bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population-Based Medication Reviews: A Descriptive Analysis of the Medication Issues Identified in a Medicare Not-for-Profit Prescription Discount Program
Authors: Farris Karen B , Ganther-Urmie Julie M , Fang Gang , Doucette William R , Brooks John M , Klepser Donald G , Fries David J , Kuhle Carol L 
Published: October 2004

BACKGROUND Medication reviews may be an important strategy to improve medication use, especially for individuals receiving many drugs. OBJECTIVE To describe the types of medication issues and recommendations identified in the Iowa Priority Brown Bag Medication Reviews, compare individuals with medication issues with those without medication issues, and describe Iowa Priority enrollees’ experiences with and satisfaction of the review. METHODS A retrospective review of enrollment forms and medication review records and a survey of Iowa Priority members were conducted in 2002. Subjects were Medicare-eligible individuals who joined the Iowa Priority Prescription Savings Program. Frequency distributions and descriptive statistics were calculated. Analysis using t-test and χ2 test determined differences between individuals with and without issues regarding use of drug therapy. RESULTS Almost 13% of Iowa Priority enrollees received a review. There were 1167 individuals with 2123 medication issues identified. Nonprescription medications accounted for one-third of drug interactions and >40% of duplications. People with issues had poorer health, more chronic conditions, and took more drugs than people without medication issues. One-third of survey respondents discussed the review with their physicians, and 17.7% reported medication changes. Satisfaction with the review was good; however, only 24% were likely to have received an annual review. CONCLUSIONS Iowa Priority Brown Bag Medication Reviews showed that individuals with fair/poor health, higher numbers of medications, and more chronic conditions were likely to have medication issues. Reviews generated discussions between physicians and patients, produced some medication changes, and helped individuals save money.
Improved Fluorescent PCR-Based Assay for Sizing CGG Repeats at the FRAXA Locus
Authors: Houdayer Claude , Lemonnier Alban , Gerard Marion , Chauve Corinne , Tredano Mohammed , de Villemeur Thierry Billette , Aymard Pierre , Bonnefont Jean-Paul , Feldmann Delphine 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Fragile X syndrome is the most frequent heritable genetic disease involving mental retardation and is usually caused by an expanded CGG repeat in the first exon of the FMR1 gene. Therefore, searching for CGG expansion at the FRAXA locus among the mentally retarded has become a routine investigation in neuropaediatric practice. Consequently, we have developed a fluorescent PCR-based assay for sizing repeats as an alternative to laborious and time-consuming Southern blot. The procedure utilises a reverse fluorescent labelled primer, and the Expand Long Template PCR system™ (Roche) with addition of dimethylsulfoxide and 7-deaza-dGTP. It allows precise determination of the CGG repeat number in males and females for alleles from normal to premutation size range and detection of full mutations in males. We believe that this PCR protocol, allowing a high sample throughput, is useful for first-line screening among mentally retarded males, possibly complemented by Southern blot analysis to assess the methylation status of large mutated alleles.
A Simple HPLC Method for Monitoring Mycophenolic Acid and Its Glucuronidated Metabolite in Transplant Recipients
Authors: Seebacher Gernot , Weigel Günter , Wolner Ernst , Mallinger Robert , Grimm Michael , Laufer Günter , El Menyawi Ibrahim , Griesmacher Andrea , Müller Mathias M. 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is nowadays in broad clinical use as a substitute for azathioprine. An immunoassay for MPA recently received approval for clinical applications. The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay for measuring MPA and its glucuronide conjugate (MPAG) we describe here is not only rapid and simple but also extremely sensitive at plasma levels obtained during standard immunosuppressive regimens. The determination of MPAG is possible without any change of the chromatographic conditions (detection wavelength of 214 nm, mobile phase: acetonitrile and 50 mmol/l o-phosphoric acid (50:50, V/V), run time: 15 min). The required equipment is a standard HPLC system including a simple UV-detector. Sample volume of 400 μl is required for both determinations. Detection limit is 0.25 μmol/l for MPA and 5 μmol/l for MPAG. Linearity is excellent for serial dilutions (0.5–25 μmol/l for MPA, 25–500 μmol/l for MPAG) and high accuracies favour the method described.
More than 2000 plasma samples tested for MPA in patients after heart transplantation within one year and more than 500 samples for MPAG underline the clinical applicability of this assay.
The Activities of Some Glycosaminoglycan-Degrading Enzymes in the Wall of the Umbilical Cord Artery and Their Alteration in Edema, Proteinuria, Hypertension (EPH)-Gestosis
Authors: Romanowicz Lech , Bańkowski Edward , Jaworski Stefan 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Edema, proteinuria, hypertension (EPH)-gestosis is associated with a premature replacement of hyaluronic acid by sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), both in the umbilical cord arteries (UCAs) and in Wharton's jelly. This phenomenon may be considered as a sign of premature ageing of the umbilical cord tissues. The decrease in hyaluronic acid content in the UCA was found to be the result of reduced biosynthesis of this substance, whereas an increase in sulphated GAGs-content is rather a result of slower degradation of newly synthesised GAGs. In this study the activities of GAGs-degrading enzymes in normal umbilical cord arteries and those taken from newborns delivered by mothers with EPH-gestosis were compared. It was found that EPH-gestosis results in a significant reduction in the activities of neutral endoglycosidases degrading most of the sulphated glycosaminoglycans (with the exception of heparan sulphate). The activities of exoglycosidases also decrease but to a lesser degree. These alterations are thought to be responsible for EPH-gestosis-associated accumulation of sulphated glycosaminoglycans in the extracellular matrix of the arterial wall. Such remodelling of the arterial wall may affect foetal blood circulation. The significance of these phenomena in the phathological mechanism of EPH-gestosis is discussed.
Increased Serum Neopterin Concentrations in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Leblhuber Friedrich , Walli Johannes , Demel Ulrike , Tilz Gernot P. , Widner Bernhard , Fuchs Dietmar 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
We measured serum neopterin concentrations in 24 patients with Alzheimer's disease (8 males, 16 females; age: 73.1 ± 6.2 years; free of any infectious process) and fourteen controls of similar age (4 males, 10 females; age: 69.7 ± 8.8 years). Compared to controls, significantly higher concentrations of neopterin (p < 0.01) were found in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Among patients, concentrations of neopterin were higher in those with lower mini-mental-state (p < 0.05), and an invers correlation existed between mini-mental-state and neopterin concentrations. No such association existed with the duration of the disease. There were also significant correlations between neopterin and serum concentrations of immune activation markers such as soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (all p < 0.01). Thus, increased concentrations of neopterin in serum of patients with Alzheimer's disease correlate with the severity of dementia. The data imply a chronic state of peripheral immune activation in Alzheimer's disease.
Age Relationships and Sex Differences in Serum Levels of Pregnenolone and 17-Hydroxypregnenolone in Normal Subjects
Authors: Hill Martin , Lukáč Dušan , Lapčík Oldrrich , Šulcová Jarmila , Hampl Richard , Pouzar Vladimír , Stárka Luboslav 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
17-Hydroxypregnenolone (3β, 17α-dihydroxypregn-5-en-20-one) and pregnenolone (3β-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one) were determined by radioimmunoassay following HPLC separation in serum of healthy subjects of both sexes from 2 to 66 years old (29 girls, 85 women, 30 boys, 89 men). The effects of age and sex on the levels of both steroids were investigated and the upper limits of normal in age groups were determined.
The 17-hydroxypregnenolone levels as a function of age were characterized by a statistically significant maximum at the age of 18 and 20 years followed by a local minimum at the age of 39 and 37 years and by a statistically insignificant local maximum at the age of 55 and 49 years in men and women, respectively.
Pregnenolone age-dependence was similar and the statistically significant maximum was reached at the age of 17 and 16 years, the local minimum occurred at the age of 37 and 38 years and the second, statistically insignificant, local maximum at the age of 48 and 47 years in men and women, respectively.
Both 17-hydroxypregnenolone and pregnenolone in both sexes exhibited similarly shaped peaks with age. Both peaks of the polynomial fit in 17-hydroxypregnenolone were more pronounced in men than in women (13.0 and 9.20 nmol/l in the first peak; 7.72 and 4.78 in the second peak respectively). The situation with pregnenolone was the opposite. Both peaks of the polynomial fit in pregnenolone were lower in men than in women (2.29 and 3.21 nmol/l in the first peak; 0.92 and 1.78 in the second peak, respectively).
The higher serum levels of pregnenolone at puberty and during fertile age and their wider variance in comparison with men could, be explained by the different gonadal steroidogenesis depending on the menstrual cycle, where the pregnenolone serves as a substrate for progesterone formation.
The age dependencies of 17-hydroxypregnenolone and pregnenolone in women resembled that of unconjugated dehydroepiandrosterone. These results indicate that the increased metabolic activity in gonads in adolescence concerns not only dehydroepiandrosterone as the product of the 5-ene metabolic pathway but also its precursors.
A Study of Hypermagnesaemia in a Hospital Population
Authors: Crook Martin 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
The purpose of this present study was to assess the prevalence of hypermagnesaemia in a hospital population. Furthermore, the relationship between hypermagnesaemia and other common electrolyte disturbances such as hypo- and hypercalcaemia, hypo- and hyperkalaemia and hypo- and hyperphosphataemia was studied.
Twenty-seven percent of magnesium requests showed a serum magnesium concentration equal to, or greater than, 1.0 mmol/l.
Hyperkalaemia (a plasma potassium concentration of equal to, or greater than, 5.0 mmol/l) was found in 18 % of the patients with hypermagnesaemia and 25 % of these patients showed hyperphosphataemia (a plasma phosphate concentration of equal to, or greater than, 1.5 mmol/l).
Of the serum magnesium requests, hypermagnesaemia was particularly common on the intensive care (23 %) and the renal unit (43 %). Hypermagnesaemia was also seen in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery (17 %) and who had an acute myocardial infarction (8 %). Seventy-three percent of patients with a plasma magnesium of greater than 1.0 mmol/l showed abnormal renal function. However, it was rare to find a serum magnesium of greater than 2.0 mmol/l (less than1 % of magnesium requests).
Multiple Regression Analysis of Interference Effects from a Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carrier Solution
Authors: Kazmierczak Steven C. , Catrou Paul G. , Best Ann E. , Sullivan Steven W. , Briley Kimberly P. 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
The use of hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier solutions in patients requiring blood transfusion will necessitate that clinical laboratories have mechanisms in place to evaluate the potential interference effect of these substances on testing methods. Because these oxygen carrier solutions contain acellular hemoglobin, but do not contain many of the intracellular enzymes and ions present in erythrocytes, interference effects from blood substitutes may be quite different when compared to in vivo or in vitro lysis of erythrocytes. We evaluated the potential interference effect of Diaspirin Cross-linked Hemoglobin on 29 different clinical laboratory analytes. Various combinations of these analytes were tested using the Hitachi 747 and 911 systems, a Beckman CX3, an Abbott AxSym, a Bayer Immuno I, and a Dade ACA IV; a total of 60 analyte/instrument combinations. We used the method of multiple regression analysis to classify interferences as analyte-dependent, analyte-independent, or a combination of the first two types. The presence of clinically significant test interference was derived by using the criteria for maximum allowable error specified in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988. Using these criteria, we found significant interference from Diaspirin Cross-linked Hemoglobin with 13 of 29 analytes tested. Interference was noted with the Hitachi 747 and 911 methods for albumin, alkaline phosphatase, total and conjugated bilirubin, cholesterol, total carbon dioxide, iron, lactate dehydrogenase, magnesium, total protein, and triglyceride. In addition, Diaspirin Cross-linked Hemoglobin interfered with measurement of L-lactate using the ACA IV and minor interference was noted with glucose measured using the Beckman CX3. Data from the interference studies was graphically displayed in the form of interference plots. These plots show the maximum allowable test error, due to Diaspirin Cross-linked Hemoglobin, as a function of analyte and interferent concentrations. Evaluation of the potential interference effect of hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier solutions with use of multiple regression analysis and graphical display of the resultant data in the form of interference plots allows for more reliable reporting of test results from specimens containing these products.
Automated Prozone Effect Detection in Ferritin Homogeneous Immunoassays Using Neural Network Classifiers
Authors: Papik Kornel , Molnar Bela , Fedorcsak Peter , Schaefer Rainer , Lang Fridl , Sreter Lydia , Feher Janos , Tulassay Zsolt 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
The application of turbidimetric homogeneous immunoassays made the determination of several plasma components widely available. The sensitivity and accuracy of these assays are appropriate enough for routine laboratory use; however, in the case of many pathologically high concentration samples, prozone effect (high dose hook effect) can be observed, that leads to false-negative determination. Up to the present there are no cost-effective algorithms available for the safe detection of the prozone effect. Pathological serum ferritin values can be elevated up to 5000 ng/ml, while the measuring range covers only the 0–440 ng/ml range by a commercial assay. The determination of samples with ferritin concentration higher than 1500 ng/ml results in false-negative values because of the overlapping measuring range and prozone effect range. The prozone effect can be recognised by analysis of reaction kinetics after measurement. We have developed a neural network classifier system to analyse reaction kinetics of the measurements and check the prozone effect. One thousand five hundred determinations and 77 patient samples were used for neural network training and test. Using the trained neural networks, false-negative results can be filtered immediately after the determination, without re-run; thus, the sensitivity of plasma ferritin determination may become reliable enough, even in the case of high concentration samples. Applying this new technology, false-negative serum ferritin determinations can be avoided, thus even a relatively high hook effect rate (5–12 % in different patient groups) can be handled safely.
Web Applications for Total Quality Management
Authors: Golaz Olivier , Hochstrasser Denis 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Total quality management involves the consideration of many quality subjects as part of the management, such as quality processes, quality education, quality assurance, quality planning, quality results and quality document management. But crucial quality elements are also communication, data management and information sharing. Web applications and other associated computer communication applications such as E-mail and newsgroups, for example, offer to the laboratory environment the best tools to achieve proper communication and data management/sharing. These applications, enabling the set-up of Internet and Intranet sites, are used to share the information in the form of simple text pages or of completely interactive pages, which could comprise audio and video files, web page formulae and web data management applications. These applications are being associated to several applications and also being integrated into the laboratory information system (LIS).
Autoantibodies against Oxidised Low-Density Lipoprotein in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Authors: Saarelainen Seppo , Lehtimäki Terho , Jaakkola Olli , Poussa Tuija , Nikkilä Matti , Solakivi Tiina , Nieminen Markku M. 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Autoantibodies against oxidised low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL-Abs) have been proposed to be an indicator of endothelial dysfunction and a novel tool for finding individuals with a high cardiovascular risk. In a cross-sectional study, OxLDL-Abs were measured in 297 patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and 54 controls using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
The autoantibodies were increased in patients with OSA when compared to controls (age, body mass index (BMI) and gender adjusted, p = 0.001). However, within the OSA patients, OxLDL-Abs were not related to smoking, hypertension or BMI, and there was a weak negative correlation (r = −0.16, P = 0.007) between age and levels of OxLDL-Abs. In conclusion, at present the measurement OxLDL-Abs still remains a method for basic research and is not applicable for screening of at-risk patients with OSA.
Inter-α-Inhibitor (IαI) Concentration in Pig Plasma Is Independent of Acute-Phase Protein Response
Authors: Carrette Odile , Mizon Charlotte , Marquette Charles Hugo , Lampreave Fermin , Mizon Jacques 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Human inter-α-inhibitor (IαI) has been shown to exert a beneficial therapeutic effect in a porcine model of endotoxin shock. It is therefore useful to have a better understanding of IαI metabolism during severe inflammatory syndromes.
Experimental bacterial pneumonia was induced in pigs. The acute phase response was highlighted by an increase in pig major acute phase protein (pig-MAP) and haptoglobin concentrations in plasma collected daily over 4 days. In the same samples, the IαI levels remained unchanged. Moreover, crossed-immunoelectrophoretic and immunoblot analyses did not show any qualitative modification of IαI throughout the experiment.
IαI has been reported to be a negative acute phase protein in both humans and rats. Here we demonstrated that IαI behavior clearly differs in humans and pigs and is definitively species specific.
Determination of Ascorbic Acid in Plasma and Urine by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet Detection
Authors: Rümelin Andreas , Fauth Ulrich , Halmágyi Miklos 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
A reliable simple reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method for the routine determination of ascorbic acid in plasma and urine with ultraviolet detection is described. This method enables the complete separation of the ascorbic acid peak from others with a recovery of above 95 % within 8 minutes. The method can be used for analysing multiple samples within a day. In addition, the storage conditions and stability of ascorbic acid in plasma and urine were investigated. Samples of plasma and urine can be stored on ice in darkness for at least 60 min without reduction of ascorbic acid concentration. Prepared samples can be stored in darkness at 4 °C for at least 120 min and in liquid nitrogen for 42 days.
A New Liquid Homogeneous Assay for the Determination of HDL-Cholesterol
Authors: Nauck Matthias , Neumann Inga , März Winfried , Wieland Heinrich 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
We evaluated a new ready to use liquid assay for the homogeneous determination of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C; Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) in comparison to phosphotungstic acid precipitation and a homogeneous assay, based on sulfated α-cyclodextrin and polyethylene glycol-modified enzymes (Roche Diagnostics/Boehringer Mannheim, Germany). The new liquid homogeneous HDL-C assay had inter-assay coefficients' of variation of less than 2.1 %. The method is linear up to at least 3.11 mmol/l HDL-C, but even at 4.40 mmol/l the deviation from the expected value is less than 5%.
Spinking experiments with low density lipoproteins and very low density lipoproteins proved that the new assay was specific for high density lipoproteins up to cholesterol associated with low density lipoproteins (LDL-C) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL)-triglyceride concentrations of 18.13 and 22.60 mmol/l, respectively. Free fatty acids above 2 mmol/l did not interfere. Icteric samples with bilirubin concentrations between 170 and 400 μmol/l did not show any systematic deviation compared to the precipitation procedure. In addition, serum hemoglobin concentrations up to 7.0 mmol/l and ascorbic acid up to 3000 μmol/l did not interfere with the HDL-C assay. An intermethod comparison including 120 samples revealed good agreement of the liquid HDL-C assay and the precipitation procedure (y = 0.943x + 0.074 mmol/l; r = 0.992). The new homogeneous HDL-C assay is thus precise, comparable and robust. Due to its ease of handling this assay will significantly facilitate attempts to include the differentiation between HDL-C and LDL-C in the routine screening for cardiovascular risk factors and in the monitoring of lipid lowering therapy.
On the Standardization of Total Prostate-Specific Antigen: an Exercise with Two Reference Preparations
Authors: Blijenberg Bert G. , Storm Bert N. , Boeken Kruger Arto E. , Schröder Fritz H. 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
In this study, 112 serum samples were analyzed for total prostate-specific antigen with three well-established assays i.e. Tandem R and Tandem E (both from Hybritech Inc., San Diego, USA) and Prostatus Free/Total from Wallac Oy, Turku, Finland. Thirty-two samples were collected from prostate cancer patients, 32 from patients with benign prostate hyperplasia and 48 from men participating in a screening study for prostate cancer.
The aim of the study was to compare the results before and after recalculation with the data obtained with two reference preparations for total prostate-specific antigen: Stanford 90:10 PSA Calibrator and Certified Reference Material 613 Prostate-Specific Antigen.
Comparing the actual results revealed almost perfect correlations between Tandem R and Tandem E and between both Tandem assays and Prostatus. We observed statistically significant differences in accuracy between Tandem R and Tandem E:
y(Tandem E)= 1.05 × (Tandem R)+0.07,
and between Tandem E and Prostatus:
y(Prostatus)= 0.94 × (Tandem E)+0.02
In both comparisons prostate-specific antigen values ranged from 0–40 μg/l.
Recalculation with both reference preparations did not solve these discrepancies. One exception was the combination Tandem R and Tandem E. The application of either reference preparation solved the differences in accuracy here.
In conclusion, even after recalibration, assays for total prostate-specific antigen are still not completely interchangeable.