scholarly journals Anti-nuclear antibodies: A practical approach to testing and interpretation

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Parvathy Santhosh ◽  
Kidangazhiathmana Ajithkumar
Keyword(s):  
Screening Tool ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Antibody Technique ◽  
Common Technique ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals ◽  
Immunofluorescence Antibody

Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs) are a group of antibodies that are characteristically associated with connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Indirect immunofluorescence antibody technique, having a high sensitivity, is the most common technique used for detection, results of which are expressed in terms of the pattern of fluorescence, substrate used, and the titer of a positive test. Other methods include solid-phase assays. ANA test must be performed only when there is a clinical suspicion of an autoimmune CTD. ANA should not be used as a screening tool for asymptomatic individuals. It is essential in clinical practice to be aware of when to order ANA testing, and how to correctly interpret the test results.

Time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay of human pancreatic phospholipase A2.

1983 ◽  
Vol 29 (10) ◽  
pp. 1777-1780 ◽  
Author(s):  
J U Eskola ◽  
T J Nevalainen ◽  
T N Lövgren
Keyword(s):  
Phospholipase A2 ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Fluorometric Detection ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Antibody Technique ◽  
Pancreatic Phospholipase ◽  
Pancreatic Phospholipase A2 ◽  
Immunoreactive Phospholipase A2 ◽  
Solid Phase Assay

Abstract We describe an immunofluorometric assay for human pancreatic phospholipase A2 based on time-resolved fluorescence. The labeled antibody technique in combination with the time-resolved 1-s fluorometric detection of the europium label, which essentially eliminates all background fluorescence, resulted in a high sensitivity (20 ng/L) and a wide (5000-fold) linear range. Nonspecific binding was minimized by treating the solid-phase antibody with NaSCN before coating, to remove endogenous antigen, and by immunosorbent purification of the antibody before labeling with europium. This is a one-incubation, multi-site, solid-phase assay on polystyrene microtiter strips, even though a polyclonal antibody was used. As measured by this assay, activity of immunoreactive phospholipase A2 was found to be above normal in sera of patients suffering from acute pancreatitis.

scholarly journals A Single LC-MS/MS Analysis to Quantify CoA Biosynthetic Intermediates and Short-Chain Acyl CoAs

Metabolites ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 468
Author(s):  
Anthony E. Jones ◽  
Nataly J. Arias ◽  
Aracely Acevedo ◽  
Srinivasa T. Reddy ◽  
Ajit S. Divakaruni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Biosynthetic Pathway ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Short Chain ◽  
Extraction Column ◽  
Chain Acyl ◽  
Precision And Accuracy ◽  
Mass Spectrometry Mass Spectrometry

Coenzyme A (CoA) is an essential cofactor for dozens of reactions in intermediary metabolism. Dysregulation of CoA synthesis or acyl CoA metabolism can result in metabolic or neurodegenerative disease. Although several methods use liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to quantify acyl CoA levels in biological samples, few allow for simultaneous measurement of intermediates in the CoA biosynthetic pathway. Here we describe a simple sample preparation and LC-MS/MS method that can measure both short-chain acyl CoAs and biosynthetic precursors of CoA. The method does not require use of a solid phase extraction column during sample preparation and exhibits high sensitivity, precision, and accuracy. It reproduces expected changes from known effectors of cellular CoA homeostasis and helps clarify the mechanism by which excess concentrations of etomoxir reduce intracellular CoA levels.

Adaptation and Validation of the Mini-Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination in Dementia in Arabic Speakers in Egypt

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 611-616
Author(s):  
Tarik Qassem ◽  
Mohamed S. Khater ◽  
Tamer Emara ◽  
Doha Rasheedy ◽  
Heba M. Tawfik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Screening Tool ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve ◽  
Cutoff Score ◽  
Arabic Speakers ◽  
Dementia Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Addenbrooke’S Cognitive Examination

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The mini-Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (m-ACE) is a brief cognitive battery that assesses 5 subdomains of cognition (attention, memory, verbal fluency, visuospatial abilities, and memory recall). It is scored out of 30 and can be administered in under 5 min providing a quick screening tool for assessment of cognition. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> We aimed to adapt the m-ACE in Arabic speakers in Egypt and to validate it in dementia patients to provide cutoff scores. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We included 37 patients with dementia (Alzheimer’s disease [<i>n</i> = 25], vascular dementia [<i>n</i> = 8], and dementia with Lewy body [<i>n</i> = 4]) and 43 controls. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There was a statistically significant difference (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001) on the total m-ACE score between dementia patients (mean 10.54 and standard deviation [SD] 5.83) and controls (mean 24.02 and SD 2.75). There was also a statistically significant difference between dementia patients and controls on all sub-score domains of the m-ACE (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). Performance on the m-ACE significantly correlated with both the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-III (ACE-III). Using a receiver operator characteristic curve, the optimal cutoff score for dementia on the m-ACE total score was found to be 18 (92% sensitivity, 95% specificity, and 94% accuracy). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> We adapted the m-ACE in Arabic speakers in Egypt and provided objective validation of it as a screening tool for dementia, with high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

Combustion Synthesis of La0.65Sr0.35MnO3 and its Sensing Properties for NO2

2016 ◽  
Vol 680 ◽  
pp. 208-211
Author(s):  
Lian Lian Wu ◽  
Qiang Li ◽  
Dan Yu Jiang ◽  
Jin Feng Xia
Keyword(s):  
Solid Phase ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Combustion Method ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Size Analysis ◽  
Phase Method ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Ultrafine Structure ◽  
Nox Sensor ◽  
Solid Phase Method

In this paper, La0.65Sr0.35MnO3 (LSM) oxide powder with ultrafine structure has been synthesized by self-propagating combustion method. The powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and laser size analysis. Compared to the powders prepared by traditional solid-phase method, the grain size of powders prepared by self-propagating combustion method is relatively small and uniform. Starting from ultrafine LSM powders, sensing electrode (SE) for NO2 mixed-potential sensors based on yttria-stablized zirconia (YSZ) was fabricated. As-obtained NO2 sensor displays fast response and high sensitivity (25.4mV/decade). The response values of the sensor have good linear relationship with the logarithm of NO2 concentration varying from 30ppm to 500ppm.Keywords:Self-propagating combustion method; La0.65Sr0.35MnO3; NOx sensor; YSZ

scholarly journals Disposition of MDMA and Metabolites in Human Sweat Following Controlled MDMA Administration

2009 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 454-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan J Barnes ◽  
Bruno S De Martinis ◽  
David A Gorelick ◽  
Robert S Goodwin ◽  
Erin A Kolbrich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solid Phase ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Research Unit ◽  
Sweat Test ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Scientific Database ◽  
Sweat Testing ◽  
Clinical Research Unit ◽  
Sweat Tests

Abstract Background: Understanding the excretion of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and metabolites in sweat is vital for interpretation of sweat tests in drug treatment, criminal justice, and workplace programs. Methods: Placebo, low (1.0 mg/kg), and high (1.6 mg/kg) doses of oral MDMA were given double-blind in random order to healthy volunteers (n = 15) with histories of MDMA use. Participants resided on the closed clinical research unit for up to 7 days after each dose. Volunteers wore PharmChek® sweat patches (n = 640) before, during, and after controlled dosing. Patches were analyzed by solid phase extraction and GC-MS for MDMA, methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyamphetamine (HMA), and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymethamphetamine (HMMA). Limits of quantification (LOQ) were 2.5 ng/patch for MDMA and 5 ng/patch for HMA, HMMA, and MDA. Results: MDMA was the primary analyte detected in 382 patches (59.7%), with concentrations up to 3007 ng/patch. MDA was detected in 188 patches (29.4%) at &lt;172 ng/patch, whereas no HMMA or HMA was detected; 224 patches (35.0%) and 60 patches (9.4%) were positive for MDMA and MDA, respectively, at the 25-ng/patch threshold proposed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Conclusions: Sweat testing was shown to be an effective and reliable method for monitoring MDMA use in this controlled MDMA administration study. However, variability in sweat excretion suggests that results should be interpreted qualitatively rather than quantitatively. These data provide a scientific database for interpretation of MDMA sweat test results.

A Review on Diagnostic Methods for Trichomonas Vaginalis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Rahmani ◽  
Yahya Ehteshaminia ◽  
Hamid Mohammadi ◽  
Seif Ali Mahdavi
Keyword(s):  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Culture Methods ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals

Introduction: Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection in the world, caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which infects the urogenital tract of men and women. Approximately, 250 million new cases of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection are reported worldwide each year. Trichomoniasis is also considered an important HIV co-infection. The infection is often asymptomatic but can be accompanied by symptoms such as severe inflammation, itching and irritation, foamy discharge, and malodorous smell mucus, but the signs and symptoms of the disease are not sufficient for specific diagnosis. Material and Methods: In this study, the websites of PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, and Margiran were searched and related articles were reviewed. Results: Only screening and the use of highly sensitive and specific diagnostic methods can identify asymptomatic individuals. Today, the most common way to diagnose the infection is to use wet slide, Pap smear and culture methods that do not have high sensitivity and specificity. Also, due to the increase in infection and its complications, finding an efficient, rapid, and easy test to detect the parasite and differentiate Trichomoniasis vaginitis from other sexually transmitted diseases is considered important and necessary. Conclusion: Nowadays, there are several diagnostic methods that differentiate trichomoniasis infection from other sexually transmitted infections with high accuracy and sensitivity. Of course, existing diagnostic methods mostly use women's urine and vaginal samples for diagnosis, and methods that specifically diagnose the infection in men are more limited.

Apraxia screening predicts Alzheimer pathology in frontotemporal dementia

2018 ◽  
Vol 90 (5) ◽  
pp. 562-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Pawlowski ◽  
Viktoria Joksch ◽  
Heinz Wiendl ◽  
Sven G Meuth ◽  
Thomas Duning ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Frontotemporal Dementia ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Neuropsychological Testing ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Clinical Syndrome ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Discriminative Power ◽  
Bedside Test ◽  
Neurodegenerative Dementias ◽  
Alzheimer Pathology

ObjectivesFrontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome linked to diverse types of underlying neuropathology. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical presentation and accurate prediction of underlying neuropathology remains difficult.MethodsWe present a large cohort of patients with FTD spectrum diseases (n=84). All patients were thoroughly characterised by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers, neuroimaging, neuropsychological testing and standardised apraxia screening.ResultsA potential AD pathology was found in 43% of patients with FTD. CSF AD biomarker levels positively correlated with AD-typical apraxia scores in patients with FTD. The discriminative power of apraxia test results indicative of AD pathology was high (sensitivity: 90%, specificity: 66%).ConclusionsApraxia is common in neurodegenerative dementias but under-represented in clinical workup and diagnostic criteria. Standardised apraxia screening may serve as bedside test to objectify an AD-typical apraxia profile as an early and robust sign of AD pathology in patients with FTD.

scholarly journals PEMBUATAN SUMBER RADIASI GAMMA 137Cs DENGAN AKTIVITAS 20 mCi DARI PEB U3Si2-Al PASCA IRADIASI DALAM CONTAINER STAINLESS STEEL

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aslina Br. Ginting ◽  
Yanlinastuti Yanlinastuti ◽  
Noviarty Noviarty ◽  
Boybul Boybul ◽  
Arif Nogroho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Gamma Radiation ◽  
Cation Exchange ◽  
High Activity ◽  
Radiation Source ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Spent Fuel ◽  
Post Irradiation ◽  
Outer Capsule

PEMBUATAN SUMBER RADIASI GAMMA ISOTOP 137Cs DENGAN AKTIVITAS 20 mCi DARI PEB U3Si2-Al PASCA IRADIASI DALAM CONTAINER STAINLESS STEEL. Kegiatan uji pasca iradiasi pelat elemen bakar (PEB) U3Si2-Al banyak menghasilkan larutan dengan keaktifan yang sangat tinggi. Larutan tersebut mengandung isotop 137Cs, uranium serta transuranium yang mempunyai waktu paroh panjang dan berbahaya bagi lingkungan. Namun larutan tersebut memiliki nilai ekonomis tinggi karena dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai bahan baku untuk pembuatan sumber radiasi sinar gamma isotop 137Cs. Hal ini dapat membantu bidang industri dalam memenuhi kebutuhan sumber radioaktif dalam negeri karena selama ini kebutuhan isotop 137Cs di Indonesia masih tergantung dari industri luar negeri. Selain itu, pengadaan dan transportasi isotop 137Cs dari luar negeri serta dalam penggunaannya memerlukan persyaratan yang cukup ketat dari Badan Pengawas Tenaga Nuklir Nasional (BAPETEN), sehingga menyebabkan harga isotop 137Cs menjadi mahal sampai di Indonesia. Dengan alasan tersebut, BATAN sebagai lembaga litbang nuklir di Indonesia perlu mempelajari pembuatan sumber radiasi gamma isotop 137Cs dari larutan hasil pengujian bahan bakar nuklir U3Si2-Al pasca iradiasi. Manfaat isotop 137Cs sangat luas antara lain digunakan dalam menganalisis sampel lingkungan, industri migas, konstruksi, radiografi, perikanan, rumah sakit dan pertambangan. Pembuatan sumber radiasi gamma isotop 137Cs dimulai dari pengumpulan larutan hasil pengujian PEB U3Si2-Al. Larutan larutan hasil pengujian mengandung isotop 137Cs dan isotop lainnya dikumpulkan menjadi satu dalam botol dengan volume 65 mL. Pemisahan isotop 137Cs dari hasil fisi lainnya dilakukan dengan metode penukar kation menggunakan zeolit Lampung dengan berat 45 gr. Hasil pemisahan diperoleh 137Cs-zeolit dalam fasa padat dan isotop lainnya berada dalam fasa cair. Padatan137Cs-zeolit kering kemudian kemudian ditimbang dan diukur aktivitasnya menggunakan spektrometer-g. Hasil analisis dengan spektrometer-g diperoleh aktivitas padatan 137Cs-zeolit sebesar 20 mCi. Untuk menjadi sumber radiasi gamma 137Cs, padatan 137Cs-zeolit dengan aktivitas 20 mCi dikemas dengan cara memasukkan ke dalam inner-outer capsule terbuat dari stainless steel yang telah dirancang sebelumnya. Container stainless steel diproses menjadi sumber radiasi gamma tertutup (shield source) untuk selanjutnya disertifikasi oleh PTKMR-BATAN sebagai lembaga kalibtrator bahan radioaktif di BATAN.Kata kunci: Larutan proses PEB U3Si2-Al, radioaktif gamma, isotop 137Cs, penukar kation, zeolit Lampung dan container. MANUCFACTURING OF 137Cs GAMMA RAY SOURCE WITH ACTIVITY 20 mCi FROM PEB U3Si2-Al POST IRRADIATION IN STAINLESS STEEL CONTAINER. In the post-irradiation examination of fuel element plate (PEB) U3Si2-Al), a solution of high activity as a result of testing nuclear fuel stored in hotcell with enough volume. The solution can not be discarded as waste because it still contains fission isotop such as137Cs, uranium and transuranium, which has a long half life and dangerous for the environment. This can help the industry in order to fulfill the needs of a radioactive source in Indonesia, because until now 137Cs isotope is derived from foreign industries. In addition, the procurement and transportation of isotopes 137Cs require stringent requirements, because they have toget permission from the National Nuclear Energy Agency (BAPETEN), thus causing the price of high activity 137Cs isotopes becomes expensive to Indonesia. For these reasons, BATAN as nuclear R&D institutions in Indonesia need to study make isotopes 137Cs gamma radiation source, which is contained in the waste from spent fuel test results U3Si2-Al. Isotope 137Cs can be used very widely, such as in the analysis of environmental samples, the oil and gas industry, construction, radiography, fisheries, hospitals, and mining. Making isotope 137Cs gamma radiation source starting from the collection of waste from the test results PEB U3Si2- Al. Waste solution was collected in a bottle with volume 65 mL. Collection of 137Cs isotopes of other fission carried out using the method of cation exchange with weight 45 gr of zeolite Lampung. The results of separation are 137Cs-zeolite in the solid phase and the other isotopes are in the liquid phase. 137Cs-zeolite solid is then dried and then weighed and measured its activity using a spectrometer-g. Result of analisys by spectrometer-g was obtained acitivity of 137Cs-zeolite solids was 20 mCi.137Cs-zeolite solids then packed in sealed containers (shield source) capsule-shaped stainless steel and than certificate by PTKMR-BATAN.Keywords: Process wastle of PEB U3Si2-Al, gamma radioactive, isotope 137Cs, cation exchange, zeolite Lampung and container.

scholarly journals Greener Monolithic Solid Phase Extraction Biosorbent Based on Calcium Cross-Linked Starch Cryogel Composite Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles for Benzo(a)pyrene Analysis

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (20) ◽  
pp. 6163
Author(s):  
Aree Choodum ◽  
Nareumon Lamthornkit ◽  
Chanita Boonkanon ◽  
Tarawee Taweekarn ◽  
Kharittha Phatthanawiwat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Graphene Oxide ◽  
Solid Phase Extraction ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Rice Flour ◽  
Oxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Phase Extraction ◽  
Limit Of Quantification ◽  
Significant Difference

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) has been recognized as a marker for the detection of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In this work, a novel monolithic solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbent based on graphene oxide nanoparticles (GO) in starch-based cryogel composite (GO-Cry) was successfully prepared for BaP analysis. Rice flour and tapioca starch (gel precursors) were gelatinized in limewater (cross-linker) under alkaline conditions before addition of GO (filler) that can increase the ability to extract BaP up to 2.6-fold. BaP analysis had a linear range of 10 to 1000 µgL−1 with good linearity (R2 = 0.9971) and high sensitivity (4.1 ± 0.1 a.u./(µgL−1)). The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 4.21 ± 0.06 and 14.04 ± 0.19 µgL−1, respectively, with excellent precision (0.17 to 2.45%RSD). The accuracy in terms of recovery from spiked samples was in the range of 84 to 110% with no significant difference to a C18 cartridge. GO-Cry can be reproducibly prepared with 2.8%RSD from 4 lots and can be reused at least 10 times, which not only helps reduce the analysis costs (~0.41USD per analysis), but also reduces the resultant waste to the environment.

Effect of Cryotherapy & Active Stretching Together and Active Stretching Alone for Improving Hamstring Flexibility in Asymptomatic Individuals

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 342-348
Author(s):  
Nishat Tabassum ◽  
Sanghamitra Jena
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Hamstring Flexibility ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals ◽  
Post Assessment ◽  
Group 1

Study Objective: To know about the effects of cryotherapy and active stretching together and active stretching alone for improving hamstring flexibility in asymptomatic individuals. Method: 22 subjects were participated in study of the age 18 to 40. Subjects were randomly and equally assigned to static stretching and cryotherapy (group 1) and only active stretching (group 2). Subjects in each group were given stretching and cryotherapy for three weeks. Pre and post assessment of ROM was measured by the KEA, SLR and Sit and reach test. Results: After three weeks of intervention there was a significant difference between pre intervention and post intervention score in both the group but in group 1 showed significant difference between KEA, SLR and SRT variables. Conclusion: Subject who received active stretching and cryotherapy showed better improvement than the control group who received only active stretching. Hence it can be concluded that active stretching along with cryotherapy can improve hamstring flexibility than the active stretching only. Key words: Cryotherapy, flexibility, ROM, active stretching.

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