bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of NPK fertilizer, biofertilizer containing N fixer and P solubilizer, and green manure of C. juncea on nutrients uptake and growth of sugarcane
Authors: Djajadi  , Syaputra R , Hidayati S N
Published: January 2020

A field experiment was conducted at Karangploso Research Station to investigate the effect of NPK fertilizer added with biofertilizer containing of N fixing and P solubilizing bacteria plus green manure of C. juncea on nutrient uptake and growth of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). The experiment had 10 treatments: (1) 100% of recommended fertilizer (RF), (2) 100% RF + biofertilizer, (3) 75% RF + biofertilizer, (4) 50% RF + biofertilizer, (5) 100% RF + C. juncea, (6) 75% RF + C. juncea, (7) 50% RF + C. juncea, (8) 100% RF + biofertilizer + C. juncea, (9) 75% RF + biofertilizer + C. juncea, (10) 50% RF + biofertilizer + C. juncea. The ten treatments were arranged in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Results showed that the nutrients uptake attributes (N, P and K) and growth of sugarcane was affected by biofertilizer and C. juncea. The best treatment of the results was combination of biofertilizer and C. juncea with 100% rate of recommended fertilizer of NPK gave the highest of N uptake and length of stalk.
Estimating tree age of rubber stands using spaceborne L-band synthetic aperture radar
Authors: Trisasongko B H , Panuju D R , Iman L O S
Published: January 2020

Earth-observing data have been employed for plantation’s detection and monitoring within the context of land cover planning. Rising utilization has recently been observed for detailed tree assessment on very specific commodities such as oil palm. In this article, evaluation of spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is presented, taking the outstanding benefit of high resolution fully polarimetric data recently available worldwide. Primary goal of the research was to evaluate SAR imagery for the detection of stand age of rubber plantation. We found that coupling fully polarimetric data and Random Forests (RF) as the classifier could yield more than 80% accuracy. This indicates that Earth-observing data serve as potential backbone for mapping and investigating plantations in remote locations.
Distribution and population density of the alang-alang gall midge, Orseolia javanica kieffer & van leeuwen-reijnvaan (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)
Authors: Hidayat P , Aviansyah I , Gumilang B L
Published: January 2020

Weeds is one of the remaining problems in the estate crops. Among the top ten noxious weeds is the cogongrass or alang-alang (Imperata cylindrica). The weed is easily dispersed, 60% of its biomass is under the ground and it is difficult to be controlled. Gall forming insect on alang-alang, Orseolia javanica (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is thought to have a potential as biocontrol agent. Gall midge-invested alang-alang will grow abnormal indicated by purplish colour, formed of tube-like leaves, and tapped on the end of the rod. A research was conducted to study the cogongrass gall midge distribution in West Java, Central Java, and Yogyakarta provinces as well as its population dynamic in Cianjur district. The distribution of cogongrass gall midge was found in the area with the altitudes of 331-1250 m above sea level. The highest population of the gall midge in Cianjur was 31 galls per m2. There is a positive correlation between population dynamic of the gall midge in Cianjur and the rainfall intensity. The result of this study suggests that the gall formation density is relatively high despite high parasitization by hymenopteran was observed.
Policy governance of climate change to strengthen national resilience in Indonesia
Authors: Ariana Lutfah
Published: January 2020

Economic growth has led to tremendous environmental changes including resulted pollution, overexploitation of natural resources (biodiversity), converted land/sea (reclamation) and increasing carbon emissions. How developing countries have ability to manage climate change impacts as committed in international climate agreement such as the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), UNFCCC, COP 21 and so on, is important to be analyzed. As middle income countries, most developing countries (such as Indonesia) have already dealed with other various issues – political, economic, social, etc – in which most government put their priorities and allocate most of their resources to solve those challenges. It is critical to provide policy framework on adaptation and mitigation of climate change impact to strengthen national resilience. As conceptual paper this study aims to analyse the policy governance that integrate the perspective of social and economic issues to address the impacts of climate change on particular case. By exploring global issues of multi level perspectives, this paper provides several propositions for policy makers to strengthen the key strategic policy in national and local contexts of climate change challenges.
An inexpensive system for the deterministic transfer of 2D materials
Authors: Zhao Qinghua , Wang Tao , Ryu Yu Kyoung , Frisenda Riccardo , Castellanos-Gomez Andres
Published: January 2020

The development of systems for the deterministic transfer of two-dimensional (2D) materials have undoubtedly contributed to great advancements in 2D materials research. In fact, they have made it possible to fabricate van der Waals heterostructures and 2D materials-based devices with complex architectures. Nonetheless, as far as we know, the number of existing papers providing enough details to reproduce these systems by other research groups is very scarce in the literature. Moreover, these systems typically require the use of expensive optical and mechanical components hampering their applicability in research groups with a low budget. Here, we demonstrate how a deterministic placement system for 2D materials, set up with full capabilities, can be implemented for under 900 € -- which can be easily implemented in labs and educational labs with low budgets.
Offshoring Migration Control: Guatemalan Transmigrants and the Construction of Mexico as a Buffer Zone
Authors: Raquel Minian Ana
Published: January 2020

During the late Cold War, the United States and Western European countries offshored migration control to less powerful nations by converting them into buffer zones. Buffer zones had long been used to provide nations with military protection; now they were imagined as protecting nations from migrants by obstructing their movement. This practice had human rights implications. Beginning in the 1970s, the idea flourished that the defense of individual human rights was a transnational mandate that extended beyond the protections granted by particular nation-states. Ironically, the transnational practice of extending migration controls beyond individual nation-states that developed in the 1980s opened the door to increased human rights violations. This essay explores these dynamics by focusing on how, during the 1980s, U.S. officials pressured Mexican authorities to enter into a Faustian bargain that limited Mexico’s sovereign right to determine its immigration practices. U.S. policymakers insisted that they would turn a blind eye to Mexican migration if Mexican officials suppressed Central American migration into and through Mexico. In turn, Mexico’s leaders instituted measures to stop Central Americans from reaching the United States. These measures did not curtail transmigration, but they did lead to widespread violence and human rights abuses.
Cohort Differences in the Associations of Selected Candidate Genes With Risk of All-Cause Mortality at Advanced Ages
Authors: Tan Qihua , Jacobsen Rune , Nygaard Marianne , Soerensen Mette , Mengel-From Jonas , Christiansen Lene , Christensen Kaare
Published: January 2020

Considerable efforts have been made to identify the genetic basis of human longevity, with only limited progress. One important drawback of current genetic studies is the limited knowledge of gene-environment interaction. Using 2 cohorts of long-lived individuals born in 1905 and 1915 in Denmark, we performed survival analysis to estimate risk of mortality for major candidate genes of aging and longevity and their cohort effects. Through statistical modeling that combines individual genetic and survival information with cohort-specific survival data, we estimated the relative risks of mortality from ages 95 to 103 years associated with genetic variants in apolipoprotein E (APOE), forkhead box class O3a, clusterin, and phosphatidylinositol binding clathrin assembly protein. Our analysis estimated a decreased risk of carrying the APOE$\varepsilon $4 allele (change in risk = –0.403, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.831, 0.021; P = 0.040) in men of the later cohort, although the allele itself was harmful to survival across sexes (relative risk = 1.161, 95% CI: 1.027, 1.345; P = 0.026). We also estimated a cohort effect of increased risk for the minor allele of rs3851179 in phosphatidylinositol binding clathrin assembly protein with borderline significance (change in risk = 0.165, 95% CI: −0.010, 0.331; P = 0.052) in women. Our estimated significant cohort effect on APOE$\varepsilon $4 is indicative of the interplay between the gene and the changing environment that modulates survival at extreme ages.
Molecular control of masting: an introduction to an epigenetic summer memory
Authors: Samarth  , Kelly Dave , Turnbull Matthew H , Jameson Paula E
Published: January 2020

Background

Mast flowering (‘masting’) is characterized by mass synchronized flowering at irregular intervals in populations of perennial plants over a wide geographical area, resulting in irregular high seed production. While masting is a global phenomenon, it is particularly prevalent in the alpine flora of New Zealand. Increases in global temperature may alter the masting pattern, affecting wider communities with a potential impact on plant–pollinator interactions, seed set and food availability for seed-consuming species.

Scope

This review summarizes an ecological temperature model (ΔT) that is being used to predict the intensity of a masting season. We introduce current molecular studies on flowering and the concept of an ‘epigenetic summer memory’ as a driver of mast flowering. We propose a hypothetical model based on temperature-associated epigenetic modifications of the floral integrator genes FLOWERING LOCUS T, FLOWERING LOCUS C and SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS1.

Conclusions

Genome-wide transcriptomic and targeted gene expression analyses are needed to establish the developmental and physiological processes associated with masting. Such analyses may identify changes in gene expression that can be used to predict the intensity of a forthcoming masting season, as well as to determine the extent to which climate change will influence the mass synchronized flowering of masting species, with downstream impacts on their associated communities.
Associations Between Multiple Remote Mild TBIs and Objective Neuropsychological Functioning and Subjective Symptoms in Combat-Exposed Veterans
Authors: Merritt Victoria C , Jurick Sarah M , Crocker Laura D , Sullan Molly J , Sakamoto McKenna S , Davey Delaney K , Hoffman Samantha N , Keller Amber V , Jak Amy J
Published: January 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate relationships between multiple mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) and objective and subjective clinical outcomes in a sample of combat-exposed Veterans, adjusting for psychiatric distress and combat exposure.

Method

In this cross-sectional study, 73 combat-exposed Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans were divided into three groups based on mTBI history: 0 mTBIs (n = 31), 1–2 mTBIs (n = 21), and 3+ mTBIs (n = 21). Veterans with mTBI were assessed, on average, 7.78 years following their most recent mTBI. Participants underwent neuropsychological testing and completed self-report measures assessing neurobehavioral, sleep, and pain symptoms.

Results

MANCOVAs adjusting for psychiatric distress and combat exposure showed no group differences on objective measures of attention/working memory, executive functioning, memory, and processing speed (all p’s > .05; ηp2 = .00–.06). In contrast, there were significant group differences on neurobehavioral symptoms (p’s = < .001–.036; ηp2 = .09–.43), sleep difficulties (p = .037; ηp2 = .09), and pain symptoms (p < .001; ηp2 = .21). Pairwise comparisons generally showed that the 3+ mTBI group self-reported the most severe symptoms, followed by comparable symptom reporting between the 0 and 1–2 mTBI groups.

Conclusions

History of multiple, remote mTBIs is associated with elevated subjective symptoms but not objective neuropsychological functioning in combat-exposed Veterans. These results advance understanding of the long-term consequences of repetitive mTBI in this population and suggest that Veterans with 3+ mTBIs may especially benefit from tailored treatments aimed at ameliorating specific neurobehavioral, sleep, and pain symptoms.
Is Volume Retention of the Breast Affected by Menstrual Cycle Phase at the Time of Autologous Fat Grafting?
Authors: Wang Keke , Mu Dali , Zhang Xiaoyu , Lin Yan
Published: January 2020

Background

Autologous fat grafts are commonly employed in plastic surgery, especially for aesthetic breast augmentation. However, it is difficult to predict the postoperative fat volume retention rate.

Objectives

The authors conducted a retrospective study comparing the fat volume retention rates of breast lipoaugmentation performed during different phases of the menstrual cycle.

Methods

The study included patients who underwent autologous fat grafting (AFG) breast augmentation from January 2012 to December 2018. Forty-eight individuals (94 breasts) were separated into 3 groups according to their menstrual stage: Group A: 10 patients (18 breasts); follicular group (end of menstruation to approximately 10 days); Group B: 15 patients (30 breasts); ovulatory group (11-17 days); Group C: 23 patients (46 breasts); luteal group (approximately 18 days to the next menstrual cramps).

Results

Mean age, menarche age, menstrual cycle, menstruation, and body mass index were comparable among the groups (P > 0.05). Patients with a history of lactation were comparable among the groups (Group A, 50%; Group B, 53.33%; Group C, 43.48%, P > 0.05). The overall volume retention rate of patients who underwent AFG during ovulation was significantly higher (Group A, 26.94%; Group B, 49.06%, Group C, 35.73%, P = 0.023), with no significant difference in volume retention rates between the follicular and luteal phases (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Fat volume retention rates were higher when AFG breast augmentation was performed during ovulation, providing a new direction to improve long-term retention rates of autologous fat grafts. However, due to the small sample size, incomplete medical records, and lack of test data, further research is needed.

Level of Evidence: 4
Visualization of circular RNAs and their internal splicing events from transcriptomic data
Authors: Zheng Yi , Zhao Fangqing
Published: January 2020

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are proved to have unique compositions and splicing events distinct from canonical mRNAs. However, there is no visualization tool designed for the exploration of complex splicing patterns in circRNA transcriptomes. Here, we present CIRI-vis, a Java command-line tool for quantifying and visualizing circRNAs by integrating the alignments and junctions of circular transcripts. CIRI-vis can be applied to visualize the internal structure and isoform abundance of circRNAs and perform circRNA transcriptome comparison across multiple samples.

Availability and implementation

https://sourceforge.net/projects/ciri/files/CIRI-vis.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Disconnects between Communicated Impact and Ecological Impact of Biological Invasions
Authors: Mattingly Kali Z , Pelletier Tara A , Lanterman Jessie , Frevola Danielle , Stucke Benjamin , Kinney Kaitlin , Schwartz Ross , Spacht Drew , Dixon Graham , Hovick Stephen M
Published: January 2020

Although scientists strive to accurately communicate their research, disconnects can arise between results and rhetoric. Some have regarded invasion scientists as particularly prone to using value-laden language incommensurate with the scientific facts or results. We addressed how authors used 10 near synonyms (words for which usage is similar but not completely overlapping) of the negative-value word invasive. We asked whether study findings (effect sizes) or other factors predicted language use. The use of negative-value words such as invasive was not associated with study findings but, instead, with contextual factors. For example, plant and invertebrate biologists used more negative language to describe nonnatives than did those studying vertebrates. The authors also tended to use more negative language in recently published papers than in older studies. Although many have called for impartial language when communicating research, some scientists use language imbued with value that may be inappropriate. Such use may affect how the public perceives scientific findings.
Clinical Impact of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing of Plasma Cell-Free DNA for the Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hogan Catherine A , Yang Shangxin , Garner Omai B , Green Daniel A , Gomez Carlos A , Dien Bard Jennifer , Pinsky Benjamin A , Banaei Niaz
Published: January 2020

Background

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of plasma cell-free DNA has emerged as an attractive diagnostic modality allowing broad-range pathogen detection, noninvasive sampling, and earlier diagnosis. However, little is known about its real-world clinical impact as used in routine practice.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients for whom plasma mNGS (Karius test) was performed for all indications at 5 United States institutions over 1.5 years. Comprehensive records review was performed, and standardized assessment of clinical impact of the mNGS based on the treating team’s interpretation of Karius results and patient management was established.

Results

A total of 82 Karius tests were evaluated from 39 (47.6%) adults and 43 (52.4%) children and a total of 53 (64.6%) immunocompromised patients. Karius positivity rate was 50 of 82 (61.0%), with 25 (50.0%) showing 2 or more organisms (range, 2–8). The Karius test results led to positive impact in 6 (7.3%), negative impact in 3 (3.7%), and no impact in 71 (86.6%), and was indeterminate in 2 (2.4%). Cases with positive Karius result and clinical impact involved bacteria and/or fungi but not DNA viruses or parasites. In 10 patients who underwent 16 additional repeated tests, only 1 was associated with clinical impact.

Conclusions

The real-world impact of the Karius test as currently used in routine clinical practice is limited. Further studies are needed to identify high-yield patient populations, define the complementary role of mNGS to conventional microbiological methods, and discern how best to integrate mNGS into current testing algorithms.
Immunoradiometric assay of myosin heavy chain fragments in plasma for investigation of myocardial infarction
Authors: Larue Catherine , Calzolari Charles , Léger Jocelyne , Léger Jean , Pau Bernard
Published: January 2020

Estimation of the extent and location of infarct is important for the prognosis and hence therapeutic strategy in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Because cardiac myosin is the major structural protein of the myocardium, and may thus reflect the extent of injured tissue, we established a new sensitive immunoradiometric assay, using a pair of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) that specifically bind the myosin heavy chain fragments liberated from the myocyte into plasma after a heart attack. A first Mab is linked to a magnetic solid phase. A second Mab, radiolabeled with 125I, is used to detect myosin trapped on the solid phase by the first Mab during a 3-h incubation. This assay can detect 10 micro-units of myosin per liter and is highly reproducible.
Indocyanine green-sulfobromophthalein pharmacokinetics for diagnosing primary biliary cirrhosis and assessing histological severity
Authors: Vaubourdolle M , Gufflet V , Chazouillères O , Giboudeau J , Poupon R
Published: January 2020

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic disease in which there is a crucial need for quantitative liver-function tests. We have developed a mixed sulfobromophthalein (BSP)-indocyanine green (ICG) test and have applied it to 15 healthy subjects and 50 patients with PBC to determine its relevance to the histological severity of the disease. The two dyes were administered intravenously and sequentially as boluses. Plasma concentrations were measured over 60 min. Pharmacokinetic analysis of the plasma elimination curve permitted the calculation of clearance, constants k1 and k2, and the retention percentage at 45 min. In PBC patients, ICG kinetics were within the normal range except for those with stage IV disease (cirrhosis). BSP clearance and the k2 constant were reduced in all the patients, whereas the k1 constant was reduced only in stage III and IV disease. The BSP retention percentage at 45 min was highly correlated with histological stage (r = 0.89, P less than 0.001). The BSP-ICG mixed test may thus prove useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with PBC.
Radioimmunoassay of interleukin-6 in plasma
Authors: Teppo A M , Metsärinne K , Fyhrquist F
Published: January 2020

We present a double-antibody radioimmunoassay for determining human interleukin-6 (IL-6) in biological fluids. The detection limit of the assay is 20 ng/L (B0 - 2 SD). Bound radioactivity in the range of 30% to 90% of the B0 counts corresponds to IL-6 concentrations of 100 to 14,000 ng/L. Analytical recovery of IL-6 added to EDTA-treated plasma averaged 25% more than that added to serum. The plasma concentration of IL-6 was therefore approximately 85 ng/L more than the concentration in simultaneously drawn serum. The mean serum concentration of IL-6 in 45 healthy subjects was 83 ng/L (range 20-290 ng/L), in 20 patients with multiple myeloma 303 ng/L, in 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis 234 ng/L, and in 13 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus 183 ng/L. Markedly increased (greater than 3000 ng/L) concentrations of IL-6 were found in sera of patients with meningococcus meningitis and infectious peritonitis.
Immunoradiometric assay of pS2 protein in breast cancer cytosols
Authors: Goussard J , Lechevrel C , Roussel G , Cren H , Bera O , Sala M
Published: January 2020

We studied the ELSA-pS2 immunoradiometric kit (CIS Bio International) for pS2 protein assay in breast cancer cytosols according to classic validation methods. In addition, we studied correlations between pS2, steroid receptors, and cathepsin-D assays. Repeatability (CV = 1.5% to 4.8%) and reproducibility (CV = 1.6% to 4.9%) were good. The results were linearly related to pS2 concentrations between 205 and 2200 ng/L; the detection limit was 40 ng/L. The accuracy of the assay was measured by assessing recovery; analytical recoveries were near 100% throughout the standard curve. The use of different compounds for cytosol preparation (Tris 10 mmol/L or phosphate 25 mmol/L, KCl 0.4 mol/L, bovine serum albumin 1 g/L) had no effect on pS2 results. pS2 was assayed in breast tumor cytosols from 197 postmenopausal and 92 premenopausal patients. The mean value was 24 micrograms/g of protein; the median and 25th and 75th percentiles were 6, 1, and 23 micrograms/g protein, respectively. We observed a relation between concentrations of pS2 and those of estrogen and progesterone receptors, but there was no relationship between the concentrations of pS2 and cathepsin-D.
Comparison of thyroperoxidase and microsomal antibody assays in sera from patients with Graves disease
Authors: Massart C , Guilhem I , Gibassier J , Allannic H , Nicol M
Published: January 2020

Anti-microsomal (anti-Mic Ab) and anti-thyroperoxidase antibody activities (anti-TPO Ab) were compared by using commercially available radioassay kits. Sera were collected from 52 patients with Graves disease before and after administration of carbimazole (1-methyl-2-thio-3-carbethoxyimidazole). The two antibody concentrations were significantly correlated, both before treatment (r = 0.835, P less than 0.001, n = 52) and at the end of treatment (r = 0.584, P less than 0.001, n = 52). Twenty-nine (Group I) of the 52 patients were in remission for two years after drug withdrawal, whereas 23 (Group II) relapsed. Within each group, the anti-Mic and anti-TPO Ab concentrations were significantly correlated (Group I: r = 0.781, P less than 0.0001; Group II: r = 0.866, P less than 0.0001). Relapse vs nonrelapse was linked to the antibody positivities measured before treatment: 91% vs 65% (chi 2 = 4.75, P less than 0.02) for anti-Mic Ab and 87% vs 62% (chi 2 = 4.05, P less than 0.02) for anti-TPO Ab. We conclude that assays of anti-Mic and anti-TPO Ab are equally reliable analytically and equally informative clinically. Because of its rapid implementation, the anti-TPO assay may advantageously replace anti-Mic Ab assay, especially for forming a prognosis of Graves disease.
Polyclonal gammopathy with marked increase in serum viscosity
Authors: Vladutiu A O , Roach B M , Farahmand S M
Published: January 2020

A 45-year-old man with polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia (gamma globulins, 102 g/L) had a serum relative viscosity of 13 nu but did not manifest clinical signs of hyperviscosity syndrome (e.g., retinopathy, bleeding diathesis, and neurological alterations), except for fatigue and anorexia. In contrast with other patients with polyclonal hyperviscosity reported so far, this patient did not have detectable rheumatoid factor in serum. Analytical ultracentrifugation of his serum showed aggregates of polyclonal IgG3 of various sizes (between 10 and 36 S). The serum also contained immune complex-like material, as demonstrated by the Raji cell immunoradiometric assay and the C1q solid-phase enzyme immunoassay.
Lactate analyzer with continuous blood sampling for monitoring blood lactate during physical exercise
Authors: Shimojo N , Fujino K , Kitahashi S , Nakao M , Naka K , Okuda K
Published: January 2020

To monitor changes in the concentration of blood lactate during physical exercise, we used an automated lactate analyzer based on an electro-enzymatic method with continuous blood sampling through a catheter. The lactate concentration was measured every 2 min; between measurements, the instrument was calibrated with a lactate standard. Ascorbic acid, bilirubin, hemoglobin, creatinine, uric acid, and glucose did not interfere with the measurements. The lactate concentrations in blood samples from apparently healthy subjects before and after exercise correlated well (r = 0.993) with results by the conventional enzymatic method. We measured the blood lactate concentrations in nine apparently healthy volunteers during exercise on a treadmill with an increasing workload. The point at which lactate concentrations started to increase was detected easily. Thus, the lactate analyzer is suitable for monitoring changes in blood lactate concentrations during exercise.
Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin in Serum: a New Marker of Potentially Harmful Alcohol Consumption Reviewed
Authors: Stibler Helena
Published: January 2020

During the last 16 years an increasing number of studies have indicated a new diagnostic marker of alcohol abuse, unrelated to any of the conventional markers of alcoholism. This marker, now called carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, consists mainly of one or two isoforms of transferrin that are deficient in their terminal trisaccharides. Such isoforms have so far been detected by methods based on charge, i.e., isoelectric focusing, chromatofocusing, and anion-exchange chromatography of various designs combined with immunological detection techniques. This transferrin abnormality measures an accumulated effect of alcohol consumption, appearing after regular intake of 50-80 g of ethanol/day for at least one week and normalizing slowly during abstinence (half-life = about 15 days). To summarize all studies to date, approximately ˜2500 individuals have been examined, with a total clinical sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 97%. False-positive results have only occasionally been reported: in a few patients with severe liver disease, usually primary biliary cirrhosis and chronic active hepatitis; in patients with genetic D variants of transferrin; and in patients with (and some carriers of) a recently identified inborn error of glycoprotein metabolism. The mechanism behind the transferrin abnormality is unknown but an acetaldehyde-mediated inhibition of glycosyl transfer has been suggested. Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin may thus offer a new possibility of diagnosing alcohol-related disorders. Its measurement is little affected by other conditions and, contrary to conventional markers of alcohol abuse, is apparently largely independent of concomitant liver disease.
Novel method for quantifying α(1→3)-L-fucosyltransferase activity in serum
Authors: Tachikawa Tetsuya , Yazawa Shin , Asao Takayuki , Shin Sadahito , Yanaihara Noboru
Published: January 2020

A novel method has been developed to quantify α(1→3)-L-fucosyltransferase activity in human sera by applying a sandwich-type immunoradiometric assay. H type 2 trisaccharide (6Fuc α 1→2Gal beta 1→4GlcNAc) covalently attached to bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as an acceptor and incubated with serum samples in the presence of guanosine diphosphate-fucose. The resulting product, Y tetrasaccharide (Fuc α 1→2Gal beta 1→4[Fuc α 1→3] GlcNAc beta-BSA), was detected by a sequential use of anti-BSA antibody-coated bead and 125I-labeled anti-Y antibody. Inter- and intra-assay CVs for α(1→3)-L-fucosyltransferase were both less than 4%, and the results of the dilution linearity and analytical recovery studies were satisfactory. Using the present assay method, we measured α(1→3)-L-fucosyltransferase in serum from patients with benign and malignant gastric disorders and in healthy subjects. The detection rate of α(1→3)-L-fucosyltransferase for cancer was apparently higher than that of carcinoembryonic antigen measured in the same samples, particularly in the early clinical stage; indeed, no correlation was observed between the concentrations of the two potential markers. The results indicate that the present assay method seems to be excellent for the determination of serum α(1→3)-L-fucosyltransferase activity and useful for the detection of cancer-associated increases of the enzyme activity at the early stage of gastric cancer.
Alterations of serum lipids in breast cancer: effects of disease activity, treatment, and hormonal factors
Authors: Knapp Martyn L , Al-Sheibani Said , Riches Pamela G
Published: January 2020

Fasting venous blood collected from 83 patients with breast cancer was analyzed for triglycerides; total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; tumor necrosis factor (TNF α); glucose; creatinine; insulin; glucagon; growth hormone; cortisol; and thyrotropin. Patients with stage IV disease had significantly higher (P < 0.05) triglyceride concentrations and significantly lower (P < 0.05) concentrations of total and HDL cholesterol than did patients with less advanced disease or age-matched controls. Furthermore, LDL cholesterol concentrations in patients with boney metastases were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than concentrations in patients with liver or liver plus boney metastases or in controls. These results could not be attributed to smoking habits, alcohol consumption, or treatment. We observed no correlations between serum concentrations of lipid and concentrations of TNF α, insulin, glucose, creatinine, cortisol, growth hormone, or thyrotropin. However, there was a significant (P < 0.05) negative correlation between total cholesterol and glucagon and between LDL cholesterol and glucagon for patients with stage II, III, and IV disease, suggesting that glucagon may reduce LDL cholesterol concentrations by an as-yet-unidentified mechanism.
Determination of erythrocytic polyamines by reversed-phase liquid chromatography
Authors: Gerbaut Lucile
Published: January 2020

A simple and rapid semiautomated procedure for determining polyamines in erythrocytes by high-performance liquid chromatography is described. Putrescine, spermidine, and spermine are converted to fluorescent dansyl derivatives, extracted with cyclohexane, and separated in <10 min on a reversed-phase C18 ODS column, with an acetonitrile-water gradient as the mobile phase. The method showed a coefficient of variation of 2.73% for spermidine and 3.27% for spermine. The respective reference values, evaluated in 10 healthy patients, were 7.88 (SD 2.09) and 5.42 (SD 1.55) μmol/L of packed erythrocytes. Only negligible amounts of putrescine were found.
Considerations When Measuring Urinary Albumin: Precision, Substances That May Interfere, and Conditions for Sample Storage
Authors: MacNeil Mary Louise W , Mueller Patricia W , Caudill Samuel P , Steinberg Karen K
Published: January 2020

The measurement of small but abnormal amounts of albumin in urine is important in evaluating kidney disease in people with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or possible adverse health effects from exposure to nephrotoxins. Routine laboratory methods for measuring albumin are not sensitive enough to measure the amounts that are significant in urine (< 30 mg/L). In our laboratory we used three immunoassays for measuring urinary albumin: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (EIA), radioimmunoassay (RIA), and immunoturbidimetric assay (IT). We calculated the CVs of the three methods, investigated potential interfering substances at three times their normal concentrations, and stored urine under different conditions to find the best way to protect the sample until assay. The potential interferents we checked were transferrin, urea, β2-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein, creatinine, kappa and lambda light chains, IgG, hemoglobin, ketone, and glucose. The stability study involved two study temperatures (-20 and -70 °C) and four treatments (centrifuging or filtering, before or after storage). We found the following: the RIA had the lowest CV; the results from the interference study showed no interference from normal physiological concentrations of the substances investigated; storage at -70°C regardless of the treatment should be adequate to prevent loss of albumin immunoreactivity.
Clinical chemistry in New York at the founding of the AACC: recollection and remembrance
Authors: Rosenfeld Louis
Published: January 2020

The Division on the History of Clinical Chemistry, successor to the Archives Committee of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, has accepted the responsibility for chronicling the origins of its profession and its organization with exhibits, histories of local sections, and biographies of notable figures in clinical chemistry from the past and present. A particularly interesting period in the history of the AACC was that around 1948 when the society was formed. In this report, I have collected and edited the accounts of several early members who recalled their experiences and the hospital laboratory scene at the time of the founding of the AACC in New York.
Simplified Assay of Galactose-1-phosphate Uridyltransferase
Authors: Lagrou K , Declercq P E
Published: January 2020

“Classic” galactosemia,which affects ~1 in every 50 000 newborns, results from an inherited deficiency of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.10), the enzyme required for converting galactose 1-phosphate to glucose 1-phosphate. The definitive diagnosis of this often fatal illness is made by demonstrating deficient activity of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase in erytbrocytes. Classical methods are the UDP-glucose consumption test,originally described by Anderson et al. (1), and the radiochemical assay of galactose oxidation, described by Eggermont and Hers (2). The latter method requires a scintillation counter and also responds to a deficiency of galactokinase; it is therefore not specific for galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase.
Multielement analysis of biological samples by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. II. Rapid survey method for profiling trace elements in body fluids
Authors: Vaughan Margaret-Anne , Baines Andrew D , Templeton Douglas M
Published: January 2020

A rapid survey of the elements in biological materials, covering most of the elements in the periodic table, is possible by using available software for semi-quantitative analysis (SEMI-QUANT) by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The procedure takes 5 min after sample preparation and gives results with a precision (CV) of approximately 20%. At a 10-fold dilution, 13 elements can be consistently and reliably detected in serum and 15 elements in whole-blood samples. At present the most important limitation of this method is mass overlap by polyatomic species for some elements of interest (e.g., Cr, Mn, and V). However, for the set of elements that can be reliably determined at endogenous concentrations, including Li, B, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Sr, the rapid scanning capability may be useful. Although matrix effects limit the direct interpretation of the semi-quantitative output, reasonable estimates of concentration are attainable by using matrix-matched standards or by adding a multielement standard to an aliquot from one sample in the set. We also present an example of determination of 25 elements in saliva from a patient with extensive dental work: Components of many of his dental alloys were readily identified. The method may also prove useful for screening multiple toxic exposures to heavier elements, such as Pb, Tl, Cd, and Hg.
Isotopic and nonisotopic assays for measuring somatotropin compared: re-evaluation of cutoff value in provocative tests
Authors: Banfi Gluseppe , Marinelli Marcello , Casari Ermlnla , Murone Michelangelo , Bonini Plerangel
Published: January 2020

Measurement of human growth hormone (hGH; somatotropin) concentrations in serum after provocative tests is crucial for diagnosing deficiencies in production of this hormone. Serum hGH can be measured by various immunoassays, isotopic and nonisotopic, with monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies: a cutoff value of 10 micrograms/L after provocative testing is usually used to distinguish normal from hGH-deficient children. Previous studies demonstrated discrepancies in hGH measurement by different radioisotopic immunoassays. Here we evaluated the responses of six different commercial assays, radioisotopic and nonisotopic, with monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies in a series of 16 provocative tests (stimulation with clonidine) in short children. A wide range of discrepant values was obtained with the different kits. A cutoff of 10 micrograms/L produced discordance of diagnosis among assays for two children, whereas complete agreement was reached for a cutoff value of 7 micrograms/L. Parallelism tests performed with hGH international standard, pure recombinant hGH, and a serum with high hGH content suggest that heterogeneity of the antibodies used by the manufacturers, even among monoclonal antibodies, is the main source of discordant results. Cutoff values and reference values must be established separately for each method proposed for routine use.
Urinary excretion of glycated protein determined with a specific radioimmunoassay
Authors: Ukita Chizuko , Nishikawa Mitsushige , Shouzu Akira , Inada Mitsuo
Published: January 2020

We developed a simple and highly sensitive RIA for glycated protein (GP), and used it to measure GP in serum and urine from 15 normal controls and 30 diabetics (14 with urinary excretion rate of albumin, Ualb less than 15 micrograms/min, group A; nine with 15 less than or equal to Ualb less than or equal to 150 micrograms/min, group B; and seven with Ualb greater than 150 micrograms/min, group C). The mean serum concentration of GP was above normal in all groups of diabetics, and the mean glycation ratios of serum protein (SGP) were higher in groups B and C than in normal subjects. Urinary concentrations of GP also were increased in groups B and C, although the glycation ratio of urinary protein (UGP) was decreased in group C. Consequently, the selectivity of urinary excretion of GP (UGP/SGP) was significantly decreased in group C. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the mean values of selectivity between groups of patients with various degrees of retinopathy. We suggest that measurements of serum and urinary GP are useful to evaluate the progression of diabetic complications.
Fructosamine Test-Plus, a modified fructosamine assay evaluated
Authors: Baker John , Metcalf Patricia , Scragg Robert , Johnson Roger
Published: January 2020

We have evaluated Fructosamine Test-Plus, a commercial fructosamine assay based on the reduction of nitro-blue tetrazolium dye in alkaline buffer (Clin Chem 1985;31:1550-4), modified by including a detergent and uricase in the reagent, by changing the concentrations of buffer and dye, and by changing the approach to primary calibration. Specimens were from 2321 participants in a health screening survey in a local workforce. Compared with the original fructosamine method, the Fructosamine Test-Plus method was less affected by protein concentration in the sample and less subject to interference from hyperlipidemia. The changes have also extended the linearity of the assay in the pathological range. However, as a screening method for diabetes mellitus in a population with a disease prevalence of 2.28%, the performance of Fructosamine Test-Plus was similar to the original assay.
Measurements of serum ferritin used to predict concentrations of iron in bone marrow in anemia of chronic disease
Authors: Coenen J L L M , van Dieijen-Visser M P , van Pelt J , van Deursen C T B M , Fickers M M F , van Wersch J W J , Brombacher P J
Published: January 2020

We determined serum ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in 73 patients with anemia of chronic disease. Nomograms of CRP, ESR, or fibrinogen vs ferritin concentrations were constructed and used to estimate the iron store in bone marrow. Iron stores estimated from the nomograms were compared with the results of staining cytological bone marrow smears for iron, the reference method for evaluating iron in bone marrow. In contrast to the results of Witte et al. (Clin Chem 1985;31:1011; Am J Clin Pathol 1986;85:202-6 and 1988;90:85-7), we observed that nomograms of CRP, fibrinogen, or ESR (i.e., acute-phase reactants not influenced by changes in iron metabolism) vs ferritin are not suitable to correct for the acute-phase component of changes in ferritin concentrations. For ferritin concentrations less than 70 micrograms/L, we found that iron deficiency, as judged from bone marrow iron stain, apparently was always present.
Modified immunoblotting technique for phenotyping lipoprotein(a)
Authors: Huang C M , Kraft H G , Gregg R E
Published: January 2020

We describe a modified immunoblotting method for phenotyping lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. This immunoblotting procedure uses commercially available reagents that have a long shelf life. The method is sensitive and takes only 18 microL of sera. Lp(a) phenotyping can be performed on sera stored at 4 degrees C for as much as a week or at -80 degrees C for as long as a year. In a study of 145 unrelated healthy subjects, we found Lp(a) allelic frequencies of LpF = 1.8%, LpB = 2.6%, LpS1 = 5.1%, LpS2 = 14.8%, LpS3 = 35.9%, LpS4 = 11.6%, and LpO = 28.0%.
Influence of assay method differences on multiple of the median distributions: maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein as an example
Authors: Parvin C A , Gray D L , Kessler G
Published: January 2020

A straightforward statistical explanation is provided to show how differences between assay methods can affect the distribution of the multiples of the median (MoM). Evaluation of the impact of assay method differences reveals that the upper tails of the MoM distribution are not affected to the same degree as the lower tails of the distribution. The disparities in MoM distributions due to assay method differences result in various sensitivity/specificity combinations for different assays having the same fixed MoM cutoffs. Disparities do not exist if risks are calculated with use of the distributions for affected and unaffected populations that are based on a center's own assay method. Applying published risk tables, however, can affect the accuracy of the risk estimates. We used maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein as an example of an assay with an established history of reporting results in MoM values; however, the concepts presented apply equally well to any assay for which results are reported in MoMs.
Longitudinal assessment of changes in reproductive hormones during normal pregnancy
Authors: O'Leary Peter , Boyne Peter , Flett Peter , Beilby John , James Ian
Published: January 2020

The concentrations of hormones measured in serum from maternal blood change dramatically during pregnancy. While the relative contributions of sex steroids shift from maternal ovaries and adrenals to the fetoplacental unit, other maternal tissues such as pituitary and liver respond to increasing concentrations of estrogen and secrete increasing amounts of prolactin and sex-hormone-binding globulin. To determine longitudinal changes in circulating maternal hormones, we collected blood from 60 women on three occasions during their pregnancies. We observed a 1.7-fold increase in testosterone concentration in serum; concentrations of sex-hormone-binding globulin in serum rose 5.6-fold. The major increase (6.8-fold) in estradiol in serum occurred within the first 16 weeks, followed by a further 4.8-fold increase by term. Mean concentrations of progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione in serum increased 11.9-, 3-, and 1.3-fold, respectively, whereas concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) fell by 50%. Mean serum prolactin concentrations increased 3.8-fold during the first trimester and by a similar amount during the final 24 weeks of pregnancy. We used these data, obtained from a cohort of women with uncomplicated pregnancies, to construct reference intervals for hormones in maternal serum.
Blood-collection device for trace and ultra-trace metal specimens evaluated
Authors: Moyer T P , Mussmann G V , Nixon D E
Published: January 2020

We evaluated the evacuated phlebotomy tube designed specifically for trace metal analysis by Sherwood Medical Co. Pools of human serum containing known concentrations of aluminum, arsenic, calcium, cadmium, copper, chromium, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, mercury, selenium, and zinc were exposed to the tube and rubber stopper for defined periods ranging from 5 min to 24 h. Analysis for each element was performed in a randomized fashion under rigidly controlled conditions by use of standard electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. In addition, for comparative purposes, we collected blood samples from normal volunteers by use of ultra-clean polystyrene phlebotomy syringes as well as standard evacuated phlebotomy tubes. We conclude that, except for lead, there was no significant contribution of any trace element studied from the evaluated tube and stopper to the serum. Because whole blood is the usual specimen for lead testing, the observation of a trace amount of lead in this tube designed for serum collection is trivial.