bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct and indirect techniques for free thyroxin compared in patients with nonthyroidal illness. II. Effect of prealbumin, albumin, and thyroxin-binding globulin.
Authors: Csako G , Zweig M H , Glickman J , Ruddel M , Kestner J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We studied the correlation of thyroxin (T4)-binding proteins with the apparent free T4 (FT4) in 101 patients with nonthyroidal illness (NTI). Most patients (95%) were seriously ill at the time of blood collection. Concentrations of T4-binding prealbumin (transthyretin), albumin, and T4-binding globulin (TBG) often were low in the sera of these patients. Albumin was the most frequently subnormal, TBG the least. FT4 in serum was determined by five methods represented in 16 different assays. With few exceptions, analog (one-step) FT4 RIAs--both the binding-rate-based RIA and the related FT4 indices (calculated from triiodothyronine-macroaggregated albumin uptake and total T4)--and T4/TBG ratios correlated positively and usually highly significantly (P less than 0.01) with concentrations of prealbumin, albumin, and TBG. Equilibrium dialysis values for FT4 did not correlate with prealbumin concentrations but showed a weakly (P less than 0.03) positive association with albumin and a highly significant (P less than 0.002) positive correlation with TBG. Of the three two-step FT4 RIAs tested, the only statistically significant but weakly (P less than 0.02) positive correlation with T4-binding proteins was between Spiria FT4 and TBG. Thus, in these NTI patients, FT4 estimates vary with methodology and, to a lesser extent, with the particular assay used. The results from two-step FT4 RIAs are least associated with binding protein concentrations.
Decreased immunoreactivity and binding activity of corticosteroid-binding globulin in serum in septic shock.
Authors: Pugeat M , Bonneton A , Perrot D , Rocle-Nicolas B , Lejeune H , Grenot C , Déchaud H , Brébant C , Motin J , Cuilleron C Y 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
To investigate the mechanism(s) responsible for the depletion of corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) activity in serum in septic shock, we developed a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for human CBG, using a monospecific antiserum to human CBG raised in rabbits. CBG was purified from pooled human serum by precipitation with ammonium sulfate and successive affinity chromatography treatments on corticosterone-Sepharose and concanavalin A-Sepharose. Final purification was achieved by HPLC on a diethylaminoethyl-PW (polymer matrix) ion-exchange column. Typical standard curves established for the CBG immunoassay showed parallelism for pure CBG and serial dilutions of sera from patients with septic or nonseptic shock and from healthy controls. Measurements of CBG by RIA showed a significantly (P less than 0.001) lower CBG concentration in patients with septic shock (22.9 +/- 5.9 mg/L, mean +/- SD; n = 23) than in controls (39.9 +/- 6.5 mg/L, n = 21) or in patients with nonseptic shock (33.3 +/- 6.5 mg/L, n = 12). The correlation between the concentrations determined by RIA and the CBG binding capacity was significant (r = 0.619, P less than 0.001, n = 33). The electrophoretic mobility of CBG was similar in sera from septic shock patients and normal subjects (Rf = 0.52-0.56). This suggests that the depletion of the corticosteroid-binding activity in serum during septic shock is associated with a decreased amount of CBG.
Lipase activity measured in serum by a continuous-monitoring pH-Stat technique--an update.
Authors: Tietz N W , Astles J R , Shuey D F 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Using recent knowledge regarding the roles of colipase, bile acids, Ca2+, and emulsifiers, we optimized a previously published pH-Stat method for lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) activity measurements. The recommended assay conditions are: olive oil/triolein, 100 mL/L; sodium glycocholate, 35 mmol/L; Ca2+, 8.5 mmol/L; and colipase, 6.0 mg/L. The sample volume is 0.10 mL, the reaction pH 9.0, the temperature 30 degrees C, and the concentration of titrant 15 mmol/L. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, 20 g/L, replaces acacia as emulsifier to avoid inhibition by excess Ca2+. The standard curve is linear to greater than 4566 U/L. The reference interval with olive oil as substrate is 30-235 U/L. Lipase activities with triolein substrate are 9.9% greater than with olive oil. Interference by pancreatic carboxylesterase (EC 3.1.1.1) activity is inhibited by incubating the sample with diisopropylfluorophosphate. Results correlate well with those by the optimized SingleVial method of Boehringer Mannheim Diagnostics (r = 0.997) and the immunochemical assay of Beckman Instruments, Inc. (r = 0.995). Correlation with the aca method (E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company) is less satisfactory (r = 0.892), probably owing to lack of colipase in the latter method.
Quantification of biotin in serum by competition with solid-phase biotin for binding to peroxidase-avidin conjugate.
Authors: Hansen S I , Holm J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We have developed a simple, fast, accurate, and reproducible method--an Enzyme-Linked Ligand Sorbent Assay (ELLSA)--for quantifying biotin without the use of isotopes and immunological reagents. The analytical principle is based on the competition between biotin of the sample and immobilized biotin, i.e., biotinylated bovine serum albumin coated onto immunoplates, for binding to horseradish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7)-avidin conjugate. The amount of conjugate bound to immobilized biotin is subsequently measured.
DNA fingerprinting.
Authors: Cawood A H 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Hypervariable tandem-repetitive minisatellite regions of human DNA can be used to generate individual-specific DNA fingerprints. Validation studies have demonstrated the reliability of the analysis, the mode of inheritance of the minisatellites, and the unparalleled degree of individual specificity. The uses of hypervariable probes in forensic biology, paternity testing, and the resolution of a wide range of problems in genetics, molecular biology, population biology, and medicine are illustrated.
Enzyme immunoassay system for panel testing.
Authors: Donohue J , Bailey M , Gray R , Holen J , Huang T M , Keevan J , Mattimiro C , Putterman C , Stalder A , Defreese J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
An immunoassay system based on enzyme immunoassay technology has been developed for quantitative panel testing. The system includes test card disposables, reagents, and an instrument. Patients' samples are processed semiautomatically in the instrument with minimum user intervention. The test card has multiple test areas at individual locations on a membrane solid phase so that simultaneous determinations from a single specimen are possible. Each panel also includes positive and negative reagent procedural controls. Factory-determined calibration curves for each analyte are provided in barcode form with each test kit. The reagents include a specimen dilution buffer, enzyme conjugate, and precipitogenic substrate. Up to 10 test cards at a time can be processed in random-access and continuous-access modes, with automated agitation of sample and reagents over the solid phase, temperature-controlled incubation, and membrane washing and reading, data reduction, and printout of results. The optical reader measures diffuse reflectance and features source intensity and wavelength compensation.
Low-normal concentrations of free thyroxin in serum in late pregnancy: physiological fact, not technical artefact.
Authors: Ball R , Freedman D B , Holmes J C , Midgley J E , Sheehan C P 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Free thyroxin (FT4) concentrations, total thyroxin/thyroxin-binding globulin (T4/TBG) ratios, and thyrotropin (TSH) and albumin concentrations were measured in serum in a longitudinal study in each of the three trimesters of 25 normal pregnancies. In late pregnancy, FT4 estimates by assays reputedly either affected or unaffected by albumin were in the lower half of the reference range for nonpregnant subjects. T4/TBG ratios and albumin concentrations were similarly lower. FT4 overall was significantly (P less than 0.001) correlated with these latter two values. Serum TSH concentrations increased as FT4 declined in late pregnancy. Nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations were too low to displace T4 from its binding proteins and were not correlated with other measurements. Within any one of the trimesters, FT4 and T4/TBG were independent of variations in TBG or albumin concentrations. This implies that lower FT4 concentrations in late pregnancy are real, merely coinciding with parallel decreases in albumin. They are not artefacts of albumin-affected assays.
Measuring tissue factor (factor III) activity in plasma.
Authors: Fukuda C , Iijima K , Nakamura K 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This is a method for measuring tissue factor (TF, Factor III, tissue thromboplastin) activity in plasma by using a chromogenic substrate. As pretreatment, the euglobulin fraction of plasma was prepared by removing endogenous inhibitors and heated at 60 degrees C for 3 min to remove fibrinogen. This allowed us to measure the low TF activity in plasma that could not otherwise be measured. Neither phospholipids nor coagulation factors VII, IX, X, or Xa in the samples interfere. Within-run and day-to-day reproducibility were both good. The mean value obtained by this method for normal persons was 1.02 (SD 0.91) arbitrary units/L. A markedly high plasma TF activity of 20 arb. units/L or more was observed in patients with some types of disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Fully automated fluorescence assay for determining total homocysteine in plasma.
Authors: Refsum H , Ueland P M , Svardal A M 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Homocysteine exists in human plasma as various (mixed) disulfides. Most plasma homocysteine (about 70%) is protein bound, probably via a disulfide bond to albumin, whereas homocysteine-cysteine mixed disulfide is the predominating form in the free fraction. We here present a method for the determination of total homocysteine, which includes both fractions. Plasma was initially treated with sodium borohydride to reduce the disulfide bonds, and the liberated thiols were derivatized with monobromobimane. The derivatized sample, still containing the plasma proteins, was injected onto a strong cation-exchange column, from which the homocysteine derivative was directed by column switching into a cyclohexyl silica (CH) column. The homocysteine derivative was top-concentrated on the CH column, then rapidly eluted with a steep gradient of methanol. Both the derivatization procedure and chromatography were performed with a combined sample processor and sample injector from Gilson (Model 232-401). Within-run and between-run precision (CV) was less than 4%, and the detection limit of 0.2 pmol was sufficiently low for monitoring homocysteine in plasma. We verified the assay against two established manual methods for the determination of total homocysteine in plasma. This, the first fully automated assay for total plasma homocysteine, allows the unattended analysis of 70 samples per 24 h.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for chromogranin A.
Authors: Dillen L , De Block J , Van Lear L , De Potter W 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for determining chromogranin A (CGA) with use of a monoclonal antibody. CGA was isolated from bovine chromaffin granules. The analytical ELISA procedure for bovine CGA was developed and optimized. Typical standard curves ranged from 500 pg to 500 ng of CGA. We then studied human plasma CGA-immunoreactivity as measured by this assay. The curve for dilutions of human plasma paralleled the standard curve for bovine CGA. The intra-assay coefficient of variation for determination of human plasma CGA was 4.56%, indicating that reliable determinations can be performed for human plasma. However, further study revealed the presence of two CGA-immunoreactive substances in human plasma, one of which corresponds to the native CGA. The nature of the second immunoreactive substance still remains unknown. Nevertheless the measured CGA concentrations (ranging from 0.19 to 0.35 mg/L) in plasma are comparable with previously reported values.
Measuring creatine kinase MB isoenzyme in a maintenance hemodialysis population: chemiluminometric immunoassay and electrophoresis compared.
Authors: Latner B P , Skale J S , Burns W 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In an effort to clarify the issue of potentially false increases in creatine kinase (EC 2.7.3.2) MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) in uremia, we evaluated the CK profile of 84 persons undergoing chronic maintenance hemodialysis. We compared the performance of a new commercial two-site chemiluminometric immunoassay of CK-MB (Magic Lite; Ciba Corning Diagnostics) with that of electrophoresis on agarose gel (Cardio Trak-CK; Corning Medical). Results of the new chemiluminometric immunoassay for samples from hemodialysis patients correlated well with those of the electrophoretic method (r = 0.86, P less than 0.001), showing that neither substances in the serum of uremic patients nor CK-MM isoenzyme give false-positive increases in CK-MB isoenzyme. Our evidence suggests that the chemiluminometric method may be more specific than is electrophoresis in establishing absolute CK-MB values in the diagnosis of suspected myocardial injury in this population.
Long-chain aliphatic fatty acids and phytanic acid simultaneously measured by dual-column capillary chromatography.
Authors: Tsai M Y , Cooper K 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A method is described for simultaneously measuring long-chain aliphatic fatty acids and phytanic acid in plasma, for the diagnosis of disorders associated with peroxisomal defects, eliminating the need for two separate chromatographic runs to resolve all of the analytes. In addition, the simultaneous, dual-column analysis allows confirmation of the identity and quantity of the individual fatty acids, thus adding a degree of certainty when results are used for interpretation and differential diagnosis of the many clinical manifestations of peroxisomal defects.
Climbing the Rungs of the Quality Ladder: FDI and Domestic Exporters in Romania
Authors: Bajgar Matej , Javorcik Beata 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This article argues that inflows of foreign direct investment can facilitate export upgrading in host countries. Using customs data merged with firm-level information for 2005–11, it shows a positive relationship between the quality of products exported by Romanian firms and the presence of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in the upstream (input-supplying) industries. Export quality is also positively related to MNE presence in the downstream (input-sourcing) industries and the same industry, but these relationships are less robust. These conclusions hold both when the product quality is proxied with unit values and when it is estimated following the approach of Khandelwal et al. (2013).
Trends in Physical and Cognitive Performance Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Switzerland
Authors: Henchoz Yves , Büla Christophe , von Gunten Armin , Blanco Juan Manuel , Seematter-Bagnoud Laurence , Démonet Jean-Francois , Waeber Gérard , Nanchen David , Santos-Eggimann Brigitte 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
With population aging, a key question is whether new cohorts of older people are in better health than previous ones. This study aimed to compare the physical and cognitive performance of community-dwelling older adults assessed at similar age in 2005, 2010, and 2015.

Methods
This repeated cross-sectional analysis used data from the Lausanne cohort 65+, a three random sample population-based study. Performance of participants aged 66–71 years in 2005 (N = 1,309), 2010 (N = 1,253), and 2015 (N = 1,328) was compared using a battery of six physical and four cognitive tests. Analyses included tests for trend across samples and multivariable linear regression models.

Results
Adjusted performance in all four timed physical tests (gait speed, Timed Up-and-Go, five times chair stand, and Moberg Picking-Up) improved across samples from 2005 to 2015, by +12.7% (95% confidence interval {CI} +10.5%; +14.9%) to +20.4% (95% CI +17.7%; +23.0%) in females, and by +10.6% (95% CI +8.7%; +12.4%) to +16.7% (95% CI +13.4%; +20.0%) in males. In contrast, grip strength and balance did not improve across samples. Adjusted cognitive performance showed no change in the Trail Making Test, but worsened significantly across samples for the Mini-Mental State Examination, verbal fluency, and the clock drawing test in both females (−1.9% [95% CI −2.7%; −1.1%] to −6.7% [95% CI −8.9%; −4.6%]) and males (−2.5% [95% CI −3.4%; −1.6%] to −8.0% [95% CI −11.1%; −4.9%]).

Conclusions
Over the last decade, performance of adults aged 66–71 years improved significantly in timed physical tests but worsened in most cognitive measures among later-born samples.
Antimicrobial activity of POL7306 tested against clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria collected worldwide
Authors: Sader Helio S , Rhomberg Paul R , Duncan Leonard R , Locher Hans H , Dale Glenn E , Flamm Robert K 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
POL7306 belongs to a new class of peptidomimetic outer-membrane-protein-targeting antibiotics with a novel mechanism of action. POL7306 is in development for the treatment of infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and has demonstrated low cytotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Methods
A total of 891 isolates were collected by the SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program from 134 medical centres in Europe (n = 424; 41 centres in 18 nations), the USA (n = 411 isolates from 67 centres), the Asia-Pacific region (n = 24; 15 centres in 6 nations) and Latin America (n = 32; 11 centres in 9 nations) and included 558 Enterobacterales, 310 non-fermenters and 23 fastidious organisms. Susceptibility testing was performed using the reference broth microdilution method and the medium was supplemented with 0.002% polysorbate-80 for testing POL7306. Resistant subsets were characterized by WGS.

Results
POL7306 demonstrated potent in vitro activity against Enterobacterales [including carbapenem-resistant (MIC50/90, 0.06/0.25 mg/L), ESBL-producing (MIC50/90, 0.06/0.12 mg/L), KPC-producing (MIC50/90, 0.12/0.25 mg/L), MBL-producing (MIC50/90, 0.06/0.25 mg/L), colistin-non-susceptible, mcr-negative (MIC50/90, 0.5/2 mg/L) and mcr-positive (MIC50/90, 0.12/0.25 mg/L) Enterobacterales], Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC50/90, 0.25/0.25 mg/L), Acinetobacter baumannii (MIC50/90, 0.06/0.12 mg/L) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (MIC50/90, 0.06/0.25 mg/L).

Conclusions
POL7306 demonstrated potent activity against a large collection of Gram-negative organisms collected worldwide that included colistin-resistant, XDR and ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing isolates for which there are currently limited treatment options.
Trends in antimicrobial resistance among Escherichia coli from defined infections in humans and animals
Authors: Bourély Clémence , Coeffic Thomas , Caillon Jocelyne , Thibaut Sonia , Cazeau Géraldine , Jouy Eric , Jarrige Nathalie , Chauvin Claire , Madec Jean-Yves , Haenni Marisa , Leblond Agnès , Gay Emilie 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Objectives
To characterize and compare resistance trends in clinical Escherichia coli isolates from humans, food-producing animals (poultry, cattle and swine) and pets (dogs and cats).

Methods
Antibiogram results collected between January 2014 and December 2017 by MedQual [the French surveillance network for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria isolated from the community] and RESAPATH (the French surveillance network for AMR in bacteria from diseased animals) were analysed, focusing on resistance to antibiotics of common interest to human and veterinary medicine. Resistance dynamics were investigated using generalized additive models.

Results
In total, 743 637 antibiograms from humans, 48 170 from food-producing animals and 7750 from pets were analysed. For each antibiotic investigated, the resistance proportions of isolates collected from humans were of the same order of magnitude as those from food-producing animals or pets. However, resistance trends in humans differed from those observed in pets and food-producing animals over the period studied. For example, resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones was almost always below 10% for both humans and animals. However, in contrast to the notable decreases in resistance observed in both food-producing animals and pets, resistance in humans decreased only slightly.

Conclusions
Despite several potential biases in the data, the resistance trends remain meaningful. The strength of the parallel is based on similar data collection in humans and animals and on a similar statistical methodology. Resistance dynamics seemed specific to each species, reflecting different antibiotic-use practices. These results advocate applying the efforts already being made to reduce antibiotic use to all sectors and all species, both in human and veterinary medicine.
The Impact of Yoga on Fatigue in Cancer Survivorship: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Armer Jessica S , Lutgendorf Susan K 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundMind-body approaches, particularly yoga, are used by cancer survivors to cope with treatment-related symptoms. Consistency of yoga-related effects on treatment-related symptoms are not known. This meta-analysis was designed to examine effects of yoga on pre- to postintervention improvements in fatigue among cancer patients.MethodsPubMed and PsycINFO were searched for peer-reviewed articles of yoga randomized controlled trials including cancer survivors and reporting at least one fatigue measure. Twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria (n = 1828 patients). Effect sizes (Hedge’s g) were calculated for fatigue, depression, and quality of life. Patient-related and intervention-related characteristics were tested as moderators of outcomes. All statistical tests were two-sided.ResultsYoga practice was associated with a small, statistically significant decrease in fatigue (g = 0.45, P = .013). Yoga type was a statistically significant moderator of this relationship (P = .02). Yoga was associated with a moderate decrease in depression (g = 0.72, P = .007) but was not associated with statistically significant changes in quality of life (P = .48). Session length was a statistically significant moderator of the relationship between yoga and depression (P = .004). Neither timing of treatment (during treatment vs posttreatment) nor clinical characteristics were statistically significant moderators of the effects of yoga on outcomes. The effect of yoga on fatigue and depression was larger when the comparator was a “waitlist” or “usual care” than when the control group was another active treatment (P = .036).ConclusionsResults suggest yoga may be beneficial as a component of treatment for both fatigue and depression in cancer survivors.