bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Globin Chains Analysis: Improved Resolution by Electrophoresis in Urea—Acetic Acid—Triton X-100
Authors: Gulbis Béatrice , Kagambega Faustin , Tshilolo Léon , Vertongen Françoise
Published: February 2014

To improve the resolution and rapidity of globin chains separation, we have modified the basic technique of globin chain electrophoresis in urea—acetic acid—Triton X-100. Haemolysates from anticoagulated cord or adult blood samples were submitted to urea—acetic acid-Triton X-100 Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using a 15% Polyacrylamide gel cast in a mini slab cell which allows a rapid analysis of globin chains samples. After staining proteins with Coomassie brilliant blue R-250, the relative amounts of globin chains were determined by scanning. This new procedure has allowed us to obtain a better separation of the normal and abnormal globin chains than described previously. All the normal globin chains, i.e. Aγ, Gγ, δ, β and α, are well separated by this modified technique. Semi-quantification of the Gγ/Aγ ratio has been performed. This simple and rapid method is also suitable for the global identification of the globin chain involved in the most common abnormal haemoglobin variants, except β-S.
The Ratio of Erythrocyte Zinc-Protoporphyrin to Protoporphyrin IX in Disease and its Significance in the Mechanism of Lead Toxicity on Haem Synthesis
Authors: Nelson Joanna C , Westwood Marie , Allen K R , Newton K E , Barth J H
Published: February 2014

Protoporphyrin and zinc-protoporphyrin were measured in the erythrocytes of normal subjects, workers exposed to lead and patients with iron deficiency and erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Results showed significantly higher levels of zinc-protoporphyrin in the lead-exposed workers ( P < 0·0001), patients with iron deficiency ( P < 0·0001) and EPP patients ( P < 0·001) compared with normal subjects. The lead-exposed workers showed the highest levels of zinc-protoporphyrin, which were significantly greater than both the iron-deficient and EPP patients ( P < 0·0001). They also showed a higher ratio of zinc-protoporphyrin to free protoporphyrin compared with normal subjects ( P < 0·0001) but no significant difference in this ratio was found when compared with iron-deficient patients ( P = 0·1). These results are discussed in light of the controversy concerning the mechanism of formation of zinc-protoporphyrin in lead exposure.
Dietary Treatment of Hypercholesterolaemia: Lack of Relationship between Individual Response and Genetic Variation at the Lipase Loci
Authors: Chamberlain John C , Hill Diane , Shenkin Alan
Published: February 2014

The individual benefits of dietary therapy for hyperlipidaemia are known to be unpredictable. Variants at the lipoprotein lipase gene have been shown to associate with atherogenic lipoprotein phenotypes and the delayed clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Together with variants of the closely homologous hepatic lipase gene, these may influence the extent of amelioration of plasma lipoprotein concentrations seen in dyslipidaemic patients treated with a low saturates/low cholesterol diet.

We correlated the lipid changes seen following an 8-week diet in 83 subjects with primary hypercholesterolaemia (fasting plasma cholesterol >6·5mmol/L) with alleles of three restriction polymorphisms (LPL-Hind III and Pvu II; HL-Msp I). Although dietary changes produced a significant improvement in fasting lipids [total cholesterol falling by 5·2% (range −27·9% to +24·3%) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduced by 6·0% (−30·5% to +29·3%)], no significant difference in response between different genotypes could be detected.
Plasma Antioxidants: Evidence for a Protective Role against Reactive Oxygen Species following Cardiac Surgery
Authors: McColl Avril J , Keeble Thomas , Hadjinikolaou Leoniadas , Cohen Andrew , Aitkenhead Helen , Glenville Brian , Richmond William
Published: February 2014

Total plasma antioxidant status (TPAS), lipid peroxide concentration (LPX) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) were measured in 24 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Samples were obtained preoperatively and at 1.5 h, 6 h, 24 h and 72 h after CPB. The absolute TPAS values were significantly lower at 1.5 h, 6 h, 24 h and 72 h after CPB than were preoperative values ( P < 0.05). The LPX concentration was significantly elevated at 1.5 h after CPB ( P < 0.05). Cardiac troponin T concentrations were significantly elevated at all time points postoperatively ( P < 0.05). Preoperative TPAS values were significantly correlated with the magnitude of fall in TPAS at 1.5 h ( P < 0.05). The greater the fall in TPAS between 0 and 1.5 h, the less LPX was formed between 0 and 1.5 h. The LPX at 1.5 h displayed a significant correlation with cTnT release from myocardial myocytes ( P < 0.05). These data provide evidence for the first time that the consumption of antioxidants during CABG surgery with CPB protects against the production of reactive oxygen species and subsequent myocyte necrosis. Furthermore, the availability of protective antioxidants is dependent upon preoperative TPAS.
Sensitive Enzyme Immunoassay for Anti-β-Lactoglobulin IgG in Serum
Authors: Hirota Kouichi , Hashida Seiichi , Ishikawa Eiji , Totani Masayuki
Published: February 2014

A sensitive enzyme immunoassay for anti-β-lactoglobulin immunoglobulin G (IgG) in serum is described. Serum containing anti-β-lactoglobulin IgG was reacted simultaneously with 2,4-dinitrophenyl-bovine serum albumin-β-lactoglobulin conjugate and β-lactoglobulin-peroxidase conjugate. The complex formed from the three components was trapped onto polystyrene balls coated with anti-2,4-dinitrophenyl group IgG, eluted with ε-2,4-dinitrophenyl-L-lysine and transferred to polystyrene balls coated with anti-human IgG-γ-chain IgG. Bound peroxidase activity was determined by fluorometry. This enzyme immunoassay was 100- to 1000-fold more sensitive and more reliable than the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anti-β-lactoglobulin IgG was detected in 91% of healthy subjects using this method.
Evolution of an Inhibin a ELISA Method: Implications for Down's Syndrome Screening
Authors: Wallace E M , Crossley J A , Ritoe S C , Aitken D A , Spencer K , Groome N P
Published: February 2014

The development of a sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) for inhibin A stimulated the observation that inhibin A was a useful prenatal marker of Down's syndrome. Modifications of that ELISA, in terms of preassay sample treatment, detection methods and standard preparation, were subsequently introduced to improve assay performance and reduce costs. These modified formats have been validated and reported. We describe the modifications in detail, explaining the rationale for each, and report the results of a study directly comparing the various ELISA formats in terms of assay performance when applied to clinical samples and ability to differentiate between normal and Down's syndrome pregnancies. A format involving sample pretreatment with sodium dodecylsulphate at 100°C was found to give better assay performance and a modest improvement in discrimination between Down's syndrome samples and controls, and we recommend this format for use by other investigators.
Automated Fluorimetric Determination of Cellular Cholesterol
Authors: Shahnaz Begum , Tada Satoshi , Kajikawa Tatsushi , Ishida Toshihiko , Kawanishi Koichi
Published: February 2014

We developed a completely automated fluorimetric method for the determination of cellular cholesterol, consisting of enzymatic hydrolysis of cholesteryl ester to free cholesterol and enzymatic oxidation of free cholesterol in the presence of an indicator substrate to produce a fluorescent product. For control preparations of monocytes, the mean detection limit was 2.57 μmol/5 × 105 cells and the mean within-batch coefficients of variation were 9.30, 600 and 3.73% at mean cholesterol concentrations of 1.94, 9.05 and 12.49 μmol/5 × 105 cells, respectively. The results correlated well with those obtained by gas-liquid chromatography.
Identification of Acute Porphyria: Evaluation of a Commercial Screening Test for Urinary Porphobilinogen
Authors: Deacon A C , Peters T J
Published: February 2014

A commercial semi-quantitative kit (Trace) for urinary porphobilinogen (PBG) in which urine is pre-treated with ion-exchange resin and the colour of the Ehrlich—PBG adduct matched against a set of surrogate standards was compared with qualitative screening methods (Watson—Schwartz) in common use. Twenty samples in which PBG had been quantitated were blindly tested by both methods in each of 13 typical user laboratories. For urine samples with raised PBG, 123 out of 129 results were positive when tested with the Trace kit. Using qualitative tests routinely in use in the various laboratories only 45 out of 119 results were unequivocally positive. Sixteen out of 91 results for pigmented urine samples with normal PBG were reported as positive using qualitative screening tests, but only one using the Trace kit. Therefore, the Trace method is far more sensitive and specific than the qualitative screening tests. It is recommended that Watson—Schwartz-type screening tests should be abandoned and, ideally, all urine samples analysed by quantitative methods. However, the Trace method is a convenient alternative which is adequate for the initial screening of symptomatic patients.
Development of a Method for the Quantitation of Benzphetamine Metabolites in Human Urine by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Fujinami Aya , Miyazawa Tadashi , Kobayashi Yoshiharu
Published: February 2014

We developed a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for quantitating p-hydroxy-N-benzylamphetamine glucuronide (pHBAG) and p-hydroxy-benzphetamine glucuronide (pHBZG), which are urinary metabolites of benzphetamine, in humans. Urine samples were hydrolysed with β-glucuronidase (EC 3.2.1.31) at 37°C overnight and the treated urine was applied to a solid phase extraction column. After washing the column with water, 0·01 mol/L acetic acid and methanol, pHBA and pHBZ were eluted with dichloromethane:isopropanol:28% ammonium hydroxide (78·4:19·6:2·0 v/v). The eluate was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in acetonitrile: 5 mmol/L 1-pentane sulphonic acid (5:95 v/v) and analysed by HPLC with gradient elution. The amounts of urinary pHBAG and pHBZG excreted by two human subjects after oral administration of 10 mg benzphetamine hydrochloride were determined. About 10–15% of benzphetamine was found to be excreted as pHBAG and pHBZG, and almost all of these metabolites were excreted within 24 h. Urine samples should be collected as early as possible after ingestion of benzphetamine to detect pHBAG and pHBZG.
Hypophosphataemia in General Practice Patients
Authors: Guy J M , Stewart M F , Olukoga A , Horsman G , McMurray J R
Published: February 2014

We compared plasma phosphate concentrations in general practice patients and hospital inpatients and outpatients over an 8-month period. The distribution of results in all three groups was similar and 12–16% of results were at or below 0·8 mmol/L. In general practice patients, 8·3% of results from males and 12·1% from females were below the lower limit of their respective reference ranges. Eighteen of these patients (0·2% of results) had plasma phosphate concentrations ⩽ 0·4 mmol/L. On follow-up, only two of these patients had any attributable cause for their severe hypophosphataemia; in the remainder, it was unexpected and unexplained. Hypophosphataemia in outpatients and general practice patients is more common than has previously been appreciated. We present a strategy for further investigation of these patients.
Biological Variability and Reference Intervals for Total Plasma Homocysteine
Authors: Rossi E , Beilby J P , McQuillan B M , Hung J
Published: February 2014

We determined the intra-individual biological variability of plasma homocysteine in 20 healthy subjects. The intra-individual coefficient of variation was relatively low (8·3%), indicating that a single measurement can be used to characterize the average homocysteine concentration. A population study measuring plasma homocysteine and serum folate levels was conducted on serum samples collected from 1109 randomly selected, fasting adults with a wide age range. We determined age- and gender-specific central 0·95 intervals and found that subjects in the highest quartile of serum folate had significantly lower ( P = 0·0001) mean plasma homocysteine concentrations than did those in the lowest quartile of folate values. An ‘ideal’ homocysteine reference range, based on targeting those subjects who are likely to be folate replete, is preferable to the population-based range using the central 0·95 interval.
Assessment of the Feasibility of Conducting Population Prevalence Studies of Chronic Renal Failure According to Ethnic Group: A Survey of Clinical Biochemistry Laboratories in Greater London and South East England
Authors: Hickman Matthew , Barker Maggie , Roderick Paul , Wright Dennis
Published: February 2014

The planning of renal replacement therapy is based on assessment of population need for the white population, but uses historical trends in treatment uptake for black and Asian ethnic minority groups, for whom the incidence of chronic renal failure (CRF) is not known. Epidemiological studies of CRF are based upon follow-up of plasma creatinine results obtained from clinical biochemistry laboratories. We conducted a postal questionnaire survey of UK National Health Service (NHS) and private clinical biochemistry laboratories in Greater London and the south east of England to arrange the design and test the feasibility of carrying out a study to determine ethnic-specific rates of CRF. Fifty-five NHS laboratories (90%) and 19 private laboratories (57%) responded. Few pathology computer systems recorded ethnic group, patient post code, or diagnosis; although 31 of the laboratory computers (42%) were linked with the hospital Patient Administration System which could supply these data. Approximately 5.5 million electrolyte profiles and 20 million individual renal function tests are carried out annually in south east England. Ninety per cent of those were performed within NHS laboratories, implying that a study can use NHS sources alone without risk of any undue bias. Sixty laboratories (81%) included creatinine in their routine electrolyte profile, which would be a requirement for any study. Thirty-one laboratories (42%) archived tests within 1 year of entry, which would rule out a retrospective study design. A prospective study is feasible and should be carried out as soon as is practicable.
Review of Investigation and Management of Severe Hyponatremia in a Hospital Population
Authors: Crook M A , Velauthar U , Moran L , Griffiths W
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study was to assess retrospectively the prevalence of severe hyponatremia in a hospital population and its laboratory investigation, treatment and clinical outcome. Over a 6-month period 47 patients (27 women and 20 men) were found to have a plasma sodium concentration of ≤ 120 mmol/L (this number made up less than 0·17% of all plasma sodium requests over that time period). The mean patient age was 75±16 years and the average hospital stay was 37±45 days (1–179 days). Patient mortality was 51% (women 57% and men 43%).

The mean initial plasma sodium concentration was 116±4·5 mmol/L, rising after therapeutic intervention to a mean of 130±4·2 mmol/L. The mean plasma sodium correction rate was 4·7±4·3 mmol/L/24 h (0·9–17·5 range). Twelve per cent of the patients had their plasma sodium raised at a rate of greater than 10 mmol/L/24h after their initial presentation. Two patients may have had symptoms and signs suggestive of cerebral oedema/cortical dysfunction: in one patient the sodium concentration was raised at a rate of 9·5 mmol/L/24 h and in the other at 12·0 mmol/L/24h.

Sixty-one per cent of the patients had a chest infection, 44% were on diuretics, 28% had congestive cardiac failure, 28% were post-operative (9% orthopaedic procedures), 19% had carcinoma and 9% were on a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. Regarding laboratory investigations, 56% had liver function tests, 41% had thyroid function tests, 36% had plasma osmolality determination, 36% had urinary electrolytes including urinary osmolality and < 2% had tests to exclude hypoadrenalism.
Prevention of Protein Adsorption: Effect on Patient Results for Microalbuminuria
Authors: Bakker Andries J , Jellema Baukje
Published: February 2014

Adding Triton X-100 to the diluent used for preparation of standard curves for protein assays can prevent non-specific adsorption of proteins from standards with a low protein content. Since results for low urinary albumin concentrations in control samples from different laboratories showed a wide range of mean values, we studied the effect of adding Triton X-100 to the diluent used in the preparation of the standard curve. Adding Triton X-100 resulted in absorbances which were more reproducible for both serum-based and purified-albumin-based standards. Results for control samples were also less variable in the Triton X-100 assay system. In control samples and patient samples the concentration of albumin was significantly lower in the Triton-X-100-based assay system. Adsorption of proteins from standards can only account for a small proportion of the variation in the range of mean results for urinary albumin in control samples from different laboratories.
Blood Dolichols in a Patient with Abetalipoproteinaemia
Authors: Kuriyama Masaru , Yoshidome Hiroaki , Nakahara Keiichi , Nakagawa Hiroto , Fujiyama Jiro , Take Hiromichi , Osame Mitsuhiro
Published: February 2014

Dolichol and dolichyl derivatives have an important function as glycosyl carriers in the assembly of the N-asparaginyllinked oligosaccharide core region of glycoproteins. Dolichols are synthesized through the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway in all mammalian organs and are present in all tissues, and are also associated with lipoproteins in the blood circulation. However, the origin and metabolic pathway of blood dolichols remain unknown. Abetalipoproteinaemia is a disorder of the secretion of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) from the liver and of chylomicrons from the intestine into the blood circulation. Therefore, examination of blood dolichols in this disorder may provide valuable information on their origin and metabolic pathway. Dolichols were exclusively associated with the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction (80·7±6·3% of total dolichols) in control human blood. Serum from a patient also contained dolichols in the HDL fraction (82·8% of total dolichols). The total amount of dolichols was higher in the patient (207·0 ng/mL) than in the controls (106·2±22·7 ng/mL, n = 14). The compositions of dolichols were very similar to each other. These results indicated that, at least in the patient with abetalipoproteinaemia, the HDL-associated dolichols were possibly derived from the liver not through other lipoproteins but through dolichol transfer protein, or were possibly taken up and carried by HDL from peripheral tissues.
Influence of Mammary Artery as a Bypass Vessel on the Results of Seven Biochemical Assays after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Harff G A , Van Den Bosch M J A , Schönberger J P A M
Published: February 2014

We compared the changes in troponin T, creatine MB isoenzyme mass concentration (CK-MB mass), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme activity (CK-MB activity), creatine kinase (CK), α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBD), lactate dehydrogenase (LD) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations after coronary artery grafting with saphenous vein grafts, without or in combination with uni- or bilateral internal mammary artery(ies) as bypass vessels in 73 patients. An increase in CK concentration after surgery was highest for the bilateral internal mammary artery bypass patient group and lowest for the group who received only saphenous vein grafts. We present 90th percentile values for the seven tests.
Variations in Serum Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Activity following Lung Resection: A Controlled Study in a Clinical Setting
Authors: Karnezis Ioannis A
Published: February 2014

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays an important role in postoperative cardiovascular control, especially in critical illness. Since the pulmonary endothelium is the major site of ACE production it would seem probable that surgical resection of lung tissue would significantly influence serum ACE (sACE) activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of surgery on early postoperative sACE activity in patients undergoing lung resection ( n = 18) and a control group of patients ( n = 18) undergoing thoracotomy for other reasons. An early postoperative, sustained sACE fall without significant difference in sACE activity between the two groups was observed 6 h after the operation. Furthermore, there was no correlation between post-operative sACE variations and the amount of lung tissue resected. It appears that surgical removal of lung tissue does not significantly affect the post-operative sACE response. This may be due to the presence of important extra-pulmonary ACE-producing sites or to the compensation of the remaining pulmonary vascular endothelium.
Effect of Oral Supplementation with Vitamin E on the Oxido-Reductive Status of Red Blood Cells in Normal Mice and Mice Subject to Oxidative Stress by Chronic Administration of Adriamycin
Authors: Thabrew M I , Samarawickrema N , Chandrasena L G , Jayasekera S
Published: February 2014

The effect of oral vitamin E supplementation on the oxido-reductive status of red blood cells in normal mice and those subject to oxidative stress by chronic administration of the anti-tumour drug Adriamycin was investigated. Mice were randomly separated into three groups of 20 animals each and maintained on diets identical in all respects except for vitamin E content. Group 1 received a low vitamin E diet that provided 10 mg vitamin E/kg body weight/day, group 2 received a normal mice chow diet (45 mg vitamin E/kg body weight/day) while group 3 received a high vitamin E diet (200 mg vitamin E/kg body weight/day).

In comparison with the normal mice in group 1, their counterparts in groups 2 and 3 exhibited significantly higher ( P < 0·001) activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in red blood cells (79·4% higher in group 2 and 114·2% higher in group 3, respectively) and produced lower concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) (22·9% less in group 2 and 51·2% less in group 3, respectively), with little difference in the glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity. In Adriamycintreated animals on the low vitamin E diet (group 1) the red blood cell SOD activity and MDA production were 46·2% and 200·7% higher ( P < 0·001), respectively, and the GPX activity was 39 1% lower than in the red blood cells of untreated (normal) animals in the same group. The Adriamycin-induced changes were significantly less in animals receiving higher doses of vitamin E (groups 2 and 3). Thus, in the group maintained on the high vitamin E diet (group 3), Adriamycin administration resulted in only a 38·9% increase in the MDA production above that generated by red blood cells of normal mice in the same group, with no significant change in the SOD or GPX activities. Thus, in normal conditions as well as in conditions of oxidative stress, high doses of vitamin E appear to be able to protect the oxido-reductive status of red blood cells by modulating the extent of lipid peroxidation as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes.
Carotenoid Composition and Antioxidant Potential in Subfractions of Human Low-Density Lipoprotein
Authors: Lowe Gordon M , Bilton Rodney F , Davies Ian G , Ford Terence C , Billington David , Young Andrew J
Published: February 2014

Carotenoids and vitamin E are transported in human plasma complexed with lipoproteins. The bulk of them are associated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL), in which form they may act as antioxidants and thus delay the onset of atherosclerosis. We used a simple, rapid, ultracentrifugation technique to fractionate plasma lipoproteins in self-generating gradients of iodixanol (Optiprep™), a non-ionic iodinated density gradient medium. The carotenoid content and composition of a number of LDL subfractions was determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Lycopene, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were mainly located in the larger, less-dense LDL particles whereas lutein and zeaxanthin were found preferentially in the smaller, more dense LDL particles. When the antioxidant content of these fractions was expressed per milligram of LDL protein, significantly lower concentrations of carotenoid and vitamin E were found to be associated with the smaller, protein-rich fractions of LDL. Strong positive correlations were found between total carotenoid and vitamin E plasma concentrations and the lag-time of Cu2+-mediated oxidation of LDL subfractions. The more dense LDL subfractions, which had lower levels of these antioxidants, were more readily oxidized, highlighting their possible role in atherosclerotic events.
Effect of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Antigen Source on an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Autoantibodies against Oxidized LDL
Authors: Craig Wendy Y , Raytcheva Sylvia E , Poulin Sue E , Ritchie Robert F
Published: February 2014

We examined the effect of antigen source on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for autoantibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Serum samples from 20 subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and from 20 controls were assayed for immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) autoantibodies against oxidized LDL, using either a pooled or individual ( n = 3) LDL preparation as antigen. For IgG autoantibodies against oxidized LDL there was a relationship ( r∼0·5, P < 0·01) between data obtained using individual versus pooled antigen preparations. Bias plots demonstrated consistent inverse, concentration-dependent relationships ( r∼−0·6, P < 0·001). The difference in IgG autoantibodies against oxidized LDL levels between SLE patients and controls was underestimated (39–58%) when assays used individual rather than pooled LDL antigen. For IgM autoantibodies against oxidized LDL the direct relationships were stronger ( r∼0·8, P < 0·001) and the concentration-dependent relationships weaker ( r∼−0·3, significance variable) than for IgG autoantibodies against oxidized LDL. Variations between LDL preparations suggested that a pooled antigen would give a more stable assay. Thus, LDL antigen source is important in assays for both IgG and IgM autoantibodies against oxidized LDL.
Eosinophil Cationic Protein in Serum from Nonatopic and Asymptomatic Atopic Individuals after Standardized Blood Clotting at 37°C
Authors: Pronk-Admiraal Claudia J , Bartels Piet C M , Mulder Kees
Published: February 2014

Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and ECP/eosinophil ratio were measured in 223 apparently healthy subjects. The serum sample for ECP measurement was obtained by standardized clotting of the blood sample for 2 hours at 37°C. Eosinophil count, ECP concentration and ECP/eosinophil ratio were no different between men ( n = 122) and women ( n = 101). Reference ranges for serum ECP and ECP/eosinophil ratio were 12–99 μg/L and 61–367 μg ECP per 109 eosinophils, respectively. Serum ECP and blood eosinophil count were positively correlated ( y = 141 x + 18, R2 = 0·45, P < 0·001). The ECP/eosinophil ratio, however, was found to decrease with increasing eosinophil count.

Twenty-three per cent of the apparently healthy subjects were found to have a positive score for immunoglobulin E antibodies specific to inhalant allergens, and thus were considered atopic. Serum ECP concentrations and eosinophil counts were significantly higher in this group compared with the non-atopic group. In this healthy population no decision level for either eosinophil count, serum ECP or ECP/eosinophil ratio could be found that discriminated atopic from non-atopic individuals.
Screening for Aetiology of Thrombophilia: A High Prevalence of Protein S Abnormality
Authors: Tsuda H , Hattori S , Tanabe S , Iida H , Nakahara M , Nishioka S , Fujise M , Kinoshita S , Okubo K , Hamasaki N
Published: February 2014

We systematically screened for the aetiology of thrombophilia in 115 patients with venous, arterial and small vessel thromboses. Forty-one patients (36% of those we examined) suffering from a variety of thromboses, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, arterial occlusion, cerebral infarction, Moyamoya disease and ulcerative colitis, were characterized either with positive lupus anticoagulants or with decreased activities of protein S, protein C, antithrombin III and/or plasminogen. Eight mutation sites were confirmed in 11 thrombotic patients using gene analysis.

Decreased protein S activity was found with a high incidence (23 out of 115) in Japanese patients who suffered from not only venous thrombosis but also arterial and small vessel thrombosis. We emphasize here the important role of protein S in the pathogenesis of thrombosis in the Japanese population.
Urinary Catecholamine Excretion in Relation to Renal Function
Authors: Roberts N B , Dutton J , McClelland P , Bone J M
Published: February 2014

The urinary excretions of the free catecholamines noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine were measured in 50 patients (33 men and 17 women) with chronic renal failure. Stability studies showed that the catecholamines were stable in unacidified urine as long as the pH was not greater than 7·5 and the urine was acidified within 2–3 h of collection. The outputs of noradrenaline and dopamine correlated positively with creatinine clearance and in patients with clearances above 40 mL/min were similar to those in healthy volunteers ( n = 20). However, adrenaline output was not correlated with creatinine clearance although it was lower in patients with renal failure compared with healthy volunteers. The urinary free catecholamine output during the first 10 days after a renal transplant was significantly less than normal, presumably because renal function was still impaired. However, in patients treated with cyclosporin A (CyA) combined with prednisolone the catecholamine excretion was lower compared with those treated with CyA and azathioprine. Impairment in renal function can have a marked effect on the output of free catecholamines and must be borne in mind when interpreting values that may have pathological significance.
β2-Microglobulin and Immunoglobulins are More Useful Markers of Disease Progression in HIV than Neopterin and Adenosine Deaminase
Authors: Martínez-Brú Cecília , Cortés Mariano , Planella Teresa , Barrio Josep , Cadafalch Josep , Domingo Pere , Fuster Montserrat , Sambeat Ma. Antònia , González-Sastre Francesc
Published: February 2014

Reference change values of six biochemical quantities (β2-microglobulin, neopterin, adenosine deaminase and immunoglobulins IgA, IgG and IgM) have been established in asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HlV)-infected patients following the method described by Harris and Yasaka in 1983. Patients included in the evaluation were classified as A1, A2 or A3 according to the classification of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (January 1993). All patients were followed-up quarterly, with a minimum of four samples each available for statistical analysis. The main objective of this paper was to study whether differences found to be greater than calculated reference change values could predict clinical or immunological worsening in patients' status. Retrospective analysis was made in asymptomatic patients ( n = 256) included in an HIV infection protocol carried out in our hospital. Of these patients, 179 showed clinical or immunological worsening during the study period and 77 maintained their clinical and immunological status. Changes in β2-microglobulin showed the greatest sensitivity to detect clinical or immunological worsening (43·0%), whereas changes in adenosine deaminase showed the lowest (21·8%). Clinical or immunological worsening in 169 of the 179 patients was detected by one of the six biochemical quantities evaluated. Ten patients showed clinical or immunological worsening, although differences between measurements were lower than the reference change values calculated. Of 77 patients whose clinical state did not deteriorate, there was a change in biochemical analytes greater than the reference value calculated in 29 patients (a period of 12 months had elapsed since detection). In 48 patients, no increases greater than calculated reference change values were detected. The sensitivity obtained using the six analytes was 94·4% and the specificity was 62·3%.
Increased Plasma Proadrenomedullin N-Terminal 20 Peptide in Patients with Essential Hypertension
Authors: Kuwasako K , Kitamura K , Kangawa K , Ishiyama Y , Kato J , Eto T
Published: February 2014

The novel hypotensive peptide, proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide (PAMP), is processed from the adrenomedullin precursor. Recently, we identified PAMP-12 [PAMP(9-20)] from the porcine adrenal medulla as a major endogenous and biologically active peptide. Using a new, sensitive radioimmunoassay which recognizes the C-terminal region of PAMP-20 [PAMP(1-20)], we investigated the role of PAMP in patients with essential hypertension who had normal renal function, and whether PAMP-12 is present in humans. The mean PAMP plasma concentration, like that of adrenomedullin, was significantly higher in hypertensive [1·51 fmol/mL, standard error of the mean (SEM) 0·09 fmol/mL] than normotensive participants (1·08 fmol/mL, SEM 0·05). The increase in plasma PAMP concentration in patients with organ damage accompanied by hypertension was significantly higher than that in patients without organ damage. The PAMP concentration had a significant positive correlation with mean blood pressure and adrenomedullin concentration. The immunoreactive PAMP in human tissue and plasma was characterized by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. PAMP-12, as well as PAMP-20, was abundant in the phaeochromocytoma tissue. These findings suggest that PAMP plays some pathophysiological role against the development of essential hypertension.
Development of a Highly Sensitive Enzyme Immunoassay for Human Calcitonin Using Solid Phase Coupled with Multiple Antibodies
Authors: Isomura Mitsuo , Honda Nobuo , Kawada Atsuko , Suzuki Hiromasa , Ashihara Yoshihiro
Published: February 2014

We have developed a highly sensitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay for human calcitonin using three different mouse monoclonal antibodies that recognize the N-terminal, C-terminal and central portions of a human calcitonin molecule. The assay signal in a two-step sandwich enzyme immunoassay for human calcitonin using a solid phase coupled with a mixture of monoclonal antibodies, CT08 and OCT1, was 3·7-fold higher than when using either or both solid phases coupled with CT08 or OCT1, respectively. This enhancement is the result of improved avidity of immobilized antibodies and greater stability of the complex of immobilized antibodies and calcitonin in the first reaction, which resulted in greater reactivity of the immunocomplex with alkaline phosphatase-conjugate in the second reaction. The present assay showed a linear response up to 2·5 μg/L of human calcitonin and a high specificity for human calcitonin, but not for rat calcitonin, human calcitonin gene-related peptide and rat calcitonin gene-related peptide. The detection limit of human calcitonin was estimated to be 0·29 ng/L at zero (assay blank) + 3 SD. Interbatch coefficients of variation ranged from 2·2–26·7%.
Direct Amplification of Escherichia Coli O157 Vero Toxin Genes from Human Faeces by the Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Okamoto Hidetoshi , Takano Emiko , Sugao Tatsuhiko , Kage Kazuo , Okamoto Eiichi , Nishimura Naoyuki , Ueda Kunihiro
Published: February 2014

Direct amplification of DNA from clinical specimens, such as blood and faeces, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is most often hindered by endogenous inhibitory substances, including haemoglobin and bile acids. We tested whether Ampdirect® A (Shimadzu), a novel reagent cocktail that has been shown to suppress the inhibitors in blood, is also useful for faecal samples, and found that the vero toxin genes (VT1 and VT2) of Escherichia coli O157 could be efficiently amplified from the supernatant of boiled faeces by PCR in the presence of this cocktail without prior extraction of DNA. We compared the efficiency of amplification with and without the cocktail, using the supernatant of boiled normal faeces supplemented with E. coli O157. PCR without the cocktail failed to amplify the vero toxin genes from the supernatant diluted < 6400-fold or containing > 0·02% (final concentration) of boiled faeces. By contrast, PCR with Ampdirect A amplified the toxin genes in the mixture containing as much boiled faeces as 0·5% and as few E. coli as 4 to 8 colony-forming units (CFU). The minimum limit for E. coli O157 detection by this method was estimated to be about 104 CFU/g faeces. The results obtained by this direct method agreed well with those obtained by the indirect method using DNA pre-extracted from patients' faeces (the detection limit being 103 CFU/g faeces).
Development and Evaluation of a Direct Immunofluorimetric Assay for Urinary Growth Hormone
Authors: McConway M G , Smith K A , Beastall G H
Published: February 2014

We describe a two-site immunofluorimetric assay for urinary growth hormone that is resistant to interference from a wide range of urinary constituents and therefore eliminates the need for sample pre-treatment. A microtitre plate format is used with specific orientation of capture antibody on a polystyrene surface carrying a hydrazide group. Europium-labelled F(ab)2 is the fluorophore and time-resolved fluorimetry with co-fluorescence enhancement the signal detection system. Inter-assay precision was 11·3% at 5·2 ng/L and 10·3% at 44·3 ng/L, minimum detection limit (22% coefficient of variation, CV) was < 1·0 ng/L, working range (< 10% CV) was 0–100 ng/L and quantitative recovery and good parallelism were demonstrated. This convenient and sensitive assay is suitable for the routine measurement of human growth hormone (hGH) in urine.
Cytochrome P450 Enzyme System: Genetic Polymorphisms and Impact on Clinical Pharmacology
Authors: van der Weide Jan , Steijns Linda S W
Published: February 2014

The cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme system is involved in the metabolism and elimination of numerous widely used drugs. The capacity of this system varies from one person to another, leading to variable drug excretion rates and intersubject differences in the final serum drug concentrations. For this reason, therapeutic response and side-effects vary widely between patients treated with the same dose of drug. The intersubject variability in metabolic rate is largely determined by genetic factors. Some CYP enzymes, including CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, are genetically polymorphic. Several mutant alleles have been described. Environmental factors such as smoking, diet and co-administration of medications might also influence the CYP enzyme activity. By the use of genotyping or phenotyping methods every individual can be classified as either a poor, an intermediate, an extensive or an ultrarapid metabolizer. If this could be performed prior to drug therapy, the knowledge could be applied to drug selection and dose adjustment in order to reach therapeutic serum drug levels.
Mechanical properties of Posidonia oceanica fibers reinforced cement
Authors: Allègue L , Zidi M , Sghaier S
Published: February 2014

This paper presents an optimization of the mechanical properties of cement– Posidonia composite by means of experimental characterization. We are interested in producing composite of cement reinforced by Posidonia raw fibers. The ratio of fibers and water-to-cement mass is varied to determine its effect on the mechanical properties of the cement– Posidonia composite, particularly, its resistance to fracture. Three point bending and compression tests were carried out to study the mechanical properties of the composite. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the surface of the tested samples. The experimental investigation shows an improvement of flexural strength for a ratio W/C equal to 0.5 and fiber content equal to 10 vol%.
Once More unto the Breaching Experiment
Authors: Braswell Matthew
Published: February 2014

Instructors frequently utilize breaching experiments in an attempt to “bring sociology to life.” However, an uncritical embrace of breaching experiments obscures the complexity of their possible effects on participants and subjects. These experiments have real potential to inflict deleterious consequences on individuals and groups. Additionally, the presence of videos of breaching experiments on the Internet raises questions about activities students are carrying out and publicly touting as sociological practice. By giving greater consideration to the embeddedness of the breaching experiment and its practitioners in the broader social world, students and instructors can create breaching experiments that are enlightening while still manifesting an appreciation of their effects on the experiments’ “subjects” and perhaps even making a contribution to the amelioration or transformation of the structures within which they take place.
Video Self-Modeling
Authors: Axelrod Michael I. , Bellini Scott , Markoff Kimberly
Published: February 2014

The current study investigated the effects of a Video Self-Modeling (VSM) intervention on the compliance and aggressive behavior of three children placed in a psychiatric hospital. Each participant viewed brief video clips of himself following simple adult instructions just prior to the school’s morning session and the unit’s afternoon free period. A multiple baseline design across settings was used to evaluate the effects of the VSM intervention on compliance with staff instructions and aggressive behavior on the hospital unit and in the hospital-based classroom. All three participants exhibited higher levels of compliance and fewer aggressive episodes during the intervention condition, and the effects were generally maintained when the intervention was withdrawn. Hospital staff reported at the conclusion of the study that the VSM intervention was easy to implement and beneficial for all participants. Taken altogether, the results suggest VSM is a promising, socially acceptable, and proactive intervention approach for improving the behavior of noncompliant children.
Incidental Parathyroidectomy during Thyroid Surgery Using Capsular Dissection Technique
Authors: Praženica Pavol , O'Driscoll Kieran , Holý Richard
Published: February 2014

Objective

To identify incidence, preoperative features, surgical factors, and postoperative events of incidental parathyroidectomy (IP) during thyroidectomy.

Study Design

A total of 1068 consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy performed by a single surgeon between January 2003 and April 2012 were enrolled in retrospective study with prospectively collected data.

Setting

University hospital.

Subjects and Methods

To assess the impact of IP on study variables, patients were stratified into 2 study groups: IP group and non‐IP group. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified significant correlates of IP.

Results

In all, 5.4% patients experienced IP. Significant difference (P <. 001) was in incidence of temporary hypocalcemia between IP group (36.2%) and non‐IP group (16.8%). Multivariable logistic regression model identified total thyroidectomy (odds ratio 3.937, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.462‐10.601, P =. 007) and Graves’ disease (odds ratio 2.192, 95% CI 1.157‐4.158, P =. 016) as risk‐adjusted factors associated with IP. Multivariate analysis of repeated measures identified statistically significant difference of repeated total calcium level (P <. 001) and ionized calcium level (P =. 020) between study groups.

Conclusion

IP during thyroidectomy might be potential complication. Total thyroidectomy, Graves’ disease, longer operation time, and identification 3 and more parathyroid glands seemed to be predictive factors for IP. IP is significantly associated with temporary hypocalcemia, but not with permanent hypoparathyroidism.
How the effects of IT and knowledge capability on organizational agility are contingent on environmental uncertainty and information intensity
Authors: Mao Hongyi , Liu Shan , Zhang Jinlong
Published: February 2014

The significance of agility is widely accepted because agile organizations are more successful in changing and competitive environments. Although the relationship of information technology (IT) capability and knowledge capability with organizational agility has been documented, limited information is available on the extent to which these two capabilities affect organizational agility. Attempts to understand the effect of IT and knowledge capability on organizational agility in the presence of contextual factors have also been few. Based on data collected from 123 organizations in China, we examine the moderating effects of two contextual factors (environmental uncertainty and information intensity) on the relationship of IT and knowledge capability with organizational agility. We contribute to current knowledge by showing that environmental uncertainty positively moderates the effects of IT capability and knowledge capability on organizational agility and that information intensity positively moderates the effects of knowledge capability on organizational agility. IT capability and knowledge capability are more effective in the presence of high environmental uncertainty and information intensity. While we find that both IT and knowledge capabilities have positive effects on organizational agility, knowledge capability is more effective than IT capability.
Multipurpose community telecenters in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Taiabur , Bhuiyan Shahjahan H.
Published: February 2014

This paper reviews and analyzes the development of Multipurpose Community Telecenters (MCTs) in rural Bangladesh. The core of the paper builds on bringing together relevant literature review and field study. The findings of the paper suggest that the development of telecenters in Bangladesh is still in its formative stage. MCTs have fared well in improving rural people’s livelihood at large, and the emerging middle class have been the major beneficiaries. Evidence suggests that the telecenters did not work much for the hardcore poor. The paper argues that MCTs as knowledge hubs have facilitated not only narrowing the digital divide but also contributing to the socio-economic development of rural Bangladesh.
Sustainability as Megatrend
Authors: Mittelstaedt John D. , Shultz Clifford J. , Kilbourne William E. , Peterson Mark
Published: February 2014

Is sustainability a megatrend? If so, what does it mean to be a megatrend, and how can macromarketing advance our understanding of sustainability as a megatrend? This article makes three contributions to research on sustainability as megatrend. First, if offers a set of elemental criteria to understand the concept of a megatrend. Megatrends are complex in nature, whose understanding requires the skills and perspectives of macromarketers. Second, this article articulates two schools of thought in Macromarketing scholarship, a Developmental School and a Critical School. The former operates from the premise that marketing systems are important parts of the solution to the human condition, while the latter operates from the premise that they are part of the problem. Each concludes that sustainability is the megatrend of our time, but for different reasons. Finally, this article offers directions for macromarketing scholars, who are uniquely positioned to explore sustainability as megatrend.