bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing a Code of Ethics amongst Social Workers in Supported Employment: Exploring the Socio-ecological Model
Authors: Shapira-Lishchinsky Orly , Ben-Amram Miri 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This study reveals the ethical dilemmas encountered by social workers who mentor workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities that work in the free labour market through supported employment frameworks. The aim of the study is to examine the social workers' ethical dilemmas, while extracting rules of conduct and ethical codes that are unique to supported employment frameworks, through team simulation training. The study included forty-eight social workers who attended nine sessions in the course of one year. The findings, which were analysed using a qualitative methodology, revealed that the dilemmas, rules of ethical conduct and the derived ethical codes ranged from flexible solutions to setting firm boundaries. It emerged that the ethical dilemmas were associated with interactions that take place on all layers of the socio-ecological model. The contribution of the study is in developing an ecological approach to coping with the multidimensional dilemmas that arise in the context of supported employment. The findings will help develop a systemic approach amongst social workers towards coping with the ethical challenges involved in this type of employment.
Participatory action planning as transductive reasoning: towards the right to the city in Los Arenales, Antofagasta, Chile
Authors: Vergara-Perucich Francisco 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This article discusses the experience of creating an overall plan for developing an informal settlement in the Chilean city of Antofagasta. This was accomplished by applying transductive reasoning to a community urban planning practice that aims to advance the community towards achieving the right to the city. By doing so, the article elaborates on insights gathered from the application of transductive reasoning as a method developed by Henri Lefebvre to reflect on the possible futures of cities using a bottom-up approach, thus utilizing the right to the city as a political agenda. Thus, this intervention provides an empirical reflection on the scope of action research in which the ideas of Henri Lefebvre are suitable for transforming utopian thinking into a political agenda for social transformation by a grassroots organization. The conclusions express the critiques of other authors whose approaches to Henri Lefebvre’s methods are substantially theoretical, thus wasting its empirical potential and capacity to engage communities.
Isoelectric focusing electrophoresis of protein-ligand conjugates: effect of the degree of substitution
Authors: Barbarakis Mlnas S , Bachas Leonldas G 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The degree of substitution of protein-ligand conjugates can be determined from the change of the isoelectric point (pI) of the protein when ligand molecules are attached to its surface. Specifically, the pI values of conjugates with known degrees of substitution are obtained by isoelectric focusing electrophoresis and are used to generate a calibration curve that relates these two variables. The shape of the curve is sigmoidal and can be predicted by a theoretical model that takes into account the degree of substitution and the amino acid composition of the protein. By using such a calibration curve, one may estimate the degree of substitution of a given protein-ligand conjugate from its pI value. The applicability of the method is demonstrated with conjugates of pyridoxal 5-phosphate and avidin.
Confirmation and differentiation of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus 1 and 2 with a strip-based assay including recombinant antigens and synthetic peptides
Authors: Pollet D E , Saman E L , Peeters D C , Warmenbol H M , Heyndrickx L M , Wouters C J , Beelaert G , van der Groen G , Van Heuverswyn H 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We evaluated the use of the INNO-LIA HIV-1/HIV-2 Ab test (LIA HIV; Innogenetics) for the confirmation of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and type 2 (HIV-2). The test includes three recombinant HIV-1 proteins: p24 (gag), p17 (gag), and endonuclease (p31; pol), in combination with two synthetic peptides derived from the env gene of HIV-1 and one synthetic peptide selected from the env gene of HIV-2. Analysis of 450 sera from blood donors, 220 sera from patients with non-HIV pathology, and 28 Western blot (WB) p24-only reactive sera revealed no false-positive results, and the rate of indeterminate results was substantially lower than that with WB. Testing of 334 WB-confirmed HIV antibody-positive sera (309 HIV-1; 25 HIV-2) revealed no false-negative results. In two of seven seroconversion panels tested, LIA HIV detected the presence of HIV antibodies before WB did. In the other five panels, LIA HIV and WB confirmed the presence of HIV antibodies in the same sample. The LIA HIV assay therefore appears well suited for routine confirmation of the presence of HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies.
Estimating the performance characteristics of quality-control procedures when error persists until detection
Authors: Parvin C A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The concepts of the power function for a quality-control rule, the error detection rate, and the false rejection rate were major advances in evaluating the performance characteristics of quality-control procedures. Most early articles published in this area evaluated the performance characteristics of quality-control rules with the assumption that an intermittent error condition occurred only within the current run, as opposed to a persistent error that continued until detection. Difficulties occur when current simulation methods are applied to the persistent error case. Here, I examine these difficulties and propose an alternative method that handles persistent error conditions effectively when evaluating and quantifying the performance characteristics of a quality-control rule.
Interlaboratory comparison of glycohemoglobin results: College of American Pathologists Survey data
Authors: Little R R , Wiedmeyer H M , England J D , Naito H K , Goldstein D E 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We describe recent changes in the College of American Pathologists Glycohemoglobin (gHb) Survey, made to improve the assessment of interlaboratory variability and the accuracy of results reported. The questionnaire portion of the survey was revised to include an updated list of current methods, and results for survey specimens were grouped according to the component measured (Hb A1, Hb A1c, or total gHb). The survey specimen material was changed to a material thought to give more reliable results with all available methods. After these changes, instituted in 1989, between-laboratory CVs decreased for some methods. Furthermore, gHb values between method types were more consistent with results obtained from fresh blood samples under very controlled laboratory conditions. However, these recent data also show that the interlaboratory variability is still quite high for some methods and that the variability within and between method types is still very great. We describe a pilot standardization program for gHb measurement.
Six methods for direct radioiodination of mouse epidermal growth factor compared: effect of nonequivalence in binding behavior between labeled and unlabeled ligand
Authors: Kienhuis C B , Heuvel J J , Ross H A , Swinkels L M , Foekens J A , Benraad T J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Mouse epidermal growth factor (EGF) was radioiodinated by six different direct iodination methods. The 125I-labeled EGF preparations were distinguished by analyzing the binding of the radioligand to the EGF receptor (EGFR)-containing human placental membranes. The receptor-binding affinity of EGF labeled with Chloramine T was less than the affinity of unlabeled EGF, which precluded an accurate determination of the specific radioactivity of the 125I-labeled EGF preparation by "self-displacement analysis." Scatchard analysis of competitive binding data (increasing concentrations of unlabeled EGF) obtained with commercially prepared 125I-labeled EGF (Chloramine T method), according to the specific radioactivity stated by the manufacturer, resulted in a substantial underestimation of the apparent number of receptors. Iodination of EGF with Iodogen or Iodo-beads, reagents claimed to be more gentle because of their solid state, also yielded 125I-labeled EGF preparations that were not equivalent to the native EGF in receptor binding. In contrast, equivalence in the ligand-receptor interaction between labeled and unlabeled EGF could be achieved by iodinating EGF with iodine monochloride (ICl), Protag-125, or lactoperoxidase-glucose oxidase-coupled beads (Enzymobeads). Scatchard plots of saturation and competitive binding data obtained with these 125I-labeled EGF preparations produced identical results for apparent receptor number and apparent dissociation constants. Such radioiodinated EGF preparations yield relevant binding data in competition studies of labeled and unlabeled EGF.
Plasma lipoprotein peroxidation potential: a test to evaluate individual susceptibility to peroxidation
Authors: Arshad M A , Bhadra S , Cohen R M , Subbiah M T 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Peroxidation of lipids is believed to play a key role in various degenerative diseases. However, few simple tests are able to detect individual susceptibility or resistance to peroxidation. Measurement of the basal concentrations of lipid peroxides in plasma is not satisfactory because they are so low. Therefore, we developed a test to determine susceptibility of whole plasma to metal/H2O2-catalyzed peroxidation. Incubation of 300-500 microL of plasma with H2O2/cupric acetate resulted in the formation of products from fatty acids (malonaldehyde, measured by thiobarbituric acid assay) and cholesterol (predominantly cholest-3,5-dien-7-one, measured by gas-liquid chromatography). In the presence of Cu2+, formation of malonaldehyde and cholest-3,5-dien-7-one increased at least 10-fold over basal values. Lipid peroxide (malonaldehyde) and cholesterol oxide concentrations after peroxidation were significantly higher (P less than 0.01) in diabetic plasma than in normal plasma. Because susceptibility to plasma peroxidation represents a balance between pro-oxidant factors and antioxidant protection, this test may be useful in determining individual susceptibility to peroxidation as influenced by nutritional and clinical status.
Biological variability of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in blood
Authors: Guemouri L , Artur Y , Herbeth B , Jeandel C , Cuny G , Siest G 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We studied the biological variability of blood superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), glutathione peroxidase (GPX; EC 1.11.1.9), and catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6) in a sample of 1836 apparently health subjects, ages 4-97 years. SOD and GPX activities were assayed in plasma (P) and erythrocytes (E) by automated methods, and CAT was measured in erythrocytes by a manual technique. No statistically significant variation of these antioxidant enzyme activities according to gender was demonstrated, except for E-GPX, which was slightly but significantly higher in women than in men (P less than 0.001). Activities appear rather stable in adults less than 65 years old, but decrease for most enzymes in the elderly. There is no evidence that weight, blood pressure, or menopause influences the antioxidant enzymes' activities. In girls ages 10-14 years, E-SOD activity is reduced by 16% (P less than 0.05) after menarche. Variations related to smoking and alcohol consumption are slight and concern only P-SOD and P-GPX, respectively. Conversely, intake of some drugs (e.g., anti-inflammatory agents, antidepressants, and thyroid hormones) modifies activity of some of the three enzymes. E-SOD positively correlates with P-SOD (r = 0.216, P less than 0.001) and E-CAT (r = 0.123, P less than 0.001), and E-GPX with P-GPX (r = 0.218, P less than 0.001). Finally, we propose reference intervals for activities of the three antioxidant enzymes in blood in individuals less than 65 years old.
Relationship of lipoprotein(a) to variables of coagulation and fibrinolysis in a healthy population
Authors: Heinrich J , Sandkamp M , Kokott R , Schulte H , Assmann G 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In the Prospective Cardiovascular Münster (PROCAM) study, serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and its relationship to pro- and anticoagulatory as well as fibrinolytic indices were determined in a large group of employees: 864 men (m) and 373 women (f), ages 16-65 years. Univariate statistical analysis showed Lp(a) concentration to be associated with fibrinogen concentrations in both sexes (m: r = 0.08, P less than 0.05; f: r = 0.20, P less than 0.001), but not with euglobulin fibrinolysis activity, tissue-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), or the split products of cross-linked fibrin (d-dimer). In women only, Lp(a) was significantly correlated with antithrombin III (r = 0.15, P less than 0.01) and Protein C (r = 0.17, P less than 0.01). Further sex-related differences were seen in the relationship between Lp(a) and age (m: r = 0.05; f: r = 0.23, P less than 0.001) and body mass index (m: r = 0.01; f: r = 0.19, P less than 0.001), primarily as a consequence of remarkable differences of Lp(a) concentrations between postmenopausal (mean = 79.4 mg/L) and premenopausal women (mean = 51.5 mg/L, P = 0.001). Multiple-regression analysis demonstrated a significant negative correlation of Lp(a) to PAI-1 (m: beta = -0.12, P less than 0.01; f: beta = -0.14, P less than 0.05) and a positive correlation to cholesterol (m: beta = 0.18, P less than 0.001; f: beta = 0.17, P less than 0.01) and systolic blood pressure (m: beta = 0.08, P less than 0.05; f: beta = 0.11, P less than 0.05).
CA-125 concentrations in malignant and nonmalignant disease
Authors: Daoud E , Bodor G 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
CA-125 is a high-molecular-mass glycoprotein expressed on the cell surface of some derivatives of embryonic coelomic epithelium. This tumor-associated antigen widely used to monitor ovarian carcinomas has been suggested as a promising noninvasive test that could differentiate benign from malignant conditions. Based on results of various studies, CA-125 measurement appears to be very useful in monitoring the response to therapy of ovarian carcinoma and for detecting tumor recurrence as exemplified in Case 1. However, because of the high frequency of false-positive results associated with many benign conditions, CA-125 is of little value as a screening test for ovarian carcinoma. A brief list of the most common benign conditions associated with CA-125 increase includes menstruation, pregnancy, benign pelvic tumors, pelvic inflammatory diseases, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, peritonitis, and many diseases leading to pleural effusion or ascites. According to several studies, a marked increase in CA-125 of greater than 1000 units/mL, as seen in Case 2, and even up to 5000 units/mL, could be seen in some benign conditions. This finding further limits the value of CA-125 as a potential noninvasive procedure to differentiate benign from malignant diseases. Although values up to 10,000 units/mL are occasionally seen in patients with ovarian carcinoma, we are reluctant to state that any concentration of CA-125 can be clearly diagnostic of malignancy.
Borderline Increases in Albumin Excretion Rate and the Relation to Glycemic Control in Subjects with Type I Diabetes
Authors: Chase H Peter , Marshall Guillermo , Garg Satish K , Harris Sherrie , Osberg Iris 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We evaluated "borderline" increases in overnight albumin excretion rates (AERs)—i.e., those between the upper 95th percentile of normal (7.6 μg/min) and the lowest value currently considered predictive of nephropathy (30 μg/min)—to determine their importance and to see whether glucose control influenced subsequent changes in the "borderline" AER values. Between 1985 and 1990, we studied 190 subjects with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (Type I), analyzing a mean of 6.5 timed overnight urine samples collected per subject. Above-normal AERs were associated with a significantly (by ANOVA) higher mean age (P = 0.03), longer duration of diabetes (P = 0.0002), and greater mean glycohemoglobin values (P = 0.002). The transition rate between borderline and abnormal AERs was significantly higher (P&lt;0.0001, chi-square test) than the direct transition rate between normal and abnormal AERs, thus showing the borderline AER to be a definite intermediate stage. Good and poor glucose control were clearly associated with improvement and worsening, respectively, of the borderline AER values (P = 0.032, chi-square test of trend). More attention to borderline AER values is clearly indicated.
Ultrasensitive Measurement of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol with a High Energy Dynode Detector and Electron-Capture Negative Chemical-Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Shaw Leslie M , Edling-Owens Judith , Mattes Richard 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Plasma concentrations of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana, decline to values substantially &lt;1 μg/L within a few hours after a subject has smoked a marijuana cigarette. Using a single-quadrupole gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC/MS) operated in the negative chemical-ionization mode and retrofitted with a High Energy Dynode detector system, we measured Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and a primary metabolite, 11-nor-Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-COOH. Using a trifluoroacetic anhydride derivatization procedure and the High Energy Dynode detector system, we improved by 6.25-fold the limit of detection for Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in plasma over that obtained with the same GC/MS system without the new detector (80 vs 500 ng/L). The new detector system will thus permit further investigation of the post-distribution pharmacokinetics of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and detection of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in plasma for a longer time after ingestion of the drug in forensic cases. The High Energy Dynode detector system should be applicable to a wide variety of other GC/MS analyses that require significantly improved sensitivity.
Ultrasensitive, Specific, Two-Antibody Immunoradiometric Assay That Detects Free Alpha Subunits of Glycoprotein Hormones in Blood of Nonpregnant Humans
Authors: Grover Sanjeev , Griffin Jeanine , Odell William D 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This noncompetitive, sensitive, immunoradiometric assay of the free alpha subunit of human pituitary glycoprotein hormones is based on two monoclonal antibodies and an avidin-biotin separation system. The affinity of the first antibody, mouse anti-alpha subunit covalently conjugated to biotin, is 3.8 × 1011 L/mol. The second antibody, radiolabeled with 125I, has an affinity of 5.4 × 1011 L/mol. A polystyrene ball coated with avidin serves as the separation system. Tests of "purified" immunochemical-grade intact human glycoprotein hormones yielded cross-reactions of ~2% in the assay. Sephadex G-100 column chromatography showed that this "cross-reaction" was caused by contamination of the various hormone preparations with free alpha subunit. When the intact glycoprotein hormones were further purified with specific anti-alpha monoclonal antibody, their reaction in the alpha subunit assay was undetectable (&lt;0.01%). Interassay CV averaged 3.5%, and intra-assay CV averaged 7.5% at low concentrations of subunit. The detection limit of the assay (0.01 μg/L) is adequate to detect free alpha subunit in the blood of normal humans. Mean (SD) concentrations of free alpha subunit in normal humans were as follows: eugonadal men = 437 (35) ng/L; postmenopausal women = 1231 (40) ng/L; eugonadal women, follicular phase = 1061 (40) ng/L; eugonadal luteal phase = 780 (45) ng/L.
Dual-label time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay for simultaneous detection of myoglobin and carbonic anhydrase III in serum
Authors: Vuori Juhani , Rasi Simo , Takala Timo , Väänänen Kalervo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We developed a dual-labeled time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay for simultaneous quantification of myoglobin (Mb) and carbonic anhydrase III (CA III) in serum involving polyclonal antibodies and the fluorescent lanthanides europium (Eu3+) and samarium (Sm3+). This solid-phase immunoassay is based on competition between Eu3+- or Sm(3+)-labeled antigen and the sample antigen for polyclonal rabbit antibodies. Standards and patients' samples containing antigen inhibit binding of the lanthanide-labeled antigen to the antibody. A second antibody directed against rabbit IgG is coated on a solid phase and binds the IgG-antigen-lanthanide complex, giving rapid and complete separation of antibody-bound and free antigen. The assay requires only one incubation step. An enhancement solution dissociates Eu3+ and Sm3+ ions from the labeled CA III and Mb, respectively, into a solution where they form highly fluorescent chelates. Spectra of the fluorescent chelates in the microtitration-strip wells were run on a time-resolved fluorometer equipped with filters for Eu3+ (613 nm) and Sm3+ (643 nm), the fluorescence from each sample being inversely proportional to the concentration of antigens. The measurement range for both analytes is from 5 to 1500 μg/L. The mean within-and between-assay precisions (CV) were 4.6% and 6.2% for CA III and 5.9% and 7.3% for Mb, respectively. Good correlations were obtained with the results of CA III RIA and a commercial myoglobin RIA kit.
Passive Inhalation of Cocaine
Authors: Baselt R C , Yoshikawa D M , Chang J Y 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Recent studies (1, 2) have shown that dermal absorption of cocaine can lead to low concentrations (&lt;150 μg/L) of the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine in urine. An anecdotal report (3) suggests that children may exhibit positive urine cocaine metabolite tests after passive exposure to the vapor created by free-base cocaine smoking.
Release of cyclic guanosine monophosphate evaluated as a diagnostic tool in cardiac diseases
Authors: Vorderwinkler Karl-P , Artner-Dworzak Eilka , Jakob Gab , Mair Johanne , Diensti Franz , Pichler Max , Puschendorf Bemd 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) are increased in plasma of patients with impaired cardiac and renal function. The second messenger of ANP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), is released into the plasma specifically upon stimulation of cells with ANP. Although nitrates can also activate intracellular cGMP synthesis, we detected no increase in plasma cGMP concentrations after infusions of glycerol trinitrate. Because immunoreactive ANP is highly susceptible to degradation and nonspecific influences in blood samples, determinations of ANP require immediate centrifugation and storage of plasma at -20 degrees C. In contrast, we found that cGMP is stable for five days in vitro in blood samples containing EDTA. In 147 healthy blood donors, the upper cutoff value for plasma cGMP was 6.60 nmol/L, not significantly different (P greater than 0.05) from that for 222 patients with disorders other than cardiovascular and renal. In 69 patients with manifest congestive heart failure (NYHA stages II-IV), 65 had increased cGMP values. Using the above cutoff value for cGMP gave diagnostic sensitivity of 94.2% and specificity of 93.7%. Plasma cGMP may thus provide an alternative for routine clinical measurements of ANP in cardiac diseases in the absence of renal disorders.