bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From tissue iron retention to low systemic haemoglobin levels, new pathophysiological biomarkers of human abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Martinez-Pinna Roxana , Lindholt Jes S. , Madrigal-Matute Julio , Blanco-Colio Luis M. , Esteban-Salan Margarita , Torres-Fonseca Monica Maria , Lefebvre Thibault , Delbosc Sandrine , Laustsen Jesper , Driss Fathi , de Ceniga Melina Vega , Gouya Laurent , Egido Jesus , Meilhac Olivier , Michel Jean-Baptiste , Martin-Ventura Jose L. , Weiss Günter 
Published: March 2014

SummaryIron deposits are observed in tissue of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients, although the underlying mechanisms are not completely elucidated. Therefore we explored circulating markers of iron metabolism in AAA patients, and tested if they could serve as biomarkers of AAA. Increased red blood cell (RBC)-borne iron retention and transferrin, transferrin receptor and ferritin expression was observed in AAA tissue compared to control aorta (immunohistochemistry and western blot). In contrast, decreased circulating iron, transferrin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and haemoglobin concentration, along with circulating RBC count, were observed in AAA patients (aortic diameter >3 cm, n=114) compared to controls (aortic diameter <3 cm, n=88) (ELISA), whereas hepcidin concentrations were increased in AAA subjects (MS/MS assay). Moreover, iron, transferrin and haemoglobin levels were negatively, and hepcidin positively, correlated with aortic diameter in AAA patients. The association of low haemoglobin with AAA presence or aortic diameter was independent of specific risk factors. Moreover, MCHC negatively correlated with thrombus area in another cohort of AAA patients (aortic diameter 3–5 cm, n=357). We found that anaemia was significantly more prevalent in AAA patients (aortic diameter >5 cm, n=8,912) compared to those in patients with atherosclerotic aorto-iliac occlusive disease (n=17,737) [adjusted odds ratio=1.77 (95% confidence interval: 1.61;1.93)]. Finally, the mortality risk among AAA patients with anaemia was increased by almost 30% [adjusted hazard ratio: 1.29 (95% confidence interval: 1.16;1.44)] as compared to AAA subjects without anaemia. In conclusion, local iron retention and altered iron recycling associated to high hepcidin and low transferrin systemic concentrations could lead to reduced circulating haemoglobin levels in AAA patients. Low haemoglobin levels are independently associated to AAA presence and clinical outcome.
The Lord's Supper for Baptists: A Spiritual Meal, a Snack, or a Placebo?
Authors: Hustad Donald Paul 
Published: March 2014

Baptists and other evangelical Christians have some unique challenges in Table worship. They are essentially alone in insisting that the Lord's Supper is not a sacrament — “a visible sign instituted by Christ to symbolize or confer grace.” They are more comfortable calling it an “ordinance,” which acknowledges Christ's institution of the act and their own obedience, but hesitates to claim any spiritual benefit. Their fears of “sacramental heresy” were confirmed in pre-Reformation abuses by Roman Catholics, especially those connected with transubstantiation and the concept of ex opere operato. In the sixteenth-century Reformation, the new Baptists and others in England, and Anabaptists on the Continent, were more radical than the magisterial denominations in “policing” table participation and limiting its meaning. Basically, they were followers of the Swiss reformer Ulrich Zwingli, who heralded communion as remembrance and Christian education, with no expectation of special grace. From the beginning, their table service was limited to brief prayers of thanks for the bread and the cup, improvised by deacons. The passing centuries contributed little to a meaningful Lord's Supper for Baptists. What we need now is a full, complete service of actions and words, with full remembrance of our Lord from eternity to eternity; full thanksgiving for all we remember; full awareness of our eating and drinking symbols of Christ's body and blood, which, by faith, can nourish us as he promised; and full recommitment of believers to love God completely and neighbors as themselves. The total result could be the spiritual maturation of believers through worship, and repetition of the full Gospel story for the uncommitted.
She-Preachers, Bossy Women, and Children of the Devil: Women Ministers in the Baptist Tradition, 1609–2012
Authors: Durso Pamela R. 
Published: March 2014

For four hundred years, Baptist women have been central to the growth of their churches, the upkeep of their buildings, the funding of their programs, and the theological education of their children. Yet, during most of those four hundred years, women did not hold formal leadership positions in Baptist churches. They were not given official titles or paid salaries. Only in the last fifty years or so have significant numbers of Baptist women been ordained either as deacons or as ministers. Despite the lack of recognition and despite opposition, Baptist women have served, led, and ministered from the earliest days of the history of the Baptist faith. This article provides a chronological timeline of the history of Baptist women's service and ministries from the early seventeenth century until the early twenty-first century. Included is a tracing of known “first” ordinations of women both here in the United States within six Baptist denominational bodies and by Baptist denominations in nine countries around the world. Other earlier ordinations may have taken place, and as more research is done in this field, other ordinations surely will be discovered and documented. The article also includes available information about the number of Baptist women who have been ordained or who are currently serving as pastors.
Syringe plunger contamination by hazardous drugs: A comparative study
Authors: Smith Stephen T , Szlaczky Mark C 
Published: March 2014

Aim The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative cyclophosphamide contamination level test with Becton Dickinson® syringe plungers with Phaseal® Closed System Transfer Devices and Equashield® syringe plungers under routine oncological compounding conditions. Method The ChemoGlo™ sampling kit and analysis services were used to test for cyclophosphamide contamination levels on the syringe plungers of Becton Dickinson® Phaseal and Equashield® syringes that underwent cycles of drug transfer in a Forma Class II, 2A Biological Safety Cabinet. Prior to testing, the syringes were divided into three equal groups for the Equashield® and Becton Dickinson® syringes. A 50 mL aliquot of cyclophosphamide was drawn into each syringe and then injected back into the cyclophosphamide vial. This drug transfer procedure was immediately repeated twice for the syringes in group 1, four times for group 2, and eight times for group 3. After the completion of the drug transfers with the Equashield® and Becton Dickinson® Phaseal syringes, the plungers were retracted back to the nominal syringe marking, and a wipe test of the exposed plunger was done using the ChemoGlo™ sampling kit. Results Significant contamination levels of 2000 ng and greater were detected on most Becton Dickinson® syringe plungers with Phaseal® Closed System Transfer Devices, whereas all Equashield® syringes remained uncontaminated at undetectable levels.
Tissue Engineered Meniscus Repair
Authors: Schwartz John A. , Wang William , Goldstein Todd , Grande Daniel A. 
Published: March 2014

Objective: Studies have shown that meniscal repairs have better outcomes over both partial and total meniscectomies. Tissue engineering strategies to repair meniscus tears have been explored using cell sources that involve a donor as well as a period of in vitro cell expansion before use. This study explored cell sources that could be easily harvested and rapidly isolated by enzymatic digestion and cannulated delivery. Methods: Bovine menisci were used to create a bucket handle tear. Cell lines were established from meniscus, synovium, and adipose tissue and fluorescently labeled. At passages P2, P4, and P8, cells were added to the defect from the following experimental groups: cells alone, collagen gel, collagen scaffold, or hyaluronic acid. Menisci constructs were xenografted subcutaneously onto the dorsum of athymic rats and incubated for 3, 6, and 9 weeks, at which time they were retrieved and processed for histology. Results: Meniscal cells were able to repair defects faster and significantly better than adipose or synovium derived cells. Adipose cells were the least effective in comparison. Repair was significantly better at 9 weeks compared with 6 and 3 weeks. Macroscopic examination of menisci that received cell implants showed the thickest tissue in menisci that had collagen implants, and the thinnest fill occurred in menisci treated with cells alone. Histology confirmed no cells or integrative repair in the control specimens. Conclusions: Delivery of cells alone outperformed the additional use of biomaterials. Our results suggest a strategy that would use both meniscus and synovial cells for arthroscopic meniscal repair.
Expansion of the neonatal platelet mass is achieved via an extension of platelet lifespan
Authors: Liu Zhi-Jian , Hoffmeister Karin M. , Hu Zhongbo , Mager Donald E. , Ait-Oudhia Sihem , Debrincat Marlyse A. , Pleines Irina , Josefsson Emma C. , Kile Benjamin T. , Italiano Joseph , Ramsey Haley , Grozovsky Renata , Veng-Pedersen Peter , Chavda Chaitanya , Sola-Visner Martha 
Published: March 2014

Key Points
Rapid growth and rising platelet counts result in a significant expansion of platelet mass during neonatal life. The rise in platelet counts is mediated by a prolongation in the neonatal platelet lifespan.
From the parents’ perspective: a user-satisfaction survey of immunization services in Guatemala
Authors: Barrera Lissette , Trumbo Silas Pierson , Bravo-Alcántara Pamela , Velandia-González Martha , Danovaro-Holliday M Carolina 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Immunization coverage levels in Guatemala have increased over the last two decades, but national targets of ≥95% have yet to be reached. To determine factors related to undervaccination, Guatemala’s National Immunization Program conducted a user-satisfaction survey of parents and guardians of children aged 0–5 years. Variables evaluated included parental immunization attitudes, preferences, and practices; the impact of immunization campaigns and marketing strategies; and factors inhibiting immunization.

Methods
Based on administrative coverage levels and socio-demographic indicators in Guatemala’s 22 geographical departments, five were designated as low-coverage and five as high-coverage areas. Overall, 1194 parents and guardians of children aged 0–5 years were interviewed in these 10 departments. We compared indicators between low- and high-coverage areas and identified risk factors associated with undervaccination.

Results
Of the 1593 children studied, 29 (1.8%) were determined to be unvaccinated, 458 (28.8%) undervaccinated, and 1106 (69.4%) fully vaccinated. In low-coverage areas, children of less educated (no education: RR = 1.49, p = 0.01; primary or less: 1.39, p = 0.009), older (aged >39 years: RR =1.31, p = 0.05), and single (RR = 1.32, p = 0.03) parents were more likely to have incomplete vaccination schedules. Similarly, factors associated with undervaccination in high-coverage areas included the caregiver’s lack of education (none: RR = 1.72, p = 0.0007; primary or less: RR = 1.30, p = 0.05) and single marital status (RR = 1.36, p = 0.03), as well as the child’s birth order (second: RR = 1.68, p = 0.003). Although users generally approved of immunization services, problems in service quality were identified. According to participants, topics such as the risk of adverse events (47.4%) and next vaccination appointments (32.3%) were inconsistently communicated to parents. Additionally, 179 (15.0%) participants reported the inability to vaccinate their child on at least one occasion. Compared to high-coverage areas, participants in low-coverage areas reported poorer service, longer wait times, and greater distances to health centers. In high-coverage areas, participants reported less knowledge about the availability of services.

Conclusions
Generally, immunization barriers in Guatemala are related to problems in accessing and attaining high-quality immunization services rather than to a population that does not adequately value vaccination. We provide recommendations to aid the country in maintaining its achievements and addressing new challenges.
Assessing the efficiency of multiple sequence alignment programs
Authors: Pais Fabiano Sviatopolk-Mirsky , Ruy Patrícia de Cássia , Oliveira Guilherme , Coimbra Roney Santos 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) is an extremely useful tool for molecular and evolutionary biology and there are several programs and algorithms available for this purpose. Although previous studies have compared the alignment accuracy of different MSA programs, their computational time and memory usage have not been systematically evaluated. Given the unprecedented amount of data produced by next generation deep sequencing platforms, and increasing demand for large-scale data analysis, it is imperative to optimize the application of software. Therefore, a balance between alignment accuracy and computational cost has become a critical indicator of the most suitable MSA program. We compared both accuracy and cost of nine popular MSA programs, namely CLUSTALW, CLUSTAL OMEGA, DIALIGN-TX, MAFFT, MUSCLE, POA, Probalign, Probcons and T-Coffee, against the benchmark alignment dataset BAliBASE and discuss the relevance of some implementations embedded in each program’s algorithm. Accuracy of alignment was calculated with the two standard scoring functions provided by BAliBASE, the sum-of-pairs and total-column scores, and computational costs were determined by collecting peak memory usage and time of execution.

Results
Our results indicate that mostly the consistency-based programs Probcons, T-Coffee, Probalign and MAFFT outperformed the other programs in accuracy. Whenever sequences with large N/C terminal extensions were present in the BAliBASE suite, Probalign, MAFFT and also CLUSTAL OMEGA outperformed Probcons and T-Coffee. The drawback of these programs is that they are more memory-greedy and slower than POA, CLUSTALW, DIALIGN-TX, and MUSCLE. CLUSTALW and MUSCLE were the fastest programs, being CLUSTALW the least RAM memory demanding program.

Conclusions
Based on the results presented herein, all four programs Probcons, T-Coffee, Probalign and MAFFT are well recommended for better accuracy of multiple sequence alignments. T-Coffee and recent versions of MAFFT can deliver faster and reliable alignments, which are specially suited for larger datasets than those encountered in the BAliBASE suite, if multi-core computers are available. In fact, parallelization of alignments for multi-core computers should probably be addressed by more programs in a near future, which will certainly improve performance significantly.
Doxorubicin-conjugated PLA-PEG-Folate based polymeric micelle for tumor-targeted delivery: Synthesis and in vitro evaluation
Authors: Hami Zahra , Amini Mohsen , Ghazi-Khansari Mahmoud , Rezayat Seyed Mehdi , Gilani Kambiz 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Selective delivery of anticancer agents to target areas in the body is desirable to minimize the side effects while maximizing the therapeutic efficacy. Anthracycline antibiotics such as doxorubicin (DOX) are widely used for treatment of a wide variety of solid tumors.
This study evaluated the potential of a polymeric micellar formulation of doxorubicin as a nanocarrier system for targeted therapy of a folate-receptor positive human ovarian cancer cell in line.

Results
DOX-conjugated targeting and non-targeting micelles prepared by the dialysis method were about 188 and 182 nm in diameter, respectively and their critical micelle concentration was 9.55 μg/ml. The DOX-conjugated micelles exhibited a potent cytotoxicity against SKOV3 human ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the targeting micelles showed higher cytotoxicity than that of non-targeting ones (IC50 = 4.65 μg/ml vs 13.51 μg/ml).

Conclusion
The prepared micelle is expected to increase the efficacy of DOX against cancer cells and reduce its side effects.
The Semanticscience Integrated Ontology (SIO) for biomedical research and knowledge discovery
Authors: Dumontier Michel , Baker Christopher JO , Baran Joachim , Callahan Alison , Chepelev Leonid , Cruz-Toledo José , Del Rio Nicholas R , Duck Geraint , Furlong Laura I , Keath Nichealla , Klassen Dana , McCusker Jamie P , Queralt-Rosinach Núria , Samwald Matthias , Villanueva-Rosales Natalia , Wilkinson Mark D , Hoehndorf Robert 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe Semanticscience Integrated Ontology (SIO) is an ontology to facilitate biomedical knowledge discovery. SIO features a simple upper level comprised of essential types and relations for the rich description of arbitrary (real, hypothesized, virtual, fictional) objects, processes and their attributes. SIO specifies simple design patterns to describe and associate qualities, capabilities, functions, quantities, and informational entities including textual, geometrical, and mathematical entities, and provides specific extensions in the domains of chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. SIO provides an ontological foundation for the Bio2RDF linked data for the life sciences project and is used for semantic integration and discovery for SADI-based semantic web services. SIO is freely available to all users under a creative commons by attribution license. See website for further information: http://sio.semanticscience.org.
Arsenic removal from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto iron oxide/activated carbon magnetic composite
Authors: Yao Shuhua , Liu Ziru , Shi Zhongliang 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
In this work the adsorption features of activated carbon and the magnetic properties of iron oxides were combined in a composite to produce magnetic adsorbent. Batch experiments were conducted to study the adsorption behavior of arsenate onto the synthetic magnetic adsorbent. The effects of initial solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage and co-existing anionic component on the adsorption of arsenate were investigated. The results showed that the removal percentage of arsenate could be over 95% in the conditions of adsorbent dosage 5.0 g/L, initial solution pH 3.0-8.0, and contact time 1 h. Under the experimental conditions, phosphate and silicate caused greater decrease in arsenate removal percentage among the anions, and sulfate had almost no effect on the adsorption of arsenate. Kinetics study showed that the overall adsorption rate of arsenate was illustrated by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The applicability of the Langmuir and Freundlich models for the arsenate adsorption data was tested. Both the models adequately describe the experimental data. Moreover, the magnetic composite adsorbent could be easily recovered from the medium by an external magnetic field. It can therefore be potentially applied for the treatment of water contaminated by arsenate.
Heterogeneous atypical cell populations are present in blood of metastatic breast cancer patients
Authors: Lustberg Maryam B , Balasubramanian Priya , Miller Brandon , Garcia-Villa Alejandra , Deighan Clayton , Wu Yongqi , Carothers Sarah , Berger Michael , Ramaswamy Bhuvaneswari , Macrae Erin R , Wesolowski Robert , Layman Rachel M , Mrozek Ewa , Pan Xueliang , Summers Thomas A , Shapiro Charles L , Chalmers Jeffrey J 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are commonly isolated from the blood by targeting the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) through positive selection. However, EpCAM can be downregulated during metastatic progression, or it can be initially not present. We designed the present prospective trial to characterize CTCs as well as other circulating cell populations in blood samples from women with metastatic breast cancer without EpCAM-dependent enrichment and/or isolation technology.

Methods
A total of 32 patients with metastatic breast cancer were enrolled, and blood samples were processed using a previously described negative depletion immunomagnetic methodology. Samples from healthy volunteers were run as controls (n = 5). Multistep sequential labeling was performed to label and fix cell-surface markers followed by permeabilization for cytokeratins (CK) 8, 18 and 19. Multiparametric flow cytometry (FCM) analysis was conducted using a BD LSR II flow cytometer or a BD FACSAria II or FACSAria III cell sorter. Immunocytochemical staining on postenrichment specimens for DAPI, EpCAM, CD45, CK, epidermal growth factor receptor and vimentin was performed. Expression of these markers was visualized using confocal microscopy (CM).

Results
CD45-negative/CK-positive (CD45− CK+) populations with EpCAM + and EpCAM − expression were identified with both FCM and CM from the negatively enriched patient samples. In addition, EpCAM + and EpCAM − populations that were CK + and coexpressing the pan-hematopoietic marker CD45 were also noted. There were more CK + EpCAM − events/ml than CK + EpCAM + events/ml in both the CD45− and CD45+ fractions (both statistically significant at P ≤ 0.0005). The number of CK + CD45− and CK + CD45+ events per milliliter in blood samples (regardless of EpCAM status) was higher in patient samples than in normal control samples (P ≤ 0.0005 and P ≤ 0.026, respectively). Further, a significant fraction of the CK + CD45+ events also expressed CD68, a marker associated with tumor-associated macrophages. Higher levels of CD45-CK + EpCAM − were associated with worse overall survival (P = 0.0292).

Conclusions
Metastatic breast cancer patients have atypical cells that are CK + EpCAM − circulating in their blood. Because a substantial number of these patients do not have EpCAM + CTCs, additional studies are needed to evaluate the role of EpCAM − circulating cells as a prognostic and predictive marker.
Age Below 40 or a Recently Proposed Clinical Prediction Score Cannot Bypass Adrenal Venous Sampling in Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Riester Anna , Fischer Evelyn , Degenhart Christoph , Reiser Maximilian F. , Bidlingmaier Martin , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin , Quinkler Marcus 
Published: March 2014

Context:
Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is used to distinguish bilateral from unilateral primary aldosteronism (PA). Due to its limited availability, clinical prediction scores have been proposed to diagnose unilateral disease without AVS.

Objective:
Our goal was to test 2 recently proposed predictors of unilateral PA: 1) a clinical prediction score using imaging, serum potassium, and glomerular filtration rate and 2) the combination of visible unilateral adenoma on imaging and age &lt;40 years.

Design and Setting:
We used the data of all patients with PA of the prospective German Conn's Registry treated in Munich and Berlin since 2008.

Patients and Intervention:
Of 205 patients with PA, 194 had a successful AVS and were included.

Main Outcome Measures:
Parameters were compared between patients with lateralized and nonlateralized AVS. Specificity and sensitivity of the proposed predictors were calculated.

Results:
A total of 130 patients (67%) had unilateral PA according to AVS. Patients with unilateral PA showed a significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate compared with patients with bilateral disease (P &lt; .05). The cohorts differed significantly in potassium supplementation, serum potassium, baseline and post-saline plasma aldosterone, baseline aldosterone to renin ratio, and adenoma in imaging. The proposed prediction score had a sensitivity of 46% (58 of 127) and a specificity of 80% (53 of 66). In patients below 40 years (n = 28), the prediction score achieved a specificity of 100%; however, relying only on imaging in this young cohort, the specificity dropped to 83%.

Conclusions:
The suggested prediction score has high accuracy only in young patients but cannot substitute for AVS in the elderly.