Peer-reviewed Scientific Research Research Articles

Creativity research in medicine and nursing: A scoping review.

Creativity fuels societal progress and innovation, particularly in the field of medicine. The scientific study of creativity in medicine is critical to understanding how creativity contributes to medical practice, processes, and outcomes. An appraisal of the current scientific literature on the topic, and its gaps, will expand our understanding of how creativity and medicine interact, and guide future research. We aimed to assess the quantity, trends, distribution, and methodological features of the peer-reviewed on creativity in medicine. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases for peer-reviewed primary research publications on creativity in medicine. Screening, full-text review, and data extraction were performed independently and in duplicate by pairs of reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. We performed descriptive analyses, graphically displaying the data using charts and maps where appropriate. Eighty-one studies were eligible for review, enrolling a total of 18,221 physicians, nurses and midwifes across all studies. Most research on creativity in medicine was published in the last decade, predominately in the field of nursing (75%). Researchers from Taiwan (22%) and the United States (21%) produced the most eligible publications, and the majority research was cross-sectional in nature (54%). There was substantial variability in the definitions of creativity adopted, and most studies failed to specify a definition of creativity. Forty-five different measurement tools were used to assess creativity, the most popular being divergent thinking tests such as the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (24%) and Guilford Creativity Tests (16%). Peer-reviewed scientific research on creativity in medicine, mostly conducted in the nursing profession, is sparse and performed on variable methodological grounds. Further scientific research on the topic, as well as the development of medicine-specific definitions and measurement tools, is required to uncover the utility of creativity in the medical domain.

Exploring mitigation strategies for smog crisis in Lahore: a review for environmental health, and policy implications.

Smog, a combined form of atmospheric pollutants, dust, and smoke with fog under sunlight, poses a significant threat to human health and the environment by reducing visibility. Urban air pollution exposure can cause respiratory issues like asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks, high blood pressure, lung cancer, and other health issues like diabetes, cognitive decline, and even birth defects. As smog has become a growing global issue with severe impacts on public health, ecosystems, and economies, this study analyzes its effects and identifies appropriate policies for its mitigation. This study aims to determine effective smog mitigation strategies for Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 50 scientific studies previously published related to PM2.5 and PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, O3 and Ch4 were examined in this study. In addition to peer-reviewed scientific research, the smog data from the last decade, from 2014 to 2024, from various sources was analyzed to deduce the necessary information to do so. Furthermore, an online survey was also conducted to gather expert opinions on key smog mitigation policies which were identified in previous studies. The findings highlight five critical areas for reducing smog in Lahore-Pakistan: Nature-based Solutions, Transportation Measures, Industrial Measures, Domestic Measures, and Public Awareness. In addition, the study emphasizes the importance of collaborative partnerships with neighboring countries to address this shared environmental challenge. As a final recommendation, an emergency plan is proposed for smog-heavy days, suggesting temporary controls on vehicle use, industrial production, and outdoor activities to mitigate immediate health risks. By combining scientific evidence, historical data, and expert perspectives, this study offers a comprehensive strategy to address smog in Lahore, further contributing to broader local, regional, and global efforts.

Cancer experience in metaphors: patients, carers, professionals, students – a scoping review

The use of metaphors to talk about cancer experiences has attracted much research and debate, especially in the case of military metaphors. However, questions remain about what metaphors are used...

Breath-Hold Diving Injuries - A Primer for Medical Providers.

Breath-hold divers, also known as freedivers, are at risk of specific injuries that are unique from those of surface swimmers and compressed air divers. Using peer-reviewed scientific research and expert opinion, we created a guide for medical providers managing breath-hold diving injuries in the field. Hypoxia induced by prolonged apnea and increased oxygen uptake can result in an impaired mental state that can manifest as involuntary movements or full loss of consciousness. Negative pressure barotrauma secondary to airspace collapse can lead to edema and/or hemorrhage. Positive pressure barotrauma secondary to overexpansion of airspaces can result in gas embolism or air entry into tissues and organs. Inert gas loading into tissues from prolonged deep dives or repetitive shallow dives with short surface intervals can lead to decompression sickness. Inert gas narcosis at depth is commonly described as an altered state similar to that experienced by compressed air divers. Asymptomatic cardiac arrhythmias are common during apnea, normally reversing shortly after normal ventilation resumes. The methods of glossopharyngeal breathing (insufflation and exsufflation) can add to the risk of pulmonary overinflation barotrauma or loss of consciousness from decreased cardiac preload. This guide also includes information for medical providers who are tasked with providing medical support at an organized breath-hold diving event with a list of suggested equipment to facilitate diagnosis and treatment outside of the hospital setting.

Lessons from Theranos - Restructuring Biomedical Innovation.

After raising more than $700 million, Elizabeth Holmes, the founder and chief executive officer of a healthcare startup once valued at $10 billion, was found guilty on four charges of defrauding investors. Founded in 2003, Theranos Inc. was a privately held corporation that aimed to disrupt the diagnostics industry with rapid, direct-to-consumer laboratory testing using only “a drop of blood” and the company’s patented Nanotainer technology. By exploiting gaps in regulatory policy, Theranos brought its panel of laboratory tests to patients without pre-market review or validation from peer-reviewed scientific research. Investigations into Theranos’ dubious operations and inaccurate test results exposed the failed venture which had squandered millions of dollars. Theranos affected the lives and health of patients further disrupting an already tenuous relationship between healthcare and the public – the importance of which cannot be understated in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. As medical systems address a national public health crisis and pervasive structural inequities, we must align stakeholder incentives between industry and academic biomedical innovation to rebuild trust with our patients.

Quantifying the 60-Year Contribution of Japanese Zoos and Aquariums to Peer-Reviewed Scientific Research.

Simple SummaryToday’s zoos and aquariums claim to be shifting from being entertainment facilities to centers for the conservation of biodiversity. To make this shift, scientific research, including understanding the biology of endangered species and improving the environment of captive animals, is essential. Several studies have examined the trends in the number of research papers published by zoos and aquariums globally and indicated that this number has increased over the past few decades. In this study, we examined the trends in the number of papers published by Japanese zoos and aquariums over the past 62 years to determine whether research activities are also developing in Japan. We found that the number of research papers has significantly increased and that the research fields have diversified since around 1990. However, we also found some problems: about a quarter of the institutions have published no papers, research targets in zoos were biased toward captive mammals and that aquariums conducted little research on animal welfare. Addressing these issues, we would argue, will help Japanese zoos and aquariums to make further progress.With the shift in their social roles, modern zoos and aquariums are required to develop scientific research. Although zoos and aquariums worldwide have reported an increase in the number of papers they publish and the diversification of their fields in recent decades, the specific circumstances in Japan are slightly unclear. We listed peer-reviewed papers authored by Japanese zoos and aquariums using search engines and quantitatively evaluated the changes in the number of papers published over 62 years. Our results showed that papers published in Japan have increased remarkably since the 1990s, and research fields have diversified as in the rest of the world. In particular, joint research with research institutes has seen an upward trend, and the instances of English-language papers have increased. Meanwhile, the content of the research was biased. In zoos, research on animal welfare has been increasing, but the focus was heavily biased toward captive mammals. Aquariums contributed to the understanding of local ecosystems through the fundamental study of wildlife, but there were fewer papers on improving husbandry. Our results indicated that while research by Japanese zoos and aquariums is developing, research on welfare, conservation, and education regarding native endangered species must still be improved.

Viral Vampires

Viral Vampires

Design for six sigma integrated product development reference model through systematic review

PurposeThis paper aims to present a systematic review of design for six sigma (DFSS) methods applicable to the product development process (PDP) of durables goods and identify a research opportunity on the subject proposing integration of DFSS and a reference model for the PDP. In this way, through the analysis of the theoretical references identified in the scientific databases, it was possible to propose a conceptual model for the PDP oriented to the DFSS.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on the theoretical framework presented in peer-reviewed scientific research papers during the period 2000 to 2018 on the theme DFSS applied in the PDP, as well as such as the product development tools/techniques and statistics addressed. By means of key words defined by the acronyms of DFSS methods (DMADOV, ICOV, DMEDI, IDOV, DDOV, PIDOV, DMADIC, DCCDI, DMADV, IDDOV, CDOV and DCOV), DFSS and the acronym DFSS. Applying Boolean expression during the conduction of the searches through the scientific evidence at the Brazilian scientific database platform (Capes database). This database platform is maintained by coordination for the improvement of higher education personnel, which including Emerald Insight (Emerald), Scopus (Elsevier), Science Direct, SpringerLink, Taylor Francis, Scielo (Web of Science), Wiley Online Library, Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), etc. It was obtained, by means of the searches, 269 papers related to subject DFSS, of which 18 papers had been critically selected for the composition of a conceptual model for the process of development of product guided to the DFSS.FindingsThis study presents a review of the literature (systematic review and content analysis) on DFSS and its effectiveness for the PDP. The DFSS methodology is disseminated in the scientific literature through a variety of methods that are often mistaken for the six sigma methodology – DMAIC, which is directed toward process improvement. The PDP integrated with the DFSS concepts contributes to eliminating possible failures during the design of a new product, directing to reduce costs and improve the quality of the product and process.Practical implicationsThis paper presents a literature review that guided to a proposal of a preliminary conceptual model DFSS focused on the process of product development with the purpose of being a friendly model that meets the dynamics of the organizations and the expectations of the consumers.Originality/valueThrough the systematic review and content analysis, it was possible to observe that the DFSS methods applied to product development are not related to the PDP reference models available in the literature. In this way, the fusion of the concepts of the DFSS methods and PDP reference models for the construction and proposition of a preliminary conceptual model DFSS oriented to the process of product development intends to contribute in the development of new products with the reduction of time, reduction of the cost, competitive price and consumer satisfaction.

A systematic integrative review of parents' experience and perception of sleep when they stay overnight in the hospital together with their sick children.

To elucidate knowledge available on parents' experience and perception of sleep when they stay overnight in hospital together with their sick children. In Nordic countries, children are entitled to have at least one parent with them during hospitalisation. Parents' sleep, when accommodated at the hospital during the child's admission, may be a challenge. A systematic literature search was conducted in EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO; period is restricted from 1 January 2007 to 1 April 2019. Studies included were those in which parents were accommodated in hospital with their child, 0-18years of age, for at least one night. Original peer-reviewed scientific research papers conducting qualitative, quantitative or mixed designs were included. Systematic reviews were not included. This systematic integrative review was registered in PROSPERO and performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. All authors participated in study selection, data extraction and quality assessment of the literature. Fifteen studies were included, and they varied in terms of origin, aims, design, methods used and sample size. Three overall main themes appeared: sleep quality, factors affecting sleep and consequences of sleep loss. Combined psychological factors were found to affect parents' sleep, as well as isolated psychological factors, for example, stress, anxiety, worries and difficult thoughts. Environmental and social factors were also identified, for example, privacy and caring for family. Study of this subject is still in its exploratory phase. There is a need for the development of theory of substance in the clarification of the meaning of sleep among parents during difficult times such as children's hospitalisation. Understanding risk factors associated with sleep and sleep deprivation in parents staying overnight in the hospital with their sick child is important, since lack of sleep may lead to serious stress-related outcomes for the parents.

What is the \u2018Social\u2019 in Climate Change Research? A Case Study on Scientific Representations from Chile

Over the last few decades climate change has been gaining importance in international scientific and political debates. However, the social sciences, especially in Latin America, have only lately become interested in the subject and their approach is still vague. Scientific understanding of global environmental change and the process of designing public policies to face them are characterized by their complexity as well as by epistemic and normative uncertainties. This makes it necessary to problematize the way in which research efforts understand ‘the social’ of climate change. How do ‘the climate’ and ‘the social’ interpenetrate as scientific objects? What does the resulting field look like? Is the combination capable of promoting reflexivity and collaboration on the issue, or does it merely become dispersed with diffuse boundaries? Our paper seeks to answer these and other related questions using Chile as a case study and examining peer-reviewed scientific research on the topic. By combining in-depth qualitative content analysis of each paper with a statistical meta-analysis, we were able to: characterize the key content and forms of such literature; identify divisions and patterns within it; and, discuss some factors and trends that may help explain these. We conclude that the literature displays two competing trends: while it is inclined to become fragmented beyond the scope of the ‘mitigation’ black box, it also tends to cluster along the lines of methodological distinctions traditionally contested within the social sciences. This, in turn, highlights the persistence of disciplinary divisions within an allegedly interdisciplinary field.

Quantifying the contribution of zoos and aquariums to peer-reviewed scientific research

Modern zoos and aquariums aspire to contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation and research. For example, conservation research is a key accreditation criterion of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). However, no studies to date have quantified this contribution. We assessed the research productivity of 228 AZA members using scientific publications indexed in the ISI Web of Science (WoS) database between 1993 and 2013 (inclusive). AZA members published 5175 peer-reviewed manuscripts over this period, with publication output increasing over time. Most publications were in the zoology and veterinary science subject areas, and articles classified as “biodiversity conservation” by WoS averaged 7% of total publications annually. From regression analyses, AZA organizations with larger financial assets generally published more, but research-affiliated mission statements were also associated with increased publication output. A strong publication record indicates expertise and expands scientific knowledge, enhancing organizational credibility. Institutions aspiring for higher research productivity likely require a dedicated research focus and adequate institutional support through research funding and staffing. We recommend future work build on our results by exploring links between zoo and aquarium research productivity and conservation outcomes or uptake.

Responding to misinformation and criticisms regarding United States cat predation estimates

Misinformation (or denialism), the disingenuous assertion of information contradicting overwhelming scientific consensus, increasingly poses a challenge for invasion biology. The issue of free-ranging domestic cats (Felis catus) provides an example of this misinformation: overwhelming consensus shows that cats are invasive species that impact wildlife and human health yet free-ranging cat advocates propagate misinformation about such impacts to support policies keeping cats on the landscape. These advocates also attempt to discredit peer-reviewed scientific research on cat impacts, as exemplified by the response to a high-profile paper estimating cats annually kill billions of U.S. birds and mammals (Loss et al. in Nat Commun 4:1396, 2013). Although favorably received by scientific and invasive species management communities, an effort was launched to discredit this paper by criticizing its methods, including a report commissioned by a feral cat advocacy group and a post by a feral cat blogger. These same organizations and individuals have made similar criticisms at scientific conferences and policy roundtables. Given the realized effects of this campaign in influencing invasive species policy, we here respond to these criticisms and show they are characterized by numerous errors and misrepresentations. We conclude that the criticisms are part of the broader campaign to fabricate doubt about outdoor cat impacts and stymie policies favoring removal of cats from the landscape. Because misinformation surrounding cats is emblematic of the broader issue of misinformation and denialism, this response will not only facilitate evidence-based policy for managing cats but also stimulate research and discussion into causes and impacts of misinformation in invasion biology.

Lean design for Six Sigma

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to discuss new product development (NPD) based on a traditional stage-gate process and to examine how NPD tools, such as Lean design for Six Sigma, can accelerate the achievement of the main goals of NPD: reliable product quality, cost-effective implementation, and desired time-to-market. These new tools must be incorporated into a new approach to NPD based on the Advanced Product and Quality Planning methodology.Design/methodology/approach– This research paper is based on the theoretical background presented in peer-reviewed scientific research papers during the period 1990-2012. In the second section of this study, the author provides examples of the proposed tools and of advanced techniques to show evidence that validates the hypothesis.Findings– This study presented the theoretical background on the NPD process and related functions in today’s organizations as it relates to competition. NPD was identified as one of the top priorities of every firm, which is why the NPD process must be optimized and oriented toward customers to ensure the quality and reliability of products while minimizing manufacturing costs. The effect on timing and cost is greatly appreciated by top management, and it is well known throughout the firm when a strong, reliable product is launched that it is flawless.Research limitations/implications– To fully deploy all NPD tools requires basic steps such as the following: marketing and planning, design, process, product process validation and the integration of operations from a concurrent engineering standpoint.Practical implications– This research paper provides step by step guidance in order to apply Lean Sigma tool in NPD process in order to achieve Six Sigma quality level in manufacturing.Social implications– Promoting the practice of Lean design for Six Sigma and its tool enables firms to increase their competitiveness since they will make more reliable products delivered to its consumers.Originality/value– The approach of this research paper combines proven statistical tools to be applied in an original sequence in order to design robust product to match manufacturing capabilities.

Selective Laser Melting Technique of Co-Cr Dental Alloys: A Review of Structure and Properties and Comparative Analysis with Other Available Techniques.

The aim of this study was to review the effect of selective laser melting (SLM) procedure on the properties of dental structures made of Co-Cr alloys and to evaluate its quality and compare it to those produced by conventional casting and milling fabrication techniques. A computerized database search using PubMed and Scopus was conducted for peer-reviewed scientific research studies regarding the use of SLM in Co-Cr dental alloys with no restrictions for publication years. The search engines provided hundreds of results, and only 48 scientific research papers, case studies, or literature reviews were considered relevant for this review. The innovative manufacturing concept of SLM offers many advantages compared with casting and milling fabrication techniques. SLM provides different microstructure from casting and milling with minimal internal porosity and internal fitting, marginal adaptation, and comparable bond strength to porcelain. Mechanical and electrochemical properties of SLM structures are enhanced compared to cast, while clinical longevity of single-metal ceramic crowns is comparable to Au-Pt dental alloy. The SLM technique provides dental prosthetic restorations more quickly and less expensively without compromising their quality compared with restorations prepared by casting and milling techniques. The current SLM devices provide metallic restorations made of Co-Cr alloys for removable and fixed partial dentures without compromising the alloy or restoration properties at a fraction of the time and cost, showing great potential to replace the aforementioned fabrication techniques in the long term; however, further clinical studies are essential to increase the acceptance of this technology by the worldwide dental community.

An Overlooked Peer? Role of the Managing Editor in Nursing Journals

An Overlooked Peer? Role of the Managing Editor in Nursing Journals

TOPSAN: a collaborative annotation environment for structural genomics

BackgroundMany protein structures determined in high-throughput structural genomics centers, despite their significant novelty and importance, are available only as PDB depositions and are not accompanied by a peer-reviewed manuscript. Because of this they are not accessible by the standard tools of literature searches, remaining underutilized by the broad biological community.ResultsTo address this issue we have developed TOPSAN, The Open Protein Structure Annotation Network, a web-based platform that combines the openness of the wiki model with the quality control of scientific communication. TOPSAN enables research collaborations and scientific dialogue among globally distributed participants, the results of which are reviewed by experts and eventually validated by peer review. The immediate goal of TOPSAN is to harness the combined experience, knowledge, and data from such collaborations in order to enhance the impact of the astonishing number and diversity of structures being determined by structural genomics centers and high-throughput structural biology.ConclusionsTOPSAN combines features of automated annotation databases and formal, peer-reviewed scientific research literature, providing an ideal vehicle to bridge a gap between rapidly accumulating data from high-throughput technologies and a much slower pace for its analysis and integration with other, relevant research.

Cell of cells: The global race to capture and control the stem cell

Human embryonic stem (hES) cell research, a burgeoning area of medical inquiry, has been lauded by scientists, patient advocates, and members of the general public for its potential to cure many of today’s most dreaded diseases. Cynthia Fox’s Cell of cells: the global race to capture and control the stem cell presents the travails of stem cell researchers the world round and the vicissitudes of the patients who depend on them. It is a travelogue that provides the background of the work, people, and places involved in what is an exciting race to be first to realize the promise of stem cell research. It is a well-written book with material for the casual reader wanting to know more about the subject as well as for those with a greater familiarity with the topic who prefer more scientific detail. The book provides an overview of the science and politics surrounding this topic. Since hES cell research requires the destruction of human embryos, it has divided the religious conservative and scientific communities. Scientists see the potential to treat many life-threatening diseases while conservatives argue that these cells are still the foundations of human life and therefore have a right to life. Right-to-life supporters have been able to politicize this issue and hence place restrictions on stem cell research in America that will likely result in America falling behind in this scientific area. The key attribute of hES cells that makes them critical weapons in the fight against debilitating diseases is their ability to regenerate any and all of the body’s myriad cells and tissues. From alleviating common ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis to treating feared killers, including cancer, stroke, and heart disease, stem cells have the potential to restore wellness. The reader travels around the world as Fox reports on the international race to use stem cells successfully — illustrating mundane problems such as sand in Petri dishes in the Sahara and describing an Israeli lab that narrowly escaped a terrorist bomb. Fox also demonstrates the often cooperative nature of this area of research, even when the scientists involved hold different and opposing religious and political beliefs. In her writing, Fox adds a human dimension to the topic of stem cells. While she covers the scientific aspects of stem cell research, she also depicts the people involved, their lives and hopes and struggles. They live in different societies, in different environments. One of the most eye-opening sections of the book, titled “Biopolis,” describes research in Singapore, where some of the world’s most talented scientists have been recruited to work in state-of-the-art laboratories. Singapore has reportedly spent $1.5 billion on national stem cell research initiatives. It is easy to feel the passion that this scientific race engenders. Fox also makes the subject of stem cell research exciting through her descriptions of the efforts to condition a patient so that a donor organ will be accepted rather than rejected. She reviews the status of cloning and how its useful applications are expanding. The author also addresses the rise and fall of Woo-Suk Hwang, the South Korean researcher who claimed astonishing advances in stem cell research with his publications in major scientific journals. His career came to an abrupt end when it was made public that he had fabricated many of his results and had breached ethical guidelines when he paid women to donate their eggs for research. Fox proves to be a good storyteller. The book is filled with narratives that serve to increase the reader’s interest in science. Fox keeps the scientific facts and jargon to a minimum yet still gives the reader relevant information. Her pictorial descriptions of foreign settings are wonderful. Fox paints extremely vivid (at times a bit too graphic) images of places and people, and the stories are often suspenseful. She attempts to provide a plethora of lab findings; however, peer-reviewed scientific research is reported alongside limited commentaries and rhetoric that have not yet been critiqued via traditional channels by the conventional scientific community. Unfortunately, Cell of cells does not add much that is new. However, it makes one think about the immense possibility science holds for society. It tells a great story, one that unfortunately has not yet ended with success. But the struggle is important; it makes scientific research exciting. Aspiring students of science would benefit from this book, both as stimulation and as an example of the kinds of approaches undertaken in this particular scientific endeavor. The restrictions placed on hES cell research by religious groups will only delay success (assuming that there will be success at the end of this road). Fox’s book is an excellent introduction to the field of stem cell research and makes for interesting and entertaining reading.

Open access publishing.

An Open Access Publishing Conference was convened in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 7, 2004, by the libraries of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Emory University. Open Access is an emerging publishing model for peer-reviewed scientific research in which authors and their publishers grant free access to their work as long as the authors are acknowledged and the publisher ensures that the work is made freely available in a digital archive (1). conference brought together key stakeholders including scientists, researchers, publishers, and librarians and included approximately 240 participants with 80 offsite registrants connecting through the simultaneous Web cast. The keynote address, The Coming Revolution in the Publication of Scientific Papers, delivered by Harold Varmus, emphasized that 1) in today's Internet era, the traditional Gutenberg print publishing model is outdated; 2) electronic publishing has the advantages of lower costs, global distribution, content that can be linked to datasets, improved archiving, and full-text searching; and 3) rigorous peer review is possible in electronic and Open Access formats. Open Access publishing challenges include engaging professional societies in this approach, building sustainable business plans, and changing academic culture so that published works are evaluated for content rather than for the journal label. Open Access publishing is typically financed by author fees along with a combination of philanthropic and advertising support. Examples are the Public Library of Science, Journal of Clinical Investigation, and BioMed Central journals. Recent milestones include the Bethesda Open Access Principles meeting (1), the Wellcome Trust endorsement of Open Access, and support from the Howard Hughes Medical Foundation and a number of leading European scientific societies. A panel of speakers gave stakeholders' perspectives. Sheldon Kotzin reviewed the National Library of Medicine's (NLM) priorities regarding access to, and permanent retention of, the world's biomedical literature. Reflecting growing concerns about high costs of scientific publications, the U.S. Congress recently directed the NLM to report on the impact of rising journal subscription prices relative to access to medical research information and to identify remedies to ensure that taxpayer-funded research remains in the public domain. NLM's Open Access initiative is PubMed Central, a digital archive of freely available life sciences journals. After a slow start, the PubMed Central repository includes 137 journal titles. PubMed Central expects publishers to deposit full contents of each journal issue soon after publication. Supplementary data files are also encouraged. recent addition of a single article from a journal that is not participating in PubMed Central is broadening the definition of this archive. Another Open Access approach was described by John Nickerson, editor of Emory University's Molecular Vision, which has been freely available on the Internet since its first issue in October 1995. A low-cost operation, Molecular Vision is a refereed open access journal that has achieved scientific recognition in its field. Publishing trends affecting libraries were discussed by Linda Watson, University of Virginia Health Sciences Library, and included: 1) journal subscription price increases outpacing library budgets, 2) publishers' bundling of journal subscriptions into large contracts often not well matched with institutional research interests, 3) consolidations in the publishing industry, 4) restrictive licensing terms overriding copyright and fair use practices, 5) long-term archival access to electronic content, and 6) selective deletions of published articles from databases and e-publications. Presenting a scientist's perspective, CDC's Marta Gwinn noted that the scientific community's overarching responsibility is to ensure that research is conducted with integrity and quality and that access to it is fair, maximizes value to users, and protects the public investment and interests. The open access conference generated discussion about the scientific research dissemination process and the need to strengthen the connections between evidence-based research and healthcare action. With high quality, peer-reviewed scientific research becoming freely available on the Internet, possibilities for more rapid advances in scientific knowledge and ultimately improved public health are important. Collaboration between government and academia is necessary to make progress toward open access to scientific research. This conference was supported in part by the National Networks of Libraries of Medicine, Southeastern Atlantic Region. Conference presentations are available from: http://ada.healthsci.emory.edu/openaccess

Who Broke the Embargo? (It’s the Wrong Question!)

Who Broke the Embargo? (It’s the Wrong Question!)

Closing the Chapter on Maharishi Ayur-Veda

To the Editor. —Regarding the article in your October 2, 1991, issue entitled Maharishi Ayur-Veda: Guru's Marketing Scheme Promises the World Eternal Peace,1 as the media coordinator for the Tucson, Ariz, press conference that you mentioned on page 1749, I would like to correct two misrepresentations the author made. First, the press conference was not set up to announce a meeting with the director of the ADC as the article claimed. The press conference was sponsored by the Tucson TM professionals association to increase public awareness about the results of the use of the TM program in corrections. These good results have been validated by peer-reviewed scientific research, including a study published in the Journal of Criminal Justice 2 that found (among other benefits) that a group of 259 male felon offenders who learned the TM program in California prisons had 35% less recidivism 5 years after parole, compared