bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between socioeconomic status and chronic kidney disease: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Xiaoxi , Liu Jing , Tao Sibei , Hong Hyokyoung G , Li Yi , Fu Ping 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundSocioeconomic status (SES) has long been conjectured to be associated with the incidence and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but few studies have examined this quantitatively. This meta-analysis aims to fill this gap.MethodsA systematic literature review was performed using Medline and EMBASE to identify observational studies on associations between SES and incidence and progression of CKD, published between 1974 and March 2017. Individual results were meta-analysed using a random effects model, in line with Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines.ResultsIn total, 43 articles met our inclusion criteria. CKD prevalence was associated with several indicators of SES, particularly lower income (OR 1.34, 95% CI (1.18 to 1.53), P<0.001; I2=73.0%, P=0.05); lower education (OR 1.21, 95% CI (1.11 to 1.32), P<0.001; I2=45.20%, P=0.034); and lower combined SES (OR 2.18, 95% CI (1.64 to 2.89), P<0.001; I2=0.0%, P=0.326). Lower levels of income, occupation and combined SES were also significantly associated with progression to end-stage renal disease (risk ratio (RR) 1.24, 95% CI (1.12 to 1.37), P<0.001; I2=66.6%, P=0.006; RR 1.05, 95% CI (1.01 to 1.09), P=0.012; I2=0.0%, P=0.796; and RR 1.39, 95% CI (1.09 to 1.79), P=0.009; I2=74.2%, P=0.009). Subgroup analyses generally confirmed these results, except in a few cases, such as an inverse association related to particular socioeconomic backgrounds and where results were adjusted by more disease-related risk factors.ConclusionLower income was most closely associated with prevalence and progression of CKD, and lower education was significantly associated with its prevalence. Evidence for other indicators was inconclusive.
Chronic kidney disease mortality trends in selected Central America countries, 1997–2013: clues to an epidemic of chronic interstitial nephritis of agricultural communities
Authors: Ordunez Pedro , Nieto F Javier , Martinez Ramon , Soliz Patricia , Giraldo Gloria P , Mott Susan Anne , Hoy Wendy E 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundIn Central America, chronic interstitial nephritis of agricultural communities (CINAC) has reached epidemic proportions. Clusters of cases have been described in several farming communities. Its aetiology remains uncertain and a controversy exists on its key triggers, among them the heat stress–dehydration mechanism and the toxic exposure to agrochemicals.MethodsThis study analysed the mortality pattern and trend of chronic kidney disease code N18 (CKD-N18) according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems-10th Revision, the proxy and the underlying cause of death, in four selected Central American countries from 1997 to 2013. In addition, we used exponential regression to retrospectively model the likely onset and prior trajectory of the epidemic.ResultsBetween 1997 and 2013, CKD-N18 mortality accounting 47 885 deaths (31% were female), 19 533 of which occurred below 60 years of age (26% female). The excess of mortality starts as early as 10–14 years of age for both boys and girls. El Salvador and Nicaragua, with mortality rates between 9-fold and 12-fold higher than reference countries, were the most affected. Statistical modelling suggests that the epidemic commenced around the mid-1970s, coinciding with important changes in modes of agricultural production.ConclusionsThis study provides the most comprehensive mortality analysis of this epidemic published to date and confirms an excess of CKD-N18 mortality and its relation with the epidemic of CINAC. The overall trends and the mortality pattern among women, children and adolescents suggest that the heat stress–dehydration hypothesis cannot fully explain this epidemic and that other environmental factors, more likely agricultural practices and agrochemicals, may be causally involved.
Associations of dyslipidaemia and lipid-lowering treatment with risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Feinkohl Insa , Winterer Georg , Pischon Tobias 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundLipid imbalance is linked to age-related cognitive impairment, but its role in postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is unknown. Here, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis on dyslipidaemia, lipid-lowering treatment and POCD risk.MethodsPubMed, Ovid SP and Cochrane databases were searched for longitudinal studies that reported on associations of any measure of dyslipidaemia and/or lipid-lowering treatment with POCD as relative risks (RRs) or ORs. Fixed-effects inverse variance models were used to combine effects.ResultsOf 205 articles identified in the search, 17 studies on 2725 patients (grand mean age 67 years; mean age range 61–71 years) with follow-up periods of 1 day to 4 years (median 7 days; IQR 1–68 days) were included. Studies focused almost exclusively on hypercholesterolaemia as a measure of dyslipidaemia and on statins as lipid-lowering treatment. Across 12 studies on hypercholesterolaemia, we found no association with POCD risk (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.80 to 1.08; P=0.34). Statin use before surgery was associated with a reduced POCD risk across eight studies (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.67 to 0.98; P=0.03), but data on treatment duration were lacking.ConclusionStatin users appear to be at reduced risk of POCD although hypercholesterolaemia per se may not be associated with POCD risk. Trial studies are needed to evaluate the usefulness of statins in POCD prevention.
Thermoelectric properties of Tl and I dual-doped Bi2Te3-based alloys
Authors: Wu Fang , He Qinglin , Tang Mingsheng , Song Hongzhang 
Published: February 2018

Tl[Formula: see text]Bi[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text]I[Formula: see text] (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2) flower-like nanopowders were prepared successfully by the hydrothermal method. Then, the synthesized nanoparticles were pressed into bulks by hot-pressing. The thermoelectric (TE) properties of the Tl[Formula: see text]Bi[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text]I[Formula: see text] bulk samples were investigated and discussed. The results showed that the influences of Tl doping on the electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficients of the Bi2Te3 is over that of I doping. Thus, the power factors of the dual-doped bulks are all less than that of the Bi2Te3 bulk. The thermal conductivities of the Tl[Formula: see text]Bi[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text]I[Formula: see text] bulk samples also remain at lower values. As a result, the ZT value of the optimized doped bulk Tl[Formula: see text]Bi[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text]I[Formula: see text] attains a value of 1.1 at 398 K.
Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine is a better biomarker of aging in non-smokers
Authors: Zhao Zhengxiao , Gong Weiyi , Liu Lumei , Wang Meng , Tang Zihui , Mohammadtursun Nabijan , Lu Linwei , Liu Jiaqi , Li Mihui , Lv Yibao , Mo Shuming , Ma Wenjuan , Dong Jingcheng 
Published: February 2018

Objective: The aim of this study is finding an optimal and convenient aging marker. Method: The information of participants’ occupation, family background, life style, physical condition, etc. was obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. Spot urine and saliva samples were collected during the early morning after fasting overnight. 8-hydroxydeoxygunaosine (8-OHdG), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2[Formula: see text] (8-isoPGF2[Formula: see text]), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malondialdehyde (MDA), and dehydroepian drosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were measured by ELISA. Results: Around 112 non-smokers (males/females [Formula: see text] 61/51; mean age [Formula: see text] 44.9 years) were eligible and analyzed in this study. The mean urinary 8-OHdG level was [Formula: see text] (ng/mmol, creatinine) and mean 8-isoPGF2[Formula: see text] level was [Formula: see text] (pg/mmoL, creatinine). In saliva, the mean level of AOPPs, MDA, and DHEA-S was [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]mol/L), [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]mol/L) and [Formula: see text] (ng/mL), respectively. After analysis in multiple regression model, urinary 8-OHdG was influenced by age and tea consumption ([Formula: see text]); urinary 8-isoPGF2[Formula: see text] level was correlated with gender ([Formula: see text]); salivary DHEA-S was related to gender ([Formula: see text]) and marital status ([Formula: see text]); AOPPs and MDA in saliva presented no relationships with those factors. Conclusion: Among healthy non-smokers, urinary 8-OHdG is the best aging biomarker comparing to other markers.
Perspective on Circulating Tumor Cell Clusters: Why It Takes a Village to Metastasize
Authors: Giuliano Mario , Shaikh Anum , Lo Hin Ching , Arpino Grazia , De Placido Sabino , Zhang Xiang H. , Cristofanilli Massimo , Schiff Rachel , Trivedi Meghana V. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters may represent one of the key mechanisms initiating the metastasis process. However, the series of pathophysiologic events by which CTC clusters originate, enter the circulation, and reach the distant sites remain to be identified. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that provide survival advantage for CTC clusters during the transit in the blood stream are also still largely unknown. Understanding the biology of CTC clusters is critical to assess this unified scheme employed by cancer and to device strategies to overcome key pathways responsible for their improved metastatic potential. CTC clusters remain an underdeveloped area of research begging the attention of multidisciplinary cancer research teams. Here, we provide insight on existing preclinical evidence on the potential mechanisms leading to CTC cluster formation and dissemination and on processes that may offer survival advantage. We also offer our perspective on future directions to delineate the role of CTC clusters in metastatic cascade and discuss their clinical significance. Cancer Res; 78(4); 845–52. ©2018 AACR.
Oxidative Phosphorylation as an Emerging Target in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Ashton Thomas M. , McKenna W. Gillies , Kunz-Schughart Leoni A. , Higgins Geoff S. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Cancer cells have upregulated glycolysis compared with normal cells, which has led many to the assumption that oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is downregulated in all cancers. However, recent studies have shown that OXPHOS can be also upregulated in certain cancers, including leukemias, lymphomas, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, high OXPHOS subtype melanoma, and endometrial carcinoma, and that this can occur even in the face of active glycolysis. OXPHOS inhibitors could therefore be used to target cancer subtypes in which OXPHOS is upregulated and to alleviate therapeutically adverse tumor hypoxia. Several drugs including metformin, atovaquone, and arsenic trioxide are used clinically for non-oncologic indications, but emerging data demonstrate their potential use as OXPHOS inhibitors. We highlight novel applications of OXPHOS inhibitors with a suitable therapeutic index to target cancer cell metabolism. Clin Cancer Res; 24(11); 2482–90. ©2018 AACR.
The Effects of Heat Exposure on Vaginal Smooth Muscle Cells: Elastin and Collagen Production
Authors: Kozma Bence , Candiotti Keith , Póka Róbert , Takács Péter 
Published: February 2018

<b><i>Aims:</i></b> To evaluate smooth muscle cells (SMCs) proliferation and elastin and collagen production after heat exposure (65°C). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Samples were taken from the anterior vaginal wall, SMCs were cultured, and heated to 65°C for 30 and 60 s. Cell proliferation was assessed; tropoelastin and collagen production was measured. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Heat does not affect SMC proliferation at 65°C neither at 30 nor at 60 s. Surface-deposited elastin level was significantly increased after heat exposure (mean ± SD, 30 s 155 ± 5% of control [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01] and 60 s 516 ± 40% of control [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01]). Tropoelastin levels in the culture media were significantly lower after 60 s of heat exposure (mean ± SD, 30 s 102 ± 5% of control [<i>p</i> = ns] and 60 s 70 ± 2% of control [<i>p</i> = 0.04]). Significant increase in surface-deposited collagen production was found (mean ± SD, 30 s 170 ± 6% of control [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01] and 60 s 123 ± 6% of control [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01]), but no such elevation was measured in the media after heat exposure (mean ± SD, 30 s 120 ± 20% of control [<i>p</i> = ns] and 60 s 100 ± 20% of control [<i>p</i> = ns]). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> When SMCs are exposed to heat there is significant elevation in collagen and elastin production. Changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix after heat exposure may contribute to vaginal wall remodeling.
Incorporating genomic methods into contact networks to reveal new insights into animal behaviour and infectious disease dynamics
Authors: Gilbertson Marie L.J. , Fountain-Jones Nicholas M. , Craft Meggan E. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractUtilization of contact networks has provided opportunities for assessing the dynamic interplay between pathogen transmission and host behaviour. Genomic techniques have, in their own right, provided new insight into complex questions in disease ecology, and the increasing accessibility of genomic approaches means more researchers may seek out these tools. The integration of network and genomic approaches provides opportunities to examine the interaction between behaviour and pathogen transmission in new ways and with greater resolution. While a number of studies have begun to incorporate both contact network and genomic approaches, a great deal of work has yet to be done to better integrate these techniques. In this review, we give a broad overview of how network and genomic approaches have each been used to address questions regarding the interaction of social behaviour and infectious disease, and then discuss current work and future horizons for the merging of these techniques.
Similarities in spatial cognition in sister species of the striped mouse Rhabdomys originating from different ecological contexts
Authors: Mackay M.K. , Pillay N. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Variation in spatial cognition is correlated with differences in the environments where animals originate, such that different environments might select for different cognitive ability. We investigated whether three sister species of the striped mouse genus Rhabdomys differed in their spatial cognition. The species originated from three locations across a rainfall gradient in southern Africa, which vary in habitat complexity. We tested individuals in a modified Barnes maze and asked whether the species had different spatial memory and navigation and whether these differences were related to their geographic location. We showed that the species had similar spatial memory and cue use, differing only when external cues were initially removed and during the first probe test of spatial memory. The similarities suggest that the environment of origin is not associated with spatial cognition in Rhabdomys, and that spatial cognition is phylogenetically constrained or there might be similar selection pressures across the distribution.
On the Role of NAO-Driven Interannual Variability in Rainfall Seasonality on Water Resources and Hydrologic Design in a Typical Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Corona Roberto , Montaldo Nicola , Albertson John D. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
In the last several decades, extended dry periods have affected the Mediterranean area with dramatic impacts on water resources. Climate models are predicting further warming, with negative effects on water availability. The authors analyze the hydroclimatic tendencies of a typical Mediterranean basin, the Flumendosa basin located in Sardinia, an island in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, where in the last 30 years a sequence of dry periods has seriously impacted the water management system. Interestingly, in the historic record the annual runoff reductions have been more pronounced than the annual precipitation reductions. This paper performs an analysis that links this runoff decrease to changes in the total annual precipitation and its seasonal structure. The seasonality is a key determinant of the surface runoff process, as it reflects the degree to which rainfall is concentrated during the winter. The observed reductions in winter precipitation are shown here to be well correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient of −0.5) with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index. Considering the predictability of the winter NAO, there is by extension an opportunity to predict future winter precipitation and runoff tendencies. The recent hydroclimatic trends are shown to impact hydrologic design criteria for water resources planning. The authors demonstrate that there is a dangerous increase of the drought severity viewed from the perspective of water resources planning.
Drogue-Loss Detection for Surface Drifters during the Lagrangian Submesoscale Experiment (LASER)
Authors: Haza A. C. , D’Asaro E. , Chang H. , Chen S. , Curcic M. , Guigand C. , Huntley H. S. , Jacobs G. , Novelli G. , Özgökmen T. M. , Poje A. C. , Ryan E. , Shcherbina A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe Lagrangian Submesoscale Experiment (LASER) was designed to study surface flows during winter conditions in the northern Gulf of Mexico. More than 1000 mostly biodegradable drifters were launched. The drifters consisted of a surface floater extending 5 cm below the surface, containing the satellite tracking system, and a drogue extending 60 cm below the surface, hanging beneath the floater on a flexible tether. On some floats, the drogue separated from the floater during storms. This paper describes methods to detect drogue loss based on two properties that distinguish drogued from undrogued drifters. First, undrogued drifters often flip over, pointing their satellite antenna downward and thus intermittently reducing the frequency of GPS fixes. Second, undrogued drifters respond to wind forcing more than drogued drifters. A multistage analysis is used: first, two properties are used to create a preliminary drifter classification; then, the motion of each unclassified drifter is compared to that of its classified neighbors in an iterative process for nearly all of the drifters. The algorithm classified drifters with a known drogue status with an accuracy of virtually 100%. Drogue loss times were estimated with a precision of less than 0.5 and 3 h for 60% and 85% of the drifters, respectively. An estimated 40% of the drifters lost their drogues in the first 7 weeks, with drogue loss coinciding with storm events, particularly those with steep waves. Once the drogued and undrogued drifters are classified, they can be used to quantify the differences in material dispersion at different depths.
Short stature is associated with the development of lower limb ischaemia during extracorporeal life support
Authors: Park Byoung-Won , Lee So-Ryoung , Lee Min-Ho , Bang Duk Won , Hyon Min-Su , Chang Won-Ho , Oh Hong Chul , Park Young Woo , Park Suyeon 
Published: February 2018

Background: Percutaneous cannulation of femoral vessels has been widely used for the rapid deployment of extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Limb ischaemia is a devastating complication in patients receiving ECLS. Our aim was to evaluate the predictors of limb ischaemia during ECLS and to determine the role of preventative distal perfusion. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-five consecutive patients who received veno-arterial ECLS due to cardiac and/or respiratory failure were enrolled from January 2009 to December 2015. All patients received ECLS for more than 6 hours and the data was reviewed retrospectively. Distal perfusion to minimise lower limb ischaemia was performed at the discretion of the physician. Predictors for lower limb ischaemia during ECLS were analysed using multivariate regression analysis. Results: For the 255 patients, the mean age was 58 and 177 (69.4%) were male. Limb ischaemia developed in 24 patients (9.4%); 178 patients (69.8%) died within 30 days. Among the 24 patients, one patient (4.2%) developed limb ischaemia with preventative distal perfusion. Fourteen patients (58.3%) received therapeutic distal perfusion. After distal perfusion, two patients (8.3%) still required surgical intervention. Limb ischaemia was more frequent in female patients (54.2% in the ischaemia group versus 28.1% in the non-ischaemia group, p=0.008) and shorter patients (162.0 ± 9.5 cm in the ischaemia group versus 166.3 ± 9.1 cm in the non-ischaemia group, p=0.027). Patients shorter than 165 cm were more commonly diagnosed with ischaemia compared to those who were taller than 165 cm (79.2% versus 40.7%, p<0.001). In a multivariate regression analysis, height under 165 cm was the only predictor for limb ischaemia (Odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 12.645 [3.190-50.118]). Conclusion: Smaller female patients are more prone to developing limb ischaemia from femoral ECLS. Our findings might support preventative distal perfusion and more careful observation of these patients.
Antioxidant activity and apoptotic induction as mechanisms of action of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) against a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line
Authors: Ahmed Wafaa , Mofed Dina , Zekri Abdel-Rahman , El-Sayed Nasr , Rahouma Mohamed , Sabet Salwa 
Published: February 2018

Objective To evaluate the antioxidant and apoptotic inductive effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) leaf extract against a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Methods After treating HepG2cells with Ashwagandha water extract (ASH-WX; 6.25 mg/ml–100 mg/ml), cell proliferation was assessed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Antioxidant activities (total antioxidant, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase), Fas-ligand level, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level and caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities were measured. Molecular modelling assessed the binding-free energies of Ashwagandha in the cyclin D1 receptor. Results The MTT assay demonstrated increased cytotoxicity following treatment of HepG2 cells with ASH-WX compared with control untreated cells and theIC50was 5% (approximately 5.0 mg/ml). Antioxidant activities, Fas-ligand levels and caspase-3, -8 and -9 activities significantly increased, while TNF-α level significantly decreased following ASH-WX treatment compared with control untreated cells. Molecular docking analysis revealed a good prediction of binding between cyclin D1 and Ashwagandha. There was significant accumulation of ASH-WX-treated HepG2cells in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases compared with the control untreated cells. Conclusion Ashwagandha could be a powerful antioxidant and a promising anticancer agent against HCC.