bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural insights into the molecular organization of the S‐layer from Clostridium difficile
Authors: Fagan Robert P. , Albesa‐Jové David , Qazi Omar , Svergun Dmitri I. , Brown Katherine A. , Fairweather Neil F.
Published: January 2009

Clostridium difficile expresses a surface layer (S‐layer) which coats the surface of the bacterium and acts as an adhesin facilitating interaction of the bacterium with host enteric cells. The S‐layer contains a high‐molecular‐weight S‐layer protein (HMW SLP) and its low‐molecular‐weight partner protein (LMW SLP). We show that these proteins form a tightly associated non‐covalent complex, the H/L complex, and we identify the regions of both proteins responsible for complex formation. The 2.4 Å X‐ray crystal structure of a truncated derivative of the LMW SLP reveals two domains. Domain 1 has a two‐layer sandwich architecture while domain 2, predicted to orientate towards the external environment, contains a novel fold. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering analysis of the H/L complex shows an elongated molecule, with the two SLPs arranged ‘end‐to‐end’ interacting with each other through a small contact area. Alignment of LMW SLPs, which exhibit high sequence diversity, reveals a core of conserved residues that could reflect functional conservation, while allowing for immune evasion through sequence variation. These structures are the first described for the S‐layer of a bacterial pathogen, and provide insights into the assembly and biogenesis of the S‐layer.
Mycolic acid methyltransferase, MmaA4, is necessary for thiacetazone susceptibility in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Alahari Anuradha , Alibaud Laeticia , Trivelli Xavier , Gupta Radhika , Lamichhane Gyanu , Reynolds Robert C. , Bishai William R. , Guerardel Yann , Kremer Laurent
Published: January 2009

Susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to the second‐line antitubercular drug thiacetazone (TAC) requires activation by the monoxygenase, EthA. Here, we report isolation of spontaneous mutants in Mycobacterium bovis BCG that are highly resistant to TAC, but carry a functional EthA. Unexpectedly, a majority of the TAC‐resistant mutants lacked keto‐mycolic acids, which are long‐chain fatty acids associated with the cell wall and which contribute significantly to the physiopathology of tuberculosis. Predictably, causative mutations in the above mutants were in the gene encoding methyltransferase MmaA4, which is required for synthesis of keto‐ and methoxy‐mycolic acids. Drug‐resistant phenotype of the BCG mutants was reproduced in a mmaA4, but not in a mmaA3 null mutant of M. tuberculosis CDC1551. Susceptibility to TAC could be restored by complementation with a functional mmaA4 gene. Interestingly, overexpression of MmaA4 in M. bovis BCG made it more susceptible to TAC. We provide novel mechanistic insights into antitubercular drug activation by co‐ordinated actions of EthA and MmaA4. This study is the first demonstration of the participation of an enzyme linked to the synthesis of oxygenated mycolates in a drug activation process in M. tuberculosis, and highlights the interplay between mycolic acid synthesis, drug activation and mycobacterial virulence.
Functional characterization of cohesin SMC3 and separase and their roles in the segregation of large and minichromosomes in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Bessat Mohamed , Ersfeld Klaus
Published: January 2009

Minichromosomes in the nuclear genome of Trypanosoma brucei exhibit unusual patterns of mitotic segregation. To address whether differences in their mode of segregation in relation to large chromosomes are reflected at a molecular level, we characterized two different proteins that have highly conserved functions in eukaryotic chromosomes segregation: the SMC3 protein, a component of the chromatid cohesion apparatus, and the protease separase that resolves the cohesin complex at the onset of anaphase and has, in other organisms, additional functions during mitosis. Using in situ hybridization we show that RNA interference‐mediated depletion of SMC3 has no visible effect on the segregation of the minichromosomal population but interferes with the faithful mitotic separation of large chromosomes. In contrast, separase depletion causes missegregation of both mini‐ and large chromosomes. We also show that SMC3 persists as a soluble protein throughout the cell cycle and only associates with chromatin between G1 and metaphase. Separase is present in the cell during the entire cell cycle, but is excluded from the nucleus until the metaphase–anaphase transition, thereby providing a potential control mechanism to prevent the untimely cleavage of the cohesin complex.
Pharmacovigilance of drug allergy and hypersensitivity using the ENDA–DAHD database and the GA2LEN platform. The Galenda project
Authors: Bousquet P.‐J. , Demoly P. , Romano A. , Aberer W. , Bircher A. , Blanca M. , Brockow K. , Pichler W. , Torres M. J. , Terreehorst I. , Arnoux B. , Atanaskovic‐Markovic M. , Barbaud A. , Bijl A. , Bonadonna P. , Burney P. G. , Caimmi S. , Canonica G. W. , Cernadas J. , Dahlen B. , Daures J.‐P. , Fernandez J. , Gomes E. , Gueant J.‐L. , Kowalski M. L. , Kvedariene V. , Mertes P.‐M. , Martins P. , Nizankowska‐Mogilnicka E. , Papadopoulos N. , Ponvert C. , Pirmohamed M. , Ring J. , Salapatas M. , Sanz M. L. , Szczeklik A. , Van Ganse E. , De Weck A. L. , Zuberbier T. , Merk H. F. , Sachs B. , Sidoroff A. ,   Global Allergy, Asthma European Network (GALEN) and Drug Allergy and Hypersensitivity Database (DAHD) and the European Network for Drug Allergy (ENDA)
Published: January 2009

Nonallergic hypersensitivity and allergic reactions are part of the many different types of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Databases exist for the collection of ADRs. Spontaneous reporting makes up the core data‐generating system of pharmacovigilance, but there is a large under‐estimation of allergy/hypersensitivity drug reactions. A specific database is therefore required for drug allergy and hypersensitivity using standard operating procedures (SOPs), as the diagnosis of drug allergy/hypersensitivity is difficult and current pharmacovigilance algorithms are insufficient. Although difficult, the diagnosis of drug allergy/hypersensitivity has been standardized by the European Network for Drug Allergy (ENDA) under the aegis of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology and SOPs have been published. Based on ENDA and Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN, EU Framework Programme 6) SOPs, a Drug Allergy and Hypersensitivity Database (DAHD®) has been established under FileMaker®Pro 9. It is already available online in many different languages and can be accessed using a personal login. GA2LEN is a European network of 27 partners (16 countries) and 59 collaborating centres (26 countries), which can coordinate and implement the DAHD across Europe. The GA2LEN–ENDA–DAHD platform interacting with a pharmacovigilance network appears to be of great interest for the reporting of allergy/hypersensitivity ADRs in conjunction with other pharmacovigilance instruments.
Rearing Environment Affects the Brain Size of Guppies: Lab‐Reared Guppies have Smaller Brains than Wild‐Caught Guppies
Authors: Burns James G. , Saravanan Arthy , Helen Rodd F.
Published: January 2009

Animals bred for captivity often have smaller brains and behave differently than their wild counterparts. These differences in brain size have been attributed to genetic changes resulting from, for example, inbreeding depression and pleiotropic effects of artificial selection for traits such as docility. A critical question, though, is whether these differences in brain size are due to plastic responses to the environment, not just genetic changes. We observed a large reduction in brain size in first generation, lab‐reared female guppies compared with wild‐caught ones (19% smaller telencephalon, 17% smaller optic tectum). We then reared first‐generation, lab‐born guppies in environments varying in spatial complexity and size in an attempt to isolate factors that might increase brain size and change temperament, but no significant differences in phenotype were observed. The results of these experiments show that, although the environmental factors responsible for the effect have not been found, even first generation lab‐reared individuals can have smaller brains than wild individuals.
Rut‐Induced Hypophagia in Male Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goats: Foraging Under Time Budget Constraints
Authors: Pelletier Fanie , Mainguy Julien , Côté Steeve D.
Published: January 2009

In polygynous ungulates, the rut imposes constraints on male time budgets that generate a trade‐off between maintenance and reproduction, leading to a reduction in time spent foraging. As mating activities can incur substantial somatic costs, males are expected to spend their ‘non‐rutting’ time recovering during the breeding season. If the diminution in time allocated to foraging by males is only a consequence of time budget constraints, males should keep a similar ratio of time spent foraging to lying to that observed in the pre‐rut, leading to an overall reduction of these two activities (the ‘foraging constraint’ hypothesis). Alternatively, if males adopt an energy‐saving strategy, they should limit energy expenditures by reducing foraging but not lying time, as the energy gains of forage intake may not meet the basal energetic requirements, especially in northern and temperate regions (the ‘energy‐saving’ hypothesis). Here, we contrast these two hypotheses by comparing individual daily time budgets of marked adult bighorn sheep rams (Ovis canadensis) and male mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) during the pre‐rut and the rut. Concordant results for both species support the ‘foraging constraint’ hypothesis, as sexually‐active males reduced time spent foraging and lying from the pre‐rut to the rut because of an increase in time spent in mating‐related activities. Bighorn sheep rams also increased time spent foraging when not engaged in mating tactics, providing further support for a ‘maximisation’ of energy intake in the absence of reproductive opportunities. Because there are also known physiological changes that occur during the rut which may cause appetite suppression, for example to produce metabolic compounds linked with olfactory communication (the ‘scent‐urination’ hypothesis) or to cope with increased burden of parasites (the ‘parasite‐induced anorexia’ hypothesis), further research should aim at simultaneously testing these current hypotheses to better understand rut‐induced hypophagia and its effects on the life histories of male ungulates.
Male Siamese Fighting Fish, Betta splendens, Increase Rather than Conceal Courtship Behavior when a Rival is Present
Authors: Dzieweczynski Teresa L. , Lyman Sarah , Poor Elysia A.
Published: January 2009

The impact of social environment on mating success is especially pronounced in species where both intraspecific and interspecific selection influence reproduction, such as the Siamese fighting fish. Males alter male–male interactions when either a male or female audience is present, but how males change their behavior toward a female when a rival male is present is unknown. This study addresses whether males alter their behavior toward a female in a way that would prevent a rival male from interrupting courtship. The behavior of male Siamese fighting fish toward a dummy female was examined under various degrees of visual cover, both in the presence and absence of a rival male, to investigate whether males use concealment provided by the structural environment to their advantage. While males did not use barriers to conceal courtship as hypothesized, males altered their behavior by increasing courtship and monitoring their nest when a rival was visible. This increase in courtship is in contrast to most studies on courtship in the presence of a rival that find a reduction in courtship behavior. Males spent more time opercular gill flaring when no barriers were present, suggesting that males may be trying to court the female and communicate to the rival simultaneously. There was also a trend for aggression toward the female and the rival to decrease as screen length increased. Thus, males compensate for the presence of a rival by adjusting their courtship and aggressive behaviors, which could have important implications for courtship success.
Evidence‐based medicine training in residency: a survey of urology programme directors
Authors: Dahm Philipp , Preminger Glenn M. , Scales Charles D. , Fesperman Susan F. , Yeung Lawrence L. , Cohen Marc S.
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether and in what format urology residents receive formal training in evidence‐based clinical practice.

METHODS

In 2007 we conducted a survey of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)‐accredited urology residency programmes in the USA. The survey instrument was sent to all programmes, using postal mailing, e‐mail and a web–based interface. Programme director and coordinator names and basic demographic information such as programme size and length were retrieved from the institutions’ websites and the ACGME database.

RESULTS

Of 117 ACGME‐accredited urology programmes, 108 responded (92.3%). Most respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with statements that formal evidence‐based medicine (EBM) training was valuable to urology residents (97, 89.8%) and should be part of all residency programme curricula (91, 84.3%). Eighty‐four programmes (77.8%) indicated that their curricula included formal educational activities related to EBM. These programmes provided a median (interquartile range) of 10 (4.8–25.0) h of EBM teaching per academic year. Most programmes (65.9%) provided fewer hours of EBM training than programme directors perceived as ideal. Asked what would make it easier to integrate EBM into the programme, respondents identified urology‐specific educational materials (33.3%), a formal curriculum (24.4%) and faculty development (16.3%) as central needs.

CONCLUSION

In this survey we found that most programme directors recognize formal EBM teaching as an important aspect of urology residency training. However, most programmes devote less time to EBM training than they would like, and urology‐specific resources have been lacking. These findings support increased efforts to provide urology residents with opportunities to learn EBM‐related knowledge and skills in a variety of educational formats.
And the Beat Goes On: Further Evidence on Voting on the Form of County Governance in the Midst of Public Corruption
Authors: Karahan Gökhan R. , Coats R. Morris , Shughart William F.
Published: January 2009

‘Operation Pretense,’ an FBI sting operation conducted in Mississippi during the 1980s, uncovered widespread corruption among the state's county supervisors. The revelations prompted the Mississippi legislature to authorize including on the November 1988 ballot a measure asking voters whether they favored switching to a more centralized ‘unit system’ of county governance or instead retaining the decentralized ‘beat system’ then in place in all but two of the state's 82 counties. We examine voters' decisions to participate in that election, in which 47 counties returned majorities for the unit system and 35 counties opted for the status quo. Controlling for participation in the 1988 presidential race and other relevant factors, we find that turnout rates for the beat‐unit choice were positively correlated with supervisor corruption. We also find that the corrupt counties' higher voter turnouts were driven mainly by supporters of the corruption‐prone beat system.
Prevention of childhood obesity – what type of evidence should we consider relevant?
Authors: Doak C. , Heitmann B. L. , Summerbell C. , Lissner L.
Published: January 2009

Two reviews, one by Summerbell et al. and the other by Doak et al. came to very different conclusions about the effectiveness of childhood obesity interventions. The aim of this commentary is to assess the extent to which inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the definition of effective outcomes, explain discrepant results. Differences in results were compared by inclusion criteria and outcome definitions. The most important summary recommendations for inclusion/exclusion criteria were to exclude all non‐peer review articles, to maintain a 6‐month lower limit for duration of study, to include interventions from before 1990, to include pre‐school age groups, to include pilot studies and to intervene in high‐risk communities. Authors did not reach consensus regarding inclusion of aims not specific to preventing weight gain and the manner of assessment of anthropometric measures. Combining both reviews and applying agreed exclusion criteria leaves 30 interventions; 50% are positive. Excluding studies without an aim specific to preventing weight gain leaves 10/24 (42%) positive interventions. The differences in the results of these two reviews relate to the inclusion criteria and outcome assessments. These findings underscore the importance of the evidence considered in assessing interventions.
Dose‐dependent effects of soy phyto‐oestrogen genistein on adipocytes: mechanisms of action
Authors: Dang Z. C.
Published: January 2009

The potential role of genistein in the prevention and treatment of obesity has attracted much attention among public and medical communities. Conversely, increasing evidence indicates that genistein as an endocrine‐disrupting substance is likely to play a role in the aetiology of obesity. This review focuses on the role of soy phyto‐oestrogen genistein in adipocytes and the underlying mechanisms of action. Genistein dose‐dependently inhibits and stimulates adipogenesis in vitro. Increasing evidence shows that genistein dose‐dependently influences obesity in both male and female animals. Dose‐dependent effects of genistein on adipocytes vary with factors such as age and gender of animals. In addition, the role of developmental exposure of genistein in adult obesity has been discussed. Genistein, different from oestrogen, concurrently activates nuclear receptors, oestrogen receptors and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors, and it inhibits various enzyme activities. The balance among these pleiotrophic effects of genistein determines its dose‐dependent effects on adipocyte differentiation and function. Current data suggest that genistein could regulate adiposity. However, it remains uncertain whether genistein plays a beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Additional evidence is required before firm conclusions showing that genistein decreases adiposity.
Compression of Human Motion Capture Data Using Motion Pattern Indexing
Authors: Gu Qin , Peng Jingliang , Deng Zhigang
Published: January 2009

In this work, a novel scheme is proposed to compress human motion capture data based on hierarchical structure construction and motion pattern indexing. For a given sequence of 3D motion capture data of human body, the 3D markers are first organized into a hierarchy where each node corresponds to a meaningful part of the human body. Then, the motion sequence corresponding to each body part is coded separately. Based on the observation that there is a high degree of spatial and temporal correlation among the 3D marker positions, we strive to identify motion patterns that form a database for each meaningful body part. Thereafter, a sequence of motion capture data can be efficiently represented as a series of motion pattern indices. As a result, higher compression ratio has been achieved when compared with the prior art, especially for long sequences of motion capture data with repetitive motion styles. Another distinction of this work is that it provides means for flexible and intuitive global and local distortion controls.
The Inflationary Consequences of a Currency Changeover on the Catering Sector: Evidence from the Michelin Red Guide*
Authors: Adriani Fabrizio , Marini Giancarlo , Scaramozzino Pasquale
Published: January 2009

This paper examines the inflationary consequences of a currency changeover in the catering market. Empirical evidence from the Michelin Red Guide shows that: (i) differently from restaurants in non‐euro countries, restaurants in the euro area experienced abnormal price increases just after the changeover; and (ii) among restaurants in the euro area, tourist restaurants are responsible for most of the abnormal price increases. These results suggest that proposed explanations for the changeover effect, such as menu adjustment and rounding up, are only part of the story. We present a simple model of the catering market that is consistent with the evidence.
Passive Hedge Fund Replication – Beyond the Linear Case
Authors: Amenc Noël , Martellini Lionel , Meyfredi Jean‐Christophe , Ziemann Volker
Published: January 2009

In this paper we extend Hasanhodzic and Lo (2007) by assessing the out‐of‐sample performance of various non‐linear and conditional hedge fund replication models. We find that going beyond the linear case does not necessarily enhance the replication power. On the other hand, we find that selecting factors on the basis on an economic analysis allows for a substantial improvement in out‐of‐sample replication quality, whatever the underlying form of the factor model. Overall, we confirm the findings in Hasanhodzic and Lo (2007)that the performance of the replicating strategies is systematically inferior to that of the actual hedge funds.
Association of Benign Recurrent Vertigo and Migraine in 208 Patients
Authors: Cha Y-H , Lee H , Santell LS , Baloh RW
Published: January 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the association of benign recurrent vertigo (BRV) and migraine, using standardized questionnaire-based interview of 208 patients with BRV recruited through a University Neurotology clinic. Of 208 patients with BRV, 180 (87%) met the International Classification of Headache Disorders 2004 criteria for migraine: 112 migraine with aura (62%) and 68 without aura (38%). Twenty-eight (13%) did not meet criteria for migraine. Among patients with migraine, 70% experienced headache, one or more auras, photophobia, or auditory symptoms with some or all of their vertigo attacks, meeting the criteria for definite migrainous vertigo. Thirty per cent never experienced migraine symptoms concurrent with vertigo attacks. These met criteria for probable migrainous vertigo. Among patients without migraine, 21% experienced either photophobia or auditory symptoms with some or all of their vertigo attacks; 79% experienced only isolated vertigo. The age of onset and duration of vertigo attacks did not differ significantly between patients with (34 ± 1.2 years) and patients without migraine (31 ± 3.0 years). In patients with migraine, the age of onset of migraine headache preceded the onset of vertigo attacks by an average of 14 years and aura preceded vertigo by 8 years. The most frequent duration of vertigo attacks was between 1 h and 1 day. Benign recurrent vertigo is highly associated with migraine, but a high proportion of patients with BRV and migraine never have migraine symptoms during their vertigo attacks. Other features such as age of onset and duration of vertigo are similar between patients with or without migraine.
Stretch Reflex and Pressure Pain Thresholds in Chronic Tension-Type Headache Patients and Healthy Controls
Authors: Peddireddy A , Wang K , Svensson P , Arendt-Nielsen L
Published: January 2009

To compare the jaw-stretch reflex and pressure pain thresholds (PPT) in chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) patients and healthy controls, 30 patients (15 male and 15 female) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were investigated. Stretch reflexes were recorded in the temporalis and masseter muscles and PPT was determined in the anterior temporalis, splenius capitis and masseter muscles. The results showed that the amplitude of the stretch reflex in CTTH patients was higher compared with control subjects ( P < 0.045), and higher in women compared with men in the right and left anterior temporalis muscles ( P < 0.009). There were no differences in the PPT value between CTTH and control subjects ( P > 0.509), whereas women showed significantly lower PPT measurements ( P < 0.046). The results demonstrated a facilitation of the stretch reflex pathways in CTTH patients that is unrelated to measures of pericranial sensitivity.
Tachycardia‐Induced Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: Epicardial Radiofrequency Ablation of an Unusual and Unexpected Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: MASSOURE PIERRE‐LAURENT , JAIS PIERRE , SACHER FREDERIC , HAISSAGUERRE MICHEL
Published: January 2009

A 38‐year‐old man without prior medical history was hospitalized for sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) left bundle branch block pattern with inferior QRS axis resistant to beta blockers. Right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction (EF) was 28%. Left ventricular EF was normal. Right and left endocardial ablation failed. Percutaneous epicardial radiofrequency application at the lateral mitral annulus was successful. The RVEF later normalized.

Some VTs originating from the left ventricular epicardium are potential mimickers of benign VTs originating from the ventricular outflow tract (right or left) or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy VT and they may induce isolated RV dysfunction.
Frequency Analysis of Atrial Electrograms Identifies Conduction Pathways from the Left to the Right Atrium During Atrial Fibrillation—Studies in Two Canine Models
Authors: RYU KYUNGMOO , SAHADEVAN JAYAKUMAR , KHRESTIAN CELEEN M. , STAMBLER BRUCE S. , WALDO ALBERT L.
Published: January 2009

Studies of atrial fibrillation (AF) have demonstrated that a stable rhythm of very short cycle length in the left atrium (LA) can cause fibrillatory conduction in the rest of the atria. We tested the hypothesis that fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis of atrial electrograms (AEGs) during this AF will rapidly and reliably identify LA‐to‐right atrium (RA) conduction pathway(s) generated by the driver.

Methods and Results: During induced atrial tachyarrhythmias in the canine sterile pericarditis and rapid ventricular pacing‐induced congestive heart failure models, 380–404 AEGs were recorded simultaneously from epicardial electrodes on both atria. FFT analysis of AEGs during AF demonstrated a dominant frequency peak in the LA (driver), and multiple frequency peaks in parts of the LA and the most of the RA. Conduction pathways from the LA driver to the RA varied from study‐to‐study. They were identified by the presence of multiple frequency peaks with one of the frequency peaks at the same frequency as the driver, and traveled (1) inferior to the inferior vena cava (IVC); (2) between the superior vena cava and the right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV); (3) between the RSPV and the right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV); (4) between the RIPV and the IVC; and (5) via Bachmann's bundle. Conduction pathways identified by FFT analysis corresponded to the conduction pathways found in classical sequence of activation mapping. Computation time for FFT analysis for each AF episode took less than 5 minutes.

Conclusion: FFT analysis allowed rapid and reliable detection of the LA‐to‐RA conduction pathways in AF generated by a stable and rapid LA driver.
Baseline Clinical Characteristics and Midterm Prognosis of STE‐ACS and NSTE‐ACS Patients with Normal Coronary Arteries
Authors: Mazurkiewicz Lukasz , Bilinska Zofia T. , Kruk Mariusz , Ciszewski Andrzej , Grzybowski Jacek , Witkowski Adam , Ruzyllo Witold
Published: January 2009

Objective: We sought to compare clinical profiles and midterm prognosis of patients with normal coronary arteries presenting with ST‐elevation ACS (STE‐ACS) versus non‐ST‐elevation ACS (nSTE‐ACS).

Background: There are limited data regarding ACS in patients with normal coronary arteries, and especially clinical differences between ST‐ACS and nSTE‐ACS patients have not been evaluated sufficiently.

Methods: The study group comprised 190 patients (mean age: 53.2 years, 63.1% males, 63.6% STE‐ACS) presenting with ACS and normal coronary angiograms. The participants were evaluated in terms of 42 clinical variables. MACE [cardiac death (CD) and hospitalization for angina (HA)] were the study end points.

Results: STE‐ACS in comparison to nSTE‐ACS patients were younger (P < 0.01), were more frequently males (P < 0.01), had more often infection prior to ACS (P < 0.01), higher hsCRP on admission (P < 0.01), and greater infarct size, measured by maximal troponin I (P < 0.01). By multivariate analysis in this subgroup, predictors of outcome were hsCRP (P = 0.03) and raised troponin I (P = 0.02). nSTE‐ACS in comparison to STE‐ACS patients were more obese (BMI, P < 0.01), had higher LDL cholesterol (P < 0.01), fasting glucose (P = 0.03). LDL cholesterol (P = 0.02) and fasting glucose (P = 0.03) emerged as independent predictors of outcome in these patients. Mean follow‐up period was 25.4 months. STE‐ACS patients had twice fewer MACE rate than nSTE‐ACS patients [(1‐CD, 12‐HA; 11%) vs (1‐CD, 16‐HA; 25%), respectively, log rank P < 0.01].

Conclusions: STE‐ACS and nSTE‐ACS patients with normal coronary arteriography have different clinical profiles. In nSTE‐ACS patients more pronounced metabolic abnormalities were identified, while in STE‐ACS patients inflammatory background was more significant.
Impact of QT Variables on Clinical Outcome of Genotyped Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Uchiyama Katsuharu , Hayashi Kenshi , Fujino Noboru , Konno Tetsuo , Sakamoto Yuichiro , Sakata Kenji , Kawashiri Masa‐aki , Ino Hidekazu , Yamagishi Masakazu
Published: January 2009

Background: Although QT variables such as its interval and/or dispersion can be clinical markers of ventricular tachyarrhythmia, few data exist regarding the role of QT variables in genotyped hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Therefore, we analyzed QT variables in genotyped subjects with or without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

Methods: QT variables were analyzed in 111 mutation and 43 non‐mutation carriers who were divided into three groups: A, those without ECG abnormalities and echocardiographically determined LVH (wall thickness ≥13 mm); B, those with ECG abnormalities but LVH; and C, those with ECG abnormalities and LVH. We also examined clinical outcome of enrolled patients.

Results: Maximal LV wall thickness in group C (19.0 ± 4.3 mm, mean ±SD) was significantly greater than that in group A (9.2 ± 1.8) and group B (10.4 ± 1.8). Under these conditions, maximum QTc interval and QT dispersion were significantly longer in group C than those in group A (438 ± 38 ms vs 406 ± 30 and 64 ± 31 vs 44 ± 18, respectively; P < 0.05). QTc interval and QT dispersion in group B (436 ± 50 and 64 ± 22 ms) were also significantly greater than those in group A. During follow‐up periods, four sudden cardiac deaths and one ventricular fibrillation were observed in group C, and two nonlethal ventricular tachyarrhythmias were observed in group B.

Conclusions: Patients with HCM‐related gene mutation accompanying any ECG abnormalities frequently exhibited impaired QT variables even without LVH. We suggest that careful observation should be considered for those genotyped subjects.
Relationship between Genetic Variants in Myocardial Sodium and Potassium Channel Genes and QT Interval Duration in Diabetics: The Diabetes Heart Study
Authors: Lehtinen Allison B. , Daniel Kurt R. , Shah Sidharth A. , Nelson Matthew R. , Ziegler Julie T. , Freedman Barry I. , Carr J. Jeffrey , Herrington David M. , Langefeld Carl D. , Bowden Donald W.
Published: January 2009

Background: Genetic variants in myocardial sodium and potassium channel genes are associated with prolonged QT interval and increased risk of sudden death. It is unclear whether these genetic variants remain relevant in subjects with underlying conditions such as diabetes that are associated with prolonged QT interval.

Methods: We tested single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in five candidate genes for association with QT interval in a family‐based study of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thirty‐six previously reported SNPs were genotyped in KCNQ1, HERG, SCN5A, KCNE1, and KCNE2 in 901 European Americans from 366 families. The heart rate‐corrected (QTc) durations were determined using the Marquette 12SL program. Associations between the QTc interval and the genotypes were evaluated using SOLAR adjusting for age, gender, T2DM status, and body mass index.

Results: Within KCNQ1 there was weak evidence for association between the minor allele of IVS12 +14T>C and increased QTc (P = 0.02). The minor allele of rs2236609 in KCNE1 trended toward significance with longer QTc (P = 0.06), while the minor allele of rs1805123 in HERG trended toward significance with shorter QTc (P = 0.07). However, no statistically significant associations were observed between the remaining SNPs and QTc variation.

Conclusions: We found weak evidence of association between three previously reported SNPs and QTc interval duration. While it appears as though genetic variants in previously identified candidate genes may be associated with QT duration in subjects with diabetes, the clinical implications of these associations in diabetic subjects at high risk for sudden death remain to be determined.
The Risk of Cardiac Events and Genotype‐Based Management of LQTS Patients
Authors: Markiewicz‐Łoskot Grażyna , Moric‐Janiszewska Ewa , Mazurek Urszula
Published: January 2009

This review discusses the risk of cardiac events and genotype‐based management of LQTS. We describe here the genetic background of long QT syndrome and the eleven different genes for ion‐channels and a structural anchoring protein associated with that disorder. Clinical Background section discusses the risk of cardiac events associated with different LQTS types. Management and Prevention section describes in turn gene‐specific therapy, which was based on the identification of the gene defect and the dysfunction of the associated transmembrane ion channel. In patients affected by LQTS, genetic analysis is useful for risk stratification and for making therapeutic decisions. A recent study reported a quite novel pathogenic mechanism for LQTS and suggested that treatments aimed at scaffolding proteins rather than specific ion channels may be an alternative to antiarrhythmic strategy in the future.
Pour une approche stratégique en matière d'inspection du travail
Authors: WEIL David
Published: January 2009

Dans un rapport de 2006, l'OIT soulignait les difficultés que rencontre l'inspection du travail dans ses Etats Membres et proposait des mesures pour améliorer son efficacité. Partant de cette réflexion, l'auteur avance que, sans cadre stratégique clair pour répondre aux plaintes et cibler les enquêtes programmées, les inspections échouent souvent à maximiser leur efficacité dans l'utilisation de ressources limitées. Pour ce faire, il propose que leur activité suive quatre principes: définition des priorités, dissuasion, pérennité, effets systémiques. Il conclut en énonçant les conditions nécessaires à l'élaboration de stratégies réglementaires cohérentes.
La protection sociale au Chili: des réformes pour plus de justice
Authors: MESA‐LAGO Carmelo
Published: January 2009

Au début des années quatre‐vingt, le Chili – imité ensuite par d'autres pays – a lancé une réforme privatisant en partie ou totalement les systèmes de l'assurance maladie et des retraites. Mise en œuvre sans concertation sociale, la réforme se fera aux dépens des principes de solidarité et de justice sociale, contribuant à la progression de la pauvreté et des inégalités. Depuis, les gouvernements démocratiques ont apporté bien des corrections. L'auteur analyse les progrès réalisés, mais aussi les inégalités qui persistent – vues sous l'angle de la couverture, du sexe et de la contribution financière – et les problèmes qui restent à résoudre.
An equilibrium analysis of the gender wage gap
Authors: CHICHILNISKY Graciela , HERMANN FREDERIKSEN Elisabeth
Published: January 2009

Within a two‐sector general equilibrium model, women's productivity in the marketplace decreases with the amount of household work they perform at home. Assuming that men's and women's household labour inputs are complementary here we prove the existence of multiple equilibria. In some, men and women allocate their labour equally and earn identical wages. In others, they allocate labour differently and earn different wages. In this context, beliefs about the inferiority of women's productivity are shown to be self‐fulfilling. By use of numerical examples, we show that welfare is highest when spouses allocate labour equally and suggest policy recommendations.
The World Bank's “Employing Workers” index: Findings and critiques – A review of recent evidence
Authors: Lee Sangheon , McCann Deirdre , Torm Nina
Published: January 2009

This note provides an update on the ongoing debate over the World Bank's Doing Business project with a particular focus on its “Employing Workers” index, which is intended to measure difficulty of hiring, rigidity of working hours and difficulty of firing. The authors review the findings of studies that have used this index or been influenced by it and of those that inspired its construction. They go on to examine criticisms of this instrument, highlighting both conceptual and empirical problems. Their paper concludes with suggestions for alternative approaches and future research.
Inequalities and financial globalization: A timely report
Authors: Bollé Patrick
Published: January 2009

Following the launch of the World of Work Report, the new annual report of the ILO's International Institute for Labour Studies, this note presents the contents of the first report in this series, subtitled “Income inequalities in the age of financial globalization”. Its timely release at the end of October 2008 came amidst mounting concern over the extent, duration and economic and social consequences of the financial crisis. The report examines the determinants of widening income inequalities and how inequality relates to financial globalization, labour market institutions, employment – job creation and characteristics – and redistributive policies.
Web‐based virtual patients in dentistry: factors influencing the use of cases in the Web‐SP system
Authors: Zary N. , Johnson G. , Fors U.
Published: January 2009

We studied the students’ acceptance and utilization of virtual patients (VPs) authored by faculty using the Web‐SP system over two consecutive years. We also studied factors of importance for the utilization of VPs for self‐assessment. Both year‐groups studied found the Web‐SP system easy to use and their overall opinion of Web‐SP was positive (Median: 5, p25‐p75: 4‐5). They found the VPs engaging, realistic, fun to use, instructive and relevant to their course. Students used, on average, 9.68 VPs per course, which constitutes 43 percent of the available VPs. The number of VPs available seemed to be sufficient for the target course, even if some of the students preferred a higher number of VPs. Of the VPs encountered, 71% (CI: 68‐75%) were VPs with feedback, and correspondingly 29% of the VPs chosen were without feedback. The difference in utilization between both types of VPs was significant, at p < 0.001. Thus, the students clearly favoured VPs with feedback compared to VPs without feedback. There were three modes of engagement in which the VP was utilized. Mode 1 was the preferred mode for VPs without feedback, while mode 3 was dominant for VPs with feedback.. Whether or not a VP was selected for review during a teacher led seminar or not, did not affect student behaviour, at least on the surface. Teacher led seminars may still be of importance to provide credibility to the VPs by integrating them into the curriculum.
Dental students’ motivation and the context of learning
Authors: Kristensen Bettina Tjagvad , Netterstrom Ingeborg , Kayser Lars
Published: January 2009

This qualitative study shows dental students’ motives for choosing the dental education and how the motives influence their motivation at the first semester of study. Further the study demonstrates the relevance of the context of learning. This issue is of importance when planning a curriculum for the dental education. The material consists of interviews with eight dental students. The results show that dental students were focused on their future professional role, its practical dimensions and their future working conditions. Their motivation for choosing the dental education was found to influence their motivation for studying and their experience of the relevance of the first semester. The dental students who had co‐education with the medical students at the first year of study missed a dental context and courses with clinically relevant contents. In conclusion, our data signify the importance of the context of learning. It is recommended that a future curriculum for the dental school should be designed in a way where basic science subjects are taught with both theoretically as well as practically oriented subjects and in a context which is meaningful for the students.
Developing information literacy with first year oral health students
Authors: Ford P. J. , Foxlee N. , Green W.
Published: January 2009

Context:  In this time of rapid expansion of the scientific knowledge base, subject matter runs the risk of becoming outdated within a relatively short time. Instead of adding more content to already crowded curricula, the focus should be on equipping students to adapt to their changing world. The ability to access, evaluate and apply new knowledge for the benefit of patients has been acknowledged as an important goal for dental education. Information literacy is key to achieving this.

Methods:  An information literacy programme for first year oral health students was instituted. This was integrated within a biosciences course and linked with its assessment. Small group instruction reinforced by the use of a tailored online Assignment Guide was used in the context of a specific task. Effectiveness was measured in terms of assessment outcome, processes used and student experience.

Results:  Twenty‐seven students participated in the intervention which was effective in enhancing foundation literacy skills and confidence of students in accessing and evaluating information sources in the context of a clinical problem. Improvement in higher level literacy skills required to articulate this information in the synthesis of a scientific review was not demonstrated.

Conclusions:  Integration of this information literacy programme within the learning activities and assessment of a basic sciences course resulted in significantly enhanced information literacy skills. As this is highly relevant for higher education students in general, the wider promotion of information literacy should be encouraged.
Oral surgery undergraduate teaching and experience in the United Kingdom: a national survey
Authors: Macluskey M. , Durham J.
Published: January 2009

The aim of this work was to determine the structure, mode of delivery, mode of assessment and staffing of the oral surgery undergraduate curriculum within UK dental schools. A questionnaire was distributed by e‐mail in January 2006 to each of the 15 dental schools with undergraduate dental degree programmes in Ireland and the UK. Those providing feedback then met to clarify any areas as required. Thirteen completed questionnaires were returned. There were a total of 55 academics involved in the teaching of oral surgery at these 13 institutions. Over the three clinical years the mean number of clinical sessions was 51. The mean staff student ratio for supervision of forceps exodontia was 1:5. On average 51 teeth were extracted by each student in the clinical years. The mean staff student ratio for surgical extractions was 1:2. The mean number of surgical extractions for each student was 6. All schools formatively assessed competency in forceps exodontia and 9 of 13 assessed surgical extractions. Summative assessment of exodontia was done in six schools and surgical extractions in 4 of 13 schools. All 13 schools deliver teaching programmes designed to meet the requirements of the frameworks governing the central curriculum. There were, however, variations between individual schools in the content and delivery of the oral surgery clinical teaching programmes. There were dramatic variations in the numbers of academic staff involved and some institutions relied on their NHS colleagues to deliver the clinical teaching.
Corrosion of some selected ceramic alloys used in fixed partial dentures and their postsolder joints in a synthetic neutral saliva
Authors: De March Pascal , Berthod Patrice , Haux Emeline , Greset Victor
Published: January 2009

The electrochemical behavior of several alloys used in the frameworks of fixed partial dentures and their corresponding postsolders was studied in artificial saliva as a function of chemical composition. Open circuit potentials and polarization resistances were measured. The general electrochemical behaviors between the cathodic domain and the oxidation of solvent were characterized using cyclic polarization. The possible galvanic corrosion of coupled parent and postsolder alloys was also studied. The polarization resistances were high or very high. During immersion, the noblest alloys stayed in the immunity domains of their base elements, whereas Ni–Cr alloys were quickly passivated. The oxidation of the noble elements occurred only when the alloys were exposed to very high potentials solely achievable by artificial means. However, problems of galvanic corrosion may occur between an alloy and its postsolder joint if they are both exposed to saliva. Such corrosion may lead to a weakening of the framework. The parent alloy was often potentially affected by such corrosion but with low exchange currents.
Osteoclast differentiation and recruitment during early stages of experimental tooth movement in rats
Authors: Xie Rui , Kuijpers‐Jagtman Anne M. , Maltha Jaap C.
Published: January 2009

Osteoclasts are derived from macrophage‐lineage precursors. ED1 is an antibody that can recognize this lineage of cells. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is essential for the migration of osteoclasts and their precursors during osteoclastogenesis. The aim of this research was to investigate differentiation and recruitment of osteoclasts during the early phase of experimental tooth movement in rats. The upper three molars of Wistar rats at one side were moved mesially, using Ni–Ti coil springs of 10 cN, for 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. The contralateral sides served as controls. Immunohistochemical staining using ED1 and MMP9 antibodies was performed. ED1+ and MMP9+ mononuclear and multinuclear cells were counted and statistically analysed. After force application, the number of ED1+/MMP9+ multinuclear cells first increased in the bone marrow. At compressed areas, the number of ED1+ mononuclear cells decreased; this was followed by an increase in the number of ED1+/MMP9+ mononuclear and multinuclear cells. At tension areas, the number of ED1+/MMP9+ multinuclear cells decreased while the number of ED1+ mononuclear cells remained stable. It was concluded that force application induces osteoclast differentiation within the bone marrow. These osteoclasts probably migrate subsequently into the compressed PDL. Pre‐existing osteoclasts disappear at the tension areas while the number of mononuclear macrophage‐lineage cells remains stable.