bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between the Parameters of Signal‐Averaged ECG and Two‐Dimensional Echocardiography in Patients with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Park Yongwhi , Cho Yongkeun , Lee Dong‐Yeub , Jang Gui‐Lyen , Lee Hyunsang , Yang Dong Heon , Park Hun‐Sik , Chae Shung‐Chull , Jun Jae‐Eun , Park Wee‐Hyun 
Published: January 2009

Background: The correlation between parameters of two‐dimensional echocardiography and signal‐averaged ECG (SAECG) in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is not known well. Methods: Thirty‐three patients (13 females, 40.3 ± 14.4 years old) were included in this study. Both the right and left ventricular dimensions and systolic function were assessed with two‐dimensional echocardiography. The SAECG was performed with high‐gain amplification and filtered using bidirectional Butterworth filters between 40 and 250 Hz. We evaluated the correlation between the parameters of the SAECG and two‐dimensional echocardiography. Results: The right ventricular (RV) outflow tract was the most frequently (n = 18, 54%) involved segment. Six (18%) patients had only mildly decreased RV systolic function. All the other patients had normal RV systolic function. Although localized left ventricular wall motion abnormalities were observed in 14 (42%) patients, the left ventricular ejection fraction was normal in most (n = 32, 97%). Late potentials were positive in 22 (63%) patients. There was no significant correlation between parameters of the SAECG and two‐dimensional echocardiography for the entire patient population. Conclusions: The SAECG parameters exhibited no correlation to any of two‐dimensional echocardiography parameters in the patients with ARVC. Fragmented electrical activity may develop with no significant relation to the anatomical changes in the patients with ARVC.
Not Another Formula for Heart Rate Correction of QT Interval
Authors: Bourdillon Peter J. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Normal limits for QT and heart rate were developed in a Japanese population undergoing 24 hour recordings of the electrocardiogram (ECG). The purpose of this study is to validate these normal limits in a West London population having 12‐lead ECGs. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort of 10,099 patients aged 20–79 attending a hospital ECG department was studied. From the Japanese data z‐scores were calculated for men under 50, for men over 50, for women under 50 and for women over 50. z‐scores were used to compare the West London and Japanese populations. Results: Cardiac infarction injury scores (CIIS) for all four groups were less than zero indicating a population at low risk of cardiovascular disease. From the Japanese data a z‐score of 1 is roughly 20 ms. West London mean (SD) z‐scores for men under 50, for men over 50, for women under 50 and for women over 50 were 0.20 (0.85), –0.02 (0.86), 0.14 (0.93), and –0.45 (0.88), respectively. Conclusions: The distributions of the QT and heart rate data of a West London population at low risk of cardiovascular disease are comparable to the Japanese data. The Japanese QT normal limits for women over the age of 50 are about 9 ms higher regardless of heart rate. The QT normal limits for Afro‐Caribbeans are about 5 ms lower than other ethnic groups. The Japanese normal limits are applicable elsewhere, albeit adjusting for women over the age of 50 and for Afro‐Caribbeans.
Contrôle des normes internationales du travail et complémentarité des systèmes nationaux et internationaux: récentes évolutions
Authors: Gravel Eric , Delpech Quentin 
Published: January 2009

Résumé.Les systèmes nationaux et internationaux de régulation du travail, loin de s'opposer, sont largement imbriqués. De hautes juridictions nationales ont utilisé les normes de l'OIT dans de récentes décisions. Les auteurs décryptent les conditions et les conséquences de cet usage en examinant deux décisions de la Cour suprême du Canada (liberté syndicale) et une de la Cour d'appel de Paris (contrat de travail). Outre que ces affaires ont fait l'objet de procédures tant nationales qu'internationales, le choix de pays aux cultures juridiques différentes permet de discuter l'appropriation du droit international du travail par les juridictions nationales.
L'indicateur «Embauche des travailleurs» de la Banque mondiale: bilan des travaux et critiques
Authors: Lee Sangheon , McCann Deirdre , Torm Nina 
Published: January 2009

Résumé.Cette note fait le point sur le débat suscité par le projet Doing Business de la Banque mondiale, et notamment par son indicateur «Embauche des travailleurs», censé mesurer la difficulté d'embaucher, la rigidité de la durée du travail et la difficulté de licencier. Les auteurs présentent les résultats des études qui l'ont utilisé, l'ont inspiré ou ont été influencées par cet indicateur. Ils se penchent ensuite sur les critiques de cet instrument qui pose des problèmes conceptuels et empiriques. Ils concluent par la formulation de suggestions pour les recherches à venir.
The role of pathophysiological explanations in clinical case representations of dental students and experts
Authors: Klomp H. J. , Eberhard J. , Hren S. , Hedderich J. , Schmidt H. G. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIntroduction:  Teaching of biomedical knowledge lays the foundations for the understanding and treatment of diseases. However, the representation of pathophysiological explanations in the management of clinical cases differs for various levels of medical expertise and different theories have been proposed to explain this phenomenon. The present study investigated for the first time how biomedical knowledge is used in clinical reasoning in dental medicine.Materials and methods:  In an experimental study 20 experts in the field of Periodontology and 61 students of different levels of training produced written pathophysiological explanations after having studied three different clinical cases. By comparing the written protocols to a visualised expert‐made ‘canonical’ explanation the concepts used in the pathophysiological explanation were counted and classified as well as the links between concepts.Results:  The statistical analysis by MANOVA showed significant differences between third‐ and fourth‐year students, students of intermediate expertise level (fifth‐year) and experts for various parameters qualifying concepts or links of the written pathophysiological explanations. The participants of intermediate expertise level produced a high rate of concepts and links; however, characteristic findings for knowledge encapsulation in the different levels of expertise were not evident. The analysis showed that the design of the clinical cases and of the canonical explanations significantly influenced the outcomes.Conclusion:  The present study demonstrated the pathophysiological representations of clinical cases in dental students and experts to be different from other medical disciplines. It could be assumed that this observation is based on different contents for teaching of practical skills and diagnostic procedures in dental compared with medical education.
Relation of bone turnover markers to periodontal disease and jaw bone morphology in elderly Japanese subjects
Authors: Yoshihara A , Deguchi T , Hanada N , Miyazaki H 
Published: January 2009

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation of bone turnover markers such as bone formation and resorption to periodontal disease and jaw bone morphology in elderly Japanese subjects.Subjects and methods:  We selected 148 subjects for participation in this study. All subjects were aged 77 years. The periodontal examination included the assessment of clinical attachment level (CAL). Biochemical parameters of bone turnover measured included urinary deoxypyridinoline, serum osteocalcin (S‐OC), and serum bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase. In addition, to evaluate the jawbone, we used the mandibular inferior cortex classification (MIC).Results:  Serum osteocalcin had significantly higher (males: P = 0.038, females: P = 0.041) tendency for MIC Class (ANOVA). Multiple linear regression results showed that the number of remaining teeth and S‐OC were negatively associated with the percentage of sites with ≥6 mm CAL (R2 = 0.322, P < 0.001). Coefficients and betas were −0.71, −0.46 (P < 0.001) and −1.11, −0.28 (P = 0.002), respectively.Conclusion:  In conclusion, this study suggests that there is a significant relation of bone turnover markers to periodontal disease and jaw bone morphology in elderly Japanese subjects.
Changing Inequalities in the Distribution of Caries Associated with Improving Child Oral Health in Australia
Authors: Armfield Jason M. , Spencer A. John , Slade Gary D. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to document the changing distribution of and inequalities in dental caries in Australian children across the 25‐year period from 1977 to 2002. Methods: Oral health data were obtained from Australia's national Child Dental Health Survey. Measures of caries distribution included the Significant Caries Index and the proportions of children with high caries experience [decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) ≥4], while inequality was assessed by using Gini coefficients calculated from Lorenz curves. Changes in caries distribution were compared with changes in child dmft/DMFT. Results: While appreciable reductions occurred in child caries experience, in terms of both mean dmft/DMFT and for those children with the poorest oral health, inequalities in the distribution of caries experience increased across the 25‐year period. Inequalities in the distribution of decayed and filled teeth differed for the deciduous and permanent dentition and, in the permanent dentition, became increasingly similar in the 1990s. Conclusions: Increasing inequalities in child dental caries in Australia must be interpreted in the context of declines in both mean caries experience and in the caries experience of those children with the poorest oral health. The Gini coefficient documents that the majority of the caries experience is increasingly being confined to a smaller percentage of the child population; however, this is a consequence of population‐wide child oral health improvements.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers from three species of swallows in the genus Tachycineta: T. albilinea, T. bicolor and T. leucorrhoa
Authors: MAKAREWICH C. A. , STENZLER L. M. , FERRETTI V. , WINKLER D. W. , LOVETTE I. J. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe describe 30 microsatellite loci developed from three species of swallows in the genus Tachycineta: T. bicolor (tree swallow), T. albilinea (mangrove swallow), and T. leucorrhoa (white‐rumped swallow). These commonly studied birds nest in secondary cavities and are distributed from Alaska to Argentina. Primer pairs were designed for each species individually and tested for cross‐amplification in 40–48 individuals of all three species. Polymorphism ranged from 5 to 65 alleles per locus (mean = 19.1). These markers will allow comparative studies of extra‐pair paternity rates among members of the genus as well as the assessment of population structure.
Eight microsatellite loci for the Irukandji syndrome‐causing carybdeid jellyfish, Carukia barnesi (Cubozoa, Cnidaria)
Authors: PEPLOW L. M. , KINGSFORD M. J. , SEYMOUR J. E. , VAN OPPEN M. J. H. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractMicrosatellites are high‐resolution genetic markers that may be applied to examine parentage, population structure and the direction and extent of dispersal. Here we present eight polymorphic microsatellite loci developed for the carybdeid jellyfish, Carukia barnesi. The loci were developed from a microsatellite‐enriched, partial genomic DNA library and tested for polymorphism on animals from each of two geographically distinct populations, Lizard Island and Double Island, from the Great Barrier Reef. The number of alleles observed for each locus ranged from 7 to 19.
Quasi-1D Unsteady Conjugate Module for Rocket Engine and Propulsion System Simulations
Authors: Campbell Bryan T. , Davis Roger L. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA new quasi-one-dimensional procedure (one-dimensional with area change) is presented for the transient solution of real-fluid flows in lines and volumes including heat transfer effects. The solver will be integrated into a larger suite of software modules developed for simulating rocket engines and propulsion systems. The solution procedure is coupled with a state-of-the-art real-fluid property database so that both compressible and incompressible fluids may be considered using the same procedure. The numerical techniques used in this procedure are described. Test cases modeling transient flow of nitrogen, water, and hydrogen are presented to demonstrate the capability of the current technique.
Incubation temperature effects on hatchling growth and metabolic rate in the African spurred tortoise,Geochelone sulcata
Authors: Ligon Day B. , Bidwell Joseph R. , Lovern Matthew B. 
Published: January 2009

We tested competing hypotheses regarding the persistence of temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) in the African spurred tortoise (Geochelone sulcata (Miller, 1779)), by measuring the effects of incubation temperature (Tinc) on a suite of physiological and behavioral endpoints, including resting metabolic rate, yolk-to-tissue conversion efficiency, posthatching growth, and temperature preference. Correlations of these variables with Tinccould lend support to the hypothesis that TSD persists owing to sex-specific benefits of development at specific temperatures, whereas absence of Tinceffects support the null hypothesis that TSD persists simply because selection favoring alternate sex determining mechanisms is weak or absent. The metabolic rate Q10value exhibited temporal variation and was higher immediately after hatching compared with 40 or 100 days posthatching, and mass conversion efficiency varied among clutches. Incubation temperature correlated inversely with duration of embryonic development, but did not influence yolk conversion efficiency, growth, or resting metabolic rate. Thus, our results provide little evidence indicating contemporary benefits of TSD, suggesting that TSD in G. sulcata is no longer evolutionarily adaptive but persists because selection against it and in favor of other sex-determining mechanisms is weak, or that TSD is an adaptive trait but for reasons not elucidated by this study.
Influences on bone mineral density in Malaysian premenopausal systemic lupus erythematosus patients on corticosteroids
Authors: Yeap SS , Fauzi AR , Kong NCT , Halim AG , Soehardy Z , Rahimah S , Chow SK , Goh EML 
Published: January 2009

The aim of this study was to assess the bone mineral density (BMD) of premenopausal patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on corticosteroids (CS) and to determine the influence of CS and other risk factors on BMD. A total of 98 premenopausal patients with SLE were recruited from outpatient clinics in two teaching hospitals. Risk factors for osteoporosis were determined, and BMD was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The mean age of the patients was 30.05 ± 7.54 years. The mean dose of prednisolone at time of BMD measurement was 18.38 ± 10.85 mg daily. Median duration of CS use was 2.5 years (range 0–20). Median cumulative dose of CS was 9.04 g (range 0.28–890.0). Six patients (6.1%) had osteoporosis, 41 (41.9%) had osteopenia and 51 (52.0%) had normal BMD. Lumbar spine T score correlated with cumulative CS dose ( P = 0.019). Duration of CS intake correlated with femoral neck T score ( P = 0.04) and trochanter T score ( P = 0.008). There was no correlation between BMD and race, SLE Disease Activity Index score, smoking and self-reported calcium intake or exercise. Only 52% of these patients had normal BMD. The duration and cumulative dose of CS intake was significantly correlated to BMD, but not the other commonly assessed risk factors. These findings suggest that premenopausal patients with SLE on CS should have their BMD measured at regular intervals to fully assess their osteoporosis risk.
Mitochondrial genome sequence and gene order of Sipunculus nudus give additional support for an inclusion of Sipuncula into Annelida
Authors: Mwinyi Adina , Meyer Achim , Bleidorn Christoph , Lieb Bernhard , Bartolomaeus Thomas , Podsiadlowski Lars 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Mitochondrial genomes are a valuable source of data for analysing phylogenetic relationships. Besides sequence information, mitochondrial gene order may add phylogenetically useful information, too. Sipuncula are unsegmented marine worms, traditionally placed in their own phylum. Recent molecular and morphological findings suggest a close affinity to the segmented Annelida.

Results
The first complete mitochondrial genome of a member of Sipuncula, Sipunculus nudus, is presented. All 37 genes characteristic for metazoan mtDNA were detected and are encoded on the same strand. The mitochondrial gene order (protein-coding and ribosomal RNA genes) resembles that of annelids, but shows several derivations so far found only in Sipuncula. Sequence based phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial protein-coding genes results in significant bootstrap support for Annelida sensu lato, combining Annelida together with Sipuncula, Echiura, Pogonophora and Myzostomida.

Conclusion
The mitochondrial sequence data support a close relationship of Annelida and Sipuncula. Also the most parsimonious explanation of changes in gene order favours a derivation from the annelid gene order. These results complement findings from recent phylogenetic analyses of nuclear encoded genes as well as a report of a segmental neural patterning in Sipuncula.
Insights into the Malpighian tubule from functional genomics
Authors: Dow Julian A. T. 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARYClassical physiological study of the Malpighian tubule has led to a detailed understanding of fluid transport and its control across several species. With the sequencing of the Drosophila genome, and the concurrent development of post-genomic technologies such as microarrays,proteomics, metabolomics and systems biology, completely unexpected roles for the insect Malpighian tubule have emerged. As the insect body plan is simpler than that of mammals, tasks analogous to those performed by multiple mammalian organ systems must be shared out among insect tissues. As well as the classical roles in osmoregulation, the Malpighian tubule is highly specialized for organic solute transport, and for metabolism and detoxification. In Drosophila, the adult Malpighian tubule is the key tissue for defence against insecticides such as DDT; and it can also detect and mount an autonomous defence against bacterial invasion. While it is vital to continue to set insights obtained in Drosophila into the context of work in other species, the combination of post-genomic technologies and physiological validation can provide insights that might not otherwise have been apparent for many years.
The role of aquaporins in excretion in insects
Authors: Spring Jeffrey H. , Robichaux S. Renee , Hamlin John A. 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARYOne of the aspects of insect osmoregulation that has most intrigued researchers is the ability of a simple tubular epithelium, such as the Malpighian tubule, to create both hypo- and hyperosmotic urine. Indeed,Ramsay's initial observation that isolated tubules could secrete a hypoosmotic urine led him to attribute the phenomenon to the active transport of water. In the ensuing decades several models for solute recycling have been proposed,but only in the last 15 years has it become clear that tubule water permeability is due to the presence of aquaporins (AQPs), the ubiquitous water transport proteins. There are 13 known human AQPs, and they are tissue and even membrane specific. It is now clear that the number and type of AQPs within a membrane are the major determinants of its water transport capacity. There are many gene homologs for the AQPs, so proof of function requires expression of the protein in a defined system. Within the insects, only seven AQPs have been functionally expressed and, of these, four directly or indirectly function in excretion. In this paper we review the basic structure and general function of AQPs and then examine the source, localization and functional attributes of those isolated from insects.
Subclinical Hyperthyroidism: Considerations in Defining the Lower Limit of the Thyrotropin Reference Interval
Authors: Goichot Bernard , Sapin Rémy , Schlienger Jean Louis 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Background: Although numerous reports have discussed the upper limit of the thyrotropin (TSH) reference interval, none have dealt with the lower limit. Recent recommendations regarding subclinical thyroid dysfunction give different advice about its management, depending on whether the TSH concentration is &lt;0.1 mIU/L or 0.1–0.4 mIU/L.
Content: We review key studies that have investigated the links between low TSH concentrations, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality, with a focus on the TSH measurement threshold and assay type.
Summary: Despite numerous consensus guidelines and publications of expert opinion, the management of subclinical hyperthyroidism remains largely intuitive and “nonevidence-based.” The primary reason for this unsatisfactory situation is the absence of clinical-intervention trials. Important aspects that remain to be addressed are the influence of the method used to measure TSH, the definition of “normality,” and the lack of evidence to base the grading of cardiovascular risk on the degree of TSH suppression. A risk-based approach should be adopted to determine the thresholds that would justify interventions. Such considerations assume, of course, that proof will emerge from ongoing clinical trials to support the medical utility of treating subclinical hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid examination in highly radiation-exposed workers after the Chernobyl accident
Authors: Boehm Bernhard O , Steinert Marianna , Dietrich Johannes W , Peter Ralf U , Belyi David , Wagemaker Gerald , Rosinger Silke , Fliedner Theodor M , Weiss Melanie 
Published: January 2009

ContextRadioactive contamination from the Chernobyl nuclear accident that happened on the morning of 26th April 1986 had a major impact on thyroid health in the Belarus region.ObjectiveObservational study of a cohort of 99 adults, most strongly exposed to ionizing radioactivity.Design, setting and patientsObservational study performed between 1998 and 2000. The cohort comprised 99 workers (92 male) of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Examination including physical examination, ultrasonography of the thyroid gland and measurement of serum free thyroxin (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and TSH. Anti-thyroperoxidase (anti-TPO), antithyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies and thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin were also determined.Main outcome measuresThe impact of exposure to high-dose radiation, including radioactive iodine, on the thyroid gland was examined.ResultsLevels of fT4in all probands were within the normal World Health Organization-defined range. Elevated levels of fT3were found in two workers (2%), high titres of anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibodies were present in four subjects (4%). Mild hypothyroidism was present in one patient. Enlargement of the thyroid gland was observed in 17 workers (17%). There was no evidence of clinically overt thyroid cancer.ConclusionsThe Chernobyl accident showed surprisingly little impact on the thyroid in a cohort of workers strongly exposed to radiation. Our data suggest an age-dependent heterogeneity in response to the short-lived radioiodine isotopes and favours long-term follow-up analysis.