Clinical Chemistry back issues from June 2007:
Methylation and Phosphorylation: A Tangled Relationship?
Jun 01, 2007; ... Many neurodegenerative diseases are associated with distinctive brain lesions. One particular group of heterogeneous dementias and movement disorders is characterized by intracellular accumulations of abnormal filaments called neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), formed by the microtubule-associated ...
Quantitative Heteroduplex Analysis
Jun 01, 2007; ... General DNA analysis includes detection of targets, as well as identification and quantification of specific variants. Genomic DNA exists in the form of hotnoduplexes, with all corresponding base pairs being complementary, A:T and C:G. We call a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) molecule a ...
Oncopeptidomics: A Useful Approach for Cancer Diagnosis?
Jun 01, 2007; ... In this issue of Clinical Chemistry, Mary Lopez and colleagues (1) describe novel methods for isolation of protein-bound peptides from serum and their characterization by mass spectrometry. Lopez et al. used selected peptide combinations to develop a new profiling method for ovarian cancer ...
Utilization and Diagnostic Yield of Neurogenetic Testing at a Tertiary Care Facility
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: Institutions face increasing charges related to molecular genetic testing for neurological diseases. The literature contains little information on the utilization and performance of these tests. Methods: A retrospective utilization review was performed to determine the ...
Reliable Screening for a Pain-Protective Haplotype in the GTP Cyclohydrolase 1 Gene (GCH1) Through the Use of 3 or Fewer Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: A haplotype in the GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (dopa-responsive dystonia) gene (GCH1) is associated with decreased persistent pain. The aim of the present study was to develop a screening method for the pain-protective haplotype. Methods: Complete genetic information for all 15 GCH1 ...
Quality-Controlled Measurement Methods for Quantification of Variations in Transcript Abundance in Whole Blood Samples from Healthy Volunteers
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: Transcript abundance (TA) measurement in whole blood frequently is conducted to identify potential biomarkers for disease risk and to predict or monitor drug response. Potential biomarkers discovered in this way must be validated by quantitative technology. In this study we assessed ...
Effects of Storage, RNA Extraction, Genechip Type, and Donor Sex on Gene Expression Profiling of Human Whole Blood
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: Gene expression profiling of whole blood may be useful for monitoring toxicological exposure and for diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases. Several methods are available that can be used to transport, store, and extract RNA from whole blood, but it is not clear which ...
The Pain Protective Haplotype: Introducing the Modern Genetic Test
Jun 01, 2007; ... Chronic pain is a major health problem, affecting 2%-46.5% of adult populations (3, 2). In the United States, common pain conditions account for approximately $61.2 billion in lost workplace time (3) The human sensation of pain is affected by an individual's past experiences, health status, ...
Real-Time PCR Determination of IMPDH1 and IMPDH2 Expression in Blood Cells
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in de novo guanine nucleotide synthesis and is implicated in cell cycle control. Inhibition of this enzyme is associated with immunosuppressive, antiviral, and antitumor activity. IMPDH basal activity ...
Ultrasensitive Densitometry Detection of Cytokines with Nanoparticle-Modified Aptamers
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: Aptamers mimic properties of antibodies and sometimes turn out to be even better than antibodies as reagents for assays. We describe the establishment of an ultrasensitive densitometry method for cytokine detection by nanoparticle (NF)-modified aptamers. Methods: The assay ...
Quantitative Mitochondrial DNA Mutation Analysis by Denaturing HPLC
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: In recent years, denaturing HPLC (DHPLC) has been widely used to screen the whole mitochondrial genome or specific regions of the genome for DNA mutations. The quantification and mathematical modeling of DHPLC results is, however, underexplored. Methods: We generated ...
Platelet Resistance to the Antiaggregatory Cyclic Nucleotides in Central Obesity Involves Reduced Phosphorylation of Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: Impairment of platelet response to antiaggregatory agents is seen in individuals with central obesity and may play a role in the increased cardiovascular risk associated with obesity. In this study we evaluated whether this impairment involves the antiaggregatory pathways regulated ...
Analytical Validation of the Oncotype DX Genomic Diagnostic Test for Recurrence Prognosis and Therapeutic Response Prediction in Node-Negative, Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: Oncotype DX(TM) is a clinically validated, high-complexity, multianalyte reverse transcription-PCR genomic test that predicts the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence in early-stage, node-negative, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The Recurrence Score(TM) (RS) provides a ...
Comparison of Bromcresol Green and Agarose Protein Electrophoresis for Quantitation of Serum Albumin in Multiple Myeloma
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: The International Staging System for multiple myeloma has increased the importance of accurate measurement of serum albumin. Two common albumin assays, bromcresol green (BCG) and agarose gel protein electrophoresis (PEL), frequently yield discordant results, creating confusion ...
N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Predicts Total and Cardiovascular Mortality in Individuals with or without Stable Coronary Artery Disease: The Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health Study
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: Measurement of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) measurement can be used to predict mortality in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Information on the value of NT-pro-BNP in clinically stable persons scheduled for angiography is limited. Methods: We ...
A Novel, High-Throughput Workflow for Discovery and Identification of Serum Carrier Protein-Bound Peptide Biomarker Candidates in Ovarian Cancer Samples
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: Most cases of ovarian cancer are detected at later stages when the 5-year survival is ~15%, but 5-year survival approaches 90% when the cancer is detected early (stage I). To use mass spectrometry (MS) of serum proteins for early detection, a seamless workflow is needed that provides ...
Bone Formation Markers in Adults with Mild Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: Plasma concentrations of procollagen peptides are decreased in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), whereas other bone formation markers may be increased. We examined the utility of combining these markers in the diagnosis of OI in adults. Methods: We measured plasma concentrations ...
Evaluation of a 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D Enzyme Immunoassay
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: Radioactive reagents are used in most assays for measurement of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)^sub 2^D]. We evaluated a 1,25(OH)^sub 2^D enzyme immunoassay (EIA) from IDS Ltd. that uses solid-phase immunoextraction and colorimetric detection and compared results to those of the ...
Development and Multicenter Evaluation of the N Latex CDT Direct Immunonephelometric Assay for Serum Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) is a promising biomarker of alcohol abuse. We describe the development and multicenter evaluation of N Latex CDT (Dade Behring), an automated, particle-enhanced, homogeneous immunonephelometric assay for directly determining ...
Assessing the Quality of Glucose Monitor Studies: A Critical Evaluation of Published Reports
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: In recent years, a large number of studies have been published on the performance of glucose monitors. The quality of these reports is not known. Methods: We searched the PubMed database for performance evaluations of handheld glucose monitors published from August 2002 to ...
Aptamers Evolved from Cultured Cancer Cells Reveal Molecular Differences of Cancer Cells in Patient Samples
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: Molecular-level differentiation of neoplastic cells is essential for accurate and early diagnosis, but effective molecular probes for molecular analysis and profiling of neoplastic cells are not yet available. We recently developed a cell-based SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands ...
Whole Genome Amplification and Genetic Analysis after Extraction of Proteins from Dried Blood Spots
Jun 01, 2007; ... To the Editor: Programs to screen newborns for congenital disorders are based on analysis of dried blood spot samples (DBSS), which have proven to be robust and convenient for collection, transport, and storage. Because blood samples are collected with no selection, and coverage of the ...
Determination of ITPase Activity by Capillary Electrophoresis
Jun 01, 2007; ... To the Editor: Shipkova et al. (1) recently reported in Clinical Chemistry that liquid chromatography can be used to determine the activity of inosine triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase (ITPase) in erythrocytes. We find that ITPase can also be measured by capillary ...
Alanine Aminotransferase as an Independent Predictor of Incident Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/Reply to Alanine Aminotransferase as an Independent Predictor of Incident Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Jun 01, 2007; ... To the Editor: We read with interest the recent article by Chang et al. (1 ) reporting that higher serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations, within the reference interval, independently predicted the incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) during a mean follow-up ...
The -256T>C Polymorphism in the Apolipoprotein A-II Gene Promoter Is Associated with Body Mass Index and Food Intake in the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network Study
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: Apolipoprotein A-II (APOA2) plays an ambiguous role in lipid metabolism, obesity, and atherosclerosis. Methods: We studied the association between a functional APOA2 promoter polymorphism (-265T>C) and plasma lipids (fasting and postprandial), anthropometric variables, and ...
Correction
Jun 01, 2007; ... The article by John Middleton and Jeffrey E. Vaks entitled "Evaluation of Assigned Value Uncertainty for Complex Calibrator Value Assignment Processes: A Prealbumin Example" (Clin Chem 2007;53:735-41), contains several errors. In the first section of Results, page 739, the text should be changed ...
Pyrosequencing Technology for Automated Detection of the BMP15 A180T Variant in Spanish Postmenopausal Women
Jun 01, 2007; ... To the Editor: Germline mutations in different genes are associated with premature ovarian failure (POF, OMIM 311360), defined as premature menopause with amenorrhea occurring before the age of 40 years along with increased gonadotropin concentrations [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ...
Natural Calcium Isotopic Composition of Urine as a Marker of Bone Mineral Balance
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: We investigated whether changes in the natural isotopic composition of calcium in human urine track changes in net bone mineral balance, as predicted by a model of calcium isotopic behavior in vertebrates. If so, isotopic analysis of natural urine or blood calcium could be used to ...
Novel Mutation (c.G1124A) in Exon 9 of the APOB Gene Causes Aberrant Splicing and Familial Hypobetalipoproteinemia
Jun 01, 2007; ... To the Editor: Familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL) is commonly caused by mutations in the apolipoprotein B gene (APOB). The APOB gene encodes 2 proteins, apolipoprotein (apo) B-48 and apo B-100. Apo B-48 is formed in the intestine and is essential for the formation and recognition of ...
Circulating Cell-Free Placental mRNA in the Maternal Plasma as a Predictive Marker for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Jun 01, 2007; ... To the Editor: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), which is a serious complication in monochorionic diamniotic twins (MCDA-T), involves unequal blood flow via the placental vascular anastomoses from the donor to the recipient twin. Although the placental anastomoses are present in all ...
Toenails: An Easily Accessible and Long-Term Stable Source of DNA for Genetic Analyses in Large-Scale Epidemiological Studies
Jun 01, 2007; ... To the Editor: Molecular tools are increasingly applied in epidemiological studies to unravel the relationship between environmental exposures and disease (1). DNA is required for analyses of genetic factors, such as polymorphisms, but currently used specimens, such as lymphocytes and ...
Clinical Diagnostic Technology-The Total Testing Process, Volume 3: The Postanalytical Phase
Jun 01, 2007; ... Clinical Diagnostic Technology-The Total Testing Process, Volume 3: The Postanalytical Phase. Kory M. Ward-Cook, Craig A. Lehmann, Larry E. Schoeff, and Robert H. Williams, eds. Washington, DC: AACC Press, 2006, 216 pp., $65 ($52.00 AACC members), softcover. ISBN 978-1-59425-055-2. This ...
Natriuretic Peptides: The Hormones of the Heart
Jun 01, 2007; ... Natriuretic Peptides: The Hormones of the Heart. Aldo Clerico and Michele Emdin, eds. Trento, Italy: Springer-Verlag Italia, 2006, 184 pp., $149.00, hardcover. ISBN 978-88-470-0497-9. This is an excellent book by one of the major groups currently involved in cardiac natriuretic peptide ...
Review of The Metabolic Syndrome
Jun 01, 2007; ... Review of The Metabolic Syndrome. Christopher D. Byrne and Sarah H. Wild, eds. Chkhester, West Sussex, England: John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2005, 432 pp., $110.00, hardcover. ISBN 0-470-02511-5. This book ambitiously reviews a subject that is undergoing shifts in popularity at a rate ...
Quick Guide to Coagulation Testing
Jun 01, 2007; ... Quick Guide to Coagulation Testing. Marisa B. Marques and George A. Fritsma, Washington, DC: AACC Press, 2006, 62 pp., $15 ($12 AACC members), softcover. ISBN 1-59425-049-9. In the past decades, significant advances have been made in understanding coagulation disorders, including ...
The Clinical Chemist
Jun 01, 2007; ... AACC Award Recipients, 2007 AACC Award for Outstanding Contributions to Clinical Chemistry, Sponsored by Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics W. Greg Miller Jr., PhD, DABCC, FACB, is professor of pathology, director of clinical chemistry, and director of pathology information ...
Folate and Methylation Status in Relation to Phosphorylated Tau Protein^sub (181P)^ and [beta]-Amyloid(1-42) in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: Increased plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) is a risk factor for neurological diseases, but the underlying pathophysiology has not been adequately explained. Methods: We evaluated concentrations of tHcy, S-adenosyl homocysteine (SAH), S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), folate, and ...
Biosensor Analysis of [beta]2-Glycoprotein I-Reactive Autoantibodies: Evidence for Isotype-Specific Binding and Differentiation of Pathogenic from Infection-Induced Antibodies
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: For the laboratory diagnosis of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) we developed a biosensor with the ability to distinguish between disease-relevant anti-β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) autoantibodies (anti-β2GPI) and pathogen-specific β2GPI cross-reactive antibodies ...
A Strong Interaction between Serum [gamma]-Glutamyltransferase and Obesity on the Risk of Prevalent Type 2 Diabetes: Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Jun 01, 2007; ... Background: Some studies have found an association of obesity with type 2 diabetes only among individuals with high normal serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity, not in those with low serum GGT. If this interaction reflected pathophysiology, it would have scientific and clinical ...