bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality assessment in cytogenetic and molecular genetic testing: the experience of the Italian Project on Standardisation and Quality Assurance
Authors: Taruscio Domenica , Falbo Vincenzo , Floridia Giovanna , Salvatore Marco , Pescucci Chiara , Cantafora Alfredo , Marongiu Cesarina , Baroncini Anna , Calzolari Elisa , Cao Antonio , Castaldo Giuseppe , Bricarelli Franca Dagna , Guanti Ginevra , Nitsch Lucio , Pignatti Pier Franco , Rosatelli Cristina , Salvatore Francesco , Zuffardi Orsetta 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe first Italian national trial of external quality assessment in genetic testing was organised within the framework of the “Italian National Project for Standardisation and Quality Assurance of Genetic Tests”. Sixty-eight Public Health Service laboratories volunteered for the trial, which involved molecular genetic tests (cystic fibrosis, β-thalassaemia, familial adenomatous polyposis coli and fragile-X syndrome) and cytogenetic tests (prenatal and postnatal, the latter included cancer cytogenetics). The response rate was high (88.2%). The level of analytical accuracy was good, i.e., the percentage of laboratories that correctly genotyped all samples was 89.3% for cystic fibrosis, 90.9% for β-thalassaemia, 100% for familial adenomatous polyposis coli (despite two laboratories did not complete the analysis because the amount of DNA was considered insufficient), and 90.5% for fragile-X syndrome. Written reports differed widely and were judged “inadequate” in over 50% of cases. Most laboratories from the present study already have experience in previous European external quality assessments for at least one genetic test; this can explain the higher analytical accuracy in the Italian external quality assessment with respect to quality control programmes in other countries. Collaborative networks are strongly suggested to improve the quality of the reports.
Guidelines for blood smear preparation and staining procedure for setting up an external quality assessment scheme for blood smear interpretation. Part I: control material
Authors: Corrons Juan-Lluis Vives , Albarède Stephanie , Flandrin George , Heller Silke , Horvath Katalin , Houwen Berend , Nordin Gunnar , Sarkani Erika , Skitek Milan , Blerk Marjan Van , Libeer Jean-Claude 
Published: August 2004

AbstractBlood smear analysis is a well known technique in medical laboratories. Clinical relevance of this analysis and its interpretation are very important. Consequently, monitoring of laboratory performance by an external quality assessment scheme is strongly recommended. Most starting external quality organizers set up a scheme for clinical chemistry. Due to a lack of guidance documents, many organizers are reluctant to offer a hematology scheme. This article aims to be a very practical guidance document for external quality assessment organizers for the set up of blood smear schemes.
Measurement of serum and plasma osmolality in healthy young humans – influence of time and storage conditions
Authors: Seifarth Christian C. , Miertschischk Johannes , Hahn Eckhardt G. , Hensen Johannes 
Published: August 2004

AbstractBackground: The precise measurement of osmolality is crucial in the differential diagnosis of disorders of water balance. Storage conditions, and freezing and thawing of serum or plasma samples before osmometry may influence the accuracy of measured values. Methods: A series of serum and plasma samples of 25 healthy young individuals were stored under different conditions at different temperatures (room temperature (22°C), 7°C, –21°C, –78°C) for up to 56 days. Before freezing a protein-stabilizing agent (bacitracin) was added to one part of the samples. Osmolality was examined using the freezing point method. Results: At room temperature osmolality was stable for up to 3 days but showed a tendency toward an increase that was significant on day 14. In contrast, at 7°C an initial significant decrease in serum osmolality occurred (day 1), which was followed by a slow increase. Serum samples stored at –21°C showed a significantly lower osmolality on the 14th day compared to baseline. Adding bacitracin before freezing reduced this decrease by more than half, but the deviation was still significant. In samples stored at –78°C no significant alteration of osmolality from baseline was observed over the observation period of 56 days if samples were thawed in a 37°C water bath. Conclusion: Immediate measurement of osmolality is most reliable in order to obtain accurate values, although storing at room temperature does not influence osmolality significantly during the first 3 days. If storage is necessary for longer, samples should be stored at –78°C and must be thawed quickly (at 37°C). Under these conditions reliable values can be obtained from frozen serum or plasma. Storage at 7°C is not recommended. If samples are stored at –21°C the addition of a protein-stabilizing agent may be useful.
High in-hospital mortality of intensive care patients with nucleated red blood cells in blood
Authors: Stachon Axel , Holland-Letz Tim , Krieg Michael 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe detection of nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) in blood of patients suffering from a variety of severe diseases is known to be highly associated with increased mortality. Blood analyzers to routinely measure NRBC concentrations are now available. However, the diagnostic and prognostic significance of this parameter for intensive care patients has not been evaluated. Using a Sysmex XE-2100 analyzer, NRBC concentrations were determined in blood samples from 421 patients treated in intensive care units (general and accident surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and internal medicine) of a university hospital. NRBCs were found at least once in 19.2% of all patients. The mortality of NRBC-positive patients (n = 81) was 42.0% (n = 34); this was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the mortality of NRBC-negative patients (5.9%, n = 340). The NRBC concentration was 115 ± 4 × 10
Frequency of –163 C > A and 63 C > G single nucleotide polymorphism of cytochrome P450 1A2 in two African populations
Authors: Dandara Collet , Basvi Patience T. , Bapiro Tashinga E. , Sayi Jane , Hasler Julia A. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractCytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) is an important member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes because of its involvement in the metabolism of some carcinogens and therapeutically important drugs. As a result, factors affecting the activity of the enzyme are the focus of considerable research effort as they may have important pharmacological or toxicological implications. CYP1A2 has been shown to exhibit a genetic polymorphism with most of the data, however, coming from studies in Caucasian and Oriental populations. In this study therefore, we investigated the frequencies of two point mutations, –163C > A and 63C > G, in two Bantu African populations. A total of 214 healthy subjects were recruited from Zimbabwe (n = 143) and Tanzania (n = 71). The two single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The frequency of –163A was 57% (95% confidence interval (CI), 54%, 60%) and 49% (95% CI, 45%, 53%) among Zimbabweans and Tanzanians, respectively, but the difference between the two populations was not statistically significant (p = 0.123). The base change 63C > G was not found in any of the subjects from the two populations. We report here a high frequency of –163C > A base change and an absence of the 63C > G change in the two African populations.
Long-term stability of endogenous B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and amino terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) in frozen plasma samples
Authors: Mueller Thomas , Gegenhuber Alfons , Dieplinger Benjamin , Poelz Werner , Haltmayer Meinhard 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to assess the long-term stability of endogenous B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and amino terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) in plasma samples stored at –20°C without addition of protease inhibitors (e.g., aprotinin). Stability of BNP and NT-proBNP was tested in 60 EDTA plasma samples with BNP values between 30 and 420 pg/ml. Initial BNP and NT-proBNP plasma concentrations were determined within four hours after blood collection using the AxSYM BNP and the Elecsys NT-proBNP assays. Subsequently, all samples were stored at –20°C and were thawed for the second BNP and NT-proBNP determination on the two instruments after one day, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days and 120 days, respectively. Mean recovery (i.e., residual immunoreactivity) of BNP and NT-proBNP expressed in percent of the initial value for the given time interval of storage was calculated. Mean recovery of BNP was less than 70% after one day of storage at –20°C and decreased to less than 50% after two to four months of storage (e.g., recovery of endogenous BNP after three months of storage at –20°C ranging from 0% to 71%). In contrast, mean recovery of NT-proBNP was generally greater than 90%, irrespective of the duration of storage at –20°C (e.g., recovery of endogenous NT-proBNP after three months of storage at –20°C ranging from 91% to 112%). In conclusion, the determination of endogenous BNP with the AxSYM assay using frozen plasma samples may not be valid under the conditions tested. In contrast, NT-proBNP as measured by the Elecsys assay may be stored at –20°C for at least four months without a relevant loss of the immunoreactive analyte.
Antioxidant capacity of the human pericardial fluid: does gender have a role?
Authors: Seres Leila , Soós Pál , Székely Mária , Horkay Ferenc , Selmeci László 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to assess the antioxidant capacity in the serum and pericardial fluid of patients undergoing heart surgery for coronary heart disease (CHD) or valvular heart disease (VHD) and to find out whether there are gender-related differences in the antioxidant defense. This study involved 85 patients (35 VHD and 50 CHD) undergoing elective heart surgery. Blood samples from the peripheral vein and from the pericardial fluid were taken intraoperatively. Variables determined in the serum and pericardial fluid were: total protein, albumin, uric acid and antioxidant capacity. In the total patient population the antioxidant capacity in the pericardial fluid was lower than in the serum but still relatively high as determined by two independent techniques. No major differences were seen in serum or pericardial fluid antioxidant capacity between the two patient groups. In the overall patient population uric acid (p < 0.05), albumin (p < 0.01) and total protein concentrations (p < 0.01) were, however, significantly greater in the pericardial fluid of male than of female patients. The pericardial fluid may contribute to the local antioxidant defense of the myocardium. It appears that male gender confers advantage in this respect. It remains to be elucidated whether this finding has any implication for the higher risk for women of perioperative complications and of cardiovascular mortality after coronary bypass grafting or coronary angioplasty.
Comparison of serum digoxin concentration monitoring by fluorescence polarization immunoassay on the TDxFLx® and dry chemistry enzyme immunoassay on the Vitros 950
Authors: Solnica Bogdan 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe aim of the study was to compare the results of digoxin assays performed using fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) on the TDxFLx
Multicenter analytical performance evaluation of the Elecsys® proBNP assay
Authors: Sokoll Lori J. , Baum Hannsjörg , Collinson Paul O. , Gurr Eberhard , Haass Markus , Luthe Hilmar , Morton James J. , Nowatzke William , Zingler Christiana 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe purpose of this multicenter study was to evaluate the technical performance of the automated Elecsys proBNP (brain natriuretic peptide) assay, which is indicated as an aid in the diagnosis of individuals suspected of having congestive heart failure. The Elecsys proBNP assay is an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay employing two polyclonal NT-proBNP-specific antibodies in a sandwich test format. The study was performed on the three Elecsys analyzers (E 1010, E 2010, and E 170) at eight different sites world-wide. Within- and total precision were ≤3%, with total precision slightly higher on the Elecsys E 170 instrument with multiple modules. Reproducibility among sites and platforms was <5%. Precision at particularly low NT-proBNP concentrations was assessed down to approximately 25 pg/ml with CVs of 12.6% at 29.2 pg/ml and 9.6% at 38.5 pg/ml for the Elecsys 1010/2010 and E 170, respectively. Linearity was evaluated up to 25,000 pg/ml with a sample-based non-linear response observed with recoveries of <90% for proBNP concentrations <10 000 pg/ml. Slopes ranged between 0.92 and 1.02 and intercepts from –5.3 to 10.4 pg/ml (r≥0.998) among the three types of analyzers. Slopes were 4.95 and 4.53 in comparison to the Biosite Triage and Shionogi BNP assays. There was no assay interference, and no effect of barrier gels, tube composition, or freeze-thaw. NT-proBNP concentrations in EDTA plasma were up to 10% lower than in serum or heparinized plasma and the analyte was stable at 4°C for up to 72 hours (the maximum time tested). There was no circadian rhythm in normal subjects or congestive heart failure patients and there was no effect of drawing position. In summary, the Elecsys proBNP assay exhibits good technical performance and is suitable for use in routine clinical laboratories to aid in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure.
The effects of initial spacing on wood density, fibre and pulp properties in jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.)
Authors: Kang Kyu-Young , Zhang Shu Y. , Mansfield Shawn D. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Relationships between basic tree and wood properties, and species, seed source, geographic location, site conditions and management decisions are very complex. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of forest management practices on wood density, fibre and pulp properties in jack pine, one of the most important commercial species in Northern America. A better understanding of the relationship between initial spacing and wood and end-product quality should help define improved forest management strategies required to produce quality wood and products in the future. On the basis of the oldest jack pine initial spacing trial established in 1941 by the USDA Forest Service, this study examined the impact of four different initial spacing trials on tree growth, wood density, fibre and pulp properties of jack pine.
The results clearly show that initial stand spacing has a significant effect on all of these properties, and thus it is possible to improve yield and wood and pulp fibre properties of jack pine through stand density regulation. Additionally, a positive effect of pre-commercial thinning on fibre properties was also demonstrated. As a consequence of these results, basic prescription information for decision-making in the establishment of jack pine plantations with desirable pulp properties can be elucidated.
An improved procedure for isolation of residual lignins from hardwood kraft pulps
Authors: Capanema Ewellyn Augsten , Balakshin Mikhail Yurievich , Chen Chen-Loung 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Residual lignin preparations were isolated from birch, aspen and Eucalyptus grandis kraft pulp by enzymatic hydrolysis of the pulps with cellulase:hemicellulase mixture. Residual lignin preparations were characterized by investigation of nitrogen content, carbohydrate composition and molecular mass distribution. The use of enzyme with high activity and optimization of enzyme charge resulted in significant decrease in protein contaminants in residual lignin preparations as compared to previously published results. A second order law correlation between enzyme mass charge and nitrogen content in birch residual lignin preparations indicates a strong effect of enzyme charge on the amount of protein contaminants. However, the enzyme charge in the range studied does not appreciably affect either the yields of the residual lignin preparations or percentage and composition of carbohydrates in these preparations. The optimal enzyme charge was highest for Eucalyptus grandis pulp and lowest for birch pulp. It has been suggested that a significant part of the hardwood residual lignin in pulps, especially in E. grandis pulp, consists of low molecular mass lignin fragments bonded to pulp carbohydrates. Higher amount of glucose in E. grandis residual lignin preparation compared to those from birch and aspen implied a higher frequency of lignin-cellulose bonds in eucalypt pulp. Different fractions of birch residual lignin have rather similar molecular mass distribution, which was not affected by the charge of the enzyme. Eucalypt residual lignin preparation had higher molecular mass than birch residual lignin.
Application of confocal Raman spectroscopy for the topochemical distribution of lignin and cellulose in plant cell walls of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) compared to UV microspectrophotometry
Authors: Röder Thomas , Koch Gerald , Sixta Herbert 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
In a comparative study, the topochemical distribution of lignin in individual cell wall layers of beech wood tissue was determined by confocal Raman spectroscopy and scanning UV microspectrophotometry. The Raman technique was additionally applied to the determination of cellulose content in individual wall layers. In good agreement, the two methods showed maxima of lignin distribution in middle lamellae and cell corners, along with a minimum of cellulose content.
UV-microscopic analysis of acetylated spruce and birch cell walls
Authors: Hansmann Christian , Schwanninger Manfred , Stefke Barbara , Hinterstoisser Barbara , Gindl Wolfgang 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Spruce and birch earlywood was acetylated to different weight percent gains using three different acetylation procedures. The absorbance spectra of secondary cell wall and compound cell corner middle lamella were determined by means of UV microscopy. Analysis of the spectra showed that the characteristic lignin absorbance peak in the UV spectrum of wood around 280 nm shifted to shorter wavelengths in acetylated samples. A distinct relationship between achieved weight percent gains after acetylation and observed spectral shifts could be established revealing a certain potential to measure acetylation on a cellular level by means of UV microscopy.
On-line study of lignin behaviour in dilute alkaline solution by the SEC-UV method
Authors: Bikova Tatjana , Treimanis Arnis , Rossinska Galina , Telysheva Galina 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
The dynamic method for monitoring ionisation of the lignin functional groups in a 0.1 N NaOH solution at ambient temperature by means of the SEC technique with multiwave UV detection was performed. An increase in absorbance at 210, 278, 304, 320 and 350 nm was examined to reveal the ionisation dynamics in respect to functional groups’ acidity; that is, carboxyl groups, carbonyl- and double-bond conjugated phenol hydroxyls. A distinctive response of absorbance at 210 and 278 nm on the ionisation of carbonyl- and double-bond-conjugated phenols was found. Simultaneous characterisation of lignin by molecular weight (MW) and chemical heterogeneity was performed. A non-uniform distribution of reactive sites over the MW distribution for commercial kraft lignin (Curan) was found employing the family of chemical composition distribution curves. The redistribution of extended chromophore structures over time along the lignin’s MW distribution causes a misrepresentation of the UV chromatogram pattern and influences the accuracy of MW values.
Nondestructive characterization of wood by monitoring of local elastic anisotropy and dynamic nonlinearity
Authors: Solodov Igor , Pfleiderer Klaus , Busse Gerhard 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
The results of non-contact measurements of local in-plane elastic anisotropy in wood by monitoring the flexural plate wave velocity as a function of azimuth angle of propagation are reported. The Focused Slanted Transmission of air-coupled ultrasound is used to generate and detect locally the flexural waves in wood as well as to measure their velocities. The analysis presented shows that for thin plates the flexural wave velocity can be readily used to evaluate the anisotropy of Young’s modulus. This conclusion is confirmed by measurements of the plate wave anisotropy factors for veneer laminae and cross-ply laminates of spruce and beech. The technique is sensitive enough to detect the anisotropy variation of earlywood caused by the incorporation of latewood areas in growth rings. A new approach based on dynamic nonlinearity of wood is developed and applied to acoustic imaging of wood structure and detecting of defects in wood. The hysteresis mechanism of the dynamic nonlinearity is shown to dominate in clear wood and to manifest in a primary generation of odd acoustic harmonics. Local maxima of the odd higher harmonic amplitudes in the LR- and LT-planes of softwood are observed in the earlywood area close to latewood/earlywood transition interface that indicates the lower stiffness and strength of wood in those areas. The higher-order even harmonics and subharmonics in the nonlinear vibration spectra of wood are mostly produced by “clapping” in defect areas. Measurements of local amplitudes of these modes are applied to nonlinear acoustic imaging of cracks, delaminations and knots in wood and wood composites.
Chemical reaction of maritime pine sapwood (Pinus pinaster Soland) with alkoxysilane molecules: A study of chemical pathways
Authors: Sèbe Gilles , Tingaut Philippe , Safou-Tchiama Rodrigue , Pétraud Michel , Grelier Stéphane , De Jéso Bernard 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
The chemical modification of maritime pine sapwood (Pinus pinaster) with alkoxysilanes was studied according to three different pathways: carbamoylation with 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane, etherification with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and alcoholysis of n-propyltrimethoxysilane. Grafting was confirmed by weight percent gain calculations (WPG), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as well as 13C and 29Si NMR CP MAS analysis. Signals of the grafted groups in the different spectra were assigned and the reactivity of the trialkoxysilane moieties towards wood was discussed. Experiments with model wood blocks showed that the reactions investigated occurred within the wood cell walls. Grafted chemicals were found to be relatively stable with regard to water leaching but only slight dimensional stabilisation was noted after treatment.