bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated Method for Determining Amylase Activity in Serum and Urine
Authors: Mazzuchin A , Weggel C , Porter C J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We describe an automated procedure for determination of α-amylase activity in serum or urine by use of a water-insoluble chromogenic starch substrate (commercially available). "AutoAnalyzer" (Technicon Corp.) equipment is used in which the sample and suspended substrate are introduced simultaneously into the flow system. After incubation at 37 °C the water-soluble blue-starch breakdown products are filtered on-line across a cellulose nitrate membrane. Absorbance is measured at 630 nm, and the α-amylase activity read from a standard curve. The automated procedure has been in use for the past year and has been found to be an operationally simple, reproducible, and reliable method, which can be applied over a wide range of enzyme activity. Results of comparative studies with other α-amylase methods are also described.
Atomic Absorption Spectrometry of Nickel, Copper, Zinc, and Lead in Sweat Collected from Healthy Subjects during Sauna Bathing
Authors: Hohnadel David C , Sunderman F William , Nechay Maria W , McNeely Michael D 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry in sweat samples obtained by the arm-bag technique from 48 healthy adult subjects (33 ♂, 15 ♀ ) during sauna bathing (15 min at 93 °C, dry heat). The men sweated more profusely than the women (volume, in milliliters, of sweat collected: mean, SD, and range: 23 ± 12 (3-55) and 7 ± 3 (2-13), respectively. The concentrations, in µg/liter, (mean, SD, and range) of trace metals in sweat of men and women, respectively, were: nickel, 52 ± 36 (7-180) and 131 ± 65 (39-270); copper, 550 ± 350 (30-1440) and 1480 ± 610 (590-2280); zinc, 500 ± 480 (130-1460) and 1250 ± 770 (530-2620); and lead, 51 ± 42 (8-184) and 118 ± 72 (49-283). In sweat samples from 11 women on oral contraceptives, concentrations of Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb did not differ significantly from the values in the 15 control women. Sweating is a demonstrably significant route for excretion of trace metals, and sweating may play a role in trace-metal homeostasis. Essential trace metals could conceivably be depleted during prolonged exposure to heat; conversely, sauna bathing might provide a therapeutic method to increase elimination of toxic trace metals.
Patterns and Clusters—Multivariate Approach for Interpreting Clinical Chemistry Results
Authors: Winkel Per 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Quantitative assessment of the relationship among clinical observations requires the use of statistical models constructed for this purpose, i.e., multivariate models. Some multivariate methods of pattern cognition are reviewed. A pattern is defined as a combination of laboratory test values simultaneously observed in a patient. A single pattern may be noticed because it is suddenly realized that it is a highly abnormal one. This demonstration requires a multivariate reference region in place of the more commonly used univariate reference intervals. This concept is illustrated by an example in which the multivariate gaussian distribution is used as a model. A group of patterns belonging to a major category of patterns may be delimited, because patterns from this group are in some sense distinct from all other patterns of the category; that is, they form a cluster. Numerical taxonomy comprises the methods by which patterns or symptoms are compared and sorted into groups on the basis of their overall similarity. It is emphasized that many methods for cluster detection are unsound from a theoretical point of view, and if patients are classified the problem of the assignment of weights to variates is still unsolved. It is concluded from a review of the applications that the methods may be useful for the generation of hypotheses but they should not be used as the only methods in the analysis of multivariate data. Additional clustering methods oriented toward one specific goal are reviewed as well.
Factors Contributing to Intra-Individual Variation of Serum Constituents: 1. Within-Day Variation of Serum Constituents in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Statland Bernard E , Winkel Per , Bokelund Henning 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We evaluated the within-day variation of serum constituents in a group of 11 healthy young men. Twenty-two constituents were assayed at the same time, 19 of them on the " AutoChemist" multi-channel analyzer. The statistical model of analysis-of-variance was used to separate certain factors—subject, time of day, and subject-time interaction— from the analytical variation. The estimate of analytical variation was based on data for duplicate samples of blood which were taken from all subjects at 0800 h, 1100 h, and 1400 h. The following serum constituents varied significantly (P &lt;0.05) as a function of time of day: sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, iron, bilirubin, total lipids, and acid phosphatase.
Automated Fluorometric Method for Screening for Erythrocyte Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency
Authors: Dickson Larry G , Johnson Carl B , Johnson Donald R 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Deficiency of the erythrocyte enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [EC 1.1.1.49, GPD] is associated with hemolysis after exposure to oxidative drugs, ingestion of the fava bean, or infection. Episodes of hemolysis may be prevented by avoiding ingestion of substances toxic to erythrocytes with GPD deficiency. We describe here an automated fluorometric method suitable for screening for erythrocyte GPD deficiency. Anticoagulated whole blood is examined. Reliable results are obtained for hemoglobin concentrations ranging from 7-17 g/100 ml.
Interpretation of Hyperamylasemia in Diabetic Coma
Authors: Belfiore Francesco , Napoli Elena 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In sera of patients with diabetic coma, amylase activity was markedly elevated and closely correlated with the activity of some lysosomal enzymes, including β-glucuronidase, N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, and acid phosphatase. All these enzyme activities returned to normal with the normalization of glycemia. Activities of serum lipase, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, aldolase, and lactate dehydrogenase were not changed. Since liver amylase, although primarily contained in microsomes, shows "latency" and is activated by several agents as are lysosomal enzymes, these findings might be regarded as a further evidence of a similarity between amylase and lysosomal enzymes, and make probable the hypothesis that a process of "activation" occurring in liver might be the cause of increased amylase activity in serum as well as of lysosomal enzymes.
Colorimetric Microdetermination of Free Fatty Acids
Authors: Soloni Felix G , Sardina Laura C 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A colorimetric method for determination of free fatty acids has been developed, based on the estimation of copper in a chloroform extract of their cupric salts with oxalic acid bis-(cyclohexylidenehydrazide). Contamination with inorganic copper during extraction is practically eliminated by using filter-paper pads. Specificity and interferences are discussed. Recoveries average 101.1%. Normal values are 10.0 ± 8.2 mg/dl (0.390 ± 0.320 mmol/liter), with no statistically significant sex-related difference. Correlation with the reference method of Dole and Meinertz [J. Biol. Chem. 235, 2595 (1960)] is 0.954. Ten samples can be measured in about 45 min.
Serum Enzymes in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Belfiore Francesco , Vecchio Luigi Lo , Napoli Elena 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Serum enzymes that show changed activities in diabetes mellitus can be divided into four groups: Group I includes some lysosomal enzymes—β-glucuronidase N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, acid phosphatase, and amylase—that show increased activity correlated with blood sugar concentration. Because lysosomal enzymes as well as liver amylase show latency and may be "activated" by several agents, their increased activity in the serum of diabetics might be a manifestation of an activation occurring in tissues. Group II includes alkaline phosphatase and trehalase, which are increased but not correlated with blood sugar concentration. Their enhanced activity may reflect tissue metabolic disorders. Group III includes enzymes that increase in the postketotic period almost regularly—phosphohexose isomerase —or in only the most severe cases—aminotransferases and several dehydrogenases—because of tissue damage caused by metabolic and circulatory alterations. Cholinesterase, on the other hand, is decreased. Group IV includes any of the above-mentioned enzymes, and still others, that may be more active in diabetics with complications such as hepatic and renal involvement and obesity.
A Modified Indirect Method for Determining Erythrocyte Sodium and Potassium Concentrations
Authors: Small Larry L , Coulter Dwight B 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
An automated method was adapted to measure the concentration of Na and K in plasma, nonhemolyzed whole blood, and hemolyzed whole blood, and thus allow the calculation of erythrocyte electrolyte concentrations by a modified indirect method. The Na concentrations of nonhemolyzed whole blood and plasma were used to calculate the percent cell volume (hematocrit) of a blood sample. The percent cell volume and concentrations of Na and K in nonhemolyzed whole blood were used to modify the indirect method of calculating erythrocyte Na and K concentrations in canine, porcine, and human blood samples. Significant differences were found between the two indirect methods (indirect and modified indirect) used to calculate erythrocyte Na and K concentrations of human blood samples.
Stability of Erythrocytic Enzymes for Screening Tests
Authors: Lowe Mei L , Gin Jerry B , Demetriou James A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We investigated the stability of certain erythrocytic enzymes as assayed qualitatively by fluorescence spot tests. Preservation of the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD), pyruvate kinase (PK), triose phosphate isomerase (TPI), glutathione reductase (GTD), and NADH diaphorase (ND) in heparin, glucose—EDTA, or Alsever’s solution was studied at -20°C and 30°C. In Alsever’s solution, GPD, PK, GTD, and TPI are stable for 25 days at 30°C, whereas ND is stable for only 10 days at either -20°C or 30°C. The stabilizing action of Alsever’s solution permits either large population sampling before testing or a sufficient time period for transport of samples to a central laboratory for processing.
Gas-Chromatographic Measurement of Urinary Polyamines in Cancer Patients
Authors: Denton M Drue , Glazer Helen S , Zellner David C , Smith Frank G 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The polyamines, spermidine and spermine, and the precursor diamine, putrescine, may have an important role in control of cellular growth because of their interaction with nucleic acid structure, function, and synthesis. We have developed a quantitative gas-chromatographic procedure for measuring polyamines and have measured their urinary excretion by cancer patients and noncancerous patients. Marked variations in values obtained during therapy and in response to some other variables are described. Both hydrolyzed and nonhydrolyzed urine samples have been examined, in order to quantitate both total and free polyamine and putrescine excretions. The potential clinical importance of these studies and the application of other instrumentation such as mass spectroscopy to improve the specificity and sensitivity of this method are discussed.
Monitoring Phenylalanine—Tyrosine Metabolism by High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography of Urine
Authors: Mrochek J E , Dinsmore S R , Ohrt D W 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Urines, selected to demonstrate the utility of the LC system known as the "UV-Analyzer" for simultaneous investigation of a wide range of metabolites, were obtained from Parkinsonian patients being treated with l-DOPA alone or l-DOPA plus α-methyldopahydrazine, a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor. Sulfate conjugates are the major excretion products of those metabolites of l-DOPA retaining the catechol (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) structure. Administration of the dopa decarboxylase inhibitor considerably decreased urinary excretion of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic and 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acids and increased excretion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenyl lactic acid. Urinary chromatograms obtained for several children with neurological disorders manifest by seizures, infantile autism, and mental retardation showed elevated excretion of 4-hydroxyphenylacetic (a metabolite of tyramine) and 4-hydroxyhippuric acids. Two of the more severely affected children excreted a new metabolite, identified by mass spectrometry and gas chromatography—mass spectrometry as α-methoxy-α-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-acetic acid. This homolog of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid (VMA) was observed also in urine samples from patients with other types of diseases, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Lesch— Nyhan syndrome, malignant carcinoid, synovial sarcoma, multiple myeloma, and embryonic neoplasia. Its metabolic precursors are unknown.
Evaluation of the Harleco Apparatus for Determining Carbon Dioxide in Whole Blood
Authors: Strever Bill C , Johnson Carl A , Gadsden Richard H 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A simplified method for determining the total CO2 content of whole blood is evaluated, and results are compared to those obtained with a "Blood Gas Analyzer" (Instrumentation Laboratories). A high degree of correlation is shown. The described method makes such determinations simple and reliable, especially for emergency use in the laboratory or at bedside.
Electrophoresis of Hemoglobin on Polyacrylamide Gels: Precise Method for Measurement of Hemoglobin A2
Authors: Williard Robert F , Lovell Winfred J , Dreiling Bernard J , Steinberg Martin H 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Hemoglobin electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels is a technique applicable in the clinical laboratory that processes moderately large numbers of specimens. Rapid and precise, it yields reproducible quantitative data when the hemoglobins are eluted from the gel and their concentrations determined spectrophotometrically. Hemoglobin A2 measurements were reproducible and did not differ from those measured by column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. Concentrations of hemoglobin A2 in the blood of patients with sickle cell anemia were significantly higher than in normal individuals and individuals with sickle trait, but significantly lower than is the case for patients with beta-thalassemia minor.
Single Glucose Oxidase—Peroxidase Reagent for Two-Minute Determination of Serum Glucose
Authors: Morin Leo G , Prox Jerome 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The glucose oxidase—peroxidase procedure for determining glucose in serum or plasma has been modified by changing the assay pH to 5.5, altering the ratio of glucose oxidase to peroxidase, and using a soluble chromogen, p-diphenylamine sulfonate, to prepare a single complete reagent that develops stable color within 2 min without deproteinization. Most interferences were inconsequential. Serum that clearly is icteric or hemolytic is Somogyi-precipitated. Recovery was 99% and the CV was 3.3%. Correlation with results obtained by the neocuproine procedure, with use of the SMA 12/60, averaged 12 mg/dl lower values (r2 = 0.98).
Evaluation and Recalculation of Manufacturer’s Instrument-Specific Aspartate Aminotransferase Values for Reference Sera
Authors: Laessig Ronald H , Indriksons Andris , Schwartz Thomas H , Paskey Toni A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We compared a manufacturer’s stated values to those obtained by a reference method for aspartate aminotransferase activity in reference sera. We determined the validity with which this manufacturer’s stated values may be used as multichannel-analyzer set points, and related values obtained by the reference method to instrument-specific values by regression analysis. Data were obtained from 40 multichannel analyzers, comprising three different instruments (and their respective procedures): SMA 12/ 60, ultraviolet and colorimetric; SMA 12/30, colorimetric (reported in Karmen units); and MARK X, colorimetric. Results that best correspond with those for the Karmen-uv reference method are those obtained by automated methods that most closely emulate it. Regression equations relate Karmen (reference method) results to instrument-specific values. These relationships enable laboratories to check assay values of their lots of reference or control sera against a consensus value obtained from the group of similar instruments used in the study. Regression equations are calculated for the intercomparison of results from the four automated procedures.
RIoT: A Routing Protocol for the Internet of Things†
Authors: Omer Farooq Muhammad 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe routing protocol for low-power and lossy networks (RPL) is a standard routing framework for Internet of Things (IoT). It supports multipoint-to-point (MP-to-P), point-to-point (P-to-P) and point-to-multipoint (P-to-MP) communications. It is known that RPL’s control overhead can result in the protocol’s poor performance in P-to-P and P-to-MP communications especially in its non-storing mode of operation. Here, we present a routing protocol for the Internet of Things (RIoT) that supports MP-to-P, P-to-P and P-to-MP communications. The protocol can construct P-to-P and P-to-MP routes with relatively lower control overhead. Another salient feature of RIoT is that it supports multiple gateways in the same network with an aim to reduce memory requirement for storing a forwarding table. Furthermore, RIoT is also capable of handling mobility-based IoT use cases. To facilitate communication among nodes connected to different gateways in the same network, here we also present an inter-gateway communication mechanism. We implemented RIoT in the Contiki operating system, and it is extensively evaluated using emulation and real testbed-based experiments. We analyzed the impact of the number of gateways, radio duty cycling (RDC) and mobility on the routing protocols’ performance. Our results demonstrate that either with or without RDC RIoT demonstrates statistically significantly better packet delivery ratio, per-packet end-to-end delay and control overhead compared to the RPL-based protocol. RIoT’s multi-gateway communication architecture substantially reduces the memory requirement to store a forwarding table. Our results also demonstrate that multiple gateways in a network reduce the network partitioning problem in mobile scenarios. Hence, RIoT also demonstrates better performance in mobile scenarios compared to the RPL-based protocol.
uORFlight: a vehicle toward uORF-mediated translational regulation mechanisms in eukaryotes
Authors: Niu Ruixia , Zhou Yulu , Zhang Yu , Mou Rui , Tang Zhijuan , Wang Zhao , Zhou Guilong , Guo Sibin , Yuan Meng , Xu Guoyong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Upstream open reading frames (uORFs) are prevalent in eukaryotic mRNAs. They act as a translational control element for precisely tuning the expression of the downstream major open reading frame (mORF). uORF variation has been clearly associated with several human diseases. In contrast, natural uORF variants in plants have not ever been identified or linked with any phenotypic changes. The paucity of such evidence encouraged us to generate this database-uORFlight (http://uorflight.whu.edu.cn). It facilitates the exploration of uORF variation among different splicing models of Arabidopsis and rice genes. Most importantly, users can evaluate uORF frequency among different accessions at the population scale and find out the causal single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) or insertion/deletion (INDEL), which can be associated with phenotypic variation through database mining or simple experiments. Such information will help to make hypothesis of uORF function in plant development or adaption to changing environments on the basis of the cognate mORF function. This database also curates plant uORF relevant literature into distinct groups. To be broadly interesting, our database expands uORF annotation into more species of fungus (Botrytis cinerea and Saccharomyces cerevisiae), plant (Brassica napus, Glycine max, Gossypium raimondii, Medicago truncatula, Solanum lycopersicum, Solanum tuberosum, Triticum aestivum and Zea mays), metazoan (Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster) and vertebrate (Homo sapiens, Mus musculus and Danio rerio). Therefore, uORFlight will light up the runway toward how uORF genetic variation determines phenotypic diversity and advance our understanding of translational control mechanisms in eukaryotes.
Intraoperative localization of cardiac conduction tissue regions using real-time fibre-optic confocal microscopy: first in human trial
Authors: Kaza Aditya K , Mondal Abhijit , Piekarski Breanna , Sachse Frank B , Hitchcock Robert 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of fibre-optic confocal microscopy (FCM) using fluorescein sodium dye for the intraoperative location of conduction tissue regions during paediatric heart surgery.

METHODS
The pilot study included 6 patients undergoing elective surgery for the closure of isolated secundum atrial septal defect aged 30 days to 21 years. FCM imaging was integrated within the normal intraoperative protocol for atrial septal defect repair. Fluorescein sodium dye was applied on the arrested heart. FCM images were acquired at the atrioventricular node region, sinus node region and right ventricle (RV). Total imaging time was limited to 3 min. Any adverse events related to the study were recorded and analysed. Subjects received standard postoperative care. Trained reviewers (n = 9) classified, de-identified and randomized FCM images (n = 60) recorded from the patients as presenting striated, reticulated or indistinguishable microstructures. The reliability of reviewer agreement was assessed using Fleiss’ kappa.

RESULTS
The FCM imaging instruments were integrated effectively into the cardiac surgery operating room. All adverse events found in the study were deemed expected and not related to FCM imaging. Reticulated myocardial microstructures were found during FCM imaging at atrioventricular node and sinus node regions, while striated microstructures were observed in RV. Reliability of agreement of reviewers classifying the FCM images was high (Fleiss’ kappa: 0.822).

CONCLUSIONS
FCM using fluorescein sodium dye was found to be safe for use during paediatric heart surgery. The study demonstrates the potential for FCM to be effective in identifying conduction tissue regions during congenital heart surgery.

Clinical trial registration number
NCT03189134.