bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abiotic versus biotic controls on the development of the Fairmont Hot Springs carbonate deposit, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: RAINEY DUSTIN K. , JONES BRIAN 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe relict Fairmont Hot Springs deposit, formed largely of carbonates, covers an area of 0·5 km2, and is up to 16 m thick. The triangle‐shaped discharge apron, which broadens down‐valley, is divided into a proximal part with beds dipping at <10° and a distal part with beds dipping at 10° to 15°. The deposit is formed of the: (1) Basal Macrophyte; (2) Lower Carbonate; (3) Middle Clastic; (4) Upper Carbonate; and (5) Upper Clastic Sequences. Two charcoal samples embedded in the Lower Carbonate Sequence yielded dates of 8690 ± 90 and 8270 ± 70 cal yr bp, indicating that much of the deposit formed post‐glacially during the Early to Mid‐Holocene. Deposit aggradation ceased in the Mid to Late Holocene when the Fairmont Creek valley was incised. The Lower and Upper Carbonate Sequences, which are the thickest sequences, are composed of nearly equal parts of travertine (abiotic) and tufa (biotic), with feather dendrite travertine, radiating dendrite travertine and stromatolite tufa dominating. Competition between calcite precipitation rates and biotic growth rates controlled the distribution of tufa and travertine across the discharge apron. Calcite and biotic growth rates were controlled largely by flow velocity across the apron which, in turn, was controlled by topography and regular fluctuations in spring water discharge volume. During times of high spring discharge, slow sheet flow over the proximal part of the apron promoted stromatolite growth, whereas fast, turbulent flow on the distal part of the apron induced rapid feather dendrite formation. During times of low spring discharge, quiescent, shallow evaporative pools, conducive to radiating dendrite formation, formed on the proximal part of the apron, whereas slow flow on the distal part promoted stromatolite growth. Facies with high calcite supersaturation experienced rapid abiotic dendrite growth that precluded most biotic growth.
Killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR2DL2 and/or KIR2DS2) in presence of their ligand (HLA‐C1 group) protect against chronic myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Middleton D. , Diler A. S. , Meenagh A. , Sleator C. , Gourraud P. A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe have analysed the frequency of killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR) in cohorts of patients from Turkey with acute lymphocyte leukaemia (n = 52), acute myeloid leukaemia (n = 54) and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) (n = 52) and compared the results with 154 controls. We also examined the frequencies of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐C groups, ‐Bw4, ‐Bw6 and where appropriate the combination of the KIR gene and its ligand. We found several statistically significant results between the patients and the controls. We proposed a model in CML of protection via KIR2DL2 and/or KIR2DS2 with the presence of the ligand HLA‐C1 group and susceptibility via HLA‐Bw4 homozygosity (i.e. absence of HLA‐Bw6).
Workers compensation and occupational health and safety in the Australian agricultural industry
Authors: Guthrie Robert , Westaway Jennifer , Goldacre Lisa 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectives:  The objective of this paper is to review the available workers compensation and occupational health and safety data and the legal framework in relation to the agricultural industry to explore whether any factors highlight the need to pay special attention to the particular circumstances of those engaged in the industry. Design:  This paper explores some of the special features of the agricultural industry, looking first at agricultural worker fatalities and injuries as a matter of ongoing concern for all participants in this industry, government, as well as occupational health and workers compensation authorities. The paper analyses how occupational health and workers compensation laws may have special application to this industry. Finally, the paper considers some workers compensation provisions that have particular application to the agricultural industry. Conclusions:  Our survey of the available data and literature leads to the conclusion that the dangerous nature of agricultural work and the special legal and economic framework in which that work is undertaken identify the agricultural industry as presenting Australian Governments and specialist authorities with particular challenges in relation to improving workplace safety and reducing workplace injury.
Health behaviours of young, rural residents: A case study
Authors: Bourke Lisa , Humphreys John , Lukaitis Fiona 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective:  To analyse self‐reported health behaviours of young people from a rural community and the factors influencing their behaviours. Methods:  Interviews were conducted with 19 young people, 11 parents and 10 key informants from a small rural Victorian community, asking about teenage health behaviours and the factors influencing these behaviours. Results:  Young people ate both healthy and unhealthy foods, most participated in physical activity, few smoked and most drank alcohol. The study found that community level factors, including community norms, peers, access issues and geographic isolation, were particularly powerful in shaping health behaviours, especially alcohol consumption. Smoking was influenced by social participation in the community and national media health campaigns. Diet and exercise behaviour were influenced by access and availability, convenience, family, peers and local and non‐local cultural influences. Conclusion and implications:  The rural context, including less access to and choice of facilities and services, lower incomes, lack of transport and local social patterns (including community norms and acceptance), impact significantly on young people's health behaviours. Although national health promotion campaigns are useful aspects of behaviour modification, much greater focus on the role and importance of the local contexts in shaping health decisions of young rural people is required.
Generational attitudes of rural mental health nurses
Authors: Crowther Andrew , Kemp Michael 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective:  To determine how attitudes of rural mental health nurses differ across generations. Design:  Survey. Setting:  Mental health services in rural New South Wales. Participants:  Practising mental health nurses. Main outcome measures:  Survey responses. Results:  Survey response rate 44%. A total of 89 mental health nurses, clustered in inpatient units and community health centres, responded. Of these nurses, 4 were veterans, 52 baby boomers, 17 Generation X and 5 Generation Y. Conclusions:  There are significant differences in how mental health nurses from different generations view their work, and in what is expected from managers. Managers need to modify traditional working styles, allowing greater flexibility of employment. They must also accept lower staff retention rates, and facilitate the development of younger staff.
The DriveABLE Competence Screen as a predictor of on‐road driving in a clinical sample
Authors: Korner‐Bitensky Nicol , Sofer Susan 
Published: March 2009

Background/aim:  There is growing concern regarding the need for screening of older drivers. The objective of this study was to determine whether the DriveABLE Competence Screen, a computerised test, predicts on‐road driving outcome in clients referred for a driving assessment. Methods:  This retrospective study evaluated the predictive validity of pre‐road testing using the DriveABLE Screen. Fifty‐two clients with varying health conditions were consecutively referred to a private practice that conducts comprehensive driving evaluations. Screen results are classified as recommend cessation of driving, indeterminate (requires on‐road evaluation), or no evidence of reduced competence. The DriveABLE Road Test classifies subjects as pass, borderline pass, or fail.Results:  Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were generated using the Road Test as the criterion outcome. The positive predictive validity of the Screen in identifying those who would fail the Road Test was 97% (n= 32 of 33). The negative predictive validity was 47%. The sensitivity was 76% with a corresponding specificity of 90%.Conclusion:  The DriveABLE Screen, when used as a case finding tool, is highly predictive of clients who will fail an on‐road driving evaluation.
Decreased CD3+CD16+ natural killer‐like T‐cell percentage and zeta‐chain expression accompany chronic inflammation in haemodialysis patients
Authors: ELEFTHERIADIS THEODOROS , KARTSIOS CHARALAMBOS , YIANNAKI EFI , ANTONIADI GEORGIA , KAZILA POLIZO , PLIAKOS KONSTANTINOS , LIAKOPOULOS VASSILIOS , MARKALA DIMITRA 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYAim:  Clinical and experimental data indicate a deficient immune response in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Natural killer‐like (NKL) T cells express on their surface both the T‐cell antigen receptor (TCR) and a diverse set of NK‐cell receptors (NKR) and share properties of both T cells and NK cells. ζ‐Chain phosphorylation is an early event that follows TCR activation or some NKR activation. The ζ‐chain of both T cell and NK cells is downregulated in many chronic inflammatory states, HD included. In the present study, NKL T‐cell percentage and ζ‐chain expression in HD patients were evaluated.Methods:  Thirty‐three stable HD patients and 30 healthy volunteers were enrolled into the study. NKL T‐cell percentage and NKL T‐cell ζ‐chain mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) were evaluated with flow cytometry. The inflammatory markers C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6 and tumour necrosis factor‐α were measured in the serum by means of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  All the evaluated markers of inflammation were increased in HD patients. In these patients, NKL T‐cell percentage (1.71 ± 1.69% vs 3.94 ± 3.86%) and ζ‐chain MFI (3.66 ± 2.79 vs 7.03 ± 7.91) were decreased.Conclusions:  NKL T‐cell percentage and ζ‐chain expression is decreased in HD patients. Taking into consideration the continuously increasing age of the HD patients and that normally NKL T‐cell numbers increase with age counteracting the impaired T‐cell and NK‐cell function accompanying advancing age, the above NKL T‐cell disturbances could contribute to the impaired immune response in this population. Measures towards alleviating chronic inflammation could partially restore NKL T‐cell impairment.
Internet overuse and excessive daytime sleepiness in adolescents
Authors: Choi Kwisook , Son Hyunsook , Park Myunghee , Han Jinkyu , Kim Kitai , Lee Byungkoo , Gwak Hyesun 
Published: March 2009

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to examine the association of Internet overuse with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).Methods:  A total of 2336 high school students in South Korea (boys, 57.5%; girls, 42.5%) completed the structured questionnaire. The severity of Internet addiction was evaluated using Young's Internet addiction test.Results:  The proportions of boys who were classified as Internet addicts and possible Internet addicts were 2.5% and 53.7%, respectively. For girls, the corresponding proportions were 1.9% and 38.9%, respectively. The prevalence of EDS was 11.2% (boys, 11.2%; girls, 11.1%). When Internet addicts were compared with non‐addicts, they consisted of more boys, drank alcohol more, and considered their own health condition as poor. But smoking was not related with Internet addiction. The prevalence rate of EDS for Internet addicts was 37.7%, whereas that for possible Internet addicts and non‐addicts was 13.9% and 7.4%, respectively. The prevalence of insomnia, witnessed snoring, apnea, teeth grinding, and nightmares was highest in Internet addicts, middle in possible addicts, and lowest in non‐addicts. With adjustment for duration of Internet use, duration of sleep time, age, gender, smoking, taking painkillers due to headache, insomnia symptoms, witnessed apnea, and nightmares, the odds of EDS were 5.2‐fold greater (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7–10.2) in Internet addicts and 1.9‐fold greater (95%CI: 1.4–2.6) in possible Internet addicts compared to non‐addicts.Conclusion:  Internet addiction is strongly associated with EDS in adolescents. Clinicians should consider examining Internet addiction in adolescent cases of EDS.
Photography of the anterior eye segment according to Scheimpflug's principle: options and limitations – a review
Authors: Wegener Alfred , Laser‐Junga Heike 
Published: March 2009

AbstractScheimpflug photography and densitometric image analysis are very precise techniques for light scattering measurement and biometry in the anterior segment of the eye. They provide reproducible data on the characteristics of the anterior eye segment in clinical and experimental studies and the set of data obtained allows discrimination of light scattering changes because of ageing, disease or toxic effects. The techniques can also be used to determine no‐effect levels or maximally tolerable dosages of physical and chemical noxious factors. Several Scheimpflug cameras have been marketed, but the only cameras commercially available today are the Nidek EAS 1000 and the Oculus Pentacam. This review outlines the development of the technique and its introduction into ophthalmology. Furthermore, the application of the technique in clinical and experimental ophthalmology as well as in ocular toxicology are presented and discussed.
Outcome and treatment in elderly patients with small cell lung cancer: A retrospective study
Authors: Li Jian , Chen Ping , Dai Chun‐Hua , Li Xiao‐Qin , Bao Qian‐Lei 
Published: March 2009

Aim:  The number of elderly patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is expected to increase with the growing geriatric population. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of standard chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy in elderly patients with SCLC.Methods:  In this retrospective study, we analyzed the data of 126 patients with SCLC diagnosed between 1996 and 2005 at our hospital, and compared the outcome of younger patients less than 70 years and elderly patients 70 years or older who were treated with etoposide and cisplatin (EP regimen) and cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and vincristine (CAV regimen). Patients with limited disease SCLC received thoracic radiotherapy (RT) following chemotherapy.Results:  Overall response rates (complete and partial response) were not significantly different between patients less than 70 years and patients 70 years or older (69% vs 65%, P = 0.591). The median survival time was 13 months for patients less than 70 years compared with 12 months for patients 70 years or older (P = 0.263), with 2‐ and 5‐year survival rates of 37.8% and 8.2% vs 26.2% and 3.6%, respectively. Progression‐free survival of patients 70 years or older was similar to that of patients less than 70 years (P = 0.445). Grade 3 and 4 hematological toxicities were more frequent among the elderly group (leukopenia, 48% vs 31%, P = 0.049; neutropenia, 52% vs 32%, P = 0.028; thrombocytopenia, 38% vs 21%, P = 0.047).Conclusion:  In spite of having more grade 3 and 4 hematological toxicity, elderly SCLC patients 70 years or older can benefit from the EP regimen and the CAV regimen with or without thoracic RT. Further investigations are needed to focus on ways to decrease toxicity, especially in the elderly.
Stimulation day‐six serum estradiol: A predictive indicator for the probability of embryo cryopreservation in IVF/ICSI cycles
Authors: Maghraby Hassan A. El , Mahdi Mohamed , Arab Mervat Sheikh El , Mabrouk Mohamed , Ghi Tullio , Farina Antonio 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective:  To evaluate the predictive value of stimulation day six serum estradiol (E2) for the probability of embryo cryopreservation after fresh embryo transfer in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles.Subjects and Methods:  The study included 282 ICSI cycles for different causes of infertility, provided that the age of the female partner was <40 years and her basal follicle stimulating hormone <10 IU/L.Setting:  Alexandria IVF/ICSI center.Main Outcome Measures:  Primary outcome measures are stimulation day‐six serum E2, and rate of embryo cryopreservation, after transfer of three good‐quality embryos. Secondary outcome measures are pregnancy rate per fresh embryo transfer, and other intermediate variables of the ICSI cycle.Results:  Patients were stratified into three groups according to day‐six serum E2 levels: Group I with values <400 pg/mL; Group II, between 400 and 900; and Group III with values >900. The mean number of oocytes retrieved was 6.3, 8.9, and 12.4; the mean number of obtained embryos was 3.3, 4.8, and 6.7; and pregnancy rates were 18.1, 36.2, and 44.7% in the three groups, respectively. Rate of embryo cryopreservation, after transfer of three good‐quality embryos was 70.7% in Group III, and 26.5% in Group I. (P = 0.01). The negative predictive value of day‐six E2 < 400 pg/mL for freezing was 83% while day‐six serum E2 > 900 pg/mL has a sensitivity of 55%, specificity of 72% and positive predictive value of 50% for embryo freezing.Conclusion:  Higher stimulation day‐six estradiol was associated with a higher probability of cryopreservation, and a higher pregnancy rate.
Opening the bladder for cesarean hysterectomy for placenta previa percreta with bladder invasion
Authors: Matsubara Shigeki , Ohkuchi Akihide , Yashi Masahiro , Izumi Akio , Ohwada Michitaka , Kuwata Tomoyuki , Usui Rie , Kuwata Yoshimine , Nakata Manabu , Suzuki Mitsuaki 
Published: March 2009

AbstractCesarean hysterectomy for placenta previa percreta with bladder invasion often induces not only massive hemorrhage but also severe bladder/ureter injuries. A 37‐year‐old woman with previous cesarean delivery suffered placenta previa percreta with bladder invasion. At the 34th week, we performed cesarean hysterectomy. Without separating the bladder from the uterus/cervix, we incised the bladder lateral wall using an automatic stapling/cutting device, leaving the bladder posterior wall adhering to the uterus and resecting it with the uterus. The bladder was easily repaired without urological sequelae. We suggest a new, simple and safe technique for cesarean hysterectomy for this disease.
Three‐dimensional volume‐rendered imaging of embryonic brain vesicles using inversion mode
Authors: Hata Toshiyuki , Dai Shu‐Yan , Kanenishi Kenji , Tanaka Hirokazu 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAim:  The purpose of this study was to present our first experience of normal embryonic brain vesicle shapes in the early first trimester of pregnancy, reconstructed by three‐dimensional (3D) volume‐rendered imaging using the inversion mode.Methods:  Twenty‐three women who were between 7.4 and 9.7 weeks of gestation were studied using 3D ultrasound with a mechanical 3.7–9.3 or 4.5–11.9 MHz 3D transvaginal probe. In order to clarify the anatomical correlation of the embryonic and fetal brain vesicles, the inversion mode was used.Results:  One patient who was at 7.4 weeks of gestation was excluded from the study because of the relative shallow scanning range of the 3D transvaginal transducer and very small embryonic brain structures. When viewed by means of transvaginal 3D volume‐rendered imaging using the inversion mode, the brain vesicles were the most prominent structures at each week, and were clearly seen as multilobular consecutive structures. All embryos studied had five secondary brain vesicles. Moreover, the dramatic change of embryonic brain vesicle shapes with advancing gestation was noted during this period.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that transvaginal 3D volume‐rendered imaging using the inversion mode provides accurate visualization of embryonic brain vesicle structures in utero.
Abdominal hernias in pregnancy
Authors: Augustin Goran , Matosevic Petar , Kekez Tihomir , Majerovic Mate , Delmis Josip 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA hernia is an area of weakness or complete disruption of the fibromuscular tissues of the body wall. In addition to the body wall, hernias can occur in the diaphragm, pelvic wall, perineum, pelvic floor, and internal abdominal viscera (hernias through omental or mesenteric defects, ligaments and folds). Surgical repair of different types of hernia is the most common general surgical procedure with more than 20 million hernioplasties performed each year. Abdominal wall hernias are not common during pregnancy. Hernias can be symptomless or have minimal symptoms, including slight discomfort or pain. Such hernias are not life‐threatening and should be controlled on regular basis. After spontaneous delivery and uterine involution, they should be repaired on an elective basis. It is of utmost importance for a clinician to diagnose emergent situations, which include incarceration, strangulation and perforation caused by hernia because consultation with a surgeon and emergency operation are mandatory. There is still no consensus for irreducible hernia during pregnancy, but complications during pregnancy outweigh elective operation. Therefore, hernioplasty is recommended during pregnancy, especially in early gestation.
Use of an antiretropulsion device to prevent stone retropulsion significantly increases the efficiency of pneumatic lithotripsy: an in vitro study
Authors: Eisner Brian H. , Pengune Witsanu , Stoller Marshall L. 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficiency of pneumatic lithotripsy with and without the Accordion antiretropulsion device (PercSys, Palo Alto, CA, USA).MATERIALS AND METHODSThe study comprised two in vitro experiments: in experiment 1, 10 trials were conducted using stone phantoms (6 × 6 × 10 mm), placed in a horizontal acrylic tube submerged in normal saline. Pneumatic lithotripsy was applied using a Swiss LithoClast (Boston Scientific Corporation, Natick, MA, USA). Each phantom was hit with repeated single firings of the LithoClast until it had travelled 20 cm (control group). The same experiment was then repeated with the Accordion antiretropulsion device positioned proximal to a new stone phantom. In experiment 2, stone phantoms (5 × 5 × 5 mm) were placed in a model ureter made of silicone and submerged in normal saline. Pneumatic lithotripsy was applied continuously on 10 stones for 20 s (200 strikes) without the Accordion device (control group) and on 10 stones with the Accordion device in place (experimental group). The distance of retropulsion was recorded. All stone phantoms were weighed before and after pneumatic lithotripsy.RESULTSIn both experiments the Accordion group had a significantly greater percentage weight loss than the control group (experiment 1; 11% vs 3%; experiment 2, 53% vs 16%, both P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSThe Accordion device significantly increased the fragmentation efficiency in both in vitro models. Preventing retropulsion and increasing fragmentation efficiency has the potential to increase the success rate, decrease secondary procedures for migrated stones, and shorten operative times.