The association between television viewing and preschool child body mass index : a systematic review of english papers published from 1995 to 2010

This paper is a conceptual and methodological review of the literature on the impact of TV on preschoolers' weight status. A systematic search, of papers published between January 1995 and January 2010, identified twenty-six relevant studies. Fifteen of these were cross-sectional in design and eleven adopted a prospective design; a positive association between hours of TV and child adiposity was found in all but three studies. Although assessed in a limited number of studies, diet may mediate the relationship between TV viewing and BMI. Another likely mediator may be the content of TV programs watched; only three studies examined this association and findings were inconsistent. Our review revealed that research examining mediating effects is limited, focusing more on simple cross-sectional or prospective relationships between TV habits and child body mass index. Further investigation of the mechanisms by which TV viewing affects preschool weight gain is needed.

Social disadvantage, bone mineral density and vertebral wedge deformities in the Tasmanian Older Adult Cohort

Summary The relationship between social disadvantage and bone mineral density (BMD) is complex and remains unclear; furthermore, little is known of the relationship with vertebral deformities. We observed social disadvantage to be associated with BMD for females, independent of body mass index (BMI). A lower prevalence of vertebral deformities was observed for disadvantaged males.

Introduction The relationship between social disadvantage and BMD appears complex and remains unclear, and little is known about the association between social disadvantage and vertebral wedge deformities. We examined the relationship between social disadvantage, BMD and wedge deformities in older adults from the Tasmanian Older Adult Cohort.

Methods BMD and wedge deformities were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and associations with extreme social disadvantage was examined in 1,074 randomly recruited population-based adults (51 % female). Socioeconomic status was assessed by Socio-economic Indexes for Areas values derived from residential addresses using Australian Bureau of Statistics 2001 census data. Lifestyle variables were collected by self-report. Regression models were adjusted for age, BMI, dietary calcium, serum vitamin D (25(OH)D), smoking, alcohol, physical inactivity, calcium/vitamin D supplements, glucocorticoids and hormone therapy (females only).

Results Compared with other males, socially disadvantaged males were older (65.9 years versus 61.9 years, p = 0.008) and consumed lower dietary calcium and alcohol (both p ≤ 0.03). Socially disadvantaged females had greater BMI (29.9 ± 5.9 versus 27.6 ± 5.3, p = 0.002) and consumed less alcohol (p = 0.003) compared with other females. Socially disadvantaged males had fewer wedge deformities compared with other males (33.3 % versus 45.4 %, p = 0.05). After adjustment, social disadvantage was negatively associated with hip BMD for females (p = 0.02), but not for males (p = 0.70), and showed a trend for fewer wedge deformities for males (p = 0.06) but no association for females (p = 0.85).

Conclusions Social disadvantage appears to be associated with BMD for females, independent of BMI and other osteoporosis risk factors. A lower prevalence of vertebral deformities was observed for males of extreme social disadvantage. Further research is required to elucidate potential mechanisms for these associations.

Psychosocial and other working conditions in relation to body mass index in a representative sample of Australian workers

Background The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between psychosocial and other working conditions and body-mass index (BMI) in a working population. This study contributes to the approximately dozen investigations of job stress, which have demonstrated mixed positive and negative results in relation to obesity, overweight and BMI. Methods A cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted among working Australians in the state of Victoria. Participants were contacted by telephone from a random sample of phone book listings. Information on body mass index was self-reported as were psychosocial work conditions assessed using the demand/control and effort/reward imbalance models. Other working conditions measured included working hours, shift work, and physical demand. Separate linear regression analyses were undertaken for males and females, with adjustment for potential confounders. Results A total of 1101 interviews (526 men and 575 women) were completed. Multivariate models (adjusted for socio-demographics) demonstrated no associations between job strain, as measured using the demand/control model, or ERI using the effort/reward imbalance model (after further adjustment for over commitment) and BMI among men and women. Multivariate models demonstrated a negative association between low reward and BMI among women. Among men, multivariate models demonstrated positive associations between high effort, high psychological demand, long working hours and BMI and a negative association between high physical demand and BMI. After controlling for the effort/reward imbalance or the demand/control model, the association between physical demand and working longer hours and BMI remained. Conclusion Among men and women the were differing patterns of both exposures to psychosocial working conditions and associations with BMI. Among men, working long hours was positively associated with higher BMI and this association was partly independent of job stress. Among men physical demand was negatively associated with BMI and this association was independent of job stress.

At-sea associations in foraging little penguins

Prey distribution, patch size, and the presence of conspecifics are important factors influencing a predator's feeding tactics, including the decision to feed individually or socially. Little is known about group behaviour in seabirds as they spend most of their lives in the marine environment where it is difficult to observe their foraging activities. In this study, we report on at-sea foraging associations of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) during the breeding season. Individuals could be categorised as (1) not associating; (2) associating when departing from and/or returning to the colony; or (3) at sea when travelling, diving or performing synchronised dives. Out of 84 separate foraging tracks, 58 (69.0%) involved associations with conspecifics. Furthermore, in a total of 39 (46.4%), individuals were found to dive during association and in 32 (38.1%), individuals were found to exhibit synchronous diving. These behaviours suggest little penguins forage in groups, could synchronise their underwater movements and potentially cooperate to concentrate their small schooling prey.

Multi-owned properties in Australia: a governance typology of issues and outcomes

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to develop a governance typology which identifies governance issues and outcomes. Multi-owned properties (MOPs) are a unique property type due to the incorporation of a private governance association. Although there are jurisdictional differences, these associations are generally responsible for the management, maintenance and control of the commonly owned property; determining the contributions payable by each lot owner to the operation of the association; enforcing the rules of the association; and ensuring that records meet legislative requirements. Legislation for MOP schemes was enacted in different jurisdictions to guide the governance and management of these matters. However, challenges relating to the governance of MOPs have continued to be a problem as identified in the literature and practice. Design/methodology/approach – The study first reviewed the legislation in three Australian states to identify specific governance categories and the legislative requirements related to those categories. To gain group opinion about the specific governance issues and outcomes, the Delphi method was utilised whereby industry experts participated in a two-round survey questionnaire. Findings – A typology was developed as a result of consensus found between participants. The findings identified key governance issues and outcomes for MOPs. Practical implications – The governance typology forms the basis for the development of a more comprehensive audit tool for the assessment of governance quality in individual schemes. Originality/value – This paper is the first of its kind to collate issues impacting upon effective owners’ corporation governance and the potential outcomes associated with poor governance practices in MOPs.

Dementia in older people admitted to hospital: a regional multi-hospital observational study of prevalence, associations and case recognition

BACKGROUND: previous studies have indicated a prevalence of dementia in older admissions of ∼42% in a single London teaching hospital, and 21% in four Queensland hospitals. However, there is a lack of published data from any European country on the prevalence of dementia across hospitals and between patient groups. OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence and associations of dementia in older patients admitted to acute hospitals in Ireland. METHODS: six hundred and six patients aged ≥70 years were recruited on admission to six hospitals in Cork County. Screening consisted of Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE); patients with scores <27/30 had further assessment with the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). Final expert diagnosis was based on SMMSE, IQCODE and relevant medical and demographic history. Patients were screened for delirium and depression, and assessed for co-morbidity, functional ability and nutritional status. RESULTS: of 598 older patients admitted to acute hospitals, 25% overall had dementia; with 29% in public hospitals. Prevalence varied between hospitals (P < 0.001); most common in rural hospitals and acute medical admissions. Only 35.6% of patients with dementia had a previous diagnosis. Patients with dementia were older and frailer, with higher co-morbidity, malnutrition and lower functional status (P < 0.001). Delirium was commonly superimposed on dementia (57%) on admission. CONCLUSION: dementia is common in older people admitted to acute hospitals, particularly in acute medical admissions, and rural hospitals, where services may be less available. Most dementia is not previously diagnosed, emphasising the necessity for cognitive assessment in older people on presentation to hospital.

Reliability of the nociceptive flexor reflex (RIII) threshold and association with pain threshold

The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of the RIII reflex threshold and Pain threshold in three repeated trials using electrocutaneous stimuli. Each trial was separated by a mean of 4.3 +/- 2.9 days (between-trials) and included two repeated measurements (within-trial) of the RIII reflex threshold (RIII-T) and the Pain threshold (PT) separated by 20 min. The participants were 14 healthy males (mean age +/- SD, 23.5 +/- 5.3 years). There was a significant difference between the RIII-T and PT. The reliability of the RIII-T and PT shows a between-trials coefficient of variance (CV(SEM)) of 16.1 and 16.9%, respectively. The within-trial CV(SEM) for RIII-T and PT was 5.4 and 4.3%, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the RIII-T threshold and PT. The parallel association and correlation of the RIII-T with the PT suggests that the RIII-T is valid in experimental pain studies under standardised resting conditions.

Saving psychoanalysts: Ernest Jones and the Isakowers

This article examines the role played by Ernest Jones in saving psychoanalysts from Germany and Austria during the 1930s, and, in particular, in the case of Drs Otto and Salomea Isakower from Vienna. Archives from the Library of Congress and the British Psychoanalytical Society are used to document how Jones navigated the considerable difficulties presented in both Europe and London as well as by colleagues and was able to help the Isakowers emigrate to Liverpool where they worked and began the ‘North of England’ training group with others and emigrated to the USA in 1940. As President of the International Psychoanalytical Association and of the British Psychoanalytical Society, Jones had responsibilities with psychoanalyst refugees, which he performed with care, commitment and political competence. Although Jones did not succeed in saving psychoanalysis in Europe, he played a crucial role in saving psychoanalysts. He helped to spread the world-wide standing and influence of psychoanalysis.

Adiposity and tendinopathy

Purpose. Tendon injuries (tendinopathy) are prevalent across the population, affecting active and inactive individuals and manual workers. The aetiology of tendinopathy is not known. However, extrinsic factors such as load are known to affect the prevalence. More recently, intrinsic factors have been shown to also affect tendons; genes, biomechanics, and strength have been shown to influence tendon disease. One intrinsic factor that appears to have an association with tendinopathy is body composition; more specifically central adiposity. Several studies have reported this association, and several studies have found the association when reporting other aspects of tendinopathy.

Method. This paper will detail what is known about the association between tendinopathy and body composition, examine the strength of the association by evaluating studies in the area and speculate on potential mechanisms for the association.

Results. The association between tendon health and adiposity, especially central adiposity, warrants further investigation.

Conclusion. There may be an interaction between adiposity and tendon pathology. Adiposity may be a key intrinsic risk factor that is translated into tendon disease in the presence of additional intrinsic (e.g., diabetes) and extrinsic factors (e.g., load).

Public relations and the rhetoric of civil society

The intention of this paper is to build on a book by Anne Surma (2005). It takes some of Surma’s ideas probably beyond what was originally intended in order to suggest their logical conclusions for the practice of public relations. Surma argues that writing and reading of every type enables or otherwise facilitates or restricts imagination. Further, this shaping or inflection of the imagination leads to the shaping or the inflection of the type of ‘ethic’ which we are able to hold in our heads about the world which surrounds us. If this is the case then public relations writing, which has the very raison d’etre of influencing thought, must lend itself to important analysis in this regard. This paper presumes the reader has a basic understanding of Charles Saunders Peirce’s notion of semiotics.

An nmr investigation of ionic structure and mobility in plasticized solid polymer electrolytes

²³Na and ¹⁹F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is used to investigate the effect of plasticizer addition on ionic structure and mobility in a urethane crosslinked polyether solid polymer electrolyte. The incorporation of dimethyl formamide and propylene carbonate plasticizers in a sodium triflate/polyether system results in an upfield chemical shift for the ²³Na resonance consistent with decreased anion-cation association and increased cation-plasticizer interactions. The ¹⁹F resonances appears less susceptible to changes in chemical environment with only minor chemical shift changes recorded. Spin lattice relaxation measurements for the ¹⁹F nucleus are also reported. Two minima are observed in the relaxation measurements consistent with both an inter and intramolecular relaxation mechanism.