bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Size-Controlled Synthesis of MgO Nanoparticles and the Assessment of Their Bactericidal Capacity
Authors: Cedeño-Mattei Yarilyn , Reyes Myrna , Perales-Pérez Oscar , Román Félix R. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTThe present work focuses on the development of a reproducible and cost-effective size-controlled synthesis route for nanoscale MgO and the preliminary assessment of its bactericide capacity as a function of crystal size. Nanoscale MgO was produced through the thermal decomposition of Mg-carbonate hydrate precursor (hydromagnesite) synthesized in aqueous phase. The exclusive formation of the MgO phase, with an average crystallite size between 7 and 13 ± 1 nm, was evidenced by X-Ray Diffraction and HRTEM analyses. Fourier Transform – Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the evolution of the precursor into the desired MgO structure. The bactericidal tests were conducted by measuring the optical density at 600 nm of E. coli in presence of MgO nanoparticles of specific sizes. MgO nanocrystals with average crystallite sizes of 13nm inhibited bacterial growth up to 35% at 500 mg MgO/L. The mechanism of inhibition could be attributed to the formation of superoxide species on the MgO surface.
Synthesis, Characterization and Pseudocapacitive Behaviour of MnOx/CNT Heterostructures
Authors: Tsai Chung-Ying , Mondal Kanchan , Talapatra S. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTManganese oxide based nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel process. Methanol, ethanol, and propanol were used as alternative solvent during sol-gel process with manganese acetate as precursor for the preparation of pristine manganese oxide. Hybrid MnOx modified by additions of carbon nanotubes was further prepared. Smallest particle size was observed for manganese oxide prepared from propanol, with diameters range from 16 nm to 50nm. XRD results showed that the as prepared manganese oxide based samples at calcination temperature of 300°C and above were composed of Mn2O3 as dominant phase, with Mn3O4 as minor phase. Specific capacitance measured from two electrode systems of manganese oxide prepared from methanol, ethanol, and propanol at scan rate of 10 mV/s were 88.3, 66.0, 104.8 F/g and the result for the hybrid sample was 140.5 F/g. The highest capacitance of the MnOx revealed a specific capacitance of 231.4 F/g when a 1:1 mixture of propanaol and methanol was employed as the solvent for the sol preparation. Results from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) also showed superior electrochemical properties of the hybrid sample over pristine manganese oxide samples.
Oleic acid–capped CdTe quantum dots and their applications as nano-LED
Authors: Baruah Lalit , Nath Siddhartha S. 
Published: June 2013

A simpler and cost-effective approach, in particular, with the use of oleic acid and liquid paraffin has been used to prepare CdTe quantum dots at relatively low temperatures (150–200°C). Compared with the other solvents (capping agents), oleic acid is cheaper, more environment friendly and more stable in air. The as-prepared CdTe quantum dots possess cubic crystallite and exhibit size in the range of 3–11 nm. This new route reduces the material costs and permits to obtain CdTe quantum dots with a narrow emission (fluorescence) spectra ranging from 602 to 617 nm at room temperature. In order to investigate the application of the prepared samples as nano-LED (nano-light-emitting device), electroluminescence spectroscopy is studied and it shows the emission to be almost at the similar wavelength as that of fluorescence. This study infers the possible application of CdTe quantum dots as nano-LED with an emission in the range of 605–620 nm.
Mediterranean Diet, Kidney Function, and Mortality in Men with CKD
Authors: Huang Xiaoyan , Jiménez-Moleón José Juan , Lindholm Bengt , Cederholm Tommy , Ärnlöv Johan , Risérus Ulf , Sjögren Per , Carrero Juan Jesús 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Adherence to a Mediterranean diet may link to a better preserved kidney function in the community as well as a favorable cardiometabolic profile and reduced mortality risk in individuals with manifest CKD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Dietary habits were determined by 7-day dietary records in a population-based cohort of 1110 Swedish men (age 70 years) from 1991 to 1995, 506 of whom were considered to have CKD because of a GFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. A Mediterranean Diet Score was calculated, and participants were categorized as having low, medium, or high adherence. Adequate dietary reporters were identified with Goldberg cutoffs (n=597). Deaths were registered during a median follow-up of 9.9 years.

Results
Compared with low adherents, medium and high adherents were 23% and 42% less likely to have CKD, respectively (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]=0.77 [0.57 to 1.05] and 0.58 [0.38 to 0.87], respectively, P for trend=0.04). Among those individuals with CKD, phosphate intake and net endogenous acid production were progressively lower across increasing adherence groups. No differences were observed regarding other cardiometabolic risk factors across adherence groups. As many as 168 (33%) CKD individuals died during follow-up. Compared with low adherents, proportional hazards regression associated medium and high adherents to a 25% and 23% lower mortality risk, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]=0.75 [0.52 to 1.06] and 0.77 [0.44 to 1.36], respectively, P for trend=0.10). Sensitivity analyses showed significant and stronger associations when only adequate dietary reporters were considered.

Conclusions
Adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with lower likelihood of CKD in elderly men. A greater adherence to this diet independently predicted survival in those patients with manifest CKD. Clinical trials are warranted to test the hypothesis that following such a diet could improve outcomes (independent of other healthy lifestyles) in CKD patients.
Five Policies to Promote Palliative Care for Patients with ESRD
Authors: Kurella Tamura Manjula , Meier Diane E. 
Published: June 2013

Summary
Patients with ESRD experience complex and costly care that does not always meet their needs. Palliative care, which focuses on improving quality of life and relieving suffering for patients with serious illnesses, could address a large unmet need among patients with ESRD. Strengthening palliative care is a top policy priority for health reform efforts based on strong evidence that palliative care improves value. This commentary outlines palliative care policies for patients with ESRD and is directed at policymakers, dialysis providers, nephrology professional societies, accreditation organizations, and funding agencies who play a key role in the delivery and determination of quality of ESRD care. Herein we suggest policies to promote palliative care for patients with ESRD by addressing key barriers, including the lack of access to palliative care, lack of capacity to deliver palliative care, and a limited evidence base. We also provide examples of how these policies could be implemented within the existing ESRD care infrastructure.
Re-envisioning Fistula First in a Patient-Centered Culture
Authors: Gomes Amanda , Schmidt Rebecca , Wish Jay 
Published: June 2013

Summary
The main options for vascular access in hemodialysis patients are arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), arteriovenous grafts, and tunneled cuffed central venous catheters. AVFs have the lowest complication rate and require the fewest interventions and lowest cost to maintain. There has been a dramatic national increase in prevalent AVFs among patients with ESRD in the United States driven, in part, by the Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative. The Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative has engaged stakeholders in the dialysis community to disseminate best practices and quality improvement activities to increase AVF prevalence in suitable candidates. In the pursuit of maximizing AVF placement and prevalence, less emphasis has been placed on the individual patient context. An AVF may not be the best access choice in a subset of patients, particularly those with poor long-term prognoses or comorbid chronic diseases with a short life expectancy, those patients more likely to die than to have their CKD progress to ESRD requiring dialysis, and those with vascular anatomy not amenable to successful AVF placement. Placement of an AVF in these patients subjects them to uncomfortable and likely unnecessary and/or unsuccessful surgeries at an expense, while doing little to improve their clinical outcome or their individual experience of care. AVF prevalence as a pay-for-performance measure without the appropriate case-mix adjustment may penalize providers for accepting higher-risk patients. Although a functioning AVF that provides reliable hemodialysis remains the gold standard for vascular access for most patients, it may not be the most suitable option for every patient.
Association of Plasma Des-acyl Ghrelin Levels with CKD
Authors: Gupta Rohit K. , Kuppusamy Tamil , Patrie James T. , Gaylinn Bruce , Liu Jianhua , Thorner Michael O. , Bolton Warren K. 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
There are no effective therapies for malnutrition in CKD/ESRD patients. This study hypothesized that ghrelin, an endogenous orexigenic hormone, would correlate with renal function and might suggest therapeutic interventions for CKD/ESRD malnutrition.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Fifty-one CKD and 15 hemodialysis patients were enrolled. Acyl ghrelin (AG) and des-acyl ghrelin (DG) were determined using separate two-site–specific assays. Leptin, insulin, growth hormone, insulin-link growth factor-1, C-reactive protein, TNF-α, and IL-6 were also measured.

Results
Univariate correlation analyses showed that CKD stage was highly, positively correlated with the levels of preprandial and postprandial DG and positively correlated with TNF-α, IL-6, leptin, and age. Multivariate partial-correlation analyses showed that CKD was independently associated with the proportion of preprandial and postprandial DG, whereas TNF-α, IL-6, leptin, insulin, and age were not independently associated with either. Geometric mean (GM) preprandial and postprandial AG were comparable between CKD stages ≤2 and >2, whereas GM preprandial DG and postprandial DG were 1.95-fold and 2.17-fold greater, respectively, for CKD stage >2 versus stage ≤2. DG was the dominant form of ghrelin preprandially and postprandially for both CKD stages ≤2 and >2. Dialysis had no effect on AG, but reduced DG by 73% to levels even lower (GM 48.7 pg/ml) than those seen postprandially in CKD stage ≤2 patients (GM 77.0 pg/ml).

Conclusions
This study shows a strong and independent correlation of DG with CKD stage. Postprandial suppression of ghrelin is impaired with reduced renal function. Hemodialysis selectively removes DG but not AG.
Three-dimensional analysis of effects of rapid maxillary expansion on facial sutures and bones: A systematic review
Authors: Bazargani Farhan , Feldmann Ingalill , Bondemark Lars 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTObjective:To evaluate the evidence on three-dimensional immediate effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment on growing patients as assessed by computed tomography/cone beam computed tomography (CT/CBCT) imaging.Materials and Methods:The published literature was searched through the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library electronic databases from January 1966 to December 2012. The inclusion criteria consisted of randomized controlled trials, prospective controlled studies, and prospective case-series. Two reviewers extracted the data independently and assessed the quality of the studies.Results:The search strategy resulted in 73 abstracts or full-text articles, of which 10 met the inclusion criteria. When treating posterior crossbites with a RME device, the existing evidence points out that the midpalatal suture opening is around 20%–50% of the total screw expansion. There seems to be no consistent evidence on whether the midpalatal sutural opening is parallel or triangular. The effect on the nasal cavity dimensions after RME seems to be apparent and indicates an enlargement between 17% and 33% of the total screw expansion. Circummaxillary sutures, particularly the zygomaticomaxillary and frontomaxillary sutures and also spheno-occipital synchondrosis, appear to be affected by the maxillary expansion. Overall, however, the changes were small and the evidence not conclusive.Conclusions:CT imaging proved to be a useful tool for assessment of treatment effects in all three dimensions. The majority of the articles were judged to be of low quality, and therefore, no evidence-based conclusions could to be drawn from these studies.
Scientific and Technological Progress, Political Beliefs and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Makrakis Vassilios 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
With the development of science and technology, a basically optimistic ideology of progress has emerged. This deterministic attitude has been challenged in recent decades as a result of harmful side-effects generated by the way technology and science have been approached and used. The study presented here is a part of a larger international and comparative study dealing with global/environmental issues related to political orientation, science and technology. 3 080 pre-service teachers from Finland, Greece, Sweden, Japan and Holland answered a closed-end survey instrument. The results of this study show that none of the sample country respondents identified themselves as optimists concerning the impact of science and technology on society and environment. The no-stance and the pessimistic attitudes towards technology and science seem to derive from the human and environmental costs associated with science and technology development. A strong connection was found between environmental consciousness and attitudes towards the role and impact of science and technology on society. These results indicate that society and education, in particular, should place higher critical concerns about scientific and technological issues and their relation to the development of a sustainable society.
Education in the new Era: The Dissemination of Education for Sustainable Development in the Political Science Programmes at Notre Dame University – Louaize
Authors: Labaki Georges 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Sustainable development is continuous process of change requiring painful choices resting on political will. This paper examines the developments needed to engage with sustainable development in the field of political science through the following: the reform in political science programmes to cope with the need for sustainable development in terms of governance, advocacy and other related issues; the need to use a holistic approach in education; the re-examination of the prevailing ideologies and market-oriented economies; the introduction of education for sustainable development at the Faculty of Political Science of Notre Dame University - Louaize in terms of a global approach of education, curricula design, teaching and implementation.
Survey of the Reporting Characteristics of Systematic Reviews in Rehabilitation
Authors: Gianola Silvia , Gasparini Monica , Agostini Michela , Castellini Greta , Corbetta Davide , Gozzer Paolo , Li Linda C. , Sirtori Valeria , Taricco Mariangela , Tetzlaff Jennifer M. , Turolla Andrea , Moher David , Moja Lorenzo 
Published: June 2013

Background
Systematic reviews (SRs) have become increasingly important for informing clinical practice; however, little is known about the reporting characteristics and the quality of the SRs relevant to the practice of rehabilitation health professionals.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to examine the reporting quality of a representative sample of published SRs on rehabilitation, focusing on the descriptive, reporting, and bias-related characteristics.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted by searching MEDLINE for aggregative and configurative SRs indexed in 2011 that focused on rehabilitation as restorative of functional limitations. Two reviewers independently screened and selected the SRs and extracted data using a 38-item data collection form derived from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The data were analyzed descriptively.

Results
Eighty-eight SRs published in 59 journals were sampled. The median compliance with the PRISMA items was 17 (63%) out of 27 items (interquartile ratio=13–22 [48%–82%]). Two thirds of the SRs (n=66) focused on interventions for which efficacy is best addressed through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, and almost all of these SRs included RCTs (63/66 [95%]). More than two thirds of the SRs assessed the quality of primary studies (74/88 [84%]). Twenty-eight reviews (28/88 [32%]) meta-analyzed the results for at least one outcome. One half of the SRs reported positive statistically significant findings (46%), whereas a detrimental result was present only in one review.

Conclusions
This sample of SRs in the rehabilitation field showed heterogeneous characteristics and a moderate quality of reporting. Poor control of potential source of bias might be improved if more widely agreed-upon evidence-based reporting guidelines will be actively endorsed and adhered to by authors and journals.
Transplantation of Schwann cells in a collagen tube for the repair of large, segmental peripheral nerve defects in rats
Authors: Berrocal Yerko A. , Almeida Vania W. , Gupta Ranjan , Levi Allan D. 
Published: June 2013

Object
Segmental nerve defects pose a daunting clinical challenge, as peripheral nerve injury studies have established that there is a critical nerve gap length for which the distance cannot be successfully bridged with current techniques. Construction of a neural prosthesis filled with Schwann cells (SCs) could provide an alternative treatment to successfully repair these long segmental gaps in the peripheral nervous system. The object of this study was to evaluate the ability of autologous SCs to increase the length at which segmental nerve defects can be bridged using a collagen tube.

Methods
The authors studied the use of absorbable collagen conduits in combination with autologous SCs (200,000 cells/μl) to promote axonal growth across a critical size defect (13 mm) in the sciatic nerve of male Fischer rats. Control groups were treated with serum only–filled conduits of reversed sciatic nerve autografts. Animals were assessed for survival of the transplanted SCs as well as the quantity of myelinated axons in the proximal, middle, and distal portions of the channel.

Results
Schwann cell survival was confirmed at 4 and 16 weeks postsurgery by the presence of prelabeled green fluorescent protein–positive SCs within the regenerated cable. The addition of SCs to the nerve guide significantly enhanced the regeneration of myelinated axons from the nerve stump into the proximal (p < 0.001) and middle points (p < 0.01) of the tube at 4 weeks. The regeneration of myelinated axons at 16 weeks was significantly enhanced throughout the entire length of the nerve guide (p < 0.001) as compared with their number in a serum–only filled tube and was similar in number compared with the reversed autograft. Autotomy scores were significantly lower in the animals whose sciatic nerve was repaired with a collagen conduit either without (p < 0.01) or with SCs (p < 0.001) when compared with a reversed autograft.

Conclusions
The technique of adding SCs to a guidance channel significantly enhanced the gap distance that can be repaired after peripheral nerve injury with long segmental defects and holds promise in humans. Most importantly, this study represents some of the first essential steps in bringing autologous SC-based therapies to the domain of peripheral nerve injuries with long segmental defects.
A new R package, exsic, to assist taxonomists in creating indices
Authors: Simon Reinhard , Spooner David M. 
Published: June 2013

• Premise of the study: Taxonomists manage large amounts of specimen data. This is usually initiated in spreadsheets and then converted for publication into locality lists and indices to associate collectors and collector numbers from herbarium sheets to identifications (exsiccatae). This conversion process is mostly done by hand and is time‐consuming, cumbersome, and error‐prone.• Methods and Results: We constructed a tool, ‘exsic,’ based on the statistical software R. The exsic function is part of the R package ‘exsic’ and produces specimen citations and exsiccatae conforming to four related formats.• Conclusions: The tool increases speed, efficiency, and accuracy to convert raw spreadsheet tables to publication‐ready content.
Driving After Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Goodwin David , Baecher Nicolai , Pitta Michael , Letzelter Joseph , Marcel John , Argintar Evan 
Published: June 2013

Educational Objectives

As a result of reading this article, physicians should be able to:

1.
Identify preoperative factors that may contribute to a patient’s ability to return to driving after orthopedic surgery.

2.
Understand the role of upper-extremity immobilization and how it may impair a patient’s ability to operate a motor vehicle.

3.
Recognize how various forms of lower-extremity immobilization (eg, controlled ankle-motion boot, cast, and Aircast Walker) affect braking reaction times and total braking times.

4.
Be aware of current guidelines about when it is appropriate to return to driving following arthroscopy, lower-extremity fracture, and hip and knee arthroplasty.

Few guidelines are available to assist orthopedic surgeons in advising patients about when to return to driving after orthopedic surgery. A patient’s surgical procedure, postoperative weight-bearing restrictions, immobilization, and other factors influence a patient’s ability to drive after orthopedic surgery. Multiple studies have used driving simulators to predict when it may be safe to return to driving after orthopedic surgery. However, study conclusions and recommendations vary significantly. This article reviews the factors contributing to a patient’s ability to return to driving after orthopedic surgery and reviews recommendations based on the available literature following fracture, arthroscopy, and arthroplasty.
Patient Demographics and Risk Factors in Pediatric Distal Humeral Supracondylar Fractures
Authors: Mitchelson Andrew J. , Illingworth Kenneth D. , Robinson Brooke S. , Elnimeiry Khider A. K. , Wilson Craig J. , Markwell Stephen J. , Gabriel Keith R. , McGinty Jasmin , Saleh Khaled J. 
Published: June 2013

The literature on distal humeral supracondylar fractures does not systematically define relationships between patient characteristics and the severity or complications of these injuries. This study evaluated age, sex, height, and body mass index (BMI) in relation to fracture severity and posttreatment complications in a pediatric population.
The medical records of 382 pediatric patients treated for distal humeral supracondylar fractures over a 5-year period at 1 institution were included. Variables included age, sex, height, weight, injury mechanism, fracture severity (Gartland Classification), treatment, follow-up duration, and treatment complications. Body mass index and BMI-for-age percentile were calculated. Descriptive statistics with univariate analyses and logistic regression analysis with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used. Children sustaining Gartland type 3 fractures were significantly older and taller than those sustaining Gartland type 1 and 2 fractures. No significant difference existed in fracture occurrence between boys and girls. Fracture severity did not differ significantly due to sex, BMI, or BMI-for-age percentile. Severe fractures were associated with increased posttreatment complications. Complication rates did not vary significantly by age, sex, height, BMI, or BMI-for-age. Taller children aged 5 to 6 years were at the greatest risk for Gartland type 3 distal humeral supracondylar fractures.
Severe fractures are associated with an increased complication risk. Sex, BMI, and BMI-for-age percentile had no effect on fracture severity or complication rates.