bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Total cholesterol and triglycerides are associated with the development of new bone marrow lesions in asymptomatic middle-aged women - a prospective cohort study
Authors: Davies-Tuck Miranda L , Hanna Fahad , Davis Susan R , Bell Robin J , Davison Sonia L , Wluka Anita E , Adams Jenny , Cicuttini Flavia M 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Given the emerging evidence that osteoarthritis (OA) may have a vascular basis, the aim of this study was to determine whether serum lipids were associated with change in knee cartilage, presence of bone marrow lesions (BMLs) at baseline and the development of new BMLs over a 2-year period in a population of pain-free women in mid-life.

Methods
One hundred forty-eight women 40 to 67 years old underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of their dominant knee at baseline and 2.2 (standard deviation 0.12) years later. Cartilage volume and BMLs were determined for both time points. Serum lipids were measured from a single-morning fasting blood test approximately 1.5 years prior to the MRI.

Results
The incidence of BML at follow-up was associated with higher levels of total cholesterol (odds ratio [OR] 1.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01, 3.36; P = 0.048) and triglycerides (OR 8.4, 95% CI 1.63, 43.43; P = 0.01), but not high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P = 0.93), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = 0.20) or total cholesterol/HDL ratio (P = 0.17). No association between total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL or total cholesterol/HDL ratio and presence of BMLs at baseline or annual change in total tibial cartilage volume was observed.

Conclusions
In this study of asymptomatic middle-aged women with no clinical knee OA, serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were associated with the incidence of BMLs over 2 years. This provides support for the hypothesis that vascular pathology may have a role in the pathogenesis of knee OA. Further work is warranted to clarify this and whether treatments aimed at reducing serum lipids may have a role in reducing the burden of knee OA.
Mining for coexpression across hundreds of datasets using novel rank aggregation and visualization methods
Authors: Adler Priit , Kolde Raivo , Kull Meelis , Tkachenko Aleksandr , Peterson Hedi , Reimand Jüri , Vilo Jaak 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe present a web resource MEM (Multi-Experiment Matrix) for gene expression similarity searches across many datasets. MEM features large collections of microarray datasets and utilizes rank aggregation to merge information from different datasets into a single global ordering with simultaneous statistical significance estimation. Unique features of MEM include automatic detection, characterization and visualization of datasets that includes the strongest coexpression patterns. MEM is freely available at http://biit.cs.ut.ee/mem/.
How patients use access to their full health records: a qualitative study of patients in general practice
Authors: Fisher Brian , Bhavnani Vanita , Winfield Marlene 
Published: December 2009

Summary Objective To explore how patients use record access, its impact and the benefits and drawbacks of using it. Design Qualitative study using focus group interviews, individual interviews and telephone interviews. Setting General practice offering electronic access to full medical records using PAERS system. Participants Forty-three patients aged between 20 and 71 years participated. Of these, nine were in the healthy group, eight had long-term health conditions, 10 were in the mental health group and 16 were pregnant. Results Three themes emerged as to how patients used record access – participation in care, quality of care and self-care strategies. Record access was used to help prepare patients for consultations, compensate for poor or complex communication during consultations and to reduce the fragmentation of care. Record access had a small impact on health behavior intentions. Overall patients felt that record access reinforced trust and confidence in doctors and helped them feel like partners in healthcare. Conclusion This study suggests that record access improves shared management, with patients using their records to improve interactions with healthcare providers, make decisions about their health and improve the quality of the care they receive. These findings also suggest a possible long-term potential for record access to improve health outcomes.
How an Adolescent's Childbearing Affects Siblings' Pregnancy Risk: A Qualitative Study Of Mexican American Youths
Authors: East Patricia L. , Slonim Ashley , Horn Emily J. , Trinh Cyndy , Reyes Barbara T. 
Published: December 2009

CONTEXT: The siblings of teenage parents are known to be at very high risk of teenage pregnancy, but little is known about how an older sister's childbearing affects a younger sibling's risk. Understanding these influences could help address the very high rates of pregnancy and childbearing among Latino adolescents. METHODS: From 2005 through 2007, a sample of 41 Mexican American 12–18‐year‐olds from southern California completed in‐depth interviews about how an older sister’s teenage childbearing had affected them. Themes that emerged were categorized as risk factors (circumstances that increased youths’ likelihood of becoming involved in a teenage pregnancy) or protective factors (conditions that reduced this likelihood) on the basis of well‐established findings in the literature. RESULTS: Interview data reflected six risk factors and 11 protective factors. The most commonly reported risk factors (discussed by more than a quarter of participants) were that youths did not perceive early parenting as a hardship, had increased difficulties in school and wanted to have a baby too. The most commonly cited protective factors (mentioned by more than half) were an increased motivation to avoid early parenting, an increased appreciation of the difficulties of parenting, mothers' explicitly discouraging early parenting and youths' feeling of greater closeness with their mother. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions that build on the protective factors that result when a youth's older sibling has a teenage birth, while reducing the risk factors, might help families prevent younger children from becoming involved in a teenage pregnancy.
Casual Sex and Psychological Health Among Young Adults: Is Having “Friends with Benefits” Emotionally Damaging?
Authors: Eisenberg Marla E. , Ackard Diann M. , Resnick Michael D. , Neumark‐Sztainer Dianne 
Published: December 2009

CONTEXT: Speculation in public discourse suggests that sexual encounters outside a committed romantic relationship may be emotionally damaging for young people, and federal abstinence education policy has required teaching that sexual activity outside of a marital relationship is likely to have harmful psychological consequences. METHODS: In 2003–2004, a diverse sample of 1,311 sexually active young adults (mean age, 20.5) participating in a longitudinal study in Minnesota completed a survey including measures of sexual behavior and psychological wellbeing. Chi‐square tests were used to compare the prevalence of recent casual partnerships by selected demographic and personal categories. General linear modeling was then used to compare mean levels of each psychological wellbeing measure between those reporting recent casual partners and those reporting committed partners; partner type was measured both dichotomously and categorically. RESULTS: One‐fifth of participants reported that their most recent sex partner was a casual partner (i.e., casual acquaintance or close but nonexclusive partner). Casual partnerships were more common among men than among women (29% vs. 14%), and the proportions of male and female respondents reporting a recent casual partner diff ered by race or ethnicity. Scores of psychological well‐being were generally consistent across sex partner categories, and no significant associations between partner type and well‐being were found in adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Young adults who engage in casual sexual encounters do not appear to be at greater risk for harmful psychological outcomes than sexually active young adults in more committed relationships.
Detailed Educational Pathways Among Females After Very Early Sexual Intercourse
Authors: Steward Nicole R. , Farkas George , Bingenheimer Jeffrey B. 
Published: December 2009

CONTEXT: Although studies have shown that early sex is negatively associated with high school graduation and college enrollment, no recent study has examined the extent to which early sex affects educational attainment, and the mediating mechanisms have not been established. METHODS: Data from 4,613 female participants in the National Educational Longitudinal Study were used to examine the relationship between early sexual intercourse (i.e., first sex prior to age 15) and educational attainment. Logistic regression analyses that controlled for background characteristics, school performance, behavioral factors and academic aspirations were conducted to assess this association, as well as to explore the potential mediating role of early marriage and childbearing. RESULTS:  Young women who had had early sex had reduced odds of having graduated from high school (odds ratio, 0.4) and from college (0.5). Postsecondary enrollment was positively associated with expectations of postsecondary education (1.5) and levels of academic achievement (1.4–1.5), but not with early sex. Respondents who had married before their expected high school graduation date had reduced odds of having graduated from high school (0.1), enrolled in postsecondary school (0.4) or completed college (0.1); those who had a child before their expected high school graduation date had reduced odds of having graduated from high school (0.3) or college (0.1). CONCLUSIONS:  Programs that target early parenthood and marriage, and that provide hope for future educational opportunities, could lessen the impact of early sex for young women.
Sweetening the Pot: Adding Glycosylation to the Biomarker Discovery Equation
Authors: Drake Penelope M , Cho Wonryeon , Li Bensheng , Prakobphol Akraporn , Johansen Eric , Anderson N Leigh , Regnier Fred E , Gibson Bradford W , Fisher Susan J 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground: Cancer has profound effects on gene expression, including a cell’s glycosylation machinery. Thus, tumors produce glycoproteins that carry oligosaccharides with structures that are markedly different from the same protein produced by a normal cell. A single protein can have many glycosylation sites that greatly amplify the signals they generate compared with their protein backbones.Content: In this article, we survey clinical tests that target carbohydrate modifications for diagnosing and treating cancer. We present the biological relevance of glycosylation to disease progression by highlighting the role these structures play in adhesion, signaling, and metastasis and then address current methodological approaches to biomarker discovery that capitalize on selectively capturing tumor-associated glycoforms to enrich and identify disease-related candidate analytes. Finally, we discuss emerging technologies—multiple reaction monitoring and lectin-antibody arrays—as potential tools for biomarker validation studies in pursuit of clinically useful tests.Summary: The future of carbohydrate-based biomarker studies has arrived. At all stages, from discovery through verification and deployment into clinics, glycosylation should be considered a primary readout or a way of increasing the sensitivity and specificity of protein-based analyses.
Definition of reference ranges for the platelet distribution width (PDW): a local need
Authors: Farias Mariela Granero , Schunck Elias Guilherme , Dal Bó Suzane , de Castro Simone Martins 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground:Automated hematological analyzers have contributed to more precise and faster results. They also make it possible to measure several blood cell parameters automatically. Among the parameters provided, platelet indices are probably the most ignored by clinical laboratories due to the difficulty of standardization, as well as being affected by a range of methodological problems. It has been suggested that each laboratory determines its own reference intervals with the equipment used.Methods:Our goal was to determine the reference range of platelet distribution width (PDW) in venous blood samples from 231 patients using the Pentra 120 ABX hematology analyzer.Results:The PDW median was 13.3%, with a reference range of 10.0%–17.9% for the 5th–95th percentiles, with a confidence interval of 95%.Conclusions:Among all indices, the PDW has been receiving attention due to its usefulness for distinguishing between reactive thrombocytosis and thrombocytosis associated with myeloproliferative disorder. Determination of the PDW reference range is fundamental, and the association of this parameter with the platelet number and mean platelet volume may be used for the diagnosis and differentiation of several pathologies.Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:255–7.
Stability of cerebrospinal fluid/serum glucose ratio and cerebrospinal fluid lactate concentrations over 24 h: analysis of repeated measurements
Authors: Dujmovic Irena , Deisenhammer Florian 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background: The cerebrospinal fluid/serum glucose ratio (CSF/Sglu) and CSF lactate measurements are part of the routine CSF work-up. The in-vitro stability of both metabolites in CSF has not been formally investigated.

Methods: Following collection, CSF/Sglu and CSF L-lactate concentrations were measured repeatedly at five time points (baseline, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h and 24 h) in CSF and whole blood specimens stored at 4°C.

Results: CSF glucose and lactate concentrations were stable over 24 h in samples with both normal and increased CSF cell counts. The CSF cell count did not influence CSF glucose concentrations, but correlated significantly with CSF lactate concentrations. The CSF/Sglu increased significantly over time due to glucose consumption.

Conclusions: Glucose and L-lactate are stable in CSF specimens at 4°C over 24 h. The CSF/Sglu seems to be more reliable than CSF lactate because it is independent of the cell count. Falsely increased CSF/Sglu may be corrected by the rate of consumption of blood glucose.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:209–12.
Performance analysis of the ARCHITECT anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hwang Sang Mee , Kim Jeong-Ok , Yoo Young-Mi , Shin Sue , Kim Jin Q , Park Myoung Hee , Song Eun Young 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background: Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody is emerging as an important diagnostic marker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We evaluated the analytical and diagnostic performance of the ARCHITECT anti-CCP (Abbott Diagnostics), a new fully automated chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.

Methods: Serum samples from 69 patients with RA and 86 non-RA patients were used to evaluate the performance of the ARCHITECT anti-CCP assay, and the results were compared with those of EliA CCP (Phadia). The optimal cut-off value was calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results: Within-run and total imprecision (%CV) of the ARCHITECT anti-CCP were <6% and good linearity was observed over the claimed range. The areas under the ROC curves for the ARCHITECT anti-CCP and EliA CCP were 0.90 and 0.89, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity were 76.8% and 95.3% for the ARCHITECT anti-CCP and 78.3% and 95.3% for EliA CCP using the manufacturer's cut-off thresholds. Both assays showed sensitivity of 84.1% and specificity of 94.2% using the optimal cut-off values.

Conclusions: The analytical performance of the ARCHITECT anti-CCP was satisfactory and diagnostic performance was comparable to that of EliA CCP. The use of optimal cut-off thresholds can yield higher sensitivity with minimal loss of specificity.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:225–30.
Determination of globotriaosylceramide in plasma and urine by mass spectrometry
Authors: Krüger Ralf , Bruns Kai , Grünhage Silke , Rossmann Heidi , Reinke Jörg , Beck Michael , Lackner Karl J. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background: Fabry disease is an X-chromosomally inherited lysosomal storage disorder leading to accumulation of glycosphingolipids, mainly globotriaosylceramide (ceramide-trihexoside, Gb3). Concentrations of Gb3 in plasma and urine have been used to diagnose Fabry disease and to monitor enzyme replacement therapy with recombinant α-galactosidase.

Methods: Gb3 was purified from plasma or urine by combined liquid extraction/protein precipitation and solid-phase extraction, and was detected by flow-injection analysis electrospray mass spectrometry (MS) using multi-reaction-monitoring. Calibration was performed via standard addition using C17-Gb3 as internal standard. The most abundant isoforms were monitored for calculation of total Gb3.

Results: A MS-based assay for quantification of Gb3 in plasma and urine was established and validated. Intra- and inter-assay coefficient of variation (CV) of the method were ≤12%. However, at low concentrations the CV was 16%. The linear range covers roughly two orders of magnitude, down to 0.54 mg/L in plasma and 0.07 mg/L in urine. Careful adjustment of tuning parameters was necessary to obtain identical isoform intensities and quantitative results on different mass spectrometers. Gb3 concentrations in healthy controls were <4 mg/L in EDTA-plasma and <10 μg/mmol creatinine in urine. Significantly increased Gb3 concentrations were found in plasma and urine from male and female patients with Fabry disease.

Conclusions: An improved MS protocol for Gb3 quantification has been developed, validated, and shown to be suitable for diagnosis and monitoring of Fabry patients.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:189–98.
Oxidative polymerisation of models for phenolic lignin end-groups by laccase
Authors: Areskogh Dimitri , Li Jiebing , Nousiainen Paula , Gellerstedt Göran , Sipilä Jussi , Henriksson Gunnar 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe redox enzyme laccase can lead to cross-linking of lignin molecules by oxidising phenolic end groups to resonance-stabilised radicals that can undergo radical coupling to form covalent bonds. This property has potential for many technical applications. However, laccase treatment can also lead to degradation. Experiments were performed with two laccases of different oxidation potential and pH and temperature optima. The predominant reaction following laccase oxidation is the formation of 5-5′ and 4-O-5′ bonds. If the 5-position is blocked, other reactions occur, including coupling of the 1-position and oxidation of the α-position, which aggravates cross-linking of different lignin molecules. The product profile generated by the two laccases is somewhat different, mainly because of the different pH rather than differences in enzyme activity. Reaction mechanisms and the technical and biological significance of the results are discussed.
Moisture-induced stresses and distortions in spruce cross-laminates and composite laminates
Authors: Gereke Thomas , Hass Philipp , Niemz Peter 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
The crosswise gluing of cross-laminated panels made of solid wood can cause problems when exposed to moisture variations. In the present study, the substitution of the spruce middle layer by a wood composite is tested for its influence on moisture-induced stresses and deformations in laboratory tests and numerical simulations. Furthermore, slits in the spruce middle layer were investigated. The hygroscopic warping due to a moisture gradient, stresses caused by moistening and cracks due to drying were studied. The results show larger warping in composite laminates compared to the spruce cross-laminate, which is governed by the modulus of elasticity of the middle layer. The in-plane swelling was found to be larger in composite laminates, while stresses were lower. The drying test discovered that cracks develop in the middle layer of spruce-medium density fiberboard laminates due to shear stresses and tensile stresses in the thickness direction. It was concluded that slits can be applied in the middle layer, as they have no significant influence on moisture-induced stresses but increase the thermal insulation. If the substitution of the spruce layer is required, the application of oriented strand board in the middle layer is recommended.
Initiating ECF bleaching sequences of eucalyptus kraft pulps with Z/D and Z/E stages
Authors: García Juan C. , López Francisco , Pérez Antonio , Pèlach M. Angels , Mutjé Pere , Colodette Jorge L. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Ozone bleaching is a common practice in pulping, and also of eucalyptus, where it is usually applied in combination with bleaching sequences based on oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, or chlorine dioxide. Ozone has been proven to be a highly efficient and competitive bleaching chemical in terms of delignification efficiency, low costs, and reducing ecological impact. The objective of the present work was to evaluate technology with ozone/alkaline extraction (Z/E) and ozone/chlorine dioxide (Z/D) for bleaching of eucalyptus kraft pulp. Primarily, the impact of these bleaching steps on refinability and quality of pulp should be investigated. As reference, the sequence D*(EP)D (hot chlorine dioxide, extraction in presence of hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide) was selected, which is considered as the state-of-the-art bleaching in elemental chlorine free (ECF) bleaching technology. Various bleaching sequences with ozone in their first step (Z/D(EP)DP, Z/D(EP)DD, Z/EDP, Z/EDD and A*Z/EDP) were found to provide kraft pulps of similar brightness and in similar yield as the reference sequence D*(EP)D. The kappa number, viscosity, and the contents of glucose and xylose, and hexenuronic acid of the pulps were also similar. In addition, the Z sequences resulted in a substantial reduction of the total chlorine dioxide consumption (more than 30.3% in all cases). The A*Z/EDP sequence, which proved to be the most efficient, yielded 87.5% ClO2 reduction. The studied bleaching sequences also resulted in substantially improved brightness reversal with regard to the reference sequence. The sequence A*Z/EDP was also the most efficient as regards the removal or organochlorines (OX) from the pulp and their reduction in the effluents (AOX). Ozone bleaching sequences improved paper strength, especially with the A*Z/EDP sequence.
Effects of calcium-based materials and iron impurities on wood degradation by the brown rot fungus Serpula lacrymans
Authors: Schilling Jonathan S. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Calcium-containing materials have been implicated in promoting wood degradation by Serpula lacrymans, but mechanisms remain unresolved. In this study, S. lacrymans and Serpula himantioides degraded pine sapwood in agar-block microcosms with one of four treatments: calcium-free, 5 mM agar CaCl2, high-purity gypsum (CaSO4), and gypsum amended with 1% FeSO4. Calcium and iron availability were limited in minimal nutrient agar. At week 5, pine degradation was significantly higher for S. lacrymans in iron-amended gypsum treatments than other treatments, and the respective agar oxalate levels were also higher. Oxalate solubility was lowest in pure calcium microcosms. Scanning electron microscopy showed hyphae in contact with gypsum and precipitation of calcium oxalate. At week 15, wood degradation by S. lacrymans was severe (>60%) in both calcium-free and iron-amended treatments, but was significantly less in pure calcium treatments (≈45%). Cation analysis in week 15 wood revealed higher calcium and iron levels in treatments containing those element additions. Serpula himantioides had decayed wood equally among treatments at both harvests. Results demonstrate that calcium has an inhibiting effect – and not a promoting effect as hitherto believed – on wood degradation by S. lacrymans. It appears that oxalate and iron play a role in stimulating wood degradation by this destructive fungus.