bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein biochip systems for the clinical laboratory
Authors: Marie Dupuy Anne , Lehmann Sylvain , Paul Cristol Jean 
Published: November 2005

AbstractClassical methods of protein analysis such as electrophoresis, ELISA and liquid chromatography are generally time-consuming, labor-intensive and lack high-throughput capacity. In addition, all existing methods used to measure proteins necessitate multiple division of the original sample and individual tests carried out for each substance, with an associated cost for each test. The chip system allows several tests to be performed simultaneously without dividing the original patient sample. This system facilitates the development of multiplexed assays that simultaneously measure many different analytes in a small sample volume. These emerging technologies fall into two categories: 1) spotted array-based tools, and 2) microfluidic-based tools. Miniaturized and multiplexed immunoassays allow a great deal of information to be obtained from a single sample. These analytical systems are referred to as “lab-on-a-chip” devices. This article presents current trends and advances in miniaturized multiplexed immunoassay technologies, reviewing different systems from research to point-of-care assays. We focus on a subset of chip-based assays that may be used in a clinical laboratory and are directly applicable for biomedical diagnosis. Recent advances in biochip assays combine the power of miniaturization, microfluidics, micro- to nanoparticles, and quantification. A number of applications are just beginning to be explored. The power of biochip assays offers great promise for point-of-care clinical testing and monitoring of many important analytes.
Automation of biochip array technology for quality results
Authors: Molloy Roisin M. , Mc Connell Robert I. , Lamont John V. , FitzGerald Stephen P. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackground: Proteomics' requirement for simultaneous measurement of multiple markers is now possible with biochip array technology. Many laboratories utilise in-house, manual procedures for biochip fabrication and sample testing. Reproducibility and standardisation of biochip processes is vital to ensure quality of results and offer the best tool for elucidation of complex relationships between multiple proteins in diseased conditions.Methods: Various novel control checks have been implemented in biochip fabrication, reagent manufacture, automation and imaging processes for the Evidence analyser. Reference spots enable location of discrete test regions on the surface of the biochip and simultaneous quantification of multiple markers. Performance and standardisation methods are presented.Results: Formulation of dispense solution for discrete test regions had a direct effect on their shape, stability and integrity on the biochip surface. Assays for fertility hormones and drugs of abuse demonstrated excellent precision, stability and comparison with other commercial methods.Conclusion: Control processes employed in the manufacture and analysis of Evidence components ensure reproducibility of assays for a range of routine and novel markers.
Separation of human serum proteins using the Beckman-Coulter PF2D™ system: analysis of ion exchange-based first dimension chromatography
Authors: Levreri Isabella , Musante Luca , Petretto Andrea , Bruschi Maurizio , Candiano Giovanni , Melioli Giovanni 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe ProteomeLab™ PF2D protein fractionation system is a rapid, semi-automated, 2 D-HPLC instrument that uses two different methods to separate plasma serum proteins: ion-exchange chromatography using a wide pH range in the first dimension, and non-porous reverse-phase chromatography in the second dimension. Because this methodology has only very recently been introduced in proteomic laboratories, little is known about the characteristics of PF2D fractionation of human serum proteins. To evaluate the system's application in a clinical laboratory setting, the characteristics of the ion-exchange chromatography-based separation were analyzed. Following fractionation of human serum proteins on a linear pH gradient (ranging from 8.0 to 4.0), each fraction was collected in a cool module of the instrument. Different fractions obtained from the first dimension were then pooled together and loaded on classic 2D gel electrophoresis instrumentation. The different spots obtained were then checked against the Swiss-Prot Data-base. A total of 36 human serum proteins were identified in different PF2D-generated fractions. Some important features of the separation system were observed. Different eluted fractions contained different proteins, thus demonstrating the reliability of the fractionation system. The proteins were also fractionated according to the theoretical isoelectric point (pI). This was consistent with the evidence that the vast majority of immunoglobulins, characterized by an alkaline pI, were not retained by the column and were eluted in the unbound fraction. This outcome also underlines a practical advantage: fractions eluted from pH8 to pH4 contained virtually immunoglobulin-depleted serum proteins. This finding supports an immediate use of the PF2D system in a clinical setting, where abundant proteins should be clearly identified to enable evaluation of other less abundant, but potentially relevant, species.
APOA1 polymorphisms are associated with variations in serum triglyceride concentrations in hypercholesterolemic individuals
Authors: Sorkin Simone C. , Forestiero Francisco J. , Hirata Mario H. , Guzmán Elizabeth C. R. , Cavalli Selma A. , Bertolami Marcelo C. , Salazar Luis A. , Hirata Rosario D. C. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackground: Apolipoprotein A-I gene (Methods:Results: G–75A polymorphism was associated with differences in serum concentrations of triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol (p=0.026) in HC men. After atorvastatin treatment, women carrying theConclusion: Our data suggest that
Simple PCR heteroduplex, SSCP mutation screening methods for the detection of novel catalase mutations in Hungarian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Vitai Márta , Fátrai Szabolcs , Rass Péter , Csordás Melinda , Tarnai Ildikó 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackground: The enzyme catalase is the main regulator of hydrogen peroxide metabolism. Deficiency of catalase may cause high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and increase the risk of the development of pathologies for which oxidative stress is a contributing factor, for example, type 2 diabetes mellitus. Catalase deficiency has been reported to be associated with increased frequency of diabetes mellitus in a cohort of patients in Hungary. In this cohort, the majority of mutations in the catalase gene occur in exon 2.Methods: Type 2 diabetic patients (n=308) were evaluated for mutations in intron 1 (81bp), exon 2 (172bp) and intron 2 (13bp) of the catalase gene. Screening for mutations utilized PCR single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and PCR heteroduplex methods. Verification of detected mutations was by nucleotide sequence analysis.Results: A total of 11 catalase gene mutations were detected in the 308 subjects (3.57%, p<0.001). Five of the 11 were at two previously reported mutation sites: exon 2 (79) G insertion and (138) GA insertion. Six of the 11 were at five previously unreported catalase mutation sites: intron 1 (60) G→T; intron 2 (7) G→A and (5) G→C; exon 2 (96) T→A; and exon 2 (135) T→A. The novel missense mutations on exon 2 (96 and 135) are associated with 59% and 48% decreased catalase activity, respectively; the novel G→C mutation on intron 2 (5) is associated with a 62% decrease in catalase activity. Mutations detected on intron 1 (60) and intron 2 (7) showed no change in catalase activity. The G→C mutation on intron 2 (5) might be a splicing mutation. The two missense mutations on exon 2 (96) and (135) cause substitutions of amino acids 53 (Asp→Glu) and 66 (Glu→Cys) of the catalase protein. These are close to amino acids that are important for the binding of heme to catalase, 44 (Val) and 72–75 (Arg, Val, Val, His). Changes in heme binding may be responsible for the activity losses.Conclusion: Mutations that cause decreased catalase activity may contribute to susceptibility to inherited type 2 diabetes mellitus. Exon 2 and neighboring introns of the catalase gene may be minor hot spots for type 2 diabetes mellitus susceptibility mutations.
Alteration in serum leptin correlates with alterations in serum N-telopeptide of collagen type I and serum osteocalcin during the progression of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Stavropoulou Anastasia , Christopoulou Gina E. , Anastassopoulos George , Panteliou Sofia D. , Lyritis George P. , Spiliotis Bessie E. , Karamanos Nikos K. , Panagiotopoulos Elias , Lambiris Elias 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe role of leptin during the progression of osteoporosis was investigated in ovariectomized rats by correlation of serum leptin levels with N-telopeptide of collagen type I (NTx) and osteocalcin levels before ovariectomy and 20, 40 and 60days after the operation. Furthermore, peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used to confirm the development of severe osteoporosis in rats on day 60. The levels of NTx and osteocalcin were significantly increased on day 20 [61.9±5.4nM BCE (bone collagen equivalents) and 215.6±53.3ng/mL, respectively] in comparison to those before ovariectomy (41.3±1.7nM BCE and 60.4±10.9ng/mL). Accordingly, leptin was significantly elevated on day 20 (3033±661 vs. 606±346 pg/mL before ovariectomy). Bone markers and leptin levels remained constant up to day 40, while a slight, but not statistically significant, decrease was noted for osteocalcin and leptin on day 60. Although leptin and bone markers did not correlate before ovariectomy (r=0.09 for NTx and r=−0.05 for osteocalcin), strong correlation was observed at all time points after ovariectomy. The data obtained suggest that the alterations in serum leptin levels during the progression of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats follow the alterations in bone markers.
Atorvastatin suppresses homocysteine formation in stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Schroecksnadel Katharina , Frick Barbara , Winkler Christiana , Wirleitner Barbara , Weiss Günter , Fuchs Dietmar 
Published: November 2005

AbstractHyperhomocysteinemia is regarded as an independent risk factor for vascular diseases, and homocysteine is supposed to contribute to oxidative stress and endothelial damage. Statin therapy is an established intervention to reduce the risk of acute events in patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Apart from their lipid-lowering capacity, statins also exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. As cellular immune activation and oxidative stress play a major role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, the anti-inflammatory capacity of statins could partly be responsible for the beneficial effects observed in patients. Earlier we reported that stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) release homocysteine. Here we studied the influence of atorvastatin on homocysteine production in stimulated PBMCs and compared changes in cysteine concentrations and in neopterin production, which is a sensitive indicator of cellular immune activation. Stimulation of human PBMCs with the mitogens concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin induced significant homocysteine and neopterin production compared to unstimulated cells, whereas cysteine concentrations remained unchanged. Treatment of PBMCs with increasing doses of atorvastatin (10–100μM) suppressed both biochemical pathways in a dose-dependent manner, and cell proliferation was inhibited in parallel. Again, cysteine levels were not influenced by any treatment. The down-regulating effect of atorvastatin on homocysteine formation in vitro indicates that statins may prevent homocysteine accumulation in the blood via immunosuppression.
Buprenorphine detection in biological samples
Authors: De Giovanni Nadia , Fucci Nadia , Scarlata Salvatore , Donzelli Giovanni 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBuprenorphine is a narcotic analgesic used in the treatment of moderate-to-severe pain. In Italy, buprenorphine is now being used as an alternative in the therapeutic treatment of heroin abusers. Even if confirmation methods are needed for identification and quantitation, a rapid and sensitive test, such as an immunoassay, is essential for screening. We evaluated the Buprenorphine One-step ELISA test (designed for serum specimens) for the qualitative determination of buprenorphine in other matrices, such as urine, saliva and hair.
High-affinity antibodies in a new immunoassay for plasma tissue factor: reduction in apparent intra-individual variation
Authors: van der Putten Roy F. M. , te Velthuis Henk , Aarden Lucien A. , ten Cate Hugo , Glatz Jan F. C. , Hermens Wim Th. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractTissue factor, the main initiator of blood coagulation, is shed into plasma by blood cells and endothelium. While studying such circulating plasma tissue factor with a commercially available immunoassay, we found unsatisfactory results and therefore developed a new and highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). High-affinity monoclonal antibodies raised against recombinant soluble tissue factor were used and the new assay had a detection limit of 40fmol/L, approximately six-fold lower than existing assays. Normal ranges in 20 healthy donors were established in serum and in citrated EDTA and heparinized plasma. Tissue factor was also measured in three successive plasma samples from 43 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In citrated plasma from healthy donors, tissue factor concentrations were 2.5 (1.0–9.3) pmol/L (median with range) and were not significantly different in diabetics. With a commercially available immunoassay, seven plasma samples were below the detection limit. Use of the new assay reduced intra-individual variation in diabetics from 49% to 14% and we conclude that high-affinity antibodies may markedly improve immunoassay performance.
Physiological matrix metalloproteinase concentrations in serum during childhood and adolescence, using Luminex® Multiplex technology
Authors: Thrailkill Kathryn M. , Moreau Cindy S. , Cockrell Gael , Simpson Pippa , Goel Rajiv , North Paula , Fowlkes John L. , Bunn Robert C. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractMatrix metalloproteinases are a family of zinc-dependent proteinases which are involved in the breakdown and remodeling of extracellular matrix. As children grow and adolescents reach pubescence, their bodies undergo changes that require age-related morphogenesis of the extracellular matrix, possibly requiring unique patterns of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression during periods of rapid tissue growth (i.e., childhood) or accelerated tissue remodeling and expansion (i.e., adolescence). Therefore, we have characterized age-specific and gender-specific differences in circulating concentrations of MMPs (specifically MMP-1, -2, -3, -8 and -9) in 189 serum samples obtained from healthy subjects, aged 2–18 years. MMP concentrations were measured using Fluorokine
Trends in Religious Healing and the Integration of Biomedicine and Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States and Around the Globe: A Review
Authors: Baer Hans A. 
Published: November 2005

Religion and Healing in America. Linda L. Barnes and Susan S. Sered, eds. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005 (cloth and paper). xvi + 535 pp. Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States
Institute of Medicine. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2005 (cloth). xx + 337 pp. Consciousness and Healing: Integral Approaches to Mind‐Body Medicine. Marilyn Schlitz and Tina Amorok with Marc S. Micozzi, eds. St. Louis: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone, 2005 (cloth and paper). lx + 583 pp. Negotiating the Holistic Turn: The Domestication of Alternative Medicine. Judith Fadlon. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2005. x + 157 pp.
Effects of a Long-Term Volunteer Surgical Program in a Developing Country: The Case in Vietnam from 1993 to 2003
Authors: Uetani Miyuki , Jimba Masamine , Niimi Teruyuki , Natsume Nagato , Katsuki Takeshi , Xuan Le Thi Thanh , Wakai Susumu 
Published: November 2005

Objective: This study evaluates the activities of the Japanese Cleft Palate Foundation from 1993 to 2003 in southern Vietnam. Design: We assessed trends associated with patient age at first operation for primary lip repair and palate repair by using medical records of the patients. Participants: This study consisted of 790 patients with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). Results: The median patient age for lip repair was reduced from 14.0 years in 1993 to 1.3 years by 2003. For palate repair, the median age was reduced from 13.5 years in 1993 to 5.0 years in 1999 through 2003. The age distributions of both lip and palate repair in the later years became smaller than the age distributions in 1993. The number of adult patients declined throughout the period. Conclusions: The Japanese Cleft Palate Foundation contributed to lowering the age at first operation for CL/P and to reducing the number of adult patients in Ben Tre province, southern Vietnam. However, appropriate supports will be necessary to maintain CL/P treatment and to improve locally supported health care for patients with CL/P.
Applications of Phase‐sensitive X‐Ray Imaging to the Structural Analysis of Composite Laminate High‐performance Sail Fabrics
Authors: Tesei L. , Tesei G. , Mancini L. , Tromba G. , Zanini F. 
Published: November 2005

High‐performance sail fabrics cannot be studied with conventional X‐ray imaging set‐ups because of their low absorption, while other techniques do not give a full insight of the inner structure of the material. We show preliminary results of the application of phase‐contrast X‐ray imaging to the study of modern laminate sailcloth.
Biomimetic Bonelike Composites and Novel Bioactive Glass Coatings
Authors: Tomsia A. P. , Saiz E. , Song J. , Bertozzi C. R. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractMetallic orthopaedic implants have been successfully used for decades but they have serious shortcomings related to their osseointegration and the fact that their mechanical properties do not match those of bone. This paper reviews recent advances in the fabrication of novel coatings to improve implant osseointegration and in the development of a new generation of hybrid organic‐inorganic implant materials specifically designed for orthopaedic applications.
Cover Picture: Recent Developments in Nanostructured Materials (Adv. Eng. Mater. 11/2005)
Authors: Suryanarayana C. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe cover shows transmission electron micrographs of typical microstructures in as‐deposited copper samples. More about recent developments in nanostructured materials research can be found in the review paper by C. Suryanarayana on page 983.Nanostructured materials with extremely fine grain sizes, typically less than 100 nm, have been shown to exhibit extremely high strength and hardness, increased diffusivity, useful sintering characteristics, and other unusual properties. Significant developments have taken place in recent years in trying to achieve high strength and ductility at the same time. New and potential applications are also being sought after. Several commercial ventures have also started (estimated to be around 1000 in different parts of the world). This overview will present the recent developments in our understanding of the mechanical behavior and molecular dynamics simulation studies, highlight the present unresolved issues, and discuss some of the promising applications for these novel and exciting materials.
Alzheimer's patients engage an alternative network during a memory task
Authors: Pariente Jérémie , Cole Susanna , Henson Richard , Clare Linda , Kennedy Angus , Rossor Martin , Cipoloti Lisa , Puel Michèle , Demonet Jean Francois , Chollet Francois , Frackowiak Richard S. J. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWe conducted an event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment to better understand the potentially compensatory alternative brain networks activated by a clinically relevant face‐name association task in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and matched control subjects. We recruited 17 healthy subjects and 12 AD patients at an early stage of the disease. They underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning in four sessions. Each of the sessions combined a “study” phase and a “test” phase. Face/name pairs were presented in each study phase, and subjects were asked to associate faces with names. In the test phase, a recognition task, faces seen in the study phase were presented each with four different names. The task required selection of appropriate previously associated names from the study phase. Responses were recorded for post hoc classification into those successfully or unsuccessfully encoded. There were significant differences between the groups in accuracy and reaction time. Comparison of correctly versus incorrectly encoded and recognized pairs in the two groups indicated bilateral hippocampal hypoactivation both when encoding and recognizing in the AD group. Moreover, patients showed bilateral hyperactivation of parts of the parietal and frontal lobes. We discuss whether hyperactivation of a frontoparietal network reflects compensatory strategies for failing associative memory in AD patients. Ann Neurol 2005;58:870–879
Progressive cavitating leukoencephalopathy: A novel childhood disease
Authors: Naidu SakkuBai , Bibat Genila , Lin Doris , Burger Peter , Barker Peter , Rosemberg Sergio , Braverman Nancy , Arroyo Hugo , Dowling Michael , Hamosh Ada , Kimonis Virginia , Blank Carol , Fiumara Agata , Facchini Sergio , Singhal Bhim , Moser Hugo , Kelley Richard , DiMauro Salvatore 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWe report 19 patients with a previously undelineated neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by episodic acute onset of irritability or neurological deficits between 2 months and 3.5 years of age, followed by steady or intermittent clinical deterioration. Seven children died between 11 months and 14 years of age. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows patchy leukoencephalopathy with cavities, and vascular permeability, in actively affected regions. Early lesions affect corpus callosum and centrum semiovale, with or without cerebellar or cord involvement. After repeated episodes, areas of tissue loss coalesce with older lesions to become larger cystic regions in brain or spinal cord. Diffuse spasticity, dementia, vegetative state, or death ensues. Gray matter is spared until late in the course. In some, incomplete clinical or MRI recovery occurs after episodes. The clinical course varies from rapid deterioration to prolonged periods of stability that are unpredictable by clinical or MRI changes. Elevated levels of lactate in brain, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid, abnormal urine organic acids, and changes in muscle respiratory chain enzymes are present but inconsistent, without identifiable mitochondrial DNA mutations or deletions. Pathological studies show severe loss of myelin sparing U‐fibers, axonal disruption, and cavitary lesions without inflammation. Familial occurrence and consanguinity suggest autosomal recessive inheritance of this distinct entity. Ann Neurol 2005;58:929–938