MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine' source. Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:34:55 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378087&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.660 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (11): 1919-1920 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378087 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378086&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.683 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (11): 1915-1918 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378086 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378085&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.701 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (11): 1913-1913 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378085 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378084&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.684 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (11): 1911-1911 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378084 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378083&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.679 This study defined reference limits for plasma SDMA concentrations in 840 relatively healthy individuals of the Offspring Cohort from Framingham Heart Study (mean age 56 years, 61% women). Plasma SDMA concentrations were determined by LC-MS/MS using a stable isotope dilution assay. Results: The median SDMA concentration in the reference sample was 0.37 μmol/L (Q1, Q3:0.32, 0.43 μmol/L) and the reference limits were 0.225 and 0.533 (2.5th and 97.5th percentile). In a multivariable regression model, serum creatinine, age and total homocysteine were positively associated with SDMA (p (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378083 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378082&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.251 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (11): 1899-1906 Abstract Background: Troponin T is an established marker of myocardial ischemia. We speculated that the role of the new high-sensitive troponin T (hs-cTnT) might expand towards non-ischemic myocardial disease, indicate disease severity and allow for prognostication in chronic heart failure. Methods: Hs-cTnT (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) was assessed in 233 individuals with chronic heart failure (n=149) or healthy controls (n=84). Results: Hs-cTnT was significantly elevated in patients with chronic heart failure [0.018 ng/mL, interquartile range (IQR) 0.009–0.036 ng/mL, vs. controls 0.003 ng/mL, 0.003–0.003 ng/mL, p (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378082 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378081&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.666 Conclusions: The authors were able to detect HCMV positive sera and to distinguish between HHV6A-monovalent sera, HHV6B-monovalent sera and HHVA/B-polyvalent sera with the new developed microblot system. Predominance of HHV6B was observed in sera of children and adults. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378081 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378080&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.677 Conclusions: Salivette and Salivette cortisol collection systems significantly altered the determined concentrations of several markers of oxidative stress in comparison to measurements in whole unstimulated saliva samples. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378080 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378080 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378079&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.754 Conclusions: The Active B12 (holoTC) EIA kit proved suitable for use with the CobaSorb test, but not for analysis of diluted serum samples. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378079 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378078&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.682 This study examined cobalamin absorption and markers of cobalamin status during normal pregnancy. Methods: Twenty-seven pregnant Danish women were examined at gestation weeks 13, 24 and 36. The absorption test CobaSorb was performed in all women implying measurement of holotranscobalamin or cyanocobalamin bound to transcobalamin before and after 2 days intake of 3×9 μg cobalamin. Serum cobalamin and the two cobalamin binding proteins transcobalamin and haptocorrin, including haptocorrin saturated with cobalamin or analogues, were measured, and so was plasma methylmalonic acid and homocysteine. Results: No change in the uptake of cobalamin was observed throughout pregnancy. Serum cobalamin displayed a gradual decline during pregnancy (p (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicin... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378078 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378077&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.656 Conclusions: suPAR levels are elevated in preeclampsia and vary in a narrower range compared with IL-6 and hs-CRP. ROC analysis indicated that monitoring of suPAR levels is a suitable tool for the detection of systemic inflammation in pregnancy. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378077 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378076&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.665 Conclusions: Patients with a previous ileal conduit surgery have markedly elevated urinary eosinophils, far in excess of typical patients with pyuria or those with clinically-ordered eosinophiluria testing. Therefore, urinary eosinophils are not a useful screen for AIN in patients after ileal conduit surgery. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378076 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378076 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378075&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.680 Conclusions: The analysis of CPD in combination with CytoDiff analysis shows promise for the rapid and accurate identification of lymphocyte pathologies in routine practice. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378075 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378075 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378074&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.676 This study investigated the potential of MAF as a tumour marker and the influence of Gcphenotypes on serum MAF-concentrations. Methods: Gc-phenotype of 98 healthy individuals and 60 cancer patients was determined. MAF-levels of healthy individuals and cancer patients were analysed according to their Gc-phenotype using a Helix pomatia agglutinin-based ELISA. ROC curves analysed the efficiency of MAF as a tumour marker. Results: MAF-levels between controls and patients were significantly different (p (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378074 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378074 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378073&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.678 Conclusions: Increasing MPA/cyclosporine ratio at more severe stages of chronic kidney disease was tolerable for the patients and rejection could be avoided. Tubular damage detected by urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase did not correlate with the MPA level. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378073 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378072&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.663 Conclusions: The on-line SPE-pre-purification technique tested in long-term use offers a rapid and reliable technique in the LC-MS/MS analysis of serum testosterone and is a valuable tool in the improvement of efficiency in the laborious steroid analytics. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378072 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378072 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378071&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.249 Conclusions: The use of the road map based on Sigma Metrics leads to fast and easy implementation of optimal Westgard QC rules. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378071 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378070&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.681 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (11): 1829-1836 Abstract Background: The Fundación Bioquímica Argentina (FBA) performs external quality assessment (EQA) of >3200 laboratories. However, FBA realizes that sample non-commutability and predominant use of heterogeneous systems may bias the estimated performance and standardization status. To eliminate these confounding factors, a study using frozen single donation sera was undertaken with the focus on serum-calcium and -albumin measurement. Methods: Target values were established from the results produced with homogeneous systems. In groups of n=7, system effects were investigated. Laboratory performance was evaluated from the correlation coefficient r between the measurement results for all sera and the target values. This allo... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378070 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378070 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378069&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.662 Conclusions: This study found that elevation of the two types of bilirubin (total and direct) have a relationship with a low serum CRP level among apparently healthy Korean adults. It is hypothesized that a low serum CRP level may be due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of bilirubin metabolism. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378069 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378069 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378068&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.675 Conclusions: IMAR, reflecting liver function and oxidative stress, is a more objective liver function test as it was not affected after a 3-day albumin infusion. More investigations, however, are needed to validate the use of IMAR in cases of chronic liver disease. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378068 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378067&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.668 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (11): 1805-1816 Abstract Method comparisons are indispensable tools for the extensive validation of analytic procedures. Laboratories often only want to know whether an established procedure (x-method) can be replaced by another one (y-method) without interfering with diagnostic purposes. Then split patients' samples are analyzed more or less simultaneously with both procedures designed to measure the same quantity. The measured values are usually presented graphically as a scatter or difference plots. The two methods are considered to be equivalent (comparable) if the data pairs scatter around the line of equality (x=y line) within permissible equivalence lines. It is proposed to derive these limits of permissible imprecision limits which are ... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378067 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378066&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.641 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (11): 1801-1804 Abstract Articles have debated whether or not urine analysis remains valuable for identifying monoclonal gammopathies. A general impression is that the newer serum free light chain (FLC) assay is more analytically sensitive, more quantitative and simpler to perform. Many laboratory directors may have seized on the idea of eliminating urine analysis because it is a tedious procedure and requires expert interpretation while most laboratories can perform automated serum FLC assay. Others have concluded that urine immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) optimizes the diagnostic sensitivity and should be included when there is a clinical indication. Here, I show that papers faulting urine analysis often used inappropriate urine methodol... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378066 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378065&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.685 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (11): 1783-1799 Abstract Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is becoming a menace worldwide, especially to the developing world, due to its involvement in a variety of malignancies, with cervical cancer being the most important and prevalent. There are many HPV types; HPV 16/18 are the most carcinogenic but few others are also characterized as high-risk (HR). They can cause a variety of low- or high-grade cellular abnormalities, most frequently detected in a routine Pap test. Most infections clear within 2 years, however, a minority persists and potentially could progress to cervical cancer. Molecular tests detecting HPV DNA, RNA or proteins are now being available either commercially or in-house developed. DNA detection is nowadays an established too... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378065 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378064&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.250 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (11): 1773-1782 Abstract Increasing evidences have suggested that oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM). Oxidative stress also appears to be the pathogenic factor in underlying diabetic complications. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated by environmental factors, such as ionizing radiation and chemical carcinogens, and also by endogenous processes, including energy metabolism in mitochondria. ROS produced either endogenously or exogenously can attack lipids, proteins and nucleic acids simultaneously in living cells. There are many potential mechanisms whereby excess glucose metabolites traveling along these pathways might promote the development of DM complication and cause pancreatic β cell d... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378064 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378063&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.670 In conclusion, diabetes mellitus, cystic fibrosis, kidney transplantation, HIV-infection, and cirrhosis are clinical situations where cystatin C-based equations can be useful. Extremes of age such as childhood and advanced age have also been evaluated with favorable results. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378063 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:10:01 +0100 5378063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5378062&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.700 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (11): 1759-1760 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5378062 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5378062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332685&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.741 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (10): A33-A54 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332685 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332685 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332684&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.738 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (10): A1-A31 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332684 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332683&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.243 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (10): 1755-1757 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332683 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332682&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.649 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (10): 1753-1754 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332682 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332681&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.653 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (10): 1749-1751 Abstract Background: Urinary iodide concentration (UIC) is useful to evaluate nutritional iodine status. In clinical settings UIC helps to exclude blocking of the thyroid gland by excessive endogenous iodine, if diagnostic or therapeutic administration of radio-iodine is indicated. Therefore, this study established a simple test for the measurement of UIC. Methods: UIC was analyzed in urine samples of 200 patients. Samples were pre-treated at 95°C for 45 min with ammonium persulfate in a thermal cycler, followed by a photometric Sandell-Kolthoff reaction (SK) carried out in microtiter plates. For method comparison, UIC was analyzed in 30 samples by inductivity coupled plasma mass spectro-metry (ICP-MS) as a reference method. R... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332681 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332680&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.646 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (10): 1743-1747 Abstract Background: We assessed whether glycated albumin (GA) is a useful glycemic indicator in diabetic patients with anemia who did not undergo dialysis. Methods: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and GA were simultaneously measured in 370 diabetic subjects who had not undergone dialysis. The relationship between GA and HbA1c was evaluated in patients with and without anemia. Results: GA-to-HbA1c ratio was significantly higher (3.3±0.7 vs. 2.8±0.5, p (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332680 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332679&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.241 Conclusions: The MMP7 –181A/G polymorphism is associated with the development of vulnerable carotid plaques. Age is a risk factor for plaque formation, while statin therapy is associated with a decreased prevalence of carotid athero-matous plaques. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332679 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332678&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.634 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (10): 1727-1733 Abstract Background: New technologies for the early detection of tuberculosis (TB) are urgently needed. Pathological changes within an organ might be reflected in proteomic patterns in serum. The aim of the present study was to screen for the potential protein biomarkers in serum for the diagnosis of TB using proteomic fingerprint technology. Methods: Proteomic fingerprint technology combining protein chips with surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) was used to profile the serum proteins from 50 patients with TB, 25 patients with lung disease other than TB, and 25 healthy volunteers. The protein fingerprint expression of all the serum samples and the resulting profiles betwe... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332678 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332677&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.242 Conclusions: The data suggest that the pleural effusion mesothelin concentration could be useful as an aid for the diagnosis of MPM. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332677 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332676&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.608 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (10): 1715-1719 Abstract Background: A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) is a newly-found member in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. Our previous studies have already confirmed that APRIL is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tumors, however, it is not expressed or has a weak expression in normal pancreatic gland tissues. Furthermore, there is no report on serum APRIL in patients with pancreatic diseases. Herein, in order to explore the clinical implication of serum APRIL in patients with pancreatic cancer, serum APRIL, together with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen (CA)19-9, was examined. Methods: Serum APRIL was tested by ELISA in patients with pancreatic cancer. Meanwhile, two other conventional serum t... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332676 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332675&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.635 Conclusions: CDC25 splice variants could represent interesting potential breast cancer prognostic biomarkers. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332675 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332674&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.651 Conclusions: A significantly lowered Zn/tPSA ratio appears to be a sensitive marker of neoplastic lesions, PCa and PIN, regardless of age. In men under 65 years, the Zn/IGF-1 ratio was reduced, depending on the stage of neoplastic lesions (PIN>PCa). These finding can be useful in early diagnosis of prostate cancer. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332674 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332673&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.644 Conclusions: Soluble cytokeratin 18 seems to be a suitable biomarker for gastrointestinal/liver graft-vs.-host disease detection, particularly when a biopsy is not feasible. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332673 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332672&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.631 Conclusions: CBA analytical evaluation and comparison to an ELISA format demonstrated high reproducibility, sensitivity and good applicability for small volume samples. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332672 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332671&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.645 Conclusions: The blood levels of the prothrombotic biomarkers ;ibLp(a), PAI-1, and FBG;ic in healthy Kuwaiti adolescent subjects are variably influenced by age, gender, body mass and socio-demographic factors. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332671 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332670&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.630 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (10): 1677-1680 Abstract Background: Transferrin (Tf) glycoform lacking one or two complete or incomplete glycan chains (i.e., asialo-monosialo- and disialo-Tf) typically appear in blood after chronic alcohol consumption, though recently it was reported that monosialo-Tf is associated with trisialo-Tf but not with alcohol consumption. These glycoforms are collectively known as carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT). Since samples from alcoholic patients are characterized by decreased sialic acid content in serum transferrin, the assessment of CDT is thereby widely used for laboratory evaluation of chronic alcohol abuse. Methods: CDT analysis has been performed in 6011 consecutive subjects undergoing national mandatory testing after the confis... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332670 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332669&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.647 Conclusions: The results of our study demonstrate that a large variability in measured values is still present among different free thyroid hormone immunoassays. Indeed, some immunoassays for both FT3 and FT4 measurement showed percent bias values compared to the consensus mean >20%. Laboratories should inform the clinicians about analytical performance and reference limits of the method used. Furthermore, the clinicians should avoid the use of different methods in the follow-up of patients. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332669 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332668&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.652 Conclusions: These results support a protective effect of coffee intake against systematic inflammation in middle-aged and elderly Japanese men and imply that such an effect may be stronger in elevated oxidative stress. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332668 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332667&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.650 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (10): 1655-1660 Abstract Background: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) plays an important role in innate immune responses and in inflammation disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic potential of PTX3 in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and correlate it with the severity and outcome of PID. Methods: Blood specimens were collected from 64 patients with PID before and after treatment and 70 healthy controls and the plasma levels of PTX3 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Results: It was found that the plasma level of PTX3 expression was elevated in PID patients compared with healthy controls and decreased significantly after they received treatment. When the cut-off level of plasma PTX3 wa... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332667 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332666&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.657 Conclusions: So, the total number of patients treated as well as the financial reimbursement could be increased and concurrently occupancy days and averaged length of stay were reduced. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332666 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332665&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.655 Conclusions: LS MAD-MaxAD curves help assess the performance of point-of-care testing. Visual mapping of systematic and random errors locally over the entire analyte measurement range in a single integrated display is an advantage when considering the adverse impact of zones of poor quantitative performance on specific clinical applications, threshold-driven bedside decisions and the care of critically ill patients. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332665 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332664&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.654 Conclusions: Our genotyping assay with the Rotor-Gene 6000® instrument applies to the laboratorial routine with several advantages, especially in large-scale demand. The main advantages were the non-dependence on gel electrophoresis and on mutagenic reagents for visualization of fragments, reduction of the chances for contamination due to sample preparation, the lack of use of probe-based methods and cost-effectiveness. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332664 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332663&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.715 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (10): 1621-1632 Abstract Recent advances have provided unprecedented opportunities to identify prognostic and predictive markers of efficacy of cancer therapy. Genetic markers can be used to exclude patients who will not benefit from therapy, exclude patients at high risk of severe toxicity and adjust dosing. Genomic approaches for marker discovery now include genome-wide association studies and tumor DNA sequencing. The challenge is now to select markers for which there is enough evidence to transition them to the clinic. The hurdles include the inherent low frequency of many of these markers, the lengthy validation process through trials, as well as legislative and economic hurdles. Attempts to answer questions about certain markers more quic... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332663 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332662&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.694 In this study we review the physiopathological processes that may increase the plasma concentrations of tumour markers. We performed a bibliography review in PubMed, searching for causes of false positives for the following tumour markers: α-Fetoprotein, CA 125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, CA 72-4, carcinoembryonic antigen, CYFRA 21-1, squamous cell carcinoma, prostatic specific antigen, β2-microglobulin, choriogonadotropin (β chain), chromogranin A, neuron specific enolase, HER2-neu, progastrin releas-ing peptide, S-100, and thyroglobulin. The results favour the use of tests which can identify pathological processes that may increase tumour marker concentrations. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332662 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332661&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.661 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (10): 1591-1603 Abstract Non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) account for about 80% of lung cancers and their remarkable heterogeneity manifests in histology, pathogenesis, prognosis, and response to treatments. Recent advances in molecular characterization help stratifying NSCLC patients for their potential benefit from targeting therapies. However, the fundamental mechanisms underlying the tumoral heterogeneity remain poorly understood. Expression profiling of many microRNAs (miRNAs) in various normal and disease tissues demonstrated unique spatial and temporal expression patterns and some miRNAs have been functionally characterized as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Genome-wide screening identified specific miRNA expression signatures... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332661 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332660&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.628 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (10): 1579-1590 Abstract Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) provide unique information for the management of breast cancer patients, since their detection and monitoring is useful for prognosis, prediction of response to therapy, or monitoring clinical course in patients with localized or metastatic disease. Currently, the most practical application of CTCs is monitoring of patients with metastatic disease. Elevated CTC levels prior to initiation of a new systemic therapy are associated with a worse prognosis while persistently elevated CTC levels strongly suggest that the therapeutic regimen with which the patient is being treated is not working. New areas of research are directed toward developing novel sensitive assays for CTC molecular characte... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332660 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:35:49 +0100 5332660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5332659&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.244 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (10): 1575-1578 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5332659 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5332659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220512&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.699 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (9): 1573-1573 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220512 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220511&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.642 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (9): 1569-1571 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220511 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220510&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.629 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (9): 1563-1567 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220510 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220509&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.234 Conclusion: Both elevated plasma homocysteine levels and the MTHFR 677T allele are indicators of increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in the northern Swedish population. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220509 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220508&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.236 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (9): 1547-1554 Abstract Background: Vaspin was a recently identified adipokine, playing a protective role in many metabolic diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the association between vaspin plasma level and stable angina pectoris (SAP) and unstable angina pectoris (UAP). Methods: A total of 88 patients with angiographically-proved coronary artery disease (CAD) (SAP 47, UAP 41) and 103 control subjects without cardiovascular diseases were enrolled in this study. Circulating vaspin, mRNA expression of vaspin in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), clinical parameters, lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were assayed. The severity of CAD was also assessed according to the number of vessels diseased. Re... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220508 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220507&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.627 Conclusions: These results argue against an essential influence of obesity to B-type cardiac natriuretic hormone system regulation in the absence of heart failure, and suggest NT-proBNP as a useful cardiac marker irrespective of age and obesity. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220507 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220506&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.235 Conclusions: GICA is a reliable, rapid, convenient and inexpensive test for the screening and diagnosis of influenza A disease. Given its lower cost than other rapid tests, the GICA test has the great potential in the management of influenza A disease in resource-poor countries. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220506 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220505&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.626 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (9): 1525-1532 Abstract Background: In a previous study, a relation between decreased serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and physiological parameters was observed in patients with community-acquired pneumonia. The present study aims to further assess the prognostic value of serum ACE activity for outcome of community-acquired pneumonia. Methods: This was a prospective observational study including two cohorts of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (2004–2006; n=157 and 2007–2010; n=138). Serum ACE activity was measured at time of hospital admission. Based on reference values in healthy persons, patients were divided into subgroups of serum ACE activity: normal, low and extremely low. Physiological parameters, clinical... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220505 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220504&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.231 Conclusions: The candidate CS is the most appropriate of the three candidate reagents for quantitative testing of HIV-1 RNA. This working reagent should be useful for use in routine calibration for quality control in centers with limited financial resources. The Cobas TaqMan assay tended to yield higher viral load results than the other assays when used with our three candidate reagents. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220504 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220503&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.239 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (9): 1515-1518 Abstract Background: Soluble ST2 (sST2) plasma concentrations are significantly higher in healthy men than in healthy women. The reason for the sex-specific difference of sST2 plasma concentrations is not established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of sST2 with sex-hormones in healthy males and females separately. Methods: We recruited 528 consecutive blood donors and measured plasma concentrations of sST2 and several sex-hormones (i.e., total testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone). Of the 528 blood donors, 338 were male and 190 were female. For data analysis, we further divided the group of females into the subgroups of pre- and postmen... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220503 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220502&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.622 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (9): 1509-1513 Abstract Background: Magnitude and major causes of oxidative stress may be different between sexes, although limitedly addressed in clinical studies with controversial results. The present study aimed to determine whether any gender-related difference exists concerning oxidative stress in a population of 332 subjects of both sexes, in a wide age range, with and without cigarette smoking habit. Methods: The Oxidative-INDEX was calculated after evaluation of serum hydroperoxides (ROMs) and total antioxidant capacity (OXY) by means of commercial kits (d-ROMs and Oxy-adsorbent Tests, Diacron, Italy) subtracting the OXY standardized variable from the ROMs standardized variable. Results: The Oxidative-INDEX resulted higher in women wit... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220502 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220501&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.233 Conclusions: In conclusion, we found a high within-subject biological variation of glucose in diabetes patients as expected compared to healthy individuals (30% vs. 5%). The short-term (2 months) within-subject biological variation of HbA1c did not differ significantly between well regulated type 1 diabetes patients and healthy individuals (1.7% vs. 1.2%). (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220501 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220500&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.603 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (9): 1495-1500 Abstract Background: Although results from blood gas analyzers are frequently used in clinical work surprisingly few and small studies have examined reference intervals for arterial blood gases and acid-base status. We have established reference values based on a large group of healthy people with a wide age distribution. Methods: A group of medical students (n=182) aged 20–32 years old and a group of health professionals aged 21–76 years were used in this study. Arterial samples were analyzed on the blood gas analyzer ABL from RadiometerTM. Age and gender dependency was examined for all analytes and reference intervals were calculated non-parametrically. Results: Females had significantly higher pH and lower PaCO2 (partial... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220500 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220499&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.605 Conclusions: The assay was found to be reliable and has the potential to increase the availability of porphobilinogen testing in the field. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220499 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220498&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.615 Conclusions: We have approved the Sysmex® CS-2100i analyser for introduction in our laboratory. For colleague laboratories in our region introducing this analyser, a system verification is proposed to be sufficient when referring to our data. It is our intention to use the validation vs. end-user verification model for future method introduction, and when harmonising between our different laboratory locations. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220498 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220497&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.606 Conclusions: These data indicate that sample storage in the primary tube using plasma separation tubes is associated with clinically relevant changes for certain parameters. Therefore, storing samples for retesting should be avoided when using plasma separation tubes, in particular for parameters susceptible to interference by erythrocyte or platelet contamination. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220497 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220496&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.232 Conclusions: The results confirm that inflammatory reactions are closely associated with preeclampsia. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220496 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220495&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.648 Conclusions: Decisions which are based on plausible ranges of measurements (such as credible intervals), are generally superior to those solely based on point estimates (such as the mean). Reliable uncertainties are thus vital, and not only in metrology. In this paper, a general method is developed to derive concentration estimates and valid uncertainties for ELISAs. Guidance on applying this Bayesian method is provided and the importance of reliable uncertainties associated with ELISAs is underlined. The applicability and virtues of the presented method are demonstrated in the context of an international comparability study. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220495 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220494&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.237 Conclusions: HRM analysis is an appealing technology for HFE gene screening. It is a robust technique that can be widely adopted in diagnostic laboratories to facilitate gene mutation screening. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220494 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220493&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.604 Conclusions: The use of our template greatly simplifies the mutational analysis of the CFTR gene, reducing human intervention. In our opinion, it might not only be useful to researchers that already perform CFTR mutational analysis by sequencing methods but it should also improve the approach in those laboratories that already use ABI PRISM instrumentation for a limited mutational analysis of the CFTR gene. Similar mutational templates can also be used for other disease causing genes, thus improving molecular genetics protocols. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220493 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220492&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.621 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (9): 1439-1446 Abstract This paper is the ninth in a series dealing with reference procedures for the measurement of catalytic activity concentrations of enzymes at 37 °C and the certification of reference preparations. Other parts deal with: Part 1. The concept of reference procedures for the measurement of catalytic activity concentrations of enzymes; Part 2. Reference procedure for the measurement of catalytic concentration of creatine kinase; Part 3. Reference procedure for the measurement of catalytic concentration of lactate dehydrogenase; Part 4. Reference procedure for the measurement of catalytic concentration of alanine aminotransferase; Part 5. Reference procedure for the measurement of catalytic concentration of aspartate aminotran... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220492 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220491&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.620 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (9): 1427-1437 Abstract Since the completion of the human genome sequence, the study of common genetic polymorphisms in complex human diseases has become a main activity of human genetics. Employing genome-wide association studies, hundreds of modest genetic risk factors have been identified. In infectious diseases the identification of common risk factors has been varied and as in other common diseases it seems likely that important genetic risk factors remain to be discovered. Nevertheless, the identification of disease-specific genetic risk factors revealed an unexpected overlap in susceptibility genes of diverse inflammatory and infectious diseases. Analysis of the multi-disease susceptibility genes has allowed the definition of shared key ... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220491 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220491 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220490&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.659 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (9): 1423-1425 Abstract The introduction of the Athlete Biological Passport is a landmark in the fight against doping. Contrary to traditional toxicological anti-doping analysis, its aim is to detect the biological consequences of doping through the measurement of different specific biomarkers which generate individual profiles for each athlete. This new approach allows anti-doping organizations to convict those athletes showing abnormal profiles for the use (not the presence!) of even undetectable forbidden substances or methods. Additionally, these data can be used for other purposes: to conduct targeted conventional anti-doping tests on those athletes showing unusual results and to evaluate the prevalence of doping within a population of ath... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220490 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220490 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220489&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.633 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (9): 1417-1421 Abstract The Athlete's Biological Passport (ABP) is an evaluation of hematological parameters, hemoglobin (Hb), reticulocytes (Ret), and their combination in the OFF-score. Recently, the Court of Arbitration for Sport accepted it as a suitable indirect method for detecting blood doping. There are various topics which are not defined and scientifically completely explained in ABP, limiting its effectiveness as evidence and as suspect of blood manipulation. The data source the ABP used for designing a profile is unclear. The variance used for cyclists is not correct. The covariables which should be calculated together with the measures of Hb and Ret are not always considered in the statistical program. The pre-analytical warnings f... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220489 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220489 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220488&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.609 This study considers that there is a risk of misinterpreting the physiological variations of the hematological parameters determined by the anti-doping authorities in the ABP. The analytical variability due to exercise training and competitions and/or to different metabolic energy demands, hypoxia treatments, etc. could lead to an increase in false-positives when using the ABP with the dramatic consequences that they might cause in major sports events like the forthcoming London Olympic Games. Moreover, the ABP characteristics, procedures, thresholds, or individual determination of reference ranges, abnormal out-comes, strikes, “how the profile differs from what is expected in clean athletes” should be clearly stated and explained in a new public technical document to avoid misundersta... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220488 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220488 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220487&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.238 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (9): 1405-1412 Abstract Biochemical reactions in cells which involve oxalic acid are described. It is shown that this compound is required for the formation of uracil and orotic acid. The former is a component of RNA which is common to all cells in the human metabolism. On the basis of the biochemical reactions described a possible treatment to relieve the effects of calcium oxalate renal calculi whose origin is related to the metabolic concentration of oxalic acid is proposed. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220487 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220487 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220486&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.607 Conclusion: Despite low to moderate evidence, there is a general agreement on the significant prognostic value of CC in ACS that might encourage further research focused on risk assessment for patients with MI. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220486 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:14:55 +0100 5220486 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5220485&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.658 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (9): 1393-1395 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5220485 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5220485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095354&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.614 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1391-1392 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095354 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095354 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095353&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.636 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1389-1390 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095353 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095353 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095352&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.616 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1385-1387 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095352 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095352 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095351&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.619 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1383-1384 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095351 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095350&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.198 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1379-1382 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095350 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095349&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.643 Conclusions: Both automated CLIA demonstrated excellent diagnostic sensitivity and specificity when evaluated as a screening test for syphilis under routine conditions of a diagnostic laboratory. Thus, these may be used independently as an alternative to the manual TPPA screen. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095349 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095348&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.178 Conclusions: The dual function QCM was successfully developed with high sensitivity and specificity, and was cost-effective, stable and field adaptable. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095348 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095348 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095347&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.213 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1359-1365 Abstract Background: N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a marker of biomechanical strain, secreted by cardiomyocytes in response to ischemia. As necrosis occurs after prolonged ischemia, a rise in NT-proBNP concentration could precede a rise in markers of necrosis. Methods: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether NT-proBNP is able to identify those patients with an evolving myocardial infarction (MI) with high-risk non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). Data were analyzed from a prospective cohort of 103 high-risk NSTE-ACS patients admitted within 6 h after onset of pain and treated with an early invasive strategy. NT-proBNP samples, obtained immediately upon admission, were related to th... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095347 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095347 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095346&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.110 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1349-1357 Abstract Background: The clinical relevance of serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) in populations prone to cardiometabolic risk needs exploration. We determined major covariates of Lp-PLA2 mass, and its associations with cardiometabolic disorders. Methods: In 736 Turkish adults, serum total Lp-PLA2 mass was determined by immunoassay. Its association with cardiometabolic risk was assessed in three categories. In a second sample of 98 subjects, enzyme protein in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was also assayed after precipitation. Results: Significant inverse correlation existed with high triglyceride/low HDL cholesterol dyslipidemia, waist girth, apolipoprotein C-III, homeostatic model assessment, and linear inv... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095346 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095346 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095345&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.212 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1345-1347 Abstract Background: Synovial fluid (SF) leukocytes can be counted microscopically in a Neubauer chamber or by automated procedures using haematology analysers. Knowledge of laboratory artefacts is crucial for the correct interpretation of results obtained using automated methods. SF pseudoeosinophilia has recently been described as a new artefact in patients with crystal-related arthropathies. We investigated whether pseudoeosinophilia of SF is restricted to crystal-related disorders, or if it may also occur in other arthropathies. Methods: We compared the percentages of eosinophils in 120 crystal containing SF samples with 185 crystal-free specimens using the Wilcoxon test. Crystal positive samples, determined by polarised micr... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095345 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095344&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.623 Conclusions: While the diagnostic evaluation and clinical management of a toxic-appearing infant should not be limited by a positive pertussis or parapertussis PCR, it is useful for physicians to be cognizant that elevated CSF protein can be seen in association with these infections. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095344 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095344 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095343&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.214 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1333-1339 Abstract Background: Acute appendicitis (AA) is usually associated with a systemic inflammatory response that often leads to activation of coagulation. However, limited data about coagulation changes in AA are available. Methods: Results of preoperative coagulation testing in 702 patients with confirmed AA and 697 patients undergoing minor elective surgery (control) during the same period were analyzed retrospectively. Coagulation activity of factors VII, IX (FVII:C, FIX:C) and the concentration of plasma endotoxin from 40 patients with AA and 15 control subjects were measured. Results: Compared with control subjects, prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen (Fib) and endotoxin increased (all p (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095343 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095343 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095342&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.624 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1323-1332 Abstract Background: High serum concentrations of monoclonal free light chain (FLC) kappa or lambda are markers of plasma cell dyscrasia. Methods: We developed new, latex-enhanced, specific nephelometric assays based on monoclonal antibodies for the determination of FLC kappa and lambda in serum, EDTA plasma and Li-heparin plasma for use on the Siemens BN™ systems. Results: Reference ranges were determined from 369 samples: FLC kappa 6.7–22.4 mg/L, FLC lambda 8.3–27.0 mg/L and kappa/lambda ratio 0.31–1.56. Protection from falsely low results due to antigen excess is obtained with a built-in pre-reaction in the assay protocols. Lot-to-lot consistency between three different lots of reagent, calibrators and supplementary ... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095342 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095341&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.211 Conclusions: First Response manual and digital claim >99% detection on the day of missed menses. The results here suggest similar sensitivity for these two tests. The EPT and ClearBlue manual and digital test make similar >99% claims, the data presented here disputes their elevated claim. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095341 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095341 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095340&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.640 This study was performed to quantify the expression of Golgi protein-73 (GP73) in healthy controls and in patients with liver disease, and to evaluate the correlations between GP73 and other serum markers in different liver diseases. Methods: Serum GP73 was measured in 478 healthy controls and 296 patients with different types of liver disease. Quantitative hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was determined in two chronic hepatitis B (CHB) groups. Other serum liver fibrosis markers were measured in the liver fibrosis group and α-fetoprotein (AFP) was measured in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) group. The correlations between GP73 and these markers were evaluated. Results: The GP73 value in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB group, HBeAg-negative CHB group, liver fibrosis group and HCC grou... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095340 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095340 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095339&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.611 Conclusions: In this study, analysis of samples transported through the PTS resulted in clinically unacceptable PaO2 values. Delay in transport and analysis of ABG samples should be avoided and samples transported manually if they cannot be assessed on-site. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095339 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095338&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.193 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1299-1302 Abstract Background: Dried blood spots (DBS) on filter paper is a valuable sampling technique in clinical chemistry, but the stability of enzymes used in the diagnosis of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) needs to be evaluated. Methods: In a first experiment, blood from 20 subjects was collected using a syringe without additives and distributed into EDTA tubes, heparin tubes, and spotted on filter paper for the comparison of sampling effects. In a second experiment, blood from 30 healthy subjects was spotted on filter paper and analyzed for β-galactosidase and total hexosaminidase activities after storage of the samples at different temperatures for up to 180 days. Results: Initially, we observed that enzyme activities were the... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095338 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095338 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095337&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.215 Conclusions: This type of customer satisfaction survey was a valuable instrument to identify opportunities to improve the cystic fibrosis EQA scheme. It should be conducted on a regular basis to reveal new opportunities in the future and to assess effectiveness of actions taken. Moreover, it could be a model for other EQA providers seeking feedback from participants. Overall, the customer satisfaction survey provided a powerful quality of care improvement tool. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095337 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095336&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.637 Conclusions: All subjects affected by obstructive or secretory azoospermia should undergo molecular analysis and counselling for CF using gene scanning which has a high detection rate and also reveals rare CFTR mutations. Molecular analysis seems to be less mandatory in other types of male/female infertility. Furthermore, we found that the CFTR TG12-T5-V470 variant haplotype was associated with both severe oligospermia and tubal infertility, thereby implicating the CFTR protein in both spermatogenesis and tubal functionality. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095336 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095335&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.625 Conclusions: The interface of an automated analyzer to the laboratory workflow, notably system set up for samples and reagents and clean up functions, are as important as the automation capability of the analyzer for the overall impact to processing efficiency and operator hands-on time. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095335 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095334&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.639 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1275-1281 Abstract The IFCC Working Group for Standardization of Thyroid Function Tests proposes a candidate international conventional reference procedure (RMP) for measurement of the amount-of-substance concentration of free thyroxine in plasma/serum at physiological pH 7.40 and temperature (37.0°C). The unit for reporting measurement results is, by convention, pmol/L. The RMP is based on equilibrium dialysis isotope dilution-liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (ED-ID-LC/tandem MS). The rationale for proposing a conventional RMP is that, because of the physical separation step, it is unknown whether the measurement truly reflects the concentration of free thyroxine (FT4) in serum. Therefore, the ED part of the RMP has to stri... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095334 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095333&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.602 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1271-1274 Abstract The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) Working Group on Bone Marker Standards (WG-BMS) has evaluated the clinical potential of bone turnover markers (BTMs) in the prediction of fracture risk and for monitoring treatment. Research evidence suggests that BTMs may provide information on fracture risk independently from BMD, so that fracture risk prediction might be enhanced by their inclusion in assessment algorithms. The potential use of BTMs to predict the response to treatments for osteoporosis in the individual patient is also of great interest. Treatment-induced changes in specific markers account for a substantial proportion... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095333 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095333 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095332&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.638 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1265-1270 Abstract Post-mortem biochemistry, also called thanatochemistry, has proved useful in forensics for estimating the time since death and assessing the cause of death. Ketoacidosis is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus which can be lethal, with possible medicolegal implications. However, interpretation of biochemical analyses is difficult because of post-mortem blood alterations involving glucose metabolic pathways. Vitreous humor is better preserved than blood after death, and therefore is preferentially used in thanatochemistry. However, both the lack of experience of most biochemists with this matrix in clinical practice, and the paucity of post-mortem studies make interpretation of post-mortem analyses difficult. This... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095332 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095331&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.664 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1257-1263 Abstract Incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) is increasing rapidly to epidemic proportions. Development of AKI, especially in intensive care settings, is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and hospitalization costs. Currently available diagnostic tools are mostly insensitive for early diagnosis, however prompt diagnosis and risk stratification are necessary for guiding therapy and preventing progression of disease. Finding an early, reliable, suitable, easily reproducible, economical and accurate biomarker for AKI is a top research priority. In recent years, many urinary and serum proteins have been investigated as possible early markers of AKI and some of them have shown great promise. This topic reviews some of t... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095331 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095330&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.618 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1247-1256 Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is frequently characterized by evolution to chronicity and by a variable clinical course of the disease. The clinical heterogeneities of HCV infection and the imperfect predictability of the response to interferon (IFN) have suggested the need to search for a genetic basis of clinical features. This led to the discovery of genetic polymorphisms playing a major role in the evolution of infection, as well as on treatment response and adverse effects. This review will cover recent reports on the subject, focusing on the potential use of the new genetic markers in the diagnostic algorithm for the stratification of patients for personalized antiviral regimens. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and ... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095330 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:49:36 +0100 5095330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5095329&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.216 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (8): 1245-1246 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5095329 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5095329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997372&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.612 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (7): 1243-1244 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997372 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997371&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.601 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (7): 1241-1242 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997371 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997370&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.190 Conclusions: In contrast to the data from the Netherlands, we could not detect a significant association of the rs2824292 locus and risk of VF during AMI in our German cohort. Differences in recruitment and clinical phenotypes between the Dutch and German cohorts may underlie different genotype associations. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997370 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997369&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.183 Conclusions: Our study partially confirms previous data on the association between MPV or RDW and AMI. The inclusion of these parameters along with other conventional cardiac biomarkers might be a valuable perspective when evaluating patients with suspected AMI, although gender differences should be taken in account. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997369 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997369 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997368&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.187 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (7): 1225-1230 Abstract Background: Efforts to improve maternal nutrition during pregnancy prompted an observational study of the occurrence of maternal iron deficiency and its laboratory diagnosis in almost 500 pregnancies. Methods: In this longitudinal study, the biochemical and haematological iron indices of women (n=492) attending a prenatal clinic in a Dublin maternity hospital were assessed at first booking (mean 15.9 weeks), and after 24 weeks, and 36 weeks of gestation. Full blood counts were measured. Serum ferritin (SF), zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), and transferrin receptor (sTfR) concentrations were assayed and transferrin receptor index (sTfR-Index) was calculated. The occurrence of low values and their diagnostic values were consi... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997368 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997367&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.186 Conclusions: The modified Diazyme Direct Enzymatic HbA1c Assay™ appears to work as good at +22°C as that performed according to manufacturer's protocol at +37°C. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997367 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997366&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.189 Conclusions: This case shows that insolubility of M-proteins in alkaline buffer is one possible cause of false-negative results on capillary zone electrophoresis systems. False-negative results should be considered, especially when accompanying laboratory results are inconsistent with the electropherogram. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997366 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997365&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.195 Conclusions: This simple method for urine metanephrines is suitable for clinical use. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997365 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997364&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.613 Conclusions: ANA pattern and titer, together with the diagnosis submitted with the serum sample, can be used to guide decisions for reflexive anti-dsDNA testing in a clinical laboratory setting. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997364 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997363&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.199 Conclusions: The specific FSAP dcs activity represents a reliable method for the detection of the FSAP MRI alloenzyme. Due to the limited correlation between the FSAP dcs and scu-PA activity assays, these different measurands may exhibit different utility in research and clinical applications. Thus, the FSAP dcs activity assay can represent a valuable complement or alternative for FSAP testing in future studies. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997363 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997362&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.188 In this study we investigated if the GI-Index is suitable as a parameter for the TGN granularity in inflammatory diseases. Methods: An evaluation of the toxic granulation neutrophil (TGN) granularity by manual microscopy, the GI-Index and the C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations of 158 patients were determined. Blood samples from 40 healthy individuals were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for in vitro kinetic measurements of the GI-Index. Furthermore, time course measurements of the GI-Index and CRP concentrations of 100 intensive care unit patients were performed. Results: The GI-Index correlated with the microscopic rating of TGNs (n=158; rs=0.839; p (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997362 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997361&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.185 This study was designed to determine whether these results performed on whole blood (point-of-care and blood gas) and plasma (core laboratory) platforms are interchangeable without a risk of clinically relevant discrepancies. Methods: The interchangeability of the blood gas analysis, electrolytes, glucose, lactate and hemoglobin results performed with three stat platforms (i-STAT, Radiometer ABL 825, RapidLab 865) and two core laboratory platforms (Roche Modular P800 and Sysmex XE-2100) were evaluated using samples from critically ill patients. Results: For pH, pCO2, pO2 and Ca2+, good correlation (r-values 0.96–1.00) was observed for all comparative analyzers and the biases were within clinically acceptable limits. Potassium, sodium, glucose, lactate and hemoglobin measured with stat an... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997361 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997360&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.200 Conclusions: This new approach for the full profile analysis of physiological amino acids has been shown to be a viable substitute for current ion-exchange methodologies. It provides substantial benefits including significant reductions in runtime and necessary sample volume for the investigation and monitoring of patients with metabolic disorders and for nutritional management of a variety of patients. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997360 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997359&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.184 In this study, the ARK NVP-test was evaluated for measurement of nevirapine concentrations in breast milk. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the method currently used to determine nevirapine in breast milk. This method, however, requires complicated extraction techniques. The ARK method employs an immunoassay technology and requires a small sample volume (40 μL) and no pre-treatment of the samples. Methods: Commercial enzyme and antibody were used and calibration standards and quality controls were prepared from pooled breast milk from HIV-uninfected women. Clinical samples from HIV-infected women receiving a single-dose of nevirapine were analyzed. Results: Precision and accuracy were evaluated with two concentrations of quality control materials analyzed in three replica... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997359 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997358&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.191 Conclusions: The substantial dispersion between truncated AUC0–2 and AUC0–12 values may be a serious objection for the routine use of MPA AUC0–2 in clinical practice. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997358 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997358 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997357&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.194 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (7): 1159-1165 Abstract Background: Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an immunosuppressant for which therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is performed for optimal prophylaxis and avoidance of toxicity in transplant patients. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is ideally suited for TDM of MPA. There have been several method comparisons of the Roche Total MPA assay, but none have been performed with respect to liver transplant patients. Methods: We validated the Roche Total MPA assay on the Cobas Integra 400 and Cobas 6000 and compared it to a validated LC-MS/MS (API 2000™) method. Fifty-five EDTA plasma samples from liver transplant patients were measured with the Roche assay on these platforms and compared to the LC-MS/MS results... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997357 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997356&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.192 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (7): 1151-1158 Abstract Background: Immunosuppressant therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is an important requirement in post-transplant patient care. In recent years, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has become a valid alternative to antibody-based immunoassays in TDM due to its high specificity and sensitivity. Furthermore, this technology allows for the simultaneous measurement of several immunosuppressive drugs. The aim of the present study was to establish a straightforward, robust, and high-throughput LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of sirolimus and everolimus in whole blood in order to replace immunoassays in our routine practice. Methods: Five-level blood calibrator... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997356 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997355&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.196 Conclusions: Due to the different performance shown in the two programs, objective analytical goals based on biological variability constitute the optimal solution. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997355 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997354&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.201 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (7): 1135-1142 Abstract Background: The aim of our study was to evaluate the between-assay variability of commercially available immunoassays for the measurement of human growth hormone (hGH). In addition, we asked whether the comparability of the diagnosis of childhood onset growth hormone deficiency could be improved by adjusting hGH results by statistical methods, such as linear regression, conversion factors, and quantile transformation. Methods: In archived sera from 312 children and adolescents (age: 17 days–17 years) hGH values between 0.01 and 16.5 ng/mL were determined by using the following immunoassays: AutoDELFIA (PerkinElmer), BC-IRMA (Beckman-Coulter), ELISA (Mediagnost), IMMULITE 2000 (Siemens), iSYS (IDS), Liaison (DiaSorin... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997354 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997354 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997353&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.617 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (7): 1131-1133 Abstract The delivery of laboratory services has been described 40 years ago and defined with the foremost concept of “brain-to-brain turnaround time loop”. This concept consists of several processes, including the final step which is the action undertaken on the patient based on laboratory information. Unfortunately, the need for systematic feedback to improve the value of laboratory services has been poorly understood and, even more risky, poorly applied in daily laboratory practice. Currently, major problems arise from the unavailability of consensually accepted quality specifications for the extra-analytical phase of laboratory testing. This, in turn, does not allow clinical laboratories to calculate a budget for the “... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997353 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997353 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997352&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.610 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (7): 1127-1130 Abstract We examine limitations of common analytical performance specifications for quantitative assays. Specifications can be either clinical or regulatory. Problems with current specifications include specifying limits for only 95% of the results, having only one set of limits that demarcate no harm from minor harm, using incomplete models for total error, not accounting for the potential of user error, and not supplying sufficient protocol requirements. Error grids are recommended to address these problems as error grids account for 100% of the data and stratify errors into different severity categories. Total error estimation from a method comparison can be used to estimate the inner region of an error grid, but the outer reg... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997352 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997352 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997351&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.600 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (7): 1113-1126 Abstract Laboratory diagnostics (i.e., the total testing process) develops conventionally through a virtual loop, originally referred to as “the brain to brain cycle” by George Lundberg. Throughout this complex cycle, there is an inherent possibility that a mistake might occur. According to reliable data, preanalytical errors still account for nearly 60%–70% of all problems occurring in laboratory diagnostics, most of them attributable to mishandling procedures during collection, handling, preparing or storing the specimens. Although most of these would be “intercepted” before inappropriate reactions are taken, in nearly one fifth of the cases they can produce inappropriate investigations and unjustifiable increase in c... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997351 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997350&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.181 This article reviews recent findings on the seven germline polymorphic traits of four genes involved in the biotransformation of the 5-FU. In particular, we analyze the most common platforms used to identify the specific genetic alterations and their relative costs. Genotyping can be performed either by custom service laboratories or academic reference laboratories by using either the commercial kits (when available) or “in house” tests. By random selection of 20 certified laboratories out of a total of 71, we estimate that the cost of the analysis/single trait is on average €120.00 as custom genotyping service. “In house” validated tests by PCR-based platforms cost approximately €20.00 per single polimorphism. On the basis of this information, the lab manager can evaluate the ... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997350 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997349&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.182 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (7): 1091-1103 Abstract Toxicological screening is the analysis of a biological specimen to detect and identify compounds in patients admitted to the hospital with acute intoxication of unknown origin. The screening of a wide range of toxicologically relevant compounds in biological samples is a serious challenge for clinical laboratories. The high selectivity and sensitivity of liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry or tandem mass spectrometry technology provides an attractive alternative to the current methods. For these reasons, an increasing number of applications for multi-target screening or general screening of unknown compounds in biological matrices are being published. This paper is an overview of sample clean-up, chromato... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997349 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:46:19 +0100 4997349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997348&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.632 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (7): 1089-1090 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997348 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4997348 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911101&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.179 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (6): 1087-1087 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911101 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911100&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.174 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (6): 1083-1085 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911100 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911099&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.173 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (6): 1081-1082 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911099 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911098&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.163 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (6): 1079-1080 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911098 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911097&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.168 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (6): 1077-1078 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911097 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911096&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.175 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (6): 1073-1075 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911096 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911095&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.171 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (6): 1069-1071 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911095 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911094&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.166 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (6): 1065-1067 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911094 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911093&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.169 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (6): 1061-1064 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911093 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911092&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.177 Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 49 (6): 1059-1060 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911092 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911091&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.176 We examined the additive prognostic value of a high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) assay to predict adverse clinical outcomes in stable CAD. Methods: A retrospective nested case-control analysis of 256 patients with stable CAD who participated in the LURIC study: 128 cases who died from cardiovascular causes during a median follow-up of 7.5 years and 128 survivors (controls) matched for age and gender, were included. hsTnT and NT-proBNP were determined in baseline samples using immunoassays (Roche Diagnostics, Germany). Results: Sixty-two percent of the 256 subjects exhibited concentrations of hsTnT≥14 ng/L, the manufacturer recommended cut-off to diagnose myocardial infarction in patients with acute chest pain. hsTnT, NT-proBNP, diabetes mellitus and fasting glucose were associated wi... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911091 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911090&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.159 Conclusions: IPMNs have serum VEGFR-2 concentra-tions different from those in patients with ductal adenocarcinomas. However, serum VEGFR-2 cannot be routinely utilized to differentiate IPMNs from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911090 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911089&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.161 Conclusions: ProGRP has better sensitivity and high specificity as an auxiliary indicator for the diagnosis of small cell lung cancer. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911089 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911088&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.170 Conclusions: This investigation provides a simple quantitative and graphical tool that can aid in determining the probability that a person has become dehydrated when serial measures of Posm, Usg, or Bm are made. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911088 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911087&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.158 Conclusions: We report a rare case in which two successive urine samples test positive for hCG whereas in corresponding plasma samples hCG is undetectable. The majority of the total hCG contained a degraded form of β-subunit that lacks the CTP. This hCG variant, possibly of pituitary origin, is thought to have an extreme fast clearance rate possibly explaining the discordance between the hCG results in urine and plasma samples. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911087 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911086&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.155 This study evaluated the impact of thyroglobulin (Tg) antibodies (TgAb) interference on Tg measurements performed with a second-generation immunometric Tg assay, in comparison to a first-generation method. Methods: Five serum pools without detectable TgAb and containing measurable Tg concentrations were obtained from DTC patients and mixed with sera from patients with measurable TgAb, but undetectable Tg concentrations. Tg and TgAb concentrations were measured by the first- and the second-generation Tg immunoassays and Tg-recovery was also evaluated for both assays. Results: The decrease in Tg concentrations in the presence of TgAb was more pronounced in the first-generation Tg assay (41.6%) compared with the second-generation assay (31.4%) (p (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Med... Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911086 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911085&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.160 Conclusions: Perchlorate causes clinically relevant lowering of measured ionised calcium in BGAs from two providers at concentrations obtained in samples from ICU patients (affecting about 1.1% of all ICU patients). (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911085 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911084&cid=s_33662_166_f&fid=33662&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.reference-global.com%2Fdoi%2Fabs%2F10.1515%2FCCLM.2011.162 Conclusions: We conclude that antibodies detected with a modified phosphatidylserine-dependent antiprothrombin ELISA could improve the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome by offering additional information on the risk for thrombosis, especially in patients negative for other antiphospholipid antibodies. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911084 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:30:43 +0100 4911084