bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro re-mineralization of demineralized bone matrix in human serum
Authors: Eskandari Metin Manouchehr , Gulcin Eskandari Hatice , Aktas Melih , Atik Ugur 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe aim of this study was to develop an in vitro re-mineralization model in human serum. For this purpose a commercially produced demineralized human bone matrix (DBM) was incubated in samples of human serum pools obtained from two physiologically different groups. The first group consisted of young males and the second of older females. After incubation periods of 4 and 7days at 37°C, changes in the levels of calcium and inorganic phosphate content of the serum and DBM samples were measured. The results of the study showed that the change in mineral content of serum and DBM samples in both study groups was statistically significant. The decrease in serum calcium content and increase in DBM inorganic phosphate content were significant in the young group for longer incubation times. In the older group, both serum calcium and inorganic phosphate decreased and DBM mineral content increased for the same incubation time. When the two physiological groups were compared, statistically significant differences were identified for changes in mineral levels in both serum and the DBM samples. These data indicate that the mineral content of human serum decreases and that of DBM increases when these two materials are incubated together. These changes provide evidence for the re-mineralization of DBM. The model described here could also detect a difference in re-mineralization capability between two different groups of human sera.
Measurement of serum amyloid A1 (SAA1), a major isotype of acute phase SAA
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Yamada Toshiyuki , Satoh Takahiko , Okuda Yasuaki 
Published: December 2005

AbstractSerum amyloid A (SAA), a plasma precursor of reactive amyloid deposits, is a multigene product. SAA1 and SAA2, with primary structures that are 93% identical (98 of 104 amino acids), behave as acute phase proteins, as demonstrated by their increasing levels in plasma. Heretofore, it has been understood that SAA1 predominates and functions as an isotype in plasma. However, accurate measurements differentiating the two isotypes have not been reported. In this study, using monoclonal antibodies specific for SAA1, we developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for SAA1. The levels and ratios of SAA1 in total SAA (TSAA) were investigated in healthy subjects and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The SAA1/TSAA ratio was 74±12% and 77±12% in healthy subjects and RA patients, respectively. In RA patients, the ratios were not influenced by SAA1 genotype, which has been proposed to affect plasma SAA values. The kinetics of SAA1 in inflamed patients undergoing hemodialysis was found to be parallel with total SAA and C-reactive protein. Finally, this study confirmed that SAA1 is a major isotype of acute phase SAA and may determine total SAA values. This specific assay could be used in the evaluation of SAA behavior in several clinical conditions.
Disturbed lipoprotein composition in non-dialyzed, hemodialysis, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and post-transplant patients with chronic renal failure
Authors: Kimak Elżbieta , Książek Andrzej , Solski Janusz 
Published: December 2005

AbstractStudies were carried out in 183 non-dialyzed, 123 hemodialysis, 81 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and 35 post-transplant patients and in 103 healthy subjects as a reference group. Lipids and apolipoprotein (apo)AI and apoB were determined using Roche kits. An anti-apoB antibody was used to separate apoB-containing apoCIII and apoE-triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) in the non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) fraction from apoCIIInonB and apoEnonB in the HDL fraction in four groups of patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and healthy subjects. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between triglyceride (TG) or HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations and lipoproteins. Dyslipidemia varied according to the degree of renal insufficiency, the type of dialysis and therapy regime in CRF patients. Lipoprotein disturbances were manifested by increased TG, non-HDL-C and TRL concentrations, and decreased HDL-C and apoAI concentrations, whereas post-renal transplant patients showed normalization of lipid and lipoprotein profiles, except for TG levels and total apoCIII and apoCIIInonB. The present study indicates that CRF patients have disturbed lipoprotein composition, and that hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-C concentrations in these patients are multifactorial, being secondary to disturbed lipoproteins. The method using anti-apoB antibodies to separate apoB-containing lipoproteins in the non-HDL fraction from non-apoB-containing lipoproteins in HDL can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with progression of renal failure or atherosclerosis. The variability of TG and HDL-C concentrations depends on the variability of TRL and cholesterol-rich lipoprotein concentrations, but the decreases in TG and increases in HDL-C concentrations are caused by apoAI concentration variability. These relationships, however, need to be confirmed in further studies.
Measurement of serum testosterone using high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Vicente Faye B. , Smith Frederick A. , Sierra Rafael , Wang Sihe 
Published: December 2005

AbstractLow levels of serum testosterone typically found in women and children cannot be reliably measured by immunoassay. We developed a simple and sensitive method using high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Sample preparation involved protein precipitation of serum (1.0mL) with acetonitrile containing the internal standard (testosterone-
Quantitative bacterial micro-assay for rapid detection of serum phenylalanine on dry blood-spots: application in phenylketonuria screening
Authors: Vallian Sadeq , Moeini Hassan 
Published: December 2005

AbstractPhenylketonuria is an inherited metabolic disease, which is characterized by an increased level of serum phenylalanine. Quantitative measurement of phenylalanine in the serum of phenylketonuria patients is necessary to confirm the disease, and to distinguish phenylketonuria from other forms of hyperphenylalaninemia. In this study, we report a rapid and inexpensive micro-assay for simultaneous detection and quantitative measurement of serum phenylalanine on dry blood-spots. Analysis of the standard curve showed a broad linear range for phenylalanine from 120 to 1800μmol/L. Application of this method, the standard Guthrie bacterial inhibition assay and a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for analysis of 34 samples from phenylketonuria patients and control samples produced comparable results, with the regression equation Y=0.994X+0.996. The advantage of this method over the Guthrie bacterial inhibition assay is its ability to measure serum phenylalanine quantitatively without false positive results. The method was successfully applied to dried blood-spots, serum and whole blood. The cost per sample is approximately 20–50 US cents, which is much less than for HPLC and commercial enzyme kits. The method can be automated, and is thus suitable for neonatal and mass screening for phenylketonuria, especially in developing countries where funding is a limiting factor.
N-Terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide: normal ranges in the pediatric population including method comparison and interlaboratory variability
Authors: Albers Stefanie , Mir Thomas S. , Haddad Munif , Läer Stephanie 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe aim of the present study was the investigation of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the pediatric population. This is essential for adequate monitoring and classification of pediatric patients with heart disease, but no consistent data are available yet. In addition, the comparability of two commercially available NT-proBNP assays and the inter-laboratory variability for the most suitable one were assessed. For this purpose, 408 subjects (1–29years) were included. NT-proBNP was determined with a non-competitive electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (Roche NT-proBNP; n=402) and a competitive enzyme-immunoassay (Biomedica NT-proBNP; n=402). Inter-laboratory variability was evaluated for the Roche assay by stepwise inclusion of four and 11 centers throughout Germany, respectively. Roche NT-proBNP ranged from 5.0 to 391.5ng/L, with higher values for younger children. The 97.5th (75th) percentile curve ranged from 319.9ng/L (231.2 ng/L, 1–3years) to 114.9ng/L (53.3 ng/L, 18years). In contrast, Biomedica NT-proBNP ranged from 253.7 to 7602.8 ng/L, with no significant age dependency. The mean difference between the assays was 1649.7ng/L (95% confidence interval 1546.3–1753.1ng/L). Inter-laboratory variability ranged from 6.5% to 3.8%, covering a range from 51.3 to 6618.1ng/L. The assay seems to influence the interpretation of resulting NT-proBNP values and therefore has to be chosen carefully. For the monitoring and classification of pediatric patients with congenital heart disease, age-based NT-proBNP values should be used.
The clinical usefulness of glucose tolerance testing in gestational diabetes to predict early postpartum diabetes mellitus
Authors: Weijers Rob N.M. , Bekedam Dik J. , Goldschmidt Henk M.J. , Smulders Yvo M. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractWe examined the clinical usefulness of antepartum clinical characteristics, along with measures of glucose tolerance, in Dutch multiethnic women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) for their ability to predict type 2 diabetes within 6months of delivery (early postpartum diabetes). The present study comprised a cross-sectional 5-year investigation (1998–2003) of a consecutive series of 168 women with GDM identified by a two-stage protocol at 16–33weeks of gestation. The following data were collected for all women: age and gestational age at entry into the study; prepregnancy body mass index (BMI); ethnicity; obstetric and clinical history, including the onset of early postpartum diabetes; pregnancy outcome; level of fasting C-peptide; and glycemic parameters of 50-g 1-h glucose challenge test and 100-g 3-h oral glucose tolerance test (diagnostic OGTT). We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to test the clinical usefulness of the glycemic parameters. A total of 11 women (6.5%) developed early postpartum diabetes. Apart from family history of diabetes (p=0.052), anthropometric, maternal, and neonatal clinical parameters showed no association with early postpartum diabetes in univariate analyses. The level of fasting glucose, and both the glucose challenge test and diagnostic OGTT post-load glucose levels and glucose areas were associated with early postpartum diabetes. ROC curve analysis identifiedall three glucose challenge-test parameters, including fasting glucose concentration, as poor diagnostic tests, with a positive predictive value of ∼22%, whereas the positive predictive value associated with the area under the diagnostic OGTT curve increased progressively over monitoring time from 20.6% to 100%. Using a 3-h OGTT glucose area threshold of 35.7mmol·h/L resulted in 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity, identifying the 11 women who developed early postpartum diabetes. In summary, we can conclude from the present analysis that early postpartum diabetes is rare in GDM women (6.5%), and that the clinical usefulness of the total area under the diagnostic 3-h OGTT is superior to all other glycemic parameters for detecting early postpartum diabetes.
Analytical performance of a new two-step ADVIA Centaur® estradiol immunoassay during ovarian stimulation
Authors: Massart Catherine , Gibassier Jacqueline , Laurent Marie-Christine , Lannou Dominique Le 
Published: December 2005

AbstractMeasurement of estradiol is useful in women undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). The analytical performance of a new two-step estradiol assay (ADVIA Centaur
EC4 European Syllabus for Post-Graduate Training in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine: version 3 – 2005
Authors: Zerah Simone , McMurray Janet , Bousquet Bernard , Baum Hannsjorg , Beastall Graham H. , Blaton Vic , Cals Marie-Josèphe , Duchassaing Danielle , Gaudeau-Toussaint Marie-Françoise , Harmoinen Aimo , Hoffmann Hans , Jansen Rob T. , Kenny Desmond , Kohse Klaus P. , Köller Ursula , Gobert Jean-Gérard , Linget Christine , Lund Erik , Nubile Giuseppe , Opp Matthias , Pazzagli Mario , Pinon Georges , Queralto José M. , Reguengo Henrique , Rizos Demetrios , Szekeres Thomas , Vidaud Michel , Wallinder Hans 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe EC4 Syllabus for Postgraduate Training is the basis for the European Register of Specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine.The syllabus:The syllabus is not primarily meant to be a training guide, but on the basis of the overview given (common minimal programme), national societies should formulate programmes that indicate where knowledge and experience is needed.The main points of this programme are:The aim of this version of the syllabus is to be in accordance with the Directive of Professional Qualifications published on 30 September 2005.To prepare the common platforms planned in this directive, the disciplines are divided into four categories:
Standards Development for Impermeable, Constructible, and Durable Waterproofing
Authors: Strong JC , Kovach JR , Eng VS 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBuilding owners' expectations for waterproofing systems are simple. Waterproofing must prevent the passage of water (impermeability), must be capable of successful installation under typical construction conditions (constructability), and must continue to provide waterproofing for the life of the structure (durability). The realization of these expectations is thwarted, in part, by a lack of consensus on how these features are defined, tested, and compared to performance-based criteria. This investigation includes waterproofing materials commonly used on plazas and below-grade walls. The authors discuss important properties of waterproofing and review the requirements of standards for waterproofing systems. The results of testing bentonite and cold liquid-applied waterproofing are reported. In conclusion, the authors suggest improvements in standards.
Enhancing the Reliability of Evaluating Chloride Ingress in Concrete Using the ASTM C 1202 Rapid Chloride Penetrability Test
Authors: Bassuoni MT , Nehdi ML , Greenough TR 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
The rapid chloride penetrability test (RCPT-ASTM C 1202) is commonly used to evaluate the resistance of concrete to chloride ions ingress owing to its simplicity and rapidity. However, it has been criticized for various shortcomings such as giving favorable results to supplementary cementitious materials (e.g., silica fume), and bias against calcium nitrite corrosion inhibitors (CNI). Based on the ASTM C 1202 induced voltage concept, this study aims at enhancing the reliability of rapidly evaluating concrete resistance to chloride ions ingress. It is proposed that upon test termination, not only the passing charges are recorded, but the depth of chloride front migrating into concrete is also measured. Concrete mixtures herein were prepared incorporating selected materials (silica fume and CNI) that have been known to cause misleading results for the RCPT test. The effects of silica fume and CNI dosages on RCPT results were investigated and correlated to porosity trends evaluated by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The study reveals that measuring the migrating chloride front in concrete subsequent to the ASTM C 1202 test can eliminate the bias induced by electrolysis conductivity resulting from silica fume and/or CNI. This improves the reliability of assessing concrete resistance to chloride ions penetration using the RCPT procedure.
Empiric Use of Ampicillin and Cefotaxime, Compared With Ampicillin and Gentamicin, for Neonates at Risk for Sepsis Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Neonatal Death
Authors: Clark Reese H. , Bloom Barry T. , Spitzer Alan R. , Gerstmann Dale R. 
Published: January 2006

BACKGROUND. We reported previously that the use of cephalosporin among premature neonates increased the risk of subsequent fungal sepsis. As a result, we recommended that ampicillin and gentamicin be used as empiric coverage for early-onset neonatal sepsis while culture results are awaited.
OBJECTIVES. To describe antibiotic use during the first 3 days after birth for neonates admitted to the NICU and to evaluate the outcomes for neonates treated with 2 different antibiotic regimens.
METHODS. We assembled a cohort of inborn neonates, from our deidentified administrative database, who had documented exposure to ampicillin during the first 3 days after birth. Infants treated concurrently with cefotaxime or gentamicin were evaluated, to identify the factors that were associated independently with death before discharge, with both univariate and multivariate analyses.
RESULTS. There were 128914 neonates selected as the study cohort; 24111 were treated concurrently with ampicillin and cefotaxime and 104803 were treated concurrently with ampicillin and gentamicin. Logistic modeling showed that neonates treated with ampicillin/cefotaxime were more likely to die (adjusted odds ratio: 1.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.4–1.7) and were less likely to be discharged to home or foster care than were neonates treated with ampicillin/gentamicin. This observation was true across all estimated gestational ages. Other factors that were associated independently with death included immature gestational age, need for assisted ventilation on the day of admission to the NICU, indications of perinatal asphyxia or major congenital anomaly, and reported use of ampicillin/cefotaxime.
CONCLUSIONS. For patients receiving ampicillin, the concurrent use of cefotaxime during the first 3 days after birth either is a surrogate for an unrecognized factor or is itself associated with an increased risk of death, compared with the concurrent use of gentamicin.
Validation of Otoliths for Determining Age of Golden Perch, a Long-Lived Freshwater Fish of Australia
Authors: Stuart Ivor G. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Sectioned sagittal otoliths have been validated for age determinations of golden perch Macquaria ambigua to age 9. However, previous studies have estimated ages up to 26 years. I used two known-age fish of ages 20 and 22 years to confirm that sectioned otoliths are valid for estimating the true age of old golden perch. The present study has validated the periodicity and stability of annulus formation over a long period of time as well as the accuracy of the age estimates. Accurate age assessments and confirmation of the consistency of annulus formation over time (&gt;20 years) are important for increasing confidence for managers of the remaining golden perch populations.
Effect of Early Membrane Removal on Regeneration of Class II Furcation Defects in Dogs
Authors: Macedo Guilherme O. , Souza Sérgio L.S. , Novaes Arthur B. , Grisi Marcio F.M. , Taba Mário , Palioto Daniela B. 
Published: January 2006

Background: This study evaluated the influence of early removal of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane on periodontal regeneration.Methods: The third and fourth mandibular bicuspids of six healthy mongrel dogs were used. Class II furcation lesions were surgically created making lesions chronic for 21 days. Full flaps were elevated, and ePTFE membranes were adapted over the defects. The membranes were removed at 2 weeks on the experimental sides (test group [TGr]) and at 4 weeks on the control side (control group [CGr]). The dogs were sacrificed 12 weeks following placement of the membranes, and the teeth were histologically processed. Area measurements of new tissue (NT), epithelium (EP), connective tissue (CT), and new bone (NB) and linear measurements of bone height (BH) and new cementum (NC) were made. Wilcoxon signed rank test (P <0.05; N = 6) was carried out to determine differences between groups.Results: The area measurements (in mm2) for TGr and CGr, respectively, were as follows: 14.32 ± 4.01 and 12.46 ± 3.54 (NT); 0.04 ± 0.09 and 0.01 ± 0.04 (EP); 2.31 ± 2.60 and 1.91 ± 2.96 (CT); and 9.56 ± 3.77 and 8.79 ± 2.99 (NB). The results of the linear measurements (in mm) for TGr and CGr, respectively, were as follows: 3.85 ± 1.21 and 4.03 ± 0.94 (BH) and 10.91 ± 1.72 and 10.59 ± 1.80 (NC). There were no statistically significant differences between TGr and CGr for any measurement.Conclusion: The early removal of ePTFE membranes in Class II furcation defects in dogs did not affect periodontal regeneration.
Human QKI, a new candidate gene for schizophrenia involved in myelination
Authors: Åberg Karolina , Saetre Peter , Lindholm Eva , Ekholm Birgit , Pettersson Ulf , Adolfsson Rolf , Jazin Elena 
Published: December 2005

AbstractWe have previously shown that chromosome 6q25–6q27 includes a susceptibility locus for schizophrenia in a large pedigree from northern Sweden. In this study, we fine‐mapped a 10.7 Mb region, included in this locus, using 42 microsatellites or SNP markers. We found a 0.5 Mb haplotype, likely to be inherited identical by decent, within the large family that is shared among the majority of the patients (69%). A gamete competition test of this haplotype in 176 unrelated nuclear families from the same geographical area as the large family showed association to schizophrenia (empirical P‐value 0.041). The only gene located in the region, the quaking homolog, KH domain RNA binding (mouse) (QKI), was investigated in human brain autopsies from 55 cases and 55 controls using a high‐resolution mRNA expression analysis. Relative mRNA expression levels of two QKI splice variants were clearly downregulated in schizophrenic patients (P‐value 0.0004 and 0.03, respectively). The function of QKI has not been studied in humans, but the mouse homolog is involved in neural development and myelination. In conclusion, we present evidence from three unrelated sample‐sets that propose the involvement of the QKI gene in schizophrenia. The two family based studies suggest that there may be functional variants of the QKI gene that increase the susceptibility of schizophrenia in northern Sweden, whereas the case‐control study suggest that splicing of the gene may be disturbed in schizophrenic patients from other geographical origins. Taken together, we propose QKI as a possible target for functional studies related to the role of myelination in schizophrenia. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genotypic interaction between DRD4 and DAT1 loci is a high risk factor for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Chilean families
Authors: Carrasco Ximena , Rothhammer Paula , Moraga Mauricio , Henríquez Hugo , Chakraborty Ranajit , Aboitiz Francisco , Rothhammer Francisco 
Published: December 2005

AbstractAttention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, ADHD [MIM 126452], is a common, highly heritable neurobiological disorder of childhood onset, characterized by hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and/or inattentiveness. As part of an ongoing study of ADHD, we carried out a family‐based discordant sib‐pair analysis to detect possible associations between dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) and dopamine transporter 1 (DAT1) polymorphisms and ADHD in Chilean families. Both loci individually classified as homozygotes or heterozygotes for the DRD4 7‐repeat and DAT1 10‐repeat alleles, did not exhibit genotype frequency differences between affected children and their healthy siblings (Fisher's exact test P > 0.25 in both cases). However, the simultaneous presence of both DRD4 7‐repeat heterozygosity and DAT1 10 allele homozygosity were significantly higher (34.6%) in cases (26), compared with their unaffected siblings (25) (4%; Fisher's exact test P = 0.0096; odds‐ratio, OR = 12.71). Increased density of dopamine transporter in ADHD brains, along with abundance of 7‐repeat D4 receptors in prefrontal cortex, which is impaired in ADHD patients, make the observed gene–gene interaction worthy of further incisive studies. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.