bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A clinical improvement project to develop and implement a decision‐making framework for the use of seclusion
Authors: Hyde Sandra , Fulbrook Paul , Fenton Keryn , Kilshaw Michael 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTThe use of seclusion within acute psychiatric settings is contentious. As evidenced by its use in practice, seclusion continues to be supported by mental health‐care professionals. However, there is a growing evidence base that indicates that it is viewed negatively by patients and causes symptoms of severe distress. In Australia and several other countries, the use of restraint and seclusion is now being questioned, and there are now policy directives to reduce or abandon these practices. Despite mental health‐care professionals' awareness of the potential detrimental effects of seclusion, the practice is strongly embedded in Australian mental health settings. This paper describes an improvement project to develop and implement a clinical decision‐making framework around the use of seclusion. The setting was an acute mental health‐care facility servicing a large health district in south east Queensland, Australia. The impetus for this project was driven by concerns expressed by consumers of the service and our own need to reduce the incidence of seclusion and the length of time of seclusion events to below 4 hours' duration. This improvement project employed practice development and action research principles to engage colleagues in the development of the framework. The project duration was 6 months, and resulted in two decision‐making frameworks around the use of seclusion: the decision to seclude and the decision to release.
Alone together: A grounded theory study of experienced burden, coping, and support needs of spouses of persons with a bipolar disorder
Authors: Van Der Voort Trijntje Y. G. , Goossens Peter J. J. , Van Der Bijl Jaap J. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTBipolar disorder is a chronic and severe mental disorder. Little is known about the experiences of the spouses of such patients. A grounded theory study was undertaken to examine the burden for spouses living with a partner with a bipolar disorder and to explore how they cope and what support they need. Fifteen spouses and ex‐spouses were interviewed; they experienced heavy burden and found themselves to be ‘alone together.’ Their coping process is found to involve appraisal of the situation and attempts to achieve a balance between self‐effacement and self‐fulfilment. While support can clearly reduce experienced burden, the spouses surprisingly receive virtually no professional support. A theory is developed that constitutes a starting point for the development of adequate support for spouses.
Analysis of the late outcome of laparoscopic heminephrectomy in children with duplex kidneys
Authors: You Dalsan , Bang Jeong Kyoon , Shim Myungsun , Ryu Dong Soo , Kim Kun Suk 
Published: November 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series)  Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVESTo report our experience with laparoscopic heminephrectomy (LHN) in children with duplex kidneys, highlighting the late outcomes, including anatomical and functional aspects.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively analysed the medical records of 17 children (18 renal units) with duplex kidneys who underwent LHN (15) and heminephroureterectomy (three). Before surgery, all patients were evaluated using ultrasonography, voiding cysto‐urethrography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging with urography, and nuclear scintigraphy. After surgery patients were evaluated using ultrasonography and nuclear scintigraphy, and by voiding cysto‐urethrography if there was a refluxing ureter.RESULTSAll laparoscopic surgery (17 transperitoneal and one retroperitoneal approach), were completed as planned with no intraoperative complications. Complications after surgery included prolonged urine leakage from a refluxing ureteric stump in one heminephroureterectomy, and a complete functional loss of the remnant pole in one retroperitoneal LHN. The function of the remnant pole was preserved in 17 patients (94%); in these 17 the mean decrease in renal function was 2.8%. Follow‐up ultrasonography showed asymptomatic cystic structures in six patients. There was an asymptomatic remnant ureteric stump in two cases (one refluxing, one nonrefluxing).CONCLUSIONThe loss of function caused by surgery is subtle but some remnant pole will be fully lost while experience is gained. Because the functional impairment due to vasospasm or vascular injury might not be recognized, all remnant kidneys must be evaluated using postoperative nuclear scintigraphy.
Partner Selection Decisions in Interfirm Collaborations: The Paradox of Relational Embeddedness
Authors: Meuleman Miguel , Lockett Andy , Manigart Sophie , Wright Mike 
Published: November 2009

abstractBy combining insights from relational network theory and agency theory we identify the boundary conditions to the embeddedness approach to partner selection decisions in interfirm collaborations. Employing a longitudinal dataset comprising the investment syndicates for the population of UK management buyouts between 1993 and 2003, we find that relational embeddedness is less important for selecting partners when agency risks are low, allowing firms to expand their networks. Furthermore, reputational capital may act as a partial substitute for relational embeddedness, again permitting firms to expand their networks. Our findings enhance understanding of the boundary conditions associated with the relational network approach to partner selections and network behaviour.
Boards, Uncertainty, and the Use of Fairness Opinions
Authors: Frye Melissa B. , Wang Weishen 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue: We propose and test a new perspective on why the boards of some acquiring firms purchase a fairness opinion (FO). Specifically, we examine whether the board's knowledge explains the use of an FO and the market reaction to the FO.Research Findings/Insights: We find that FOs are more likely to be purchased when the acquiring firm's board feels uncertain about the deal. Specifically, we find that boards with more outside directors are more likely to use an FO, while boards whose directors hold more outside appointments (busy boards) are less likely to seek an FO. Moreover, we find that although the market reacts negatively to the FO, board characteristics both moderate and exacerbate the reaction. When an FO is used by a busy board, the market reacts more negatively to the merger announcement. In contrast, board independence and the average service years for directors seem to moderate the market's reaction to the FO.Theoretical/Academic Implications: The results of this study are consistent with the idea that a lack of knowledge and underlying transaction uncertainty motivates the board to purchase an FO. In addition, our empirical evidence supports a sophisticated market reaction, where the market recognizes the board's knowledge when assessing the necessity of the FO.Practitioner/Policy Implications: This study provides a new perspective on why boards use FOs. A board with more outside directors may be strong on monitoring, but may lack knowledge on the deal. This essentially provides an example of a cost associated with an independent board. Further, we show that the market can differentiate the types of boards that use an FO.
Environmental dew point and skin and lip weathering
Authors: Devillers C , Piérard GE , Quatresooz P , Piérard S 
Published: November 2009

AbstractXerosis represents a physiological response of the stratum corneum (SC) to environmental threats. The influence of the environmental dew point (DP) is not fully understood. This parameter is the air temperature at which the relative humidity is maximum. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the environmental DP and the water‐holding capacity of the skin and lower lip vermilion. For comparison, SC property was evaluated after occlusive application of cooled and uncooled hydrogel pads. Electrometric measurements using a dermal phase meter (DPM) device were performed on the back of the hands, the cheeks and the lower lip of 40 healthy menopausal women. Assessments were performed in the outdoor conditions during winter and spring. The same measurements were recorded after hydrogel pads, at room temperature or cooled to 4 °C, were placed for 15 min on the test sites. The environmental DP was recorded at each evaluation time. The SC water‐holding capacity was discretely influenced by the DP. In the open‐air environmental conditions, a positive linear relationship was found on the cheeks between the DP and DPM values. The relationship was weaker on the lips. Conversely, a consistent increase in DPM values was recorded immediately after removal of the cooled and uncooled hydrogel pads. The observations made in the open‐air testing conditions are consistent with the predicted events following the Arrhenius law. By contrast, the combination of cooling and occlusion by the hydrogel pads is responsible for the reverse effect on the SC.
Seborrheic dermatitis among Oxford renal transplant recipients1
Authors: Lally A , Casabonne D , Newton R , Wojnarowska F 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground  Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory dermatosis with a prevalence of 1–3% in the general population. It is recognized more commonly in those infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). No studies have looked at Seborrheic dermatitis in the context of immunosuppression secondary to organ transplantation. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of Seborrheic dermatitis in a renal transplant population and characteristics of those affected.Methods  A prospective study of 308 renal transplant recipients (RTRs) was carried out. All participants were examined for Seborrheic dermatitis. Descriptive statistics were employed and associations with Seborrheic dermatitis were examined using Fisher’s exact test to calculate P‐exact values, and Student’s t‐test was used to compare mean ages and time since transplantation. Statistical analysis was carried out using spss version 14.0 for Windows.Results  Seborrheic dermatitis was identified in 29/308 (9.5%) patients and was more common in males (P‐exact = 0.004) and in those who had been transplanted for longer (P = 0.02). The disease was mild–moderate severity in the majority but an unusual flexural appearance was recorded in 7/29 patients. Seborrheic dermatitis was less likely in those taking prednisolone (P‐exact = 0.006) or tacrolimus (P‐exact = 0.008). Seborrheic dermatitis was significantly associated with cutaneous malignancy, in particular squamous cell carcinoma (P‐exact < 0.0001).Discussion  Seborrheic dermatitis is more common than other inflammatory dermatoses in immunosuppressed RTRs, but is not as frequent as in those immunosuppressed secondary to HIV. Degree and duration of exposure to immunosuppression and increased colonization with Malassezia yeast genus are likely be important in the aetiology of Seborrheic dermatitis in RTRs. Further studies are required to clarify this.
A novel splicing mutation and haplotype analysis of the FECH gene in a Chinese family with erythropoietic protoporphyria
Authors: Ma J , Xiao S , An J , Wang X , Xu Q , Dong Y , Feng Y , Wang J 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground  Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder of haeme biosynthesis resulting from a partial decrease in ferrochelatase (FECH) activity leading to excessive accumulation of protoporphyrin. Clinical manifestation normally requires coinheritance of a common hypomorphic FECH allele and a deleterious FECH mutation.Objective  The aim of this study was to characterize the inheritance of a Chinese family with EPP at molecular level, by identification and analysis of FECH sequence variation, including the IVS3‐48C polymorphisms.Methods  Polymerase chain reaction amplification was employed to identify the FECH sequence variation, including the IVS3‐48C polymorphism, in a Chinese EPP family and a matched control cohort.Results  A splicing mutation in IVS3 + 1G→A was identified in the proband as well as his symptomatic sister, cousin, his grandfather and his asymptomatic mother, but was absent in his father and grandmother. All the family members with overt photosensitivity carried the low‐expressed allele IVS3‐48C, which were absent in the asymptomatic EPP patients of this family.Conclusion  We described a novel splicing FECH mutation in a Chinese EPP family and analysed the hypomorphic IVS3‐48C allele, which were believed to be responsible for generating the phenotypic symptoms in this family.
Nail changes in patients with liver disease
Authors: Salem A , Gamil H , Hamed M , Galal S 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground Liver cirrhosis, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) virus infections are known to be associated with different skin disorders. Nail changes are additional important criteria, which would help in identification of these systemic diseases.Objective To record the nail abnormalities in patients with liver disease which were not reported before, especially those with HCV and HBV infection.Patients and methods The study comprised 100 patients with HCV, HBV and liver cell failure, and 100 normal healthy controls. Both groups underwent full history taking and thorough general examination, complete blood picture, hepatitis B antigen, hepatitis C antibody, liver function tests, abdominal ultrasonography and PCR were performed in patients with liver disease. Full nail examination was performed.Results Nail changes were more prevalent in patient group (68%) than in the control group (35%). The nail infection, onychomycosis, was the most common finding in 18% of patients and that in controls was 10% followed by in a descending order, longitudinal striations, brittle nails, onychorrhexis, clubbing of fingers, dystrophic nails, leukonychia and longitudinal melanonychia.Conclusion Nail changes are observed with not only liver cirrhosis but also with HCV and HBV infection, and this will add additional clinical criteria for general practitioners and dermatologists to help them with diagnosis of these common systemic infections.
Subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with chronic psoriasis: a potential association
Authors: El‐Mongy S , Fathy H , Abdelaziz A , Omran E , George S , Neseem N , El‐Nour N 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground  The immunological abnormalities that lead to the development of psoriasis suggest that these patients may be at increased risk for other inflammatory state which may enhance atherosclerosis.Objective  To assess the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriatic patients who haven't associated traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and to correlate these findings with colour Doppler echocardiographic parameters.Methods  The study included 80 patients with chronic psoriasis together with 50 age and sex matched healthy volunteers served as control group. Patients who had classic cardiovascular risk factors or had cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events were excluded. Carotid artery intima‐media thickness (IMT) and carotid plaques were measured in the carotid arteries by using high‐resolution B‐mode ultrasound. Also, echocardiographic study was performed using ultrasound imaging system in all cases and controls.Results  Patients with psoriasis had increased carotid artery IMT compared with controls (means 0.9 ± 0.2 mm vs. 0.7 ± 0.1 mm; P < 0.001). Carotid IMT positively correlated with patients age, duration of the disease and severity of psoriasis. There was no significant difference in echocardiographic parameters in psoriatic patients compared with controls, also no significant correlation between carotid IMT and echocardiographic parameters were observed in psoriatic patients.Conclusion  The increased carotid artery IMT in patients with chronic psoriasis suggesting that chronic psoriasis is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. So, dermatologists should advice their patients to avoid traditional cardiovascular risk factors and to routinely checkup to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Haematological deficiencies in patients with recurrent aphthosis
Authors: Compilato D , Carroccio A , Calvino F , Di Fede G , Campisi G 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground  Recurrent aphthosis is a common oral ulcerative condition consisting also of a subset of similar ulcers, properly named ‘aphthous‐like’ ulcers (ALU), linked to systemic diseases and among these, to iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies.Objectives  The main objectives of this study were: (i) to evaluate the association between recurrent aphthosis and the most common predisposing factors; (ii) to assess the frequency of ALU in recurrent aphthosis; (iii) to verify the efficacy of a replacement therapy in all ALU patients.Methods  Thirty‐two adults with recurrent aphthosis and 29 otherwise healthy controls were consecutively recruited, interviewed and subjected to haematological investigations.Results  Family history of recurrent aphthosis was significantly associated (P < 0.01). The overall frequency of haematinic deficiencies was 56.2% in recurrent aphthosis patients vs. 7% in controls (P < 0.0001). All ALU patients with a negative family history showed a complete remission of the ulcerative episodes after replacement therapy, while those with a positive family history only had a reduction in frequency and severity. In the logistic regression model, only family history was associated with recurrent aphthosis (P = 0.0137).Conclusion  The strong association with familiarity, the unexpected higher frequency of ALU (compared with the idiopathic variant) and the good response to replacement therapy means that familiarity should always be investigated. Furthermore, routine haematological screening and tests for serum iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies should be assessed in all patients with recurrent aphthosis to treat any nutritional deficiency and to prevent more important related systemic manifestations.
Sources and composition of fluids associated with fluorite deposits of Asturias (N Spain)
Authors: SÁNCHEZ V. , VINDEL E. , MARTÍN‐CRESPO T. , CORBELLA M. , CARDELLACH E. , BANKS D. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe fluorite deposits of Asturias (northern Iberian Peninsula) are hosted by rocks of Permo‐Triassic and Palaeozoic age. Fluid inclusions in ore and gangue minerals show homogenization temperatures from 80 to 170°C and the presence of two types of fluids: an H2O–NaCl low‐salinity fluid (<8 eq. wt% NaCl) and an H2O–NaCl–CaCl2 fluid (7–13 wt% NaCl and 11–14 wt% CaCl2). The low salinity and the Cl/Br and Na/Br ratios (Cl/Brmolar 100–700 and Na/Brmolar 20–700) are consistent with an evaporated sea water origin of this fluid. The other end‐member of the mixture was highly saline brine with high Cl/Br and Na/Br ratios (Cl/Brmolar 700–13 000 and Na/Brmolar 700–11 000) generated after dissolution of Triassic age evaporites. LA‐ICP‐MS analyses of fluid inclusions in fluorite reveal higher Zn, Pb and Ba contents in the high‐salinity fluids (160–500, 90–170, 320–480 p.p.m. respectively) than in the low‐salinity fluid (75–230, 25–150 and 100–300 p.p.m. respectively). The metal content of the fluids appears to decrease from E to W, from Berbes to La Collada and to Villabona. The source of F is probably related to leaching of volcanic rocks of Permian age. Brines circulated along faults into the Palaeozoic basement. Evaporated sea water was present in permeable rocks and faults along or above the unconformity between the Permo‐Triassic sediments and the Palaeozoic basement. Mineralization formed when the deep brines mixed with the surficial fluids in carbonates, breccias and fractures resulting in the formation of veins and stratabound bodies of fluorite, barite, calcite, dolomite and quartz and minor amounts of sulphides. Fluid movement and mineralization occurred between Late Triassic and Late Jurassic times, probably associated with rifting events related to the opening of the Atlantic Ocean. This model is also consistent with the geodynamic setting of other fluorite‐rich districts in Europe.
Pattern formation during healing of fluid‐filled cracks: an analog experiment
Authors: RENARD F. , DYSTHE D. K. , FEDER J. G. , MEAKIN P. , MORRIS S. J. S. , JAMTVEIT B. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe formation and subsequent healing of cracks and crack networks may control such diverse phenomena as the strengthening of fault zones between earthquakes, fluid migrations in the Earth’s crust, or the transport of radioactive materials in nuclear waste disposal. An intriguing pattern‐forming process can develop during healing of fluid‐filled cracks, where pockets of fluid remain permanently trapped in the solid as the crack tip is displaced driven by surface energy. Here, we present the results of analog experiments in which a liquid was injected into a colloidal inorganic gel to obtain penny‐shaped cracks that were subsequently allowed to close and heal under the driving effect of interfacial tension. Depending on the properties of the gel and the injected liquid, two modes of healing were obtained. In the first mode, the crack healed completely through a continuous process. The second mode of healing was discontinuous and was characterized by a ‘zipper‐like’ closure of a front that moved along the crack perimeter, trapping fluid that may eventually form inclusions trapped in the solid. This instability occurred only when the velocity of the crack tip decreased to zero. Our experiments provide a cheap and simple analog to reveal how aligned arrays of fluid inclusions may be captured along preexisting fracture planes and how small amounts of fluids can be permanently trapped in solids, modifying irreversibly their material properties.
Heterogeneity effects on possible salinity‐driven free convection in low‐permeability strata
Authors: SHARP J. M. , SHI M. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAlthough studies of free convection commonly focus on highly permeable strata, but numerical analyses indicate that density‐driven free convection may also occur in heterogeneous low‐permeability strata. Traditional Rayleigh number criteria are overly conservative in predicting thermohaline convection in these systems; so, numerical models are used to make inferences on the process. Simulations with stochastic realizations of permeability fields show that dense plumes can take preferential pathways to sink through generally low‐permeability strata; patch analysis using percolation theory shows that the threshold permeability for the onset of free convection can be as low as 10−16 m2 even with a mean permeability of 10−18 m2. Threshold permeability for the percolation pathways decreases with increasing concentration gradient, vertical correlation length and the mean and variance of the permeability. The connectedness of relatively high‐permeability zones is important in initiating and controlling plume fingers of free convection in both single‐layer and sand‐shale sequence models. Permeable units above and below are conducive to free convection through intervening low‐permeability strata if buoyancy gradients exist. This heterogeneity is on scales that are difficult to sample by drilling and too localized to be simulated in regional models but may be significant in solute transport in these systems.