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Seabirds are regarded as a group of species with relatively low levels or even complete lack of blood parasites. We used PCR to amplify a DNA fragment from the cytochrome b gene of the parasites to search for infections of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon in individuals of two sympatrically breeding gull species, the Herring Gull Larus argentatus, the Caspian Gull Larus cachin
OBJECTIVES: We examined approaches to reduce sodium content of food served in settings operated or funded by the government of the County of Los Angeles, California.METHODS: We adapted health impact assessment methods to mathematically simulate various levels of reduction in the sodium content of food served by the County of Los Angeles and to estimate the reductions' potential impacts on mean sys
INTRODUCTION: Clinical preventive services can detect diseases early, when they are most treatable, but these services may not be provided as recommended. Assessing the provision of services to patients at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) could help identify disparities and areas for improvement.METHODS: We used data on patient visits (n = 21,261) from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Sur
Remarkably little systematic research has studied the effects of clinical suicidology training on changing practitioner attitudes and behaviors. In the current study we investigated whether training in an empirically-based assessment and treatment approach to suicidal patients administered through a continuing education workshop could meaningfully impact professional practices, clinic policy, clin
Spatially coupled low-density parity-check codes can be decoded using a graph-based message passing algorithm applied across the total length of the coupled graph. However, considering practical constraints on decoding latency and complexity, a sliding window decoding approach is normally preferred. In order to reduce decoding complexity compared with standard parallel decoding schedules, serial s
The object of this study was to determine the association between tender point pain ratings, tender point counts and distress in people with fibromyalgia and to review the pharmacotherapy of fibromyalgia. Demographic, psychosocial, and health status information was collected from 316 health maintenance organization members with fibromyalgia. A manual tender point exam was conducted. Tender point c
BACKGROUND: Community studies have documented prevalence rates of psychological disorders among older individuals. Further, a growing number of studies have examined depression in older medical patients. However, little is known about the prevalence of a broad range of psychological disorders and psychosocial stressors among older primary care patients. The purpose of the present study was to char
BACKGROUND: Distress-driven symptoms are prevalent among older primary care patients and account for a large percentage of office visits and increased medical costs. An experimental written self-disclosure protocol has been shown to reduce symptoms and use of health care services in healthy adults. Written self-disclosure as a method for reducing symptoms has not been evaluated in the primary care
OBJECTIVE: The Quality of Well-being Scale (QWB) is a generic measure of health related quality of life that can be used for population monitoring, measurement of clinical outcomes, or cost effectiveness analysis. We report data on the validity of the QWB for patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and compare the effect of FM to that of other chronic diseases.METHODS: The participants were 594 people rec
In 2 studies with a total of over 300 participants, the Epstein Creativity Competencies Inventory for Individuals (ECCI-i) was shown to be a reliable measuring instrument. In the first of these studies, the test was also shown to be a valid predictor of 2 measures of creative expression. The test is derived from empirical research on the creative process in individuals, which suggests that creativ
The primary goal of this workshop was to identify the most appropriate method to estimate the potential effect of reduction in sodium consumption on mortality. Difficulty controlling hypertension at the individual level has motivated international, federal, state, and local efforts to identify and implement population-wide strategies to better control this problem; reduction of sodium intake is on
Public perception of the underlying causes of anthropogenic climate change is a complex and subjective issue that is critical to effective risk communication. This issue is important to scientists and policymakers because of the role of individual perceptions in influencing their protective behaviour towards risk (e.g., the adoption of climate risk reduction and mitigation strategies). This cross-
The aim of this study is to define and further the understanding of the practice of lobbying as it manifests in the participants’ interactions with each other and to identify its specific conditions (rules, standards, traits).A research overview shows that lobbying as a political phenomenon is well researched, but that the action per se tends to been taken for granted as ‘talking’. Communication b
Circular business models are considered to be one of the key building blocks in the transition to a Circular Economy, but the viability of such business models is often dependent upon supporting policies. Relevant policies include support for waste infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, taxes and charges, and various informative instruments. This contribution reviews the literature on circular eco
Innovations in the lighting sector, such as LED-based light sources, have opened up unprecedented possibilities to both save energy and improve the quality of lighting. There is growing evidence of light's importance for human health, moods, work productivity and quality of life in general; but the uptake of new solutions is still rather slow in society. The public sector can play an important rol
This paper presents a general overview of WEEE and value considerations (both real and potential) as well as the specific results of a research project analysing the performance of EPR systems for lighting products, with particular focus on closing material loops. The research is based on a literature review, case studies, and interviews with key stakeholders. The case of recovery of rare earths e
