bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring Shrinkage in the Welfare State: Forms of Privatization in a Canadian Health-Care Sector
Authors: Gildiner Alina 
Published: January 2006

Abstract.There is a discussion in the literature about whether, to what extent, and in what ways the welfare state is retrenching or otherwise changing. Both the health policy literature and the broader policy studies literature have tended to focus on economic measures of privatization. This study tests the adequacy of the measures of public-private change proposed by Stoddart and Labelle (1984) by using them to track and analyze the sequence of policy changes in automobile legislation, workers' compensation and health that transformed Ontario's rehabilitation health sector from being almost entirely public in 1990 to being almost entirely private a decade later. It suggests adding what is called “allocative decision-making power” to indicators used to assess public-private change in order to more adequately capture transformations.Résumé.Assiste-t-on au déclin de l'État-providence ou à sa transformation? Quelle est l'ampleur du phénomène? Ce sont des questions qui ont été maintes fois examinées. Or, les analyses des politiques de santé ainsi que les études plus générales des politiques publiques ont tendance à se concentrer sur les mesures économiques de privatisation. La présente étude vise à tester la pertinence des mesures du changement public-privé proposées par Stoddart et Labelle (1984) en les appliquant à la série des changements de politiques en matière de réglementation automobile, d'indemnisation des travailleurs et de santé qui ont fait passer le secteur de la réadaptation du système de santé ontarien d'un statut presque entièrement public en 1990 à un statut presque entièrement privé une décennie plus tard. Cette étude propose d'ajouter la mesure de ce qu'on appelle “ la capacité à prendre des décisions d'allocation ” aux indicateurs traditionnels d'évaluation de l'équilibre public-privé, afin de mieux décrire les processus de changement.
Exploring the Low Levels of Women's Representation in Japanese Local Government
Authors: BOCHEL CATHERINE , BOCHEL HUGH 
Published: January 2006

Although women have consistently outvoted men in elections in Japan since the 1970s, the country has a relatively poor record in terms of women being elected to representative bodies. In recent years, there have been increases, particularly in the number of women in the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, but at the local level the rate of change has been slower.As in other states, a number of propositions have been put forward to explain the low numbers of women in local assemblies. Drawing upon a variety of sources, including the developing literature and interviews with women councillors and others, this article seeks to identify the variety of factors that have contributed to holding down levels of female representation in local government in Japan. It examines these in the context of recent changes and considers the extent to which there is the prospect for further change.
Structure and Measurement of Life Satisfaction in Asian Countries: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: JAGODZINSKI WOLFGANG 
Published: January 2006

The relationship between specific and global measures of life satisfaction or happiness is usually seen as an asymmetric bottom-up relationship. Domain satisfaction and general satisfaction are independently measured and the typical question is whether the former has an impact on the latter or to what extent the former contributes to the latter. This paper, in contrast, investigates whether general life satisfaction can be statisti-cally derived from domain-specific satisfaction. It is suggested to conceptualize life satisfaction as a second-order factor, which is only indirectly related to observable variables. In the first part of the empirical analysis, it is shown that such a model fits the data of the first AsiaBarometer quite well. The factor models for the Asian countries under investigation are not equivalent but strikingly similar. The four first-order factors refer to satisfaction with (1) the family, (2) social status and social health, (3) economic status, and (4) collective goods. These factors load highly on a second-order factor, which is called general life satisfaction.The results suggest the calculation of a specifically weighted factor score for each country and to base the further analyses on these scores. In the second part of the empirical investigation, it is demonstrated, however, that simple unweighted indices, which are calculated under the assumption of meaning equivalence, are very highly correlated with the country-specific factor scores. The further analysis is therefore based on an unweighted index.In the last part of the empirical study, the reliability and validity of the life satisfaction index is examined and compared with the validity of a single indicator of overall happiness. Similar variables are used in many international surveys. Index and indicator are moderately correlated. It is shown that the life satisfaction index on average correlates higher with well-established determinants of happiness than the single item. This is particularly true for the pooled international data set, which includes the data from all participating countries. Accordingly, indices seem to be more reliable and valid measures of general life satisfaction, and may be better suited for comparative analyses at least for the countries under investigation.
Malignant esophageal–tracheobronchial strictures: parallel placement of covered retrievable expandable nitinol stents
Authors: Nam D. H. , Shin J. H. , Song H.-Y. , Jung G.-S. , Han Y.-M. 
Published: January 2006

Purpose: To assess the safety and clinical effectiveness of the parallel placement of covered retrievable expandable metallic stents in the palliative treatment of malignant esophageal and tracheobronchial strictures. Material and Methods: Under fluoroscopic guidance, parallel stents were placed in 12 symptomatic patients with both malignant esophageal and tracheobronchial strictures. Seven of these 12 patients also had an esophagorespiratory fistula (ERF) and one patient had an esophagocutaneous fistula. Technical success, clinical improvement, complications, and survival rates were evaluated. Results: A total of 28 esophageal and airway stents were successfully placed. The grade of dysphagia and dyspnea score significantly decreased after stent placement ( P = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively). ERF and esophagocutaneous fistula were sealed off in all eight patients after esophageal stent placement; however, the esophagocutaneous fistula reopened 1 month later. Complications included stent migration or expectoration ( n = 3), tracheal compression by the esophageal stent ( n = 3), new fistula development due to covering membrane degradation of the esophageal stent ( n = 1), and symptomatic sputum retention ( n = 1). Stent removal was easily performed for two stents; one migrated stent and the other with covering membrane degradation. All 12 patients died within the mean survival period of 72.50 days (range 7–375 days). Conclusion: Parallel placement of covered retrievable expandable metallic stents is safe and effective for the palliative treatment of malignant esophageal and tracheobronchial strictures.
Ureteroscopic treatment of proximal ureter stones with the aid of an antegrade occlusion balloon catheter
Authors: Dirim A. , Tekin M. I. , Aytekin C. , Peskircioglu L. , Boyvat F. , Ozkardes H. 
Published: January 2006

Purpose: To define the role of an antegrade occlusion balloon catheter in preventing migration of proximal ureteral stones to the dilated proximal ureter during endoscopic treatment. Material and Methods: An occlusion balloon catheter was used in 8 of 21 patients with proximal ureteral stones who underwent ureterorenoscopy. Five of the eight patients had solitary kidneys admitting with anuria and had percutaneous nephrostomy. In the other three patients, percutaneous nephrostomy and occlusion balloon catheters were placed a day before the procedure, since these patients had total obstruction and massive dilatation of the proximal ureter and renal collecting system. The balloons of occlusion catheters were inflated with 1 ml of sterile saline proximal to the stones just before ureterorenoscopy. Results: All stones could be reached by ureterorenoscopy and treated successfully with the aid of an ultrasonic lithotripter, and no stone migration to the upper dilated collecting system was observed. Just after the operation, while the patient was still lying on the operation table, the occlusion catheter was removed. The nephrostomy catheter was removed a day later. All patients were totally stone-free after the procedures. Conclusion: Occlusion balloon catheters increase the ureteroscopic treatment success rate in proximal ureter stones. This should be kept in mind especially when dilatation of the proximal collecting system is prominent and in cases with unsuccessful previous intervention with a retrograde stone cone catheter.
Endovascular therapy for abdominal pseudoaneurysms: analysis from technical and clinical aspects
Authors: Kakizawa H. , Toyota N. , Naito A. , Hieda M. , Hirai N. , Tachikake T. , Ito K. 
Published: January 2006

Purpose: To clarify the factors of outcomes by endovascular therapy for abdominal pseudoaneurysm (PSA) from both technical and clinical aspects. Material and Methods: Sixteen patients with PSAs underwent embolization. Embolic methods were classified into two groups: proximal and distal embolization (PDE) and proximal embolization alone (PE). The patients were classified into four groups by shock index. Pre-embolization hemoglobin (Hb) level and decrease in Hb level were evaluated. Outcomes were classified into two groups: successful recovery and failure despite successful PSA embolization. Results: There were no statistical differences in success, recurrence, and complication rate, and outcomes between the two embolic methods. There was a statistically significant correlation between the grades of shock indices and outcomes ( P<0.05). There was no statistical difference between the Hb levels and outcomes. Conclusion: Outcomes were not dependent on the embolic methods. Shock index reflecting clinical status may be a simple predictor of outcome. PSA should therefore be treated by optimal embolic methods as quickly as possible to avoid rupture.
Changes in renal dimensions evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography during long-term ciclosporin-a treatment
Authors: Grøn M. C. , Kristensen Hanefelt D. , Cibulskyte D. , Hørlyck A. , Kaalund H. , Hansen H. E. , Madsen M. , Pedersen M. , Mortensen J. 
Published: January 2006

Purpose: To investigate changes in renal dimensions during long-term treatment with ciclosporin-A (CsA). Material and Methods: Five mini-Göttingen pigs were treated with CsA (10 mg kg−1day−1) for 6 months; 3 untreated animals served as controls. Renal length was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (US); renal volume by MRI. Examinations were performed at baseline (0 weeks) and after the start of CsA treatment at intervals of 5 weeks (5–25 weeks). Results: Comparison of baseline and end-point data (0 weeks vs. 25 weeks) revealed a statistically significant increase in renal volume in CsA-treated animals (87.1 cm3 vs. 55.9 cm3, P = 0.002). Renal volume remained unchanged in the control group. A significant increase in renal length was found both in the CsA-treated pigs (MRI: 96 mm vs. 84 mm, P<0.001; US: 94 mm vs. 81 mm, P<0.001) and in the control group (MRI: 97 mm vs. 85 mm, P<0.001; US: 89 mm vs. 81 mm, P = 0.018). No difference was found between MRI and US measurements based on 40 paired units (MRI variance: 2.4–30.3% and US variance: −5.1–40.6%, P = 0.133). Conclusion: During long-term CsA treatment, renal volume increases in mini-pigs, but there is no correlation between the increase in volume and the increase in length in this pig model.
Primary spinal chondrosarcoma: radiologic findings with pathologic correlation
Authors: Lloret I. , Server A. , Bjerkehagen B. 
Published: January 2006

Purpose: To describe the radiologic appearance of the four types of primary spinal chondrosarcoma (CHS) (conventional intramedullary, juxtacortical, clear cell, and mesenchymal) and to correlate with histopathologic findings. Material and Methods: A retrospective review was carried out of 5 patients with histopathologically confirmed primary spinal CHS; 3 F and 2 M ranging in age between 27 and 66 years (mean 40.2; median 39). Charts, conventional radiographs, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance images were reviewed. All the patients underwent surgical excision, followed by postoperative chemotherapy (1 patient) and radiotherapy (3 patients). Follow-up was available for all patients but one. The mean follow-up was 42 months (14–120 months). Histopathological specimens for all patients were available for review. Results: Vertebral column distribution was 3 thoracic (60%), 1 cervical (20%), and 1 lumbar (20%). Neurological deficits were present in 3 (60%) cases. The radiological appearance of the four types of primary spinal CHS varies with specific lesion type. Imaging findings suggest diagnosis of the conventional intramedullary and juxtacortical types. While the clear cell and mesenchymal types show some distinctive features, these do not allow confident radiologic diagnosis. Conclusion: The radiologist must be aware of imaging features of these tumors in order to improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and prognosis.
The characteristics of heroin users entering treatment: findings from the Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS)
Authors: ROSS JOANNE , TEESSON MAREE , DARKE SHANE , LYNSKEY MICHAEL , ALI ROBERT , RITTER ALISON , COOKE RICHARD 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe current study aimed to describe the characteristics (demographics, drug use, mental and physical health) of entrants to treatment for heroin dependence in three treatment modalities; and to compare these characteristics with heroin users not in or seeking treatment. Participants were 825 current heroin users recruited from Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne: 277 entering methadone/buprenorphine maintenance treatment (MT), 288 entering detoxification (DTX), 180 entering drug‐free residential rehabilitation (RR) and 80 not in treatment (NT). Treatment entrants were generally long‐term heroin users with previous treatment experience. The majority of the sample (55%) were criminally active in the month preceding interview. Injection‐related health problems (74%) and a history of heroin overdose (58%) were commonly reported. There were high degrees of psychiatric co‐morbidity, with 49% reporting severe psychological distress, 28% having current major depression, 37% having attempted suicide and 42% having a lifetime history of post‐traumatic stress disorder. Personality disorders were also prevalent, with 72% meeting criteria for antisocial personality disorder and 47% screening positive for borderline personality disorder. Striking similarities were noted between the non‐treatment and treatment groups in length of heroin use career, drug use and treatment histories.
Heroin treatment demand in South Africa: trends from two large metropolitan sites (January 1997–December 2003)
Authors: PARRY CHARLES D. H. , PLÜDDEMANN ANDREAS , MYERS BRONWYN J. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAccurate prevalence data on heroin use, that points to where problems exist and the extent of these problems, is necessary to guide the formulation of effective substance abuse policy and practice. The purpose of this study was to provide surveillance information about the nature and extent of heroin use in South Africa. Data were collected from 41 specialist alcohol and other drug treatment centres in two metropolitan sites (Cape Town and Gauteng Province) between January 1997 and Decenber 2003. Treatment indicators point to a substantial increase in heroin use over time. Most heroin users in treatment tend to be white, male, between the ages of 21 and 24 years and tend to smoke rather than inject the substance. However, this profile is changing. These emerging trends point to the possibility of heroin use becoming a serious health and social issue in South Africa and demonstrate the need for continued monitoring of heroin use patterns in the future and the development of a strategic plan for intervening before the situation deteriorates further.
A comprehensive morphological analysis of talpid moles (Mammalia) phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Sánchez‐Villagra Marcelo R. , Horovitz Inés , Motokawa Masaharu 
Published: January 2006

AbstractSome talpid moles show one of the most specialized suites of morphological characters seen among small mammals. Fossorial and more generalized shrew‐looking moles inhabit both North America and Eurasia but these land masses share none of the same genera. One of the central questions of mole evolution has been that of how many times specialized fossorial habits evolved. We investigated the origin of mole characters with a maximum parsimony analysis of 157 characters, mostly craniodental and postcranial, of representatives of all 17 living mole genera and three shrews and one hedgehog as outgroups. The result was one most‐parsimonious tree and its most novel aspect was the position of a Japanese shrew mole clade (Urotrichus, Dymecodon), which branched off after Uropsilus and was not closely related to the American shrew mole (Neurotrichus). The desmans (Galemys and Desmana) were the next clade in the tree, followed by Neurotrichus. We confirmed the monophyly of the Eurasian fossorial mole clade Talpini (Euroscaptor, Parascaptor, Mogera, Scaptochirus and Talpa). Condylura, the star‐nosed mole from North America, was sister group to a clade consisting of the Talpini plus Scaptonyx and the Scalopini (Scalopus, Scapanus, Parascalops, and Scapanulus). Based on our results and on the assumption that moles originated in Eurasia, it is most parsimonious to infer one migration from Eurasia to North America and two back‐migrations to Eurasia. It is ambiguous if Talpini and Scalopini evolved their full fossorial habits independently or not.© The Willi Hennig Society 2006.
Communicative sensitivity in the bilingual healthcare setting: A qualitative study of language awareness
Authors: Irvine Fiona E. , Roberts Gwerfyl W. , Jones Peter , Spencer Llinos H. , Baker Colin R. , Williams Cen 
Published: January 2006

Aim. This paper reports on the second phase of a national study in Wales. The research aimed to assess the level of Welsh language awareness amongst healthcare professionals across Wales, and to identify the factors that enhance language choice within service delivery.Background. The literature suggests that language sensitive healthcare practice is central to ensuring high quality care. However, it is evident that language barriers continue to compromise the quality of care within nursing and other health services. One issue that has received little attention is the level of language awareness that healthcare professionals currently demonstrate. Furthermore the factors that influence language choice for bilingual/multilingual speakers are not well explored in the literature.Methods. The study involved semi‐structured interviews with a range of healthcare professionals in acute and community settings across Wales. Using a systematic sampling matrix, a purposeful sample of 83 professionals was selected to participate. Twenty‐seven of the respondents were nurses, health visitors and midwives. The interviews focussed on the factors that facilitate or impede language sensitive healthcare practice. All interviews were audiotaped and, using a framework analysis approach, conceptual codes were developed and defined and categories and sub‐categories were constructed to create thematic charts.Findings. Three main themes were identified: care enhancement, which focussed on the process and outcome of offering language choice to bilingual patients; organizational issues, which reflected issues relating to the infrastructure of service provision; and training implications, which focused on Welsh language learning in health care.Conclusions. Complex dynamics of language use are in operation within bilingual healthcare settings and organizational as well as individual factors are important in facilitating appropriate language use. Many of the issues highlighted are not peculiar to the Welsh context, but apply to healthcare settings across the world, where other minority languages are in use.
Stress and well‐being among parents of children with rare diseases: a prospective intervention study
Authors: Dellve Lotta , Samuelsson Lena , Tallborn Andreas , Fasth Anders , Hallberg Lillemor R.‐M. 
Published: January 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study to assess stress, well‐being and supportive resources experienced by mothers and fathers of children with rare disabilities, and how these variables were affected by an intensive family competence intervention.Background.  Despite diagnosis‐specific studies, little overall knowledge exists about life‐consequences for families of children with rare disorders.Method.  We used a prospective design with baseline data and two follow‐ups (at 6 and 12 months) after an intervention. The intervention aimed at empowering parents in managing their child's disability. Parents from all parts of Sweden visiting a national centre for families of children with rare disabilities were consecutively selected (n = 136 mothers, 108 fathers). Instruments of parental stress, social support, self‐rated health, optimism and life satisfaction and perceived physical or psychological strain were used. Stratified analyses were carried out for mothers and fathers, and related to parental demands: single mothers, full‐time employment, participation in a parent association, child's age and type of disability.Results.  We found high parental stress, physical and emotional strain among mothers, especially among single mothers. Fathers showed high stress related to incompetence, which decreased after the intervention. Decreased strain was found among full‐time working mothers and fathers after the intervention. Parents’ perceived knowledge and active coping and mothers’ perceived social support were increased at follow‐up. Factors related to parents’ overall life satisfaction (57–70% explained variance) changed after the intervention, from being more related to internal demands (perceived strain, incompetence and social isolation) to other conditions, such as problems related to spouse, paid work and social network.Conclusion.  Parents, especially fathers and full‐time working parents, may benefit from an intensive family competence programme.