bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synchrotron XRF and XANES investigation of uranium speciation and element distribution in fluid inclusions from unconformity‐related uranium deposits
Authors: Richard A. , Cauzid J. , Cathelineau M. , Boiron M.‐C. , Mercadier J. , Cuney M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractFluid inclusions from two quartz samples of the McArthur River and Rabbit Lake unconformity‐related uranium deposits (Athabasca Basin, Canada) were analysed by synchrotron X‐ray fluorescence (SXRF) and X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy (XANES) to shed light on (i) the detailed chemistry of the fluids having transported the uranium and (ii) the speciation of uranium in these fluids. The analysed samples contain variable proportions of NaCl‐rich or CaCl2‐rich (25–35 wt% salts) fluid inclusions that homogenise into the liquid phase between 120 and 200°C. For unknown reason, all of the CaCl2‐rich fluid inclusions decrepitate under X‐ray beam after a few seconds, precluding any SXRF or XANES measurement. SXRF on 12 homogenised NaCl‐rich fluid inclusions from the Rabbit Lake sample shows that the fluid inclusions contain appreciable amounts of Br, Fe, Sr, transition metals (Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn), Pb, U and rare earth elements (REE) (La, Ce), with concentrations being relatively homogeneous among fluid inclusions. Within the complex McArthur River sample (numerous fluid inclusions + randomly distributed solids), statistical analyses of hyperspectral SXRF images were performed using the non‐negative matrix approximation (NNMA) method. This strategy allows distinguishing the three domains contributing to the overall signal: (i) the quartz matrix, which notably contains significant amounts of Cr, Cu and Pb; (ii) the fluid inclusions characterised by high amounts of Br, Fe, Sr and transition metals; and (iii) La‐Ce ± Fe solids. Part of the U and REE are spatially associated with distinct optically invisible solids within the quartz matrix. XANES on four McArthur River sample fluid inclusions at room temperature and at 150°C (fluid inclusion trapping temperature) as well as in solid and liquid U(IV) and U(VI) standards, respectively, shows that the uranium has remained in the form of U(VI) from trapping to present in the fluid inclusion.
Modelling fault reactivation and fluid flow around a fault restraining step‐over structure in the Laverton gold region, Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia
Authors: Zhang Y. , Schaubs P. M. , Sheldon H. A. , Poulet T. , Karrech A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractLaverton is an important region in the Yilgarn Craton for gold mineralization. Previous studies suggested that the premineralization structure was dominated by a fault restraining step‐over structure with the Wallaby fault and Sunrise Shear Zone as the key fault splays hosting the world‐class Wallaby and Sunrise Dam gold deposits, respectively. Two major gold mineralization phases occurred during two of a series of tectonic events with different far‐field stress orientations. 3D coupled deformation and fluid flow modelling was used to investigate the effects of varying far‐field stress orientations on reactivation of the fault structure in the region. The results show that structural reactivation is sensitive to regional shortening directions. Two shortening directions are identified to be favourable for reactivation of the Wallaby fault and Sunrise Shear Zone: (i) NW–SE shortening and (ii) ENE–WSW to E–W shortening. The reactivated segments exhibited localization of shear strain and dilation as well as fluid focusing at locations corresponding to the Wallaby and Sunrise Dam deposits. This is in contrast to the models with shortening direction between NNW–SSE and NE–SW, which showed little fault reactivation at both locations. These results support previous independent interpretations of the controls on gold mineralization at Laverton. The two shortening directions favourable for structural reactivation inferred from the models are consistent with the kinematics of the two main gold mineralization events in the region. Our results suggest that strain localization, dilation and fluid focusing during structural reactivation could be some of the key factors governing gold mineralization at Laverton.
Impact of single‐session motivational interviewing on clinical outcomes following periodontal maintenance therapy
Authors: Brand VS , Bray KK , MacNeill S , Catley D , Williams K 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesPatient engagement in effective oral hygiene following periodontal therapy is essential to long‐term success. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a behavioural counselling approach documented to positively influence behaviour change related to smoking, diabetes control and medication adherence. Emerging evidence suggests utility of MI to improve oral health. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the use of brief motivational interviewing (BMI) is effective in improving internal motivation for oral hygiene behaviour.MethodsA convenience sample of fifty‐six previously treated periodontal patients who were in maintenance yet presented with signs of clinical inflammation were recruited to participate in this single blind, randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either BMI in conjunction with traditional oral health education (TOHE), (n = 29) or TOHE alone (n = 27). Bleeding on probing scores (BOP), plaque index (PI), pocket depths (PD), motivation (M), autonomous regulation (AR) controlled regulation (CR) and oral health knowledge (K) were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks.ResultsStatistically significant decreases were found over time for BOP (P = 0.001), PI (P = 0.001) and PD 4–6 mm (P = 0.001) for both groups. Differences in clinical parameters between groups were not evident at either 6 or 12 weeks.ConclusionResults show that a one‐time MI session is insufficient for improving oral hygiene in long‐standing maintenance patients.
In vivo evaluation of the iPex and Root ZX electronic apex locators using various irrigants
Authors: Duran‐Sindreu F. , Gomes S. , Stöber E. , Mercadé M. , Jané L. , Roig M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimTo evaluate in vivo the performance of the iPex and Root ZX electronic apex locators (EALs) in the presence of several irrigant solutions: 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX).MethodologyThirty‐two single‐rooted human teeth that were scheduled for extraction were selected. Teeth with metallic restorations, fractures, root resorption, pulp necrosis or open apices were not included The working length (WL) was determined electronically for the root canals with the iPex and Root ZX EALs in the presence of two different irrigant solutions, 2.5% NaOCl and 2% CHX. After the teeth had been extracted, a size 10 K‐file was used to determine the reference working length (RWL), which was established at 0.5 mm short of the major foramen. In each case, the RWL was subtracted from the electronic measurements. Positive values indicated electronic measurements that exceeded the RWL (long measurements), whereas negative values indicated measurements that were short of the RWL. The values obtained with the different irrigants and EALs were compared using the paired t‐test. Significance was set at P < 0.05.ResultsThe accuracy of the iPex nor Root ZX EAL was not affected by 2.5% NaOCl or 2% CHX (P > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed between the readings of the iPex and Root ZX, irrespective of whether 2.5% NaOCl or 2% CHX was used as the irrigant (P < 0.05). The iPex was less accurate than the Root ZX in determining the RWL.ConclusionsThe accuracy of neither the iPex nor Root ZX EAL was affected by the irrigant used. However, the iPex was less accurate than the Root ZX in determining the RWL both for 2.5% NaOCl and for 2% CHX.
US Remittances to the Caribbean, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago
Authors: Sampson Samuel S. , Branch‐Vital Angela 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA remittance is part of an employee's wages or salary that is sent back home. Remittances not only help the workers' family members, but also help the home countries to strengthen their balance of payments. Remittances are remuneration to employees from the economy in which they work, and thus they contribute to both the gross domestic product (GDP) and the gross national income (GNI) of that economy. Because of their stability and dependability, remittances have become a permanent fixture of governments' financial revenues. The primary objective of this research is to determine whether foreign nationals make a significant contribution to the level of remittances and what some of the determinants are. We utilize three models to test whether the categories of foreign nationals – immigrants admitted; persons naturalized; and non‐immigrants admitted as temporary workers, exchange visitors and intra‐company transferees – send significant amounts of remittances. In this work, we look at the flow of remittances during the 1982–2001 period from the United States to the Caribbean region, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. The results indicate that the number of “immigrants admitted”, “persons naturalized” and “non‐immigrants admitted as temporary workers, exchange visitors and intra‐company transferees”, together with the “exchange rate”, the “Hispanic unemployment rate” and the “median income of Hispanic families”, are significant determinants in the size of remittances. When the results are extrapolated, the number of “immigrants admitted” produces the maximum remittance flow to Jamaica. The number of persons naturalized is important to the total remittances for the overall Caribbean region. The non‐immigrant temporary worker group is the largest single source of remittances. This group may potentially send US$15 billion to Trinidad and Tobago.
Here or There? Shifting Meanings and Practices in Mother–Child Relationships across Time and Space
Authors: Bonizzoni Paola 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn this paper, I analyse the changes that mothers and children experience in their relationship due to the physical separations and reunions entailed by the international migration process. I argue that the different geographical configurations that migrant families take over time are the outcome of a negotiation of care responsibility and desired geographies of family life, and are accompanied by changing meanings and practices in intimate relationships: the location of care relationships is influenced by the relatives' capacity both to take part in family negotiations as well as to overcome the constraints imposed by policies. Time is relevant because it leads to shifting meanings and practices of transnational family life, as well as to the changing role of children in the family.
The Impact of Migration on Children's Psychological and Academic Functioning in the Republic of Moldova
Authors: Robila Mihaela 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAfter the fall of communism, many Eastern Europeans sought work abroad, leaving their children with relatives. Eastern European migrants represent a target group with unstudied immigration patterns. The goal of this study was to examine how parental migration and economic pressure impact children outcomes in the Republic of Moldova. I examined a model of the impact of parental migration on children (13–15 years old), using a survey with 388 children who have migrant and non‐migrant parents. The conceptual model of migration, economic pressure, family relations and child outcomes integrated within the family stress perspective allows these pathways to be incorporated within a broader Moldovan context. I conducted quantitative data analysis using structural equation modelling. The results indicated that higher economic pressure was associated with children's lower psychological functioning, academic achievement and satisfaction with life. Parenting behaviours, especially parental support and monitoring, mediated the impact of satisfaction with migration and economic pressure on children's outcomes. I underline the importance of using a family perspective in the migration policymaking process, and provide specific recommendations for migration policies and programmes.
Recent advances in the management of transient ischaemic attack: a clinical review
Authors: Phan T. G. , Sanders L. , Srikanth V. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractTransient ischaemic attack (TIA) if untreated carries a high risk of early stroke and is associated with poorer long‐term survival. There have been recent advances in the understanding of TIA, its investigations, management and organisation of services for patient care. Clinically, patients are diagnosed TIA if they have transient sudden‐onset focal neurological symptoms which usually completely and rapidly resolve by presentation. Patients with residual symptoms should be evaluated as potentially having stroke, if they present within 4.5 h of onset, should be urgently evaluated for their potential eligibility for thrombolysis. TIA patients should receive rapid attention with essential investigations, including brain imaging, electrocardiograph and carotid ultrasound. Immediate administration of an antiplatelet agent is recommended after brain imaging, with subsequent attention to preventing or treating other mechanistic factors. There is emerging evidence that TIA patients can be managed safely in the outpatient setting after initial rapid management in emergency departments as part of a structured clinical pathway supervised by stroke specialists. Clinical systems of management may require approaches individualised to the healthcare setting, while adopting the central aspects of rapid management.
Local perspective on a rare brain tumour: adult medulloblastoma
Authors: Wong S. F. , Mak G. , Rosenthal M. A. , Cher L. , Gan H. K. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundLittle contemporary data are available regarding Australian patterns of care in adult medulloblastoma. It is unclear whether treatment, extrapolated from paediatric protocols despite known differences between the two groups, results in comparable efficacy.AimTo perform a retrospective review of patterns of care in adult medulloblastoma, especially with respect to adjuvant chemotherapy, in Australian patients.MethodsAll medulloblastoma patients aged 15 years or older at two neuro‐oncology institutions were identified from January 1995–May 2011. Patients with supratentorial or peripheral tumours were excluded. Standardised data were extracted from each institution regarding symptoms, disease staging, treatments received, toxicities and survival outcomes.ResultsSeventeen eligible patients were identified. Median age was 37 years (range 20–67 years). All had good performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0–1). There were 11 standard‐risk de novo patients, three high‐risk de novo patients and three patients with recurrent disease. Median overall survival (OS) had not been reached for standard‐risk patients with median follow up of 58 months. The median OS for high‐risk de novo patients was 21 months, while the median OS was 15 months for patients with recurrent disease. Treatment was well tolerated, with haematological toxicities being most common.ConclusionsCombined modality therapy (surgery followed by postoperative radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy) was well tolerated and associated with good outcomes in standard‐risk de novo patients. High‐risk and recurrent disease patients do extremely poorly regardless of treatment and better treatment strategies are needed in these patients.
Emergency demand and repeat attendances by older patients
Authors: Lowthian J. , Curtis A. , Stoelwinder J. , McNeil J. , Cameron P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundPopulation ageing is projected to impact on health services utilisation including Emergency Departments (ED), with older patients reportedly having a high rate of return visits. We describe and compare patterns in ED utilisation between older and younger adults, and quantify the proportion and rate of return visits.MethodsPopulation‐based retrospective analysis of metropolitan Melbourne public hospital ED data, 1999/2000 to 2008/2009. Numbers of patients, presentations, re‐presentations and rates per 1000 population were calculated, with comparison of older (aged ≥70 years) and younger (15–69 years) attendances.ResultsPopulation growth in each age group was similar over the study period, yet ED presentations rose by 72% for older adults compared with a 59% increase for younger adults. Rates per 1000 population rose with increasing age. Of the population aged ≥70 years, 39% presented to ED compared with 17% of the population aged 15–69 years in 2008/2009. Twenty‐seven per cent of the increase in older adult presentations was driven by a cohort who attended ≥4 times in 2008/2009. The number of older patients presenting ≥4 times doubled over the decade, contributing to 23% of all older presentations in 2008/2009. ED length of stay rose with increasing age; 69% of older adults remained in ED for ≥4 h compared with 39% of younger adults in 2008/2009. The number of older adult ED hospital admissions doubled over the decade.ConclusionsOlder patients are disproportionately represented among ED attendances. They also have an increasing propensity to re‐present to ED, indicating a need to identify the clinical, social and health system‐related risk factors for re‐attendance by specific patients.
Hyperuricaemia and gout in New Zealand rural and urban Māori and non‐Māori communities
Authors: Stamp L. K. , Wells J. E. , Pitama S. , Faatoese A. , Doughty R. N. , Whalley G. , Richards A. M. , Cameron V. A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere are few current data on the prevalence of hyperuricaemia and gout in New Zealand, particularly among the indigenous Māori population.AimsTo determine the prevalence of gout and hyperuricaemia in rural and urban Māori and non‐Māori community samples and describe the treatment and comorbidities of participants with gout.MethodsParticipants aged 20–64 years were recruited by random selection from the electoral roll. Māori samples were selected from among those identified as being of Māori descent on the roll and who self‐identified as being of Māori ethnicity at interview. Personal medical history, blood pressure, anthropometrics, fasting lipids, glucose, HbA1c and urate were recorded.ResultsThere were 751 participants. Mean serum urate (SU) was 0.30 mmol/L (0.06–0.69 mmol/L). Māori had a significantly higher prevalence of hyperuricaemia (SU > 0.40 mmol/L) compared with non‐Māori (17.0% vs 7.5%, P = 0.0003). A total of 57 participants had a history of gout, with a higher prevalence in Māori compared with non‐Māori (10.3% vs 2.3%, P < 0.0001). Of the participants, 18/57 (31.6%) with gout were receiving urate‐lowering therapy, but in 38.9%, SU was >0.36 mmol/L. Participants with gout were more likely to have metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiac disease or hypertension.ConclusionsGout and hyperuricaemia were more prevalent in Māori, and participants with gout were more likely to have comorbidities. There was not a higher overall adjusted cardiovascular disease risk in Māori participants with gout. Despite the high prevalence of gout, management remains suboptimal.
B‐type natriuretic peptide levels are decreased by reducing dietary salt intake in patients with compensated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Sadanaga T. , Ando K. , Hirota S. , Mitamura H. , Tsuchihashi T. , Kohsaka S. , Fukuda K. , Ogawa S. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundDietary salt restriction is believed to be a mainstay in the management of patients with heart failure. However, the effect of salt intake on heart failure has not been well evaluated in outpatient medical practice.AimsThe aim of the present study was to assess the hypothesis that B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, as an objective marker of heart failure, is associated with salt intake in patients with heart failure.MethodsOne hundred and thirteen consecutive patients with mild compensated heart failure (77 ± 10 years old, 51 female) were included. We estimated dietary salt intake by the concentration of sodium and creatinine in spot urine. We measured BNP at the time of urine sampling and assessed the relationship between the % changes in BNP levels (%ΔBNP) and the changes in the estimated daily salt excretion (ΔNaCl) during the follow‐up period.ResultsThe baseline median BNP level was 150 (interquartile range: 83–263) pg/mL and the estimated daily salt excretion was 162 ± 45 mmol/day. There was a positive correlation between %ΔBNP and ΔNaCl (r = 0.61, P < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed that %ΔBNP was associated with ΔNaCl (P < 0.01), but not with changes in systolic blood pressure and bodyweight.ConclusionsChanges in BNP levels were associated with changes in the estimated daily salt excretion in outpatients with compensated heart failure. Salt restriction may be beneficial for the management of patients with heart failure.
Antifungal drug usage in haematologic patients during a 4‐year period in an Asian university teaching hospital
Authors: Chan T. S. Y. , Hwang Y.‐Y. , Gill H. , Cheung W. W. W. , Tse E. , Leung A. Y. H. , Chim C.‐S. , Lie A. K. W. , Kwong Y.‐L. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundInvasive fungal disease (IFD) is an important problem complicating the therapy of haematologic patients.AimThis study aimed to provide data on the epidemiology of IFD in an Asian teaching hospital, as well as the prescription practice of antifungal drugs.MethodWe conducted a retrospective review of 275 haematologic patients who were prescribed antifungal drugs in a 4‐year period (2007–2010), of whom 130 (47%) had undergone haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.ResultsAntifungal prophylaxis with either fluconazole or itraconazole was given in 214 patients (78%). There were 414 prescriptions of antifungal drugs (including liposomal amphotericin B, voriconazole, caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin), of which 361 prescriptions were empirical. There were 14 patients with proven IFD, 11 of whom had breakthrough infection while on itraconazole prophylaxis. Interestingly, seven of these cases were due to infection by itraconazole‐sensitive candida.ConclusionThese results provide important epidemiologic data necessary for the formulation of strategies for prevention and treatment of IFD in Asian patients.
Relationship between in‐hospital location and outcomes of care in patients of a large general medical service
Authors: Perimal‐Lewis L. , Li J. Y. , Hakendorf P. H. , Ben‐Tovim D. I. , Qin S. , Thompson C. H. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe discrepancy between the number of admissions and the allocation of hospital beds means that many patients admitted under the care of a general medical service can be placed in other departments' wards. These patients are called ‘outliers’, and their outcomes are unknown.AimsTo examine the relation between the proportion of time each patient spent in their ‘home ward’ during an index admission and the outcomes of that hospital stay.MethodsData from Flinders Medical Centre's patient journey database were extracted and analysed. The analysis was carried out on the patient journeys of patients admitted under the general medicine units.ResultsOutlier patients' length of stay was significantly shorter than that of the inlier patients (110.7 h cf 141.9 h; P < 0.001).They had a reduced risk of readmission within 28 days of discharge from hospital. Outlier patients' discharge summaries were less likely to be completed within a week (64.3% cf 78.0%; P < 0.001). Being an outlier patient increased the risk‐adjusted risk of in‐hospital mortality by over 40%. Fifty per cent of deaths in the outlier group occurred within 48 h of admission. Outlier patients had spent longer in the emergency department waiting for a bed (6.3 h cf 5.3 h; P < 0.001) but duration of emergency department stay was not an independent predictor of mortality risk.ConclusionOutlier patients had significantly shorter length of stay in hospital but significantly greater in‐patient death rates. Surviving outlier patients had lower rates of readmission but lower rates of discharge summary completion.