Karen Hill Research Articles

World Heritage and human rights

This paper describes the protracted nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage (WH) List of the Keang Krachan Forest Complex, Thailand and the issues it exposed. The complex was inscribed in 2021, seven years after it was first nominated, despite ongoing conflict with indigenous Karen hunter-gatherer communities. The nomination was referred back to the state party by the WH Committee in 2015, 2016 and 2019 for reasons related to inconclusive and out-of-date ecological information, and human rights issues associated with the forced resettlement of Karen hill tribe people living within its proposed boundaries. In 2020 the nomination was resubmitted during the 4th mandate of the Thai state party on the WH Committee, and the property was inscribed contrary to a formal recommendation to defer the nomination, and despite repeated communications from the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights to the WH Centre, the Thai government and the WH Committee seeking resolution of community and human rights issues prior to inscription. Decisions that run contrary to the advice of the WH Committee’s three advisory bodies have become an abiding and troubling aspect of the Committee’s decision-making, reflecting a trend in the politicisation of Committee sessions that has increased over more than 20 years, to a point where it now threatens the integrity of the World Heritage system. This paper examines how the state party pursued its WH ambitions and the impacts this had on particular indigenous Karen communities during national designation and nomination to the WH List. It demonstrates the issues that arise due to legacy nature conservation approaches to the management of extensive natural protected areas.

1087. Zingiber procumbens Nob.Tanaka & M.M.Aung: Zingiberaceae

SummaryZingiber procumbens Nob.Tanaka & M.M.Aung, a ginger endemic to Myanmar, is described and illustrated. The habitat of this species in the Karen Hills, Kayah State in Myanmar is shown. A brief taxonomic history of this species and its discovery is also provided; a description of its fruits and seeds is given here for the first time.

High-Value Plant Species Used for the Treatment of "Fever" by the Karen Hill Tribe People.

The symptom “fever” is generally not itself a terminal condition. However, it does occur with common mild to severe ailments afflicting the world population. Several allopathic medicines are available to attenuate fever by targeting the pathogen or the symptom itself. However, many people in marginal civilizations are obligated to use locally grown medicinal plants due to limited access to common pharmaceuticals. The Karen ethnic group is the biggest ethnic minority group in the hill-tribes of Thailand. They utilise a vast repertoire of medicinal plant species. Since many modern drugs were discovered out of traditional therapies, it is possible to discover new allopathic drugs in the treatment of fever and associated pathogens from the Karen people. Thus, this study aims to identify and record the ethnomedicinal plants they used for the treatment of “fever”. The names of plants used by the Thai Karen people for the treatment of fever were mined from publications on ethnomedicinal uses. Useful plant species and families were identified using the Cultural Importance Index (CI). With the mined data, 125 plant species from 52 families were identified, distributed across 25 Karen villages. A chemical cross-examination of these species provided valuable insights into chemical classes worthy of further investigation in the context of fever and associated pathogens.

An American Hero: Faith-Based Emergency Health Care in Karen State, Myanmar and Beyond

This article examines the vastly expanded mobility of displaced Karen villagers in the evangelical humanitarian movement, the Free Burma Rangers. This builds on ethnographic fieldwork on humanitarian cultures in the Thai-Burmese borderlands conducted since 2007 with a Thai research team and funded by Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious Diversity. While refugees are too often presented as victims, the article argues that by joining the mission, the Karen freedom fighters become ambassadors of a political ideology and evangelism. Bringing Christianity with them from their displaced homes, displaced Karen meet the evangelical humanitarian organization in the Karen hills or in the Thai refugee camps, train with them, and supply the villagers left behind with emergency health care and religious messages. Sponsored by American evangelical churches, the US military, and resettled Karen communities in the West, the freedom fighters of the Free Burma Rangers mobilize people and resources all over the globe. Recently, they have expanded their operations beyond Myanmar to places as far as Syria, Iraq and South Sudan, thus getting involved in what it presents as a global struggle between good and evil.

Rediscovering social work leaders through YouTube as archive: The CASW oral history project 1983/1984

The Rediscovering Social Work Leaders Project undertakes the digitization of 6 oral histories from an extensive, cross Canada, oral history project undertaken by Karen Hill (Principal Investigator) in 1983/1984. By sharing digital versions of these materials online via the McMaster School of Social Work Digital Leadership Archive (a YouTube channel developed to facilitate experimentation), open-access online sharing of archival materials is considered. The project preserves and shares the personal narratives and experiential knowledge of retired social workers identified as “pioneers” of the profession by Canadian regional social work associations. These oral histories are reframed as sources of subjugated social work leadership knowledge and as contributing a much needed scholarship to the profession. This article considers digital archives and open-access online sharing as resources for promoting social work goals and objectives. Approaches to analysis and preliminary findings stemming from the 6 oral histories suggests contemporary social workers can benefit from access to the knowledge and wisdom of historical social work pioneers.

Description and development of the tadpole of Rhacophorus feae (Anura; Rhacophoridae)

The genus Rhacophorus Kuhl Van Hasselt is currently known to contain 92 species of frogs (Frost 2018), distributed across south and south-east Asia. Rhacophorus feae Boulenger is a large member of this genus and has a seemingly expansive range been recorded from southern Yunnan in China, the Karen hills in Myanmar, northern Thailand, northern Laos and northern Vietnam (Chanard et al. 1999; Orlov et al. 2002; Nguyen et al. 2005; Stuart 2005; Yang 2008). It is currently included in the intrageneric R. dennysi group (Dubois 1986) along with R. duboisi Ohler, Marquis, Swan Grosjean , R. dennysi Blanford, R. dugritei (David), R. minimus Rao, Wilkinson Liu, R. hungfuensis Liu Hu, R. dorsoviridis Bourret, R. nigropunctatus Liu, Hu Yang, and R. smaragdinus (Blyth).

Current prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and their impact on hematological and nutritional status among Karen hill tribe children in Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand

Intestinal parasitic infection represents a substantial problem for children living in rural or limited resources areas and significantly relates to anemia and nutritional status. This study aimed to determine the current prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among school-age children of Karen hill tribe population in Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand and assess the impact of intestinal parasitic infection on hematological and nutritional status in those children. A total of 375 Karen hill tribe children, 6–14 years of age, in Omkoi District were randomly selected to participate in this study. Stool samples were collected and examined for intestinal parasitic infection through formalin-ether concentration method. Blood samples were collected for hematological and iron analysis. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 47.7% (179/375), with single infections (29.3%) and polyparatism (18.4%). The most common pathogenic parasite was Trichuris trichiura (16.0%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (13%) and Giardia lamblia (3.5%). In addition, non-pathogenic amoeba, Entamoeba coli was observed with a high prevalence rate (31.2%). Anemia and eosinophilia prevalence were 6.40% (24/375) and 74.7% (280/375), respectively. Eosinophilia was significantly more prevalent in children with intestinal parasitic infection compared to uninfected children. Among 249 children, 13.7% were iron deficiency, 9.6% were thalassemia and hemoglobinophathy and 8% were G-6-PD deficiency. A high prevalence infection rate was significantly associated with eosinophilia, but independently related to anemia and iron deficiency. Intestinal parasitic infections are endemic in school-age children of Karen hill tribe population in Omkoi District. These data highlight the need for an integrated approach to control transmission of intestinal parasites and improve the health and sanitation status of Karen hill tribe children in Thailand.

Presence of Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter ureolyticus in the oral cavity of a Northern Thailand population that experiences stomach pain

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate oral diseases and microbiological conditions, such as the presence of ureolytic bacteria in dental plaque, in relation to experience of stomach pain in a remote adult Asian population. Methods: Ninety-three adults, 40–60-years old, from the Karen Hill tribe in Northern Thailand with no regular access to dental care were examined. Clinical registrations were performed and interproximal gingival plaque samples were collected and analyzed with the checkerboard (CKB) method for the presence of 14 oral bacterial species. Results: A number of 61 subjects reported daily stomach pain while 32 subjects had no symptoms from the stomach. The subjects with stomach pain had fewer remaining teeth (p < 0.05), higher caries experience (p < 0.05) and less BoP (p < 0.01). Most of the bacterial species were clustered statistically in three factors in a factor analysis, which together explained 65% of the microbiological variance. Factor 1, explaining 43.0% of the variance, was statistically associated with stomach pain (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The interproximal plaque/biofilm in adults of the study population showed a common presence of two gastrointestinal pathogens H. pylori and C. ureolyticus. The study also indicates for the first time a potential association between C. ureolyticus and stomach pain.

Commentaries on health services research

Commentaries on health services research

Assessing Water Vulnerabilities: Successes, Failures, and Missed Opportunities in a Karen Hill Tribe Village on the Thailand-Myanmar Border

Assessing Water Vulnerabilities: Successes, Failures, and Missed Opportunities in a Karen Hill Tribe Village on the Thailand-Myanmar Border

Risk Factors of Malnutrition among Karen Children in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors of malnutrition and its association with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) among Karen hill tribe children. We conducted a study on blood samples from children from Baan Yang Poa School, Chiang Mai, Thailand aged between 9 and 15 years old. Of 193 children, 31 (16.1%) had malnutrition and 12 (6.2%) had IDA. Children who had at least five family members were found to have a significantly higher risk of malnutrition (P = 0.005), a reflection of the importance of socioeconomic factors in the problem of malnutrition. We also found that malnutrition was not associated with IDA although the assessment of the association of malnutrition and other types of anaemia is still of interest.

Rediscovery and Redescription ofTheloderma phrynoderma(Ahl, 1927) (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Myanmar

Theloderma is a widely distributed yet little-known genus of camouflaged tree frogs found throughout Southeast Asia. One member, T. phrynoderma, known only from the moist evergreen forest of the Karen Hills of Myanmar, is redescribed from two recently collected specimens and examination of type specimens. To date the only information available about T. phrynoderma is Boulenger’s brief 1893 description of two type specimens collected in 1888, and phylogenetic analyses to test its placement among other species of Theloderma is lacking due to an absence of specimens. In the present study, we compared two individuals collected in 2009 and 2010 from the Tanintharyi Nature Reserve to the type specimens of T. phrynoderma and proposed that they are also members of this species. We then used two mitochondrial genes (12S and 16S rRNA) and two nuclear genes (rhodopsin and tyrosinase) to infer the phylogenetic relationship of the putative T. phrynoderma to other members of Rhacophoridae, with a special emphasis on Theloderma. The recently collected individuals are of the same species within Theloderma but distinct from all other DNA sequenced congeners. The species redescription is based on a comparison of the newly found reference specimens with the lectotype and paralectotype. In addition, using a combination of morphological characters we provide a more complete diagnosis. The species is distinct from other congeners by a combination of the following characters: a mid-body size (female 44 mm SVL; male mean 41.3 mm SVL); tympanum diameter to eye diameter (70%); partial webbing between fingers; rugose skin with clumped, white-tipped calcified tubercles throughout the dorsal surface; webbing between fingers; distinct darker brown inverted V-marking between its shoulders; absence of vomerine teeth; and absence of vocal sacs.

Periodontal disease in a remote Asian population: association between clinical and microbiological parameters.

The aim was to clinically and microbiologically describe the periodontal conditions in a remote adult Asian population with poor oral hygiene. The subjects were 30-60-year-old adults of Karen Hill tribes with no access to dental care. Eighty-six subjects were selected randomly. Clinical registrations included number of remaining teeth, plaque index (PlI), bleeding on probing (BoP), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and probing pocket depth (PPD). Subgingival plaque samples were collected and analyzed with the checkerboard method. Subjects of the study group had mean number of remaining teeth of 26.5 despite the abundant plaque and a high bleeding score. Severe periodontitis (CAL≥7mm) was recorded in 12.9% of the youngest age group (30-39 years) while it was significantly higher (52%) in the middle group (40-49 years) and (60%) in the eldest age group (50-60years). Pathological pocketing (PPD≥7mm) was significantly lower in all age groups. Age, betel chewing, and a microbiological cluster including at least one of Prevotella tannerae, Filifactor alocis and Porphyromonas endodontalis significantly correlated with the severity of periodontal disease. Age, betel chewing, and a new bacterial complex other than the "red complex" correlated to periodontal breakdown in this remote adult Asian population.

Advantages of using voiced questionnaire and image capture application for data collection from a minority group in rural areas along the Thailand-Myanmar border.

To compare the quality of data collection via electronic data capture (EDC) with voiced questionnaire (QNN) and data image capture features using a tablet versus standard paper-based QNN, to assess the user's perception of using the EDC tool, and to compare user satisfaction with the two methods. Randomised cross-over study. Study sites: This study was conducted in two villages along the Thailand-Myanmar border. This study included 30 community health volunteers (CHVs) and 120 Karen hill tribe villagers. Employing a cross-over study design, the CHVs were allocated randomly to two groups, in which they performed interviews in different sequences using EDC and QNN. Data discrepancies were found between the two data-collection methods, when data from the paper-based and image-capture methods were compared, and when conducting skip pattern questions. More than 90% of the CHVs perceived the EDC to be useful and easy to use. Both interviewers and interviewees were more satisfied with the EDC compared with QNN in terms of format, ease of use, and system speed. The EDC can effectively be used as an alternative method to paper-based QNNs for data collection. It produces more accurate data that can be considered evidence-based.

Dental plaque pH and ureolytic activity in children and adults of a low caries population

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plaque pH level and ureolytic activity among children and adults of Karen Hill tribes. Methods. Thirty-four children aged 6–10 years and 46 adults aged 20–38 years were interviewed regarding oral hygiene practices, sucrose intake and betel chewing. Caries experience (DMFT and DT), calculus, bleeding on probing (BoP) and Plaque index (PlI) were registered. Ureolytic activity in supragingival plaque was tested at two interproximal sites (11/12 and 41/42) with the rapid urease test (RUT). Registration of plaque pH was performed at two interproximal sites (15/16 and 31/41) before, during and 30 min after rinsing with an urea solution (0.25%). Four interproximal plaque samples (one from each quadrant) per individual were collected to test the bacterial composition using the checkerboard technique. Results. Children and adults had similarly low DMFT and DT values. Children had a higher baseline pH and a higher ureolytic activity in the maxilla (p < 0.05) compared with adults. A significant correlation (r2 = 0.63) was found between baseline pH and urease activity in the mandibular anterior teeth. Caries-free individuals had a higher baseline pH compared with caries active individuals in the anterior mandibular region (p < 0.01). The microbiological composition was characterized by an anaerobic low acidiogenic microbiota. Conclusions. Dental plaque pH is related to the ureolytic activity, which explains the low acidogenic plaque microflora and the low caries levels in the Karen population.

The National Board Would Like to Introduce to You Two of Our New Co‐opted Board Members

Nursing in Critical CareVolume 18, Issue 3 p. 154-154 News The National Board Would Like to Introduce to You Two of Our New Co-opted Board Members Karen Hill, Karen Hill National Secretary BACCNSearch for more papers by this author Karen Hill, Karen Hill National Secretary BACCNSearch for more papers by this author First published: 12 April 2013 https://doi.org/10.1111/nicc.12023_1Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume18, Issue3May 2013Pages 154-154 RelatedInformation

National Board Members Recruitment

Nursing in Critical CareVolume 18, Issue 3 p. 157-157 News National Board Members Recruitment Karen Hill, Karen Hill National Secretary BACCNSearch for more papers by this author Karen Hill, Karen Hill National Secretary BACCNSearch for more papers by this author First published: 12 April 2013 https://doi.org/10.1111/nicc.12023_4Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume18, Issue3May 2013Pages 157-157 RelatedInformation

Membership Fees Are Tax Deductable

Nursing in Critical CareVolume 18, Issue 2 p. 106-106 News Membership Fees Are Tax Deductable Karen Hill, Karen Hill National Secretary, BACCNSearch for more papers by this author Karen Hill, Karen Hill National Secretary, BACCNSearch for more papers by this author First published: 19 February 2013 https://doi.org/10.1111/nicc.12013_5Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume18, Issue2March/April 2013Pages 106-106 RelatedInformation

National Early Warning Score

Nursing in Critical CareVolume 17, Issue 6 p. 318-318 National Early Warning Score Karen Hill, Karen Hill National Secretary, BACCNSearch for more papers by this author Karen Hill, Karen Hill National Secretary, BACCNSearch for more papers by this author First published: 15 October 2012 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1478-5153.2012.00540_3.xCitations: 3Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume17, Issue6November/December 2012Pages 318-318 RelatedInformation

New Blood… South West Region

Nursing in Critical CareVolume 17, Issue 3 p. 162-162 New Blood… South West Region Karen Hill, Karen Hill National Secretary BACCNSearch for more papers by this author Karen Hill, Karen Hill National Secretary BACCNSearch for more papers by this author First published: 13 April 2012 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1478-5153.2012.00507_4.xRead the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume17, Issue3May/June 2012Pages 162-162 RelatedInformation