bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum enzymes in heat stroke: prognostic implication
Authors: Alzeer Abdulaziz H , El-Hazmi Mohsen A F , Warsy Arjumand S , Ansari Ziauddin A , Yrkendi Mohammed S 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe measured serum creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in 26 heat stroke (HS) victims and 10 control (non-heat-exhausted) subjects during annual Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. On admission to the HS treatment unit, serum CK, AST, ALT, and LD were higher in HS victims than controls (P &lt;0.05), and at 6, 12, and 24 h were higher than baseline concentration. The patient group was divided into three groups, (a) those who had a quick recovery, (b) those who were critically ill until the end of the Hajj period (7 days), and (c) those who died. Serum enzymes at the time of admission were significantly higher (P &lt;0.05) in the nonsurviving group (n = 6) and the severely ill (n = 9) than in those who had a quick recovery (n = 11). ROC curves were plotted for each enzyme. The most useful indicator was LD, as it could distinguish significantly between the groups who died and those who had a quick recovery (area under the curve = 0.991 ± 0.0286). It was followed by CK and AST as useful prognostic factors. When compared with ROC curves for body temperature, anion gap, and serum potassium, the enzyme results were superior prognostic indicators.
Plasma protein abnormalities in nephrotic syndrome: effect on plasma colloid osmotic pressure and viscosity
Authors: Joven Jorge , Clivillé Xavier , Camps Jordi , Espinel Eugenia , Simó Jose , Vilella Elisabet , Oliver Angel 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe concentrations of 25 plasma proteins were measured in 22 patients with membranous nephropathy. For some large proteins, the plasma concentrations were increased; there were also large proteins with low plasma concentrations, but small or medium-sized proteins showed uniformly lower plasma concentration than the controls. Plasma colloid osmotic pressure (π) and viscosity (η) were not interrelated but showed positive and significant correlations with plasma concentrations of small and medium-sized proteins (π) and plasma concentrations of large proteins (η), respectively. Nephrotic plasma is not efficient in maintaining plasma π but highly efficient in maintaining plasma η. High plasma fibrinogen concentrations and low antithrombin III concentrations may predispose to thrombosis, and low IgG concentrations may account for the higher predisposition to bacterial infection. The relative composition of nephrotic plasma is heavily dependent on the size of the different proteins. Plasma π and η are also maintained by the relative preponderance of different plasma proteins.
Hormonal doping and androgenization of athletes: a secret program of the German Democratic Republic government
Authors: Franke Werner W , Berendonk Brigitte 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Several classified documents saved after the collapse of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in 1990 describe the promotion by the government of the use of drugs, notably androgenic steroids, in high-performance sports (doping). Top-secret doctoral theses, scientific reports, progress reports of grants, proceedings from symposia of experts, and reports of physicians and scientists who served as unofficial collaborators for the Ministry for State Security (“Stasi”) reveal that from 1966 on, hundreds of physicians and scientists, including top-ranking professors, performed doping research and administered prescription drugs as well as unapproved experimental drug preparations. Several thousand athletes were treated with androgens every year, including minors of each sex. Special emphasis was placed on administering androgens to women and adolescent girls because this practice proved to be particularly effective for sports performance. Damaging side effects were recorded, some of which required surgical or medical intervention. In addition, several prominent scientists and sports physicians of the GDR contributed to the development of methods of drug administration that would evade detection by international doping controls.
Analytical advances in detection of performance-enhancing compounds
Authors: Bowers Larry D 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The use and abuse of performance-enhancing substances has been an issue in sports since the ancient Greeks. The availability of numerous synthetic steroids and recombinant peptide hormones has made testing an analytical challenge. Recent advances in mass spectrometry have provided an opportunity to decrease detection limits. The Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996 marked the first time every specimen was screened by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS). A further improvement may be seen with GC/MS/MS and quadrupole ion traps. Electrospray HPLC/MS has also been applied to the detection and confirmation of peptide hormones in urine. The ability to detect subtle differences in oligosaccharide structure may provide a way to detect abuse of recombinant glycoproteins. Simply decreasing detection limits is not enough; new technology also allows development of a foundation on which to base interpretation. Application of HPLC/MS/MS has allowed direct measurement of steroid conjugates in urine. The relative importance of sulfate, glucuronide, and other conjugates and metabolites of testosterone and epitestosterone can now be assessed. In the international sports arena, the impact of genetic metabolic disposition must also be considered if we are to provide an equitable system. Further research will establish more-refined criteria for the detection threshold of abused substances.
A homogeneous method for genotyping with fluorescence polarization
Authors: Gibson Neil J , Gillard Helen L , Whitcombe David , Ferrie Richard M , Newton Clive R , Little Stephen 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We combined the amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS™) and fluorescence polarization (FP) to give a homogeneous genomic DNA genotype analysis method. Oligonucleotide probes labeled with the fluorescein dyes fluorescein isothiocyanate and 5-([4,6-dichlorotriazin-2-yl]amino)fluorescein and the rhodamine dye 6-carboxyrhodamine were included in amplification mixes and were annealed to PCR products after amplification. Hybridization was accompanied by an increase in the FP of the probe. We demonstrated homogeneous genotyping by analyzing human DNA samples for ΔF508 mutation status of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene. The genotypes determined with the method described herein were in full agreement with those obtained by the conventional application of ARMS. We also demonstrated the simultaneous detection of two PCR products in a single reaction. The assay method described is homogeneous and so obviates the necessity to open reaction vessels after amplification. This therefore eliminates PCR carryover contamination.
Increased alkaline phosphatase isoforms in autoimmune diseases
Authors: Hanna Atef N , Waldman W James , Lott John A , Koesters Stephen C , Hughes Anna M , Thornton David J 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe found significant increases in ALP and ALP isoform band 10 in the serum of patients with early insulin-dependent diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and in those with multiple sclerosis during periods of disease exacerbation as compared with healthy controls. The ALP isoforms were assayed by isoelectric focusing. Our data suggest that the increase in ALP and ALP-10 closely reflects the abnormal activation of T lymphocytes that is common in autoimmune diseases, and that the source of the ALP-10 is activated T lymphocytes. ALP-10 is a sensitive but nonspecific marker of an active autoimmune process and appears to have the ability to detect abnormal T-cell activation. ALP-10 may be a useful test in the screening for autoimmune disorders.
Troponin I is released in bloodstream of patients with acute myocardial infarction not in free form but as complex
Authors: Katrukha Aleksei G , Bereznikova Anastasia V , Esakova Tatiana V , Pettersson Kim , Lövgren Timo , Severina Maria E , Pulkki Kari , Vuopio-Pulkki Liisa-Maria , Gusev Nikolai B 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFourteen monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against human cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were generated by commonly used experimental techniques. All these antibodies, as well as antibody 414 (HyTest), were specific for human cTnI. Fifteen antibodies thus obtained were tested in a sandwich cTnI immunofluorescence assay (altogether 196 combinations). Ten pairs giving the highest sensitivity were selected for further investigation. The effect of TnI–TnC complex formation on antibody interaction with antigen was analyzed. The formation of TnI–TnC complex results in a significant decrease of the interaction of mAbs with TnI for seven of 10 analyzed pairs of antibodies. Using two pairs of cTnI-specific mAbs, one that recognized only free cTnI but not cTnI complexed with cTnC, and another that could be used for measurement of total cTnI (free cTnI and cTnI in complex with cTnC), we demonstrated that the main part of cTnI in serum collected from acute myocardial infarction patients is presented in the complex form. We concluded that effective and reliable immunological detection of TnI is possible only when antibodies used for assay development recognize both free TnI and TnI complexed with other troponin components.
Binding of nitric oxide to thiols and hemes in hemoglobin H: implications for α-thalassemia and hypertension
Authors: Reddy Poluru L , Bowie Lemuel J , Callistein Steven 
Published: January 2020

AbstractOur earlier studies suggested an association between α-thalassemia and hypertension. We postulated that this association might involve trapping of the vasodilator nitric oxide (NO) by hemoglobin (Hb). Hb A has recently been shown to carry NO on its sulfhydryl groups in addition to its hemes. In this report we studied the interaction of purified Hb H as well as Hb A with NO. The number of reactive sulfhydryls were determined spectrophotometrically with bis-dithionitrobenzoate. Spectral studies and nitrosothiol measurements after treatment with NO or nitrosothiols indicated that all eight reactive sulfhydryls of Hb H were capable of binding NO. Hb A, however, was only able to bind and transfer two molecules of NO per tetramer. These findings support the biochemical basis for the association between α-thalassemia and hypertension.
Type A viral hepatitis: epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention
Authors: Lemon Stanley M 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection occurs worldwide and is an important cause of acute viral hepatitis in the US. In this review, I cover the epidemiology, course of infection, clinical manifestations, serological responses, and prevention of this infection. Although most patients completely recover from this disease, elderly patients have a substantial mortality risk. Recently licensed vaccines are highly efficacious.
Mild liver enzyme abnormalities: eliminating hemochromatosis as cause
Authors: Witte David L 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Chronic mild liver enzyme abnormalities are attributable to hereditary hemochromatosis in at least 3% of cases. Hemochromatosis formerly was diagnosed late with diabetes and hepatic and cardiac failure. Only recently have the autosomal recessive inheritance and subtle early presentations been understood. However, patients still wait many years and see many physicians before receiving a correct diagnosis. Increased serum transferrin saturation is currently the best test for detection of those likely to accumulate iron. Serum ferritin identifies those requiring treatment. When liver biopsy (controversial in asymptomatic individuals) is indicated, chemical measurement of liver iron content is helpful and therapeutic phlebotomy is the only effective treatment. Caucasian-type hemochromatosis (prevalence of 0.005) is associated with genetic abnormalities in HLA-H but also occurs in other ethnic groups. Those of African descent may have a different but also heritable iron-loading disease. Caucasian-type and to a lesser extent African iron loading are detectable early by laboratory testing. Early treatment restores normal expectations of length and quality of life in the Caucasian disease. Long-term treatment data are not yet available in African iron loading. Laboratory-initiated screening programs using unsaturated iron-binding capacity can eliminate symptomatic hemochromatosis.
Comparison of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measured by four combinations of free PSA and total PSA assays
Authors: Junker Ralf , Brandt Burkhard , Zechel Christian , Assmann Gerd 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We compared prostate-specific antigen (PSA) assay systems [i.e., free PSA (f-PSA) and the corresponding total PSA (t-PSA) assay] from four different manufacturers as well as the f-PSA/t-PSA ratios with regard to their ability to discriminate between benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCA). ROC analysis showed similar areas under the curves (AUCs) with different assay systems. For the entire patient population the AUCs of the f-PSA/t-PSA ratio were not or slightly increased compared with the sole measurement of t-PSA (t-PSA, 0.792–0.820; f-PSA/t-PSA ratio, 0.685–0.859). In contrast, for only those patients who showed t-PSA concentrations within the diagnostic gray area of 4–25 μg/L t-PSA, the AUCs were greater for the f-PSA/t-PSA ratio than for measurement of t-PSA alone (t-PSA, 0.608–0.647; f-PSA/t-PSA ratio, 0.690–0.806). These results were confirmed by the predictive values of the negative results (NPVs) of the t-PSA assays and the f-PSA/t-PSA ratios (assay thresholds corresponding to a 95% detection limit). Compared with the sole t-PSA measurement there was no mentionable increase in the NPVs due to the f-PSA/t-PSA ratio for the entire patient population, but an increase up to 49% when limited to t-PSA concentrations within 4–25 μg/L. We therefore conclude that the f-PSA/t-PSA ratio may be helpful for differential diagnosis of BPH and PCA within the diagnostic gray area of 4–25 μg/L t-PSA.
Quality control for qualitative assays: quantitative QC procedure designed to assure analytical quality required for an ELISA of hepatitis B surface antigen
Authors: Green George A , Carey R Neill , Westgard James O , Carten Tami , Shablesky LeeAnn , Achord Daniel , Page Eileen , Van Le Anh 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
An assay for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) should reliably detect 0.2 μg/L, the lowest reported concentration in an asymptomatic blood donor. The difference between this concentration and the assay cutoff defines the analytical quality requirement in a total error format. The design of a statistical QC procedure is critically dependent on the precision of the assay. The precision of a developmental ELISA of HBsAg under study ranged from 17.5% to 9.6% for controls containing 0.07 to 1.50 μg/L, respectively. Use of one positive control with the 13s QC rule provided an 85% chance of detecting a critical loss of assay sensitivity; use of two positive controls increased the chance of detecting critical loss of assay sensitivity to nearly 100%. These rules are based on the precision of this developmental assay, and must be developed individually for other assays. The development of the proposed QC procedures illustrates how quantitative QC can be provided for qualitative assays.
Factor V Leiden and other coagulation factor mutations affecting thrombotic risk
Authors: Bertina Rogier M 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFive genetic defects have been established as risk factors for venous thrombosis. Three are protein C, protein S, and antithrombin deficiencies, defects in the anticoagulant pathways of blood coagulation. Together they can be found in ∼15% of families with inherited thrombophilia. Their laboratory diagnosis is hampered by the large genetic heterogeneity of these defects. The other two genetic risk factors, resistance to activated protein C associated with the factor V Leiden mutation and increased prothrombin associated with the prothrombin 20210 A allele, are much more prevalent and together can be found in 63% of the thrombophilia families. Because both defects are caused by a single mutation, DNA analysis is the basis of their laboratory diagnosis.
Hartman interferometer: versatile integrated optic sensor for label-free, real-time quantification of nucleic acids, proteins, and pathogens
Authors: Schneider Bernard H , Edwards John G , Hartman Nile F 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The Hartman interferometer, a proprietary integrated optic sensor, provides a basis for a broad range of biomedical diagnostics, including antibody-based and gene probe-based assays. As with other evanescent-wave optical sensors, the interferometer measures the refractive index change resulting from biomolecular binding on a waveguide surface. The exciting promise of evanescent-wave sensors lies, in general, in their potential to be used as label-free, real-time transducers that can operate in a true mix-and-read fashion and provide fast, quantitative results. One of the major issues facing their development, however, is creating a simple, low-cost configuration for multianalyte testing. The Hartman interferometer addresses this challenge by relying on linearly polarized light and a planar waveguide format, thereby avoiding the problems associatedwith circular polarization and channel waveguides. We report preliminary experiments that demonstrate the applicability of this sensor configuration to detection of a wide range of protein, nucleic acid, and pathogen analytes.
Fundamentals of quality assessment of molecular amplification methods in clinical diagnostics
Authors: Neumaier Michael , Braun Andreas , Wagener Christoph ,   for the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry Scientific Division Committee on Molecular, Techniques Biology 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The increasing interest in molecular biology diagnostics is a result of the tremendous gain of scientific knowledge in genetics, made possible especially since the introduction of amplification techniques. High expectations have been placed on genetic testing, and the number of laboratories now using the relevant technology is rapidly increasing—resulting in an obvious need for standardization and definition of laboratory organization. This communication is an effort towards that end. We address aspects that should be considered when structuring a new molecular diagnostic laboratory, and we discuss individual preanalytical and analytical procedures, from sampling to evaluation of assay results. In addition, different means of controlling contamination are discussed. Because the methodology is in constant change, no general standards can be defined. Accordingly, this publication is intended to serve as a recommendation for good laboratory practice and internal quality control and as a guide to troubleshooting, primarily in amplification techniques.
Study of arsenic–protein binding in serum of patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Zhang Xinrong , Cornelis Rita , De Kimpe Jurgen , Mees Louis , Lameire Norbert 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Arsenic (As) bound to serum proteins in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) was studied. A prior experiment by ultrafiltration showed that 5.57% of total As was bound to serum proteins for 14 CAPD patients. Further identification of the As species and protein molecules in serum of three CAPD patients with high As concentrations was carried out by combining the separation methods of size-exclusion, anion-exchange, and affinity fast-protein liquid chromatography, detected by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicated that only inorganic As species are bound to serum proteins. Transferrin is the main carrier. The concentrations of As bound to proteins in serum for the three patients were 0.44 ± 0.12, 0.19 ± 0.09, and 0.59 ± 0.09 μg/L (n = 3), respectively.
Increased oxidative stress in dilated cardiomyopathic heart failure
Authors: Yücel Doğan , Aydoğdu Sinan , Çehreli Sengül , Saydam Gülsevim , Canatan Hayrettin , Şeneş Mehmet , Topkaya Birsen Çiğdem , Nebioğlu Serpil 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn the present study, we assessed oxidative stress in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy of ischemic or idiopathic etiology. For this reason we measured whole blood reduced glutathione, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, susceptibility of erythrocyte membranes and erythrocytes to peroxidation, and SH content of erythrocyte membranes in 12 patients (8 men and 4 women, ages 31 to 66 years) with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, in 11 patients (8 men and 3 women, ages 32 to 65 years) with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, and in 21 healthy volunteers (12 men and 9 women, ages 25 to 67 years). There was no statistically significant difference between the two patient groups for the indicators studied (P &gt;0.05). Blood glutathione, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, and membrane SH content of both groups of patients was decreased compared with controls (P &lt;0.05), whereas erythrocyte and membrane susceptibility to peroxidation were increased (P &lt;0.05). We conclude that patients with idiopathic or ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy exhibit abnormalities of a range of markers of increased oxidative stress. These abnormalities may contribute to contractile dysfunction, increased incidence of fatal arrhythmias, and sudden death.
Neopterin concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and serum as an aid in differentiating central nervous system and peripheral infections in children
Authors: Millner Michael M , Franthal Wolfgang , Thalhammer Gabriela H , Berghold Andrea , Aigner Reingard M , Füger Gerhard F , Reibnegger Gilbert 
Published: January 2020

AbstractNeopterin is a sensitive indicator for cellular immune activation. Its concentrations were determined in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum specimens from 91 children with no evidence of central nervous system (CNS) or peripheral inflammations, 43 with definite neuroborreliosis, 51 with other CNS infections, and 33 with peripheral infections. The aim of our study was (a) to establish a range of normal CSF neopterin concentrations in control children, and (b) to inquire into the diagnostic potential of neopterin measurements in both body compartments for aiding in differential diagnosis of inflammatory vs noninflammatory diseases, and CNS vs peripheral inflammations. CSF neopterin concentrations in controls were invariably low (up to 9.3 nmol/L), but in children with neuroborreliosis and, even more so, with other CNS infections neopterin concentrations were significantly (P &lt;0.0001) increased. Children with peripheral infections, however, rarely showed raised CSF neopterin concentrations. Serum concentrations of neopterin, on the other hand, were not significantly different between controls and children with neuroborreliosis. Although serum concentrations were significantly different between controls and children with other CNS infections, diagnostic efficiency was poor for this comparison. Peripheral infections, in contrast, were associated with significantly higher (P &lt;0.0001) serum neopterin concentrations when compared with controls. A classification tree was constructed on the basis of CSF and serum neopterin concentrations, allowing with high accuracy the discrimination between controls, children with CNS infections, and children with peripheral infections. Thus, on the basis of a comparatively large control group, our data underline the diagnostic validity of neopterin as an aid in differential diagnosis of inflammatory vs noninflammatory diseases, and confirm that CSF neopterin concentrations are not correlated with serum neopterin concentrations, and, therefore, CSF neopterin appears to be produced intrathecally.