text:
Iris Litt
Marron and Mary Elizabeth Kendrick Professor in Pediatrics, Emerita
Pediatrics - Adolescent Medicine
Professor Emeritus, Pediatrics - Adolescent Medicine
DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR ADVANCED STUDY IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE, STANFORD UNIVERSITY (2013 - Present)
irislitt@stanford.edu
University - Emeritus faculty Department:&nbspPediatrics - Adolescent Medicine Position: Marron and Mary Elisabeth Kendrick Professor of Pediatrics (Emerita)
University - Staff Department:&nbspPediatrics - Adolescent Medicine Position: Professor Emeritus
265 Campus Dr.
Research focus is on the health problems of adolescent women, with particular emphasis on the interaction of psychosocial phenomena with biologic features of the second decade of life. The effects of eating disorders on reproductive physiology, bone density and growth is one example of this interest. Pregnancy prevention and medication compliance in adolescents are other research interests.
Blind Leading the Blind? JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH Litt, I. F. 2009; 45 (6): 638-638
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.09.006
Non-adherence to post-transplant care: Prevalence, risk factors and outcomes in adolescent liver transplant recipients PEDIATRIC TRANSPLANTATION Berquist, R. K., Berquist, W. E., Esquivel, C. O., Cox, K. L., Wayman, K. I., Litt, I. F. 2008; 12 (2): 194-200
This study examined the prevalence, demographic variables and adverse outcomes associated with non-adherence to post-transplant care in adolescent liver transplant recipients. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 111 adolescent patients (age 12-21 yr) greater than six months post-transplantation and defined non-adherence as not taking the immunosuppressive(s) or not attending any clinic visit in 2005. Fifty subjects (45.0%) were non-adherent and 61 (55.0%) were adherent. Twenty percent of the subjects did not attend clinic and 10.9% did not complete laboratory tests. Non-adherence was significantly associated with fewer completed laboratory tests (p < 0.0001), single parent status (p < 0.0186), and older age and greater years post-transplantation by both univariate and multivariate analyses (p < 0.008, p < 0.0141 and p < 0.0012, p < 0.0174, respectively). Non-adherence to medication was significantly associated with a rejection episode in 31 patients (p < 0.0069) but not in the subgroup of seven patients who stopped their immunosuppression completely. Non-adherence to post-transplant care is a prevalent problem in adolescents particularly of an older age and greater years post-transplantation. Rejection was a significant consequence of medication non-adherence except in a subgroup with presumed graft tolerance who discontinued their immunosuppression. These results emphasize the need for strict monitoring of adherence to post-transplant care to improve long-term survival and quality of life in adolescent transplant patients.
Surfing for thinness: A pilot study of pro-eating disorder web site usage in adolescents with eating disorders PEDIATRICS Wilson, J. L., Peebles, R., Hardy, K. K., Litt, I. F. 2006; 118 (6): E1635-E1643
Pro-eating disorder Web sites are communities of individuals who engage in disordered eating and use the Internet to discuss their activities. Pro-recovery sites, which are less numerous, express a recovery-oriented perspective. This pilot study investigated the awareness and usage of pro-eating disorder Web sites among adolescents with eating disorders and their parents and explored associations with health and quality of life.This was a cross-sectional study of 698 families of patients (aged 10-22 years) diagnosed with an eating disorder at Stanford between 1997 and 2004. Anonymous surveys were mailed and offered in clinic. Survey content included questions about disease severity, health outcomes, Web site usage, and parental knowledge of eating disorder Web site usage.Surveys were returned by 182 individuals: 76 patients and 106 parents. Parents frequently (52.8%) were aware of pro-eating disorder sites, but an equal number did not know whether their child visited these sites, and only 27.6% had discussed them with their child. Most (62.5%) parents, however, did not know about pro-recovery sites. Forty-one percent of patients visited pro-recovery sites, 35.5% visited pro-eating disorder sites, 25.0% visited both, and 48.7% visited neither. While visiting pro-eating disorder sites, 96.0% reported learning new weight loss or purging techniques. However, 46.4% of pro-recovery site visitors also learned new techniques. Pro-eating disorder site users did not differ from nonusers in health outcomes but reported spending less time on school or schoolwork and had a longer duration of illness. Users of both pro-eating disorder and pro-recovery sites were hospitalized more than users of neither site.Pro-eating disorder site usage was prevalent among adolescents with eating disorders, yet parents had little knowledge of this. Although use of these sites was not associated with other health outcomes, usage may have a negative impact on quality of life and result in adolescents' learning about and adopting disordered eating behaviors.
View details for DOI 10.1542/peds.2006-1133
Adolescent non-adherence: Prevalence and consequences in liver transplant recipients PEDIATRIC TRANSPLANTATION Berquist, R. K., Berquist, W. E., Esquivel, C. O., Cox, K. L., Wayman, K. I., Litt, I. F. 2006; 10 (3): 304-310
Few studies have examined the prevalence, demographic variables and adverse consequences associated with non-adherence to immunosuppressive therapy in the adolescent liver transplant population. Our hypothesis is that a significant proportion of adolescent liver transplant recipients exhibit non-adherence to medical regimens and that certain demographic and medical condition-related characteristics can be identified as potential predictors of non-adherent behavior. Furthermore, non-adherence leads to a greater incidence of morbidity and mortality in this population as compared with the adherent subset of adolescent patients. We reviewed the charts of 97 patients from 1987 to 2002 who by December of 2002 had survived at least 1 yr post-transplant and were followed by the Pediatric Liver Transplant Service at any point during their adolescent period (ages of 12-21). Non-adherence was defined as documentation of a report of non-adherence by a patient, parent or healthcare provider that was recorded in the patient's legal medical record. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence, demographic variables and adverse outcomes associated with non-adherence to immunosuppressive therapy. Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square test or the Fisher exact probability test. The unpaired Student's t-test was used to analyze the continuous variable of age at transplant. Using the inclusion criteria, a total of 97 patients represented the study sample of whom 37 subjects (38.1%) were defined as non-adherent and 60 (61.8%) were adherent. Non-adherent subjects were more likely to be female, older (>18 yr) and from a single-parent household. There was no significant difference in immunosuppressive regimen between non-adherent and adherent patients. Non-adherence was significantly (p<0.025) associated with lower socioeconomic status (SES), older age at transplant (p<0.005, 95% CI: -5.5 to -.99, Student's t-test) and episodes of late acute rejection (p<.001). Non-adherence was also significantly associated with re-transplantation and death secondary to chronic rejection by the Fisher exact test (p<0.006 and p<0.05, respectively). Non-adherence to immunosuppressive therapy is a prevalent problem that is correlated with certain demographic and medical condition-related risk factors and more frequent adverse consequences in the adolescent liver transplant population. The greater incidence of late acute rejection, death and re-transplantation owing to chronic rejection in non-adherent patients suggests that non-adherence is significantly associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Further investigation to identify patients at greatest risk for non-adherence is necessary to design the most effective intervention to increase patient survival and well being.
What predicts maintenance of weight for adolescents medically hospitalized for anorexia nervosa? Eating disorders Lock, J., Litt, I. 2003; 11 (1): 1-7
We assessed the relationship between outcomes at one year and a variety of possible predictors among a group of adolescents who were hospitalized for medical complications associated with adolescent onset AN. We reviewed the 12 month outcomes of 41 adolescent patients admitted for medical complications associated with AN to our center. Data on initial percent ideal body weight, length of initial hospitalization, and percent ideal body weight at discharge from first admission were collected. Our primary outcome measure was percent ideal body weight obtained 12 months after initial discharge. Using multiple linear regression to predict percent ideal body weight achieved at 12 months postdischarge, we found that only percent of ideal body weight at discharge predicted better outcomes. Response to initial hospitalization in terms of weight gain, rather than admission weight or length of initial hospital stay, predict better outcomes at 12 months. These results suggest the need for further study of predictors of response to intensive hospital treatment in order to improve initial response rates and ultimately to better outcomes postdischarge.
Ethnic differences in the association between pubertal status and symptoms of depression in adolescent girls JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH Hayward, C., Gotlib, I. H., Schraedley, P. K., Litt, I. F. 1999; 25 (2): 143-149
To examine the importance of chronologic age versus pubertal status in predicting adolescent girls' depressive symptoms in different ethnic groups.A national probability sample was used to obtain a representative cohort of 3216 adolescents, 5th through 8th grades. Subjects completed a questionnaire, which included a modified version of the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and an assessment of timing of menarche.Among Caucasians, post-menarcheal adolescent girls had higher depression scores than did same-aged pre-menarcheal girls. Boys and pre-menarcheal girls had similar depression scores in most age groups. Among African-Americans and Hispanics, there were no menarche-associated differences in depressive symptoms.In early adolescence pubertal status is a better predictor of depressive symptoms than chronological age in Caucasian, but not African-American or Hispanic girls.
Age limits of pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics, Council on Child Health, Pediatrics, 1972;49 : 463 - Commentary PEDIATRICS Litt, I. F. 1998; 102 (1): 249-250
Prospective study of risk factors for the initiation of cigarette smoking JOURNAL OF CONSULTING AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Killen, J. D., Robinson, T. N., Haydel, K. F., Hayward, C., Wilson, D. M., Hammer, L. D., Litt, I. F., Taylor, C. B. 1997; 65 (6): 1011-1016
Risk factors for the initiation of cigarette smoking were examined in 2 consecutive cohorts of teenagers (N = 1,901). Students in Cohort 1 were followed over 4 years from 9th to 12th grade; those in Cohort 2 were followed over 3 years from 9th to 11th grade. Among girls with no history of smoking at baseline, those with more friends who smoked at baseline (p < .001) and those with higher sociability scores (p < .05) were significantly more likely to have tried smoking over the study interval. Among boys with no history of smoking at baseline, those with more friends who smoked at baseline (p < .05) and those with higher depression symptoms scores (p < .01) were significantly more likely to have tried smoking over the study interval. The data suggest that future research is needed to examine potential gender differences that may have implications for the next generation of smoking-prevention programs.
Psychiatric risk associated with early puberty in adolescent girls JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY Hayward, C., Killen, J. D., Wilson, D. M., Hammer, L. D., Litt, I. F., Kraemer, H. C., Haydel, F., Varady, A., Taylor, C. B. 1997; 36 (2): 255-262
This study prospectively evaluated the relationship between early puberty and the onset of internalizing symptoms and disorders in adolescent girls.The sample was drawn from 1,463 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade girls who participated in a longitudinal school-based study of growth and development. Pubertal stage was determined by self-assessment of Tanner stage. Psychiatric assessments included self-report instruments and structured diagnostic interviews. Survival methods were utilized for data analysis.Girls with onset of internalizing symptoms were on average 5 months earlier in pubertal development than those who were asymptomatic (p < .001). In addition, girls with earlier maturation (earliest quartile) were more likely to develop internalizing symptoms than were nonearly matures (hazard ratio = 1.8, confidence interval = 1.2, 2.7). In a subsample of girls followed into high school, early-maturing girls were at marginally higher risk (p < .10) for developing internalizing disorders by the study's end. The highest risk for internalizing disorders was for those girls with both early puberty and prior internalizing symptoms (odds ratio = 3.3).Early puberty increases the risk of internalizing symptoms and perhaps internalizing disorders in adolescent girls.
Ethnicity and body dissatisfaction: Are Hispanic and Asian girls at increased risk for eating disorders? JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH Robinson, T. N., Killen, J. D., Litt, I. F., Hammer, L. D., Wilson, D. M., Haydel, K. F., Hayward, C., Taylor, C. B. 1996; 19 (6): 384-393
To compare prevalences and correlates of body dissatisfaction among white, Hispanic, and Asian girls.A total of 939 6th and 7th grade girls (mean age 12.4 years) attending four middle schools in northern California completed self-administered assessments of age, ethnicity, desired body shape, parent education levels, mother's and father's body shapes, pubertal stage, and body dissatisfaction. Body dissatisfaction was assessed with the Body Dissatisfaction scale of the Eating Disorder Inventory. Height, weight, triceps skinfold thickness, and waist and hip circumferences were measured by trained examiners.Hispanic girls reported significantly greater body dissatisfaction than white girls, with Asian girls in-between. After adjustment for body mass index (weight/height), normal and overweight white, Hispanic, and Asian girls reported similar levels of body dissatisfaction. However, among the leanest 25% of girls, Hispanics and Asians reported significantly more body dissatisfaction than white girls. Body mass index was the strongest independent predictor of increased body dissatisfaction in all three ethnic groups. Shorter height among white girls and taller height among Asian girls also made significant independent contributions. Parent education level, a measure of socioeconomic status, was not significantly associated with body dissatisfaction.Body dissatisfaction is not limited to white girls in middle and upper socioeconomic strata. These findings suggest Hispanic and Asian girls may be at greater risk for adopting eating disorder behaviors than previously recognized.
Pregnancy in adolescence JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION Litt, I. F. 1996; 275 (13): 1030-1030
View details for Web of Science ID A1996UC12300033
Pubertal and psychosocial development implications for pediatricians. Pediatrics in review Litt, I. F. 1995; 16 (7): 243-247
Pursuit of thinness and onset of eating disorder symptoms in a community sample of adolescent girls: a three-year prospective analysis. International journal of eating disorders Killen, J. D., Taylor, C. B., Hayward, C., Wilson, D. M., Haydel, K. F., Hammer, L. D., SIMMONDS, B., Robinson, T. N., Litt, I., Varady, A. 1994; 16 (3): 227-238
Community-based prospective studies are needed to shed light on mechanisms that may influence development of eating disorders and identify variables that could serve as potential targets for prevention efforts. In this paper we examine level of weight preoccupation and other variables prospectively associated with age of onset of eating disorder symptoms over a 3-year interval in a community sample (N = 939) of young adolescent girls. 3.6% (32/887) experienced onset of symptoms over the interval. Only one factor, a measure of Weight Concerns, was significantly associated with onset (p < .001). Girls scoring in the highest quartile on the measure of Weight Concerns had the shortest survival time (12% incidence by age 14.5) and those scoring in the lowest quartile had the highest survival time (2% incidence by age 14.5; p < .001). This finding is consistent with both theoretical and clinical perspectives and represents one of the first prospective demonstrations of a linkage between weight and body shape concerns and later onset of eating disorder symptoms. An understanding of the independent variables that predispose girls to development of symptoms is a useful step towards the establishment of a rational basis for the choice of a prevention intervention target.
CARING FOR GRAVELY ILL CHILDREN PEDIATRICS Fleischman, A. R., Nolan, K., Dubler, N. N., EPSTEIN, M. F., GERBEN, M. A., Jellinek, M. S., Litt, I. F., MIles, M. S., Oppenheimer, S., Shaw, A., VANEYS, J., Vaughan, V. C. 1994; 94 (4): 433-439
Much has been written about the care of the hopelessly ill adult, but there is little guidance for pediatric health care professionals in the management of children who are critically or terminally ill.Through a 3-day meeting in Tarrytown, NY, attended by a group of pediatricians and others directly involved in these issues, a principled approach was developed for the treatment of, and health care decision-making for, children who are gravely ill.The group agreed that the needs and interests of the child must be the central focus of any treatment plan and that the child should be involved to as great extent possible, consistent with developmental maturity, in the decision-making process. Quality of future life should be viewed as being relevant in all decisions. Parents are believed to be the natural guardians of children and ought to have great latitude in making decisions for them. However, parental discretion is not absolute and professionals must maintain an independent obligation to protect the child's interests.Decision-making should be collaborative among patient, parents, and professionals. When conflict arises, consultation and ethics committees may assist in resolution. When cure or restoration of function is no longer possible, or reasonable, promotion of comfort becomes the primary goal of management. Optimal use of pain medication and compassionate concern for the physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being of the child and family should be the primary focus of the professionals caring for the dying child.
View details for Web of Science ID A1994PK84000004
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH EATING DISORDER SYMPTOMS IN A COMMUNITY SAMPLE OF 6TH AND 7TH GRADE GIRLS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS Killen, J. D., Hayward, C., Wilson, D. M., Taylor, C. B., Hammer, L. D., Litt, I., SIMMONDS, B., Haydel, F. 1994; 15 (4): 357-367
Nine hundred thirty-nine 6th and 7th grade girls participated in the baseline phase of a prospective study designed to examine a set of potential risk factors for the development of eating disorders. Of the 939,839 girls (89%) completed the bulimia nervosa section of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R disorders. One girl received the diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, another 35 were classified as a symptomatic group. Using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for age and stage of sexual maturation, symptomatic and asymptomatic groups were compared on the following measures: Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI), BMI, triceps skinfold thickness, waist-to-hip ratio, depression symptoms (CES-D and DSRS), Restraint Scale, and a measure of family adaptability and cohesion (FACES). Symptomatic girls were more developmentally mature, significantly heavier, reported greater fear of weight gain, experienced greater dysphoria, indicated increased body dissatisfaction, and reported greater feelings of inadequacy and personal worthlessness. Their status on these dimensions may indicate potential vulnerability to eating disorders and, ultimately, suggest the choice of targets for intervention. Our future goal is to conduct the prospective analyses needed to confirm the hypothesized linkages.
A MODEL FOR MANAGING CLINICAL AND PERSONNEL ISSUES IN C-L PSYCHIATRY - THE DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRIC PSYCHIATRY AT CHILDRENS-HOSPITAL-AT-STANFORD PSYCHOSOMATICS Steiner, H., Sanders, M., CANNING, E. H., Litt, I. 1994; 35 (1): 73-79
View details for Web of Science ID A1994MN51600009
AN ATTEMPT TO MODIFY UNHEALTHFUL EATING ATTITUDES AND WEIGHT REGULATION PRACTICES OF YOUNG ADOLESCENT GIRLS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS Killen, J. D., Taylor, C. B., Hammer, L. D., Litt, I., Wilson, D. M., Rich, T., Hayward, C., SIMMONDS, B., Kraemer, H., Varady, A. 1993; 13 (4): 369-384
This is the first long-term, controlled study evaluating the effectiveness of a prevention curriculum designed to modify the eating attitudes and unhealthful weight regulation practices of young adolescent girls. Nine hundred sixty-seven sixth and seventh-grade girls were randomized to experimental healthy weight regulation curriculum or no-treatment control classes. A prevention intervention was developed around three principal components: (1) Instruction on the harmful effects of unhealthful weight regulation; (2) promotion of healthful weight regulation through the practice of sound nutrition and dietary principles and regular aerobic physical activity; (3) development of coping skills for resisting the diverse sociocultural influences that appear linked to the current popular obsessions with thinness and dieting. The intervention failed to achieve the hoped-for impact. We did observe a significant increase in knowledge among girls receiving the intervention and among high-risk students only, there was a small albeit statistically significant effect on body mass index. These findings question the wisdom of providing a curriculum directed at all young adolescents, most of whom are not at risk to develop an eating disorder. Rather than targeting the entire population, a healthy weight curriculum designed to modify the eating attitudes and unhealthful weight regulation practices of young adolescent girls might better focus on "at risk" students.
View details for Web of Science ID A1993KZ50300004
PUBERTAL STAGE AND PANIC ATTACK HISTORY IN 6TH-GRADE AND 7TH-GRADE GIRLS INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH Hayward, C., Killen, J. D., Hammer, L. D., Litt, I. F., Wilson, D. M., SIMMONDS, B., Taylor, C. B. AMER PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION. 1992: 1239–43
Although the incidence of first panic attacks appears to peak during adolescence, little is known about which features of adolescence contribute to the risk of a first panic episode. The purpose of this study was to compare the relative importance of age and pubertal stage in explaining the occurrence of panic attacks in adolescents.From a school-based sample of sixth- and seventh-grade girls, 754 subjects completed both a structured clinical interview determining history of one or more panic episodes and a self-assessment of Tanner stages of pubertal development. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with panic attack history as the dependent variable and pubertal stage, age, and their interaction as the independent variables.A history of one or more four-symptom panic attacks was found in 5.3% of the girls (N = 40). After age was controlled for, pubertal stage was significantly related to panic attack history. At each age, higher rates of panic attacks were found in the more physically mature girls.Pubertal stage, after adjustment for the effects of age, appears to predict panic attack occurrence in young adolescent girls. Understanding the link between puberty and panic may offer clues regarding the onset and etiology of panic attacks.
INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH-FACTOR BINDING PROTEIN-3 IN NORMAL PUBERTAL GIRLS ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA Wilson, D. M., STENE, M. A., Killen, J. D., Hammer, L. D., Litt, I. F., Hayward, C., Taylor, C. B. 1992; 126 (5): 381-386
IGFBP-3 concentrations rise in the second decade of life. To test the hypothesis that the stage of pubertal development, independent of chronological age, was associated with these increases we measured serum IGFBP-3 concentrations by radioimmunoassay in 324 sixth and seventh grade girls (12.3 +/- 0.7 years) at the beginning of a multisite school-based health curriculum. The mean (+/- SD) serum IGFBP-3 among the 242 girls with complete data was 4.0 +/- 0.7 mg/l. Pubertal stage was significantly associated with IGFBP-3 (p less than 0.0001, ANOVA). Mean concentrations rose from 3.5 +/- 0.7 mg/l among those with the earliest pubertal stages to 4.2 +/- 0.7 mg/l among the mature girls. IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were significantly correlated (Spearman's r = 0.43, p less than 0.0001). After controlling for the association between pubertal development and IGFBP-3 concentrations, only the waist/hip ratio, among the various measures of body composition, was significantly associated with IGFBP-3 concentration (Spearman's r = -0.23, p = 0.0002). Likewise, none of the measures of nutrition: intake of total calories, protein, fat and carbohydrate; serum iron; red cell mean corpuscular volume; or cholesterol; were significantly associated with IGFBP-3 concentrations. There was, however, a small, but significant association between IGFBP-3 concentrations and both serum transferrin and blood hemoglobin concentrations. Pubertal stage has a significant impact on IGFBP-3 concentrations and those attempting to utilize IGFBP-3 concentrations during adolescence should be cognizant of the subject's pubertal stage.
IS PUBERTY A RISK FACTOR FOR EATING DISORDERS AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DISEASES OF CHILDREN Killen, J. D., Hayward, C., Litt, I., Hammer, L. D., Wilson, D. M., Miner, B., Taylor, B., Varady, A., Shisslak, C. 1992; 146 (3): 323-325
To examine the association between stage of sexual maturation and eating disorder symptoms in a community-based sample of adolescent girls.All sixth- and seventh-grade girls (N = 971) enrolled in four northern California middle schools. MAIN VARIABLES EXAMINED: Pubertal development measured using self-reported Tanner stage and body mass index (kg/m2). The section of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R Disorders (SCID) discussing bulimia nervosa was used to evaluate symptoms of bulimia nervosa.Girls manifesting eating disorder symptoms, while not significantly older than their peers without such symptoms, were more developmentally advanced as determined with Tanner self-staging. The odds ratio for the association between sexual maturity and symptoms was 1.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 2.8); ie, at each age, an increase in sexual maturity of a single point was associated with a 1.8-fold increase in the odds of presenting symptoms. The odds ratio for the association between body mass index (adjusted for sexual maturity) and symptoms was 1.02 (95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 1.05). There was no independent effect of age or of the interaction between age and the sexual maturity index.These results suggest that (1) puberty may be a risk factor for the development of eating disorders, and (2) prevention efforts might best be directed at prepubertal and peripubertal adolescents.
View details for Web of Science ID A1992HG92400016
INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-I AS A REFLECTION OF BODY-COMPOSITION, NUTRITION, AND PUBERTY IN 6TH AND 7TH GRADE GIRLS JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM Wilson, D. M., Killen, J. D., Hammer, L. D., Litt, I. F., VOSTI, C., Miner, B., Hayward, C., Taylor, C. B. 1991; 73 (4): 907-912
Large variations in nutritional intake have profound effects on the GH-insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) axis in children and adults, but the effect of normal variations in nutrition on IGF-I concentrations is largely unstudied, particularly during puberty. We measured serum IGF-I concentrations in 325 sixth and seventh grade girls (12.4 +/- 0.7 yr) at the beginning of a multisite school-based health curriculum. The mean serum IGF-I level among the 243 girls with complete data was 573 +/- 244 micrograms/L. Pubertal stage was significantly associated with IGF-I (P less than 0.0001, by analysis of variance). Mean concentrations rose from 427 +/- 198 micrograms/L among those at the earliest pubertal stages to 639 +/- 219 micrograms/L among the mature girls. After adjusting for the association with the stage of pubertal development, serum IGF-I was not significantly associated with measures of body composition (body mass index, triceps skin fold thickness, waist/hip ratio, height, and weight). Additionally, IGF-I concentrations were not associated with nutritional intake (total calories, total protein, total fat, and total carbohydrate) or such measures of nutrition as serum iron, hemoglobin, red cell mean corpuscular volume, white cell count, and cholesterol. IGF-I concentrations, however, were significantly correlated with transferrin concentrations, another possible index of nutritional status (r = 0.29; P less than 0.0001). IGF-I is not a clinically useful index of nutritional status among normal pubertal girls.
THE INCIDENCE OF CHLAMYDIA-PNEUMONIAE LOWER RESPIRATORY-TRACT INFECTIONS AMONG UNIVERSITY-STUDENTS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WESTERN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE Katzman, D. K., Tipton, A. C., Litt, I. F., Friedman, I. M., EMMONS, R. W., SCHACHTER, J. 1991; 155 (2): 136-139
Chlamydia pneumoniae has recently been identified as a cause of lower respiratory tract infections. From March 1987 to March 1988, 259 university students-151 students with lower respiratory tract infections and 108 controls-from the University of California, Berkeley, were studied to determine the incidence and pattern of C pneumoniae lower respiratory tract infections. Serologic evidence of a recent C pneumoniae infection was found in less than 2%, and the organism was not isolated from any of the subjects. Despite the paucity of evidence of a recent infection, 47.5% of this university population showed serologic evidence of a previous C pneumoniae infection. The lower incidence of C pneumoniae infection in our population, when compared with previous reports, suggests that there may be geographic and temporal differences or fluctuations among populations.
View details for Web of Science ID A1991GA96400002
ADOLESCENT MEDICINE JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION Litt, I. F. 1991; 265 (23): 3100-3101
View details for Web of Science ID A1991FQ77000007
IMPACT OF PUBERTAL DEVELOPMENT ON BODY-FAT DISTRIBUTION AMONG WHITE, HISPANIC, AND ASIAN FEMALE ADOLESCENTS JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS Hammer, L. D., Wilson, D. M., Litt, I. F., Killen, J. D., Hayward, C., Miner, B., VOSTI, C., Taylor, C. B. 1991; 118 (6): 975-980
Variation in the waist/hip ratio (WHR) may be related to changes in hormonal secretion associated with pubertal maturation. We therefore studied the effects of race, pubertal development, and body fatness on WHR during adolescence in a multiethnic population. A total of 688 white, Asian, and Hispanic female adolescents (mean (+/- SD) 12.4 +/- 0.7 years), participating in the evaluation of a multisite school-based health education program, were included in these analyses. Self-assessed stage of puberty and measurements of height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference were obtained from each participant. The WHR and age-adjusted body mass index were calculated. Analysis of covariance demonstrated that puberty significantly affects hip circumference and WHR but not waist circumference among female adolescents. Age and fatness, as reflected by age-adjusted body mass index, contributed significantly to both circumferences and to the WHR. There was a significant effect of ethnicity on hip circumference but not on waist circumference or the WHR. These results confirm that pubertal stage exerts a significant effect on the hip circumference and WHR in female adolescents, even after the effects of fatness and age are controlled. Studies of body fat distribution during late childhood and adolescence should include assessments of pubertal maturation.
THE EARLY CARE AND FEEDING OF ANOREXICS CHILD PSYCHIATRY & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Steiner, H., Smith, C., ROSENKRANZ, R. T., Litt, I. 1991; 21 (3): 163-167
Comparing mothers' reports of early feeding practices in 18 mothers of anorexics and 25 mothers of normal children by means of a questionnaire, we found that the mothers of anorexics introduced solids earlier and used Schedule rather than Demand feedings more frequently. The mothers of anorexics did not treat patients and control siblings differentially. Our study suggests that differences in early feeding and in infant temperament may be operative in the pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa.
View details for Web of Science ID A1991EZ76300001
RECOVERY FROM OSTEOPENIA IN ADOLESCENT GIRLS WITH ANOREXIA-NERVOSA JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM Bachrach, L. K., Katzman, D. K., Litt, I. F., Guido, D., Marcus, R. 1991; 72 (3): 602-606
Osteopenia is a frequent complication of anorexia nervosa (AN). To determine whether the deficit in bone mineral changes during the course of this illness, we studied 15 adolescent patients prospectively for 12-16 months using dual photon absorptiometry of the spine and whole body. At follow-up, mean weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) had increased significantly, although 6 girls had further weight loss or minimal gain (less than 1.2 kg). Spontaneous menses occurred in 2 girls, and 3 others were given estrogen replacement. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine did not change significantly (mean +/- SD, 0.836 +/- 0.137 vs. 0.855 +/- 0.096 g/cm2), while whole body bone mineral density increased (0.710 +/- 0.118 vs. 0.773 +/- 0.105; P less than 0.05). Despite gains in bone mineral, 8 patients had osteopenia of the spine and/or whole body. Changes in weight, height, and BMI were significant predictors of change in bone mineral density. Increased bone mass occurred with weight gain before return of menses; conversely, weight loss was associated with further decreases in bone density. In 1 patient who failed to gain weight, estrogen therapy resulted in increased spinal, but not whole body, bone mineral. We also studied a second group of 9 women who had recovered from AN during adolescence. All 9 had normal whole body bone mineral for age, but 3 had osteopenia of the lumbar spine. We conclude that osteopenia in adolescents with AN reflects bone loss, perhaps combined with decreased bone accretion. Weight rehabilitation results in increased bone mineral before the return of menses. Estrogen may have an independent effect on bone mass. The persistence of osteopenia after recovery indicates that deficits in bone mineral acquired during adolescence may not be completely reversible.
View details for Web of Science ID A1991FA52300012
The interaction of pubertal and psychosocial development during adolescence. Pediatrics in review Litt, I. F. 1991; 12 (8): 249-255
DECREASED BONE-DENSITY IN ADOLESCENT GIRLS WITH ANOREXIA-NERVOSA PEDIATRICS Bachrach, L. K., Guido, D., Katzman, D., Litt, I. F., Marcus, R. 1990; 86 (3): 440-447
Osteoporosis develops in women with chronic anorexia nervosa. To determine whether bone mass is reduced in younger patients as well, bone density was studied in a group of adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa. With single- and dual-photon absorptiometry, a comparison was made of bone mineral density of midradius, lumbar spine, and whole body in 18 girls (12 to 20 years of age) with anorexia nervosa and 25 healthy control subjects of comparable age. Patients had significantly lower lumbar vertebral bone density than did control subjects (0.830 +/- 0.140 vs 1.054 +/- 0.139 g/cm2) and significantly lower whole body bone mass (0.700 +/- 0.130 vs 0.955 +/- 0.130 g/cm2). Midradius bone density was not significantly reduced. Of 18 patients, 12 had bone density greater than 2 standard deviations less than normal values for age. The diagnosis of anorexia nervosa had been made less than 1 year earlier for half of these girls. Body mass index correlated significantly with bone mass in girls who were not anorexic (P less than .05, .005, and .0001 for lumbar, radius, and whole body, respectively). Bone mineral correlated significantly with body mass index in patients with anorexia nervosa as well. In addition, age at onset and duration of anorexia nervosa, but not calcium intake, activity level, or duration of amenorrhea correlated significantly with bone mineral density. It was concluded that important deficits of bone mass occur as a frequent and often early complication of anorexia nervosa in adolescence. Whole body is considerably more sensitive than midradius bone density as a measure of cortical bone loss in this illness.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
View details for Web of Science ID A1990DW64600018
COMPLIANCE AND OUTCOME IN ANOREXIA-NERVOSA WESTERN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE Steiner, H., Mazer, C., Litt, I. F. 1990; 153 (2): 133-139
Anorexia nervosa is notoriously difficult to treat, but little is known regarding the relationship of compliance to treatment outcome. We investigated in 41 adolescents who fulfilled DSM-III-R criteria for anorexia nervosa, the relationship between the completion of a standard psychosocial treatment program, subtypes of anorexia nervosa, and outcome as determined by standardized measurements. These adolescents were observed for an average of 32.4 months. Overall, 29 patients (70%) improved considerably, but 10 (24%) were symptomatic, and 2 (5%) remained in poor condition. There were no deaths. Of the 41 patients, 14 (34%) completed our entire treatment program, 15 (37%) received major treatment and failed in the outpatient follow-up phase only, 7 (17%) dropped out of inpatient treatment before its completion, and 5 (12%) refused treatment in our system altogether. Of all the dropouts, 10 received no further treatment. One patient was admitted to hospital elsewhere but again dropped out in the outpatient phase of that program. Seven patients (17%) received further outpatient treatment only, and 9 (22%) received inpatient and outpatient care and seemingly completed their treatment. Treatment completion significantly affected the measures of global clinical functioning and specific psychopathologic features, but only for those patients who completed the initial program. Bulimic patients did considerably worse on follow-up and were less likely to complete treatment. Patients with restricted anorexia nervosa were more likely to complete treatment than those with a bulimic subtype (P = .03). Differential compliance rates in the two subtypes confound the effects of treatment completion and need to be controlled for in future studies. Depression was not associated with noncompliance but, if present, was associated with poor outcome on follow-up and abated in only a third of those in whom it was initially present.
View details for Web of Science ID A1990DU82600001
KNOWLEDGE AND CONCERNS ABOUT ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO BEHAVIOR AMONG ADOLESCENTS WITH HEMOPHILIA PEDIATRICS OVERBY, K. J., Lo, B., Litt, I. F. 1989; 83 (2): 204-210
The knowledge and concerns regarding acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and their relationship to certain behaviors among adolescents with hemophilia, a pediatric risk group with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody positivity rate as high as 70% to 90%, are described. Information was obtained from 26 patients, 13 to 19 years of age, through the use of a confidential self-administered questionnaire and a semistructured interview. In general, subjects demonstrated a high level of factual knowledge regarding the cause, natural history, transmission, and prevention of AIDS. Despite this, participants frequently behaved in ways that were potentially harmful to themselves and others. Specifically, although aware of the importance of using condoms, sexually active adolescents with hemophilia were not practicing safe sex. Restriction in the use of heat-treated clotting factor because of concerns about AIDS was also frequently reported. Professionals providing AIDS education and counseling for these individuals need to be cognizant of the concerns and social skills of this population; they should focus not only on factual information but also on the social and situational pressures confronting these teenagers, which may be more immediate determinants of their behavior and well-being. As AIDS continues to spread into the general population, these findings have relevance to AIDS education and health policy efforts aimed at all adolescents.
CHLAMYDIA-TRACHOMATIS FITZ-HUGH-CURTIS SYNDROME WITHOUT SALPINGITIS IN FEMALE ADOLESCENTS AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DISEASES OF CHILDREN Katzman, D. K., Friedman, I. M., McDonald, C. A., Litt, I. F. 1988; 142 (9): 996-998
We encountered seven female adolescents with the Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome and no signs or symptoms of salpingitis. Six of the patients had cervical cultures positive for Chlamydia trachomatis. The Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis of right-sided abdominal pain in the sexually active female adolescent to avoid unnecessary diagnostic procedures and to reduce the prevalence of chlamydial infection and its complications.
View details for Web of Science ID A1988P928200031
MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS OF EATING DISORDERS IN ADOLESCENTS PEDIATRICS PALLA, B., Litt, I. F. 1988; 81 (5): 613-623
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are occurring with increased frequency among adolescents and preadolescents. To determine the range and severity of medical complications encountered in younger anorectic and bulimic patients, we reviewed the medical records of 65 adolescents and preadolescents, aged 10 to 20 years, who were observed in the Eating Disorders Clinic of the Children's Hospital at Stanford. Significant medical instability was present in the majority of our patients. A total of 55% of anorectic patients and 22% of bulimic patients required hospitalization for medical reasons during the study period. Cardiovascular abnormalities were frequent, including bradycardia, prolonged corrected QT intervals, dysrhythmias, and marked orthostatic pulse and BP instability. Hypothermia, with temperatures less than 35.5 degrees C, was common. Renal abnormalities included pyuria, hematuria, and proteinuria. Electrolyte derangements occurred in patients who vomited or purged. Hypokalemia was most common, but hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypophosphatemia were also noted. The majority of our pediatric patients with eating disorders had evidence of physiologic derangement requiring medical intervention. The need for adolescents and preadolescents with eating disorders to receive ongoing medical monitoring in concert with psychiatric treatment and the need for therapists and medical practitioners to become familiar with the potential medical sequelae of eating disorders are underscored by our data.
View details for Web of Science ID A1988N207600002
MEDIASTINAL EMPHYSEMA IN AN ADOLESCENT WITH ANOREXIA-NERVOSA AND SELF-INDUCED EMESIS PEDIATRICS OVERBY, K. J., Litt, I. F. 1988; 81 (1): 134-136
A case of asymptomatic pneumomediastinum in a 14-year-old girl with anorexia nervosa and self-induced emesis is reported to emphasize the atypical aspects of this case and the importance of differentiating benign from potentially life-threatening sources of mediastinal air. Individuals who engage in purging behavior are not only at increased risk for both alveolar (primary pneumomediastinum) and esophageal perforation (Boerhaave syndrome) but may also obscure or delay the diagnosis by denying symptoms and/or previous emesis. Because esophageal perforation is serious, the presence of free mediastinal air in a patient with a known or suspected history of emesis should provoke prompt radiographic evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
View details for Web of Science ID A1988L542300022
OBTAINING A SEXUAL HISTORY FROM ADOLESCENT GIRLS - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT OF THE INFLUENCE OF AGE AND ETHNICITY JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH HUNT, A. D., Litt, I. F., Loebner, M. 1988; 9 (1): 52-54
This preliminary study was undertaken to explore the hypothesis that socioeconomic and racial, as well as medical, factors influence the physician's decision about obtaining a sexual history from an adolescent female. Sixty consecutive medical records of adolescent-age emergency room patients with acute abdominal pain were classified according to ethnic group and socioeconomic status and searched for evidence that a sexual history had been taken. The study revealed a much higher number of recorded sexual histories among blacks and Hispanics. Although the absence of such a history seemed to have little relationship to diagnostic accuracy, a sensitive selectivity in exposing acutely ill teenagers to possible embarrassing questions appeared to be reserved for white, middle-class teenagers.
ZINC-DEFICIENCY IN ANOREXIA-NERVOSA JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH Katz, R. L., Keen, C. L., Litt, I. F., HURLEY, L. S., KELLAMSHARRISON, K. M., GLADER, L. J. 1987; 8 (5): 400-406
Adolescents with anorexia nervosa were evaluated for clinical and biochemical evidence of zinc deficiency. To assess whether these patients would benefit from zinc supplementation, a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted. The mean zinc intake of the anorexic group calculated on the basis of three-day dietary records was 7.7 +/- 5.2 mg/day, which is significantly below the recommended daily allowance of 15 mg for adolescents (p less than 0.001). The mean urinary zinc excretion in the anorexic group was 257.1 +/- 212.7 micrograms/24 hours compared to 749.9 +/- 897.8 micrograms/24 hours in the control group (p less than 0.005). This result suggests that the zinc status of anorexia nervosa patients may be compromised due to an inadequate zinc intake. Zinc supplementation (50 mg elemental zinc/day) was followed by a decrease in the level of depression and anxiety as assessed by the Zung Depression Scale (p less than 0.05) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (p less than 0.05), respectively. Our data suggest that individuals with anorexia nervosa may be at risk for zinc deficiency and may respond favorably after zinc supplementation.
ANOREXIA-NERVOSA, ATHLETICS, AND AMENORRHEA JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS Litt, I. F., GLADER, L. 1986; 109 (1): 150-153
We examined menstrual function in two groups of patients meeting the DSM III criteria for anorexia nervosa who differed only in their physical activity. Sixteen athletes with anorexia nervosa were compared with eight sedentary patients who had anorexia nervosa. Athletic patients with anorexia were found to have lower gonadotropin levels, a longer period of amenorrhea both before significant weight loss and after weight rehabilitation, and a higher weight at the time of resumption of menses than patients with anorexia who were sedentary. However, both groups were markedly undernourished, had amenorrhea before significant weight loss and after weight rehabilitation, and had lower gonadotropin levels than normal subjects. These data suggest that the increased physical activity often seen in patients with anorexia nervosa worsens, but does not cause, menstrual dysfunction.


text:
Children and colonisation: 'We're lucky to be born now'
Helena Spriet
© Ans Brys
"Sporen van de kolonisatie" (Traces of Colonisation), a workshop organised by Studio Globo, opens children's eyes to Belgium's colonisation of Congo, but also to racism in today's society. In an Antwerp classroom marked by diversity, Glo.be took part in one of the workshops.
Elisabethville 1954
With a lot of noise and excitement, the children enter the classroom, which has undergone a metamorphosis. Thanks to a complicated movement code, which we have to apply ourselves, we travel back in time to 1954, Elisabethville. Everyone is fascinated by Titine, teacher Jolien Michielsen's alias.
The children are clearly aware of Congolese history and Belgium's role during the country's colonisation. When asked about what they know about Leopold II, they come up with descriptions such as "mass murderer", "discriminator" and "Congolese coloniser".
The children are divided into three groups: Congolese, évolués (Congolese with more rights) and Europeans. When they hear "more rights", they immediately start shouting: "I want that! That is the group I want to be in!'
Jolien Michielsen
When they receive their new identity, the differences immediately become apparent: Europeans get the best places in the classroom, then it is up to the évolués to pick a seat. And the Congolese? They just have to fill in the gaps or even sit on the floor. Soon frustrations start to show. The Congolese have to carry out "inferior" tasks while the Europeans keep a close eye on them and severely reprimand them. Some Europeans play their role very convincingly and begin to harass and provoke the Congolese.
When the Congolese can finally relax, they are only allowed to watch children's films, because they would not be intelligent enough to understand adult films. Indignation and protest only grow among the children of De Brug…
Traces of colonisation
This role play is part of the teaching material "Sporen van de kolonisatie" (Traces of Colonisation), a project of Studio Globo. The sixth grade children enthusiastically tell about what they have just experienced: 'We have learned a lot about what happened in Congo. In the second grade, we had already been taught a little bit, but this was much more extensive.' (...) ' By imitating what happened, we feel what it must have been like. We are really lucky that we are born now', one of the children says. The teachers, too, are enthusiastic about Studio Globo's workshop: "The workshops are having an impact. With simple materials, they succeed in taking children to a different world and making them think."
The workshops are having an impact. With simple materials, they succeed in taking children to a different world and making them think.
What is Studio Globo?
Studio Globo is an NGO that specialises in development education and receives support from the Belgian Development Cooperation. Through a wide range of educational programmes, Studio Globo aims to create interconnectedness and solidarity for everyone and between everyone. They focus on different pillars: discovering the world, learning how to positively deal with diversity, helping other people and the environment, and building a sustainable world based on solidarity. Studio Globo organises workshops in schools, both at its own initiative and at the request of the schools involved.
Learning to decolonise
With their slogan "Dekoloniseren kun je leren" (Decolonise is something you can learn), the organisation hopes to draw children's attention in a nuanced and correct way to the traces of colonisation that we still encounter on a daily basis. The children quickly grasp the absurdity of inequality: "You are black, so you must do that. You are white, so you are allowed to do that! Realising your rights and duties depend on your skin colour is very strange."
You are black, so you must do that. You are white, so you are allowed to do that! Realising your rights and duties depend on your skin colour is very strange.
A class member
Studio Globo attaches great importance to linking to past to the present. After all, racism is not a thing of the past. In a diverse class, children are not just bystanders, they sometimes draw on their own experiences. It is very important - and one of Studio Globo's goals - that the experience they gain makes children form, reconsider or support their own opinions. The children realise that inequality is still not over and demand a better world: 'We should collect signatures and go to parliament. We must denounce that some people are still not treated equally!'
About the same theme - Article 3 /6 Does Global Citizenship Education at school work!?
6 Related articles about the same theme
Do young people still show solidarity?
Does Global Citizenship Education at school work!?
World Citizenship Education: more than Thick Sweater Day
Film: a weapon of mass education in global citizenship
MOOOV: world movies that heal
A step towards the other
2/6 articles
Receive our latest news and articles directly in your mailbox
© 2017 FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: Characterization of a topological space in terms of convergence of nets in it. Can we characterize a discrete topological space $X_\mathcal d $ by the convergence of nets in it, if yes then how ?
l know that any convergent net in $X_d$ is eventually constant, but does the converse hold ? , i.e if in a space any convergent net is eventually constant then the space is discrete.
I came to know that in case of sequences the result does not hold from  here.
Any insight about the characterization.Thank you.

A: Yes, in every non-discrete space there is a convergent net which is not eventually constant.
Suppose that $X$ is a non-discrete space. Then there is a point $x \in X$ which is not isolated, meaning that every open neighborhood of $x$ contains some point distinct from $x$. Now, either $x$ has a smallest open neighborhood, or it doesn't.
If $x$ has a smallest open neighborhood, $U$, then pick $y \in U \setminus \{ x \}$. Consider the sequence $\{ x_n \}_{n \in \mathbb{N}}$ defined by $$x_n = \begin{cases}
x, &\text{if $n$ is even}\\
y, &\text{if $n$ is odd.}
\end{cases}$$
This sequence is not eventually constant, and it converges to $x$.
If $x$ does not have a smallest open neighborhood, let $\mathcal{N}$ be the family of all open neighborhoods of $x$, and for each $U \in \mathcal{N}$ choose some $x_U \in U \setminus \{ x \}$.
Set $D = \mathcal{N} \times \{ 0,1 \}$ and consider the relation $\preceq$ on $D$ defined by $$( U,i ) \preceq ( V,j ) \Leftrightarrow U \supseteq V\text{, or } U = V \mathrel{\&} i \leq j.$$ Note that $D$ is directed by $\preceq$. Define the net $\{ x_{(U,i)} \}_{(U,i) \in D}$ by $$x_{(U,i)} = \begin{cases}
x_U, &\text{if $i=0$} \\
x, &\text{if $i=1$.}
\end{cases}$$
This net is not eventually constant, and it converges to $x$.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


The F.WORDS Freestyle Breech has unique leg slimming geometric seaming with a traditional ankle velcro close. Its sleek dual side thigh pockets are large enough to carry phones. The Freestyle Breech is crafted in 4 way stretch, hard wearing prestige compression power twill which provides excellent shape retention while being form enhancing, with supremely soft to skin interior. A front fly close with high waist holds everything in where it should be.


text:
Event Reports, Not One More Execution
August 5, 2010: Not One More Execution! Protest in Washington DC
Posted by missionfreeiran ⋅ August 6, 2010 ⋅ 1 Comment
Washington DC had an excellent demonstration on August 5, despite the fact that it had been pouring down rain all afternoon and into the evening. People still tried to come despite the rain, but even then there were obstacles: traffic was gridlocked throughout the city and many people called to say that were so badly tied up in traffic that there was no way they could reach to protest in time.
Despite the unfavorable weather and traffic circumstances, an undeterrable group met in Lafayette Park at 6:30pm. This park is directly across from the White House. This location was chosen both because there is an opportunity to interact with passers-by, and because of our demand that all national governments, including the US government, cease to recognize the Islamic Republic as a legitimate government and representative of people in Iran.
When we arrived, there was a large troupe of Boy Scouts taking a group photo in front of the White House. A few of them came over to video-record and photograph our demonstration. Voice of America, Washington Times, and blogger Niv Ellis of Quotidian Dissent were present, which was impressive given the weather (it was thundering and still raining as we started our protest). Fortunately, the rain slowed, then stopped during the course of the event.
Everything went according to our posted agenda, except that two of the speakers didn't attend because of the rain. The group was ideologically very mixed, including greens, supporters of MEK/PMOI, independents, and reds/leftists, which at the end of the day made it a very successful event in and of itself. Stopping executions in Iran is something that people from all ideological and ethnic backgrounds can and should work towards together – this is a global concern that has implications for everyone.
Shirin Nariman, a human rights activist and former political prisoner, and who worked with Mission Free Iran to coordinate the protest, was the first speaker (pdf of Shirin's statement). She spoke compellingly about the political prisoners at imminent risk of execution. After she presented her prepared remarks, she issued a call to all groups to work together to do whatever we can to bring about the end of this regime, suggesting as another opportunity the impending visit of Ahmadinejad to New York City for the UN's annual meeting. Some excerpts of her statement follow:
As a former political prisoner who had witnessed tortures and massive daily executions, I can only say that each of us who were lucky enough to be alive and here now are responsible to do whatever we can to not only raise the awareness of severe violations of human rights in Iran but also we are responsible to expose the ruthless face of this regime. We must fight this regime by saving every single life of any prisoners in general so be it a political prisoner.
If we chose silence then we have granted our approval to criminal decisions of this regime.
I would like to alarm the world today that if Kazemi, Saremi and others are executed, then the new wave of mass murder of political prisoners will begin. This regime is falling and this is the end for the regime, so for sure it will do anything to suppress and kill anyone who is defying them to intimidate people so they can continue their dictatorship.
It is up to us and our responsibility to be united against this regime, only hand in hand with one strong voice to stand up to this brutal regime and say NO, not even one more execution, nor cutting off of hands or legs or gauging eyes in Iran.
Although we always have an open microphone, where anyone who wants to speak has 5 minutes of time allotted to do so, the weather deterred us from extending the event and no one chose to speak. Maria Rohaly gave the closing statement on behalf of Mission Free Iran. Some excerpts follow:
The calls that emanate from Iran, from the earliest post-election videos, to the use of social media to communicate across borders, to the letters from Sakineh's children have met the ears of a world that has shown understanding, selflessness and compassion. The call from Iran and the response from the world has catalyzed a movement that benefits not only the people of Iran in their struggle against the Islamic regime but the whole human race.
The Islamic regime of Iran can not exist for a second without a reign of terror, without execution, stoning, imprisonment, and barbaric torture; and through the campaign for Sakineh, the world is learning that she is not the only one in imminent danger of execution. The Islamic regime, now under immense pressure from the world, more than ever needs to re-establish its already weakened barbaric authority over the people. Killings of people on all kinds of Islamic charges are continuing. …
It is under these grave circumstances that we come together here today to demand an immediate end to all executions in Iran, and to demand the immediate release of ALL political prisoners.
We are here to say to the Islamic regime that WE are not going away. WE stand with the Iranian people to the end, until the fall of the Islamic regime.
WE are here to say to our national governments that WE do not accept and WE do not tolerate recognition of a regime that "governs" through murder, torture and rape, whose official domestic policies are comprised of nothing more than savagery and barbarity.
WE are here to say: NOT ONE MORE EXECUTION.
Afterward, everyone in attendance seemed encouraged by the feeling of humane collaboration that characterized the event, and one person expressly stated how important this kind of event was for helping the community to try to work in a pluralistic way towards a common goal – getting rid of the regime.
All photos courtesy of PR for Personal Rights
« Statement at Washington DC, August 5, 2010: Not One More Execution.
August 5, 2010: Not One More Execution! Protest in Visby Sweden »
Pingback: Event Reports from Protests of August 5-8: Not One More Execution in Iran! | برای ایران آزاد mission free iran - August 9, 2010


text:
Vitalcast
Description: Vitalcast is a content management software that is used to create, update, and manage data which can be displayed on high resolution liquid-crystal display (LCD) screens. The data displayed on the LCD screens through this software include promotions, advertising, visitor information, and directions. This software works with different visual formats such as graphics and text.
Product page is blank and unable to locate the product on the vendor`s site.
Decision Process: One-VA TRM v20.12
Vendor Name: NCR
2.13 10/17/2012
2.13 Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved Unapproved
[2] Per the May 5th, 2015 memorandum from the VA Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) FIPS 140-2 Validate Full Disk Encryption (FOE) for Data at Rest in Database Management Systems (DBMS) and in accordance with Federal requirements and VA policy, database management must use Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 compliant encryption to protect the confidentiality and integrity of VA information at rest at the application level. If FIPS 140-2 encryption at the application level is not technically possible, FIPS 140-2 compliant full disk encryption (FOE) must be implemented on the hard drive where the DBMS resides. Appropriate access enforcement and physical security control must also be implemented. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500 and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. It is the responsibility of the system owner to work with the local CIO (or designee) and Information Security Officer (ISO) to ensure that a compliant DBMS technology is selected and that if needed, mitigating controls are in place and documented in a System Security Plan (SSP).
[3] In cases where the technology is used for external connections, a full Enterprise Security Change Control Board (ESCCB) review is required in accordance VA Directive 6004 , VA Directive 6517, and VA Directive 6513. The local ISO can advise on the ESCCB review process.
Note: At the time of writing this, version 2.13 is the latest.
There are no references identified for this entry.
Admin The Admin application is used to configure and manage the system (add media, create schedules, change configuration settings).
Configuration Database The Configuration Database is a Microsoft Structured Query Language (SQL) Server database that stores the complete configuration for the Vitalcast system.
File Transfer Server File Transfer Server is the main media library.
Live Data Server Live Data Server handles the delivering of live data to the Site Managers.
Server Console The Server Console application performs certain administrative tasks.
Site Manager The Site Manager allows the users to manage each location where a system is running.
Productivity Software Multimedia Software
Collaboration Software Content Management
BrightAuthor
Carousel Digital Signage Software
JANUS VIZIA Digital Signage Software
Janus Vizia Flex Tool
MagicInfo Express
Signage Manager
No companion technologies/standards have been identified.
At the time of writing, no National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) vulnerabilities had been reported and no VA Network Security Operations Center (NSOC) bulletins had been issued for the latest versions of this technology.
This technology may improve productivity for specific staff whose responsibilities include developing digital signage to communicate with employees or visitors.
There has been no recent development activity on this technology.
System scans indicate that this technology is no longer in use within the VA network.
This technology is not portable as it runs only on Windows platforms.
This technology can store data using a Structured Query Language (SQL) database.
This technology may utilize external data connections.


Classified by Rivers as a Perpetual Damask rose and as a Portland rose by Les Plus Belles Roses au début du XXe Siécle. 'Celina Dubos' is a white, or nearly white rose, said to have originated from a sporting branch of the Crimson Perpetual and of similar habit to this old favourite. [Rivers (1854, 1857, (1863), Amat].


text:
NSS Mourns Passing of Ray Bradbury, Author and NSS Space Pioneer Award Recipient
by National Space Society | Jun 8, 2012 | Science Fiction | 0 comments
The National Space Society mourns the loss of legendary author and visionary, Ray D. Bradbury, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 91.
The author of more than 50 books, Bradbury's works encompassed many genres, including science fiction, fantasy, and mystery. He is most widely known for his novels, The Martian Chronicles (1950), The Illustrated Man (1951), and Fahrenheit 451 (1953).
Through his vivid writing style and great imagination, many readers have been introduced to concepts such as human settlement on Mars. This has inspired great interest in that topic, stirring the imaginations of many NSS members, and has certainly contributed to the start of many careers in the sciences, and in the aerospace field in particular. His writing has helped us to better understand what it is to be human, as well as the pressing need for us to be ever mindful stewards of the future that is yet to unfold.
In appreciation and recognition of his lifetime body of work in fantasy writing, including a significant amount of science fiction, such as The Martian Chronicles, Bradbury was awarded the NSS's prestigious Space Pioneer Award for Mass Media in 2010.
The entire NSS membership mourns his loss, and extends its condolences to the Bradbury family.


So How About Epoch Billing?
Within the charge card processing business, however, adult merchant accounts are usually classified as substantial risk merchant accounts, and several merchant account providers will therefore refuse to provide credit card processing for adult entertainment sites. You as a merchant can create a confidential account in only 2 minutes and get instant quotes from every vendor! By using PumaPay, merchants will grow to be part of the PumaPay Pride, an important portion of the PumaPay wallet. For example, they are charged a significant fee for each transaction. While most will generally accept all kinds of merchants, they generally charge higher fees because of the greater processing risks involved.
For online, plenty of users may not have any choice except to use a credit card due to the lack of different options and the convenience which comes with the system. The user might need to take pleasure in the services and products but did not wish to cover them. Users are permitted to cancel their account membership if they're not fulfilled by the multimedia content that the site offers. In the long run, the customer might refuse to pay, citing ridiculous excuses as reasons. Several of these clients might refuse to pay ahead of time to safeguard themselves.
Epoch Integrated Health Services accepts all significant sorts of insurance, along with Medicaid and Medicare. The service providers will haven't any other choice except to elect for payment after service or before the service is finished. Health care providers big and small must identify and capitalize on every efficiency and oftentimes rethink and restructure the recent processes to keep the main point. These companies offer you an assortment of alternative and other payment processing services you might also need to consider to add incremental revenue to your company. The charge card company will help you in identifying this specific transaction.
Up in Arms About Epoch Billing?
Examine the radio button based on the subscription you prefer 3. Memberships are among the most well-known procedures of adult site monetization. Bear in mind, that lots of merchants will charge increased processing fees for adult websites because they are deemed high risk merchants. A one off charge was completed. If ever you find a charge on your credit card you do not recognize call the telephone number on your charge card and let them know about it. In the event that you and they determined this charge wasn't something of yours, it is going to be dismissed. Although trial members cancelled within the necessary time frame, to steer clear of account charges, it didn't work.
Whatever approach is required, Epoch is here to help you! Epoch is a worldwide provider of on-line billing services. If you're interested in using one of these techniques, please select Epoch and scroll down for the alternatives available in your town.
The experience a situation instead of face an issue. Regrettably, it can be particularly hard to find payment processers that will permit adult entertainment merchants to use their services. Check to your regional Epoch clinic for more details.
Imaging might be checked before treatment and periodically during treatment to evaluate the way the chemotherapy is working. In spite of the traction that blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies have gained in the last few years, ICOs are occasionally doomed. Their payment processing capabilities allow them to accept payments in various currencies. The last choice is the basket charges which is fundamentally a pay-per solution. Of course it's possible to change your plan when you want.
While a lot of the revenue for internet p*rn comes from advertisements run together with the adult content, there's a massive business in charging people money to view it also. Fortunately, it turns out that folks are delighted to shell out money on better content if you can merely show them enough of your goods to receive them interested. The money is eliminated from the retailer's account and wired back to the customer. The demand for anonymity is why a number of subscribers in the business make usage of cash that can't be traced. Unlike pre-paid you're billed month-to-month. The answers wouldn't be, if there wasn't any example in a history. In some instances, it can have been a dishonest attempt, but in the majority of cases, it isn't.
A completely free nation is the outcomes of its completely free indigenous individuals. Almost all of humanity consists of youths and kids. An exceptional facet is it allows for dynamic pricing so website owners are able to set parameters that may increase or reduce the price of a specific digital good. The idea of payment methods in Payment Request API is quite easy, but it is rather important to comprehend the bigger architecture. All models are created by Samsung, Jitterbug included. Their organization model stands apart from other websites offering services to video streamers.


Some part-time city council members and mayors in San Luis Obispo County earn high compensation rates for the hours they work.
The top earners among council members in the county received approximately $27,000 to $30,000 in total compensation in 2013. San Luis Obispo Councilman John Ashbaugh received the highest compensation of $29,768.92. Paso Robles Mayor Duane Picanco received the second highest total of $28,006.96, followed by Pismo Beach Mayor Shelly Higginbotham, who received $27,120.52.
When asked about his pay, Ashbaugh said he has argued for reductions in council compensation and will oppose any recommended increases.
Ashbaugh said his compensation is higher than other council members because he does not have the ability to receive health insurance through a spouse's plan.
Paso Robles Mayor Picanco, like the other mayors and city council members in San Luis Obispo County, serves part time. In addition to presiding over council meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, he serves on regional boards.
A CalCoastNews inquiry shows that Picanco received about $297 an hour in 2013 for his participation at meetings. Picanco spent about 94 hours in meetings of the Paso Robles council, the San Luis Obispo County Local Agency Formation Commission and the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority.
Picanco is one of a number of city council members and mayors in San Luis Obispo County whose hourly pay reaches into the $150 to $300 range. Picanco did not respond when asked to comment.
Higginbotham earned about $255 per hour for approximately 106 hours of participation in government meetings. In addition to serving as a member of the Pismo Beach council, Higginbotham sits on the San Luis Obispo Council of Government, San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority, San Luis Obispo County Homeless Services Oversight Council (HSOC) and South County Transit Board.
"Thank you for letting me know," Higginbotham said when asked for a comment on her pay.
Ashbaugh earned about $164 per hour for his participation in meetings. He spent approximately 182 hours attending meetings in 2013. In addition to sitting on the San Luis Obispo City Council, Ashbaugh served on boards for the San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County Water Resources Advisory Committee and HSOC.
Mayors and council members receive pay in the form of salaries and customized benefit packages, consisting mostly of health benefits. Many council members forego some or all benefits, but others double or even triple their pay by accepting generous benefit packages. Council members that belong to certain regional boards also receive stipends from the respective agencies for participation in meetings.
CalCoastNews determined the total compensation of council members by adding their salary, benefit and stipend totals. Salary and benefits, which comprise the majority of council member pay are exact numbers obtained from the individual cities. Stipend totals from participation in regional boards are in some cases estimations based on the number of meetings council members appear to have attended.
CalCoastNews determined the hourly rates of the top earners by dividing total compensation by the number of hours they spent in council and regional board meetings. The calculations do not include hours spent outside of official city and regional meetings. In the case of some regional board meetings, the hour tallies are estimations.
On average, Paso Robles council members earned the most in the county. Paso Robles councilmen earned more than $25,000 on average with little variation in pay. Each councilman in Paso Robles received more than $200 an hour for his participation in meetings.
Grover Beach council members earned the least pay in the county. Each member of the Grover Beach council, with the exception of Councilman Glenn Marshall, received at total of $3,875.40 in salary and benefits. Including board stipends, only Mayor Debbie Peterson earned more than $5,000.
Marshall elected not to take any pay from the city. He was the only council member countywide not to receive financial compensation for his position.
Atascadero, like Grover Beach, pays its council members annual salaries of $3,600. Only Mayor Tom O'Malley opted to take health benefits in 2013, boosting his total pay to $12,170.50.
Morro Bay Councilwoman Nancy Johnson was the only council member in the county to cash out benefits. Johnson received $5,153.56 in cash for unused health coverage, nearly doubling her paycheck. She did so despite voting in November to eliminate the Morro Bay policy allowing council members to cash out unused health benefits.
Each member of the Morro Bay council received a total compensation in the $11,000 to $14,000 range.
Other councils, though, had sizable differences in pay among their members.
While Ashbaugh earned $29,768.92, San Luis Obispo Councilman Dan Carpenter received $11,410.96. Carpenter foregoes the majority of benefits offered, including a CalPERS retirement contribution. The other members of the San Luis Obispo council receive annual CalPERS contributions of between $2,000 and $4,000, paid for by the city.
The Pismo Beach council had three members make more than $20,000 and two receive less than $12,000 in 2013 total pay.
Higginbotham earned $27,120.52, but Pismo Beach Councilman Ed Waage received only $10,897.92. Both Waage and Councilman Kris Vardas elected not to take health insurance, while Higginbotham, Councilwoman Mary Ann Reiss and Councilman Erik Howell each received more than $10,000 in health benefits from Pismo Beach.
In Arroyo Grande, former councilwoman Caren Ray earned more than Mayor Tony Ferrara and Councilman Tim Brown combined, despite giving up her seat in October. Ray earned nearly $17,000 from Arroyo Grande in 2013, even though she left the council to join the Board of Supervisors.
Councilman Joe Costello had the highest pay among Arroyo Grande council members. He received $22,482 in total compensation.
San Luis Obispo Mayor Jan Marx received the highest salary, $14,404, among council members in the county. Marx's compensation for the year totaled $20,033.90. She did not take medical coverage but received nearly $6,000 in retirement contributions and board meeting stipends.
I found something else related to the article content regarding Nancy Johnson and the cashing in of unused Morro Bay City Council medical plan dollars.
As mentioned in my earlier post, in the November 13 Council minutes was this "In 2010, the City Council passed Resolution No. 28-10 which included an amendment that provides the Mayor and Council members any unexpended money back from their funds allocated but not spent for the cost of the lowest HMO or PPO medical plan.
Evidently, Resolution No. 28-10 was the resolution to pass the budget. So, it appears that the 2010 action that gave the Council the benefit of being able to cash in those unused medical plan dollars was hidden in plain sight – somewhere in the budget – a big, cumbersome document that few people read. It makes me wonder what else past Councils have hidden in those budgets.
Very interesting story. I wonder how the city council seats differ from the board of supervisors in compensation and benefits.
I also wonder about what kind of perks these folks might be getting, such as using city/county resources for personal causes.
A lot of county resources, such as staff time, was spent last year for the Amgen bicycle race. How much staff time is being used on other events that have minimal benefits to the residents of our cities and county, but are of personal importance to our elected leaders?
What is O'Malley up to in Atascadero? He has collected an additional $8570.50 for health insurance. What's peculiar with this is that he is retired from the county and probably is still part of their insurance program. Also his wife is a school teacher with the Atascadero School District where insurance coverage is also provided. $714.20 a month seems a little high, when you have no dependants at home,and when you may have access to 2 different insurance programs thru government benefits. What is he up to now? A master at working the system. Hats off to the balance of the city council for their honesty and integrity wit this issue.
Maybe when Kelly Gearhart gets back to town we will find out more about some of the actions of Mr. O'Malley.
He. Probably has some of his staff from the Casazza listed as dependents or maybe the grand kids. Interesting catch that he is claiming the insurance benefit. Would like to see that paperwork.
County retirees get a stipend toward purchasing private insurance. It is about $100.00 per month I believe. They do not get continued health benefits as retirees.
No matter what their "official" hours are, any local government rep should spend at least the same amount of time gathering information, meeting with constituents and otherwise preparing for meetings. If they are not then, politics and competence aside, they aren't doing their jobs.
I wonder if any of them receive transportation benefits — use of city vehicle or reimbursement for their use of their own and costs of public transportation to the occasional meeting elsewhere? Are these counted as compensation or written off as expenses?
Finally, does the big disparity in income have any effect on their voting tendencies. Do those receiving little (or at least less) try to make up for it in other ways? Are those who get paid well doing the job for the money as much or more than from any devotion to public service?
Sure would like to see the pay of Community Services Directors and General Managers.
Then maybe a comparison with comparable size districts in Central California.
Asking a lot, but with this Big New Fire Tax being shoved down our throats, I sure would like to see what Pismo Beach and other cities using CalFire are paying.
Do we really need three stations for the small communities of Arroyo Grande,Grover beach, AND Oceano ? Sure looks like a political move by Five Cities Fire/Union/Consultant to keep local support and raise taxes on some of the most disadvantaged communities in the county.
Geez, I thought these folks were bringing in some bucks. If you factor in travel and prep for meetings, emails, returned calls and all the etc stuff they're not making a whole ton of money in my opinion!
This is nota fully I,e job. Many of them participate at a minimal others swallow in the public benefits… Tickets to wine tasting, performances, chamber events, etc. they also get lots of gifts with the public donations and benefits. They choose to run for office and contribute. Ten years ago council members were full time employees, students, or retires. We have even had housewives or plain ole concerned citizens. Cities pay the City Managers , assistant managers and City Attorneys lots of money and benefits to run our cities. Don't run for office if you want a job with retirement benefits.
No, it's not a full time job for sure but it does not pay that way either. The actual paycheck in most cites is very minor, a few hundred a month. The health benefit is a great perk and it brings good people to office. I have never spoke to anyone who includes health benefit in calculating there hourly wage. That is certainly misleading.
Today council members are still full time employees, retirees, and house wives. No change there.
I doubt the suggestion that many participate minimally. My observation is the opposite case is true. If in fact some are phoning it in then they should be voted out.
Great info, thanks. Could use a better break down to show the amounts of each type of recorded or assumed compensation.
You should post a table with all the councilmen, not just a select few.
Of coarse the hourly wage is misleading as the prep work for each of these meetings can easily take 2 to 4 times as long as the meeting. Then there are the many cases of having to represent the city at various functions. Then you add conversations, emails, phone calls, etc with constituents and the hours can really add up.
Fascinating. As Mr. Friedman said, Ms. Johnson voted to eliminate this practice; yet she did it herself.
>>Ashbaugh said his compensation is higher than other council members because he does not have the ability to receive health insurance through a spouse's plan.
I find this difficult to believe, given her prominent government job.


text:
Afghanistan: impetus to reconciliation London Media Freedom Conference: This is far deeper... How much time is there left...
The world through the eyes of Russia
News Categories Contacts
G20 Summit: Ceasefire in the US-China... Illusions worth billions Will Ukrainian Chernozems be sold to foreigners?... Iran's foreign accounts keep Trump up at night...
Politics Security Integration Economy Society Technologies
News of the hour: Russia ready for dialogue on normalization of relations with Ukraine — upper house speaker
North Korea vs South Korea
Presidential elections in Ukraine
Putin and Trump
War in Syria
Russian-American talks
TOP Reading
Trump orders more suffering on the Syrian...
Where is the other half of the Syrian...
London Media Freedom Conference: This is far deeper...
The UK deep state campaign against...
Iran rightfully increases uranium stockpiles and enrichment...
Moscow is not Alone in Rejection...
The Moldovan genocide, which can not be forgotten...
Defending Russian interests in the Arctic...
SCO Business Forum Took Place in Moscow...
Moldova has lost the war in Transnistria...
TOP sympathy
President Putin Held Security Council Meeting...
Clatter of the hooves of the North...
Why Daesh Decided to Recapture Palmyra...
Kerch Trouble: CIA Provocation Against Russia...
/ World / Politics / Eurovision / Elections
Grenfell, Windrush and Skripal: Theresa May's tainted tenure finally ends in tears
The next UK Prime Minister has their work cut out to unite a divided nation, but also to improve Britain's standing on the world stage, after one of the worst periods in UK-Russian relations
28.05.2019 16:57 Johanna Ross, journalist
The UK deep state campaign against Jeremy Corbyn surfaces…
Rumors about May's likely successor inspire no optimism
UK Prime Minister Theresa May's political career officially ended in tears on Friday, as the woman who declared that she would provide 'strong and stable' leadership when she came to power back three years ago, proved in the end to be not quite so strong or stable as she broke down in front of press outside 10 Downing Street.
She had in fact, arguably one of the most disastrous records of a UK PM to date. A total of 50 cabinet resignations since she took office, far more than any of her recent predecessors; together with scandals such as the Grenfell Tower disaster, Windrush scandal, hostile environment policy and record levels of homelessness and poverty which have all tainted her legacy. And that's not to mention her inability to deliver Brexit, which effectively led to her demise.
Indeed however tempting it may be to feel sorry for Mrs May - she has been surrounded by political vultures all vying for her position for months now - one is minded of the words of British political commentator Owen Jones,who when asked recently if he felt sorry for the Prime Minister, noted that May's tears were simply those of self-pity and were absent at times when they would have been appropriate, such as in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire, which claimed 72 lives.
One may be inclined to think that if she was so unsuccessful on the domestic front, then perhaps in the area of foreign policy Mrs May could have had a better record. But alas, no such luck. We only have to look at the considerable deterioration in relations with Russia to understand that under her leadership, Britain's standing in the world has diminished. Prominent British journalist Patrick Cockburn has even gone as far to say that Britain is now 'entering a period of permanent crisis not seen since the 17th century'.
But arguably back in the 17th century the UK was more competent in the art of diplomacy than it is now. May's Defence Minister, Gavin Williamson, with his comment that Russia should 'go away and shut up' epitomised the extraordinary lack of finesse and savoir-faire the May government had when dealing with Russia.
His bellicose tone unfortunately went hand-in-hand with a completely misplaced notion of Russia presenting to the UK some kind of genuine threat, as he argued earlier this year that the UK had to 'enhance its lethality' against such well-resourced states, as opposed to concentrating its energies on Islamic terror groups. He was then accused by fellow politicians of 'sabre-rattling' in what were widely seen as misguided and provocative statements.
However, the Defence Minister was not alone in his anti-Russian stance. It was under the May leadership that the controversial government-funded Integrity Initiative programme really began to flourish; designed to 'counteract Russian propaganda' but instead deceptively engaged itself in spreading disinformation about Russia and even about the UK Labour party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, by hiring journalists, academics and commentators who would all sing from the same hymn sheet when it came to discourse about Russia in the press.
What was most chilling about the revelations in the Integrity Initiative hacked documents was the extent to which policy makers within the inner workings of the establishment are apparently obsessed about an imminent 'Russian threat' and are prepared to go to considerable lengths to persuade the British population of this.
Even more unnerving was the discussion that there was need for some event to be staged in order to heighten the UK population's awareness of a Russian threat. The timing was uncanny: this was not long before the poisoning took place of ex-double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter, which has, along with multiple discrepancies in the British narrative, led some analysts to ask whether the whole incident was indeed orchestrated by British secret services
Staged or not, the handling of the Skripal incident by Prime Minister May left much to be desired. Even her experience of handling the Litvinenko affair as Home Secretary hadn't taught her a great deal. Before any concrete evidence was produced to implicate the Russian government in the poisoning, Mrs May was already issuing ultimatums to the Russian President. Her infamous phrase that the government concluded it was 'highly likely' Russia was responsible for the poisoning even entered itself into the Russian vocabulary and became something of a household joke in Russia as the UK Prime Minister herself became nothing more than a laughing stock.
The decision to publicly accuse another state of attempting murder on UK soil with evidence which only amounted to 'a nerve agent of a type produced by Russia', was utterly reckless, not only deeply harming relations with Russia, but undermining the credibility of the UK as a whole. And despite it being an attempt to bolster the PM's position at a time when desperately needed to generate support for her upcoming Brexit white paper – this itself, given a delayed Brexit and divided country, proved fruitless.
So what can we expect from the next Prime Minister of the not-so-Great Britain? Whoever it is has their work cut out not only to unite the Conservative party, but the country. In terms of improving relations with Russia, as long as the Tories remain in power, and the 'deep-state' or civil service continues to push its aggressive anti-Russian agenda, we are unlikely to see any significant change in policy.
One could hope that a certain Boris Johnson, himself named after a Russian émigré, and the leading candidate to replace May, could seek to build bridges in this regard, but his record on the Skripal case leaves room for doubt. The PM is after all a figurehead, and the UK civil service remains a driving force of policy-making.
As former Labour PM Tony Blair once said: "You cannot underestimate how much they [the civil service] believe it's their job to actually run the country and to resist the changes put forward by people they dismiss as 'here today, gone tomorrow' politicians. They genuinely see themselves as the true guardians of the national interest, and think that their job is simply to wear you down and wait you out." Says it all really.
More on the topic «Eurovision»:
Britain vs. UN
Brexit anticipates independence of Scotland and Northern Ireland
Putin reaffirms readiness for constructive dialogue with EU
Von der Leyen's election as EC president won't change things for Russia
Ibiza-gate: a political morality tale
How much time is there left for Angela Merkel?
UK refuses to issue visa to Russian diplomat traveling for media freedom conference
UK government undermines any opportunity for dialogue with Russia
Russia concerned by US pulling neutral European states into NATO drills
Top lawmaker blasts UK's double standards after RT, Sputnik barred from conference
Lavrov to take part in informal meeting of OSCE
New Greek government will maintain stable relations with Russia
▼ USD 19/07 62.8286
▲ EUR 19/07 70.6068
Top 10 news
Zelensky poised to end conflict in Donbass
Russian diplomat urges OSCE to keep close eye on language law in Ukraine
Russian senior diplomat plans to meet with Venezuela's leadership in Caracas
UN Security Council holds closed meeting on Syria's Idlib
Turkey ready to consider alternatives to US F-35 fighter jets
US Navy warship downs Iranian drone in Strait of Hormuz
Russia, Ukraine disagree on interpretation of 'all for all' prisoner swap
Putin, Lukashenko discuss any issues during informal meetings
Vyshinsky's return may be first step to normalizing Russia-Ukraine dialogue
Russia positive about Donbass Contact Group agreements
Transnistrian myths
Advertising and Printing
Automobiles, Transport, Removal
Business, Law, Finance
Information and Inquiry Services
Medicine, Beauty and Health
Non-Government Organizations
Office Equipment, Computers, Internet
Social Relations, Ecology
State and Authority
Tours, Recreation, Sports, Entertainments, Restaurants
Loading, wait...
© News agency Inforos , 2000 – 2019
When citing and reprinting our materials, reference to the portal Inforos required. The position of the editorial board do not always coincide with those of the authors .
Portal Inforos registered with the Ministry for Press,
Broadcasting and Mass Communications RF.
Certificate El № 77-6917 of 16 April 2003