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At least 1,297 records · Page 72Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Analytical and clinical evaluation of a new heart-type fatty acid-binding protein automated assay.

BACKGROUND: The accurate and rapid recognition of myocardial injury in patients presenting in the emergency department (ED) with chest pain continues to be a clinical challenge. Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) appears to be one of the best candidates among the new early cardiac markers studied. METHODS: We evaluated the analytical characteristics of a new quantitative and fully automated H-FABP assay (Randox Laboratories Ltd., Crumlin, UK) and compared its clinical performance with respect to the myoglobin (Myo) assay (Dade Behring, Milan, Italy). A precision study was carried out by testing three levels of quality control (QC) material and two in-house pool (P) samples. To test the accuracy of H-FABP determinations in plasma (lithium-heparin) samples, H-FABP concentrations measured in a set of matched sera and plasma samples were compared. A total of 77 non-consecutive patients (51 males and 26 females; 62+/-16 years) who presented to the ED with chest pain suggesting myocardial ischemia were enrolled. The patients were classified into two groups (acute myocardial infarction, n=22; non-acute myocardial infarction, n=55) on the basis of the discharge diagnosis. RESULTS: The between-day imprecision for three levels of control material and serum pool samples was 6.26%-8.04% (range 2.32-44.03 microg/L) and 9.03%-12.63% (range 11.85-65.13 microg/L), respectively. In the serum vs. plasma study, bias was +0.178 (95% CI -0.033 to +0.389). The best cut-off and the associated diagnostic efficacy were 95 microg/L and 89.47% for Myo and 5.09 microg/L and 98.70% for H-FABP, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: H-FABP determination in patients with ischemic symptoms may be a more reliable early indication of cardiac damage than myoglobin.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Novel pncA Mutations in Pyrazinamide-Resistant Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The gene coding for pyrazinamidase (PZase) activity, pncA, in Mycobacterium tuberculosis was recently cloned, and several mutations which correlate with in vitro resistance to pyrazinamide (PZA) have been identified. During the development of a clinical molecular assay for the detection of PZA resistance, two previously unreported mutations in isolates of PZA-resistant M. tuberculosis were identified. The assay that uses automated DNA sequencing is relatively rapid and allows the detection of any mutations present in the coding region of the pncA gene. The new mutations are both point mutations resulting in amino acid substitutions; 241T --> G results in F80V, and 511G --> C results in A171P. The identification of these mutations accentuates the utility of automated DNA sequencing in the clinical laboratory.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Screening for mutations in human alpha-globin genes by nonradioactive single-strand conformation polymorphism.

Point mutations and small insertions or deletions in the human alpha-globin genes may produce alpha-chain structural variants and alpha-thalassemia. Mutations can be detected either by direct DNA sequencing or by screening methods, which select the mutated exon for sequencing. Although small (about 1 kb, 3 exons and 2 introns), the alpha-globin genes are duplicate (alpha2 and alpha1) and highly G-C rich, which makes them difficult to denature, reducing sequencing efficiency and causing frequent artifacts. We modified some conditions for PCR and electrophoresis in order to detect mutations in these genes employing nonradioactive single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). Primers previously described by other authors for radioactive SSCP and phast-SSCP plus denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis were here combined and the resultant fragments (6 new besides 6 original per alpha-gene) submitted to silver staining SSCP. Nine structural and one thalassemic mutations were tested, under different conditions including two electrophoretic apparatus (PhastSystem and GenePhor, Amersham Biosciences), different polyacrylamide gel concentrations, run temperatures and denaturing agents, and entire and restriction enzyme cut fragments. One hundred percent of sensitivity was achieved with four of the new fragments formed, using the PhastSystem and 20% gels at 15 degree C, without the need of restriction enzymes. This nonradioactive PCR-SSCP approach showed to be simple, rapid and sensitive, reducing the costs involved in frequent sequencing repetitions and increasing the reliability of the results. It can be especially useful for laboratories which do not have an automated sequencer.

DNA Mutational Analysis↗
PubMed1996

Automation in coagulation testing.

Belatedly, automation is being introduced into hemostasis laboratories. Now, new analytic systems are also available for less specialized laboratories. New tests have been added as knowledge of the mechanisms of coagulation increases. This article will review the new technologies in coagulation testing and their diagnostic applications.

Blood Coagulation Tests↗
PubMed2001

Linking affiliates electronically.

PROBLEM: Store-and-forward clinical messaging system was cumbersome and inadequate to support modern technology. SOLUTION: Installation of a secure Web-based system that automates communication among physicians, hospitals, clinical laboratories and other departments. RESULTS: Time savings for office personnel and physicians; access by physicians to clinical information anytime, anywhere; consolidation of lab results into one report; customized form--filing capability. KEY TO SUCCESS: Comprehensive and ongoing training to ensure user acceptance.

Computer Communication Networks↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Monitoring the orientation of myosin bridges on two-dimensional maps of birefringence in a single muscle fiber].

Two-dimensional maps of birefringence in sarcomers of a single fiber of rabbit m.psoas were obtained by an automated interference microscope developed at our laboratory. The changes in birefringence of muscle fibers reflect the movement of myosin cross-bridges. The orientation of cross-bridges was modified by varying the pH (pH 7.0, 6.0, 8.0) and ionic strength (mu = 0.115, 0.085, 0.235) of the bathing rigor solution. The maximum value of total birefringence in the rigor state was observed at neutral pH. Total birefringence markedly decreased (by 40%) as pH was changed from 7.0 to both 8.0 and 6.0. No significant changes in light phase shifts were found at a 1.5 reduction of ionic strength in the rigor solution. The calculated birefringence values were 45% higher in rigor solutions of a high (mu = 0.235) ionic strength. The results observed are discussed in terms of changes in the orientation of cross-bridges due to the movement of the alpha-helical subfragment-2 away from the filament shaft (pH 8) or coming closer to it (mu = 0.235). The available data do not allow one to explain the results obtained at pH 6.0.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

[Recent advances in molecular diagnostic tests].

Recent advances in molecular biotechnologies have facilitated laboratory use of molecular diagnostic tests. Automated systems for amplification and detection, and lately for extraction, of nucleic acid sequences have been developed. The automated systems have allowed improvement of not only assay efficiency but also quality control of the tests. The information on the genome sequence from the human genome project has been studied to elucidate functions of genes and proteins and the clinical significance of nucleic acid sequences with post-genomics such as expression profiling using DNA microarray, proteomics, and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, in conjunction with bioinformatics. Now the challenge is the development and application of these new technologies as clinical diagnostic tools. Design of a diagnostic array or panel must be developed with defined sequences based on interpretation of a huge quantity of experimental data to meet clinical demands. There is a need for development of generally available instruments that are inexpensive, practical and more importantly reproducible and reliable.

Computational Biology↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Blood flow studies and serological testing in the diagnostic evaluation of glaucoma: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of hemodynamically significant carotid artery stenosis, peripapillary blood flow, and serologic abnormalities in a pilot study among patients with glaucoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All subjects underwent complete eye examination, standard automated perimetry, carotid Doppler ultrasonography, serum laboratory testing, and scanning laser Doppler flowmetry (SLDF). Subjects were subdivided into two groups based on glaucoma subtype (normal-tension vs primary open-angle glaucoma) and severity (mild vs moderate-advanced). RESULTS: Twenty eyes of 20 patients with associated glaucomatous visual field loss were enrolled. No significant differences in age, gender, intraocular pressure, systemic comorbidity, number of antiglaucoma medications, and prior filtration surgery were observed between the groups based on the type and severity of glaucoma. The prevalence of clinically significant (> 70%) carotid stenosis, mean peripapillary blood flow assessed by SLDF, mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mean hematocrit, mean hemoglobin, and positive FTA-ABS was similar in both groups. Severity of glaucomatous damage as determined by visual field mean defect did not correlate with the degree of carotid artery stenosis (R2 < 0.0001, P = .99) or peripapillary blood flow derived from mean SLDF (R2 = 0.0005, P = .92). CONCLUSION: Data from this pilot study demonstrate that the prevalence of hemodynamically significant carotid stenosis, peripapillary blood flow, and serologic abnormalities are similar in patients with normal-tension and primary open-angle glaucoma, and do not correlate with glaucoma severity.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

No more STAT testing.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Academic Medical Centers↗
PubMed1990

[Viewpoints on preparations for integrating data processing systems in routine microbiology diagnosis].

The enormously risen and further increasing numbers of examinations and tests in microbiological diagnostics within the last years need new methods for treatment. One possibility to meet the higher requirements for information of the clinic without loss in quality at constant staff is the integration of the microcomputer technique into the laboratory as direct "tool". Demands for a qualitatively high empirical antimicrobial chemotherapy, chemotherapy according to antibiotic susceptibility tests, indicated use of antimicrobial drugs and control measures of infectious processes in general are met only by means of a fast information processing. The microcomputer technique in the laboratory provides also the chance to automate still manually performed tests and comprises according to algorithm the strict observation of the diagnostic process and its control. The application of the microcomputer technique on the one hand means for the technical assistant the omission of much manually performed work, on the other hand enables work of higher quality and supports decisions in the diagnostic process. Mathematical and statistical calculations are no longer connected with great losses of activity. The actual need for information of the clinician is met in time in different ways.

Bacteriological Techniques↗
PubMed1985

[Clinical value of rapid bacteriological results in nosocomial infections. Comparison with traditional methods].

With automated analysers, bacterial identification and susceptibility testing can be performed in 4-5 hours instead of 12-18 hours with conventional methods. A controlled trial was carried out in the surgical ward of a university hospital to evaluate the clinical repercussions of these rapid methods. The automated analyser reduced delays in the laboratory by about 25%, and optimizing information transfer from laboratory to ward brought the reduction up to 50%. It was found that earlier results of susceptibility testing modified prescriptions and this may be expected to result in a more rational use of antibiotics.

Autoanalysis↗
PubMed1978

A new technique of heterogenous enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, stick-ELISA. I. Description of the technique.

A new quantitative technique is described to perform hererogenous enzyme-linded immunosorbent assay using polysterene sticks as solid phase (Stick-ELISA). Advantage of the technique is a combination of economic antigen and conjugate requirements, rapid and thorough washing procedures, and part adaption to general automation devices present in most hospital laboratories which render the technique equally ideal for small and large series in routine serodiagnosis.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗