bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening for drugs of abuse: effect of heat-treating urine for safe handling of samples
Authors: Wolff K , Shanab M A , Sanderson M J , Hay A W 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Heating urine samples from high-risk patients for 1 h at 56 degrees C is no longer believed to completely inactivate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; AIDS virus). To protect staff who are handling infectious samples such as those from drug-addiction units, heating at a higher temperature may be necessary. We report the stability to heat treatment (at 60, 70, and 100 degrees C) at pH 5.1 and 7.6 of some commonly abused drugs, namely, methadone, pethidine, amphetamine, the cocaine metabolite, benzoylecgonine, and the dextropropoxyphene metabolite nordextropropoxyphene. Heat-treating urine at 60 degrees C for 1.5 h or 70 degrees C for 1 h did not significantly affect the measured concentrations of these drugs. However, heat treatment at 100 degrees C for 1 h reduced the recovery of all the drugs. Benzoylecgonine and amphetamine were most susceptible to the different forms of heat treatment.
Cytokines in disease
Authors: Whicher J T , Evans S W 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Cytokines are peptides used by immune and inflammatory cells to communicate with each other and to control the milieu interieur in which they operate. Recent evidence suggests that they are of immense importance in controlling the local and systemic events of the immune response, inflammation, hemopoiesis, healing, and the systemic response to injury. Many of them can now be measured by immunoassay, and the role of such measurements in the diagnosis and management of disease is actively under investigation. Similarly, the availability of recombinant DNA techniques to produce cytokines in almost unlimited quantities is leading to new and exciting therapeutic applications.
Magnetically tagged subsets of human lymphocytes for assays with laboratory robotics
Authors: Schröder U , Pero R W , Sjögren H O 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We demonstrate the possibility of automation of whole-cell functionality assays, e.g., mitogen-activated DNA synthesis, DNA repair synthesis, and assessment of drug-metabolizing enzymes, by use of magnetic separation technology. We have attached antibody-coupled magnetic microspheres to the surface of human T-lymphocytes before performing various assays. Evaluating the biological functions of T-cells estimated by the DNA-synthesis assays showed that the presence of antibody-coupled magnetic microspheres did not affect the results (P greater than 0.05). The concentration of adenosine diphosphate ribosyltransferase (EC 2.4.2.30) was shown to be influenced by the magnetic microspheres. However, the amount of enzyme activity induced by oxidative stress was not significantly altered. The results from assays of the phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes glutathione transferase (EC 2.5.1.18) and epoxide hydrolase (EC 3.3.2.3) as well as evaluation of the proliferative response of polyclonal activators (phytohemagglutinin, staphylococcal enterotoxin A, and pokeweed mitogen) support our conclusion that assays can be performed on viable magnetized cells. The use of magnetized cells holds promise for further applications in automated genotoxic and immunological cell assays of mononuclear leukocyte subsets. Laboratory robotics will be essential in bringing these assays into routine use.
Development and performance of a highly sensitive and specific two-site immunometric assay of calcitonin gene-related peptide
Authors: Zaidi M , Seth R , Girgis S I , Self C H 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a potent endogenous circulating vasodilator, is produced by the alternative splicing of the calcitonin/CGRP gene and is expressed mainly in neural and cardiovascular tissues. We recently reported a highly sensitive radioimmunoassay of CGRP, based on an antiserum recognizing the C-terminus of the molecule. We have also found that circulating immunoreactive CGRP is heterogeneous; thus we are unable to measure selectively the intact molecule with our one-site competitive approach. We therefore attempted to construct a two-site immunometric assay involving two antibodies, one that detects the C-terminus and another that recognizes the midregion of the molecule. To enhance assay sensitivity, we applied a colorimetric amplification system to this assay. This rapid, robust, and reproducible assay provides more nearly accurate estimates of circulating CGRP and offers a sensitive and more specific alternative to the radioimmunoassay, with advantages in speed, simplicity, and convenience.
Methylmalonic acid concentrations in serum of normal subjects: biological variability and effect of oral L-isoleucine loads before and after intramuscular administration of cobalamin
Authors: Rasmussen K , Møller J , Ostergaard K , Kristensen M O , Jensen J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The clinical value of measuring concentrations of methylmalonic acid in serum (S-MMA) as an aid in the diagnosis of cobalamin deficiency has recently aroused interest. In 58 healthy subjects, ages 40-68 years, we found a 0.95 reference interval of 0.05-0.37 mumol/L (mean 0.21, SD 0.094). In 33 of the subjects, who were studied further, day-to-day variation (SD) was 0.031 mumol/L. Intake of food had no effect. Weekly and three-monthly intra-individual variations were both 0.038 mumol/L. In all seven subjects with S-MMA greater than 0.30 mumol/L, the concentrations declined significantly after intramuscular administration of cobalamin. No significant difference was found between mean serum cobalamin concentrations in these seven and in the remaining subjects. We have also established the normal response of S-MMA to standardized oral loading of L-isoleucine: 100 mmol caused a significant average S-MMA increase of 0.072 mumol/L before cobalamin administration vs 0.013 mumol/L after cobalamin, without significant relation to initial S-MMA values. Our results provide a necessary background for interpretation of S-MMA measurements in clinical studies.
Specific, sensitive, precise, and rapid functional chromogenic assay of activated first complement component (C1) in plasma
Authors: Munkvad S , Jespersen J , Sidelmann J , Gram J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We present a new functional assay for the first complement component (C1) in plasma, based on its activation by inhibition of the C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-inh) when monospecific antiserum to C1-inh is added to the plasma. After maximal activation, we can determine the concentration of activated C1 by using an amidolytic rate assay with a chromogenic substrate. We have optimized the assay conditions with respect to incubation time, concentration of antiserum to C1-inh, ionic strength, and pH. Our method determines specifically the concentration in plasma of free activated C1, not complexes of activated C1 with C1-inh, and is not influenced by the concentration of C1-inh in the test sample. Concentrations of C1 correlated significantly with activities determined by a hemolytic assay (r = 0.55, t = 4.09, P less than 0.001). The estimated interassay CV was 5% and the intra-assay CV was 1%. The sensitivity, imprecision, and practical test performance of our assay are superior to those of conventionally used hemolytic assays.
Rapid, simple, and reliable doctor's office test for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus 1 in serum
Authors: Dafforn A , Irvine J D , Kurn N , Becker M , Bryning Z , Ullman E F 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This "Unit Test Method" assay for detecting anti-human immunodeficiency virus 1 antibody is suitable for nonlaboratory testing and has a sensitivity comparable with that of present enzyme immunoassay methods. The method does not require instrumentation, gives a result in less than 15 min, and incorporates a procedural control. Little technical expertise and hands-on time are required of the user.
Interference by human anti-mouse antibodies in CA 125 assay after immunoscintigraphy: anti-idiotypic antibodies not neutralized by mouse IgG but removed by chromatography
Authors: Turpeinen U , Lehtovirta P , Alfthan H , Stenman U H 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Falsely increased concentrations of the ovarian carcinoma-associated antigen, CA 125, were measured by a monoclonal antibody (MAb)-based double determinant immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) in patients who developed antibodies to mouse immunoglobulins (IgGs) after receiving injections of the same MAb as is used in the CA 125 IRMA. Addition of undiluted mouse serum or purified mouse IgG to the assay mixture failed to eliminate the falsely increased CA 125 concentrations in most of the samples, owing to the presence of anti-idiotype antibody. Because of their anti-idiotypic nature, the human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMAS) had only little effect on other immunometric assays, and this effect could be completely eliminated by addition of mouse IgG. To eliminate the effect of HAMA on the CA 125 assay, we studied the ability of various chromatographic methods to separate the interfering HAMA from CA 125. For measuring HAMA in serum and chromatographic fractions we developed a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay. Adequate separation of CA 125 and HAMA was achieved by affinity chromatography of patients' sera with solid-phase Protein A, Protein G, cation-exchange chromatography on Mono S, and gel filtration on Superose 6. These results demonstrate that the interference can effectively be removed by rather simple chromatographic procedures.
Liquid-chromatographic measurement of biopterin and neopterin in serum and urine
Authors: Slazyk W E , Spierto F W 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We report an improved "high-performance" liquid-chromatographic (HPLC) method for measuring biopterin and neopterin in serum and urine. Specimens are acidified, treated with iodine in 0.2 mol/L trichloroacetic acid, party purified on Bio-Rad MP-50 cation-exchange columns, and analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC with fluorometric detection. The minimal concentration of biopterin detectable is 0.3 micrograms/L in a 50-microL injection. The total CV is less than or equal to 10%. Improvements over other reported methods include the use of a single, simplified sample-preparation step with a Baker-10 SPE System, and a guard column to increase analytical column stability and analyte recovery. The assay is semiautomated to reduce technician time and improve precision. Mean observed values for biopterin and neopterin in sera of normal human adults were 1.64 and 5.52 micrograms/L, respectively. The mean ratio of neopterin to biopterin in acidified adult urine samples was lower than that found in matched nonacidified samples (n = 10). Serum specimens from diagnosed phenylketonuric (PKU) and hyperphenylalaninemic patients were also analyzed for biopterin and neopterin; the findings agreed with reported values for similar patients. One patient, previously identified as an atypical PKU patient, showed serum values of neopterin and biopterin suggestive of a defect in biopterin synthesis.
Determination of cocaine concentrations in plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Jatlow P , Nadim H 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We describe a procedure for measuring concentrations of cocaine in plasma by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, with ion-pairing. The procedure involves solvent extraction followed by back-extraction with dilute acid. The n-propyl ester of benzoylecgonine is used as an internal standard. An evaporation step is not required, and concentrations as low as 5 micrograms/L can be quantified. Plasma concentrations of cocaine determined by high-performance liquid chromatography correlated well with those determined by a previously reported gas-chromatographic procedure with nitrogen detection.
Preanalytical increase of ammonia in blood specimens from healthy subjects
Authors: da Fonseca-Wollheim F 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The course and magnitude of spontaneous increase in ammonia concentration in plasma on standing were investigated with EDTA-treated blood specimens from 36 healthy subjects with use of a sensitive and precise enzymic method. Over 90 min, the rates of increase were virtually constant at fixed temperature. The mean (and SE) rates at 0, 20, and 37 degrees C were 3.9 (0.23), 5.2 (0.23), and 25.2 (0.59) mumol/L per hour, respectively. At these temperatures, the plasma contributed at most 7%, 15%, and 10%, respectively, to the formation of ammonia in whole blood. In view of the medical needs and the measured rates of ammonia increase, an interval of 15 min between blood sampling and the start of centrifugation may be tolerated at a specimen temperature of 0 degree C. Rates of ammonia increase showed significant correlations with erythrocyte and platelet count as well as with the plasma activities of gamma-glutamyltransferase (EC 2.3.2.2) and alanine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.2).
Excretion of a Toxic Dose of Thallium
Authors: Chandler H A , Archbold G P R , Gibson J M , O'Callaghan P , Marks J N , Pethybridge R J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We report a successfully treated case of severe thallium intoxication that required 95 days of assisted ventilation and 224 days of hospitalization. Monitoring of the patient for 500 days by measuring thallium in whole blood, serum, and urine is documented, and the role of the laboratory and utility of the measurements are considered.
What should be monitored? The past, present, and future of physiological monitoring
Authors: Shoemaker W C 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The status of conventional monitoring by vital signs and present concepts of invasive monitoring with the balloon-tipped pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheter are reviewed. Survivors of high-risk general surgery were observed to have cardiac index (CI) values averaging 4.5 L/min.m2, oxygen delivery (DO2) greater than 600 mL/min.m2, and oxygen consumption (VO2) greater than 170 mL/min.m2. By contrast, those who subsequently died during their hospitalization maintained relatively normal CI, DO2, and VO2 values. However, in the immediate postoperative period, values for other hemodynamic variables were not greatly different for survivors and nonsurvivors or different from the normal range. A predictive index based on these observations predicted outcome correctly in 94% of the subjects in a subsequent prospective study. The use of survivor values as appropriate therapeutic goals was tested in prospective randomized clinical trials and was found to reduce mortality and morbidity significantly. Simultaneous invasive and noninvasive hemodynamic and oxygen-transport monitoring systems were evaluated in high-risk postoperative patients to describe unanticipated adverse circulatory events. Before the monitored event, about three-fourths of the patients exhibited normal function. At the nadir, cardiac functions decreased in about two-thirds, perfusion decreased in more than one-half, and paO2 fell in only one-fourth. Two-thirds recovered with increased cardiac function, more than one-half had improved perfusion, and paO2 increased in fewer than one-fifth of monitored events. These data provide an information base for criteria needed to develop therapeutic decision rules for noninvasive monitoring systems. When noninvasive data are continuously displayed early in the course of critical illness and high-risk conditions, therapy may be instituted early, while physiological deficits are still minimal and easily reversible.
Critical-care medicine and the acute-care laboratory
Authors: Hall J R 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Critical-care medicine today is practiced by anesthesiologists, internists, pediatricians, and surgeons. Outcome from today's management of critically ill patients is very good, yet associated costs are very high. Over one-half of the hospital costs of critically ill patients emanates from the intensive-care unit (ICU), although the ICU stay accounts for less than 20% of their time in the hospital. Outside of the operating room, the ICU is the most expensive location for patient care in the hospital, and laboratory tests are the most expensive single item. Plans for cost containment should incorporate the following: more effective data management, education of practitioners about appropriateness and costs of tests, conversion from laboratory measurements to appropriate in vivo and ex vivo measurements, and real-time utilization assessment. To provide high-quality, cost-effective critical care in the future, laboratorians and clinicians must work together today to meet the challenges of technology, data management, and staff education.
Intravascular monitoring: problems and promise
Authors: Halbert S A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Intravascular monitoring of arterial blood gases provides the means to detect precipitous change in cardiopulmonary function almost instantaneously, promising major improvement in the ability to manage critically ill patients. Attempts to miniaturize and repackage conventional electrodes for continuous intravascular use have met insurmountable problems, and only the application of new technology involving fiber-optic chemical sensors (FOCS) has proved that in vivo monitoring of blood gas chemistry is truly feasible. Although a wide range of analytes of clinical significance may potentially be monitored by using FOCS technology, the analytes of choice for the management of the critically ill patient are pHa, paCO2, and paO2, because of their dynamic nature and importance for critical-care diagnosis and monitoring. Although intravascular FOCS blood gas monitors currently under clinical investigation exhibit promising performance, clinical acceptance and commercial success will depend on the creative solution of several problems, the most challenging of which are related to physiological factors at the interface between the sensors and their intravascular sensing environment.
Automated blood-sample handling in the clinical laboratory
Authors: Godolphin W , Bodtker K , Uyeno D , Goh L O 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The only significant advances in blood-taking in 25 years have been the disposable needle and evacuated blood-drawing tube. With the exception of a few isolated barcode experiments, most sample-tracking is performed through handwritten or computer-printed labels. Attempts to reduce the hazards of centrifugation have resulted in air-tight lids or chambers, the use of which is time-consuming and cumbersome. Most commonly used clinical analyzers require serum or plasma, distributed into specialized containers, unique to that analyzer. Aliquots for different tests are prepared by handpouring or pipetting. Moderate to large clinical laboratories perform so many different tests that even multi-analyzers performing multiple analyses on a single sample may account for only a portion of all tests ordered for a patient. Thus several aliquots of each specimen are usually required. We have developed a proprietary serial centrifuge and blood-collection tube suitable for incorporation into an automated or robotic sample-handling system. The system we propose is (a) safe--avoids or prevents biological danger to the many "handlers" of blood; (b) small--minimizes the amount of sample taken and space required to adapt to the needs of satellite and mobile testing, and direct interfacing with analyzers; (c) serial--permits each sample to be treated according to its own "merits," optimizes throughput, and facilitates flexible automation; and (d) smart--ensures quality results through monitoring and intelligent control of patient identification, sample characteristics, and separation process.
A noninstrumented quantitative test system and its application for determining cholesterol concentration in whole blood
Authors: Allen M P , DeLizza A , Ramel U , Jeong H , Singh P 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A novel noninstrumented technology has been developed for quantifying analytes of clinical interest in biological fluids. Application of this technology is exemplified by the development of a quantitative cholesterol test with performance equivalent to state-of-the-art instrumented methods. The assay chemistry combines two separate processes located in different areas of a test strip: enzymatic action on serum cholesterol to produce hydrogen peroxide (5 x 10 mm enzyme reagent pad) and quantification of the hydrogen peroxide (5 x 70 mm measurement region). Color bands are formed in the measurement area through the use of a redox-coupled indicator system. The height of the color band on the strip is directly proportional to the sample cholesterol concentration. A one-step cassette contains all components necessary to run the test and includes blood filtration and automatic sample measurement, so that unmeasured finger-stick whole-blood specimens can be analyzed by the non-technically trained user. The test is complete in less than 15 min, is read visually like a thermometer, and gives results that are in excellent correlation with established instrumented methods.
Triglyceride measurements: a review of methods and interferences
Authors: Klotzsch S G , McNamara J R 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The National Cholesterol Education Program has emphasized the need to identify individuals at risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Because increased triglycerides may be a risk factor for CAD and because triglycerides are used to estimate concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which has definitely been shown to be a risk factor for CAD, it is important that reliable results be obtained. Many methods are available for measuring triglyceride concentrations in serum or plasma, but there is no definitive method that confirms the reliability of any of these procedures. Accuracy and precision guidelines are extremely difficult to determine, owing to broad biological variability both within and among individuals. Here, we review the major triglyceride quantification methods in the literature, some of the potential interference problems, and the limitations regarding standardization that should be addressed when establishing such guidelines.
Setting analytical goals for random analytical error in specific clinical monitoring situations
Authors: Fraser C G , Hyltoft Peterson P , Larsen M L 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Strategies abound for the setting of analytical goals in clinical chemistry. Many, especially those more recently proposed for particular clinical situations, are concerned with tests used in diagnosis. We suggest a general theory for the setting of goals in situations that specifically involve the monitoring of individuals. Goals are calculated from the formula CVA less than [(delta c 2/2Z2)-CVB2]1/2, where CVA is the analytical imprecision (as coefficient of variation, CV); delta c is the percentage change in serial results that is considered clinically significant; Z is the Z-statistic, which depends only on the probability selected for statistical significance; and CVB is the average inherent within-subject biological variation (as CV). Examples given show applications in hematology and in monitoring diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, and hepatitis. The derived goals are for total random analytical error (imprecision and intermittent systematic variation), and provide objective criteria that should be achieved in practice. The effect of analytical variability on both variability in test results and the probability that a stated change can be considered significant should be calculated whether or not the goals are attained.