bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Change in agronomic performance of Lolium perenne and Lolium multiflorum varieties in the past 40 years based on data from Belgian VCU trials
Authors: Chaves B. , De Vliegher A. , Van Waes J. , Carlier L. , Marynissen B.
Published: April 2009

By using data of Belgian trials for Value of Cultivation and Use (1963–2007) the change in agronomic performance of ryegrass varieties was quantified. Data included 144 Lolium perenne and 69 Lolium multiflorum candidate varieties, plus ‘Vigor’ and ‘Lemtal’, two varieties which were always included in the Value of Cultivation and Use (VCU) trials. As the genetics of ‘Vigor’ and ‘Lemtal’ have remained identical to those in 1963, these were used as constant standards to measure improvements of new varieties. Dry matter yield (DMY) of ‘Vigor’ and ‘Lemtal’ varied annually but did not show a progressive change, indicating that cultural changes in VCU trials of ryegrasses were small. By expressing DMY, persistency and rust resistance of the candidate varieties relative to Vigor and ‘Lemtal’, the change in agronomic performance due to breeding was determined. DMY increased with 0.3% of ‘Vigor’ and ‘Lemtal’ annually. Persistency showed an annual increase around 0.5% of the standard varieties. Before 1990, rust resistance of ryegrasses varied around 100% relative to ‘Vigor’ or ‘Lemtal’. After 1990, an annual increase of 3.6% against these standard varieties was found.
Identification of sources and inheritance of resistance of Chinese Brassica vegetables to white blister
Authors: Santos M. R. , Silva M. J. , Ferreira‐Pinto M. M. , Dias J. S.
Published: April 2009

There is no information in the literature about the variability of resistance of Chinese Brassica vegetables, pak choi and Chinese cabbage, to the white blister disease caused by Albugo candida (Pers.) Kuntze. A collection of 43 accessions of pak choi and 19 accessions of Chinese cabbage was screened for resistance to the Portuguese A. candida isolate Ac 506 at the cotyledon stage. Different levels of resistance were found among the germplasm tested, ranging from complete resistance to full susceptibility. Most of the accessions were highly susceptible with less than 10% of resistant seedlings, and only four accessions of pak choi, presenting more than 50% resistant seedlings, were considered as new sources or resistance to white blister. Inheritance of resistance at the cotyledon stage was studied in two crosses between the most resistant pak choi accession, BRA 117, and the highly susceptible rapid cycling Brassica rapa line CrGC 1.19. It was proposed that resistance to white blister in pak choi BRA 117 is controlled by two nuclear genes with dominant recessive epistatic gene action.
Developing high oleic acid in Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. by plant breeding
Authors: Petros Y. , Carlsson A. S. , Stymne S. , Zeleke H. , Fält A.‐S. , Merker A.
Published: April 2009

Oleic acid content was increased from approximately 5–11% to 80–86% in Guizotia abyssinica (L. f.) Cass. materials from Ethiopia after repeated selection and breeding. Achenes collected from Ethiopia were screened for elevated oleic acid content by half seed technique. The starting materials for breeding were nine plants selected from among 272 seeds analysed and having an average oleic acid content of approximately 21% which is considered to be high compared with the 5–11% reported earlier for niger materials of Ethiopian origin. It was observed that the oleic acid content steadily increased after each round of selection and breeding. The percent oleic acid in the seed oil increased to an average of 35.2% and 53.4% after the first and second round of breeding, respectively and ultimately to over 80% after the third round of breeding. It was also observed that the percent oleic acid in the oil stabilizes and the plants breed true when the oleic acid content in the parental seeds was above 79%.
Isolation and functional analysis of the gene controlling the stub‐spreading trait in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Komori T. , Miyata M. , Yamamoto T. , Nitta N. , Hiei Y. , Yano M. , Ueki J. , Komari T.
Published: April 2009

The stub‐spreading trait, also designated as ‘tiller angle’, is one of the components that determine the plant type. In rice, the trait is quite important because of its close relationship to the yield performance. The Spk(t) gene is a major determinant of the trait in the cross of ‘Kasalath’ (indica) and ‘Nipponbare’ (japonica). In this study, the Spk(t) gene was isolated by a map‐based cloning strategy. Sequence analysis of the cDNA clones from the locus revealed that the Spk(t) transcripts and the spk(t) transcripts encode identical 259‐aa proteins of unknown function; however, the structure of the 3′‐untranslated region of each allele is quite different. Additional transgenic experiments in rice demonstrated that the difference is caused by a single‐nucleotide polymorphism at the 3′‐splicing site specific to the Spk(t) allele which thereby plays a critical role in the phenotypic expression. In addition to revealing the molecular mechanism underlying the allele differentiation at the Spk(t) locus, the information presented here should be useful for breeding of this trait in rice.
Identification of barley mutants in the cultivar ‘Lux’ at the Dhn loci through TILLING
Authors: Lababidi S. , Mejlhede N. , Rasmussen S. K. , Backes G. , Al‐Said W. , Baum M. , Jahoor A.
Published: April 2009

TILLING is a reverse genetic strategy that allows screening for mutations in genes with known sequences in a plant mutant population. A TILLING population has been developed for the Danish barley variety ‘Lux’ (Hordeum vulgare L.), by using sodium azide to induce mutations. Scoring of four visible phenotypic characters of barley seedling in reference to the parental cultivar ‘Lux’ in the M3 plants showed over 3.5% lethality. A series of pool ratios of mixed DNA from mutant lines were tested and 10‐fold pools appeared to be the practical mixing ratio for the detection of fragments in the 500–700 bp range. Two of the 13 known dehydrin genes, Dhn12 and Dhn13, respectively, were examined and five independent missense mutations were obtained from a population of 9575 barley mutant plants. This corresponds to a mutation density of approximately one mutation every two and half million base pairs for these two genes. The mutant population of approximately 10 000 lines was screened for mutations in two genes in a short time due to high pooling ratio.
Review article: Low‐molecular‐weight heparin as an alternative anticoagulant to unfractionated heparin for routine outpatient haemodialysis treatments
Authors: DAVENPORT ANDREW
Published: April 2009

Unfractionated heparin is currently the most widely used anticoagulant for outpatient haemodialysis. However, unfractionated heparin is a series of molecules, and as such has variable pharmacodynamics. Low‐molecular‐weight heparins were developed to improve both drug pharmacokinetic and dynamics, so to provide a reliable predictable clinical effect. The low‐molecular‐weight heparins are potent agents, but have an increased half‐life compared with unfractionated heparin, and also require specialist laboratory monitoring. Despite these apparent drawbacks, low‐molecular‐weight heparins have become the anticoagulants of choice in Western Europe for routine outpatient haemodialysis sessions, due to the reliability of their clinical effect, and ease of administration, coupled with cost reduction. In standard clinical practice laboratory monitoring is not routinely performed, with drug dosing assessed by clinical inspection of the extracorporeal circuit, and the time for fistula needle sites to stop bleeding.
Review article: Patient‐level outcomes: the missing link
Authors: O'SHAUGHNESSY DENISE V , ELDER GRAHAME J
Published: April 2009

Treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be life‐saving, but can disrupt every aspect of a patient's life and the lives of family members. Many patients with CKD are elderly with significant comorbidities and sometimes therapies to improve survival may be less important than those that improve or maintain quality of life. In this setting, patient‐level benefits become particularly important goals of therapy. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) are also essential to justify expensive therapies, such as medications used in the treatment of CKD mineral and bone disorders. Surprisingly, data to support the efficacy of these drugs for patient‐level outcomes remains limited. In fact, fewer RCT are conducted in renal medicine than in any other medical specialty and reliance is often placed on association data and the assessment of intermediate and biochemical end‐points. While some of these may prove to be valid surrogates for clinically important outcomes, some may not. Inclusion of patient‐level outcomes in clinical research provides a missing link that can inform a more comprehensive approach to clinical practice and patient care. Incorporating measures of health‐related quality of life into clinical trials can make outcomes more relevant and may be relatively simple. This paper provides examples of reliable, validated instruments to measure health‐related quality of life domains and functional status, together with practical instructions for their use. Most could be incorporated into RCT of CKD mineral and bone disorder treatments. Inclusion of outcomes that are perceived by patients to be significant should become standard practice in renal medicine and in clinical renal research.
Detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease in Indonesia: Initial community screening
Authors: PRODJOSUDJADI WIGUNO , SUHARDJONO  , SUWITRA KETUT , PRANAWA  , WIDIANA I GDE RAKA , LOEKMAN JODI SIDHARTA , NAINGGOLAN GINOVA , PRASANTO HERU , WIJAYANTI YANRI , DHARMEIZAR  , SJA'BANI MOCHAMMAD , NASUTION M YUSUF , BASUKI WIDODO , ADITIAWARDANA  , HARRIS DAVID CH , PUGSLEY DAVID J ,   FOR THE WORKING GROUP OF THE INDONESIAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
Published: April 2009

Aim:  This survey evaluated the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD if estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2) and its risk factors amongst subjects from urban and semi‐urban areas.

Methods:  History of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, cardio‐ and cerebrovascular diseases of subjects and their families was recorded. Blood pressure was determined as the mean of three readings in the sitting position and hypertension classified according to the Joint National Committee VII. Urinalysis was assessed using Combi 10R dipstick test. Random blood glucose and serum creatinine were measured in subjects with either hypertension, proteinuria, glycosuria and/or a history of diabetes. eGFR was calculated according Cockcroft–Gault (CG) adjusted by body surface area (BSA), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Chinese MDRD equations.

Results:  Of 9412 subjects recruited, 64.1% were female. Persistent proteinuria was found in almost 3%. Systolic and diastolic hypertension was found in 10%, isolated systolic hypertension in 4.8% and isolated diastolic hypertension in 4.6%. CKD was found in 12.5% (CG), 8.6% (MDRD) or 7.5% (Chinese MDRD) of subjects with either hypertension, proteinuria and/or diabetes. Proteinuria, systolic blood pressure and a history of diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of impaired eGFR. Obesity and smoking history were found in 32.5% and 19.8%, respectively.

Conclusion:  The present study showed a high prevalence of CKD in representative urban and semi‐urban areas and argues for screening and treatment of all Indonesians, particularly those at an increased risk of CKD.
Review article: Risks of coronary artery calcification in chronic kidney disease: Do the same rules apply?
Authors: MCCULLOUGH PETER A , AGARWAL MOHIT , AGRAWAL VARUN
Published: April 2009

Atherosclerosis, once present, in the intimal and medial spaces of the blood vessel wall becomes calcified due to a variety of cellular and metabolic processes. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) appear to have both accelerated and amplified vascular calcification compared with the general population. Calcium deposition within vascular tissue in the form of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals appears to be a permanent step in the mature atherosclerotic plaque, and to date has not been found to be reversible or modifiable with common treatments for atherosclerosis or dialysis management strategies. Densely calcified lesions with a circumferential arc of calcium around the vessel wall may be severely stenotic, however, are unlikely to develop symptomatic plaque rupture with an acute coronary syndrome. For that reason, the expected outcomes of atherosclerotic therapies in patients with CKD bone and mineral disorder have not followed the same rules of evidence. This paper will review the differences between the CKD and general population with respect to vascular calcification and the observed natural history in observational and interventional studies.
Chronic kidney disease in children: The National Paediatric Hospital experience in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: HUONG NGUYEN THI QUYNH , LONG TRAN DINH , BOUISSOU FRANÇOIS , LIEM NGUYEN THANH , TRUONG DINH MINH , NGA DO KIM , CHIEN TRAN THI , BASCANDS JEAN‐LOUP
Published: April 2009

Aim:  The goal of this descriptive study was to evaluate the aetiology and the socioeconomic status in hospitalized children in Hanoi and propose solutions to improve prevention and basic health care of patients with chronic kidney disease in Hanoi City.

Methods:  The records of all 152 hospitalized children with chronic kidney disease in the National Paediatric Hospital in Hanoi from January 2001 to December 2005 were analyzed.

Results:  The incidence of paediatric chronic kidney disease native to Hanoi City was estimated to be 5.1/million‐child population (pmcp). Median age was 11.29 years; 60.5% were boys and 39.5% were girls; 65% of patients were in end‐stage renal disease. Causes of chronic kidney disease included glomerulonephritis (66.4%) and congenital/hereditary anomalies (13%). In 19.8% of children, the aetiology was unavailable. During hospitalization, five patients died and 76 patients (50%) refused the treatment although beneficiaries of health insurance. Thirty patients (19.74%) received peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis, and seven patients received renal transplantation with a familial living donor.

Conclusion:  Late referral, and limited facilities for renal replacement therapy explain the poor outcome in this study. We need a program to delineate the burden of chronic kidney disease and improve primary health care for health promotion and prevention of paediatric chronic kidney disease.
Review article: Potential cellular therapies for renal disease: Can we translate results from animal studies to the human condition?
Authors: LITTLE MELISSA H , RAE FIONA K
Published: April 2009

The incidence of chronic kidney disease is increasing worldwide, prompting considerable research into potential regenerative therapies. These have included studies to determine whether an endogenous renal stem cell exists in the postnatal kidney and whether non‐renal adult stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cell, can ameliorate renal damage. Such stem cells will either need to be recruited to the damaged kidney to repair the damage in situ or be differentiated into the desired cell type and delivered into the damaged kidney to subsequently elicit repair without maldifferentiation. To date, these studies have largely been performed using experimental and genetic models of renal damage in rodents. The translation of such research into a therapy applicable to human disease faces many challenges. In this review, we examine which animal models have been used to evaluate potential cellular therapies and how valid these are to human chronic kidney disease.
Review article: Getting the balance right: Assessing causes and extent of vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease
Authors: KETTELER MARKUS , BIGGAR PATRICK H
Published: April 2009

Vascular calcification is part of the definition of chronic kidney disease – mineral and bone disorder (CKD‐MBD). It is also a surrogate parameter of cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality risk in the CKD population. However, vascular calcification is not a homogenous entity, but a rather complex manifestation influenced by derangements of calcium and phosphate homeostasis, by dysregulated calcification inhibitors and promoters, and by the type of arterial disease (atherosclerosis vs arteriosclerosis). Despite the clear‐cut risk association between the presence of vascular calcification and mortality, it is currently not well defined, how this knowledge about calcification should be translated into active clinical management. Further, the choice of the appropriate imaging test is a matter of debate. This article attempts to provide an update on insights into the pathophysiology of vascular calcification processes and a subjective view of the clinical consequences of management of CKD patients at risk.
Metabolic syndrome and the development of chronic kidney disease among 118 924 non‐diabetic Taiwanese in a retrospective cohort
Authors: SUN FENG , TAO QIUSHAN , ZHAN SIYAN
Published: April 2009

Aim:  Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common risk factor for cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Western populations; however, no prospective studies have examined MetS as a risk factor for CKD in Chinese adults.

Methods:  The incidence of CKD and the prospective link between MetS (defined by two criteria: modified Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP‐III) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF)) and CKD among 118 924 Taiwanese participants without baseline diabetes, aged 20–74 years with a mean 3.7 years follow up, was examined. CKD was measured by using estimated glomerular filtration rate or dipstick proteinuria (1+). The association between MetS or combination patterns of MetS abnormalities and CKD was evaluated using Cox models with adjustment for confounders.

Results:  The incidence of CKD was 288/10 000 person‐years (95% confidence interval (CI), 283–293). The findings showed that central obesity (OB), high blood pressure (BP) and high triglyceride were considered to be the major metabolic events in the study cohort. Incidences and hazard ratios (HR) on CKD had evidently increasing trends with the number of MetS components. The multivariable‐adjusted HR for CKD associated with ATP‐III‐MetS was 1.30 (95% CI, 1.24–1.36). Equivalent HR for IDF‐MetS were 1.37 (95% CI, 1.30–1.44). The associations were still observed when analyzing by stratifying incident diabetes and adjusting hypertension status.

Conclusion:  MetS induces an increased risk for CKD independent of baseline confounding factors and subsequent incident diabetes modified the associations lightly. The mechanism through which MetS may cause CKD in this population likely is the development of multiple metabolic pathogenic processes together.
Salvage radical prostatectomy for recurrent prostate cancer after radiation therapy
Authors: Leonardo Costantino , Simone Giuseppe , Papalia Rocco , Franco Giorgio , Guaglianone Salvatore , Gallucci Michele
Published: April 2009

Salvage radical prostatectomy is considered for patients with locally recurrent prostate cancer after external beam radiotherapy. Between 2001 and 2004, 32 men treated with curative intent with radiotherapy for prostate cancer were subsequently treated with salvage surgery for clinically localized prostate cancer. We assessed the morbidity associated with this procedure and the outcome of the patients. Thirty‐two patients underwent salvage radical prostatectomy. Initial pre‐radiation median prostate‐specific antigen was 13 ng/ml. Pre‐radiation disease was clinical stage T1b in five cases, T2a in 10, T2b in 10 and T3a in seven. Mean operative time was 122 minutes, intraoperative blood loss was 550 ml and hospital stay and catheterization time were 5 and 12 days, respectively. There was biochemical failure in eight patients after salvage radical prostatectomy and 24 patients are biochemical non evidence of disease (bNED). In recurrent prostate local disease with prostate‐specific antigen <10 ng/ml and life expectancy greater than 10 years, salvage radical prostatectomy is a reasonable treatment option.
Review: The Actions and Side Effects of β‐adrenoceptor Blocking Drugs
Authors: O'DONNELL STELLA R.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT This review presents information on the autonomic nervous system, with particular reference to the noradrenergic sympathetic nervous system and adrenoceptors. This leads on to a discussion of the mechanism of action of, main effects and side effects of, and contraindications to the use of the β‐adrenoceptor blocking drugs. Emphasis is given to the use of timolol eye drops in the treatment of glaucoma and some consideration is given to its possible mechanism of action in the eye. The review is based on a lecture presented to the 4th Australian/International Optometrical Congress, Gold Coast, Queensland, October 1982.
Survival and persistence of human and ruminant‐specific faecal Bacteroidales in freshwater microcosms
Authors: Walters Sarah P. , Field Katharine G.
Published: April 2009

Amplification of host‐specific markers from Bacteroidales faecal anaerobes can rapidly identify the source of faecal pollution. It is necessary to understand persistence and survival of these markers and marker cells, both to interpret quantitative source‐tracking data, and to use such data to predict pathogen occurrence. We measured marker persistence and cell survival of two human (HF134, HF183) and two ruminant (CF128, CF193) faecal Bacteroidales markers, compared with Escherichia coli and enterococci. Freshwater microcosms were inoculated with fresh cattle or human faeces and incubated at 13°C in natural light or darkness. Marker persistence was measured by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR. Survival of marker cells was measured by real‐time quantitative PCR. There was no difference in persistence between the two human‐specific Bacteroidales DNA markers in the light and dark microcosms. Cell survival profiles of the two human markers were also similar; both were significantly affected by light. Ruminant markers persisted and survived longer than human markers (14 versus 6 days respectively). CF193 decreased more rapidly than CF128, and light significantly affected CF128 but not CF193. These results support use of host‐specific faecal Bacteroidales markers as indicators of recent faecal pollution, but suggest that caution is needed in interpreting quantitative results to indicate proportional contribution of different sources, as individual markers differ in their survival, persistence and response to environmental variables. The survival and persistence profiles for Bacteroidales markers are consistent with survival profiles for several faecal pathogens.
Distribution and evolution of ferripyoverdine receptors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Bodilis Josselin , Ghysels Bart , Osayande Julie , Matthijs Sandra , Pirnay Jean‐Paul , Denayer Sarah , De Vos Daniel , Cornelis Pierre
Published: April 2009

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous Gram‐negative bacterium, which is also able to cause severe opportunistic infections in humans. The colonization of the host is importantly affected by the production of the high‐affinity iron (III) scavenging peptidic siderophore pyoverdine. The species P. aeruginosa can be divided into three subgroups (‘siderovars’), each characterized by the production of a specific pyoverdine and receptor (FpvA). We used a multiplex PCR to determine the FpvA siderovar on 345 P. aeruginosa strains from environmental or clinical origin. We found about the same proportion of each type in clinical strains, while FpvA type I was slightly over‐represented (49%) in environmental strains. Our multiplex PCR also detected the presence or absence of an additional receptor for type I pyoverdine (FpvB). The fpvB gene was in fact present in the vast majority of P. aeruginosa strains (93%), regardless of their siderovar or their origin. Finally, molecular analyses of fpvA and fpvB genes highlighted a complex evolutionary history, probably linked to the central role of iron acquisition in the ecology and virulence of P. aeruginosa.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Way of Coping Checklist‐Revised (WCCL‐R) in the Asian Context
Authors: Sawang Sukanlaya , Oei Tian P.S. , Goh Yong Wah , Mansoer Wilman , Markhum Enoch , Ranawake D.
Published: April 2009

Industrial employment growth has been one of the most dynamic areas of expansion in Asia; however, current trends in industrialised working environments have resulted in greater employee stress. Despite research showing that cultural values affect the way people cope with stress, there is a dearth of psychometrically established tools for use in non‐Western countries to measure these constructs. Studies of the “Way of Coping Checklist‐Revised” (WCCL‐R) in the West suggest that the WCCL‐R has good psychometric properties, but its applicability in the East is still understudied. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is used to validate the WCCL‐R constructs in an Asian population. This study used 1,314 participants from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Thailand. An initial exploratory factor analysis revealed that original structures were not confirmed; however, a subsequent EFA and CFA showed that a 38‐item, five‐factor structure model was confirmed. The revised WCCL‐R in the Asian sample was also found to have good reliability and sound construct and concurrent validity. The 38‐item structure of the WCCL‐R has considerable potential in future occupational stress‐related research in Asian countries.

La croissance de l’emploi dans l’industrie a été l’un des aspects les plus dynamiques de l’expansion en Asie, mais l’évolution actuelle des environnements de travail industriels a accru le stress des salariés. Malgré les recherches qui ont souligné que les valeurs culturelles affectaient la façon dont les gens faisaient face au stress, on ne peut que regretter la pénurie d’outils psychométriquement valides pour mesurer ces dimensions dans les pays non occidentaux. Les travaux occidentaux sur la “liste révisée des stratégies de faire‐face” (WCCL‐R) laissent entendre que cette échelle présentent des propriétés psychométriques positives, mais ses possibilités d’application en Asie n’ont pas été suffisamment étudiées. On a mis à l’épreuve par analyse factorielle les concepts de la WCCL‐R sur une population asiatique. L’échantillon comprenait 1,314 sujets en provenance d’Indonésie, du Sri Lanka, de Singapour et de Thaïlande. Une première analyse factorielle exploratoire n’a pas confirmé la structure originelle. Toutefois, les analyses ultérieures débouchèrent sur un modèle à cinq facteurs et 38 items. On a aussi pu constater que la WCCL‐R présentait une bonne fidélité, des concepts pertinents et une validité concurrente satisfaisante. La structure en 38 items de la WCCL‐R recèle un potentiel considérable pour les recherches sur le stress professionnel dans les pays asiatiques.
THE OPTIMAL PROVISION OF LOCAL PUBLIC GOODS IN A METROPOLITAN AREA WITH FLEXIBLE JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES*
Authors: Okamoto Ryosuke
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT In this paper, we analyze the optimal structure of a monocentric city that has multiple jurisdictions. The cost of providing a public good depends on both the area of the jurisdiction and the quality of the service, both of which are endogenous variables. We show that the optimal quality of the public good decreases as distance from the central business district (CBD) increases if the public good and the housing lot are substitutes, and may increase if they are complements. The optimal population density always decreases as distance from the CBD increases.
Are Good Industrial Relations Good for the Economy?
Authors: Addison John T. , Teixeira Paulino
Published: April 2009

Recent US microeconomic analysis indicates that good industrial relations might improve firm performance. Of late, it has also been claimed that the benefits of industrial relations quality - proxied inversely by a strikes variable - could also extend to the macroeconomy. Using cross-country data, we find that, independent of other labor market institutions, a lower strike volume is associated with lower unemployment. Although there is a separate line of causation running from unemployment to strikes, our analysis suggests that this is not dominant. That said, support for the notion that macro performance owes something to good industrial relations is, however, weakened once we formally control for strike endogeneity.
Sectoral Transformation, Turbulence and Labor Market Dynamics in Germany
Authors: Bachmann Ronald , Burda Michael C.
Published: April 2009

This paper analyzes the interaction between structural change and labor market dynamics in West Germany, during a period when industrial employment declined by more than 30% and service sector employment more than doubled. Using transition data on individual workers, we document a marked increase in structural change and turbulence, in particular since 1990. Net employment changes resulted partly from an increase in gross flows, but also from an increase in the net transition ‘yield’ at any given gross worker turnover. In growing sectors, net structural change was driven by accessions from nonparticipation rather than unemployment; contracting sectors reduced their net employment primarily via lower accessions from non-participation. German reunification and Eastern enlargement appear to have contributed significantly to this accelerated pace of structural change.
Implementation and evaluation of existing guidelines on the use of neurophysiological tests in non‐acute migraine patients: a questionnaire survey of neurologists and primary care physicians
Authors: Rossi P. , Schoenen J. , Bolla M. , Tassorelli C. , Sandrini G. , Nappi G.
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose:  The main aims of this study were to evaluate: the diffusion, use and perception of the usefulness of the 2004 EFNS guidelines on neurophysiological testing in non‐acute headache patients; the frequency with which the different neurophysiological tests were recommended in non‐acute migraine patients by physicians aware or unaware of the guidelines; and the appropriateness of the reasons given for recommending neurophysiological tests.

Methods:  One hundred and fifty physicians selected amongst the members of the Italian societies of general practitioner (GPs), neurologists and headache specialists were contacted via e‐mail and invited to fill in a questionnaire specially created for the study.

Results:  Ninety‐two percent of the headache specialists, 8.6% of the neurologists and 0% of the GPs were already aware of the EFNS guidelines. A significantly higher proportion of headache specialists had not recommended any neurophysiological tests to the migraine patients they had seen in the previous 3 months, whereas these tests had frequently been prescribed by the GPs and neurologists. Overall, 80%, 42% and 42.6% of the reasons given by headache specialists, neurologists and GPs, respectively, for recommending neurophysiological testing in their migraine patients were appropriate (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  The diffusion of the EFNS guidelines on neurophysiological tests and neuroimaging procedures was found to be very limited amongst neurologists and GPs. The physicians aware of the EFNS guidelines recommended neurophysiological tests to migraine patients less frequently and more appropriately than physicians who were not aware of them. The most frequent misconceptions regarding neurophysiological tests concerned their perceived capacity to discriminate between migraine and secondary headaches or between migraine and other primary headaches.
Two different doses of Amitriptyline ER in the prophylaxis of migraine: long‐term results and predictive factors
Authors: Lampl C. , Huber G. , Adl J. , Luthringshausen G. , Franz G. , Marecek S. , Weber J. , Baumhackl U. , Mueller T.
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose:  The rationale for our study was to examine the prophylactic benefit of two doses of amitriptyline over a 6‐month observational period in patients with migraine. We aimed at evaluating whether 50 mg of amitryptiline extended release was more effective than 25 mg in reducing the number of migraine days.

Methods:  Primary outcome measure was the reduction of migraine days in time course (i.e., 3 and 6 months after patient enrolment). As secondary analyses, predictors of treatment response were evaluated. Treatment response was defined as reduction of ≥30% and ≥50% in migraine headache days in time course.

Results:  The intent‐to‐treat population comprised 132 patients (female 96; male 36) with migraine. Median migraine days per month were reduced from 7 days (range: 6–15) at baseline, to 6 days (range: 4–12; P < 0.001) at 3 months, and to 6 days (range: 3–12; P < 0.001) at 6 months, respectively. However, no statistically significant difference in the number of migraine days was seen between the two treatment groups at 3 and 6 months. As a result of secondary analyses, the number of migraine days per month at baseline was the only independent predictor of response to amitriptyline treatment (for both definitions of treatment response, i.e., response rate ≥30% and response rate ≥50%) at 6 months.

Conclusions:  The prophylactic effect of amitriptyline seen in our study was rather weak and did not differ between the two treatment groups. The results of this 6‐month, prospective, open‐label clinical observation are therefore not encouraging.
Minimal Important Differences in the Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQ) Version 2.1
Authors: Cole JC , Lin P , Rupnow MFT
Published: April 2009

To propose minimal important differences (MID) for the Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire version 2.1 (MSQ v2.1). To our knowledge (to date), no published MID values exist for the MSQ v2.1 in any population. Analyses were performed on data from two pivotal clinical trials of topiramate for migraine prevention ( n = 916), as well as from the QualityMetric National Headache Survey ( n = 1016). Analyses included both distribution- and anchor- based MID techniques as well as group- and individual-level MID values. Group-level anchor-based MID values ranged from 3.2 [Role Restrictive domain (RR)] to 7.5 [Emotional Functioning domain (EF)], setting the minimum level of appropriate MID (which can also aid with power analysis). Individual-level distribution-based MID values resulted in highly similar estimates from two large databases: median MID of 8.5 for RR, 9.2 for Role Preventive (RP) and 12.0 for EF. Finally, individual-level anchor-based MID values ranged from 5.0 (RR and RP domains) to 10.6 (EF). For group-level purposes of calculating power for future studies, an MID of 3.2, 4.6 and 7.5 for RR, RP and EF is recommended. For within-group analyses for analysing clinical trial efficacy of each patient's change with responder analyses, 5 points is necessary for RR. For RP and EF, ranges are recommended: 5.0 to 7.9 for RP and 8.0 to 10.6 for EF. These latter two domains tend to have more error in the MID, and thus a sensitivity analysis with both ends of the range should be used to confirm significant differences in responder analyses.
Maternal Characteristics and Migraine Pharmacotherapy During Pregnancy: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Data from a Large Cohort Study
Authors: Nezvalová-Henriksen K , Spigset O , Nordeng H
Published: April 2009

Little is known about factors associated with migraine pharmacotherapy during pregnancy. Of 60 435 pregnant women in a population-based cohort, 3480 (5.8%) reported having migraine during the first 5 months of pregnancy. Of these, 2525 (72.6%) reported using migraine pharmacotherapy, mostly non-narcotic analgesics (54.1%) and triptans (25.4%). After adjustment for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities in logistic regression analysis, high pregestational body mass index [odds ratio (OR) 1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2, 1.4], sleep < 5 h (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3, 1.9), being on sick-leave (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2, 1.5) and acute back/shoulder/neck pain (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.6, 0.7) were associated with migraine pharmacotherapy during pregnancy. Many women need drug treatment for migraine during pregnancy, and the choice of pharmacotherapy during this period may be influenced by maternal sociodemographic factors and comorbidities.
Variation of trabecular microarchitectural parameters in cranial, caudal and mid‐vertebral regions of the ovine L3 vertebra
Authors: Kennedy Oran D. , Brennan Orlaith , Rackard Susan M. , O’Brien Fergal J. , Taylor David , Lee T. Clive
Published: April 2009

The lumbar vertebrae are major load‐bearing structures within the spinal column. The current understanding of the microstructure of these bodies and their full role in load‐bearing is incomplete. There is a need to develop our understanding of these issues to improve fracture prediction in musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoporosis. The lumbar vertebrae consist primarily of trabecular bone enclosed in a thin cortical shell, but little is known about how microstructural parameters vary within these structures, particularly in relation to the trabecular compartment. The specific aim of this study was to use micro‐computed tomography to characterize the trabecular microarchitecture of the ovine L3 vertebra in cranial, mid‐vertebra and caudal regions. The L3 vertebra was obtained from skeletally mature ewes (n = 18) more than 4 years old. Three‐dimensional reconstructions of three pre‐defined regions were obtained and microarchitectural parameters were calculated. Whereas there was no difference in bone volume fraction or structural model index between regions, trabecular number, thickness, spacing, connectivity density, degree of anisotropy and bone mineral density all displayed significant regional variations. The observed differences were consistent with the biomechanical hypothesis that in vivo loads are distributed differently at the endplates compared with the mid‐vertebra. Thus, a more integrative approach combining biomechanical theory and anatomical features may improve fracture risk assessment in the future.
The evolution of orbit orientation and encephalization in the Carnivora (Mammalia)
Authors: Finarelli John A. , Goswami Anjali
Published: April 2009

Evolutionary change in encephalization within and across mammalian clades is well‐studied, yet relatively few comparative analyses attempt to quantify the impact of evolutionary change in relative brain size on cranial morphology. Because of the proximity of the braincase to the orbits, and the inter‐relationships among ecology, sensory systems and neuroanatomy, a relationship has been hypothesized between orbit orientation and encephalization for mammals. Here, we tested this hypothesis in 68 fossil and living species of the mammalian order Carnivora, comparing orbit orientation angles (convergence and frontation) to skull length and encephalization. No significant correlations were observed between skull length and orbit orientation when all taxa were analysed. Significant correlations were observed between encephalization and orbit orientation; however, these were restricted to the families Felidae and Canidae. Encephalization is positively correlated with frontation in both families and negatively correlated with convergence in canids. These results indicate that no universal relationship exists between encephalization and orbit orientation for Carnivora. Braincase expansion impacts orbit orientation in specific carnivoran clades, the nature of which is idiosyncratic to the clade itself.
Evaluation of the chondral modeling theory using fe‐simulation and numeric shape optimization
Authors: Plochocki Jeffrey H. , Ward Carol V. , Smith Douglas E.
Published: April 2009

The chondral modeling theory proposes that hydrostatic pressure within articular cartilage regulates joint size, shape, and congruence through regional variations in rates of tissue proliferation. The purpose of this study is to develop a computational model using a nonlinear two‐dimensional finite element analysis in conjunction with numeric shape optimization to evaluate the chondral modeling theory. The model employed in this analysis is generated from an MR image of the medial portion of the tibiofemoral joint in a subadult male. Stress‐regulated morphological changes are simulated until skeletal maturity and evaluated against the chondral modeling theory. The computed results are found to support the chondral modeling theory. The shape‐optimized model exhibits increased joint congruence, broader stress distributions in articular cartilage, and a relative decrease in joint diameter. The results for the computational model correspond well with experimental data and provide valuable insights into the mechanical determinants of joint growth. The model also provides a crucial first step toward developing a comprehensive model that can be employed to test the influence of mechanical variables on joint conformation.
Coexistence of adrenergic and cholinergic nerves in the inferior hypogastric plexus: anatomical and immunohistochemical study with 3D reconstruction in human male fetus
Authors: Alsaid Bayan , Bessede Thomas , Karam Ibrahim , Abd‐Alsamad Issam , Uhl Jean‐Francois , Benoît Gérard , Droupy Stéphane , Delmas Vincent
Published: April 2009

Classic anatomical methods have failed to determine the precise location, origin and nature of nerve fibres in the inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP). The purpose of this study was to identify the location and nature (adrenergic and/or cholinergic) of IHP nerve fibres and to provide a three‐dimensional (3D) representation of pelvic nerves and their relationship to other anatomical structures. Serial transverse sections of the pelvic portion of two human male fetuses (16 and 17 weeks’ gestation) were studied histologically and immunohistochemically, digitized and reconstructed three‐dimensionally. 3D reconstruction allowed a ‘computer‐assisted dissection’, identifying the precise location and distribution of the pelvic nerve elements. Proximal (supra‐levator) and distal (infra‐levator) communications between the pudendal nerve and IHP were observed. By determining the nature of the nerve fibres using immunostaining, we were able to demonstrate that the hypogastric nerves and pelvic splanchnic nerves, which are classically considered purely sympathetic and parasympathetic, respectively, contain both adrenergic and cholinergic nerve fibres. The pelvic autonomic nervous system is more complex than previously thought, as adrenergic and cholinergic fibres were found to co‐exist in both ‘sympathetic’ and ‘parasympathetic’ nerves. This study is the first step to a 3D cartography of neurotransmitter distribution which could help in the selection of molecules to be used in the treatment of incontinence, erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory disorders.
Copper homeostasis
Authors: Burkhead Jason L. , Gogolin Reynolds Kathryn A. , Abdel‐Ghany Salah E. , Cohu Christopher M. , Pilon Marinus
Published: April 2009

Copper (Cu) is a cofactor in proteins that are involved in electron transfer reactions and is an essential micronutrient for plants. Copper delivery is accomplished by the concerted action of a set of evolutionarily conserved transporters and metallochaperones. As a result of regulation of transporters in the root and the rarity of natural soils with high Cu levels, very few plants in nature will experience Cu in toxic excess in their tissues. However, low Cu bioavailability can limit plant productivity and plants have an interesting response to impending Cu deficiency, which is regulated by an evolutionarily conserved master switch. When Cu supply is insufficient, systems to increase uptake are activated and the available Cu is utilized with economy. A number of Cu‐regulated small RNA molecules, the Cu‐microRNAs, are used to downregulate Cu proteins that are seemingly not essential. On low Cu, the Cu‐microRNAs are upregulated by the master Cu‐responsive transcription factor SPL7, which also activates expression of genes involved in Cu assimilation. This regulation allows the most important proteins, which are required for photo‐autotrophic growth, to remain active over a wide range of Cu concentrations and this should broaden the range where plants can thrive.

Contents

Summary
799

I.
Introduction
800

II.
The origins of Cu homeostasis
800

III.
Copper homeostasis in unicellular photosynthetic model organisms
801

IV.
Functions of Cu in plants
802

V.
Typical levels of Cu in plants, deficiency and toxicity
802

VI.
Copper abundance in soils and appropriate Cu concentrations in media
804

VII.
Uptake in the root and distribution to aerial tissues
804

VIII.
Uptake in the shoot symplast, redistribution of Cu during flowering, seed set and senescence
806

IX.
Cu delivery inside the cell
806

X.
Regulation of Cu homeostasis
809

XI.
Conclusions and outlook
811

Acknowledgements
811

References
811
Iron supplement in pregnancy and development of gestational diabetes—a randomised placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Chan KKL , Chan BCP , Lam KF , Tam S , Lao TT
Published: April 2009

Objective  To test the hypothesis that iron supplement from early pregnancy would increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Design  Randomised placebo‐controlled trial.

Setting  A university teaching hospital in Hong Kong.

Population  One thousand one hundred sixty‐four women with singleton pregnancy at less than 16 weeks of gestation with haemoglobin (Hb) level between 8 and 14 g/dl and no pre‐existing diabetes or haemoglobinopathies.

Methods  Women were randomly allocated to receive 60 mg of iron supplement daily (n= 565) or placebo (n= 599). Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were performed at 28 and 36 weeks. Women were followed up until delivery.

Outcome measures  The primary outcome was development of GDM at 28 weeks. The secondary outcomes were 2‐hour post‐OGTT glucose levels, development of GDM at 36 weeks and delivery and infant outcomes.

Results  There was no significant difference in the incidence of GDM in the iron supplement and placebo groups at 28 weeks (OR: 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.7–1.53 at 90% power) or 36 weeks. Maternal Hb and ferritin levels were higher in the iron supplement group at delivery (P < 0.001 and P= 0.003, respectively). Elective caesarean section rate was lower in the iron supplement group (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37–0.89). Infant birthweight was heavier (P= 0.001), and there were fewer small‐for‐gestational‐age babies in the iron supplement group (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.24–0.85).

Conclusion  Iron supplement from early pregnancy does not increase the risk of GDM. It may have benefits in terms of pregnancy outcomes.