bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Program on stimulating National Institutes of Health–funded research, 1998 to 2001
Authors: Portnoy Barry , Miller Jennifer , Brown-Huamani Kathryn , DeVoto Emily 
Published: June 2007

Objectives:The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Development Conference (CDC) was instituted to provide evidence-based guidance on controversial medical issues to researchers, health practitioners, and the public; however, the degree of impact this activity has on stimulating relevant research is unclear. This study examines the impact of CDC statements on the initiation of related NIH-funded research projects.Methods:Six CDCs from 1998 to 2001 were examined. Research initiatives related to the Conferences' topics were collected through two discrete methods: (i) the overall number of relevant pre- and postconference research activities was compiled using NIH's Information for Management, Planning, Analysis, and Coordination II (IMPAC II) and the Department of Health and Human Services' (DHHS) Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects (CRISP) grant application and award databases; (ii) for each CDC, the sponsoring institute's conference coordinator and other identified Program Directors were queried for their knowledge of new conference-specific research initiatives sponsored by their institute. The main outcome measure was the total number of requests for applications, requests for proposals, program announcements, broad agency announcements, notices, and funded investigator-initiated research program grants (RO1s) for a given Consensus topic in the 3 years before (baseline measure) and following (measure of impact) a CDC.Results:As identified through NIH's IMPAC II and DHHS' CRISP grants and announcements databases, the total number of relevant postconference research initiatives increased for five of six CDCs when compared with baseline activity levels; research activities remained constant for the sixth. When inclusion criteria were restricted to institute-identified research initiatives, two of six CDC topics had overall increases in relevant research activity in the postconference period.Conclusions:CDCs appear to have a positive impact on the stimulation of related NIH-funded research initiatives. Future outcomes evaluations using prospective data collection methods and more robust participation by sponsoring and cosponsoring institutes should strengthen the reliability of the association between new research initiatives on a given topic and their causal relationship to a given CDC.
Assessing automated external defibrillators in preventing deaths from sudden cardiac arrest: An economic evaluation
Authors: Sharieff Waseem , Kaulback Kellee 
Published: June 2007

Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of on-site automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the initial management of cardiac arrest in Ontario.Methods:This was a cost-effectiveness analysis based on published literature and data from the Canadian Institute of Health Information. The participants were fictitious male and female cardiac arrest patients who were initially managed with on-site AEDs, compared with similar patients managed without on-site AEDs. This group included a subgroup of high-risk patients (i.e., heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction <35 percent). The analysis was conducted in a variety of settings including hospitals and homes in Ontario, Canada. The main outcome evaluated was cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained from a payer's perspective.Results:Cost per QALY (all costs reported in Canadian dollars) was $12,768 when AEDs were deployed in hospitals, $511,766 when deployed in office buildings, $2,360,023 when deployed in apartment buildings, $87,569 when deployed in homes of high-risk patients, and $1,529,371 when deployed in homes of people older than 55 years of age.Conclusions:Indiscriminate deployment of AEDs is not a cost-effective means of improving health outcomes of cardiac arrest. Their use should be restricted to emergency response programs, high-risk sites (such as hospitals), and high-risk patients.
Assessing emerging technologies—The case of organ replacement technologies: Volume, durability, cost
Authors: Stahl James E. , Vacanti Joseph P. , Gazelle Scott 
Published: June 2007

Objectives:The aim of this study was to estimate thresholds for production volume, durability, and cost of care for the cost-effective adoption of liver organ replacement technologies (ORTs).Methods:We constructed a discrete-event simulation model of the liver allocation system in the United States. The model was calibrated against UNOS data (1994–2000). Into this model, we introduced ORTs with varying durability (time to failure), cost of care, and production volume. Primary outputs of interest were time to 5 percent reduction in the waiting list and time to 5 percent increase in expected transplant volume.Results:Model output for both calibration and validation phases closely matched published data: waiting list length (±2 percent), number of transplants (±2 percent), deaths while waiting (±5 percent), and time to transplant (±11 percent). Reducing the waiting list was dependent on both ORT durability and production volume. The longer the durability, the less production volume needed to reduce the waiting list and vice versa. However, below 250 ORT/year, durability needed to be >2 years for any significant change to be seen in the waiting list. For base-case costs, all ORT production volume and durability scenarios result in more transplants per year at less total cost of care/patient than the current system. ORTs remain cost saving until manufacturing costs are >5 times base-case costs, production is less 500 ORT/year, and durability <6 months.Conclusions:Although there remain many technical challenges to overcome, as long as ORTs can meet these threshold criteria, they have the potential of transforming the world of end-stage liver disease.
Declines in dietary macronutrient intake in persons with HIV infection who develop depression
Authors: Isaac Rita , Jacobson Denise , Wanke Christine , Hendricks Kristy , Knox Tamsin A , Wilson Ira B 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe effect of depression on dietary intake has not, to our knowledge, been examined in persons with HIV infection.MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal analysis of participants in the Nutrition for Healthy Living Study (NFHL). We measured changes in dietary macronutrient intake in participants who developed depression and, using multiple regression analysis, compared the changes with a control group of patients who did not become depressed.ResultsNinety patients developed depression during the observation period, and we compared these with 152 non-depressed controls. The two groups had similar age and body mass index (BMI) at baseline, but those who developed depression were more likely to be female, less educated and had lower incomes. After adjustment, compared with non-depressed participants, those who developed depression had significantly greater decreases in the following daily intakes: total energy (−341 kcal, P = 0.006), protein (−12.3 g, P = 0.02), total fat (−18.5 g, P = 0.008), carbohydrate (−36.8 g, P = 0.02), total fibre (−4.3 g, P = 0.001) and saturated fat (−6.7 g, P = 0.01). There were no significant differences in the daily intakes of simple sugars and long-chain n−3 fatty acids, or BMI.ConclusionDepression is associated with decreases in total daily energy intake and in six of the eight dietary components we measured. Clinicians should be aware that depression-associated nutritional deficiencies may complicate the care of persons with HIV.
Disparities in the availability of fruits and vegetables between racially segregated urban neighbourhoods
Authors: Morland Kimberly , Filomena Susan 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectivePublic health professionals continue to see the benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption on population health. While studies that evaluate the availability of produce are sparse in the medical literature, disparities in availability may explain the disproportional intake of produce for some people. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the availability and variety of produce located in two racially and economically diverse urban neighbourhoods.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted in which 50% of the supermarkets, small grocery stores, delicatessens, and fruit and vegetable markets located in specific neighbourhoods were randomly sampled and surveyed between September 2004 and July 2005. Food stores were evaluated for the availability of 20 types of fresh fruits and 19 types of fresh vegetables, as well as their varieties and whether they were canned, frozen or previously prepared. 2000 US Census information was used to determine characteristics of the geo-coded census tracts where the food stores were located.SettingBrooklyn, New York.ResultsA supermarket was located in approximately every third census tract in predominantly white areas (prevalence = 0.33) and every fourth census tract in racially mixed areas (prevalence = 0.27). There were no supermarkets located in the predominantly black areas. With the exception of bananas, potatoes, okra and yucca, a lower proportion of predominantly black area stores carried fresh produce, while supermarkets carried the largest variety of produce types. Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables were found in the majority of stores, whereas prepared and organic produce was limited to predominantly white area stores.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that the availability and variety of fresh produce is associated with neighbourhood racial composition and may be a factor contributing to differences in intake among residents.
Eating out of home and its correlates in 10 European countries. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study
Authors: Orfanos Philippos , Naska Androniki , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , Slimani Nadia , Ferrari Pietro , van Bakel Marit , Deharveng Genevieve , Overvad Kim , Tjønneland Anne , Halkjær Jytte , Santucci de Magistris Maria , Tumino Rosario , Pala Valeria , Sacerdote Carlotta , Masala Giovanna , Skeie Guri , Engeset Dagrun , Lund Eiliv , Jakszyn Paula , Barricarte Aurelio , Chirlaque Maria-Dolores , Martinez-Garcia Carmen , Amiano Pilar , Quirós J Ramon , Bingham Sheila , Welch Ailsa , Spencer Elizabeth A , Key Timothy J , Rohrmann Sabine , Linseisen Jakob , Ray Jennifer , Boeing Heiner , Peeters Petra H , Bueno-de-Mesquita H Bas , Ocke Marga , Johansson Ingegerd , Johansson Gerd , Berglund Göran , Manjer Jonas , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Touvier Mathilde , Clavel-Chapelon Françoise , Trichopoulou Antonia 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the average out-of-home (OH) consumption of foods and beverages, as well as energy intake, among populations from 10 European countries and to describe the characteristics of substantial OH eaters, as defined for the purpose of the present study, in comparison to other individuals.DesignCross-sectional study. Dietary data were collected through single 24-hour dietary recalls, in which the place of consumption was recorded. For the present study, substantial OH eaters were defined as those who consumed more than 25% of total daily energy intake at locations other than the household premises. Mean dietary intakes and the proportion of substantial OH eaters are presented by food group and country. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the odds of being a substantial OH eater in comparison to not being one, using mutually adjusted possible non-dietary determinants.SettingTen European countries participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).SubjectsThe subjects were 34 270 individuals, 12 537 men and 21 733 women, aged 35–74 years.ResultsThe fraction of energy intake during OH eating was generally higher in northern European countries than in the southern ones. Among the food and beverage groups, those selectively consumed outside the home were coffee/tea/waters and sweets and, to a lesser extent, cereals, meats, added lipids and vegetables. Substantial OH eating was positively associated with energy intake and inversely associated with age and physical activity. Substantial OH eating was less common among the less educated compared with the more educated, and more common during weekdays in central and north Europe and during the weekend in south Europe.ConclusionsEating outside the home was associated with sedentary lifestyle and increased energy intake; it was more common among the young and concerned in particular coffee/tea/waters and sweets.
Plants at risk from climate change
Authors: Yesson Chris , Culham Alastair 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe popular garden flower Cyclamen grows natively in the Mediterranean. Climate change could make the region unsuitable for 18/21 species in 50 years time. Ant-dispersed Cyclamen can’t hope to migrate to suitable new areas without assistance.
Background:
The impact of global climate change on plant distribution, speciation and extinction is of current concern. Examining species climatic preferences via bioclimatic niche modelling is a key tool to study this impact. There is an established link between bioclimatic niche models and phylogenetic diversification. A next step is to examine future distribution predictions from a phylogenetic perspective. We present such a study using Cyclamen (Myrsinaceae), a group which demonstrates morphological and phenological adaptations to its seasonal Mediterranean-type climate. How will the predicted climate change affect future distribution of this popular genus of garden plants?

Results:
We demonstrate phylogenetic structure for some climatic characteristics, and show that most Cyclamen have distinct climatic niches, with the exception of several wide-ranging, geographically expansive, species. We reconstruct climate preferences for hypothetical ancestral Cyclamen. The ancestral Cyclamen lineage has a preference for the seasonal Mediterranean climate characteristic of dry summers and wet winters. Future bioclimatic niches, based on BIOCLIM and Maxent models, are examined with reference to a future climate scenario for the 2050s. Over the next 50 years we predict a northward shift in the area of climatic suitability, with many areas of current distribution becoming climatically unsuitable. The area of climatic suitability for every Cyclamen species is predicted to decrease. For many species, there may be no areas with a suitable climate regardless of dispersal ability, these species re considered to be at high risk of extinction. This risk is examined from a phylogenetic perspective.

Conclusion:
Examining bioclimatic niches from a phylogenetic perspective permits novel interpretations of these models. In particular, reconstruction of ancestral niches can provide testable hypothesis about the historical development of lineages. In the future we can expect a northwards shift in climatic suitability for the genus Cyclamen. If this proves to be the case then dispersal is the best chance of survival, which seems highly unlikely for ant-dispersed Cyclamen. Human-assisted establishment of Cyclamen species well outside their native ranges offers hope and could provide the only means of dispersal to potentially suitable future environments. Even without human intervention the phylogenetic perspective demonstrates that major lineages could survive climate change even if many species are lost.
Nasir al-Din Shah and the Dar al-Funun: The Evolution of an Institution
Authors: Ekhtiar Maryam 
Published: July 2007

Nasir al-Din Shah uttered the following words in the presence of his trusted physician, Dr. Jakob Eduard Polak.“If only no European had ever set foot in my country, we would have been spared all of these tortures. But since these aliens have penetrated, I intend to take as good and as much advantage of them as possible.”Such words of despair reflect the court's ambivalent attitude toward European reform as well as the underlying motives for founding the Dar al-Funun, Iran's first modern European-style institution of higher learning (figs. 1 and 2).The driving force behind the creation of the Dar al-Funun was Nasir al-Din Shah's first premier, Mirza Muhammad Taqi Khan Farahani, better known as Amir Kabir. He founded the institution with the intention of ensuring that a new generation of Iranian youth, primarily military officers, was trained in the “useful sciences.”
Tribe and State in Revolutionary Iran: The Return of the Qashqa'i Khans
Authors: Beck Lois 
Published: July 2007

This paper discusses the attempted resumption of paramount Qashqa'i leadership upon the fall of the Pahlavi regime in 1979. Paramount Qashqa'i leaders had been exiled from Iran following their support of Prime Minister Mosaddeq in the early 1950s and had, since then, either remained in exile or returned to Iran to live under political restrictions. In early 1979, those in exile returned to Iran and joined the others in resuming positions of regional and national political power.These questions are central to the discussion and analysis: What was the nature of Qashqa'i leadership both before and during Pahlavi rule, and how and why had it changed under the Islamic Republic of Iran? How had changes in Iran affecting the Qashqa'i people between 1953 and 1979 affected the attempted resumption of paramount leadership? How had the nature of the Iranian state changed during these periods? How are Qashqa'i leaders best characterized? Are they “tribal” or national-minority leaders, or are they better seen as regional and national powers? How is Qashqa'i leadership different from other kinds of political leadership in Iran, in particular that of other tribes and national minorities, and why?
Al-Khwarazmi's Historical-Cultural Synthesis
Authors: Asimov M. S. 
Published: July 2007

In 1983, the 1,200th anniversary of the death of Abu Abd Allah Mohammad ibn Musa al-Khwarazmi was celebrated in recognition of his profound impact on the history of human civilization.Among his best-known achievements were major developments in the fields of arithmetic and algebra. Through his works the Indian decimal system was eventually transmitted to Europe. And the name “algebra” itself comes from the title of one of his books, Al-Jabr wa'l -muqābalah.Besides his unparalleled contributions in the field of mathematics, al-Khwarazmi's life and works provide us with a broader insight into the aspects of the formation and progress of human civilization. The history of human civilization is marked by migratory processes, by the movements of peoples and ideas from region to region. For historical reasons, centers of civilization arose, flourished, and declined in various parts of the world; but although those centers themselves disappeared, their achievements did not. Instead, these contributions to human knowledge were adopted and developed in new centers under new conditions.
The Politics of Passions: Growing Up Shia
Authors: Fazel Mohammed K. 
Published: July 2007

And youth is cruel, and has no remorseAnd smiles at situations which it cannot see.I smile, of course,And go on drinking tea.T. S. EliotMy mother's mother Kaukab Khanum (Madam Dahlia) was convinced that our family was accursed. Along with her sister, uncles, and a handful of cousins, she had left her native city of Kirman in southern Iran in the 1890s, plodded through deserts, crossed mountains, and reached the Persian Gulf port of Lengeh, whence an Arab dhow provided a tortuous trip to Bombay, India. They were running away from famine, endemic in southern Iran at the turn of the century.Kaukab Khanum believed that our family was accursed because in their eagerness to leave and for expediency, they had abandoned a blind cousin barely fifteen years old. Times were bad, the destination vague, the trip arduous and tricky.
Magnesium depletion impairs myocardial carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and cardiac bioenergetics and raises myocardial calcium content in‐vivo: Relationship to etiology of cardiac diseases
Authors: Altura Burton M. , Gebrewold Asefa , Altura Bella T. , Brautbar Nachman 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis study examines the effects of Mg depletion on myocardial bioenergetic, carbohydrate, lipid and phospholipid metabolism. Rats were studied after long‐term (12 week) selective dietary restriction of Mg (20% normal dietary intake). Myocardial biopsy samples were examined for glucose 6‐phosphate and glycogen to evaluate carbohydrate pathways and for glycerol phosphate and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and phospholipid contents to evaluate lipid and phospholipid turnover. Dietary Mg deficiency resulted in falls in myocardial glycogen, glucose‐6‐phosphate, glycerol phosphate, as well as the contents of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), diphosphatidyl glycerol (DPG), phosphatidyl inositol (PI) and total phospholipid phosphorus. These observations demonstrate impaired phospholipid metabolism, probably at the biosynthetic level. The mitochondrial oxidation of long‐chain fatty acids was also impaired after Mg depletion. Mg depletion (serum Mg fell 60%) also resulted in significant falls in myocardial [ATP], phosphocreatine (PCr), and Mg with a concomitant rise in myocardial Ca content. These observations are consistent with the tenet that prolonged low [Mg2+]. can result in marked reduction in oxygen and substrate delivery to the cardiac myocytes, with concomitant changes in membrane phospholipids (potentially resulting in a pro‐oxidant state) probably as a result of coronary vasoconstriction.
Synergistic stimulation of fibrinogen gelation by casein kinase II and polycationic compounds
Authors: Suk Kyoungho , Lee Jin‐Young , Kim Seung‐Ho 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe processes of thrombin‐induced gelation of the fibrinogen may be influenced by a variety of factors including phosphorylational state of the fibrinogen. Casein kinase II (CKII) has been shown to phosphorylate fibrinogen in vitro and accelerate gelation of the fibrinogen. In this work, we have demonstrated that CKII and polycationic compounds such as polylysine, spermine, and spermidine synergistically stimulate thrombin‐induced gelation of the fibrinogen. These polycationic compounds were also found to increase the stimulatory effects of CKII on the platelet aggregation. Current findings suggest potential role of CKII and polycationic compounds in the process of hemostasis.