bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analytical performance and diagnostic accuracy of a fully-automated electrochemiluminescent assay for the N-terminal fragment of the pro-peptide of brain natriuretic peptide in patients with cardiomyopathy: comparison with immunoradiometric assay methods for brain natriuretic peptide and atrial natriuretic peptide
Authors: Prontera Concetta , Emdin Michele , CarloZucchelli Gian , Ripoli Andrea , Passino Claudio , Clerico Aldo 
Published: August 2004

AbstractWe evaluated the analytical performance of a fully-automated electrochemiluminescence “sandwich” immunoassay method for the N-terminal fragment of the pro-peptide of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). We then compared the diagnostic accuracy of this method in discriminating between normal subjects and patients with cardiomyopathy with that found with two previously described immunoradiometric assay methods for the assay of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and BNP. We studied 193 consecutive patients (mean age 64.4±12.3 years, range 20–89 years, including 56 women and 137 men) with chronic cardiomyopathy and a group of 85 healthy subjects (mean age 52.3±12.0 years, 42 women and 43 men, range 20–79 years). N-terminal fragment of proBNP
Calcium oxalate crystallization in untreated urine, centrifuged and filtered urine and ultrafiltered urine
Authors: Guerra Angela , Meschi Tiziana , Allegri Franca , Schianchi Tania , Adorni Giuditta , Novarini Almerico , Borghi Loris 
Published: August 2004

AbstractCentrifuged and filtered urine is often used to evaluate in vitro the crystallization processes of calcium oxalate (CaOx), but even such simple manipulations can alter the composition of the urine, as regards its protein and lipid concentrations. In urine samples taken from 17 normal male adults, we evaluated CaOx crystallization by simultaneously using three different types of urine: untreated (U), centrifuged at 2000 rpm (800
Matrix effects in clinical immunoassays and the effect of preheating and cooling analytical samples
Authors: Yoshida Hiroshi , Imafuku Yuji , Nagai Toshihiko 
Published: August 2004

AbstractImmunological reactions are influenced by various factors including antigens, antibodies and other variables. We focused on two items: i) matrix effects, especially of detergents and ii) temperature effects: preheating sera, especially effects on rheumatoid factor (RF) measurement and false-positive reactions in ELISAs, and cold storage of sera, especially effects on complement. Among various additives, detergents affected the agglutination reaction for fecal hemoglobin and hepatitis B surface (HBs) antigen. Some of the detergents examined abolished these antigenicities, however, polyethylenglycols enhanced the reactions. Heat-inactivation of sera at 56°C for 30 min was employed in serological testing. However, in RF measurement, 10 min of preheating was sufficient to abolish C1q (subcomponent of C1), which could participate in the agglutination reaction. In ELISA for antibodies, false-positive reactions were caused by preheating sera. By the analyses of assays for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and cardiolipin, it was found that they were induced by immunoglobulin G (IgG) modified by preheating. Cold storage induced activation of complement (cold activation) in anti-HCV antibody positive sera. CH50 titers in the sera were lowered by one cycle of freezing at −20°C and thawing, and the decrease was affected by the containers.
Association between the CYP2C9 polymorphism and the drug metabolism phenotype
Authors: Topic Elizabeta , Štefanovic Mario , Samardžija Marina 
Published: August 2004

AbstractCYP2C9, an isoform of the cytochrome P450 enzyme, is involved in the metabolism of most of the drugs of choice for the treatment of thromboembolic disorders. Functional polymorphism is associated with two variant alleles (alleles
Analytical goals for coagulation tests based on biological variation
Authors: Wada Yui , Kurihara Masako , Toyofuku Mitsuko , Kawamura Minako , Iida Hiroko , Kayamori Yuzou , Kinoshita Sachiko , Hamasaki Naotaka 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAllowable imprecision and bias reference limits for laboratory data can be calculated based on measurements of biological variation. Although biological variation of clinical chemical data has been reported from many laboratories, there have been few reports of biological variation in coagulation tests. In this study, we calculated the biological variation of 13 coagulation tests in the clinical laboratory of Kyushu University Hospital and determined allowable imprecision and bias limits of variation. The participating subjects were 17 healthy individuals: three males and two females in their 20s, two males and two females in their 30s, one male and four females in their 40s, and two males and one female in their 50s. Monthly measurements were performed before breakfast 12 times from June 2001 to May 2002 and allowable imprecision and bias limits were calculated. Taken together with coefficient of variation of control plasma used in daily laboratory work at the hospital, the allowable imprecision limits of intra-laboratory variation determined in this study appear to be in attainable ranges.
In vivo total antioxidant capacity: comparison of two different analytical methods
Authors: Vassalle Cristina , Masini Silvano , Carpeggiani Clara , L'Abbate Antonio , Boni Claudio , CarloZucchelli Gian 
Published: August 2004

AbstractSeveral methods to assess the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) are available. However, the final value of measured TAC in the sample depends on the procedure used in every specific assay. This makes crucial the comparison of different analytical methods. The aim of our study was to evaluate analytical characteristics and laboratory reliability of two different assays: the ferric-reducing ability (FRAP) assay and a new spectrophotometric test (OXY-adsorbent test, Diacron, Italy).Unselected outpatients referred to the Institute of Clinical Physiology were studied (n=187, 58 females, 129 males, mean age: 65±13 years). All blood samples were maintained on ice, centrifuged within 15 minutes after blood collection and then stored at −80°C until performance of assay procedures.OXY assay: The lower limit of sensitivity was 6 μmol HClO/ml. The assay was found to be linear up to 440 μmol HClO/ml (r=−0.99, p<0.001). Absorbance was linear over a wide concentration range with solutions containing uric acid in purified form (0–1000 μmol/l, r=−0.996, p<0.001), serum (r=−0.99, p<0.01) or plasma serially diluted (r=−0.99, p<0.01). Mean value in plasma samples accounted for 366.2±7.2 μmol HClO/ml. Mean OXY value in females (353.4±13.2 mmol HClO/ml) was not different from that detected in males (372±8.6 mmol HClO/ml). A significant difference was observed between subjects without and with hypertension in serum OXY levels (344.8±9.9 and 383.2±10 μmol HClO/ml, p<0.01, respectively).FRAP assay: The lower limit of sensitivity was 15 μmol/l. Linearity was observed up to 1000 μmol/l (r=−0.998, p<0.001). Absorbance was linear over a wide concentration range with solutions containing uric acid in purified form (0–1000 μmol/l, r=0.997, p<0.001), serum (r=0.99, p<0.01) or plasma serially diluted (r=0.99, p<0.01). FRAP mean value in plasma samples, evaluated in 102 patients, accounted for 514.1±19.1 μmol/l. Mean FRAP in females (469±22.5 μmol/l) was not different from that detected in males (535±25.6 mmol/l).FRAP vs. OXY: A significant direct relationship was observed when comparing FRAP with OXY levels in the whole population (r=0.22, p<0.05).Neither of the methods are expensive and they are speedy and simple to perform. Values are reproducible and linearly correlated to the concentration of antioxidants present in the samples. For this reason, these methods may be considered practicable indicators of total antioxidant capacity, for routinely potential use in every laboratory and useful in all the studies concerning the evaluation of oxidative stress.
Performance evaluation of automated assays for β-CrossLaps, N-MID-Osteocalcin and intact parathyroidhormone (BIOROSE Multicenter Study)
Authors: Schmidt-Gayk Heinrich , Spanuth Eberhard , Kötting Jochem , Bartl Reiner , Felsenberg Dieter , Pfeilschifter Johannes , Raue Friedhelm , Roth Heinz Jürgen 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Evaluation of the blood gas analyzer GEM(r) PREMIER(tm) 3000
Authors: Bénéteau-Burnat Bénédicte , Bocque Marie-Chantal , Lorin Anne , Martin Catherine , Vaubourdolle Michel 
Published: August 2004

AbstractDuring the past few decades, new technologies have allowed the fabrication of miniaturized sensors and the development of analyzers well designed for point-of-care testing (POCT). They combined the ease-of-use and portability required for POC with the accuracy and the reliability of traditional systems. Instrumentation Laboratory introduced the GEM
Application of Moire Interferometry for Mode II Testing of Stitched Composites
Authors: Chen L , Sankar BV , Ifju PG 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
In this paper, two experimental approaches were used to quantify the Mode II fracture toughness of stitched composites. In the End Notched Flexure (ENF) test, which is the traditional Mode II test, the delamination does not open, but slides. This makes it difficult to locate the crack-tip as the crack propagates and hence to estimate the length of crack propagation. This uncertainty introduces significant errors in the estimated value of Mode II fracture toughness, especially of stitched composite laminates. In the present study high sensitive moiré interferometry was used to obtain the full-field displacements as well as the crack tip location in ENF specimens. By using linear elastic fracture mechanics for orthotropic materials, the stress intensity factor can be determined from the relative crack surface displacements behind the crack tip. The results from the displacement matching method are compared with the conventional area method for calculating fracture toughness. It is found that stitching can increase the Mode II fracture toughness of laminated composites by a factor of 2 to 3 depending on the stitch density.
Treatment of Paraphilia in Young Adults with Leuprolide Acetate: A Preliminary Case Report Series
Authors: Saleh FM , Niel T , Fishman MJ 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Some juveniles who engage in sexual offenses may have a paraphilia, a psychiatric disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of deviant and impairing sexual fantasies, thoughts, and/or behaviors. Though there is no known cure for these conditions, paraphilias can be effectively managed using a multimodal treatment approach. This may include the use of psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatment interventions, including antiandrogen medications. One such agent, leuprolide acetate (leuprolide), a luteinizing hormone-releasing-hormone agonist, has been shown to be effective in reducing paraphilic symptoms in adult patients. To date, however, there is no published data on its use and effectiveness in adolescent and young adult paraphilic patients. This study consists of a case report series of six young adult patients treated with leuprolide. All subjects had been diagnosed with at least one paraphilia (i.e., Pedophilia, Sexual Sadism, Frotteurism, and Paraphilia Not Otherwise Specified). All subjects had been refractory to treatment in a residential program for adolescent sex offenders prior to initiation of leuprolide. All six subjects reported a reduction in sexually deviant symptoms following treatment with leuprolide. Clinicians rated four as much improved and two as moderately improved. The treatment was well tolerated in all six subjects. This preliminary case series supports the conclusion that leuprolide deserves further examination as a potentially safe and effective component in the treatment of young adult patients with paraphilia.
The Reactivity of Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) in Alcoholic Solutions
Authors: Hennessy S A , Moane S M , McDermott S D 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
In this work the stability of GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) and GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) in alcoholic media was studied. Under acidic conditions the GBL will react with ethanol or methanol to give the corresponding ethyl and methyl esters of GHB. It can be seen that ester formation is dependent on the type of alcohol, the alcohol content of the solution, and the pH of the solution. Under the same conditions it was shown that GHB does not give rise directly to the corresponding ester when merely in the presence of an alcohol; however the ester will be formed if the conditions are present for conversion of GHB to GBL followed by subsequent reaction with alcohol. In alcoholic beverage samples spiked with GBL the expected conversion to GHB occurred, and the formation of the ethyl ester of GHB was also seen in some samples. Wine samples were analyzed for the presence of the ethyl ester of GHB, and the effect of adding GHB/GBL to hot beverages was studied.
Manipulation of Human Pluripotent Embryonal Carcinoma Stem Cells and the Development of Neural Subtypes
Authors: Stewart Rebecca , Christie Victoria Buyers , Przyborski Stefan Alexander 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
There are few reliable cell systems available to study the process of human neural development. Embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells are pluripotent stem cells derived from teratocarcinomas and offer a robust culture system to research cell differentiation in a manner pertinent to embryogenesis. Here, we describe the recent development of a series of culture procedures that together can be used to induce the differentiation of human EC stem cells, resulting in the formation of either pure populations of differentiated neurons, populations of differentiated astrocytes, or populations of immature neuronal cell types. Cell-type-specific markers were used to examine the induction of EC stem cell differentiation by retinoic acid. In direct response to manipulation of the culture environment, the expression of cell type markers correlated with the differentiation and appearance of distinct neural cell types, including neurons and astrocytes. These experiments demonstrate that cultured human EC stem cells provide a robust model cell system capable of reproducibly forming neural subtypes for research purposes.
Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Derived from Discarded Embryos
Authors: Mitalipova Maisam , Calhoun John , Shin Soojung , Wininger David , Schulz Thomas , Noggle Scott , Venable Alison , Lyons Ian , Robins Allan , Stice Steven 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Human pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells have important potential in regenerative medicine and as models for human preimplantation development; however, debate continues over whether embryos should be destroyed to produce human ES cells. We have derived four ES cell lines on mouse embryonic fibroblast cells in medium supplemented with basic fibroblast growth factor, human recombinant leukemia inhibitory factor, and fetal bovine serum. The source of these cell lines was poor-quality embryos that in the course of routine clinical practice would have been discarded. After continuous proliferation in vitro for more than 12 months, these ES cell lines maintained their developmental potential to form trophoblast and somatic cells, including cardiac muscle and neuronal tissue.
The Role of Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Gynecologic Malignancies
Authors: Carmen Marcela G. , McIntyre James F. , Goodman Annekathryn 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
The prognosis in women with locally advanced primary or recurrent gynecologic malignancies is rather poor. Doses of external beam radiation necessary to treat gross or microscopic recurrence among patients surgically treated or previously irradiated exceed what is tolerated by normal structures. In this group of patients, intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) can be utilized to maximize local tumor control, minimizing the radiation exposure of dose-limiting surrounding structures. Review of the available literature indicates that IORT may improve long-term local control and overall survival in women with pelvic sidewall and/or para-aortic nodal recurrence. The most encouraging results have been reported in the cases of microscopic residual disease, following surgical debulking.
Oral Granisetron for the Prevention of Acute Late Onset Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Treated with Moderately Emetogenic Chemotherapy
Authors: Friedman Carl J. , Burris Howard A. , Yocom Karen , Blackburn Linda M. , Gruben David 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Purpose. To demonstrate the efficacy of oral granisetron 1 mg twice daily for the prevention of late onset nausea and vomiting after moderately emetogenic chemotherapy that includes cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, or doxorubicin.
Methods. Prior to chemotherapy, patients were stratified by gender and randomized to receive oral granisetron (1 mg tablet twice daily) or prochlorperazine (10 mg sustained release capsule twice daily). Study agents were administered 1 h prior to and 12 h after chemotherapy. Antiemetics were administered for seven consecutive days. Efficacy variables were assessed 48 and 72 h after administration of chemotherapy, and included no emesis, no nausea, no moderate or severe nausea, and no antiemetic rescue. Safety analysis included all patients who received medication.
Results. A total of 230 patients were included in the intent-to-treat analysis; 119 patients received granisetron and 111 patients received prochlorperazine. Females, and all patients combined, who received granisetron had significantly higher no-emesis rates at 48 h (p = .010 and p = .016, respectively) than patients who received prochlorperazine. No-nausea rates at 48 h were numerically higher for all patients combined and females who received granisetron rather than prochlorperazine. Response rates for no nausea or mild nausea were also numerically higher in females treated with granisetron, compared to prochlorperazine, at 48 h. Significantly more patients (p &lt; .001) and females (p &lt; .001) in the granisetron group than in the prochlorperazine group did not require rescue antiemetics at 48 h. At 72 h, efficacy results were comparable for granisetron and prochlorperazine.
Conclusion. Oral granisetron is well tolerated and more effective than prochlorperazine in preventing nausea and vomiting for up to 48 h following treatment with moderately emetogenic chemotherapy.
Development of GnRH Antagonists for Prostate Cancer: New Approaches to Treatment
Authors: Cook Terry , Sheridan William P. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Prostate cancer has become the most common cancer among American men and is second only to lung cancer as a cause of male cancer-related death.
Several treatment options exist for different stages of prostate cancer including observation, prostatectomy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. Hormone therapy has evolved from the use of estrogens to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and recently, investigational GnRH antagonists.
GnRH receptor agonists such as leuprolide, bruserelin and goserelin have been used for the treatment of prostate cancer. These agonists eventually cause the inhibition of lutenizing hormone production, which in turn causes a suppression of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, on which continued growth of prostate cancer cells depend.
Several comparative studies of leuprorelin administered as daily injections or monthly depot injections have been reported. Disease progression was prevented in more than 72% of men administered daily leuprorelin, and in 82% to 89% of those receiving monthly depots. Another synthetic GnRH analog, goserelin, has been studied in a similar population of men with daily injections producing partial responses in 60% to 80% of men with previously untreated prostate cancer. Abarelix, a peptide antagonist of GnRH receptor, is also being studied for the treatment of prostate cancer.
The discovery and development of GnRH antagonists may provide an important advance for patients with prostate cancer. Clearly the studies described herein, as well as many others, outline an exciting era of research to define the optimal use of hormonal therapy in prostate cancer.
Oral Chemotherapeutic Agents for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sharma Sunil , Saltz Leonard B. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
A number of novel oral chemotherapeutic agents are entering practice or are under development in the United States. Many of these agents display significant clinical activity against colorectal cancer. Many classes of compounds, including fluoropyrimidine analogs, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) inhibitors, topoisomerase inhibitors, farnesyl transferase inhibitors, and others, are being developed for oral administration. This manuscript describes the progress of clinical development of these agents and also explores the relative merits and challenges of these approaches. Economic issues, patient preference, and patient selection issues surrounding oral chemotherapy for colorectal cancer will also be discussed.
Primary Mediastinal Malignancies in Children: Report of 22 Patients and Comparison to 197 Adults
Authors: Temes Roy , Allen Nechol , Chavez Theresa , Crowell Richard , Key Charles , Wernly Jorge 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Purpose. Examine a contemporary series of patients with primary pediatric malignant mediastinal tumors and determine epidemiology, histology, treatment, and survival.
Patients and Methods. All malignancies diagnosed between January 1, 1973 and December 31, 1995 were analyzed.
Results. Twenty-two patients, age 18 years or less, with pediatric primary mediastinal malignancies were identified from a database of 110,284 patients with primary malignancies. During the same period, 197 adult patients with primary mediastinal malignancies were identified. Fifty-nine percent of the pediatric patients were male. Median age was 11 years. Lymphoma was present in 55%, neurogenic malignancies in 23%, malignant germ cell tumors in 18%, and sarcoma in 5%. Neurogenic tumors presented in infants and lymphomas and germ cell tumors presented in teens (p = 0.005). In treated children, surgery was used more often in neurogenic tumors and germ cell tumors than in lymphomas (p = 0.002). Five-year survival was 74% for lymphomas, 67% for neurogenic tumors, 25% for germ cell tumors, and 61% overall (p = 0.23). Compared to adults, children had more neurogenic tumors (p &lt; 0.001) and fewer thymomas (p = 0.0499). There were no significant differences in staging or survival between children and adults.
Conclusions. Pediatric mediastinal malignancies occurred with a frequency of 1/5,013 patients with malignant tumors. Lymphoma, neurogenic tumors, and germ cell tumors predominated. Compared to adults, children had more neurogenic tumors and fewer thymomas. Within the pediatric group, differences were found in age of presentation between histologic groups. These differences between adults and children, and between infants and teens, should be considered when evaluating a patient suspected of having mediastinal malignancy.
Nonmyeloablative Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Strategies and the Role of Mixed Chimerism
Authors: Spitzer Thomas R. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Experimental and clinical experiences have demonstrated successsful donor engraftment following nonmyeloablative preparative regimens. These less toxic conditioning strategies may be better tolerated with diminished transplant-related morbidity and mortality. Importantly, the intentional induction of mixed chimerism can be established following nonmyeloablative conditioning. This approach has the potential advantages of inhibiting graft-versus-host disease, presumably secondary to the persistence of host immunoregulatory cells, and providing a platform for the delivery of adoptive cellular immunotherapy with donor leukocyte infusions for patients with an underlying malignancy. This review will describe the preclinical evolution of nonmyeloablative transplant strategies, the rationale for considering these approaches, and the preliminary clinical experience with this novel allogeneic stem cell therapy.