bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localization of root canal orifices in mandibular second molars in relation to occlusal dimension
Authors: Gorduysus O. , Nagas E. , Cehreli Z. C. , Gorduysus M. , Yilmaz Z.
Published: July 2009

Aim  To evaluate the localization and distribution of canal orifices of mandibular second molar teeth in relation to the mesio‐distal and bucco‐lingual dimensions of coronal tissue.

Methodology  Fifty extracted mandibular second molar teeth were embedded into plaster blocks with their vertical axes aligned perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The teeth were photographed digitally from the occlusal aspect under 12 × magnification. Thereafter, the occlusal halves of crowns were sectioned off to expose the root canal orifices. The teeth were than photographed under the same magnification, after which the pre‐ and post‐sectioning images of each specimen were stacked into a single file. To plot the coordinate of each canal orifice, a 0.5‐mm grid analytical plane was mounted digitally on the stack so that the x‐ and y‐axes of the plane were superimposed on the mesiodistal and buccolingual axes (bisectors) of the tooth crowns. Localization and distribution of the coordinates of the canal orifices were evaluated using the chi‐square test (P = 0.05).

Results  Only one tooth displayed a single root canal orifice, located in the mesiobuccal‐distolingual ‘centre’ of the occlusal surface. The majority of mandibular second molars had three orifices (72%), followed by those with two (16%) and four (10%). The distal canal was located lingual to the centre of the occlusal plane.

Conclusion  The distal canal was located lingual to the centre of the occlusal plane of mandibular second molars. The possibility of observing more divergent localizations and orifice numbers should not be overlooked in clinical practice.
Potential sources of food hazards in emerging commercial aquaculture industry in sub‐Saharan Africa: a case study for Uganda
Authors: Bagumire Ananias , Todd Ewen C. D. , Nasinyama George W. , Muyanja Charles , Rumbeiha Wilson K. , Harris Craig , Bourquin Leslie D.
Published: July 2009

A study was conducted to assess sources of food hazards in Uganda’s emerging commercial aquaculture industry based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), focusing on inputs, their sources and farm‐practices on ten representative commercial farms. Critical control points (CCPs) were identified to reveal potential hazards that would jeopardise any export trade. Site selection, water quality, fertiliser, fish seed, fish rearing facilities, feeds, and post‐harvest practices were the main CCPs identified. Animal manure was used to generate plankton as pond fertiliser in nine of the ten surveyed farms and veterinary drugs were not found in any of the ten farms, which is starkly different from aquaculture in indutrialised countries. Potential sources of hazards from water were mainly: municipal waste flow which was more likely on five of the ten farms, domestic waste (four farms), agricultural run‐off (three farms), and low water pH (three farms). Fish fry and fingerlings from other farms, feeds formulated on‐farm from unapproved sources, chemical products, uncontrolled fish predators, and domestic animal and human activities were the other potential sources of hazards. A complete application of HACCP is recommended for producing safe products that meet the strict market standards of developed countries.
Rheological and high gelling properties of mango (Mangifera indica) and ambarella (Spondias cytherea) peel pectins
Authors: Koubala Benoît Bargui , Kansci Germain , Garnier Catherine , Mbome Israël Lape , Durand Sylvie , Thibault Jean‐François , Ralet Marie‐Christine
Published: July 2009

Ambarella and mango peels are good sources of pectins (15–20%), with high degree of methylation (60–78%) and high molar masses. Ambarella and mango (Améliorée and Mango varieties) peel pectins were extracted using HCl or oxalic acid/ammonium oxalate (OAAO). Purified pectins were analysed for their flow behaviour and phase diagrams were established at pH 3 as sucrose vs. pectin concentration. The gelation kinetics and mechanical spectra of these pectin gels were studied and compared to those of commercial citrus (lime) pectins. At a concentration of 1% (w/v), all pectic solutions had a shear thinning behaviour but at 0.6% (w/v), only OAAO‐extracted pectins exhibited such behaviour. Phase diagrams showed that at pH 3, gelation of OAAO mango extracted pectins was possible at low polymer concentration (0.2%; w/w) for a sucrose concentration of 60% (w/w). OAAO‐extracted pectins exhibited a higher gelling ability than HCl‐extracted ones. Sucrose (45–50%) and pectin (0.2–0.6%) concentration had a deep impact on the gel strength. Our results enable to conclude that the OAAO extraction from mango and ambarella peels allowed the recovery of pectins that exhibit high gelling properties.
The invasion of Argentina by the European wild rabbitOryctolagus cuniculus
Authors: BONINO NEVER , SORIGUER RAMÓN
Published: July 2009

We provide an updated distribution and dispersal rate of the introduced European rabbitOryctolagus cuniculusin Argentina.

According to our results this invasive species is currently colonizing parts of Mendoza and Neuquén Provinces, where rivers are very important in the spread of the rabbits, especially in unfavourable areas. The maximun rate of dispersal registered in this study was 9 km/year.

Some information was obtained to indicate that the presence of this exotic species threatens agriculture, livestock, forestry, and natural ecosystems of the Patagonia region.
Electrical colonic stimulation reduces mean transit time in a porcine model
Authors: Vaucher J. , Cerantola Y. , Gie O. , Letovanec I. , Virag N. , Demartines N. , Gardaz J.‐p. , Givel J.‐c. R.
Published: July 2009

Abstract  Electrical stimulation is a new way to treat digestive disorders such as constipation. Colonic propulsive activity can be triggered by battery operated devices. This study aimed to demonstrate the effect of direct electrical colonic stimulation on mean transit time in a chronic porcine model. The impact of stimulation and implanted material on the colonic wall was also assessed. Three pairs of electrodes were implanted into the caecal wall of 12 anaesthetized pigs. Reference colonic transit time was determined by radiopaque markers for each pig before implantation. It was repeated 4 weeks after implantation with sham stimulation and 5 weeks after implantation with electrical stimulation. Aboral sequential trains of 1‐ms pulse width (10 V; 120 Hz) were applied twice daily for 6 days, using an external battery operated stimulator. For each course of markers, a mean value was computed from transit times obtained from individual pig. Microscopic examination of the caecum was routinely performed after animal sacrifice. A reduction of mean transit time was observed after electrical stimulation (19 ± 13 h; mean ± SD) when compared to reference (34 ± 7 h; P = 0.045) and mean transit time after sham stimulation (36 ± 9 h; P = 0.035). Histological examination revealed minimal chronic inflammation around the electrodes. Colonic transit time measured in a chronic porcine model is reduced by direct sequential electrical stimulation. Minimal tissue lesion is elicited by stimulation or implanted material. Electrical colonic stimulation could be a promising approach to treat specific disorders of the large bowel.
Is the northwestern Betic Cordillera mountain front active in the context of the convergent Eurasia–Africa plate boundary?
Authors: Ruiz‐Constán A. , Stich D. , Galindo‐Zaldívar J. , Morales J.
Published: July 2009

The present relief of the Betic‐Rif Cordillera has been mainly developed since the Late Miocene in the context of the Eurasia–Africa NW–SE oblique convergence and other interacting processes like slab roll‐back or delamination. However, seismicity distribution and field observations reveal that most of the external mountain front of the Betics is not clearly active at Present and tectonic activity is generally concentrated towards the innermost zones (Alborán Domain). New seismological data and recent faulting evidence from the northwesternmost front – the one best oriented with respect to the plate convergence – allow to discuss the present behaviour. Surface observations mainly indicate a N–S extensional tectonic regime, contrasting with the shallow reverse NW–SE compressive and the strike‐slip earthquake focal mechanisms. Altogether, these data suggest the activity of a tectonic wedge with top‐to‐the‐NW tectonic transport, bounded by a NW–SE transfer fault that separates the active western from the inactive eastern segments of the mountain front.
Phytochrome interacting factors 4 and 5 redundantly limit seedling de‐etiolation in continuous far‐red light
Authors: Lorrain Séverine , Trevisan Martine , Pradervand Sylvain , Fankhauser Christian
Published: July 2009

Phytochromes are red/far‐red photosensors that regulate numerous developmental programs in plants. Among them, phytochrome A (phyA) is essential to enable seedling de‐etiolation under continuous far‐red (FR) light, a condition that mimics the environment under a dense canopy. The ecological relevance of this response is demonstrated by the high mortality rate of phyA mutant plants that germinate in deep vegetational shade. phyA signaling involves direct interaction of the photoreceptor with phytochrome‐interacting factors PIF1 and PIF3, members of the bHLH transcription factor family. Here we investigated the involvement of PIF4 and PIF5 in phyA signaling, and found that they redundantly control de‐etiolation in FR light. The pif4 pif5 double mutant is hypersensitive to low fluence rates of FR light. This phenotype is dependent on FR light perception by phyA, but does not rely on alterations in the phyA level. Our microarray analysis shows that PIF4 and PIF5 are part of an inhibitory mechanism that represses the expression of some light‐responsive genes in the dark, and that they are also needed for full expression of several growth‐related genes in the light. Unlike PIF1 and PIF3, PIF4 and PIF5 are not degraded in response to FR light, indicating that they are light‐regulated by a different mechanism. Our genetic analysis suggests that this is achieved through sequestration of these PIFs by the closely related bHLH transcription factor HFR1 (long hypocotyl in FR light).
A UVB‐hypersensitive mutant in Arabidopsis thaliana is defective in the DNA damage response
Authors: Sakamoto Ayako N. , Lan Vo Thi Thuong , Puripunyavanich Vichai , Hase Yoshihiro , Yokota Yuichiro , Shikazono Naoya , Nakagawa Mayu , Narumi Issay , Tanaka Atsushi
Published: July 2009

To investigate UVB DNA damage response in higher plants, we used a genetic screen to isolate Arabidopsis thaliana mutants that are hypersensitive to UVB irradiation, and isolated a UVB‐sensitive mutant, termed suv2 (for sensitive to UV 2) that also displayed hypersensitivity to γ‐radiation and hydroxyurea. This phenotype is reminiscent of the Arabidopsis DNA damage‐response mutant atr. The suv2 mutation was mapped to the bottom of chromosome 5, and contains an insertion in an unknown gene annotated as MRA19.1. RT‐PCR analysis with specific primers to MRA19.1 detected a transcript consisting of 12 exons. The transcript is predicted to encode a 646 amino acid protein that contains a coiled‐coil domain and two instances of predicted PIKK target sequences within the N‐terminal region. Fusion proteins consisting of the predicted MRA19.1 and DNA‐binding or activation domain of yeast transcription factor GAL4 interacted with each other in a yeast two‐hybrid system, suggesting that the proteins form a homodimer. Expression of CYCB1;1:GUS gene, which encodes a labile cyclin:GUS fusion protein to monitor mitotic activity by GUS activity, was weaker in the suv2 plant after γ‐irradiation than in the wild‐type plants and was similar to that in the atr plants, suggesting that the suv2 mutant is defective in cell‐cycle arrest in response to DNA damage. Overall, these results suggest that the gene disrupted in the suv2 mutant encodes an Arabidopsis homologue of the ATR‐interacting protein ATRIP.
Coffee and cigarette use: association with suicidal acts in 352 Sardinian bipolar disorder patients
Authors: Baethge Christopher , Tondo Leonardo , Lepri Beatrice , Baldessarini Ross J
Published: July 2009

Objective:  Abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol is prevalent in bipolar disorder (BPD) patients, and is an adverse prognostic factor. Much less is known about correlates of nicotine and caffeine consumption, but tobacco smoking is tentatively associated with suicidal behavior.

Methods:  Retrospective analysis of demographic and clinical factors among 352 longitudinally assessed DSM‐IV types I and II BPD patients contrasted patients with versus without consumption of nicotine or caffeine, based on univariate comparisons and multiple regression modeling.

Results:  Current smoking (46%) and coffee drinking (74% of cases) were common, and significantly and independently associated with suicidal acts [coffee: odds ratio (OR) = 2.42, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15–5.09; smoking: OR = 1.79, CI: 1.02–3.15; both p < 0.001]. Risk increased with more smoking (cigarettes/day; rs = 0.383; p < 0.0001) and greater coffee consumption (cups/day; rs = 0.312; p = 0.008). Neither intake was related to yearly rates of all episodes, depressions, or manias.

Conclusions:  This is the first report to associate suicidal acts with coffee consumption in BPD patients, and it confirmed an association with smoking. Pending further evidence, the findings underscore the importance of monitoring use of even legal and mildly psychotropic substances by BPD patients.
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot study of quetiapine for depressed adolescents with bipolar disorder
Authors: DelBello Melissa P , Chang Kiki , Welge Jeffrey A , Adler Caleb M , Rana Manasi , Howe Meghan , Bryan Holly , Vogel Daniel , Sampang Suzanne , Delgado Sergio V , Sorter Michael , Strakowski Stephen M
Published: July 2009

Objective:  To conduct a pilot study comparing the effects of quetiapine and placebo for the treatment of depressive episodes in adolescents with bipolar I disorder.

Method:  Thirty‐two adolescents (ages 12–18 years) with a depressive episode associated with bipolar I disorder were randomized to eight weeks of double‐blind treatment with quetiapine, 300–600 mg/day, or placebo. This two‐site study was conducted from March 2006 through August 2007. The primary efficacy measure was change in Children’s Depression Rating Scale–Revised Version (CDRS‐R) scores from baseline to endpoint. Secondary efficacy measures included change in CDRS‐R scores over the eight‐week study period (PROC MIXED), changes from baseline to endpoint in Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM‐A), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and Clinical Global Impression–Bipolar Version Severity (CGI‐BP‐S) scores, as well as response and remission rates. Safety and tolerability were assessed weekly.

Results:  There was no statistically significant treatment group difference in change in CDRS‐R scores from baseline to endpoint (p = 0.89, effect size =−0.05, 95% confidence interval: −0.77–0.68), nor in the average rate of change over the eight weeks of the study (p = 0.95). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in response (placebo =67% versus quetiapine = 71%) or remission (placebo = 40% versus quetiapine = 35%) rates, or change in HAM‐A, YMRS, or CGI‐BP‐S scores (all p > 0.7) between treatment groups. Dizziness was more commonly reported in the quetiapine (41%) than in the placebo (7%) group (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.04).

Conclusions:  The results suggest that quetiapine monotherapy is no more effective than placebo for the treatment of depression in adolescents with bipolar disorder. However, limitations of the study, including the high placebo response rate, may have contributed to our findings and should be considered in the design of future investigations of pharmacological interventions for this population.
Effect of Mechanical Stretching on Expressions of Muscle Specific Transcription Factors MyoD, Myf‐5, Myogenin and MRF4 in Proliferated Myoblasts
Authors: Abe S. , Rhee S. , Iwanuma O. , Hiroki E. , Yanagisawa N. , Sakiyama K. , Ide Y.
Published: July 2009

We examined expression of four important members of myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) in the myoblasts both at mRNA and protein levels, which were subjected to mechanical stretching in in vitro condition. Our results showed that MyoD expression existed both in the stretch and in the control group at all time periods of the mechanical stimulus. Myf‐5 expressed only at early stage of the stretch group. Although mRNA and protein expressions of myogenin and MRF4 were detected both in the stretch and in the control group at 12 h after the stretching, their expressions were only shown in the stretch group at 24 h after the mechanical stimulus. However, at 36 and 48 h, none of the MRFs examined except MyoD appeared in both groups. Our results suggest that the MRFs are up‐regulated upon mechanical stimulus and each member plays a different major role for either proliferation or differentiation of the myoblasts.
Effect of Cyclin‐dependent Kinase (CDK) Inhibition on Expression, Localization and Activity of Maturation Promoting Factor (MPF) and Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) in Bovine Oocytes
Authors: Quetglas MD , Adona PR , De Bem THC , Pires PRL , Leal CLV
Published: July 2009

Contents

This study aimed to assess the effects of cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) inhibition on factors involved in the control of meiosis in bovine oocytes: maturation promoting factor (MPF) (p34cdc2 and cyclin B1) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK). Oocytes were maintained at germinal vesicle (GV) stage in vitro with 10 μm of the CDK inhibitor butyrolactone I (BLI) for 24 h (inhibited). After this period, some of the oocytes were transferred to in vitro maturation (IVM) culture for 24 h (inhibited and matured). Control oocytes were assessed immediately after follicle aspiration (immature) or after in vitro maturation for 24 h (matured). Real‐time PCR analyses showed that transcripts for p34cdc2 and MAPK were detected in immature and inhibited oocytes and decreased after maturation, irrespective of CDK inhibition with BLI. Cyclin B1 was detected at similar levels in all oocyte groups. The p34cdc2 and MAPK proteins were detected by Western blotting at similar levels in all oocyte groups, and cyclin B1 protein was detected only after maturation. Immunofluorescence detection showed that p34cdc2 was localized in the cytoplasm and GV of immature oocytes, and then throughout the cytoplasm after maturation. Cyclin B1 and MAPK were detected in the cytoplasm in all oocyte groups. Maturation promoting factor and MAPK activities were similar throughout most of maturation for oocytes treated with or without BLI. In conclusion, CDK inhibition did not affect the expression (mRNA and protein levels) and localization of MPF and MAPK, and had nearly no effect on kinase activities during maturation.
Effect of Roscovitine‐Treated Donor Cells on Development of Porcine Cloned Embryos
Authors: Park HJ , Koo OJ , Kwon DK , Kang JT , Jang G , Lee BC
Published: July 2009

Contents

Synchronization of the donor cell cycle is an important factor for successful animal cloning by nuclear transfer. To improve the efficiency of porcine cloning, in the present report, we evaluated effects of contact inhibition, serum starvation and roscovitine treatment of donor cells on in vitro and in vivo developmental potency of cloned porcine embryos. Fibroblasts derived from a porcine foetus at day 30 of gestation were isolated and cultured to 70% confluency. Then, cells were either cultured to 100% confluency for contact inhibition, or cultured in 0.5% serum for 72 h for serum starvation or with 15 μm roscovitine for 24 h. Cells were most effectively synchronized at G0/G1 in the serum starvation group (87.5%) compared with the contact inhibition and roscovitine treatment groups (76.3% and 79.9% respectively p < 0.05). However, after somatic cell nuclear transfer followed by in vitro culture, the serum starvation group showed a significantly lower blastocyst formation rate (5.6%) compared with the contact inhibition and roscovitine treatment groups (11.6% and 20.0% respectively). Differential expression of apoptosis‐related genes and the level of apoptosis in each treatment group explain the variation in developmental competence among the groups. Significantly higher level of apoptosis was observed in the serum starvation group. On the other hand, the roscovitine treatment group shows the lowest level of apoptosis and the best in vitro development among the groups. Cloned embryos derived from roscovitine‐treated donor cells were transferred to surrogate pigs. Three healthy live piglets were produced. In conclusion, we suggest that roscovitine treatment of donor cells improves development of cloned porcine embryos and can raise the efficiency of cloned piglet production.
Maintenance costs of serotiny do not explain weak serotiny
Authors: CRAMER M. D. , MIDGLEY J. J.
Published: July 2009

Considerable variation in the duration of serotiny exists among species of both Australian and South African Proteaceae. ‘Weak’ serotiny (pre‐fire loss after <3 years) could be dictated by the costs (water or carbon) of cone/fruit retention or by benefits accruing from pre‐fire seed establishment. We determined that cones/fruits of a range of Australian and south western Cape Proteaceae species (Leucadendron xanthoconus, Aulax umbellata, L. linifolium, L. gandogeri, Hakea drupacea, H. sericea) are not sealed dead wood, but that they continuously lose H2O and CO2. Water loss from cones/fruits was poorly controlled, occurring in both light and dark. The rates of both H2O and CO2 loss from mature cones/fruits were negatively correlated with the degree of serotiny (r2 = 0.59 and 0.18, respectively, P < 0.001 both). However, the amounts of H2O and CO2 lost per weight were small relative to the fluxes from leaves (13–29% for H2O and 3–10% for CO2). The [N] and [P] in the cones/fruits and seeds was substantial. Despite 25% of N and 38% of P being recovered from the cones/fruits following maturation, the loss of the cones/fruits and seeds would still incur a substantial nutrient cost. The seed [P] was positively correlated with the degree of serotiny (r2 = 0.24, P = 0.001). We suggest that maintenance costs (water and carbon) of serotiny, although exceeding those of soil stored seeds, are relatively low. The correlation between the degree of serotiny and seed [P] indicates that stronger serotiny is required, much like sclerophylly, for survival under low nutrient availability in frequently burnt vegetation.
Inactivation of astroglial NF‐κB promotes survival of retinal neurons following ischemic injury
Authors: Dvoriantchikova Galina , Barakat David , Brambilla Roberta , Agudelo Christian , Hernandez Eleut , Bethea John R. , Shestopalov Valery I. , Ivanov Dmitry
Published: July 2009

Reactive astrocytes have been implicated in neuronal loss following ischemic stroke. However, the molecular mechanisms associated with this process are yet to be fully elucidated. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that astroglial NF‐κB, a key regulator of inflammatory responses, is a contributor to neuronal death following ischemic injury. We compared neuronal survival in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) after retinal ischemia‐reperfusion in wild‐type (WT) and in GFAP‐IκBα‐dn transgenic mice, where the NF‐κB classical pathway is suppressed specifically in astrocytes. The GFAP‐IκBα‐dn mice showed significantly increased survival of neurons in the GCL following ischemic injury as compared with WT littermates. Neuroprotection was associated with significantly reduced expression of pro‐inflammatory genes, encodingTnf‐α,Ccl2 (Mcp1),Cxcl10 (IP10),Icam1,Vcam1,several subunits of NADPH oxidase and NO‐synthase in the retinas of GFAP‐IκBα‐dn mice. These data suggest that certain NF‐κB‐regulated pro‐inflammatory and redox‐active pathways are central to glial neurotoxicity induced by ischemic injury. The inhibition of these pathways in astrocytes may represent a feasible neuroprotective strategy for retinal ischemia and stroke.
The use of NSAIDs in pediatric scoliosis surgery – a survey of physicians’ prescribing practice
Authors: HAYES JASON , PEHORA CAROLYNE , BISSONNETTE BRUNO
Published: July 2009

Background:  Pediatric scoliosis surgery is associated with considerable postoperative pain requiring opioids for analgesia. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used as adjuvants for analgesia; however, the potential of these agents to affect bone healing raises concerns. No large‐scale prospective studies have been performed to evaluate the benefit‐to‐risk ratio of NSAID use after pediatric scoliosis surgery. Given the lack of evidence in the literature, a survey of practice patterns of anesthesiologists from around the world was conducted with respect to the use of NSAIDs after pediatric spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis.

Methods:  One hundred and fourteen anesthesiologists from international academic pediatric hospitals were asked to complete an online survey. After 1 month, nonresponders were sent a second e‐mail asking for their participation. All questions were developed specifically for this study.

Results:  Out of 80 anesthesiologists who responded 61 were included in the final analysis. Fifty‐nine percent routinely use NSAIDs, the most common agents being intravenous ketorolac and oral ibuprofen. The majority of respondents begin to administer NSAIDs within the first three postoperative days for a duration of four or more days. The primary reason for not routinely prescribing NSAIDs was the risk of bone nonunion.

Conclusions:  This survey demonstrates that the practice patterns of pediatric anesthesiologists from around the world with respect to the administration of NSAIDs for the management of postoperative pain after pediatric spinal fusion reflects the conflicting evidence in the literature and the lack of high‐quality studies in humans.
Risk factors for perioperative adverse events in children with myotonic dystrophy
Authors: SINCLAIR JOANNA L. , REED PETER W.
Published: July 2009

Background:  This study was conducted to identify patient‐related, surgical, and anesthetic factors that would help predict adverse events and allow for better planning of perioperative care in children with myotonic dystrophy.

Methods:  This is a retrospective chart review from a large tertiary pediatric hospital. Data were collected on demographics, disease severity, surgical procedure, and anesthetic technique. Perioperative adverse events were recorded.

Results:  Records on 27 patients having 78 anesthetics over a 17.5‐year period were reviewed. The overall frequency of postoperative respiratory complications was 10%. Significant risk factors were high muscular impairment rating scale (MIRS) grade (P = 0.007), at least 2300 cytosine, thymine, guanine (CTG) repeats on the protein kinase gene of chromosome 19q (P = 0.009), a longer duration of surgery (RR = 14.0 for surgery lasting at least 1 h; P = 0.002), perioperative morphine use (RR = 7.7, 95% CI 2.2–12.8; P = 0.005), intubation (P = 0.02), and the use of muscle relaxant without reversal (RR = 15.5, P = 0.0002). Using a multivariate risk model, only MIRS grade and the use of muscle relaxant without reversal were shown to be significant independent risk factors (RR = 24.9, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:  The MIRS is a statistically significant and clinically useful tool for predicting high perioperative risk. Patients with a high MIRS grade should therefore be considered for postoperative intensive care. The use of muscle relaxant without reversal was also shown to be a significant risk factor. Patients who require morphine infusions postoperatively might also be most safely managed in a high dependency unit.
Diagnostic accuracy of anesthesiology evaluation timing: the ‘One‐Stop Anesthesia’ in pediatric day‐surgery
Authors: MANGIA GIOVANNI , PRESUTTI PAOLA , ANTONUCCI ADRIANA , BIANCO FRANCESCA , BONOMO ROBERTA , FERRARI PAOLA
Published: July 2009

Objective:  Assessing timing efficacy of anesthetic evaluation in pediatric day‐surgery by a diagnostic accuracy study.

Aim:  Lowering hospital visits in patients with negative medical history.

Background:  Pediatric patients scheduled for day‐surgery procedures can be categorized, according to their history, in two groups. One, the largest, includes healthy patients and the other includes those with medical conditions that necessitate further evaluation.

Materials and methods:  Clinical data are collected by the pediatric surgeons of our department and reviewed by an anesthetist who then selects the timing of anesthesiology evaluation, which will take place in the same day of the procedure (One‐Stop Anesthesia), or some days before it, in a dedicated setting (Pre‐Admission Clinic). In 2008, 332 children, older than 12 months, screened by that method, underwent surgical procedures in general anesthesia.

Results:  Our data were examined using Bayesian Statistical Analysis. In the ‘One‐Stop Anesthesia’ group, true positive were 290 (87.4%) and false positive 4 (1.2%). Of the 38 patients assessed by our Pre‐Admission Clinic, true negative were 30 (9%) and false negative 8 (2.4%). Sensibility (97.3%), specificity (88.2%), positive predictive value (98.6%), negative predictive value (78.9%), diagnostic accuracy (96.4%), likelihood positive (8.3), and likelihood negative (0.03) were calculated.

Conclusions:  Timing the preoperative anesthesiologist’s evaluation avoided 88% of hospital visits, usually to the Pre‐Admission Clinic, and thus, it was cost effective, reducing direct and indirect costs of healthcare providers.
The response of the marine bacterium Sphingopyxis alaskensis to solar radiation assessed by quantitative proteomics
Authors: Matallana‐Surget S. , Joux F. , Raftery M. J. , Cavicchioli R.
Published: July 2009

The adaptive response of the marine bacterium Sphingopyxis alaskensis RB2256 to solar radiation (both visible and ultraviolet) was assessed by a quantitative proteomic approach using iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification). Both growth phase (mid‐log and stationary phase) and duration (80 min or 8 h) of different light treatments (combinations of visible light, UV‐A and UV‐B) were assessed relative to cultures maintained in the dark. Rates of total protein synthesis and viability were also assessed. Integrating knowledge from the physiological experiments with quantitative proteomics of the 12 conditions tested provided unique insight into the adaptation biology of UV and visible light responses of S. alaskensis. High confidence identifications were obtained for 811 proteins (27% of the genome), 119 of which displayed significant quantitative differences. Mid‐log‐phase cultures produced twice as many proteomic changes as stationary‐phase cultures, while extending the duration of irradiation exposure of stationary‐phase cultures did not increase the total number of quantitative changes. Proteins with significant quantitative differences were identified that were characteristic of growth phase and light treatment, and cellular processes, pathways and interaction networks were determined. Key factors of the solar radiation adaptive response included DNA‐binding proteins implicated in reducing DNA damage, detoxification of toxic compounds such as glyoxal and reactive oxygen species, iron sequestration to minimize oxidative stress, chaperones to control protein re/folding, alterations to nitrogen metabolism, and specific changes to transcriptional and translational processes.
Metal reduction by spores of Desulfotomaculum reducens
Authors: Junier Pilar , Frutschi Manon , Wigginton Nicholas S. , Schofield Eleanor J. , Bargar John R. , Bernier‐Latmani Rizlan
Published: July 2009

The bioremediation of uranium‐contaminated sites is designed to stimulate the activity of microorganisms able to catalyze the reduction of soluble U(VI) to the less soluble mineral UO2. U(VI) reduction does not necessarily support growth in previously studied bacteria, but it typically involves viable vegetative cells and the presence of an appropriate electron donor. We characterized U(VI) reduction by the sulfate‐reducing bacterium Desulfotomaculum reducens strain MI‐1 grown fermentatively on pyruvate and observed that spores were capable of U(VI) reduction. Hydrogen gas – a product of pyruvate fermentation – rather than pyruvate, served as the electron donor. The presence of spent growth medium was required for the process, suggesting that an unknown factor produced by the cells was necessary for reduction. Ultrafiltration of the spent medium followed by U(VI) reduction assays revealed that the factor's molecular size was below 3 kDa. Pre‐reduced spent medium displayed short‐term U(VI) reduction activity, suggesting that the missing factor may be an electron shuttle, but neither anthraquinone‐2,6‐disulfonic acid nor riboflavin rescued spore activity in fresh medium. Spores of D. reducens also reduced Fe(III)‐citrate under experimental conditions similar to those for U(VI) reduction. This is the first report of a bacterium able to reduce metals while in a sporulated state and underscores the novel nature of the mechanism of metal reduction by strain MI‐1.
Current practice in the United Kingdom for the use of diagnostic laparoscopy in suspected acute appendicitis
Authors: Stechman M. J. , Roy D. , Mainprize K. S.
Published: July 2009

Objective  Diagnostic laparoscopy is advocated in the management of patients with acute right iliac fossa pain. We asked consultant surgeons in the UK about their current use of this technique.

Method  A short anonymous questionnaire was sent to consultant surgeons from the ASGBI database. Information was sought on general surgical specialty, participation in the emergency surgical on‐call rota, current practice regarding the use of diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with suspected acute appendicitis and on the management of an inflamed or noninflamed appendix. Statistical analysis was by means of χ2 test.

Results  There were 161 eligible returns from 250 questionnaires (64%) and the proportion of consultants replying from each subspecialty was similar to membership numbers of subspecialty organizations. Most consultants (68%) performed diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with suspected acute appendicitis. The majority (69%) reserved its use for women of reproductive age and 14% of respondents laparoscoped all patients with suspected appendicitis. Compared to nongastrointestinal (GI), GI surgeons were significantly more likely to perform diagnostic laparoscopy (75 vs 52%, P = 0.008). In the case of an overtly inflamed appendix, 81% of respondents would remove it laparoscopically with significantly more GI surgeons following this course than nonGI surgeons (P = 0.04).

Conclusion  Despite good evidence on the benefits of diagnostic laparoscopy in certain patients with suspected acute appendicitis, there is significant variation in its use. This difference appears to be based upon subspecialty and may be as a result of increasing subspecialization.
Quality of mesorectum after laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer ‐ Results of an audited teaching programme in Spain
Authors: Biondo S. , Ortiz H. , Lujan J. , Codina‐Cazador A. , Espin E. , Garcia‐Granero E. , Kreisler E. , De Miguel M. , Alos R. , Echeverria A.
Published: July 2009

Objective  The aim of this prospective observational study was to compare the quality of total mesorectal excision between laparoscopic and open surgery for rectal cancer.

Method  In April 2006, the Spanish Association of Surgeons started an audited teaching programme. The project was similar to the Norwegian one and several training courses were arranged. Patients were classified into two groups: laparoscopic rectal resection (LR) and open rectal resection (OR). The quality of the mesorectum was scored: complete, nearly complete or incomplete. The circumferential margin (CRM) was considered positive, if tumour was located 1 mm or less from the surface of the specimen.

Results  Between 2006 and 2008, 604 patients underwent rectal resection with total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: 209 patients were included in the LR group and 395 patients in the OR group. There were no differences in terms of number of lymph nodes affected, distance of the tumour from CRM. The mesorectum was complete in 464 (76.8%), nearly complete in 91 (15.1%) and incomplete in 49 patients (8.1%). CRM was negative in 534 patients (88.4%). No differences were observed between the two groups. The overall postoperative morbidity rate was 38.8% in LR group and 44.6% in OR group (P = 0.170). Overall postoperative mortality rate was 2.5%. One patient died (0.5%) in the LR group and 14 patients died (3.5%) in the OR group (P = 0.021).

Conclusion  Laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer is feasible with the quality of mesorectal excision and postoperative outcomes similar to those of open surgery.
Gulf of Maine cod in 1861: historical analysis of fishery logbooks, with ecosystem implications
Authors: Alexander Karen E. , Leavenworth William B. , Cournane Jamie , Cooper Andrew B. , Claesson Stefan , Brennan Stephen , Smith Gwynna , Rains Lesley , Magness Katherine , Dunn Reneé , Law Tristan K. , Gee Robert , Jeffrey Bolster W. , Rosenberg Andrew A.
Published: July 2009

Since 2000, virtually every major assessment of ocean policy has called for implementing an ecosystem approach to managing marine resources, yet crafting such an approach has proved difficult. Ecosystems today exhibit little of the abundance and complexity found in the past, and populations of over‐fished species have declined dramatically world‐wide, yet historical evidence has been difficult to assimilate into complex ecosystem models. Here, we look to the testimony of Gulf of Maine fishermen for insights on the abundance of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and the environment that once supported such large numbers of them. Using logbook data from Frenchman’s Bay, Maine, and other New England communities at the time of the Civil War, we estimate cod landings in the Gulf of Maine in 1861, establish a population structure for cod at that time, and map the geographical distribution of fishing effort of a fleet that minimized risk and cut expenses by fishing inshore where cod and bait species were plentiful. Log entries list the pelagic and bottom‐dwelling invertebrate species these fishermen used for bait, when and how they acquired it, and what species they looked for in the water to signify the presence of cod. Ranked descriptions of both cod and bait abundance were found to be statistically significant indicators of cod catch. Frenchman’s Bay fishermen 140 years ago provided a minimum set of ecosystem requirements for abundant cod, conditions that may inform management plans aimed at restoring both the species and the Gulf of Maine marine ecosystem.
Managing biomedical uncertainty: the technoscientific illness identity
Authors: Sulik Gayle A.
Published: July 2009

This paper analyses how the biomedical uncertainty of breast cancer contributes to the development of a new type of illness identity that is grounded in biomedical knowledge, advanced technology, and biomedical health and risk surveillance. The technoscientific identity (TSI) develops through the application of sciences and technologies to one’s sense of self. Analysing narrative data from 60 in‐depth interviews with women diagnosed with breast cancer, this research demonstrates how women diagnosed with breast cancer develop and maintain TSIs through four processes: (1) immersion in professional biomedical knowledge, (2) locating themselves within a technoscientific framework, (3) receiving support for the emerging TSI from the medical system and support networks, and (4) eventually prioritising their biomedical classifications over their suffering. Developing a TSI enables people to make sense of biomedical information, make decisions, and manage medical processes and relationships in the face of biomedical and personal uncertainty even as it extends the reach of technoscience and biomedicalisation.
International Labour Standards and North–South Competition
Authors: Zhao Laixun
Published: July 2009

This paper models the economic aspects of labour standards (LS) in an oligopolistic framework of three countries, incorporating labour–management negotiations in the North and monopsonic labour markets in Southern countries. Contrary to the literature, a higher LS not only incurs a higher cost, but also benefits workers and induces them to work harder. Because of these links, Northern intervention, via import taxes or minimum LS regulation, may often have perverse effects on Southern countries. Specifically, imposing an unconditional tariff against a certain Southern country to force up its LS does not work. Further, the unconditional tariff would shift production to another country. These shed light on why developing countries oppose including LS in WTO negotiations. However, a LS‐contingent tariff, or a minimum LS regulation is effective in raising LS in Southern countries, but the utility of the Northern labour union may fall. Incorporating altruism and humanitarian concerns mitigates the effects of unconditional tariff policies. Finally, as the empirical evidence shows, we demonstrate that multinational enterprises choose to locate in those developing countries whose LS is relatively higher.
The Impact of Real Exchange Rate Flexibility on East Asian Exports
Authors: Rahman Mizanur
Published: July 2009

This paper estimates the impact of intra‐regional real exchange rate flexibility on East Asian exports. The hypothesis is that the impact would be negative for East Asian countries regardless of their exchange rate regimes. The results validate the hypothesis. The findings show that for Chinese exports the long‐run effect is as much as that of a real appreciation of renminbi. By contrast, for Japanese exports the effect is three times larger than that of a real appreciation of the yen. The findings imply that a regional currency basket mechanism would lessen the adverse effect of exchange rate flexibility and engineer a collective exchange rate adjustment for resolving the global payment imbalance against East Asia.
Comprehensive assessment of gesture production: a new test of upper limb apraxia (TULIA)
Authors: Vanbellingen T. , Kersten B. , Van Hemelrijk B. , Van de Winckel A. , Bertschi M. , Müri R. , De Weerdt W. , Bohlhalter S.
Published: July 2009

Background:  Only few standardized apraxia scales are available and they do not cover all domains and semantic features of gesture production. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of a newly developed test of upper limb apraxia (TULIA), which is comprehensive and still short to administer.

Methods:  The TULIA consists of 48 items including imitation and pantomime domain of non‐symbolic (meaningless), intransitive (communicative) and transitive (tool related) gestures corresponding to 6 subtests. A 6‐point scoring method (0–5) was used (score range 0–240). Performance was assessed by blinded raters based on videos in 133 stroke patients, 84 with left hemisphere damage (LHD) and 49 with right hemisphere damage (RHD), as well as 50 healthy subjects (HS).

Results:  The clinimetric findings demonstrated mostly good to excellent internal consistency, inter‐ and intra‐rater (test–retest) reliability, both at the level of the six subtests and at individual item level. Criterion validity was evaluated by confirming hypotheses based on the literature. Construct validity was demonstrated by a high correlation (r = 0.82) with the De Renzi‐test.

Conclusion:  These results show that the TULIA is both a reliable and valid test to systematically assess gesture production. The test can be easily applied and is therefore useful for both research purposes and clinical practice.
Voluntary arbitration: the unsung hero
Authors: Gennard John
Published: July 2009

This article outlines the main forms of third‐party intervention and their use by the actors in the employee relations system. It also analyses the distinctive features of voluntary arbitration, the issue of disputes of rights and of interests and the differences between last offer arbitration and conventional arbitration. There is also an evaluation of the matters that are the subject of voluntary arbitration and why employers, employees and trade unions are reluctant to use the process except as a last resort. The article also explains the main stages in the collective voluntary arbitration process and concludes that although the process is not widely used, it remains an important tool in the current UK employment relations framework.
CONSUMER SEARCH, PRICE DISPERSION, AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIVE PRICE FLUCTUATIONS*
Authors: Alessandria George
Published: July 2009

This article develops a model of consumer search consistent with the evidence of substantial price dispersion and time spent shopping within countries to study international deviations from the law of one price (LOP) and relative price fluctuations. Search frictions lead firms to price discriminate across markets based on the opportunity cost of search, which depends on the local wage. With productivity and taste shocks estimated from the data, deviations from the LOP are as volatile and persistent as in the data. Fluctuations in relative wages, real exchange rates, and the terms of trade are also consistent with the data.
MARKET SIZE AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION*
Authors: Boldrin Michele , Levine David K.
Published: July 2009

Intellectual property (IP) protection involves a trade‐off between the undesirability of monopoly and the desirable encouragement of creation and innovation. Optimal policy depends on the relative strength of these two forces. We give a quantitative assessment of current IP policies. We focus particularly on the scale of the market, showing that as it increases, due either to growth or to the expansion of trade, IP protection should be reduced.
Central mechanisms of stress-induced headache
Authors: Cathcart S , Petkov J , Winefield AH , Lushington K , Rolan P
Published: July 2009

Stress is the most commonly reported trigger of an episode of chronic tension-type headache (CTTH); however, the causal significance has not been experimentally demonstrated to date. Stress may trigger CTTH through hyperalgesic effects on already sensitized pain pathways in CTTH sufferers. This hypothesis could be partially tested by examining pain sensitivity in an experimental model of stress-induced headache in CTTH sufferers. Such examinations have not been reported to date. We measured pericranial muscle tenderness and pain thresholds at the finger, head and shoulder in 23 CTTH sufferers (CTH-S) and 25 healthy control subjects (CNT) exposed to an hour-long stressful mental task, and in 23 CTTH sufferers exposed to an hour-long neutral condition (CTH-N). Headache developed in 91% of CTH-S, 4% of CNT, and 17% of CTH-N subjects. Headache sufferers had increased muscle tenderness and reduced pain thresholds compared with healthy controls. During the task, muscle tenderness increased and pain thresholds decreased in the CTH-S group compared with CTH-N and CNT groups. Pre-task muscle tenderness and reduction in pain threshold during task were predictive of the development and intensity of headache following task. The main findings are that stress induced a headache in CTTH sufferers, and this was associated with pre-task muscle tenderness and stress-induced reduction in pain thresholds. The results support the hypothesis that stress triggers CTTH through hyperalgesic effects on already increased pain sensitivity in CTTH sufferers, reducing the threshold to noxious input from pericranial structures.