MedWorm: Laboratory Medicine

Unification of the NCA and the ASCP Board of Registry.

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:44:03 +0100

Authors: Morris S PMID: 20218088 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Laboratory Science : Journal of the American Society for Medical Technology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Heparin-Induced thrombocytopenia (HIT): A case study.

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:44:03 +0100

Authors: Newkirk CE Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HiT) ranges from an asymptomatic reaction to heparin with a transient mild thrombocytopenia (HIT I) to a life- and limb-threatening immunological reaction, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT or HIT II). HITT can occur in patients with any heparin exposure and must be recognized and and symptomatic and/or fatal thrombosis. HIT will be discussed using a case study approach. PMID: 20218089 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Laboratory Science : Journal of the American Society for Medical Technology)

CLS to higher education administrator: the right navigational skills.

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:44:03 +0100

CONCLUSION: The participants in this study confirmed that by possessing a terminal degree and a defined skill set, they were able to obtain a higher education administrator position. PMID: 20218090 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Laboratory Science : Journal of the American Society for Medical Technology)

Platelet function testing: auditing local practice and broader implications.

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:44:03 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: This audit of local practice indicates that the process of platelet count adjustment using autologous PPP provides adverse outcomes related to identification of platelet dysfunction. Accordingly, we recommend that all laboratories validate this practice if used at their facility. For PFA-100 testing, local validation of the normal reference range is required according to local conditions and collection practice. Otherwise, laboratories may inappropriately identify platelet function disorders when these may not exist. PMID: 20218091 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Laboratory Science : Journal of the American Society for Medical Technology)

Effects of glucosamine and celadrin on platelet function.

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:44:03 +0100

CONCLUSION: Glucosamine and celadrin may inhibit platelet aggregation in some individuals via aspirin-like effects as well as inhibition of ADP receptor P2Y1 but not P2Y12. PMID: 20218092 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Laboratory Science : Journal of the American Society for Medical Technology)

Obesity and metabolic syndrome overview.

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:44:03 +0100

Authors: Gade W, Gade J PMID: 20218093 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Laboratory Science : Journal of the American Society for Medical Technology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Failures of feedback: rush hour along the highway to obesity.

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:44:03 +0100

Authors: Gade W, Gade J, Collins M, Schmit J, Schupp N From hot dogs to Hashimoto's and inheritance to inactivity, many "entrance ramps" converge onto the "Highway to Obesity", each contributing caloric intake that exceeds expenditure. Initially, the hypothalamus regulates appetite and energy based on leptin feedback, until feedback failure increases appetite, and allows deposition of abdominal fat, metabolic dysregulation, and metabolic syndrome. Without feedback controls, progress toward obesity is unimpeded unless diet, exercise, and/or medications provide an exit ramp. PMID: 20218094 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Laboratory Science : Journal of the American Society for Medical Technology)

Beyond obesity: the diagnosis and pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome.

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:44:03 +0100

Authors: Gade W, Schmit J, Collins M, Gade J Metabolic syndrome (MSX) identifies clinical symptoms and lab results, including abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, that lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Obesity typically results in insulin and leptin resistance and a shift from expansion of subcutaneous fat to deposition of abdominal and ectopic fat. These conditions cause metabolic dysregulation, elevated fatty acids (FFA), and increased secretion of pro-inflammatory "adipokines". Left untreated, these conditions cause lipotoxicity, chronic inflammation, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and CVD. PMID: 20218095 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Laboratory Science : Journal of the American Society for Med...

JALA Information for Authors

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:13 +0100

(Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation)

World News

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:13 +0100

According to Petrolab, this new tool is for monitoring and control of oxidation stability (aging) of oils, fats, greases, and other products such as proprietary antioxidant and shelf life additives used by food, fragrance, and cosmetic industries. Among the key features of the new tester are faster test times, compared with traditional testing methods as well as clear and easily understood test results. The tester offers excellent repeatability and reproducibility of results along with simple handling procedures, small sample sizes, improved user safety, automatic operation, and simple cleaning procedures. The user-friendly PetroOXY is considered ideal for fast and simple stability spot checks as well as routine monitoring of products. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Aut...

Nanomedicine: About This Special Issue

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:13 +0100

(Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

ALA & SBS: Two Towers of Excellence to Become One

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:13 +0100

(Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation)

JALA Articles in Press Expedite Access to Scientific Know-How

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:13 +0100

(Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation)

Editorial Board

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:13 +0100

(Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation)

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:13 +0100

(Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation)

Meetings and Events

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:13 +0100

April 5–9 2010 MRS Spring Meeting: San Francisco, CA (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Carbon Nanopipettes for Cell Surgery

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:12 +0100

Carbon nanopipettes (CNPs), nanoprobes that integrate carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into larger easily maneuverable devices, provide a viable means of performing cell surgery with carbon-based nanostructures. Taking advantage of the nanoscopic tubular geometry and unique material properties of CNTs, CNPs facilitate minimally invasive cell probing, low-volume intracellular fluid injection, sensitive electrical measurements of cell signals, and other unique analytical abilities not possible with traditional glass-based cell probing technology. In this technology review, we highlight the cell probing applications where CNPs were used as nanoneedles for intracellular injection and nanoelectrodes for cell electrophysiology. Besides summarizing the proven capabilities of CNPs, the intent of this revie...

Stabilizing Biomacromolecules in Nontoxic Nano-Structured Materials

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:12 +0100

Increases in the use of protein-based pharmaceuticals require the development of cost-effective methods of storage and transport of sensitive biomolecules. In this article, we review the general problems of protein stabilization, aspects specific to antibodies, and a proposed method for protecting proteins based on nanostructured hydrogels. This review is not intended to be comprehensive, but instead to provide the reader with specific examples that capture some of the key challenges and opportunities of the field. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation)

Photonic Crystal Surfaces as a General Purpose Platform for Label-Free and Fluorescent Assays

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:12 +0100

This report reviews the design of PC biosensors, their associated detection instrumentation, and biological applications. Applications including high-throughput screening of small molecules, cell membrane integrin activation, gene expression analysis, and protein biomarker detection are highlighted. Recent results in which PC surfaces are used for enhancing the detection of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and the development of high-resolution PC-based laser biosensors are also described. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation)

Superhydrophilic Surfaces for Antifogging and Antifouling Microfluidic Devices

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:12 +0100

Superhydrophilic surfaces are investigated for their potential to provide antifogging and antifouling properties for microfluidic devices. Two types of exemplary superhydrophilic surfaces are prepared, including polyester films treated by oxygen plasma and indium tin oxide-coated glasses treated by an electrochemical method. The superhydrophilicity of the treated surfaces presented herein is confirmed by their near-zero water contact angles. Their corresponding antifogging and antifouling capability is examined. The fluorescence microscopic study has confirmed the significantly reduced adhesion of the fluorescein and fluorescent proteins after the surfaces are treated to be superhydrophilic, indicating their potential for antifouling applications. The degradation of the superhydrophilicity...

Gold Nanoparticle-Based Biodetection for Chip-Based Portable Diagnosis Systems

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:12 +0100

We review the past development of highly sensitive and selective gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based assays of protein and DNA biomarkers for chip-based detection systems. The microfluidic systems, various assays, and preliminary laboratory results are shown. AuNP-based biodetection assays provide low detection threshold, offering promises for multiplexed diagnostics of many forms of disease markers. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

On-Chip Cryopreservation of Living Cells

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:12 +0100

On-chip cryopreservation of biological cells under low-temperature environments has been successfully demonstrated using a microfabricated chip with an incubation microchamber and microfluidic channels. Microheaters are used as both the resistive heating elements and temperature sensors to control the temperature profile of microenvironment under the liquid nitrogen cooling process. A two-step, temperature-controlled, on-chip cryopreservation process is applied for yeast cells, and after the thawing process, 74% cell survival rate has been accomplished. The reference experiment conducted without using the temperature control results in 27% cell survival rate. As such, this technique could have potential applications in on-chip cryopreservation processes, including those for sperm, embryo, ...

Magnetic Nanotechnology for Biodetection

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:12 +0100

A highly sensitive biodetection technology using nanomagnetic sensors and magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) was developed. Absorption of magnetic NPs by the hybridized DNA alters the sensor resistance and generated electrical signals that can be directly measured with the off-die or on-die circuitry. Assays with DNA concentration down to sub-10pM with a dynamic range of three orders of magnitude were demonstrated. The proposed biochip can be applied to other bioreaction detections, for example, protein assay, through different surface modifications. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation)

Automation Highlights From the Literature

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:12 +0100

In a concept article C. Bernlind and C. Urbaniczky outline a successful strategy for rolling out an automation concept on a broad basis to AstraZeneca Process R&D laboratories. Examples of hardware and software are presented as well as a couple of examples related to process safety (Org. Process Res. Dev. 2009, 13, 1059–1067). (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation)

Cover 1

Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:12 +0100

(Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation)

Australian Health Insurer NIB and Navigenics Team Up to Offer Cut-Rate Genetic Testing to NIB Customers

Dark Daily — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:10 +0100

Australian patients are using an American clinical pathology laboratory for their genetic testing needs It’s a half-price sale of genetic clinical laboratory tests for 5,000 customers of Australian health insurer NIB. NIB wants to encourage its beneficiaries to screen themselves to identify their genetic tendencies for such conditions as heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, and [...] (Source: Dark Daily)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Characterization of dilute species within CVD-grown silicon nanowires doped using trimethylboron: protected lift-out specimen preparation for atom probe tomography

Journal of Microscopy — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Three-dimensional quantitative compositional analysis of nanowires is a challenge for standard techniques such as secondary ion mass spectrometry because of specimen size and geometry considerations; however, it is precisely the size and geometry of nanowires that makes them attractive candidates for analysis via atom probe tomography. The resulting boron composition of various trimethylboron vapour[ndash]liquid[ndash]solid grown silicon nanowires were measured both with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and pulsed-laser atom probe tomography. Both characterization techniques yielded similar results for relative composition. Specialized specimen preparation for pulsed-laser atom probe tomography was utilized and is described in detail whereby individual silicon nanowires are f...

Using a zone axis for convergent beam electron diffraction measurements of lattice strain in strained silicon

Journal of Microscopy — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Convergent beam electron diffraction patterns of silicon from the gate channel region of a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor with recessed Si.82Ge.18 stressors were analysed using three zone axes: , and . Values measured using these axes were compared with each other with regards to strain along the [] and the [001] directions. It was demonstrated that strain measurements made using all three axes showed reasonable agreement with each other: an increase in the [] compressive strain and a switch from compressive to tensile strain in the [001] with decreasing distance below the gate. It was also observed that the strain calculations using the axis had the lowest uncertainty whereas the axis allowed for measurements closest to the gate due to the improved lateral resolution a...

Texture classification by statistical learning from morphological image processing: application to metallic surfaces

Journal of Microscopy — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A classification method based on textural information for metallic surfaces displaying complex random patterns is proposed. Because these kinds of textures show fluctuations at a small scale and some uniformity at a larger scale, a probabilistic approach is followed, considering textural variations as realizations of random functions. Taking into account information of pixel neighbourhoods, the texture for each pixel is described at different scales. By means of statistical learning, the most relevant textural descriptors are selected for each application. The performance of this approach is established on a real data set of steel surfaces. (Source: Journal of Microscopy)

Co-registered spectrally encoded confocal microscopy and optical frequency domain imaging system

Journal of Microscopy — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Spectrally encoded confocal microscopy and optical frequency domain imaging are two non-contact optical imaging technologies that provide images of tissue cellular and architectural morphology, which are both used for histopathological diagnosis. Although spectrally encoded confocal microscopy has better transverse resolution than optical frequency domain imaging, optical frequency domain imaging can penetrate deeper into tissues, which potentially enables the visualization of different morphologic features. We have developed a co-registered spectrally encoded confocal microscopy and optical frequency domain imaging system and have obtained preliminary images from human oesophageal biopsy samples to compare the capabilities of these imaging techniques for diagnosing oesophageal pathology. ...

Leakage radiation microscopy of surface plasmon coupled emission: investigation of gain-assisted propagation in an integrated plasmonic waveguide

Journal of Microscopy — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Using a single-mode dielectric-loaded surface plasmon polariton waveguide doped with quantum dots, we were able to slightly increase the propagation length of the mode by stimulated emission of plasmon. We analyse the amplification phenomenon in the visible range by combining leakage radiation microscopy and surface plasmon coupled emission techniques. (Source: Journal of Microscopy)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Microstructural characterization of laser surface melted AISI M2 tool steel

Journal of Microscopy — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We describe the microstructure of Nd:YAG continuous wave laser surface melted high-speed steel, namely AISI M2, treated with different laser scanning speeds and beam diameters on its surface. Microstructural characterization of the remelted surface layer was performed using light optical and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The combination of the three techniques provided new insights into the substantial changes induced by laser surface melting of the steel surface layer. The advantage of the method is that it avoids the difficult and tedious work of preparing samples of this hard material for transmission electron microscopy, which is the technique normally used to study these fine microstructures. A melted zone with a dendritic structure and a partially melted zone wi...

An automated and highly efficient method for counting and measuring fluorescent foci in rod-shaped bacteria

Journal of Microscopy — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Direct measurements of cells from photo micrographs are becoming increasingly used when investigating the position and/or distribution of chromosomal loci in bacteria. In general, these measurements have been done manually, and without clear definition of how they are made. Here we present a procedure for standardizing the measurement of cell properties from phase contrast images. Furthermore, we present a program using these standardized methods that can measure the intracellular positions of fluorescent foci in bacterial cells faster and with more precision than manual measurement. (Source: Journal of Microscopy)

UnitedHealthcare to Grade Oncologists on Compliance with Care Guidelines

Dark Daily — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:00:29 +0100

Appropriate use of clinical pathology laboratory tests to detect and treat cancer will be a scorecard factor One primary goal of pay-for-performance programs is to reduce or eliminate the variability of care that physicians provide to their patients. Getting physicians to follow the recommended care protocols 100% of the time with 100% of their patients would [...] (Source: Dark Daily)

Pixel-based analysis of FRAP data with a general initial bleaching profile

Journal of Microscopy — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In Jonasson et al. (2008), we presented a new pixel-based maximum likelihood framework for the estimation of diffusion coefficients from data on fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The main method there, called the Gaussian profile method below, is based on the assumption that the initial intensity profile after photobleaching is approximately Gaussian. In the present paper, we introduce a method, called the Monotone profile method, where the maximum likelihood framework is extended to a general initial bleaching profile only assuming that the profile is a non-decreasing function of the distance to the bleaching centre. The statistical distribution of the image noise is further assumed to be Poisson instead of normal, which shou...

Subject Index to Volume 4, Number 12, 2009

Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:09:14 +0100

(Source: Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Author Index to Volume 4, Number 12, 2009

Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:09:14 +0100

(Source: Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy)

Table of Contents to Volume 4, Number 12, 2009

Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:09:14 +0100

(Source: Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy)

Amine-Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: An Atomic Force Microscopy Study

Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:09:14 +0100

(Source: Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy)

Magnetoelectric Coefficient in Strontium Ruthenate Buffered Lanthanum Modified Bismuth Ferrite Thin Films Grown by Chemical Method

Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:09:14 +0100

(Source: Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy)

Estimation of the Tip-Molecule Coupling Energy in Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:09:14 +0100

(Source: Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Theoretical Description of the Flexural Vibration of Dagger Shaped Atomic Force Microscope Cantilevers

Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:09:14 +0100

(Source: Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy)

Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging of Thin Sections of Lacandonia Granules

Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:09:14 +0100

(Source: Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy)

Adhesion Force Mapping of Raw and Treated Flax Fibres Using AFM Force-Volume

Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:09:14 +0100

(Source: Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy)

Quintiles Expands Its China Laboratory Services to Include Anatomic Pathology Tests

Dark Daily — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:31:46 +0100

CRO Company Adds Anatomic Pathology Testing Services to Serve China’s Pharma and Biotech Industries Quintiles announced that its Beijing medical laboratory will offer an enhanced menu of anatomic pathology testing services to the Chinese biopharmaceutical industry. With this action, global CRO (clinical research organization) giant Quintiles is responding to the increasing sophistication of the pharmaceutical industry [...] (Source: Dark Daily)

Scanning Tunneling Microscopic Investigations into the Conductance of Single-Atom Junctions

Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:17:58 +0100

(Source: Journal of Scanning Probe Microscopy)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Rhabdoid tumor: gene expression clues to pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Samantha Gadd, Simone Treiger Sredni, Chiang-Ching Huang & Elizabeth J Perlman (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

Endocellular polyamine availability modulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and unfolded protein response in MDCK cells

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Marco Prunotto, Alessandra Compagnone, Maurizio Bruschi, Giovanni Candiano, Sebastiano Colombatto, Andrea Bandino, Andrea Petretto, Solange Moll, Marie Luce Bochaton-Piallat, Giulio Gabbiani, Veronica Dimuccio, Maurizio Parola, Lorenzo Citti & GianMarco Ghiggeri (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

Different responses in transformation of MDCK cells in 2D and 3D culture by v-Src as revealed by microarray techniques, RT-PCR and functional assays

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mira Töyli, Linda Rosberg-Kulha, Janne Capra, Jussi Vuoristo & Sinikka Eskelinen (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

Immunological detection of fructose-derived advanced glycation end-products

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Masayoshi Takeuchi, Mina Iwaki, Jun-ichi Takino, Hikari Shirai, Mihoko Kawakami, Richard Bucala & Sho-ichi Yamagishi (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

Intraperitoneal LPS amplifies portal hypertension in rat liver fibrosis

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Christian J Steib, Anna C Hartmann, Christoph v Hesler, Andreas Benesic, Martin Hennenberg, Manfred Bilzer & Alexander L Gerbes (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Development of a continuous assay for the measurement of tissue factor procoagulant activity on intact cells

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jennifer A Caldwell, Jeffrey G Dickhout, Ali A Al-Hashimi & Richard C Austin (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

Anticancer effects of CAMEL peptide

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ryszard Smolarczyk, Tomasz Cichoń, Wojciech Kamysz, Magdalena Głowala-Kosińska, Anna Szydło, Łukasz Szultka, Aleksander L Sieroń & Stanisław Szala (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

DNA methylation of HOXD3 as a marker of prostate cancer progression

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ken J Kron, Liyang Liu, Vaijayanti V Pethe, Nino Demetrashvili, Michael E Nesbitt, John Trachtenberg, Hilmi Ozcelik, Neil E Fleshner, Laurent Briollais, Theodorus H van der Kwast & Bharati Bapat (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

Autophagy mediates the process of cellular senescence characterizing bile duct damages in primary biliary cirrhosis

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Motoko Sasaki, Masami Miyakoshi, Yasunori Sato & Yasuni Nakanuma (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

SERPINB3 modulates TGF-β expression in chronic liver disease

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

SERPINB3 modulates TGF-β expression in chronic liver disease Laboratory Investigation advance online publication, March 8, 2010. doi:10.1038/labinvest.2010.55 Authors: Cristian Turato, Fiorella Calabrese, Alessandra Biasiolo, Santina Quarta, Mariagrazia Ruvoletto, Natascia Tono, Daniela Paccagnella, Giorgio Fassina, Carlo Merkel, Tim J Harrison, Angelo Gatta & Patrizia Pontisso (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

S-MED: Sarcoma microRNA Expression Database

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Aaron L Sarver, Rasik Phalak, Venugopal Thayanithy & Subbaya Subramanian (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

Parents Outraged at Warehousing of DNA Saved from Newborn Baby Screening Programs and Used for Clinical Laboratory Testing

Dark Daily — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:39:28 +0100

After Laboratory Tests are Conducted, Newborn Screening Cards are Saved for Research For decades, pathologists and clinical laboratory scientists have been part of a seemingly innocuous public health practice begun in the 1960s: newborn blood testing. Now, because of recent advances in genetic tests and molecular diagnostics, growing numbers of parents are concerned about how [...] (Source: Dark Daily)

Limitations of beam damage in electron spectroscopic tomography of embedded cells

Journal of Microscopy — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Elemental mapping in the energy filtering transmission electron microscope (EFTEM) can be extended into three dimensions (3D) by acquiring a series of two-dimensional (2D) core-edge images from a specimen oriented over a range of tilt angles, and then reconstructing the volume using tomographic methods. EFTEM has been applied to imaging the distribution of biological molecules in 2D, e.g. nucleic acid and protein, in sections of plastic-embedded cells, but no systematic study has been undertaken to assess the extent to which beam damage limits the available information in 3D. To address this question, 2D elemental maps of phosphorus and nitrogen were acquired from unstained sections of plastic-embedded isolated mouse thymocytes. The variation in elemental composition, residual specimen mas...

Enhanced angular current intensity from Schottky emitters

Journal of Microscopy — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, two strategies were attempted to enhance its angular intensity, and their experimental results are reported. The first scheme is to employ a higher extraction field for increasing the brightness. However, the tip shape transformation was found to induce undesirably elevated emission from the facet edges at high fields. The second scheme exploits the fact that the angular intensity is proportional to the square of the electron gun focal length [Fujita, S. & Shimoyama, H. (2005) Theory of cathode trajectory characterization by canonical mapping transformation. J. Electron Microsc. 54, 331[ndash]343], which can be increased by scaling-up the emitter tip radius. A high angular current intensity (J[Omega][sim] 1.5 mA sr[minus]1) was obtained from a scaled-up emitter. Preliminary ...

Thermo Fisher Trumped by Merck KGaA’s $7.2 Billion Bid to Acquire Millipore

Dark Daily — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:40:23 +0100

Clinical Pathology Laboratory Customers of Millipore Not Likely to See Many Changes It only took a few days for Millipore Corporation (NYSE: MIL) to find a buyer willing to outbid Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO). Millipore agreed to be acquired by Merck KGaA (FWB: MRK) of Darmstadt, Germany. Merck will pay about $7.2 billion for [...] (Source: Dark Daily)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Adoption of EMRs Creates Demand for New Healthcare Job of “Scribes”

Dark Daily — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:54:05 +0100

Clinical pathology laboratories may soon handle lab test orders entered by scribes on behalf of physicians Along with the growing adoption of electronic medical record (EMR) systems comes robust demand for a new healthcare job: scribes! That is a bit ironic, since many advocates of EMRs believed that physicians would do the primary entry. In fact, [...] (Source: Dark Daily)

The 2009 version of the cancer protocols of the college of american pathologists.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Amin MB PMID: 20196658 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

Practices of participants in the college of american pathologists interlaboratory comparison program in cervicovaginal cytology, 2006.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.-Most responding laboratories have implemented the Bethesda 2001 terminology. There is an increase in LBP low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion rates when compared with 2003 data. Liquid-based preparations have higher median squamous intraepithelial lesion and atypical squamous cell rates. PMID: 20196659 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

Protocol for the examination of specimens from patients with hematopoietic neoplasms of the ocular adnexa.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bradley KT, Arber DA, Brown MS, Chang CC, Coupland SE, de Baca ME, Ellis DW, Foucar K, Hsi ED, Jaffe ES, Lill MC, McClure SP, Medeiros LJ, Perkins SL, Hussong JW PMID: 20196660 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

Protocol for the examination of specimens from patients with merkel cell carcinoma of the skin.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rao P, Balzer BL, Lemos BD, Liegeois NJ, McNiff JM, Nghiem P, Prieto VG, Smith MT, Smoller BR, Wick MR, Frishberg DP PMID: 20196661 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Protocol for the examination of specimens from patients with carcinoma of the urethra.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: McKenney JK, Amin MB, Epstein JI, Grignon DJ, Oliva E, Reuter VE, Srigley JR, Humphrey PA PMID: 20196662 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

Pseudoneoplastic lesions: general considerations.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wick MR, Tazelaar HD Abstract Pseudoneoplastic lesions ("pseudotumors") can be seen in virtually all anatomic locations. Some organ sites, such as the lungs and skin, are overrepresented for unknown reasons, and the histologic images seen in pseudoneoplastic lesions are partially overlapping in disparate locations. More than occasionally, the degree of histologic likeness to true neoplasms-often malignant ones-is striking. This overview outlines the spectrum of pseudoneoplastic lesions and divides them into etiologic categories, including reparative, developmental, functional (usually endocrine), iatrogenic, infectious, and idiopathic. Side-by-side pictorial comparisons of selected pseudoneoplastic lesions and their neoplastic mimics are included. PMID: 20196663 [PubMed - ...

Cardiovascular pseudoneoplasms.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.-While lacking malignant potential, these lesions can be associated with considerable morbidity and occasional mortality. Their recognition is important in guiding patient management, providing both guidance for appropriate therapy and avoidance of inappropriately aggressive and toxic treatments. PMID: 20196664 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

Selected pseudoneoplastic lesions of the skin.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.-Sufficient clinical and morphologic differences exist in virtually all instances to separate pseudoneoplastic cutaneous proliferations from the tumors that they imitate. PMID: 20196665 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

Pseudoneoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.-A classification of pseudoneoplasms, according to the mechanism of injury to the gastrointestinal tract, morphologic patterns, and heterotopia, may be useful in providing a diagnostic framework in which ancillary techniques often have a diagnostic role. Several pseudoneoplasms may be closely associated with true neoplasms (eg, malakoplakia, prolapsetype lesions) because of the nonspecific nature of the response of the intestine to injury. PMID: 20196666 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Pseudoneoplastic lesions of the female genital tract.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.-Many benign hyperplastic or reactive processes that occur in the female genital tract may be mistaken for neoplasms both clinically and pathologically. Awareness of the features of such lesions will aid in their correct diagnosis and prevent overtreatment of benign processes. PMID: 20196667 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

Pseudoneoplasms of the nervous system.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.-The identification of tumor mimics may be difficult under the best of circumstances, and maintaining a broad differential diagnosis as well as application of a variety of immunocytochemical and occasionally ultrastructural and/or molecular genetic methods is essential to arrive at a correct diagnosis. PMID: 20196668 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

Pulmonary pseudoneoplasms.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.-When reviewing specimens that appear nondiagnostic for malignancy, it is important to consider one of these pseudoneoplasms in the differential diagnosis as they may explain the clinical and radiologic information. PMID: 20196669 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

Pseudoneoplastic mimics of prostate and bladder carcinomas.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.-Pseudoneoplastic lesions in the prostate include those of prostatic epithelial origin, the most common being atrophy, adenosis (atypical adenomatous hyperplasia), basal cell hyperplasia, and crowded benign glands, as well as those of nonprostatic origin, such as seminal vesicle epithelium. Such lesions often mimic lower-grade prostatic adenocarcinoma, whereas others, such as clear cell cribriform hyperplasia and granulomatous prostatitis, for example, are in the differential diagnosis of Gleason adenocarcinoma, Gleason grade 4 or 5. Pseudoneoplastic lesions of the urinary bladder include lesions that could potentially be confused with urothelial carcinoma in situ, such as reactive urothelial atypia, and others, such as polypoid/papillary cystitis, where papillary urothelial ne...

Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Detection of BK Virus Using Labeled Primers.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.-Real-time PCR using labeled primers is highly sensitive and specific for the quantitative detection of BK virus from a variety of clinical specimens. These data demonstrate the applicability of labeled primer PCR for quantitative viral detection and offer a simplified method that removes the need for separate oligonucleotide probes. PMID: 20196671 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase expression in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with a paracortical growth pattern: a lymphoma of possible interfollicular large B-cell origin.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with a paracortical distribution is unusual and may be a distinct morphologic variant. More study is necessary to determine the stage of B-cell development and the cell of origin of these tumors. However, activation-induced cytidine deaminase expression suggests they may arise from a putative interfollicular large B cell. PMID: 20196672 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

Asbestos fiber content of lungs with diffuse interstitial fibrosis: an analytical scanning electron microscopic analysis of 249 cases.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.-Strict histologic criteria are useful for positive identification of asbestosis among cases of advanced pulmonary fibrosis. Few DPF patients with history of asbestos exposure whose biopsies did not meet the criteria for asbestosis may have asbestos fiber counts in the range seen in asbestosis, and fiber type identification by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis should be considered in these rare instances to avoid false-positive and false-negative diagnoses of asbestosis. PMID: 20196673 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

Pathology of asbestosis-an update of the diagnostic criteria: report of the asbestosis committee of the college of american pathologists and pulmonary pathology society.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Roggli VL, Gibbs AR, Attanoos R, Churg A, Popper H, Cagle P, Corrin B, Franks TJ, Galateau-Salle F, Galvin J, Hasleton PS, Henderson DW, Honma K Abstract Asbestosis is defined as diffuse pulmonary fibrosis caused by the inhalation of excessive amounts of asbestos fibers. Pathologically, both pulmonary fibrosis of a particular pattern and evidence of excess asbestos in the lungs must be present. Clinically, the disease usually progresses slowly, with a typical latent period of more than 20 years from first exposure to onset of symptoms. Differential Diagnosis: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis The pulmonary fibrosis of asbestosis is interstitial and has a basal subpleural distribution, similar to that seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which is the principal differential diagno...

Pediatric angiosarcoma of soft tissue: a rare clinicopathologic entity.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ayadi L, Khabir A Abstract Angiosarcomas are rare tumors that predominantly affect adults and elderly patients. Although angiosarcomas are well described in a variety of clinical settings, they have been poorly studied in children and little is known about their biology, natural history, or optimal treatment. Childhood angiosarcomas are exceedingly rare. The head and neck region and mediastinum seem to be the preferred locations. Most tumors are high-grade tumors. Vasoformative architecture is not always obvious on light microscopy requiring the benefit of immunohistochemical study. The differential diagnosis includes Kaposi sarcoma, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, hemangiopericytoma, and spindle cell hemangioendothelioma whose prognosis is different. Complete resection is r...

Optimization of culture conditions for an efficient xeno-feeder free limbal cell culture system towards ocular surface regeneration

Microscopy Research and Technique — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study was aimed to establish an efficient xeno-feeder free limbal culture system towards ocular surface regeneration. To study the effect of initial dispase treatment and culture system used, migratory distance of cells from explants was analyzed from phase contrast images using "interactive measurements" of Qwin software (Leica). Expression of p63 in different culture systems was studied by immunofluorescent staining, followed by quantitative confocal microscopy (Carl Zeiss). Results showed dispase treatment was not necessary for establishing limbal explant culture. A combination of Iscove's modified Dulbecco's medium and Panserin 801 resulted in formation of autofeeder layer with maintenance of progenitor characteristics, thus mimicking natural tissue architecture. Further analysis ...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

A scanning electron microscopy specimen holder for viewing different angles of a single specimen

Microscopy Research and Technique — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The specimen holder for scanning electron microscopy described herein allows a single specimen to be examined in any possible view and significantly improves object illumination. The specimen is glued to a fine pin and flexibly mounted on a double-sided adhesive conductive pad on a rotatable pivot. A milled pot placed beneath the specimen acts as an electron trap. This provides a homogeneous black image background by minimizing noisy signals from the specimen's surroundings. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Microscopy Research and Technique)

Low-temperature glycol methacrylate resin embedding method: A protocol suitable for bone marrow immunohistochemistry, PCR, and FISH analysis

Microscopy Research and Technique — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Molecular analyses such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are demanded to improve diagnostic accuracy in addition to immunohistopathology of bone marrow (BM) trephine specimens. Conventional BM embedding method needs decalcification, and its procedure may impair tissue morphology and DNA quality. Here, we report an undecalcified method by which glycol methacrylate resin is polymerized at low temperature (4°C). Using this method, BM enzyme activity and antigenic determinants are well preserved, and moreover, DNA extracted from plastic embedding sections is suitable for PCR amplification and sequencing, FISH analysis can be well done because of the DNA integrity of BM sections. If working with BM trephine specimen, our protocol offers the possi...

Novel guggulsterone derivative GG-52 inhibits NF-κB signaling in intestinal epithelial cells and attenuates acute murine colitis

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Novel guggulsterone derivative GG-52 inhibits NF-κB signaling in intestinal epithelial cells and attenuates acute murine colitis Laboratory Investigation advance online publication, March 1, 2010. doi:10.1038/labinvest.2010.54 Authors: Jung Mogg Kim, Hyoun Woo Kang, Mi Yeon Cha, Doyoung Yoo, Nayoung Kim, In-Kyoung Kim, Jeounghun Ku, Sunil Kim, Sang-Ho Ma, Hyun Chae Jung, In Sung Song & Joo Sung Kim (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

Molecular blockade of VEGFR2 in human epithelial ovarian carcinoma cells

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sirin A I Adham, Ifat Sher & Brenda L Coomber (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

Involvement of epimorphin in the repair of experimental renal fibrosis in mice

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Muneharu Yamada, Takashi Oda, Keishi Higashi, Taketoshi Kushiyama, Kazuo Yamakami, Yutaka Sakurai, Yohei Hirai, Kojiro Yamamoto, Toshitake Hyodo, Shigenobu Suzuki, Soichiro Miura & Hiroo Kumagai (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Enhanced fibrillin-2 expression is a general feature of wound healing and sclerosis: potential alteration of cell attachment and storage of TGF-β

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Enhanced fibrillin-2 expression is a general feature of wound healing and sclerosis: potential alteration of cell attachment and storage of TGF-β Laboratory Investigation advance online publication, March 1, 2010. doi:10.1038/labinvest.2010.49 Authors: Jürgen Brinckmann, Nico Hunzelmann, Birgit Kahle, Jürgen Rohwedel, Jan Kramer, Mark A Gibson, Dirk Hubmacher & Dieter P Reinhardt (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

Protein pathway biomarker analysis of human cancer reveals requirement for upfront cellular-enrichment processing

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alessandra Silvestri, Alfonso Colombatti, Valerie S Calvert, Jianghong Deng, Enzo Mammano, Claudio Belluco, Francesco De Marchi, Donato Nitti, Lance A Liotta, Emanuel F Petricoin & Mariaelena Pierobon (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

Functional significance of the two ACOX1 isoforms and their crosstalks with PPARα and RXRα

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Functional significance of the two ACOX1 isoforms and their crosstalks with PPARα and RXRα Laboratory Investigation advance online publication, March 1, 2010. doi:10.1038/labinvest.2010.46 Authors: Aurore Vluggens, Pierre Andreoletti, Navin Viswakarma, Yuzhi Jia, Kojiro Matsumoto, Wim Kulik, Mushfiquddin Khan, Jiansheng Huang, Dongsheng Guo, Sangtao Yu, Joy Sarkar, Inderjit Singh, M Sambasiva Rao, Ronald J Wanders, Janardan K Reddy & Mustapha Cherkaoui-Malki (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

Oxidative stress mediates nephropathy in type Ia glycogen storage disease

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wai Han Yiu, Paul A Mead, Hyun Sik Jun, Brian C Mansfield & Janice Y Chou (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

Thermo Fisher Offers $6 Billion to Acquire Millipore

Dark Daily — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:00:33 +0100

Both companies are important suppliers to clinical laboratories and research labs In recent days, news surfaced that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) was offering $6 billion to acquire Millipore Corporation (NYSE:MIL). Neither company has confirmed the offer, but yesterday Millipore issued a statement that its Directors were “evaluating strategic options.” Should Thermo Fisher acquire Millipore, or [...] (Source: Dark Daily)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Thermo Fisher Offers $6 Billion to Acquire Millipore

Dark Daily — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:00:33 +0100

Genetic regulation of serum cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Translational Research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:38:24 +0100

Authors: Kariuki SN, Niewold TB Genetic association studies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been extremely successful in recent years, identifying several loci associated with disease susceptibility. Much work remains to integrate these loci into the functional pathogenic pathways that characterize the disease. Our working hypothesis is that many genetic variations linked to SLE and autoimmunity mediate the risk of disease by altering cytokine profiles or responses to cytokine signaling. Genetic polymorphisms that affect cytokine signaling could alter thresholds for immune responses, resulting in proinflammatory presentation of self-antigens and the subsequent misdirection of adaptive immunity against self, which is observed in autoimmune disease. SLE is clinically heterogen...

Albumin Benkovac (c.1175 A > G; p.Glu392Gly): a novel genetic variant of human serum albumin.

Translational Research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:38:19 +0100

Albumin Benkovac (c.1175 A > G; p.Glu392Gly): a novel genetic variant of human serum albumin. Transl Res. 2010 Mar;155(3):118-9 Authors: Caridi G, Dagnino M, Simundic AM, Miler M, Stancic V, Campagnoli M, Galliano M, Minchiotti L PMID: 20171595 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Translational Research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine)

Is there a role for tetrathiomolybdate in the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis?

Translational Research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:38:17 +0100

Authors: Silveira MG, Lindor KD PMID: 20171596 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Translational Research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine)

Treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis with tetrathiomolybdate: results of a double-blind trial.

Translational Research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:38:14 +0100

Authors: Askari F, Innis D, Dick RB, Hou G, Marrero J, Greenson J, Brewer GJ The results of a double-blind trial of tetrathiomolybdate therapy and standard of care, versus placebo and standard of care treatment, in primary biliary cirrhosis patients are presented. Baseline studies of liver function, various safety variables, ceruloplasmin, a liver biopsy for histologic analysis, and for various cytokine analyses were carried out. Patients were observed every 4 months for up to 2 years of treatment by a hepatologist for clinical evaluation and repeat of all the baseline studies except liver biopsy, which was repeated at 2 years. The primary end points were improvement in 2 liver function tests and in 1 inflammatory cytokine. Fifteen placebo patients were followed for an average of 13 mo...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Dietary medium-chain triglycerides prevent chemically induced experimental colitis in rats.

Translational Research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:38:11 +0100

Authors: Kono H, Fujii H, Ishii K, Hosomura N, Ogiku M The effects of dietary medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) on experimental colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) were investigated in rats. Male Wistar rats were given an intracolonic injection of TNBS and were then fed liquid diets containing MCTs or corn oil (AIN93) as controls. Serum and tissue samples were collected 1 week after TNBS enema. The severity of colitis was evaluated pathologically, and tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was measured. Furthermore, messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels for inflammatory cytokines and a chemokine were assessed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. In another set of experiments, the protein expr...

Resistin gene promoter region polymorphism and the risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in patients.

Translational Research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:38:08 +0100

This study investigates resistin levels in HCM patients and healthy controls and the molecular basis for the regulation of the resistin gene (RETN) in a Pakistani population. Patients with HCM (n = 105) and healthy individuals (n = 110) were enrolled in this investigation. Serum resistin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RETN genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Our data showed a statistically significant increase in resistin levels from HCM patients compared with healthy subjects (6.3 +/- 2.7 ng/mL in patients vs 3.4 +/- 2.1 ng/mL in controls, P < 0.0001). The RETN -420 C > G polymorphism was significantly high in patients with HCM compared with the control group (P < 0.001). There was a significant dif...

Novel technique for rapid detection of alpha-globin gene mutations and deletions.

Translational Research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:38:05 +0100

In conclusion, the technique including the duplex PCR assay followed by DHPLC analysis can be used to diagnose alpha-thalassemia; this methodology is simple, rapid, accurate, semiautomatic, and high output, and thus, it is suitable for large-scale screening. PMID: 20171600 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Translational Research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine)

Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams’ Heart Surgery in the U.S. Triggers Debate on Healthcare in Canada

Dark Daily — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:00:45 +0100

In recent years, Newfoundland pathology lab’s errors involving breast cancer testing made headlines Once again, Newfoundland finds itself in the headlines about healthcare. This time it is not about breast cancer testing problems in its pathology laboratories. Instead, media reports are trumpeting the disclosure that Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams had quietly left the country earlier this [...] (Source: Dark Daily)

Analysis of effect of nanoporous alumina substrate coated with polypyrrole nanowire on cell morphology based on AFM topography.

Ultramicroscopy — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study showed the potential of the polypyrrole nanowires/nanoporous alumina substrate as biocompatibility electroactive polymer substrate for both healthy and cancer cell cultures applications. PMID: 20207084 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Ultramicroscopy)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Distinction of heterogeneity on Au nanostructured surface based on phase contrast imaging of atomic force microscopy.

Ultramicroscopy — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jung M, Choi JW The discrimination of the heterogeneity of different materials on nanostructured surfaces has attracted a great deal of interest in biotechnology as well as nanotechnology. Phase imaging through tapping mode of atomic force microscopy (TMAFM) can be used to distinguish the heterogeneity on a nanostructured surface. Nanostructures were fabricated using anodic aluminum oxide (AAO). An 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA) layer adsorbed onto the Au nanodots through self-assembly to improve the bio-compatibility. The Au nanostructures that were modified with 11-MUA and the concave surfaces were investigated using the TMAFM phase images to compare the heterogeneous and homogeneous nanostructured surfaces. Although the topography and phase images were taken simultaneo...

Drift study of SU8 cantilevers in liquid and gaseous environments.

Ultramicroscopy — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We present a study of the drift, in terms of cantilever deflections without probe/target interactions, of polymeric SU8 cantilevers. The drift is measured in PBS buffer (pH 7.4) and under vacuum (1mbar) conditions. We see that the cantilevers display a large drift in both environments. We believe this is because the polymer matrix absorbs liquid in one situation whereas it is being degassed in the other. An inhomogeneous expansion/contraction of the cantilever is seen because one surface of the cantilever may still have remains of the release layer from the fabrication. To further study the effect, we coat the cantilevers with a hydrophobic coating, perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane (FDTS). Fully encapsulating the SU8 cantilever greatly reduces the drift in liquid whereas a less significant ch...

Scanning Probe Microscope based Deep-Level Spectroscopy of semiconductor films.

Ultramicroscopy — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lányi S, Nádaždy V Deep-Level Spectroscopy, based on transformation and analysis of capacitance or charge transients, following the excitation of the sample by voltage pulses, yields information on electrically active defects in semiconductors, hardly obtainable by other methods. Our microscope performs Isothermal Charge-Transient Spectroscopy (IQTS). It samples the transients from 2mus to tens of ms and beyond with a resolution of hundreds of electrons. By means of a small heated stage the temperature of the sample can be varied between room temperature and about 200 degrees C. From the shift of IQTS peak maxima with temperature, the activation energy and capture cross-section of defects can be obtained. We have shown that quantitative determination of concent...

Two-dimensional ordering of pentafluorobenzenethiol self-assembled monolayers on Au(111) prepared by ambient-pressure vapor deposition.

Ultramicroscopy — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kang H, Kim Y, Hara M, Noh J Formation and surface structures of pentafluorobenzenethiol (PFBT) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au(111) prepared by ambient-vapor phase deposition were examined by means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) as a function of deposition temperature. PFBT SAMs formed at room temperature have disordered phases with bright aggregated domains, which are very similar to benzenethiol SAMs. As deposition temperature increases to 50 degrees C, partially ordered domains and large aggregated domains appeared. High-resolution STM clearly revealed that PFBT SAMs formed at 75 degrees C were composed of long-range, two-dimensional (2D) ordered domains, which can be described as a c(2x radical3) structure. The results of this study clearly demonstrate that...

National Survey of Clinical Lab Executive Compensation Is Under Way

Dark Daily — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:19:03 +0100

Gives human resource departments useful information about salary trends for lab managers In recent years, the clinical pathology laboratory profession has lacked a reliable national survey of compensation trends for clinical laboratory executives, administrators, directors, pathologists, and managers. That situation may soon change, as two lab organizations are actively collecting the compensation data required to [...] (Source: Dark Daily)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Step response measurement of AFM cantilever for analysis of frequency-resolved viscoelasticity.

Ultramicroscopy — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ogawa T, Kurachi S, Kageshima M, Naitoh Y, Jun Li Y, Sugawara Y Extension of AFM-based viscoelasticity measurement into a frequency-resolved analysis is attempted. A cantilever immersed into and interacting with distilled water was employed for the trial system. Using a home-built wideband magnetic excitation AFM, a step force with a transient time less than 1mus is applied to the AFM cantilever and its deflection is measured. The 1st and 2nd mode resonance ringing of the cantilever was suppressed using quality-factor-control technique, so that the measurement system becomes equivalent to driving a resonance-free virtual cantilever within the bandwidth limited by the surviving 3rd mode resonance. From the obtained response of the cantilever deflection, a frequency-dependent co...

Illumina Intends to Migrate Array Technology to Clinical Laboratories

Dark Daily — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:00:46 +0100

Firm will submit cytogenetic testing system to FDA using pre-IDE process High-throughput microarray technology used in cytogenetics research may soon have an FDA-cleared product for use by clinical pathology laboratories. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization can perform the equivalent of hundreds or even thousands of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments in one array. This technology has become [...] (Source: Dark Daily)

Ability of deferasirox to bind iron during measurement of iron

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 48 (3): 427-429 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Tissue factor +5466A>G and –1208D>I genetic polymorphisms and severity of rheumatoid arthritis

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 48 (3): 423-425 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

The polymorphisms –1131T>C and the S19W of the APOA5 gene are not associated with coronary artery disease in a Brazilian population

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 48 (3): 419-422 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Detection and quantitation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in EDTA whole blood samples using automated sample preparation and real time PCR

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Conclusions: The QIAsymphony® sample preparation and artus® EBV RG PCR test system is suitable for the detection and quantitation of EBV DNA in EDTA whole blood in the routine diagnostic laboratory. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:413–8. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Stability of serum thyroid hormones following 8–11 years of cold storage

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Conclusions: With reference to methodological performances in EQA, the results obtained with contemporary assays suggest analyte deterioration in specimens and thus their unsuitability for re-establishing RI. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:409–12. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Gender does not influence cystatin C concentrations in healthy volunteers

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Conclusions: There was no effect of gender on serum cystatin C, as well as on measured and estimated GFR. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:405–8. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Composition of kidney stone fragments obtained after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the composition of kidney stone fragments recovered after ESWL can be determined. Knowledge of stone composition is fundamental to understand the etiology of lithogenesis. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:403–4. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Is heparin plasma suitable for the determination of B-type natriuretic peptide on the Beckman-Coulter Access 2?

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Conclusions: Heparin plasma does not seem to be a suitable alternative to EDTA plasma for measurement of BNP using the Access 2 system, even if measurements are performed immediately after blood sampling. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:399–401. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Development and validation of a high performance liquid chromatography method to determine linezolid concentrations in pig pulmonary tissue

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Conclusions: The method offers a fast and simple approach to determine linezolid in pulmonary tissue which could be of use in pharmacokinetic studies. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:391–8. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Decrease in uric acid in acute ischemic stroke correlates with stroke severity, evolution and outcome

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

In this study, we investigated the kinetics of serum UA concentrations in the acute, subacute and chronic phase of ischemic stroke and its relation with initial stroke severity, stroke evolution in the subacute phase and long-term stroke outcome. Methods: Serum concentrations of UA were measured in 199 stroke patients at admission (median, 2.8 h after stroke onset), at 24 h, 72 h, day 7, month 1 and month 3 after onset of stroke. We evaluated the relationship between changes in UA concentrations and (a) stroke severity [patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) vs. stroke patients, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission], (b) stroke evolution (stroke progression, infarct volume at 72 h), and (c) stroke outcome [modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at mon...

Assay of oxidized fibrinogen reactivity (OFR) as a biomarker of oxidative stress in human plasma: the role of lysine analogs

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 48 (3): 379-382 Abstract Background: There is accumulating evidence that fibrinogen is also a biomarker of oxidative stress in human plasma. Results of in vitro studies demonstrated that fibrinogen can bind to apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] component of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] through both lysine-sensitive and lysine-insensitive mechanisms. The goal of the present study was to investigate oxidized fibrinogen reactivity (OFR) as a biomarker of oxidative stress in human plasma in the presence and absence of lysine analogs. Methods: Citrate anticoagulated peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 65 (36 M/29 F) consecutive patients with various peripheral vascular diseases. After centrifugation, the plasma was used promptly. Plasma OFR was deter...

Performance of a fully automated quantitative neopterin measurement assay in a routine voluntary blood donation setting

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Conclusions: The new Hamilton diluter increased the accuracy of the neopterin test procedure. Results are now identical with those of RIA and ELISA when run in a semi-automated manner. Differences in pipetting performance of standards and samples are considered as one possible explanation for the earlier discrepancies seen with the automated apparatus. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:373–7. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Multicentre evaluation of the Tosoh HbA1c G8 analyser

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

We report a Dutch–Belgian multicentre evaluation of the Tosoh HLC-723G8 glycohaemoglobin analyser, an ion-exchange HPLC instrument for the separation and quantification of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in whole blood. Methods: We evaluated the analytical performances of the Tosoh G8 analyser and compared the results for blood samples with its predecessor, the Tosoh G7, and with two other widely used analysers, the Bio-Rad Variant II and Adams Arkray HA-8160. Results: Within- and between-batch imprecision [coefficient of variation (CVs)] was (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Evaluation of five routine glucose methods on an Olympus AU5400 analyzer using the CDC hexokinase reference method

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Conclusions: All five reagents we evaluated using matching calibrators showed good correlation to the reference method and small bias. These five glucose reagents are acceptable for use in clinical laboratories. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:361–4. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Lack of association between DAZ gene methylation patterns and spermatogenic failure

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Conclusions: Our data indicate that the methylation patters of the DAZ gene are not associated with spermatogenic failure. This suggests that epigenetic modification of DAZ is unlikely to be involved in the etiology of spermatogenic failure. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:355–60. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Association of the CD28/CTLA4/ICOS polymorphisms with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Conclusions: Our results suggest that CD28 and ICOS genes may be associated with a risk of RA in Koreans. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:345–53. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) polymorphism is a risk factor for endometrial cancer susceptibility

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Conclusions: This is the first report on the association of MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-7 gene polymorphisms in endometrial cancer. Our results suggest that individuals with the MMP-7 −181 G/G and A/G genotype may have an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:337–44. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Integrated PCR amplification and detection processes on a Lab-on-Chip platform: a new advanced solution for molecular diagnostics

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Conclusions: The overall results show that the present platform is very promising for rapid identification of DNA sequence variations in an integrated, cost effective and convenient silicon chip format. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:329–36. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

The underestimated problem of using serum magnesium measurements to exclude magnesium deficiency in adults; a health warning is needed for “normal” results

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Conclusions: The perception that “normal” serum magnesium excludes deficiency is common among clinicians. This perception is probably enforced by the common laboratory practice of highlighting only abnormal results. A health warning is therefore warranted regarding potential misuse of “normal” serum magnesium because restoration of magnesium stores in deficient patients is simple, tolerable, inexpensive and can be clinically beneficial. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:323–7. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Laboratory reporting of hemostasis assays: the final post-analytical opportunity to reduce errors of clinical diagnosis in hemostasis?

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

This report should be of interest to both the laboratory scientists working in hemostasis and clinicians that request and attempt to interpret the test results. Laboratory scientists are ultimately responsible for these test results, and there is a duty to provide both accurate and precise results to enable clinicians to manage patients appropriately and to avoid the need to recollect and retest. Also, clinicians will not be in a position to best diagnose and manage their patient unless they gain an appreciation of these issues. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:309–21. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Standardization in clinical enzymology: a challenge for the theory of metrological traceability

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 48 (3): 301-307 Abstract The goal of standardization for measurement of the catalytic concentration of enzymes is to achieve comparable results in human samples, independent of the reagent kits, instruments, and laboratory where the assay is performed. To pursue this objective, the IFCC has established reference systems for the most important clinical enzymes. These systems are based on the following requirements: a) reference methods, well described and evaluated extensively; b) suitable reference materials; and c) reference laboratories operating in a highly controlled manner. When these reference systems are used appropriately, the diagnostic industry can assign traceable values to commercial calibrators. Clinical laboratories that use procedur...

Standardization of assays for clinically important enzymes that have high biologic variation: what is all the fuss about?

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:50:33 +0100

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 48 (3): 299-300 (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Reply to comment by Maurice et al. in response to "Bragg's Law Diffraction Simulations for Electron Backscatter Diffraction Analysis"

Ultramicroscopy — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kacher J, Basinger J, Adams BL, Fullwood DT A reply to Maurice et al.'s comment on "Bragg's Law Diffraction Simulations for Electron Backscatter Diffraction" is presented. A new method for microscope geometry calibration is briefly presented. Also, evidence that simple diffraction simulations can be profitable tools for absolute elastic strain measurements in crystalline materials is reiterated. PMID: 20189305 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Ultramicroscopy)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Pathologists Pay Heed! New Spectroscopy Technique May Make Prostate Biopsy Obsolete

Dark Daily — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:14:38 +0100

Mass General researchers use metabolomic imaging to accurately diagnose tumors Pathology laboratories may soon find it possible to identify prostate cancer without a biopsy. A new technology under development at Massachusetts General Hospital demonstrates the potential to improve the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis. Some studies have demonstrated that nearly a quarter of initial biopsies [...] (Source: Dark Daily)

Effect of indirubin-3-monoxime against lung cancer as evaluated by histological and transmission electron microscopic studies

Microscopy Research and Technique — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The aim of this study is to evaluate the antitumor effect of indirubin-3-monoxime and its mode of action in benzo([alpha])pyrene [B([alpha])P] induced lung cancer in A/J mice. Light microscopic examination of lung sections of [B([alpha])P] induced lung cancer mice revealed the presence of adenocarcinoma characterized by extensive proliferation of alveolar epithelium and loss of alveolar spaces. The control lung tissue showed a normal architecture with clear alveolar spaces. Interestingly the indirubin-3-monoxime treated groups showed the reduced adenocarcinoma with appearance of alveolar spaces. Transmission Electron Microscopic (TEM) studies of lung sections of [B([alpha])P] induced lung cancer mice showed the presence of phaemorphic cells with dense granules and increased mitochondria. T...

Early history, discovery, and expression of Aequorea green fluorescent protein, with a note on an unfinished experiment

Microscopy Research and Technique — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article reviews the work that took place leading to the discovery, cloning, and expression of the green fluorescent protein, with a note on an unfinished experiment. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Microscopy Research and Technique)

Two different pathways for the transport of primitive and definitive blood cells from the yolk sac to the embryo in humans

Microscopy Research and Technique — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

During the early human embryonic period nutrients and blood cells are temporarily provided by the extraembryonic yolk sac (YS). The YS before week six is involved not only in primitive but also in definitive erythropoiesis. While the destiny of primitive erythroid cells that fill the blood vessels of the YS is well known, the final destination of erythrocytes present in the endodermal vesicular system is unknown. In the present study we have investigated, step by step, the destiny of the erythrocytes present in the endodermal vesicles during the embryonic period.Twelve human YSs and their corresponding yolk stalks were analyzed between weeks 4 and 7 of embryonic age by light and scanning electron microscopy. It is shown that erythrocytes (according to their size and morphological features)...

Histological analysis of the alterations on cortical bone channels network after radiotherapy: A rabbit study

Microscopy Research and Technique — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the radiotherapy causes reduction of bone matrix and modifies the morphology of bone channels network. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Microscopy Research and Technique)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Why Vitamin D Continues to Be the World’s Fastest-Growing Clinical Laboratory Test

Dark Daily — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:47:22 +0100

February 24 Audio Conference will cover the A-to-Z of Vitamin 25(OH) D Testing Clinical laboratory testing for Vitamin 25(OH) D continues to the fastest-growing test on the medical laboratory menu, in the United States and other developed nations around the globe. Over the past four years, the steady increase in physician and patient demand for Vitamin [...] (Source: Dark Daily)

EELS detection limits revisited: Ruby - a case study.

Ultramicroscopy — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Riegler K, Kothleitner G Theoretical and experimental EELS studies have been performed to optimize the chromium (Cr) quantification in natural ruby, featuring low concentrations of Cr in alumina (Al(2)O(3)). First, the noise performance of the detection system was determined (MTF, DQE), having been vastly underestimated in literature, as there was hardly any consideration of the dose dependence on the DQE. The superiority of the MLLS fit technique over conventional background subtraction for quantitating low Cr concentrations has been proven, and could be further supported by numerical signal-to-noise analysis of simulated noise free and Poisson-noisy EEL spectra. MLLS fitted ruby spectra by using appropriate standard specimens have also been investigated from an experimental ...

Gentle STEM: ADF imaging and EELS at low primary energies.

Ultramicroscopy — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Krivanek OL, Dellby N, Murfitt MF, Chisholm MF, Pennycook TJ, Suenaga K, Nicolosi V Aberration correction of the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) has made it possible to reach probe sizes close to 1A at 60keV, an operating energy that avoids direct knock-on damage in materials consisting of light atoms such as B, C, N and O. Although greatly reduced, some radiation damage is still present at this energy, and this limits the maximum usable electron dose. Elemental analysis by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) is then usefully supplemented by annular dark field (ADF) imaging, for which the signal is larger. Because of its strong Z dependence, ADF allows the chemical identification of individual atoms, both heavy and light, and it can also record the atomic...

Characterization of nanoscale transformations in polyelectrolyte multilayers fabricated from plasmid DNA using laser scanning confocal microscopy in combination with atomic force microscopy

Microscopy Research and Technique — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize changes in nanoscale structure that occur when ultrathin polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) are incubated in aqueous media. The PEMs investigated here were fabricated by the deposition of alternating layers of plasmid DNA and a hydrolytically degradable polyamine onto a precursor film composed of alternating layers of linear poly(ethylene imine) (LPEI) and sodium poly(styrene sulfonate) (SPS). Past studies of these materials in the context of gene delivery revealed transformations from a morphology that is smooth and uniform to one characterized by the formation of nanometer-scale particulate structures. We demonstrate that in-plane registration of LSCM and AFM images acquired from the sam...

Pathologists and Patient Groups Challenge BRCA1 & BRCA2 Gene Patents in Court

Dark Daily — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:00:20 +0100

Court case will directly affect future development of new pathology and molecular tests In New York’s Southern District Court, a trial is underway that tests the legality of patenting genes. In Association for Molecular Pathology, et al v. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office 09-civ-4515, pathologist groups, patient advocacy groups, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) [...] (Source: Dark Daily)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Doxazosin treatment alters stromal cell behavior and increases elastic system fibers deposition in rat prostate

Microscopy Research and Technique — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Doxazosin (DOX), an [alpha]-adrenoceptor antagonist, induces the relaxation of smooth muscle cell tonus and reduces the clinical symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, the effects of DOX in the prostate stromal microenvironment are not fully known. In a previous study, we showed that DOX treatment for 30 days increased deposition of collagen fibers in the three rat prostatic lobes. Herein, we investigated the effects of DOX on stromal cell ultrastructure and elastic fiber deposition. Adult Wistar rats were treated with DOX (25 mg/kg/day); and the ventral, dorsal, and anterior prostates were excised at 30 days of treatment. The prostatic lobes were submitted to histochemical and stereological-morphometric analyze and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Histochemical st...

Company Brags About “the Largest Pathology Image” of Breast Cancer Tissue

Dark Daily — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:00:45 +0100

Image is 142,603 by 105,000 pixels in size (or 41.8GB) and was scanned at a 1μm pixel resolution Is it the largest pathology image ever produced? In an article, the journal BioOptics World reports that a breast tissue image may in fact be the largest digital pathology image ever produced. The image was produced by [...] (Source: Dark Daily)

Foreword.

Ultramicroscopy — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lehmann M PMID: 20185239 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Ultramicroscopy)

Immunolocalization of multiple membrane proteins on a carbon replica with STEM and EDX.

Ultramicroscopy — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We present a method for immunolabeling of multiple species of membrane proteins with high spatial resolution. It allows differentiation of equally sized very small markers with different chemical compositions, which leads to high labeling efficiency and reduces steric hindrance of closely spaced immunolabeled biomolecules. Markers such as CdSe/ZnS semiconductor quantum dots and colloidal gold particles are distinguished by differential contrast in high-angle annular detector dark-field STEM mode or by EDX microanalysis of their elemental contents. This method was tested by observation of labeled AMPA- and NMDA-type glutamate receptors on sodium-dodecyl-sulfate-digested replica prepared from rat hippocampus. To improve particle visibility and detectability, the replica films were made exclu...

Image processing techniques in a preliminary morphometric characterization of corneal epithelium by scanning electron microscopy

Microscopy Research and Technique — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Several processing techniques of digital images allowed us to quantify the percentage of cell surface covered by microprojections (microvilli or microplicae) (SCM), the adhesion between epithelial cells by the parameter intercellular junctions (IJ), the size (cell area), shape (cell shape) and shade (cell shade) of cells on the corneal epithelium of nine rabbits. The data were analyzed and the epithelial cells were classified into three groups by cluster analysis. Assuming the representativeness of the sample, our findings suggest that for a normal corneal epithelium, 80% of the cells could show SCM >41%, and IJ >0.98 (being one a cell to cell junction without disruptions). Standard deviations of cell shade lower than 21 gray levels could indicate a tendency to lose the cell shade mosaic. ...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Read news and analysis about clinical lab software and the clinical lab industry at the most widely read lab blog - Lab Soft News.

Erratum: Gomez F. and Romero E., a model for predicting pathologist's velocity profiles when navigating virtual slides. Microscopy research and technique 73:85-98.

Microscopy Research and Technique — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

No abstract. (Source: Microscopy Research and Technique)

Leptin-like immunoreactivity in the muscle of juvenile sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Microscopy Research and Technique — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we detected and localized leptin immunoreactivity to the muscle of early juvenile sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. A leptin immunopositive band with a molecular weight of [sim]16 kDa, corresponding to mammalian leptin, was identified in trunk skeletal muscle homogenate. Furthermore, leptin immunopositive cells were detected in the endomysium of skeletal muscular fibers. These cells showed immunostained cytoplasmic granules and roundish and oval nuclei. The most intense immunostaining was observed in the endomysial space among the superficial red muscular fibers of the trunk. These findings suggest that in early juvenile sea bass, leptin is mostly produced by skeletal muscles. Therefore, during the developmental stage lacking ...

Polylactide nanoparticles containing stably incorporated cyanine dyes for in vitro and in vivo imaging applications

Microscopy Research and Technique — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Stably incorporating fluorescent molecules to polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) or micelles can facilitate the prolonged tracking of these drug-delivery vehicles in vitro and in vivo. However, incorporation of fluorescent molecules, usually charged and thereby water-soluble, through the encapsulation strategy to hydrophobic polymer matrices is challenging. The encapsulated fluorescent agents are also subject to rapid release when the polymeric NPs are exposed to biological media. To address this issue, we developed Cy5-conjugated polylactide (Cy5-PLA) NPs through Cy5/(BDI)ZnN(TMS)2 [(BDI) = 2-((2,6-diisopropylphenyl)amido)-4-((2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-imino)-2-pentene]-mediated ring-opening polymerization of lactide (LA) followed by nanoprecipitation. This process allows for covalent conjugation...

The administration of nonmetabolizable glucose analogues fails to suppress the development of glycogen autophagy in newborn rat hepatocytes

Microscopy Research and Technique — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The effects of parenteral administration of glucose, 3-methylglucose (3MG), or 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) on the glycogen autophagy were studied in the newborn rat liver using electron microscopy and biochemical methods. The administration of glucose resulted in hyperglycemia and prevented the mobilization of hepatocytic glycogen. It also prevented the development of autophagic vacuoles in general and inhibited the glycogen-degrading activity of acid [alpha]-1,4-glucosidase. The nonphosphorylated and not further metabolized glucose analog 3MG also produced hyperglycemia, but increased acid glucosidase. Pretreating the newborns with the [beta]-adrenergic blocker propranolol inhibited the effects of 3MG. The phosphorylated but not fully metabolized glucose analog 2DG produced similar effects. The ...