Premature birth and the changing composition of newborn infectious disease mortality: Reconsidering “exogenous” mortality

Linked death and birth records from San Antonio, Texas reveal that infectious infant mortality is increasingly a function of premature birth and low birth weight. Between 1935 and 1944, 4% of infectious infant deaths had associated causes involving prematurity and related conditions; by 1980, 25% of infectious infant deaths involved prematurity and more than 40% of those infants weighed less than 2,500 grams. The shift in birth-weight composition results almost entirely from an increase in very low-weight births. Under conditions of advanced perinatal technology, infectious infant mortality should no longer be viewed as wholly exogenous. These findings further undermine the contemporary relevance of the exogenous-endogenous distinction.     

Juan Gabriel and audience interpretation. cultural impressions of effeminacy and sexuality in Mexico

Juan Gabriel's purported effeminacy and sexuality have made him a controversial subject in Mexico, but still loved by fans. Juan Gabriel, by trying to gain acceptance into Mexican society, has become part of a hybrid culture, between the feminine/masculine and homosexual/bisexual/heterosexual groups. This study focuses on interviews with 20 participants who discuss Juan Gabriel's popularity and sexuality. The findings of the study indicate that Juan Gabriel may be considered by his fans to be effeminate, and consequently homosexual. Even though homophobia is widespread in Mexico, Juan Gabriel's fans tend to ignore or exoticize his sexuality, thus affording his success. It is also possible that Juan Gabriel, consciously or not, uses his controversial sexuality as a way to generate popular interest.     

Attitudes of mental health professionals about changing ages of legal majority

Questionnaires were sent to mental health professionals surveying their attitudes toward legal age limits which govern the rights of the young to make decisions for themselves. Inquiries were also made about respondents' opinions of the impact that increasing those rights might have on their professional interactions with young people. Responses were received from 69 predominantly young professionals and reflected a fairly libertarian outlook toward the rights of minors. Discussion emphasized the value of consulting with mental health professionals who work with children when shaping and interpreting new standards of autonomous decision making.