1.  Title: Reproductive and hormonal factors, and ovarian cancer risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers: results from the International BRCA1/2 Carrier Cohort Study. Author: Antoniou AC; Rookus M; Andrieu N; Brohet R; Chang-Claude J Source: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. 2009 Feb;18(2):601-10. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Several reproductive and hormonal factors are known to be associated with ovarian cancer risk in the general population, including parity and oral contraceptive (OC) use. However, their effect on ovarian cancer risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers has only been investigated in a small number of studies. METHODS: We used data on 2,281 BRCA1 carriers and 1,038 BRCA2 carriers from the International BRCA1/2 Carrier Cohort Study to evaluate the effect of reproductive and hormonal factors on ovarian cancer risk for mutation carriers. Data were analyzed within a weighted Cox proportional hazards framework. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the risk of ovarian cancer between parous and nulliparous carriers. For parous BRCA1 mutation carriers, the risk of ovarian cancer was reduced with each additional full-term pregnancy (P trend = 0.002). BRCA1 carriers who had ever used OC were at a significantly reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence intervals, 0.37-0.73; P = 0.0002) and increasing duration of OC use was associated with a reduced ovarian cancer risk (P trend = 0.0004). The protective effect of OC use for BRCA1 mutation carriers seemed to be greater among more recent users. Tubal ligation was associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer for BRCA1 carriers (hazard ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence intervals, 0.22-0.80; P = 0.008). The number of ovarian cancer cases in BRCA2 mutation carriers was too small to draw definitive conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide further confirmation that OC use, number of full-term pregnancies, and tubal ligation are associated with ovarian cancer risk in BRCA1 carriers to a similar relative extent as in the general population. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | COHORT ANALYSIS | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | CLINICAL RESEARCH | WOMEN | PREVALENCE | RISK ASSESSMENT | OVARIAN CANCER | CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES | PARITY | RISK FACTORS | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, SIDE EFFECTS | TUBAL LIGATION | Research Methodology | Comparative Studies | Studies | Demographic Factors | Population | Measurement | Evaluation | Cancer | Neoplasms | Diseases | Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Health | Contraceptive Safety | Safety | Public Health | Female Sterilization | Sterilization, Sexual | Family Planning Document Number: 331025 |
| 2. Peer Reviewed Title: Provision of abortion by mid-level providers: international policy, practice and perspectives. Author: Berer M Source: Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 2009 Jan;87(1):58-63. Abstract: Based on articles found on the PubMed and Popline databases on the provision of first-trimester abortion by mid-level providers, this article describes policies on type of abortion provider, comparative studies of different types of abortion provider, provider perspectives, and programmatic experience in Bangladesh, Cambodia, France, Mozambique, South Africa, Sweden, the United States of America and Viet Nam. It shows that it is safe and beneficial for suitably trained mid-level health-care providers, including nurses, midwives and other non-physician clinicians, to provide first-trimester vacuum aspiration and medical abortions. Moreover, it finds that projects in Kenya, Myanmar and Uganda have successfully trained nurse-midwives to provide post-abortion care for incomplete abortion with manual vacuum aspiration, and that studies in Ethiopia and India have recommended that providers such as auxiliary nurse-midwives should be trained in abortion service delivery to ensure that they provide safe abortions for low-income women. The paper recommends the authorization of all qualified mid-level health-care providers to carry out first-trimester abortions, and it also recommends the integration of training in providing first-trimester abortion care into basic education and clinical training for all mid-level providers and medical students interested in obstetrics and gynaecology. Finally, it calls for documentation of the role of mid-level providers in managing second-trimester medical abortions to further inform policy and practice. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | RECOMMENDATIONS | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | CLINICAL RESEARCH | HEALTH PERSONNEL | ABORTION | PREGNANCY, FIRST TRIMESTER | POSTABORTION CARE | TRAINING PROGRAMS | Studies | Research Methodology | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Health Services | Education Document Number: 341127 |
| 3. Peer Reviewed Title: Risk factors for the development of vesicovaginal fistula after incidental cystotomy at the time of a benign hysterectomy. Author: Duong TH; Gellasch TL; Adam RA Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2009 Aug 14; Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate risk factors for vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) after incidental cystotomy during benign hysterectomies. STUDY DESIGN: All benign hysterectomies between January 2000 and May 2004 were reviewed. Demographic and operative data were abstracted. Cystotomies were graded using the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) system. Patients developing VVF after cystotomy were compared to those who did not. Categorical variables were analyzed with Fisher exact test while Student t test was used for continuous data. RESULTS: A total of 1317 benign hysterectomies were reviewed (46% abdominal, 48% vaginal, and 6% laparoscopically assisted vaginal). In all, 34 cystotomies occurred with 4 (11.7%) developing a VVF. Patients developing VVF were more likely to have an AAST grade V cystotomy (75% vs 7%; P = .004). Patients developing VVF trended toward greater tobacco use, larger uterine size, and more operative blood loss. CONCLUSION: Patients with an AAST grade V cystotomy are at increased risk for VVF formation. Language: English Keywords: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | WOMEN | HYSTERECTOMY | FISTULA | RISK FACTORS | North America | Americas | Demographic Factors | Population | Gynecologic Surgery | Urogenital Surgery | Surgery | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Diseases Document Number: 342547 |
| 4. Peer Reviewed Title: The vital signs of chronic disease management. Author: Harries AD; Zachariah R; Kapur A; Jahn A; Enarson DA Source: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2009 Jun;103(6):537-40. Abstract: The vital signs of pulse rate, blood pressure, temperature and respiratory rate are the 'nub' of individual patient management. At the programmatic level, vital signs could also be used to monitor the burden and treatment outcome of chronic disease. Case detection and treatment outcome constitute the vital signs of tuberculosis control within the WHO's 'DOTS' framework, and similar vital signs could be adapted and used for management of chronic diseases. The numbers of new patients started on therapy in each month or quarter (new incident cases) are sensitive indicators for programme performance and access to services. Using similar reporting cycles, treatment outcomes for all patients can be assessed, the vital signs being: alive and retained on therapy at the respective facility; died; stopped therapy; lost to follow-up; and transferred out to another facility. Retention on treatment constitutes the prevalent number of cases, the burden of disease, and this provides important strategic information for rational drug forecasting and logistic planning. If case numbers and outcomes of chronic diseases were measured reliably and consistently as part of an integrated programmatic approach, this would strengthen the ability of resource-poor countries to monitor and assess their response to these growing epidemics. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | CLIENTS | MANAGEMENT | PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE | TUBERCULOSIS | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | DISEASES | TREATMENT | PRIMARY HEALTH CARE | DIABETES | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Infections | HIV | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Medical Procedures | Medicine Document Number: 342748 |
| 5. Title: Demographics of infertility. Author: Ledger WL Source: Reproductive Biomedicine Online. 2009;18 Suppl 2:11-4. Abstract: The demographic composition of many developed countries threatens their economies and global influence. On the one hand, the increased cost of living and of raising children discourages couples from starting families until later in life while, on the other hand, improved living standards have increased life expectancy. Together, these have resulted in a low total fertility rate and a net increase in the elderly population. The financial and employment protection incentives offered by governments have had relatively little impact on this demographic trend, and a multi-level approach is needed. Governments are, therefore, considering alternatives as part of a so-called 'population policy mix'. One option is to promote access to assisted reproductive technology for infertile couples. The prevalence of infertility has increased, in part because of general health issues, such as obesity and the rise in sexually transmitted diseases, and also because women are postponing having their first child. Improving accessibility to assisted reproductive technology will relieve the burden of infertility on these couples and may contribute to effectively challenging the problem of low total fertility rates in many developed countries. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHICS | FERTILITY RATE | INFERTILITY | REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES | POLICY | Demography | Social Sciences | Science | Sociocultural Factors | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Reproduction | Political Factors Document Number: 342603 |
6.  Title: Contraceptive projections and the donor gap: Meeting the challenge. Author: Ross J; Weissman E; Stover J Source: Arlington, Virginia, JSI, DELIVER, 2009 Feb. 44 p. Abstract: This report looks at just one component of reproductive health commodities: contraceptives: A follow-up report of the same title published in 2001, the report starts with an overview of current demand for contraceptives in 88 developing countries that depend on supplies from donors. Future needs for contraceptive commodities are projected for two scenarios: one assuming that all unmet need for family planning will be satisfied by 2015 as specified in the ICPD and the MDGs, and the other one based on the medium variant projections of the United Nations Population Division-projections that assume a more gradual contraceptive prevalence increase that is based on historical trends. The proportion of future needs that will require donor funding is estimated on the basis of historical funding trends. Those future needs are compared with current donor funding to highlight the ?donor gap,? the expected shortfall in commodity funding unless resources for commodities are increased substantially. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | EVALUATION | POLICYMAKERS | FOREIGN AID | EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES | CONTRACEPTIVE AVAILABILITY | NEEDS ASSESSMENT | PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY | FAMILY PLANNING POLICY | CONTRACEPTIVE DISTRIBUTION | GOVERNMENT FINANCING | Administrative Personnel | Organization and Administration | Financial Activities | Economic Factors | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Contraception | Family Planning | Program Evaluation | Programs | Population Policy | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Distributional Activities | Program Activities Document Number: 341071 |
| 7. Title: World fertility patterns 2007. [Wallchart]. Author: United Nations. Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Population Division Source: New York, New York, United Nations, 2008 Jan. [2] p. (ST/ESA/SER.A/269) Abstract: The last decades of the twentieth century witnessed a major transformation in world fertility: total fertility fell from an average of 4.5 children per woman in 1970-1975 to 2.6 children per woman in 2000-2005. This change was driven mostly by developing countries whose fertility dropped by nearly half (from 5.4 to 2.9 children per woman) with the decline being less marked among the least developed countries where fertility remains high (their average fertility declined from 6.6 children per woman in 1970-1975 to 5.0 in 2000-2005). This chart presents some of the data available to assess the change in fertility taking place in the countries of the world. For each of the 195 countries or areas with at least 100,000 inhabitants in 2007, it displays available unadjusted data on total fertility, age-specific fertility and the mean age at childbearing for two points in time: the first as close as possible to 1970 and the second as close as possible to 2005. Data on total fertility for the world as a whole, the development groups and major areas are estimates referring to 1970-1975 and 2000-2005 derived from the 2006 Revision of World Population Prospects. The chart thus presents regional estimates of fertility change and part of the basic data underlying those estimates. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | TABLES AND CHARTS | FERTILITY CHANGES | AGE SPECIFIC FERTILITY RATE | UN | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Fertility Rate | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | International Agencies | Organizations | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 326616 |
| 8. Title: Research subsidies, population control policies, and growth. Author: Alexandrakis C Source: Review of Development Economics. 2008 Feb;12(1):106-123. Abstract: Several R&D-based growth models without scale effects claim that subsidies to R&D are not conductive for economic growth while a faster growing population is. Yet, in an effort to maintain high growth rates, most OECD countries continue to subsidize R&D, while several developing countries are trying to control the size of their population. Are these countries misguided? This study introduces an R&D-based growth model that is characterized by complementarities between technology and human capital. The model is free of scale effects and consistent with the above-mentioned policies. By applying the model to US data the study uncovers a possible explanation for the productivity slowdown. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | METHODOLOGICAL STUDIES | MATHEMATICAL MODEL | POPULATION | POLICYMAKERS | POPULATION CONTROL | POPULATION POLICY | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | POPULATION GROWTH | RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT | GRANTS | TECHNOLOGY | HUMAN CAPITAL | PRODUCTIVITY | Theoretical Models | Research Methodology | Administrative Personnel | Organization and Administration | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Economic Factors | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Financial Activities | Human Resources Document Number: 324779 |
| 9. Peer Reviewed Title: Effects of policy options for human resources for health: An analysis of systematic reviews. Author: Chopra M; Munro S; Lavis JN; Vist G; Bennett S Source: Lancet. 2008 Feb 23;371(9613):668-674. Abstract: Policy makers face challenges to ensure an appropriate supply and distribution of trained health workers and to manage their performance in delivery of services, especially in countries with low and middle incomes. We aimed to identify all available policy options to address human resources for health in such countries, and to assess the effectiveness of these policy options. We searched Medline and Embase from 1979 to September, 2006, the Cochrane Library, and the Human Resources for Health Global Resource Center database. We also searched up to 10 years of archives from five relevant journals, and consulted experts. We included systematic reviews in English which assessed the effects of policy options that could affect the training, distribution, regulation, financing, management, organisation, or performance of health workers. Two reviewers independently assessed each review for eligibility and quality, and systematically extracted data about main effects. We also assessed whether the policy options were equitable in their effects; suitable for scaling up; and applicable to countries with low and middle incomes. 28 of the 759 systematic reviews of effects that we identified were eligible according to our criteria. Of these, only a few included studies from countries with low and middle incomes, and some reviews were of low quality. Most evidence focused on organisational mechanisms for human resources, such as substitution or shifting tasks between different types of health workers, or extension of their roles; performance-enhancing strategies such as quality improvement or continuing education strategies; promotion of teamwork; and changes to workflow. Of all policy options, the use of lay health workers had the greatest proportion of reviews in countries with a range of incomes, from high to low. We have identified a need for more systematic reviews on the effects of policy options to improve human resources for health in countries with low and middle incomes, for assessments of any interventionsthat policy makers introduce to plan and manage human resources for health, and for other research to aid policy makers in these countries. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | LITERATURE REVIEW | HEALTH | HEALTH POLICY | HUMAN RESOURCES | SUPERVISION | MANAGEMENT | PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT | HEALTH SERVICES | DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE | EVALUATION | Policy | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Economic Factors | Organization and Administration Document Number: 324869 |
| 10. Title: New data on African health professionals abroad. Author: Clemens MA; Pettersson G Source: Human Resources for Health. 2008 Jan 10;6:1. Abstract: The migration of doctors and nurses from Africa to developed countries has raised fears of an African medical brain drain. But empirical research on the causes and effects of the phenomenon has been hampered by a lack of systematic data on the extent of African health workers' international movements. We use destination-country census data to estimate the number of African-born doctors and professional nurses working abroad in a developed country circa 2000, and compare this to the stocks of these workers in each country of origin. Approximately 65,000 African-born physicians and 70,000 African-born professional nurses were working overseas in a developed country in the year 2000. This represents about one fifth of African-born physicians in the world, and about one tenth of African-born professional nurses. The fraction of health professionals abroad varies enormously across African countries, from 1% to over 70% according to the occupation and country. These numbers are the first standardized, systematic, occupation-specific measure of skilled professionals working in developed countries and born in a large number of developing countries. (author's) Language: English Keywords: AFRICA | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | EMIGRANTS | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | HEALTH PERSONNEL | PHYSICIANS | NURSES AND NURSING | INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION | Developing Countries | Migrants | Migration | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Studies | Research Methodology | Delivery of Health Care | Health Document Number: 326353 |
| 11. Peer Reviewed Title: Extended-interval dosing of gentamicin for treatment of neonatal sepsis in developed and developing countries. Author: Darmstadt GL; Miller-Bell M; Batra M; Law P; Law K Source: Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition. 2008 Jun;26(2):163-182. Abstract: Serious bacterial infections are the single most important cause of neonatal mortality in developing countries. Case-fatality rates for neonatal sepsis in developing countries are high, partly because of inadequate administration of necessary antibiotics. For the treatment of neonatal sepsis in resource-poor, high-mortality settings in developing countries where most neonatal deaths occur, simplified treatment regimens are needed. Recommended therapy for neonatal sepsis includes gentamicin, a parenteral aminoglycoside antibiotic, which has excellent activity against gram-negative bacteria, in combination with an antimicrobial with potent gram-positive activity. Traditionally, gentamicin has been administered 2-3 times daily. However, recent evidence suggests that extended-interval (i.e. > or = 24 hours) dosing may be applicable to neonates. This review examines the available data from randomized and non-randomized studies of extended- interval dosing of gentamicin in neonates from both developed and developing countries. Available data on the use of gentamicin among neonates suggest that extended dosing intervals and higher doses (>4 mg/kg) confer a favourable pharmacokinetic profile, the potential for enhanced clinical efficacy and decreased toxicity at reduced cost. In conclusion, the following simplified weight-based dosing regimen for the treatment of serious neonatal infections in developing countries is recommended: 13.5 mg (absolute dose) every 24 hours for neonates of > or = 2,500 g, 10 mg every 24 hours for neonates of 2,000-2,499 g, and 10 mg every 48 hours for neonates of <2,000 g. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | LITERATURE REVIEW | CLINICAL RESEARCH | INFANT | NEONATAL DISEASES AND ABNORMALITIES | BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL DISEASES | NEONATAL MORTALITY | ANTIBIOTICS | TREATMENT | ADMINISTRATION AND DOSAGE | TIME FACTORS | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Diseases | Infections | Infant Mortality | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Drugs | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health Document Number: 327783 |
| 12. Title: The unique features of pediatric HIV-1 in sub-Saharan Africa. Author: De Baets AJ; Ramet J; Msellati P; Lepage P Source: Current HIV Research. 2008 Jun;6(4):351-62. Abstract: In order to adapt African programs for antiretroviral treatment (ART) to children's needs, a good understanding of the unique features of pediatric HIV in Africa and realistic expectations of the results of such programs are crucial. We compared pediatric HIV in African settings to pediatric HIV in Western settings and to adult HIV in African settings. As an illustration, we also compared baseline characteristics and ART-outcomes from 15 African pediatric studies, 11 Western pediatric studies and 15 studies of African adults. Several differences in diagnostic, clinical, immunological and virological characteristics were identified, as well as variations in the most influential factors for disease progression and response to ART. Environmental factors may influence disease progression, mortality, loss to follow-up, adherence and the need to adapt the regimen. Many of the responses to ART are two-phased, the first phase taking longer in children than in adults. The selected African pediatric programs recorded a higher increase in median CD4-percent than the selected Western pediatric programs and a higher increase in CD4-count than the selected African adult programs. Compared to the adult programs, the African pediatric programs had lower drop-out rates, higher reported adherence levels and comparable mortality rates. The Western pediatric programs, however, had the lowest mortality rates. While several challenges complicate comparisons between ART-programs, increased knowledge of the unique features of pediatric HIV in Africa may greatly assist in improving pediatric HIV care on a global level. Language: English Keywords: AFRICA, SUB SAHARAN | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | CHILDREN | ADULTS | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | HIV INFECTIONS | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | CLINIC ACTIVITIES | TIME FACTORS | USER COMPLIANCE | DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE | AGE SPECIFIC DEATH RATE | Africa | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Persons Living With HIV/AIDS | Viral Diseases | Diseases | HIV | Program Activities | Programs | Organization and Administration | Population Dynamics | Behavior | Health | Death Rate | Mortality Document Number: 329834 |
| 13. Title: International assistance and cooperation in sexual and reproductive health: a human rights responsibility for donors. Author: de Mesquita JB; Hunt P Source: Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom, University of Essex, Human Rights Centre, 2008 Dec. 24 p. Abstract: States' obligations under some international treaties extend beyond their national borders to international assistance and cooperation for human rights, including the rights to sexual and reproductive health, in other countries. This publication focuses on what is expected of donors in the context of this responsibility. It shows how many donors are taking important steps towards fulfilling this duty through measures they are taking to integrate the rights to sexual and reproductive health into their policies and programmes, but also argues that many donors can also do more. The publication concludes with a set of recommendations addressed to donors and their developing country partner governments. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | RECOMMENDATIONS | EVALUATION | POLICYMAKERS | GOVERNMENT | HUMAN RIGHTS | FOREIGN AID | INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION | SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE PREVENTION | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | POLITICAL FACTORS | INTEGRATED PROGRAMS | REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS | GOALS | Administrative Personnel | Organization and Administration | Sociocultural Factors | Financial Activities | Economic Factors | Sexually Transmitted Diseases | Reproductive Tract Infections | Infections | Diseases | Health | Programs | Planning Document Number: 325207 |
| 14. Title: Long-term trends in international migration: an analysis of the six main receiving countries. Author: Defoort C Source: Population-E. 2008;63(2):285-318. Abstract: In a global context of growing international mobility and rising education levels, emigration by highly skilled individuals is, not surprisingly, on the increase. To observe the brain drain, an analysis by individual sending countries is more instructive than a general overview. In this article, Cécily Defoort uses an OECD database on immigrant stocks by skill level in the six main OECD receiving countries to reconstitute country-specific trends in emigration rates among highly skilled workers over the period 1975-2000. Small countries, like those of the Caribbean and Oceania, are especially affected. Their lack of university infrastructure makes them particularly vulnerable to the permanent loss of students who emigrate for study purposes and do not return home. Among larger countries, some traditional emigration flows continue throughout the study period, affecting countries like Kenya and Uganda, for example, though also the United Kingdom. The countries identified as badly affected in 2000, but not in 1975, include large countries of Africa and South Asia. On the other hand, although vast nations like China and India export large numbers of skilled migrants, their seemingly inexhaustible reserves of human capital mean that the local impact of these losses is slight. Spanish Abstract: Este artículo propone una estimación de la migración internacional dirigida a los 6 principales países receptores de la OCDE de 1975 a 2000. El análisis revela un alza importante de las migraciones internacionales durante el período, junto con una evolución importante de la cualificación de los migrantes. Paralelamente a este fenómeno, notamos un alza significativa del nivel de cualificación a nivel mundial. Un análisis por país muestra una fuerte estabilidad de la clasificación de los países más afectados por la fuga de cerebros. Si la evolución global de las migraciones cualificadas resulta limitada, los países más afectados por la salida de sus trabajadores más cualificados en 1975 siguen siendo mayoritariamente los mismos veinticinco años más tarde. French Abstract: Cet article propose une estimation de la migration internationale en direction des 6 principaux pays receveurs de l'OCDE de 1975 à 2000. L'analyse révèle une hausse importante des migrations internationales au cours de la période, accompagnée d'une évolution importante de la qualification des migrants. Parallèlement à ce phénomène, nous notons une hausse significative du niveau de qualification au niveau mondial. Une analyse par pays montre une forte stabilité du classement des pays les plus touchés par la fuite des cerveaux. Si l'évolution globale des migrations qualifiées s'avère limitée, les pays étant les plus touchés par le départ de leurs travailleurs les plus qualifiés en 1975 demeurent majoritairement les mêmes vingt-cinq ans plus tard. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | IMMIGRANTS | STUDENTS | INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION | BRAIN DRAIN | HUMAN CAPITAL | Comparative Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Migrants | Migration | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Education | Human Resources | Economic Factors Document Number: 329877 |
| 15. Title: Infectious syphilis in high-income settings in the 21st century. Author: Fenton KA; Breban R; Vardavas R; Okano JT; Martin T Source: Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2008 Apr;8(4):244-253. Abstract: In high-income countries after World War II, the widespread availability of effective antimicrobial therapy, combined with expanded screening, diagnosis, and treatment programmes, resulted in a substantial decline in the incidence of syphilis. However, by the turn of the 21st century, outbreaks of syphilis began to occur in different subpopulations, especially in communities of men who have sex with men. The reasons for these outbreaks include changing sexual and social norms, interactions with increasingly prevalent HIV infection, substance abuse, global travel and migration, and under-investment in public-health services. Recently, it has been suggested that these outbreaks could be the result of an interaction of the pathogen with natural immunity, and that syphilis epidemics should be expected to intrinsically cycle. We discuss this hypothesis by examining long-term data sets of syphilis. Today, syphilis in western Europe and the USA is characterised by low-level endemicity with concentration among population subgroups with high rates of partner change, poor access to health services, social marginalisation, or low socioeconomic status. (author's) Language: English Keywords: EUROPE | UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | INCIDENCE | HIGH INCOME POPULATION | SYPHILIS | TRANSMISSION | SCREENING | EXAMINATIONS AND DIAGNOSES | DRUG USE AND ABUSE | RISK BEHAVIOR | SEX BEHAVIOR | TRAVEL AND TOURISM | MIGRATION | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | HEALTH SERVICES | PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY | North America | Americas | Measurement | Research Methodology | Social Class | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Sexually Transmitted Diseases | Reproductive Tract Infections | Infections | Diseases | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Behavior | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Program Evaluation | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 325524 |
| 16. Title: Infant feeding and HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa: what lies beneath the dilemma? Author: Fletcher FE; Ndebele P; Kelley MC Source: Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics. 2008;29(5):307-30. Abstract: The debate over how to best guide HIV-infected mothers in resource-poor settings on infant feeding is more than two decades old. Globally, breastfeeding is responsible for approximately 300,000 HIV infections per year, while at the same time, UNICEF estimates that not breastfeeding (formula feeding with contaminated water) is responsible for 1.5 million child deaths per year. The largest burden of these infections and deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using this region as an example of the burden faced more generally in other resource-poor settings, we contrast the evolution of the clinical standard of care for infant feeding with HIV-infected mothers in high-income countries to the current international clinical guidelines for HIV-infected mothers and infant feeding in resource-poor settings. While the international guidelines of exclusive breastfeeding for a 6-month period seem to offer the least-worst strategy for reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV during infancy while conferring some immunity through breastfeeding post-6 months, we argue that the impact of the policy on mothers and healthcare workers on the ground is not well understood. The harm reduction approach on the level of health policy translates into a complicated, painful moral dilemma for HIV-positive mothers and those offering them guidance on infant feeding. We argue that the underlying socio-economic disparities that continue to fuel the need for a harm reduction policy on infant feeding and the harm to women and children justify: (1) that higher priority be given to solving the infant feeding dilemma with improved data on safe feeding alternatives, and (2) support of innovative, community-driven solutions that address the particular economic and cultural challenges that continue to result in HIV-transmission to children within these communities. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | INFANT | PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | MOTHERS | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | BREASTFEEDING | INFANT NUTRITION | HIV PREVENTION | PREVENTION OF MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION | STANDARDIZATION | HEALTH POLICY | TIME FACTORS | Comparative Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Nutrition | Health | Disease Transmission Control | Prevention and Control | Data Adjustment | Policy | Political Factors | Population Dynamics Document Number: 331108 |
| 17. Peer Reviewed Title: Ovarian cancer and oral contraceptives. Author: Franco EL; Duarte-Franco E Source: Lancet. 2008 Jan 26;371(9609):277-278. Abstract: Since the 1960s, oral contraceptives have become a dominant form of female contraception in most developed countries. In the UK, 25% of women aged 16-49 years and 62% of women aged 16-24 years rely on combined oestrogen-progestin or progestin-only (minipill) oral contraceptives. In the USA, 19% of women aged 15-44 years (and 32% of 20-24-year-olds) take oral contraceptives. These drugs are the most effective reversible birth-control method, and widespread use has been the cornerstone of family-planning initiatives worldwide. A causal role for oral contraceptives in various cancers was first suspected soon after their use became widespread, but today's low-dose formulations are relatively safe drugs. Oral contraceptives have been linked with increased risks for some cancers (breast and cervix) and with protective effects for others (ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal). Calculation of the net effect on women's health is fraught with uncertainties. There are inherent difficulties associated with ascertaining the nature of exposure to oral contraceptives, such as age at first use, duration of use, time since last use, formulation of contraceptives (sequential, combined, or progestin-only), and dose. Furthermore, epidemiological studies must include information about potential confounders, such as sociodemographics, family history of cancer, comorbidity, reproductive-health variables, history of hormone-replacement therapy (HRT), and relevant lifestyle characteristics. For a woman in her 50s or 60s, recalling past use of oral contraceptives is not easy. In case-control studies, recall bias may further compound this problem because women with cancer might make a greater effort to recollect past exposures than their cancer-free counterparts. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | CRITIQUE | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES | ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES, SIDE EFFECTS | OVARIAN CANCER | PREVENTION AND CONTROL | Contraceptive Methods | Contraception | Family Planning | Contraceptive Safety | Safety | Public Health | Health | Cancer | Neoplasms | Diseases Document Number: 323989 |
| 18. Peer Reviewed Title: Despite differences in legal status, abortion occurs at similar rates in developing and developed countries. Author: Hollander D Source: Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. 2008 Mar;40(1):55-56. Abstract: An estimated 42 million abortions occurred throughout the world in 2003, and although the vast majority were in developing countries, where abortion laws generally are restrictive and unsafe procedures common, overall abortion rates were similar in developed and developing countries-26 and 29 per 1,000 women of reproductive age, respectively. Nearly half of abortions were unsafe procedures, which occurred at a rate of 16 for every 1,000 women aged 15-44 in developing countries and two per 1,000 women in developed countries. These findings are part of the picture painted by the first comprehensive assessment of abortion worldwide since 1995. The researchers gathered data on safe abortions-"those that meet legal requirements in countries in which abortion is legally permitted under a broad range of criteria"-from official national reporting systems, nationally representative surveys and published reports. They examined the quality of the data and corrected for under-reporting of abortions when the data appeared to be incomplete. To estimate the incidence of unsafe abortions-procedures performed "by people lacking the necessary skills or in an environment that does not conform to minimum medical standards"-they relied mainly on data from hospital records, surveys and published studies. United Nations population and birth estimates were used for the calculations of abortion rates and ratios. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | WOMEN | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | ABORTION LAW | ABORTION RATE | HUMAN GEOGRAPHY | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | ABORTION | Comparative Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Economic Factors | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Geography | Social Sciences | Science | Sociocultural Factors Document Number: 325198 Notification |
| 19. Title: Adding insult to injury: the healthcare brain drain. Author: Hooper CR Source: Journal of Medical Ethics. 2008 Sep;34(9):684-7. Abstract: Recent reports published by the United Nations and the World Health Organization suggest that the brain drain of healthcare professionals from the developing to the developed world is decimating the provision of healthcare in poor countries. The migration of these key workers is driven by a combination of economic inequalities and the recruitment policies of governments in the rich world. This article assesses the impact of the healthcare brain drain and argues that wealthy countries have a moral obligation to reduce the flow of healthcare workers from the developing to the developed world. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | CRITIQUE | MIGRANTS | HEALTH PERSONNEL | BRAIN DRAIN | INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION | INEQUALITIES | ECONOMIC FACTORS | HEALTH POLICY | GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS | ETHICS | SOCIAL POLICY | Migration | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Socioeconomic Factors | Policy | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 329210 |
| 20. Title: Childhood drowning in low- and middle-income countries: Urgent need for intervention trials. Author: Hyder AA; Borse NN; Blum L; Khan R; El Arifeen S Source: Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. 2008 Apr;44(4):221-227. Abstract: Data available for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) indicate that the burden of drowning in children is significant and becoming a leading public health problem. At the same time, interventions for drowning are not well documented in LMICs. The overall purpose of this paper is to make the case for research investments in conducting intervention trials to prevent child drowning in LMICs. In high-income countries (HICs), existing drowning prevention interventions include among others: pool fencing, supervision, lifeguards and water safety training at a young age. However, these measures may not be the most relevant in curtailing the number of drowning deaths in LMICs. There are differences with regard to geographical, social, cultural and behavioural factors associated with drowning between HICs and LMICs, often making it inappropriate to apply existing interventions directly in LMIC settings. This paper focuses on drowning from LMICs and reveals a dearth of data on incidence rates and risk factors; absence of public health interventions; lack of research on intervention effectiveness and cost-effectiveness; and paucity of national drowning prevention programs. Based on this evidence, this paper calls for immediate attention to drowning prevention by increasing research investments. This paper specifically discusses Bangladesh as a case study and proposes a drowning intervention study focusing on children less than 5 years in LMICs as an example of appropriate research investment. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | DATA COLLECTION | CHILD | MIDDLE INCOME POPULATION | CHILD HEALTH | ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES | INTERVENTIONS | NEEDS | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Social Class | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Health | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 326142 |
| 21. Title: The graying of the great powers: Demography and geopolitics in the 21st century. Author: Jackson R; Howe N; Strauss R; Nakashima K Source: Washington, D.C., Center for Strategic and International Studies [CSIS], 2008. 184 p. (Advance Proofs) Abstract: This report explores the geopolitical implications of "global aging"-the dramatic demographic transformation in population age structures and growth rates being brought about by falling fertility and rising longevity worldwide. Its viewpoint is that of the United States in particular and today's developed countries in general. Its timeframe is roughly the next half-century, from today through 2050. The report assesses how population aging and population decline in the developed world may affect the ability of the United States and its traditional allies to maintain national and global security. The analysis not only considers the impact of the demographic trends on population numbers, wealth, and defense capability, it also explores how they could change the temperament of society (by affecting risk tolerance, voter behavior, job mobility, religious extremism, and family structure) - and thus change national goals themselves. The report also looks closely at how demographic trends in the developing world will shape the future global security environment-and the threats and opportunities they pose for today's graying great powers. This overview summarizes the report's main findings under two headings: findings about the demographic transformation and findings about its geopolitical implications. It also lays out the organization of the report and summarizes the ground covered in the different chapters. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: GLOBAL | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | TECHNICAL REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION | DEMOGRAPHIC AGING | POPULATION DECREASE | DEMOGRAPHIC IMPACT | NATIONAL SECURITY | SOCIAL CHANGE | POLITICAL FACTORS | POLICY DEVELOPMENT | North America | Americas | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Sociocultural Factors | Planning | Organization and Administration Document Number: 326609 |
| 22. Title: Global child health priorities: what role for paediatric oncologists? Author: Kellie SJ; Howard SC Source: European Journal of Cancer. 2008 Nov;44(16):2388-96. Abstract: Despite increasing globalisation, international mobility and economic interdependence, 9.7 million children aged less than 5 years in low income countries will die this year, almost all from preventable or treatable diseases. Diarrhoea, pneumonia and malaria account for 5 million of these deaths each year, compared to about 150,000 deaths from childhood cancer in low- and middle-income countries. In high-income countries, 80% of the 50,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year survive, yet cancer remains the leading disease-related cause of childhood death. In low- and middle-income countries, where 80% of children live, the 200,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year have limited access to curative treatment, and only about 25% survive. Some might argue that death from paediatric cancer in poor countries is insignificant compared to death from other causes, and that scarce health resources may be better used in other areas of public health. Is there a role for the treatment of children with cancer in these regions? Do international partnerships or 'twinning' programmes enhance local health care or detract from other public health priorities? What is ethical and what is possible? This review examines the health challenges faced by infants and children in low-income countries, and assesses the role and impact of international paediatric oncology collaboration to improve childhood cancer care worldwide. Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGY | PUBLIC HEALTH | LOW INCOME POPULATION | CHILD HEALTH | HEALTH SERVICES | CANCER | TREATMENT | Health | Social Class | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Delivery of Health Care | Neoplasms | Diseases | Medical Procedures | Medicine Document Number: 330513 |
| 23. Title: Unintended consequences of US policies on international women's health. Author: Kelly PJ; Geller SE Source: Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health. 2008 Sep-Oct;53(5):e35-9. Abstract: While the decisions and policies of individual countries have an impact on women's health locally, those of the US government have a profound global effect. While US agencies, both federal and nongovernmental, have expended millions of dollars in an effort to improve reproductive health, their efforts are often hampered by US policies that interfere with the best interests of the women they are trying to help. Although the United States has historically provided leadership and funding in international reproductive health agencies, the current situation is one of reduced or canceled funding to agencies and an insistence on linking funding with adherence to religious faith-based values. Over the past 8 years, three US policies in particular have greatly limited the work of government and international agencies to improve women's health: the international gag rule, cessation of funding to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and abstinence focus for HIV/AIDS prevention. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | SUMMARY REPORT | WOMEN | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | MATERNAL HEALTH | WOMEN'S HEALTH | POLICY | FUNDS | ABSTINENCE | PROGRAM ACTIVITIES | Demographic Factors | Population | Health | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Financial Activities | Economic Factors | Family Planning, Behavioral Methods | Family Planning | Programs | Organization and Administration Document Number: 329650 |
| 24. Title: Is there really a "feminisation of poverty"? Author: Medeiros M; Costa J Source: Poverty in Focus. 2008 Jan;(13):24-25. Abstract: The term 'feminisation of poverty' refers to an increase in the relative levels of poverty among women and/or female headed households. It deserves special attention from policy makers since it is related to two negative phenomena: gender inequality and poverty. Given that the increase of poverty among a social group tends to set priorities for public policies, in the last decade the discourse on feminisation has had some impact on the agenda to promote gender equality in the economic sphere. This, however, comes at the risk of collapsing the broader gender inequality concerns into a pure poverty agenda. Based on the available evidence about Latin America and some developed countries, this article briefly reviews whether there really is a generalised feminisation of income poverty. Irrespective of this, we argue that poverty-as currently measured-captures only a small part of important gender inequalities in the economic sphere. Much has been said about a feminisation of poverty in the world. But such a feminisation should not be confused with higher levels of poverty among women or female-headed households. The term 'feminisation' relates to the way poverty changes over time, whereas 'higher levels of poverty' refers to the levels of poverty at a given moment; it includes the so-called over-representation among the poor. Thus, feminisation is a process while 'higher poverty' is a state. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: LATIN AMERICA | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | CRITIQUE | DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | WOMEN | HOUSEHOLDS | POVERTY | GENDER ISSUES | INEQUALITIES | ECONOMIC POLICY | HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION | HOME ECONOMICS | Americas | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Demographic Factors | Population | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Socioeconomic Factors | Policy | Political Factors | Microeconomic Factors Document Number: 323226 |
| 25. Title: Technological progress, income inequality, and fertility. Author: Sato Y; Tabata K; Yamamoto K Source: Journal of Population Economics. 2008 Jan;21(1):135-157. Abstract: This paper constructs an overlapping-generations model with two different types of technology: modern, which can be accessed only by the skilled, and traditional, which can be accessed by the unskilled. The model described in this paper shows that a rise in the wage premium for skilled workers caused by skill-biased technological changes explains the following key stylized facts: with economic development, the fraction of skilled people increases, the fertility rate declines, and income inequality rises and then falls. The model also explains the observed gradual rises in income inequality in developed countries. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | MATHEMATICAL MODEL | ECONOMIC MODEL | WORKERS | TECHNOLOGY | WAGES | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | FERTILITY RATE | INEQUALITIES | INCOME | Theoretical Models | Research Methodology | Labor Force | Human Resources | Economic Factors | Macroeconomic Factors | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Socioeconomic Factors Document Number: 322759 |
| 26. Peer Reviewed Title: Breastfeeding and HIV infection. Author: Shearer WT Source: Pediatrics. 2008 May;121(5):1046-1047. Abstract: The breastfeeding of infants born to HIV-infected mothers is a subject of continuing debate among developed and developing populations in the world. HIV-infected mothers in developed countries almost universally do not breastfeed their infants because of an approximately15% risk of HIV infection being transmitted in breast milk, particularly the cell-rich colostrum fraction of breast milk. Avoidance of breastfeeding under these conditions is strongly endorsed by medical experts, and their advice is well received by developed societies, primarily out of concern for the health of the infant but also for secondary concerns over loss of income, fast-paced styles of living, inconvenience, and beauty. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | MOTHERS | INFANT | HIV INFECTIONS | BREASTFEEDING | RISK FACTORS | MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION | DIARRHEA | ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY | DRUG RESISTANCE | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Infant Nutrition | Nutrition | Health | Biology | Transmission | Infections | HIV | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care Document Number: 326572 |
| 27. Title: Designing global collective action in population and HIV / AIDS programs, 1983 - 2002: Has anything changed? Author: Van Dalen HP Source: World Development. 2008 Mar;36(3):362-382. Abstract: The 1994 International Conference of Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo established goals for the expansion of assistance in matters of reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. This global effort marked a structural break in principle from the past, but did it also change funding behavior? Panel data on expenditures of OECD donors for three types of aid agencies-multilateral, non-governmental agencies, and bilateral aid-for the years 1983-2002 do not reveal an unambiguous improvement in donor behavior. Funding choices for multilateral organizations and NGOs have become more interdependent, but burden sharing remained stable and generosity dropped substantially after 1994. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | RESEARCH REPORT | DATA ANALYSIS | FOREIGN AID | GOALS | HIV PREVENTION | AIDS | TREATMENT | INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION | NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS | Research Methodology | Financial Activities | Economic Factors | Planning | Organization and Administration | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Organizations Document Number: 326200 |
| 28. Peer Reviewed Title: Interpregnancy weight gain and the male-to-female sex ratio of the second pregnancy: A population-based cohort study. Author: Villamor E; Sparen P; Cnattingius S Source: Fertility and Sterility. 2008 May;89(5):1240-1244. Abstract: The objectives were to investigate whether interpregnancy maternal weight change (difference between body mass index [BMI] at the first antenatal visit of the second pregnancy and BMI at the first antenatal visit of the first pregnancy) or changes in smoking status between pregnancies is related to the sex ratio of the second pregnancy. The design was a population-based cohort study. The setting was a Swedish Birth Registry. The participant(s) were a total of 220,889 women who had their first two consecutive singleton births between 1992 and 2004. Both live births and stillbirths were included. The intervention(s) were the analyses of data collected prospectively in nationwide registries. The main outcome measure(s) were male-to-female sex ratio of the second pregnancy. The sex ratio of the second pregnancy increased linearly with the amount of maternal weight change from the first to the second pregnancies, from 1.024 in women who lost more than 1 unit BMI to 1.080 in women who gained 3 or more units. This association was independent of obstetric complications, length of the interpregnancy interval, and maternal sociodemographic characteristics at the second pregnancy. Change in maternal smoking status from the first to the second pregnancies was not significantly related to the sex ratio of the second pregnancy. There could be a causal relation between prepregnant maternal weight gain and the sex ratio of the offspring. (author's) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | SWEDEN | RESEARCH REPORT | COHORT ANALYSIS | PREGNANT WOMEN | SEX RATIO | BODY WEIGHT | OBESITY | PARITY SPECIFIC BIRTH RATE | MATERNAL NUTRITION | PREGNANCY OUTCOMES | Europe, Northern | Europe | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Physiology | Biology | Fertility Rate | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Nutrition | Health | Pregnancy | Reproduction Document Number: 327228 |
| 29. Peer Reviewed Title: Financing the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Source: Lancet. 2007 Oct 6;370(9594):1190. Abstract: Last week saw some positive announcements in global health financing. At a meeting in Berlin, Germany, donor countries pledged US$9.7 million over the next 3 years to replenish the coffers of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. (PRODUCT) RED announced that it had raised US$45 million for the fund since its launch in 2006. And, Germany and Indonesia became the first countries to take part in the Global Fund's new debtconversion initiative, Debt2Health. Germany has agreed to cancel 50 million of Indonesia's debt if it spends half of this money on domestic Global Fund programmes. Debt2Health is a welcome addition to the growing number of innovative financing mechanisms-such as UNITAID, which mobilises airline tax-revenues to purchase drugs for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. But such initiatives will not be enough on their own. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | PROGRESS REPORT | RECOMMENDATIONS | EVALUATION | POLICYMAKERS | FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES | FOREIGN AID | HIV PREVENTION | TUBERCULOSIS | COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONTROL | MALARIA PREVENTION | GOVERNMENT FINANCING | FUNDS | Administrative Personnel | Organization and Administration | Economic Factors | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Infections | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Malaria | Parasitic Diseases Document Number: 321850 |
| 30. Title: G8's promises to Africa [editorial] Source: Lancet. 2007 Jun 2;369(9576):1833. Abstract: In July, 2005, the G8 met in Gleneagles, Scotland to discuss, among other topics, poverty in Africa. In attendance were the leaders of the world's major industrial democracies. Together these nations - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK, and the USA - account for two-thirds of the world's income and provide two-thirds of the world's development aid. At the end of the 3-day summit, the G8 leaders promised to boost aid to all developing nations to US$50 billion a year by 2010, with most of this new aid, at least $25 billion, to go to Africa. They also called for the cancellation of debts owed by eligible heavily indebted countries to the International Development Association, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank, trade agreements to spur investment in and open markets for African nations, and security initiatives to reduce conflict on the continent. The G8 leaders predicted that if their plan for Africa were implemented it would make it possible to deliver free basic health care and primary education for all and to provide near-universal access to treatment to people with HIV/AIDS by 2010 and to double the size of Africa's economy and trade by 2015. (excerpt) Language: English Keywords: DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | AFRICA | AFRICA, SUB SAHARAN | AFRICA, NORTH | CRITIQUE | POLICYMAKERS | FOREIGN AID | POVERTY | INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION | GOALS | Developing Countries | Administrative Personnel | Organization and Administration | Financial Activities | Economic Factors | Socioeconomic Factors | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Planning Document Number: 317190 |
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