bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Iron Status with a New Fully Automated Assay for Transferrin Receptor in Human Serum
Authors: Vernet Michèle , Doyen Christine 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Serum transferrin receptor is considered as a reliable marker of iron status particularly when iron deficiency is associated with chronic disorders such as inflammation, infection or malignancy. The present study aims to illustrate the performances of a new fully automated assay using immunonephelometry. The intra—and between-assay precision was found to be very good (CVs < 4%). In healthy subjects there was no statistically significant difference between men and women. With a cut-off of 1.76 mg/l for diagnosing iron deficiency either alone or combined with anemia of chronic diseases, the sensitivity and specificity were respectively 82% and 96.8%. Unlike conventional biochemical and hematological tests, soluble transferrin receptor was unaffected by confounding pathologies. In genetic hemochromatosis the concentration of soluble transferrin receptor was mostly decreased due to the regulatory effect of iron intracellular level. Our study confirms the reliability of soluble transferrin receptor for the assessment of iron status. It is now possible to assay soluble transferrin receptor, ferritin and transferrin on the same apparatus within 15 minutes.
Alterations in Laboratory Test Results during Adjuvant Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Kailajärvi Marita , Ahokoski Outi , Virtanen Arja , Salminen Eeva , Irjala Kerttu 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
An increasing number of women is treated with adjuvant cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil therapy for breast cancer. The effects of the chemotherapy on many laboratory tests are, however, inadequately known. This study investigates the effects of the treatment on various laboratory tests. Fifteen premenopausal women receiving adjuvant cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy and optional radiotherapy were included in the study. Common hormonal, biochemical, hematological, protein and lipid laboratory tests were taken serially during a 10-month follow-up. Twelve women became amenorrheic. Their serum follicle stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone concentrations increased accordingly. Other serum hormones (testosterone, androstenedione, sex hormone-binding globulin, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, cortisol, parathyroid hormone and thyroid hormones) changed only slightly. Hemoglobin concentration and white blood cell count decreased slightly. Serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, angiotensin-converting enzyme, amylase, glucose, potassium, phosphate, urea and triglycerides concentrations increased slightly whereas serum bilirubin, haptoglobin, and immunoglobulin A and M decreased slightly. Serum α1-antitrypsin fluctuated around the baseline concentration. Other test results remained at their pretreatment concentrations. With the exception of increases in serum gonadotrophins, the changes observed were slight and the mean concentrations remained within reference limits. Therefore, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil adjuvant treatment is unlikely to complicate the diagnosis of other diseases.
Comparison of Laboratory Parameters as Risk Factors for the Presence and the Extent of Coronary or Carotid Atherosclerosis: the Significance of Apolipoprotein B to Apolipoprotein AII Ratio
Authors: Cerne Darko , Ledinski Gerhard , Kager Gerd , Greilberger Joachim , Wang Xiasong , Jürgens Günther 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
We compared several “new” risk factors (autoantibodies to oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (LDL), sialic acid content of LDL, bilirubin and C-reactive protein) with “conventional” risk factors (apolipoprotein (apo) AI, AII and B, lipoprotein(a), triglycerides, and total, LDL and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol) for the presence and the extent of coronary or carotid atherosclerosis. Forty male patients with angiographically proven coronary atherosclerosis and 31 male patients with ultrasound-proven extracranial carotid atherosclerosis were compared to 40 age matched (53 ± 5 years) healthy males as control subjects, with negative parental history of atherosclerosis, no clinical signs of systemic or organ-related ischemic disease and normal extracranial carotid arteries. The apo B/apo AII ratio most powerfully indicated the presence and the extent of coronary or carotid atherosclerosis. Elevated lipoprotein(a) contributed significant additional information in the assessment of the atherosclerotic risk. Increase in Creactive protein indicated the presence (but not the extent) of coronary or carotid atherosclerosis with a similar power as lipoprotein(a). Decreased values of total bilirubin indicated the presence of atherosclerosis only in smokers. Autoantibodies to oxidatively modified LDL additionally described the atherosclerotic process, but were less important than apolipoproteins, lipoprotein(a), C-reactive protein or bilirubin. Sialic acid content of LDL added no information to the parameters discussed above. We demonstrated that in male patients apolipoproteins, especially the apo B/apo AII ratio, were better indicators of the presence and the extent of coronary or carotid atherosclerosis than C-reactive protein, bilirubin, autoantibodies to oxidatively modified LDL or sialic acid content of LDL.
Concordance of Eight Kits for Antithyroid Peroxidase Autoantibodies Determination
Authors: d'Herbomez Michèle , Sapin Rémy , Gasser Françoise , Schlienger Jean Louis , Wémeau Jean Louis 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Numerous methods are proposed to quantify antithyroid peroxidase autoantibodies. No standardization exists but most assays use the standard MRC 66/387 with a calibration factor. Costs of the tests vary between the different kits. We evaluated the concordance of eight peroxidase autoantibodies assay kits in two centres, using a panel of sera from 269 subjects: controls (n=100), patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (n=77; Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis), patients with non-autoimmune thyroid disease (n=69; nodular goiter, differentiated thyroid carcinoma) and individual sera with thyroglobulin antibodies only (n=23). The concordance between the eight methods was high, ranging from 88.3% to 98.8% with the total panel of sera. The majority of assays demonstrated high diagnostic performance. We encountered some false-positive results at borderline positive levels, and the nonrecognition of some sera by competitive assays.
Evaluation of a Point-of-Care System for Quantitative Determination of Troponin T and Myoglobin
Authors: Müller-Bardorff Margit , Sylvén Christer , Rasmanis Gundars , Jørgensen Bo , Collinson Paul O. , Waldenhofer Ulla , Hirschl Michael M. , Laggner Anton N. , Gerhardt Willie , Hafner Gerd , Labaere Irene , Leinberger Robert , Zerback Rainer , Katus Hugo A. 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
We present the results of a multicenter evaluation of a new point-of-care system (Cardiac Reader) for the quantitative determination of cardiac troponin T (CARDIAC T Quantitative test) and myoglobin (CARDIAC M test) in whole blood samples.
The Cardiac Reader is a CCD camera that optically reads the immunochemical test strips. The measuring range is 0.1 to 3 μg/l for CARDIAC T Quantitative and 30 to 700 μg/l for CARDIAC M. Both tests are calibrated by the manufacturer. The reaction times of the tests are 12 or 8 minutes, respectively.
Method comparisons were performed with 281 heparinized blood samples from patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes. The results obtained with CARDIAC T Quantitative showed a good agreement compared with cardiac troponin T ELISA (r = 0.89; y = 0.93x + 0.02). The method comparison between CARDIAC M and Tina-quant Myoglobin also showed a good agreement between both assays (r = 0.98; y = 0.92x + 1.6). Test lot-to-lot comparisons yielded differences of 2% and 6% for CARDIACT Quantitative and of 0 to 11% for CARDIACM.
The within-run imprecision with blood samples and control materials was acceptable for CARDIAC T Quantitative (CV 10 to 15%) and good for CARDIAC M (CV 5 to 10%). The between-instrument CV was below 7% for CARDIACT Quantitative and below 5% for CARDIACM. The cross-reactivity of CARDIAC T Quantitative with skeletal troponin T was approximately 0.003%. No significant analytical interference was detected for any of the assays in investigations with biotin (up to 100 μg/l), hemoglobin (up to 0.125 mmol/l), hematocrit (26 to 52%), bilirubin (up to 340 μmol/l), triglycerides (up to 5.0 mmol/l), and 18 standard drugs.
With the Cardiac Reader reliable quantitative results can be easily obtained for both cardiac markers. The system is, therefore, particularly suitable for use in emergency rooms, coronary care units and small hospitals.
The Science of Systematic Reviewing Studies of Diagnostic Tests
Authors: Oosterhuis Wytze P. , Niessen René W.L.M , M.Bossuyt Patrick M. 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background: Systematic reviews have gradually replaced single studies as the highest level of documented effectiveness of health care interventions. Systematic reviewing is a new scientific method, concerned with the development and application of methods for identifying relevant literature, analysing the material while increasing validity and precision, and presenting and discussing the results in a way that does justice to the research question and to the available evidence. The objective of this study was to review the systematic reviews in laboratory medicine, to evaluate the methods applied in these reviews and the applicability of guidelines of the Cochrane Methods Working Group on Screening and Diagnostic Tests, and identify areas for future research.
Methods: All the systematic reviews in the field of clinical chemistry and laboratory haematology that could be identified in Medline, EMBASE and other literature databases up to December 1998, were evaluated.
Results: We studied 23 reviews of diagnostic trials. Although all reviews share the same basic methodology, there was a wide variation in the methods applied. There was no consensus on the quality criteria for inclusion of primary studies. The results of the primary studies were heterogeneous in most cases. This was partly due to design flaws in the primary studies, but was also inherent in the diverse study designs in diagnostic trials. We observed differences in the analysis of the factors that cause heterogeneity of the results, and in the summary statistics used to pool the data from the primary studies. The additional diagnostic value of a test, after other test results are taken into consideration, was only addressed in one study.
Conclusion: This overview of 23 reviews of diagnostic trials identifies areas in the methods of systematic reviewing where consensus is lacking, such as quality rating of primary studies, analysis of heterogeneity between primary studies and pooling of data. Guidelines need to be improved on these points.
Preeclampsia Is Associated with Alterations in Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)-1 and IGF-Binding Proteins in Wharton's Jelly of the Umbilical Cord
Authors: Bankowski Edward , Palka Jerzy , Jaworski Stefan 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Wharton's jelly is abundant in extracellular matrix, which is known as a storage site to concentrate and stabilise growth factors in the vicinity of cells. It was previously found that Wharton's jelly contains significant amounts of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and IGF-binding proteins (BPs). IGF-1 is a stimulator of biosynthetics of collagen and sulphated glycosaminoglycans. Preeclampsia (edema, proteinuria, hypertension (EPH)-gestosis) is accompanied by an accumulation of sulphated glycosaminoglycans in Whart on's jelly. IGF-1 and BPs may play an important role in such a remodelling of this tissue. It was decided to evaluate the alterations in amounts of IGF-1 and BPs in Wharton's jelly of newborns delivered by mothers with preeclampsia. Studies were performed on Wharton's jelly of 10 controls and 10 newborns delivered by mothers with preeclampsia (edema, proteinuria > 500 mg/l, arterial pressure: systolic > 140 mm Hg, diastolic >90 mmHg). Radioimmunological techniques were employed to determine IGF-1 and IGF-BPs (BP-1 and BP-3). It was found that preeclampsia is associated with a decrease in IGF-1-and IGF-BP-1 in Wharton's jelly. A slight increase in IGF-BP-3 was found. Ligand blotting demonstrated that BP-3 (not BP-1) is a main component of Wharton's jelly, which binds IGF-1. Heparin drastically inhibited the binding of IGF-1 by BP-3. It is known from our previous studies that preeclampsia is associated with an increase in the amount of sulphated glycosaminoglycans (heparin, heparan sulphate, dermatan sulphate) in Wharton's jelly. This may be a factor, which prevents the binding of IGF-1 by BPs and facilitates the binding of IGF-1 to cells, stimulating them to produce sulphated glycosaminoglycans in Wharton's jelly.
Evaluation of Emit® Tox Benzodiazepine and Barbiturate Assays on the Vitalab Viva Analyser and FPIA on the Abbott ADx Analyser
Authors: Charlier Corinne J. , Plomteux Guy J. 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
We evaluated the performance of the Emit® tox benzodiazepine and barbiturate assays (Dade Behring) and fluorescence polarisation immunoassay (FPIA) (Abbott) for use with serum determinations in preliminary therapeutic drug monitoring or acute drug intoxication detection.
Performance, as indicated by CVs, of the Emit® tox benzodiazepine and barbiturate assays and FPIA showed that both immunochemical techniques are precise and have good reproducibility.
For within-run studies, results from benzodiazepine determinations showed maximum CV values of 1.91% for the Emit® method and 2.65% for FPIA; results from barbiturate determinations showed maximum CV values of 2.01% for the Emit® method and 1.89% for FPIA.
For between-run studies, results from benzodiazepine determinations showed maximum CV values of 1.79% for the Emit® method and 1.12% for FPIA; results from barbiturate determinations showed maximum CV values of 2.09% for the Emit® method and 2.02% for FPIA.
Serum Eosinophil Cationic Protein in Active and Quiescent Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Pronk-Admiraal Claudia J. , Linskens Ronald K. , Bodegraven Ad A. Van , Tuynman Hans A.R.E. , Bartels Piet C.M. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractInflammatory bowel disorders are characterized by an accumulation of eosinophilic granulocytes, mast cells, lymphocytes and neutrophilic granulocytes in the intestinal mucosa. The aim of this study was to examine the concentration of eosinophilic granulocytes in the blood of patients during active ulcerative colitis in comparison with patients during remission and apparently healthy control subjects. Besides counting, the activity grade of eosinophilic granulocytes has been studied by estimation of their degranulation product eosinophil cationic protein.Subjects with active ulcerative colitis could be distinguished from patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis by establishment of the eosinophil cationic protein concentration, neutrophilic granulocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and albumin concentration.After two weeks of corticosteroid treatment, serum eosinophil cationic protein concentrations and eosinophil counts in blood were significantly decreased. A decrease in blood eosinophil count was accompanied by a decrease in eosinophil cationic protein concentrations in serum in most subjects with ulcerative colitis. After twelve weeks of corticosteroid administration, serum albumin concentrations were significantly increased, whereas serum concentrations of C-reactive protein were significantly decreased.During treatment with corticosteroids, serum eosinophil cationic protein concentrations and blood eosinophil counts are appropriate laboratory markers to detect the effect of medication in the course of ulcerative colitis.
Separation of Erythrocytes into Age-Related Fractions by Density or Size? Counterflow Centrifugation
Authors: Lasch Jürgen , Küllertz Gerhard , Opalka Jens Rüdiger 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
During the process of aging red blood cells become denser and smaller. Counterflow centrifugation separates particles of lower density and smaller diameter from those of higher density and bigger diameter. Thus, the question arises: which property of the red cells, density or size, governs the age-related separation by counterflow centrifugation? It is shown that it is the size which dominates the balance between sedimentation and streaming.
Age-related separation of human red blood cells by counterflow centrifugation (elutriation) was analysed by the standard hematological parameters (hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), hemoglobin A1c and the membrane protein ratio 4.1a/(4.1a+4.1b). Red blood cells with a high hemoglobin A1c content and a high 4.1a/(4.1a+4.1b) ratio were found in the early fractions of the elutriation. This proves that old cells make up early fractions, while the “youngsters” constitute later ones.
The elutriation technique used (yielding human red blood cells in a “healthy state”) and the age parameters studied show that the membrane protein ratio 4.1a/(4.1a+4.1b) is another reliable age parameter for the assessment of red blood cell age.
Laboratory Support of the Clinical Nutrition Service
Authors: Gidden Fiona , Shenkin Alan 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThis article critically reviews the role of the laboratory services in assessment, monitoring and management of complications in patients requiring nutritional support. It has broadly been divided into three sections.(i)Assessment of protein and energy status: whilst it is stressed that clinical judgement and anthropometric measurements are the most effective methods of evaluation of nutritional requirements, laboratory tests which can be of use in assessment of protein energy status are discussed in detail, including an appraisal of the value of each test in various clinical situations.(ii)Assessment of micronutrient and electrolyte status: the clinical justification for assessment of the various micronutrients and electrolytes is considered. A few selected examples are discussed in detail including an evaluation of the tests of status available and examples of situations where measurement may be clinically helpful.(iii)Effective use of the laboratory: this section attempts to guide the clinician in the most appropriate use of laboratory tests, firstly in the assessment of requirement for aspects of nutritional support, secondly in the continued monitoring and evaluation of the support provided, and thirdly in prevention and treatment of metabolic complications.It is emphasised that clinical nutrition is a multidisciplinary topic requiring input from the laboratory in conjunction with other specialities to provide the best available patient care.
A new Method for Fast Haptoglobin Phenotyping and Hemoglobin Binding Capacity Calculation Based on Capillary Zone Electrophoresis
Authors: Wuyts Birgitte , Delanghe Joris R. , Kasvosve Ishmael , Langlois Michel R. , Buyzere Marc L. De , Janssens Jacques 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
A capillary zone electrophoresis method was developed for haptoglobin (Hp) phenotyping in hemoglobin (Hb) supplemented serum. The method allows a complete resolution of the major haptoglobin phenotypes Hp 1-1, Hp 2-1, and Hp 2-2 based on the difference in charge-to-mass ratio of their Hb-Hp complexes. Identification of these phenotypes was achieved by their significant differences in migration times and their marked difference in electrophoretic pattern. Our method showed full agreement with starch gel electrophoresis. Furthermore, following neuraminidase treatment of the serum, the Hp subtypes Hp1-1FF, FS and SS could be resolved, based on the same criteria as the phenotyping. The new electrophoretic method allowed typing of the rare phenotypes Hp 2-1 modified (Hp 2-1M) and Hp Johnson. The calculated hemoglobin binding capacity of serum correlates well with the nephelometrically determined haptoglobin concentration. The new method for typing haptoglobin gives prospectives for fast haptoglobin typing and Hp 1-1 subtyping.
Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism and Serum Concentration in Alzheimer's Disease in Nine European Centres: the ApoEurope Study
Authors: Siest Gerard , Bertrand Philippe , Qin Bin , Herbeth Bernard , Serot Jean-Marie , Masana Luis , Ribalta Josep , Passmore A. Peter , Evans Alun , Ferrari Maurizio , Franceschi Massimo , Shepherd James , Cuchel Marina , Beisiegel Ulrike , Zuchowsky Katrin , Rukavina Ana Stavljenic , Sertic Jadranka , Stojanov Marina , Kostic Vladimir , Mitrevski Angel , Petrova Vera , Sass Catherine , Merched Aksam , Salonen Jukka T. , Tiret Laurence , Visvikis Sophie , group the ApoEurope 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
As part of the ApoEurope Project, apolipoprotein E (apo E) common polymorphism and serum concentration were determined in 489 Alzheimer's disease patients and 429 controls. Patients and controls were recruited through nine centres in eight European countries. Age, sex ratios and education levels of both case and control populations were similar, although discrete differences appeared between centres. The prevalence of the ε4 allele was higher in Alzheimer's disease than in controls (increased by 140%), while serum apo E concentration was lower by 11.2% (p<0.001). In addition, serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were lower in Alzheimer's disease (p<0.001), while that of apo AI was not affected. The decrease in serum apo E concentration was not accounted for by the ε4 allele, age or gender, suggesting that apo E concentration might represent an additional risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, complementary and independent of the ε4 allele. Further analysis will be aimed at determining whether the quantitative link between apo E concentration and Alzheimer's disease occurs through the effect of apo E genotype on lipid parameters or by other mechanisms.
Association of the Apolipoprotein B Gene Polymorphisms with Cholesterol Levels and Response to Fluvastatin in Brazilian Individuals with High Risk for Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Guzmán Elizabeth C.R. , Hirata Mario H. , Quintão Éder C.R. , Hirata Rosario D.C. 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
The influence of genetic polymorphism of the apolipoprotein B on lipid metabolism and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk has been demonstrated in different populations, but few studies have shown the contribution of this risk factor in individuals from Brazil. The Ins/del, XbaI and EcoRI polymorphisms of apo B were evaluated in 93 controls and in 104 Caucasian individuals presenting with a high risk lipid profile (HR1) for CHD; 54 of these subjects (HR2) were treated with fluvastatin during 16 weeks. DNA polymorphisms of the apo B gene were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism. The X(−)X(−) genotype for XbaI polymorphism was associated with higher serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p<0.01) in women of the HR1 group. The Ins/del and EcoRI polymorphisms were not associated with variation of lipid profile. After treatment with fluvastatin, TC and LDL-C levels of HR2 individuals were reduced by 23% and 30%, respectively. Individuals with II genotype had significantly greater reduction (34%) of LDL-C than those with ID/DD genotypes (27%). These results indicate that the XbaI polymorphism is associated with variation of serum TC and LDL-C levels in Brazilian women with lipid profile of risk for CHD and the Ins/del polymorphism is associated with the therapeutic response to fluvastatin.