bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional Variation in the Incidence of Dialysis-Requiring AKI in the United States
Authors: Hsu Raymond K. , McCulloch Charles E. , Ku Elaine , Dudley R. Adams , Hsu Chi-yuan 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Little is known about geographic differences in the incidence of AKI. The objective of this study was to determine if regional variation exists in the population incidence of dialysis-requiring AKI in the United States.

Design, setting, participants, & methods
Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a US nationally representative sample of hospitalizations, were used to determine the incidence rates of dialysis-requiring AKI between 2007 and 2009 among the four US Census-designated regions. Cases were identified using validated discharge codes. Poisson regression models were used to estimate overall regional rates, accounting for the data’s sampling scheme.

Results
In 2007–2009, the population incidence rates of dialysis-requiring AKI differed across the four Census-designated regions (P=0.04). Incidence was highest in the Midwest (523 cases/million person-yr, 95% confidence interval=483 to 568) and lowest in the Northeast (457 cases/million person-yr, 95% confidence interval=426 to 492). The pattern of regional variation in the incidence of dialysis-requiring AKI was not the same as the pattern of regional variation in the incidence of renal replacement therapy-requiring ESRD (obtained from the US Renal Data System). In-hospital mortality associated with dialysis-requiring AKI differed across the four regions, with the highest case fatality in the Northeast (25.9%) and the lowest case fatality in the Midwest (19.4%).

Conclusions
Significant regional variation exists in the population incidence of dialysis-requiring AKI in the United States, and additional investigation is warranted to uncover potential causes behind these geographic differences.
Influence of an Intermediary Base on the Microleakage of Simulated Class II Composite Resin Restorations
Authors: Giorgi MCC , Hernandes NMAP , Sugii MM , Ambrosano GMB , Marchi GM , Lima DANL , Aguiar FHB 
Published: August 2013

SUMMARY
The aim of this in vitro study was to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the microleakage of Class II cavities restored with a methacrylate-based composite (Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE) or silorane-based composite (Filtek LS, 3M ESPE), varying the application of an intermediary base, using a low-viscosity composite resin (Filtek Z350 Flow, 3M ESPE) or resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) (Vitrebond, 3M ESPE) and no intermediary base (control groups). Sixty cavities were prepared on the proximal surfaces of bovine teeth and were randomly divided according to the experimental groups (n=10). Following the restorative procedures and thermocycling, the samples were immersed in methylene blue for two hours. The qualitative evaluation was made using a stereomicroscope, whereby two observers analyzed the infiltration level of the dye within the tooth/filling. Microleakage scores among the groups were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney test (p≤0.05). The samples were then ground and the powder was prepared for quantitative analysis in an absorbance spectrophotometer. The results were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and the Tukey test (p≤0.05). Results from the quantitative analysis showed that LS presented higher values of microleakage than did Z250. There was a significant difference between both composites concerning the intermediary materials, with the lowest values obtained using RMGIC as an intermediary base. Results from the qualitative analysis showed that there were no statistically significant differences between composites; however, there were significant differences for both composites concerning the intermediary materials, with the lowest values obtained using RMGIC as an intermediary. It is possible to conclude that using RMGIC as an intermediary base provided lower microleakage, indicating better sealing of the tooth-restoration interface.
Clinical Performance of One-step Self-etch Adhesives Applied Actively in Cervical Lesions: 24-month Clinical Trial
Authors: Zander-Grande C , Amaral R C , Loguercio AD , Barroso LP , Reis A 
Published: August 2013

SUMMARY

Objectives
To evaluate the clinical performance of two one-step self-etch adhesives in noncarious cervical lesions (NCCL) under active or passive application mode.

Methods
Thirty-one patients with four NCCL were enrolled in this study. One hundred and twenty-four restorations were placed according to one of the following conditions: 1) Adper Prompt L-Pop (AP), active application (APA); 2) AP, passive application (APP); 3) Xeno III (XE), active application (XEA), or 4) XE, passive application (XEP). The restorations were evaluated by the FDI World Dental Federation criteria at baseline and after six, 12, and 24 months of clinical service. The effects of adhesive, mode of application, and recall period were assessed via mixed generalized linear model (α=0.05).

Results
The adhesive AP and the passive application mode showed significantly higher marginal staining than did XE and active application, respectively (p&lt;0.05). With regard to the retention rates, the active application mode yielded higher retention rates at the 24-month recall compared to the passive application, regardless of the material. The individual retention rates (95% confidence interval) of both adhesives in the active application mode were the same, 96.8% (83.8-99.4%), while in the passive application rates were 87.1% (71.2-94.9%) and 80.7% (63.7-90.8%) for XE and AP, respectively.

Conclusions
The active application improved the retention rates of both adhesives after 24 months and minimized the marginal staining at enamel margins.
Evaluation of Dental Restorations: A Comparative Study Between Clinical and Digital Photographic Assessments
Authors: Moncada G , Silva F , Angel P , Oliveira OB , Fresno MC , Cisternas P , Fernandez E , Estay J , Martin J 
Published: August 2013

SUMMARYThe aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of a direct clinical evaluation method with an indirect digital photographic method in assessing the quality of dental restorations. Seven parameters (color, occlusal marginal adaptation, anatomy form, roughness, occlusal marginal stain, luster, and secondary caries) were assessed in 89 Class I and Class II restorations from 36 adults using the modified US Public Health Service/Ryge criteria. Standardized photographs of the same restorations were digitally processed by Adobe Photoshop software, separated into the following four groups and assessed by two calibrated examiners: Group A: The original photograph displayed at 100%, without modifications (IMG100); Group B: Formed by images enlarged at 150% (IMG150); Group C: Formed by digital photographs displayed at 100% (mIMG100), with digital modifications (levels adjustment, shadow and highlight correction, color balance, unsharp Mask); and Group D: Formed by enlarged photographs displayed at 150% with modifications (mIMG150), with the same adjustments made to Group C. Photographs were assessed on a calibrated screen (Macbook) by two calibrated clinicians, and the results were statistically analyzed using Wilcoxon tests (SSPS 11.5) at 95% CI. Results: The photographic method produced higher reliability levels than the direct clinical method in all parameters. The evaluation of digital images is more consistent with clinical assessment when restorations present some moderate defect (Bravo) and less consistent when restorations are clinically classified as either satisfactory (Alpha) or in cases of severe defects (Charlie). Conclusion: The digital photographic method is a useful tool for assessing the quality of dental restorations, providing information that goes unnoticed with the visual-tactile clinical examination method. Additionally, when analyzing restorations using the Ryge modified criteria, the digital photographic method reveals a significant increase of defects compared to those clinically observed with the naked eye. Photography by itself, without the need for enlargement or correction, provides more information than clinical examination and can lead to unnecessary overtreatment.
A study of the phototoxic effect of Benzo[a] Pyrene on bacteria
Authors: Takáčová Alžbeta , Smolinská Miroslava , Olejníková Petra , Mackuľak Tomáš , Čík Gabriel 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Although Benzo[a]Pyrene (BaP) released to soils tends to bind very strongly to soil particles, however, small amounts have been shown to leach into groundwaters. This polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon is stable and can stay (and travel) in the environment for an extended period of time. Release of BaP into the environment therefore causes concern at a global environmental level. In this paper we evaluated the effect of BaP on the cell growth of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis in aerobic conditions. Irradiation of BaP increased its antibacterial activity which suggests that this process produced a singlet oxygen. This way would be able to speed up the processes of photochemical degradation of BaP.
Landscape structure, predation of red foxes on grey partridges, and their spatial relations
Authors: Panek Marek 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of agricultural landscape structure on the predation rate of red foxes Vulpes vulpes on grey partridges Perdix perdix during the breeding season and on their spatial relations. The number of partridge remains found around fox breeding dens (N=165) was used as an index of the predation rate in 10 study areas. Moreover, the distribution of both species and the searching intensity of partridge nesting habitat (permanent semi-natural vegetation) by foxes in relation to the landscape structure were studied using scat, track and call counts. The predation index (range 0.06–0.46 partridges/den) increased with spring partridge density and decreased with the occurrence of crop boundaries. The distribution of foxes and partridges in large fields was positively correlated with the occurrence of permanent vegetation, but no such effect was observed in small fields. The searching intensity in permanent vegetation by foxes decreased with the occurrence of these structures among small fields, but not among large fields. The study showed that in a differentiated landscape foxes and partridges had various structural elements at their disposal, which led to partial separation of the predator and its prey in the space.
Formation of nanostructured polyaniline by dopant-free oxidation of aniline in a water/isopropanol mixture
Authors: Rakić Aleksandra , Vukomanović Marija , Ćirić-Marjanović Gordana 
Published: August 2013

AbstractNanostructured polyaniline (PANI) was synthesised by the oxidation of aniline in a water/ isopropanol (propan-2-ol, IPA) (50 vol. %) mixture, without added acid, using ammonium peroxydisulfate (APS) as an oxidant. Influence of the IPA co-solvent and the reaction time on the molecular structure, morphology and properties of synthesised PANI samples was studied by FTIR, Raman, and UV-VIS spectroscopies, scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM), and conductivity measurements. The course of the reaction was followed by monitoring changes in the temperature and acidity of the reaction medium. The results were compared with those obtained for PANI prepared in water without IPA under the same reaction conditions. The importance of the solvation effects, dielectric constant of the solvent, and the enthalpy of mixing of IPA with water on the course of the polymerisation reaction and on the properties of polymeric products in the water/IPA medium in comparison with those in water was pointed out.
Locomotor Requirements for Bipedal Locomotion: A Delphi Survey
Authors: Hedman Lois Deming , Morris David M. , Graham Cecilia L. , Brown Cynthia J. , Ford Matthew P. , Ingram Debbie A. , Hilliard Marjorie J. , Salzman Alice J. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundBipedal locomotor control requirements may be useful as classifications for walking dysfunction because they go beyond gait analysis to address all issues contributing to walking dysfunction.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine whether locomotor experts could achieve consensus about the requirements for bipedal locomotion.Design and MethodsLocomotor experts from physical therapy and other related professions participated in an electronic mail Delphi survey. Experts recommended additions, deletions, rewording, and merges for 15 proposed locomotor requirements in round 1. In rounds 2 and 3, panelists commented on and rated the validity, mutual exclusiveness, and understandability of each requirement. Consensus was defined a priori as: (1) 75% or more panelists agree or strongly agree that a requirement is valid, mutually exclusive, and understandable in round 3; (2) no difference between round 2 and 3 ratings with kappa coefficients ≥.60; and (3) a reduction in panelists who commented and convergence of comments between rounds 1 and 3. Content analysis and nonparametric statistics were used.ResultsFifty-eight panelists reached full consensus on 5 locomotor requirements (Initiation, Termination, Anticipatory Dynamic Balance, Multi-Task Capacity, and Walking Confidence) and partial consensus for 7 other requirements. There were no significant differences in ratings between rounds 2 and 3, and there was a decrease in the percentage of panelists who commented between rounds 1 and 3.LimitationsThe study's 6-month time frame may have contributed to panelist attrition.ConclusionsLocomotor experts achieved consensus on several bipedal locomotor requirements. With validation, these requirements can provide the framework for a clinically feasible and systematic diagnostic tool for physical therapists to categorize locomotor problems and standardize intervention for walking dysfunction.
Pattern of Attentional Task Impairment in Schizophrenic Patients: A Study Report
Authors: Singh Shailja , Aich Tapas Kumar , Ranjan Sanjeev , Kumar Abhinav 
Published: August 2013

The present study attempted to find out the relationship between positive and negative clinical symptoms and various attentional task impairment in a group of schizophrenic patients. METHODS: Fifty schizophrenic patients were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) by a trained psychiatrist (TKA) who was blind to attentional test measures and two groups, each of 25 positive symptom and 25 negative symptom schizophrenic patients, were formed. On these 50 patients with schizophrenia and 15 normal control groups, various attentional test measures were applied by a clinical psychologist (SS) who remained blind to the PANSS score. RESULTS: It was found that schizophrenic patients were deficient in performing simple auditory and visual attentional tasks in comparison to normal subjects. The results of this study are inconsistent with the assumption that deficits in attention are uniquely associated with negative symptoms. The findings clearly support the hypothesis of a relationship between type of attentional processing and “dimensions” of schizophrenic symptomatology. The positive symptoms patients seem to be associated with attentional dysfunction especially selective attention and short term recall, whereas negative symptoms patients seem to be associated with different types of attentional deficits, e.g., sustained attention and visual attention. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study are consistent with the existing literature that schizophrenic patients in general perform poorly on various measures of attentional tasks. Positive and negative symptoms schizophrenics have some correlation with distinct attentional deficits.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i2.8402 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(2) 2013: 1-7
Evaluation of Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential in Diabetics
Authors: Chaudhary Shatdal , Karki Prahlad , Bajaj Kumar Bhupender , Patel Sushila 
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND: Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) have been used for electrophysiological assessment of central neuropathy in diabetes. However, the role of this test in documenting the abnormality, the site of abnormality and relation of these abnormalities with metabolic control of diabetes are not clear as yet. The present study was done to explore the presence of abnormalities, if any, in the test parameters and relation of these with diabetic status. METHODS: It was a cross sectional study with controls. Thirty patients of diabetes mellitus (group 1) and thirty healthy controls (group 2) were included in the study. All the patients were subjected to detail clinical history, clinical and neurological examination. Detail laboratory investigation including haemogram, fasting and postprandial plasma sugar (2 hours), HbA1c, urine R/E, 24 hour urine for proteins, ECG, RFT, LFT and lipid profile were done. BAEP was done in all the subjects RESULTS: Mean peak latency of waves I, III, V and interpeak latency of I-III, III-V, I-V were prolonged in group 1, but were not statistically significant. Abnormal BAEP response was found in 8 patients (27%) in group 1. There was no significant relation between abnormal BAEP response with age, sex, type of diabetes, duration of diabetes since detection, fasting plasma sugar level, postprandial plasma sugar level, glycosylated haemoglobin, presence of retinopathy, nephropathy and peripheral neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: BAEP is a useful method for obtaining an early diagnosis of central and cranial nerve abnormalities in diabetic patients.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i2.8403 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(2) 2013: 8-12
Counter Irritation - An Indigenous Healing Method Practiced in Nepal by Self Made Doctors: A Case Report
Authors: Mishra SD , Joshi P , Oram PB , Prakash Nairan 
Published: August 2013

A rare case, wherein a brass pot adherent to the anterior abdominal wall in a 55 year old women as a result of counter irritant indigenous method of treatment for pain in rural and remote areas of Nepal is being reported. This would have led to grave consequences, if not treated timely DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i2.8409 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(2) 2013: 37-38
Adhesion Tendency of Polymers to Hard Coatings
Authors: Rebelo de Figueiredo M. , Bergmann C. , Ganser C. , Teichert C. , Kukla C. , Mitterer C. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The adhesion tendency of the polymers polyoxymethylene, polyamide 6.6 and polyether ether ketone against hard coatings to protect molds in polymer processing was evaluated by a combination of tribological tests, investigations of wear tracks and measurements of the coatings' surface energies. It was found that a low surface roughness and a low surface energy of the coating are beneficial to reduce friction and adhesion tendency. Among the coating materials investigated, CrN seems to be the most promising candidate for the protection of molds for polymer processing.
Efficacy of anterior cervical decompression and fusion procedures for monomelic amyotrophy treatment: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lu Feizhou , Wang Hongli , Jiang Jianyuan , Chen Wenjun , Ma Xin , Ma Xiaosheng , Xia Xinlei , Wang Lixun 
Published: August 2013

Object
Monomelic amyotrophy (MMA) is a benign, self-limiting lower motor neuron disease. Optimal surgical strategies—discectomy decompression and fusion (DDF) or corpectomy decompression and fusion (CDF)—for patients with aggravated symptoms (within 6 months of presentation) are controversial, particularly in those who are ineligible for conventional treatment. These 2 methods of anterior cervical decompression and fusion for MMA in patients unwilling or unable to wear a conventional cervical collar long term were evaluated.

Methods
Anterior cervical decompression and fusion were performed in 48 male patients with MMA between September 2007 and September 2010. Patients were randomly treated with anterior cervical discectomy decompression with autologous iliac crest bone grafting and internal plate fixation (DDF group: 24 patients) or anterior cervical corpectomy, posterior longitudinal ligament resection, autologous iliac crest bone grafting, and internal plate fixation (CDF group: 24 patients). Subjective symptom assessments and electromyography (EMG) examinations were conducted both preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results
Subjective assessments and EMG studies (mean follow-up duration 25.9 months) indicated improvement in 64.6% and 60% of patients, respectively. No significant correlations between the effectiveness of surgery and age at symptom onset, preoperative symptom duration, or postoperative follow-up time were found.

Conclusions
The lack of a significant difference in effectiveness between DDF and CDF favors DDF as more clinically applicable because of its lower procedural risks. As a second-line alternative to cervical collar treatment, surgical anterior cervical decompression and fusion via DDF or CDF may prevent further deterioration and produce good short-term therapeutic effects in patients with MMA; however, cervical collar treatment is recommended for eligible patients because of its lower associated risks.
Right parietal cortex and calculation processing: intraoperative functional mapping of multiplication and addition in patients affected by a brain tumor
Authors: Della Puppa Alessandro , De Pellegrin Serena , d'Avella Elena , Gioffrè Giorgio , Munari Marina , Saladini Marina , Salillas Elena , Scienza Renato , Semenza Carlo 
Published: August 2013

Object
The role of parietal areas in number processing is well known. The significance of intraoperative functional mapping of these areas has been only partially explored, however, and only a few discordant data are available in the surgical literature with regard to the right parietal lobe. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of simple calculation in cortical electrostimulation of right-handed patients affected by a right parietal brain tumor.

Methods
Calculation mapping in awake surgery was performed in 3 right-handed patients affected by high-grade gliomas located in the right parietal lobe. Preoperatively, none of the patients presented with calculation deficits. In all 3 cases, after sensorimotor and language mapping, cortical and intraparietal sulcus areas involved in single-digit multiplication and addition calculations were mapped using bipolar electrostimulation.

Results
In all patients, different sites of the right parietal cortex, mainly in the inferior lobule, were detected as being specifically related to calculation (multiplication or addition). In 2 patients the intraparietal sulcus was functionally specific for multiplication. No functional sites for language were detected. All sites functional for calculation were spared during tumor resection, which was complete in all cases without postoperative neurological deficits.

Conclusions
These findings provide intraoperative data in support of an anatomofunctional organization for multiplication and addition within the right parietal area. Furthermore, the study shows the potential clinical relevance of intraoperative mapping of calculation in patients undergoing surgery in the right parietal area. Further and larger studies are needed to confirm these data and assess whether mapped areas are effectively essential for function.