Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management on Negative Mood and Cardiac Autonomic Activity in ICD Recipients.

Background: Behavioral intervention studies in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) show promise in improving psychosocial outcomes but inconclusive effects on cardiovascular outcome. We assessed the effects of cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) on mood state and potentially arrhythmogenic cardiovascular responses to mental stress in ICD patients, in support of further larger scale arrhythmia trials.

Methods: A total of 103 ICD recipients were randomly assigned to 10-week programs of CBSM or "Patient Education" (ED).

Health technology assessment in Denmark: strategy, implementation, and developments.

Objectives: The mainly tax-paid healthcare system in Denmark is decentralized with three defined policy and management levels. Health technology assessment (HTA) as a concept was introduced in the beginning of the 1980s. Significant implementation only happened when the first national strategy for HTA was developed by relevant stakeholders and issued as an official document in 1996.

MODULATOR OF PIN genes control steady-state levels of Arabidopsis PIN proteins.

Polar transport of the phytohormone auxin controls numerous growth responses in plants. Molecular characterization of auxin transport in Arabidopsis thaliana has provided important insights into the mechanisms underlying the regulation of auxin distribution. In particular, the control of subcellular localization and expression of PIN-type auxin efflux components appears to be fundamental for orchestrated distribution of the growth regulator throughout the entire plant body.

Does health technology assessment benefit health services and politics? The experiences of an established HTA institution: the Danish Centre for Evaluation and HTA.

Health technology assessment (HTA) was introduced in Denmark 20 years ago. However, it only came into fashion a few years ago. This happened when politicians and health service decision-makers realized that due to the increasing pressure on resources prioritization was an inescapable fact.

"The future should not take us by surprise": preparation of an early warning system in Denmark.

Objectives: To explore and test methods for the operation of a national Early Warning System (EWS) in Denmark and to support decision making by the Danish Centre for Evaluation and Health Technology Assessment on this issue.

Methods: On the basis of literature reviews, information from members of EuroScan, and supported by clinical experts and stakeholders, existing methods were adapted and new methods were developed as part of a feasibility study.

Results: Approximately 200 technologies in 30 specialties were identified on the basis of information by EuroScan.