Gender equality and participation in housework: A cross-national perspective

This paper examines men's and women's participation in housework in the United States, Sweden, Norway, Canada and Australia. While there has been considerable research into the factors relating to the division of housework between husbands and wives within countries, very little research has examined the way in which housework patterns vary across countries. The results show that women continue to undertake the bulk of domestic labor in all five countries, and that the factors determining men's and women's participation in housework do not vary markedly across countries. This suggests that variations across countries in levels of gender equality at a broader level have only very limited effects on levels of gender equality in the home.

Paternal and maternal ages at conception and risk of bipolar affective disorder in their offspring

Background. A consistent association between paternal age and their offspring`s risk of schizophrenia has been observed, with no independent association with maternal age. The relationship of paternal and maternal ages with risk of bipolar affective disorders (BPAD) in the offspring is less clear. The present study aimed at testing the hypothesis that paternal age is associated with their offspring`s risk of BPAD, whereas maternal age is not. Method. This population-based cohort study was conducted with individuals born in Sweden during 1973-1980 and still resident there at age 16 years. Outcome was first hospital admission with a diagnosis of BPAD. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox`s proportional hazard regression. Results. After adjustment for all potential confounding variables except maternal age, the HR for risk of BPAD for each 10-year increase in paternal age was 1.28 [95% confidence interval (Cl) 1.11-1.48], but this fell to 1.20 (95% CI 0.97-1.48) after adjusting for maternal age. A similar result was found for maternal age and risk of BPAD [HR 1.30 (95% CI 1.08-1.56) before adjustment for paternal age, HR 1.12 (95% Cl 0.86-1.45) after adjustment]. The HR associated with having either parent aged 30 years or over was 1.26 (95% CI 1.01-1.57) and it was 1.45 (95%, CI 1.16-1.81) if both parents were >30 years. Conclusions. Unlike schizophrenia, the risk of BPAD seems to be associated with both paternal and maternal ages.

The Alzheimer`s Association external quality control program for cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers

Background: The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers amyloid beta (A beta)-42, total-tau (T-tau), and phosphorylated-tau (P-tau) demonstrate good diagnostic accuracy for Alzheimer`s disease (AD). However, there are large variations in biomarker measurements between studies, and between and within laboratories. The Alzheimer`s Association has initiated a global quality control program to estimate and monitor variability of measurements, quantify batch-to-batch assay variations, and identify sources of variability. In this article, we present the results from the first two rounds of the program. Methods: The program is open for laboratories using commercially available kits for A beta, T-tau, or P-tau. CSF samples (aliquots of pooled CSF) are sent for analysis several times a year from the Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory at the Molndal campus of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Each round consists of three quality control samples. Results: Forty laboratories participated. Twenty-six used INNOTEST enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, 14 used Luminex xMAP with the INNO-BIA AlzBio3 kit (both measure A beta-(1-42), P-tau(181P), and T-tau), and 5 used Mesa Scale Discovery with the A beta triplex (A beta N-42, A beta N-40, and A beta N-38) or T-tau kits. The total coefficients of variation between the laboratories were 13% to 36%. Five laboratories analyzed the samples six times on different occasions. Within-laboratory precisions differed considerably between biomarkers within individual laboratories. Conclusions: Measurements of CSF AD biomarkers show large between-laboratory variability, likely caused by factors related to analytical procedures and the analytical kits. Standardization of laboratory procedures and efforts by kit vendors to increase kit performance might lower variability, and will likely increase the usefulness of CSF AD biomarkers. (C) 2011 The Alzheimer`s Association. All rights reserved.

Mast cell-associated alveolar inflammation in patients with atopic uncontrolled asthma

Background: A significant proportion of patients with asthma have persistent symptoms despite treatment with inhaled glucocorticosteroids. Objective: We hypothesized that in these patients, the alveolar parenchyma is subjected to mast cell-associated alterations. Methods: Bronchial and transbronchial biopsies from healthy controls (n = 8), patients with allergic rhinitis (n = 8), and patients with atopic uncontrolled asthma (symptoms despite treatment with inhaled glucocorticosteroids; mean dose, 743 mu g/d; n = 14) were processed for immunohistochemical identification of mast cell subtypes and mast cell expression of Fc epsilon RI and surface-bound IgE. Results: Whereas no difference in density of total bronchial mast cells was observed between patients with asthma and healthy controls, the total alveolar mast cell density was increased in the patients with asthma (P < .01). Division into mast cell subtypes revealed that in bronchi of patients with asthma, tryptase positive mast cells (MC(T)) numbers decreased compared with controls (P <= .05), whereas tryptase and chymase positive mast cells (MC(TC)) increased (P <= .05). In the alveolar parenchyma from patients with asthma, an increased density was found for both MC(T) (P <= .05) and MC(TC) (P <= .05). The increased alveolar mast cell densities were paralleled by an increased mast cell expression of FceRI (P < .001) compared with the controls. The patients with asthma also had increased numbers (P < .001) and proportions (P < .001) of alveolar mast cells with surface-bound IgE. Similar increases in densities, FceRI expression, and surface-bound IgE were not seen in separate explorations of alveolar mast cells in patients with allergic rhinitis. Conclusion: Our data suggest that patients with atopic uncontrolled asthma have an increased parenchymal infiltration of MCT and MCTC populations with increased expression of FceRI and surface-bound IgE compared with atopic and nonatopic controls. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011;127:905-12.)

Bilevel vs ICU Ventilators Providing Noninvasive Ventilation: Effect of System Leaks A COPD Lung Model Comparison

Background: Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV) modes are currently available on bilevel and ICU ventilators. However, little data comparing the performance of the NPPV modes on these ventilators are available. Methods: In an experimental bench study, the ability of nine ICU ventilators to function in the presence of leaks was compared with a bilevel ventilator using the IngMar ASL5000 lung simulator (IngMar Medical; Pittsburgh, PA) set at a compliance of 60 mL/cm H(2)O, an inspiratory resistance of 10 cm H(2)O/L/s, an expiratory resistance of 20 cm H(2)O/L/s, and a respiratory rate of 15 breaths/min. All of the ventilators were set at 12 cm H(2)O pressure support and 5 cm H(2)O positive end-expiratory pressure. The data were collected at baseline and at three customized leaks. Main results: At baseline, all of the ventilators were able to deliver adequate tidal volumes, to maintain airway pressure, and to synchronize with the simulator, without missed efforts or auto-triggering. As the leak was increased, all of the ventilators (except the Vision [Respironics; Murrysville, PA] and Servo I [Maquet; Solna, Sweden]) needed adjustment of sensitivity or cycling criteria to maintain adequate ventilation, and some transitioned to backup ventilation. Significant differences in triggering and cycling were observed between the Servo I and the Vision ventilators. Conclusions: The Vision and Servo I were the only ventilators that required no adjustments as they adapted to increasing leaks. There were differences in performance between these two ventilators, although the clinical significance of these differences is unclear. Clinicians should be aware that in the presence of leaks, most ICU ventilators require adjustments to maintain an adequate tidal volume. (CHEST 2009; 136:448-456)

Relation between alcohol consumption and traffic violations and accidents in the region of Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo State

In recent years, alcohol consumption has been considered an important public health problem. Ethanol, the alcohol used in beverages, is a drug that affects the central nervous system (CNS) and impairs driving skills and co-ordination, increasing risk of deaths and injuries derived from crashes and road accidents. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is implicated with premature deaths, injuries and damages caused by motor vehicle crashes, which result in high costs to government and society. Considering that alcohol consumption is the main responsible factor for deaths and disabilities in young people, the aim of this work was to evaluate the prevalence of blood alcohol in offenders and/or fatal and non-fatal victims of traffic occurrences in the region of Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo State, from 2005 to 2007. The results revealed that in 2134 cases investigated, blood alcohol positivity was generally found in young adults, 25-45 years old and male. The study showed the high risk of drinking and driving and the importance in establishing actions of prevention and intervention to promote the reduction in the number of traffic occurrences related to consumption of alcoholic beverages. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Post space cleaning using a new nickel titanium endodontic drill combined with different cleaning regimens

This study compared the effect of two drills and five cleaning regimens on post space debridement. One hundred extracted premolars were instrumented and obturated with warm vertical compaction of gutta percha. The teeth were divided into two groups according to the drill used to remove gutta percha/sealer and for post space preparation: a Largo drill (Largo; Dentsply, St Quentin en Yvelines, France) or a MTwo-PF drill (Sweden&Martina, Due Carrare, Padova, Italy). The following cleaning regimens were used: EDTA, ultrasonics, ultrasonics + EDTA, phosphoric acid, and distilled water. Scanning electron microscopic images of the post spaces were taken, and the presence of debris and of open dentin tubules were evaluated. The ultrasonics + EDTA, phosphoric acid, and EDTA groups were comparable in open tubules scores for both drills and in debris scores after the use of MTwo-PF (p > 0.05). The ultrasonics and control groups performed significantly worse (p < 0.05). The MTwo-PF drill resulted as effective as the Largo drill in obtaining a good post space cleaning, especially when followed by ultrasonics + EDTA irrigant regimen.

Work-related stress and occupational therapy

Occupational stress and burnout have been studied extensively in the human services. It has been suggested that healthcare professionals in particular are at risk of stress owing to the caring nature of their work. Articles related to occupational therapy and work-related stress were reviewed in regard to practice in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and Sweden. Although the empirical literature is relatively weak for occupational therapy, it has been argued that occupational therapists in health care share risk factors with other healthcare professionals. These risk factors include repeated exposure to distress and difficult behaviour, prolonged interventions and uncertain outcome. Issues such as professional status, staffing issues and the nature of the profession have been identified as additional risk factors for occupational therapists. However, empirical studies that enable burnout rates of occupational therapists to be compared with those of related occupational groups suggest that this may not be the case. Occupational therapists may in fact be protected from some stress and burnout factors. Further research is recommended to clarify the nature of stress experienced by occupational therapists and to identify both risk and protective factors characteristic of the profession. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.

Heritabilities of Apolipoprotein and Lipid Levels in Three Countries

This study investigated the influence of genes and environment on the variation of apolipoprotein and lipid levels, which are important intermediate phenotypes in the pathways toward cardiovascular disease. Heritability estimates are presented, including those for apolipoprotein E and All levels which have rarely been reported before. We studied twin samples from the Netherlands (two cohorts; n = 160 pairs, aged 13-22 and n = 204 pairs, aged 34-62), Australia (n = 1362 pairs, aged 28-92) and Sweden (n = 302 pairs, aged 42-88). The variation of apolipoprotein and lipid levels depended largely on the influences of additive genetic factors in each twin sample. There was no significant evidence for the influence of common environment. No sex differences in heritability estimates for any phenotype in any of the samples were observed. Heritabilities ranged from 0.48-0.87, with most heritabilities exceeding 0.60. The heritability estimates in the Dutch samples were significantly higher than in the Australian sample. The heritabilities for the Swedish were intermediate to the Dutch and the Australian samples and not significantly different from the heritabilities in these other two samples. Although sample specific effects are present, we have shown that genes play a major role in determining the variance of apolipoprotein and lipid levels in four independent twin samples from three different countries.

Genetic and Environmental Influences on Migraine: A Twin Study Across Six Countries

Migraine is a common neurovascular brain disorder that is manifested in recurrent episodes of disabling headache. The aim of the present study was to compare the prevalence and heritability of migraine across six of the countries that participate in GenomEutwin project including a total number of 29,717 twin pairs. Migraine was assessed by questionnaires that differed between most countries. It was most prevalent in Danish and Dutch females (32% and 34%, respectively), whereas the lowest prevalence was found in the younger and older Finnish cohorts (13% and 10%, respectively). The estimated genetic variance (heritability) was significant and the same between sexes in all countries. Heritability ranged from 34% to 57%, with lowest estimates in Australia, and highest estimates in the older cohort of Finland, the Netherlands, and Denmark. There was some indication that part of the genetic variance was non-additive, but this was significant in Sweden only. In addition to genetic factors, environmental effects that are non-shared between members of a twin pair contributed to the liability of migraine. After migraine definitions are homogenized among the participating countries, the GenomEUtwin project will provide a powerful resource to identify the genes involved in migraine.

Benzedeiras de Maruípe: uma prática de cuidado humano em extinção

Estudo realizado com benzedeiras de uma área de saúde do município de Vitória - ES, objetivando identificá-las, conhecer suas histórias de vida e o interesse das mesmas em articularem-se com os profissionais das unidades básicas de saúde locais. Por se tratar de uma região marcada pela violência advinda do tráfico de drogas, tornou-se impossível identificar o universo dessas mulheres, face à impossibilidade de acesso a alguns desses bairros; assim posto, nossa amostra ficou limitada a cinco benzedeiras. A coleta de material do estudo se deu através de entrevistas e observações registradas em um diário de campo. O material transcrito e os apontamentos do diário de campo possibilitaram a narrativa de inspiração cartográfica deste estudo. Essas benzedeiras são mulheres entre 64 a 88 anos de idade, residem em locais inóspitos e em moradias humildes. Algumas benzem apenas crianças, outras todos aqueles que as procuram, inclusive para benzimento de seus animais. Nenhuma delas cobra e tão pouco aceita agradecimento pela atenção prestada, pois segundo elas, o agradecimento deve ser dirigido a Deus. São mulheres humildes, todas moradoras antigas da área, ora reconhecidas como importantes pelo dom que têm, ora rechaçadas como demoníacas por grupos religiosos. No tocante a uma aproximação com as equipes locais de saúde, todas as benzedeiras se mostraram avessas à ideia, no entendimento de que tal aproximação significaria uma demanda de benzimentos aumentada e obrigatória, o que contraria a lógica da atenção prestada pelas mesmas, que só benzem de acordo com a conveniência: sentindo-se bem, praticam o benzimento; estando desvitalizadas, evitam benzer. Por se tratar de mulheres idosas, as benzedeiras encontram-se ameaçadas de extinção, visto que aprender o oficio não tem sido objeto de interesse das novas gerações.