bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social Change and Social Policy in Japan
Authors: Fujimura Masayuki 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis paper aims to present and discuss social change and social policy in Japan after the mid‐20th century from a sociological viewpoint. Japanese social change and social policy from the mid‐20th century onward can be categorized into three models in chronological order: escape from mass poverty by means of industrialization, improvement of the social security system to establish a welfare state, and parallel progress of aspiration for a welfare society and workfare. Defined concretely, these are (1) the period that established and improved social security, which started immediately after the end of World War II and ended in 1973, when Japan began to suffer from low growth after enjoying high growth; (2) the period in which finance for social security was adjusted, halfway through which the country experienced a bubble economy; and (3) the period after the 1990s, in which the structural reform of social security went hand‐in‐hand with labor policy and the advent of globalization. In each of the three periods, the direction of social policy was affected by factors that caused changes in such areas as industrial structure (the decline of agriculture), demographic structure (an aging society), and family structure and work pattern (the growing trend of nuclear families, single‐person households, and irregular employment). In Japan, life security now attracts increasing attention, and employment security rather than social security has been the central issue. As it is greatly affected by globalization, employment security grows less conspicuous and makes the vulnerability of social security grow more conspicuous. Social policy has the potential to become an area with which to struggle for national integration and fissures between social groups.
Care Diamonds and Welfare Regimes in East and South‐East Asian Societies: Bridging Family and Welfare Sociology
Authors: Ochiai Emiko 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis paper tries to bridge the micro‐level analyses of social networks for “care” provision which have been conducted in the field of family sociology, and the macro‐level framework on welfare mix which has been developed in the area of welfare sociology, because the options for creating social networks are given to individuals by society. A group of Asian researchers including the author have conducted comparative research on social networks for childcare and elderly care in six Asian societies, namely Korea, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, and Japan. To reexamine the results, the author draws diagrams of the care diamonds in each society for each type of care (childcare or elderly care) to show the balance between four sectors (the state, market, family and relatives, and the community) which determines the pattern of welfare mix. The most prevalent pattern in Asian societies today is the pattern with a large family and relatives sector and a large market sector. We can interpret it as a familistic welfare regime combined with liberalism. However, Japan alone shows a pattern close to pure familism because the development of the market sector is restricted by immigration policies prohibiting the employment of foreign domestic workers. Unlike other Asian societies which were exposed to the global market before the family could become a closed organization and marketization of care work took place easily, in Japan, where the modern family system had been established, both socialization and marketization of care work have stagnated.
Social Change and Social Policy in Taiwan: New Poverty, M‐shaped Society and Policy Implications
Authors: Hsueh James Cherng‐tay , Ku Yeun‐wen 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAlong with radical changes in the global economy and family structure, Taiwan has experienced the re‐emergence of the poverty problem that was thought disappearing after remarkable economic growth in the 1980s. This article would like to provide an updated profile of social changes in Taiwan, with special reference to the related poverty issues like new poverty and the M‐shaped society, as Ohmae defines it in his well‐known book. To begin with, we place some of the most recent developments in the context of unbalanced growth and increasing family crises. Ironically, people in Taiwan have widely used the terms of new poverty and M‐shaped society since the end of 1990s, while the “economic miracle” the island wrought still remains a fond memory. Official statistics on poverty, unemployment, divorce, mental disease, and child abuse have all shown increases. The trend is a matter of serious concern. Unlike in Japan, the earnings of workers in Taiwan did not significantly decrease in recent years. Taiwan seems to deviate from the M‐shaped society. We have developed two tentative but handy yardsticks for examining the shift of the middle class: the “balance index” and the “M‐ratio”. The former provides as a relative measure among different income groups, while the latter is designed to indicate the change of the middle class relative to the overall contribution of the people. Finally, we also discuss its implications to social policy in Taiwan.
Nurse‐Midwives' Experiences with Planned Home Birth: Impact on Attitudes and Practice
Authors: Vedam Saraswathi , Stoll Kathrin , White Sarah , Aaker Jessica , Schummers Laura 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT: Background:
Health care providers' attitudes toward maternity care options influence the nature of informed decision‐making discussions and patient choice. A woman's choice of birth site may be affected by her provider's opinion and practice site. The objectives of this study were to describe American nurse‐midwives' attitudes toward, and experiences with, planned home birth, and to explore correlates and predictors of their attitudes toward planned home birth as measured by the Provider Attitudes towards Planned Home Birth (PAPHB) scale.
Methods:
A survey instrument, which incorporates the PAPHB and assesses demographic, education, practice, personal experience, and external barrier variables that may predict attitudes toward planned home birth practice, was completed by 1,893 nurse‐midwives. Bivariate analysis identified associations between variables and attitudes. Linear regression modeling identified predictors of attitudes.
Results:
Variables that significantly predicted favorable attitudes to planned home birth were increased clinical and educational experiences with planned home birth (p < 0.001), increased exposure to planned home birth (p < 0.001), and younger age (p < 0.001). External barriers that significantly predicted less favorable attitudes included financial (p = 0.03) and time (p < 0.001) constraints, inability to access medical consultation (p < 0.001), and fear of peer censure (p < 0.001). Willingness to practice in the home was correlated with factors related to nurse‐midwives' confidence in their management abilities and beliefs about planned home birth safety.
Conclusions:
The results suggest that nurse‐midwives' choice of practice site and comfort with planned home birth are strongly influenced by the nature and amount of exposure to home birth during professional education or practice experiences, in addition to interprofessional, logistic, and environmental factors. Findings from this research may inform interdisciplinary education and collaborative practice in the area of planned home birth.
Postpartum Perineal Pain in a Low Episiotomy Setting: Association with Severity of Genital Trauma, Labor Care, and Birth Variables
Authors: Leeman Lawrence , Fullilove Anne M. , Borders Noelle , Manocchio Regina , Albers Leah L. , Rogers Rebecca G. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT: Background:
Perineal pain is common after childbirth. We studied the effect of genital tract trauma, labor care, and birth variables on the incidence of pain in a population of healthy women exposed to low rates of episiotomy and operative vaginal delivery.
Methods:
A prospective study of genital trauma at birth and assessment of postpartum perineal pain and analgesic use was conducted in 565 midwifery patients. Perineal pain was assessed using the present pain intensity (PPI) and visual analog scale (VAS) components of the validated short‐form McGill pain scale. Multivariate logistic regression examined which patient characteristics or labor care measures were significant determinants of perineal pain and use of analgesic medicines.
Results:
At hospital discharge, women with major trauma reported higher VAS pain scores (2.16 ± 1.61 vs 1.48 ± 1.40; p < 0.001) and were more likely to use analgesic medicines (76.3 vs 23.7%, p = 0.002) than women with minor or no trauma. By 3 months, average VAS scores were low in each group and not significantly different. Perineal pain at the time of discharge was associated in univariate analysis with higher education level, ethnicity (non‐Hispanic white), nulliparity, and longer length of active maternal pushing efforts. In a multivariate model, only trauma group and length of active pushing predicted the pain at hospital discharge. In women with minor or no trauma, only length of the active part of second stage labor had a positive relationship with pain. In women with major trauma, the length of active second stage labor had no independent effect on the level of pain at discharge beyond its effect on the incidence of major trauma.
Conclusions:
Women with spontaneous perineal trauma reported very low rates of postpartum perineal pain. Women with major trauma reported increased perineal pain compared with women who had no or minor trauma; however, by 3 months postpartum this difference was no longer present. In women with minor or no perineal trauma, a longer period of active pushing was associated with increased perineal pain.
A Birth Education Program for Expectant Fathers in Taiwan: Effects on Their Anxiety
Authors: Li Hsin‐Tzu , Lin Kuan‐Chia , Chang Shu‐Chen , Kao Chien‐Huei , Liu Chieh‐Yu , Kuo Su‐Chen 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT: Background:
A father who does not know how to assist the mother in relieving labor pains may experience a sense of powerlessness and anxiety. The objective of this study was to evaluate how an education program for expectant fathers who attended their partners' labor and birth affected their anxiety.
Methods:
In a randomized controlled trial, 87 expectant fathers who attended their pregnant partners through labor and birth at a hospital in central Taiwan were allocated by block randomization to an experimental (n = 45) and a control (n = 42) group. The men completed their basic personal information, a childbirth expectations questionnaire, and a Trait Anxiety Inventory when they were recruited. Two hours after birth of their child, all the expectant fathers completed a State of Anxiety Inventory.Results: Our results showed no statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups of fathers in trait anxiety and their prenatal childbirth expectations. After analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to correct for education level, sources of childbirth information, attendance at Lamaze childbirth classes, and childbirth expectations at baseline, the effect of the childbirth program was significant for the postnatal level of anxiety (F = 3.38, p = 0.001).Conclusions: The study findings justify the clinical implementation of a birth education program based on the self‐efficacy theory as an effective means of reducing anxiety among expectant fathers.
Top‐Selling Childbirth Advice Books: A Discourse Analysis
Authors: Kennedy Holly Powell , Nardini Katrina , McLeod‐Waldo Rebecca , Ennis Linda 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT: Background:
Recent evidence suggests that one‐third of women receive information about pregnancy and childbirth through books. Messages about what characteristics are normal (or expected) in childbirth are disseminated in a variety of ways, including popular childbirth education books, but little study of them has been conducted. The purpose of this investigation is to address that gap by examining the discussions about childbirth in the 10 top‐selling books in the United States.
Methods:
Discourse analysis (relating to the public, personal, and political discussions about a specific phenomenon) was used to study 10 best‐selling United States childbirth advice books marketed to childbearing women during the first week of November 2007.
Results:
Book styles ranged from clinical descriptions of pregnancy and birth primarily offering reassurance, self‐help information, and danger signs to more folksy and humorous commentaries. Presentation of scientific evidence to support recommendations was uneven and at times inaccurate. Five focal areas of discourse included body image, labor and birth, pain, power and control, and life preparation for motherhood.
Conclusions:
Top‐selling books shine an interesting light on the current state of United States maternity practices. Women and health professionals should assess them carefully and engage with each other about their recommendations and implications for childbirth.
Chronic Ethanol Consumption Induces Global Hepatic Protein Hyperacetylation
Authors: Shepard Blythe D. , Tuma Dean J. , Tuma Pamela L. 
Published: November 2009

Background:  Although the clinical manifestations of alcoholic liver disease are well described, little is known about the molecular basis for liver injury. Recent studies have indicated that chronic alcohol consumption leads to the lysine‐hyperacetylation of several hepatic proteins, and this list is growing quickly.Methods:  To identify other hyperacetylated proteins in ethanol‐fed livers, we chose a proteomics approach. Cytosolic and membrane proteins (excluding nuclei) were separated on 2D gels, transferred to PVDF and immunoblotted with antibodies specific for acetylated lysine residues. Hyperacetylated proteins were selected for trypsin digestion and mass spectrometric analysis.Results:  In all, 40 proteins were identified, 11 of which are known acetylated proteins. Remarkably, the vast majority of hyperacetylated membrane proteins were mitochondrial residents. Hyperacetylated cytosolic proteins ranged in function from metabolism to cytoskeletal support. Notably, 3 key anti‐oxidant proteins were identified whose activities are impaired in ethanol‐treated cells. We confirmed that the anti‐oxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase 1, actin and cortactin are hyperacetylated in ethanol‐treated livers.Conclusions:  Alcohol‐induced hyperacetylation of multiple proteins may contribute to the development of liver injury. The abundance of acetylated mitochondrial proteins further suggests that this modification is important in regulating liver metabolism and when perturbed, may contribute to the progression of a variety of metabolic diseases.
HippocampalN‐Methyl‐d‐Aspartate Receptor Subunit Expression Profiles in a Mouse Model of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Samudio‐Ruiz Sabrina L. , Allan Andrea M. , Sheema Sheema , Caldwell Kevin K. 
Published: November 2009

Background: Although several reports have been published showing prenatal ethanol exposure is associated with alterations inN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit levels and, in a few cases, subcellular distribution, results of these studies are conflicting.Methods: We used semi‐quantitative immunoblotting techniques to analyze NMDA receptor NR1, NR2A, and NR2B subunit levels in the adult mouse hippocampal formation isolated from offspring of dams who consumed moderate amounts of ethanol throughout pregnancy. We employed subcellular fractionation and immunoprecipitation techniques to isolate synaptosomal membrane‐ and postsynaptic density protein‐95 (PSD‐95)‐associated pools of receptor subunits.Results: We found that, compared to control animals, fetal alcohol‐exposed (FAE) adult mice had: (i) increased synaptosomal membrane NR1 levels with no change in association of this subunit with PSD‐95 and no difference in total NR1 expression in tissue homogenates; (ii) decreased NR2A subunit levels in hippocampal homogenates, but no alterations in synaptosomal membrane NR2A levels and no change in NR2A‐PSD‐95 association; and (iii) no change in tissue homogenate or synaptosomal membrane NR2B levels but a reduction in PSD‐95‐associated NR2B subunits. No alterations were found in mRNA levels of NMDA receptor subunits suggesting that prenatal alcohol‐associated differences in subunit protein levels are the result of differences in post‐transcriptional regulation of subunit localization.Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that prenatal alcohol exposure induces selective changes in NMDA receptor subunit levels in specific subcellular locations in the adult mouse hippocampal formation. Of particular interest is the finding of decreased PSD‐95‐associated NR2B levels, suggesting that synaptic NR2B‐containing NMDA receptor concentrations are reduced in FAE animals. This result is consistent with various biochemical, physiological, and behavioral findings that have been linked with prenatal alcohol exposure.
Effect of periodontal treatment on metabolic control, systemic inflammation and cytokines in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Correa Fernanda O. B. , Gonçalves Daniela , Figueredo Carlos M. S. , Bastos Alliny S , Gustafsson Anders , Orrico Silvana R. P. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of periodontal therapy on the circulating concentration of high‐sensitivity capsule‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), fibrinogen (FIB), interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10 and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and on the metabolic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.Material and Methods: Twenty‐three T2DM patients with chronic periodontitis were enrolled in this study. Periodontal clinical parameters, namely visible plaque index, gingival bleeding index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment levels, were evaluated. Blood samples for plasma were collected and assessed for the levels of hs‐CRP, FIB, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10 and TNF‐α. The glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose were also measured. All parameters were evaluated before and 3 months after non‐surgical periodontal therapy.Results: All clinical parameters were significantly improved 3 months after the periodontal therapy. A univariate comparison showed a tendency towards a decrease of the measured biomarkers, most pronounced for TNF‐α and FIB, after therapy. Periodontal treatment also reduced HbA1c and hs‐CRP levels, albeit not significantly.Conclusions: The clinically successful non‐surgical periodontal therapy tended to reduce systemic inflammation and the concentration of some circulating cytokines.
Actuarial life‐table analysis of lower impacted wisdom teeth in general dental practice
Authors: Fernandes Marcelo José , Ogden Graham Richard , Pitts Nigel Berry , Ogston Simon Alexander , Ruta Danny Adolph 
Published: November 2009

Fernandes MJ, Ogden GR, Pitts NB, Ogston SA, Ruta DA. Actuarial life‐table analysis of lower impacted wisdom teeth in general dental practice. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 58–67. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/SAbstract –  Background:  The appropriateness of extraction of asymptomatic impacted third molars has been much debated and as a result the number of extractions has fallen in the UK in the past few years. As a direct consequence of this decrease more impacted third molars are left in situ and yet, little is known about the natural history of these teeth.Objective:  The aim of this study was to create an actuarial life‐table and related survival analysis that would shed light on the natural history of an impacted lower third molar.Methods:  Panoramic radiographs taken in 14 different general dental practices in Scotland were analysed and matched with their respective case notes in order to generate a sample of patients with asymptomatic impacted lower third molars. Subjects were assessed to confirm the presence of impaction and absence of symptoms and then re‐assessed 1 year later for the development of symptoms during the study period to relate the incidence of symptoms within 1 year in the sample studied to age. Logistic regression was used to construct a life table based on the survival of symptom‐free teeth (independently of extraction) during the study period.Results:  The number of patients included in the study was 583 and 421 for the baseline and follow‐up assessments respectively. The total number of teeth analysed in both appointments was 676; from those 37 (5.47%) were extracted during the study period. About 562 teeth (83.13%) survived the study period symptom‐free. There was a statistically significant inverse association between the development of symptoms studied and age. There was no statistically significant association between extraction and age.Conclusions:  The study indicates that older patients are less likely to develop the symptoms studied. In addition the authors believe that there is evidence to suggest that general dental practitioners might not be following current guidelines when deciding whether or not to extract an impacted lower third molar in the centres studied.
Spatial analysis of oblique photo‐point images for quantifying spatio‐temporal changes in plant communities
Authors: Michel P. , Mathieu R. , Mark A.F. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractQuestion: Can spatial analytical techniques be used to extract quantitative measurements of vegetation communities from ground‐based permanent photo‐point images?Location: Mount Aspiring National Park, south‐western South Island, New Zealand.Methods: Sets of ground‐based photographs representing two contrasting vegetation types were selected to test two spatial analytical techniques. In the grid technique, a grid was superimposed onto the photographs and the frequency of species presence in each grid‐square was calculated to estimate species abundance/cover over the defined area. In the object‐oriented technique, the photographs were segmented into meaningful objects, based on the colour of the pixels and the textural patterns of the images, and the area occupied by an object in the image was used to derive species abundance/cover over the area.Results: Both techniques allow quick and easy classification of digital elements into ecologically relevant categories of vegetation components. The grid technique appeared more robust, being quick and efficient, accommodating all image types and providing presence/absence matrices for multivariate analysis. Fewer classes were identified using the object‐oriented technique, in particular for the forest interior site and for small individual plants such as Astelia spp.Conclusions: Both techniques showed potential for the objective quantitative analysis of long‐term vegetation monitoring of cover and changes of several component species, using repeat ground‐based photographs more specifically for grassland habitats. However, both rely to various degrees on manual classification. Corrective factors and strict protocols for taking the photographs are necessary to account for variation in view angles and to compute values more representative of absolute species abundance.