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Population Groups (population + groups)
Kinds of Population Groups Selected AbstractsY-Chromosome STR Haplotypes in Three Different Population Groups From Ecuador (South America)JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 2 2008Fabricio González-Andrade M.D., Ph.D. Populations:, Over 102 unrelated Mestizos, 102 Native Amerindian (Kichwas), and 102 African Americans who represent the three largest communities of the country Ecuador (South America). [source] The metabolic syndrome and changing relationship between blood pressure and insulin with age, as observed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoplesDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 11 2005A. E. Schutte Abstract Aims To determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A further objective was to investigate the relationships between fasting insulin and blood pressure (BP) within these groups with increasing age. Methods A cross-sectional population-based study included 369 Torres Strait Islanders (residing in Torres Strait and Far North Queensland), and 675 Aborigines from central Australia. Data necessary for classification of MS was collected, including fasting and 2-h glucose and insulin, urinary albumin and creatinine, anthropometric measurements, BP, serum lipids. Results The ATPIII criteria classified 43% of Torres Strait Islanders and 44% of Aborigines with MS, whereas 32 and 28%, respectively, had the MS according to WHO criteria. Agreement between the two criteria was only modest (kappa coefficient from 0.28 to 0.57). Factor analyses indicated no cluster including both insulin and BP in either population. Significant correlations (P < 0.05) [adjusted for gender, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference] were observed between BP and fasting insulin: a positive correlation for Torres Strait Islanders aged 15,29 years, and an inverse correlation for Aborigines aged 40 years and older. Conclusion Torres Strait Islanders and Aborigines had very high prevalences of the MS. Specific population characteristics (high prevalences of central obesity, dyslipidaemia, renal disease) may make the WHO definition preferable to the ATPIII definition in these population groups. The poor agreement between criteria suggests a more precise definition of the metabolic syndrome that is applicable across populations is required. This study showed an inverse relationship with age for the correlation of BP and fasting insulin. [source] Brief alcohol intervention,where to from here?ADDICTION, Issue 6 2010Challenges remain for research, practice ABSTRACT Brief intervention (BI) is intended as an early intervention for non-treatment-seeking, non-alcohol-dependent, hazardous and harmful drinkers. This text provides a brief summary of key BI research findings from the last three decades and discusses a number of knowledge gaps that need to be addressed. Five areas are described: patient intervention efficacy and effectiveness; barriers to BI implementation by health professionals; individual-level factors that impact on BI implementation; organization-level factors that impact on BI implementation; and society-level factors that impact on BI implementation. BI research has focused largely upon the individual patient and health professional levels, with the main focus upon primary health care research, and studies are lacking in other settings. However, research must, to a larger degree, take into account the organizational and wider context in which BI occurs, as well as interaction between factors at different levels, in order to advance the understanding of how wider implementation of BI can be achieved in various settings and how different population groups can be reached. It is also important to expand BI research beyond its current parameters to investigate more ambitious long-term educational programmes and new organizational models. More widespread implementation of BI will require many different interventions (efforts, actions, initiatives, etc.) at different interlinked levels, from implementation interventions targeting individual health professionals' knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours concerning alcohol issues, BI and behaviour change counselling to efforts at the organizational and societal levels that influence the conditions for delivering BI as part of routine health care. [source] DIFFERENTIATION AMONG POPULATIONS WITH MIGRATION, MUTATION, AND DRIFT: IMPLICATIONS FOR GENETIC INFERENCEEVOLUTION, Issue 1 2006Seongho Song Abstract Populations may become differentiated from one another as a result of genetic drift. The amounts and patterns of differentiation at neutral loci are determined by local population sizes, migration rates among populations, and mutation rates. We provide exact analytical expressions for the mean, variance, and covariance of a stochastic model for hierarchically structured populations subject to migration, mutation, and drift. In addition to the expected correlation in allele frequencies among populations in the same geographic region, we demonstrate that there is a substantial correlation in allele frequencies among regions at the top level of the hierarchy. We propose a hierarchical Bayesian model for inference of Wright's F -statistics in a two-level hierarchy in which we estimate the among-region correlation in allele frequencies by substituting replication across loci for replication across time. We illustrate the approach through an analysis of human microsatellite data, and we show that approaches ignoring the among-region correlation in allele frequencies underestimate the amount of genetic differentiation among major geographic population groups by approximately 30%. Finally, we discuss the implications of these results for the use and interpretation of F -statistics in evolutionary studies. [source] Computational cardiac atlases: from patient to population and backEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5 2009Alistair A. Young Integrative models of cardiac physiology are important for understanding disease and planning intervention. Multimodal cardiovascular imaging plays an important role in defining the computational domain, the boundary/initial conditions, and tissue function and properties. Computational models can then be personalized through information derived from in vivo and, when possible, non-invasive images. Efforts are now established to provide Web-accessible structural and functional atlases of the normal and pathological heart for clinical, research and educational purposes. Efficient and robust statistical representations of cardiac morphology and morphodynamics can thereby be obtained, enabling quantitative analysis of images based on such representations. Statistical models of shape and appearance can be built automatically from large populations of image datasets by minimizing manual intervention and data collection. These methods facilitate statistical analysis of regional heart shape and wall motion characteristics across population groups, via the application of parametric mathematical modelling tools. These parametric modelling tools and associated ontological schema also facilitate data fusion between different imaging protocols and modalities as well as other data sources. Statistical priors can also be used to support cardiac image analysis with applications to advanced quantification and subject-specific simulations of computational physiology. [source] Determinants in the development of advanced nursing practice: a case study of primary-care settings in Hong KongHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 1 2005Sheila Twinn BA PGCEA PhD RN RHV Abstract Different factors have been shown to influence the development of models of advanced nursing practice (ANP) in primary-care settings. Although ANP is being developed in hospitals in Hong Kong, China, it remains undeveloped in primary care and little is known about the factors determining the development of such a model. The aims of the present study were to investigate the contribution of different models of nursing practice to the care provided in primary-care settings in Hong Kong, and to examine the determinants influencing the development of a model of ANP in such settings. A multiple case study design was selected using both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Sampling methods reflected the population groups and stage of the case study. Sampling included a total population of 41 nurses from whom a secondary volunteer sample was drawn for face-to-face interviews. In each case study, a convenience sample of 70 patients were recruited, from whom 10 were selected purposively for a semi-structured telephone interview. An opportunistic sample of healthcare professionals was also selected. The within-case and cross-case analysis demonstrated four major determinants influencing the development of ANP: (1) current models of nursing practice; (2) the use of skills mix; (3) the perceived contribution of ANP to patient care; and (4) patients' expectations of care. The level of autonomy of individual nurses was considered particularly important. These determinants were used to develop a model of ANP for a primary-care setting. In conclusion, although the findings highlight the complexity determining the development and implementation of ANP in primary care, the proposed model suggests that definitions of advanced practice are appropriate to a range of practice models and cultural settings. However, the findings highlight the importance of assessing the effectiveness of such models in terms of cost and long-term patient outcomes. [source] Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Northern GreeceINTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 3 2008G. Ntaios Abstract Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency affects more than 400 million persons worldwide. Its distribution varies significantly among different geographic regions and different population groups. Purpose of our study was to estimate its prevalence in Northern Greece. The dataset comprised 5161 newborns and adults who were screened for G6PD deficiency between July 2001 and March 2007. G6PD deficiency was detected by the dye reduction method. In the screened group, 6.3% of subjects were G6PD deficient. Moderate enzyme deficiency was shown in 139 individuals (2.7%). Complete deficiency was identified in 3.7%. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Northern Greece is much higher compared with the general Greek population. Moreover, G6PD prevalence in the male sex is much higher , almost double , that in the female sex. [source] Multiscale multiresolution genetic algorithm with a golden sectioned population compositionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2008Dae Seung Kim Abstract A new genetic algorithm (GA) strategy called the multiscale multiresolution GA is proposed for expediting solution convergence by orders of magnitude. The motivation for this development was to apply GAs to a certain class of large optimization problems, which are otherwise nearly impossible to solve. For the algorithm, standard binary design variables are binary wavelet transformed to multiscale design variables. By working with the multiscale variables, evolution can proceed in multiresolution; converged solutions at a low resolution are reused as a part of individuals of the initial population for the next resolution evolution. It is shown that the best solution convergence can be achieved if three initial population groups having different fitness levels are mixed at the golden section ratio. An analogy between cell division and the proposed multiscale multiresolution strategy is made. The specific applications of the developed method are made in topology optimization problems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] No relationship observed between human p53 codon-72 genotype and HPV-associated cervical cancer in a population group with a low arginine-72 allele frequencyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMMUNOGENETICS, Issue 3 2007V. A. Govan Summary Infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is a necessary but not a sufficient event in the development of cervical cancer, as most infections regress without intervention. Thus, genetic host factors and cellular immune responses could be potential modifiers for the risk of developing cervical cancer. In particular, p53 is considered as the most critical tumour suppressor gene and is involved in regulating cell division. The polymorphism on p53, which encodes either a proline or an arginine amino acid residue at codon 72, has been reported as a possible risk factor for cervical disease. This polymorphism has been shown to differentially affect the efficiency of degradation of p53 protein mediated by HR-HPV E6 oncoprotein. Women with histologically proven cancer of the cervix (n = 111) and hospital-based controls (n = 143) were included in this study. The patients and controls were from the Western Cape Province in South Africa. Genotyping of the p53 polymorphism was conducted using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment-length polymorphism method. The distributions of the allelic frequencies were stratified in both patients and controls into two South African ethnic population groups. In this study, we observed no association between the distribution of p53 polymorphism and susceptibility to cervical cancer in the Western Cape Province populations (P = 0.466). However, the frequency of the Pro/Pro residue at codon 72 was increased in the South African population when compared to Caucasians, Indians and Portuguese population groups. Notably, as the distribution of the Pro/Pro at codon 72 of p53 gene was significantly different (P < 0.05) between the control groups of South Africa and other population groups. This result suggests that ethnic disparity may influence the levels of p53 produced. [source] Community health nurses in action: a case study from JordanINTERNATIONAL NURSING REVIEW, Issue 2 2007K. Shishani phd Community health nurses can make a considerable difference in the lives of disadvantaged population groups. One of their major roles is to conduct studies that focus on at-risk populations and to use the findings to implement nursing actions to promote the public's health. This case study describes one such activity in Jordan. [source] Social health insurance in developing countries: A continuing challengeINTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SECURITY REVIEW, Issue 2 2002Guy Carrin This paper addresses the issue of the feasibility of "social" health insurance (SHI) in developing countries. SHI aims at protecting all population groups against financial risks due to illness. There are substantial difficulties in implementation, however, due to lack of debate and consensus about the extent of financial solidarity, problems with health service delivery, and insufficient managerial capacity. The transition to universal coverage is likely to take many years, but it can be speeded up. Adopting a "family" approach to financial protection, sustained financial support from governments and donors, and deconcentrating the development of SHI may slash several years from the time needed to achieve full universal protection against healthcare costs. [source] Screening tools for depressed mood after childbirth in UK-based South Asian women: a systematic reviewJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 6 2007Soo M. Downe Abstract Aim., This paper is a report of a systematic review to answer the question: what is the relevance, acceptability, validity and effectiveness of tools designed to screen for postnatal depressed mood for South Asian women living in the UK? Background., Standard methods to screen women for postnatal depressed mood were developed with Caucasian populations. This study reviews postnatal screening tools adapted or developed for United Kingdom-based South Asian women. Method., A structured systematic review of English language studies initially was completed between 1980 and May 2003, and later updated to January 2005. The review was based on an a priori search strategy with inclusion and exclusion criteria and analysis included a quality assessment tool. Findings were tabulated against criteria for acceptability and effectiveness of diagnostic tools. Results., Seven papers were included in the review. None addressed all preset quality criteria. Four papers among them reported on translations of two existing tools (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and General Household Questionnaire). Two new tools were reported between the remaining three papers (Punjabi Postnatal Depression Scale and ,Doop Chaon'©). Doop Chaon is a visual tool. The other tools used either Bengali or Punjabi, based on written scales. The General Household Questionnaire did not appear to be appropriate for this population. None of the studies were rigorous enough to demonstrate generalizable sensitivity or specificity. Qualitative data indicated that women preferred face-to-face interviews to self-complete questionnaires. Conclusions., None of the tools are currently sufficiently evaluated for clinical practice. Questions are raised specifically about use of language-based tools to measure postnatal depressed mood in this population and about the extent to which focused interviews could be used as an alternative for specific sub-sections of population groups. [source] Setting Eligibility Criteria for a Care-Coordination BenefitJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 12 2005Christine T. Cigolle MD Objectives: To examine different clinically relevant eligibility criteria sets to determine how they differ in numbers and characteristics of individuals served. Design: Cross-sectional analysis of the 2000 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative longitudinal health interview survey of adults aged 50 and older. Setting: Population-based cohort of community-dwelling older adults, subset of an ongoing longitudinal health interview survey. Participants: Adults aged 65 and older who were respondents in the 2000 wave of the HRS (n=10,640, representing approximately 33.6 million Medicare beneficiaries). Measurements: Three clinical criteria sets were examined that included different combinations of medical conditions, cognitive impairment, and activity of daily living/instrumental activity of daily living (ADL/IADL) dependency. Results: A small portion of Medicare beneficiaries (1.3,5.8%) would be eligible for care coordination, depending on the criteria set chosen. A criteria set recently proposed by Congress (at least four severe complex medical conditions and one ADL or IADL dependency) would apply to 427,000 adults aged 65 and older in the United States. Criteria emphasizing cognitive impairment would serve an older population. Conclusion: Several criteria sets for a Medicare care-coordination benefit are clinically reasonable, but different definitions of eligibility would serve different numbers and population groups of older adults. [source] Os incae: variation in frequency in major human population groupsJOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 2 2001TSUNEHIKO HANIHARA The variation in frequency of the Inca bone was examined in major human populations around the world. The New World populations have generally high frequencies of the Inca bone, whereas lower frequencies occur in northeast Asians and Australians. Tibetan/Nepalese and Assam/Sikkim populations in northeast India have more Inca bones than do neighbouring populations. Among modern populations originally derived from eastern Asian population stock, the frequencies are highest in some of the marginal isolated groups. In Central and West Asia as well as in Europe, frequency of the Inca bone is relatively low. The incidence of the complete Inca bone is, moreover, very low in the western hemisphere of the Old World except for Subsaharan Africa. Subsaharan Africans show as a whole a second peak in the occurrence of the Inca bone. Geographical and ethnographical patterns of the frequency variation of the Inca bone found in this study indicate that the possible genetic background for the occurrence of this bone cannot be completely excluded. Relatively high frequencies of the Inca bone in Subsaharan Africans indicate that this trait is not a uniquely eastern Asian regional character. [source] Range-wide genetic structure in a north-east Asian spruce (Picea jezoensis) determined using nuclear microsatellite markersJOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 5 2009Mineaki Aizawa Abstract Aim, We used microsatellite markers to determine the range-wide genetic structure of Picea jezoensis and to test the hypothesis that the past population history of this widespread cold-temperate spruce has resulted in a low level of genetic variation and in imprints of inbreeding and bottlenecks in isolated marginal populations. Location, The natural range of the three infraspecific taxa of P. jezoensis throughout north-east Asia, including isolated marginal populations. Methods, We analysed a total of 990 individuals across 33 natural populations using four nuclear microsatellite loci. Population genetic structure was assessed by analysing genetic diversity indices for each population, examining clustering (model-based and distance-based) among populations, evaluating signals of recent bottlenecks, and testing for isolation by distance (IBD). Results, The 33 populations were clustered into five groups. The isolated marginal groups of populations (in Kamchatka, Kii in Japan and South Korea) exhibited low levels of allelic richness and gene diversity and a complete or almost complete loss of rare alleles. A recent bottleneck was detected in the populations in Hokkaido across to mid-Sakhalin. The IBD analysis revealed that genetic divergence between populations was higher for populations separated by straits. Main conclusions,Picea jezoensis showed a higher level of genetic differentiation among populations (FST = 0.101) than that observed in the genus Picea in general. This might be attributable to the fact that historically the straits around Japan acted as barriers to the movement of seeds and pollen. The low levels of genetic diversity in the isolated marginal population groups may reflect genetic drift that has occurred after isolation. Evidence of a significant bottleneck between the Hokkaido and mid-Sakhalin populations implies that the cold, dry climate in the late Pleistocene resulted in the decline and contraction of populations, and that there was a subsequent expansion followed by a founder effect when conditions improved. The high polymorphism observed in P. jezoensis nuclear microsatellites revealed cryptic genetic structure that organellar DNA markers failed to identify in a previous study. [source] Subgingival microbial profiles in chronic periodontitis patients from Chile, Colombia and SpainJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 2 2008David Herrera Abstract Aim: To investigate the subgingival microbiota of distinct periodontitis patient populations, in Chile, Colombia and Spain, using identical clinical and bacteriological methods. Material and Methods: In this multicentre study, 114 chronic periodontitis patients were selected. Patients were examined using an identical clinical protocol and pooled subgingival samples were obtained from each patient. Samples were processed in the three laboratories by means of culturing under identical clinical and microbiological protocols. Total anaerobic counts and frequency of detection and proportions of nine periodontal pathogens were calculated. Variables were analysed by means of anova, ,2, Kruskal,Wallis and Dunn's multiple comparison tests. Results: The Colombian population demonstrated greater severity of periodontitis, with significantly deeper mean probing pocket depth, and had a significantly lower percentage of current smokers. When comparing samples from the three patient populations, the total counts were significantly higher in the Colombian patients. The numbers of putative pathogens differed among groups. Tannerella forsythia was found less frequently in Chilean samples, while Parvimonas micra and enteric rods differed significantly among the three population groups. Conclusion: Significant differences among Chile, Colombia and Spain existed regarding the frequency and proportions of specific periodontal pathogens in the subgingival microbiota of periodontitis patients. [source] Underestimation and overestimation of personal weight status: associations with socio-demographic characteristics and weight maintenance intentionsJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 4 2006J. Brug Abstract Objective, Unwarranted underestimation and overestimation of personal weight status may prevent weight maintenance behaviour. The present study reports on correlates of under- and overestimation of personal weight status and the association with weight maintenance intentions and self-reported action. Design, Comparison of three cross-sectional surveys, representing different population groups. Subjects, Survey 1: 1694 adolescents 13,19 years of age; survey 2: 979 nonobese adults 25,35 years of age; survey 3: 617 adults 21,62 years of age. Measurements, Self-administered written questionnaires (surveys 1 and 3) and telephone-administered questionnaires (survey 2); self-reported BMI, self-rated weight status, intentions and self-reported actions to avoid weight gain or to lose weight, sex, age, education and ethnic background. Respondents were classified as people who are realistic about personal body weight status or people who under- and overestimate their body weight status, based on BMI and self-rated weight status. Results, Most respondents in the three survey populations were realistic about their weight status. Overestimation of weight status was consistently more likely among women, whereas underestimation was more likely among men, older respondents and respondents from ethnic minorities. Self-rated weight status was a stronger correlate of intentions and self-report actions to avoid weight gain than weight status based on Body Mass Index. Conclusions, Relevant proportions of the study populations underestimated or overestimated their bodyweight status. Overestimation of personal weight status may lead to unwarranted weight maintenance actions, whereas underestimation may result in lack of motivation to avoid further weight gain. [source] Symptomatic infant characteristics of congenital cytomegalovirus disease in AustraliaJOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 8 2005Sian C Munro Background: Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of viral intrauterine infection. In utero transmission can occur during primary maternal infection, reactivation or reinfection of seropositive mothers. Objective: To describe the aetiology and clinical features of infants diagnosed with congenital CMV and to document maternal factors that were presented. Methods: Active national surveillance was initiated in 1999 in collaboration with the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit. Results: Monthly notifications resulted in 70 cases of congenital CMV being identified between 1999 and 2003. Nearly all of the cases were symptomatic with the most common clinical sequelae reported in infected infants being jaundice, thrombocytopaenia, hepatomegaly, petechiae, purpura and splenomegaly. Almost half (43.5%) of the infants had central nervous system (CNS) complications, such as microcephaly, chorioretinitis, sensorineural hearing loss, intracranial calcifications, developmental delay or seizures, with over half presenting two or more CNS abnormalities. Maternal febrile illness was noted in 54.8% of the cases. The majority of mothers were primiparous (46.4%) or secundiparous (39.3%), indicating two different population groups at risk of primary CMV infection. Conclusion: This study documents symptomatic congenital CMV cases in Australia. [source] Early intervention in psychosis: a rural perspectiveJOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 2 2007M. KELLY rmn dip ma Over the past decade, there has been great interest in both the development and delivery of early intervention in psychosis services in the United Kingdom, supported by national policy and a Policy Implementation Guide (PIG). Despite this, the PIG fails to distinguish the delivery of early intervention services to different population groups. The paper aims to augment available literature with the range of complex issues that practitioners may face when working in rural settings and link this to the development of early intervention services in rural communities. This paper will also outline some of the fundamental factors that challenge delivery of early intervention to individuals with a first episode of psychosis and their families in rural communities. Important key areas for consideration will be highlighted for both the planning and delivery of early intervention to rural communities. [source] Helicobacter pylori antimicrobial resistance in the United Kingdom: the effect of age, sex and socio-economic statusALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 9 2001H. K. Parsons Background: Helicobacter pylori antimicrobial resistance is the most common reason for eradication failure. Small studies have shown metronidazole resistance to be more prevalent in certain population groups. Aim: To determine the resistance rates in a large cohort of patients from a single centre in the UK, and to evaluate resistance patterns over time, according to age, sex and socio-economic status. Methods: Consecutive patients with H. pylori -positive antral gastric biopsy samples were studied from 1994 to 1999. Susceptibility testing was performed to metronidazole, tetracycline, macrolide and amoxicillin by the modified disk diffusion method. The Jarman under-privileged area score was used as a measure of socio-economic status. Results: A total of 1064 patients were studied. Overall metronidazole resistance was 40.3%, decreasing with age (P < 0.0001, odds ratio for patients over 60 years 0.63, 95% CI: 0.48,0.80). Women were more likely to have metronidazole resistant strains (P=0.003, odds ratio 1.5, 95% CI: 1.15,1.91), but there was no association with Jarman score. Macrolide resistance was associated with metronidazole resistance (P=0.03, odds ratio 2.14, 95% CI: 1.07,4.28). Conclusions: Metronidazole resistance in H. pylori is highly prevalent and more common in women and the young, but does not appear to be related to socio-economic status. [source] Effectiveness of Monetary Incentives in Modifying Dietary Behavior: A Review of Randomized, Controlled TrialsNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 12 2006FAFPHM, Joanne Wall MBChB To review research evidence on the effectiveness of monetary incentives in modifying dietary behavior, we conducted a systematic review of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) identified from electronic bibliographic databases and reference lists of retrieved relevant articles. Studies eligible for inclusion met the following criteria: RCT comparing a form of monetary incentive with a comparative intervention or control; incentives were a central component of the study intervention and their effect was able to be disaggregated from other intervention components; study participants were community-based; and outcome variables included anthropometric or dietary assessment measures. Data were extracted on study populations, setting, interventions, outcome variables, trial duration, and follow-up. Appraisal of trial methodological quality was undertaken based on comparability of baseline characteristics, randomization method, allocation concealment, blinding, follow-up, and use of intention-to-treat analysis. Four RCTs were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. All four trials demonstrated a positive effect of monetary incentives on food purchases, food consumption, or weight loss. However, the trials had some methodological limitations including small sample sizes and short durations. In addition, no studies to date have assessed effects according to socioeconomic or ethnic group or measured the cost-effectiveness of such schemes. Monetary incentives are a promising strategy to modify dietary behavior, but more research is needed to address the gaps in evidence. In particular, larger, long-term RCTs are needed with population groups at high risk of nutrition-related diseases [source] The Effects of Nuts on Coronary Heart Disease RiskNUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 4 2001Penny M. Kris-Etherton Ph.D. Epidemiologic studies have consistently demonstrated beneficial effects of nut consumption on coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality in different population groups. Clinical studies have reported total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering effects of heart-healthy diets that contain various nuts or legume peanuts. It is evident that the favorable fatty acid profile of nuts (high in unsaturated fatty acids and low in saturated fatty acids) contributes to cholesterol lowering and, hence, CHD risk reduction. Dietary fiber and other bioactive constituents in nuts may confer additional cardioprotective effects. [source] The absence of lateral congruency between sighting dominance and the eye with better visual acuityOPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 1 2007Jonathan S. Pointer Abstract The notion that in subjects with normal binocular vision (i.e. non-strabismic cases) the eye showing sighting dominance will also most likely be that individual's better-sighted eye has proved to be persistent. A review and analysis of the literature has now demonstrated, across several population groups, the fallacy of this belief. In fact, the occurrence of lateral congruency between sighting dominance and the eye with better visual acuity is at a statistical level no greater than chance would predict. Some clinical implications of this outcome are considered. [source] Special needs of children with type 1 diabetes at primary school: perceptions from parents, children, and teachersPEDIATRIC DIABETES, Issue 1 2009Blanca Amillategui Objective:, To identify the special needs of children with type 1 diabetes at primary school taking into account the perceptions reported by parents, children, and teachers. Methods:, This was a cross-sectional survey carried out at nine public hospitals with a cohort of 6- to 13-yr-old children. Parents were personally informed about the objectives of the survey and the necessity to involve their children and the teachers. The self-reporting questionnaire included demographic information as well as some questions that helped to evaluate the general situation of children with type 1 diabetes at primary school, main worries about the disease, and possible improvement measures. Results:, A total of 430 questionnaires were completed and validated of which 39% were filled in by parents, 35% by children, and 26% by teachers. The majority of children were 10,13 yr old and came from public schools. At school, most children required glucose monitoring, but few of them (9,12%) needed insulin administration. Some parents (7%) experienced problems at their schools when they informed them about their children's disease, 2% were finally not accepted, and 1% were forced to change school. Major children's concerns included the ability to recognize hypoglycemia or to self-administer insulin. Parents, teachers, and children demanded better information at school about diabetes and about emergency management. Conclusions:, The three population groups agreed about the necessity of having more available information on diabetes at schools. Although some discriminatory behavior was still occurring, it seemed it has been diminishing in recent years. [source] Are immigrants, ethnic and linguistic minorities over-represented in jobs with a high level of compensated risk?AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 9 2010Canada study using census, Results from a montréal, workers' compensation data Abstract Objectives Few Canadian data sources allow the examination of disparities by ethnicity, language, or immigrant status in occupational exposures or health outcomes. However, it is possible to document the mechanisms that can create disparities, such as the over-representation of population groups in high-risk jobs. We evaluated, in the Montréal context, the relationship between the social composition of jobs and their associated risk level. Methods We used data from the 2001 Statistics Canada census and from Québec's workers' compensation board for 2000,2002 to characterize job categories defined as major industrial groups crossed with three professional categories (manual, mixed, non-manual). Immigrant, visible, and linguistic minority status variables were used to describe job composition. The frequency rate of compensated health problems and the average duration of compensation determined job risk level. The relationship between the social composition and risk level of jobs was evaluated with Kendall correlations. Results The proportion of immigrants and minorities was positively and significantly linked to the risk level across job categories. Many relationships were significant for women only. In analyses done within manual jobs, relationships with the frequency rate reversed and were significant, except for the relationship with the proportion of individuals with knowledge of French only, which remained positive. Conclusions Immigrants, visible, and linguistic minorities in Montréal are more likely to work where there is an increased level of compensated risk. Reversed relationships within manual jobs may be explained by under-reporting and under-compensation in vulnerable populations compared to those with knowledge of the province's majority language. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:875,885, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Free Speech and Multiculturalism In and Out of the AcademyPOLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Dennis Chong The debate over hate speech in the United States and the accompanying changes in the political culture of the university provides an opportune case to explore the impact of changing norms of free speech on political tolerance toward unpopular groups. I offer a theory of opinion change that identifies the population groups that should be most susceptible to the new norms against hate speech that originated on college campuses around the country in the 1980s. The predictions from this theory are tested using a battery of tolerance items asked repeatedly in General Social Surveys gathered between 1976 and 2000. The analysis shows that the intellectual campaign against hate speech has significantly reduced support for the free speech rights of racists. This retreat in levels of tolerance is most evident among college students who were educated since the mid-1980s, when debates over multiculturalism and political correctness reached their peak. At the same time, levels of tolerance for nonconformist ideas and lifestyles have remained generally high among today's college students and are almost always significantly higher than the national average. The general stability in aggregate levels of tolerance both in the general population and in various demographic groups only serves to highlight the few dramatic changes that have taken place. [source] Moral Reasoning Effects on Political ParticipationPOLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 4 2000Peter Muhlberger In this study, respondents who agreed to participate in a computer-administered interview were presented with information and questions about public interest groups, followed by the Defining Issues Test of moral reasoning (DIT). Respondents with high DIT scores stressed morally central over morally peripheral considerations in deciding whether to participate in public interest groups. Less sophisticated reasoners showed the opposite pattern. Morally central considerations also had a much greater impact on the probability that sophisticated respondents would attempt to participate in public interest groups after completing the interview. The analysis included controls for potential confounding variables such as cognitive ability, education, prior political participation, and gender. The findings imply motivational differences between advantaged and disadvantaged population groups. Such differences may help to account for the differing strategies and successes of political organizations mobilizing these groups. [source] QF-PCR-based prenatal detection of aneuploidy in a southeast Asian populationPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 6 2004R. Quaife Abstract Objectives We have investigated the efficacy of using quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) for the prenatal recognition of aneuploidy in chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y. A total of 1115 samples, from mainly southeast Asian patients, were analysed and compared in a blind trial to the results previously obtained cytogenetically. Methods A multiplex PCR involving 15 short tandem repeat (STR) sequences was used. The probability of two or more of these markers being informative was calculated, and this required the multiplex PCR to be modified. Results The QF-PCR and previous cytogenetic results concurred, except for two products of conception (POC). One of these may be a case of complete uniparental disomy that was not recognized cytogenetically. The other was tetraploid, and as such appeared normal using QF-PCR. A mosaic trisomy 18 was correctly identified. The population sample was of a mainly Chinese, ethnic origin, and the allele frequency, size and heterozygosity appeared more restricted than the population groups analysed hitherto. Conclusion The QF-PCR methodology is an efficient cost-effective method of screening for major chromosome aneuploidy, and, for certain referral categories, could be used alone. It also appears to be applicable to patients of different ethnic origins. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The influence of age, sex, population group, and dentition on the mandibular angle as measured on a South African sampleAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Anna C. Oettlé Abstract The mandibular angle is measured in physical anthropological assessments of human remains to possibly assist with the determination of sex and population affinity. The purpose of this investigation was to establish how the mandibular angle changes with age and loss of teeth among the sexes in South African population groups. The angles of 653 dried adult mandibles from the Pretoria Bone Collection were measured with a mandibulometer. Males and females of both South African whites and blacks were included. To compensate for imbalances in numbers among subgroups, type IV ANOVA testing was applied. No association was found between age and angle within either of the populations, within sexes, or within dentition groups. The angle was the most obtuse in individuals without molars and with an uneven distribution of molars, and most acute in the group with an even distribution of molars on both sides. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) were found in the angle between the two population groups and sexes in the overall sample as well as in the subgroup with absent molar teeth (P = 0.003 for sex, males more acute angle, and P = 0.001 for population group, blacks more acute angle), although a very large overlap existed. No significant differences could be demonstrated between the sexes or populations within the subgroups with molars. We concluded that the loss of molars, especially if complete or uneven, has a considerable effect on the mandibular angle. In the assessment of human remains, the mandibular angle is not very usable in determining sex. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Spanish colonial effects on Native American mating structure and genetic variability in northern and central Florida: Evidence from Apalachee and western TimucuaAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 2 2005Christopher M. Stojanowski Abstract Standard population genetic analyses are implemented for a series of precontact and contact period samples from central and northern Florida to investigate changes in genetic variability and population affinity coincident with the establishment of Spanish missions during the 17th century. Estimates of FST based on odontometric data indicate limited heterogeneity for the Apalachee samples, suggestive of some degree of within-group endogamy for this ethnic group prior to contact. This corresponds well with ethnohistoric reconstructions indicating that Apalachee were populous, partially linguistically isolated from its neighbors, and involved in persistent cycles of warfare with neighboring groups. Estimates of extralocal gene flow for the Apalachee samples indicate limited initial changes in the mating structure of these populations. After 1650, however, extralocal gene flow increases, consistent with evidence for dramatic population movements throughout northern Florida and increased Spanish presence in the province, particularly at the mission of San Luis. Inclusion of non-Apalachee outgroups does not increase estimates of genetic heterogeneity, as was expected based on ethnohistoric data. The pattern of genetic distances suggests a biological division between north and south Florida population groups, consistent with archaeological and ethnohistoric data, and similarly indicates some distinction between precontact and postcontact local groups. Differential extralocal gene flow experienced by pre-1650 Apalachee and Timucua populations suggests localized mission experience. The Apalachee, with large, dense populations, experienced limited initial changes in genetic diversity or mating structure. However, after 1650 they were apparently involved in a much more expansive mating network that may have included Spaniards and immigrant Native American groups to the region. These results are in contrast to the mission experience of the Guale Indians of the Georgia coast. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||