Contralateral comparison of bone geometry, BMD and muscle function in the lower leg and forearm after stroke.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the side-to-side differences of the upper and lower limbs in chronic stroke patients by means of peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). METHODS: Twenty-three subjects (12 males and 11 females) who had previously suffered a stroke were recruited. Bone parameters and muscle cross-sectional areas were measured by pQCT in the forearm and the lower leg on the paretic and non-paretic side. Muscle function tests included hand grip dynamometry and sit-to-stand on force plates. RESULTS: Relative side-to-side differences in bone parameters at the radius were twice to three times the relative differences at the tibia. At the forearm the muscle-bone relationship was stronger on the non-paretic than the paretic side, while at the lower leg the muscle-bone relationship was similar on both sides. CONCLUSIONS: Side-to-side differences in bone parameters were much smaller than differences between individuals, and bone mass deficits on the paretic side were greater at the radius than at the tibia. Therapies to restore muscle force and function, which may also help to decrease the risk of falls, are recommended.

[Participation of women in decision-making in Senegal. The numbers that speak]. / Participation des femmes aux instances de decision au Senegal. Des chiffres qui parlent.

PIP: The most recent population survey conducted in Senegal in 1988 found that women comprise 52% of the country¿s total population and that rural women make up 75% of the active female population. The female population is very young overall since 58% of women are under 20 years old. However, women¿s numerical advantage is inversely proportional to their level of representation in decision-making situations. Senegal¿s government in power since 1998 has only 5 women among the 31 ministers, and there were only 3 female ministers in the preceding body of government leaders. This numerical underrepresentation of women is also qualitative in nature, with the female ministers holding relatively less powerful governmental positions compared to the men. Only 19 of the 140 deputies elected to the National Assembly in 1998 were women and no woman is president of a parliamentary body. Women have a greater presence at the magisterial and legislative level, but they are less present in the public sector where they comprise only 4% of the 68,000 state agents. Women overwhelmingly hold teacher and secretarial posts, while men dominate local communities. Among the 470 elected, regional councilors elected in November 1998, only 61 are women. Additional statistics and discussion are presented upon the role of women in Senegalese society, as well as upon their capacity to influence important decisions both in the public sector and at home.^ieng

[Population and environment. The era of ecological refugees]. / Population et environnement. L'ere des refugies ecologiques.

PIP: In 2015, Senegal will have 16 million inhabitants, a doubling of the population in only 25 years. At the same time, the urban population will reach 9 million inhabitants (56% of the population). The percentage of youth (20 years) will be above 58% of the population. Yet, the desert does not stop growing. Population pressure in the countryside and sprawling development of cities are destroying Senegal's rural areas. In Senegal, due to permanent dryness and demographic growth, ecosystems have deteriorated greatly. For example, in 10 years, forests have been reduced from 12.7 billion hectares to 11.9 billion hectares. The rate of population growth can have a definite impact on cultivable land, which will continue to recede until it will no longer support sustainable agriculture. Deforestation affects food production and compromises the land's ability to retain water. The level of precipitation diminishes with deforestation, which exacerbates soil degradation. An infernal cycle secures the impoverishment of a productive ecosystem. Rural populations are thus forced to move to urban areas. The hope of a better life in cities is an illusion for the ecological refugees. 22% of Senegal's population lives in Dakar, which occupies 0.3% of the national territory. This population pressure translates into congestion of transport systems, housing, education, health, sanitation, and employment. Environmental pollution has an negative effect on the quality of life. Senegal is the first Sub-Saharan African country to sign on to the Population Policy Declaration. It chose Population and Environment for the theme of the 1993 World Population Day. More is needed than just signing declarations.^ieng