bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unusually high concentrations of Zn alpha 2-glycoprotein and the lack of alpha 2HS-glycoprotein in human ejaculates.
Authors: Bürgi W , Simonen S , Baudner S , Schmid K 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Ejaculates of 132 nonvasectomized and 129 vasectomized men were assayed for their Zn alpha 2- and alpha 2HS-glycoprotein contents by radial immunodiffusion. The respective mean concentrations of Zn alpha 2-glycoprotein were 319 and 309 mg/L, respectively, but these fluids were devoid of alpha 2HS-glycoprotein. In comparison, the concentration of these two proteins in serum of normal men were 62 and 617 mg/L for Zn alpha 2- and alpha 2HS-glycoprotein, respectively. Because albumin in the ejaculates is 100-fold less concentrated than in serum, the fivefold increase in the concentration of Zn alpha 2-glycoprotein of the ejaculates represents about a 500-fold enrichment of this protein in the ejaculates over the concentration expected by comparison with albumin.
Oligoclonal immunoglobulins in HIV infection.
Authors: Sinclair D , Galloway E , McKenzie S , Follett E A , Wallace L 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We tested 150 patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for the presence of oligoclonal bands in serum, prompted by reports that these abnormal proteins may have prognostic significance. Sixty HIV-negative individuals from "at-risk" groups were tested along with 80 HIV-negative, healthy blood donors for the presence of these bands. All sera were tested by isoelectric focusing, because it is more sensitive for this purpose than more-conventional electrophoretic techniques. In the HIV-positive group, 61% of the sera had oligoclonal bands; in the HIV-negative "at-risk" group, 36% had bands. No bands were detectable in sera from the healthy blood-donor group. Some patients were also followed for differing periods throughout their infection, and changes in their oligoclonal banding patterns could not be correlated with disease progression. The fact that oligoclonal bands were found to be present without HIV infection in a substantial number of individuals from within the "at-risk" groups leads us to conclude that the presence of oligoclonal bands in HIV infection is of limited prognostic significance.
Urinary excretion of transferrin by non-insulin-dependent diabetics: a marker for early complications?
Authors: Cheung C K , Cockram C S , Yeung V T , Swaminathan R 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We measured concentrations of transferrin (TRF, in micrograms), and creatinine (Cr, in millimoles) in samples of untimed urine from 53 healthy subjects and 157 non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDD) subjects. The urinary TRF/Cr ratio was significantly higher in the NIDD group (P less than 0.001). If NIDD subjects are grouped according to their Alb/Cr ratio into normal albuminuria (Group A, Alb/Cr less than 2.5 mg/mmol), microalbuminuria (Group B, Alb/Cr 2.5-26.8 mg/mmol), and macroalbuminuria (Group C, Alb/Cr greater than 26.8 mg/mmol), the TRF/Cr ratios in all three groups exceeded those for healthy controls. Moreover, this ratio was higher in Group B than in Group A and higher in Group C than in Group B. The value for TRF/Cr was clearly abnormal (i.e., exceeded the 95th percentile value found in healthy subjects) in 61%, 95%, and 100% of Group A, B, and C subjects, respectively. The TRF/Cr ratio was significantly higher in those NIDD subjects with clinical retinopathy, and it correlated with arterial pressure. Evidently, TRF/Cr may be increased early in NIDD subjects, and it may be a sensitive marker for detecting development of complications of diabetes.
Variations in protein binding of drugs in plasma and serum.
Authors: Ohshima T , Hasegawa T , Johno I , Kitazawa S 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The free fractions of five drugs were determined in plasma treated with EDTA and in serum. The free fractions of phenytoin, sodium valproate, and phenobarbital in serum were significantly higher than in plasma (P less than 0.05). In contrast, the free fractions of carbamazepine and theophylline were significantly lower in serum than in plasma. Although we observed minor differences in the protein patterns obtained with two-dimensional electrophoresis, these did not have an important influence on protein binding. No significant differences were observed between plasma and serum in the physiological data, except for pH. Binding of these drugs by protein was shown to be pH-dependent. We conclude that serum may be better than plasma for determination of the free fraction, because the free fraction in plasma is affected by anticoagulants such as EDTA salts and heparin.
Measurement of cyclosporine in plasma from patients with various transplants: HPLC radioimmunoassay with a specific monoclonal antibody compared.
Authors: McBride J H , Rodgerson D O , Park S S , Reyes A F 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This study compares cyclosporin A (CsA) concentrations in plasma from patients receiving various transplants, as measured by HPLC and RIA with a monoclonal antibody for CsA and an 125I-labeled ligand. The RIA was restandardized with in-house standards because it overestimated CsA by an average of 23%. The RIA was sensitive to 2 micrograms/L, the standard curve was linear from 20 to 500 micrograms of CsA per liter, analytical recovery was 98%, and CVs were less than 8% for intra- and interassay precision. RIA (y) vs HPLC (x) for 283 plasma samples from 145 patients gave a slope = 1.1256, r = 0.979. When the results were segregated according to transplant type, CsA in liver and heart recipients was overestimated by RIA as compared with HPLC: slope = 1.202, r = 0.973 and slope = 1.1477, r = 0.983, respectively. Adult and pediatric CsA values were acceptable when RIA and HPLC were compared: slope = 1.0755, r = 0.977 and slope = 1.0563, r = 0.980, respectively. For six samples (four heart, two liver recipients) where HPLC and RIA values demonstrated wide discrepancies, repeat HPLC and analysis of eluate fractions gave CsA concentrations nearer values by the initial HPLC assay. We conclude that this RIA cannot be substituted for HPLC in the case of heart and liver recipients. The need for each laboratory to standardize the RIA is obvious.
Neopterin as a predictive marker for disease progression in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection.
Authors: Fuchs D , Spira T J , Hausen A , Reibnegger G , Werner E R , Felmayer G W , Wachter H 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We assessed the value of urinary neopterin concentrations for prognosis of disease progression in HIV-1-infected patients. Sixty-eight anti-HIV-1 seropositive homosexuals with lymphadenopathy syndrome were tested for urinary neopterin and T-cell subset counts in 1982-83, and the incidence rate at which they developed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) between then and May 1988 was evaluated. Overall, 21 of 68 (30.9%) cases progressed to AIDS, with a yearly progression rate of 4-9%. The predictive value of urinary neopterin concentrations was higher (P = 0.0042) than that of CD4+ T-cell counts (P = 0.015) or the CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio (P = 0.022). Counts of CD8+ T-cells failed to show predictive significance (P = 0.29). Similarly, multivariate-regression analysis indicated that neopterin concentrations and CD4+ T-cell numbers were significant copredictors. Produced by human macrophages activated by interferon gamma, neopterin is thus a marker of macrophage activation via T cells. We conclude that these data demonstrate a correlation between the amount of T-cell-macrophage activation, as measured by urinary neopterin concentrations, and the progression of the disease.
Role of rapid immunoassays for urgent ("stat") determinations of creatine kinase isoenyme MB.
Authors: Wu A H , Gornet T G , Harker C C , Chen H L 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We compared the analytical performance of three immunoassays used to rapidly determine creatine kinase (EC 2.7.3.2; CK) isoenzyme MB in serum: Dade's "Stratus," Corning's "Magic Lite," and Hybritech's "Icon QSR CK-MB." Performance criteria included precision, analytical sensitivity, sample stability, and analytical and clinical correlation of results for serum samples taken from healthy individuals, patients with suspected and confirmed acute myocardial infarction, and patients after coronary artery bypass surgery. We also examined 31 samples taken from patients in the emergency room suspected of myocardial infarction, to evaluate the potential of these assays for early diagnosis. Although these assays differ in the manner in which CK-MB is measured, and therefore have different procedural requirements, we conclude that they are equivalent in overall assay performance. None of these assays, however, is sufficiently sensitive for early diagnosis of myocardial infarction; therefore, results cannot be used by cardiologists in deciding whether acute thrombolytic therapy should be given. Other management decisions, such as the optimal utilization of intensive-care bed space, may justify using these assays on a "stat" basis.
Alterations in lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme patterns after therapy with streptokinase or streptococcal infection.
Authors: Podlasek S J , Dufour D R , McPherson R A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Serum samples from patients receiving intravenous streptokinase were examined for evidence of interaction in vivo between streptokinase and lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27; LD). We found that this treatment produced a band of LD activity that remained at the electrophoretic origin of LD isoenzyme analysis. Treatment with tissue plasminogen activator produced no such band. The streptokinase-LD complex could be removed from serum by ultracentrifugation. It remained in the circulation for as long as 48 h after streptokinase infusion. A similar phenomenon was observed in a case of pneumococcal sepsis. Examination of supernates from both cultures of several species of Gram-positive cocci revealed interactions between human LD and Streptococcus groups A and C and also Streptococcus pneumoniae. Evidently streptokinase can form complexes with LD in vivo after either streptokinase therapy or infection, with consequent alteration of the LD isoenzyme pattern.
Nitromethane interferes in assay of creatinine by the Jaffé reaction.
Authors: De Leacy E A , Brown N N , Clague A E 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A patient who ingested a methanol/nitromethane mixture (model airplane fuel) showed an apparent plasma creatinine concentration of 8.0 mmol/L by the Jaffé reaction when the actual creatinine concentration, as measured by a specific enzymatic method, was 0.09 mmol/L. This effect was due to nitromethane in the plasma. Interference by nitromethane with the determination of creatinine by reaction with alkaline picrate (the Jaffé reaction) has not previously been reported. When nitromethane was added to plasma, the apparent creatinine measured was linearly related to the amount of nitromethane added. Comparison of spectral changes occurring during creatinine/picrate and nitromethane/picrate reactions show substantial similarity, suggesting a similar structure for the products. Although the findings are of interest for both their toxicological and analytical implications, the main interest lies with their suggestion of a model system for future investigation of the Jaffé reaction.
Genetically engineered antibodies.
Authors: Moore G P 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The technology needed to genetically engineer antibodies is evolving rapidly and the potential utility of these novel reagents is being explored with vigor. The process includes cloning of the antibody genes, their in vitro manipulation and mutagenesis, expression in a suitable host/vector system, and, for commercial production, scale-up, purification, and product evaluation. At each step, significant advances have been achieved recently. For example: at first, antibody genes were cloned from genomic libraries by using adjacent DNA probes; techniques for rapid sequencing by primer extension of total mRNA allowed more specific screening with synthesized oligomers; finally, antibody genes can now be created de novo by chemical synthesis. Moreover, such synthesis allows total control over the antibody sequence so that molecules of any configuration can be produced. New reagents created in this way include murine antibodies whose constant regions and variable-region frameworks have been replaced with human sequence to enhance immunocompatibility with patients, to switch immunoglobulin class, or both.
High-molecular-mass ("biliary") isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase and the diagnosis of liver dysfunction in cystic fibrosis.
Authors: Schoenau E , Boeswald W , Wanner R , Herzog K H , Boewing B , Boehles H J , Stehr K 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The high-Mr isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (AP, EC 3.1.3.1), a highly sensitive index to cholestasis, was measured by liquid chromatography in 45 patients with cystic fibrosis. Results of serum tests for liver dysfunction--including gamma-glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total AP, bilirubin, and bile acids--were compared with those for high-Mr AP. Values for high-Mr AP were increased in 44.4% of our patient population, with activities ranging from 0.4 to 17.3 U/L. The upper limit in the control group was 2.5 U/L. We find increased high-Mr AP to be a more sensitive indicator of liver dysfunction in patients with cystic fibrosis than are other tests.
Quantifying manganese in lymphocytes to assess manganese nutritional status.
Authors: Matsuda A , Kimura M , Kataoka M , Ohkuma S , Sato M , Itokawa Y 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
To clarify whether manganese nutritional status is better reflected by the manganese concentration in lymphocytes or in whole blood, we injected manganese solutions intravenously into manganese-deficient rats and determined manganese concentrations in lymphocytes, whole blood, and various tissues. The manganese concentrations in lymphocytes and tissues, but not in whole blood, were significantly less in manganese-deficient rats than in normal rats. These low values could be prevented by intravenous injection of manganese in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that, for assessment of manganese nutritional status, measurement of manganese in lymphocytes is better than that in whole blood.
HPLC analysis of brain and plasma for octanoic and decanoic acids.
Authors: Dean H G , Bonser J C , Gent J P 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Two methods are described for determination of octanoic and decanoic acids in plasma and brain homogenate by "high-performance" liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Analysis of the underivatized acids had a detection limit of only 50 mg/L, but formation of the p-bromophenacyl ester increased the sensitivity by 100-fold, to a detection limit of 0.5 mg/L. The latter procedure gave interassay coefficients of variation of 4.1% and 4.8% for octanoic and decanoic acids, respectively. The corresponding intra-assay values were 3.95% and 4.7% (n = 6). The derivative method, applied to samples of plasma from children receiving a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) diet, gave values in agreement with results by gas-liquid chromatography. Results have also been obtained for samples from mice, either treated with the medium-chain triglyceride diet or given infusions of sodium octanoate.
Sialidase from different sources compared for electrophoretically separating serum alkaline phosphatase fractions from liver and bone.
Authors: Jung K , Pergande M , Klotzek S 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We compared sialidase (neuraminidase; EC 3.2.1.18) from Vibrio cholerae, Clostridium perfringens, and Arthrobacter ureafaciens, seeking to improve the electrophoretic separation of the liver and bone isoenzymes of alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) on cellulose acetate membranes. Resolution is decisively determined by the type and activity of sialidase used in the preincubation of serum sample. Sialidase from Arthrobacter ureafaciens is not suited for this method. For optimal separation of the two isoenzymes we recommend the use of sialidase from Vibrio cholerae, determination of its activity with a standard procedure such as described here (mucin or sialyl lactose as substrates), and a final concentration of sialidase activity of 2.0 or 2.9 U/L (measured with mucin or sialyl lactose) in the incubation mixture.
Urinary excretion of some proteins and enzymes during normal pregnancy.
Authors: Cheung C K , Lao T , Swaminathan R 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), transferrin (TRF), retinol-binding protein (RPB), N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG), alanine aminopeptidase (AAP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and creatinine (Cr) were measured in random (untimed) urine samples from 29 nonpregnant women and from pregnant subjects (11 in the first trimester, 34 in the second, and 37 in the third). The excretion of TP, Alb, TRF, NAG, and AAP (relative to creatinine) and the RBP concentration were all higher (P less than or equal to 0.05) in the second and third trimesters compared with values for the nonpregnant controls. The GGT/Cr ratio was significantly higher only in the third trimester. The increase in low-molecular-mass proteins and tubular enzymes suggests that at least part of the increase in Alb, TRF, and TP results from decreased tubular reabsorption. We conclude that excretion of both high- and low-molecular-mass proteins is increased during pregnancy.
Fog–Cloud Assisted IoT-Based Hierarchical Approach For Controlling Dengue Infection
Authors: Sood Sandeep Kumar , Sood Vaishali , Mahajan Isha , Sahil   
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The past five decades have witnessed the unprecedented contribution of arboviral diseases towards global morbidity and disability. It is primarily attributed due to unplanned urbanization, population explosion and globalization. Out of these, dengue is considered the most important arboviral disease because of its predominant growth in the past. The presented study explores the immense potential of Internet of things (IoT), fog and cloud computing for providing technology-based healthcare solutions for dengue virus (DENV) infection. In this paper, a hierarchical healthcare computing system for controlling DENV infection using fog–cloud-assisted IoT is proposed. This system provides a real-time remote diagnosis of DENV infection in individuals and monitors and predicts their health sensitivity during its infection period. The system uses fog computing to diagnose the DENV infection status of the individuals using $k$-means clustering and generates immediate diagnostic alerts to individuals, at the fog layer. Furthermore, the system uses cloud computing to monitor and predict the probabilistic health sensitivity of the DENV-infected individuals using Bayesian belief network and artificial neural network, respectively, at the cloud layer. The prediction of health sensitivity in the proposed system helps the infected individuals and healthcare agencies in determining the health vulnerability of DENV-infected individuals and preventing severe or permanent health losses in the future. The proposed system is experimentally evaluated using well-defined approaches, which conform to its validity and applicability. The results obtained from the experimental evaluations of the proposed system acknowledge the performance superiority and high efficiency of the system in delivering DENV-related healthcare services in real time.
Clinical outcome after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in patients with GERD and PPI refractory heartburn
Authors: Schwameis Katrin , Oh Daniel , Green Kyle M , Lin Brenda , Zehetner Jörg , Lipham John C , Hagen Jeffrey A , DeMeester Steven R 
Published: January 2020

Summary
Typical reflux symptoms that respond well to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy are key factors predictive of an excellent outcome with antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Our aim was to evaluate whether poor preoperative heartburn (HB) relief with PPIs was associated with a worse outcome after Nissen fundoplication. Patients with a main symptom of HB and a positive pH-test who had a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication between January 2008 and December 2014 were included. Prior to surgery, patients graded how effectively their HB symptoms were relieved by PPIs. Three groups were defined: good response (76–100% relief), partial response (26–75% relief) and poor response (0–25% relief). Outcomes and satisfaction were assessed at a minimum of 1 year after fundoplication. There were 129 patients who met inclusion criteria and 75 agreed to participate. The median follow-up was 48 months. Prior to Nissen fundoplication 13 patients had a good HB response to PPI-therapy, 36 had a partial response and 26 had a poor response. All patients were satisfied with their HB relief after fundoplication (mean satisfaction score: 9.5/10) and there was no difference in satisfaction score or heartburn relief between groups. Heartburn symptoms that respond poorly to PPI therapy are reliably relieved with a Nissen fundoplication in patients with objectively confirmed GERD. Patient satisfaction after Nissen fundoplication was excellent and was similar in patients with poor versus excellent HB relief with preoperative PPI therapy. Therefore, antireflux surgery is an option for patients with HB and confirmed GERD regardless of the degree of relief of HB symptoms provided by PPI medications.
Validation of European Society of Cardiology pre-test probabilities for obstructive coronary artery disease in suspected stable angina
Authors: Bing Rong , Singh Trisha , Dweck Marc R , Mills Nicholas L , Williams Michelle C , Adamson Philip D , Newby David E 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Aims
To assess contemporary pre-test probability estimates for obstructive coronary artery disease in patients with stable chest pain.

Methods and results
In this substudy of a multicentre randomized controlled trial, we compared 2019 European Society of Cardiology (ESC)-endorsed pre-test probabilities with observed prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease on computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA). We assessed associations between pre-test probability, 5-year coronary heart disease death or non-fatal myocardial infarction and study intervention (standard care vs. CTCA). The study population consisted of 3755 patients (30–75 years, 46% women) with a median pre-test probability of 11% of whom 1622 (43%) had a pre-test probability of &gt;15%. In those who underwent CTCA (n = 1613), the prevalence of obstructive disease was 22%. When divided into deciles of pre-test probability, the observed disease prevalence was similar but higher than the corresponding median pre-test probability [median difference 2.3 (1.3–5.6)%]. There were more clinical events in patients with a pre-test probability &gt;15% compared to those at 5–15% and &lt;5% (4.1%, 1.5%, and 1.4%, respectively, P &lt; 0.001). Across the total cohort, fewer clinical events occurred in patients who underwent CTCA, with the greatest difference in those with a pre-test probability &gt;15% (2.8% vs. 5.3%, log rank P = 0.01), although this interaction was not statistically significant on multivariable modelling.

Conclusion
The updated 2019 ESC guideline pre-test probability recommendations tended to slightly underestimate disease prevalence in our cohort. Pre-test probability is a powerful predictor of future coronary events and helps select those who may derive the greatest absolute benefit from CTCA.