bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integration of Proteomic-Based Tools for Improved Biomarkers of Myocardial Injury
Authors: Gerszten Robert E , Carr Steven A , Sabatine Marc 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Background: Given the mounting evidence in favor of early pharmacologic and catheter-based interventions for patients across the spectrum of acute coronary syndromes, discovering novel diagnostically sensitive and specific biomarkers that provide biochemical proof of early or reversible myocardial injury could have a substantial positive impact on patient care.
Content: To address unmet needs in disease biomarkers, investigators have turned to proteomics approaches. We describe advances in proteomics discovery technologies based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry that facilitate the unbiased analysis of low-abundance blood proteins. We detail the development of emerging techniques to enhance the biomarker verification process, such as accurate inclusion mass screening, stable isotope dilution–multiple reaction monitoring–mass spectrometry (SID-MRM-MS), and stable isotope standards with capture by antipeptide antibodies, which combines the advantages of specific immunoaffinity enrichment of a target peptide with the structural specificity and quantitative capabilities of SID-MRM-MS. We highlight new assays incorporating these techniques for troponin I, a representative low-abundance cardiac biomarker, and interleukin-33, an emerging novel marker of myocardial stress for which no existing ELISA exists. We demonstrate that troponin I and interleukin-33 peptides have a linear, dynamic range spanning 4 orders of magnitude and limits of detection of approximately 0.5 μg/L back-calculated to the protein concentration.
Conclusions: There remain important unmet diagnostic and prognostic needs in cardiology. Advances in technology may allow proteomics to play a vital role in the discovery and validation of novel biomarkers to help fill those needs.
New Serology Assays Can Detect Gluten Sensitivity among Enteropathy Patients Seronegative for Anti–Tissue Transglutaminase
Authors: Sugai Emilia , Hwang Hui Jer , Vázquez Horacio , Smecuol Edgardo , Niveloni Sonia , Mazure Roberto , Mauriño Eduardo , Aeschlimann Pascale , Binder Walter , Aeschlimann Daniel , Bai Julio C 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Background: Some patients with celiac disease (CD) may be seronegative with the commonly used test for IgA anti–tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) antibodies. Our aim was to explore whether newer assays incorporating synthetic deamidated gliadin-related peptides (DGPs) or other TG isoenzymes as antigen are useful for detecting gluten sensitivity in IgA anti-tTG–seronegative patients.
Methods: We assayed serum samples obtained at diagnosis from (a) anti-tTG–seronegative patients with a CD-like enteropathy (n = 12), (b) skin biopsy–proven dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) patients (n = 26), and (c) IgA anti-tTG–positive CD patients (n = 26). All patients had typical total IgA concentrations. All patients underwent intestinal biopsy and serum testing for (a) detection of IgA and IgG isotypes of both anti-DGP and anti-tTG in a single assay (tTG/DGP Screen; INOVA Diagnostics), (b) simultaneous detection of both IgA and IgG anti-DGP antibody isotypes (DGP Dual; INOVA Diagnostics), and (c) detection of antibodies to transglutaminase 3 (TG3) or transglutaminase 6 (TG6).
Results: All anti-tTG–seropositive patients also tested positive in anti-DGP assays. Overall, tTG/DGP Screen detected 6 (31.6%) of the 19 anti-tTG seronegatives, and anti-DGP Dual produced positive results in 5 (26.3%) of these cases. Whereas both assays detected 2 anti-tTG–negative DH patients with partial villous atrophy, they were positive in only 2 of the 5 cases with no histologically discernible mucosal damage. Testing for antibodies to TG3 and TG6 identified 7 (36.8%) of the 19 anti-tTG–negative patients, 5 of which were also positive for anti-DGP.
Conclusions: Detection of anti-DGP with tTG/DGP Screen or anti-DGP Dual, or detection of antibodies to other TG isoenzymes, enhances the sensitivity for detecting gluten sensitivity among non–IgA- deficient, anti-tTG–seronegative patients with CD-like enteropathy.
Multicentre evaluation of the Tosoh HbA1c G8 analyser
Authors: Chapelle Jean-Paul , Teixeira Jelda , Maisin Diane , Assink Hans , Barla Gerhard , Stroobants An K. , Delzenne Barend , van den Eshof Wouter 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background: We report a Dutch–Belgian multicentre evaluation of the Tosoh HLC-723G8 glycohaemoglobin analyser, an ion-exchange HPLC instrument for the separation and quantification of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in whole blood.

Methods: We evaluated the analytical performances of the Tosoh G8 analyser and compared the results for blood samples with its predecessor, the Tosoh G7, and with two other widely used analysers, the Bio-Rad Variant II and Adams Arkray HA-8160.

Results: Within- and between-batch imprecision [coefficient of variation (CVs)] was <0.5% and 2%, respectively, and compared favourably with the G7. The excellent performances in terms of speed (1.6 min/analysis) did not result in increased variability of the results or carry-over between samples. The method shows no interference from carbamylated haemoglobin, and recognises the presence of haemoglobinopathies, which triggers the correction of the HbA1c result. Comparison with established methods showed good correlation, not only with the G7 but also with the Variant II and HA-8160 systems.

Conclusions: With respect to reproducibility, chromatographic resolution, speed of analysis and identification of Hb variants, the Tosoh G8 analyser can be considered to be state of the art.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:365–71.
Integrated PCR amplification and detection processes on a Lab-on-Chip platform: a new advanced solution for molecular diagnostics
Authors: Foglieni Barbara , Brisci Angela , Biagio Floriana San , Pietro Patrizia Di , Petralia Salvatore , Conoci Sabrina , Ferrari Maurizio , Cremonesi Laura 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background: Several microdevices have been developed to perform only a single step of a genotyping process, such as PCR or detection by probe hybridization. Here, we describe a Lab-on-Chip (LoC) platform integrating a PCR amplification microreactor with a customable microarray for the detection of sequence variations on human genomic DNA.

Methods: Preliminary work was focused on developing the single analytical steps including PCR and labeling strategies of the amplified product by conventional reference systems. The optimized protocols included a 1:4 forward:reverse primer ratio for asymmetric PCR, and Cy5-dCTP multiple incorporation for the generation of a labeled PCR product to be hybridized to complementary probes bound to the chip surface.

Results: Final conditions were applied to the fully integrated LoC platform for the detection of the IVSI-110 G>A mutation in the human β-globin (HBB) gene associated with β-thalassemia, used as a model of genetic application, allowing for correct genotyping of 25 samples that were heterozygous, homozygous or wild-type for this mutation.

Conclusions: The overall results show that the present platform is very promising for rapid identification of DNA sequence variations in an integrated, cost effective and convenient silicon chip format.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:329–36.
Gender does not influence cystatin C concentrations in healthy volunteers
Authors: Weinert Letícia Schwerz , Prates Aline Bodanese , do Amaral Fernando Barcellos , Vaccaro Marina Zerwes , Camargo Joíza Lins , Silveiro Sandra Pinho 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background: Current data are conflicting about the influence of gender on cystatin C concentrations. The goal of this study was to determine the reference interval for serum cystatin C in normal Brazilian subjects, taking into account the influence of gender.

Methods: Ninety-seven healthy volunteers, aged 18–70 years, 44% male, had glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measured using a 51Cr-EDTA method and estimated with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation. Serum cystatin C was measured using a turbidimetric method, and creatinine by the Jaffe method.

Results: Mean serum cystatin C was not significantly different between males and females, 0.62±0.12 vs. 0.65±0.12 mg/L, respectively (p=0.26). However, median serum creatinine was significantly higher in men [97 (80–115) vs. 80 (53–88) μmol/L; p=0.0001]. There were also no significant differences between genders with respect to GFR measured using 51Cr-EDTA (103±14 for males and 106±19 mL/min/1.73 m2 for females, p=0.47), and estimated with the MDRD equation (86±12 vs. 83±16 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively, p=0.24).

Conclusions: There was no effect of gender on serum cystatin C, as well as on measured and estimated GFR.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:405–8.
Performance of a fully automated quantitative neopterin measurement assay in a routine voluntary blood donation setting
Authors: Mayersbach Peter , Fuchs Dietmar , Schennach Harald 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground:Acute virus infections are indicated by increased serum neopterin concentrations. Testing of blood donations for increased neopterin was introduced in the Austrian Tyrol in 1986 and throughout Austria in 1994 to improve the safety of blood transfusions. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was the first available test, and the 98th percentile for neopterin concentrations from 76,500 donations was defined as the cut-off threshold, excluding donations with neopterin ≥10 nmol/L. When ELISAs were introduced on fully automated test systems to measure neopterin concentrations, results were generally higher and the cut-off was adjusted up to 12 nmol/L.Methods:In early 2006, new equipment (Hamilton Microlab Star®pipettor+Dade Behring ELISA Processor III, BEP III®) became available which monitors sample and reagent volumes for each uptake and dispense, and takes the viscosity of the fluids into account. Using this system, the performance of neopterin determinations was evaluated over 21 months and compared to earlier data.Results:When the new apparatuses were introduced, an immediate decrease in mean neopterin concentrations and the percentage of samples with neopterin concentrations ≥10 nmol/L was observed. The 55,516 measurements performed in 2007 showed a mean value of 5.5 nmol/L. Neopterin in 680 donations (1.23%) were ≥10 nmol/L.Conclusions:The new Hamilton diluter increased the accuracy of the neopterin test procedure. Results are now identical with those of RIA and ELISA when run in a semi-automated manner. Differences in pipetting performance of standards and samples are considered as one possible explanation for the earlier discrepancies seen with the automated apparatus.Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:373–7.
Benchmark-Modell für anlagenweite KläranlagenregelungenA Benchmark Model for Plant Wide Control of Waste Water Treatment Plants
Authors: Alex Jens , Jumar Ulrich 
Published: December 2009

Zusammenfassung
Für die Steuerung und Regelung von Kläranlagen wird in der Literatur eine unüberschaubare Anzahl von Konzepten und Varianten publiziert. Um unterschiedliche Ansätze objektiv bewerten und vergleichen zu können, wird in der hier vorgestellten Initiative ein Benchmark-System definiert, das aus einer Sammlung von Simulationskomponenten und einer Methodik zum objektiven, simulativen Vergleich unterschiedlicher Regelungskonzepte besteht. Die Nutzung dieses von einer Arbeitsgruppe der IWA — International Water Association entwickelten Benchmark-Systems wird durch die Analyse einer Auswahl typischer Kläranlagenregelungen demonstriert.
Ein generischer Regelungsansatz auf der Basis nichtlinearer Optimierung für komplexe ProzesseA Generic Approach by Non-linear Optimisation for Complex Processes
Authors: Meßmer Albert , Papageorgiou Markos 
Published: December 2009

Zusammenfassung
Der in diesem Artikel vorgestellte Algorithmus auf der Basis nichtlinearer Optimierung lässt sich auf die Regelung komplexer Strecken anwenden. Der systematische Ansatz ist modellbasiert und kommt ohne die Formulierung von Regeln aus. Bei konkurrierenden Regelungszielen erfolgt eine Abwägung im Sinne der Minimierung eine Kostenkriteriums. Als Anwendungsbeispiel wird die Verbundsteuerung in Mischwasser-Kanalnetzen präsentiert.
The Effect of Perturbants on the Uncatalyzed Bromate Oscillator
Authors: Grancicova Olga , Olexova Anna 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
The effect of cationic (CTAN), anionic (SDS) and nonionic surfactants (Brij-30 and Triton X-100) as well as of tert-butanol (t-BuOH) on the uncatalyzed bromate oscillator with phenol as substrate was investigated at 25 ± 0.1oC in non-stirred batch conditions. Addition of the surfactants influenced the oscillatory parameters: a slight increase in induction period of the first series of oscillations, a significant increase in induction period of the second series of oscillations as well as a gradual decrease in oscillation numbers of both series until complete disappearance at a certain surfactant concentration. The changes in the oscillatory parameters have been ascribed to the solubilization of phenol and of bromination products in the micelles, to the inhibition of bromination of aromatic substrate due to the bromine solubilization and to the catalytic effect of charged micelle surface. The changes in the oscillatory behaviour with increasing alcohol concentration have been discussed in terms of its ability to act as a radical scavenger and to affect the 3D-structure of water.
The Uptake of SO2 on α-Fe2O3 and Mineral Dust Surfaces in the Temperature Range 250 K to 600 K
Authors: Seisel Sabine , Keil Thorsten , Zellner Reinhard 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
The uptake of SO2 on α-Fe2O3 and Saharan dust has been studied in the temperature range 250 K to 600 K using a Knudsen cell reactor. SO2 adsorbs readily and irreversibly on both mineral oxides with a mean initial uptake coefficient of γ
ini = (5.9±0.3) · 10−2 on dry surfaces, independent of the surface temperature. In the presence of adsorbed water the initial uptake coefficients at T = 300 K are slightly higher with values of γ
ini = (8.4±0.2) · 10−2 for Fe2O3 and γ
ini = (7.3±0.4) · 10−2 for mineral dust. The uptake of SO2 is time-dependent and influenced by diffusion into the bulk of the sample at longer timescales. The adsorption capacity has been determined to be (3.0±0.4) · 1018 molecules g−1 for Fe2O3 and (2.6±1) · 1019 molecules g−1 for mineral dust. Sulphite has been identified as the primary reaction product on both surfaces which is readily oxidized to sulphate under atmospheric conditions. Oxidation of sulphite to sulphate only takes place at elevated temperature. From these results a mechanism for the uptake of SO2 onto mineral oxides is inferred, which has been used to compare the experimental concentration-time-profiles with simulated ones.
Serum glucocorticoids and adiponectin associate with insulin resistance in children born small for gestational age
Authors: Tenhola S , Todorova B , Jääskeläinen J , Jänne O A , Raivio T , Voutilainen R 
Published: December 2009

ObjectivesAltered glucocorticoid activity is one possible mechanism linking fetal growth restriction with later insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes. We aimed to investigate whether serum glucocorticoid parameters are related to IR in children born small for gestational age (SGA).DesignA total of 110 children (55 age- and gender-matched pairs born SGA or appropriate for gestational age (AGA) in a case–control setting) were studied at the mean age of 12.2 (s.d. 0.2) years.MethodsSerum cortisol, corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), free cortisol index (FCI=cortisol/CBG), and glucocorticoid bioactivity (GBA, transactivation assay) were analyzed and related to serum adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) concentrations and homeostasis model assessment for IR (HOMA-IR) and QUICKI indices.ResultsIn the pooled study population, GBA correlated well with cortisol and FCI (r=0.681 and 0.586 respectively; P<0.001 for both). Serum cortisol, CBG, FCI, GBA, HOMA-IR, or QUICKI did not differ between the SGA and AGA subjects, but the SGA children had lower body mass index (P=0.005) and waist circumference (WC) (P=0.001). The mean GBA in the highest GBA quartile was higher among the SGA subjects than among the AGA subjects (138.6 vs 96.4 nmol/l cortisol equivalents, P<0.001). In the SGA children, GBA correlated positively with HOMA-IR (r=0.522, P<0.001) and inversely with adiponectin (r=−0.278, P=0.042) (WC/height ratio adjustments), and in logistic regression analysis, higher GBA (odds ratio (OR) 1.3; P=0.013), lower adiponectin (OR 1.4; P=0.038), and lower IGFBP1 (OR 1.9; P=0.010) associated independently with higher HOMA-IR.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that increased glucocorticoid activity and low serum adiponectin concentrations associate with IR in SGA children.
The Impact of Food Prices on Consumption: A Systematic Review of Research on the Price Elasticity of Demand for Food
Authors: Andreyeva Tatiana , Long Michael W. , Brownell Kelly D. 
Published: December 2009

In light of proposals to improve diets by shifting food prices, it is important to understand how price changes affect demand for various foods.We reviewed 160 studies on the price elasticity of demand for major food categories to assess mean elasticities by food category and variations in estimates by study design. Price elasticities for foods and nonalcoholic beverages ranged from 0.27 to 0.81 (absolute values), with food away from home, soft drinks, juice, and meats being most responsive to price changes (0.7–0.8). As an example, a 10% increase in soft drink prices should reduce consumption by 8% to 10%.Studies estimating price effects on substitutions from unhealthy to healthy food and price responsiveness among at-risk populations are particularly needed.
Associations of Environmental Factors With Elderly Health and Mortality in China
Authors: Zeng Yi , Gu Danan , Purser Jama , Hoenig Helen , Christakis Nicholas 
Published: December 2009

Objectives. We examined the effects of community socioeconomic conditions, air pollution, and the physical environment on elderly health and survival in China.Methods. We analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of 15 973 elderly residents of 866 counties and cities with multilevel logistic regression models in which individuals were nested within each county or city.Results. After control for individual-level factors, communities' gross domestic product per capita, adult labor force participation rate, and illiteracy rate were significantly associated with physical, mental, and overall health and mortality among the elderly in China. We also found that air pollution increased the odds of disability in activities of daily living (ADLs), cognitive impairment, and health deficits; more rainfall was protective, reducing the odds of ADL disability and cognitive impairment; low seasonal temperatures increased the odds of ADL disability and mortality; high seasonal temperatures increased the odds of cognitive impairment and deficits; and living in hilly areas decreased the odds of ADL disability and health deficits.Conclusions. Efforts to reduce pollution and improve socioeconomic conditions could significantly improve elderly health and survival.
Timeliness of Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Initiation of Treatment in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, 1996–2005
Authors: Richardson Lisa C. , Royalty Janet , Howe William , Helsel William , Kammerer William , Benard Vicki B. 
Published: December 2009

Objectives. To determine the effects of program policy changes, we examined service delivery benchmarks for breast cancer screening in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP).Methods. We analyzed NBCCEDP data for women with abnormal mammogram or clinical breast examination (n = 382 416) from which 23 701 cancers were diagnosed. We examined time to diagnosis and treatment for 2 time periods: 1996 to 2000 and 2001 to 2005. We compared median time for diagnostic, treatment initiation, and total intervals with the Kruskal–Wallis test. We calculated adjusted proportions (predicted marginals) with logistic regression to examine diagnosis and treatment within program benchmarks (≤ 60 days) and time from screening to treatment (≤ 120 days).Results. Median diagnostic intervals decreased by 2 days (25 vs 23; P < .001). Median treatment initiation intervals increased by 2 days (12 vs 14; P < .001). Total intervals decreased by 3 days (43 vs 40; P < .001). Women meeting the 60-day benchmark for diagnosis improved the most for women with normal mammograms and abnormal clinical breast examinations from 77% to 82%.Conclusions. Women screened by the NBCCEDP received diagnostic follow-up and initiated treatment within preestablished program guidelines.
Effects of Repeated Deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan on the Health of New Jersey Army National Guard Troops: Implications for Military Readiness
Authors: Kline Anna , Falca-Dodson Maria , Sussner Bradley , Ciccone Donald S. , Chandler Helena , Callahan Lanora , Losonczy Miklos 
Published: December 2009

Objectives. We assessed the effects of prior military service in Iraq or Afghanistan on the health of New Jersey Army National Guard members preparing for deployment to Iraq. Methods. We analyzed anonymous, self-administered predeployment surveys from 2543 National Guard members deployed to Iraq in 2008. We used bivariate and multivariate analyses to measure the effects of prior service in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom [OEF]) or Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom [OIF]) on mental and physical health. Results. Nearly 25% of respondents reported at least 1 previous OEF or OIF deployment. Previously deployed soldiers were more than 3 times as likely as soldiers with no previous deployments to screen positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.69; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.59, 5.24) and major depression (AOR = 3.07; 95% CI = 1.81, 5.19), more than twice as likely to report chronic pain (AOR = 2.20; 95% CI = 1.78, 2.72) and more than 90% more likely to score below the general population norm on physical functioning (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.51, 2.48). Conclusions. Repeated OEF and OIF deployments may adversely affect the military readiness of New Jersey National Guard combat soldiers.
Prevalence and Correlates of Emotional, Physical, Sexual, and Financial Abuse and Potential Neglect in the United States: The National Elder Mistreatment Study
Authors: Acierno Ron , Hernandez Melba A. , Amstadter Ananda B. , Resnick Heidi S. , Steve Kenneth , Muzzy Wendy , Kilpatrick Dean G. 
Published: December 2009

Objectives. We estimated prevalence and assessed correlates of emotional, physical, sexual, and financial mistreatment and potential neglect (defined as an identified need for assistance that no one was actively addressing) of adults aged 60 years or older in a randomly selected national sample. Methods. We compiled a representative sample by random digit dialing across geographic strata. We used computer-assisted telephone interviewing to standardize collection of demographic, risk factor, and mistreatment data. We subjected prevalence estimates and mistreatment correlates to logistic regression. Results. We analyzed data from 5777 respondents. One-year prevalence was 4.6% for emotional abuse, 1.6% for physical abuse, 0.6% for sexual abuse, 5.1% for potential neglect, and 5.2% for current financial abuse by a family member. One in 10 respondents reported emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment or potential neglect in the past year. The most consistent correlates of mistreatment across abuse types were low social support and previous traumatic event exposure. Conclusions. Our data showed that abuse of the elderly is prevalent. Addressing low social support with preventive interventions could have significant public health implications.