bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional and immunological concentrations of alpha 2-macroglobulin compared in plasma of subjects without alpha 1-protease inhibitor deficiency.
Authors: Gaillard M C , von Arb M , da Costa A , Kilroe-Smith T A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Alpha 2-Macroglobulin concentrations as measured by a functional assay and by laser nephelometry with antibody precipitation were compared for 67 outpatients at a respiratory clinic and 30 blood-donor control subjects with no respiratory disease. In both groups, concentrations of alpha 1-protease inhibitor in plasma, as measured by laser nephelometry, were within the normal reference interval. A reasonable correlation (r = 0.70) was obtained between results of functional assays and of laser nephelometry for the control individuals. For patients with pulmonary disease the correlation between the two assay methods was poorer (r = 0.53). We conclude that the functional assay of plasma is the better method for detecting abnormal concentrations of alpha 2-macroglobulin in patients with lung diseases.
Rhabdomyolysis in a case of free-base cocaine ("crack") overdose.
Authors: Jandreski M A , Bermes E W , Leischner R , Kahn S E 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This is the case of a 27-year-old black man who was admitted to Loyola University Medical Center after a one-time experience of smoking free-base ("crack") cocaine. Clinical manifestations of the resulting cocaine intoxication were rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, and transient liver failure. This patient came to our attention because of the striking alterations in his blood-chemistry values, which indicated acute tissue damage, and his remarkable recovery within 96 h. We discuss the dramatic changes in the laboratory findings and the clinical course of this patient.
The application of expert systems in the clinical laboratory.
Authors: Winkel P 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
An "expert system" consists of a knowledge base containing information of a general nature and an inference system that receives data from the user and applies the knowledge base to produce advice and explanations. An expert system stripped of its knowledge base (a tool) may be used to build new expert systems. Existing systems relevant for laboratory medicine are reviewed. The role in the laboratory of expert systems and their integration and evaluation are discussed.
Calculated bicarbonate or total carbon dioxide?
Authors: O'Leary T D , Langton S R 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
To test the relationship pK' = 6.103 + log[HCO3calc] - log[HCO3meas], we used a Corning 168 blood-gas analyzer to analyze 500 blood samples for pH and PCO2, from which we calculated a value for bicarbonate. We also analyzed 500 venous blood samples, collected simultaneously, for potentiometric total carbon dioxide with the Ektachem 700 analyzer. In a similar study of 415 arterial and venous blood samples, we determined total carbon dioxide colorimetrically with the SMA 6/60 analyzer. The coefficients of determination (r2) found for the difference observed between the calculated and measured bicarbonate values vs the pK' in the two studies were 0.86 and 0.96, respectively. The results also confirmed the positive bias caused by organic acids in the Ektachem method for total carbon dioxide. Analysis of the SMA 6/60 results indicated a significant decrease of the pK' in patients classified as having a metabolic acidosis.
Radioimmunoassay of 5-methoxytryptophol in plasma.
Authors: Skene D J , Churchill A , Raynaud F , Pevet P , Arendt J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
5-Methoxytryptophol (ML) is synthesized by the pineal gland, but no radioimmunoassay has been described for its routine measurement in human plasma. We have developed and validated such an RIA. The assay is sensitive (detecting as little as 8 ng/L) and specific, and requires no extraction stage. A preliminary study of healthy volunteers showed an intra-individual variation in plasma ML that was independent of the sex of the subject and the time of daytime collection. Investigation of the 24-h pattern of ML in seven men revealed a low-amplitude daily rhythm (P less than 0.03). Mean concentrations of ML between noon and midnight significantly exceeded those between 0030 and 1130 hours in each individual (P less than 0.05). This assay is practical and convenient, and it should greatly assist in investigation of factors affecting concentrations of ML in human plasma.
Use of purified lyophilized human lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme 5 in a study of measuring lactate dehydrogenase activity.
Authors: Smith D A , Moses G C , Henderson A R 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We examined the stability of human lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) isoenzyme 5--purified to a specific activity of about 400 kU/g--when lyophilized in a buffered, stabilized matrix of bovine albumin. This isoenzyme was prepared with a final activity of about 500 U/L and stored at -20, 4, 20, 37, and 56 degrees C for as long as six months. This isoenzyme decayed with approximate first-order kinetics, with an estimated half-life at -20 degrees C of about 475 years. Stability of reconstituted samples stored at 20 or 4 degrees C was poor, suggesting that the reconstituted material should be used without delay; material stored at -20 degrees C showed excellent stability for 15 days. We propose that such preparations might be further investigated as standards for use in electrophoresis of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes.
Four sensitive thyrotropin assays critically evaluated and compared.
Authors: Sgoutas D S , Barton E G , Hammarstrom M , Pete P M , Sgouta S A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We compared four sensitive procedures for thyrotropin (TSH)--Corning's Magic-Lite, ElectroNucleonics' Delfia, Baxter's Stratus, Nichols' Allegro--for their ability to completely discriminate TSH concentrations in sera in euthyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. We evaluated the analytical and clinical performance of these procedures according to previously published criteria. All procedures we examined fulfilled the criterion stipulating less than 1% overlap between the assay variation at the lower normal range limit and the assay sensitivity. Both measurements were made with an interassay CV not exceeding 10% to 15%. All procedures produced results that correlated well for specimens with TSH concentrations of greater than 0.4 milli-int. unit/L, and all four procedures clearly distinguished hypothyroid from euthyroid subjects. In a hyperthyroid-euthyroid comparison, three of the procedures, the Magic-Lite, Delfia, and Allegro, differentiated the two with 97% accuracy, the Stratus procedure with only 90% accuracy. The procedures appeared to differ even more in the measurement of TSH in serum of patients undergoing suppressive treatment with thyroid hormones and in hospitalized nonthyroidally ill patients. The observed differences among procedures were thought to be related in part to a matrix serum effect, which is accentuated in samples from hospitalized patients.
Use and applications of nucleic acid probes in the clinical laboratory.
Authors: Mifflin T E 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The use and availability of nucleic acid probes are significantly greater than they were three to five years ago. This increased utilization has resulted because of numerous changes in molecular genetic procedures. First, the sources of probes have shifted from cloned genomic and cDNA fragments to single-strand oligonucleotides and RNA or "riboprobes." These newer probes offer defined composition and capability to create separate sense and anti-sense strands. Second, an increased variety of labeling techniques provide more ways to incorporate isotopic and nonisotopic species into these nucleic acid fragments than before. Third, the advent of nucleic acid amplification forecasts the ability to detect sub-attomol quantities of target nucleic acids, which could not be detected by classical hybridization methods. Fourth, more-sensitive signaling systems (e.g., chemiluminescence) now available will also contribute to the lowering of detection limits. Fifth, alternative sample-processing methods will shorten the time required to perform these assays. Finally, coupling these newer molecular probe procedures with automation will lead to improved precision and reliability and promote their introduction into the clinical laboratory as routine procedures. Additional factors such as clinical correlation, cost analysis, etc. will stimulate clinical laboratory personnel to participate further in development and use of these procedures.
Quantitative assays based on the use of replicatable hybridization probes.
Authors: Lomeli H , Tyagi S , Pritchard C G , Lizardi P M , Kramer F R 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Amplifiable hybridization probes--molecules with a probe sequence embedded within the sequence of a replicatable RNA--will promote the development of sensitive clinical assays. To demonstrate their utility, we prepared a recombinant RNA that contained a 30-nucleotide-long probe complementary to a conserved region of the pol gene in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) mRNA. Test samples were prepared, each containing a different number of HIV-1 transcripts that served as simulated HIV-1 mRNA targets. Hybridizations were carried out in a solution containing the chaotropic salt, guanidine thiocyanate. Probe-target hybrids were isolated by reversible target capture on paramagnetic particles. The probes were then released from their targets and amplified by incubation with the RNA-directed RNA polymerase, Q beta replicase (EC 2.7.7.48). The replicase copied the probes in an exponential manner: after each round of copying, the number of RNA molecules doubled. The amount of RNA synthesized in each reaction (approximately 50 ng) was sufficient to measure without using radioisotopes. Kinetic analysis of the reactions demonstrated that the number of HIV-1 targets originally present in each sample could be determined by measuring the time it took to synthesize a particular amount of RNA (the longer the synthesis took, the fewer the number of targets originally present). The results suggest that clinical assays involving replicatable hybridization probes will be simple, accurate, sensitive, and automatable.
Patient-side immunoassay system with a single-use cartridge for measuring analytes in blood.
Authors: Gibbons I , Gorin M , Yassinzadeh Z , Peterson P , Besemer D , Dillon K , Burd T , Hillman R , Smoluk G , Cobb M 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We describe an immunoassay system suited to patient-side assay of therapeutic drugs and blood proteins. The system consists of an electronic monitor and single-use plastic cartridges containing dry reagents and liquid diluents. The monitor is turned on by insertion of a cartridge. To run the test, the user applies an unmeasured drop of blood to the cartridge when prompted by the monitor. All subsequent steps are performed without further user intervention and results are provided in less than 3 min. The system hemolyzes and precisely dilutes the blood. Hemoglobin concentration is measured, then the diluted blood is precisely diluted further and mixed with two dry reagents. The drug concentration is measured by a turbidimetric latex agglutination inhibition reaction. Theophylline and hemoglobin assay results for clinical samples correlate well with results of widely used comparison methods.
Diagnosis of recessive X-linked ichthyosis: quantitative HPLC/mass spectrometric analysis of plasma for cholesterol sulfate.
Authors: Shackleton C H , Reid S 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A specific, accurate liquid-chromatographic/mass-spectrometric (HPLC/MS) method for measurement of cholesterol sulfate in plasma from normal individuals and patients with recessive X-linked ichthyosis (RXLI) is described. The method is superior to previously described techniques because it measures the analyte intact rather than after hydrolysis. Traces of free cholesterol in the sample analyzed do not add to the measured result. We used either [13C2]cholesterol sulfate or [2H6]cholesterol sulfate as internal standards, which we add to plasma before extraction. Use of such standards makes quantitative extraction unimportant. We use a single solid-phase extraction (SPE) C18 cartridge for plasma extraction. After the cartridge is washed with methanol/ammonium acetate solutions, the fraction containing the steroid sulfates is eluted with methanol, evaporated, and subjected to HPLC/MS analysis, wherein the molecular anions of analyte and internal standards are monitored. The peak ratio gives the cholesterol sulfate concentration directly. Using this method, we have diagnosed 24 patients with RXLI. Their concentration of cholesterol sulfate ranged between 41.7 and 185.3 mumol/L (mean 93.85, SD 31.2 mumol/L). In normal individuals (n = 9) the mean cholesterol sulfate concentration was 2.77 mumol/L (SD 0.62, range 2.05-3.95 mumol/L). The instrumentation required is complex, but the assay is simple: sample preparation takes about 30 min; mass spectrometry, 10 min. About 0.1 mL of plasma is required for cholesterol sulfate measurement in RXLI patients and 0.5-1 mL in normal individuals.
Time-resolved immunofluorometric assay of human pancreatic isoamylase in serum, with use of two monoclonal antibodies.
Authors: Diamandis E P , Papanastasiou-Diamandi A , Lustig V , Khosravi M J , Tan A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This new method for determining pancreatic isoamylase (EC 3.2.1.1) in serum involves two monoclonal antibodies: one immobilized in a microtitration well (the capture antibody), the other biotinylated. After the sample is incubated with the two antibodies, the captured immunocomplex is quantified by adding streptavidin labeled with a europium chelator and measuring the specific Eu3+ fluorescence in a time-resolved mode. Three assay protocols are proposed, involving incubation times of 90, 45, or 25 min. The assay has low (0.005%) cross-reactivity with the salivary isoenzyme. Analytical performance was satisfactory. Results correlate well with results obtained by measuring total amylase activity or by measuring pancreatic isoamylase activity after immunoinhibition. Unlike numerous current amylase assays, this method measures enzyme mass rather than enzyme activity. Potentially, this is a highly specific assay.
Rapid screening for deficiency of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor.
Authors: Lloyd C , Travis J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
This rapid screening procedure for detection of low but functional elastase-inhibitory activity in human plasma is based on the fact that incubation of excess porcine pancreatic elastase (EC 3.4.21.36) with plasma results in formation of a complex with active alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1PI, also called alpha 1-antitrypsin). In normal individuals all of the elastase is complexed, leaving no free enzyme to hydrolyze the elastase substrate, and the reaction mixture remains clear. Because individuals homozygous for the Z allele have relatively low concentrations of alpha 1PI, their plasma cannot complex all of the elastase in the assay. The uncomplexed enzyme hydrolyzes the elastase-specific p-nitroanilide substrate, producing a yellow reaction mixture. Use of this simple assay for early screening of individuals for alpha 1PI deficiency may substantially decrease the number of untreated cases of familial emphysema, a disorder that develops as a result of a genetically derived proteinase-proteinase inhibitor imbalance.
Fast, stable method for harvesting leukocytes for measuring intracellular magnesium.
Authors: Frandsen N J , McNair P 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A new method for isolating blood leukocytes and measuring intracellular leukocyte magnesium is based on three successive centrifugations (1300 x g, 5 min, 22 degrees C), with no use of Ficoll, followed by two washes. We express the leukocyte magnesium concentration in micromoles of magnesium per gram of protein. Magnesium is measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, protein by the classic Lowry method. With the method 8% to 28% of the leukocytes are isolated and 0% to 0.025% of the erythrocytes. Of the isolated leukocytes 86% to 93% are viable. The magnesium concentration is constant at centrifugal forces greater than 1000 x g, at a centrifugation time of 5 to 15 min, and with use of two or three washes. However, the cells lose 1% of their magnesium content per hour when samples are left at 22 degrees C. The temperature influences this. In blood samples from 98 volunteer blood donors, mean leukocyte magnesium concentrations were 26.4 (SD 3.9) mumol/g. There was no significant correlation between the magnesium concentration and the relative amount of neutrophils.
dbPepNeo: a manually curated database for human tumor neoantigen peptides
Authors: Tan Xiaoxiu , Li Daixi , Huang Pengjie , Jian Xingxing , Wan Huihui , Wang Guangzhi , Li Yuyu , Ouyang Jian , Lin Yong , Xie Lu 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Neoantigens can function as actual antigens to facilitate tumor rejection, which play a crucial role in cancer immunology and immunotherapy. Emerging evidence revealed that neoantigens can be used to develop personalized, cancer-specific vaccines. To date, large numbers of immunogenomic peptides have been computationally predicted to be potential neoantigens. However, experimental validation remains the gold standard for potential clinical application. Experimentally validated neoantigens are rare and mostly appear scattered among scientific papers and various databases. Here, we constructed dbPepNeo, a specific database for human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) binding neoantigen peptides based on mass spectrometry (MS) validation or immunoassay in human tumors. According to the verification methods of these neoantigens, the collection of peptides was classified as 295 high confidence, 247 medium confidence and 407 794 low confidence neoantigens, respectively. This can serve as a valuable resource to aid further screening for effective neoantigens, optimize a neoantigen prediction pipeline and study T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition. Three applications of dbPepNeo are shown. In summary, this work resulted in a platform to promote the screening and confirmation of potential neoantigens in cancer immunotherapy.
Database URL: www.biostatistics.online/dbPepNeo/.
Accelerometer-Measured Sedentary and Physical Activity Time and Their Correlates in European Older Adults: The SITLESS Study
Authors: Giné-Garriga Maria , Sansano-Nadal Oriol , Tully Mark A , Caserotti Paolo , Coll-Planas Laura , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Dallmeier Dhayana , Denkinger Michael , Wilson Jason J , Martin-Borràs Carme , Skjødt Mathias , Ferri Kelly , Farche Ana Claudia , McIntosh Emma , Blackburn Nicole E , Salvà Antoni , Roqué-i-Figuls Marta 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) are important determinants of health in older adults. This study aimed to describe the composition of accelerometer-measured SB and PA in older adults, to explore self-reported context-specific SB, and to assess sociodemographic and functional correlates of engaging in higher levels of SB in participants of a multicenter study including four European countries.

Method
One thousand three hundred and sixty community-dwelling older adults from the SITLESS study (61.8% women; 75.3 ± 6.3 years) completed a self-reported SB questionnaire and wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for 7 days. Accelerometer-determined compositional descriptive statistics were calculated. A fixed-effects regression analysis was conducted to assess the sociodemographic (country, age, sex, civil status, education, and medications) and functional (body mass index and gait speed) correlates.

Results
Older adults spent 78.8% of waking time in SB, 18.6% in light-intensity PA, and 2.6% in moderate-to-vigorous PA. Accelerometry showed that women engaged in more light-intensity PA and walking and men engaged in higher amounts of moderate-to-vigorous PA. Watching television and reading accounted for 47.2% of waking time. Older age, being a man, single, taking more medications, being obese and overweight, and having a slower gait speed were statistically significant correlates of more sedentary time.

Conclusions
The high amount of SB of our participants justifies the need to develop and evaluate interventions to reduce sitting time. A clinically relevant change in gait speed can decrease almost 0.45 percentage points of sedentary time. The distribution of context-specific sedentary activities by country and sex showed minor differences, albeit worth noting.
A-optimal design method to determine the regularization parameter of coseismic slip distribution inversion
Authors: Wang Leyang , Gu Wangwang 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTThe key to the inversion of a coseismic slip distribution is to determine the regularization parameters. In view of the determination of regularization parameters in seismic slip distribution inversion, the A-optimal design method is proposed in this paper. The L-curve method and A-optimal design method are used to design simulation experiments, and the inversion results show that the A-optimal design method is superior to the L-curve method in determining the regularization parameters. These two methods are also used to determine the regularization parameters of the L'Aquila and Lushan earthquake slip distribution inversions, and the results are consistent with those of other research conducted at home and abroad. Compared with the L-curve method, the A-optimal design method has the advantages of a high accuracy that does not rely on the data fitting accuracy.
Rules of Engagement: Implementing Student-Centered Learning in Breast Imaging
Authors: Jordan Sheryl G , Deans Elizabeth C , Johnson Meredith , Lee Sheila S , Beck Dallaghan Gary L 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In response to changing learner needs, our institution launched a new translational curriculum wherein basic sciences and clinical skills were integrated, longitudinal patient care experiences provided, and earlier opportunities in specialty fields introduced to better inform residency program decisions. Medical students taking the breast imaging elective were enrolled in a breast imaging immersive experience designed to meet the School of Medicine’s core competencies. In focusing the elective on a narrow range of specialized topics and skills, we labeled this experience the Breast Imaging Boot Camp. Outcome data from March 6, 2017, to April 26, 2019, have been analyzed for this report. The modifications made to the elective include: e-mailing a detailed orientation document to students prior to the start of the rotation; assigning students to diagnostic, procedural, and screening roles; the attendance of students at introductory radiology symposia; students’ weekly attendance at institutional multidisciplinary and divisional breast radiologic–pathologic correlation conferences; student self-study assignments using faculty-vetted resources; student participation in breast biopsy simulation and small parts ultrasound laboratories; the development of a student-centric radiology educational website; and student-directed publishing of digital case files. Medical student feedback and course analytics indicated superior course evaluation scores reinforced by narrative feedback. In website domain utilization data, the breast file domain is the most viewed subspecialty domain. The Breast Imaging Boot Camp is a successful curriculum. Its novelty lies in both its integrated approach to medical student core competencies and its clinician educators’ use of today’s student-favored teaching tools.