bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival Trends of US Dialysis Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Stack Austin G. , Mohammed Amir , Hanley Alan , Mutwali Arif , Nguyen Hoang 
Published: July 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a major risk factor for death in end-stage kidney disease; however, data on prevalence and survival trends are limited. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and mortality effect of CHF in successive incident dialysis cohorts.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This was a population-based cohort of incident US dialysis patients (n = 926,298) from 1995 to 2005. Age- and gender-specific prevalence of CHF was determined by incident year, whereas temporal trends in mortality were compared using multivariable Cox regression.

Results
The prevalence of CHF was significantly higher in women than men and in older than younger patients, but it did not change over time in men (range 28% to 33%) or women (range 33% to 36%). From 1995 to 2005, incident death rates decreased for younger men (≤70 years) and increased for older men (>70 years). For women, the pattern was similar but less impressive. During this period, the adjusted mortality risks (relative risk [RR]) from CHF decreased in men (from RR = 1.06 95% Confidence intervals (CI) 1.02–1.11 in 1995 to 0.91 95% CI 0.87–0.96 in 2005) and women (from RR = 1.06 95% CI 1.01–1.10 in 1995 to 0.90 95% CI 0.85–0.95 in 2005 compared with referent year 2000; RR = 1.00). The reduction in mortality over time was greater for younger than older patients (20% to 30% versus 5% to 10% decrease per decade).

Conclusions
Although CHF remains a common condition at dialysis initiation, mortality risks in US patients have declined from 1995 to 2005.
Effects of Antiproteinuric Intervention on Elevated Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN-2) Plasma and Urine Levels in Nondiabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Slagman Maartje C.J. , Nguyen Tri Q. , Waanders Femke , Vogt Liffert , Hemmelder Marc H. , Laverman Gozewijn D. , Goldschmeding Roel , Navis Gerjan 
Published: July 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN-2) is a key player in fibrosis. Plasma CTGF levels predict end-stage renal disease and mortality in diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD), supporting roles in intra- and extrarenal fibrosis. Few data are available on CTGF in nondiabetic CKD. We investigated CTGF levels and effects of antiproteinuric interventions in nondiabetic proteinuric CKD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
In a crossover randomized controlled trial, 33 nondiabetic CKD patients (3.2 [2.5 to 4.0] g/24 h proteinuria) were treated during 6-week periods with placebo, ARB (100 mg/d losartan), and ARB plus diuretics (100 mg/d losartan plus 25 mg/d hydrochlorothiazide) combined with consecutively regular and low sodium diets (193 ± 62 versus 93 ± 52 mmol Na+/d).

Results
CTGF was elevated in plasma (464 [387 to 556] pmol/L) and urine (205 [135 to 311] pmol/24 h) of patients compared with healthy controls (n = 21; 96 [86 to 108] pmol/L and 73 [55 to 98] pmol/24 h). Urinary CTGF was lowered by antiproteinuric intervention, in proportion to the reduction of proteinuria, with normalization during triple therapy (CTGF 99 [67 to 146] in CKD versus 73 [55 to 98] pmol/24 h in controls). In contrast, plasma CTGF was not affected.

Conclusions
Urinary and plasma CTGF are elevated in nondiabetic CKD. Only urinary CTGF is normalized by antiproteinuric intervention, consistent with amelioration of tubular dysfunction. The lack of effect on plasma CTGF suggests that its driving force might be independent of proteinuria and that short-term antiproteinuric interventions are not sufficient to correct the systemic profibrotic state in CKD.
The Microvasculature in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ooi Qi Lun , Tow Foong Kien Newk-Fon Hey , Deva Raj , Alias Mohamad Afzal , Kawasaki Ryo , Wong Tien Y. , Mohamad Nor , Colville Deb , Hutchinson Anastasia , Savige Judy 
Published: July 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 to 5 have an increased risk of cardiac and other vascular disease. Here we examined the association of CKD 3 to 5 with small vessel caliber.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This was a cross-sectional observational study of 126 patients with CKD stages 3 to 5 (estimated GFR [eGFR] <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and 126 age- and gender-matched hospital patients with CKD 1 or 2. Retinal vessel diameters were measured from digital fundus images by a trained grader using a computer-assisted method and summarized as the central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE).

Results
Patients with CKD 3 to 5 had a smaller mean CRAE and CRVE than hospital controls (139.4 ± 17.8 μm versus 148.5 ± 16.0 μm, P < 0.001; and 205.0 ± 30.7 μm versus 217.4 ± 25.8 μm, respectively; P = 0.001). CRAE and CRVE decreased progressively with each stage of renal failure CKD1–2 to 5 (P for trend = 0.08 and 0.04, respectively). CKD and hypertension were independent determinants of arteriolar narrowing after adjusting for age, gender, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and smoking history. Patients with CKD 5 and diabetes had a larger mean CRAE and CRVE than nondiabetics (141.4 ± 14.9 μm versus 132.9 ± 14.2 μm; 211.1 ± 34.4 μm versus 194.8 ± 23.8 μm).

Conclusions
The microvasculature is narrowed in patients with reduced eGFR.
Kidney Function Reference Values in US Adolescents
Authors: Chavers Blanche M. , Rheault Michelle N. , Foley Robert N. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryBackground and objectivesFew data are available on kidney function in normal US adolescents. This study characterizes the distribution of kidney function measures and associated factors.Design, setting, participants, & measurementsSerum creatinine, cystatin C, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios were measured in US adolescents (aged 12 to 17 years;n= 5575) in the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2008. The reference population was defined as healthy adolescents with BP <120/80 mmHg and a Z-score for weight-to-height ≤1.645, without self-reported diabetes or hypertension, not using prescription medications in the preceding 30 days, not pregnant or currently menstruating. Results were analyzed by age, gender, race, ethnicity, body mass index, and BP; estimated GFR (eGFR) was calculated using the original and revised Schwartz formulas.ResultsMean values for eGFRSchwartz original formula, serum creatinine, and serum cystatin C were 147 ml/min/1.73 m2, 0.71 mg/dl, 0.82 mg/L, respectively. The median urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio was 6.8 mg/g creatinine. In the reference population (n= 2881), eGFR differed significantly using the two Schwartz formulas; values were higher using the original formula (median values 143versus96 ml/min/1.73 m2). Serum creatinine level (0.7versus0.72 mg/dl), but not cystatin C level (0.82versus0.82 mg/L), was lower in the reference population than in a nonreference population of adolescents.ConclusionsThese findings provide important demographic information and highlight the need for confirmatory testing of the revised Schwartz formula by comparison to measured GFR in healthy US adolescents.
Vision-Threatening Retinal Abnormalities in Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3 to 5
Authors: Deva Rajeev , Alias Mohamad Afzal , Colville Deb , Tow Foong Kien Newk-Fon Hey , Ooi Qi Lun , Chew Sky , Mohamad Nor , Hutchinson Anastasia , Koukouras Ignatios , Power David A. , Savige Judith 
Published: July 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Retinal abnormalities are common in inherited and acquired renal disease. This study determined the prevalence of retinal abnormalities in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 to 5.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
One hundred fifty patients with CKD stages 3 to 5 and 150 age- and gender-matched hospital patients with CKD stages 1 to 2 underwent bilateral retinal photography. These images were reviewed for incidental abnormalities, microvascular (Wong and Mitchell classification) and diabetic retinopathy (Airlie House criteria), and macular degeneration (Seddon classification).

Results
Three (2%) patients with CKD stages 3 to 5 had retinal features characteristic of inherited renal disease (atrophy in Myopathy, Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis, Stroke-like episodes [MELAS] syndrome; and 2 with drusen in dense deposit disease). Fifty-nine (39%) patients had moderate-severe microvascular retinopathy (hemorrhages, exudates, etc.) compared with 19 (13%) with CKD stages 1 to 2. Forty-one (28%) had moderate-severe diabetic retinopathy (microaneurysms, exudates, etc.) compared with 16 (11%) with CKD stages 1 to 2. Ten (7%) had severe macular degeneration (geographic atrophy, hemorrhage, exudates, membranes) compared with one (1%) with CKD stages 1 to 2. Renal failure was an independent risk factor for microvascular retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. Eleven (7.3%) patients with renal failure and one (0.7%) with CKD stages 1 to 2 had previously unrecognized vision-threatening retinal abnormalities that required immediate ophthalmologic attention.

Conclusions
Retinal abnormalities are common in CKD stages 3 to 5, and are more severe and more likely to threaten vision than in hospital patients with CKD stages 1 to 2.
Insights from the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) Study
Authors: Copelovitch Lawrence , Warady Bradley A. , Furth Susan L. 
Published: July 2011

Summary
Over the last 5 years, the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) prospective cohort study has enrolled close to 600 children ages 1 to 16 years with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD). The main purpose of this interim report is to review the initial cross-sectional data and conclusions derived from the clinical studies conducted within CKiD in the context of findings from other pediatric CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) registry and cohort studies. In particular, special emphasis was placed on studying four aspects of chronic kidney disease in children, including the identification of risk factors related to disease progression, the impact of CKD on neurocognition and quality of life (QoL), the cardiovascular morbidity associated with CKD, and identifying the causes and effects of growth failure in the context of mild to moderate kidney failure.
A Randomized Study of Allopurinol on Endothelial Function and Estimated Glomular Filtration Rate in Asymptomatic Hyperuricemic Subjects with Normal Renal Function
Authors: Kanbay Mehmet , Huddam Bulent , Azak Alper , Solak Yalcin , Kadioglu Gulay Kocak , Kirbas Ismail , Duranay Murat , Covic Adrian , Johnson Richard J. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryBackground and objectivesEndothelial dysfunction is an early manifestation of vascular injury and contributes to the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have implicated hyperuricemia as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We hypothesized that lowering uric acid in subjects with asymptomatic hyperuricemia with allopurinol might improve endothelial dysfunction, BP, estimated GFR (eGFR), and inflammatory markers.Design, setting, participants, & measurementsSubjects with asymptomatic hyperuricemia and no history of gout and 30 normouricemic control subjects were enrolled in this 4-month randomized prospective study. Thirty hyperuricemic patients received 300 mg/d allopurinol and were compared with 37 hyperuricemic patients and 30 normouricemic subjects in matched control groups. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), eGFR, ambulatory BP monitoring, spot urine protein-creatine ratio, and highly sensitive C-reactive protein were measured at baseline and at 4 months.ResultsAge, gender, lipid profile, eGFR, hemoglobin, glucose, and level of proteinuria were similar in hyperuricemic subjects and controls at baseline. As expected, hyperuricemic patients had higher levels of highly sensitive C-reactive protein and lower FMD compared with normouricemic patients. Allopurinol treatment resulted in a decrease in serum uric acid, a decrease in systolic BP, an increase in FMD, and an increase in eGFR compared with baseline. No significant difference was observed in the control hyperuricemic and normouricemic groups. In a multiple regression analysis, FMD levels were independently related to uric acid both before (beta = −0.55) and after (beta = −0.40) treatment.ConclusionsTreatment of hyperuricemia with allopurinol improves endothelial dysfunction and eGFR in subjects with asymptomatic hyperuricemia.
Trace detection of inorganic oxidants using desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry
Authors: Sokol Ewa , Jackson Ayanna , Cooks R. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), an established ambient ionization method in mass spectrometry (MS) for the analysis of organic compounds, is applied here to trace detection of inorganic salts, including inorganic oxidants. In-situ surface analysis of targeted compounds, including nitrogen-, halogen- and sulfur-salts, down to sub-nanogram levels, was performed using DESI-MS. Successful experiments were carried out in both the negative and the positive ion modes; simple anions and cations as well as small cluster ions were observed. Various surfaces are examined and surface porosity effects were briefly explored. Absolute detection limits on porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) of 120 pg (surface concentration 0.07 ng mm−2) and 50 pg (surface concentration 0.03 ng mm−2), were achieved for sodium chlorate and sodium perchlorate, respectively. The compounds of interest were examined in the presence of a hydrocarbon mixture to assess matrix effects: only a two- or three-fold decrease in the target ion intensity was observed. Commercial fireworks were analyzed to determine perchlorate salts in complex mixtures. This work demonstrates the potential applicability of ambient ionization mass spectrometry to forensic investigations involving improvised explosives.
Analysis of crystallographic and structural data of polymeric FeM (M = transition metals, lanthanides) complexes
Authors: Melnik Milan , Garaj Ján 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
This review covers crystallographic and structural data for almost fifty polymeric FeM complexes (M = transition Cu, Ag, Au, Mo, W, Mn, Co, Ni and Pt and lanthanide elements Sm, Er and Yb) where iron is involved in polymeric chains. The complexes are for the most part yellow or black, but there are complexes of brown, orange, red, purple, blue and green colour. The complexes crystallized in the monoclinic (by far prevails), triclinic, tetragonal, orthorhombic, trigonal, hexagonal and rhombohedral crystal classes. The iron atoms are found in oxidation states 0, +2 and +3, of which +3 by far prevails. The inner coordination spheres about the Fe(0) atom are tetrahedral (FeC4) or sandwiched (FeC10), Fe(II) atoms are six-coordinated, and Fe(III) are six or even seven-coordinated. The inner coordination about M atoms range from four- through six- to eight-coordinated. The shortest Fe-Fe, Fe-M (transition) and Fe-M (lanthanide) and M-M separations are: 8.08 Å, 3.033 Å for Fe-Cu, 3.010 Å for Fe-Yb and 2.505 Å for Mo-Mo.
A prospect for LiBH4 as on-board hydrogen storage
Authors: Saldan Ivan 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
In contrast to the traditional metal hydrides, in which hydrogen storage involves the reversible hydrogen entering/exiting of the host hydride lattice, LiBH4 releases hydrogen via decomposition that produces segregated LiH and amorphous B phases. This is obviously the reason why lithium borohydride applications in fuel cells so far meet only one requirement — high hydrogen storage capacity. Nevertheless, its thermodynamics and kinetics studies are very active today and efficient ways to meet fuel cell requirements might be done through lowering the temperature for hydrogenation/dehydrogenation and suitable catalyst. Some improvements are expected to enable LiBH4 to be used in on-board hydrogen storage.
Osmium assay in fixatives and stained rat tissues by means of acid and o,o′-dihydroxo substituted monoazo dyes and some flavonoids
Authors: Rydchuk Mariana , Mykhalyna Galyna , Dobryanska Olga , Korkuna Olha , Vrublevska Teodoziya 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
New simple, rapid and accurate spectrophotometric techniques for osmium assays in fixatives and stained tissues have been elaborated using acid (Tropaeolin O, Tropaeolin OOO-I, Tropaeolin OOO-II, Orange G), o,o′-dihydroxo substituted azo dyes (Eriochrome Blue Black R, Acid Chrome Dark-Blue, Eriochrome Black T) and flavonoids (morin, quercetin, luteolin). Methods are based on sensitive osmium(IV) reactions with reagents and the formation of stable coloured compounds. Tolerance ratios of main matrix components of histological specimens during Os(IV) spectrophotometric determination with reagents has been established. Results of osmium determination in fixatives and fixed tissues, obtained by means of different reagents, appeared to be sufficiently similar, although effects of matrix components differ. The accuracy of spectrophotometric osmium assay in fixatives with azo dyes has been confirmed with voltammetric investigations. Results obtained from osmium uptake by rat gum tissues are valuable for clinical testing of dental drugs, indicating the influence of drug treatment on the gums.
Non-magnetic impurity doping effect on the magnetic state of p-type Al-doped delafossite oxide CuCrO2
Authors: Jlaiel Fatma , Amami Mongi , Strobel Piere , Salah Abdelhamid 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
We investigated the substitution effects of Al3+ for Cr3+ on the structure and magnetic, properties of delafossite oxide CuCrO2, which possesses a quasi-2D Heisenberg triangular antiferromagnetic (AFM) lattice. The lattice parameters was found to vary according to the Vegard’s rule. We also found that the large local lattice distortion, caused by the nonmagnetic dopant with different radii between magnetic and nonmagnetic ions, affects the samples significantly. Magnetization and specific heat measurements indicated that AFM ordering is diluted by the substitution of nonmagnetic Al3+ for Cr3+ (S = 3/2).
Determination of 137Cs and 85Sr transport parameters in fucoidic sand columns and groundwater system
Authors: Palágyi Štefan , Štamberg Karel 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
The determination is based on the evaluation of experimentally obtained breakthrough curves using the erfc-function. The first method is founded on the assumption of a reversible linear sorption/desorption isotherm of radionuclides on solid phase with constant distribution and retardation coefficients, whereas the second one is based on the assumption of a reversible non-linear sorption/desorption isotherm described with the Freundlich equation, i.e., with non-constant distribution and retardation coefficients. Undisturbed cores of 5 cm in diameter and 10 cm long were embedded in the Eprosin-type cured epoxide resin column. In this study the so-called Cenomanian background groundwater was used as transport medium. The groundwater containing radionuclides was introduced at the bottom of the columns at about 4 mL h−1 constant flow-rate. The results have shown that in the investigated fucoidic sands: (i) the sorption was in principle characterized by linear isotherms and the corresponding retardation coefficients of 137Cs and 85Sr, depending on the type of sample, were approximately 13 or 44 and 5 or 15, respectively; (ii) the desorption was characterized by non-linear isotherms, and the retardation coefficients of the same radionuclides ranged between 23–50 and 5–25, respectively. The values of the hydrodynamic dispersion coefficients of these radionuclides varied between 0.43–1.2 cm2 h−1.
Ion chromatographic method for the determination of cations of group IA and IIA in water samples, pharmaceuticals and energy drinks by non-suppressed conductometric detection
Authors: Zachariadis George , Lyratzi Anastasia , Stratis John 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
An efficient ion chromatographic (IC) method was developed for the simultaneous quantitative determination of Li+, Na+, NH4+, K+, Cs+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Sr2+, Ba2+ and Be2+ in energy drinks, pharmaceutical and drinking water samples by non-suppressed conductometric detection. The separation of ten cations including ammonium was achieved using a cation-exchange column and low conductivity mobile phase. The mobile phase consisted of tartaric acid, dipicolinic acid and boric acid. The separation of the cations was completed in less than 18 min, with a flow rate of 1.2 mL min−1. The separation was not affected by the existence of cations Co2+, Cr3+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Bi3+, Ag+, Fe3+ and Zn2+ in concentrations up to 20 mg L−1. Using an injection volume of 20 μL the obtained detection limits were 0.003 mg L−1, 0.02 mg L−1, 0.01 mg L−1, 0.01 mg L−1, 0.10 mg L−1, 0.01 mg L−1, 0.02 mg L−1, 0.02 mg L−1, 0.003 mg L−1 and 0.1 mg L−1, for Li+, Na+, NH4+, K+, Cs+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Sr2+, Be2+ and Ba2+ respectively. The intra-day repeatability (RSD%, n=5) ranged from 1.1% to 4.8%, and the inter-day (n=5) between 1.8% and 5.4% respectively. The method was applied to the analysis of various bottled and tap water, pharmaceutical preparations and energy drinks commercially available.
Influence of activated carbon modifications on their catalytic activity in methanol and ethanol conversion reactions
Authors: Jasińska Jadwiga , Krzyżyńska Beata , Kozłowski Mieczysław 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Activated carbons containing different surface functionalities have been investigated as catalysts in conversion reactions of ethanol and methanol. These carbon materials were prepared from Polish brown coal by chemical activation with potassium hydroxide and modified by the oxidation or reaction with ammonia or chlorine. The main process upon ethanol decomposition was its dehydrogenation, while in the process of methanol decomposition only a few samples were catalytically active, and the only product was dimethyl ether (a product of dehydration).
Adsorption properties of a nanostructured hybrid material containing aluminium towards some metal ions
Authors: Detcheva Albena , Vassileva Paunka , Georgieva Ralitsa , Voykova Dimitrinka , Gerganova Tsvetelina , Ivanova Yordanka 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
In the present work the adsorption of some transition metal ions from aqueous solutions on a silica-based nanostructured hybrid material modified by aluminium was investigated. The novel organic-inorganic material was synthesized via a sol-gel method through hydrolysis and co-condensation reactions. Its structure was characterized by means of SEM, XRD and FTIR. Based on the data obtained the most probable cross-linking mechanism for the derived xerogel was proposed. The characterization of its texture parameters was carried out by low-temperature adsorption of nitrogen. The adsorption properties of this material with respect to Cu(II), Cr(III) and Pb(II) ions from single-component aqueous solutions and multi-component aqueous solutions containing also Cd(II) and Fe(III) were evaluated. The effect of contact time, acidity of initial solutions and metal ion concentrations was investigated using the batch method. Pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion models were used to analyze kinetic data. In all cases the adsorption was significantly affected by the pH value. Equilibrium modelling data were fitted to linear Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. Best fit was observed for Langmuir model, which showed determination coefficients greater than 0.992 for all ions studied. The maximum adsorption capacities for single- and multi-component adsorption were calculated.