlations were found between family homicide and the average of family homicide and intimate partner homicide rates and states prohibiting firearm possession during a restraining order. However, in three separate regression models, no more than 23% of the variance in homicide rates was explained.
How Sensitive Are Multilevel Regression Findings to Defined Area of Context?
Authors: Mobley Lee R. , Kuo Tzy-Mey (May) , Andrews Linda
Published: February 2008

The authors develop a hybrid model of health care use that blends features of the traditional Aday—Andersen behavioral model with the socioecological modeling perspective. They use the model to conceptualize the various levels of influence expected from socioecological variables in individuals' mammography use decisions, build contextual variables from fine-grained data into four different types of geographic areas, and then use two- and three-level modeling of personal and area-level contextual factors to explain observed behavior. The central focus is on whether differentiating the conceptualized levels of influence seems to materially affect regression findings. The test could conceivably be confounded by the modifiable areal unit problem, but little evidence for this is found. Findings for California women suggest that distinctions do matter in how the levels of influence are defined for local neighborhood contextual factors. Studies using only county-level contextual factors will miss some meaningful associations related to interpersonal/proximate-level factors.
Taming the Local Leviathan
Authors: Craw Michael
Published: February 2008

Democratic political institutions and interjurisdictional competition both put pressure on local elected officials to respond to the tax and spending preferences of residents. But the electoral success of California's Proposition 13 in 1978 and of similar property tax limitations in other states suggests that local expenditures and taxes in many jurisdictions are higher than those preferred by the median voter. I argue that this upward bias in expenditures is greater in communities where interjurisdictional competition is weak and local political institutions provide incentives for rent seeking. Using data from the 1997 Census of Governments and 1996 International City Manager Association (ICMA) Form of Government Survey, I find evidence that municipalities facing weaker competition tend to have higher spending, and political institutions mediate the marginal effect of competition on city expenditures.
The Role of Impairment in the Diagnosis of ADHD
Authors: Gathje Rebecca A. , Lewandowski Lawrence J. , Gordon Michael
Published: February 2008

Objective: Current diagnostic criteria for ADHD require the consideration of impairment in making a diagnosis, although clinical and research definitions of ADHD rely more heavily on reported symptoms. This study explored the relationship between impairment and symptoms, variables predictive of impairment, and variation in ADHD identification when impairment criteria are added to symptom criteria. Method: ADHD symptoms and impairment were assessed using archival parent and teacher rating scale data. Results: The results indicated that (a) single impairment measures alone and a global impairment index were, at best, only moderately correlated with symptom reports; (b) predictor variables accounted for a small percentage of the variance in impairment; and (c) the number of children meeting criteria for ADHD diagnosis varied dramatically when impairment measures were considered. Conclusion: Symptoms and impairment are related yet distinct constructs that should be measured independently to determine the presence of ADHD. (J. of Att. Dis. 2008; 11(5) 529-537)
Modes of Tension Work within the Complex Self
Authors: Abbey Emily , Falmagne Rachel Joffe
Published: February 2008

As part of increased attention to the complexity of `self' and subjectivity, Falmagne recently presented a theory in which `self' is seen as constituted through the dialectic among processes at societal, local and `personal' (i.e., agentive) levels. The `self', so constituted, can be hybrid and filled with tensions, yet it remains substantial rather than fluid. Building from this perspective and related approaches, the aim of this article is to contribute to the growing understanding of self complexity by focusing on how individuals create cohesive `selves' and `minds' despite the presence of tension and contradiction. Our focus involves a detailed textual analysis of the `tension work' that individuals perform as they reason through contradictory beliefs. Based on these analyses, this article identifies three unique strategies for creating cohesion amidst contradiction.
Commentary: In Search of a Rational Answer to a Postmodernist Question
Authors: Allakhverdov Victor , Ivanov Mikhail
Published: February 2008

Matusov's article defines two trajectories in the development of Vygotsky's academic heritage. We show that it is necessary to consider a continuous scale where the two lines of development are just polar points. We state that the problem cannot be solved in relation to Vygotsky's theory, but requires a wider view on power relations within the world. Vygotsky's focus on consciousness is viewed as limiting the extent of social determination of thinking by researchers in various societies. Matusov's effort outlines the need to return to the study of consciousness.
Social capital, political trust and self rated-health: A population-based study in southern Sweden
Authors: Mohseni Mohabbat , Lindström Martin
Published: February 2008

Aim: To investigate the association between political trust (an aspect of institutional trust) and self-rated health, taking generalized (horizontal) trust in other people into account. Methods: The 2004 public health survey in Skåne is a cross-sectional postal questionnaire study answered by 27,963 respondents aged 18—80 years, yielding a 59% response rate. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the associations between political trust in the Riksdag (national parliament) and self-rated health. Multivariate analyses of political trust and self-rated health were performed in order to investigate the importance of possible confounders. Results: Poor health was reported by 28.7% of the men and 33.2% of the women. In total, 17.3% and 11.6% of the male and female respondents, respectively, reported that they had no trust at all in the Riksdag. The addition of generalized (horizontal) trust in the multivariate models reduced the odds ratios of poor self-rated health in the ``no political trust at all'' category as compared to the ``very high political trust'' category from 2.4 (1.8—3.1) to 2.1 (1.6—2.7) among men and from 1.9 (1.4—2.4) to 1.6 (1.3—2.1) among women. Conclusions: Low political trust in the Riksdag seems to be significantly associated with poor self-rated health, even after adjustments for plausible confounders, including generalized (horizontal) trust.
Managing with maps? The development and institutionalization of a map-based health management information system in Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: De Costa A. , Saraf V. , Jhalani M. , Mahadik V.K. , Diwan V.K.
Published: February 2008

Aims: This paper presents the development of a map-based health management information system (mHMIS) in the central Indian province of Madhya Pradesh. Sample outputs and statistics from the system for one district are presented. The implementation dynamics and the preliminary performance of the system are discussed. Methods: The development of the mHMIS was a collaborative effort between the provincial Department of Health, the medical university and the Danidasupported Madhya Pradesh Basic Health Services project. One of India's most socioeconomically backward provinces, Madhya Pradesh is spread over an area of 304,000 km2, and has a population of 60.4 million distributed in its 55,392 villages and 394 towns. A primary survey of all healthcare providers (public and private) in the province was done to map these. Secondary data sources for sociodemographic information (census of India), vital statistics and health program indicators (health worker records) were used in developing the system. The process of mapping from obtaining hand-drawn maps of the villages from the commissioner, land records, to final digitizing is also described. Conclusions: Sample outputs and statistics for one district (Chindwara) from the system are presented. There were 20.35 trained doctors in rural areas and 72.78 in urban areas per 100,000 population. Preliminary experience after a year, advantages, constraints (both systemic limitations and weakness in the mHMIS) to optimal usage, and future prospects for use in this setting are discussed.
Self-rated health in adolescence: A multifactorial composite
Authors: Breidablik Hans-Johan , Meland Eivind , Lydersen Stian
Published: February 2008

Background and aims: Self-rated health is an important health predictor, and it has only rarely been studied in adolescents. This study examined the relationships between self-rated health and a broad spectrum of structural, medical, psychological, and social variables. The association between these variables and negative health rating through to good health rating versus good to very good health rating was also compared. Methods: Analyses were based on cross-sectional data from the Young-HUNT II study in Norway. A total of 2,800 students aged 16 to 20 years participated, with a response rate of 81%. Separate logistic regression analyses for each gender were performed for a broad set of independent variables with self-rated health as the dependent variable. The effect of the variables at the negative (poor/not good) and positive (very good) ends of the scale were estimated and compared. Results: Self-rated health in adolescence was significantly associated with a broad spectrum of independent variables reflecting medical, social, and personal factors. The associations were also present in multivariate analyses controlling for the interrelations between the independent variables. The negative and positive ends of the scale were affected in much the same way. The association with general well-being was especially strong. Conclusions: Adolescents conceptualize health as a construct related to medical, psychological, social, and lifestyle factors. Positive rating of health was affected in a similar manner to negative rating. However, the absolute importance of hampering positive health may be greater because of the higher prevalence of such health ratings.
Associations between strain in domestic work and self-rated health: A study of employed women in Sweden
Authors: Staland-Nyman Carin , Alexanderson Kristina , Hensing Gunnel
Published: February 2008

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse the association between strain in domestic work and self-rated health among employed women in Sweden, using two different methods of measuring strain in domestic work. Methods: Questionnaire data were collected on health and living conditions in paid and unpaid work for employed women (n=1,417), aged 17—64 years. ``Domestic job strain'' was an application of the demand—control model developed by Karasek and Theorell, and ``Domestic work equity and marital satisfaction'' was measured by questions on the division of and responsibility for domestic work and relationship with spouse/cohabiter. Self-rated health was measured using the SF-36 Health Survey. Associations were analysed by bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses, and reported as standardized regression coefficients. Results: Higher strain in domestic work was associated with lower self-rated health, also after controlling for potential confounders and according to both strain measures. ``Domestic work equity and marital satisfaction'' showed for example negative associations with mental health β -0.211 (p<0.001), vitality β -0.195 (p<0.001), social function -0.132 (p<0.01) and physical role β -0.115 (p<0.01). The highest associations between ``Domestic job strain'' and SF-36 were found for vitality β -0.156 (p<0.001), mental health β -0.123 (p<0.001). Conclusions: Strain in domestic work, including perceived inequity in the relationship and lack of a satisfactory relationship with a spouse/ cohabiter, was associated with lower self-rated health in this cross-sectional study. Future research needs to address the specific importance of strain in domestic work as a contributory factor to women's ill-health.
History of and factors associated with diabetic foot ulcers in Norway: The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study
Authors: Iversen Marjolein M. , Midthjell Kristian , Østbye Truls , Tell Grethe S. , Clipp Elizabeth , Sloane Richard , Nortvedt Monica W. , Uhlving Sverre , Hanestad Berit R.
Published: February 2008

Aims: To determine the proportion of people with diabetes mellitus reporting a history of foot ulcer and to investigate factors associated with this adverse outcome. Methods: All inhabitants aged 20 years and older residing in a large geographic region were invited to participate in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, 71% (n=65,604) attended. Those reporting diabetes (n=1,972) were invited to take part in an ancillary study on diabetes. Based on 1,494 responses to the question: ``Have you had a foot ulcer that required more than three weeks to heal'', the proportion with a history of foot ulcer was estimated. Results: The overall proportion with a history of foot ulcer was 10.4% (95% CI 8.8—11.9%). In the final multivariate logistic regression model, significant factors for a foot ulcer history included age ≥75 years (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2—2.8), height (men>175 cm, women>161 cm) (1.9, 95% CI 1.3—2.8), gender (male) (1.5, 95% CI 1.03—2.2), using insulin (1.6, 95% CI 1.1—2.4), and macrovascular complications (1.8, 95% CI 1.2—2.6). Conclusions: The proportion of people reporting a history of foot ulcer in this population-based study exceeded the proportion of foot ulcer history reported previously. Height as a correlate has been occasionally reported in previous studies and needs further attention. Associated factors for a foot ulcer history help identify individuals who may be at particular risk of this adverse outcome.
When the helper humiliates the patient: A qualitative study about unintended intimidations
Authors: Malterud Kirsti , Thesen Janecke
Published: February 2008

Aims: To explore experiences of intimidating patients/clients from the perspective of the professional. Methods: This was a qualitative study based on memory work, a procedure whereby memories are converted into written stories. The setting was a workshop about oppression and empowerment in a rehabilitation conference. Participants were 48 health and social professionals in six groups. Thirty-seven of the participants provided their written stories. The main outcome measures were descriptions of intimidation episodes according to the level of passivity/activity in the professional responsible for the act. Results: The participants were able to recall episodes where they later realized that they had been involved in events perceived as intimidations by the patient/client. The memory stories described events that were not isolated events, but represented issues that might occur now and then. The first type of intimidation included events where the professional intimidated the patient/client by neglecting various basic needs, such as bodily functions, information, regard, time, and patience. The second type included events where the professional patronized and overruled the patient/client by pursuing the professional's agenda, ridiculing, or only partially acknowledging, the person. Remembering and presenting these events created ideas for alternative modes of action for the professionals. Conclusions: Systems for health and social care suffer from lack of resources, time, and proximity — issues that facilitate the occurrence of intimidation of patients/clients. Yet, the professional remains responsible for his or her moral conduct. High moral awareness and systems with a better balance between reason and emotion are needed to stop vulnerable people being subjected to disempowering practices.
Review: The Fiber Length of Coalinga Chrysotile: Enhanced Clearance due to Its Short Nature in Aqueous Solution with a Brief Critique on ``Short Fiber Toxicity''
Authors: Ilgren E.
Published: February 2008

``Coalinga'' chrysotile is a short fiber chrysotile that historically has been noted to be very different from other forms of asbestos. Under the microscope the ``extreme fiber length'', typical of most forms of asbestos, was said to be neither ``visible'' nor ``even measurable''. This morphology has been recognized for decades. ``Short'' fiber also refers to the predominant length distribution of a fiber population in a given sample. The US Government used Coalinga chrysotile as its ``standard'' short fiber sample preparation for animal testing by ingestion and inhalation more than 30 years ago. The ``standard'' preparations were largely composed of fibers less than 5 μm long. This was only demonstrable in aqueous solution because Coalinga chrysotiles are composed of loosely bound short fibers and fibrils that fall apart into their constituent components in an aqueous milieu. The short length is thus not an artifact of sample preparation but a reflection of the nature of the starting materials. However, currently used regulatory counting methods do not discriminate between Coalinga type and typical long chrysotile fibers even though their biological potencies differ radically. Consequently, these methods grossly overestimate the attendant health risks. Biologically relevant fiber length discrimination is determined by macrophage mediated clearance and, more specifically, macrophage diameter. The diameter of a human macrophage approximates 10—15 μm providing a logical biological foundation for differentiating ``short'' vs. ``long'' fibers. The findings of this report support the importance of fiber length cut-offs at this level.
Neoliberalism, gender inequality and the Australian labour market
Authors: van Gellecum Yolanda , Baxter Janeen , Western Mark
Published: February 2008

Over the past 25 years neoliberal philosophies have increasingly informed labour market policies in Australia that have led to increasing levels of wage decentralization. The most recent industrial relations changes aim to decentralize wage setting significantly further than has previously been the case. We argue that this is problematic for gender equity as wage decentralization will entrench rather than challenge the undervaluation of feminized work. In this article we provide an overview of key neoliberal industrial relations policy changes pertinent to gender equity and examine the current state of gender equity in the labour market. Results show that women's labour force participation has steadily increased over time but that a number of negative trends exclude women with substantial caring responsibilities from pursuing a career track. The implications of increasing levels of wage deregulation are that gender wage inequality and the potential for discrimination will grow.
Restructuring reproduction
Authors: Baker Maureen
Published: February 2008

In 1968, the United Nations began viewing family planning as a human rights issue, relaxing the previous focus on population control. By the 1990s, UN documents empowered women in reproductive matters and urged governments to ensure women's access to a wider range of family planning services. However, after decades of widespread contraceptive usage, below-replacement fertility rates are once again worrying some governments in developed countries. This article traces policy and discourse changes relating to contraception, abortion and fertility decline, focusing on the `liberal' welfare states. Despite international pressure on governments, programs and discourse remain cross-nationally diverse, influenced by domestic politics and the relative strength of competing interest groups arguing about public funding, alternatives to `natural increase', maternal employment and the politics of choice.
How Australians order acceptance of recycled water
Authors: Marks June , Martin Bill , Zadoroznyj Maria
Published: February 2008

Ensuring adequate water supplies in urban Australia is a problem of considerable concern to State and federal governments. A variety of technical solutions are available, including water recycling. While there has been policy support for water recycling, public perceptions are seen by industry stakeholders as a significant impediment to the implementation of recycled water schemes. This article reports baseline data on attitudes to water recycling and its uses in a representative sample of Australians from major urban areas. Sociological frameworks for interpreting the results focus on understanding how people assess the risks associated with recycled water. Three perspectives are outlined, and their consistency with the survey results is analysed. The epistemologically realist view, often the fallback of water professionals and policy makers, is shown to have limited applicability. An interpretation focused on the cultural meanings associated with different forms and uses of water is found to be consistent with many aspects of Australians' expressed views about water recycling, as is a view focused on the `risk society' thesis. The article considers the implications of these findings.
Complex regional pain syndrome with special emphasis on trauma
Authors: Hussein R. , Ordman AJ , Dowd GSE
Published: February 2008

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a condition characterised by a disproportionate regional response to a stimulus leading to disproportionate pain and sensory changes with signs of sympathetic autonomic over-activity. This article summarises the literature on CRPS, particularly the diagnosis and treatment with special emphasis on trauma.
Liver trauma
Authors: Ahmed I , Beckingham IJ
Published: February 2008

Management of blunt or penetrating injury to the liver remains a significant challenge to trauma surgeons. Liver injury remains common in both blunt and penetrating trauma of the abdomen. Unstable patients require immediate laparotomy. Selective patients can be managed without surgery and with careful monitoring. There has been a recent resurgence in the role of temporary packing in the management of liver trauma. Other commonly used techniques are resectional debribement and suture ligation of bleeding vessels. Complications include haemorrhage, bile leak and sepsis. Mortality is mainly due to damage to major hepatic blood vessels or other associated non-hepatic injuries. With improved understanding of the major causes of death from hepatic injury, improved resuscitation and intensive care, mortality has fallen below 10%.