Male and female physical intimate partner violence and socio-economic position: a cross-sectional international multicentre study in Europe.

OBJECTIVES: This work explores the association between socio-economic position (SEP) and intimate partner violence (IPV) considering the perspectives of men and women as victims, perpetrators and as both (bidirectional). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional international multicentre study. METHODS: A sample of 3496 men and women, (aged 18-64 years), randomly selected from the general population of residents from six European cities was assessed: Athens; Budapest; London; Östersund; Porto; and Stuttgart. Their education (primary, secondary and university), occupation (upper white collar, lower white collar and blue collar) and unemployment duration (never, ≤12 months and >12 months) were considered as SEP indicators and physical IPV was measured with the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales. RESULTS: Past year physical IPV was declared by 17.7% of women (3.5% victims, 4.2% perpetrators and 10.0% bidirectional) and 19.8% of men (4.1% victims, 3.8% perpetrators and 11.9% bidirectional). Low educational level (primary vs university) was associated with female victimisation (adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 3.2; 1.3-8.0) and with female bidirectional IPV (4.1, 2.4-7.1). Blue collar occupation (vs upper white) was associated with female victimisation (2.1, 1.1-4.0), female perpetration (3.0, 1.3-6.8) and female bidirectional IPV (4.0, 2.3-7.0). Unemployment duration was associated with male perpetration (>12 months of unemployment vs never unemployed: 3.8; 1.7-8.7) and with bidirectional IPV in both sex (women: 1.8, 1.2-2.7; men: 1.7, 1.0-2.8). CONCLUSIONS: In these European centres, physical IPV was associated with a disadvantaged SEP. A consistent socio-economic gradient was observed in female bidirectional involvement, but victims or perpetrators-only presented gender specificities according to levels of education, occupation differentiation and unemployment duration potentially useful for designing interventions.

Health services and the treatment of immigrants: data on service use, interpreting services and immigrant staff members in services across Europe.

BACKGROUND: The number of immigrants using health services has increased across Europe. For assessing and improving the quality of care provided for immigrants, information is required on how many immigrants use services, what interpreting services are provided and whether staff members are from immigrant groups. METHODS: Structured interviews were conducted with 15 health services (9 primary care, 3 emergency departments, 3 mental health) located in areas with high immigrant populations in each of 16 European countries (n=240). Responses were collected on the availability of data on service use by immigrant patients, the provision of interpreting services and immigrant staff members. RESULTS: Data on service use by immigrants were recorded by only 15% of services. More than 40% of services did not provide any form of interpreting service and 54% of the services reported having no immigrant staff. Mental health services were more likely to use direct interpreting services, and both mental health and emergency services were more likely to have immigrant staff members. DISCUSSION: For assessing and improving the quality of care provided for immigrants, there is a need to improve the availability of data on service use by immigrants in health services throughout Europe and to provide more consistent access to interpreting services.

População de artrópodes benéficos em algodoeiro afetado por inseticidas em sistemas de manejo integrado e convencional / Beneficial insect population affected by pesticides in ipm and conventional cotton systems

Com o objetivo de estudar o impacto de inseticidas na redução da entomofauna benéfica na cultura algodoeira, conduziu-se um experimento na região Oeste da Bahia nos anos de 2002/2003. Dois sistemas de manejo foram adotados, o Manejo Integrado de Pragas (MIP) e o sistema convencional realizado na fazenda onde o experimento foi instalado. As populações de Orius spp., Chrysoperla externa, Sirfideos e Coccinelideos foram monitoradas por 19 semanas consecutivas, utilizando-se o pano de batida, com 100 batidas de pano por levantamento em cada um dos sistemas de cultivo. Estimou-se uma regressão linear para cada espécie monitorada, em cada sistema, tomando-se como variável independente o tempo, número de semanas, e como variável dependente a população de insetos, representada pela média das contagens dos 100 pontos de batida de pano em cada levantamento. Para as espécies em estudo, constatou-se que as taxas de crescimento representadas nas inclinações das retas de regressão foram sempre superiores no MIP.

Aiming to study the impact of insecticides on beneficial insects in the cotton crop, we conducted an experiment in the western region of state of Bahia, Brazil, in the 2002/2003 season. Two management systems were compared: the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and the conventional system, conducted at the farm where the experiment was installed. The populations of Orius spp, Chrysoperla externa, syrphid flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) and coccinellids (Coeloptera: Coccinellidae) were monitored for 19 consecutive weeks, using a beat cloth, beat 100 times per week at each cropping system. The evaluation was made based on linear regression for each species monitored in each system, taking "time," the number of weeks, as the independent variable, and, as the dependent variable, the insect population, represented by the average of the counts of the 100 beat cloth points in each survey. For these species, it was found that the growth rates given by the slopes of regression lines were always higher in the IPM.

Burnout among women: associations with demographic/socio-economic, work, life-style and health factors.

This study examined the occurrence of low/high burnout among women and the demographic/socio-economic, work, life-style, and health "correlates" of high burnout. The sample consisted of 6.000 randomly selected women from the general population, of which 3.591 participated. The design was cross-sectional. The univariate analyses showed that about 21% of the women had high burnout, and compared to those with low burnout, they were more often younger, divorced, blue-collar workers, lower educated, foreigners, on unemployment/retirement/sick-leave, financially strained, used more medication and cigarettes, reported higher work demands and lower control/social support at work, more somatic problems (e.g. pain) and depression. The regression analysis showed that only age, sick-leave, financial strain, medication, work demands, depression and somatic ailments were independently associated with high burnout. Thus, women with high burnout were apparently faring poorly financially, emotionally and physically. Considering our findings, interventions to alleviate their problems may be necessary. We may have provided new insights into women's burnout experiences, but longitudinal studies are warranted to firmly identify "determinants" of burnout.

Twenty years of post-fire plant succession in a "cerrado", São Carlos, SP, Brazil.

Secondary succession in degraded areas is little studied, especially where long-term observation of evolutionary processes is concerned. The aim of this work was to follow the qualitative and quantitative changes in vegetation throughout the regeneration process after fire in a cerrado with forest physionomy. The area under study is a reserve on CPPSE-EMBRAPA's farm, São Carlos region of São Paulo State, Brazil. In 1981, an especially destructive fire eliminated the aerial part of the vegetation and litter. From that time, the vegetation in three permanent quadrats of 2 x 20 m was recorded for twenty years. The results demonstrated the rapid growth of herbs, shrubs, climbers and trees successively, with a great species richness and, after a certain time, a decline in density at a rate similar to the initial recovery. Both the soil seed bank and sprouting subterranean organs played important parts in the recovery of the vegetation. Three phases were observed in the plant succession: plant growth, followed by intraspecific competition with a reduction in the number of individuals and finally interspecific competition with the disappearance of some species from the quadrats. The different populations behaved similarly and the rise and fall in density of each species over time reflected their ecological role.

Twenty years of post-fire plant succession in a "cerrado", São Carlos, SP, Brazil

A sucessão secundária em áreas degradadas é pouco estudada, principalmente em relação ao acompanhamento dos processos evolutivos por longo período. O objetivo deste trabalho foi de verificar as mudanças qualitativas e quantitativas da vegetação durante o processo de regeneração após fogo em um cerrado com fisionomia de cerradão. A área estudada pertence a uma reserva institucional da CPPSE EMBRAPA, São Carlos, SP, Brasil. No ano de 1981 ocorreu um incêndio de proporções elevadas eliminando todo o folhedo e o dossel. O acompanhamento foi realizado em três parcelas fixas de 2 x 20 m ao longo de vinte anos. Os resultados demonstraram um rápido estabelecimento de indivíduos sucessivamente com plantas herbáceas, arbustivas, lianas e arbóreas, uma grande riqueza em espécies e, depois de determinado tempo, uma regressão em densidade na mesma ordem de estabelecimento. O banco de sementes do solo e o rebrotamento subterrâneo tiveram papel importante na recuperação da vegetação. No processo sucessional ocorreram três fases sucessivas: estabelecimento de plantas; competição intra-específica devido ao reajuste no número de indivíduos por espécies e competição interespecífica com a eliminação de algumas espécies das parcelas. As populações analisadas apresentaram padrões semelhantes de comportamento e a maior ou menor densidade ao longo do tempo refletiu o comportamento ecológico das espécies.

Quality of life among parents of children with congenital heart disease, parents of children with other diseases and parents of healthy children.

We compared quality of life among parents of children with congenital heart disease (PCCHD, n = 1092), parents of children with other diseases (PCOD, n = 112) and parents of healthy children (PHC, n = 293). We also identified determinants of quality of life among the parents. The parents completed a questionnaire about such areas as quality of life and financial situation. The design was cross-sectional and data were collected during 20 consecutive days. The univariate analyses showed that PCCHD tended to report lower quality of life than PHC. Mothers reported lower quality of life than fathers, with the lowest levels among mothers of children with CHD. The multivariate analyses revealed however that variables such as distress, hopelessness and financial situation were more important in explaining the reduced quality of life than parental gender and the presence/severity of the children's heart diseases. We corroborated previous findings and may have provided new insights into the quality of life experiences of parents of children with CHD that may be important when considering interventions to improve their situation.

Current State and projection of the probable original vegetation of the São Carlos region of São Paulo State, Brazil

A map of the native vegetation remaining in São Carlos County was built based on aerial images, satellite images, and field observations, and a projection of the probable original vegetation was made by checking it against soil and relief surveys. The existing vegetation is very fragmented and impoverished, consisting predominantly of cerrados (savanna vegetation of various physiognomies), semideciduous and riparian forest, and regeneration areas. Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze, found in patches inside the semideciduous forest beginning at a minimum altitude of 850 m, has practically disappeared. By evaluating areas on the map for different forms of vegetation, we obtained the following results for original coverage: 27 percent cerrado (sparsely arboreal and short-shrub savanna, and wet meadows); 16 percent cerradäo (arboreal savanna); 55 percent semideciduous and riparian forests; and 2 percent forest with A. angustifolia. There are now 2 percent cerrados; 2.5 percent cerradäo; 1 percent semideciduous forest and riparian forests; 1.5 percent regeneration areas; and 0 percent forest with A. angustifolia.

Current state and projection of the probable original vegetation of the São Carlos region of São Paulo State, Brazil.

A map of the native vegetation remaining in São Carlos County was built based on aerial images, satellite images, and field observations, and a projection of the probable original vegetation was made by checking it against soil and relief surveys. The existing vegetation is very fragmented and improverished, consisting predominantly of cerrados (savanna vegetation of various physiognomies), semideciduous and riparian forest, and regeneration areas. Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze, found in patches inside the semideciduous forest beginning at a minimum altitude of 850 m, has practically disappeared. By evaluating areas on the map for different forms of vegetation, we obtained the following results for original coverage: 27% cerrado (sparsely arboreal and short-shrub savanna, and wet meadows); 16% cerradão (arboreal savanna); 55% semideciduous and riparian forests; and 2% forest with A. angustifolia. There are now 2% cerrados; 2.5% cerradão; 1% semideciduous forest and riparian forests; 1.5% regeneration areas; and 0% forest with A. angustifolia.

Comparative phytosociology of tree sinusiae between contiguous forests in different stages of succession

The Baturité Mountain Range, located in the State of Ceará (BRA), displays on its highest levels a vegetation viewed as a disjunction from the Atlantic Forest in the East of Brazil. Among the various attributes associated with this vegetation, the abundance of water resources and a high biodiversity have a more outstanding relevance. However, in view of the current accelerated deforestation process, those attributes may be threatened in a near future. Therefore, the present work is a comparative study with its focus on vegetal community organization (tree sinusiae) and the floristic similarity and the phytodiversity of two areas in different successive stages, preserved and deforested 24 years ago. The aim of that intent was to obtain information that could essentially shed light on the deforestation effects on tree vegetation and which could suggest scientific support regarding urgent projects of habitat reconstruction. The methodology used folowed the model utilized for rain forest, i.e. consisting of a random distribution of 10 x 20 m plots surveying the living woody species with DBH > or = 5 cm. The results obtained suggest that a possible new physiognomy type is emerging on the Baturite Mountain Range because of deforestation. The Myrtaceae and Mimosaceae families were the ones that contributed most significantly to species richness, being the most outstanding for Areas 1 and 2, respectively. The deforestation which occurred in Area 2 eliminated 28 species and gave birth to a current densely distinct floristic composition

Comparative phytosociology of tree sinusiae between contiguous forests in different stages of succession.

The Baturité Mountain Range, located in the State of Ceará (BRA), displays on its highest levels a vegetation viewed as a disjunction from the Atlantic Forest in the East of Brazil. Among the various attributes associated with this vegetation, the abundance of water resources and a high biodiversity have a more outstanding relevance. However, in view of the current accelerated deforestation process, those attributes may be threatened in a near future. Therefore, the present work is a comparative study with its focus on vegetal community organization (tree sinusiae) and the floristic similarity and the phytodiversity of two areas in different successive stages, preserved and deforested 24 years ago. The aim of that intent was to obtain information that could essentially shed light on the deforestation effects on tree vegetation and which could suggest scientific support regarding urgent projects of habitat reconstruction. The methodology used folowed the model utilized for rain forest, i.e. consisting of a random distribution of 10 x 20 m plots surveying the living woody species with DBH >/= 5 cm. The results obtained suggest that a possible new physiognomy type is emerging on the Baturite Mountain Range because of deforestation. The Myrtaceae and Mimosaceae families were the ones that contributed most significantly to species richness, being the most outstanding for Areas 1 and 2, respectively. The deforestation which occurred in Area 2 eliminated 28 species and gave birth to a current densely distinct floristic composition.

Experience of musculoskeletal pain. Comparison of immigrant and Swedish patient.

We explored differences regarding several psychosocial constructs (e.g. coping with pain) between immigrant (n = 140) and Swedish (n = 446) patients seeking treatment for pain at health and physiotherapy centres. A cross-sectional study design was used. The findings showed that, compared with Swedes, immigrants more often relied on benefits for their support and were more concerned with their financial situation. They also had longer periods of sick-leave. In addition, immigrants felt more disabled, reported more job strain and relied more on passive coping strategies for pain. Finally, they were more emotionally distressed, as they showed more symptoms of burnout, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress reactions, and lower self-confidence. Multivariate analyses performed separately for immigrant and Swedish patients showed differential patterns of associations between sociodemographic variables, financial strain, emotional distress, perceived disability, passive coping and job strain. We conclude that immigrant patients live under more strained psychosocial conditions and experience a deeper impact of pain than do their Swedish counterparts.

Emotional conditioning to masked stimuli: expectancies for aversive outcomes following nonrecognized fear-relevant stimuli.

The role of conscious awareness in human Pavlovian conditioning was examined in 2 experiments using masked fear-relevant (snakes and spiders; Experiments 1 and 2) and fear-irrelevant (flowers and mushrooms; Experiment 1) pictures as conditioned stimuli, a mild electric shock as the unconditioned stimulus, and skin conductance responses as the primary dependent variable. The conditioned stimuli were presented briefly (30 ms) and were effectively masked by an immediately following masking stimulus. Experiment 1 demonstrated nonconscious conditioning to fear-relevant but not to fear-irrelevant stimuli. Even though the participants could not recognize the stimuli in Experiment 2, they differentiated between masked stimuli predicting and not predicting shocks in expectancy ratings. However, expectancy ratings were not related to the conditioned autonomic response.

"Unconscious anxiety": phobic responses to masked stimuli.

We tested the hypothesis that an unconscious preattentive perceptual analysis of phobic stimuli is sufficient to elicit human fear responses. Selected snake- and spider-fearful Ss, as well as normal controls, were exposed to pictures of snakes, spiders, flowers, and mushrooms. A separate forced-choice recognition experiment established backward masking conditions that effectively precluded recognition of experimental stimuli both for fearful and nonfearful Ss. In the main experiment, these conditions were used to compare skin conductance responses (SCRs) to masked and nonmasked phobic and control pictures among fearful and nonfearful Ss. In support of the hypotheses, snake- and spider-fearful Ss showed elevated SCRs to snake and spider pictures as compared with neutral pictures and with responses of the nonfearful Ss under both masking conditions. Ratings of valence, arousal, and dominance indicated that the fearful Ss felt more negative, more aroused, and less dominant in relation to both masked and nonmasked phobic stimuli.

Backward masking and skin conductance responses after conditioning to nonfeared but fear-relevant stimuli in fearful subjects.

The present study examined two issues. Are skin conductance responses conditioned to fear-relevant stimuli, as contrasted with responses conditioned to fear-irrelevant stimuli, elicited after merely an automatic, nonconscious analysis of the stimulus content? Do fearful subjects show better conditioning to nonfeared but fear-relevant stimuli (e.g., conditioning to spiders in snake-fearing subjects) than do nonfearful subjects? Subjects afraid of snakes, but not of spiders, or vice versa (n = 32) and nonfearful subjects (n = 32) were shown either fear-relevant stimuli (snakes or spiders and rats) or fear-irrelevant stimuli (flowers and mushrooms) in a differential conditioning paradigm, where one of the stimuli was followed by an electric shock. During a subsequent extinction phase, the conditioned stimuli were presented under backward masking conditions, preventing their conscious recognition. Consistent with our hypothesis, during the masked extinction of the conditioned stimuli, differential skin conductance responses to conditioning and control stimuli remained only for subjects conditioned to fear-relevant stimuli. Both fearful and nonfearful control subjects had significantly larger differential electrodermal responses to fear-relevant than to fear-irrelevant stimuli. However, contrary to our hypothesis, fearful subjects did not show enhanced conditionability to their nonfeared but fear-relevant stimuli as compared with nonfearful control subjects.

On the automatic nature of phobic fear: conditioned electrodermal responses to masked fear-relevant stimuli.

Normal subjects (n = 64) were exposed either to pictures of snakes and spiders or to pictures of flowers and mushrooms in a differential conditioning paradigm in which one of the pictures signaled an electric shock. In a subsequent extinction series, these stimuli were presented backwardly masked by another stimulus for half of the subjects, whereas the other half received non-masked extinction. In support of a hypothesis that suggests that nonconscious information-processing mechanisms are sufficient to activate responses to fear-relevant stimuli, differential skin conductance response to masked conditioning and control stimuli was obvious only for subjects conditioned to fear-relevant stimuli. These results were replicated in a second experiment (n = 32), which also demonstrated that the effect was unaffected by which visual half-field was used for stimulus presentation.

Preattentive processing, preparedness and phobias: effects of instruction on conditioned electrodermal responses to masked and non-masked fear-relevant stimuli.

We hypothesized that autonomic responses conditioned to fear-relevant stimuli, in contrast to responses conditioned to neutral stimuli, can be elicited after only an automatic, non-conscious analysis of the stimulus. Consequently, they may be expected to be insensitive to verbal instructions. Normal subjects were conditioned to either fear-relevant stimuli (snakes or spiders) or neutral stimuli (flowers or mushrooms) in a differential conditioning paradigm with shock as the unconditioned stimulus. In a subsequent extinction series, half of the subjects were shown the conditioned stimuli under masking conditions preventing their conscious recognition, whereas the other half were exposed to non-masked stimuli. Then half of the subjects in each of the masking conditions were verbally instructed that no more shocks would be delivered and then the extinction trials followed. Consistent with our hypothesis, differential responses to the fear-relevant CSs+ and CSs- remained unaffected by both masking and instruction, whereas differential responding to neutral stimuli was wiped out by the masking procedure and the verbal instruction.