bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Hemodiafiltration on Quality of Life over Time
Authors: Mazairac Albert H.A. , de Wit G. Ardine , Grooteman Muriel P.C. , Penne E. Lars , van der Weerd Neelke C. , den Hoedt Claire H. , Lévesque Renée , van den Dorpel Marinus A. , Nubé Menso J. , ter Wee Piet M. , Bots Michiel L. , Blankestijn Peter J. 
Published: November 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
It is unclear if hemodiafiltration leads to a better quality of life compared with hemodialysis. It was, therefore, the aim of this study to assess the effect of hemodiafiltration on quality of life compared with hemodialysis in patients with ESRD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This study analyzed the data of 714 patients with a median follow-up of 2 years from the Convective Transport Study. The patients were enrolled between June of 2004 and December of 2009. The Convective Transport Study is a randomized controlled trial on the effect of online hemodiafiltration versus low-flux hemodialysis on all-cause mortality. Quality of life was assessed with the Kidney Disease Quality of Life—Short Form. This questionnaire provides data for a physical and mental composite score and describes kidney disease-specific quality of life in 12 domains. The domains have scales from 0 to 100.

Results
There were no significant differences in changes in health-related quality of life over time between patients treated with hemodialysis (n=358) or hemodiafiltration (n=356). The quality of life domain patient satisfaction declined over time in both dialysis modalities (hemodialysis: −2.5/yr, −3.4 to −1.5, P<0.001; hemodiafiltration: −1.4/yr, −2.4 to −0.5, P=0.004).

Conclusions
Compared with hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration had no significant effect on quality of life over time.
Effect of Oral Anabolic Steroid on Muscle Strength and Muscle Growth in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Supasyndh Ouppatham , Satirapoj Bancha , Aramwit Pornanong , Viroonudomphol Duangkamol , Chaiprasert Amnart , Thanachatwej Vipa , Vanichakarn Supat , Kopple Joel D. 
Published: November 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Sarcopenia is common in hemodialysis patients. This study examined whether the anabolic steroid oxymetholone improves muscle mass and handgrip strength in hemodialysis patients and possible mechanisms that might engender such changes.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Forty-three eligible hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to ingest oxymetholone or placebo for 24 weeks. Body composition, handgrip strength, and quality of life were measured during the study. Muscle biopsies were performed and analyzed for mRNA levels for myostatin, IGF-I, IGF binding proteins, and myosin heavy chains and protein expression. Muscle fiber types and diameter were assessed by reduced nicotinamide–adenine dinucleotide staining.

Results
There was a significantly greater increase in fat-free mass and handgrip strength and decrease in fat mass in the oxymetholone compared with the placebo group. Moreover, compared with baseline values, patients given oxymetholone exhibited an increase in fat-free mass, handgrip strength, physical functioning scores, and type I muscle fiber cross-sectional area and a decrease in fat mass, whereas patients receiving placebo did not undergo changes. There was a significantly greater increase in muscle mRNA levels for myosin heavy chain 2×, IGF-I, and IGF-II receptor with oxymetholone treatment than placebo. Liver enzyme rose significantly in the oxymetholone group, but the number of values greater than three times the upper limit of normal were not different between these groups.

Conclusions
In hemodialysis patients, ingesting oxymetholone was associated with an increase in fat-free mass, handgrip strength, and muscle mRNA levels for several growth factors and a decrease in fat mass, but it also induced liver injury.
Effect of the Dialysis Fluid Buffer on Peritoneal Membrane Function in Children
Authors: Schmitt Claus Peter , Nau Barbara , Gemulla Gita , Bonzel Klaus E. , Hölttä Tuula , Testa Sara , Fischbach Michel , John Ulrike , Kemper Markus J. , Sander Anja , Arbeiter Klaus , Schaefer Franz 
Published: November 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Double-chamber peritoneal dialysis fluids exert less toxicity by their neutral pH and reduced glucose degradation product content. The role of the buffer compound (lactate and bicarbonate) has not been defined in humans.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
A multicenter randomized controlled trial in 37 children on automated peritoneal dialysis was performed. After a 2-month run-in period with conventional peritoneal dialysis fluids, patients were randomized to neutral-pH, low-glucose degradation product peritoneal dialysis fluids with 35 mM lactate or 34 mM bicarbonate content. Clinical and biochemical monitoring was performed monthly, and peritoneal equilibration tests and 24-hour clearance studies were performed at 0, 3, 6, and 10 months.

Results
No statistically significant difference in capillary blood pH, serum bicarbonate, or oral buffer supplementation emerged during the study. At baseline, peritoneal solute equilibration and clearance rates were similar. During the study, 4-hour dialysis to plasma ratio of creatinine tended to increase, and 24-hour dialytic creatinine and phosphate clearance increased with lactate peritoneal dialysis fluid but not with bicarbonate peritoneal dialysis fluid. Daily net ultrafiltration, which was similar at baseline (lactate fluid=5.4±2.6 ml/g glucose exposure, bicarbonate fluid=4.9±1.9 ml/g glucose exposure), decreased to 4.6±1.0 ml/g glucose exposure in the lactate peritoneal dialysis fluid group, whereas it increased to 5.1±1.7 ml/g glucose exposure in the bicarbonate content peritoneal dialysis fluid group (P=0.006 for interaction).

Conclusions
When using biocompatible peritoneal dialysis fluids, equally good acidosis control is achieved with lactate and bicarbonate buffers. Improved long-term preservation of peritoneal membrane function may, however, be achieved with bicarbonate-based peritoneal dialysis fluids.
Multiple Pregnancies in CKD Patients
Authors: Piccoli Giorgina Barbara , Arduino Silvana , Attini Rossella , Parisi Silvia , Fassio Federica , Biolcati Marlisa , Pagano Arianna , Bossotti Carlotta , Vasario Elena , Borgarello Valentina , Daidola Germana , Ferraresi Martina , Gaglioti Pietro , Todros Tullia 
Published: November 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
CKD and multiple pregnancies bear important risks for pregnancy outcomes. The aim of the study was to define the risk for adverse pregnancy-related outcomes in multiple pregnancies in CKD patients in comparison with a control group of “low-risk” multiple pregnancies.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
The study was performed in the Maternal Hospital of the University of Turin, Italy. Of 314 pregnancies referred in CKD (2000–2011), 20 were multiple (15 twin deliveries). Control groups consisted of 379 low-risk multiple pregnancies (314 twin deliveries) and 19 (15 twin deliveries) cases with hypertension-collagen diseases. Baseline data and outcomes were compared by univariate and logistic regression analyses.

Results
The prevalence of multiple pregnancies was relatively high in the CKD population (6.4%); all referred cases were in early CKD stages (I-II); both creatinine (0.68 to 0.79 mg/dl; P=0.010) and proteinuria (0.81 to 3.42 g/d; P=0.041) significantly increased from referral to delivery. No significant difference in demographic data at baseline was found between cases and low-risk controls. CKD was associated with higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes versus low-risk twin pregnancies. Statistical significance was reached for preterm delivery (<34 weeks: 60% vs 26.4%; P=0.005; <32 weeks: 53.3% vs 12.7%; P<0.001), small for gestational age babies (28.6% vs 8.1%; P<0.001), need for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (60% vs 12.7%; P<0.001), weight discordance between twins (40% vs 17.8%; P=0.032), and neonatal and perinatal mortality (6.6% vs 0.8%; P=0.032).

Conclusion
This study suggests that maternal-fetal risks are increased in multiple pregnancies in the early CKD stages.
Association between AKI, Recovery of Renal Function, and Long-Term Outcomes after Hospital Discharge
Authors: Pannu Neesh , James Matthew , Hemmelgarn Brenda , Klarenbach Scott 
Published: November 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
This study aimed to determine if recovery of kidney function after AKI modifies the association between AKI during hospitalization and adverse outcomes after discharge.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
The effect of renal recovery after AKI was evaluated in a population-based cohort study (n=190,714) with participants identified from a provincial claims registry in Alberta, Canada, between November 1, 2002 and December 31, 2007. AKI was identified by a two-fold increase between prehospital and peak in-hospital serum creatinine (SCr). Recovery was assessed using SCr drawn closest to 90 days after the AKI event. All-cause mortality and a combined renal outcome of sustained doubling of SCr or progression to kidney failure were evaluated.

Results
Overall, 3.7% of the participants (n=7014) had AKI, 62.7% of whom (n=4400) survived 90 days. In the 3231 patients in whom recovery could be assessed over a median follow-up of 34 months, 30.8% (n=1268) of AKI survivors died and 2.1% (n=85) progressed to kidney failure. Participants who did not recover kidney function had a higher risk for mortality and adverse renal outcomes when AKI participants who recovered to within 25% of baseline SCr were used as the reference group (adjusted mortality hazard ratio (HR), 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.10, 1.43) (adjusted renal outcomes HR, 4.13; 95% confidence interval, 3.38, 5.04). Mortality HR was notably higher when participants failed to recover within 55% of baseline.

Conclusions
Renal recovery after AKI is associated with a lower risk of death or adverse renal outcomes after hospital discharge.
The USRDS
Authors: Foley Robert N. , Collins Allan J. 
Published: November 2012

Summary
This article summarizes the administrative structure underlying the Unites States Renal Data System (USRDS); summarizes incidence, prevalence, patient characteristics, and treatment modalities; and describes data regarding clinical indicators and preventive care, hospitalization, survival, and costs. The USRDS recently instituted a comprehensive assessment system to characterize the transition to the new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Prospective Payment System, which bundles into a single payment several integral components of dialysis care. This challenging initiative will be an important component of future USRDS Annual Data Reports. The main strengths of the USRDS are its size and representativeness, nearly complete inclusion of the US end-stage renal disease population, and linkage to Medicare claims. Limitations include lack of continuous validation of its methods, lack of complete comorbidity and laboratory data at registration, an initial survival bias, and lack of accuracy of cause-of-death reporting.
Randomized Clinical Trial of the Iron-Based Phosphate Binder PA21 in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wüthrich Rudolf P. , Chonchol Michel , Covic Adrian , Gaillard Sylvain , Chong Edward , Tumlin James A. 
Published: November 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
A dose-finding study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of PA21, a novel polynuclear iron(III)-oxyhydroxide phosphate binder.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
In a randomized, active-controlled, multicenter, open-label study at 50 clinical sites in Europe and the United States, hemodialysis patients were randomized to PA21 at dosages of 1.25, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, or 12.5 g/d or sevelamer-HCl 4.8 g/d for 6 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in serum phosphorus concentration from baseline.

Results
There were 154 participants who were randomized and received the study drug. All groups except PA21 1.25 g/d showed a significant decrease in serum phosphorus. Mean decreases in serum phosphorus in PA21 10 g/d and 12.5 g/d were −2.00±1.71 mg/dl and −1.69±1.81 mg/dl, respectively. A similar decrease to sevelamer-HCl (−1.06±1.35 mg/dl) was seen with PA21 5.0 g/d (−1.08±2.12 mg/dl) and 7.5 g/d (−1.25±1.21 mg/d). Overall, 60.9% of participants randomized to PA21 and 57.7% randomized to sevelamer-HCl reported ≥1 adverse event. The most frequent adverse events were hypophosphatemia (18.0%) and discolored feces (11.7%) for the pooled PA21 dose groups, and diarrhea, hypophosphatemia, and hypotension (each 11.5%) for sevelamer-HCl. Discontinuation due to adverse events occurred at a similar rate in PA21-treated (21.1%) and sevelamer-HCl–treated (23.1%) participants.

Conclusions
PA21 5–12.5 g/d significantly reduces serum phosphorus in hemodialysis patients. The 5 g/d and 7.5 g/d dosages showed similar efficacy to 4.8 g/d of sevelamer-HCl. The adverse events rate was similar for PA21 and sevelamer-HCl.
Change in Cardiac Geometry and Function in CKD Children During Strict BP Control
Authors: Matteucci Maria Chiara , Chinali Marcello , Rinelli Gabriele , Wühl Elke , Zurowska Aleksandra , Charbit Marina , Pongiglione Giacomo , Schaefer Franz 
Published: November 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and abnormal systolic function are present in a high proportion of children with CKD. This study evaluated changes in left ventricular (LV) geometry and systolic function in children with mild to moderate CKD as an ancillary project of the Effect of Strict Blood Pressure Control and ACE Inhibition on Progression of Chronic Renal Failure in Pediatric Patients trial.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Echocardiograms and ambulatory BP monitoring were performed at baseline and at 1- or 2-year follow-up in 84 patients with CKD and 24-hour mean BP above the 50th percentile and/or receiving fixed high-dose angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition and randomized to conventional or intensified BP control.

Results
LVH prevalence decreased from 38% to 25% (P<0.05). Changes in LV mass index (LVMI) were restricted to patients with LVH at baseline (−7.9 g/m2.7; P<0.02). Changes in LVMI were independent of randomization, reduction in BP, hemoglobin, and estimated GFR. A significant increase in midwall fractional shortening was observed in the total cohort (P<0.05), and was greater in the intensified group compared with the conventional BP control group (12%±1.9% versus 8%±1.5%; P=0.05). In multivariate analysis, improvement in myocardial function was associated with reduction in BP (r=−0.4; P<0.05), independently of LVMI reduction.

Conclusions
In children with CKD, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition with improved BP control, LVH regression, and improved systolic function was observed within 12 months. Lowering BP to the low-normal range led to a slightly more marked improvement in myocardial function but not in LVMI.
Association of Physical Activity with Survival among Ambulatory Patients on Dialysis
Authors: Johansen Kirsten L. , Kaysen George A. , Dalrymple Lorien S. , Grimes Barbara A. , Glidden David V. , Anand Shuchi , Chertow Glenn M. 
Published: November 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Despite high mortality and low levels of physical activity (PA) among patients starting dialysis, the link between low PA and mortality has not been carefully evaluated.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
The Comprehensive Dialysis Study was a prospective cohort study that enrolled patients who started dialysis between June 2005 and June 2007 in a random sample of dialysis facilities in the United States. The Human Activity Profile (HAP) was administered to estimate PA among 1554 ambulatory enrolled patients in the Comprehensive Dialysis Study. Patients were followed until death or September 30, 2009, and the major outcome was all-cause mortality.

Results
The average age was 59.8 (14.2) years; 55% of participants were male, 28% were black, and 56% had diabetes mellitus. The majority (57.3%) had low fitness estimated from the HAP score. The median follow-up was 2.6 (interquartile range, 2.2–3.1) years. The association between PA and mortality was linear across the range of scores (1–94). After multivariable adjustment, lower adjusted activity score on the HAP was associated with higher mortality (hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.23–1.39 per 10 points). Patients in the lowest level of fitness experienced a 3.5-fold (95% confidence interval, 2.54–4.89) increase in risk of death compared with those with average or above fitness.

Conclusions
Low levels of PA are strongly associated with mortality among patients new to dialysis. Interventions aimed to preserve or enhance PA should be prospectively tested.
Associations of Serum Skeletal Alkaline Phosphatase with Elevated C-Reactive Protein and Mortality
Authors: Filipowicz Rebecca , Greene Tom , Wei Guo , Cheung Alfred K. , Raphael Kalani L. , Baird Bradley C. , Beddhu Srinivasan 
Published: November 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Higher serum total alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels are associated with increased serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and mortality in the general and CKD populations. It is unclear to what extent these associations are related to bone disease.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
In a nationally representative sample of 10,707 adult participants from the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, serum nonskeletal AP levels were estimated from the measured serum skeletal and total AP levels. The associations of serum skeletal AP and nonskeletal AP levels with elevated serum CRP concentrations (>3 mg/L) and mortality were examined in multivariable models.

Results
Skeletal AP was not associated with elevated CRP (for each doubling in non-CKD: odds ratio [OR], 1.00; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.90–1.11; in CKD: OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.83–1.70) or mortality (for each doubling in non-CKD: hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% CI, 0.94–1.29; in CKD: HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.75–1.28). In contrast, nonskeletal AP was associated with elevated CRP (for each doubling in non-CKD: OR, 4.51; 95% CI, 3.80–5.35; in CKD: OR, 5.98; 95% CI, 3.40–10.51). Nonskeletal AP was associated with mortality in non-CKD (for each doubling: HR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.37–2.80) but not in CKD (for each doubling: HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.51–1.67) (interaction P=0.03).

Conclusions
Bone disease is unlikely to account for the known associations of serum total AP with increased inflammation and mortality.
Overview and insight into the MONICA research group
Authors: Pekár Adrián , Révés Martin , Giertl Juraj , Feciľak Peter 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
This paper deals with the activities of the MONICA research group of the Computer Networks Laboratory at the Technical University of Košice in Slovakia. MONICA stands for the Monitoring and Optimization of Network Infrastructures, Communications and Applications. Our main areas of interest are related to development of the BasicMeter tool built in conformity with the IPFIX architecture. In this paper we give an overview of our solution and proposal of several enhancements over the scope of IPFIX, such as time synchronization for the One-Way Delay measurements, the protocol for direct communication with the analyzing application, the centralized management of the monitoring platform, and support for real-time monitoring.
Supporting multiple configuration sources using abstraction
Authors: Nosáľ Milan , Porubän Jaroslav 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Software engineers have long recognized the need to shift focus from developing systems to developing system families. One way to develop software family is to develop configurable systems. A configuration (initial settings of a program), written in application-specific language, can be expressed using many different formats, such as XML, YAML, attribute-oriented programming, etc., each one having pros and cons. Often the target group of users is too wide to meet their expectations by using only one format. This paper analyzes options that system providers have in supporting multiple configuration languages or sources. An enhanced abstraction tool is chosen as the best solution, and its architecture is briefly presented. The main contribution to the tool’s design is advocation of the declarative representation of mapping of input languages to output format.
On building an object-oriented parallel virtual reality system
Authors: Sobota Branislav , Korečko Štefan , Hrozek František 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The paper deals with an issue of a design, development and implementation of a fully immersive virtual reality (VR) system and corresponding virtual worlds, specified in an object-oriented fashion. A virtual world object structure, reflecting a division of VR system into subsystems with respect to affected senses, is introduced. It also discusses virtual worlds building process, utilizing the software development technique of stepwise refinement, and possibilities of parallel processing in VR systems. The final part describes a VR system that has been implemented at the home institution of the authors according to some of the ideas presented here.
Mining moving object data
Authors: Zendulka Jaroslav , Pešek Martin 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Currently many devices provide information about moving objects and location-based services that accumulate a huge volume of moving object data, including trajectories. This paper deals with two useful analysis tasks — mining moving object patterns and trajectory outlier detection. We also present our experience with the TOP-EYE trajectory outlier detection algorithm, which we applied to two real-world data sets.
Analyzing stereotypes of creating graphical user interfaces
Authors: Bačíková Michaela , Porubän Jaroslav 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
A graphical user interface (GUI, UI) is an important part of an application, with which users interact directly. It should be implemented in the best way with respect to understandability. If a user does not understand the terms in the UI, he or she cannot work with it; then the whole system is worthless. In order to serve well the UI should contain domain-specific terms and describe domain-specific processes. It is the primary source for domain analysis right after domain users and experts. Our general goal is to propose a method for an automatic domain analysis of user interfaces. First, however, the basic principles and stereotypes must be defined that are used when creating user interfaces and rules must be derived for creating an information extracting algorithm. In this paper these stereotypes are listed and analyzed and a set of rules for extracting domain information is created. A taxonomy of UIs and a taxonomy of components based on their domain-specific information is also proposed. Our DEAL method for extracting this information is outlined and a prototype of DEAL is presented. Also our goals for the future are listed: expanding the prototype for different components and different types of UIs.