bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme 4/5 ratio discriminates between hepatocarcinoma and secondary liver neoplasia
Authors: Castaldo G , Oriani G , Cimino L , Topa M , Budillon G , Salvatore F , Sacchetti L 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Total lactate dehydrogenase (LD; EC 1.1.1.27) and its five isoenzymes were determined in sera from (a) 98 cases of cirrhosis at various stages classified according to Child and Turcotte; (b) 37 cases of hepatocarcinoma (HC) at different stages of the Okuda classification; (c) 17 patients with secondary liver neoplasia (SLN), mainly from an abdominal primary site; and (d) 19 cases of abdominal neoplasia without liver metastasis, in an attempt to contribute to the differential diagnosis between these conditions. LD-4 was enhanced in SLN and LD-5 in HC, thus indicating the LD-4/LD-5 ratio as a potential index with which to differentiate between HC and SLN patients. At a cutoff value of 1.05, 91% of these patients were correctly classified (82% for SLN and 95% for HC). Consequently, this biochemical index appears to be an efficient and rapid indicator to distinguish HC from SLN. On the other hand, the LD isoenzymes are unable to discriminate between HC and cirrhosis or between abdominal neoplasia with and without liver metastases.
Effects of storage time and temperature on urinary enzymes
Authors: Matteucci E , Gregori G , Pellegrini L , Navalesi R , Giampietro O 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We measured three renal tubular brush-border enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, LDH, EC 1.1.1.27; gamma-glutamyltransferase, GGT, EC 2.3.2.2; and alkaline phosphatase, AP, EC 3.1.3.1) in morning urine samples from 48 healthy subjects to check whether different storage times and temperatures could modify enzyme concentrations. Short-term (24 h) storage time at room temperature or 4 degree C does not affect urinary enzyme activity. A few days of freezing, at -20 or -70 degrees C, dramatically lowers LDH and AP values; GGT is partially preserved only at -70 degrees C, if the sample has been previously centrifuged. Urinary enzymes investigated in this study are extremely labile at low temperatures.
Time Course of pH Regulation in Free Thyroxin Determinations in Serum
Authors: Wilcox R Bruce , Nelson Jerald C 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Vol 37:
p. 1299: Left column: The HEPES buffer concentration on lines 12 and 24 should be 48 mmol/L. Middle column: References 2 and 7 cite J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Right column: The "many studies" in line 7, second paragraph, are references 5-7 in the response. The third sentence after this should read: Dialysis against this buffer resulted in a mean FT4 concentration of 18.7 pmol/L in healthy subjects, compared with 14.8 pmol/L in our recent study, and 15.8 pmol/L reported by Ekins and Ellis (3); a different HEPES buffer and a greater dilution were used in the latter two studies.
Benign inherited hyperphosphatasemia of intestinal origin: report of two cases and a brief review of the literature
Authors: Panteghini M 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Two families with benign hyperphosphatasemia of intestinal origin were studied and compared with six other cases reported in the literature. No evidence of clinical abnormalities or explanations for the unusual enzyme concentrations were found. Agarose gel electrophoresis of alkaline phosphatase (ALP, EC 3.1.3.1) isoenzymes in serum demonstrated markedly increased intestinal isoforms (the "soluble" and the "hydrophobic" forms), which accounted for approximately 60% of total ALP activity. The description of these families demonstrated patterns suggesting autosomal-dominant inheritance, even if the precise genetic background of the abnormality affecting the enzyme production or the control mechanisms for its entry into the circulation could not be determined. Exact recognition of this benign biochemical abnormality should help to avoid unnecessary investigation.
Detection of two abnormal hemoglobins, Hb Manitoba and Hb G-Coushatta, during analysis of glycohemoglobin (A1c) by high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Wong S C , Tesanovic M , Poon M C 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This report concerns the detection of two abnormal hemoglobins (Hb), Hb Manitoba and Hb G Coushatta, during analysis for glycohemoglobin (Hb A1c). Blood samples from two diabetic patients, analyzed for Hb A1c by HPLC, were found to contain additional Hb peaks. The presence of an abnormal Hb was confirmed in both instances by hemoglobinopathy studies. Structural studies determined the two Hb variants to be Hb Manitoba (alpha 2 102 Ser----Arg beta 2) and Hb G-Coushatta (alpha 2 beta 2 22 Glu----Ala). The significance of the presence of an abnormal Hb in Hb A1c analysis is discussed.
Chemiluminescent and bioluminescent techniques
Authors: Kricka L J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Light-emitting chemical reactions (chemiluminescence, CL) and biological reactions (bioluminescence, BL) have a diverse range of analytical applications but relatively few have been adopted by routine clinical laboratories. Advantages of CL and BL assays include sensitivity (attomole and sub-attomole detection limits), speed (signal generated in a few seconds and in some cases stable for several hours), nonhazardous reagents, and simple procedures. The most promising clinical applications are in immunoassay, protein blotting, and DNA probe assays. Chemiluminescent molecules exploited as labels include luminol, isoluminol, acridinium esters, thioesters and sulfonamides, and phenanthridinium esters. Separation and nonseparation assays have been devised, based on isoluminol and acridinium ester labels. The combination of the amplification properties of an enzyme and a CL or BL detection reaction provides a highly sensitive analytical system. Since 1983, CL and BL methods have been developed for many enzyme labels, e.g., alkaline phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, horseradish peroxidase, Renilla luciferase, and xanthine oxidase. Currently, the most successful enzyme assays are the enhanced CL method for a peroxidase label involving a mixture of luminol, hydrogen peroxide, and an enhancer (e.g., p-iodophenol) and the direct CL method for alkaline phosphatase, with an adamantyl 1,2-dioxetane phenyl phosphate as substrate. Both systems are very sensitive (the detection limit for alkaline phosphatase when using the dioxetane reagent is 0.001 amol) and produce long-lived light emission (greater than 30 min), which is ideal for membrane applications in which light emission is detected with photographic film or a charge-coupled device camera.
Detection of genetic variants of alpha 1-antitrypsin with site-specific monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Zegers N D , Claassen E , Gerritse K , Deen C , Boersma W J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The serum protein alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT) serves as the major inhibitor of neutrophil elastase. The most common allele of the alpha 1-AT gene is designated as PiM. The Z mutation is a single-base substitution of the normal M allele, causing a Glu----Lys change at position 342 in the molecule. The ZZ phenotype is associated with a severe deficiency of alpha 1-AT, serum concentrations of the protein being 10% of normal. Individuals with an alpha 1-AT deficiency are at an increased risk of developing emphysema. To generate antibodies that specifically detect the 342 position in the context of the flanking sequences, we synthesized several peptides that included the 342 position for both the M and the Z variant. Immunization with variant-specific peptide-carrier conjugates elicited alpha 1-AT variant-specific responses, as determined in a direct enzyme-linked immunoassay. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were selected with different specificity for the 342 region: MAbs F43 recognize only the alpha 1-AT sequence with 342Glu, i.e., all variant proteins that are non-Z, either from hetero- or homozygous individuals; MAbs F50 recognize only the sequence with 342Lys, i.e., all Z-variant proteins in ZZ or heterozygous individuals; MAbs F46 recognize alpha 1-AT with either 342Lys or 342Glu, all variant proteins with sequences as in the peptides used. Z homo- and heterozygotes were detected with our MAbs in a rapid and simple immunoblot assay. Other variants (M, S, and F) can also be assigned on the basis of the electrophoretic pattern. This sensitive detection method is very easy, rapid, and straightforward and provides a powerful tool for diagnosis of the alpha 1-AT deficiencies, allowing early treatment (augmentation of alpha 1-AT) and proper advice on lifestyle practices.
Reaction tray and noncontact transfer method for heterogeneous chemiluminescence immunoassays
Authors: Khalil O S , Hanna C F , Huff D , Zurek T F , Murphy B , Pepe C , Genger K 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We describe a reaction tray for a heterogeneous chemiluminescence (CL) immunoassay having the following features: separate sample incubation and signal detection wells; a design that allows for noncontact transfer of the reaction mixture from incubation wells to detection wells; surface features to mate with a detector and create a light-tight seal for CL detection; and self-contained means for liquid removal. The reaction mixture is transferred by injecting a wash solution from a group of nozzles into the incubation well. Quantitative transfer of microparticles (transfer efficiencies greater than 95% and CV less than 5%) is achieved by injecting two 300-microL pulses of transfer solution at a rate of 2.1 m/s. The performance of the tray and method of transfer is tested by determining the precision of CL signal for a sample containing a concentration of anti-hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) or hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) close to the cutoff value for the assay.
High-dose methadone and the need for drug measurements in plasma
Authors: Wolff K , Hay A , Raistrick D 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We report a case of high-dose methadone prescribed to a heroin addict for pain control. The patient was prescribed methadone during convalescence from surgery and subsequently for maintenance treatment. Dosing was started at 360 mg of methadone per day and reduced over 12 days to an 80 mg/day maintenance dose. Although the patient was drowsy on the initial dose, his recovery was uneventful. However, there were complaints of pain and withdrawal discomfort when the plasma concentration decreased to less than 1 mg/L. Measurements of methadone in plasma were helpful for monitoring the recovery of this patient after surgery and are likely to prove useful in similar cases.
Association between Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Copper, and Zinc in Umbilical Cord Plasma and Erythrocytes, and the Gestational Age and Growth Variables of Full-Term Newborns
Authors: Speich Michelle , Bousquet Bernard , Auget Jean-Louis , Gelot Simone , Laborde Olivier 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We determined reference values in umbilical cord plasma and erythrocytes for magnesium, total calcium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc, and then calculated correlations and stepwise-regression equations in 66 white full-term newborn infants (35 boys, 31 girls). Only infants meeting certain optimal criteria and benefiting from excellent maternal conditions and uncomplicated pregnancies were included. There were no significant sex-related differences at birth among the variables studied. Gestational age was positively correlated with erythrocyte zinc (P less than 0.001), and plasma calcium was positively correlated with erythrocyte copper (P less than 0.001). Plasma copper proved to be the most significant variable in the stepwise-regression equation for birth height as the dependent variable. The most significant regressors accounting for birth weight were erythrocyte zinc followed by plasma zinc.
Screening for Defined Cystic Fibrosis Mutations by Solid-Phase Minisequencing
Authors: Jalanko Anu , Kere Juha , Savilahti Erkki , Schwartz Marianne , Syvänen Ann-Christine , Ranki Marjut , Söderlund Hans 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We have developed a rapid method for the quantitative detection of point mutations and deletions. In this minisequencing method, enzymatically amplified DNA, 5'-biotinylated in one strand, is bound to a solid phase and denatured. A detection primer, constructed to end immediately before the mutation, is annealed to the immobilized single-stranded template and elongated with a single, labeled deoxynucleoside residue. We have applied the solid-phase minisequencing method to the detection of the major mutation, delta F508, causing cystic fibrosis (CF). In the presence of the allele with the delta F508 mutation, [3H]dTTP is incorporated; with the nonmutated allele, [3H]dCTP is incorporated. Thus, samples from heterozygous individuals allow the incorporation of both labels. The method was evaluated by analyzing 59 coded DNA specimens collected from 20 Finnish CF patients and their parents. The ratio of [3H]C to [3H]T gave unambiguously the allele combination. The solid-phase minisequencing method was also applicable to the analysis of three CF mutations simultaneously, i.e., delta F508, G542X, and G551D. We conclude that the microtiter-plate-based minisequencing test is an accurate method for the screening of defined sequence alterations in the CF gene.
Concentrations of Human Choriogonadotropin, Its β-Subunit, and the Core Fragment of the β-Subunit in Serum and Urine of Men and Nonpregnant Women
Authors: Alfthan H , Haglund C , Dabek J , Stenman U H 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Sensitive, specific time-resolved immunofluorometric assays were used to measure the concentrations of human choriogonadotropin (hCG), free beta-subunit (beta-hCG), and the core fragment of beta-hCG (c beta-hCG) in serum and urine of men and nonpregnant women without evidence of cancer. Concentrations of hCG and beta-hCG were measurable in 59-70% of serum samples and in 50-59% of urine samples. c beta-hCG was mostly undetectable in serum but measurable in 81% of urine samples. Concentrations were higher in women than in men, and hCG concentrations increased with age. Therefore, reference ranges based on the 97.5 percentile were calculated separately for women and men and for those &lt; 50 and &gt; 50 years. However, concentrations of hCG correlated much more strongly with those of follicle-stimulating hormone than with age. hCG concentrations in serum were similar to those reported before, but beta-hCG concentrations were below the detection limit of earlier assays, and the upper reference limit was one-fifth to one-tenth the cutoff concentrations used earlier. In urine, hCG and c beta-hCG were the major forms of hCG, and their concentrations were similar to those of hCG in serum.
Direct Determination of Cadmium and Lead in Whole Blood by Potentiometric Stripping Analysis
Authors: Ostapczuk P 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The commercially available equipment for potentiometric stripping analysis (PSA) was tested for routine lead and cadmium determination in whole-blood samples. In contrast to anodic stripping voltammetry, PSA is not subject to background interferences from organic electroactive constituents in the sample or to the presence of dissolved oxygen (i.e., oxygen removal is not necessary). To determine lead and cadmium by PSA, it is sufficient to dilute the blood sample with an appropriate supporting electrolyte (0.5 mol/L HCl). The detection limit changes with deposition time and volume of blood sample used. For 1 mL of blood and a 1-min deposition time, the detection limit is 1 microgram/L for both elements. If the deposition time increases to 10 min, cadmium can be determined at its normal concentration in blood (the detection limit is improved to &lt; 0.1 microgram/L). Procedures for routine determination of lead and cadmium in whole blood are presented.
Magnesium, Total Calcium, Phosphorus, Copper, and Zinc in Plasma and Erythrocytes of Venous Cord Blood from Infants of Diabetic Mothers: Comparison with a Reference Group by Logistic Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Speich M , Murat A , Auget J L , Bousquet B , Arnaud P 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Concentrations of magnesium (Mg), total calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were investigated in plasma (Pl) and erythrocytes (Erc) of venous cord blood of 44 infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs). These same concentrations plus total glycohemoglobin and fructosamine were determined at delivery in a subset of 15 mothers of these infants. Mineral results for IDMs were compared with those for 66 apparently healthy newborns. The duration of gestation in the two groups was significantly different (P &lt; 0.001). After adjustment for gestational age, the mean (+/- SD) differences between groups were significant for birth weight, head circumference, Erc-Mg (1.71 +/- 0.17 for IDMs vs 1.76 +/- 0.15 mmol/L for control subjects), Pl-Ca (1.96 +/- 0.32 vs 2.48 +/- 0.22 mmol/L), Pl-P (1.99 +/- 0.40 vs 1.57 +/- 0.25 mmol/L), and Erc-Cu (10.9 +/- 2.41 vs 12.9 +/- 3.00 mumol/L), but not for Erc-Zn (33.0 +/- 18.3 vs 40.4 +/- 13.6 mumol/L). The variable that best discriminated between the two infant groups after adjustment for gestational age was Pl-Ca. In the 15 mothers, Pl-Mg (0.67 +/- 0.07 mmol/L) and Pl-Ca (1.66 +/- 0.21 mmol/L) concentrations were low, Pl-Zn (9.81 +/- 3.40 mumol/L) was normal, and Pl-Cu (33.5 +/- 10.7 mumol/L) was above normal. Correlations between total glycohemoglobin and mineral values of the mothers or paired IDM mineral values were not significant. The concentration of Pl-Ca was positively correlated with Erc-Cu (P &lt; 0.001) and Pl-Cu (P &lt; 0.05) in the comparison group newborns but not in the IDMs.
Specific and Sensitive Measurement of FK506 and Its Metabolites in Blood and Urine of Liver-Graft Recipients
Authors: Christians U , Braun F , Schmidt M , Kosian N , Schiebel H M , Ernst L , Winkler M , Kruse C , Linck A , Sewing K F 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A specific and sensitive assay for quantifying the immunosuppressant FK506 and its metabolites in blood and urine was developed. 32-O-Acetyl FK506 was synthesized and used as internal standard. FK506 and its metabolites were purified from the samples by solid-liquid extraction and were injected into a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) system linked to a mass spectrometer (MS) by particle-beam interface. The FK506 derivatives were separated from interfering material by use of a 100 x 4 mm C8 analytical column and water/acetonitrile or water/methanol gradient elution; they were detected by negative chemical ionization with methane as reagent gas. The limit of detection was 25 pg in a standard solution, and the limit of quantification in blood was 250 pg (extracted from 1 mL of blood). The CV was 11.3% at 5 ng, and no interferences with other drugs were found.
Automated Determination of Fluvoxamine in Plasma by Column-Switching High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Härtter S , Wetzel H , Hiemke C 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A column-switching system with high-performance liquid-chromatographic separation and ultraviolet detection is described for automated determination of fluvoxamine in human plasma or serum. Samples were injected and the drug was retained in a clean-up column [20 x 4.6 mm (i.d.)] filled with C8 reversed-phase material (10-micron particles). After unwanted material was washed out, the drug was eluted and separated with an analytical chromatography column, 4.6 x 250 mm (i.d.), filled with Nucleosil 100 CN (5-micron particles) with an acetonitrile:methanol:0.01 mol/L phosphate buffer eluent (188:578:235 by vol) at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min for &lt; 20 min and detected by spectrometry at 214 nm. With oxaprotiline as internal standard, fluvoxamine could be easily quantified, and it was well separated from endogenous plasma constituents and various psychoactive drugs. The detection limit was 10 micrograms/L (31.6 nmol/L), the analytical recoveries were 97-100%, and the relationship between drug concentration and detector response was linear from 0 to 1000 micrograms/L (3160 nmol/L). The automated method is suitable for therapeutic monitoring of fluvoxamine in the treatment of psychiatric patients.
Standardization with Synthetic 22-KDa Monomer Human Growth Hormone Reduces Discrepancies Between Two Monoclonal Immunoradiometric Assay Kits
Authors: Banfi G , Marinelli M , Pontillo M , Bonini P 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Discrepancies among different methods for assaying human growth hormone have been described in various studies. The two major sources of discordant results are the heterogeneity of the antibodies and the different standardization bases used by the assay manufacturers. We propose standardizing assays with 22-kDa biosynthetic monomer human growth hormone diluted with the diluents supplied by the kit manufacturers. In a study of two monoclonal immunoradiometric assays (Hybritech, specific for the 22-kDa monomer; Sorin, recognizing also a 20-kDa variant hormone), standardization with 22-kDa monomer human growth hormone reduced by 63% the differences in results for 44 serum samples from children. The use of 22-kDa human growth hormone as a common standard, highly pure and easily available in large quantities, could help limit the interpretative problems in growth diagnostics.
Improving Lactate Analysis with the YSI 2300 Gl: Hemolyzing Blood Samples Makes Results Comparable with Those for Deproteinized Whole Blood
Authors: Foxdal P , Bergqvist Y , Eckerbom S , Sandhagen B 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
To obviate the well-documented problem of hematocrit dependency of the Yellow Springs Instruments (YSI) whole-blood lactate analyzer, we modified the dilution buffer by including a lysing reagent. This makes the results comparable with those of methods performed with deproteinized whole-blood samples. No centrifugation step is needed, thus preserving the convenience of the YSI instrument for stat and field use. The modification works equally well on plasma samples. Lactate concentrations measured in nonhemolyzed whole blood are not comparable with results for hemolyzed whole blood or protein-precipitated whole blood. We therefore recommend to all users of YSI equipment to lyse the erythrocytes before lactate determinations.
Cathepsin D Concentration in Breast Cancer Cytosols: Correlation with Disease-Free Interval and Overall Survival
Authors: Duffy M J , Reilly D , Brouillet J P , McDermott E W , Faul C , O'Higgins N , Fennelly J J , Maudelonde T , Rochefort H 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Cathepsin D (CD) is an aspartyl protease implicated in cancer metastasis. In this study of 331 patients, we show that patients with primary breast carcinomas containing high concentrations of CD have a significantly shorter disease-free interval (chi-square = 4.28, P &lt; 0.05) and overall survival (chi-square = 7.7, P &lt; 0.01) than patients with low concentrations. CD as a prognostic marker for overall survival was equally valuable for women younger (chi-square = 4.39, P &lt; 0.05) and older (chi-square = 3.97, P &lt; 0.05) than 50 years. CD was also a significant prognostic marker for overall survival within the estradiol receptor (ER)-positive subgroup of patients (chi-square = 5.79, P &lt; 0.025), but not in the ER-negative subgroup. Patients with tumors containing high concentrations of CD and low concentrations of ER had shorter disease-free intervals (chi-square = 15.1, P &lt; 0.001) and lower overall survival (chi-square = 20.9, P &lt; 0.001) than patients with high concentrations of ER but low concentrations of CD.