The retinal flow of information during locomotion provides cues to instantaneous heading. Reconciliation of observer trajectory with the internal representation of the environment implies that the positions of the centre of structure of global motion can be localized relative to points in the visual field. Humans are also sensitive to global structure in Glass patterns, which can approximate te...

The aim of this study was to compare orthodontic practices in eight Finnish municipal health centres selected on the basis of an earlier survey to represent early and late timing of treatment. The health centres were grouped according to the mean age of starting treatment; earlier versus later than 9 years of age. A random sample of 16 and 18 year olds (n = 2325) living in these municipalities ...

An open assessment of the efficacy of econazole nitrate (Pevaryl) cream in the treatment of 140 patients with proven dermatomycoses was conducted at five university health centres. Specimens were obtained from 129 patients at the end of treatment and 121 (93.8 per cent) showed no evidence of fungi. After a further month without treatment 108 patients reattended and, of these, 98 (90.9 per cent)...

The 31st French Pharmacovigilance Meeting took place in March 2010 in Bordeaux. Each year this conference examines adverse events reported to regional pharmacovigilance centres by healthcare professionals, as well as the French pharmacovigilance database. The following articles will examine presentations having important practical implications, which provide useful feedback and encourage furthe...

Zunyou Wu, the author of this round table,1 attempts to rebut the United Nation’s recent criticism of compulsory treatment centres for opioid dependence by arguing that: (i) illicit opioid dependence is not simply a health problem, since the dependent person’s behaviour can adversely affect other community members through drug-related crime, use of illicit opioids in public, and transmission of...

Qatar, an oil-exporting country with a population of about 1.7 million, achieved the highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in the world in 2010. Total health expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2010 in Qatar was 2.0%, with the government's share at 75% of the total health care budget. Hamad Medical Corporation hospitals and the independent public Qatar Primary Health Care PHC) centr...

Quality standards for clinical studies in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) have improved significantly, to the great benefit of patients. This development has been accompanied by soaring costs and ever increasing complexity, with industry-independent trials having become virtually impossible. We propose establishing a European network that would include expertise in all the relevant aspects...

BACKGROUND Although studies have suggested that a relationship exists between hospital teaching status and quality improvement activities, it is unknown whether this relationship exists for trauma centres. METHODS We surveyed 249 adult trauma centres in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (76% response rate) regarding their quality improvement programs. Trauma centres were s...