bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Racial Disparities in the Association Between Variants on 8q24 and Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Troutman Sarah M. , Sissung Tristan M. , Cropp Cheryl D. , Venzon David J. , Spencer Shawn D. , Adesunloye Bamidele A. , Huang Xuan , Karzai Fatima H. , Price Douglas K. , Figg William D. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Recent studies implicate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the 8q24 region as a risk factor for prostate cancer (PCa). New developments suggest that 8q24 encodes regulators of the nearby MYC gene, a known oncogene. In order to better understand the implications of SNPs in this region, we performed meta-analyses, stratified by race, of seven SNPs and one microsatellite marker previously identified as risk loci on the 8q24 region of the genome. In addition, we reviewed the literature examining the possible associations between these polymorphisms and clinicopathological features of PCa. The results of the meta-analyses indicate that rs6983267, rs1447295, rs6983561, rs7837688, rs16901979, and DG8S737 are significantly associated with a higher risk for PCa for at least one race, whereas the variants rs13254738 and rs7000448 are not. The degree of association and frequency of the causative allele varied among men of different races. Though several studies have demonstrated an association between certain 8q24 SNPs and clinicopathological features of the disease, review of this topic revealed conflicting results.
Modeling the 5-Fluorouracil Area Under the Curve Versus Dose Relationship to Develop a Pharmacokinetic Dosing Algorithm for Colorectal Cancer Patients Receiving FOLFOX6
Authors: Kaldate Rajesh R. , Haregewoin Abebe , Grier Charles E. , Hamilton Stephanie A. , McLeod Howard L. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background.
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is administered based on standard body surface area (BSA) dosing. BSA administration results in highly variable exposure, measured as the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC). An immunoassay (OnDose®; Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT) that measures plasma 5-FU concentration and reports an AUC in mg · h/L has been developed to optimize therapy using pharmacokinetic (PK) dosing. The results of an analysis to model the 5-FU AUC-dose relationship are presented.

Methods.
A set of 589 sequential patients from a clinical database receiving 5-FU, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (the FOLFOX6 regimen) for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment was analyzed. A subset including only patients who had at least two consecutive cycles tested, received 1,600–3,600 mg/m2 of continuous infusion 5-FU during the initial test cycle, and had a blood sample collected after ≥18 hours, was used to conduct regression modeling of the change in AUC versus change in dose.

Results.
A simple regression model with R2 = 0.51 developed over n = 307 cycle-pair observations characterizes the AUC-Dose relationship as: change in AUC = 0.02063 * dose change. The model suggests that dose changes in the range of 145–727 mg/m2 would be sufficient to adjust the AUC to a potential therapeutic threshold of &gt;20 mg · h/L for most patients.

Conclusions.
5-FU is an ideal candidate for PK dose optimization. Because individual factors other than dose change may also affect the change in AUC, longitudinal PK monitoring in all cycles and dose adjustment to ensure AUC in the desired range of 20–30 mg · h/L are recommended.
Racial Differences in Markers of Mineral Metabolism in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Jovanovich Anna , Chonchol Michel , Cheung Alfred K. , Kaufman James S. , Greene Tom , Roberts William L. , Smits Gerard , Kendrick Jessica 
Published: March 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
This study examined differences in the concentration of markers of mineral metabolism across race in patients with advanced CKD not requiring dialysis and ESRD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) were measured in stored plasma samples of 1497 patients with advanced CKD not yet on dialysis and ESRD who participated in the Homocysteine in Kidney and End Stage Renal Disease study. Linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between race and 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D, iPTH, and FGF-23 concentrations.

Results
Non-Hispanic white patients comprised 58% of the cohort, whereas non-Hispanic blacks comprised 42%. Median (interquartile range) FGF-23 concentrations were lower in blacks compared with whites with CKD (323 [181–655] versus 431 [232–1026] RU/ml; P<0.001) but not in ESRD. In adjusted linear regression models, blacks with CKD not requiring dialysis had significantly lower plasma FGF-23 concentrations (difference, −159; 95% confidence interval, −205 to −106; P<0.001) compared with whites, independent of plasma 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D, and iPTH concentrations. This difference was not observed in the ESRD group. The magnitude of correlation for the relationships between 1,25(OH)2D with iPTH, FGF-23 with 1,25(OH)2D, and FGF-23 with iPTH were stronger among blacks than whites with CKD not requiring dialysis.

Conclusions
In advanced CKD not requiring dialysis, blacks have lower FGF-23 concentrations than whites. Blacks with CKD and ESRD have lower 25(OH)D and higher iPTH compared with whites, independent of FGF-23 concentrations.
Influence of Urine Creatinine on the Relationship between the Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio and Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Carter Caitlin E. , Gansevoort Ronald T. , Scheven Lieneke , Heerspink Hiddo J. Lambers , Shlipak Michael G. , de Jong Paul E. , Ix Joachim H. 
Published: March 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
In the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (spot-ACR), urine creatinine corrects for tonicity but also reflects muscle mass. Low muscle mass is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We hypothesized that the spot-ACR would be higher in women, lower-weight persons, and older individuals, independent of timed urine albumin excretion (24hr-UAE), and accordingly, that spot-ACR would be more strongly associated with CVD events than 24hr-UAE in these subgroups.

Design, setting, participants, & methods
2627 PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease) participants with 24hr-UAE <30 mg/d were followed for CVD events for 11 years. Cox regression evaluated associations of spot-ACR and 24hr-UAE with CVD events by sex, weight, and age.

Results
Female sex (26%), lower weight (2% per 5 kg), and older age (4% per 5 years) were associated with higher spot-ACR independent of 24hr-UAE (P<0.001). Spot urine albumin concentration (hazard ratio [HR], 1.26 per ln-SD higher) and 1/spot urine creatinine concentration (HR, 1.16 per ln-SD higher) were associated with CVD events. Spot-ACR was more strongly associated with CVD events than either component of the ratio (HR, 1.41 per ln-SD higher). Associations of spot-ACR ≥10 mg/g versus less (HR, 2.33) and 24hr-UAE ≥10 mg/d versus less (HR, 2.09) with CVD events were similar, and there were no significant differences across subgroups (P for interactions >0.06).

Conclusions
In community-living individuals with 24hr-UAE <30 mg/d, spot-ACR is higher in women, older persons, and lower-weight persons, independent of 24hr-UAE. Low spot urine creatinine is associated with CVD risk, but high urine albumin is a stronger determinant of the association of spot-ACR with CVD than is low urine creatinine.
FGF23, Albuminuria, and Disease Progression in Patients with Chronic IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Lundberg Sigrid , Qureshi Abdul Rashid , Olivecrona Sara , Gunnarsson Iva , Jacobson Stefan H. , Larsson Tobias E. 
Published: March 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) regulates mineral metabolism. Circulatory FGF23 levels are increased and predict outcomes in CKD. However, the relation of FGF23 to albuminuria and disease progression in patients with CKD and one underlying diagnosis is unknown.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Prospective, observational study in 180 patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), CKD stage 1–4, and median 55-month follow-up (range, 12–177 months). Primary outcomes were (1) time-averaged albuminuria, (2A) progression to CKD stage 5 or ≥50% loss of estimated GFR, (2B) progression to CKD stage 5 or ≥25% loss of estimated GFR within 10 years, and (3) annual loss of estimated GFR.

Results
FGF23 was independently associated with baseline and time-averaged albuminuria (change in 1 g/24 hour albuminuria per increase in log FGF23: β = 0.26; P=0.02). Log FGF23 predicted CKD progression in crude models and after adjustment for mineral metabolites (endpoints 2A and 2B). It remained significant after adjustments for age, sex, serum albumin, calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, baseline albuminuria, baseline estimated GFR, mean arterial BP, body mass index, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin-receptor blocker use in endpoint 2B (hazard ratio, 2.53; P=0.02) but not endpoint 2A (hazard ratio, 2.01; P=0.43). Log FGF23 predicted annual loss of estimated GFR in the same model (change in ml/min per 1.73 m2 per increase in log FGF23, 1.50; P=0.008).

Conclusions
In patients with CKD and IgAN, FGF23 was associated with albuminuria and CKD progression, a finding that suggests its role as a potential biomarker in IgAN.
Daily Variability in Mineral Metabolites in CKD and Effects of Dietary Calcium and Calcitriol
Authors: Isakova Tamara , Xie Huiliang , Barchi-Chung Allison , Smith Kelsey , Sowden Nicole , Epstein Michael , Collerone Gina , Keating Leigh , Jüppner Harald , Wolf Myles 
Published: March 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Primary prevention of disordered mineral metabolism in CKD necessitates knowledge of its early pathophysiology. This study evaluated daily fluctuations in mineral metabolites in patients with CKD stages 3 and 4 before and after short-term calcitriol treatment and tested the effects of dietary calcium and calcitriol supplementation on these parameters in the dynamic postprandial setting.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Twelve CKD patients received calcitriol (0.25 μg daily for 1 week) with hourly assessments of mineral metabolites made throughout the day and in the context of standardized meals before and after treatment. Calcium content (250 versus 500 mg) in the breakfasts constituted the dietary calcium intervention. Twelve healthy volunteers were used as controls.

Results
At baseline, compared with controls, fasting CKD subjects had higher parathyroid hormone and fibroblast growth factor 23 levels and greater fractional excretion of phosphate. After breakfast, urinary calcium excretion increased and parathyroid hormone levels dipped transiently in both groups, but they rose soon thereafter, reaching higher peaks in CKD. Calcitriol decreased fasting parathyroid hormone levels, and when combined with dietary calcium load, it normalized the postprandial parathyroid and calcemic responses. Daily variability in mineral metabolites was preserved in CKD before and after calcitriol. Fibroblast growth factor 23 levels increased after calcitriol, although the response was heterogeneous.

Conclusions
Short-term treatment with calcitriol and dietary calcium supplementation normalizes the parathyroid and calcemic postprandial responses in patients with CKD, in whom the diurnal rhythms of mineral metabolites are preserved. Future studies should investigate the variable fibroblast growth factor 23 response to calcitriol in CKD.
Chronic Kidney Disease, Insulin Resistance, and Incident Diabetes in Older Adults
Authors: Pham Hien , Robinson-Cohen Cassianne , Biggs Mary L. , Ix Joachim H. , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Fried Linda F. , Kestenbaum Bryan , Siscovick David S. , de Boer Ian H. 
Published: March 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Insulin resistance is a complication of advanced CKD. Insulin resistance is less well characterized in earlier stages of CKD. The response of the pancreatic β cell, effects on glucose tolerance, and risk of diabetes are not clear.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
The Cardiovascular Health Study included 4680 adults without baseline diabetes. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine equation was used to obtain the estimated GFR (eGFR). Insulin resistance was evaluated as fasting insulin concentration. The insulin sensitivity index, β cell function, and glucose tolerance were assessed by oral glucose tolerance testing. Incident diabetes was defined as fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dl, nonfasting glucose ≥200 mg/dl, or use of glucose-lowering medications.

Results
Mean age was 72.5 years (range, 65–98 years). Mean eGFR was 72.2 (SD 17.1) ml/min per 1.73 m2. After adjustment, each 10 ml/min per 1.73 m2 lower eGFR was associated with a 2.2% higher fasting insulin concentration (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4%, 2.9%; P<0.001) and a 1.1% lower insulin sensitivity index (95% CI, 0.03%, 2.2%; P=0.04). Surprisingly, eGFR was associated with an augmented β cell function index (P<0.001), lower 2-hour glucose concentration (P=0.002), and decreased risk of glucose intolerance (P=0.006). Over a median 12 years’ follow-up, 437 participants (9.3%) developed diabetes. eGFR was not associated with the risk of incident diabetes.

Conclusions
Among older adults, lower eGFR was associated with insulin resistance. However, with lower eGFR, β cell function was appropriately augmented and risks of impaired glucose tolerance and incident diabetes were not increased.
Particle Filled Polyethylene Composites Used in the Technology of Rotational Moulding
Authors: Bútora Peter , Náplava Antonín , Ridzoň Martin , Bílik Jozef , Tittel Viktor 
Published: March 2012

Particle Filled Polyethylene Composites Used in the Technology of Rotational Moulding
The submitted article discusses rotational moulding technology and filled plastics. For testing, linear low density polyethylene filled with talc was used. The materials tested varied way of mixing the filler into the polymer. For the prepared samples were evaluated by tensile, elongation, melt flow index, density, Shore hardness and Vicat softening temperature. Experiments showed that, in principle, it is possible to produce rotational moulding technology filled thermoplastics.
Building a Laboratory-Scale Biogas Plant and Verifying its Functionality
Authors: Boleman Tomáš , Fiala Jozef , Blinová Lenka , Gerulová Kristína 
Published: March 2012

Building a Laboratory-Scale Biogas Plant and Verifying its Functionality
The paper deals with the process of building a laboratory-scale biogas plant and verifying its functionality. The laboratory-scale prototype was constructed in the Department of Safety and Environmental Engineering at the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology in Trnava, of the Slovak University of Technology. The Department has already built a solar laboratory to promote and utilise solar energy, and designed SETUR hydro engine. The laboratory is the next step in the Department's activities in the field of renewable energy sources and biomass. The Department is also involved in the European Union project, where the goal is to upgrade all existed renewable energy sources used in the Department.
Environmental Reporting of Organisations
Authors: Rusko Miroslav , Tureková Ivana , Králiková Ružena , Bevilaqua Dušan 
Published: March 2012

Environmental Reporting of Organisations
Top managers are aware of the necessity of open and honest informing about their environmental activities, which is preconditioned by the development, maintenance and subsequent improvement of the system of environmental informing in the enterprise. Environmental reporting is a tool for providing information about organisation's activities and their impact on environment.
The History of Tourist Transport After the Modern Industrial Revolution
Authors: Gierczak Beata 
Published: March 2012

The History of Tourist Transport After the Modern Industrial Revolution
The article focuses on the changes in the development of tourism transportation, which occurred after the invention of the steam engine in 1769 by Watt. The stages in tourism transport after the industrial revolution have been introduced. The article also deals with changes occurred in all modes of transportation, taking into account the speed of the trip, the quality of transport services and the pace of the development of the touristic movement as well as the pro-ecological actions.
Talent Detection and Competitive Progress in Biathlon - A National Example
Authors: Carlson Rolf 
Published: March 2012

Talent Detection and Competitive Progress in Biathlon - A National Example
The main purpose of this study was to explain later years' success among Swedish biathletes. Sportive talent is regarded an interactional process within the frame of Bronfenbrenner's ecological model for human development. The national team (the elite group) consisting of 13 individuals was investigated along with a control group - matched in pairs in variables age, sex and athletic performance. All athletes were graduates from the upper secondary education sport schools (RIG sport academies). Data was collected via interviews and observations during training and world cup competitions. Based on quadruples of a year elite biathletes were more often born early in a year compared to controls. Hence, the prevailing system for division in competition classes based on age during adolescence could favour early developers. The elite group athletes revealed more positive experiences from sport academy years - in particular concerning the acting and behaviour of coaches in terms of individualisation in training and reciprocity in communication. Furthermore, controls were more often injured and experienced greater difficulties to carry out sufficient training. The results indicate the negative impact of competition classes based on age per se during adolescence and competence issues referring to sport academy coaches.
Time‐calibrated phylogeny of the woody Australian genus Hakea (Proteaceae) supports multiple origins of insect‐pollination among bird‐pollinated ancestors
Authors: Mast Austin R. , Milton Ethan F. , Jones Eric H. , Barker Robyn M. , Barker William R. , Weston Peter H. 
Published: March 2012

• Premise of the study: A past study based on morphological data alone showed that the means by which plants of the Australian genus Hakea reduce florivory is related to the evolution of bird pollination. For example, bird pollination was shown to have arisen only in insect‐pollinated lineages that already produced greater amounts of floral cyanide, a feature that reduces florivory. We examine a central conclusion of that study, and a common assumption in the literature, that bird pollination arose in insect‐pollinated lineages, rather than the reverse.• Methods: We combined morphological and DNA data to infer the phylogeny and age of the Australian genus Hakea, using 9.2 kilobases of plastid and nuclear DNA and 46 morphological characters from a taxonomically even sampling of 55 of the 149 species.• Key results: Hakea is rooted confidently in a position that has not been suggested before. The phylogeny implies that bird pollination is primitive in Hakea and that multiple shifts to insect pollination have occurred. The unexpectedly young age of Hakea (a crown age of ca. 10 Ma) makes it coincident with its primary bird pollinators (honeyeaters) throughout its history.• Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that Hakea is an exception to the more commonly described shift from insect to bird pollination. However, we note that only one previous phylogenetic study involved Australian plants and their honeyeater pollinators and that our finding might prove to be more common on that continent.
Microsatellite markers from Ceanothus roderickii (Rhamnaceae) using next‐generation sequencing technology
Authors: Burge Dylan O. , Jui Ginger , Kembel Steven W. , Zhukovsky Katherine 
Published: March 2012

• Premise of the study: Ceanothus roderickii is an endangered shrub endemic to California. To investigate the population genetics of this species, including the genetic consequences of population fragmentation and hybridization, 10 microsatellite markers were developed.• Methods and Results: Using next‐generation sequencing (454) data from a single C. roderickii individual, 10 microsatellite markers were developed. A group of 12 individuals representing all of the major C. roderickii populations were analyzed. All loci were found to be polymorphic, with a range from two to 12 alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.08 to 0.83 across loci. All 10 loci were also amplifiable in at least one other Ceanothus species.• Conclusions: Results presented here indicate the utility of our new microsatellite primers in ongoing and future studies concerning population genetics and gene flow in C. roderickii, as well as the potential applicability of these primers in similar studies on other Ceanothus species.
A New Neutral-Ph Low-Gdp Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid
Authors: Himmele Rainer , Jensen Lynn , Fenn Dominik , Ho Chih-Hu , Sawin Dixie-Ann , Diaz–Buxo Jose A. 
Published: March 2012

Background Conventional peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDFs) consist of ready-to-use solutions with an acidic pH. Sterilization of these fluids is known to generate high levels of glucose degradation products (GDPs). Although several neutral-pH, low-GDP PD solutions have been developed, none are commercially available in the United States. We analyzed pH and GDPs in Delflex Neutral pH (Fresenius Medical Care North America, Waltham, MA, USA), the first neutral-pH PDF to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Methods We evaluated whether patients (n = 26; age range: 18 - 78 years) could properly mix the Delflex Neutral pH PDF after standardized initial training. We further analyzed the concentrations of 10 different glucose degradation products in Delflex Neutral pH PDF and compared the results with similar analyses in other commercially available biocompatible PDFs. Results All pH measurements (n = 288) in the delivered Delflex Neutral pH solution consistently fell within the labeled range of 7.0 ± 0.4. Analysis of mixing errors showed no significant impact on the pH results. Delflex Neutral pH, Balance (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany), BicaVera (Fresenius Medical Care), and Gambrosol Trio (Gambro Lundia AB, Lund, Sweden) exhibited similar low total GDP concentrations, with maximums in the 4.25% solutions of 88 μmol/L, 74 μmol/L, 74 μmol/L, and 79 μmol/L respectively; the concentration in Physioneal (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, USA) was considerably higher at 263.26 μmol/L The total GDP concentration in Extraneal (Baxter Healthcare Corporation) was 63 μmol/L, being thus slightly lower than the concentrations in the 4.25% glucose solutions, but higher than the concentrations in the 1.5% and 2.5% glucose solutions. Conclusions The new Delflex Neutral pH PDF consistently delivers neutral pH with minimal GDPs.