Clin Chem Lab Med
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This study was performed to clarify variations in breath isoprene concentrations with age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and total serum cholesterol. Our cohort consisted of 205 adult volunteers of different smoking background without health complaints. Total cholesterol in blood serum was measured in 79 of these volunteers. ⋯ Isoprene concentrations in exhaled breath showed gender-specific correlations with respect to age. Further investigations are necessary to clarify the relation between isoprene concentrations in exhaled breath and cholesterol levels and synthesis rates in blood.
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Adenosine deaminase (ADA) catalyzes the irreversible hydrolytic deamination of adenosine to inosine. The purpose of this study was to determine the plasma activities of total adenosine deaminase (ADA T), and its isoenzymes, ADA1 and ADA2, and ADA1/ADA2 ratio of male and female ischemic stroke patients. ⋯ Our results suggest that the primary mechanism in men with ischemic stroke might involve the reduction of ADA1 activity. The reduction is probably an adaptation mechanism for induced increase in adenosine availability and protection of brain to ischemic injury.
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In response to increasingly complex demands in terms of productivity and budgets, there is a critical need to avoid mistakes during instrument selection that will be financially costly, and adversely affect customers, staff, productivity and test turnaround time. As there is no "one size fits all", guidelines must be appropriate to permit informed decision making. A Medline search was conducted to assess background knowledge in this area, using the terms "laboratory instrument selection" and "laboratory instrument evaluation". ⋯ Appropriate criteria for instrument selection were established in the current report based on subjective and objective (technical) evaluations. Additionally, a sound and simple financial approach is also suggested to help in making informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. We propose that such a process as outlined in our report will protect laboratories from making costly and avoidable mistakes in the acquisition of major equipment.
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Total error (TE) in analytical measurement is calculated as systematic error (SE) plus z-times random error (RE). The z-multiplier is typically chosen at the 95% probability level, being 1.96 in the absence of SE is of considerable magnitude (one-sided 95% probability). Up to now, no SE/RE ratio dependent z-values have been considered. Here, we present z-values for SE/RE ratios ranging from 0 to 1. ⋯ The results show that at SE/RE ratios > 0.75 the one-sided 95% probability level is practically reached. The results allow a refined calculation of TE at specified SE/RE ratios and a general understanding of the relevance of two- and one-sided probabilities at different SE/RE ratios.
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The aim of this study was to provide an improved outline of the patterns and correlates of changes in plasma bilirubin after partial hepatectomy. ⋯ Major hepatectomy, parenchymal ischemia, and sepsis have similar and synergistic impacts as determinants of prominently conjugated hyperbilirubinemia after liver resection. This is likely related to impaired hepatocellular bilirubin transport and occurs in the absence of obstructive components.