Turbidometric Immunoassay Research Articles

To Estimate and Compare the Level of Serum Immunoglobulin A in Patients of Oral Submucous Fibrosis, Leukoplakia, and Control Group.

To estimate and compare the level of serum immunoglobulin A in patients of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), leukoplakia, and control group. OSMF is a well-recognized potentially malignant condition in the oral cavity, and a transformation rate as high as 7.6% over a period of 10 years has been reported from India. Leukoplakia has evolved as a clinico-pathologic concept over many years, with the current clinical designation being accepted worldwide. Quantia IgA is a turbidometric immunoassay for the detection of IgA in human serum and is based on the principle of agglutination reaction. The test specimen is mixed with the activation buffer (R1) and then with antihuman IgA reagent (R2) and allowed to react. For the estimation of serum IgA, 500 μl of Quantia IgA activation buffer R1 is taken in a clean test tube. Serum sample is diluted in the ratio of 1:5 with normal saline. Ten microliters of diluted serum sample are added to R1. After incubation for 10 min, 50 μl of R2 is added, which is Quantia IgA antihuman IgA reagent to the sample, and the reading is recorded at wavelength 340 nm at 37°C. The level of IgA will be estimated by a semi-automatic biochemical analyzer machine and then data analysis will be done. The immunologic alterations observed by us in OSMF and leukoplakia are almost similar or nearer to the alterations observed in oral cancer, so it is reasonable to assume that OSMF and leukoplakia can be an intermediate stage in the transformation process of a normal cell to oral malignancy. Prevention and early detection is the best way to reduce the incidence and mortality of premalignant disorders and oral cancer. There are many ways and methods of early detection of premalignant disorders and oral cancer, and the immunological method is one of them.

Comparison of turbidometric immunoassay and brix refractometry to radial immunodiffusion for assessment of colostral immunoglobulin concentration in beef cattle.

Colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration is critical to the attainment of adequate transfer of passive immunity in cattle, however, studies comparing available tools for measurement of colostral IgG concentration in beef cattle are limited. To report the agreement between 3 commercially available tests for evaluating IgG concentration in beef colostrum. Two hundred six beef-breed cows hospitalized for calving management or dystocia. Retrospective study to assess IgG of whole colostrum measured stall-side via turbidimetric immunoassay (TI) and brix refractometry (BRIX), compared to fat separated (FS) analysis via single radial-immunodiffusion (RID; reference standard), TI-FS and BRIX-FS. Test performance was assessed using Passing Bablock regression, Bland-Altman analysis, and area under the curve to determine optimal thresholds. Correlation between RID and TI-FS, BRIX-FS, or BRIX was similar (Spearman's ρ = 0.717, 0.715, 0.716, respectively) but correlation for TI was poor (ρ = 0.586). Regression analysis identified a substantial constant (-214.75 [CI: -272.03 to -178.07]) and proportional (13.24 [CI: 11.81-15.37]) bias between the RID and TI-FS which was similar for TI. TI-FS concentrations of 28.47, 38.75, and 50.62 g/L, BRIX-FS of ≤21.9%, ≤24.0%, and ≤27.4%, and BRIX of ≤21.3%, ≤23.8%, and ≤26.4% indicated IgG concentrations <50, <100, and <150 g/L, respectively; appropriate cutoffs for TI could not be generated. Both TI and TI-FS demonstrated a large constant and proportional bias compared to RID; BRIX and BRIX-FS were well correlated with RID and remain a reliable method for estimation of colostral IgG concentration in beef cattle.

Comparison of turbidometric immunoassay, refractometry, and gamma-glutamyl transferase to radial immunodiffusion for assessment of transfer of passive immunity in high-risk beef calves.

Attainment of adequate transfer of passive immunity (TPI) is critical to health of calves; however, studies comparing available tools for measurement of TPI in individual beef animals are limited. To report agreement between 4 tests evaluating individual TPI status in beef calves. One hundred ninety-six beef calves born to cows and heifers presenting for calving management or dystocia. Retrospective study to assess serum immunoglobulin (IgG) concentrations via turbidimetric immunoassay (TI), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), serum total protein (TP), and single radial immunodiffusion (RID; reference standard). Test agreement was evaluated using Passing-Bablok regression, Bland-Altman analysis, Cohen's kappa, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with and without covariate adjustment to determine optimal thresholds. Correlation between RID and test results varied: TI, ρ = 0.757; TP, ρ = 0.715; GGT: ρ = 0.413. For the TI compared to RID, regression analysis identified a constant (intercept = -0.51 [CI: -2.63, 3.05]) and proportional (slope = 1.87 [CI: 1.69, 2.08]) bias. Based on ROC, TI concentrations of ≤9.89 and ≤13.76 g/L, and TP concentrations of ≤5.5 and ≤6.0 g/dL, indicated IgG concentrations <18.0 and <25.0 g/L, respectively. Within this cohort of calves, TI demonstrated the best correlation with RID; however, significant bias was identified which led to frequent underestimation of IgG concentration. Serum total protein demonstrated less correlation with RID but had less misclassification than TI. Both TI and TP demonstrated less correlation for calves that received colostrum replacement prompting clinical awareness of colostrum type when evaluating individual TPI in beef calves.

The Role of Pleural Fluid C-Reactive Protein in the Diagnosis of Exudative Pleural Effusions.

Background and objectivePleural effusion develops when there is disequilibrium between pleural fluid formation and absorption. Light's criteria are currently used to differentiate transudative from exudative effusion. If the pleural effusion is exudative, it requires extensive diagnostic workup to identify the local cause of the effusion. Pleural fluid cell count and differentials, glucose level, adenosine deaminase (ADA), fluid GeneXpert for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb), fluid culture, and cytology are currently used for further evaluation of exudative pleural effusions. However, the sensitivity and specificity of the above tests are not dependable. The pleural fluid C-reactive protein (CRP) is likely to reflect serum CRP levels because the CRP in the pleural fluid may be caused by increased diffusion from the blood due to inflamed capillary leakage. In this study, we aimed to examine the role of pleural fluid CRP levels in the differential diagnosis of exudative effusion.Materials and methodsBased on Light's criteria, this study included 100 patients with exudative pleural effusion. Serum CRP and pleural fluid CRP were assessed with the CRP-Turbilatex-quantitative turbidometric immunoassay method based on the principle of an agglutination reaction. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated by plotting sensitivity against 1-specificity, and the area under the curve (AUC) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. After data collection, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics v28.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY).ResultsOur study showed a significant difference in pleural fluid CRP levels (p<0.001). Pleural fluid CRP was significantly higher in the empyema and parapneumonic groups compared to tuberculous and malignant effusions. The optimal cut-off value of CRP ≥47.4 mg/dl yielded 87.5% sensitivity and 92.5% specificity in differentiating parapneumonic effusion from tuberculous effusion. Pleural fluid CRP proved to be an excellent marker for distinguishing parapneumonic effusion from malignancy (cut-off value ≥49.2 mg/dl, 75% sensitivity, and 85.7% specificity) and parapneumonic plus empyema from tuberculous effusion plus malignant effusion (cut-off value ≥47.4 mg/dl, 84.6% sensitivity, and 90.8% specificity).ConclusionPleural fluid CRP levels can be used as an additional tool in the differential diagnosis of exudative effusion. It significantly differentiates parapneumonic effusion and empyema from tuberculous and malignant effusions.

Estimation of Serum Immunoglobulins as a Diagnostic Marker in Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) Patients

Introduction: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder affecting the oral mucosa, now accepted globally as a disease. The Indian subcontinent has high malignant transformation potential with multifactorial etiologies and unclear pathogenesis. Immunological pathogenesis has been hypothesized as a causative factor for oral submucous fibrosis. Aim: To quantitatively evaluate IgG and IgM in serum of oral submucous fibrosis, thereby observing any possible association of these immunoglobulins in the pathogenesis of this disease. Material and Methods: A case-control study was done among 60 subjects, including 30 patients with clinically confirmed OSMF and 30 in the control group. Two milliliters of blood was collected from both groups. Quantitative analysis of serum IgG and IgM was done by turbidometric immunoassay. The results were analyzed by unpaired student's t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: All patients of OSMF showed increased serum IgG compared to the control group, and the differences were found to be statistically significant (P &gt;.05). On comparing IgM levels between the control and study group, differences were statistically nonsignificant (P &lt; 0.457). Conclusion: The elevation of immunoglobulin levels supports the concept of autoimmunity.

Correlation between iron deficiency anemia and HbA1C levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus

The HbA1c levels, in general reflects the diabetic patients Glycaemic control status over the previous 3 months. HbA concentrations may be increased by Anaemia due to iron deficiency, independent of glycaemia in diabetic patients. Henceforth this study serves to find if there is a positive correlation between the iron deficiency anaemia status &amp; the HbA1c levels amidst the diabetic population. Cases-100 iron-deficiency anaemia patients with diabetes having controlled plasma glucose levels, Controls -100 non-anaemic diabetic individuals. The study was done in the premises of Sree Balaji Medical College &amp; Hospital. HbA levels was measured by ion exchange chromatography, ferritin by particle enhanced turbidometric immunoassay method, fasting plasma glucose by GOD - POD method. We found that HbA1c was elevated (7.3±0.9) in iron-deficient diabetic individuals compared to normal level (5.4±0.6) in controls. The study showed that there was a positive correlation between the iron deficiency anaemia status and increased HbA levels in the controlled diabetic population. Hence forth, the clinical significance of evaluating the iron deficiency anaemia status in diabetic patients has been proved to be significant in planning their further course of prompt diabetic management.

MP58-14 NEUTROPHIL GELATINASE-ASSOCIATED LIPOCALIN (NGAL) AS A BIOMARKER OF RENAL INJURY IN PATIENTS WITH URETERIC STONES

You have accessJournal of UrologyStone Disease: Basic Research & Pathophysiology I1 Apr 2016MP58-14 NEUTROPHIL GELATINASE-ASSOCIATED LIPOCALIN (NGAL) AS A BIOMARKER OF RENAL INJURY IN PATIENTS WITH URETERIC STONES Marco Bolgeri, Khaled Farrag, Antonio Reche, Padmini Manghat, and Seshadri Sriprasad Marco BolgeriMarco Bolgeri More articles by this author , Khaled FarragKhaled Farrag More articles by this author , Antonio RecheAntonio Reche More articles by this author , Padmini ManghatPadmini Manghat More articles by this author , and Seshadri SriprasadSeshadri Sriprasad More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2016.02.812AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES An accurate assessment of the risk of renal injury in the patient presenting with renal colic is challenging. Creatinine and urine output measurement have significant pitfalls in patients with normal contralateral kidneys. A biomarker of renal injury may offer the opportunity for early detection and aid clinical management. NGAL has shown good performance in the prediction of renal injury in several clinical scenarios. Our objective was to analyze the kinetics of NGAL in patients presenting with acute ureteric obstruction secondary to stone. METHODS Serum (sNGAL) and urine (uNGAL, normalized to urinary creatinine) levels were measured pre-, intra- and postoperatively in 37 subjects with acute ureteric colic, and compared with two control groups (13 patients with non-obstructive renal stones undergoing elective surgery and 10 healthy controls). Samples were analyzed with the NGAL Test (Bioporto Diagnostics, Denmark) a commercially available particle-enhanced turbidometric immunoassay. Uni- and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate correlation of NGAL levels with commonly adopted clinical parameters. RESULTS Levels of sNGAL decreased significantly after relief of ureteric obstruction (77ng/mL vs 82ng/mL, p=0.01), whereas uNGAL increased. uNGAL levels in the urine from the obstructed kidney were significantly higher than in the bladder (p=0.003). In patients who passed their stone, at a median 4 weeks follow-up NGAL levels were significantly lower (p=0.03). NGAL levels at presentation were significantly lower in healthy controls (p=0.003). In controls undergoing elective surgery, pre- and post-operative levels of pNGAL and uNGAL were not significantly different (p=0.61 and p=0.09) On multivariate analysis female gender and a higher white cell count were the only factors correlated with higher NGAL levels. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge this is the first study evaluating the kinetics of NGAL at different time points in patients with obstruction due to ureteric stones. Relief of obstruction led to a significant decrease in sNGAL levels, though with a brief increase in urinary levels due to release of NGAL-rich urine from the obstructed side. Surgical intervention did not act as a confounder. These observations suggest that this biomarker could help estimating renal injury due to obstructive stones and help as a marker of de-obstruction during follow-up. Further studies are needed to establish the long-term significance of such subclinical renal injury and better define the potential role of NGAL in the clinical decision-making. © 2016FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 195Issue 4SApril 2016Page: e781-e782 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2016MetricsAuthor Information Marco Bolgeri More articles by this author Khaled Farrag More articles by this author Antonio Reche More articles by this author Padmini Manghat More articles by this author Seshadri Sriprasad More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Comparative evaluation of serum and salivary immunoglobulin G and A levels with total serum protein in oral submucous fibrosis patients: A case control study.

Aim and Objective:The objective of this study is to estimate and compare the serum and salivary immunoglobulin G and A (IgG, IgA) levels in various stages of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients and relate it to total serum protein (TSP) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels.Materials and Methods:The sample for the present study comprised a total of 20 healthy controls, 20 OSMF patients. About 5 ml of blood and 2 ml of saliva were collected. Quantitative analysis of serum and salivary IgG, IgA was done by turbidometric immunoassay. TSP and Hb were estimated by Biuret and cyanmethemoglobin methods, respectively.Results:Serum and salivary IgA and IgG levels were statistically significantly increased (P < 0.001) in OSMF patients when compared to controls. Also serum and salivary IgG and IgA levels showed significantly increased (P < 0.01) in all the three staging of OSMF when compared to control group. Hb levels and TSP levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in OSMF patients when compared to controls. One-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and unpaired t-test were used for statistical analysis.Conclusion:The elevated levels of IgG and IgA are also in favor of polygammapathy, which are nonspecific and nondiagnostic objective reflections of an underlying disease. Decreased TSP is a result of host response and Hb, acts as an indicator of nutritional status plays an important role. It is also observed from the present study that the severity of OSMF was directly proportional to the estimated elevated levels of the major IgG and IgA. A need is also felt for the knowledge of immunoprofile estimation in etiology and pathogenesis that would prove a great asset in the proper assessment of this condition.

Brix refractometry in serum as a measure of failure of passive transfer compared to measured immunoglobulin G and total protein by refractometry in serum from dairy calves

A series of trials were conducted to evaluate Brix refractometry (Brix %) for the assessment of failure of passive transfer (FPT) in dairy calves compared to: (1) serum IgG (reference standard) when measured by radial immunodiffusion (RID) or a turbidometric immunoassay (TIA), and (2) serum total protein refractometry (STP).For the serum samples tested with TIA, STP, and Brix % (n = 310; Holstein calves), the median concentrations were 21.3 g/L IgG, 58 g/L STP, and 9.2%, respectively. For the serum samples tested with RID, STP and Brix % (n = 112; Jersey calves), the mean concentrations were 38 g/L IgG, 68 g/L STP, and 10.2%, respectively. For samples tested with only Brix % and STP (n = 265; Holstein calves), median STP and Brix % were 50 g/L STP and 8.5%, respectively. Correlations between Brix % and RID, and between Brix % and TIA were equal (r = 0.79, respectively). Brix % and STP were positively correlated (r = 0.99). Brix % estimated serum IgG concentrations determined by TIA and RID (r2 = 0.63, 0.62, respectively). When FPT was defined as serum IgG < 10 g/L, Brix % ≤ 8.5% showed optimal sensitivity (100%) and specificity (89.2%) to predict FPT. At the same IgG cut-point, an STP value of ≤ 52 g/L showed a similar sensitivity (100%) and specificity (80.4%) to predict FPT. Brix refractometry predicted successful transfer of passive immunity in dairy calves, but further evaluation as a diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of FPT is warranted.

Estimation of serum, salivary immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A levels and total protein, hemoglobin in smokeless tobacco chewers and oral submucous fibrosis patients.

Background:Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a debilitating, potentially cancerous oral condition. Although areca nut is the most important causative agent, it is also considered that the disease is immunologically mediated.Aim of the Study:To establish that autoimmunity and nutritional deficiency play a role in the etiopathogenesis of OSMF.Objectives of the Study:To show that serum immunoglobulin markers (immunoglobulin-G [IgG], immunoglobulin-A [IgA]) and nutritional parameters such as total serum protein (TSP), Hemoglobin (Hb) play a role in causing OSMF and also to correlate serum, salivary IgG, IgA levels in OSMF patients.Settings and Design:A case-control study was done with 50 patients (25 patients who were provisionally diagnosed as OSMF - Group I, and 25 patients who were chronic smokeless tobacco chewers and who did not have any intraoral lesion - Group II).Materials and Methods:Five milliliters of blood and saliva were collected from both the groups. Quantitative analysis of serum, and salivary IgG, IgA was done by turbidometric immunoassay. TSP and Hemoglobin (Hb) were estimated by spectrophotometry.Statistical Analysis:Results were analyzed by independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results:All patients of OSMF showed significant (P < 0.01) increase in serum IgG, IgA, and salivary IgG levels as compared to smokeless tobacco chewers. The salivary IgA levels showed a significant decrease in OSMF patients (P < 0.05). TSP and Hb levels showed significant (P < 0.01) decrease in OSMF patients as compared to smokeless tobacco chewers.Conclusion:The elevation of immunoglobulin levels supports the concept of autoimmunity. The decrease in TSP and Hb suggests that nutritional deficiency plays a defined role in the occurrence as well as a further progression of OSMF.

Use of a Qualitative Horse-Side Test to Measure Serum Amyloid A in Mares With Experimentally Induced Ascending Placentitis

The objectives of this study were to assess (1) changes in serum amyloid A (SAA) detected by a lateral flow device (LFD) in mares with experimental placentitis and (2) to assess the correlation of this assay with a quantitative immunoassay. Horse mares carrying normal pregnancies were assigned to a control group (n = 12) and to a group with experimentally induced ascending placentitis (n = 13). Blood samples were obtained immediately before inoculation and/or initial sampling for control mares and then daily for 12 days or until abortion. Concentration of SAA was analyzed using a turbidometric immunoassay. Retrospectively, samples −9, −6, −3, and 0 days from abortion (DFA) were analyzed. Day 0 was defined as the day of abortion for mares in the placentitis group and the last sampling day for mares in the control group. Based on the LFD results, there were significant differences between mares in the control group and mares in the group with experimentally induced placentitis (P < .0001). There was a progressive increase in SAA from −6 to 0 DFA determined by the LFD. There were no significant differences among examiners (P > .05). The results obtained using the commercial LFD were moderately correlated (ρ = 0.51; P < .001) with the concentrations of SAA determined by the turbidometric assay. Five of 91 LFDs (i.e., 5.5%) failed to provide any reading. The LFD for determination of SAA appears to be a useful tool for quick assessment of whether inflammation is present; however, quantitative evaluation may still be warranted.

Co-relating HbA1c and serum IgA in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with and without periodontitis

Objective: Diabetics are more susceptible to the infections than the non-diabetics (healthy) one, suggesting that the immunologic capability may be unbalanced in diabetics. Periodontitis is associated with alterations in immune responses in both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Till date various attempts has been taken to monitor host immunological response of diabetic individuals. Therefore the need to study the local immune response in inflamed gingival showing Periodontitis is apparent. Since till date there are no well documented and significant baseline studies are available on the functional capacities of the lymphoid cells present in gingiva of the periodontitis patients, a study to check the level of immunoglobulin was investigated. Methodology: A study was carried out where HbA1c, Random Blood Sugar and Serum IgA level were assessed in 60 patients from the OPD of RCDSR. 15 patients each belonging to the four groups diabetic with periodontitis, diabetic without periodontitis, non-diabetic with periodontitis and non- diabetic without periodontitis (control) were analysed for the quantitative estimation of Serum Immunoglobulin A by Turbidometric Immunoassay and HbA1c was done by using Nyco card Reader.Result: The data thus obtained were compared with the level of immunoglobulin found in clinically healthy gingival of the control group. The levels of IgA were found to be high in group ‘A’ (Diabetic patients suffering from Periodontitis) group ‘B’ (Diabetic patients not suffering from Periodontitis) and group ‘C’ (Non-diabetic patients suffering from Periodontitis) but the values are not differing statistically from each other. But, the values of all these groups are statistically highly differed from the value obtained against the normal/healthy controlled group ‘D’. Conclusion: In our study it can be concluded that there was positive co-relation between the two parameters: elevated HbA1c and Immunoglobulin level with periodontitis. This co-relates to the possibility of an underlying immuno-inflammatory abnormality to be the cause for the elevated level of immunoglobulin in our patients with elevated sugar level. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i2.11096Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(2) 2015 72-77

Variability in telavancin cross-reactivity among vancomycin immunoassays.

Telavancin is a semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide with a dual mechanism of action against Gram-positive pathogens. Two brief reports have suggested potential cross-reactivity of telavancin with the vancomycin particle-enhanced turbidometric immunoassay (PETIA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate several commercially available vancomycin immunoassays (fluorescence polarization [FPIA], enzyme-multiplied immunoassays [EMIT], PETIA, and chemiluminescent immunoassay [CMIA]) for cross-reactivity with telavancin. Seven sites were selected to analyze serum samples for vancomycin. Each site received a set of samples (n = 18) which combined drug-free serum with telavancin, 7-OH telavancin metabolite, or vancomycin. Immunoassays demonstrating potential cross-reactivity were further evaluated by sending a duplicate sample set to multiple laboratories. Cross-reactivity was defined as the percent theoretical concentration (reported concentration/theoretical concentration × 100). No cross-reactivity was seen with FPIA or EMIT. Within the theoretical concentration range of 5 to 120 μg/ml of telavancin, the Synchron PETIA system reported vancomycin concentrations ranging from 4.7 to 54.2 μg/ml compared to vancomycin concentrations from 1.1 to 5.6 μg/ml for the Vista PETIA system. The Architect CMIA system reported vancomycin concentrations in the range of 0.27 to 0.97 μg/ml, whereas Advia Centaur XP CMIA reported vancomycin concentrations between 1.6 and 31.6 μg/ml. The Architect CMIA immunoassay had the lowest percent cross-reactivity (0.8 to 5.4%), while the Synchron PETIA immunoassay demonstrated the highest percent cross-reactivity (45.2 to 53.8%). Telavancin samples measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy were within 93.9 to 122% of theoretical concentrations. Vancomycin concentrations were not measured in any 7-OH telavancin-spiked sample. Vancomycin concentrations measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy were within 57.2 to 113% of theoretical concentrations. PETIA and CMIA measured vancomycin concentrations in telavancin-spiked samples. Significant variability in percent cross-reactivity was observed for each platform regardless of immunoassay method.

English

CONTEXT: Pleural effusion occurs secondary to various diseases. Common causes of exudative effusion are tuberculosis, bacterial pneumonia, and malignancy. Transudative effusion is due to systemic diseases like cardiac failure, cirrhosis of liver. Conventional methods of diagnosis may not be able to establish the cause of pleural effusion. Early diagnosis and management reduces the morbidity and mortality. AIM: The objective of the study is to estimate pleural fluid Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) and C - reactive protein (CRP) levels and to evaluate their efficacy in differential diagnosis of transudative and exudative, tuberculous and non tuberculous and inflammatory and non inflammatory effusions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty two patients of pleural effusion were investigated and divided into four groups based on diagnosis. Group I, II, III and IV had 24 cases of tuberculous effusion, 13 cases of transudative effusion, 08 cases of malignant effusion and 07 cases of parapneumonic effusion respectively. Pleural fluid was analyzed for ADA (Guisti and Galanti's method) and CRP (turbidometric immunoassay). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The statistical analysis was done using unpaired student't' test and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In the present study pleural fluid ADA revealed highly significant increase in tuberculous effusion than non tuberculous effusions (p <0.001) and also when compared with non tuberculous subgroups, transudative effusion (p < 0.001), malignant effusion (p<0.001), and PPE (p<0.01). ADA levels at a cutoff value of 40U/L, showed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 91.67%, 89.3%, 88% & 92.6% respectively in tuberculous effusion. Pleural fluid CRP levels in parapneumonic effusion were significantly higher compared to other types of effusions (p<0.001). Significantly higher levels of CRP were seen in exudative effusion compared to transudative effusion (p<0.001) and in inflammatory effusion compared to non inflammatory effusion (p<0.001).

Effect of Cigarette Smoking on Plasma Fibrinogen and Platelet Count

Objective: Cigarette smoking is one of the major lifestyle factors influencing the health of human beings. Fibrinogen is the major plasma protein coagulation factor. Higher plasma fibrinogen concentrations are associated with cardiovascular diseases. Material &amp; Methods: One hundred twenty healthy male smokers and one hundred twenty healthy male non-smokers among hospital employees and people from surrounding areas of Narayana Medical College, Nellore (India) were studied. The platelet count was done using Beckman Coulter Automatic Analyzer; AcT 5diffCP.Assay for plasma fibrinogen was performed using turbido-metric immunoassay. Results: The mean plasma fibrinogen concentration for smokers is 3.78 gms/L and for non-smokers 3.02 gms/L. The mean platelet count for smokers is 257325 per mm3 and for non-smokers 215483.3 per mm3. The difference between mean plasma fibrinogen and platelet count of smokers and non-smokers was statistically significant (p&lt;0.0001). Conclusion: Thus we concluded that in smokers plasma fibrinogen concentration and platelet count increase significantly. Regular monitoring of these two parameters in smokers is advised DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v2i3.4261 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 181-184

Vertical transmission of Mycoplasma haemolamae in alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of vertical transmission of Mycoplasma haemolamae from dam to cria, whether colostral transmission of M. haemolamae occurs and provide preliminary data on colostral M. haemolamae specific antibody from pregnant alpacas on a farm with known prevalence of infection. M. haemolamae specific PCR was performed on blood and colostrum from pregnant alpacas and their cria (n=52 pairs). Indirect fluorescent antibody testing was performed on a subset (n=43) of the colostrum samples. Total immunoglobulin concentrations of colostrum and cria sera and M. haemolamae specific IgG (prior to and after ingesting colostrum) were determined by turbidometric immunoassay and indirect fluorescence antibody testing respectively. Sixteen of 52 dams (30.7%) pre-partum and one of 52 cria post-partum (1.9%; prior to ingesting colostrum) were PCR positive for M. haemolamae, while 36/52 dams (69%) and 51/52 cria (98%) tested negative for M. haemolamae by PCR. All 43 colostrum samples and 52 of 52 post-colostrum cria blood samples (100%) were negative by PCR. The dam giving birth to the M. haemolamae PCR positive cria was PCR negative. Statistically, it was no more likely for a PCR positive dam to give birth to a M. haemolamae, PCR positive cria (prior to colostrum ingestion) than a PCR negative dam (p=0.3077). M. haemolamae specific IgG was present in 22 of 43 (51%) of colostrum samples at a 1:10 dilution and 14 of 22 (64%) at a 1:100 dilution. There was no relationship between the PCR status of the dam and whether or not M. haemolamae specific antibodies were present in colostrum. Among the animals tested, in utero transmission of M. haemolamae was rare (1/52 pre-colostral alpaca cria), and all colostrum samples were negative for M. haemolamae by PCR. These data indicate that colostrum from positive dams is unlikely to harbor this parasite and therefore does not serve as a source of infection to newborn cria. Colostrum derived from both PCR positive and negative dams contained M. haemolamae specific antibodies. Our findings suggest that M. haemolamae specific antibodies may play a role in immunity to this hemoparasite; however, challenge studies are necessary to fully evaluate the role of M. haemolamae specific antibodies. Furthermore, antibody prevalence and detectable titers may provide different estimates than those available from current PCR based prevalence studies. Our findings also suggest that M. haemolamae isolates from geographically distinct regions do not differ significantly from each other.

Detection of vancomycin levels in patients receiving telavancin but not vancomycin

Sir, Telavancin is a lipoglycopeptide antibiotic with a chemical structure closely related to the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin. Telavancin has excellent in vitro activity against methicillinresistant staphylococci and, in the trials which led to its approval for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections, it was shown to be non-inferior to vancomycin. 1 Renal toxicity is the principal significant adverse effect of telavancin. 2 A standard dose of 10 mg/kg daily is recommended in patients with normal renal function and monitoring of serum or plasma levels is neither recommended nor available commercially. 2 It is not known if telavancin serum levels correlate with the efficacy or renal toxicity of this antibiotic. Perhaps due to a lack of therapeutic superiority data and concerns about renal toxicity, telavancin has yet to be widely used in clinical practice. Recently, a patient receiving the standard dose of telavancin for a staphylococcal infection was demonstrated to have an apparent detectable serum vancomycin level (after the level was inadvertently ordered by a house officer). This serendipitous finding led us to check vancomycin levels in several other patients with normal renal function who were receiving standard doses of telavancin. No patients had received vancomycin. Trough levels were obtained immediately prior to a dose of telavancin and peak levels were obtained 1 h after the infusion was completed. The vancomycin serum levels were determined by a particle-enhanced turbidometric inhibition immunoassay method (Synchron LX System, Beckman Coulter, Inc., Brea, CA, USA). The results are shown in Table 1. Wespeculatethatif aconsistent correlationcanbeestablished between serum vancomycin and telavancin levels in patients treated with telavancin, a commercially available vancomycin serum level assay can then be used to monitor telavancin therapy, in place of an unavailable telavancin assay, in order to establish possible correlation between telavancin levels and its clinical efficacy and/or renal toxicity. Although telavancin plasma assays were apparently done as part of approval studies, we had no access to a telavancin assay to attempt to establish the correlation. 3 If the manufacturer of telavancin or an independent investigator is able to perform telavancin assays, they may choose to perform such a study.

Correlation of salivary and serum IgG, IgA levels with total protein in oral submucous fibrosis

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a disabling, potentially malignant condition of the oral cavity. The aetiology of OSMF is multifactorial but remains obscure. Although arecanut is considered to be the most important causative agent, responses observed in individuals using arecanut vary in relation to quantity and duration. It is considered that an immunological process is responsible for the pathogenesis of disease. We correlated salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA), salivary immunoglobulin G (IgG) and serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), levels by turbidometric immunoassay. We estimated the levels of total serum protein (TSP) and haemoglobin (Hb) to determine the role of nutritional deficiency. The study population comprised 30 cases of OSMF and 10 controls. Five milliliters of blood and 2 ml of saliva were collected. Quantitative analysis of serum and salivary IgG, IgA was done by turbidometric immunoassay. TSP and Hb were estimated by Biuret and cyanmethaemoglobin methods, respectively. All patients showed significant (P < 0.01) increase in serum and salivary IgG, IgA levels as compared to controls. TSP patients showed significant (P < 0.01) decrease as compared to controls. Results of Hb in patients were not significant. The estimation of immunoglobulin levels is important to support the concept of autoimmune basis. Estimation of TSP and Hb suggests that nutrition has a definite role in OSMF.

Increased cord serum inflammatory markers in small-for-gestational-age neonates

The pathological picture in ischemic tissue injury shares features with the inflammatory response. Hypoxia-mediated induction of interleukin-6 (IL-6) could set in motion the mechanisms limiting inflammation in ischemia. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) represents a human model of chronic fetal hypoxia. The purpose of this study was a first-time exploration to determine whether cord blood obtained at the delivery of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants has increased concentrations of inflammatory markers. Cord blood was collected from 20 SGA (term and near-term) infants and 20 appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) controls. Infants exposed to maternal smoking, diabetes, maternal chronic diseases, or alcohol or drug use were excluded. Both groups had Apgar score ≥7 at 1 min with a normal cord pH (>7.25). Cord-serum cytokines and thrombopoietin (TPO) levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured using a turbidometric immunoassay. SGA infants had a significantly smaller birth weight than AGA controls, with a smaller gestation age by 1 week. There were significant elevations in IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), CRP and TPO in the SGA compared with the AGA group, which persisted in multiple regression analysis even after gestational age was taken into account. As hypothesized, significant increases in the cord blood concentrations of known inflammatory markers were found in SGA infants compared with the controls.

C-reactive protein in canine babesiosis caused by Babesia rossi and its association with outcome : article

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a positive major acute-phase protein in dogs and can be used as a predictive marker for risk of disease and to monitor the response to treatment. Increased concentrations in certain diseases are associated with poor outcome. This cross-sectional, observational study of 75 dogs naturally infected with Babesia rossi was designed to examine the relationship between outcome and CRP concentration at admission and the magnitude of CRP change 24 hours after admission. Diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse line blot. CRP concentrations were determined by an automated human CRP Turbidometric Immunoassay, previously validated for use in dogs. There was no significant difference in mean CRP concentration between survivors (n = 57), 107.5 +/- 49.5 mg/l and non-survivors (n = 11), 122.1 +/- 64.6 mg/l at admission and using the exact logistic regression, adjusting for age and sex, there was no association with outcome (P = 0.53). Multiple regression analysis failed to show a significant relationship between admission CRP concentration and number of days of hospitalisation in the survivors, adjusting for age and sex (P = 0.65). Similarly, no significance was found in the relationship between the magnitude of change in CRP concentration 24 hours after admission, and the number of days of hospitalisation in survivors, (P = 0.34). It is concluded that CRP concentration, as a measure of the acute phase response, is not associated with outcome in canine babesiosis, and inflammation is unlikely to be the only cause of severity of disease.