bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly efficient electrode catalysts prepared with ordered nanoporous carbons with tunable pore sizes as catalyst supports
Authors: Chai Geun Seok , Yu Jong-Sung 
Published: February 2013

AbstractOrdered uniform nanoporous carbons with pore sizes in the range of 10 – 600 nm were synthesized against removable colloidal crystalline templates by carbonization of phenol and formaldehyde as a carbon precursor. The porous carbons have high surface areas, large pore volumes, and three-dimensionally interconnected uniform pore structures, and thus were used as a support of a Pt(50)-Ru(50) alloy catalyst to study their effect on the anodic performance of the catalyst in direct methanol fuel cell. The use of the ordered uniform porous carbon allowed higher degree of dispersion of the catalysts and efficient diffusion of reagents, resulting in much improved catalytic activity for methanol oxidation in the fuel cell. In general, the smaller pore sizes the porous carbons have, the higher surface areas and the better catalytic activity for methanol oxidation they showed.
Effects of Oral Sodium Bicarbonate in Patients with CKD
Authors: Abramowitz Matthew K. , Melamed Michal L. , Bauer Carolyn , Raff Amanda C. , Hostetter Thomas H. 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Metabolic acidosis contributes to muscle breakdown in patients with CKD, but whether its treatment improves functional outcomes is unknown. The choice of dose and tolerability of high doses remain unclear. In CKD patients with mild acidosis, this study evaluated the dose–response relationship of alkali with serum bicarbonate, its side effect profile, and its effect on muscle strength.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
In this single-blinded pilot study from March of 2009 to August of 2010, 20 adults with estimated GFR 15–45 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and serum bicarbonate 20–24 mEq/L were treated during successive 2-week periods with placebo followed by escalating oral NaHCO3 doses (0.3, 0.6, and 1.0 mEq/kg per day). At each visit, handgrip strength and time required to complete 5 and 10 repetitions of a sit-to-stand test were measured.

Results
Each 0.1 mEq/kg per day increase in dose produced a 0.33 mEq/L (95% confidence interval=0.23–0.43 mEq/L) higher serum bicarbonate. Sit-to-stand time improved after 6 weeks of oral NaHCO3 (23.8±1.4 versus 22.2±1.6 seconds for 10 repetitions, P=0.002), and urinary nitrogen excretion decreased (−0.70 g/g creatinine [95% confidence interval=−1.11 to −0.30] per 0.1 mEq/kg per day higher dose). No statistically significant change was seen in handgrip strength (29.5±9.6 versus 28.4±9.4 kg, P=0.12). Higher NaHCO3 doses were not associated with increased BP or greater edema.

Conclusions
NaHCO3 supplementation produces a dose-dependent increase in serum bicarbonate and improves lower extremity muscle strength after a short-term intervention in CKD patients with mild acidosis. Long-term studies are needed to determine if this finding translates into improved functional status.
Detectable Subclinical Myocardial Necrosis Is Associated With Cardiovascular Risk in Stable Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Tang W.H. Wilson , Wu Yuping , Britt Earl B. , Iqbal Naveed , Hazen Stanley L. 
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between different degrees of subclinical myocardial necrosis, glycemic control, and long-term adverse clinical outcomes within a stable patient population with diabetes mellitus.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We examined 1,275 stable patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing elective diagnostic coronary angiography with cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels below the diagnostic cut-off for defining myocardial infarction (MI) (&lt;0.03 ng/mL). The relationship of subclinical myocardial necrosis (cTnI 0.009–0.029 ng/mL) with incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; defined as any death, MI, or stroke) over 3 years of follow-up was examined.

RESULTS
Subclinical myocardial necrosis was observed in 22% of patients. A strong association was observed between the magnitude of subclinical myocardial necrosis and risk of 3-year incident MACE (hazard ratio, 1.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.48–2.65; P &lt; 0.001) and remained statistically significant even after adjustment for traditional risk factors, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and creatinine clearance. Only a weak correlation was observed between the presence of subclinical myocardial necrosis and either glycemic control (r = 0.06; P = 0.044 for hemoglobin A1c versus cTnI) or insulin resistance (r = 0.04; P = 0.094 for glucose-to-insulin ratio versus cTnI).

CONCLUSIONS
The presence of detectable subclinical myocardial necrosis in stable patients with diabetes mellitus is associated with heightened long-term risk for MACE, independent of traditional risk factors and glycemic control.
Systemic Oxidative Stress Is Associated With Lower Aerobic Capacity and Impaired Skeletal Muscle Energy Metabolism in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Yokota Takashi , Kinugawa Shintaro , Yamato Mayumi , Hirabayashi Kagami , Suga Tadashi , Takada Shingo , Harada Kuniaki , Morita Noriteru , Oyama-Manabe Noriko , Kikuchi Yasuka , Okita Koichi , Tsutsui Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE
Systemic oxidative stress is associated with insulin resistance and obesity. We tested the hypothesis that systemic oxidative stress is linked to lower aerobic capacity and skeletal muscle dysfunction in metabolic syndrome (MetS).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The incremental exercise testing with cycle ergometer was performed in 14 male patients with MetS and 13 age-, sex-, and activity-matched healthy subjects. Systemic lipid peroxidation was assessed by serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and systemic antioxidant defense capacity was assessed by serum total thiols and enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). To assess skeletal muscle energy metabolism, we measured high-energy phosphates in the calf muscle during plantar flexion exercise and intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) in the resting leg muscle, using 31P- and 1proton-magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively.

RESULTS
Serum TBARS were elevated (12.4 ± 7.1 vs. 3.7 ± 1.1 μmol/L; P &lt; 0.01), and serum total thiols and SOD activity were decreased (290.8 ± 51.2 vs. 398.7 ± 105.2 μmol/L, P &lt; 0.01; and 22.2 ± 8.4 vs. 31.5 ± 8.5 units/L, P &lt; 0.05, respectively) in patients with MetS compared with healthy subjects. Peak VO2 and anaerobic threshold normalized to body weight were significantly lower in MetS patients by 25 and 31%, respectively, and inversely correlated with serum TBARS (r = −0.49 and r = −0.50, respectively). Moreover, muscle phosphocreatine loss during exercise was 1.4-fold greater in patients with MetS (P &lt; 0.05), and IMCL content was 2.9-fold higher in patients with MetS (P &lt; 0.01), indicating impaired skeletal muscle energy metabolism, and these indices positively correlated with serum TBARS (r = 0.45 and r = 0.63, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS
Systemic oxidative stress was associated with lower aerobic capacity and impaired skeletal muscle energy metabolism in patients with MetS.
Determinants of Maternal Triglycerides in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in the Metformin in Gestational Diabetes (MiG) Study
Authors: Barrett Helen L. , Dekker Nitert Marloes , Jones Lee , O’Rourke Peter , Lust Karin , Gatford Kathryn L. , De Blasio Miles J. , Coat Suzette , Owens Julie A. , Hague William M. , McIntyre H. David , Callaway Leonie , Rowan Janet 
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE
Factors associated with increasing maternal triglyceride concentrations in late pregnancy include gestational age, obesity, preeclampsia, and altered glucose metabolism. In a subgroup of women in the Metformin in Gestational Diabetes (MiG) trial, maternal plasma triglycerides increased more between enrollment (30 weeks) and 36 weeks in those treated with metformin compared with insulin. The aim of this study was to explain this finding by examining factors potentially related to triglycerides in these women.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Of the 733 women randomized to metformin or insulin in the MiG trial, 432 (219 metformin and 213 insulin) had fasting plasma triglycerides measured at enrollment and at 36 weeks. Factors associated with maternal triglycerides were assessed using general linear modeling.

RESULTS
Mean plasma triglyceride concentrations were 2.43 (95% CI 2.35–2.51) mmol/L at enrollment. Triglycerides were higher at 36 weeks in women randomized to metformin (2.94 [2.80–3.08] mmol/L; +23.13% [18.72–27.53%]) than insulin (2.65 [2.54–2.77] mmol/L, P = 0.002; +14.36% [10.91–17.82%], P = 0.002). At 36 weeks, triglycerides were associated with HbA1c (P = 0.03), ethnicity (P = 0.001), and treatment allocation (P = 0.005). In insulin-treated women, 36-week triglycerides were associated with 36-week HbA1c (P = 0.02), and in metformin-treated women, they were related to ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS
At 36 weeks, maternal triglycerides were related to glucose control in women treated with insulin and ethnicity in women treated with metformin. Whether there are ethnicity-related dietary changes or differences in metformin response that alter the relationship between glucose control and triglycerides requires further study.
Advances in the Genetics and Epigenetics of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Coppedè Fabio 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington’s disease (HD) represent four of the major neurodegenerative diseases. AD, PD and ALS are complex disorders including both Mendelian and sporadic forms. Studies on families with these diseases led to the identification of several genes and pathways responsible for the familial forms. Those studies have been paralleled by hundreds of genetic association studies, including genome-wide screenings, in order to identify genes likely contributing to the sporadic forms. HD is a monogenic disorder caused by a trinucleotide repeat expansion in the causative gene. Increasing evidence points to an epigenetic contribution to neurodegeneration, suggesting that DNA methylation, histone tail modifications and RNA mediated mechanisms might contribute to the onset and progression of all the above diseases. In addition, epigenetic drugs are promising for the restoration of memory and motor impairments in animal models of the diseases. The aim of this review article is to provide an updated overview of the genetics and epigenetics of these major neurodegenerative disorders.
Simultaneous determination of cytochrome P450 1A, 2A and 3A activities in porcine liver microsomes
Authors: Johansson Monika , Tomankova Jana , Li Shengjie , Zamaratskaia Galia 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to develop a robust method for the simultaneous determination of the activities of three porcine CYP450 enzymes in hepatic microsomes. A cocktail consisting of three selective CYP450 probe substrates, 7-ethoxyresorufin (CYP1A), coumarin (CYP2A) and 7-benzyloxy-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin (BFC; CYP3A), was incubated with porcine liver microsomes. The presence of 7-ethoxyresorufin appears to significantly influence the kinetics of coumarin hydroxylation and BFC O-debenzylation. These results indicate that the use of 7-ethoxyresorufin in substrate cocktails together with coumarin and BFC should be avoided.
Sex differences in endothelial function of aged hypertriglyceridemic rats – effect of atorvastatin treatment
Authors: Sotnikova Ruzena , Bacova Barbora , Vlkovicova Jana , Navarova Jana , Tribulova Narcis 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that the effect of atorvastatin on endothelium-dependent relaxation of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) may differ in male vs. female aged hypertriglyceridemic rats (HTGs). Experiments were performed on 11-month-old male and female Prague hereditary HTGs. Atorvastatin (ATO) was administered p.o. in the dose of 0.30 mg/100g/day.
Controls received vehiculum. After two months of ATO administration blood pressure, serum triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (CHOL) were determined. Endothelial function of SMA was studied in vitro using evaluation of relaxant responses of precontracted SMA to acetylcholine. The serum TG of control male HTGs were found to be statistically higher than those of female controls, while CHOL and blood pressure did not share gender differences. Responses of SMA of female control HTGs were statistically decreased compared to their male counterparts. ATO treatment induced decrease in blood pressure and TG of both males and females, yet CHOL values were reduced only in females. The protective effect of ATO on SMA endothelial function was much more pronounced in females compared to males.
We conclude that vascular endothelial dysfunction of aged HTG rats is more severe and more attenuated by ATO in females compared to males. The protective effect of ATO on vascular endothelial function does not seem to depend solely on its lipid lowering action.
The effect of different bioregulators on lateral shoot formation in maiden apple trees
Authors: Gąstoł Maciej , Domagała-Świątkiewicz Iwona , Bijak Michał 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
One-year-old Malus domestica Borkh. ‘Boskoop’ and ‘Mutsu’ nursery trees on M.9 rootstock were treated with foliar sprays of different BA + GA3 mixtures (450 + 450 mg dm-3 or 780 + 120 mg dm-3) or BA + GA4+7 combinations (450 + 450 or 330 + 570 mg dm-3). Both cultivars showed strong apical dominance; however, increased branching potential was observed following the use of exogenous growth regulators. All of the investigated branching agents revealed a high effectiveness, yet only after one treatment. Environmental factors played a major role in the induction of sylleptic shoot formation, especially in the case of ‘Boskoop’. In the case of ‘Boskoop’, the branching effect was correlated with several vegetative growth properties (tree height, trunk diameter), while for ‘Mutsu’, a different branching pattern was found with no correlations ascertained. No tree injuries were observed following the use of a chemical branching agent.
Incidence of high-frequency hearing loss after microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm
Authors: Ying Tingting , Thirumala Parthasarathy , Shah Aalap , Nikonow Tara , Wichman Kelley , Holmes Maura , Hirsch Barry , Chang Yuefang , Gardner Paul , Habeych Miguel , Crammond Donald J. , Burkhart Lois , Horowitz Michael , Balzer Jeffrey 
Published: February 2013

Object
The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and discuss the pathogenesis of high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) after microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm (HFS).

Methods
Preoperative and postoperative audiogram data and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) from 94 patients who underwent MVD for HFS were analyzed. Pure tone audiometry at 0.25–2 kHz, 4 kHz, and 8 kHz was calculated for all individuals pre- and postoperatively ipsilateral and contralaterally. Intraoperative neurophysiological data were reviewed independently. An HFHL was defined as a change in pure tone audiometry of more than 10 dB at frequencies of 4 and 8 kHz.

Results
The incidence of HFHL was 50.00% and 25.53% ipsilateral and contralateral to the side of surgery, respectively. The incidence of HFHL adjusted for conductive and nonserviceable hearing loss was 26.6% ipsilaterally. The incidence of HFHL at 4 and 8 kHz on the ipsilateral side was 37.23% and 45.74%, respectively, and it was 10.64% and 25.53%, respectively, on the contralateral side. Maximal change in interpeak latency Waves I–V compared with baseline was the only variable significantly different between groups (p < 0.05). Sex, age, and side did not increase the risk of HFHL. Stepwise logistic regression analysis did not find any changes in intraoperative BAEPs to increase the risk of HFHL.

Conclusions
High-frequency hearing loss occurs in a significant number of patients following MVD surgery for HFS. Drill-induced noise and transient loss of CSF during surgery may impair hearing in the high-frequency ranges on both the ipsilateral and contralateral sides, with the ipsilateral side being more affected. Changes in intraoperative BAEPs during MVD for HFS were not useful in predicting HFHL. Follow-up studies and repeat audiological examinations may be helpful in evaluating the time course and prognosis of HFHL. Prospective studies focusing on decreasing intraoperative noise exposure, as well as auditory shielding devices, will establish causation and allow the team to intervene appropriately to decrease the risk of HFHL.
Stent-assisted embolization of 100 middle cerebral artery aneurysms
Authors: Johnson Andrew K. , Heiferman Daniel M. , Lopes Demetrius K. 
Published: February 2013

Object
The introduction of intracranial stents to aneurysm treatment allows endovascular repair of nearly all aneurysms, but the safety and durability of stent-assisted embolization of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms is unclear.

Methods
Ninety-one patients with 100 complex MCA aneurysms not amenable to simple coiling were treated with stent-assisted embolization as a first option. Technical and clinical results, initial follow-up imaging, and long-term annual MR angiography (MRA) were reviewed.

Results
Intracranial stents were successfully deployed in all 100 aneurysms. There was 1 case of significant neurological morbidity (1%) and 1 case of death (1%) related to treatment. Initial posttreatment angiography revealed complete occlusion of 48 aneurysms (48%), a residual neck in 21 (21%), and residual aneurysm filling in 31 (31%). Follow-up imaging performed in 85 (90.4%) of a possible 94 aneurysms showed complete occlusion of 77 aneurysms (90.6%), residual neck in 3 (3.5%), and residual filling in 5 (5.9%). Four aneurysms (4.7%) required retreatment. Long-term MRA follow-up revealed stability or progressive thrombosis in 47 (97.9%) of 48 aneurysms. In 11 patients Y-configuration stenting caused only 1 minor complication and provided durable occlusion in all cases.

Conclusions
Stent-assisted techniques increase the number of aneurysms that may be treated endovascularly and represent an acceptable alternative to craniotomy. Stents provided adequate vessel reconstruction, low complication rates, and good long-term occlusion.
Les néonaticides devant la justice : le reflet d'une ambivalence face à ces crimes ?
Authors: Simmat-Durand Laurence , Vellut Natacha , Tursz Anne 
Published: February 2013

Une catégorie de crimes contre les enfants semble particulièrement médiatisée, celle des décès des premières vingt-quatre heures, perpétrés en général par la mère et maintenant désignés sous le terme de néonaticides. L’étude approfondie de 34 dossiers judiciaires de néonaticides et de la presse concernant ce sujet permet d’esquisser des pistes sur le statut actuel de ce crime tout à fait particulier, bien qu’il ne soit plus pénalement spécifié. Le travail de la justice face à ces morts violentes est décrypté au travers du contenu des dossiers, procès-verbaux, expertises, actes de procédure. Les données recueillies, de nature quantitative et qualitative, permettent de comparer les types de procédure judiciaire, les auteurs mis en cause et les peines qui leur sont infligées. Comme dans les autres pays où une incrimination spécifique n’est pas prévue par le code pénal, les décisions varient considérablement, du classement sans suite, non-lieu ou acquittement, jusqu’à quinze années de réclusion criminelle. L’article analyse les éléments qui ont pu les influencer, parmi les autopsies, les expertises psychiatriques, les aveux de la mère, ou sa capacité à exprimer une culpabilité.
Les parlements du peuple au Kenya : débat public et participation politique à Eldoret et Nairobi
Authors: Rasmussen Jacob , Omanga Duncan , Chemam Mélissa , Brisset-Foucault Florence 
Published: February 2013

Résumé Malgré l’adoption d’une nouvelle constitution en 2010, les violences postélectorales qui ont suivi les élections générales contestées de 2007 entretiennent des débats incessants au Kenya sur un état de crise politique et une démocratie fragile. Comparant deux parlements de rue dans les villes d’Eldoret et de Nairobi dans le contexte de l’échec du processus électoral et de la réforme constitutionnelle, cet article traite des dynamiques de la participation politique par le bas. Les parlements de rue forment des arènes de débats où orateurs et participants s’engagent collectivement dans la formation intentionnelle d’un espace de discours. Inspiré par le travail de Karin Barber, cet article utilise ses notions d’« audiences » et de « publics » comme outils de compréhension du débat et de la participation politique dans ce contexte particulier.
Comparison of Manual versus Automated Data Collection Method for an Evidence-Based Nursing Practice Study
Authors: Jordan T.R. , Welle T. , Byrne M.D. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryObjective: The objective of this study was to investigate and improve the use of automated data collection procedures for nursing research and quality assurance.Methods: A descriptive, correlational study analyzed 44 orthopedic surgical patients who were part of an evidence-based practice (EBP) project examining post-operative oxygen therapy at a Midwestern hospital. The automation work attempted to replicate a manually-collected data set from the EBP project.Results: Automation was successful in replicating data collection for study data elements that were available in the clinical data repository. The automation procedures identified 32 “false negative” patients who met the inclusion criteria described in the EBP project but were not selected during the manual data collection. Automating data collection for certain data elements, such as oxygen saturation, proved challenging because of workflow and practice variations and the reliance on disparate sources for data abstraction. Automation also revealed instances of human error including computational and transcription errors as well as incomplete selection of eligible patients.Conclusion: Automated data collection for analysis of nursing-specific phenomenon is potentially superior to manual data collection methods. Creation of automated reports and analysis may require initial up-front investment with collaboration between clinicians, researchers and information technology specialists who can manage the ambiguities and challenges of research and quality assurance work in healthcare.Citation: Byrne MD, Jordan TR, Welle T. Comparison of Manual versus Automated Data Collection Method for an Evidence-Based Nursing Practice Study. Appl Clin Inf 2013; 4: 61–74http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2012-09-RA-0037