bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Failure of Microchromatographic Measurement of Fetal Hemoglobin in β0 Thalassemia-Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin
Authors: Krauss J S , Jonah M H , Devoe L D , Pantazis C G 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We report microchromatographic measurement of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) proportions in a 36-year-old African-American multigravida woman. At 34 weeks she delivered a 630-g male infant who subsequently did well. Hemoglobin electrophoresis of the hemolysate revealed nearly 100% HbF without HbA, an extremely unusual naturally occurring sample. Family studies revealed a combination of hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) and beta zero-thalassemia minor. Southern blot technique confirmed heterozygous alpha 2 thalassemia and HPFH but failed to identify the beta thalassemic lesion. The absence of HbA and the very high amounts of HbF led us to measure HbF by several methods to confirm the accuracy of microchromatography of HbF at values approaching 100%. HPLC revealed a 14% F1 suggestive of microchromatographic underestimation due to glycated HbF. We conclude that cation-exchange microchromatography and the Betke method of alkali denaturation underestimate HbF values as they approach 100% and do not recommend these procedures in this rare situation.
Creatine Kinase MB Isoforms in Patients with Skeletal Muscle Injury: Ramifications for Early Detection of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wu A H , Wang X M , Gornet T G , Ordóñez-Llanos J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We measured total creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB isoenzyme, and the MB isoforms in 202 serum and plasma samples from nine groups of patients and normal individuals: 39 with acute myocardial infarction (MI), divided according to time between the onset of chest pain and blood collection (1-6 h, 7-12 h, and 13-48 h); 26 with chest pain for whom an MI was ruled out, sampled at admission; 17 undergoing bypass surgery or cardiac catheterization, sampled within 6 h after either procedure; 17 with acute skeletal muscle injury, sampled within 8 h after injury; 30 marathon runners immediately after a race; 17 runners and other athletes &gt; 12 h after training or a race; 12 with cerebral injury or seizures, sampled at admission; 8 with closed head injury, sampled at admission; and 38 normal subjects. CK-MB (relative index) and MB isoforms (MB2/MB1) were respectively increased in 15% and 75% of MI patients 1-6 h after onset, 94% and 94% after 7-12 h, and 88% and 8% after 12 h, and in 87% and 82% of cardiac surgery patients. MB isoforms were increased in most patients with acute skeletal muscle trauma and in subjects examined after exercise, but were within normal limits in patients for whom MI was ruled out, patients with cerebral trauma, and normal individuals. The relative index of MB/total CK was normal in essentially all individuals in the last groups, including those with acute skeletal muscle trauma. We concluded that the CK-MB isoform ratio is increased in both acute skeletal muscle injury and MI. The isoform ratio is most useful for distinguishing recent from old (&gt; 12 h) injury.
Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay and HPLC Assays Compared for Measuring Monoethylglycinexylidide in Liver-Transplant Patients
Authors: Chen Y , Potter J M 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We compared fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA, x) and HPLC (y) for measuring monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) concentrations in 119 serum samples from 61 liver-transplant donors and recipients. The correlation between the two methods was y = 1.48 micrograms/L + 0.8x (r = 0.89). The bias (mean difference) was 12 micrograms/L (0.055 mumol/L) through the MEGX concentration range measured (0-250 micrograms/L, 0-1.136 mumol/L). We observed a major difference between the two methods in samples from four recipients and one donor. Cross-reactivity in FPIA with lignocaine and two of its metabolites (glycinexylidide and 2,6-xylidine) was &lt; 3%. Samples with high bilirubin concentrations (&gt; 200 mumol/L) required dilution before assay of MEGX by FPIA. Although there was an increase in apparent MEGX concentrations in some samples with increased bilirubin concentrations, the relationship was not constant. Increased plasma concentrations of cholesterol and triglyceride resulted in relatively small increases in apparent MEGX concentrations.
Performance of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay System for Antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus with Two New Antigens (c11/c7)
Authors: Saito M , Hasegawa A , Kashiwakuma T , Kohara M , Sugi M , Miki K , Yamamoto T , Mori H , Ohta Y , Tanaka E 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV), using two new recombinant antigens (c11 and c7) derived from the HCV genome. The performance of this ELISA system (Imucheck HCV Ab) was examined. The CV values for both intra-assay precision and reproducibility of identifying HCV antibody in the panel sera ranged from 3.5% to 6.4%. The blood elements in serum and anticoagulants did not interfere in this ELISA system. The specificity of Imucheck HCV Ab to samples from patients with non-A, non-B (NANB)-type chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma was 93.7%, 93.5%, and 81.4%, respectively. These results are more sensitive than those obtained by the first-generation anti-HCV ELISA system. In the samples from patients with NANB-type acute hepatitis, Imucheck HCV Ab enabled detection of HCV antibodies at an early stage. This system increased the sensitivity for blood donor screening and for monitoring patients with acute hepatitis.
Determination of β2-Microglobulin in Serum by a Microparticle-Enhanced Nephelometric Immunoassay
Authors: Viedma J A , Pacheco S , Albaladejo M D 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This fully automated nephelometric immunoassay to quantify beta 2-microglobulin in human serum measures the light-scattering signal produced by agglutination of commercially available latex microparticles (diameter 0.1 micron) coated with specific F(ab')2 against beta 2-microglobulin. The calibration curve, generated by serial dilutions of a beta 2-microglobulin standard of known concentration, is used to calculate beta 2-microglobulin concentrations in serum samples by the logit-log function and linear-regression analysis. The assay range (sample dilution 400-fold) extends from 0.3 to 40.0 mg/L. No antigen excess appears at beta 2-microglobulin concentrations up to 320 mg/L. Within-run CVs ranged from 1.0% to 3.4%, and between-days from 1.2% to 2.8%. Total imprecision (CV) was &lt; 5%. Analytical recovery averaged 99.5% +/- 2.8%. Rheumatoid factor, complement, bilirubin (up to 340 mumol/L), and hemoglobin (up to 2.0 g/L) do not interfere. Strongly turbid lipemic samples must be cleared before analysis. Standard curve linearity was very good in samples covering the clinical useful range of concentrations. Results of the method correlated well with those of radioimmunoassay and microparticle enzyme-linked immunoassay (r = 0.979 and 0.975, respectively). The reference interval (nonparametric estimation) in apparently healthy adults (n = 303) was 0.87 (0.80-0.94) to 2.42 (2.28-2.45) mg/L; the median value was 1.54 mg/L.
Measurement of Free Desipramine in Serum by Ultrafiltration with Immunoassay
Authors: Hursting M J , Clark G D , Raisys V A , Miller S J , Opheim K E 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We developed an ultrafiltration method for assaying free desipramine (DMI) in serum. An ultrafiltrate of DMI-containing serum was prepared by centrifugation through an Amicon Centrifree micropartition filter. Syva DMI solid-phase extraction (SPE) columns were used to extract the DMI from the serum and ultrafiltrate. The Syva monoclonal EMIT assay was used to quantify the DMI in the extract. In some experiments, the percent free DMI was quantified with radioactivity. Nonspecific losses of DMI in serum to the ultrafilter system were low (recoveries &gt; 91%). Extraction of [3H]DMI from phosphate-buffered saline (to mimic serum ultrafiltrate) with the Syva SPE system was quantitative (recoveries of 98.4% +/- 4.6%). Free DMI concentrations, derived from serum containing 2.5-2500 micrograms/L DMI, were determined by ultrafiltration; results agreed well with values determined by equilibrium dialysis, the average percent of free DMI being 18.4% +/- 0.25% and 15.9% +/- 0.51%, respectively. To increase the sensitivity of the free DMI assay in the therapeutic range (total DMI 125-300 micrograms/L), we increased fourfold the ultrafiltrate volume applied to the SPE column. For free DMI at 11-130 micrograms/L, the within-run and between-run CVs for the ultrafiltration method were &lt; 9% and &lt; 15%, respectively. Binding of DMI to serum proteins decreased over the pH range 6.0-8.0, although temperatures between 20 and 28 degrees C did not affect binding. The ultrafiltration assay is fast, accurate, simple, and adaptable to standard laboratory instrumentation.
Missense Mutations of the Tissue-Nonspecific Alkaline Phosphatase Gene in Hypophosphatasia
Authors: Henthorn P S , Whyte M P 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Hypophosphatasia is an inborn error of metabolism that is characterized clinically by defective bone mineralization and biochemically by deficient activity of the tissue-nonspecific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) in serum and in tissues. Clinical severity is extremely variable, ranging from death in utero to pathologic fractures first presenting in adulthood. Severe forms of the disease are inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion; the modes of transmission of mild forms are uncertain. Deficiency of TNSALP activity in this condition suggests that mutations in the TNSALP "candidate" gene are the primary defects. This hypothesis was supported in 1988 by the demonstration, in one inbred infant, that an identical missense mutation in both alleles of the gene encoding TNSALP caused lethal hypophosphatasia. Here we summarize the work leading to that discovery and discuss the recent identification of additional missense mutations in the TNSALP gene associated with the entire clinical spectrum of hypophosphatasia.
Phospholipase Resistance of the Glycosyl-Phosphatidylinositol Membrane Anchor on Human Alkaline Phosphatase
Authors: Wong Y W , Low M G 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is attached to the cell surface in mammalian tissues via a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor and can be released from the membrane by GPI-specific phospholipases. In a range of cultured human cell lines, however, the sensitivity of ALP to phospholipases was observed to be variable in magnitude (approximately 20-90%). The mechanism of phospholipase resistance was explored with phospholipases of different bond specificities. The results suggest that phospholipase resistance is the result of acylation of the inositol ring in the GPI anchor. The occurrence of phospholipase-resistant forms of ALP may have important implications for the in vivo release and disposition of plasma ALP.
Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzyme Patterns in Malignant Disease
Authors: Van Hoof V O , Van Oosterom A T , Lepoutre L G , De Broe M E 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Early treatment of patients with malignant disease and liver or bone metastasis may increase their survival time. We have used the activity patterns of liver and bone isoenzymes of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, to detect early metastasis. We studied ALP isoenzyme patterns in a background population of 101 patients with no evidence of any disease that might influence this pattern; a healthy reference population (n = 330); and the following three groups of patients: 143 with malignant disease, 47 with nonmalignant liver disease, and 22 with nonmalignant bone disease. Cutoff and predictive values of liver ALP, high-molecular-mass (high-M(r)) ALP, and bone ALP were established for detecting liver and bone metastasis. The positive predictive value of liver and high-M(r) ALP was higher than that of total ALP in detecting liver metastasis, but liver and high-M(r) ALP did not enable us to differentiate between malignant and nonmalignant liver disease. Total ALP activity was of slightly more value than liver and high-M(r) ALP in enabling us to rule out liver metastasis. From bone ALP activity we could not distinguish between nonmalignant bone disease and bone metastasis. The negative predictive value of bone ALP in the diagnosis of bone metastasis was low, but its positive predictive value was high and superior to that of total ALP.
Cluster Analysis in Diagnosis
Authors: Vogt Wolfgang , Nagel Dorothea 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to survey the usefulness of cluster analysis in the special case of diagnoses. This complex topic is restricted, however, to the application on laboratory characteristics, separately or in connection with clinical data. The article is subdivided into three parts: (a) the fields of a possible use of cluster analysis, detection of diseases or subgroups of diseases, and data reduction by detection of structures; (b) a brief mathematical description of hierarchical and partitioning classification techniques (as a crucial point, the problems associated with these methods are discussed); (c) a critical review of 24 publications of the past 10 years concerning cluster analysis and diagnoses.
Increased plasma amylase in the family of a patient with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A lyase deficiency
Authors: Plöchl E , Colombo J P , Wermuth B , Gibson K M 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A patient with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase (HMG-CoA lyase, EC 4.1.3.4) deficiency presented consistently above-normal values of plasma amylase (EC 3.2.1.1). Activities measured were in the lower normal range in family members not proven heterozygotes and in the upper normal range in the proven heterozygotes. Heterozygosity was proven by intermediate HMG-CoA lyase activities determined in cultured fibroblasts and in lymphocytes in the parents and the paternal grandmother. Because all of the family members had diseases of the pancreas, colon, and liver, we question whether the heterozygote state contributes to the impaired function of these organs. Our findings of significantly increased amylase activities in the heterozygotes and the patient, in comparison with the other family members, support this hypothesis.
Laboratory Monitoring of Nutritional Status in Burn Patients
Authors: Rettmer R L , Williamson J C , Labbé R F , Heimbach D M 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Most nutrition laboratory testing relies on serum concentrations of ingested nutrients, their coenzymes, proteins, or lipids. Alternatively, functional tests measure a specific physiological process or biochemical reaction. We compared these two approaches to nutritional assessment in intensive-care burn patients, in whom the serum concentrations of transthyretin (prealbumin), albumin, transferrin, carotene, retinol, ascorbic acid, copper, cholesterol, iron, and calcium were all below established reference ranges. In contrast, serum triglyceride concentrations were often above the reference range. Functional tests for thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, and iron (by zinc protoporphyrin/heme ratio) in these patients all showed normal values. Dietary intake, weight trends, and nitrogen balances all indicated that these patients' estimated caloric and protein needs had been met. These findings suggest that static measurements of serum concentrations may be unreliable indicators of nutritional status in burn patients.
Determination of Serum Glucose by Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry: Candidate Definitive Method
Authors: Magni F , Paroni R , Bonini P A , Kienle M G 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We report a rather simple method to determine glucose concentration in serum, using isotope dilution mass spectrometry and [13C6]glucose as internal standard. The procedure involves a single step of sample purification and the conversion of the analyte into its aldononitrile pentaacetate. The between-day and within-day contribution to total variance for a single measurement was determined by assaying Standard Reference Material (SRM) 909 serum. The method was then applied to measurement of glucose concentration in three lyophilized sera: SRM 909 and two other commercially available sera. In the two studies, the concentration of SRM 909 serum was found to be 0.8% above and 0.3% below the reported value (6.25 mmol/L), respectively; the overall coefficient of variation for determinations in all sera ranged from 0.37% to 0.56%. The precision and the accuracy of the method satisfy the requirements for a Definitive Method.
Endogenous Digitalis-Like Factors in Human Milk
Authors: Clerico A , Paci A , Del Chicca M G , Biver P , Giampietro O 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We measured the concentration of endogenous digitalis-like factors (EDLFs) in milk or colostrum of women during nursing on different days after delivery. EDLF concentrations were assayed by a solid-phase RIA involving antidigoxin antibodies and by a radioreceptor assay (RRA) involving human placenta Na+/K(+)-ATPase. The mean (SD) EDLF concentrations as measured by RIA were 35.6 (19.4) ng of digoxin equivalents per liter in milk samples (n = 37) and 61.3 (12.5) ng/L in colostrum samples (n = 5); the mean EDLF concentration as measured by RRA in milk samples (n = 11) was 573 (717) ng/L (range 0-2098). EDLF concentration in milk is greater than circulating concentrations in healthy adults but is comparable with serum concentration in the third trimester of pregnancy. In milk and serum samples (n = 8) collected at the same time, heating and (or) extracting with Sep-Pak C18 cartridges before the RIA produced significantly different EDLF values from those in untreated serum (P less than 0.001) and milk (P = 0.035). EDLF in milk appeared to be not bound or weakly bound to milk protein, as indicated by the fact that boiling did not increase the digoxin-like immunoreactivity.
Determining Zinc Coproporphyrin in Maternal Plasma--a New Method for Diagnosing Amniotic Fluid Embolism
Authors: Kanayama N , Yamazaki T , Naruse H , Sumimoto K , Horiuchi K , Terao T 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We measured the concentration of zinc coproporphyrin I (ZnCP-I), a characteristic component of meconium, in maternal plasma by fluorometry after HPLC. We obtained plasma samples from 89 women: 35 at weeks 10-40 of normal pregnancy, 41 shortly after normal delivery, 4 from patients with amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), and 9 from non-AFE patients with intra- or postpartum shock caused by genital bleeding. The plasma ZnCP-I concentration was 97 (SD 83, range 38-240) nmol/L in the AFE patients, 11 (SD 9.2) nmol/L in the non-AFE patients, 12 (SD 7.9) nmol/L during normal pregnancy, and 26 (SD 10) nmol/L shortly after normal delivery. We suggest that measuring ZnCP-I in maternal plasma by fluorometry on HPLC is a rapid, noninvasive, and sensitive method for diagnosing AFE and propose 35 nmol/L as the cutoff value for the ZnCP-I concentration in maternal plasma for the diagnosis of AFE.
Micral-Test Strips Evaluated for Screening for Albuminuria
Authors: Marshall S M , Shearing P A , Alberti K G 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We have evaluated Micral-Test, an immunochemical strip test specific for albumin, as a screening tool for slight ("micro") albuminuria. First morning urine samples containing albumin concentrations (by radioimmunoassay) of 0.4-440 mg/L were collected from 112 diabetic patients. The Micral-Test result for each sample was assessed by one observer. All 34 samples having albumin concentrations greater than or equal to 20 mg/L and 71 of 78 samples less than 20 mg/L were correctly identified, giving 100% sensitivity and 91% specificity. Six samples were measured 10 times by one observer: three samples were read consistently; one, albumin concentration 86 mg/L, was read as 50 and 100 mg/L; and two, albumin concentrations 32 and 38 mg/L, were read as 20 and 50 mg/L, respectively. Contact with urine for 2 s rather than the recommended 5 s resulted in an underestimation of the albumin concentration in 13 of 35 samples (Z = -3.18, P = 0.001), as did taking readings earlier than the recommended 5 min (Z = -3.92, P less than 0.001). Six observers independently performed Micral-Test measurements on 10 samples. Eight samples were correctly classified as greater than or equal to 20 or less than 20 mg/L by all observers, but two (albumin concentrations 25 and 18 mg/L) were misclassified by at least one observer. The Micral-Test is a sensitive and specific screening tool, but is semiquantitative and critically time dependent.
Benzocaine-Adultered Street Cocaine in Association with Methemoglobinemia
Authors: McKinney C D , Postiglione K F , Herold D A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A 27-year-old man with a history of cocaine abuse ingested a large quantity of street cocaine in an apparent suicide attempt. Shortly thereafter, he developed tonic-clonic seizures and became cyanotic. An arterial blood gas sample, collected in the emergency department, appeared chocolate-brown and showed pO2 279 mmHg, pCO2 53 mmHg, and pH 7.15. Hemoglobin spectral analysis revealed significant methemoglobinemia (37%). Subsequent gas-chromatographic and mass-spectral analysis of urine confirmed the presence of cocaine (106 mg/L), benzoylecgonine (94 mg/L), and other metabolites. Further testing revealed the presence of benzocaine, a compound known to produce methemoglobinemia. A powder submitted as the "cutting" substance was shown to be benzocaine. When confronted with a possible cocaine overdose (particularly by ingestion), the physician should consider the possible clinical effects of adulterants, especially local anesthetics such as benzocaine.
Simple and Sensitive Determination of Urea in Serum and Urine
Authors: Orsonneau J L , Massoubre C , Cabanes M , Lustenberger P 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In this method for serum and urinary urea determination, the same reagent is used without predilution of urine samples. The method is based on the pH increase resulting from the ammonia released by urease hydrolysis of urea. o-Cresolphthalein complexone is used to monitor the pH change colorimetrically. Urea concentration and absorbance at 570 nm are linearly related for concentrations as great as 600 mmol/L for urine samples and 100 mmol/L for serum. There are no clinically significant interferences from physiological substances or drugs, and precision and accuracy are excellent (CV approximately 2%, except at very low concentrations in serum; analytical recovery was 99% in urine, 100% in serum). Results by this method (y) and by the Astra method (x) for urine correlated well (y = 0.991x - 2.87, Sy/x = 9.21, r = 0.994), as did the results by this method and by the total enzymatic method (x') for serum (y = 1.002x' + 0.192, Sy/x' = 0.598, r = 0.997). This method is applicable to automated as well as manual instruments, and one-reagent or two-reagent formats can be used.