bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Late Cenozoic paleomagnetism of West Siberian Plate
Authors: Gnibidenko Z.N. 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
On the basis of combined (paleomagnetic, lithological, and paleontological) data, a scale of Neogene geomagnetic polarity is proposed for the West Siberian Plate (WSP). It comprises 17 large orthozones of normal and reversed polarity. The scale was compiled by comparing and correlating the Neogene key sections of the Kulunda and Baraba plains, Irtysh regions between Omsk and Pavlodar and near Tara, and Ob’ region near Tomsk. The reliability of paleomagnetic data is confirmed by component analysis of natural remanent magnetization and by a possibility of determining its primary component. In the studied Neogene rocks this is a high-temperature component related to magnetite, hematite, and maghemite, which decays at 420–675 °C. In the period from Early Miocene to Late Pliocene, the Late Cenozoic geomagnetic field reconstructed from NRM vectors for WSP rocks of Neogene age experienced 17 reversals (at the level of orthozone boundaries), with eight regimes of normal polarity and nine regimes of reversed polarity. Comparison of the WSP Neogene scale with Berggren’s scale provided absolute age boundaries of the Late Cenozoic series on the WSP regional stratigraphic scale. The 23.8 Ma boundary between the Oligocene and Miocene is recorded in the regional scale at the sole of the Lyamin beds of the Abrosimovka Formation, at the bottom of Orthochron R1N1aq, and the Miocene-Pliocene 5.2 Ma boundary (Chron C3r), in the Novaya Stanitsa Formation (top of the Cherlak beds).
A high oxidised frying oil content diet is less adipogenic, but induces glucose intolerance in rodents
Authors: Chao Pei-Min , Huang Hui-Ling , Liao Chun-Huei , Huang Shiau-Ting , Huang Ching-jang 
Published: April 2007

Oxidised frying oil (OFO) and fish oil have been shown to be peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α activators and their ingestion results in pleotropic peroxisome proliferator responses in rats. To examine the effect of dietary OFO on adiposity, four groups of weanling Sprague–Dawley rats were fed isoenergetically with, respectively, a low fat basal diet containing 5 g/100 g of fresh soybean oil (LSB) or a high fat diet containing 20 g/100 g of fresh soybean oil (HSB), OFO (HO) or fish oil (HF). The tissue mass, cell size and lipid/DNA ratio in the retroperitoneal fat pad and serum leptin levels were lowest in the HO group (P < 0·05), indicating that dietary OFO has a greater anti-adipogenic action than dietary fish oil. However, a tendency to hyperglycaemia was observed in the HO group (P = 0·0528). To examine the effect of dietary OFO on glucose tolerance, three groups of rats and three groups of mice were fed, respectively, the LSB, HSB or HO diet, and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. After oral glucose load, the area under the curve for blood glucose (AUCglu) over 2 h was significantly higher, and that for serum insulin (AUCins) over 90 min was significantly lower, in the HO group than in the other two groups (P < 0·05). These results demonstrate that, in rats and mice, a high OFO diet is less adipogenic, but induces glucose intolerance.
Jugular foramen meningocoele in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Siddiqui A , Connor S , Gleeson M 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjective:We present a rare case of a jugular foramen meningocoele in a 48-year-old female, with neurofibromatosis type 1, presenting with positional vertigo. We also postulate possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.Method:We describe the imaging findings of this rare entity and review the literature on skull base meningocoeles, particularly in the context of neurofibromatosis type 1.Results:A computed tomography scan revealed smooth expansion of the jugular foramen. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a fluid filled lesion expanding the jugular foramen and communicating with cerebrospinal fluid of the cerebellomedullary cistern superiorly.Conclusion:Skull base meningocoeles are a rare entity and we believe that this is the first reported case of a meningocoele causing enlargement of the jugular foramen in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1. The meningocoele may have resulted from a severe form of dural ectasia or from dysplastic, weakened bone at the skull base.
Descartes's theodicy
Authors: RAGLAND C. P. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn the Fourth Meditation, Descartes asks: ‘If God is no deceiver, why do we sometimes err?’ Descartes's answer (despite initial appearances) is both systematic and necessary for his epistemological project. Two atheistic arguments from error purport to show that reason both proves and disproves God's existence. Descartes must block them to escape scepticism. He offers a mixed theodicy: the value of free will justifies God in allowing our actual errors, and the perfection of the universe may justify God in making us able to err. Though internally coherent, Descartes's theodicy conflicts with his view of divine providence.
Divine hiddenness and the nature of belief
Authors: POSTON TED , DOUGHERTY TRENT 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn this paper we argue that attention to the intricacies relating to belief illustrate crucial difficulties with Schellenberg's hiddenness argument. This issue has been only tangentially discussed in the literature to date. Yet we judge this aspect of Schellenberg's argument deeply significant. We claim that focus on the nature of belief manifests a central flaw in the hiddenness argument. Additionally, attention to doxastic subtleties provides important lessons about the nature of faith.
On not unnecessarily darkening the glass: a reply to Poston and Dougherty
Authors: SCHELLENBERG J. L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractI argue that Poston and Dougherty are mistaken in supposing that the hiddenness argument contains ambiguities about the nature of belief. And the attempt to extract from their mistaken account some reasons for favouring a broad, disjunctive view of divine – creature relationship that will be convincing for individuals not in the grip of theological assumptions comes up dry.
Patient assessment of tests to detect cervical cancer
Authors: Basen-Engquist Karen , Fouladi Rachel T. , Cantor Scott B. , Shinn Eileen , Sui Dawen , Sharman Mathilde , Follen Michele 
Published: April 2007

Objectives:This study was undertaken to understand how women view characteristics of tests for cervical dysplasia, because these characteristics can affect patient decision-making about screening and follow-up.Methods:We recruited women who participated in a clinical trial of optical spectroscopy for the diagnosis of cervical dysplasia and used conjoint analysis to assess the women's preferences concerning test attributes. One group of women had a history of an abnormal Papanicolaou smear (diagnostic sample), while the other group did not (screening sample). Participants rated pairs of test scenarios that varied on characteristics such as test sensitivity and painfulness. Based on their responses, the relative importance of test sensitivity, specificity, timing of results feedback and treatment, and pain were calculated, and a cluster analysis was done to identify subgroups of participants with different preference patterns.Results:In the overall sample, sensitivity was the most important attribute, followed by timing, specificity, and pain. Cluster analysis revealed four distinct groups who placed varying importance on each characteristic. The participants in the cluster for which pain was the most important attribute were more likely to be diagnostic patients, non-white, and have low education levels. They also reported more anxiety and pain during the examination than participants in other clusters.Conclusions:To continue to reduce morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer, developers of new testing procedures should take into account test attributes such as these, which may affect adherence to screening and diagnostic follow-up to further minimize morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer.
Are economic evaluations and health technology assessments increasingly demanded in times of rationing health services? The case of the Argentine financial crisis
Authors: Rubinstein Adolfo , Belizán María , Discacciati Vilda 
Published: April 2007

Objectives:After 4 years of deepening recession, Argentina's economy plummeted after default in 2002. This crisis critically affected health expenditures and triggered acute rationing. Our objective was to explore health decision-makers' knowledge and attitudes about economic evaluations (EE) and whether health technology assessment (HTA) were increasingly used for decision making.Methods:A qualitative design based on semistructured interviews and focus groups was used to explore how decision makers belonging to different health sectors implement resource allocation decisions.Results:Informants were mostly unaware of EE. The most important criteria mentioned to adopt a treatment were evidence of effectiveness, social/stakeholder demand, or resource availability. Despite general positive attitudes about EE, knowledge was rather limited. Although cost considerations were widely accepted by purchasers and managers, clinicians argued about these issues as interfering with the doctor–patient relationship. Other important perceived barriers to HTA use were lack of confidence in the transferability of studies conducted in developed countries and institutional fragmentation of the Argentine healthcare system. The new macroeconomic context was cited as a justification of implicit rationing measures. Although explicit priority setting was implemented by many purchasers and managers, HTA was not used to improve technical and/or allocative efficiency.Conclusions:The crisis seems to be a strong incentive to extend the use of HTA in Argentina, provided decision makers are aware as well as involved in the generation of local studies.
Lifestyle intervention to prevent diabetes in men and women with impaired glucose tolerance is cost-effective
Authors: Lindgren Peter , Lindström Jaana , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Uusitupa Matti , Peltonen Markku , Jönsson Bengt , de Faire Ulf , Hellénius Mai-Lis ,   The DPS Study Group
Published: April 2007

Objectives: The Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study (DPS) was a randomized intervention program that evaluated the effect of intensive lifestyle modification on the development of diabetes mellitus type 2 in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. As such, a program is demanding in terms of resources; it is necessary to assess whether it would be money well spent. This determination was the purpose of this study.Methods: We developed a simulation model to assess the economic consequences of an intervention like the one studied in DPS in a Swedish setting. The model used data from the trial itself to assess the effect of intervention on the risk of diabetes and on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Results from the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study were used to estimate the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Cost data were derived from Swedish studies. The intervention was assumed to be applied to eligible patients from a population-based screening program of 60-year-olds in the County of Stockholm from which the baseline characteristics of the patients was used.Results: The model predicted that implementing the program would be cost-saving from the healthcare payers' perspective. Furthermore, it was associated with an increase in estimated survival of .18 years. Taking into consideration the increased consumption by patients due to their longer survival, the predicted cost-effectiveness ratio was 2,363€ per quality-adjusted life-year gained.Conclusions: Lifestyle intervention directed toward high-risk subjects would be cost-saving for the healthcare payer and highly cost-effective for society as a whole.
Clinical and cost-effectiveness of left ventricular assist devices as destination therapy for people with end-stage heart failure: A systematic review and economic evaluation
Authors: Clegg Andrew J. , Scott David A. , Loveman Emma , Colquitt Jill , Royle Pam , Bryant Jackie 
Published: April 2007

Objectives:The clinical and cost-effectiveness of left ventricular assist devices as destination therapy for people with end-stage heart failure is assessed through a systematic review and economic evaluation.Methods:Systematic review was performed of randomized controlled trials, quasiexperimental studies, case series, and case studies identified through searching eighteen electronic databases, bibliographies, and consultation with experts and manufacturers. Studies assessed survival, functional capacity, and quality of life. Cost-effectiveness was assessed through a 5-year decision analytic model to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for using left ventricular assist devices compared with usual care.Results:Six studies met the inclusion criteria, showing that left ventricular assist devices appear beneficial, improving survival and quality of life. Adverse events are a serious concern. The economic evaluation showed that left ventricular assist devices had a cost per quality adjusted life year of £170,616. Sensitivity analysis showed that the cost-effectiveness was not sensitive to changes in costs or utility.Conclusions:Although left ventricular assist devices appear clinically effective as destination therapy, it is unlikely they will be cost-effective unless costs decrease or the benefits of their use increase.
Review of a decision by the Medical Services Advisory Committee based on health technology assessment of an emerging technology: The case for remotely assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: O'Malley Sue P. , Jordan Ernest 
Published: April 2007

Objectives: In April 1998, the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) was established by the Australian federal government. Since that time, all new medical procedures must be evaluated for safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness as a condition of the surgeon receiving public funding by means of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Over these first 8 years, a significant number of applications for the public funding of new procedures have been given negative recommendations by the MSAC based on insufficient clinical evidence or lack of cost-effectiveness. In August 2006, after almost 2 years of processing, the MSAC made the decision to fund the new procedure, laparoscopic remotely assisted radical prostatectomy (LRARP). However, they stated that there was still uncertainty about the comparative cost-effectiveness.Methods: An observational study using provisional cost-utility data for LRARP based on a combination of costs taken from consecutive patients at the Epworth Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, and utilities from the prospectively collected data on all patients undergoing surgery for prostate cancer over a 4-year period at the Vattikuti Urology Institute, Michigan, United States.Results: The incremental cost for LRARP compared with the open surgery alternative is A$2,264 or A$24,457 per quality-adjusted life-year, well below the range accepted by the Australian pharmaceutical equivalent of the MSAC (the PBAC) of A$42,000 and A$76,000. This figure does not take into account additional benefits such as reduced time away from employment, reduced blood loss, reduced possibility of infection, and reduced scarring.Conclusions: This case study of LRARP demonstrates that there is sufficient crude evidence to show that this new procedure is likely to be superior to the existing procedure in terms of safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness. The decision to allow MBS funding was correct and will allow for the collection of additional evidence, on both economic and clinical outcomes.
Retrospective survey of Chikungunya disease in Réunion Island hospital staff
Authors: STAIKOWSKY F. , Le ROUX K. , SCHUFFENECKER I. , LAURENT P. , GRIVARD P. , DEVELAY A. , MICHAULT A. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYRéunion Island (Indian Ocean) has been suffering from its first known Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) epidemic since February 2005. To achieve a better understanding of the disease, a questionnaire was drawn up for hospital staff members and their household. CHIKV infected about one-third of the studied population, the proportion increasing with age and being higher in women. Presence of a garden was associated with CHIKV infection. The geographical distribution of cases was concordant with insect vector Aedes albopictus distribution. The main clinical signs were arthralgia and fever. The disease evolved towards full recovery in 34·4% of cases, a relapse in 55·6%, or a chronic form in 10%. Paracetamol was used as a painkiller in 95% of cases, sometimes associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticoids, or traditional herbal medicine. The survey provided valuable information on the factors that favour transmission, the clinical signs, the importance of relapses and the therapies used.
Under-reporting of infectious gastrointestinal illness in British Columbia, Canada: who is counted in provincial communicable disease statistics?
Authors: MacDOUGALL L. , MAJOWICZ S. , DORÉ K. , FLINT J. , THOMAS K. , KOVACS S. , SOCKETT P. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYUnder-reporting of infectious gastrointestinal illness (IGI) in British Columbia, Canada was calculated using simulation modelling, accounting for the uncertainty and variability of input parameters. Factors affecting under-reporting were assessed during a cross-sectional randomized telephone survey. For every case of IGI reported to the province, a mean of 347 community cases occurred (5th and 95th percentile estimates ranged from 181 to 611 community cases, respectively). Vomiting [odds ratio (OR) 2·15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·03–4·49] and antibiotic use in the previous 28 days (OR 3·59, 95% CI 1·17–10·97) significantly predicted health-care visits in a logistic regression model. In bivariate analyses, physicians were significantly less likely to request stool samples from patients with vomiting (RR 0·09, 95% CI 0·01–0·65) and patients of North American as opposed to non-North American cultural groups (RR 0·38, 95% CI 0·15–0·96). Physicians were more likely to request stool samples from older patients (P=0·003), patients with fewer household members (P=0·002) and those who reported anti-diarrhoeal use following illness (RR 3·33, 95% CI 1·32–8·45). People with symptoms of vomiting were under-represented in provincial communicable disease statistics. Differential degrees of under-reporting must be understood before biased surveillance data can be adjusted.
Multinational Enterprise, ‘Corporate Responsibility’ and the Nazi Dictatorship: The Case of Unilever and Germany in the 1930s
Authors: FORBES NEIL 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe reason why a fuller understanding of the significance of the Hitler dictatorship did not emerge in prewar democracies remains a question of enduring historical interest. This article examines the way in which Unilever, one of the earliest multinational corporations, responded to the challenges of political risk posed by the Third Reich, and how aspects of business activity that gave rise to moral issues were weighed against the need to survive commercially. The realisation that Unilever could be seen as an unwitting accomplice in the dictatorship's criminal activities seems to have come late to the company. While corporate culture reflected the values of contemporary society, multinational business was partly responsible for the failure to sound the alarm over the unique dangers inherent in National Socialism.
Anandamide and NADA bi‐directionally modulate presynaptic Ca2+ levels and transmitter release in the hippocampus
Authors: Köfalvi A , Pereira M F , Rebola N , Rodrigues R J , Oliveira C R , Cunha R A 
Published: April 2007

Background and purpose:Inhibitory CB1 cannabinoid receptors and excitatory TRPV1 vanilloid receptors are abundant in the hippocampus. We tested if two known hybrid endocannabinoid/endovanilloid substances, N‐arachidonoyl‐dopamine (NADA) and anandamide (AEA), presynapticaly increased or decreased intracellular calcium level ([Ca2+]i) and GABA and glutamate release in the hippocampus.Experimental approach:Resting and K+‐evoked levels of [Ca2+]i and the release of [3H]GABA and [3H]glutamate were measured in rat hippocampal nerve terminals.Key results:NADA and AEA per se triggered a rise of [Ca2+]i and the release of both transmitters in a concentration‐ and external Ca2+‐dependent fashion, but independently of TRPV1, CB1, CB2, or dopamine receptors, arachidonate‐regulated Ca2+‐currents, intracellular Ca2+ stores, and fatty acid metabolism. AEA was recently reported to block TASK‐3 potassium channels thereby depolarizing membranes. Common inhibitors of TASK‐3, Zn2+, Ruthenium Red, and low pH mimicked the excitatory effects of AEA and NADA, suggesting that their effects on [Ca2+]i and transmitter levels may be attributable to membrane depolarization upon TASK‐3 blockade. The K+‐evoked Ca2+ entry and Ca2+‐dependent transmitter release were inhibited by nanomolar concentrations of the CB1 receptor agonist WIN55212‐2; this action was sensitive to the selective CB1 receptor antagonist AM251. However, in the low micromolar range, WIN55212‐2, NADA and AEA inhibited the K+‐evoked Ca2+ entry and transmitter release independently of CB1 receptors, possibly through direct Ca2+ channel blockade.Conclusions and implications:We report here for hybrid endocannabinoid/endovanilloid ligands novel dual functions which were qualitatively similar to activation of CB1 or TRPV1 receptors, but were mediated through interactions with different targets.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 551–563; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707252
Weather: driving force behind the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome in China?
Authors: Bi P. , Wang J , Hiller J. E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground: The association between weather and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) transmission in Beijing and Hong Kong in the 2003 epidemic was studied to examine the effect of weather on SARS transmission.Methods: Pearson’s correlation analyses and negative binomial regression analyses were used to quantify the correlations between the daily newly reported number of SARS cases and weather variables, using daily disease notification data and meteorological data from the two locations.Results: The results indicate that there were inverse association between the number of daily cases and maximum and/or minimum temperatures whereas air pressure was found to be positively associated with SARS transmission.Conclusion: The study suggests that weather might be a contributory factor in the 2003 SARS epidemic, in particular in the transmission among the community members.