bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expressed genome molecular signatures of heart failure
Authors: Liew Choong Chin 
Published: May 2005

AbstractTraditional gene expression studies typically focus on one or a few genes of interest. An important limitation of single-gene studies is that they present a portrait of disease that is essentially static. However, disease is a dynamic process, driven by a combination of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. Recently, genomic technologies have permitted better characterization of the dynamic aspect of disease progression. Genome-wide expression profiles of cardiovascular diseases, heart failure in particular, using microarrays have been published and are providing new insights into this complex disease. Tissue biopsies required for traditional microarray studies, however, are often invasive and not readily available. By contrast, blood samples are relatively non-invasive and are readily available. In a number of recent studies, blood cells appear to be a viable substitute for tissue biopsy. Blood cells have the ability to mirror the body's tissues and organs in health and disease; thus, we hypothesize that blood cells can indicate at the molecular level the presence of disease. Here we review microarray gene expression profiling of blood RNA for a number of different diseases. Sieving through gene expression molecular signatures has identified groups of genes characteristic of each and has identified biomarkers associated with specific diseases.
Understanding hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis: lessons from genetically modified apoe and ldlr mice
Authors: Wouters Kristiaan , Shiri-Sverdlov Ronit , van Gorp Patrick J. , van Bilsen Marc , Hofker Marten H. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractHyperlipidemia is the most important risk factor for atherosclerosis, which is the major cause of cardiovascular disease. The etiology of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis is complex and governed by multiple interacting genes. However, mutations in two genes have been shown to be directly involved, i.e., the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and apolipoprotein E (ApoE). Genetically modified mouse models have been instrumental in elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms in lipid metabolism. In this review, we focus on the use of two of the most widely used mouse models, ApoE- and LDLR-deficient mice. After almost a decade of applications, it is clear that each model has unique strengths and drawbacks when carrying out studies of the role of additional genes and environmental factors such as nutrition and lipid-lowering drugs. Importantly, we elaborate on mice expressing mutant forms of APOE, including the
β-Carotene stimulates chemotaxis of human endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Kieć-Wilk Beata , Polus Anna , Grzybowska Joanna , Mikołajczyk Magdalena , Hartwich Jadwiga , Pryjma Juliusz , Skrzeczyńska Joanna , Dembińska-Kieć Aldona 
Published: May 2005

AbstractAngiogenesis is a crucial process in tissue remodeling during growth, both in the embryo and the adult. In our study we concentrated on the direct effect of β-carotene on human umbilical cord originating from endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). β-Carotene uptake by EPCs was measured using a HPLC method. The determination of cell surface antigens was performed by flow cytometry. The effect on cell proliferation was estimated by measuring bromo-deoxyuridine incorporation. The influence on the formation of a tubular-like structure was investigated in a 3D assay in matrigel. Quantitative gene expression was estimated using real-time PCR. We demonstrated that β-carotene in the physiological range of concentrations found in human blood is a potent activator of EPC chemotaxis, which is accompanied by a change in the expression of genes mediating cell adhesion and homing, but does not activate the final markers of endothelial differentiation. This study points to the prochemotactic and homing activity of β-carotene in undifferentiated endothelial cell progenitors for the first time, which may suggest a potential role of this carotenoid in progenitor cell therapy aimed at angiogenesis and tissue repair.
Effect of interferon-γ, interleukin-10, lipopolysaccharide and tumor necrosis factor-α on chitotriosidase synthesis in human macrophages
Authors: Di Rosa Michelino , Musumeci Maria , Scuto Anna , Musumeci Salvatore , Malaguarnera Lucia 
Published: May 2005

AbstractHuman chitotriosidase is a chitinolytic enzyme and mainly produced by activated macrophages. Recently, we observed that prolactin, which is structurally related to several cytokines and is involved in regulating monocyte/macrophage functions, upregulates chitotriosidase gene expression in human macrophages, suggesting that chitotriosidase is not only a biochemical marker of macrophage activation in lysosomal diseases and hematological disorders, but also may reflect induction of an immunological response. To confirm this hypothesis we evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR the mRNA chitotriosidase levels in human monocytes/macrophages following treatment with pro-inflammatory stimuli such as interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, lipopolysaccharide, and interleukin-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Stimulation of macrophages with interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α and lipopolysaccharide resulted in increased levels of chitotriosidase mRNA, as well as chitotriosidase activity, whereas interleukin-10 decreased chitotriosidase synthesis. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that the production of chitotriosidase by macrophages could have biological relevance in the immune response.
Two immunochemical assays to measure advanced glycation end-products in serum from dialysis patients
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Frischmann Matthias , Kientsch-Engel Rose , Steinmann Katharina , Stopper Helga , Niwa Toshimitsu , Pischetsrieder Monika 
Published: May 2005

AbstractAdvanced glycation end-products are uremic toxins that accumulate in the serum and tissues of patients with chronic renal failure. Here, we established two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for N
Both core and terminal glycosylation alter epitope expression in thyrotropin and introduce discordances in hormone measurements
Authors: Donadio Sandrine , Morelle Willy , Pascual Aurélie , Romi-Lebrun Régine , Michalski Jean-Claude , Ronin Catherine 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is routinely measured in blood to diagnose thyroid disorders using immunoassays. This study used recombinant TSH (recTSH) as a source of hormonal compound exhibiting a serum-type glycosylation and putatively reflecting physiopathological alterations in TSH polymorphism. Mass spectrometry revealed that in recTSH, both subunits display high-molecular-size glycoforms compared to the pituitary hormone (pitTSH), indicating more complex glycosylation. To determine how changes in TSH glycosylation may affect epitope expression, comparative epitope mapping of rec- and pitTSH was carried out using a panel of ten hormone-specific monoclonal antibodies. Three common epitopes, I, II and III, were identified as common to both preparations and allowed the design of six assays as I/II, II/I, I/III, III/I, II/III, and III/II. Highly sialylated recTSHs were produced by enzymatic remodeling to mimic the hormone circulating in blood and revealed limited expression of epitope I, but enhanced recognition of epitope II. Fractionation on a lentil lectin-Sepharose column allowed selection of non-fucosylated recTSH, thought to be associated with primary hypothyroidism. Recognition of epitope I was not modified by TSH core fucosylation, while epitope III expression was increased in non-fucosylated glycoforms. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that changes in both core and terminal glycosylation alter epitope expression in TSH and thereby induce highly variable antibody recognition, resulting in significant discordances among hormone measurements.
Do we measure bilirubin correctly anno 2005?
Authors: Apperloo Joke J. , van der Graaf Fedde , Scharnhorst Volkher , Vader Huib L. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractWe observed 30% discrepancy between liquid chemistry and dry chemistry analysers for the determination of total bilirubin in human adult serum samples, which were consistent with a 20% overestimation and 10% underestimation relative to a Jendrassik-Grof reference method, respectively. In contrast, standard reference material SRM916, which was recently recommended as being the most suitable material for attaining interlaboratory agreement, shows very good agreement on both types of analysers, as well as close to 100% recovery with respect to the reference method. We show that the liquid vs. dry bilirubin discrepancies seem to originate in the presence of either conjugated or δ-bilirubin. Our observations make it clear that good interlaboratory (or inter-analyser) agreement between bilirubin reference materials does not guarantee the same for bilirubin concentrations in human serum samples.
Differences in mortality on the basis of laboratory parameters in an unselected population at the Emergency Department
Authors: Vroonhof Karen , van Solinge Wouter W. , Rovers Maroeska M. , Huisman Albert 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe objective of this study was to relate multiple laboratory results of initial blood gas analysis in patients visiting the emergency department to mortality. A total of 1806 adult patients visiting the emergency department for any reason, who underwent blood gas analysis, were included in this study. The results of nine laboratory parameters (ionised calcium, potassium, sodium, glucose, lactate, pH, pCO
An Italian program of external quality control for quantitative assays based on real-time PCR with Taq-Man™ probes
Authors: Raggi Claudia Casini , Verderio Paolo , Pazzagli Mario , Marubini Ettore , Simi Lisa , Pinzani Pamela , Paradiso Angelo , Orlando Claudio 
Published: May 2005

AbstractQuantitative real-time PCR techniques are increasingly being used for the measurement of nucleic acids in research applications as well as in the clinical laboratory. It is therefore important that external quality control programs (EQA) are implemented for the evaluation of the analytical aspects common to molecular tests based on quantitative PCR. The aim of this study was the development of an Italian program of external quality control for quantitative assays based on real-time PCR with Taq-Man™ probes to compare the analytical performance of 42 laboratories. Participants were provided with a set of reagents (cDNA for reference curve preparation, primers-probe mix and three unknown samples) and requested to perform a conventional assay using the master mix employed in their laboratories. The quantitative results in unknown samples were analyzed. The results of our study showed clear heterogeneity in performance. Two of the 42 laboratories provided results indicating contamination during the experiment, whereas six did not provide values for at least one of the six standard points. Only 12 laboratories gave results that were both precise and accurate for all the samples tested. Regarding imprecision, 17 laboratories appeared to deviate in at least one result, whereas inaccuracy showed an inverse dose-dependent trend. Finally, 12 laboratories were not able to measure the sample with the lowest concentration. Ten of these laboratories were equipped with the same instruments. The results of this first round of analytical EQA of real-time PCR-based methods seem to indicate high variability among laboratories carrying out the same experimental protocol. These findings could have implications for any assay based on this type of technique. This survey demonstrates the importance of experimental EQAs of methodological proficiency testing. Our approach has proved useful for comparing the analytical aspects shared by all diagnostic laboratories applying quantitative assays for the measurement of nucleic acids based on the use of Taq-Man™ probes and real-time platforms.
A reference material for traceability of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) results
Authors: Férard Georges , Imbert-Bismut Françoise , Messous Djamila , Piton Annie , Ueda Shigeru , Poynard Thierry , Lessinger Jean-Marc 
Published: May 2005

AbstractStandardization of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) determination is highly desirable for inter-laboratory comparison. Serum AST mean values for 20 patients suffering from viral hepatitis showed an inter-laboratory (n=13) variation of 9.4%. Part of this variation was due to two laboratories using procedures without pyridoxal-5′-phosphate. A traceable AST value was assigned to an enzyme calibrator (EC) through the appropriate International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) primary reference procedure. The EC was commutable for seven routine methods. Common calibration using the EC reduced the inter-laboratory coefficient of variation (CV=5.9%
Harmonization of the Bayer ADVIA Centaur and Abbott AxSYM automated B-type natriuretic peptide assay in patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Barak Mira , Weinberger Ronit , Marcusohn Jerom , Froom Paul 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThere are two fully automated high-throughput clinical instruments for brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) assays, the Bayer ADVIA Centaur assay, and the Abbott AxSYM assay. Although both recommend a cut-off value of 100pg/mL, we are unaware of previous studies that have compared the unadjusted results of the two methods, required for proper evaluation of patients undergoing this test on different platforms. From 43 hemodialysis patients, 80 paired samples were collected by venipuncture into plastic evacuated tubes containing EDTA. The Bayer assay yielded lower values than the Abbott assay, with linear regression of 0.53×Abbott assay (95% confidence interval, 0.50–0.56) being forced through 0, demonstrating an r
Multicenter evaluation of the analytical and clinical performance of the Elecsys ® S100 immunoassay in patients with malignant melanoma
Authors: Alber Bettina , Hein Rüdiger , Garbe Claus , Caroli Ulrich , Luppa Peter B. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate the technical and clinical performance of the Elecsys
Guidelines for sampling, measuring and reporting ionized magnesium in undiluted serum, plasma or blood: International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC): IFCC Scientific Division, Committee on Point of Care Testing
Authors: Ben Rayana Mohammed C. , Burnett Robert W. , Covington Arthur K. , D'Orazio Paul , Fogh-Andersen Niels , Jacobs Ellis , Külpmann Wolf R. , Kuwa Katsuhiko , Larsson Lasse , Lewenstam Andrzej , Maas Anton H. J. , Mager Gerhard , Naskalski Jerzy H. J. , Okorodudu Anthony O. , Ritter Christoph , St John Andrew 
Published: May 2005

AbstractAll analyzers with ion-selective electrodes for ionized magnesium (iMg) should yield comparable and unbiased results. The prerequisite to achieve this goal is to reach consensus on sampling, measurement and reporting. The recommended guidelines for sampling, measurement and reporting iMg in plasma (“plasma” refers to circulating plasma and the forms in which it is sampled: the plasma phase of anticoagulated whole blood, plasma separated from blood cells, or serum) or blood, referring to the substance concentration of iMg in the calibrants, will provide results for iMg that are approximately 3% greater than its true concentration, and 4% less than its true molality. Binding of magnesium to proteins and ligands in plasma and blood is pH-dependent. Therefore, pH should be simultaneously measured to allow adjustment of iMg concentration to pH7.4. The substance concentration of iMg may be physiologically and consequently clinically more relevant than the substance concentration of total magnesium.
Smoking during pregnancy and bulimia nervosa in offspring
Authors: Montgomery Scott M , Ehlin Anna , Ekbom Anders 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Because smoking during pregnancy is implicated in influencing appetite and impulse control in offspring, the aim of this study was to establish if it is associated with bulimia nervosa in offspring. Bulimia was identified at age 30 years among 4046 females, born 5–11 April, 1970. After adjustment for potential confounding factors including body mass index (BMI) and maternal psychiatric morbidity, smoking during pregnancy was associated with bulimia in offspring by age 30 years. Compared with non-smoking mothers, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for bulimia in offspring were 0.74 (0.25–2.21) for those who gave up before pregnancy, 3.04 (1.16–7.95) for giving up during pregnancy and 2.64 (1.47–4.74) for smoking throughout pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy was not associated with anorexia nervosa in offspring. Neither BMI nor variation between childhood and adult BMI explain the association. If the association of smoking during pregnancy with bulimia in offspring is causal, then it may operate through compromised central nervous system development and its influence on impulse or appetite control. The increased risk associated with mothers who gave up smoking during pregnancy emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation prior to conception.
Liquid Extraction Using Prefabricated Vertical Wells (PVWs) Under Vacuum in Clay
Authors: Warren KA , Gabr MA 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
A large-scale clay specimen was prepared in the laboratory using select soil to simulate WIDE technology using a geosynthetic wick drain. While a full-scale field test is necessary to quantify system flow and contaminant removal rates using WIDE technology, laboratory work is necessary to investigate flow phenomenon local to each PVW. Two methods were developed to measure the consistency of the water content and unit weight distribution for quality control purposes. Specimen preparation techniques, flow rates, settlement, piezometer, and tracer test concentration data were measured. The radius of influence, maximum extraction depth, and potential effects of long term PVW performance were discussed. The radius of influence ranged from 0.3 to 0.4 m. Due to the band shape of the PVW, the radius of influence and extraction depth were maximized near the center of the 100-mm-wide dimension, and flow efficiency was reduced near the corners of the PVW due to the decrease in PVW surface area near the 4-mm dimension. Subsequent to laboratory testing, portions of the geotextile filter jacket were utilized to determine the decrease, if any, in permeability. While there appeared to be a 14 % reduction in geotextile permeability during the test interval, soil particles also existed within the flow channels of the PVW core, indicating that long-term PVW efficiency may be a concern and needs further consideration.
Absorbed Energy and Compacted Cohesive Soil Performance
Authors: Zhang Z , Tao M , Tumay MT 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
This technical note proposes a new concept of absorbed energy that is related to the soil structural formation for unsaturated cohesive soils. Results from limited preliminary laboratory tests indicate that such energy correlates reasonably well with unconfined compressive strength of soils, and it can be predicted by moisture content and dry unit weight of soils. The relationship between energy and engineering properties of soils can provide a basis to correlate different geotechnical engineering behaviors that have customarily been individually studied. Consequently, a new approach to interpret some traditional processes in geotechnical engineering, such as fill compaction and strength deterioration due to seasonal variation of moisture content, is suggested from the perspective of energy concept.
The Effect of Gypsum Cementation on the Mechanical Behavior of Gravely Sands
Authors: Haeri SM , Hamidi A , Tabatabaee N 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
The behavior of a cemented gravely sand is studied using triaxial tests. Drained and undrained tests were performed on dry and saturated specimens, and stress-strain characteristics of the soil, along with volumetric and pore pressure changes, were identified. The gypsum plaster was used as the cement agent and was mixed with the soil in different percentages. The tests were done in the usual range of confining pressures, from 25 to 500 kPa. Test results show that dilation occurs even at the highest confining stress and the least cement content. The behavior of the cemented soil is found to be more brittle in drained condition than the undrained one. However, the brittleness of soil decreases with increase in confining stress. The ratio of cemented soil shear strength to the uncemented one decreases as the confining stress increases. The failure envelopes are curved and the drained failure envelopes are above the undrained ones. The friction angle of soil increases slightly with cement content, but the cohesion intercept increase is more noticeable. The principal stress ratio at failure decreases with increase in confining stress.
S-Wave Velocity Tomography: Small-Scale Laboratory Application
Authors: Lee J-S , Fernandez AL , Santamarina JC 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Arrays of bender elements are combined with simple, yet robust inversion algorithms to develop a device for S-wave tomography. A fixed frame configuration complemented with a new versatile bender element installation permits reducing measurement errors. System design involves optimal selection of transducer separation, a frame design that prevents wave transmission, and an adequate calibration procedure. Reliable tomographic images are obtained by combining data preprocessing and the regularized least squares solution. Given the small size of the data sets, inversion techniques based on a parametric representation of the medium are implemented as well. The tomographic system is tested at low confinement and within a true triaxial cell. Results show the potential of tomographic imaging in the characterization of geotechnical systems and in the monitoring of subsurface processes. In particular, shear wave velocity tomography permits monitoring changes in the velocity field, which is related to the average effective stress in freshly-remolded uncemented soils. A minimum anomaly size and velocity contrast are required for detection. Diffraction healing hinders the detection of low velocity anomalies.
A Free-Standing Laboratory Pressure System
Authors: Pender MJ 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
This technical note describes a laboratory pressure system that is free standing, portable, and may be battery-powered so that it can be used in field locations if required. It has been found to be a satisfactory replacement for a laboratory pressure system based on constant bleed air pressure regulators. It has the facility for manual control of the set pressure from an onboard power supply system or remote control via d-c signal supplied from a signal generator or the digital to analog output from a data acquisition system.
Efficacy of a Benthic Trawl for Sampling Small-Bodied Fishes in Large River Systems
Authors: Herzog David P. , Barko Valerie A. , Scheibe John S. , Hrabik Robert A. , Ostendorf David E. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
We conducted a study from 1998 to 2001 to determine the efficacy of a benthic trawl designed to increase species detection and reduce the incidence of zero catches of small-bodied fishes. We modified a standard two-seam slingshot balloon trawl by covering the entire trawl with a small-mesh cover. After completing 281 hauls with the modified (Missouri) trawl, we discovered that most fish passed through the body of the standard trawl and were captured in the cover. Logistic regression indicated no noticeable effect of the cover on the catch entering the standard portion of the modified trawl. However, some fishes (e.g., larval sturgeons Scaphirhynchus spp. and pallid sturgeon S. albus) were exclusively captured in the small-mesh cover, while the catch of small-bodied adult fish (e.g., chubs Macrhybopsis spp.) was significantly improved by use of the small-mesh cover design. The Missouri trawl significantly increased the number and species of small-bodied fishes captured over previously used designs and is a useful method for sampling the benthic fish community in moderate- to large-size river systems.