bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost‐Effectiveness of Diabetes Case Management for Low‐Income Populations
Authors: Gilmer Todd P. , Roze Stéphane , Valentine William J. , Emy‐Albrecht Katrina , Ray Joshua A. , Cobden David , Nicklasson Lars , Philis‐Tsimikas Athena , Palmer Andrew J. 
Published: February 2007

Objective. To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of Project Dulce, a culturally specific diabetes case management and self‐management training program, in four cohorts defined by insurance status.Data Sources/Study Setting. Clinical and cost data on 3,893 persons with diabetes participating in Project Dulce were used as inputs into a diabetes simulation model.Study Design. The Center for Outcomes Research Diabetes Model, a published, peer‐reviewed and validated simulation model of diabetes, was used to evaluate life expectancy, quality‐adjusted life expectancy (QALY), cumulative incidence of complications and direct medical costs over patient lifetimes (40‐year time horizon) from a third‐party payer perspective. Cohort characteristics, treatment effects, and case management costs were derived using a difference in difference design comparing data from the Project Dulce program to a cohort of historical controls. Long‐term costs were derived from published U.S. sources. Costs and clinical benefits were discounted at 3.0 percent per annum. Sensitivity analyses were performed.Principal Findings. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios of $10,141, $24,584, $44,941, and $69,587 per QALY gained were estimated for Project Dulce participants versus control in the uninsured, County Medical Services, Medi‐Cal, and commercial insurance cohorts, respectively.Conclusions. The Project Dulce diabetes case management program was associated with cost‐effective improvements in quality‐adjusted life expectancy and decreased incidence of diabetes‐related complications over patient lifetimes. Diabetes case management may be particularly cost effective for low‐income populations.
Order or Justice: The Denshawai Incident and British Imperialism
Authors: Luke Kimberly 
Published: February 2007

AbstractOn the afternoon of 13 June 1906 five British officers entered the Egyptian village of Denshawai to go pigeon shooting. An intended sporting event quickly turned into an altercation that resulted in casualties among both the British army of occupation and the villagers of Denshawai. This incident represented a turning point in the British occupation, a point in which the British officials in Egypt were faced with the decision to pursue order or justice and chose order. Concerned with growing nationalist sentiment, Egyptian officials seized upon the Denshawai incident as an opportunity to make an example of the consequences of resistance and confirm the strength of British rule. Their decision ultimately undermined this strength by inflaming public opinion in both Great Britain and Egypt. As a result of Denshawai, British imperialism in Egypt was painted in stark relief and found wanting.
Beyond Jackie Robinson: Racial Integration in American College Football and New Directions in Sport History
Authors: Demas Lane 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis article seeks to unite a narrative of African American integration in collegiate football with the broader narrative of the Civil Rights Movement. It emphasizes the nebulous history of athletic integration and explores how that process compared to the overall course of civil rights during the twentieth century. Rather than focus on a myriad of schools and regions, it introduces the popular discourse surrounding the largest conflicts over integration in college football. Beyond Jackie Robinson points to four case studies that exemplify how reaction to a game could draw national media attention, transcend sport, and influence the mainstream discourse of race in America. By shifting focus away from the biographies of professional African American sporting figures, Beyond Jackie Robinson contends that collegiate athletic integration was a movement of young student athletes that more closely resembles the broader African American struggle for civil rights in postwar America.
Consequences of treatment withdrawal in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Montano‐Loza Aldo J. , Carpenter Herschel A. , Czaja Albert J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground and Aims: Drug‐related side effects are considered the major consequences of relapse and re‐treatment in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Our goals were to determine whether relapse is associated with disease progression and whether treatment end points can be refined.Methods: The outcomes of 132 patients with definite type 1 autoimmune hepatitis who had been treated comparably until remission were assessed retrospectively after drug withdrawal.Results: Patients who had relapsed repeatedly after initial treatment withdrawal developed cirrhosis more commonly than patients who sustained remission (18/48 vs 1/22, P=0.004), and those who relapsed once (18/48 vs 2/21, P=0.02). Hepatic death or the need for liver transplantation was also more frequent in the patients who had multiple relapses than those who sustained remission (13/64 vs 0/30, P=0.008) and those who relapsed once (13/64 vs 1/38, P=0.02). Patients who sustained their remission had a higher frequency of normal laboratory indices at drug withdrawal than patients who relapsed (88% vs 46%, P=0.003). Adverse outcomes after relapse did not distinguish patients until after 5 years of observation.Conclusions: Multiple relapses are associated with a poorer prognosis than sustained remission or single relapse episodes. Initial treatment to resolution of laboratory abnormalities may afford the greatest opportunity to prevent relapse.
The Naturalness versus Wildness Debate: Ambiguity, Inconsistency, and Unattainable Objectivity
Authors: Ridder Ben 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe naturalness versus wildness debate has gained some prominence in recent years and has seen considerable discussion of issues akin to those that have generated such tension between restorationists and preservationists. This debate is hampered by the terms in which it is framed. The primary meaning of both naturalness and wildness relates to the description of processes or behavior that lack human intervention. This enables human activities and artifacts (such as childbirth, food, and medicine) to be rated according to naturalness. However, when the terms are applied to the description of species and ecosystems, process‐oriented definitions are forgotten in favor of historical benchmarks. This can result in serious inconsistencies between those who adhere to the different interpretations, exemplified by the tendency of conservationists to view “naturalness” as being consistent with human intervention in natural processes. The choice of one or the other interpretation is motivated by whether one prioritizes the conservation of biodiversity or minimizing human intervention. There have been claims that naturalness provides an objective measure for assessing biodiversity and calls for value‐laden terms to be avoided. Yet, the values are central, and the best that can be hoped for is that the debate be framed using terms that are more indicative of these underlying values. It is suggested here that naturalness versus wildness be recast as “protecting biodiversity” versus “respect for nature’s autonomy.” Not only do these terms avoid the ambiguities of their forebears but they also expose the debate as the result of slight shifts in value priorities rather than fundamentally opposed worldviews.
Temporal Responses of Propagule Banks during Ecological Restoration in the United Kingdom
Authors: Ghorbani J. , Le Duc M. G. , McAllister H. A. , Pakeman R. J. , Marrs R. H. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract Successful ecological restoration is expected to be accompanied by change in the propagule bank. We tested for temporal change in the soil propagule bank at two Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum)‐infested sites in the United Kingdom (acid grassland and heathland), each with replicate experiments. A combination of bracken control (cutting, spraying, and combinations) and vegetation restoration treatments (seeding, fertilizer, harrowing) were applied. Soil propagule banks were sampled in 1998, 4–5 years after the start, and in 2003 after a further 5 years. We used univariate and multivariate statistical methods to investigate the response of the propagule bank to experimental treatment in space and time. Few effects were found in 1998, but after a further 5 years, the propagule bank size and composition changed significantly, implying that propagule bank development lags behind vegetation development. The effect of treatment on the propagule bank differed within sites. Thus, ecosystem development is occurring at different speeds and directions even in closely adjacent areas. Coupling between the propagule bank and vegetation changed between sampling times with either some new coupling or decoupling. At both sites, the propagule bank contained propagules of the target community and thus propagule bank development during restoration provides increased potential for vegetation recovery. However, it can take a considerable time for management effects to be detected in the propagule bank. Moreover, the effect or speed of effect is spatially variable. Continuing application of restoration treatments is recommended at heathland where there is a deep bracken litter layer.
Mid‐Spring Burning Reduces Spotted Knapweed and Increases Native Grasses during a Michigan Experimental Grassland Establishment
Authors: MacDonald Neil W. , Scull Brian T. , Abella Scott R. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract Infestations of the exotic perennial Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa Lam.) hinder the restoration and management of native ecosystems on droughty, infertile sites throughout the Midwestern United States. We studied the effects of annual burning on knapweed persistence on degraded, knapweed‐infested gravel mine spoils in western Michigan. Our experiment included 48, 4‐m2 plots seeded to native warm‐season grasses in 1999 using a factorial arrangement of initial herbicide and fertility treatments. Beginning in 2003, we incorporated fire as an additional factor and burned half of the plots in late April or May for 3 years (2003–2005). Burning increased the dominance of warm‐season grasses and decreased both biomass and dominance of knapweed in most years. Burning reduced adult knapweed densities in all 3 years of the study, reduced seedling densities in the first 2 years, and reduced juvenile densities in the last 2 years. Knapweed density and biomass also declined on the unburned plots through time, suggesting that warm‐season grasses may effectively compete with knapweed even in the absence of fire. By the end of the study, mean adult knapweed densities on both burned (0.4‐m2) and unburned (1.3‐m2) plots were reduced to levels where the seeded grasses should persist with normal management, including the use of prescribed fire. These results support the use of carefully timed burning to help establish and maintain fire‐adapted native plant communities on knapweed‐infested sites in the Midwest by substantially reducing knapweed density, biomass, and seedling recruitment and by further shifting the competitive balance toward native warm‐season grasses.
Wintering Shorebird Assemblages and Behavior in Restored Tidal Wetlands in Southern California
Authors: Armitage Anna R. , Jensen Stacey M. , Yoon Joy E. , Ambrose Richard F. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract Habitat restoration can partially compensate for the extensive loss of coastal wetlands, but creation of functional habitat and assessment of restoration success remain challenging tasks. To evaluate wintering shorebird use of restored coastal wetlands, we quantified shorebird assemblages and behavior of selected focal species at five restored sites and paired reference sites in Mugu Lagoon, southern California, United States. The Shannon–Wiener index of species diversity (for all birds in order Charadriiformes) was higher in the restored than in the reference portion of three of the five sites, higher in the reference portion of a fourth site, and similar between reference and restored areas of the fifth site. Species diversity was lower in sites closer to man‐made structures. The four most abundant species groups across the five sites were selected for detailed analysis of site use and behavior: Willets (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus), Marbled Godwits (Limosa fedoa), Dowitchers (Limnodromus spp.), and Sandpipers (Calidris spp.) (Western, Least, and Dunlin). Each focal species group exhibited distinct site preferences, and densities in restored sites were often as high or higher than in reference sites. Willets and Dowitchers preferred habitats with more extensive tidal flats, a characteristic of restored sites. Godwits and Sandpipers preferred heterogeneous habitats with a mix of water and tidal flats. Most birds were engaged in feeding activities during the ebb tides surveyed, and there were no apparent differences in behavior between reference and restored sites. Though not all restored sites were used equally by all species, the creation of multiple restored sites with varied habitat characteristics attracted a diverse assemblage of shorebirds and may have contributed to the integrity of the regional wetland landscape.
Experimental Manipulation of Restoration Barriers in Abandoned Eucalypt Plantations
Authors: Cummings Jason , Reid Nick , Davies Ian , Grant Carl 
Published: February 2007

Abstract Expansion of the nature conservation estate in northeastern New South Wales, Australia, has captured weed‐infested timber plantations amid a mosaic of high conservation value lands. We adopted a state‐and‐transition approach to test the hypothesis that restoration barriers restrict the natural regeneration of native species in Eucalyptus grandis plantations infested by Lantana camara in Bongil Bongil National Park, New South Wales. Plantation tree thinning and weed control were applied in factorial combination at three sites (totaling to 4.5 ha). Topsoil chemistry responses to these interventions were attributable to the “ash bed” effect, with temporary increases in topsoil pHW and nitrate, particularly where canopy reduction was greatest. Other soil changes were minor, indicating that thinning and burning did not risk soil degradation. Plant species richness and functional group representation in the regenerating understorey were improved by the interventions. Regeneration of native potential canopy trees, understorey trees, shrubs and woody climbers, and perennial forbs all increased with canopy retention. Grass cover dominated the regeneration where canopy cover was less than 50%. In the absence of weed control, the cover of introduced shrubs increased with reduction in canopy cover, as did the rate of understorey regeneration generally. These responses indicate that thinning and weed control can reinstate succession, leading to structurally and compositionally diverse forest. Given the abundance of native woody regeneration under retained canopy, the lantana understorey was more important in inhibiting native regeneration. The experimental approach will promote efficient use of resources across the remaining 200 ha of low conservation value plantations in this national park.
Pulsed Radiofrequency in Lumbar Radicular Pain: Clinical Effects in Various Etiological Groups
Authors: Abejón David , Garcia‐del‐Valle Santiago , Fuentes María Lorenza , Gómez‐Arnau Juan Ignacio , Reig Enrique , Van Zundert Jan 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) applied to the lumbar dorsal root ganglion (DRG).Methods:  A retrospective analysis of 54 consecutive patients who underwent 75 PRF procedures was performed. The patients were divided into three groups according to the etiology of the lesion (herniated disc [HD], spinal stenosis [SS], and failed back surgery syndrome [FBSS]). The analgesic efficacy of the technique was assessed using a 10‐point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline and, along with the Global Perceived Effect (GPE), at 30, 60, 90, and 180 days. The reduction in medications and the number of complications associated with the technique were assessed.Results:  A decrease in the NRS score was observed in patients with HD (P < 0.05) and SS (P < 0.001), but not in those with FBSS. The GPE scores confirmed this finding. No complications were noted.Conclusions:  We observed that PRF of the DRG was significantly more efficacious in HD and SS than in FBSS patients. The application of PRF was not effective in FBSS.
A Novel Mesh Electrode Catheter for Mapping and Radiofrequency Delivery at the Left Atrium‐Pulmonary Vein Junction: A Single‐Catheter Approach to Pulmonary Vein Antrum Isolation
Authors: ARRUDA MAURICIO S. , HE DING SHENG , FRIEDMAN PAUL , NAKAGAWA HIROSHI , BRUCE CHARLES , AZEGAMI KOJI , ANDERS ROBERT , KOZEL PETER , CHIAVETTA AMEDEO , MARAD PAUL , MACADAM DAVID , JACKMAN WARREN , WILBER DAVID J. 
Published: February 2007

Background: Electrical isolation of pulmonary veins (PV) by radiofrequency (RF) ablation is often performed in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Current catheter technology usually requires the use of a multielectrode catheter for mapping in addition to the ablation catheter. Purpose: We evaluated the feasibility and safety of using a single, expandable electrode catheter (MESH) to map and to electrically isolate the PV. Methods and Results: Nineteen closed‐chest mongrel dogs, weighing 23–35 kg, were studied under general anesthesia. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) was used to guide transseptal puncture and to assess PV dimensions and contact of the MESH with PV ostia. ICE and angiography of RSPV were obtained before and after ablation, and prior to sacrifice at 7–99 days. An 11.5 Fr steerable MESH was advanced and deployed at the ostium of the RSPV. Recordings were obtained via the 36 electrodes comprising the MESH. For circumferential ablation, RF current was delivered at a target temperature of 62–65°C (4 thermocouples) and maximum power of 70–100 W for 180 to 300 seconds. Each animal received 1–4 RF applications. Entrance conduction block was obtained in 13/19 treated RSPVs. Pathological examination confirmed circumferential and transmural lesions in 13 of 19 RSPV. LA mural thrombus was present in 3 animals. There was no significant PV stenosis. Conclusion: Based on this canine model, a new expandable MESH catheter may safely be used for mapping and for PV antrum isolation. This approach may decrease procedure time without compromising success rate in patients undergoing AF ablation.
Digital dermoscopy in clinical practise: a three‐centre analysis
Authors: Wollina Uwe , Burroni Marco , Torricelli Rocco , Gilardi Stefano , Dell'Eva Giordana , Helm Cathrine , Bardey Wolfgang 
Published: February 2007

Background: Early detection of cutaneous melanoma is the most important step to improve prognosis. In recent years objective techniques have been developed to improve diagnostics of pigmented lesions superior to the naked eye. Digital dermoscopy offers several advantages such as independence from the investigator, format ready for teledermatology and image storage, and comparability.Setting: In a routine setting including three centres in Europe, i.e. Lugano and Locarno in Switzerland, and Dresden in Germany, the usefulness of digital dermoscopy in daily routine has been evaluated.Patients and methods: Digital dermoscopy was performed with the DB‐MIPS© system in 1308 patients, and 3544 pigmented lesions were evaluated. A total of 466 pigmented lesions were surgically removed and classified by histopathology. Among those 52 melanomas and 299 dysplastic, naevi could be identified. DB‐MIPS© system evaluated 35 variables of geometrics, colour, colour distribution and texture. Lesion identification is realized by clustering. Another important part of the analysis was to study the decision making, i.e. removal or follow‐up of lesions. The tendency to follow‐up was defined as the ratio of (number of suspicious lesions‐removed lesions)/suspicious lesions. The interventism is defined as the ratio of the number of removed lesions to the number of suspicious lesions.Results: The DB‐MIPS© system was robust and easy in handling in daily routine. The data analysis and digital imaging were realized in real time. Fifty‐two melanomas could be identified including eight in situ melanomas and 33 T1a melanomas (thinner than 1 mm). Sensitivity of digital dermoscopy varied between 90% and 95% between the three centres. Specificity varied between 79.6% and 93.3%. The centres differed in the patient population, the mean diameter of pigmented lesions and decisions. Interventism varied between 36.3% and 76.0%, follow‐up varied from 24% to 63%. Higher levels of clinician's false positive were associated with a higher percentage of interventism.Conclusions: Digital dermoscopy offers advantages for daily routine in detection of early melanoma. Sensitivity and specificity for early melanomas is high and thereby, the experienced dermatologist can be easily supported in daily routine of a pigment lesion clinic to improve diagnostics and hopefully prognosis in cutaneous melanoma.
Indentometric analysis of in vivo skin and comparison with artificial skin models
Authors: Jachowicz J. , McMullen R. , Prettypaul D. 
Published: February 2007

Background/purpose: The mechanical properties of the skin have been previously analyzed by a number of different techniques including torsional analysis, cutometery, gas‐bearing electrodynamometry, etc. The objective of this work is to present quantitative analysis of skin rheology by a technique termed indentometry.Methods: The instrument used was a texture analyzer, which is a mechanical tensiometer simulating the process of touch. The experiments were carried out on human subjects as well as on artificial skin models. They included indentometry tests performed by using spherical probes with various geometrical dimensions as well as stress relaxation and creep experiments. The experimental data were interpreted by using the Hertz theory of contact mechanics and by calculation of fundamental parameters such as the modulus of elasticity.Results: The calculated Young's modulae for skin models ranged from 5.5 × 104 to 17.7 × 104 N/m2, while the corresponding values for forearm and facial skin of ten panelists were found to be in the range of 0.7 × 104 –3.3 × 104 N/m2. In addition, stress relaxation and creep experiments were conducted, which permitted the assessment of the viscoelastic properties of skin. The results of these measurements were interpreted within the framework of the Kelvin–Voigt model of delayed elasticity leading to the calculation of viscosities and relaxation times. Indentomeric data, obtained by varying the diameter of the indentor and the indentation depth, are also discussed.Conclusion: The indentometric analysis for both in vivo skin and artificial skin models could be interpreted by using the Hertz theory of contact mechanics. The loading and unloading indentometric curves could be used to assess the viscoelasticity of the investigated materials while creep and stress relaxation processes were analyzed quantitatively by the Kelvin–Voigt model with one relaxation time.