Blood Plasma - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

LOOD LASMA A M EDICAL D ICTIONARY , B IBLIOGRAPHY , AND A NNOTATED R ESEARCH G UIDE TO I NTERNET R E FERENCES J AMES N...

Author: ICON Health Publications

32 downloads 764 Views 3MB Size Report

This content was uploaded by our users and we assume good faith they have the permission to share this book. If you own the copyright to this book and it is wrongfully on our website, we offer a simple DMCA procedure to remove your content from our site. Start by pressing the button below!

Report copyright / DMCA form

DOWNLOAD PDF

LOOD LASMA A M EDICAL D ICTIONARY , B IBLIOGRAPHY , AND A NNOTATED R ESEARCH G UIDE TO I NTERNET R E FERENCES

J AMES N. P ARKER , M.D. AND P HILIP M. P ARKER , P H .D., E DITORS

ii

ICON Health Publications ICON Group International, Inc. 4370 La Jolla Village Drive, 4th Floor San Diego, CA 92122 USA Copyright 2004 by ICON Group International, Inc. Copyright 2004 by ICON Group International, Inc. All rights reserved. This book is protected by copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. Last digit indicates print number: 10 9 8 7 6 4 5 3 2 1

Publisher, Health Care: Philip Parker, Ph.D. Editor(s): James Parker, M.D., Philip Parker, Ph.D. Publisher's note: The ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained in this book are not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. As new medical or scientific information becomes available from academic and clinical research, recommended treatments and drug therapies may undergo changes. The authors, editors, and publisher have attempted to make the information in this book up to date and accurate in accord with accepted standards at the time of publication. The authors, editors, and publisher are not responsible for errors or omissions or for consequences from application of the book, and make no warranty, expressed or implied, in regard to the contents of this book. Any practice described in this book should be applied by the reader in accordance with professional standards of care used in regard to the unique circumstances that may apply in each situation. The reader is advised to always check product information (package inserts) for changes and new information regarding dosage and contraindications before prescribing any drug or pharmacological product. Caution is especially urged when using new or infrequently ordered drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements, alternative therapies, complementary therapies and medicines, and integrative medical treatments. Cataloging-in-Publication Data Parker, James N., 1961Parker, Philip M., 1960Blood Plasma: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References / James N. Parker and Philip M. Parker, editors p. cm. Includes bibliographical references, glossary, and index. ISBN: 0-497-00152-7 1. Blood Plasma-Popular works. I. Title.

iii

Disclaimer This publication is not intended to be used for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher, editors, and authors are not engaging in the rendering of medical, psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. References to any entity, product, service, or source of information that may be contained in this publication should not be considered an endorsement, either direct or implied, by the publisher, editors, or authors. ICON Group International, Inc., the editors, and the authors are not responsible for the content of any Web pages or publications referenced in this publication.

Copyright Notice If a physician wishes to copy limited passages from this book for patient use, this right is automatically granted without written permission from ICON Group International, Inc. (ICON Group). However, all of ICON Group publications have copyrights. With exception to the above, copying our publications in whole or in part, for whatever reason, is a violation of copyright laws and can lead to penalties and fines. Should you want to copy tables, graphs, or other materials, please contact us to request permission (E-mail: [email protected]). ICON Group often grants permission for very limited reproduction of our publications for internal use, press releases, and academic research. Such reproduction requires confirmed permission from ICON Group International, Inc. The disclaimer above must accompany all reproductions, in whole or in part, of this book.

iv

Acknowledgements The collective knowledge generated from academic and applied research summarized in various references has been critical in the creation of this book which is best viewed as a comprehensive compilation and collection of information prepared by various official agencies which produce publications on blood plasma. Books in this series draw from various agencies and institutions associated with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and in particular, the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (OS), the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Administration on Aging (AOA), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Healthcare Financing Administration (HCFA), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Indian Health Service (IHS), the institutions of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Program Support Center (PSC), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In addition to these sources, information gathered from the National Library of Medicine, the United States Patent Office, the European Union, and their related organizations has been invaluable in the creation of this book. Some of the work represented was financially supported by the Research and Development Committee at INSEAD. This support is gratefully acknowledged. Finally, special thanks are owed to Tiffany Freeman for her excellent editorial support.

v

About the Editors James N. Parker, M.D. Dr. James N. Parker received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Riverside and his M.D. from the University of California, San Diego. In addition to authoring numerous research publications, he has lectured at various academic institutions. Dr. Parker is the medical editor for health books by ICON Health Publications. Philip M. Parker, Ph.D. Philip M. Parker is the Eli Lilly Chair Professor of Innovation, Business and Society at INSEAD (Fontainebleau, France and Singapore). Dr. Parker has also been Professor at the University of California, San Diego and has taught courses at Harvard University, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and UCLA. Dr. Parker is the associate editor for ICON Health Publications.

vi

About ICON Health Publications To discover more about ICON Health Publications, simply check with your preferred online booksellers, including Barnes&Noble.com and Amazon.com which currently carry all of our titles. Or, feel free to contact us directly for bulk purchases or institutional discounts: ICON Group International, Inc. 4370 La Jolla Village Drive, Fourth Floor San Diego, CA 92122 USA Fax: 858-546-4341 Web site: www.icongrouponline.com/health

vii

Table of Contents FORWARD .......................................................................................................................................... 1 CHAPTER 1. STUDIES ON BLOOD PLASMA ........................................................................................ 3 Overview........................................................................................................................................ 3 The Combined Health Information Database................................................................................. 3 Federally Funded Research on Blood Plasma................................................................................. 5 E-Journals: PubMed Central ....................................................................................................... 14 The National Library of Medicine: PubMed ................................................................................ 16 CHAPTER 2. NUTRITION AND BLOOD PLASMA .............................................................................. 63 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 63 Finding Nutrition Studies on Blood Plasma................................................................................ 63 Federal Resources on Nutrition ................................................................................................... 64 Additional Web Resources ........................................................................................................... 64 CHAPTER 3. ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND BLOOD PLASMA ........................................................ 67 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 67 National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.................................................. 67 Additional Web Resources ........................................................................................................... 73 General References ....................................................................................................................... 74 CHAPTER 4. PATENTS ON BLOOD PLASMA..................................................................................... 75 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 75 Patents on Blood Plasma.............................................................................................................. 75 Patent Applications on Blood Plasma .......................................................................................... 92 Keeping Current ........................................................................................................................ 122 CHAPTER 5. BOOKS ON BLOOD PLASMA ...................................................................................... 125 Overview.................................................................................................................................... 125 Book Summaries: Online Booksellers......................................................................................... 125 Chapters on Blood Plasma.......................................................................................................... 125 CHAPTER 6. MULTIMEDIA ON BLOOD PLASMA ........................................................................... 127 Overview.................................................................................................................................... 127 Audio Recordings....................................................................................................................... 127 CHAPTER 7. PERIODICALS AND NEWS ON BLOOD PLASMA ........................................................ 129 Overview.................................................................................................................................... 129 News Services and Press Releases.............................................................................................. 129 Academic Periodicals covering Blood Plasma ............................................................................ 130 APPENDIX A. PHYSICIAN RESOURCES .......................................................................................... 135 Overview.................................................................................................................................... 135 NIH Guidelines.......................................................................................................................... 135 NIH Databases........................................................................................................................... 137 Other Commercial Databases..................................................................................................... 139 APPENDIX B. PATIENT RESOURCES ............................................................................................... 141 Overview.................................................................................................................................... 141 Patient Guideline Sources.......................................................................................................... 141 Finding Associations.................................................................................................................. 143 APPENDIX C. FINDING MEDICAL LIBRARIES ................................................................................ 145 Overview.................................................................................................................................... 145 Preparation................................................................................................................................. 145 Finding a Local Medical Library................................................................................................ 145 Medical Libraries in the U.S. and Canada ................................................................................. 145 ONLINE GLOSSARIES................................................................................................................ 151 Online Dictionary Directories ................................................................................................... 151

viii Contents

BLOOD PLASMA DICTIONARY.............................................................................................. 153 INDEX .............................................................................................................................................. 229

1

FORWARD In March 2001, the National Institutes of Health issued the following warning: "The number of Web sites offering health-related resources grows every day. Many sites provide valuable information, while others may have information that is unreliable or misleading."1 Furthermore, because of the rapid increase in Internet-based information, many hours can be wasted searching, selecting, and printing. Since only the smallest fraction of information dealing with blood plasma is indexed in search engines, such as www.google.com or others, a non-systematic approach to Internet research can be not only time consuming, but also incomplete. This book was created for medical professionals, students, and members of the general public who want to know as much as possible about blood plasma, using the most advanced research tools available and spending the least amount of time doing so. In addition to offering a structured and comprehensive bibliography, the pages that follow will tell you where and how to find reliable information covering virtually all topics related to blood plasma, from the essentials to the most advanced areas of research. Public, academic, government, and peer-reviewed research studies are emphasized. Various abstracts are reproduced to give you some of the latest official information available to date on blood plasma. Abundant guidance is given on how to obtain free-of-charge primary research results via the Internet. While this book focuses on the field of medicine, when some sources provide access to non-medical information relating to blood plasma, these are noted in the text. E-book and electronic versions of this book are fully interactive with each of the Internet sites mentioned (clicking on a hyperlink automatically opens your browser to the site indicated). If you are using the hard copy version of this book, you can access a cited Web site by typing the provided Web address directly into your Internet browser. You may find it useful to refer to synonyms or related terms when accessing these Internet databases. NOTE: At the time of publication, the Web addresses were functional. However, some links may fail due to URL address changes, which is a common occurrence on the Internet. For readers unfamiliar with the Internet, detailed instructions are offered on how to access electronic resources. For readers unfamiliar with medical terminology, a comprehensive glossary is provided. For readers without access to Internet resources, a directory of medical libraries, that have or can locate references cited here, is given. We hope these resources will prove useful to the widest possible audience seeking information on blood plasma. The Editors

1

From the NIH, National Cancer Institute (NCI): http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/ten-things-to-know.

3

CHAPTER 1. STUDIES ON BLOOD PLASMA Overview In this chapter, we will show you how to locate peer-reviewed references and studies on blood plasma.

The Combined Health Information Database The Combined Health Information Database summarizes studies across numerous federal agencies. To limit your investigation to research studies and blood plasma, you will need to use the advanced search options. First, go to http://chid.nih.gov/index.html. From there, select the “Detailed Search” option (or go directly to that page with the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html). The trick in extracting studies is found in the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the format option “Journal Article.” At the top of the search form, select the number of records you would like to see (we recommend 100) and check the box to display “whole records.” We recommend that you type “blood plasma” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. Consider using the option “anywhere in record” to make your search as broad as possible. If you want to limit the search to only a particular field, such as the title of the journal, then select this option in the “Search in these fields” drop box. The following is what you can expect from this type of search: •

Impaired Glucose Tolerance: What Are the Clinical Implications? Source: Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. 40(Supplement): S3-S8. July 1998. Contact: Available from Elsevier Science, Inc. Journal Fulfillment Department, 655 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10010. (212) 633-3950. Summary: This article presents an overview of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), focusing on its definition, diagnostic criteria, prevalence, pathophysiology, risk factors, and clinical significance. IGT was standardized in 1979 by the National Diabetes Data Group and the World Health Organization as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, replacing groups such as borderline and chemical diabetes. IGT was defined by a blood plasma glucose value 2 hours after a 75 g glucose load that was clearly abnormal but did not convey a risk of microangiopathy in those with nondiabetic fasting blood plasma

4

Blood Plasma

glucose levels. IGT is not uncommon, having a prevalence of 2 to 25 percent in adults. Determinants include age, total and central obesity, family history of type 2 diabetes, physical inactivity, and triglyceride levels. The main clinical significance of IGT is as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and as a component of the metabolic syndrome. IGT can be treated and this may prevent or delay progression to type 2 diabetes, though the effect of treatment on the risk of CVD is unknown. 4 tables. 29 references. (AA-M). •

Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha in Synovial Fluid and Plasma from Patients with Chronic Connective Tissue Disease and Its Relation to Temporomandibular Joint Pain Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 58(5): 525-530. May 2000. Contact: Available from W.B. Saunders Company. Periodicals Department, P.O. Box 628239, Orlando, FL 32862-8239. (800) 654-2452. Summary: This article reports on a study undertaken to determine the level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) synovial fluid and blood plasma of patients with chronic inflammatory connective tissue disease and to investigate its relation to TMJ pain, hyperalgesia (heightened sensitivity to pain), and allodynia (TMJ pain referred to other parts of the jaw and local structures). The study included 24 patients with a diagnosis of chronic inflammatory connective tissue disease and TMJ pain. TNF alpha was present in the TMJ synovial fluid of 8 of 24 patients at levels significantly exceeding those in plasma at the same visit. The presence of synovial fluid alpha showed a significant positive correlation to TMJ pain at maximum voluntary mouth opening and tenderness to posterior palpation of the TMJ. The authors conclude that local production of TNF alpha occurs in the TMJ synovium of patients with chronic inflammatory tissue disease. 4 figures. 2 tables. 24 references.

•

Extraneuronal Manifestations of Alzheimer's Disease Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 41(3): 268-276. March 1993. Summary: This journal article reviews published reports of abnormalities found outside the central nervous system in persons with Alzheimer's disease, including abnormalities of blood, blood cells, and skin. The article systematically discusses reports of abnormalities in erythrocytes, neutrophil leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, blood platelet, blood plasma, skin cells, skin fibroblasts, liver, and microvessels. Studies of cerebrospinal fluid are omitted because they were recently reviewed elsewhere. The author suggests that while each of the studies is interesting, many are isolated reports and have not yet been independently confirmed. Whether the observed extraneuronal abnormalities are directly caused by Alzheimer's disease or are secondary to some more basic pathology remains debatable. The strongest evidence that Alzheimer's disease involves cells outside the central nervous system is found in skin studies. In addition, many of the reports suggest that cell membranes may be an important site of involvement in Alzheimer's disease. There is as yet no definite answer as to whether Alzheimer's disease is a systemic disease, but the possibility certainly remains open. 98 references.

Studies

5

Federally Funded Research on Blood Plasma The U.S. Government supports a variety of research studies relating to blood plasma. These studies are tracked by the Office of Extramural Research at the National Institutes of Health.2 CRISP (Computerized Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects) is a searchable database of federally funded biomedical research projects conducted at universities, hospitals, and other institutions. Search the CRISP Web site at http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/crisp_query.generate_screen. You will have the option to perform targeted searches by various criteria, including geography, date, and topics related to blood plasma. For most of the studies, the agencies reporting into CRISP provide summaries or abstracts. As opposed to clinical trial research using patients, many federally funded studies use animals or simulated models to explore blood plasma. The following is typical of the type of information found when searching the CRISP database for blood plasma: •

Project Title: ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEMS AND AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION Principal Investigator & Institution: Sternberg, Paul Jr.; Thomas Aaberg Professor; Ophthalmology; Emory University 1784 North Decatur Road Atlanta, Ga 30322 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-AUG-1989; Project End 31-JUL-2003 Summary: (Adapted from the applicant's abstract): This research program focuses on the hypotheses that age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) can result from oxidative injury to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and that glutathione (GSH) may protect the retina and RPE cells from ARMD-associated with oxidative injury. Previous work has shown that there is a shift in blood plasma redox status to a more oxidized state with aging, placing all tissues at risk for age-related diseases; there also appears to be a more oxidized redox state in patients' with more advanced ARMD. In vitro studies suggest that oxidative injury-induced apoptotic cell death in RPE cells may involve mitochondrial damage. Further, dietary inducers can stimulate increased GSH synthesis leading to elevated intracellular GSH, with concomitant increased protection against oxidative injury. In this project, the investigators propose to answer the following questions which will test their hypotheses: (1) how redox status is associated with ARMD; (2) what mechanism is involved in shifting GSH redox status to a more oxidized state that affects RPE cell function; (3) whether one can modulate GSH synthetic capacity in human RPE cells by controlling the rate-limiting enzyme for GSH synthesis; and (4) what mechanisms are involved in the redox regulation of apoptosis in cultured human RPE cells. Biochemical studies, including HPLC, viability studies, measures of RPE function, TUNEL assay and other assays for apoptosis, and assays for mitochondrial function, will evaluate human blood plasma samples, cultured human RPE cells, and experimental animals. These studies should increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of ARMD, while directly suggesting new treatment strategies. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

2

Healthcare projects are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and Office of Assistant Secretary of Health (OASH).

6

•

Blood Plasma

Project Title: ANTIRETROVIRAL PHARMACOLOGY IN THE GENITAL TRACT Principal Investigator & Institution: Kashuba, Angela D.; Associate Professor; Pharmacotherapy; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Aob 104 Airport Drive Cb#1350 Chapel Hill, Nc 27599 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 01-APR-2003; Project End 29-FEB-2008 Summary: (provided by applicant): Understanding antiretroviral (ARV) pharmacology in the genital tract (GT) is critically important, as these therapies have the potential to decrease sexual transmission of HIV by reducing HIV RNA and rendering the infected person less infectious, or by pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis. Low concentrations of ARVs in the GT may render pre-and post-exposure prophylaxis regimens ineffective, and may result in the emergence of drug resistant HIV mutations that could impact HIV transmission to others, and result in antiretroviral failure in an individual patient. This proposal examines the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships of ARVs and virologic response in the genital tract. Three Specific Aims are proposed. In Specific Aim 1, the complete pharmacokinetics of 14 ARVs in directly-aspirated female GT secretions will be determined. In Specific Aim 2, we propose to evaluate GT intracellular pharmacology by measuring nucleoside analogue mono, di, and triphosphate concentrations in male and female mononuclear cells derived from blood and GT secretions. In Specific Aim 3, HIV compartmentalization in the female genital tract will be assessed by developing pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic and statistical models to evaluate the relationship between virologic response rates in the female GT, and blood plasma HIV RNA, ARV exposure in blood plasma, and ARV exposure in the GT. The research projects described in this application form the core of a 5-year career development plan for Dr. Angela Kashuba, an assistant professor in the School of Pharmacy. Her mentor, Dr. Myron Cohen is an established HIV investigator, is Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases (ID) in the School of Medicine, and Director of the UNC Center for Infectious Diseases (CFID). Her co-mentor Dr. Kim Brouwer has significant experience in the design, conduct, and analysis of clinical studies focusing on drug disposition and action. Her co-mentor Dr. Richard Tidwell has conducted extensive research in the design, testing and development of new agents for treatment of AIDS-associated opportunistic infections over the last 10 years. They propose a combined didactic and clinical research experience, utilizing the resources of the UNC CFAR and CFID, and the UNC General Clinical Research Center to foster Dr. Kashuba's research skills in evaluating ARV pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships in the GT. They have assembled a carefully selected group of collaborators and advisors to assist in these research projects and Dr. Kashuba's career development. The long-term objectives of this project are to: 1) impact HIV transmission by advancing the science of ARV pharmacology and virology in the male and female GT in order to optimally chose effective combinations of antiretroviral therapies, and 2) to develop the applicant's skills in statistical, epidemiological, pharmacokinetic/dynamic modeling, and analytical methods in pharmacology pursuant to a career in clinical pharmacology research. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

•

Project Title: ANTIVIRAL THERAPY AND HIV IN THE GENITAL TRACT OF WOMEN Principal Investigator & Institution: Cu-Uvin, Susan; Associate Professor; Miriam Hospital Providence, Ri 029062853 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 15-APR-1997; Project End 30-APR-2008

Studies

7

Summary: (provided by applicant): Antiviral Therapy and HIV in the Genital tract of Women. About 40 million adults are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS. The predominant mode of HIV transmission worldwide is through heterosexual contact. Although many factors are associated with sexual transmission of HIV-1 (both behavioral and biologic), HIV-1 viral load has been identified as the chief predictor of the risk of sexual transmission. Levels of HIV-1 viral load have been associated with mother-to-infant transmission of HIV. Several studies have also shown a good correlation between blood plasma viral load and male and female genital tract viral load. The use of antiretroviral medications can reduce blood plasma HIV-1 RNA levels as well as genital tract HIV-1 RNA. Studies have also shown a reduction in perinatal transmission with effective antiretroviral therapy. Transmission of drug resistant HIV-1 has been reported in the US and Europe ranging from 2% to 27% among newly infected patients. There have been reports of resistant genotypic variants in both male and female genital tract that is different from those of blood. These findings underscore the risk of spreading resistant HIV-1 variants sexually as well as perinatally. Understanding the dynamics of HIV-1 in the genital tract is of great importance in strategies to control sexual and perinatal transmission of HIV. The specific aims of this study are: 1) To understand the relative dynamics of viral failure and viral replication in the genital tract, 2) To assess drug exposure and patterns of drug resistance in the female genital tract and 3) To evaluate cellular reservoirs in the female genital tract. To address issues of viral failure, development of resistance, and drug levels, we will enroll 50 HIV (+) women who are failing their current antiviral regimen. We will assess paired plasma and genital tract secretions at multiple time points for: viral load, genotyping, and peak and trough drug levels before and after changing therapy. To evaluate latent reservoirs in the genital tract, we will enroll 50 HIV (+) women who are fully suppressed on antiviral therapy and propose to collect endocervical cells by a swab/cytobrush technique in an attempt to recover replication competent virus. We also propose to enroll women who have undergone total hysterectomy to assess HIV dynamics in the vagina. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: BIODEGRADABLE CONTRAST AGENTS

MACROMOLECULAR

BLOOD

POOL

Principal Investigator & Institution: Lu, Zheng-Rong; Pharmaceutics/Pharmaceutl Chem; University of Utah Salt Lake City, Ut 84102 Timing: Fiscal Year 2003; Project Start 01-JUL-2003; Project End 30-JUN-2006 Summary: (provided by applicant): The main aim of this research is to design and develop safe, effective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) blood pool contrast agents based on biodegradable macromolecular gadolinium(Ill) complexes. It has been demonstrated in the last decade that macromolecular Gd(lll) complexes are superior blood pool contrast agents to the low molecular weight contrast agents currently used clinically. However, the macromolecular blood pool contrast agents under current development are non-degradable and are limited for further clinical development due to potential toxic effects resulting from their long body retention time. We propose to develop biodegradable macromolecular blood pool contrast agents that are stable for an acceptable period in the blood plasma for MR imaging and can be gradually degraded after the MRI examination by the biomolecules in the plasma into smaller molecules that can be cleared from the body by renal glomerular filtration. The specific aims are to design, synthesize and characterize biodegradable macromolecular Gd(lll) complexes; to determine the relaxivities and NMRD of these complexes as well as explore the impact

8

Blood Plasma

of various physical parameters on the relaxivity of the complexes; to evaluate the safety, degradability, pharmacokinetics and long-term gadolinium tissue accumulation of the complexes; to investigate the contrast enhancement of vascular imaging and tumor imaging by the blood pool agents and their properties in measuring microvascular permeability and vascularity of solid tumors in animal models with conventional and dynamic MRI. A lead agent with the greatest image contrast enhancement and minimal Gd tissue accumulation will be selected for further development as a blood pool contrast agent. The novel blood pool agents will overcome the problems of slow clearance and deposition of gadolinium in tissues. The new technology will facilitate the clinical development of macromolecular contrast agents without molecular weight limitation. The novel blood pool contrast agents will have applications in diagnosis of the diseases in the vascular system and cancer detection and staging with MRI. The technology can also be used in the development of biodegradable diagnostic agents in other imaging modalities, including computer tomography and nuclear imaging, etc. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: CONSOLIDATED DIABETES SCREENING DEVICE Principal Investigator & Institution: Gaunt-Kloepfer, Mary A.; Micronix, Inc. 14950 Greyhound Ct, Ste 307 Carmel, in 46032 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-SEP-2002; Project End 28-FEB-2003 Summary: (provided by applicant): Of the 120 million diabetics in the world, one half are undiagnosed and therefore deprived of the proven benefits of tight glucose control in curbing diabetes-related complications. Recognizing this problem the American Diabetes Association and National Diabetes Data Group advocate screening for undiagnosed diabetes to be an important health-care endeavor. Owing to its high clinical efficiency, the recommended screening test is fasting plasma glucose (FPG>110 mg/dL=impaired fasting glucose; FPG>126 mg/dL=diabetes). This applicant organization proposes to develop a compact, non-instrumented, minimally invasive and virtually painless test tab method designed to visually recognize these FPG cut-off levels. By means of a proprietary capillary architecture, the device doses and transports a blood sample in the nanoliter range to two integrated polymeric detection sites, one for the 110 mg/dL, the other for the 126 mg/dL FPG level. The detection sites embody the dry glucose reagents, as well as a composition capable of absorbing a defined volume of blood plasma while inhibiting cellular component of blood from penetrating the composition. Cellular component is wholly removed from the detection sites by proprietary chemical and physical mechanisms. This obviates the need for a separate cell filtering material, permitting an exceptionally high degree of method miniaturization. Visual recognition of the two cut-off levels is accomplished by a proprietary enzymic redox threshold assay principle. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The device has the potential to identify by professional, supervised mass, and self-screening millions of undiagnosed diabetics and those with impaired glucose tolerance at risk to develop overt diabetes. Since therapeutic remedies to combat diabetic complications are well established, these people miss out on the opportunity to have their condition recognized and treated, and live healthy productive lives. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

•

Project Title: COPPER TRANSPORT IN LACTATION Principal Investigator & Institution: Linder, Maria C.; Professor of Biochemistry; Chemistry and Biochemistry; California State University Fullerton 800 N State College Blvd Fullerton, Ca 926313599

Studies

9

Timing: Fiscal Year 2004; Project Start 10-FEB-2004; Project End 31-DEC-2008 Summary: (provided by applicant): Many aspects of the mechanisms by which Cu is taken up from the blood plasma by different kinds of cells (including the transporters and delivery proteins involved), and just how (after cell entry) Cu finds its way to specific secretions, remain to be defined. We have obtained evidence that lactation profoundly alters the tissue distribution of newly absorbed Cu, diverting most of it from the liver and kidney to the mammary gland, where it rapidly appears in the milk and in milk ceruloplasmin. Cu in milk ceruloplasmin may be more bio-available to the infant than the other forms of Cu in the milk, which have not been well defined. A polarized cell culture model responsive to lactational hormones has been developed for studying milk production by mammary epithelial cells. Mutant rodent models lacking specific proteins that could be involved in the steps required for uptake of Cu by mammary gland and its delivery to developing milk are available. The long term objective is to understand how Cu distribution and transport are regulated under normal conditions and in gestation and lactation. The immediate objectives are to determine how Cu from the exchangeable plasma pool enters mammary (and hepatic) cells, under normal conditions and in lactation, to explain the marked changes in distribution observed in the latter condition (what potential membrane transporters are involved, and how their expression and/or disposition is changed by lactation). The objectives are also to determine how, after cell entry, copper is routed to the milk and milk cemloplasmin; the role(s) of ATOX1, WND and/or MNK in this process and in regulating the copper content of the milk; and to further define the copper components of mammalian milk. Expression of potential transporters will be measured at the mRNA and protein levels, by Real Time PCR and immunoassays, respectively; and localization will be followed with immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Alterations in expression will be induced in the cell culture model with lactational hormones, transfection, and antisense oligos. Effects of natural and knockout mutations of specific transporters in whole animal models on copper distribution and transport will be determined. Cu uptake and its emergence in milk and milk ceruloplasmin will be followed with 67Cu/64Cu and immunoprecipitation. Effects on Cu uptake of specific antibodies against membrane transporters will be measured. Cu binding components in milk secretions will be characterized. It is expected that the proposed studies will greatly advance our knowledge of how Cu is distributed to cells from the blood and particularly how mammary epithelial cells put Cu into components of the milk that may have specific effects on the infant. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: DEVELOPMENT VISCOMETER

OF

A

FLUORESCENCE-BASED

BIOFLUID

Principal Investigator & Institution: Haidekker, Mark A.; Food Science & Human Nutrition; University of Missouri Columbia 310 Jesse Hall Columbia, Mo 65211 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-AUG-2002; Project End 31-JUL-2004 Summary: (provided by applicant): To date, fluid viscosity is obtained by mechanical means. Fluids are sheared, and the resistance against shear is related to viscosity. All mechanical methods have in common that the measurement process is time-consuming and requires relatively large amounts of fluid. The measurement apparatus needs scrupulous cleaning, which increases time requirements for measurement series. When measuring biofluids, which contain large amounts of proteins and/or colloids, protein deposition at the instrument surface introduces errors, as does the protein interaction at the liquid/air interface. Fluorescent molecular rotors, molecules that change their

10

Blood Plasma

fluorescence quantum yield with the viscosity of the environment, allow viscosity measurements in biofluids without the above disadvantages. A viscometer is proposed in this development grant that allows viscosity measurements of biofluids based on fluorescent molecular rotors. The first phase of this grant addresses specific issues such as rotor-protein interaction, measurability of various colloids, fluid turbidity and absorption. It will be attempted to find a specific molecule and a specific measurement technique that allows viscosity measurements with a precision that exceeds that of standard viscometers. During the second phase, two prototypes of fluorescence-based viscometers will be developed. One aims at high accuracy for laboratory usage, and the second will be a fast, low-volume battery-powered field-usable device. Both devices will have applications in research areas that involve blood plasma, lymphatic fluid and interstitial fluid viscosity. One additional application is the monitoring of blood replacement using high-viscosity plasma expanders in trauma medicine. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: FUNCTIONS OF THE HEPATIC GAMMA-GLUTAMYL CYCLE Principal Investigator & Institution: Ballatori, Nazzareno A.; Associate Professor of Environmental Med; Environmental Medicine; University of Rochester Orpa - Rc Box 270140 Rochester, Ny 14627 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-SEP-1995; Project End 31-AUG-2003 Summary: (Adapted from investigator's abstract) Reduced glutathione (GSH) plays a critical role in a multitude of biochemical processes, and disturbances in its homeostasis are implicated in the etiology and progression of a number of diseases. The initial step in the turnover of this tri-peptide in all mammalian cells is its transport into the extracellular space; however, the transport systems that mediate GSH efflux remain poorly defined. In the liver, a major site of GSH synthesis, GSH is released at high rates into both blood plasma and bile. GSH transport into bile functions as a driving force for bile secretion and plays an important role in hepatic detoxification of drugs, metals, and other reactive compounds of both endogenous and exogenous origin. GSH is also released across the sinusoidal membrane into blood plasma for delivery to other tissues. Our recent studies provide important insight into molecular mechanisms of GSH transport. In particular, we demonstrated that oatp1, the sinusoidal organic solute transporter, functions as a GSH/organic solute exchanger. This finding not only identifies the energy coupling mechanism for oatp1, but also elucidates a pathway for GSH release into blood plasma, as well as a novel function for GSH. Moreover, we demonstrated that Ycf1p, the yeast orthologue of mammalian mrp proteins, mediates ATP-dependent, low-affinity GSH transport, indicating that mrp may mediate GSH efflux in mammalian cells. The overall goals of the proposed studies are to identify and characterize GSH and glutathione S-conjugate transport mechanisms, and in particular to test the hypothesis that the oatp- and mrp-family of transporters mediate cellular GSH release. Our specific aims are: (1) Test whether oatp2, a recently cloned transporter that is homologous to oatp1, also mediates GSH/organic solute exchange. (2) Establish the kinetics and specificity of GSH transport on oatp1, and on oatp2 if this transporter is also found to function as a GSH exchanger. (3) Test whether GSH is a substrate or a cosubstrate for mrp2, and if so; a) define the energetics of transport on this canalicular membrane protein, b) compare these parameters with those for GSH transport on yeast Ycf1p, and c) examine whether GSH is also a substrate for mrp3 and mrp6, putative hepatocellular lateral membrane proteins; and (4) Continue to define the role of the intrahepatic -glutamyl cycle in the disposition of glutathione S-conjugates and

Studies

11

their conversion to the corresponding mercapturic acids by examining mechanisms of mercapturic acid transport. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen •

Project Title: NMR STUDIES OF PLASMINOGEN AND RELATED GENOMIC DOMAINS Principal Investigator & Institution: Llinas, Miguel; Professor; Chemistry; CarnegieMellon University 5000 Forbes Ave Pittsburgh, Pa 15213 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-JUL-1982; Project End 31-MAR-2005 Summary: (Investigator's abstract) We propose to investigate via NMR spectroscopy the structure and function of genomic protein modules and multimodular arrays related to plasminogen (Pgn) and its activators urokinase (uPA) and tissue Pgnactivator (tPA). These proteins are found both in blood plasma and in the extracellular matrix (ECM) where they play crucial roles in the fibrinolytic dissolution of blood clots, cell proliferation and migration, embryogenesis, tissue remodeling metastasis, etc. Pgn, tPA and uPA contain kringle (K) domains that mediate their binding to specific substrates. The Pgn kringles interact with the inhibitor a2-antiplasmin C- and the Pgn N-terminal peptide domains. Interestingly, the Pgn KI, K2, K3, K5, their tandem arrays K123, K1234 (angiostatin), and K12345, as well as the uPA peptide KPSSPPEE 143 inhibit endothelial cell growth and migration, thus tissue and tumor vascularization. Antiangiogenic activities also are displayed by the blood plasma/ECM proteins kininogen D5 (a Zn2+binding domain) and thrombospondin 2nd type-1 domain. Implicated in tissue remodeling is the matrix metalloproteinase 2, which digests denatured collagen (gelatin) via adhesion through three fibronectin type II domains. Activation of Pgn by uPA, a key step in metastatic cell propagation, involves a membrane-anchored receptor (uPAR) which contains three snake neurotoxin-type modules. Related to uPA activity is the receptor associated protein (RAP), a chaperon that stabilizes newly synthesized low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein and the very low density lipoprotein receptor, presumably via its C-terminal domain (ctRAP). Pgn and tPA also are found in brain where their presence correlates with memory processes. In addition, in brain is neurotrypsin, a novel kringle containing proteinase. Of related neurological interest is the SEA module of agrin, a protein produced by motoneurons that induces the aggregation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Functional in nerve tissue extension are various transmembrane protein tyrosine kinase receptors which contain kringle and frizzled (cysteine-rich) domains, likely to be involved in ligand binding. A main thrust of the project will be the development of CLOUDS, a relaxation matrix approach that avoids the assignment bottleneck and aims at high throughput structural analysis of protein NMR data. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

•

Project Title: PASSIVATING PROTEINS IN IMPLANTABLE GLUCOSE SENSORS Principal Investigator & Institution: Ward, W Kenneth.; Emanuel Hospital and Health Center Portland, or 972083950 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 30-SEP-2002; Project End 31-AUG-2005 Summary: (provided by applicant): Inadequate control of blood glucose contributes to the complications of diabetes (renal, retinal, neural). A glucose sensor implanted subcutaneously could provide continuous glucose data, help prevent these complications, and give early warning for hypoglycemia, but the useful life of current devices is limited by foreign body encapsulation. The goal of this work is to develop

12

Blood Plasma

coatings that will reduce the foreign body reaction to implanted glucose sensors, thereby extending their useful life. Specifically, studies of protein coatings that will reduce monocyte/macrophage adhesion are proposed. The role of fibrinogen and its macrophage-binding region will also be explored. The effect of these coatings will be addressed during chronic studies of glucose sensors implanted subcutaneously in rats. 1. Passivating protein coatings will be created and characterized as follows: a. The degree to which four proteins in buffered solutions will adsorb to polyurethane-coated surfaces will be measured using Iodine-125 radiolabeled proteins. The proteins will include von Willebrand factor, high molecular weight kininogen, albumin, and hemoglobin. Protein concentration will be varied to determine the isotherms for each protein, in order to establish concentrations needed to attain saturation or monolayer adsorption. b. For each protein, the resistance to displacement by blood plasma will be measured. Methods to reduce displacement will be evaluated, including variations in adsorption time and postadsorptive residence time. c. Adsorption conditions found to give coatings that are substantially resistant to displacement will be evaluated in regard to their ability to inhibit macrophage adhesion and foreign body giant cell formation in vitro. d. Glucose sensors preadsorbed with protein under conditions resulting in the least displacement by plasma and the greatest inhibition of monocyte adhesion and foreign body giant cell [FBGC] formation will be sent to Legacy where they will be evaluated to assess useful in vivo lifetime. 2. Passivating antibody coatings will be created and characterized as follows: a. The surface polyurethane will be preadsorbed with flbrinogen and treated with a monoclonal antibody that binds to fibrinogen's macrophage binding region. b. The ability of glutaraldehyde to further stabilize the fibrinogen/antibody-treated surfaces will be assessed. c. The resistance to displacement of the antibody by exposure to plasma will be evaluated. d. The efficacy of antibody blockade to reduce monocyte adhesion and FBGC formation will be evaluated. e. Glucose sensors preadsorbed with fibrinogen and antibody, with or without glutaraldehyde, will be prepared for chronic in vivo evaluation of sensor function. 3. The role of fibrinogen adsorption in the foreign body reaction will be studied as follows: a. A series of gas plasma-deposited polyethylene oxide-like coatings on the sensor will be created under conditions that cause variations in their fibrinogen adsorption. b. The variation of in vitro phagocyte uptake on these surfaces and will be measured. c. Sensor surfaces with high and with low amounts of fibrinogen, including some passivated with antibodies and glutaraldehyde, will be prepared for evaluation in the Legacy animal laboratory. 4. Glucose sensor function will be evaluated after protein adsorption in vitro to assess any coating-induced change. 5. Sensors will be serially evaluated in vivo during normoglycemia and hyperglycemia in order to assess the effect of passivating proteins and antibody-blocked fibrinogen coatings on lag time, sensitivity, stability, and useful sensor life. 6. Because future users with diabetes will wish to minimize capillary blood calibrations, there will be an assessment in coated sensors as to whether calibrations performed only once per week will lead to sufficient sensor accuracy. 7. After explantation, percent of remaining radiolabeled protein will be measured and correlated with in vivo function in order to better understand the effects of displacement of passivating proteins or antibody-blocked fibrinogen. 8. A histologic evaluation will be performed to assess the effect of passivating proteins and antibody blocked fibrinogen on the nature of the foreign body capsule. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

Studies

•

13

Project Title: SURFACE ENGINEERING IN CONTACT ACTIVATION OF COAGULATION Principal Investigator & Institution: Siedlecki, Christopher A.; Assistant Professor; Surgery; Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr 500 University Drive Hershey, Pa 170332390 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 01-APR-2002; Project End 31-MAR-2006 Summary: Activation of the blood plasma (a cellular) coagulation cascade by contact with materials is thought to be initiated by molecular assembly of the proteins of the activation complex directly onto procoagulant surfaces, leading to conversion of the zymogen Factor XII to the protease form FXIIa that desorbs into the solution phase. This mechanism is at odds with the experimental observation that the efficiency of contact activation is critically dependant on procoagulant surface energy in reverse order of protein adsorbent capacity, with very efficient activation for high-surface energy (water wettable) surfaces that are inefficient protein adsorbents and inefficient activation for intermediate- and low-energy (poorly water wettable) surfaces that are efficient adsorbents. Furthermore, it is difficult to rationalize from a surface energetic perspective how procoagulant surfaces can simultaneously serve as efficient FXII adsorbents (leading to molecular assembly on a surface) and inefficient FXIIa adsorbents (leading to release from a surface), especially in view of the relatively minor molecular difference between zymogen and protease forms. These and other discrepancies between proposed mechanism and experiment can be rationalized by an alternative hypothesis proposing that: Proteins of the contact activation complex assemble near procoagulant surfaces within a vicinal water region having special solvent properties that result from the hydration of high-energy surfaces. Self-amplifying zymogen-enzyme conversion occurs within this vicinal water zone, but not directly on surfaces, and propagates into the bulk plasma phase therefrom. Solvent properties of water near intermediate-to-low surface energy materials does not induce activation of FXII and adsorption directly onto these relatively hydrophobic surfaces does not potentiate the intrinsic pathway of the plasma coagulation cascade. The overarching objective of the work outlined within this application is to test the veracity of this proposition and underlying lemma with an eye to elucidating surface-engineering routes to materials with improved hemocompatibility for blood- contact applications. The proposed work is a balanced mix of biophysical and hematological approaches to a long-standing bioengineering problem that will relate surface thermodynamics of protein adsorption, surface-protein binding directly measured by AFM, and the procoagulant efficiency of surfaces variably bearing immobilized factors. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

•

Project Title: ULTRALOW BIOMATERIALS

PROTEIN

ADSORPTION

HEMOCOMPATIBLE

Principal Investigator & Institution: Horbett, Thomas A.; Professor; Chemical Engineering; University of Washington Grant & Contract Services Seattle, Wa 98105 Timing: Fiscal Year 2002; Project Start 23-JUL-2001; Project End 30-JUN-2005 Summary: Blood clotting on foreign surfaces remains a major limitation in the clinical application of many devices, including cardiovascular bypass, stents, catheters, and glucose sensors. In many situations, platelets are the initiator of blood clotting on the biomaterial surface. Recent studies in our lab have identified a quantitative design criterion to eliminate platelet adhesion, namely the need to reduce fibrinogen adsorption to very low levels (less than 5 ng/cm2), far below that which occurs on most materials.

14

Blood Plasma

Radio frequency plasma deposited tetraglyme materials we have made can often meet this criteria, but it remains to be shown whether this results in the perfectly blood compatible biomaterial that we seek. We also must establish that ultra-low fibrinogen uptake can be achieved consistently and that the materials are stable in this regard. Therefore, a series of studies to perfect the glyme technology and evaluate its blood compatibility is proposed. The specific aims of the proposal are as follows: 1. Tetraglyme plasma treatment conditions will be optimized to achieve coating uniformity, durability and ultra low protein uptake and a new reactor to treat the inside surfaces of longer tubes will be made. A hypothesis about the role of tightly bound water in causing non-fouling of glyme coatings will be tested. Two new monomers for producing plasma deposited PEG- like surfaces will be evaluated. 2. Fibrinogen adsorption from plasma will be compared to ESCA and TOF-SIMS surface chemical data for a series of tetraglymes to establish the conditions that result in ultra-low fibrinogen uptake. The tetraglyme series will be made under varying reactor conditions which will cause variations in surface chemistry, and thus allow us to test the hypothesis that the criteria that must be met to achieve ultra- low fouling are high, optimized ether carbon content relative to non-ether carbon and prevention of delamination. Resistance to fouling by fibronectin, vitronectin, von Willebrand factor, and IgG will also be measured. Resistance to uptake of all proteins from plasma will be characterized with surface plasmon resonance and by two dimensional gel electrophoresis. 3. Blood interactions will be characterized using both in vitro and in vivo methodology. In vitro platelet adhesion and procoagulant activation on a series of glyme coated materials will be measured after their pre-exposure to blood plasma or fibrinogen. The role of non-platelet mediated clotting events will be assessed by measuring clotting times and clotting enzyme activity in recalcified plasma in contact with the tetraglymes. The effect of non-adhesive encounters on platelet activation and aggregation will be characterized using laser emboli detection. In vivo blood compatibility of materials exhibiting ultralow fibrinogen and platelet uptake will be assessed in dogs with tubular tetraglyme ex vivo shunts by measuring both acute phase and steady state indicators of clotting. Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen

E-Journals: PubMed Central3 PubMed Central (PMC) is a digital archive of life sciences journal literature developed and managed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).4 Access to this growing archive of e-journals is free and unrestricted.5 To search, go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=Pmc, and type “blood plasma” (or synonyms) into the search box. This search gives you access to full-text articles. The following is a sample of items found for blood plasma in the PubMed Central database:

3 4

Adapted from the National Library of Medicine: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/about/intro.html.

With PubMed Central, NCBI is taking the lead in preservation and maintenance of open access to electronic literature, just as NLM has done for decades with printed biomedical literature. PubMed Central aims to become a world-class library of the digital age. 5 The value of PubMed Central, in addition to its role as an archive, lies in the availability of data from diverse sources stored in a common format in a single repository. Many journals already have online publishing operations, and there is a growing tendency to publish material online only, to the exclusion of print.

Studies

15

•

Characterization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 in Saliva and Blood Plasma by V3-Specific Heteroduplex Tracking Assay and Genotype Analyses. by Freel SA, Williams JM, Nelson JA, Patton LL, Fiscus SA, Swanstrom R, Shugars DC.; 2001 May 15; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=114251

•

Chlamydial Development Is Adversely Affected by Minor Changes in Amino Acid Supply, Blood Plasma Amino Acid Levels, and Glucose Deprivation. by Harper A, Pogson CI, Jones ML, Pearce JH.; 2000 Mar; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=97301

•

Defibrination of Blood Plasma for Use in Serological Tests for Syphilis. by Castro AR, Kikkert SE, Fears MB, Pope V.; 2002 Nov; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=130115

•

High density lipoprotein is the major carrier of lipid hydroperoxides in human blood plasma from fasting donors. by Bowry VW, Stanley KK, Stocker R.; 1992 Nov 1; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=50329

•

Improved procedure for determination of flucytosine in human blood plasma by high-pressure liquid chromatography. by Schwertschlag U, Nakata LM, Gal J.; 1984 Sep; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=176157

•

Intravirion reverse transcripts in the peripheral blood plasma on human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected individuals. by Zhang H, Bagasra O, Niikura M, Poiesz BJ, Pomerantz RJ.; 1994 Nov; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=237208

•

Kinetic analysis of intravirion reverse transcription in the blood plasma of human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected individuals: direct assessment of resistance to reverse transcriptase inhibitors in vivo. by Zhang H, Dornadula G, Wu Y, Havlir D, Richman DD, Pomerantz RJ.; 1996 Jan; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr act&artid=189857

•

Levels of Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 1[alpha] (MIP-1[alpha]) and MIP-1[beta] in Intervillous Blood Plasma Samples from Women with Placental Malaria and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection. by Chaisavaneeyakorn S, Moore JM, Mirel L, Othoro C, Otieno J, Chaiyaroj SC, Shi YP, Nahlen BL, Lal AA, Udhayakumar V.; 2003 Jul; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=164254

•

Metabolism of lipoproteins containing apolipoprotein B-100 in blood plasma of rabbits: heterogeneity related to the presence of apolipoprotein E. by Yamada N, Shames DM, Stoudemire JB, Havel RJ.; 1986 May; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=323539

•

Rapid purification of a high-affinity plasminogen activator from human blood plasma by specific adsorption on fibrin/Celite. by Husain SS, Lipinski B, Greuwich V.; 1981 Jul; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=319770

16

Blood Plasma

•

Relationships Between the Responses of Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins in Blood Plasma Containing Apolipoproteins B-48 and B-100 to a Fat-Containing Meal in Normolipidemic Humans. by Schneeman BO, Kotite L, Todd KM, Havel RJ.; 1993 Mar 1; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr act&artid=46022

•

Tonsillar application of killed Streptococcus mutans induces specific antibodies in rabbit saliva and blood plasma without inducing a cross-reacting antibody to human cardiac muscle. by Fukuizumi T, Inoue H, Tsujisawa T, Uchiyama C.; 1997 Nov; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr act&artid=175654

•

TURNOVER RATE AND OXIDATION OF FREE FATTY ACIDS OF BLOOD PLASMA IN MAN DURING EXERCISE: STUDIES DURING CONTINUOUS INFUSION OF PALMITATE-1-C14. by Havel RJ, Naimark A, Borchgrevink CF.; 1963 Jul; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=289374

The National Library of Medicine: PubMed One of the quickest and most comprehensive ways to find academic studies in both English and other languages is to use PubMed, maintained by the National Library of Medicine.6 The advantage of PubMed over previously mentioned sources is that it covers a greater number of domestic and foreign references. It is also free to use. If the publisher has a Web site that offers full text of its journals, PubMed will provide links to that site, as well as to sites offering other related data. User registration, a subscription fee, or some other type of fee may be required to access the full text of articles in some journals. To generate your own bibliography of studies dealing with blood plasma, simply go to the PubMed Web site at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed. Type “blood plasma” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click “Go.” The following is the type of output you can expect from PubMed for blood plasma (hyperlinks lead to article summaries): •

6

A complex of antioxidant vitamins effectively inhibits free-radical oxidation of LDL phospholipids in blood plasma and membrane structures of the liver and myocardium. Author(s): Konovalova GG, Lisina MO, Tikhaze AK, Lankin VZ. Source: Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2003 February; 135(2): 143-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12802419

PubMed was developed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The PubMed database was developed in conjunction with publishers of biomedical literature as a search tool for accessing literature citations and linking to full-text journal articles at Web sites of participating publishers. Publishers that participate in PubMed supply NLM with their citations electronically prior to or at the time of publication.

Studies

17

•

A high-sensitivity fluorometric high-performance liquid chromatographic method for determination of glutathione and other thiols in cultured melanoma cells, microdialysis samples from melanoma tissue, and blood plasma. Author(s): Dizdar N, Kagedal B, Smeds S, Arstrand K. Source: Melanoma Research. 1991 April-May; 1(1): 33-42. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1822768

•

A lineshape fitting model for 1H NMR spectra of human blood plasma. Author(s): Hiltunen Y, Ala-Korpela M, Jokisaari J, Eskelinen S, Kiviniitty K, Savolainen M, Kesaniemi YA. Source: Magnetic Resonance in Medicine : Official Journal of the Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine / Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. 1991 October; 21(2): 222-32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1745121

•

A multilayer membrane system for blood plasma isolation for use in primary health care. Author(s): van Oudheusden AP, Roesink HD. Source: Annals of Clinical Biochemistry. 1991 January; 28 ( Pt 1): 55-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2024936

•

A novel approach to blood plasma viscosity measurement using fluorescent molecular rotors. Author(s): Haidekker MA, Tsai AG, Brady T, Stevens HY, Frangos JA, Theodorakis E, Intaglietta M. Source: American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 2002 May; 282(5): H1609-14. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11959622

•

A prospective study of CD38/45 flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy to detect blood plasma cells in patients with plasma cell proliferative disorders. Author(s): Witzig TE, Meyers C, Therneau T, Greipp PR. Source: Leukemia & Lymphoma. 2000 July; 38(3-4): 345-50. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10830741

•

Acoustics of blood plasma on solid surfaces. Author(s): Andersson M, Sellborn A, Fant C, Gretzer C, Elwing H. Source: Journal of Biomaterials Science. Polymer Edition. 2002; 13(8): 907-17. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12463510

18

Blood Plasma

•

Acrylonitrile exposure: the effect on p53 and p21(WAF1) protein levels in the blood plasma of occupationally exposed workers and in vitro in human diploid lung fibroblasts. Author(s): Rossner P jr, Binkova B, Chvatalova I, Sram RJ. Source: Mutation Research. 2002 May 27; 517(1-2): 239-50. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12034325

•

Alterations of heme metabolism in lymphocytes and metal content in blood plasma as markers of diesel fuels effects on human organism. Author(s): Muzyka V, Bogovski S, Viitak A, Veidebaum T. Source: The Science of the Total Environment. 2002 March 8; 286(1-3): 73-81. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11886100

•

Amino acid spectrum of human blood plasma during space flight and in antiorthostatic hypokinesia. Author(s): Ushakov AS, Vlasova TF. Source: Life Sci Space Res. 1976; 14: 257-62. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11977280

•

An alternative form of IL-18 in human blood plasma: complex formation with IgM defined by monoclonal antibodies. Author(s): Shida K, Shiratori I, Matsumoto M, Fukumori Y, Matsuhisa A, Kikkawa S, Tsuji S, Okamura H, Toyoshima K, Seya T. Source: Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950). 2001 June 1; 166(11): 6671-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11359822

•

Analysis of blood plasma proteins in patients with Alzheimer's disease by twodimensional electrophoresis, sequence homology and immunodetection. Author(s): Ueno I, Sakai T, Yamaoka M, Yoshida R, Tsugita A. Source: Electrophoresis. 2000 May; 21(9): 1832-45. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10870969

•

Analysis of human blood plasma triacylglycerols using capillary gas chromatography, silver ion thin-layer chromatographic fractionation and desorption chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Author(s): Mares P, Rezanka T, Novak M. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1991 July 17; 568(1): 1-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1770087

•

Antioxidant activity of blood plasma in individuals with neoplasms. Author(s): Marusin AV, Salyukov VB, Bragina EY. Source: Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2002 May; 133(5): 481-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12420067

Studies

19

•

Application of self-organizing maps for the detection and classification of human blood plasma lipoprotein lipid profiles on the basis of 1H NMR spectroscopy data. Author(s): Kaartinen J, Hiltunen Y, Kovanen PT, Ala-Korpela M. Source: Nmr in Biomedicine. 1998 June-August; 11(4-5): 168-76. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9719571

•

Assay of total antioxidant capacity: comparison of four methods as applied to human blood plasma. Author(s): Janaszewska A, Bartosz G. Source: Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation. 2002; 62(3): 231-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12088342

•

Autoantibodies against modified low density lipoprotein. Nonlipid factor of blood plasma that stimulates foam cell formation. Author(s): Orekhov AN, Tertov VV, Kabakov AE, Adamova IYu, Pokrovsky SN, Smirnov VN. Source: Arterioscler Thromb. 1991 March-April; 11(2): 316-26. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1998649

•

Availability in pooled normal blood plasma of activated Hageman factor and kallikrein for contact induced coagulation. Author(s): Real KJ, Masterson BF. Source: Biochemical Society Transactions. 1998 August; 26(3): S274. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9765993

•

Background level of 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine in lymphocyte DNA does not correlate with the concentration of antioxidant vitamins in blood plasma. Author(s): Gackowski D, Ciecierski M, Jawien A, Olinski R. Source: Acta Biochimica Polonica. 2001; 48(2): 535-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11732622

•

Beta-enolase in blood plasma during open heart surgery. Author(s): Usui A, Kato K, Abe T, Murase M, Tanaka M, Takeuchi E. Source: Cardiovascular Research. 1989 September; 23(9): 737-40. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2514995

20

Blood Plasma

•

Better detection of FLT3 internal tandem duplication using peripheral blood plasma DNA. Author(s): Jilani I, Estey E, Manshuri T, Caligiuri M, Keating M, Giles F, Thomas D, Kantarjian H, Albitar M. Source: Leukemia : Official Journal of the Leukemia Society of America, Leukemia Research Fund, U.K. 2003 January; 17(1): 114-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12529667

•

Bilirubin is an effective antioxidant of peroxynitrite-mediated protein oxidation in human blood plasma. Author(s): Minetti M, Mallozzi C, Di Stasi AM, Pietraforte D. Source: Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. 1998 April 15; 352(2): 165-74. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9587403

•

Binding of bismuth to serum proteins: implication for targets of Bi(III) in blood plasma. Author(s): Sun H, Szeto KY. Source: Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry. 2003 February 1; 94(1-2): 114-20. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12620681

•

Bioengineering of blood plasma proteins. Author(s): Vehar GA. Source: Scand J Haematol Suppl. 1984; 40: 45-51. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6591401

•

Biosynthesis of the blood group P antigen-like GalNAc beta 1-->3Gal beta 1->4GlcNAc/Glc structure: a novel N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase in human blood plasma. Author(s): Takeya A, Hosomi O, Shimoda N, Yazawa S. Source: Journal of Biochemistry. 1992 September; 112(3): 389-95. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1429528

•

Blood plasma apolipoproteins A-I and B in different types of hyperlipoproteinaemia: comparative analysis of population groups in Moscow and Prague. Author(s): Metel'skaya VA, Ceska R, Perova NV, Sobra J. Source: Cor Vasa. 1988; 30(3): 168-76. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3139364

•

Blood plasma catecholamines and their urinary excretion in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Author(s): Lukomsky PE, Oganov RG. Source: American Heart Journal. 1972 February; 83(2): 182-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4110092

Studies

21

•

Blood plasma coagulation studied by surface plasmon resonance. Author(s): Vikinge TP, Hansson KM, Benesch J, Johansen K, Ranby M, Lindahl TL, Liedberg B, Lundstom I, Tengvall P. Source: Journal of Biomedical Optics. 2000 January; 5(1): 51-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10938766

•

Blood plasma concentrations of microelements in endurance trained volunteers during hypokinesia and chronic hyperhydration. Author(s): Zorbas YG, Federenko YF, Naexu KA. Source: Biological Trace Element Research. 1994 June; 41(3): 253-67. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7946917

•

Blood plasma fluoride in haemodialysed patients. Author(s): Chaleil D, Simon P, Tessier B, Cartier F, Allain P. Source: Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry. 1986 April 15; 156(1): 105-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3698317

•

Blood plasma investigations by resonance Raman spectroscopy: detection of carotenoid pigments. Author(s): Rein AJ, Saperstein DD, Pines SH, Radlick PC. Source: Experientia. 1976 October 15; 32(10): 1352-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=976462

•

Blood plasma levels of cortisol, insulin, growth hormone and somatomedin in children with marasmus, kwashiorkor, and intermediate forms of protein-energy malnutrition. Author(s): Smith IF, Latham MC, Azubuike JA, Butler WR, Phillips LS, Pond WG, Enwonwu CO. Source: Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (New York, N. Y.). 1981 September; 167(4): 607-11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6792631

•

Blood plasma levels of lipoperoxides, glutathione peroxidase, beta carotene, vitamin A and E in women with habitual abortion. Author(s): Simsek M, Naziroglu M, Simsek H, Cay M, Aksakal M, Kumru S. Source: Cell Biochemistry and Function. 1998 December; 16(4): 227-31. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9857484

22

Blood Plasma

•

Blood plasma proteins on polyurethane and alkylsiloxane plasma-treated polyurethane surfaces. Dynamic approach by stimulus-response technique. Part 2. Evaluation of adsorption data by moment technique. Author(s): Mutlu M, Piskin E. Source: Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing. 1990 May; 28(3): 232-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2377005

•

Blood plasma pseudouridine in patients with malignant proliferative diseases. Author(s): Motyl T, Traczyk Z, Ciesluk S, Daniewska-Michalska D, Kukulska W, Kaluzny Z, Podgurniak M, Orzechowski A, Debski B. Source: Eur J Clin Chem Clin Biochem. 1993 November; 31(11): 765-71. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8305621

•

Bradykinin degradation pathways in human blood plasma. Author(s): Mirgorodskaya OA, Shevchenko AA. Source: Febs Letters. 1992 August 3; 307(3): 263-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1644181

•

Bradykininogen values in blood plasma collected from human intervillous space: relation between its content from maternal peripheric plasma and from plasma of umbilical vessels. Author(s): Martinez AR, Meirelles RS, Matheus M, Cunha SP. Source: Rev Bras Pesqui Med Biol. 1974 March-April; 7(2): 183-4. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4850817

•

Cell-free DNA in human blood plasma: length measurements in patients with pancreatic cancer and healthy controls. Author(s): Giacona MB, Ruben GC, Iczkowski KA, Roos TB, Porter DM, Sorenson GD. Source: Pancreas. 1998 July; 17(1): 89-97. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9667526

•

Changes of selected morphotic parameters and blood plasma proteins in blood of divers after a single short-time operational heliox exposure. Author(s): Olszanski R, Konarski M, Kierznikowicz B. Source: Int Marit Health. 2002; 53(1-4): 111-21. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12608594

•

Characterization of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in saliva and blood plasma by V3-specific heteroduplex tracking assay and genotype analyses. Author(s): Freel SA, Williams JM, Nelson JA, Patton LL, Fiscus SA, Swanstrom R, Shugars DC. Source: Journal of Virology. 2001 May; 75(10): 4936-40. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11312368

Studies

23

•

Characterization of linoleic acid nitration in human blood plasma by mass spectrometry. Author(s): Lima ES, Di Mascio P, Rubbo H, Abdalla DS. Source: Biochemistry. 2002 August 27; 41(34): 10717-22. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12186558

•

Chiral determination of mirtazapine in human blood plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography. Author(s): Dodd S, Burrows GD, Norman TR. Source: J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl. 2000 October 10; 748(2): 439-43. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11087086

•

Circulating peripheral blood plasma cells as a prognostic indicator in patients with primary systemic amyloidosis. Author(s): Pardanani A, Witzig TE, Schroeder G, McElroy EA, Fonseca R, Dispenzieri A, Lacy MQ, Lust JA, Kyle RA, Greipp PR, Gertz MA, Rajkumar SV. Source: Blood. 2003 February 1; 101(3): 827-30. Epub 2002 September 05. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12393530

•

Circulating peripheral blood plasma cells in multiple myeloma. Author(s): Witzig TE, Kyle RA, Greipp PR. Source: Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 1992; 182: 195-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1490354

•

Cloud-point extraction for the determination of the free fraction of antiepileptic drugs in blood plasma and saliva. Author(s): Rukhadze MD, Tsagareli SK, Sidamonidze NS, Meyer VR. Source: Analytical Biochemistry. 2000 December 15; 287(2): 279-83. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11112274

•

Comparative analysis of blood plasma epidermal growth factor concentrations, hormonal profiles and semen parameters of fertile and infertile males. Author(s): Adekunle AO, Falase EA, Ausmanus M, Kopf GS, Van-Arsdalen KN, Teuscher C. Source: Afr J Med Med Sci. 2000 June; 29(2): 123-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11379442

•

Comparison between a nucleic acid sequence-based amplification and branched DNA test for quantifying HIV RNA load in blood plasma. Author(s): Berndt C, Muller U, Bergmann F, Schmitt U, Kaiser R, Muller C. Source: Journal of Virological Methods. 2000 September; 89(1-2): 177-81. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10996651

24

Blood Plasma

•

Competitive binding of bismuth to transferrin and albumin in aqueous solution and in blood plasma. Author(s): Sun H, Li H, Mason AB, Woodworth RC, Sadler PJ. Source: The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2001 March 23; 276(12): 8829-35. Epub 2000 December 07. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11110794

•

Complexation of iron(III) and iron(II) by citrate. Implications for iron speciation in blood plasma. Author(s): Konigsberger LC, Konigsberger E, May PM, Hefter GT. Source: Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry. 2000 February; 78(3): 175-84. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10805173

•

Composition of the peptide fraction in human blood plasma: database of circulating human peptides. Author(s): Richter R, Schulz-Knappe P, Schrader M, Standker L, Jurgens M, Tammen H, Forssmann WG. Source: J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl. 1999 April 16; 726(1-2): 25-35. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10348167

•

Concentrations of estrogens and IGFs in umbilical cord blood plasma: a comparison among Caucasian, Hispanic, and Asian-American females. Author(s): Shibata A, Harris DT, Billings PR. Source: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2002 February; 87(2): 810-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11836326

•

Concentrations of tocopherols and carotenoids in maternal and cord blood plasma. Author(s): Kiely M, Cogan PF, Kearney PJ, Morrissey PA. Source: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1999 September; 53(9): 711-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10509767

•

Correlation of morphine sulfate in blood plasma and saliva in pediatric patients. Author(s): Kopecky EA, Jacobson S, Klein J, Kapur B, Koren G. Source: Therapeutic Drug Monitoring. 1997 October; 19(5): 530-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9357096

Studies

25

•

Current internal exposure to pesticides in children and adolescents in Germany: blood plasma levels of pentachlorophenol (PCP), lindane (gamma-HCH), and dichloro(diphenyl)ethylene (DDE), a biostable metabolite of dichloro(diphenyl)trichloroethane (DDT). Author(s): Heudorf U, Angerer J, Drexler H. Source: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2003 October; 206(6): 485-91. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14626896

•

Deamidation as a widespread phenomenon in two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of human blood plasma proteins. Author(s): Sarioglu H, Lottspeich F, Walk T, Jung G, Eckerskorn C. Source: Electrophoresis. 2000 June; 21(11): 2209-18. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10892731

•

Defibrination of blood plasma for use in serological tests for syphilis. Author(s): Castro AR, Kikkert SE, Fears MB, Pope V. Source: Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology. 2002 November; 9(6): 1376-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12414778

•

Dendritic cells can be successfully generated from CD34+ cord blood cells in the presence of autologous cord blood plasma. Author(s): Borras FE, Matthews NC, Patel R, Navarrete C. Source: Bone Marrow Transplantation. 2000 August; 26(4): 371-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10982282

•

Determination of alentamol hydrobromide, a novel antipsychotic agent, in human blood plasma and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and solid-phase extraction. Author(s): Schwende FJ, Rykert UM. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1991 April 19; 565(1-2): 488-96. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1874898

•

Determination of boron-containing compounds in urine and blood plasma from boron neutron capture therapy patients. The importance of using coupled techniques. Author(s): Svantesson E, Capala J, Markides KE, Pettersson J. Source: Analytical Chemistry. 2002 October 15; 74(20): 5358-63. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12403593

26

Blood Plasma

•

Determination of copper and zinc in blood plasma by ion chromatography using a cobalt internal standard. Author(s): Lane E, Holden AJ, Coward RA. Source: The Analyst. 1999 March; 124(3): 245-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10605886

•

Determination of formaldehyde in blood plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Author(s): Luo W, Li H, Zhang Y, Ang CY. Source: J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl. 2001 April 5; 753(2): 253-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11334338

•

Determination of nefazodone and its pharmacologically active metabolites in human blood plasma and breast milk by high-performance liquid chromatography. Author(s): Dodd S, Buist A, Burrows GD, Maguire KP, Norman TR. Source: J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl. 1999 July 9; 730(2): 249-55. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10448960

•

Determination of pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate in human blood plasma. Author(s): Yang BI, Harris DJ. Source: Analytical Biochemistry. 1991 November 15; 199(1): 18-24. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1807157

•

Determination of sameridine in blood plasma by nitrogen-selective gas chromatography. Author(s): Norsten-Hoog C, Neidenstrom P, Arvidsson T. Source: J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl. 2001 August 25; 760(1): 123-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11522054

•

Determination of sulfadoxine in human blood plasma using packed-column supercritical fluid chromatography. Author(s): Bhoir SI, Bhoir IC, Bhagwat AM, Sundaresan M. Source: J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl. 2001 June 5; 757(1): 39-47. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11419747

•

Determination of the enantiomers of omeprazole in blood plasma by normal-phase liquid chromatography and detection by atmospheric pressure ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Author(s): Stenhoff H, Blomqvist A, Lagerstrom PO. Source: J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl. 1999 November 12; 734(2): 191-201. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10595717

Studies

27

•

Determination of trans-beta-carotene and other carotenoids in blood plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography and thermal lens detection. Author(s): Franko M, van de Bovenkamp P, Bicanic D. Source: J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl. 1998 October 23; 718(1): 47-54. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9832359

•

Development of a method for sample preparation for subsequent identification and measurement of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines and other potentially neurotoxic compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet and fluorescence detection in blood plasma of Parkinson's disease patients. Author(s): Pagel P, Schubert R, Wolf HU. Source: J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl. 2000 September 15; 746(2): 283-95. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11076081

•

Development of a microporous membrane liquid-liquid extractor for organophosphate esters in human blood plasma: identification of triphenyl phosphate and octyl diphenyl phosphate in donor plasma. Author(s): Jonsson OB, Dyremark E, Nilsson UL. Source: J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl. 2001 May 5; 755(1-2): 157-64. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11393700

•

Digoxin-like immunoreactivity in cord blood plasma extracts is not only due to endogenous corticosteroids. Author(s): Yiannakou L, Loucari-Yiannakou E, Souvatzoglou A. Source: Clinical Biochemistry. 1991 December; 24(6): 475-82. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1773487

•

Direct determination of selenium in human blood plasma and seminal plasma by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry and clinical application. Author(s): Lin TH, Tseng WC, Cheng SY. Source: Biological Trace Element Research. 1998 Summer; 64(1-3): 133-49. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9845468

•

Distribution of PCB congeners, DDE, hexachlorobenzene, and methylsulfonyl metabolites of PCB and DDE among various fractions of human blood plasma. Author(s): Noren K, Weistrand C, Karpe F. Source: Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 1999 October; 37(3): 408-14. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10473799

28

Blood Plasma

•

DNA fragments in the blood plasma of cancer patients: quantitations and evidence for their origin from apoptotic and necrotic cells. Author(s): Jahr S, Hentze H, Englisch S, Hardt D, Fackelmayer FO, Hesch RD, Knippers R. Source: Cancer Research. 2001 February 15; 61(4): 1659-65. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11245480

•

Effect of cord blood plasma on erythroid burst formation. Author(s): Hara M. Source: Hiroshima J Med Sci. 1984 September; 33(3): 337-40. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6511458

•

Effect of freeze-drying, freezing and frozen storage of blood plasma on fibrin network characteristics. Author(s): Pieters M, Jerling JC, Weisel JW. Source: Thrombosis Research. 2002 September 1; 107(5): 263-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12479888

•

Effect of gestational age on cord blood plasma copper, zinc, magnesium and albumin. Author(s): Perveen S, Altaf W, Vohra N, Bautista ML, Harper RG, Wapnir RA. Source: Early Human Development. 2002 October; 69(1-2): 15-23. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12324179

•

Effect of the stage of lactation in humans on carotenoid levels in milk, blood plasma and plasma lipoprotein fractions. Author(s): Schweigert FJ, Bathe K, Chen F, Buscher U, Dudenhausen JW. Source: European Journal of Nutrition. 2004 February; 43(1): 39-44. Epub 2004 January 06. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14991268

•

Effects of drug-protein binding on trace enrichment of drugs in blood plasma on short precolumns. Author(s): Arvidsson T. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1988 May 20; 439(2): 353-61. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3403649

•

Effects of vitamin C intake on whole blood plasma, leucocyte and urine ascorbic acid and urine oxalic acid levels. Author(s): Erden F, Hacisalihoglu A, Kocer Z, Simsek B, Nebioglu S. Source: Acta Vitaminol Enzymol. 1985; 7(1-2): 123-30. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4036755

Studies

29

•

Elevated levels of apolipoprotein E in the high density lipoproteins of human cord blood plasma. Author(s): Blum CB, Davis PA, Forte TM. Source: Journal of Lipid Research. 1985 June; 26(6): 755-60. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4031653

•

Ellipsometric in vitro studies on blood plasma and serum adsorption to zirconium. Author(s): Tengvall P, Askendal A. Source: Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. 2001 November; 57(2): 285-90. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11484192

•

Enantioselective assay of warfarin in blood plasma by liquid chromatography on Chiralcel OC. Author(s): Andersen C, Balmer K, Lagerstrom PO. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1993 May 19; 615(1): 159-63. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8340455

•

Endogenous lithium determination in blood plasma and urine by isotope dilution mass spectrometry and preliminary isolation of lithium fraction using paper chromatography. Author(s): Fleishman DG, Nikiforov VA, Saulus AA. Source: Biol Mass Spectrom. 1992 February; 21(2): 80-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1606185

•

Enzymatically active cathepsin B dissociating from its inhibitor complexes is elevated in blood plasma of patients with septic shock and some malignant tumors. Author(s): Assfalg-Machleidt I, Jochum M, Klaubert W, Inthorn D, Machleidt W. Source: Biol Chem Hoppe Seyler. 1988 May; 369 Suppl: 263-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3202966

•

Erythrocyte membrane ATP binding cassette (ABC) proteins: MRP1 and CFTR as well as CD39 (ecto-apyrase) involved in RBC ATP transport and elevated blood plasma ATP of cystic fibrosis. Author(s): Abraham EH, Sterling KM, Kim RJ, Salikhova AY, Huffman HB, Crockett MA, Johnston N, Parker HW, Boyle WE Jr, Hartov A, Demidenko E, Efird J, Kahn J, Grubman SA, Jefferson DM, Robson SC, Thakar JH, Lorico A, Rappa G, Sartorelli AC, Okunieff P. Source: Blood Cells, Molecules & Diseases. 2001 January-February; 27(1): 165-80. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11358378

30

Blood Plasma

•

Estimation of human blood plasma 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and homovanillic acid. Author(s): Wright-Honari S, Marshall EF, Ashton CH, Hassanyeh F. Source: Biomedical Chromatography : Bmc. 1990 September; 4(5): 201-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1703800

•

Evaluating the binding selectivity of transthyretin amyloid fibril inhibitors in blood plasma. Author(s): Purkey HE, Dorrell MI, Kelly JW. Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 2001 May 8; 98(10): 5566-71. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11344299

•

Evaluation of an isoluminol chemiluminescence assay for the detection of hydroperoxides in human blood plasma. Author(s): Frei B, Yamamoto Y, Niclas D, Ames BN. Source: Analytical Biochemistry. 1988 November 15; 175(1): 120-30. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3245562

•

Evaluation of blood plasma coagulation dynamics by speckle analysis. Author(s): Piederriere Y, Cariou J, Guern Y, Le Brun G, Le Jeune B, Lotrian J, Abgrall JF, Blouch MT. Source: Journal of Biomedical Optics. 2004 March-April; 9(2): 408-12. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=15065909

•

Evaluation of different treatment methods in patients with psoriasis and content of kallikrein and kallikreinogen in blood plasma. Author(s): Kolosovsky ED. Source: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland). 1994; 188(2): 140-1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8136541

•

Evaluation of peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence postcolumn detection of fluphenazine in urine and blood plasma using high performance liquid chromatography. Author(s): Mann B, Grayeski ML. Source: Biomedical Chromatography : Bmc. 1991 January; 5(1): 47-52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2032022

•

Evaluation of the total content of lipid-soluble antioxidants in blood plasma samples employing a simple chemiluminescence quenching procedure. Author(s): Escobar J, Cardenas G, Lissi E. Source: Journal of Biochemical and Biophysical Methods. 1997 August 1; 35(1): 57-60. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9310868

Studies

31

•

Evidence for the regulation of urokinase and tissue type plasminogen activators by the serpin, protein C inhibitor, in semen and blood plasma. Author(s): Espana F, Estelles A, Fernandez PJ, Gilabert J, Sanchez-Cuenca J, Griffin JH. Source: Thrombosis and Haemostasis. 1993 December 20; 70(6): 989-94. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8165623

•

Factors affecting 1H NMR spectra of blood plasma: cancer, diet and freezing. Author(s): Bell JD, Brown JC, Norman RE, Sadler PJ, Newell DR. Source: Nmr in Biomedicine. 1988 April; 1(2): 90-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2484277

•

Factors affecting an influence of blood plasma from schizophrenics on an action of 3,4-dimethoxyphenylethylamine. Author(s): Proctor CD, Cho JB, Ashley LG, Potts JL, Eaton HE Jr, McGriff JE, Douglas JG, Amoroso CP. Source: Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther. 1968 March; 172(1): 106-21. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=5650321

•

Failure of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of blood plasma to detect malignancy. Author(s): Okunieff P, Greenberg MD, Zietman A, Kahn J, Westgate S, Neuringer LJ. Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official Journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. 1990 May; 8(5): 906-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2332773

•

Fast determination of demeton-S-methylsulfoxide (Metasystox R) in blood plasma. Author(s): Gellhaus H, Hausmann E, Wellhoner HH. Source: Journal of Analytical Toxicology. 1989 November-December; 13(6): 330-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2607761

•

Fast determination of water mobility in blood plasma -- investigation of clinical significance. Author(s): Ganssen A, Schmid-Schonbein H, Malotta H, Schneider R. Source: Biorheology. 1979; 16(6): 397-402. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=534762

•

Fate of lipid hydroperoxides in blood plasma. Author(s): Yamamoto Y. Source: Free Radical Research. 2000 December; 33(6): 795-800. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11237101

32

Blood Plasma

•

Fatty acid compositions of erythrocytes, mononuclear cells and blood plasma of patients with myotonic dystrophy. Author(s): Antoku Y, Sakai T, Goto I, Iwashita H, Kuroiwa Y. Source: Journal of the Neurological Sciences. 1985 December; 71(2-3): 387-93. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4087030

•

Feasibility of an on-line restricted access material/liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method in the rapid and sensitive determination of organophosphorus triesters in human blood plasma. Author(s): Amini N, Crescenzi C. Source: Journal of Chromatography. B, Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences. 2003 October 5; 795(2): 245-56. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14522029

•

Ferrous ions detected in iron-overloaded cord blood plasma from preterm and term babies: implications for oxidative stress. Author(s): Berger HM, Mumby S, Gutteridge JM. Source: Free Radical Research. 1995 June; 22(6): 555-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7543335

•

Fibrinoligase: the fibrin-stabilizing factor system of blood plasma. Author(s): Lorand L. Source: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1972 December 8; 202: 6-30. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4565370

•

First proof that vitamin E is major lipid-soluble, chain-breaking antioxidant in human blood plasma. Author(s): Burton GW, Joyce A, Ingold KU. Source: Lancet. 1982 August 7; 2(8293): 327. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6124736

•

Fluorescent probing of the ligand-binding ability of blood plasma in the acute-phase response. Author(s): Ivanov AI, Gavrilov VB, Furmanchuk DA, Aleinikova OV, Konev SV, Kaler GV. Source: Clinical and Experimental Medicine. 2002 November; 2(3): 147-55. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12447613

Studies

33

•

Fluorimetric determination of free hydroxyproline and proline in blood plasma. Author(s): Roth M. Source: Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry. 1978 February 15; 83(3): 273-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=624183

•

Fluorimetric determination of propantheline in human blood plasma by an ion-pair extraction method. Author(s): Westerlund D, Karset KH. Source: Analytica Chimica Acta. 1973 November; 67(1): 99-106. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4759897

•

Fluorimetric estimation of 4-methyl-umbelliferyl-alpha-mannosidase activity in blood plasma. Author(s): Ockerman PA. Source: Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry. 1969 March; 23(3): 479-82. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=5794488

•

Fluorometric liquid chromatographic assay of the antiarrhythmic agent flecainide in blood plasma. Author(s): De Jong JW, Hegge JA, Harmsen E, De Tombe PP. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1982 May 14; 229(2): 498-502. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7096488

•

Free amino acids in human blood plasma during space flights. Author(s): Ushakov AS, Vlasova TF. Source: Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine. 1976 October; 47(10): 1061-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=985277

•

Free and conjugated estrogens in blood plasma during human pregnancy. Author(s): Touchstone JC, Murawec T. Source: Biochemistry. 1965 August; 4(8): 1612-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=5863324

•

Free radical production in amniotic fluid and blood plasma by medical ultrasound. Author(s): Crum LA, Walton AJ, Mortimer A, Dyson M, Crawford DC, Gaitan DF. Source: Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine : Official Journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. 1987 November; 6(11): 643-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3316700

34

Blood Plasma

•

Gas and liquid chromatographic analyses of nimodipine calcium antagonist in blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Author(s): Krol GJ, Noe AJ, Yeh SC, Raemsch KD. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1984 January 13; 305(1): 105-18. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6707134

•

Gas chromatography-negative-ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry of hydrolysed human urine and blood plasma for the biomonitoring of occupational exposure to 4,4'-methylenebisaniline. Author(s): Brunmark P, Dalene M, Skarping G. Source: The Analyst. 1995 January; 120(1): 41-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7710126

•

Gas phase oxidants of cigarette smoke induce lipid peroxidation and changes in lipoprotein properties in human blood plasma. Protective effects of ascorbic acid. Author(s): Frei B, Forte TM, Ames BN, Cross CE. Source: The Biochemical Journal. 1991 July 1; 277 ( Pt 1): 133-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1854329

•

GBV-C/HGV coinfection in HIV-1-positive men: frequent detection of viral RNA in blood plasma but absence from seminal fluid plasma. Author(s): Hollingsworth RC, Jameson CL, Minton JE, Crowe M, Curran R, Rowe T, Grabowska AM, Pillay D, Irving WL, Ball JK. Source: Journal of Medical Virology. 1998 December; 56(4): 321-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9829636

•

Generation of thrombin in blood plasma of non-pregnant and pregnant women studied through concentration of thrombin-antithrombin III complexes. Author(s): Uszynski M. Source: European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. 1997 December; 75(2): 127-31. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9447363

•

Genetically polymorphic alpha-L-fucosidase (FUCA1) isozymes detected in blood plasma. Author(s): Takeshita H, Yasuda T, Nadano D, Iida R, Nakanaga M, Tenjo E, Sawazaki K, Kishi K. Source: Human Genetics. 1994 September; 94(3): 224-30. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8076935

Studies

35

•

GLC determination of meperidine in blood plasma. Author(s): Goehl TJ, Davison C. Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 1973 June; 62(6): 907-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4712622

•

Glutathione-linked thiol peroxidase activity of human serum albumin: a possible antioxidant role of serum albumin in blood plasma. Author(s): Cha MK, Kim IH. Source: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 1996 May 15; 222(2): 619-25. Erratum In: Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1996 August 14; 225(2): 695. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8670254

•

Glycine solution as an irrigating agent during transurethral prostatic resection. Glycine concentrations in blood plasma. Author(s): Norlen H, Allgen LG, Vinnars E, Bedrelidou-Classon G. Source: Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology. 1986; 20(1): 19-26. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3704567

•

Growth hormone in blood plasma of patients with liver cirrhosis. Author(s): Kasperska-Czyzykowa T, Rogala H. Source: Acta Med Pol. 1978; 19(4): 485-92. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=752250

•

Growth response of yeast cells of Histoplasma capsulatum to citraed human blood plasma. Author(s): McVeigh I, Morton K. Source: Journal of Bacteriology. 1968 March; 95(3): 1195-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=5643054

•

Harman (1-methyl-beta-carboline) in blood plasma and erythrocytes of nonalcoholics following ethanol loading. Author(s): Rommelspacher H, Damm H, Lutter S, Schmidt LG, Otto M, Sachs-Ericsson N, Schmidt G. Source: Alcohol (Fayetteville, N.Y.). 1990 January-February; 7(1): 27-31. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2310501

•

Heparin-induced release of extracellular superoxide dismutase to human blood plasma. Author(s): Karlsson K, Marklund SL. Source: The Biochemical Journal. 1987 February 15; 242(1): 55-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3593249

36

Blood Plasma

•

Hepatitis B serological patterns of asymptomatic carriers in an endemic region and evaluation of blood plasma as a source of hepatitis B vaccine. Author(s): Yoshida CF, Camargo IF, Mercadante LA, Gaspar AM, Gomes DF, Schatzmayr HG. Source: Vaccine. 1986 December; 4(4): 253-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3799019

•

HER-2/neu determination in blood plasma of patients with HER-2/neu overexpressing metastasized breast cancer: a longitudinal study. Author(s): Hoopmann M, Neumann R, Tanasale T, Schondorf T. Source: Anticancer Res. 2003 March-April; 23(2A): 1031-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12820343

•

High density lipoprotein is the major carrier of lipid hydroperoxides in human blood plasma from fasting donors. Author(s): Bowry VW, Stanley KK, Stocker R. Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 1992 November 1; 89(21): 10316-20. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1332045

•

High molecular weight kininogen adsorption on hemodialysis membranes: influence of pH and relationship with contact phase activation of blood plasma. influence of pre-treatment with poly(ethyleneimine). Author(s): Thomas M, Valette P, Mausset AL, Dejardin P. Source: Int J Artif Organs. 2000 January; 23(1): 20-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12118833

•

High performance liquid chromatography of procainamide and Nacetylprocainamide in human blood plasma. Author(s): Raphanaud D, Borensztejn M, Dupeyron JP, Guyon F. Source: Therapeutic Drug Monitoring. 1986; 8(3): 365-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2428144

•

High resolution proton NMR investigations of rat blood plasma. Assignment of resonances for the molecularly mobile carbohydrate side-chains of 'acute-phase' glycoproteins. Author(s): Grootveld M, Claxson AW, Chander CL, Haycock P, Blake DR, Hawkes GE. Source: Febs Letters. 1993 May 17; 322(3): 266-76. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7683613

Studies

37

•

Higher oxidation and lower antioxidant levels in peripheral blood plasma and bone marrow plasma from advanced cancer patients. Author(s): de Cavanagh EM, Honegger AE, Hofer E, Bordenave RH, Bullorsky EO, Chasseing NA, Fraga C. Source: Cancer. 2002 June 15; 94(12): 3247-51. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12115357

•

High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of free hydroxyproline and proline in blood plasma and of free and peptide-bound hydroxyproline in urine. Author(s): Palmerini CA, Fini C, Floridi A, Morelli H, Vedovelli A. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1985 May 3; 339(2): 285-92. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4008569

•

High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of hippuric acid in human blood plasma. Author(s): Beving H, Olsson U, Bemgard A, Kristensson J, Palmborg J, Sollenberg J. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1990 October 26; 532(1): 45-53. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2079538

•

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of cocaine and benzoylecgonine by direct injection of human blood plasma sample into an alkyldiol-silica (ADS) precolumn. Author(s): Brunetto R, Gutierrez L, Delgado Y, Gallignani M, Burguera JL, Burguera M. Source: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 2003 February; 375(4): 534-8. Epub 2003 January 29. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12610706

•

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of tramadol and its Odesmethylated metabolite in blood plasma. Application to a bioequivalence study in humans. Author(s): Nobilis M, Kopecky J, Kvetina J, Chladek J, Svoboda Z, Vorisek V, Perlik F, Pour M, Kunes J. Source: J Chromatogr A. 2002 March 8; 949(1-2): 11-22. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11999728

•

High-resolution 1H-NMR spectroscopy of blood plasma for metabolic studies. Author(s): Wevers RA, Engelke U, Heerschap A. Source: Clinical Chemistry. 1994 July; 40(7 Pt 1): 1245-50. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8013094

38

Blood Plasma

•

High-temperature short-time heat inactivation of HIV and other viruses in human blood plasma. Author(s): Charm SE, Landau S, Williams B, Horowitz B, Prince AM, Pascual D. Source: Vox Sanguinis. 1992; 62(1): 12-20. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1374578

•

Histamine as a ligand in blood plasma. Part 7. Malate, malonate, maleate and tartrate as adjuvants of zinc to favour histamine tissue diffusion through mixed-ligand coordination. In vitro tests on lymphocyte proliferation. Author(s): Berthon G, Varsamidis A, Blaquiere C, Rigal D. Source: Agents Actions. 1987 December; 22(3-4): 231-47. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3445819

•

HNE-derived 2-pentylpyrroles are generated during oxidation of LDL, are more prevalent in blood plasma from patients with renal disease or atherosclerosis, and are present in atherosclerotic plaques. Author(s): Salomon RG, Kaur K, Podrez E, Hoff HF, Krushinsky AV, Sayre LM. Source: Chemical Research in Toxicology. 2000 July; 13(7): 557-64. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10898587

•

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 neutralizing antibodies accelerate clearance of cell-free virions from blood plasma. Author(s): Igarashi T, Brown C, Azadegan A, Haigwood N, Dimitrov D, Martin MA, Shibata R. Source: Nature Medicine. 1999 February; 5(2): 211-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9930870

•

Human multipotential progenitor cells (CFU-GEMM) have extensive replating capacity for secondary CFU-GEMM: an effect enhanced by cord blood plasma. Author(s): Carow CE, Hangoc G, Broxmeyer HE. Source: Blood. 1993 February 15; 81(4): 942-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7679010

•

Human skeletal muscle interstitial glutathione levels are elevated in comparison to adipose tissue and blood plasma. Author(s): Tonkonogi M, Henriksson J, Cotgreave IA. Source: Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. 2003 May 1; 413(1): 147-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12706352

Studies

39

•

Identification and characterization of UDP-GalNAc: NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 14Glc(NAc) beta 1-4(GalNAc to Gal)N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase in human blood plasma. Author(s): Takeya A, Hosomi O, Kogure T. Source: Journal of Biochemistry. 1987 January; 101(1): 251-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3106337

•

Identification of deoxy-D-fructosyl phosphatidylethanolamine as a non-enzymic glycation product of phosphatidylethanolamine and its occurrence in human blood plasma and red blood cells. Author(s): Lertsiri S, Shiraishi M, Miyazawa T. Source: Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry. 1998 May; 62(5): 893-901. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9648220

•

Identification of human blood plasma and serum proteins in two-dimensional gels by use of protein A-Sepharose: application to alpha 1-microglobulin. Author(s): Vesterberg O, Anundi H. Source: Appl Theor Electrophor. 1991; 2(4-5): 159-61. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1723628

•

Identification of hydroxylated PCB metabolites and other phenolic halogenated pollutants in human blood plasma. Author(s): Hovander L, Malmberg T, Athanasiadou M, Athanassiadis I, Rahm S, Bergman A, Wehler EK. Source: Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 2002 January; 42(1): 105-17. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11706375

•

Idiopathic scoliosis and concentrations of zinc, copper, and selenium in blood plasma. Author(s): Dastych M, Cienciala J. Source: Biological Trace Element Research. 2002 November; 89(2): 105-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12449234

•

Immunosorbent for removal of b2-microglobulin from human blood plasma. Author(s): Shabunina IV, Afanas'eva OI, Pokrovskii SN. Source: Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2001 October; 132(4): 984-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11782800

40

Blood Plasma

•

In vitro preparation and ellipsometric characterization of thin blood plasma clot films on silicon. Author(s): Jansson E, Tengvall P. Source: Biomaterials. 2001 July; 22(13): 1803-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11396884

•

Inactivation and partition of human immunodeficiency virus during Kistler and Nitschmann fractionation of human blood plasma. Author(s): Henin Y, Marechal V, Barre-Sinoussi F, Chermann JC, Morgenthaler JJ. Source: Vox Sanguinis. 1988; 54(2): 78-83. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2453974

•

Increase in fragmented phosphatidylcholine in blood plasma by oxidative stress. Author(s): Frey B, Haupt R, Alms S, Holzmann G, Konig T, Kern H, Kox W, Rustow B, Schlame M. Source: Journal of Lipid Research. 2000 July; 41(7): 1145-53. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10884297

•

Influence of different doses of interferon-alpha-2b on the blood plasma levels of 5fluorouracil. Author(s): Czejka MJ, Schuller J, Jager W, Fogl U, Weiss C. Source: Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 1993 July-September; 18(3): 247-50. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8149941

•

Influence of hyaluronidase on the blood plasma levels of 5-fluorouracil in patients. Author(s): Czejka MJ, Jager W, Schuller J. Source: Pharmazie. 1990 September; 45(9): 693-4. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2284321

•

Infusion of large quantities of autologous blood monocyte-derived macrophages in two cancer patients did not induce increased concentration of IL-6, TNF-alpha, soluble CD14 and nitrate in blood plasma. Author(s): Lopez M, Louvet C, Martinache C, Bony V, Scotto F, Barelaud S, Jiang R, Drapier JC, Smadja V, De Gramont A, et al. Source: European Cytokine Network. 1994 July-August; 5(4): 411-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7531001

•

Insulin response and changes in composition of non-esterified fatty acids in blood plasma of middle-aged men following isoenergetic fatty and carbohydrate breakfasts. Author(s): Frape DL, Williams NR, Carpenter KL, Freeman MA, Palmer CR, Fletcher RJ. Source: The British Journal of Nutrition. 2000 November; 84(5): 737-45. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11177189

Studies

41

•

Interleukin-8 is not involved in the increased chemotactic activity of peripheral blood plasma during acute myocardial infarction. Author(s): Siminiak T, Schroder JM, Sticherling M, Wysocki H. Source: Basic Research in Cardiology. 1993 March-April; 88(2): 150-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8503832

•

Internal temperature calibration for 1H NMR spectroscopy studies of blood plasma and other biofluids. Author(s): Farrant RD, Lindon JC, Nicholson JK. Source: Nmr in Biomedicine. 1994 August; 7(5): 243-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7848815

•

Is semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase in blood plasma partly derived from the skeleton? Author(s): Ekblom J, Gronvall JL, Garpenstrand H, Nillson S, Oreland L. Source: Neurobiology (Bp). 2000; 8(2): 129-35. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11061210

•

Isocratic high-performance liquid chromatographic method for studying the metabolism of blood plasma pyrimidine nucleosides and bases: concentration and radioactivity measurements. Author(s): Olivares J, Verdys M. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1988 December 29; 434(1): 111-21. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3243806

•

Isoenzyme (lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity changes in blood plasma likely indicative of organ involvement due to arterial hypertension. Author(s): Papies B, Frille J, Gunther KH, Wagenknecht C. Source: Cor Vasa. 1991; 33(3): 218-26. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1680602

•

Isoenzyme-specific quantitative immunoassays for cytosolic glutathione transferases and measurement of the enzymes in blood plasma from cancer patients and in tumor cell lines. Author(s): Hao XY, Castro VM, Bergh J, Sundstrom B, Mannervik B. Source: Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. 1994 January 11; 1225(2): 223-30. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8280791

42

Blood Plasma

•

Ketamine in obstetric anesthesia: special reference to placental transfer and its concentration in blood plasma. Author(s): Nishijima M. Source: Acta Obstet Gynaecol Jpn. 1972 April; 19(2): 80-93. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4679281

•

Kinetic analysis of intravirion reverse transcription in the blood plasma of human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected individuals: direct assessment of resistance to reverse transcriptase inhibitors in vivo. Author(s): Zhang H, Dornadula G, Wu Y, Havlir D, Richman DD, Pomerantz RJ. Source: Journal of Virology. 1996 January; 70(1): 628-34. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8523584

•

Kynurenine in blood plasma and DST in patients with endogenous anxiety and endogenous depression. Author(s): Orlikov AB, Prakhye IB, Ryzov IV. Source: Biological Psychiatry. 1994 July 15; 36(2): 97-102. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7948450

•

LC separation and induced fluorometric detection of rivastatin in blood plasma. Author(s): Krol GJ, Beck GW, Ritter W, Lettieri JT. Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 1993 November-December; 11(11-12): 1269-75. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8123743

•

Letter: Cortisol levels in the blood plasma: of the maternal periphery, of the vessels of umbilical cord and of intervillous space of the human placenta. Author(s): Meirelles RS, Matheus M, Franco Junior JG, Mauad Filho MF, Kimachi T, Verissimo JM. Source: Acta Physiol Lat Am. 1973; 23(5): 87-8. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4784631

•

Leukaemic peripheral blood plasma and bone marrow plasma: comparison of influence on lymphocyte proliferation. Author(s): Schultz JC. Source: Cell Proliferation. 1994 January; 27(1): 47-61. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10465026

Studies

43

•

Levels of macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha) and MIP-1 beta in intervillous blood plasma samples from women with placental malaria and human immunodeficiency virus infection. Author(s): Chaisavaneeyakorn S, Moore JM, Mirel L, Othoro C, Otieno J, Chaiyaroj SC, Shi YP, Nahlen BL, Lal AA, Udhayakumar V. Source: Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology. 2003 July; 10(4): 631-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12853396

•

Levels of organochlorine residues in blood plasma from three populations in Nicaragua. Author(s): Rugama R, Calero S, Fomsgaard I, Lacayo ML, Martinez V, Pitty J. Source: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 1993 July; 51(1): 1539. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8318766

•

Limited protection against iron-induced lipid peroxidation by cord blood plasma. Author(s): Lindeman JH, Houdkamp E, Lentjes EG, Poorthuis BJ, Berger HM. Source: Free Radic Res Commun. 1992; 16(5): 285-94. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1505787

•

Lipid oxidation in blood plasma of patients with neurological disorders. Author(s): Willker W, Leibfritz D. Source: Brain Research Bulletin. 2000 November 1; 53(4): 437-43. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11137001

•

Lipid peroxidation levels and antioxidant activities of blood plasma in parturients and new-born infants immediately after normal delivery. Author(s): Deligne P, Bonnardot JP, Couderc R, Kerisit S, Perier JF, Laruelle P. Source: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 1990; 264: 573-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2244540

•

Lipid peroxides in blood plasma and enzymatic antioxidative defence of erythrocytes in Down's syndrome. Author(s): Kedziora J, Bartosz G, Gromadzinska J, Sklodowska M, Wesowicz W, Scianowski J. Source: Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry. 1986 February 15; 154(3): 191-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2937579

•

Lipid transport function of lipoproteins in blood plasma. Author(s): Havel RJ. Source: The American Journal of Physiology. 1987 July; 253(1 Pt 1): E1-5. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3037916

44

Blood Plasma

•

Lipids in blood plasma and erythrocytes in juvenile amaurotic idiocy. Cholestyramine therapy. Author(s): van Creveld S, Hooghwinkel GJ. Source: Archives of Neurology. 1967 September; 17(3): 225-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6053565

•

Lipophilic antioxidants in blood plasma as markers of atherosclerosis: the role of alpha-carotene and gamma-tocopherol. Author(s): Kontush A, Spranger T, Reich A, Baum K, Beisiegel U. Source: Atherosclerosis. 1999 May; 144(1): 117-22. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10381285

•

Lipoprotein-lipid quantification by neural-network analysis of 1H NMR data from human blood plasma. Author(s): Hiltunen Y, Heiniemi E, Ala-Korpela M. Source: Journal of Magnetic Resonance. Series B. 1995 February; 106(2): 191-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7850187

•

Liquid chromatography detector based on single and twin electrode thin-layer electrochemistry: application to the determination of catecholamines in blood plasma. Author(s): Fenn RJ, Siggia S, Curran DJ. Source: Analytical Chemistry. 1978 July; 50(8): 1067-73. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=677463

•

Liquid membrane work-up of blood plasma samples applied to gas chromatographic determination of aliphatic amines. Author(s): Lindegard B, Jonsson JA, Mathiasson L. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1992 January 17; 573(2): 191-200. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1601951

•

Liquid-gel partitioning using Lipidex in the determination of polychlorinated biphenyls, naphthalenes, dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in blood plasma. Author(s): Weistrand C, Jakobsson E, Noren K. Source: Journal of Chromatography. B, Biomedical Applications. 1995 July 21; 669(2): 207-17. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7581897

•

Long-term variation study of blood plasma levels of chloroform and related purgeable compounds. Author(s): Pfaffenberger CD, Peoples AJ. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1982 April 30; 239: 217-26. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7096497

Studies

45

•

Low concentrations of acid-soluble thiol (cysteine) in the blood plasma of HIV-1infected patients. Author(s): Eck HP, Gmunder H, Hartmann M, Petzoldt D, Daniel V, Droge W. Source: Biol Chem Hoppe Seyler. 1989 February; 370(2): 101-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2784973

•

Magnetic resonance of water protons in fresh human blood plasma. Author(s): Ghosh BK. Source: Physiol Chem Phys Med Nmr. 1989; 21(4): 301-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2562232

•

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of blood plasma lipoproteins in malignant disease: methodological aspects and clinical relevance. Author(s): Engan T. Source: Anticancer Res. 1996 May-June; 16(3B): 1461-71. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8694514

•

Mannose, mannitol, fructose and 1,5-anhydroglucitol concentrations measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in blood plasma of diabetic patients. Author(s): Pitkanen E. Source: Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry. 1996 July 15; 251(1): 91-103. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8814353

•

Maternal and cord blood plasma. Comparative analyses by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Author(s): Bell JD, Brown JC, Sadler PJ, Garvie D, Macleod AF, Lowy C. Source: Nmr in Biomedicine. 1989 July; 2(2): 61-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2484279

•

Measurement of 4-hydroxynonenal in small volume blood plasma samples: modification of a gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method for clinical settings. Author(s): Spies-Martin D, Sommerburg O, Langhans CD, Leichsenring M. Source: Journal of Chromatography. B, Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences. 2002 July 15; 774(2): 231-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12076693

•

Measurement of antioxidants in human blood plasma. Author(s): Motchnik PA, Frei B, Ames BN. Source: Methods Enzymol. 1994; 234: 269-79. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7808294

46

Blood Plasma

•

Measurement of biomolecular diffusion coefficients in blood plasma using twodimensional 1H-1H diffusion-edited total-correlation NMR spectroscopy. Author(s): Liu M, Nicholson JK, Parkinson JA, Lindon JC. Source: Analytical Chemistry. 1997 April 15; 69(8): 1504-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9109350

•

Measurement of blood plasma amino acids in ultrafiltrates by high-performance liquid chromatography with automatic precolumn O-phthaldialdehyde derivatization. Author(s): Liu H. Source: Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.). 2000; 159: 123-40. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11050721

•

Measurement of free amino acid levels in ultrafiltrates of blood plasma by highperformance liquid chromatography with automatic pre-column derivatization. Author(s): Liu H, Worthen HG. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1992 September 2; 579(2): 215-24. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1429969

•

Measurement of lipid hydroperoxides in normal human blood plasma using HPLCchemiluminescence linked to a diode array detector for measuring conjugated dienes. Author(s): Holley AE, Slater TF. Source: Free Radic Res Commun. 1991; 15(1): 51-63. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1769613

•

Measurement of oxidizability of blood plasma. Author(s): Kontush A, Beisiegel U. Source: Methods Enzymol. 1999; 299: 35-49. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9916195

•

Mechanisms of lipid peroxidation in human blood plasma: a kinetic approach. Author(s): Karten B, Beisiegel U, Gercken G, Kontush A. Source: Chemistry and Physics of Lipids. 1997 August 29; 88(2): 83-96. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9314186

•

Metal-ion speciation in blood plasma incorporating the tetraphosphonate, N,Ndimethylenephosphonate-1-hydroxy-4-aminopropilydenediphosphonate (APDDMP), in therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. Author(s): Zeevaart JR, Jarvis NV, Louw WK, Jackson GE. Source: Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry. 2001 January 1; 83(1): 57-65. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11192700

Studies

47

•

Micro-methods for serial determinations of elastin metabolism parameters in blood plasma and serum. Author(s): Bizbiz L, Robert L. Source: Pathologie-Biologie. 1996 October; 44(8): 694-700. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8977927

•

Molecular and functional aspects of alterations in the kallikrein-kinin system activity in human blood plasma at different stages of peritonitis and chronic renal failure. Author(s): Yarovaya G, Shutov E, Jebelenko G, Dotsenko V, Neshkova E. Source: Immunopharmacology. 1996 May; 32(1-3): 135-40. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8796291

•

Monitoring cytomegalovirus infection in adult and pediatric bone marrow transplant recipients by a real-time PCR assay performed with blood plasma. Author(s): Leruez-Ville M, Ouachee M, Delarue R, Sauget AS, Blanche S, Buzyn A, Rouzioux C. Source: Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 2003 May; 41(5): 2040-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12734246

•

Monitoring of phenytoin in human breast milk, maternal plasma and cord blood plasma by solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography. Author(s): Shimoyama R, Ohkubo T, Sugawara K, Ogasawara T, Ozaki T, Kagiya A, Saito Y. Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 1998 August; 17(4-5): 863-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9682171

•

Monitoring of polychlorinated biphenyls in human blood plasma: methodological developments and influence of age, lactation, and fish consumption. Author(s): Grimvall E, Rylander L, Nilsson-Ehle P, Nilsson U, Stromberg U, Hagmar L, Ostman C. Source: Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 1997 April; 32(3): 329-36. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9096084

•

Multiple fatty acid binding to albumin in human blood plasma. Author(s): Brodersen R, Andersen S, Vorum H, Nielsen SU, Pedersen AO. Source: European Journal of Biochemistry / Febs. 1990 April 30; 189(2): 343-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2338079

48

Blood Plasma

•

Multivariate calibration for assays in clinical chemistry using attenuated total reflection infrared spectra of human blood plasma. Author(s): Janatsch G, Kruse-Jarres JD, Marbach R, Heise HM. Source: Analytical Chemistry. 1989 September 15; 61(18): 2016-23. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2802156

•

Native fluorescence spectroscopy of blood plasma in the characterization of oral malignancy. Author(s): Madhuri S, Vengadesan N, Aruna P, Koteeswaran D, Venkatesan P, Ganesan S. Source: Photochemistry and Photobiology. 2003 August; 78(2): 197-204. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12945589

•

N-delta-acetylornithine and S-methylcysteine in blood plasma. Author(s): Armstrong MD. Source: Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. 1979 November 1; 587(4): 638-42. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=508804

•

Neonatal blood plasma is less susceptible to oxidation than adult plasma owing to its higher content of bilirubin and lower content of oxidizable Fatty acids. Author(s): Wiedemann M, Kontush A, Finckh B, Hellwege HH, Kohlschutter A. Source: Pediatric Research. 2003 May; 53(5): 843-9. Epub 2003 March 05. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12621113

•

Nephelometric study of the clotting of blood plasma (fibrinogen-fibrin phase) by patients with delirium tremens and chronic alcoholics. Author(s): Taralov S, Kukladgiev B. Source: Folia Med (Plovdiv). 1976; 18(2): 171-6. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=829106

•

New HPLC method for separation of blood plasma phospholipids. Author(s): Suchocka Z, Gronostajska D, Suchocki P, Pachecka J. Source: Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2003 August 8; 32(4-5): 85965. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12899972

•

New protein in human blood plasma, rich in proline, with lipid-binding properties. Author(s): Sata T, Havel RJ, Kotite L, Kane JP. Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 1976 April; 73(4): 1063-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1063389

Studies

49

•

NMR-invisible lactate in blood plasma. Author(s): Bell JD, Brown JC, Kubal G, Sadler PJ. Source: Febs Letters. 1988 August 1; 235(1-2): 81-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3402603

•

Nomograms for calculating the concentration of ionized calcium of human blood plasma from total calcium, total protein and/or albumin, and pH. Author(s): Siggaard-Andersen O, Thode J, Fogh-Andersen N. Source: Scand J Clin Lab Invest Suppl. 1983; 165: 57-64. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6578577

•

Noncatalytic subunits of human blood plasma coagulation factor XIII. Preparation and partial characterization of modified forms. Author(s): Seelig GF, Folk JE. Source: The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 1980 September 25; 255(18): 8881-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7410400

•

Nondenaturing electrophoresis. Fractionating of photosynthetic pigment--protein complexes and blood plasma proteins. Author(s): Golitsyn VM. Source: Biochemistry. Biokhimiia. 1999 January; 64(1): 33-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9986910

•

Noninvasive measurement of arterial blood plasma concentration of iodinated contrast agents from CT scans of human brain. Author(s): Lapin GD, Allen CV, Groothuis DR. Source: Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography. 1994 May-June; 18(3): 363-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8188900

•

Normal values of catecholamines in blood plasma determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with amperometric detection. Author(s): Pluto R, Burger P. Source: International Journal of Sports Medicine. 1988 August; 9 Suppl 2: S75-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3182166

•

Novel affinity separations based on perfluorocarbon emulsions. Development of a perfluorocarbon emulsion reactor for continuous affinity separations and its application in the purification of human serum albumin from blood plasma. Author(s): McCreath GE, Chase HA, Purvis DR, Lowe CR. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1993 January 22; 629(2): 201-13. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8429082

50

Blood Plasma

•

Novel affinity separations based on perfluorocarbon emulsions. Use of a perfluorocarbon affinity emulsion for the purification of human serum albumin from blood plasma in a fluidised bed. Author(s): McCreath GE, Chase HA, Purvis DR, Lowe CR. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1992 April 24; 597(1-2): 189-96. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1517315

•

Nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism spectroscopic studies of copper complexation in blood plasma. Author(s): Bligh SW, Drake AF, Sadler PJ. Source: Biochemical Society Transactions. 1990 October; 18(5): 999-1000. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2083797

•

Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of blood plasma and urine from subjects with chronic renal failure: identification of trimethylamine-N-oxide. Author(s): Bell JD, Lee JA, Lee HA, Sadler PJ, Wilkie DR, Woodham RH. Source: Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. 1991 February 22; 1096(2): 101-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2001424

•

Observation of albumin resonances in proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of human blood plasma: N-terminal assignments aided by use of modified recombinant albumin. Author(s): Harris R, Patel SU, Sadler PJ, Viles JH. Source: The Analyst. 1996 July; 121(7): 913-22. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8757924

•

On the distribution of drugs in saliva and blood plasma. Author(s): Feller K, le Petit G. Source: Int J Clin Pharmacol Biopharm. 1977 October; 15(10): 468-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=21854

•

On the possibility of differential diagnosis at elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate by analysis of the concentrations of blood plasma proteins--a model study. Author(s): Ruhenstroth-Bauer G, Schedler K, Scherer R, Vesterberg O. Source: J Clin Chem Clin Biochem. 1990 November; 28(11): 845-50. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2077097

•

One-electron oxidation pathway of peroxynitrite decomposition in human blood plasma: evidence for the formation of protein tryptophan-centred radicals. Author(s): Pietraforte D, Minetti M. Source: The Biochemical Journal. 1997 February 1; 321 ( Pt 3): 743-50. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9032462

Studies

51

•

One-electron oxidation pathway of thiols by peroxynitrite in biological fluids: bicarbonate and ascorbate promote the formation of albumin disulphide dimers in human blood plasma. Author(s): Scorza G, Minetti M. Source: The Biochemical Journal. 1998 January 15; 329 ( Pt 2): 405-13. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9425126

•

On-line microporous membrane liquid-liquid extraction for sample pretreatment combined with capillary gas chromatography applied to local anaesthetics in blood plasma. Author(s): Shen Y, Jonsson JA, Mathiasson L. Source: Analytical Chemistry. 1998 March 1; 70(5): 946-53. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9511470

•

On-line supported liquid membrane-liquid chromatography with a phenol oxidasebased biosensor as a selective detection unit for the determination of phenols in blood plasma. Author(s): Norberg J, Emneus JA, Jonsson JA, Mathiasson L, Burestedt E, Knutsson M, Marko-Varga G. Source: J Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl. 1997 November 7; 701(1): 39-46. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9389336

•

Optical biosensors for real-time measurement of analytes in blood plasma. Author(s): Brynda E, Houska M, Brandenburg A, Wikerstal A. Source: Biosensors & Bioelectronics. 2002 August; 17(8): 665-75. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12052352

•

Optimisation of the analytical conditions for the determination of aluminium in human blood plasma or serum by graphite furnace atomic-absorption spectrometry. Part I. Examination of the various analytical conditions. Author(s): Gardiner PE, Stoeppler M, Nurnberg HW. Source: The Analyst. 1985 June; 110(6): 611-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4037350

•

Organochlorine compounds in human blood plasma and milk. Author(s): Polishuk ZW, Ron M, Wassermann M, Cucos S, Wassermann D, Lemesch C. Source: Pestic Monit J. 1977 March; 10(4): 121-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=857240

52

Blood Plasma

•

Organochlorine levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood plasma in Arctic Canada. Author(s): Butler Walker J, Seddon L, McMullen E, Houseman J, Tofflemire K, Corriveau A, Weber JP, Mills C, Smith S, Van Oostdam J. Source: The Science of the Total Environment. 2003 January 20; 302(1-3): 27-52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12526896

•

Origin of trans fatty acids and their analysis in food, tissue and blood plasma. Author(s): Pfalzgraf A, Steinhart H. Source: European Journal of Medical Research. 1995 November 17; 1(2): 86-8. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9420185

•

Ozone effects on alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor in vivo: blood plasma inhibitory activity is unchanged. Author(s): Johnson DA, Winters RS, Woolley T, Graham D, Henderson FW. Source: Experimental Lung Research. 1986; 11(2): 95-103. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3489611

•

Photochemiluminescent detection of antiradical activity. V. Application in combination with the hydrogen peroxide-initiated chemiluminescence of blood plasma proteins to evaluate antioxidant homeostasis in humans. Author(s): Popov I, Volker H, Lewin G. Source: Redox Report : Communications in Free Radical Research. 2001; 6(1): 43-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11333115

•

Photooxidations initiated or sensitized by biological molecules: singlet oxygen versus radical peroxidation in micelles and human blood plasma. Author(s): Barclay LR, Basque MC, Stephenson VC, Vinqvist MR. Source: Photochemistry and Photobiology. 2003 September; 78(3): 248-55. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14556311

•

Plasma kininogen concentration: the low level in cord blood plasma and age dependence in adults. Author(s): Kleniewski J, Czokalo M. Source: European Journal of Haematology. 1991 May; 46(5): 257-62. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2044720

•

Polychlorinated biphenyls in blood plasma among Swedish female fish consumers in relation to time to pregnancy. Author(s): Axmon A, Rylander L, Stromberg U, Dyremark E, Hagmar L. Source: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A. 2001 November 23; 64(6): 485-98. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11732699

Studies

53

•

Polychlorinated biphenyls in the blood plasma: current exposure of the population in Germany. Author(s): Heudorf U, Angerer J, Drexler H. Source: Rev Environ Health. 2002 April-June; 17(2): 123-34. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12222738

•

Properties of an apolipoprotein E-enriched fraction of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins isolated from human blood plasma with a monoclonal antibody to apolipoprotein B100. Author(s): Campos E, Nakajima K, Tanaka A, Havel RJ. Source: Journal of Lipid Research. 1992 March; 33(3): 369-80. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1569386

•

Properties of triglyceride-rich and cholesterol-rich lipoproteins in the remnant-like particle fraction of human blood plasma. Author(s): Campos E, Kotite L, Blanche P, Mitsugi Y, Frost PH, Masharani U, Krauss RM, Havel RJ. Source: Journal of Lipid Research. 2002 March; 43(3): 365-74. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11893772

•

Protein C separation from human blood plasma derivatives using low cost chromatography. Author(s): Wu H, Bruley DF. Source: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2003; 530: 143-51. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14562712

•

Proteomic comparison of human and great ape blood plasma reveals conserved glycosylation and differences in thyroid hormone metabolism. Author(s): Gagneux P, Amess B, Diaz S, Moore S, Patel T, Dillmann W, Parekh R, Varki A. Source: American Journal of Physical Anthropology. 2001 June; 115(2): 99-109. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11385598

•

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance lineshape studies on human blood plasma lipids from newborn infants, healthy adults, and adults with tumors. Author(s): Hiltunen Y, Ala-Korpela M, Jokisaari J, Eskelinen S, Kiviniitty K. Source: Magnetic Resonance in Medicine : Official Journal of the Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine / Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. 1992 July; 26(1): 89-99. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1625571

54

Blood Plasma

•

Quantification of desferrioxamine in blood plasma by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Author(s): Bourdon S, Houze P, Bourdon R. Source: Clinical Chemistry. 1987 January; 33(1): 132-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3802460

•

Quantification of free and bound pantothenic acid in foods and blood plasma by a stable isotope dilution assay. Author(s): Rychlik M. Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2000 April; 48(4): 1175-81. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10775368

•

Quantitation of circulating peripheral blood plasma cells and their relationship to disease activity in patients with multiple myeloma. Author(s): Witzig TE, Dhodapkar MV, Kyle RA, Greipp PR. Source: Cancer. 1993 July 1; 72(1): 108-13. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8508395

•

Quantitation of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides in human blood plasma using a nanoparticle-based method for solid-phase extraction. Author(s): Maier M, Fritz H, Gerster M, Schewitz J, Bayer E. Source: Analytical Chemistry. 1998 June 1; 70(11): 2197-204. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9624894

•

Quantitative 1H NMR spectroscopy of blood plasma metabolites. Author(s): de Graaf RA, Behar KL. Source: Analytical Chemistry. 2003 May 1; 75(9): 2100-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12720347

•

Quantitative determination of glucose in blood plasma and in fruit juices by combined WATR-CPMG 1H NMR spectroscopy. Author(s): Fan S, Choy WY, Lam SL, Au-Yeung SC, Tsang L, Cockram CS. Source: Analytical Chemistry. 1992 November 1; 64(21): 2570-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1443625

•

Quantitative determination of zetidoline, a new antipsychotic agent, in human blood plasma and saliva using capillary gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry. Author(s): Landi M, Dubini E, Zerilli LF. Source: Boll Chim Farm. 1992 September; 131(8): 304-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1362884

Studies

55

•

Quantitative gas chromatographic mass spectrometric determination of mandelic acid in blood plasma. Comparison of deuterated and homologous internal standards. Author(s): Luthe H, Ludwig-Kohn H, Langenbeck U. Source: Biomed Mass Spectrom. 1983 March; 10(3): 183-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6850070

•

Quantitative gas-liquid chromatographic analysis of disaturated lecithins in blood plasma. Author(s): Gershfeld NL. Source: Analytical Biochemistry. 1981 September 1; 116(1): 75-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7304987

•

Quantitative measurement of the total, peroxyl radical-trapping antioxidant capability of human blood plasma by controlled peroxidation. The important contribution made by plasma proteins. Author(s): Wayner DD, Burton GW, Ingold KU, Locke S. Source: Febs Letters. 1985 July 22; 187(1): 33-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4018255

•

Rapid and sensitive gas-chromatographic determination of caffeine in blood plasma, saliva, and xanthine beverages. Author(s): Teeuwen HW, Elbers EL, van Rossum JM. Source: Molecular Biology Reports. 1991 February; 15(1): 1-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1875916

•

Rapid HPLC method for measurement of vitamin D3 and 25(OH)D3 in blood plasma. Author(s): Olkowski AA, Aranda-Osorio G, McKinnon J. Source: Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2003 February; 73(1): 15-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12690906

•

Real-time blood plasma polymerase chain reaction for management of disseminated adenovirus infection. Author(s): Leruez-Ville M, Minard V, Lacaille F, Buzyn A, Abachin E, Blanche S, Freymuth F, Rouzioux C. Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 2004 January 1; 38(1): 45-52. Epub 2003 December 05. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14679447

•

Reduction of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide by apolipoprotein A-I: purification of the hydroperoxide-reducing proteins from human blood plasma. Author(s): Mashima R, Yamamoto Y, Yoshimura S. Source: Journal of Lipid Research. 1998 June; 39(6): 1133-40. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9643344

56

Blood Plasma

•

Relation between blood plasma viscosity and presence of vascular and neurological complications in diabetic Africans. Author(s): Memeh CU. Source: Hormone and Metabolic Research. Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung. Hormones Et Metabolisme. 1991 June; 23(6): 278-80. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1916639

•

Relationship between maternal and cord blood plasma iron concentrations. Author(s): Hokama T. Source: Journal of Tropical Pediatrics. 1999 April; 45(2): 120. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10341512

•

Relative increase in leukemia-specific DNA in peripheral blood plasma from patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplasia. Author(s): Rogers A, Joe Y, Manshouri T, Dey A, Jilani I, Giles F, Estey E, Freireich E, Keating M, Kantarjian H, Albitar M. Source: Blood. 2004 April 1; 103(7): 2799-801. Epub 2003 October 23. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=14576069

•

Residual HIV-1 RNA in blood plasma of patients taking suppressive highly active antiretroviral therapy. Author(s): Pomerantz RJ. Source: Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie. 2001 February; 55(1): 7-15. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11237287

•

Residual HIV-1 RNA in blood plasma of patients taking suppressive highly active antiretroviral therapy. Author(s): Dornadula G, Zhang H, VanUitert B, Stern J, Livornese L Jr, Ingerman MJ, Witek J, Kedanis RJ, Natkin J, DeSimone J, Pomerantz RJ. Source: Jama : the Journal of the American Medical Association. 1999 November 3; 282(17): 1627-32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10553788

•

Safety tests of the intravenous tolerance of immunoglobulins. Multicenter study of the section 'Blood Plasma Constituents' of the German Association of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology (DGTI). Author(s): Kotitschke R, Harbauer G. Source: Infusionstherapie Und Transfusionsmedizin. 1992 February; 19(1): 23-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1600393

Studies

57

•

Screening for and validated quantification of amphetamines and of amphetamineand piperazine-derived designer drugs in human blood plasma by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Author(s): Peters FT, Schaefer S, Staack RF, Kraemer T, Maurer HH. Source: Journal of Mass Spectrometry : Jms. 2003 June; 38(6): 659-76. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12827635

•

Selective extraction of blood plasma exchangeable copper for isotope studies of dietary copper absorption. Author(s): Beattie JH, Reid MD, Harvey LJ, Dainty JR, Majsak-Newman G, FairweatherTait SJ. Source: The Analyst. 2001 December; 126(12): 2225-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11814206

•

Separation of o-phthalaldehyde-mercaptoethanol derivatives of amino acids from blood plasma on reversed-phase Nova-Pak C18 cartridges. Author(s): Schmidt J, McClain CJ. Source: Journal of Chromatography. 1991 July 17; 568(1): 207-11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1770097

•

Simple and rapid quantification of the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors nevirapine, delavirdine, and efavirenz in human blood plasma using highperformance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet absorbance detection. Author(s): Rezk NL, Tidwell RR, Kashuba AD. Source: Journal of Chromatography. B, Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences. 2002 July 5; 774(1): 79-88. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12052725

•

Simultaneous determination of coenzyme Q10, cholesterol, and major cholesterylesters in human blood plasma. Author(s): Gay CA, Stocker R. Source: Methods Enzymol. 2004; 378: 162-9. Review. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=15038967

•

Simultaneous determination of methionine sulfoxide and methionine in blood plasma using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Author(s): Mashima R, Nakanishi-Ueda T, Yamamoto Y. Source: Analytical Biochemistry. 2003 February 1; 313(1): 28-33. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12576054

58

Blood Plasma

•

Solubility of inert gases in PFC blood substitute, blood plasma, and mixtures. Author(s): Pollack GL, Kennan RP, Holm GT. Source: Biomater Artif Cells Immobilization Biotechnol. 1992; 20(2-4): 1101-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1327241

•

Sources and properties of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins containing apoB-48 and apoB100 in postprandial blood plasma of patients with primary combined hyperlipidemia. Author(s): Kovar J, Havel RJ. Source: Journal of Lipid Research. 2002 July; 43(7): 1026-34. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12091486

•

Surface modification of haemoglobin-containing liposomes with polyethylene glycol prevents liposome aggregation in blood plasma. Author(s): Yoshioka H. Source: Biomaterials. 1991 November; 12(9): 861-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1764558

•

T cell depletion using anti-CD2 coated magnetic beads simplifies the detection of peripheral blood plasma cells. Author(s): Witzig TE, Gonchoroff NJ, Ahmann GA, Katzmann JA, Greipp PR. Source: Journal of Immunological Methods. 1991 November 22; 144(2): 253-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1683667

•

The biological significance of non-enzymatic reaction of menadione with plasma thiols: enhancement of menadione-induced cytotoxicity to platelets by the presence of blood plasma. Author(s): Chung SH, Chung SM, Lee JY, Kim SR, Park KS, Chung JH. Source: Febs Letters. 1999 April 23; 449(2-3): 235-40. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10338139

•

The determination of magnesium in human blood plasma by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy using a macrocyclic reporter ligand. Author(s): Huskens J, Main M, Malloy CR, Sherry AD. Source: Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. 1997 October 20; 1336(3): 434-44. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9367171

•

The effect of Plasmodium falciparum malaria on HIV-1 RNA blood plasma concentration. Author(s): Hoffman IF, Jere CS, Taylor TE, Munthali P, Dyer JR, Wirima JJ, Rogerson SJ, Kumwenda N, Eron JJ, Fiscus SA, Chakraborty H, Taha TE, Cohen MS, Molyneux ME. Source: Aids (London, England). 1999 March 11; 13(4): 487-94. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10197377

Studies

59

•

The effect of treatment of schistosomiasis on blood plasma HIV-1 RNA concentration in coinfected individuals. Author(s): Lawn SD, Karanja DM, Mwinzia P, Andove J, Colley DG, Folks TM, Secor WE. Source: Aids (London, England). 2000 November 10; 14(16): 2437-43. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11101053

•

The influence of occupational exposure to PAHs on the blood plasma levels of p53 and p21WAF1 proteins. Author(s): Rossner P Jr, Binkova B, Sram RJ. Source: Mutation Research. 2003 February 5; 535(1): 87-94. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12547286

•

Thrombopoietin levels in cord blood plasma and amniotic fluid in fetuses with alloimmune thrombocytopenia and healthy controls. Author(s): Sainio S, Javela K, Kekomaki R, Teramo K. Source: British Journal of Haematology. 2000 May; 109(2): 330-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10848820

•

Thyroxine, triiodothyronine and reverse-triiodothyronine concentrations in blood plasma in relation to lactational stage, milk yield, energy and dietary protein intake in Estonian dairy cows. Author(s): Tiirats T. Source: Acta Vet Scand. 1997; 38(4): 339-48. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9503676

•

Tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) in amniotic fluid and blood plasma: implications for the mechanism of amniotic fluid embolism. Author(s): Uszynski M, Zekanowska E, Uszynski W, Kuczynski J. Source: European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. 2001 April; 95(2): 163-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11301162

•

Tonsillar application of killed Streptococcus mutans induces specific antibodies in rabbit saliva and blood plasma without inducing a cross-reacting antibody to human cardiac muscle. Author(s): Fukuizumi T, Inoue H, Tsujisawa T, Uchiyama C. Source: Infection and Immunity. 1997 November; 65(11): 4558-63. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9353033

60

Blood Plasma

•

Ultrastructure of circulating immune complexes isolated from the blood plasma of patients suffering from infectious diseases. Author(s): Didenko LV, Andreevskaya SG, Konstantinova ND, Buchwalow IB. Source: Journal of Basic Microbiology. 1995; 35(3): 163-70. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7608863

•

Uric acid is a main electron donor to peroxidases in human blood plasma. Author(s): Padiglia A, Medda R, Longu S, Pedersen JZ, Floris G. Source: Medical Science Monitor : International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research. 2002 November; 8(11): Br454-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12444370

•

Vanadium in blood plasma or serum. Author(s): Cornelis R, Versieck J. Source: Lancet. 1981 November 21; 2(8256): 1179. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6118626

•

Variability of actual and potential fibrin-stabilizing factor (FSF) activity of blood plasma in healthy children. Author(s): Zuch A, Buluk K, Rudobielska M, Zwierzowa W. Source: Z Kinderheilkd. 1972; 112(2): 142-52. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=5023842

•

Visipaque is isotonic to human and rat blood plasma. Author(s): Karlsson JO, Gregersen M, Refsum H. Source: Acta Radiologica. Supplementum. 1995; 399: 39-42. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8610528

•

Vitamin B 12 -binding proteins in normal human blood plasma and serum. Author(s): Gullberg R. Source: Scand J Haematol. 1972; 9(6): 639-47. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4630134

•

Vitamin B12-binding proteins in blood plasma and synovial fluid in arthritis. Author(s): Gullberg R. Source: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. 1972; 1(3): 129-35. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4667930

•

Vitamin E concentrations in human blood plasma and platelets. Author(s): Vatassery GT, Krezowski AM, Eckfeldt JH. Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1983 June; 37(6): 1020-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6846234

Studies

61

•

Volatile complexes for the determination of calcium in blood plasma by isotope dilution mass spectrometry. Author(s): Kownatzki R, Peters F, Reil GH, Maass G. Source: Biomed Mass Spectrom. 1980 November; 7(11-12): 540-3. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7013847

•

von Willebrand factor antigen in blood plasma of patients with urinary bladder carcinoma. Author(s): Zietek Z, Iwan-Zietek I, Paczulski R, Kotschy M, Wolski Z. Source: Thrombosis Research. 1996 September 1; 83(5): 399-402. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8873348

63

CHAPTER 2. NUTRITION AND BLOOD PLASMA Overview In this chapter, we will show you how to find studies dedicated specifically to nutrition and blood plasma.

Finding Nutrition Studies on Blood Plasma The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) offers a searchable bibliographic database called the IBIDS (International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements; National Institutes of Health, Building 31, Room 1B29, 31 Center Drive, MSC 2086, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2086, Tel: 301-435-2920, Fax: 301-480-1845, E-mail: [email protected]). The IBIDS contains over 460,000 scientific citations and summaries about dietary supplements and nutrition as well as references to published international, scientific literature on dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and botanicals.7 The IBIDS includes references and citations to both human and animal research studies. As a service of the ODS, access to the IBIDS database is available free of charge at the following Web address: http://ods.od.nih.gov/databases/ibids.html. After entering the search area, you have three choices: (1) IBIDS Consumer Database, (2) Full IBIDS Database, or (3) Peer Reviewed Citations Only. Now that you have selected a database, click on the “Advanced” tab. An advanced search allows you to retrieve up to 100 fully explained references in a comprehensive format. Type “blood plasma” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click “Go.” To narrow the search, you can also select the “Title” field.

7

Adapted from http://ods.od.nih.gov. IBIDS is produced by the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the National Institutes of Health to assist the public, healthcare providers, educators, and researchers in locating credible, scientific information on dietary supplements. IBIDS was developed and will be maintained through an interagency partnership with the Food and Nutrition Information Center of the National Agricultural Library, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

64

Blood Plasma

The following information is typical of that found when using the “Full IBIDS Database” to search for “blood plasma” (or a synonym): •

Effects on health and blood plasma parameters of laying hens by pure nivalenol in the diet. Author(s): Department of Chemistry, Lithuanian Veterinary Academy, Kaunas, Lithuania. [email protected] Source: Garaleviciene, D Pettersson, H Elwinger, K J-Anim-Physiol-Anim-Nutr-(Berl). 2002 December; 86(11-12): 389-98 0931-2439

Federal Resources on Nutrition In addition to the IBIDS, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provide many sources of information on general nutrition and health. Recommended resources include: •

healthfinder®, HHS’s gateway to health information, including diet and nutrition: http://www.healthfinder.gov/scripts/SearchContext.asp?topic=238&page=0

•

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Web site dedicated to nutrition information: www.nutrition.gov

•

The Food and Drug Administration’s Web site for federal food safety information: www.foodsafety.gov

•

The National Action Plan on Overweight and Obesity sponsored by the United States Surgeon General: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/

•

The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has an Internet site sponsored by the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services: http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/

•

Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture: http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/

•

Food and Nutrition Information Center, National Agricultural Library sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/

•

Food and Nutrition Service sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/

Additional Web Resources A number of additional Web sites offer encyclopedic information covering food and nutrition. The following is a representative sample: •

AOL: http://search.aol.com/cat.adp?id=174&layer=&from=subcats

•

Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/med_nutrition.html

•

Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Nutrition/

•

Healthnotes: http://www.healthnotes.com/

•

Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Nutrition/

Nutrition

•

Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Nutrition/

•

WebMDHealth: http://my.webmd.com/nutrition

•

WholeHealthMD.com: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/reflib/0,1529,00.html

65

The following is a specific Web list relating to blood plasma; please note that any particular subject below may indicate either a therapeutic use, or a contraindication (potential danger), and does not reflect an official recommendation: •

Minerals Magnesium Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com

67

CHAPTER 3. ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND BLOOD PLASMA Overview In this chapter, we will begin by introducing you to official information sources on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) relating to blood plasma. At the conclusion of this chapter, we will provide additional sources.

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health (http://nccam.nih.gov/) has created a link to the National Library of Medicine’s databases to facilitate research for articles that specifically relate to blood plasma and complementary medicine. To search the database, go to the following Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nccam/camonpubmed.html. Select “CAM on PubMed.” Enter “blood plasma” (or synonyms) into the search box. Click “Go.” The following references provide information on particular aspects of complementary and alternative medicine that are related to blood plasma: •

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate prevents oxidative damage in both the aqueous and lipid compartments of human plasma. Author(s): Aldini G, Yeum KJ, Carini M, Krinsky NI, Russell RM. Source: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 2003 March 7; 302(2): 409-14. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12604363

•

(+)-Catechin prevents human plasma oxidation. Author(s): Lotito SB, Fraga CG. Source: Free Radical Biology & Medicine. 1998 February; 24(3): 435-41. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9438556

68

Blood Plasma

•

1H NMR studies of reactions of copper complexes with human blood plasma and urine. Author(s): Bligh SW, Boyle HA, McEwen AB, Sadler PJ, Woodham RH. Source: Biochemical Pharmacology. 1992 January 22; 43(2): 137-45. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1739401

•

A high resolution PIXE measurement for blood plasma ultrafiltrate. Application to loosely bound copper. Author(s): Kupila-Rantala T, Dabek JT, Hyvonen-Dabek M. Source: Biological Trace Element Research. 1996 October-November; 55(1-2): 173-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8971364

•

A method for determination of Ukrain in blood plasma for monitoring and pharmacokinetic study. Author(s): Doroshenko YM, Hodysh YY, Uglyanitsa KN, Nefyodov LI. Source: Drugs Exp Clin Res. 2000; 26(5-6): 163-70. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11345023

•

A sensitive ELISA for the quantitation of human C5a in blood plasma using a monoclonal antibody. Author(s): Schulze M, Gotze O. Source: Complement. 1986; 3(1): 25-39. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3743034

•

Accumulation and clearance of capsanthin in blood plasma after the ingestion of paprika juice in men. Author(s): Oshima S, Sakamoto H, Ishiguro Y, Terao J. Source: The Journal of Nutrition. 1997 August; 127(8): 1475-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9237940

•

Accumulation of quercetin conjugates in blood plasma after the short-term ingestion of onion by women. Author(s): Moon JH, Nakata R, Oshima S, Inakuma T, Terao J. Source: American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. 2000 August; 279(2): R461-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10938233

•

An inhibitor of cerebral uptake of noradrenaline in jaundiced blood plasma. Author(s): Bradbury MW, Bloom DS, McDowell M.

Alternative Medicine 69

Source: Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism : Official Journal of the International Society of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism. 1983 December; 3(4): 51620. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6630321 •

Antioxidative effect of dietary coenzyme Q10 in human blood plasma. Author(s): Weber C, Sejersgard Jakobsen T, Mortensen SA, Paulsen G, Holmer G. Source: Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 1994; 64(4): 311-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7883471

•

Behaviour of surface acoustic wave interdigitated array electrode sensor in nonaqueous solution and determination of blood plasma recalcification time. Author(s): Chen K, Liu D, Nie L, Yao S. Source: Biosensors & Bioelectronics. 1996; 11(5): 515-21. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8729241

•

Blood plasma and tissue concentrations of vitamin E in beef cattle as influenced by supplementation of various tocopherol compounds. Author(s): Hidiroglou N, Laflamme LF, McDowell LR. Source: Journal of Animal Science. 1988 December; 66(12): 3227-34. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3230082

•

Carotenoids in human blood plasma after ingesting paprika juice. Author(s): Etoh H, Utsunomiya Y, Komori A, Murakami Y, Oshima S, Inakuma T. Source: Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry. 2000 May; 64(5): 1096-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10879492

•

Comparative evaluation of blood plasma and tumor tissue amino acid pool in radiation or neoadjuvant preoperative therapies of breast cancer with the antitumor drug Ukrain. Author(s): Nefyodov LI, Uglyanitsa KN, Smirnov VY, Karavay AV, Brzosko W. Source: Drugs Exp Clin Res. 2000; 26(5-6): 231-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11345030

•

Complexation of copper(I) by thioamino acids. Implications for copper speciation in blood plasma. Author(s): Tran-Ho LC, May PM, Hefter GT. Source: Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry. 1997 November 15; 68(3): 225-31. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9352655

•

Computer simulation of metal ion equilibria in biofluids. IV. Plutonium speciation in human blood plasma and chelation therapy using polyaminopolycarboxylic acids. Author(s): Duffield JR, May PM, Williams DR.

70

Blood Plasma

Source: Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry. 1984 March; 20(3): 199-214. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6425458 •

Dietary flavonoids as antioxidants in vivo: conjugated metabolites of (-)-epicatechin and quercetin participate in antioxidative defense in blood plasma. Author(s): Terao J. Source: J Med Invest. 1999 August; 46(3-4): 159-68. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10687310

•

Dietary linoleic acid intake controls the arterial blood plasma concentration and the rates of growth and linoleic acid uptake and metabolism in hepatoma 7288CTC in Buffalo rats. Author(s): Sauer LA, Dauchy RT, Blask DE. Source: The Journal of Nutrition. 1997 July; 127(7): 1412-21. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9202100

•

Effect of Andrographis paniculata extract on progesterone in blood plasma of pregnant rats. Author(s): Panossian A, Kochikian A, Gabrielian E, Muradian R, Stepanian H, Arsenian F, Wagner H. Source: Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology. 1999 July; 6(3): 157-61. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=10439479

•

Effect of lipids in milk replacers on calf performance and lipids in blood plasma, liver, and perirenal fat. Author(s): Jenkins KJ, Kramer JK, Emmons DB. Source: Journal of Dairy Science. 1986 February; 69(2): 447-59. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3700792

•

Effect of temperature, duration of storage and sampling procedure on ammonia concentration in equine blood plasma. Author(s): Lindner A, Bauer S. Source: Eur J Clin Chem Clin Biochem. 1993 July; 31(7): 473-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8399789

•

Fatty acid analysis of blood plasma of patients with Alzheimer's disease, other types of dementia, and cognitive impairment. Author(s): Conquer JA, Tierney MC, Zecevic J, Bettger WJ, Fisher RH. Source: Lipids. 2000 December; 35(12): 1305-12. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11201991

Alternative Medicine 71

•

Influence of low linoleic and linolenic acids in milk replacer on calf performance and lipids in blood plasma, heart, and liver. Author(s): Jenkins KJ, Kramer JK. Source: Journal of Dairy Science. 1986 May; 69(5): 1374-86. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2873158

•

Interactions of human blood plasma with hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid. Author(s): van der Vliet A, Hu ML, O'Neill CA, Cross CE, Halliwell B. Source: The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine. 1994 November; 124(5): 701-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7964128

•

Is the thiobarbituric acid-reactivity of blood plasma specific to lipid peroxidation? Author(s): Kojima T, Kikugawa K, Kosugi H. Source: Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 1990 December; 38(12): 3414-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=2092940

•

Liquid chromatographic determination of the estrogens daidzein, formononetin, coumestrol, and equol in bovine blood plasma and urine. Author(s): Lundh TJ, Pettersson H, Kiessling KH. Source: J Assoc Off Anal Chem. 1988 September-October; 71(5): 938-41. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3235413

•

Pharmacokinetics of vinblastine in rat blood plasma and tumour tissue determined by a biological method using flow cytofluorimetry. Author(s): Kipp JB, Barendsen GW. Source: Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol. 1981 August; 17(8): 867-73. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=7198977

•

Protein carbonyl formation in blood plasma by cephalosporins. Author(s): Jung Y, Chay K, Song D, Yang S, Lee M, Ahn B. Source: Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. 1997 September 15; 345(2): 311-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9308904

•

Quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids as inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV-like activity baring enzymes in human blood plasma and glioma cell lines. Author(s): Sedo A, Malik R, Vicar J, Simanek V, Ulrichova J. Source: Physiological Research / Academia Scientiarum Bohemoslovaca. 2003; 52(3): 367-72. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12790770

•

Ratios of substrates and inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis in blood plasma of patients with heart ischemia. Author(s): Mevkh AT, Yuskovich AK, Duzhenko VS, Lee ED, Vertkin AL, Pishkina IA.

72

Blood Plasma

Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. 1996 October-November; 61(1-2): 199204. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=9100355 •

Relationship between development of diarrhea and the concentration of SN-38, an active metabolite of CPT-11, in the intestine and the blood plasma of athymic mice following intraperitoneal administration of CPT-11. Author(s): Araki E, Ishikawa M, Iigo M, Koide T, Itabashi M, Hoshi A. Source: Japanese Journal of Cancer Research : Gann. 1993 June; 84(6): 697-702. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8340259

•

Sensory effect of the sorption of some flavouring agents on blood plasma protein preparations. Author(s): Uchman W, Wierzbicki S, Smigielski P, Krysztofiak K, Woychik IH. Source: Die Nahrung. 1983; 27(5): 455-60. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=6888525

•

Spectrophotometric determination of total proteins in blood plasma with pbenzoquinone. Author(s): Zaia DA, Obara MM, Rockenbach SR, Barreto WJ, Gaziri LC, Zaia CT, Lichtig J. Source: Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research = Revista Brasileira De Pesquisas Medicas E Biologicas / Sociedade Brasileira De Biofisica. [et Al.]. 1992; 25(6): 549-55. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=1342231

•

The correlation between the gossypol contents in blood plasma, rete testis fluid, and cauda epididymal fluid following chronic treatment with gossypol in rats. Author(s): Wang JM, Qiu JP, Wu XL, Zhang ZR, Shao Y, Cao RQ. Source: Journal of Andrology. 1988 November-December; 9(6): 397-402. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=3215825

•

The dynamics of concentration of the main fluorescent component of Ukrain in the tissues and blood plasma of rats with W-256 tumor after a single intravenous injection. Author(s): Doroshenko YM, Karavay AV, Hodysh YY, Uglyanitsa KN, Nowicky WM, Nefyodov LI. Source: Drugs Exp Clin Res. 2000; 26(5-6): 171-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=11345024

•

The effect of beta carotene supplementation on the beta carotene and vitamin A levels of blood plasma and some fertility indices of dairy cows. Author(s): Iwanska S, Lewicki C, Rybicka M.

Alternative Medicine 73

Source: Archiv Fur Tierernahrung. 1985 August; 35(8): 563-70. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=4074121 •

The penetration of chromium-EDTA from blood plasma into various compartments of rat testes as an indicator of function of the blood-testis barrier after exposure of the testes to heat. Author(s): Setchell BP, Tao L, Zupp JL. Source: Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. 1996 January; 106(1): 125-33. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=8667337

•

Trans18:1 and 18:2 isomers in blood plasma and milk fat of grazing cows fed a grain supplement containing solvent-extracted or mechanically extracted soybean meal. Author(s): Loor JJ, Herbein JH, Polan CE. Source: Journal of Dairy Science. 2002 May; 85(5): 1197-207. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=A bstract&list_uids=12086056

Additional Web Resources A number of additional Web sites offer encyclopedic information covering CAM and related topics. The following is a representative sample: •

Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.: http://www.herbmed.org/

•

AOL: http://search.aol.com/cat.adp?id=169&layer=&from=subcats

•

Chinese Medicine: http://www.newcenturynutrition.com/

•

drkoop.com: http://www.drkoop.com/InteractiveMedicine/IndexC.html

•

Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/med_altn.htm

•

Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Alternative/

•

Healthnotes: http://www.healthnotes.com/

•

MedWebPlus: http://medwebplus.com/subject/Alternative_and_Complementary_Medicine

•

Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Alternative/

•

HealthGate: http://www.tnp.com/

•

WebMDHealth: http://my.webmd.com/drugs_and_herbs

•

WholeHealthMD.com: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/reflib/0,1529,00.html

•

Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Alternative_Medicine/

74

Blood Plasma

The following is a specific Web list relating to blood plasma; please note that any particular subject below may indicate either a therapeutic use, or a contraindication (potential danger), and does not reflect an official recommendation: •

General Overview Miscarriage Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Spontaneous Abortion Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com

•

Alternative Therapy Macrobiotics Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,714,00.html

•

Herbs and Supplements Coenzyme Q10 Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Cysteine Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Phytolacca Alternative names: Poke root, Endod; Phytolacca dodecandra L. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org

General References A good place to find general background information on CAM is the National Library of Medicine. It has prepared within the MEDLINEplus system an information topic page dedicated to complementary and alternative medicine. To access this page, go to the MEDLINEplus site at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alternativemedicine.html. This Web site provides a general overview of various topics and can lead to a number of general sources.

75

CHAPTER 4. PATENTS ON BLOOD PLASMA Overview Patents can be physical innovations (e.g. chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment) or processes (e.g. treatments or diagnostic procedures). The United States Patent and Trademark Office defines a patent as a grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the Patent and Trademark Office.8 Patents, therefore, are intellectual property. For the United States, the term of a new patent is 20 years from the date when the patent application was filed. If the inventor wishes to receive economic benefits, it is likely that the invention will become commercially available within 20 years of the initial filing. It is important to understand, therefore, that an inventor’s patent does not indicate that a product or service is or will be commercially available. The patent implies only that the inventor has “the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling” the invention in the United States. While this relates to U.S. patents, similar rules govern foreign patents. In this chapter, we show you how to locate information on patents and their inventors. If you find a patent that is particularly interesting to you, contact the inventor or the assignee for further information. IMPORTANT NOTE: When following the search strategy described below, you may discover non-medical patents that use the generic term “blood plasma” (or a synonym) in their titles. To accurately reflect the results that you might find while conducting research on blood plasma, we have not necessarily excluded non-medical patents in this bibliography.

Patents on Blood Plasma By performing a patent search focusing on blood plasma, you can obtain information such as the title of the invention, the names of the inventor(s), the assignee(s) or the company that owns or controls the patent, a short abstract that summarizes the patent, and a few excerpts from the description of the patent. The abstract of a patent tends to be more technical in nature, while the description is often written for the public. Full patent descriptions contain much more information than is presented here (e.g. claims, references, figures, diagrams, etc.). We will tell you how to obtain this information later in the chapter. The following is an 8Adapted

from the United States Patent and Trademark Office: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/whatis.htm.

76

Blood Plasma

example of the type of information that you can expect to obtain from a patent search on blood plasma: •

Alpha-keratose as a blood plasma expander and use thereof Inventor(s): Widra; Abe (3321 Glenwood Cir., Holiday, FL 34691) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 6,746,836 Date filed: April 23, 2001 Abstract: A plasma expander and blood substitute comprising a therapeutic amount if a solution of alpha-keratose, a soluble fraction of keratin, as an oncotic agent with nutrient growth properties suitable as a transport vehicle for the natural or synthetically formed elements of blood. The solution of alpha-keratose is non-antigenic, does not require blood typing, is free of disease producing viruses and may be stored indefinitely at ambient temperatures in the lyophilized state. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a novel use for a protein derived from keratin. In particular, it proposes the use of alpha-keratose as a blood plasma expander, for the preservation and transportation of organs and for the formed elements of blood. Heretofore, an intense research effort has been made and many materials have been developed that lend themselves for possible use as a blood plasma expander. A blood plasma expander is generally used for fluid replacement in the treatment of extensively burned individuals to remove burn toxins and/or prevent burn shock. Fluid replacement therapy may also be required by individuals with open wounds and extensive external and/or internal bleeding, immunologic defects, clotting problems, or severe diarrhea. Blood plasma expanders have been made from materials consisting of crystalloid solutions or colloidal-like polymeric solutions. The crystalloid materials include saline, compositions of saline and glucose, Hartmann's solution, and Ringer's solution. The colloidal-like polymeric materials include pectin, gelatin, albumin, hydroxyethyl starch, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, dextran and cellulose derivatives. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06746836__

•

Analyzer system having sample rack transfer line Inventor(s): Mimura; Tomonori (Tomobe-machi, JP), Mitsumaki; Hiroshi (Mito, JP), Ohishi; Tadashi (Ibaraki-machi, JP), Sakazume; Taku (Hitachinaka, JP) Assignee(s): Hitachi, Ltd. (Tokyo, JP) Patent Number: 6,733,728 Date filed: December 24, 1998 Abstract: A plurality of analyzer units for serum, a plurality of analyzer units for blood plasma and a plurality of analyzer units are arranged along a main transfer line for transferring a sample rack from a rack delivery portion to a rack returning portion. A reagent bottle for inspecting liver function is contained in each of reagent delivery mechanisms of two analyzer units among the plurality of analyzer units for serum. When reagent for inspecting liver function in one of the two analyzer units is to be short, analysis for liver function analysis item to samples can be continued by transferring a sample rack from the rack delivery portion to the other analyzer unit.

Patents 77

Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to an analyzer system, and particularly to an analyzer system suitable for transferring a sample rack to a plurality of analyzer units though a transfer line, and analyzing and processing designated analysis items for a plurality of samples. A multiple-sample analyzer system is known, in which a sample rack containing body fluid samples such as blood and urine is transferred to a plurality of analyzer units through a transfer line in order to inspect and analyze the body fluid samples. As for the prior art, an automated analyzer system is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.62-271164. In the automated analyzer system, two or three kinds of analyzer units are arranged along a circulating transfer line composed of a belt conveyer. A transferred sample rack is identified with a bar code reader, and stopped in front of a designated analyzer unit to pipette a sample fluid into the analyzer unit. After that, the sample rack is transferred to the next analyzer unit to pipette the sample into the next analyzer unit, and finally the sample rack is returned to a stock yard. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06733728__ •

Apparatus and method for selective reduction of segmental intracellular and extracellular edema Inventor(s): Gorsuch; Reynolds G. (Yountville, CA), Venkat; Kris (Somerset, NJ) Assignee(s): Transvivo, Inc. (Napa, CA) Patent Number: 6,632,192 Date filed: March 5, 2001 Abstract: Segmental edema is treated by inserting a plasma extraction filter device in a major vein of a body segment or servicing the body segment containing the edemic tissues, and inserting a return catheter in a major artery of the body segment affected or feeding the body segment from which plasma is extracted. Blood plasma and plasma proteins extracted from the edemic body segment through the plasma extraction filter fluids are directed to an ultrafiltration apparatus where plasma water is separated from the plasma proteins. Plasma proteins are returned to the body segment from which the plasma was extracted via the return catheter in the major artery of the subject body segment. Excerpt(s): Edema, by definition, is the presence of excess fluid in body tissue. An adult male weighing 70 kilograms is composed of about 50% fluid, nominally water, amounting to about 40 liters, approximately 25 liters of which is intracellular and about 15 liters extracellular. Edema occurs in both extracellular fluid compartments as well as intracellular fluid spaces. Although there are many causes of edema, the two most prevalent are heart failure and kidney disease nephrosis in which generalized systemic edema causes pulmonary failure with acute respiratory distress syndrome, and simultaneous pre-renal acute kidney failure. Fluid management systems for addressing such specific systemic conditions have been developed utilizing techniques and apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,950,224, 5,151,082, 5,152,743, 5,224,926, 5,242,382, 5,735,809, 5,968,004, 5,980,478 and 5,980,481. The disclosures of the aforesaid patents are incorporated herein by reference. A number of edemic conditions, although not systemic, occur in segmented sections of the body. For example, "Elephantitus" occurs when the lymph nodes in the lower extremities are blocked by infection, especially filarial nematodes resulting in localized edema. Blockage of lymph nodes by cancer, e.g., breast cancer, causes localized edema. Vascular bi-pass procedures can also induce severe localized edema. For treating such localized edema, it is far more preferable and

78

Blood Plasma

proficient to treat the segment of the body affected rather than attempting to reduce systemic edema of the entire body which could result in negative side effects. However, current therapeutic methods for treating segmental edema involve complex physical therapy utilizing a modality of repeated massage techniques designed to enlist parallel lymphatic paths to relieve blocked lymph circulation. Such techniques are somewhat empirical in nature and have great variation in efficacy. These therapies also are used with special compression garments and/or bandages which must be continuously adjusted over time to fit changing needs of the patient. Oral and topical drugs such as Benzo-pyrones are often combined with the aforesaid therapeutic methods, resulting in long-term treatment, often six months to years before significant results are achieved. The present invention is directed to means for the selective reduction of localized edemas in substantially reduced time for palliative results. The method of treating segmental edema according to the present invention comprises inserting a plasma extraction filter device in a major vein of a body segment or servicing the body segment containing the edemic tissues, and inserting a return catheter in a major artery of the body segment affected or feeding the body segment from which plasma is extracted. Blood plasma and plasma proteins extracted from the edemic body segment through the plasma extraction filter are directed to an ultrafiltration apparatus where plasma water is separated from the plasma proteins. Plasma proteins are returned to the body segment from which the plasma was extracted via the return catheter in the major artery of the subject body segment. Additional steps and techniques as well as the apparatus used for carrying out the method of the invention will be disclosed in further detail hereinafter. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06632192__ •

Apparatus for access to interstitial fluid, blood, or blood plasma components Inventor(s): Gowda; Ashok (100 Redmond Dr., College Station, TX 77840), McNichols; Roger (3715 Sweetbriar, Bryan, TX 77802) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 6,459,917 Date filed: May 22, 2000 Abstract: A transcutaneous implant having a stable biological seal at the skin interface, obviating the need for puncturing the skin to obtain fluid samples is described. The implant includes an advanced filtration membrane to promote neovascularization which eliminates mass transfer problems by promoting the development of capillary networks with transcapillary mass transfer rates high enough to insure rapid exchange of analyte between blood and the device. Additionally the membrane provides a bioprotective layer which prevents transport of proteins and cellular components into the device. Excerpt(s): The invention is directed to an apparatus for intradermal implantation of a device to facilitate repeated, painless, safe, and reliable access to interstitial fluid, blood, or blood plasma for monitoring of blood borne or tissue analyte concentrations including but not limited to glucose, cholesterol, lactate, bilirubin, blood gases, ureas, creatinine, phosphates, myoglobin and hormones or delivery of drugs or other injectable agents such as chemotherapeutic agents, photosensitizing agents, hormones, vaccines, or radiological or other contrast agents. There is now a large body of evidence that intensive management of blood sugars is an effective means to slow or even prevent the progression of diabetic complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, gangrene,

Patents 79

and blindness. The design and development of a simple apparatus for obtaining interstitial fluid, blood or blood plasma samples without breaking the skin would be a large advancement in trying to improve diabetic patient compliance for monitoring blood glucose levels. Maintaining blood glucose concentrations near normal levels in diabetic patients can only be achieved with frequent blood glucose monitoring so that appropriate actions can be taken, such as insulin injections, or sugar ingestion. Unfortunately the current methods of sensing are based on colorimetric or electroenzymatic approaches that require a blood or interstitial fluid sample each time a reading is needed. Withdrawal of a blood or interstitial fluid sample currently requires invasive methods of penetrating the skin surface. These methods are both timeconsuming and painful and therefore there is a significant lack of compliance among the diabetic population for monitoring their blood glucose levels for the recommended five or more times daily. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06459917__ •

Biosensors with porous chromatographic membranes Inventor(s): Cha; Geun Sig (Seoul, KR), Cui; Gang (Younkil-si, CN), Kim; Moon Hwan (Buchun-si, KR), Nam; Hakhyun (Seoul, KR), Oh; Hyun Joon (Seoul, KR), Woo; Byung Wook (Seoul, KR), Yoo; Jae Hyun (Seoul, KR) Assignee(s): i-Sens, Inc. (Seoul, KR) Patent Number: 6,726,818 Date filed: July 13, 2001 Abstract: Disclosed is a porous membrane built-in biosensor comprising (a) at least one substrate; (b) an electrode layer patterned on the substrate, consisting of an electrode system and a circuit connector; (c) an insulator, formed on parts of the electrode layer, for electrically separating the electrode system from a circuit connector; and (d) a porous membrane via the insulator on the electrode system, wherein, when a whole blood sample is introduced to the biosensor, the whole blood sample is separated into its components during the chromatographic motion through the porous membrane so that only blood plasma can be contacted with the electrode system. The porous membrane built-in biosensor is provided with a sample inlet, which allows samples to be introduced in a constant quantity to the biosensors porous membranes without pretreatment. Excerpt(s): (e) a protective membrane for protecting the porous membrane, formed on the porous membrane, or upper substrate containing a sample inlet for protecting the porous membrane as well as being introducible samples wherein, when a whole blood sample is introduced to the biosensor, the whole blood sample is separated into its components during the chromatographic motion through the porous membrane so that only blood plasma can be contacted with the electrode system. Periodical monitoring of blood glucose levels is needed for the diagnosis and prophylaxis of diabetes mellitus. Adopting colorimetry or electrochemistry as their operation principle, strip type analyzers are conventionally used to determine glucose levels in blood. In the presence of oxygen, as illustrated in the above formulas, glucose is oxidized with the aid of glucose oxidase to produce gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. From the hydrogen peroxide, oxygen molecules are transferred to an oxygen receptor (chromophore) by the catalysis of peroxidase. As a result of the oxidation, the chromophore changes color, and its color intensity is the basis of the quantitative analysis of blood glucose levels.

80

Blood Plasma

Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06726818__ •

Device and method for separating blood into blood components Inventor(s): Mari; Giorgio (Mirandola, IT), Verri; Paolo (Concordia, IT) Assignee(s): Fresenius AG (Bad Homburg, DE) Patent Number: 6,488,860 Date filed: March 24, 1998 Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for separating whole blood into blood components. The device has a collecting container for collecting whole blood, a primary container, and one or a plurality of satellite containers downstream from the primary container. The collecting container is connected to the primary container via a branch line containing a leucocyte filter. In addition, a bypass line is provided between the collecting container and the primary container for creating a fluid connection that circumvents the leucocyte filter. The primary container is also connected, via an additive line, to an additive container containing an additive agent for storing a blood component. The method involves collecting the donor's whole blood in the collecting container and conveying it, via the bypass line, into the primary container. The whole blood located in the primary container is then separated by centrifuigation into an erythrocyte layer and a mixed layer of blood plasma and thrombocytes. The mixed layer of blood plasma and thrombocytes is then conveyed from the primary container into the first satellite container. Subsequently, the erythrocytes in the primary container are resuspended in the additive agent, then conveyed from the primary container through the leucocyte filter into the collecting chamber. Excerpt(s): The invention relates to a device and a method for separating blood into blood components. European Patent 0 349 188 B1 discloses a device for separating blood into blood components, said device having a blood-collecting pouch which is connected via a first hose line to a primary pouch, the primary pouch being connected, via a further hose line, to a satellite pouch. In the first hose line connecting the bloodcollecting pouch to the primary pouch, a filter is arranged for removing leucocytes. For extracting blood components that are free of leucocytes, a donor's whole blood is collected in the blood-collecting pouch and is conveyed to the primary pouch, via the hose line containing the filter. Subsequently, the hose line segment situated between the filter and the primary pouch is severed, the point of separation being sealed off. The primary pouch is then centrifuged, together with secondary pouch, to separate the blood contained in the primary pouch into two blood components. One of the two blood components is then conveyed, via the second hose line, into the satellite pouch. In this way, after filtration of the whole blood, leucocyte-free blood components are extracted. With the known method, a decided advantage can be seen in the fact that the pouch arrangement is centrifuged without the filter, therefore avoiding a mechanical stressing of the filter. From U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,657, a device is known for separating blood into blood components, said device having a primary pouch which is connected, via a first hose line, to a first satellite pouch and, via a second hose line, to a second satellite pouch, containing an additive solution. In the known device, the leucocyte filter is arranged in the second hose line, which connects the primary pouch to the second satellite pouch. For extracting a leucocyte-free erythrocyte concentrate, the donor's whole blood collected in the primary pouch is first centrifuged to separate the whole blood into a mixed layer of blood plasma and thrombocytes and an erythrocyte layer. The mixed layer of blood plasma and thrombocytes is then conveyed into the first satellite pouch.

Patents 81

Subsequently, the additive solution is conveyed from the second satellite pouch into the primary pouch. The erythrocytes resuspended in the additive solution are then conveyed from the primary pouch, via the second hose line containing the leucocyte filter, into the second satellite pouch. The known device is not designed for whole blood filtration. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06488860__ •

Efficient algorithm for PCR testing of blood samples Inventor(s): Conrad; Andrew J. (Malibu, CA), Heldebrant; Charles M. (Arcadia, CA), Peddada; Lorraine B. (Arcadia, CA), Schmid; Peter (Los Angeles, CA) Assignee(s): Alpha Therapeutic Corporation (Los Angeles, CA) Patent Number: 6,566,052 Date filed: April 14, 2000 Abstract: Systems, processes, and devices are provided which are useful for testing blood or plasma donations to detect those specific donations which are contaminated by a virus above a predetermined level. An apparatus and process is described which forms individual, separately sealed and connected sample containers from a flexible hollow tubing segment connected to a fluid donation container. The tubing segment is sealed at spaced-apart intervals along its length, with tubing segment portions in the intervals between the seals defining containers, each of which holds a portion of a plasma sample. The contents of the containers are formed into pools which are subsequently tested for virus contamination by a high-sensitivity test such as PCR. The pools are tested in accordance with an algorithm by which a sample from each donation is mapped to each element of an N-dimensional matrix or grid. Each element of the matrix is identified by a matrix identifier, X.sub.rcs, where rcs defines the dimensional index. An aliquot is taken from each sample, and subpools are formed, each subpool comprising aliquots of samples in which one dimensional index is fixed. All of the subpools are tested in one PCR test cycle. The dimensional indicia of each positive subpool is evaluated mathematically in accordance with a reduction by the method of minors, thereby unambiguously identifying a unique element in the grid, thereby unambiguously identifying a uniquely positive blood or plasma donation. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates generally to systems and processes for preparing and analyzing samples taken from plasma donations to uniquely identify donations which are virus contaminated. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus and process for forming individual, separately sealed, and connected containers holding samples of the same plasma as is contained in the donation. The invention also relates to an apparatus and process for forming initial screening test pools from the containers and testing the pools for the presence of a virus in accordance with an algorithm to identify individual contaminated donations in the fewest number of testing cycles. Blood, plasma, and biological fluid donation programs are essential first steps in the manufacture of pharmaceutical and blood products that improve the quality of life and that are used to save lives in a variety of traumatic situations. Such products are used for the treatment of immunologic disorders, for the treatment of hemophilia, and are also used in maintaining and restoring blood volume in surgical procedures and other treatment protocols. The therapeutic uses of blood, plasma, and biological fluids require that donations of these materials be as free as possible from viral contamination. Typically, a serology test sample from each individual blood, plasma, or other fluid donation is tested for various antibodies, which are elicited in response to specific

82

Blood Plasma

viruses, such as hepatitis C (HCV) and two forms of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1 and HIV-2). In addition, the serology test sample may be tested for antigens designated for specific viruses such as hepatitis B (HBV), as well as antibodies elicited in response to such viruses. If the sample is serology positive for the presence of either specific antibodies or antigens, the donation is excluded from further use. Whereas an antigen test for certain viruses, such as hepatitis B, is thought to be closely correlated with infectivity, antibody tests are not. It has long been known that a blood plasma donor may, in fact, be infected with a virus while testing serology negative for antibodies related to that virus. For example, a window exists between the time that a donor may become infected with a virus and the appearance of antibodies, elicited in response to that virus, in the donor's system. The time period between the first occurrence of a virus in the blood and the presence of detectable antibodies elicited in response to that virus is known as the "window period." In the case of HIV, the average window period is approximately 22 days, while for HCV, the average window period has been estimated at approximately 98 days. Therefore, tests directed to the detection of antibodies, may give a false indication for an infected donor if performed during the window period, i.e., the period between viral infection and the production of antibodies. Moreover, even though conventional testing for HBV includes tests for both antibodies and antigens, testing by more sensitive methods have confirmed the presence of the HBV virus in samples which were negative in the HBV antigen test. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06566052__ •

Electrodes having a continuous, crystalline metal nitride coating and method of use Inventor(s): Meserol; Peter (Montville, NJ) Assignee(s): MaxCyte, Inc. (Rockville, MD) Patent Number: 6,485,961 Date filed: July 18, 2000 Abstract: An improved electrode for use in generating an electrical field in a saline solution is provided. In particular, a continuous crystalline metal nitride coated electrode is provided for use in a variety of saline solution applications, such as in an electrophoresis device for separating proteins or nucleic acids or an electroporation apparatus for the encapsulation of biologically-active substances in various cell populations. A method and apparatus are provided for the encapsulation of biologically-active substances in red blood cells, characterized by an optionally automated, continuous-flow, self-contained electroporation system which allows withdrawal of blood from a patient, separation of red blood cells, encapsulation of a biologically-active substances in the cells, and optional recombination of blood plasma and the modified red blood cells thereby producing blood with modified biological characteristics. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to improved electrodes for use in generating an electrical field in a saline solution. In particular, the invention relates to erosion resistant electrodes for use in a variety of applications, such as in an electroporation device for the encapsulation of biologically-active substances in various cell populations. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved electrodes for use in a method and apparatus for the encapsulation of allosteric effectors of hemoglobin in erythrocytes by electroporation to achieve therapeutically desirable changes in the physical characteristics of the intracellular hemoglobin. The present invention provides that an electrode surface may be protected from wear, such as erosion and pitting, due to

Patents 83

internally generated electrical signals occurring in a saline solution. In particular, a pulsed electrical signal such as generated by the electroporation device described herein, normally causes accelerated erosion and inoperability of the electrodes, and furthermore contaminates the solution and cells with metal ions. The present invention provides electrodes that can be subjected to frequent pulses of electrical charge in a saline solution, as in an electroporation apparatus, and have substantially increased useful terms over conventional electrodes, without contamination of the products of interest. Previous powdered porous metal nitride coatings, such as titanium nitride (TiN), on electrodes used in gaseous environments have not addressed the unique problems associated with electrodes used to generate electric fields in an aqueous saline solution. In particular, the advantages previously taught for using an electrode having a powdered porous nitride coating are disadvantageous when used in aqueous biological saline environments. The porosity of such prior art electrode coatings does not serve to protect the exposed portions of the electrode surface from surface ion erosion and pitting which are normally accelerated during electric signal emission in an aqueous saline solution. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06485961__ •

Hydrating beverages and method Inventor(s): Robergs; Robert A. (12 McCall Ct., Tijeras, NM 87059), Sigalos; John L. (7010 Regalview Cir., Dallas, TX 75248) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 6,485,764 Date filed: January 25, 2000 Abstract: There are disclosed hydrating beverages for animals comprising water, glycerol, sodium, and potassium, with the potassium being present in an amount sufficient to provide in the blood plasma, when said beverage is ingested at rest, during exercise, and after exercise/dehydration, a potassium level of between about 5 to 8 meq/l and excretion of potassium in the urine. Also disclosed is the method of rehydrating animals by administering said beverage after dehydration. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to hydrating beverages and to the method of enhancing hydration in animals, particularly humans. It has long been known that glycerol can be used to enhance hydration in humans and other animals suffering from the dehydration effects of physical exertion, exposure to above normal heat, hydration stress, and the like. The use of glycerol acts to prolong fluid retention and thus have water available for sweating, cell hydration, and maintenance of blood plasma volume. Beverages utilized to rehydrate humans for exercise purposes are commonly referred to as "sports drinks". Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06485764__

84

•

Blood Plasma

Intra-vaginal device for pigs Inventor(s): Burccraff; Shane (Hamilton, NZ), Pharaoh; James Frederick (Hamilton, NZ), Rathbone; Michael John (Hamilton, NZ) Assignee(s): Interag (Hamilton, NZ) Patent Number: 6,444,224 Date filed: March 2, 2000 Abstract: Disclosed herein is a porcine intra-vaginal device of a shape and size adapted to be positionable in the vaginal tract across the hymenal ring of a target animal (e.g., a gilt) to extend to both sides of the hymenal ring of the animal. The device once inserted delivers progesterone from a progesterone impreganated matrix on either side of the hymenal ring, the progesterone releasing surface being at least 150 cm.sup.2 in total area. Variable geometry means (preferably for vestibular engagement) ensure retention of the devices (e.g., for at least 7 to 14 days) where, in the preferred device, the progesterone load of from 1.9 to 2.5 g within 1.2 mm of the release surface can, by maintaining a progesterone blood plasma level (equating to a progestrone blood plasma level in excess of 4 ng/mL measured in an ovariectomised animal), ensure or prompt the onset of oestrus within 3 to 5 days after device removal. Excerpt(s): This application is a 371 of PCT/N298/00064 filed May 27, 1998. The present invention relates to improvements in and/or relating to intra-vaginal devices suitable for insertion and retention within pigs. Intra-vaginal devices are frequently used to deliver an active substance into an animal. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06444224__

•

Method and compositions for increasing the anaerobic working capacity in tissues Inventor(s): Dunnett; Mark (78 Highwood Road, Gazelev, Newmarket, CB8 8HD, Suffolk, GB), Harris; Roger (4 Armstrong Close, Newmarket, CB8 8HD, Suffolk, GB) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 6,426,361 Date filed: January 9, 2001 Abstract: A method for increasing the synthesis and accumulation of betaalanylhistidine dipeptides, with a simultaneous increase in the accumulation of creatine, in bodily tissues of humans and animals is described. This is accomplished by causing an increase in the blood plasma concentrations of beta-alanine and creatine, or the blood plasma concentrations of beta-alanine, L-histidine and creatine, by the ingestion or infusion of a composition including beta-alanine, beta-alanine and creatine, or betaalanine, L-histidine and creatine, or active derivatives thereof. Excerpt(s): The invention relates to methods and compositions for increasing the anaerobic working capacity of muscle and other tissues. Natural food supplements are typically designed to compensate for reduced levels of nutrients in the modern human and animal diet. In particular, useful supplements increase the function of tissues when consumed. It can be particularly important to supplement the diets of particular classes of animals whose the normal diet may be deficient in nutrients available only from meat and animal produce (e.g., human vegetarians and other animals consume an herbivorous diet). For example, in the sporting and athletic community, natural food supplements which specifically improve athletic ability are increasingly important, such

Patents 85

as supplements that promote or enhance physical prowess for leisure or employment purposes. In another example, anaerobic (e.g., lactate-producing) stress can cause the onset of fatigue and discomfort that can be experienced with aging. Anaerobic stress can also result from prolonged submaximal isometric exercise when the local circulation is partially or totally occluded by the increase in intra-muscular pressure (e.g., during rock climbing, free diving, or synchronized swimming). Excessive lactate production can result in the acidification of the intracellular environment. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06426361__ •

Method for the inactivation of non-lipid-coated viruses Inventor(s): Bal; Frederic (Vienna, AT), Gehringer; Werner (Vienna, AT), Josic; Djuro (Vienna, AT), Schwinn; Horst (Marburg, DE), Stadler; Monika (Schwechat, AT) Assignee(s): Octapharma AG (Ziegelbrucke, CH) Patent Number: 6,528,246 Date filed: September 28, 1995 Abstract: A method for the inactivation of viruses, in particular those having no lipid coats, in protein-containing compositions from blood, blood plasma or similar natural sources by treating said source, simultaneously or succesively, with an effective amount of dialkyl or trialkyl phosphates and optionally surfactants at an elevated temperature in the range of from 55.degree. C. to 67.degree. C. for five hours to 30 hours. Excerpt(s): The object of the present application is a method for the inactivation of nonlipid-coated viruses in protein-containing compositions from blood, blood plasma or similar natural sources. In preparations of the type mentioned above, however, it is increasingly important to inactivate those viruses as well that do not contain any lipid, in particular those which have no lipid coat ("non-lipid-coated viruses"). The group of non-lipid-coated viruses, which are to be considered "viruses containing no lipid" in the sense of EP 0 131 740 B1, include, in particular, hepatitis A viruses, parvoviruses, such as parvovirus B 19, and polioviruses. Such viruses may be present as pathogens in blood, plasma, serum, cryoprecipitate, cell lysate and similar natural sources. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method allowing to inactivate viruses which contain no lipid coat or only a few lipids and are present in certain preparations. Such preparations may include, in particular, compositions containing labile proteins from whole blood, blood plasma, plasma concentrate, precipitate from any fraction of such plasma, supernatant from any fractioning of such plasma, serum, cryoprecipitate, cell lysate, or similar natural sources. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06528246__

•

Method of determining presence and concentration of lipoprotein X in blood plasma and serum Inventor(s): Jeyarajah; Elias J. (Raleigh, NC), Otvos; James D. (Apex, NC), Shalaurova; Irina Y. (Cary, NC) Assignee(s): LipoScience, Inc. (Raleigh, NC) Patent Number: 6,617,167 Date filed: July 30, 2002

86

Blood Plasma

Abstract: A method of screening a subject for the presence of lipoprotein X includes the steps of: producing a measured lipid signal lineshape of an NMR spectrum of a blood plasma or serum sample obtained from a subject; generating a calculated lineshape for the sample, the calculated lineshape being based on derived concentrations of lipoprotein components potentially present in the sample, the derived concentration of each of the lipoprotein components being the function of a reference spectrum for that component and a calculated reference coefficient, wherein one of the lipoprotein components for which a concentration is calculated is lipoprotein X; and determining the degree of correlation between the calculated lineshape of the sample and the measured lineshape spectrum of the sample. This method can enable the practitioner, during a routine and easily-conducted cholesterol screening, to identify the presence of LP-X in a subject and begin diagnosis and treatment for conditions associated with LP-X (such as liver disease or LCAT deficiency). Excerpt(s): The present invention relates generally to the determination of constituents in blood plasma and serum and more specifically to the determination of lipoprotein constituents in blood plasma and serum. Lipoprotein X (LP-X) is an abnormal lipoprotein that appears in the sera of patients with obstructive jaundice. LP-X is a spherical particle typically between about 30 and 70 nm in diameter. Its density is between 1.006 and 1.063 g/ml, which is in the same range as normal low density lipoproteins (LDL). Phospolipids (about 66 percent) and unesterified cholesterol (about 22 percent) make up the bulk of LP-X; also, protein, cholesterol esters and triglycerides comprise about 12 percent of LP-X. See Narayanan, Biochemistry and Clinical Relevance of Lipoprotein X, 14 Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science 371 (1984). Because LP-X can be indicative of obstructive jaundice, it can be a marker for cholestasis. In addition, LP-X is present in the plasma of patients with familial plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) deficiency; there is an inverse relationship between LP-X and LCAT activity. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06617167__ •

Method of monitoring redox of blood plasma using ESR and method of estimating progress of dialysis Inventor(s): Kohno; Masahiro (62-6-306, Teramachi, Hachiohji, Tokyo 193-0073, JP), Ohwada; Shigeru (2-16-1, Sugao, Miyamae, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, JP 216-8511) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 6,531,320 Date filed: February 3, 1999 Abstract: A method of judging the redox (oxidation-reduction) in human blood plasma precisely in a short time using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy is provided. Also, a method of evaluating the functions of human kidneys, judging whether a dialysis is necessary, determining the dialysis time and judging the usefulness of dialysis materials is offered. First, a spin-trapping agent such as PBN is added to a human blood plasma, resulting in hydroxyl radicals in the plasma. The radicals are trapped and converted into a stable spin adduct (PBN-OH). The amount of the spin adduct is measured by an ESR spectrometer. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a method of quickly and precisely monitoring the redox (oxidation-reduction) level of human blood plasma by the use of electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and to a method of estimating the progress

Patents 87

of a dialysis according to the result of the monitoring. Human blood plasma has homeostasis, i.e., has the ability or tendency to maintain internal equilibrium of biological functions by adjusting its physiological processes. However, where the plasma is taken out of the body, if a slight amount of oxygen is mixed into it, an oxidation reaction will progress. The details of the deterioration induced by oxidation reactions are understood only a little, due in part to the presence of anti-oxidants such as vitamins C and E. However, it is known that as oxidation reactions progress, the peroxide value of lipid in the plasma increases. It is said that the amount of peroxides is indicative of oxidation reactions. However, no report is made of the oxidation process that increases the peroxide value. It is reported that the peroxide amount in the body is varied by renal failure, which in turn varies the amount of active oxygen generated. However, no report is made of direct measurement of this variation. It is quite important in the medical treatment of a kidney failure patient to determine if dialysis is immediately necessary or to determine the dialysis time if the dialysis is done. In the past, medical treatment was generally determined based on values obtained by various observations in judging the condition of a kidney failure patient. Hence, a quite high level of judgment technique has been required. Furthermore, any method of precisely judging the progress of a dialysis and precisely determining the end of the process has not heretofore existed. Therefore, prior art dialysis sessions have been routinely conducted for more than a sufficient time, whether the patient is in a serious or mild condition. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06531320__ •

Method of separating prions from biological materials Inventor(s): Lee; Douglas C. (Apex, NC), Petteway; Steve R. (Cary, NC), Stenland; Christopher J. (Cary, NC) Assignee(s): Bayer Corporation (Pittsburgh, PA) Patent Number: 6,437,102 Date filed: August 14, 2000 Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating prions from biological materials. The method includes adding a polyalkylene glycol, such as polyethylene glycol, to a solution of the biological material such that a precipitate containing the prion is formed. This precipitate is then separated from the solution of biological material, thereby removing prions. Biological materials include biologically derived fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid, biological samples, such as brain homogenates, blood plasma fractions, and aqueous solutions of recombinantly produced products. The disclosed method provides an effective process for the removal of these infectious materials from the biological materials, which may be further processed to provide the therapeutic compositions. Excerpt(s): The invention relates to the separation of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), or prions, from biological materials. The prions are separated from biological materials by precipitation with a polyalkylene glycol, such as polyethylene glycol. Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), or pathogenic prions, cause fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans and other mammalian species, particularly sheep, goats, cattle, mink, elk, and deer. The human forms of the disease include Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker (GSS) syndrome, fatal familial insomnia (FFI), and Kuru. Symptoms of these diseases include myoclonus, ataxia, and progressive dementia. The pathology of these diseases includes the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain. The occurrence of prion diseases has been

88

Blood Plasma

linked to infectious transmission, as well as genetic and sporadic, causes. For example, Kuru, which afflicted the Fore tribe of New Guinea, was caused by the ingestion of infected brain tissue of other tribal members during ritualistic cannibalism. Alpers (1979) Slow Transmissible Diseases of the Nervous System, Vol. 1, S. B. Pruisner and W. J. Hadlow, eds. (New York: Academic Press), pp. 66-90. More recently, the occurrence of variant CJD in the United Kingdom has been postulated to be the result of consumption of beef from cattle infected with a TSE. G. Chazot, et al., (1996) Lancet 347:1181; R. G. Will, et al., (1996) Lancet 347:921-25. Similarly, iatrogenic CJD has been caused by the injection of human growth hormone derived from cadaveric pituitaries. Brown, et al., (1992) Lancet 340:24-27. Instances of infectious activity of prions, as noted above, suggest that prion infectivity may be transmitted through biological materials. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06437102__ •

Method, reagent, cartridge, and device for determining fibrinogen Inventor(s): Bruegger; Berndt B. (Camarillo, CA) Assignee(s): Roche Diagnostics Corporation (Indianapolis, IN) Patent Number: 6,448,024 Date filed: October 3, 2000 Abstract: The invention is a method, reagent, test cartridge and device for the determination of fibrinogen in a sample, such as undiluted blood and blood plasma. The method utilizes a reagent comprising thrombin and a thrombin inhibitor that slows the enzymatic conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, and thus slows clotting in samples. This is particularly useful for determining fibrinogen in undiluted blood and blood plasma. Fibrinogen assay reagents comprising at least one thrombin inhibitor and thrombin, and test cartridges containing the reagents for automated analysis of fibrinogen are disclosed, along with automated devices using said reagent and test cartridges for the devices. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to the field of determining components of biological fluids, and more particularly relates to methods, reagents, test cartridges and devices useful for determining fibrinogen in physiological samples, preferably in undiluted whole blood and undiluted blood plasma samples. The recognition of a potential role of fibrinogen in cardiovascular disorders has increased the need for reliable and simple fibrinogen assays. Prior art methods of determining fibrinogen include clotting-time dependent fibrinogen assays that determine the coagulation time of a diluted sample and correlate the clotting time with the fibrinogen concentration in a sample wherein the coagulation time is inversely proportional to the amount of fibrinogen. In addition, total protein assays have been performed to determine the amount of protein in a clot, which is then correlated with an initial fibrinogen concentration. The first type of technique requires dilution in order to slow down the rate of coagulation to facilitate obtaining a meaningful result, while the second type of technique requires isolation of a clot from the sample, washing the clot, and determining the protein content. In view of the desire to minimize the manipulation of biological fluids, such as blood, there is a need for improved assay methods that minimize sample manipulation. Thus, it is particularly desirable to have an assay that can utilize an undiluted sample, but which avoids the problems caused by rapid clotting. The need for improved assay methods that minimize sample manipulation is demonstrated by U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,664, to Fickenscher, which discloses a test and reagent for determining fibrinogen in undiluted plasma samples. The method of Fickenscher involves the

Patents 89

addition of a large excess of thrombin, or a protease with analogous activity, to ensure immediate conversion of all of the fibrinogen in the sample to fibrin monomers. In a preferred embodiment of Fickensher's method, a heparin inhibitor is added to prevent inhibition of thrombin. However, the aggregation of the fibrin monomers is slowed by the addition of a fibrin aggregation inhibitor, thus slowing the formation of clots. The clotting time at a constant concentration of a fibrin aggregation inhibitor can be correlated with the fibrin concentration, and hence lead to a determination of the fibrinogen level in the original sample. Thus, Fickensher's method of inhibiting clotting promotes a first reaction in the clotting pathway, followed by inhibition of a subsequent reaction. This method requires that the sample be combined with a fibrin aggregation inhibitor prior to the addition of excess thrombin, otherwise clotting will occur too rapidly for the method to be useful. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06448024__ •

Monoclonal antibody recognizing C-terminus of hBNP Inventor(s): Igano; Ken'ichi (Nara, JP), Inouye; Ken (Hyogo, JP), Kono; Masao (Osaka, JP), Tsuji; Tetsuo (Nara, JP), Yamauchi; Akira (Osaka, JP) Assignee(s): Shionogi Seiyaku Kabushiki Kaisha (Osaka, JP) Patent Number: 6,677,124 Date filed: August 31, 2001 Abstract: A hybridoma producing a monoclonal antibody recognizing the C-terminus of human brain natriuretic peptide (hBNP) was cultivated in a medium or the abdominal cavity of a mouse to recover the monoclonal antibody from the medium or ascites accumulated in the abdominal cavity. An immunoassay for hBNP was established using the monoclonal antibody. The immunoassay for hBNP of the invention is so sensitive that the minimum detection limit is 1 pg/ml and can therefore determine the hBNP level in blood plasma directly, without the extraction of hBNP from blood plasma. It is useful for diagnosing diseases such as hypertension and the like, and states of the heart, kidney, and the like by using the increase/decrease of the hBNP level as an index. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a monoclonal antibody recognizing the C-terminus of hBNP, a hybridoma producing the monoclonal antibody, a method of producing the monoclonal antibody comprising cultivating the hybridoma in a medium or an abdominal cavity of a mouse and recovering said monoclonal antibody from said medium or ascites in said abdominal cavity, and an immunoassay for hBNP with use of said monoclonal antibody. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the porcine brain was first reported by Matsuo et al, Nature 332, 78-81 (1988). There exist porcine (p) BNP-26 of 26 amino acid residues and pBNP-32 of 32 residues. These has peripheral and central actions similar to those of atrium natriuretic peptide (ANP) and play an important role in the homeostasis of body fluid and the control of blood pressure together with ANP. BNP was suggested to be produced in and secreted from the heart in human (Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 159, 1427-1434 (1989)), and BNP in the human heart has recently be isolated and characterized (FEBS Lett. 259, 341-345 (1990)). Human BNP (hBNP) comprises 32 amino acid residues identical with the sequence 77-108 of hBNP precursor. As mentioned above, because BNP plays an important role in the homeostasis of body fluid and the control of blood pressure, the determination of hBNP in the blood by an immunoassay etc. seems useful for diagnosing diseases such as hypertension and the like and states of heart, kidney and the like with taking an increase/decrease of hBNP level as an index. However, an average level of hBNP in the

90

Blood Plasma

blood of normal adults is 0.9.+-.0.07 fmol/ml (3.12.+-.0.24 pg/ml) (J. Clin. Invest. 87, 1402-1412 (1991)) and such a low level has made it impossible to directly assay hBNP in the blood plasma without an extraction. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06677124__ •

Process and apparatus for utilization of in vivo extracted plasma with tissue engineering devices, bioreactors, artificial organs, and cell therapy applications Inventor(s): Gorsuch; Reynolds G. (1119 State La., Yountville, CA 94599) Assignee(s): Gorsuch; Reynolds G. (Napa, CA), Transvivo, Inc. (Napa, CA) Patent Number: 6,607,501 Date filed: May 14, 2001 Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating cells, tissues or organs using in vivo plasma separation by implanting a plasma separation filter device within a blood vessel of a patient, or allogenic, or xenogenic donor, continuously separating blood plasma from whole blood in vivo, directing the plasma from the plasma separation filter device to a bioreactor, and exposing the plasma to cells, tissue or an organ within the bioreactor utilizing immune separation membranes where necessary. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to in vivo plasmapheresis as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,950,224 and 5,735,809. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for the continuous utilization and/or treatment of the in vivo extracted plasma in ex vivo or implanted devices, fermentors, bioreactors, and other mechanisms developed and used in the fields of tissue engineering, cellular therapy, artificial organs, and the like. Many diseases and disorders result from disruption of cellular function or destruction of tissues and of the body. Physicians treat tissue loss or organ failure with drug therapy, organ transplantation, surgical reconstruction, or mechanical devices. However, drug therapy is usually expensive, not always effective, and many patients suffer from serious side effects, suitable transplantable tissue and organs are in short supply, often with immune rejection, and current mechanical devices cannot perform all the functions of a single organ. Thus, there is a need for improved treatments for these diseases and disorders. All of the aforesaid fields of science use bioreactors and other such mechanisms used in biotechnology as well as drugs or chemical processes used in plasma protein manipulations and the subsequent return of the modified plasma to the body to treat, modify, or reconstitute specific physiological functions. These applications are emerging sciences that use in vivo and ex vivo cell cultures and cell-secreted protein products to reconstitute body parts, tissues, and organs, in functional artificial organs (such as the pancreas and liver), and in specialized fermenters, and continuous cultures to create or modify immune system components and constructs for treatment of specific disease states. Such devices and bioreactors are also useful for the expansion of cell cultures and their subsequent harvesting and retransplantation in patients whose immune system and stem cell population has been decimated by chemical and radiation therapy. Such devices and bioreactors are also useful to act as the access mechanism and transport vehicle for monitoring and effecting drug or gene therapy that may be difficult or cannot be performed in vivo because of the toxicity or trauma of the process. In the case of artificial organs, autologous, xenogenic, and allogenic cells and tissues as well as substitute materials and mechanisms may be used to perform the functions of the organ implanted or ex vivo and remote from the physiological site of the original organ in an artificial construct. These ex vivo devices

Patents 91

can also be used to isolate, separate, and harvest and/or modify specific human immune system proteins, that reside in the plasma, by means of series cascade filtration, or by means of selective ligand attachments to hollow fibers or other substrates in the plasma flow stream. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06607501__ •

Process for manufacturing an adsorbent for reducing the concentration of fibrinogen and/or fibrin, an adsorbent and method of producing an adsorber from the adsorbent Inventor(s): Hepper; Martin (Neustadt, DE), Leinenbach; Hans-Peter (Tholey, DE), Metzger; Wolfgang (Saarbruken, DE), Mitschulat; Heike (St. Wendel, DE), Otto; Veit (St. Wendel, DE) Assignee(s): Fresenius HemoCare GmbH (Bad Homburg, DE) Patent Number: 6,712,978 Date filed: March 9, 2001 Abstract: A process for manufacturing an adsorbent for reducing the concentration of fibrinogen and/or fibrin in blood or blood plasma in which a carrier material, which is preferably a copolymer derived from (meth)acrylates and or (meth)acrylic acid amides, is activated by amination, and subsequently undergoes thermal treatment at a temperature of over 100.degree. C. An adsorber for the purpose of reducing the concentration of fibrinogen and/or fibrin in blood or blood plasma may be produced from the adsorbent. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing an adsorbent for the purpose of reducing the concentration of fibrinogen and/or fibrin in blood or blood plasma, in which a carrier material is activated by the introduction of covalently bonded alkaline groups, and the activated carrier material then undergoes a thermal treatment at a temperature of over 100.degree. C. Furthermore, the invention relates to an adsorbent manufactured in this way, and a method of producing an adsorber from the adsorbent for the purpose of reducing the concentration of fibrinogen and/or fibrin in blood or blood plasma. Adsorbents are widespread in medical technology. Adsorbers with adsorbents that remove low density lipoproteins (LDL) from blood or reduce their concentration, such as those known from German Patent No. 39 32 971, are frequently described. German Patent No. 39 32 971 describes the adsorber material as an organic carrier having a fixed particle size and exclusionary threshold, which bears a ligand on its surface, to which the LDL molecule bonds. In German Patent No. 197 29 591, the use of a ligand for fibrinogen and/or fibrin is claimed in order to cure the diseases engendered on the basis of an excessively elevated proportion of fibrinogen in the blood, or to at least prevent such diseases. In the process described in German Patent No. 197 29 591, the ligand is defined as a substance that binds specifically to fibrinogen and/or fibrin, and is preferably a peptide with three to ten amino acids. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06712978__

92

•

Blood Plasma

Rapid cryobaric sterilization and vaccine preparation Inventor(s): Bradley; David W. (Manchester, NH), Hess; Robert A. (Arlington, MA), Laugharn, Jr.; James A. (Winchester, MA) Assignee(s): BBI BioSeq, Inc. (West Bridgewater, MA) Patent Number: 6,696,019 Date filed: August 7, 2001 Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that biological and non-biological materials can be sterilized, decontaminated, or disinfected by repeatedly cycling between relatively high and low pressures. Pressure cycling can be carried out at low, ambient, or elevated temperatures (e.g., from about -40.degree. C. to about 95.degree. C., or intermediate ranges). New methods based on this discovery can have applications in, for example, the preparation of vaccines, the sterilization of blood plasma or serum, plant, animal, and human tissue, sputum, urine, feces, water, and ascites, the decontamination of military devices, food and beverage production, and the disinfection of medical equipment. The new methods can also be incorporated into production processes or research procedures. Excerpt(s): The invention relates to methods for sterilizing materials and preparing vaccines. Various methods and devices exist for the sterilization, decontamination, or disinfection of biological and non-biological materials. These methods include thermal destruction (e.g., burning), heat sterilization, irradiation (e.g., ultraviolet or ionizing irradiation), gas sterilization (e.g., using ethylene oxide), photosensitization, membrane sterilization, or the use of chemical disinfectants (formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, alcohols, mercury compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, halogenated compounds, solvent/detergent systems, or peroxides). Heat sterilization (e.g., autoclaving) is often used, for example, for sterilizing medical solutions prior to use in a patient. Heat sterilization typically requires heating a solution to 121.degree. C. for a minimum of 15 minutes under pressure in an autoclave, maintaining the heat and pressure conditions for a period of time sufficient to kill bacteria, fungi, and protists and inactivate viruses in the solution. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06696019__

Patent Applications on Blood Plasma As of December 2000, U.S. patent applications are open to public viewing.9 Applications are patent requests which have yet to be granted. (The process to achieve a patent can take several years.) The following patent applications have been filed since December 2000 relating to blood plasma:

9

This has been a common practice outside the United States prior to December 2000.

Patents 93

•

Apparatus and method for in-vivo plasmapheresis using periodic backflush Inventor(s): Cooper, Tommy; (Friendswood, TX), Gorsuch, Reynolds G.; (Yountville, CA), Handley, Harold H.; (Novato, CA) Correspondence: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear Llp; 2040 Main Street; Fourteenth Floor; Irvine; CA; 92614; US Patent Application Number: 20030236482 Date filed: April 4, 2003 Abstract: Apparatus and method for in-vivo plasmapheresis utilizing a plurality of elongated hollow microporous filter fibers periodically interrupt diffusion of blood plasma from a patient, and, for a selected time, backflush fluid into the fibers at a pressure and interval sufficient to cleanse the fiber pores, after which plasma diffusion is resumed. The backflush fluid, preferably a normal saline solution, may contain an anticoagulant such as heparin in suitable concentration for systemic anti-coagulation or for treating the fiber for thromboresistance. Excerpt(s): In U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,950,224, 5,152,743, 5,151,082, 5,735,809 and 5,980,481 there are disclosed methods and apparatus for carrying out in-vivo plasmapheresis for separating plasma from other blood components within the body and blood vessels of a patient. In the apparatus pumping is used to create a trans-membrane pressure and motivate the flow of fluid from within the in-vivo system, whereby blood plasma is pumped from the patient to a treatment system such as a dialyzer or other apparatus in which toxic metabolic waste in the plasma is removed. After the plasma is treated for removal of waste products, excess fluids, toxins, and/or other deleterious plasma proteins, the treated plasma is returned and reintroduced to the patient's blood stream. Methods of toxin removal from blood, as taught by the aforesaid patents and referred to as plasma dialysis, ultrafiltration or blood purification, are unique from and substantially superior to conventional hemodialysis as presently practiced for both acute and chronic kidney failure, primarily because removal of whole blood from the patient's vasculature is eliminated from the procedure using plasma, or portions of the plasma. The methods and apparatus described in the aforesaid patents are incorporated herein by reference. In U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,224,926, 5,735,809 and 5,968,004 there are disclosed improved filter assemblies including elongated hollow fibers and various filter assembly designs incorporating such hollow fibers to be used in the above-described methods and apparatus. In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/549,131, filed Apr. 13, 2000 (TRANSVI.007), there is disclosed specialized hollow fiber membranes which are superior in biocompatibility, performance and morphology for use in the aforesaid invivo plasmapheresis. In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/981,783, filed Oct. 17, 2001 (TRANSVI.011A) there is disclosed a plasmapheresis filter device and catheter assembly incorporating the aforesaid specialized hollow fiber membranes. In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/219,082, filed Aug. 13, 2002 (TRANSVI.012A) there are disclosed apparatus and methods for therapeutic apheresis using the aforesaid specialized hollow fiber membranes, filter device and catheter assembly. Such fibers, filter device, catheter assembly, apparatus and methods as disclosed in the aforesaid patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference. In the aforesaid systems, the hollow fiber membranes function as filters, where the primary purpose of said membranes is separation of specific blood or plasma components from whole blood. In such systems, the blood (permeate) flows on the outside of the fiber and the plasma (exudate) is diffused through the fiber membrane to the interior lumen of the hollow fiber. However, as use is continued, performance of the fibers as filters becomes degraded over time. For example, clogging or fouling of the filter occurs on the surface of the filter as the pore

94

Blood Plasma

void spaces become more occluded with particulate matter from the permeate building up within the pore void such that the minute volume of the exudate is progressively degraded to the point of failure and cessation of exudate flow. Such clogging or fouling of the filter membranes, as well as clotting problems with prior art filter systems as disclosed in the aforesaid application Ser. No. 09/549,131 (TRANSVI.007), causes major operational and economic problems with current ex-vivo systems performing Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) for acute and chronic kidney failure. It is reported by Ramesh, Prasad, et al., in Clinical Neprology, Vol. 53, p. 55-60 (January 2000), that over 50% of such filters fail in 10 hours and over 75% fail in 30 hours of usage. Because short-term filter replacement is both undesirable and unacceptable, clogging or fouling failure of filters used in in-vivo systems described in the aforesaid patents would be totally unacceptable for both medical and economic reasons. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Biosensor and method for analyzing blood components using it Inventor(s): Kitawaki, Fumuhisa; (Osaka, JP), Nadaoka, Masataka; (Ehime, JP), Takahashi, Mie; (Ehime, JP), Tanaka, Hirotaka; (Ehime, JP) Correspondence: Wenderoth, Lind & Ponack, L.L.P.; 2033 K Street N. W.; Suite 800; Washington; DC; 20006-1021; US Patent Application Number: 20030190690 Date filed: June 9, 2003 Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a biosensor which enables a measurement with a small amount of specimen, for which whole blood with a reduced influence of blood cell can be used without previously separating blood plasma components from the blood, in an analysis of a component in the blood.The biosensor comprises a sample introductory part (11) to which a sample solution is applied, a space forming material (9) for forming the sample introductory part, a part (10) where a cell contraction agent for causing cellular components in the sample solution to constrict is held, a sample holding part (6) where the sample solution is held, a developing layer (2) for developing the sample solution, a marker reagent holding part (3) where a marker reagent is held, and a reagent immobilization part (5) as an area on the developing layer (2) where a specific protein is held. Further, a retiform structure (7) is provided between the space forming material (9) and the developing layer (2). Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a biosensor and, more particularly, to a drytype biosensor for analyzing an analyte in a sample solution, and a method for analyzing a constituent of blood by employing the biosensor. As a means for diagnosing health conditions of persons, a biochemical examination of bodily fluids, especially blood, is widely conducted. A measuring method by a chromatography sensor, which utilizes an antigen-antibody reaction is generally used as a method for analyzing the bodily fluids. However, it is difficult to determine a kind or measure the concentration of blood constituent such as a metabolic product, a protein, a fat, an electrolyte, an enzyme, an antigen, and an antibody, by employing whole blood as it is. Thus, conventionally a general blood-constituent analysis method requires several operation processes, such as centrifuging blood which is previously collected, and analyzing the blood constituent employing obtained blood plasma or blood serum by an analytical instrument or a biosensor. However, when this method is employed, the measurement requires a special apparatus, and the preprocessing as well as the inspection take a lot of time. Thus, the centrifugation method which requires a centrifugal machine is not

Patents 95

adequate when a small number of specimens are to be processed quickly or when inspections in the field is performed. Further, the obtained blood serum or blood plasma is smaller in amount as compared with the amount of blood. In recent years, a device which enables a quick, simple, and accurate measurement is desired under a concept of POC (Point of Care) in the medical diagnosis scene. However, in the conventional method as described above, in the case where a sample solution is to be applied to a sensor part, for example, when the sample solution is blood, a series of operations as described below is required. That is, blood is collected by the use of an injector, blood cells as material components and blood plasma are separated by the use of a centrifugal machine or the like in general, and the separated blood is applied to the sensor part with the use of an instrument such as a dispenser and a dropper. In this method, special skills in medical technology or the like are required to collect blood employing an injector, and further special apparatus and skills are required for the operation of centrifugal separation, and therefore this method cannot be employed in general households or when individuals without such techniques perform measurements for themselves. Further, since the instrument such as a dispenser is required to quantitatively measure the sample solution, the operation becomes complicated. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Blood testing unit Inventor(s): Iwaki, Yoshihide; (Asaka-shi, JP), Nakamura, Kentarou; (Asaka-shi, JP), Sakaino, Yoshiki; (Asaka-shi, JP), Tanaka, Hideaki; (Asaka-shi, JP), Terashima, Kaoru; (Asaka-shi, JP) Correspondence: Birch Stewart Kolasch & Birch; PO Box 747; Falls Church; VA; 220400747; US Patent Application Number: 20030185707 Date filed: March 27, 2003 Abstract: A blood constituent separating membrane constituted substantially of polysulfone membrane separates blood plasma and/or blood serum from a blood sample. Reagents which are supported on the reagent layer have a portion for spreading the blood plasma and/or the blood serum separated from the blood sample, and when the reagent layer comes into contact with the blood constituent separating membrane, the blood plasma and/or the blood serum spreads over the reagent layer. The reagent forms a color as a result of a reaction with the blood plasma and/or the blood serum. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a blood testing unit for use in performing tests on blood of humans and other animals. As blood testing units for use in performing tests on blood of humans and other animals, blood testing units comprising a slide-shaped support and a reagent layer carried on the slide-shaped support, which reagent layer is capable of undergoing a reaction with blood plasma or blood serum and forming a predetermined color, have heretofore been proposed. The blood testing units are proposed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,051,901. In cases where the blood testing units described above are utilized, blood plasma or blood serum is spotted onto the reagent layer of the blood testing unit. Thereafter, light is irradiated to the reagent layer having formed a color, and an intensity of light reflected from the reagent layer is measured. In this manner, a concentration of a specific substance contained in the blood plasma or the blood serum, or the like, is capable of being quantitatively analyzed in accordance with the intensity of the reflected light. An example of an analysis apparatus for

96

Blood Plasma

performing the blood tests in the manner described above is also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,051,901. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Compositions and methods for enhanced mucosal delivery of peptide YY and methods for treating and preventing obesity Inventor(s): Quay, Steven C.; (Edmonds, WA) Correspondence: Woodcock Washburn Llp; One Liberty Place, 46th Floor; 1650 Market Street; Philadelphia; PA; 19103; US Patent Application Number: 20040115135 Date filed: December 17, 2002 Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods are described comprising at least one peptide YY compound and one or more intranasal delivery-enhancing agents for enhanced nasal mucosal delivery of the peptide YY, for treating a variety of diseases and conditions in mammalian subjects, including obesity. In one aspect, the intranasal delivery formulations and methods provide enhanced delivery of peptide YY to the blood plasma or central nervous system (CNS) tissue or fluid, for example, by yielding a peak concentration (C.sub.max) of the peptide YY in the blood plasma or CNS tissue or fluid of the subject that is 20% or greater compared to a peak concentration of the peptide YY in the blood plasma or CNS tissue or fluid of the subject following administration to the subject of a same concentration or dose of the peptide YY to the subject by subcutaneous injection. Excerpt(s): A major disadvantage of drug administration by injection is that trained personnel are often required to administer the drug. For self-administered drugs, many patients are reluctant or unable to give themselves injections on a regular basis. Injection is also associated with increased risks of infection. Other disadvantages of drug injection include variability of delivery results between individuals, as well as unpredictable intensity and duration of drug action. Despite these noted disadvantages, injection remains the only approved delivery mode for a large assemblage of important therapeutic compounds. These include conventional drugs, as well as a rapidly expanding list of peptide and protein biotherapeutics. Delivery of these compounds via alternate routes of administration, for example, oral, nasal and other mucosal routes, often yields variable results and adverse side effects, and fails to provide suitable bioavailability. For macromolecular species in particular, especially peptide and protein therapeutics, alternate routes of administration are limited by susceptibility to inactivation and poor absorption across mucosal barriers. Mucosal administration of therapeutic compounds may offer certain advantages over injection and other modes of administration, for example in terms of convenience and speed of delivery, as well as by reducing or eliminating compliance problems and side effects that attend delivery by injection. However, mucosal delivery of biologically active agents is limited by mucosal barrier functions and other factors. For these reasons, mucosal drug administration typically requires larger amounts of drug than administration by injection. Other therapeutic compounds, including large molecule drugs, peptides and proteins, are often refractory to mucosal delivery. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

Patents 97

•

Controlled release formulation of lamotrigine Inventor(s): Nadkarni, Sunil Sadanand; (Ahmedabad, IN) Correspondence: James V. Costigan, ESQ.; Hedman & Costigan, P.C.; Suite 2003; 1185 Avenue OF The Americas; New York; NY; 10036-2646; US Patent Application Number: 20040043996 Date filed: June 2, 2003 Abstract: Rapidly disintegrating multiparticulate controlled release formulations of lamotrigine having an improved pharmacokinetic profile and improved patient compliance, and process of preparing the formulations. It provides better control of blood plasma levels than conventional tablet formulations that is administered once or more times a day. Excerpt(s): The invention relates to rapidly disintegrating multiparticulate controlled release formulations of lamotrigine having an improved pharmacokinetic profile resulting in reduced dosing frequency. This invention further relates to a process for preparing the dosage form. Controlled release refers to the release of the therapeutically active agent from a composition or dosage form in which the agent is released according to a desired profile over an extended period of time. Controlled release profiles include, for example, sustained release, prolonged release, pulsatile release, and delayed release profiles. In contrast to immediate release compositions, controlled release compositions allow delivery of an agent to a subject over an extended period of time according to predetermined profile. Such release rates can provide therapeutically effective levels of an agent for an extended period of time and thereby provide a longer period of pharmacological or diagnostic response as compared to conventional rapid release dosage forms. Such longer periods of response provide for many inherent benefits that are not achieved with the corresponding short acting, immediate release preparations. For example, in the treatment of chronic pain, controlled release formulations are often highly preferred over conventional short-acting formulations. Controlled release pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms are designed to improve the delivery profile of agents, such as drugs, medicaments, active agents, diagnostic agents, or any substance to be internally administered to an animal, including humans. A controlled release composition is typically used to improve the effects of administered substances by optimizing the kinetics of delivery, thereby increasing bio-availability, convenience, and patient compliance, as well as minimizing side effects associated with inappropriate immediate release rates such as high initial release rate and, if undesired, uneven blood or tissue levels. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

•

Detection of 5t4 rna in plasma and serum Inventor(s): Gocke, Christopher D; (Ellicott City, MD), Kopreski, Michael S; (Long Valley, NJ) Correspondence: Mcdonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff; 300 South Wacker Drive; Suite 3200; Chicago; IL; 60606; US Patent Application Number: 20040014079 Date filed: July 17, 2003

98

Blood Plasma

Abstract: This invention provides methods for detecting the presence of malignant or premalignant cells, or trophoblastic cells in a human wherein the malignant, premalignant or trophoblastic cells express 5T4. The methods of the invention detect 5T4 RNA in blood, blood plasma, serum, and other bodily fluids. The inventive methods are useful for detection, diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, or evaluation of neoplastic disease, and for the detection and evaluation of placental tissue in pregnant women. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to methods for detecting ribonucleic acid (RNA) in bodily fluids such as blood plasma and serum obtained from an animal. Specifically, the invention is directed towards methods for detecting RNA in bodily fluids from a human bearing a premalignant lesion or a malignancy, ranging from localized neoplasia to metastatic disease. The methods of the invention are particularly drawn to detecting mRNA encoding all or a portion of a particular gene, referred to herein as the 5T4 gene. This gene is expressed in many malignant and premalignant tissues, as well as in placental tissue. Since RNA is essential for expressing the 5T4 gene and producing 5T4 protein, detection and monitoring of 5T4 mRNA provides a convenient and reliable method for assessing and monitoring 5T4 gene expression. Pathogenesis and regulation of cancer is dependent upon the translation of RNA to produce proteins involved with a variety of cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, regulation, and death. Particular RNAs involved in these cellular processes include 5T4 RNA; these RNAs are associated with cellular processes characteristic of cancer, such as metastatic potential, invasiveness, and alterations of cell-cell interactions. Furthermore, some RNA and their translated proteins, although not necessarily involved in specific neoplastic pathogenesis or regulation, may serve to delineate recognizable characteristics of particular neoplasms by either being elevated or inappropriately expressed. The 5T4 protein encoded by said RNA is a transmembrane glycoprotein normally present in trophoblast tissue whose gene structure has recently been characterized (Hole & Stem, 1988, Br. J. Cancer 57: 239-246; Hole & Stern, 1990, Int. J. Cancer 45: 179-184; Myers, 1994, J. Biol. Chem. 269: 9319-9324; King et al., 1999, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 1445: 257270). The protein is expressed at low levels in cells of only a few other normal epithelia. Significantly, 5T4 expression is upregulated in cells comprising many cancers and premalignant tissues, including but not limited to cancers of breast, ovary, lung, cervix, colorectum, stomach, pancreas, bladder, endometrium, brain, kidney, and esophagus (Jones et al., 1990, Br. J. Cancer 61: 96-100; Southall et al., 1990, Br. J. Cancer 61: 89-95; Starzynska et al., 1992, Br. J. Cancer 66: 867-869; Starzynska et al., 1994, Br. J. Cancer 69: 899-902). Because of this, 5T4 mRNA is considered herein to be a tumor-associated RNA. Overexpression of 5T4 is particularly associated with cancers of high metastatic potential and poorer prognosis (Mulder et al., 1997, Clin. Cancer Res. 3: 1923-1930; Starzynska et al., 1994, ibid.). Detection of 5T4 thereby permits detection and monitoring of a wide spectrum of cancers and premalignancies, and may have prognostic significance. 5T4 further provides a target for cancer therapies, particularly monoclonal antibody-based therapies and vaccine therapies. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

Patents 99

•

Detection of extracellular tumor-associated nucleic acid in blood plasma or serum using nucleic acid amplification assays Inventor(s): Benko, Floyd A.; (Palmyra, PA), Gocke, Christopher D.; (Ellicott City, MD), Kopreski, Michael S.; (Long Valley, NJ) Correspondence: Mcdonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff; 300 South Wacker Drive; Suite 3200; Chicago; IL; 60606; US Patent Application Number: 20030143600 Date filed: November 18, 2002 Abstract: This invention relates to detection of specific extracellular nucleic acid in plasma or serum fractions of human or animal blood associated with neoplastic or proliferative disease. Specifically, the invention relates to detection of nucleic acid derived from mutant oncogenes or other tumor-associated DNA, and to those methods of detecting and monitoring extracellular mutant oncogenes or tumor-associated DNA found in the plasma or serum fraction of blood by using rapid DNA extraction followed by nucleic acid amplification with or without enrichment for mutant DNA. In particular, the invention relates to the detection, identification, or monitoring of the existence, progression or clinical status of benign, premalignant, or malignant neoplasms in humans or other animals that contain a mutation that is associated with the neoplasm through detection of the mutated nucleic acid of the neoplasm in plasma or serum fractions. The invention permits the detection of extracellular, tumor-associated nucleic acid in the serum or plasma of humans or other animals recognized as having a neoplastic or proliferative disease or in individuals without any prior history or diagnosis of neoplastic or proliferative disease. The invention provides the ability to detect extracellular nucleic acid derived from genetic sequences known to be associated with neoplasia, such as oncogenes, as well as genetic sequences previously unrecognized as being associated with neoplastic or proliferative disease. The invention thereby provides methods for early identification of colorectal, pancreatic, lung, breast, bladder, ovarian, lymphoma and all other malignancies carrying tumor-related mutations of DNA and methods for monitoring cancer and other neoplastic disorders in humans and other animals. Excerpt(s): This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Application, Serial No. 60/028,180, filed Oct. 15, 1996, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Application, Serial No. 60/026,252, filed Sep. 17, 1996, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Application, Serial No. 60/013,497, filed Mar. 15, 1996, the entire disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. This invention relates to methods for detecting specific extracellular nucleic acid in plasma or serum fractions of human or animal blood associated with neoplastic or proliferative disease. Specifically, the invention relates to detection of nucleic acid derived from mutant oncogenes or other tumor-associated DNA, and to methods of detecting and monitoring extracellular mutant oncogenes or tumor-associated DNA found in the plasma or serum fraction of blood by using rapid DNA extraction and nucleic acid amplification. In particular, the invention relates to the detection, identification, or monitoring of the existence, progression or clinical status of benign, premalignant, or malignant neoplasms in humans or other animals that contain a mutation that is associated with the neoplasm, through detection of the mutated nucleic acid of the neoplasm in plasma or serum fractions. The invention permits the detection of extracellular, tumor-associated nucleic acid in the serum or plasma of humans or other animals recognized as having a neoplastic or proliferative disease or in individuals without any prior history or diagnosis of neoplastic or proliferative disease. The

100

Blood Plasma

invention provides the ability to detect extracellular nucleic acid derived from genetic sequences known to be associated with neoplasia, such as oncogenes, as well as genetic sequences previously unrecognized as being associated with neoplastic or proliferative disease. The invention thereby provides methods for early identification of colorectal, pancreatic, lung, breast, bladder, ovarian, lymphoma and all other malignancies carrying tumor-related mutations of DNA, and methods for monitoring cancer and other neoplastic disorders in humans and other animals. Neoplastic disease, including most particularly that collection of diseases known as cancer are a significant part of morbidity and mortality in adults in the developed world, being surpassed only by cardiovascular disease as the primary cause of adult death. Although improvements in cancer treatment have increased survival times from diagnosis to death, success rates of cancer treatment are more closely related to early detection of neoplastic disease that enable aggressive treatment regimes to be instituted before either primary tumor expansion or metastatic growth can ensue. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Device and method for separating undisolved constituents out of biological fluids Inventor(s): Grawe, Frank; (Ochtrup, DE), Katerkamp, Andreas; (Munster, DE), Rauch, Peter R; (Nottuln, DE), Schmitz, Marco; (Steinfurt, DE) Correspondence: Mcgarry Bair PC; 171 Monroe Avenue, N.W.; Suite 600; Grand Rapids; MI; 49503; US Patent Application Number: 20040035792 Date filed: August 27, 2003 Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for separating undissolved constituents out of biological fluids, especially for separating blood plasma out of whole blood. It is to propose a simple and cost-effective way by means of which undissolved constituents can be separated out of biological fluids, in particular blood plasma out of whole blood, and the pure fluid is presenting then as a pure liquid volume without any substrate. To solve this object, e.g., whole blood is placed into a feed chamber. The feed chamber is isolated in an all-over manner by means of a membrane from a per se closed cavity having a small height. The cavity is connected to a flow channel or an opening from which the/the separated blood plasma can be removed. The whole blood as a pure biological fluid, which has been placed into a feed chamber (1), will be transferred in the orthogonal direction by means of suction forces, forces of pressure, capillary forces and/or the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid column through the membrane (2) separating the biological fluid from undissolved constituents, from the membrane (2) into a cavity (3) having a small height, and therefrom as a pure fluid into a volume. In the cavity (3) another transport membrane (5) carrying the biological fluid laterally to the flow channel (4) or the opening with a higher effect of capillary force than that of the exclusively separating membrane (2) can be arranged and contacted in a twodimensional manner with the separating membrane (1). Excerpt(s): The invention relates to a device and a method for separating undissolved constituents out of biological fluids, in particular, for the separation of blood plasma out of whole blood. It is allowed to implement the separation of cellular constituents out of cell culture overhangs, however, in order to merely obtain cytoplasm containing dissolved constituents. Further examples of biological fluids are blood serum, urine and liquor or other body fluids such that pure fluids relieved of undissolved constituents can be provided with the invention e.g., for analyzing purposes. The invention is

Patents 101

particularly suitable for laboratory medicine diagnostics. On that occasion, relatively low quantities of biological fluid, e.g. blood plasma, which are largely relieved of interfering components are required for analysis purposes. Such interfering components are cellular constituents, in particular, such as leucocytes and erythrocytes, for example. An adequately pure blood plasma can be employed with different known diagnosis methods such as e.g. the so-called immuno assays. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Extended release formulation Inventor(s): Clark, John C.; (Peru, NY), Lamer, John U.; (St. Albans, VT), Sherman, Deborah M.; (Plattsburgh, NY), White, Steven A.; (Champlain, NY) Correspondence: Rebecca R. Barrett; Five Giralda Farms; Madison; NJ; 07940; US Patent Application Number: 20030215507 Date filed: April 14, 2003 Abstract: This invention relates to a 24 hour extended release dosage formulation and unit dosage form thereof of venlafaxine hydrochloride, an antidepressant, which provides better control of blood plasma levels than conventional tablet formulations which must be administered two or more times a day and further provides a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting than the conventional tablets. More particularly, the invention comprises an extended release formulation of venlafaxine hydrochloride comprising a therapeutically effective amount of venlafaxine hydrochloride in spheroids comprised of venlafaxine hydrochloride, microcrystalline cellulose and, optionally, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose coated with a mixture of ethyl cellulose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. Excerpt(s): This application continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/964,328, filed Nov. 5, 1997, which is a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 08/821,137, filed Mar. 20, 1997, which, in turn, claims priority from Provisional Application No. 60/014,006 filed Mar. 25, 1996. Extended release drug formulations are conventionally produced as compressed tablets by hydrogel tablet technology. To produce these sustained release tablet drug dosage forms, the active ingredient is conventionally compounded with cellulose ethers such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose with or without other excipients and the resulting mixture is pressed into tablets. When the tablets are orally administered, the cellulose ethers in the tablets swell upon hydration from moisture in the digestive system, thereby limiting exposure of the active ingredient to moisture. As the cellulose ethers are gradually leached away by moisture, water more deeply penetrates the gel matrix and the active ingredient slowly dissolves and diffuses through the gel, making it available for absorption by the body. An example of such a sustained release dosage, form of the analgesic/anti-inflammatory drug etodolac (Lodine.RTM.) appears in U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,768. U.S. Pat. No. 4,389,393 discloses sustained release therapeutic compressed solid unit dose forms of an active ingredient plus a carrier base comprised of a high molecular weight hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and or other cellulose ether. Where the production of tablets is not feasible, it is conventional in the drug industry to prepare encapsulated drug formulations which provide extended or sustained release properties. In this situation, the extended release capsule dosage forms may be formulated by mixing the drug with one or more binding agents to form a uniform mixture which is then moistened with water or a solvent such as ethanol to form an extrudable plastic mass from which small

102

Blood Plasma

diameter, typically 1 mm, cylinders of drug/matrix are extruded, broken into appropriate lengths and transformed into spheroids using standard spheronization equipment. The spheroids, after drying, may then be film-coated to retard dissolution. The film-coated spheroids may then be placed in pharmaceutically acceptable capsules, such as starch or gelatin capsules, in the quantity needed to obtain the desired therapeutic effect. Spheroids releasing the drug at different rates may be combined in a capsule to obtain desired release rates and blood levels. U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,475 discloses a sustained release pharmaceutical composition consisting of a hard gelatin capsule filled with film-coated spheroids comprised of propanolol in admixture with microcrystalline cellulose wherein the film coating is composed of ethyl cellulose, optionally, with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and/or a plasticizer. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Gripping means for handling blood plasma containers Inventor(s): Dux-Santoy Roldan, Juan Antonio; (Barcelona, ES), Roura Adell, Sergi; (Barcelona, ES) Correspondence: Darby & Darby P.C.; P. O. Box 5257; New York; NY; 10150-5257; US Patent Application Number: 20030185658 Date filed: March 14, 2003 Abstract: The gripping means comprises in a single retaining frame a plurality of gripper units for gripping the bottles to be emptied, each of which units comprises, mating with the lateral profile of a bottle, a fixed member and a movable member, capable of fitting round a part of the outer surface of the bottle to be emptied, each of the gripper units having associated with it a device for piercing the bottle, equipped with means for the introduction of an expulsion gas and drainage of the contents of the bottle, and also an optical sensor for checking the presence of the bottle and checking whether there are contents therein. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a gripping means for handling blood plasma containers, intended to operate in association with robotized mechanisms for handling plasma containers, especially at their exit from machines intended for the automatic emptying of said bottles. The gripping means of the present invention is intended to collaborate essentially in the operations of picking up bottles, emptying plasma and discharging the empty bottles, comprising a multiple mounting so that the displacement members of the robot can hold the gripping means and so that the gripping means is capable of handling a plurality of bottles simultaneously in order to empty them. In a preferred version, the gripping means of the present invention has a frame with a plurality of gripper units, for example three, for holding bottles, each of which units comprises a mechanical gripper device consisting of two units, a movable unit and another, fixed unit, the movable unit being actuated by means of an actuating device, for example a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly, which can effect the displacement of the movable part of the gripping means in order to hold the bottle between said movable part and a fixed part. The composition of the plurality of units, for example three, arranged in the same single frame will be identical, having the same gripper members in all cases and being associated with members for piercing the plasma bottles and injecting air or non-contaminating gas (for example N.sub.2) into the bottles, for which purpose each of the units has a second pneumatic cylinder with a needle for piercing and injection of air which is connected to means for receiving air at low pressure for its injection into the bottle.

Patents 103

Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Insoluble carrier particle nephelometric immunoassay reagent Inventor(s): Oguri, Kazuhito; (Shizuoka, JP), Shigenobu, Kayoko; (Shizuoka, JP) Correspondence: Venable, Baetjer, Howard And Civiletti, Llp; P.O. Box 34385; Washington; DC; 20043-9998; US Patent Application Number: 20030143758 Date filed: December 26, 2002 Abstract: The present invention provides: a reagent and a kit for an insoluble carrier particle nephelometric immunoassay which stabilize the agglutination reaction by suppressing the action of blood plasma components that are involved in the agglutination reaction of insoluble carrier particles such as latex and affect the values to be determined, to provide the stable absorbances of the reaction solutions and the accurate determination results; and a method of an insoluble carrier particle nephelometric immunoassay utilizing said reagent or kit. An antigen or an antibody is carried on an insoluble carrier particle in the presence or absence of a buffer solution comprising a compound having within its molecule a group shown below such as bicine, tricine, then an antibody- or antigen-sensitized insoluble carrier particle suspension is allowed to contact a sample in the presence of the above mentioned buffer solution to cause the immune agglutination reaction, and the turbidity generated by the insoluble carrier particle agglutination reaction is measured to determine the antigen or antibody in the sample. 1wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be the same or different, and independently represent a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyalkyl group or the like. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a reagent for a nephelometric immunoassay comprising insoluble carrier particles such as latex, a method of a nephelometric immunoassay using insoluble carrier particles and a kit for a nephelometric immunoassay comprising insoluble carrier particles. The present invention more specifically relates to a reagent for a nephelometric immunoassay comprising insoluble carrier particles that stabilize the absorbance and can suppress the action of blood plasma components which are involved in a reaction and affect values to be determined, a method of a nephelometric immunoassay using such insoluble carrier particles and a kit for a nephelometric immunoassay comprising such insoluble carrier particles. In the field of clinical tests, latex is widely used for immunoassays that determine antigens or antibodies in the samples. For example, Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No.253629/98 describes a process for preparing an immunoassay reagent which comprises the following steps: antigens or antibodies are carried by polystyrene latex particles in a pH 4.0 to 6.0 buffer solution such as a pH 4.2 phosphate-citrate buffer solution; and then the buffer solution is substituted with a pH 6.5 to 9.0 buffer solution such as a pH 8.0 tris buffer solution. In said method, pro-zone phenomenon is suppressed while maintaining a high sensitivity, which results in high stability and good reproducibility in determination. Further, Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No.318632/97 describes a method of a latex nephelometric immunoassay which comprises the following steps: mixing a sample and a latex suspension carrying an antigen or an antibody; adding a dihydric alcohol to the mixed solution; and measuring the changes in absorbance caused by the latex particle agglutination formed through the antigen-antibody reaction. In said method, determination can be carried out

104

Blood Plasma

using the original solution without diluting a sample even when an antigen or an antibody to be determined is contained at a high concentration in the sample. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Method and apparatus for emptying blood plasma containers Inventor(s): Grifols Lucas, Victor; (Parets Del Valles, ES), Roura Adell, Sergi; (Barcelona, ES), Sanchez Sabate, Jose Ramon; (Barcelona, ES) Correspondence: Darby & Darby P.C.; P. O. Box 5257; New York; NY; 10150-5257; US Patent Application Number: 20030185732 Date filed: March 14, 2003 Abstract: The method comprises a first stage of formation of a batch of a specific number of full containers to be emptied, which are then subjected to an operation of external washing by spraying with hot, de-ionised water and a subsequent rinsing operation, likewise by spraying with de-ionised water, passing then to a step of drying of the containers and afterwards to a step of cutting off one end of the containers, which then pass to a gripping step, in the same number of containers that were arranged in the batch at the start of the method, these being inverted to permit the fall and collection of the masses of plasma. Excerpt(s): The present invention is intended to disclose a method and its apparatus for emptying blood plasma containers, which is applicable to the handling of containers of plasma in pharmaceutical laboratories, contributing significant characteristics of novelty and of inventive activity to its operation. As is known, the handling of human plasma in laboratories specializing in pharmaceutical products related to blood plasma is based on using bottles which contain the plasma collected from donors, and which arrive at the laboratory frozen in order to preserve them, and carrying out the operations necessary for the utilisation of the product for pharmaceutical applications. At present, the handling of the containers is carried out by semi-manual methods, with which it is not possible to guarantee optimum utilisation of the plasma from each of the bottles. It constitutes an important problem, especially from the point of view of costs, since in view of the high price of human plasma, imperfect emptying of the bottles, wasting a certain percentage of the product, represents a significant cost factor. Moreover, the procedure of defrosting and emptying the plasma affects the yield of the proteins which will subsequently be obtained in the fractionating process. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

•

Method and device for measurement of hematocrit Inventor(s): Maggiore, Jack A.; (Lombard, IL), Grzeda, Barbara R.; (Schaumburg, IL) Correspondence: Olson & Hierl, LTD.; 36th Floor; 20 North Wacker Drive; Chicago; IL; 60606; US Patent Application Number: 20040023399 Date filed: April 17, 2003 Abstract: Hematocrit in a blood sample is visualized by separating blood plasma from red blood cells in the blood sample on an absorbent substrate provided with a blood plasma soluble dye. Methods and devices to achieve the visualization are described.

Patents 105

Excerpt(s): This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/373,303, filed on Apr. 17, 2002. This invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring blood parameters such as hematocrit in a whole blood sample. More particularly the invention relates to a hematocrit measuring device that contains a blood plasma separating membrane and its use. Hemoglobin determination is one of the most frequently performed tests in hospitals. Anemia, or a decrease in hemoglobin concentration, is a sign of an underlying disease process. Mild anemic states often cause no symptoms because of the body's ability to compensate for the deficiency in hemoglobin, at least on a short term basis. With increasing severity of anemia, however, the resulting increased cardiac stress may cause tachycardia, shortness of breath, and headaches. In its most severe form, anemia may lead to coma and death. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Method for detecting alpha-oxoaldehydes in the whole blood, blood plasma and/or serum of a patient Inventor(s): Kleibohmer, Wolfgang; (Unterschliben, DE), Schulze-Pellengahr, Uta; (Ascheberg, DE) Correspondence: Barnes & Thornburg; 11 South Meridian Street; Indianpolis; IN; 46204; US Patent Application Number: 20030176805 Date filed: January 17, 2003 Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting.alpha.-oxoaldehydes in whole blood, blood plasma and/or in serum of a patient, in which a breath air sample is analysed for the presence of at least one.alpha.-oxoaldehyde and the presence of.alpha.oxoaldehydes in the whole blood, blood plasma and/or serum of the patient is deduced from the analysis result. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a method for detecting.alpha.-oxoaldehydes in whole blood, in the blood plasma and/or in the serum of patients. Complications arising as a result of long-standing diabetes diseases, i.e. insulin-dependent or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, such as kidney damage or clouding of the lenses of the eye, can only be detected with difficulty and often only at a late stage. Joint responsibility for these complications and consequential illnesses often lies with reactive metabolic products which, together with collagen, enzymes or other cellular components, form glycolates and can act as cell toxins by means of this mechanism. Corresponding markers for this disease can be detected according to the state of the art only via complex blood analytics in the laboratory. In the last three to four years, experiments for elucidating the consequential illnesses in the course of long-standing diabetes have shown that the cytotoxic.alpha.-oxoaldehydes play an important and causal role (Beisswenger et al. (1999) Diabetes, Volume 48, p. 198-202). Hence in this connection, in particular the role of.alpha.-oxoaldehydes such as methylglyoxal, glyoxal or 3deoxyglucuron is discussed. These materials are formed in the red blood corpuscles and occur in very small concentrations in the whole blood, in the blood plasma and in the serum. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

106

•

Blood Plasma

Method of drying blood plasma Inventor(s): Luck, Thomas; (Muenchen, DE), Luy, Bernard; (Freiburg, DE), Maurer, Andreas; (Freising, DE), Nowak, Reinhard; (Binzen, DE), Prasch, Armin; (Muenchen, DE) Correspondence: Marshall & Melhorn, L.L.C.; D. Edward Dolgorukov; Eighth Floor; Four Seagate; Toledo; OH; 43604; US Patent Application Number: 20030143518 Date filed: December 6, 2002 Abstract: The invention relates to a method of drying blood plasma, blood plasma fractions or blood plasma products (material for treatment) obtained therefrom, the product being sprayed in a liquid or dissolved condition into an evacuable container, drying to the granular form being carried out by means of a fluidizing gas in the fluidized layer. Excerpt(s): This Application is continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Ser. No. 08/836,587, filed Aug. 20, 1997, which is a filing under 35 USC 371 of PCT International Application No. PCT/DE95/01619 filed Nov. 17, 1995, which claims priority of German patent Application No. P44 41 167.7 filed Nov. 18, 1994, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. The invention relates to a method of drying blood plasma, blood plasma fractions or products obtained therefrom by means of a fluidized bed process, and to a corresponding device for carrying out the method. It is known that the treatment of patients with human blood plasma products, i.e., proteins and/or protein fractions, involves an extremely high risk of cross-infection by viruses, e.g., retroviruses or hepatitis viruses. In particular, patients suffering from haemophilia have an extremely high infection risk. Therefore, prior art has described various methods of virus inactivation or elimination. However, as described, all these processes influence the biological activity of the blood plasma product. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

•

Method to assay coenzyme Q10 in blood plasma or blood serum Inventor(s): Bompadre, Stefano; (Ancona, IT), Fattorini, Daniele; (Ancona, IT), Littarru, Gian Paolo; (Ancona, IT), Mosca, Fabrizio; (Monsano, IT) Correspondence: Cummings & Lockwood Llc; Granite Square; 700 State Street; New Haven; CT; 06509-1960; US Patent Application Number: 20040033553 Date filed: May 23, 2003 Abstract: A method is described for determining CoQ.sub.10 concentrations in plasma samples. CoQ.sub.10 in the plasma sample is oxidized by treating the sample with an oxidizing agent having a redox potential higher than the redox potential of CoQ.sub.10, such as, for example, para-benzoquinone. Following oxidation of the CoQ.sub.10, the CoQ.sub.10 in the plasma sample is extracted with an alcohol, such as, for example, 1propanol. The alcohol extract is analyzed using direct injection into the HPLC apparatus. This method achieves a rapid, accurate analysis of plasma CoQ.sub.10 levels, which can be used for monitoring the bioavailability of orally administered CoQ.sub.10 used as a food supplement or as an adjunctive therapy.

Patents 107

Excerpt(s): This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/382,943 filed on May 23, 2002. Coenzyme Q.sub.10 (2,3 dimethyl-5-methyl-6decaprenyl benzoquinone) ("CoQ.sub.10") levels in whole blood and plasma have been the subject of much inquiry as described, for example, in Tomasetti, M., Alleva, R., Solenghi, M. D., Littarru, G. P., Distribution of antioxidants among blood components and lipoproteins: significance of lipids/CoQ.sub.10 ratio as a possible marker of increased risk for atherosclerosis. BioFactors, 9, 231-240 (1999), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. It is likely that plasma concentrations of CoQ.sub.10 reflect an overall metabolic demand, as discussed in Littarru, G. P., Lippa, S., Oradei, A., Fiorini, R. M., Mazzanti, L., Metabolic and diagnostic implications of human blood CoQ.sub.10 levels, in Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q vol. VI, (eds. K. Folkers, G. P. Littarru, T. Yamagami), Elsevier North Holland, pp. 167-178 (1991), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, together with other lipophilic antioxidants, CoQ.sub.10 plays an intrinsic role in protecting circulating lipoproteins against oxidative damage. Therefore, the concentration of CoQ.sub.10 in lipoproteins and blood plasma could be of clinical importance regarding oxidative stress and antioxidant defense. Increased levels of CoQ.sub.10 enhance its antioxidant protection, even though the potential to act as an antioxidant in vivo probably depends not only on total CoQ.sub.10 concentration, but also on its redox status. The content of CoQ.sub.10 in single classes of lipoproteins has been found to be strictly correlated with CoQ.sub.10 plasma concentration. Previous reports have shown that the LDL-cholesterol/CoQ.sub.10 ratio significantly correlates with the total-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio which is usually considered a risk factor for atherosclerosis as described, for example in Alleva, R., Tomasetti, M., Bompadre, S., Littarru, G. P., Oxidation of LDL and their subfractions: kinetic aspects and CoQ.sub.10 content. Molec Asp Med, 18, s105-s112 (1997), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Some effective hypocholesterolemic agents, namely the statins, also lower plasma CoQ.sub.10 concentrations, owing to the common biosynthetic pathway of cholesterol and the isoprenoide side chain of coenzyme Q as described, for example, in Mortensen, S. A., Leth, A., Agner, E., Rohde, M., Dose-related decrease of serum coenzyme Q.sub.10 during treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Molec Asp Med, 18, s137-s144 (1997), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Therefore, it would be desirable to have an effective, reliable, fast method to measure CoQ.sub.10 concentrations in blood plasma or blood serum to monitor the CoQ.sub.10 levels in patients receiving hypocholesterolemic agents. CoQ.sub.10 is used as a food supplement or as an adjunctive therapy in several diseases and the blood plasma or blood serum levels achieved upon oral administration of CoQ10 can correlate with clinical efficacy. Tests of blood plasma or blood serum levels of CoQ.sub.10 are useful for monitoring the bioavailability of orally administered coenzyme Q.sub.10. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

108

•

Blood Plasma

Methods for detecting papillomavirus DNA in blood plasma and serum Inventor(s): Christensen, Neil; (Harrisburg, PA), Gocke, Christopher D.; (Ellicott City, MD) Correspondence: Mcdonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff; 300 South Wacker Drive; Suite 3200; Chicago; IL; 60606; US Patent Application Number: 20030175770 Date filed: December 24, 2002 Abstract: This invention relates to the detection of extracellular papillomavirus DNA in blood plasma or serum from a human or animal. In particular, the invention relates to the detection, identification, evaluation, or monitoring of neoplastic, premalignant or malignant disease associated with a papillomavirus. The invention thereby provides methods for the identification of individuals at risk for, or having, cervical dysplasia, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or cervical cancer. Excerpt(s): This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/456,222, filed Dec. 7, 1999, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/049,234, filed Mar. 27, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/818,058, filed Mar. 14, 1997, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/028,180, filed Oct. 15, 1996, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/026,252, filed Sep. 17, 1996, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/013,497, filed Mar. 15, 1996, the entire disclosure of each of the foregoing is hereby incorporated by reference. This invention relates to methods for detecting specific extracellular nucleic acid in plasma or serum fractions of human or animal blood associated with neoplastic or proliferative disease. Specifically, the invention relates to detection of nucleic acid derived from human viruses associated with human neoplasia, and to methods of detecting and monitoring extracellular viral nucleic acids found in the plasma or serum fraction of blood by using nucleic acid amplification with or without enrichment for viral DNA. In particular, the invention relates to the detection, identification, or monitoring of the existence, progression or clinical status of human neoplastic disease caused by or associated with viral infection through detection of viral nucleic acid in plasma or serum fractions. The invention permits the detection of extracellular, viral nucleic acid in the serum or plasma of humans or other animals recognized as having a neoplastic or proliferative disease or in individuals without any prior history or diagnosis of neoplastic or proliferative disease. The invention specifically provides methods for early identification of cervical carcinoma, cervical carcinoma in situ, cervical dysplasia, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and penile squamous cell carcinoma associated with infection by oncogenic human papillomavirus subtypes. Cervical carcinoma is a common form of malignancy afflicting women, arising from the squamous epithelium of the cervix. Much is known of the natural history of this disease. The vast majority of cases are attributable, at least in part, to an infection by a papillomavirus of the cervical epithelium. In particular, certain subtypes of human papillomavirus (HPV), including HPV subtypes 16, 18, 31, 33, and 35, are associated with cervical malignancy, where HPV infection seems to alter the epithelium to predispose an individual to the development of cancer. This alteration of the epithelium by viral infection initially leads to cervical premalignant states, specifically cervical dysplasia or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Cervical dysplasia/CIN is important for recognizing, diagnosing, and treating women at risk for developing cervical cancer, because surgical removal of dysplastic epithelium reduces and may even eliminate the risk of development of cervical cancer.

Patents 109

Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Methods for evaluating a disease condition by nucleic acid detection and fractionation Inventor(s): Chan, Yuen Shan Lisa; (New Territories, HK), Chiu, Wai Kwun Rossa; (New Territories, HK), Lam, Yuk Lan; (Tseng Kwan O, HK), Lo, Yuk Ming Dennis; (Kowloon, HK), Ng, Kai On; (New Territories, HK), Rainer, Timothy Hudson; (New Territories, HK), Tsui, Bo Yin; (Kowloon, HK) Correspondence: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, Llp; Two Embarcadero Center; Eighth Floor; San Francisco; CA; 94111-3834; US Patent Application Number: 20040009518 Date filed: May 13, 2003 Abstract: This invention relates to the discovery that both non-particle and particle associated nucleic acids are present in blood plasma and serum and can be used to evaluate disease conditions. Excerpt(s): New methods of simply and accurately evaluating disease conditions in patients are needed in order to aid in the detection, prognosis, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease in patients worldwide. It has recently been discovered that circulating nucleic acids in the plasma or serum of patients are associated with certain disease conditions (See, Lo YMD et al., N Eng J Med 1998;339:1734-8; Lo YMD, et al., Lancet 1997;350:485-7; Lo YMD, et al., Am J Hum Genet 1998;62:768-75; Chen XQ, et al., Nat Med 1996;2:1033-5, Nawroz H et al., Nat Med 1996;2:1035-7; Lo YMD et al., Lancet 1998;351:1329-30; Lo YMD, et al., Clin Chem 2000;46:319-23). Currently, little is known about the characteristics and biological origin of circulating nucleic acids. However, it is likely that cell death, including apoptosis, is one major factor (Fournie e al., Gerontology 1993;39:215-21; Fournie et al., Cancer Lett 1995;91:221-7.) Without being bound by theory, as cells undergoing apoptosis dispose nucleic acids into apoptotic bodies, it is possible that at least part of the circulating nucleic acids in the plasma or serum of human subjects is particle associated. In this application, it is demonstrated for the first time that circulating nucleic acids exist in both particle and non-particle associated form in the plasma and serum of human subjects. It is also demonstrated that by separating the circulating nucleic acids present in the plasma or serum of subjects into their particle associated and non-particle associated forms, disease conditions can be simply and accurately evaluated. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

•

Methods for evaluating drug-resistance gene expression in the cancer patient Inventor(s): Kopreski, Michael S.; (Long Valley, NJ) Correspondence: Mcdonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff; 300 South Wacker Drive; Suite 3200; Chicago; IL; 60606; US Patent Application Number: 20030148345 Date filed: November 19, 2002 Abstract: The methods of the invention detect in a qualitative or quantitative fashion drug-resistance RNA and DNA in blood plasma, serum, and other bodily fluids. The

110

Blood Plasma

methods of the invention thereby enable the assessment of drug resistance in a neoplasm without the requirement of a tissue biopsy. The inventive methods are useful for the evaluation, monitoring, and selecting of drug treatment regimens, and for determining a predisposition for or prognosis of chemoresistant neoplastic disease. Excerpt(s): Cancer is a leading cause of death in the world. Despite the development of newer chemotherapeutic agents and combination chemotherapy regimens, metastatic neoplastic diseases are often resistant to therapy. The reasons for this drug-resistance are two-fold. First, specific genes may be expressed that impart drug-resistant characteristics to the neoplastic tissue. Second, tumors are often heterogeneous tissues in their sensitivity to specific chemotherapeutic agents. Treatment over time thus selects out the resistant tissue. An understanding of drug-resistance gene expression within a tumor over time thus is of importance in developing appropriate treatment regimens for the patient. Current methods for evaluating the drug-resistance phenotype of a patient's tumor require the analysis of a tissue specimen obtained by an invasive biopsy of the tumor. The invasive nature of these biopsies often precludes the serial longitudinal monitoring of drug-resistance in a given patient, and further, is prone to sampling error. This invention relates to methods for evaluating the expression of drug-resistance genes (drug-resistance-associated genes) in neoplastic tissue without the requirement of tissue biopsy. Specifically, the invention provides for the detection and monitoring of drugresistance gene nucleic acid, particularly ribonucleic acid (RNA) or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), in a bodily fluid from an animal or human. Since bodily fluids such as blood, plasma, serum, urine, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, and effusions are more easily and readily obtainable than most tissue specimens, the invention provides a convenient method of evaluating a tumor's drug-resistance, and thereby of selecting, monitoring, or altering drug therapies such as chemotherapy. Furthermore, the invention provides a method to evaluate drug-resistance expression of the entire tumor-burden of an animal, preferably a human, thereby reducing sampling bias induced by tumor heterogeneity, as may occur during analysis of localized tumor biopsies. The invention therefore provides methods for evaluating the presence of RNA and mutated or altered or polymorphic DNA associated with drug-resistance genes in bodily fluid, particularly blood, plasma, serum, and other bodily fluid, wherein said genes include but are not limited to the multidrug resistance 1 gene (MDR-1), said gene encoding the 170 kD transport protein P-glycoprotein (Pgp), the multidrug resistance-associated protein gene (MRP) encoding a 190 kD adenosine triphosphate binding transport protein with homology to MDR-1, and further associated genes encoding the multidrug resistance proteins MRP1, MRP2, MRP3, and MRP5, the topoisomerase I gene, the topoisomerase II alpha and beta genes, genes associated with glutathione metabolism (GSH genes) including the glutathione Stransferase genes, the thymidylate synthase gene (TS), the thymidine phosphorylase gene (TP), and the dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase gene (DPD), said gene RNAs being characterized as tumor-associated RNA or DNA herein. Co-owned and copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/155,152, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, detects tumor-associated RNA in bodily fluids such as blood plasma and serum, wherein said RNA detection is used for detecting, monitoring, or evaluating cancer or premalignant conditions. In the present invention, methods for detecting extracellular nucleic acids are utilized in a novel manner to determine drug-resistance gene expression in a patient. Furthermore, a novel method is described herein that enables evaluation of drug-resistance gene expression in a tumor without the need of directly obtaining tumor tissue. There is a newly-appreciated need in the art to identify drug-resistance propensity in an animal, most preferably a human, in a safe and convenient manner by detecting in a qualitative or quantitative fashion drug-resistance gene RNA and DNA such as MDR-1 RNA, MRP RNA, associated MRP1 RNA, MRP2

Patents 111

RNA, MRP3 RNA, MRP5 RNA, GSH transferase RNA, TS RNA, TP RNA, DPD RNA, mutated topoisomerase I RNA or DNA, mutated topoisomerase II alpha and beta RNA and DNA, and other mutated or altered DNA in bodily fluids such as whole blood or blood plasma or serum, including DNA polymorphisms including but not limited to MDR-1 polymorphisms, GSH-associated gene polymorphisms including GSH-S transferase polymorphisms, TS polymorphisms, and MDR-1 polymorphisms. Further, there is a need in the art to evaluate the predisposition in an animal, most preferably a human, to respond favorably or unfavorably to a particular chemotherapy regimen by detecting drug-resistance gene RNA or mutated or altered or polymorphic DNA in bodily fluids such as blood plasma or serum, thereby enabling particular treatment regimens to chosen. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Methods for providing personalized lipoprotein-based risk assessments Inventor(s): Otvos, James D.; (Apex, NC) Correspondence: Myers Bigel Sibley & Sajovec; PO Box 37428; Raleigh; NC; 27627; US Patent Application Number: 20030119194 Date filed: November 14, 2002 Abstract: Methods for assessing a patient's risk of having or developing coronary heart disease based on lipoprotein measurements include: (a) generating an NMR spectroscopic signal of a blood plasma or serum sample of a patient; (b) measuring the values of a plurality of selected lipoprotein subclass constituents in the sample; (c) analyzing the measured values of the lipoprotein subclass constituents according to predetermined test criteria to identify when there is an increased and/or decreased risk of having and/or developing coronary heart disease associated with the measured lipoprotein subclass constituent values; (d) outputting the measured lipoprotein subclass values onto a report; (e) providing a plurality of risk analysis portions that depicts the identified risk of the measured lipoprotein subclass values from the predetermined test criteria analysis, a respective one for each measured lipoprotein subclass value, wherein each risk analysis portion defines a plurality of risk segments that are associated with lower, negative, or decreased risk and higher, positive, or increased risk, each risk segment associated with predetermined ranges of measured numerical values; (f) positioning the respective risk analysis portions in the report adjacent its measured corresponding lipoprotein subclass value; and (g) drawing a selectively adjustable perimeter line on the report so that it has an increased size, intensity and/or contrasting color for the risk segment associated with the measured lipoprotein subclass value relative to the non-associated risk segments for each risk analysis portion to visually enhance the identified risk and provide a contemporaneous risk assessment guide useful for interpretation of the risk associated with the measured values. Excerpt(s): This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/258,740, filed Feb. 26, 1999, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as recited in full herein. The present invention relates generally to reporting and analyzing information related to patient-specific measured lipoprotein results. Recently, a significant advance in measurement techniques used to analyze blood plasma lipoprotein samples was achieved. Lipoproteins are the spherical particles that transport cholesterol, trigylcerides, and other lipids in the bloodstream. The advanced measurement technique employs NMR spectroscopy to provide additional (higher

112

Blood Plasma

order) increased patient-specific information over the types of information typically provided under routine conventional analysis methods. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,933,844 to Otvos, entitled "Measurement of Blood Lipoprotein Constituents by Analysis of Data Acquired From an NMR Spectrometer" and U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,389 to Otvos, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Measuring Classes and Subclasses of Lipoproteins." The contents of these documents are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein. Unlike conventional "routine" type laboratory lipoprotein blood tests, the lipoprotein analysis provided by the NMR spectral analysis now more easily provides lipoprotein subclass information, which had, until this advance, been generally inaccessible to clinicians. This subclass information can provide information corresponding to the sizes of the lipoprotein particles that make up a person's lipoprotein constituents. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Novel 2-phenylpiperazine derivatives Inventor(s): Furukawa, Kazuhito; (Hyogo, JP), Higashiura, Kunihiko; (Hyogo, JP), Konishi, Yukari; (Hyogo, JP), Ogino, Takashi; (Osaka, JP) Correspondence: Hollander Law Firm, P.L.C.; Suite 305; 10300 Eaton Place; Fairfax; VA; 22030 Patent Application Number: 20030166616 Date filed: February 20, 2003 Abstract: Excellent tachykinin receptor antagonistic activity is provided by 2phenylpiperazine derivatives. The piperazine derivatives exhibit a strong inhibitory action against a tachykinin-induced increase of vascular permeability in in vivo tests. Moreover, the derivatives show a preferred transfer into blood, a long half-life in blood in pharmacokinetic tests of oral administration to rats or guinea pigs, and are very stable in blood plasma of various animals. Consequently, a piperazine derivative of the present invention is very useful as a tachykinin antagonist. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to novel 2-phenylpiperazine derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions containing the derivatives as an effective component. Tachykinin is a general term for a group of peptides having similar structures. In mammals, Substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and neurokinin B (NKB) are representative tachykinins. These tachykinins are neuro-peptides which are widely distributed in a living body. Among them, Substance P has been most fully investigated for physiological functions. Substance P is a peptide consisting of 11 amino acids and exhibits hypotensive action, smooth muscle constricting action, sialagogue action, neuron exciting action, pain inducing action, etc. Substance P has been known to be concerned with various diseases such as those of the digestive system, nervous system and respiratory system. It has also been suggested to be deeply associated especially with inflammation, allergy, carcinoid syndrome, chronic pain, headache, Crohn disease, depression and vomiting. Accordingly, an antagonist for a tachykinin such as Substance P is applicable and useful as an anti-inflammatory agent, anti-allergic agent, analgesic, antiemetic, agent for irritable colon syndrome, agent for dermal disease, agent for vasospastic disease, agent for cerebral ischemic disease, antidepressant, antianxiety agent, agent for autoimmune disease, a muscle relaxant or an antispasmodic. Various tachykinin antagonists have been developed and reported with an object of development of therapeutic agents for the above-mentioned diseases in which tachykinins participate (cf. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publications Hei-06/509332, Hei-

Patents 113

06/509087, Hei-06/509090, Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 4, 16, 1903-1908 (1994), J. Med. Chem., 41, 4623-4635 (1998), J. Med. Chem., 43, 4416-4427 (2000) etc.). However, tachykinin antagonists which have heretofore been found have problems of performance in vivo such as undesirable transfer into blood and adverse effects, and none of them have been put into the market with approval as a pharmaceutical agent. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Novel composition and method for the treatment of diabetes Inventor(s): Daniels, Bruce Alan; (Oklahoma City, OK) Correspondence: Ali Kamarei; 280 Colorado Avenue; Palo Alto; CA; 94301; US Patent Application Number: 20040116378 Date filed: May 14, 2003 Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and composition for treatment and prevention of Type II Diabetes Mellitus and its complications comprising the step of administering to a patient a therapeutically-effective amount of Rhamnan Sulphate, its functional analogs, or its physiologically acceptable salts, in therapeutic proportions. The anticoagulation activity in the blood plasma of a patient is not appreciably increased. Excerpt(s): Reference is made and priority is claimed to copending patent application Ser. No. 10/320,309, filed Dec. 16, 2002, entitled: "Rhamnan Sulphate Composition for treatment of Endothelial Dysfunction" by the present inventor. This invention relates to a pharmacological composition and method that provides for regression of neuropathies associated with but not limited to diabetes, preservation of renal function in diabetic states and other vasculopathic states. This composition is preferably used for patients susceptible to or suffering from diabetes, an endothelial dysfunction disorder or disease, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a formulation with enhanced absorption characteristics for preventing and/or treating, type II diabetes mellitus, and its complications, without increasing the patient's risk of hemorrhaging, either internal or as a result of an external injury. Type II Diabetes Mellitus and other diseases resulting from endothelial dysfunction, and their associated complications are a principal cause of disabilities and deaths of individuals in the world. For example, in recent years more than 700,000 deaths have occurred annually in the United States alone as a result of coronary artery disease, and many more patients have been hospitalized for unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure, which occur in greater than 70% of patients with diabetes as the disease progresses. Additionally, diabetes is the most common cause of chronic renal insufficiency and renal failure in industrialized societies and a major cause of blindness and limb loss due to leg ischemia. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

114

•

Blood Plasma

Novel leukapheretic filter Inventor(s): Hayashi, Shizue; (Kawasaki-shi, JP) Correspondence: Young & Thompson; 745 South 23rd Street 2nd Floor; Arlington; VA; 22202 Patent Application Number: 20030146150 Date filed: September 10, 2002 Abstract: A filter medium with which a leukocyte-containing fluid represented by whole blood can be treated to selectively remove the leukocytes therefrom and recover the erythrocytes, thrombocytes, and blood plasma by allowing these to pass through the medium.The leukocyte-removing filter is characterized by comprising a polymer having hydrophobic structural units and hydrophilic structural units and a porous substrate.The polymer is, for example, a copolymer of a hydrophobic monomer and a hydrophilic monomer or a hydrophilic polymer having hydrophobic structural units introduced therein by modification or chemical modification. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a blood filter for efficiently removing leukocytes. More particularly, the present invention relates to a leukocyte-removing filter that can selectively remove only leukocytes from leukocyte-containing fluid such as whole blood by easily filtering out erythrocytes, blood plasma, and thrombocytes. Leukocyte-removing technology has been attracting attention as a most important subject in recent blood transfusion technology. A number of researchers have carried out for the purpose of reducing the physical burden on the patients after transfusion. For example, in order to prevent side effects and communicable diseases induced by leukocytes as a major causative substance, such as induction of graft versus host disease (GVHD), side effects due to anhemolytic fever, production of anti-leukocyte antibodies, and infection induced by viral-infected leukocytes, leukocytes have been removed or inactivated by centrifugation, filtration or radiation from blood products for transfusion. In particular, leukocyte reduction by filtration is widely accepted as an effective method simply and easily available at the bedside due to its simplicity and low cost. Another important advantage of leukocyte reduction is in the improvement of storage stability and safety of blood products used for blood component transfusion. Specifically, when blood products containing leukocytes are stored for a long time, it becomes difficult to prevent pyrogenic cytokines from being produced by leukocytes during storage, further it also becomes extremely difficult to prevent adverse effects such as dispersion of pathogenetic media produced by death or crushing of leukocytes holding viruses and bacteria into the blood preparation. For these reasons, necessity of removing as many leukocytes in the blood preparation as possible before storing has been pointed out. Development of an effective and aseptic leukocyte reduction technology has also been strongly desired in this point (T. Asai, K. Hiruma, Y. Hoshi, "BLOOD TRANSFUSION UNDERSTOOD AT A GLANCE", page 77, published by Medical Science International, Inc.). Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

Patents 115

•

Oral administration of 6-hydroxy-oxymorphone for use as an analgesic Inventor(s): Kao, Huai-Hung; (Syosset, NY), Lee, David; (Wilmington, DE), McCall, Troy; (Germantown, TN), Smith-Carliss, Richard; (Westchester, PA) Correspondence: Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, Llp; 1600 Market Street; Suite 3600; Philadelphia; PA; 19103 Patent Application Number: 20030130297 Date filed: July 3, 2002 Abstract: In a method of treating pain, a patient is administered a pharmaceutical composition of 6-hydroxy oxymorphone in amount sufficient to induce analgesia. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is administered orally. Any known or later developed method of oral delivery may be used. To achieve the desired analgesic effect, blood plasma levels of 6-hydroxy oxymorphone are raised to at least approximately 0.2 ng/mL. Most preferably blood plasma levels of 6-hydroxy oxymorphone range at least 0.3 ng/mL during treatment. Administration of compositions containing 6-hydroxy oxymorphone, and one or more carriers, diluents, and excipients in an amount sufficient to induce analgesia is also contemplated. Excerpt(s): This application relates to provisional patent application serial Nos. 60/329,445 filed Oct. 15, 2001,.60/329,432 filed Oct. 15, 2001, 60/303,357 filed Jul. 6, 2001, and 60/329,444 filed Oct. 15, 2001. The invention relates to methods for alleviating pain. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for alleviating pain by administering 6-hydroxy oxymorphone. Most particularly, the invention relates to methods of inducing analgesia by increasing blood plasma levels of 6-hydroxy oxymorphone through oral administration of a pharmaceutical composition containing 6-hydroxy oxymorphone. The present invention provides methods of treating pain by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising 6-hydroxy oxymorphone in an amount sufficient to induce analgesia. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is administered orally. Any known or later developed method of oral delivery may be used. To achieve the desired analgesic effect, blood plasma levels of 6hydroxy oxymorphone are raised to at least about 0.2 ng/mL. Most preferably blood plasma levels of 6-hydroxy oxymorphone of at least about 0.3 ng/mL during treatment. Methods for administering compositions comprising 6-hydroxy oxymorphone, and one or more carriers, diluents, and excipients in an amount sufficient to induce analgesia are also provided. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

•

Oxymorphone controlled release formulations Inventor(s): Baichwal, Anand R.; (Wappingers Falls, NY), Kao, Huai-Hung; (Syosset, NY), Lee, David; (Wilmington, DE), McCall, Troy; (Germantown, TN) Correspondence: Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, Llp; 1600 Market Street; Suite 3600; Philadelphia; PA; 19103 Patent Application Number: 20030157167 Date filed: July 3, 2002 Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of relieving pain by administering a controlled release pharmaceutical tablet containing oxymorphine which produces a

116

Blood Plasma

mean minimum blood plasma level 12 to 24 hours after dosing, as well as the tablet producing the sustained pain relief. Excerpt(s): This application relates to provisional patent application serial Nos. 60/329,445 filed Oct. 15, 2001, No. 60/329,432 filed Oct. 15, 2001, No. 60/303,357 filed Jul. 6, 2001, and 60/329,444 filed Oct. 15, 2001. Pain is the most frequently reported symptom and it is a common clinical problem which confronts the clinician. Many millions of people in the USA suffer from severe pain that, according to numerous recent reports, is chronically undertreated or inappropriately managed. The clinical usefulness of the analgesic properties of opioids has been recognized for centuries, and morphine and its derivatives have been widely employed for analgesia for decades in a variety of clinical pain states. Oxymorphone HCl (14-hydroxydihydromorphinone hydrochloride) is a semi-synthetic phenanthrene-derivative opioid agonist, widely used in the treatment of acute and chronic pain, with analgesic efficacy comparable to other opioid analgesics. Oxymorphone is currently marketed as an injection (1 mg/ml in 1 ml ampules; 1.5 mg/ml in 1 ml ampules; 1.5 mg/ml in 10 ml multiple dose vials) for intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous administration, and as 5 mg rectal suppositories. At one time, 2 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg oral immediate release (IR) tablet formulations of oxymorphone HCl were marketed. Oxymorphone HCl is metabolized principally in the liver and undergoes conjugation with glucuronic acid and reduction to 6.alpha.- and.beta.-hydroxy epimers. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Rapid process for purfication and concentration of plasmin Inventor(s): Bell, Craig J.; (E. Swanzey, NH), Dailey, Wendelin A.; (Orion, MI), Hartzer, Michael K.; (Rochester Hills, MI), Trese, Michael T.; (Bloomfield Hills, MI), Williams, George A.; (Grosse Pointe Park, MI) Correspondence: Gifford, Krass, Groh, Sprinkle; Anderson & Citkowski, PC; 280 N Old Woodard Ave; Suite 400; Birmingham; MI; 48009; US Patent Application Number: 20040024344 Date filed: July 23, 2002 Abstract: A method for rapid purification of a blood component from blood is described in which the blood plasma is first separated from the cellular blood elements by any conventional means, such as centrifugation. An affinity cartridge is then activated with a molecule, such as an amino acid, which binds with a blood component such as plasminogen. The separated blood plasma is then passed through the affinity cartridge such that the blood component is retained by the affinity cartridge. Thereafter, the blood component is eluted from the affinity cartridge by passing a buffer solution containing a releasing agent through the affinity cartridge. This releasing agent disengages the blood component from the affinity cartridge. The releasing agent is then separated from the eluted solution by passing the eluted solution through a device, such as an ion exchange, gel filter, or size exclusion device. The isolated plasminogen solution is then concentrated by a factor of from 2 to 10. The separated blood component, e.g. plasminogen, is then converted to plasmin by adding a known amount of an enzyme to the solution from which the releasing agent has been removed. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a rapid process for purification and concentration of a blood component and, in particular, the purification and concentration of plasminogen which is then converted to plasmin for use in surgical

Patents 117

procedures. With concerns about identifying ever-changing strains of HIV, hepatitis, and other blood born pathogens, the use of blood bank whole blood as a source for blood components in non-emergency surgical procedures has been disfavored. As a result, it is advantageous to draw blood from a patient, extract the needed blood component, and then reintroduce the blood component into the patient during a surgical procedure. Plasminogen is exemplary of a blood component that is separated from a patient's own blood and reintroduced into the patient. Plasminogen is a component of the fibrolytic system and is the plasmaprotein precursor of plasmin, a serine protease. Plasmin is well known to function in fibrinolysis and fibrinogenolysis, as well as digesting factor IXa, and the activation of zymogens, among its many functions. Plasmin is injected systemically for the treatment of acute thrombolytic disorders. The injection of plasmin into a human eye has been shown to induce posterior vitreous detachment, as detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,118. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Shear-enhanced system and methods for removing waste materials and liquid from the blood Inventor(s): Kunas, Gretchen; (Pleasanton, CA), Moriarty, Julie; (Evanston, IL), Vishnoi, Rohit; (Deerfield, IL) Correspondence: Baxter Healthcare Corporation; Bradford R.L. Price; Fenwal Division Rlp-30; Route 120 And Wilson Road; Round Lake; IL; 60073; US Patent Application Number: 20030146154 Date filed: February 2, 2002 Abstract: Systems and methods convey the blood through a gap defined between an inner surface that is located about an axis and an outer surface that is concentric with the inner surface. At least one of the inner and outer surfaces carries a membrane that consists essentially of either a hemofiltration membrane or a hemodialysis membrane. The systems and methods cause relative movement between the inner and outer surfaces about the axis at a selected surface velocity, taking into account the size of the gap. The relative movement of the two surfaces creates movement of the blood within the gap, which creates vortical flow conditions that induce transport of cellular blood components from the membrane while plasma water and waste material are transported to the membrane for transport across the membrane. Shear-enhanced transport of waste materials and blood plasma water results. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to systems and methods that remove waste materials and liquid from the blood of an individual whose renal function is impaired or lacking. For various reasons, including illness, injury or surgery, patients may require replacement or supplementation of their natural renal function in order to remove excess fluid or fluids containing dissolved waste products from their blood. Several procedures known for this purpose are hemodialysis, hemofiltration, hemodiafiltration and ultrafiltration. The invention provides shear-enhanced systems and methods for removing waste materials and liquid from the blood. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

118

•

Blood Plasma

Stabilized composition of troponin for immunoassays and method of preparation of such a stabilized composition Inventor(s): Riochet, Denis Robert Marie; (Bois Colombes, FR) Correspondence: Jacobson Holman Pllc; 400 Seventh Street N.W.; Suite 600; Washington; DC; 20004; US Patent Application Number: 20040033529 Date filed: March 24, 2003 Abstract: The present invention relates to stabilized compositions of troponin capable of serving as standard and/or control in immunoassays intended for assaying cardiac and/or skeletal troponin(s) in the blood serum or blood plasma of humans or animals. These stabilized compositions comprise, in aqueous solution, troponin I, troponin T and troponin C in the form of an I-T-C ternary complex.The invention also relates to a method of preparation of the stabilized compositions of troponin. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a stabilized composition of troponin capable of serving as standard and/or control in immunoassays intended for assaying cardiac and/or skeletal troponin(s) in the blood serum or blood plasma of humans or animals, as well as to a method of preparation of such a composition. Troponin is known to be a myofibrillar protein complex consisting of three proteins, troponins I, T and C. This protein complex enables a contribution to be made to the regulation of muscle contraction by Ca.sup.2+ ions, by interacting with myosin and actin. More precisely, it is known that, when a nerve impulse arrives at the motor end plate of a muscle, there is generation of an action potential which is transmitted to the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Ca.sup.2+ is then liberated into the cytosol and binds to troponin C, which gives rise to a reinforcement of the interaction between troponin I and troponin C and consequently to a change in conformation of the troponin I-T-C complex. There is then liberation of the actin-myosin interaction sites, permitting the contractional movement of the muscle. When the muscle is damaged, either during a myocardial infarction in the cardiac muscle or during prolonged physical exertion in the case of skeletal muscle, the contractile proteins thus liberated appear more or less rapidly in the bloodstream. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

•

Synthetic oxygen transport made from cross-linked modified human or porcine haemoglobin with improved properties, method for a preparation thereof from purified material and use thereof Inventor(s): Barnikol, Wolfgang; (Mainz, DE), Burkhard, Oswald; (Kriegsfeld, DE), Dinkelmann, Stephanie; (Kaiserslautern, DE), Domack, Ulrike; (Nieder-Olm, DE), Fiedler, Bernd; (Unna, DE), Manz, Birgit; (Essen, DE), Potzschke, Harald; (Wiesbaden, DE) Correspondence: Kurt Briscoe; Norris, Mclaughlin & Marcus, P.A.; 220 East 42nd Street, 30th Floor; New York; NY; 10017; US Patent Application Number: 20040029780 Date filed: August 28, 2003 Abstract: According to the claims, the present invention comprises the preparation of chemically modified, cross-linked hemoglobins with improved functional properties, the cross-linked hemoglobins prepared according to this method and the use of these

Patents 119

hemoglobins as artificial oxygen carriers. The synthesis method is characterized by technical simplicity as well as by high yields.Deoxygenated hemoglobin of high purity is conjugated covalently under the protection of an antioxidant with an effector of oxygen binding, especially with pyridoxal-5-phosphate, after which the hemoglobin is polymerized with glutardialdehyde as a bifunctional cross-linking agent. At the same time, there is a large increase in the volume of the reaction mixture and a decrease in the concentration of the hemoglobin during the addition of the cross-linking agent. Subsequently, after further dilution with water, a polyethylene oxide derivative is chemically linked to the cross-linked hemoglobins. Polymers are obtained, which are compatible with blood plasma and have optimized cooperativity and half saturation pressure values and can find use as artificial oxygen carriers and, in particular, are divided into a lower molecular weight fraction as blood substitute and a higher molecular weight fraction as blood additive, for example, for the treatment of oxygendeficiency conditions. Excerpt(s): In accordance with the claims, the present invention comprises the production of chemically modified, cross-linked hemoglobins with improved functional properties, the cross-linked hemoglobins produced by this method and their use as artificial oxygen carriers. The production method is characterized by its technical simplicity as well as by high yields. Deoxygenated hemoglobin of high purity is conjugated covalently under the protection of an antioxidant with an effector for oxygen bonding, especially with pyridoxal-5-phosphate. After that, and the hemoglobin is polymerized with glutardialdehyde with a very large increase in the volume of the reaction mixture and, accordingly, a very great dilution of the reactants during the addition of the cross-linking agent. Subsequently, after dilution with water, a polyethylene oxide derivative is linked chemically to the cross-linked hemoglobins. Polymers with optimized oxygen-binding characteristics are obtained, which are compatible with blood plasma and, especially when divided into a low molecular weight and a high molecular weight fraction, can be used as artificial oxygen carriers as a blood substitute or blood additive, for example, for the treatment of oxygen deficiency conditions. For various clinical indications in medicine, it is desirable to have available an artificial support system for the transport of oxygen. In the event of an acute loss of blood, it is not only appropriate to replace the liquid volume isotonically and isocontically, but also to restore a further essential function of the blood, namely the transport of oxygen. With the decreasing preparedness to donate blood, adequate supplies of blood are available less and less in the event of an acute catastrophe or in the event of a war, particularly for covering an unforeseeable demand. The instantaneous availability of suitable supplies of blood furthermore is associated with appreciable logistic problems. Moreover, blood can usually be stored for only about 35 days and must therefore be constantly replenished. This creates appreciable costs. On the other hand, artificial solutions can be kept for a significantly longer time, since they may optionally be frozen. Depending on the storage time, stored blood acidifies intracellularly. As a result, its acute oxygen binding characteristics are not by any means optimum and must be regenerated once again in the organism. On the other hand, an artificial oxygen carrier functions optimally from the first instant. The increasing lack of preparedness to donate blood is contrasted, on the other hand, by the increase in demand of an aging population. At the same time, because of the aging of the population, the number of potential blood donors has decreased. Likewise, because of unpredictable risks of infection (immune weakness, hepatitis), the population of the slums is unavailable as blood donors. An artificial, oxygen-transporting blood replacement would also be universal and independent of the blood group. Moreover, it is possible that a volume deficiency shock can be counteracted more rapidly with such a

120

Blood Plasma

blood replacement than with stored blood, since the erythrocytes in the stored blood have stiffened and therefore have a lower capillary permeability. In any case, animal experiments have shown that a volume deficiency shock can be combated more effectively with an oxygen-transporting blood replacement than with simple plasma expanders (Pabst, R. (1977): "Oxygen Transport with Stroma-free Hemoglobin Solutions and Fluorocarbons", Med. Klin. 72: 1555-1562, Keipert, P. E., Chang, T. M. S (1985): "Pyridoxylated Polyhemogloblin as a Red Cell Substitute for Resuscitation of Lethal Hemorrhagic Shock in Conscious Rats: Biomater., Med. Dev., Artif. Organs 13: 1-15). There are other applications for an artificial oxygen carrier, such as complicated surgical interventions, which necessarily are associated with high blood losses and can be carried out less and less, because of a lack of appropriate stored blood. On the other hand, larger and more invasive surgical interventions, including also transplants, are constantly being developed. In a particular case, the possibility of carrying out such an intervention depends decisively on the availability of a sufficient number of suitable stored bloods. Moreover, organs, which are to be transplanted, can be preserved far better, if they are perfused with (artificial) oxygen carriers. For instance, a liver transplant requires up to 100 transfusion units of 450 mL each. In cases of polytraumatic injuries, such as those caused by an automobile accident, similarly large amounts are required. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

System and method for treating whole blood Inventor(s): Allers, Mats; (Lund, SE), Jonsson, Henrik; (Lund, SE), Laurell, Thomas; (Lund, SE), Persson, Hans W; (Lund, SE) Correspondence: Richard J Streit; Ladas & Parry; Suite 1200; 224 South Michigan Avenue; Chicago; IL; 60604; US Patent Application Number: 20040069708 Date filed: August 13, 2003 Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for treatment of whole blood comprising two steps, firstly, a step of extracorporeal preseparation whereby the whole blood is separated into a blood plasma rich component and a blood cell rich component and secondly, a step of collecting and/or treating the plasma rich component, e.g. performing dialysis, plasma donation or plasma-pheresis. In one embodiment of the invention, the blood plasma rich component is achieved after particle separation using an ultrasound separator comprising micro-channels formed in a plate structure. Excerpt(s): The present invention refers to system and method for use in treatments such as dialysis treatment, plasma donation or plasmapheresis. The invention more specifically refers to such systems comprising means for separating the blood into two or more components before treating one of the components, especially such a system and method comprising particle separation by means of ultrasound. Treatment of whole blood comprising separation of particles is important within several fields of medical technology and different separation methods are used for example in connection with blood donations, dialysis treatment, plasma donation, plasmapheresis, and in laboratory analysis, in the development and manufacture of pharmaceuticals. Thus, an important field for particle separation is the separation of blood plasma from blood cells, whereby the separated blood plasma can be used in for example dialysis treatment, i.e. removing e.g. breakdown products from the separated plasma rich component before the blood

Patents 121

plasma is united with the separated blood cells and reinjected or reinfused to the patient. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Use of a celecoxib composition for fast pain relief Inventor(s): Brugger, Andrew M.; (Libertyville, IL), Forbes, James C.; (Glenview, IL), Gao, Ping; (Portage, MI), Hassan, Fred; (Peapack, NJ), Karim, Aziz; (Skokie, IL) Correspondence: Harness, Dickey, & Pierce, P.L.C; 7700 Bonhomme, Ste 400; ST. Louis; MO; 63105; US Patent Application Number: 20030134887 Date filed: December 27, 2002 Abstract: There is provided a method of rapidly relieving pain in a mammalian, preferably human, subject. The method comprises orally administering to the subject an effective pain-relieving amount of a composition comprising celecoxib formulated in such a way as to provide, when tested in fasting humans in accordance with standard pharmacokinetic practice, a blood plasma concentration profile of celecoxib in which a concentration of about 250 ng/ml is attained not later than about 30 minutes after oral administration. Excerpt(s): This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 60/207,729 filed May 26, 2000. The present invention relates to new uses of certain orally deliverable pharmaceutical formulations containing the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug celecoxib, for fast relief of pain, and for manufacture of medicaments useful in treatment of pain. A need for orally deliverable pharmaceutical compositions giving fast relief of pain exists. A particular need exists for such compositions giving fast relief of pain through selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), without the undesirable side effects associated with inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) that can occur with conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). An especial need exists for such compositions giving fast relief of pain through selective inhibition of COX-2, yet exhibiting an onset of effective pain relief at least as rapid as standard NSAIDs used in the art, for example ibuprofen. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

•

Whole blood sampling device Inventor(s): Bell, Michael L.; (Fullerton, CA) Correspondence: Jeffrey G. Sheldon; Sheldon & Mak; 225 South Lake Avenue; 9th Floor; Pasadena; CA; 91101; US Patent Application Number: 20030206828 Date filed: May 6, 2002 Abstract: A portable hand-held blood sampling device having a self-filling capability includes a blood separation filter. The filter has a plurality of pores sized to permit passage of selected blood constituents such as blood plasma through the device. The device has a separated blood conduit that extends beyond the outlet of the device and is shaped for easy penetration into a self-sealing septum of a blood analyzer. An annular

122

Blood Plasma

shield extends from the device outlet beyond the conduit to prevent inadvertent contact of the conduit by a user. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to portable hand-held devices for extracted blood elements, such as blood plasma, from whole blood. The use of blood sampling devices is known in the art. Typically, blood samples are taken from a patient utilizing a finger stick or draw tube. As is recognized in the art, the obtained sample is difficult to analyze. For example, the sample contains a variable proportion of cells which affect the quantization of analytes measured in non-equilibrium assays. The blood sample is subject to clotting with the end result of clogging the small channels in typical blood analyzers. The blood sample contains fragile blood cells that, if ruptured, can alter the concentration of some analytes. Moreover, a very high number of blood cells could overwhelm the read capability of an analyzer that is cytometer-based. Some sampling devices known in the art, such as, for example, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,356, utilize a needle that is insertable into a patient to draw blood, by pulling a plunger of a syringe, which then flows into a chamber that contains membrane fibers. Filtration through the membrane is accomplished by either shaking the device or by depressing the plunger of the syringe. The separated sample is contained in a collector chamber. Devices of this type are not intended for use with a blood analyzer. Moreover, the devices of the prior art, such as described above, require puncturing the skin of a patient by way of a needle/syringe arrangement to extract an unnecessarily large volume of blood from the patient. This presents a potential trauma affect on patients sensitive to needle punctures of their skin. The present invention serves to remedy the shortcomings of the prior art. The present invention is directed to a device for collecting a blood sample that is to be analyzed by the use of a blood analyzer. The device comprises a hollow fluid tight tube having an inlet opening for receiving a blood sample and a separation filter in the tube that serves to separate out desired blood constituents for later analysis. Such a constituent is blood plasma and the filter is hollow and contains a plurality of pores sized to prevent whole blood and blood cells from passage into the hollow part of the filter while providing passage of blood plasma through the filter. The tube has a wettable surface and the relative size of the filter within the tube provides for self-filling capability of the device through capillary action, thus providing self-filling capability combined with a blood separation filter in one device. The device includes a conduit that extends from the filter to the outlet of the device. The conduit is a stent-like structure that has a tapered end for easy penetration into a septum of an analyzer that acts as a self-closing sample inlet channel in the analyzer manifold. Annularly disposed about the outlet of the device is a shield that extends away from the outlet a distance greater than the separated blood conduit. The shield protects the conduit from inadvertent contact by the user of the device. This protects the sample from any contamination by a user and prevents the user from contact with a contaminated sample. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

Keeping Current In order to stay informed about patents and patent applications dealing with blood plasma, you can access the U.S. Patent Office archive via the Internet at the following Web address: http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html. You will see two broad options: (1) Issued Patent, and (2) Published Applications. To see a list of issued patents, perform the following steps: Under “Issued Patents,” click “Quick Search.” Then, type “blood plasma” (or synonyms)

Patents 123

into the “Term 1” box. After clicking on the search button, scroll down to see the various patents which have been granted to date on blood plasma. You can also use this procedure to view pending patent applications concerning blood plasma. Simply go back to http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html. Select “Quick Search” under “Published Applications.” Then proceed with the steps listed above.

125

CHAPTER 5. BOOKS ON BLOOD PLASMA Overview This chapter provides bibliographic book references relating to blood plasma. In addition to online booksellers such as www.amazon.com and www.bn.com, excellent sources for book titles on blood plasma include the Combined Health Information Database and the National Library of Medicine. Your local medical library also may have these titles available for loan.

Book Summaries: Online Booksellers Commercial Internet-based booksellers, such as Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com, offer summaries which have been supplied by each title’s publisher. Some summaries also include customer reviews. Your local bookseller may have access to in-house and commercial databases that index all published books (e.g. Books in Print). IMPORTANT NOTE: Online booksellers typically produce search results for medical and non-medical books. When searching for “blood plasma” at online booksellers’ Web sites, you may discover non-medical books that use the generic term “blood plasma” (or a synonym) in their titles. The following is indicative of the results you might find when searching for “blood plasma” (sorted alphabetically by title; follow the hyperlink to view more details at Amazon.com): •

Proteins: Major Non-Immune System Proteins of Blood Plasma (Proteins) by Geoffrey Allen (Editor); ISBN: 1559386754; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1559386754/icongroupinterna

Chapters on Blood Plasma In order to find chapters that specifically relate to blood plasma, an excellent source of abstracts is the Combined Health Information Database. You will need to limit your search to book chapters and blood plasma using the “Detailed Search” option. Go to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find book chapters, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the format option “Book Chapter.” Type “blood plasma” (or

126

Blood Plasma

synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. The following is a typical result when searching for book chapters on blood plasma: •

Chapter 141: Porphyrias Source: in Berkow, R., ed. The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition (online version). Rahway, NJ: Merck and Company, Inc. 2000. 6 p. Contact: Available online from Merck and Company, Inc. (800) 819-9456. Website: www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual_home/contents.htm. Also available from your local book store. PRICE: $29.95 plus shipping. Summary: This chapter provides the general public and people who have porphyrias with information on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the three most common porphyrias: porphyria cutanea tarda, acute intermittent porphyria, and erythropoietic protoporphyria. Porphyrias are caused by deficiencies of enzymes involved in the synthesis of heme. Porphyria cutanea tarda, the most common porphyria, causes blistering, crusting, and scarring of skin exposed to sunlight. This hepatic porphyria is the only porphyria that is not hereditary. It occurs when one of the liver enzymes necessary for heme synthesis becomes inactivated. Diagnosis is based on tests of blood plasma, urine, and stool for porphyrins. This kind of porphyria can be treated with a procedure called a phlebotomy. Low doses of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine are also effective. Acute intermittent porphyria, a hepatic porphyria, is the most common acute porphyria. It is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase. Drugs, hormones, or diet are needed to activate the disorder and produce symptoms. Abdominal pain is the most common symptom. Others include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, difficulty urinating, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, and restlessness. All symptoms result from effects on the nervous system. Diagnosis is based on laboratory tests to measure the levels of two precursors of heme in the urine. Severe attacks are treated with intravenous heme. Intravenously administered glucose or a diet high in carbohydrates can also be helpful. Pain can be controlled with drugs until a person responds to heme or glucose. Attacks can be prevented by maintaining good nutrition and avoiding drugs that can induce them. Erythropoietic protoporphyria, a hereditary porphyria, causes photosensitivity of the skin as a result of protoporphyrin buildup in the bone marrow, red blood cells, and blood plasma. Symptoms, which usually begin in childhood, include pain and swelling after the skin is exposed to sunlight. Diagnosis is based on detection of increased levels of protoporphyrin in the plasma and red blood cells. The severity of the disease varies from person to person. Treatment involves avoiding sunlight and taking beta carotene to increase tolerance to sunlight.

127

CHAPTER 6. MULTIMEDIA ON BLOOD PLASMA Overview In this chapter, we show you how to keep current on multimedia sources of information on blood plasma. We start with sources that have been summarized by federal agencies, and then show you how to find bibliographic information catalogued by the National Library of Medicine.

Audio Recordings The Combined Health Information Database contains abstracts on audio productions. To search CHID, go directly to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find audio productions, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the format option “Sound Recordings.” Type “blood plasma” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. The following is a typical result when searching for sound recordings on blood plasma: •

Passive Immunotherapy: Advanced Immune Discoveries Symposium Contact: Human Energy Press, 493 Beach Park Blvd Ste 210, Foster City, CA, 94404, (415) 349-0718. Summary: This sound recording describes what passive immunotherapy is and how it is used to treat persons with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Blood plasma is drawn from an HIV-positive person, who is otherwise well. The plasma is then treated and injected into a Person with AIDS (PWA) in an attempt to pass on the antibodies the blood contains. Criteria for donors are listed, and a brief history of passive immunotherapy is given. Information about the clinical trial licensed by California is also included.

129

CHAPTER 7. PERIODICALS AND NEWS ON BLOOD PLASMA Overview In this chapter, we suggest a number of news sources and present various periodicals that cover blood plasma.

News Services and Press Releases One of the simplest ways of tracking press releases on blood plasma is to search the news wires. In the following sample of sources, we will briefly describe how to access each service. These services only post recent news intended for public viewing. PR Newswire To access the PR Newswire archive, simply go to http://www.prnewswire.com/. Select your country. Type “blood plasma” (or synonyms) into the search box. You will automatically receive information on relevant news releases posted within the last 30 days. The search results are shown by order of relevance. Reuters Health The Reuters’ Medical News and Health eLine databases can be very useful in exploring news archives relating to blood plasma. While some of the listed articles are free to view, others are available for purchase for a nominal fee. To access this archive, go to http://www.reutershealth.com/en/index.html and search by “blood plasma” (or synonyms). The following was recently listed in this archive for blood plasma: •

Britain to treat blood plasma with antiviral agent Source: Reuters Health eLine Date: July 24, 2002

•

HIV Blood Plasma Sample From 1959 Suggests Common Ancestry For HIV Subtypes Source: Reuters Medical News Date: February 04, 1998

130

Blood Plasma

The NIH Within MEDLINEplus, the NIH has made an agreement with the New York Times Syndicate, the AP News Service, and Reuters to deliver news that can be browsed by the public. Search news releases at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alphanews_a.html. MEDLINEplus allows you to browse across an alphabetical index. Or you can search by date at the following Web page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/newsbydate.html. Often, news items are indexed by MEDLINEplus within its search engine. Business Wire Business Wire is similar to PR Newswire. To access this archive, simply go to http://www.businesswire.com/. You can scan the news by industry category or company name. Market Wire Market Wire is more focused on technology than the other wires. To browse the latest press releases by topic, such as alternative medicine, biotechnology, fitness, healthcare, legal, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals, access Market Wire’s Medical/Health channel at http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_index?channel=MedicalHealth. Or simply go to Market Wire’s home page at http://www.marketwire.com/mw/home, type “blood plasma” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click on “Search News.” As this service is technology oriented, you may wish to use it when searching for press releases covering diagnostic procedures or tests. Search Engines Medical news is also available in the news sections of commercial Internet search engines. See the health news page at Yahoo (http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/News_and_Media/), or you can use this Web site’s general news search page at http://news.yahoo.com/. Type in “blood plasma” (or synonyms). If you know the name of a company that is relevant to blood plasma, you can go to any stock trading Web site (such as http://www.etrade.com/) and search for the company name there. News items across various news sources are reported on indicated hyperlinks. Google offers a similar service at http://news.google.com/. BBC Covering news from a more European perspective, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) allows the public free access to their news archive located at http://www.bbc.co.uk/. Search by “blood plasma” (or synonyms).

Academic Periodicals covering Blood Plasma Numerous periodicals are currently indexed within the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed database that are known to publish articles relating to blood plasma. In addition to

Periodicals and News

131

these sources, you can search for articles covering blood plasma that have been published by any of the periodicals listed in previous chapters. To find the latest studies published, go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed, type the name of the periodical into the search box, and click “Go.” If you want complete details about the historical contents of a journal, you can also visit the following Web site: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/jrbrowser.cgi. Here, type in the name of the journal or its abbreviation, and you will receive an index of published articles. At http://locatorplus.gov/, you can retrieve more indexing information on medical periodicals (e.g. the name of the publisher). Select the button “Search LOCATORplus.” Then type in the name of the journal and select the advanced search option “Journal Title Search.”

133

APPENDICES

135

APPENDIX A. PHYSICIAN RESOURCES Overview In this chapter, we focus on databases and Internet-based guidelines and information resources created or written for a professional audience.

NIH Guidelines Commonly referred to as “clinical” or “professional” guidelines, the National Institutes of Health publish physician guidelines for the most common diseases. Publications are available at the following by relevant Institute10: •

Office of the Director (OD); guidelines consolidated across agencies available at http://www.nih.gov/health/consumer/conkey.htm

•

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS); fact sheets available at http://www.nigms.nih.gov/news/facts/

•

National Library of Medicine (NLM); extensive encyclopedia (A.D.A.M., Inc.) with guidelines: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html

•

National Cancer Institute (NCI); guidelines available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/list.aspx?viewid=5f35036e-5497-4d86-8c2c714a9f7c8d25

•

National Eye Institute (NEI); guidelines available at http://www.nei.nih.gov/order/index.htm

•

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI); guidelines available at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/index.htm

•

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI); research available at http://www.genome.gov/page.cfm?pageID=10000375

•

National Institute on Aging (NIA); guidelines available at http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/

10

These publications are typically written by one or more of the various NIH Institutes.

136

Blood Plasma

•

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA); guidelines available at http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/publications.htm

•

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); guidelines available at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/

•

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS); fact sheets and guidelines available at http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/index.htm

•

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD); guidelines available at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubskey.cfm

•

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD); fact sheets and guidelines at http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/

•

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR); guidelines available at http://www.nidr.nih.gov/health/

•

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK); guidelines available at http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/health.htm

•

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); guidelines available at http://www.nida.nih.gov/DrugAbuse.html

•

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS); environmental health information available at http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/facts.htm

•

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); guidelines available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/practitioners/index.cfm

•

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS); neurological disorder information pages available at http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorder_index.htm

•

National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR); publications on selected illnesses at http://www.nih.gov/ninr/news-info/publications.html

•

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; general information at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/becon/becon_info.htm

•

Center for Information Technology (CIT); referrals to other agencies based on keyword searches available at http://kb.nih.gov/www_query_main.asp

•

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM); health information available at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/

•

National Center for Research Resources (NCRR); various information directories available at http://www.ncrr.nih.gov/publications.asp

•

Office of Rare Diseases; various fact sheets available at http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/html/resources/rep_pubs.html

•

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; various fact sheets on infectious diseases available at http://www.cdc.gov/publications.htm

Physician Resources

137

NIH Databases In addition to the various Institutes of Health that publish professional guidelines, the NIH has designed a number of databases for professionals.11 Physician-oriented resources provide a wide variety of information related to the biomedical and health sciences, both past and present. The format of these resources varies. Searchable databases, bibliographic citations, full-text articles (when available), archival collections, and images are all available. The following are referenced by the National Library of Medicine:12 •

Bioethics: Access to published literature on the ethical, legal, and public policy issues surrounding healthcare and biomedical research. This information is provided in conjunction with the Kennedy Institute of Ethics located at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_bioethics.html

•

HIV/AIDS Resources: Describes various links and databases dedicated to HIV/AIDS research: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/aidsinfs.html

•

NLM Online Exhibitions: Describes “Exhibitions in the History of Medicine”: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/exhibition.html. Additional resources for historical scholarship in medicine: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/hmd.html

•

Biotechnology Information: Access to public databases. The National Center for Biotechnology Information conducts research in computational biology, develops software tools for analyzing genome data, and disseminates biomedical information for the better understanding of molecular processes affecting human health and disease: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

•

Population Information: The National Library of Medicine provides access to worldwide coverage of population, family planning, and related health issues, including family planning technology and programs, fertility, and population law and policy: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_population.html

•

Cancer Information: Access to cancer-oriented databases: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_cancer.html

•

Profiles in Science: Offering the archival collections of prominent twentieth-century biomedical scientists to the public through modern digital technology: http://www.profiles.nlm.nih.gov/

•

Chemical Information: Provides links to various chemical databases and references: http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/Chem/ChemMain.html

•

Clinical Alerts: Reports the release of findings from the NIH-funded clinical trials where such release could significantly affect morbidity and mortality: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/alerts/clinical_alerts.html

•

Space Life Sciences: Provides links and information to space-based research (including NASA): http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_space.html

•

MEDLINE: Bibliographic database covering the fields of medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, the healthcare system, and the pre-clinical sciences: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_medline.html

11

Remember, for the general public, the National Library of Medicine recommends the databases referenced in MEDLINEplus (http://medlineplus.gov/ or http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/databases.html). 12 See http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases.html.

138

Blood Plasma

•

Toxicology and Environmental Health Information (TOXNET): Databases covering toxicology and environmental health: http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/Tox/ToxMain.html

•

Visible Human Interface: Anatomically detailed, three-dimensional representations of normal male and female human bodies: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/research/visible/visible_human.html

The NLM Gateway13 The NLM (National Library of Medicine) Gateway is a Web-based system that lets users search simultaneously in multiple retrieval systems at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). It allows users of NLM services to initiate searches from one Web interface, providing one-stop searching for many of NLM’s information resources or databases.14 To use the NLM Gateway, simply go to the search site at http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/gw/Cmd. Type “blood plasma” (or synonyms) into the search box and click “Search.” The results will be presented in a tabular form, indicating the number of references in each database category. Results Summary Category Journal Articles Books / Periodicals / Audio Visual Consumer Health Meeting Abstracts Other Collections Total

Items Found 19500 428 1113 563 662 22266

HSTAT15 HSTAT is a free, Web-based resource that provides access to full-text documents used in healthcare decision-making.16 These documents include clinical practice guidelines, quickreference guides for clinicians, consumer health brochures, evidence reports and technology assessments from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), as well as AHRQ’s Put Prevention Into Practice.17 Simply search by “blood plasma” (or synonyms) at the following Web site: http://text.nlm.nih.gov.

13

Adapted from NLM: http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/gw/Cmd?Overview.x.

14

The NLM Gateway is currently being developed by the Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications (LHNCBC) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 15 Adapted from HSTAT: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/hstat.html. 16 17

The HSTAT URL is http://hstat.nlm.nih.gov/.

Other important documents in HSTAT include: the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference Reports and Technology Assessment Reports; the HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Service (ATIS) resource documents; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (SAMHSA/CSAT) Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIP) and Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (SAMHSA/CSAP) Prevention Enhancement Protocols System (PEPS); the Public Health Service (PHS) Preventive Services Task Force's Guide to Clinical Preventive Services; the independent, nonfederal Task Force on Community Services’ Guide to Community Preventive Services; and the Health Technology Advisory Committee (HTAC) of the Minnesota Health Care Commission (MHCC) health technology evaluations.

Physician Resources

139

Coffee Break: Tutorials for Biologists18 Coffee Break is a general healthcare site that takes a scientific view of the news and covers recent breakthroughs in biology that may one day assist physicians in developing treatments. Here you will find a collection of short reports on recent biological discoveries. Each report incorporates interactive tutorials that demonstrate how bioinformatics tools are used as a part of the research process. Currently, all Coffee Breaks are written by NCBI staff.19 Each report is about 400 words and is usually based on a discovery reported in one or more articles from recently published, peer-reviewed literature.20 This site has new articles every few weeks, so it can be considered an online magazine of sorts. It is intended for general background information. You can access the Coffee Break Web site at the following hyperlink: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Coffeebreak/.

Other Commercial Databases In addition to resources maintained by official agencies, other databases exist that are commercial ventures addressing medical professionals. Here are some examples that may interest you: •

CliniWeb International: Index and table of contents to selected clinical information on the Internet; see http://www.ohsu.edu/cliniweb/.

•

Medical World Search: Searches full text from thousands of selected medical sites on the Internet; see http://www.mwsearch.com/.

18 Adapted 19

from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Coffeebreak/Archive/FAQ.html.

The figure that accompanies each article is frequently supplied by an expert external to NCBI, in which case the source of the figure is cited. The result is an interactive tutorial that tells a biological story. 20 After a brief introduction that sets the work described into a broader context, the report focuses on how a molecular understanding can provide explanations of observed biology and lead to therapies for diseases. Each vignette is accompanied by a figure and hypertext links that lead to a series of pages that interactively show how NCBI tools and resources are used in the research process.

141

APPENDIX B. PATIENT RESOURCES Overview Official agencies, as well as federally funded institutions supported by national grants, frequently publish a variety of guidelines written with the patient in mind. These are typically called “Fact Sheets” or “Guidelines.” They can take the form of a brochure, information kit, pamphlet, or flyer. Often they are only a few pages in length. Since new guidelines on blood plasma can appear at any moment and be published by a number of sources, the best approach to finding guidelines is to systematically scan the Internet-based services that post them.

Patient Guideline Sources The remainder of this chapter directs you to sources which either publish or can help you find additional guidelines on topics related to blood plasma. Due to space limitations, these sources are listed in a concise manner. Do not hesitate to consult the following sources by either using the Internet hyperlink provided, or, in cases where the contact information is provided, contacting the publisher or author directly. The National Institutes of Health The NIH gateway to patients is located at http://health.nih.gov/. From this site, you can search across various sources and institutes, a number of which are summarized below. Topic Pages: MEDLINEplus The National Library of Medicine has created a vast and patient-oriented healthcare information portal called MEDLINEplus. Within this Internet-based system are “health topic pages” which list links to available materials relevant to blood plasma. To access this system, log on to http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html. From there you can either search using the alphabetical index or browse by broad topic areas. Recently, MEDLINEplus listed the following when searched for “blood plasma”:

142

Blood Plasma

Blood and Blood Disorders http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bloodandblooddisorders.html Blood Transfusion and Donation http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bloodtransfusionanddonation.html Hemophilia http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hemophilia.html Multiple Myeloma http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/multiplemyeloma.html You may also choose to use the search utility provided by MEDLINEplus at the following Web address: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/. Simply type a keyword into the search box and click “Search.” This utility is similar to the NIH search utility, with the exception that it only includes materials that are linked within the MEDLINEplus system (mostly patient-oriented information). It also has the disadvantage of generating unstructured results. We recommend, therefore, that you use this method only if you have a very targeted search. The Combined Health Information Database (CHID) CHID Online is a reference tool that maintains a database directory of thousands of journal articles and patient education guidelines on blood plasma. CHID offers summaries that describe the guidelines available, including contact information and pricing. CHID’s general Web site is http://chid.nih.gov/. To search this database, go to http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. In particular, you can use the advanced search options to look up pamphlets, reports, brochures, and information kits. The following was recently posted in this archive: •

Urticaria Hives Source: Schaumberg, IL: American Academy of Dermatology. 2001. 6 p. Contact: Available from American Academy of Dermatology. 930 N. Meacham Road, P.O. Box 4014, Schaumberg, IL 60168. (888)462-DERM ext.22. Website: www.aad.org. PRICE: Single copy free. Summary: This brochure discusses the causes and treatment of urticaria or hives. Hives are caused by blood plasma leaking through gaps between the cells lining small blood vessels in the skin. This is a common condition, characterized by pale red swellings that may occur on any part of the skin, itching, and stinging. Acute urticaria are hives that last less than six weeks and are generally caused by allergic reactions to foods, drugs, or infections. Physical urticarias occur rarely and are caused by sunlight, heat, cold, pressure, vibration, or exercise, and fade within a few hours. Chronic urticaria are hives that last longer than six weeks and whose cause is difficult to determine. Dermatographic urticaria are hives that form after scratching or stroking the skin. The best treatment for hives is to find and remove the cause. Antihistamines may provide relief and prevent hives from forming. In severe cases, epinephrine or cortisone may be needed. 3 figures.

Patient Resources

143

The NIH Search Utility The NIH search utility allows you to search for documents on over 100 selected Web sites that comprise the NIH-WEB-SPACE. Each of these servers is “crawled” and indexed on an ongoing basis. Your search will produce a list of various documents, all of which will relate in some way to blood plasma. The drawbacks of this approach are that the information is not organized by theme and that the references are often a mix of information for professionals and patients. Nevertheless, a large number of the listed Web sites provide useful background information. We can only recommend this route, therefore, for relatively rare or specific disorders, or when using highly targeted searches. To use the NIH search utility, visit the following Web page: http://search.nih.gov/index.html. Additional Web Sources A number of Web sites are available to the public that often link to government sites. These can also point you in the direction of essential information. The following is a representative sample: •

AOL: http://search.aol.com/cat.adp?id=168&layer=&from=subcats

•

Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/specific.htm

•

Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/

•

Med Help International: http://www.medhelp.org/HealthTopics/A.html

•

Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/

•

Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/

•

WebMDHealth: http://my.webmd.com/health_topics

Finding Associations There are several Internet directories that provide lists of medical associations with information on or resources relating to blood plasma. By consulting all of associations listed in this chapter, you will have nearly exhausted all sources for patient associations concerned with blood plasma. The National Health Information Center (NHIC) The National Health Information Center (NHIC) offers a free referral service to help people find organizations that provide information about blood plasma. For more information, see the NHIC’s Web site at http://www.health.gov/NHIC/ or contact an information specialist by calling 1-800-336-4797. Directory of Health Organizations The Directory of Health Organizations, provided by the National Library of Medicine Specialized Information Services, is a comprehensive source of information on associations. The Directory of Health Organizations database can be accessed via the Internet at

144

Blood Plasma

http://www.sis.nlm.nih.gov/Dir/DirMain.html. It is composed of two parts: DIRLINE and Health Hotlines. The DIRLINE database comprises some 10,000 records of organizations, research centers, and government institutes and associations that primarily focus on health and biomedicine. To access DIRLINE directly, go to the following Web site: http://dirline.nlm.nih.gov/. Simply type in “blood plasma” (or a synonym), and you will receive information on all relevant organizations listed in the database. Health Hotlines directs you to toll-free numbers to over 300 organizations. You can access this database directly at http://www.sis.nlm.nih.gov/hotlines/. On this page, you are given the option to search by keyword or by browsing the subject list. When you have received your search results, click on the name of the organization for its description and contact information. The Combined Health Information Database Another comprehensive source of information on healthcare associations is the Combined Health Information Database. Using the “Detailed Search” option, you will need to limit your search to “Organizations” and “blood plasma”. Type the following hyperlink into your Web browser: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find associations, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” For publication date, select “All Years.” Then, select your preferred language and the format option “Organization Resource Sheet.” Type “blood plasma” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. You should check back periodically with this database since it is updated every three months. The National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. The National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. has prepared a Web site that provides, at no charge, lists of associations organized by health topic. You can access this database at the following Web site: http://www.rarediseases.org/search/orgsearch.html. Type “blood plasma” (or a synonym) into the search box, and click “Submit Query.”

145

APPENDIX C. FINDING MEDICAL LIBRARIES Overview In this Appendix, we show you how to quickly find a medical library in your area.

Preparation Your local public library and medical libraries have interlibrary loan programs with the National Library of Medicine (NLM), one of the largest medical collections in the world. According to the NLM, most of the literature in the general and historical collections of the National Library of Medicine is available on interlibrary loan to any library. If you would like to access NLM medical literature, then visit a library in your area that can request the publications for you.21

Finding a Local Medical Library The quickest method to locate medical libraries is to use the Internet-based directory published by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM). This network includes 4626 members and affiliates that provide many services to librarians, health professionals, and the public. To find a library in your area, simply visit http://nnlm.gov/members/adv.html or call 1-800-338-7657.

Medical Libraries in the U.S. and Canada In addition to the NN/LM, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) lists a number of libraries with reference facilities that are open to the public. The following is the NLM’s list and includes hyperlinks to each library’s Web site. These Web pages can provide information on hours of operation and other restrictions. The list below is a small sample of

21

Adapted from the NLM: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/psd/cas/interlibrary.html.

146

Blood Plasma

libraries recommended by the National Library of Medicine (sorted alphabetically by name of the U.S. state or Canadian province where the library is located)22: •

Alabama: Health InfoNet of Jefferson County (Jefferson County Library Cooperative, Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences), http://www.uab.edu/infonet/

•

Alabama: Richard M. Scrushy Library (American Sports Medicine Institute)

•

Arizona: Samaritan Regional Medical Center: The Learning Center (Samaritan Health System, Phoenix, Arizona), http://www.samaritan.edu/library/bannerlibs.htm

•

California: Kris Kelly Health Information Center (St. Joseph Health System, Humboldt), http://www.humboldt1.com/~kkhic/index.html

•

California: Community Health Library of Los Gatos, http://www.healthlib.org/orgresources.html

•

California: Consumer Health Program and Services (CHIPS) (County of Los Angeles Public Library, Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Library) - Carson, CA, http://www.colapublib.org/services/chips.html

•

California: Gateway Health Library (Sutter Gould Medical Foundation)

•

California: Health Library (Stanford University Medical Center), http://wwwmed.stanford.edu/healthlibrary/

•

California: Patient Education Resource Center - Health Information and Resources (University of California, San Francisco), http://sfghdean.ucsf.edu/barnett/PERC/default.asp

•

California: Redwood Health Library (Petaluma Health Care District), http://www.phcd.org/rdwdlib.html

•

California: Los Gatos PlaneTree Health Library, http://planetreesanjose.org/

•

California: Sutter Resource Library (Sutter Hospitals Foundation, Sacramento), http://suttermedicalcenter.org/library/

•

California: Health Sciences Libraries (University of California, Davis), http://www.lib.ucdavis.edu/healthsci/

•

California: ValleyCare Health Library & Ryan Comer Cancer Resource Center (ValleyCare Health System, Pleasanton), http://gaelnet.stmarysca.edu/other.libs/gbal/east/vchl.html

•

California: Washington Community Health Resource Library (Fremont), http://www.healthlibrary.org/

•

Colorado: William V. Gervasini Memorial Library (Exempla Healthcare), http://www.saintjosephdenver.org/yourhealth/libraries/

•

Connecticut: Hartford Hospital Health Science Libraries (Hartford Hospital), http://www.harthosp.org/library/

•

Connecticut: Healthnet: Connecticut Consumer Health Information Center (University of Connecticut Health Center, Lyman Maynard Stowe Library), http://library.uchc.edu/departm/hnet/

22

Abstracted from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/libraries.html.

Finding Medical Libraries

147

•

Connecticut: Waterbury Hospital Health Center Library (Waterbury Hospital, Waterbury), http://www.waterburyhospital.com/library/consumer.shtml

•

Delaware: Consumer Health Library (Christiana Care Health System, Eugene du Pont Preventive Medicine & Rehabilitation Institute, Wilmington), http://www.christianacare.org/health_guide/health_guide_pmri_health_info.cfm

•

Delaware: Lewis B. Flinn Library (Delaware Academy of Medicine, Wilmington), http://www.delamed.org/chls.html

•

Georgia: Family Resource Library (Medical College of Georgia, Augusta), http://cmc.mcg.edu/kids_families/fam_resources/fam_res_lib/frl.htm

•

Georgia: Health Resource Center (Medical Center of Central Georgia, Macon), http://www.mccg.org/hrc/hrchome.asp

•

Hawaii: Hawaii Medical Library: Consumer Health Information Service (Hawaii Medical Library, Honolulu), http://hml.org/CHIS/

•

Idaho: DeArmond Consumer Health Library (Kootenai Medical Center, Coeur d’Alene), http://www.nicon.org/DeArmond/index.htm

•

Illinois: Health Learning Center of Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago), http://www.nmh.org/health_info/hlc.html

•

Illinois: Medical Library (OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria), http://www.osfsaintfrancis.org/general/library/

•

Kentucky: Medical Library - Services for Patients, Families, Students & the Public (Central Baptist Hospital, Lexington), http://www.centralbap.com/education/community/library.cfm

•

Kentucky: University of Kentucky - Health Information Library (Chandler Medical Center, Lexington), http://www.mc.uky.edu/PatientEd/

•

Louisiana: Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation Library (Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation, New Orleans), http://www.ochsner.org/library/

•

Louisiana: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Medical LibraryShreveport, http://lib-sh.lsuhsc.edu/

•

Maine: Franklin Memorial Hospital Medical Library (Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington), http://www.fchn.org/fmh/lib.htm

•

Maine: Gerrish-True Health Sciences Library (Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston), http://www.cmmc.org/library/library.html

•

Maine: Hadley Parrot Health Science Library (Eastern Maine Healthcare, Bangor), http://www.emh.org/hll/hpl/guide.htm

•

Maine: Maine Medical Center Library (Maine Medical Center, Portland), http://www.mmc.org/library/

•

Maine: Parkview Hospital (Brunswick), http://www.parkviewhospital.org/

•

Maine: Southern Maine Medical Center Health Sciences Library (Southern Maine Medical Center, Biddeford), http://www.smmc.org/services/service.php3?choice=10

•

Maine: Stephens Memorial Hospital’s Health Information Library (Western Maine Health, Norway), http://www.wmhcc.org/Library/

148

Blood Plasma

•

Manitoba, Canada: Consumer & Patient Health Information Service (University of Manitoba Libraries), http://www.umanitoba.ca/libraries/units/health/reference/chis.html

•

Manitoba, Canada: J.W. Crane Memorial Library (Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg), http://www.deerlodge.mb.ca/crane_library/about.asp

•

Maryland: Health Information Center at the Wheaton Regional Library (Montgomery County, Dept. of Public Libraries, Wheaton Regional Library), http://www.mont.lib.md.us/healthinfo/hic.asp

•

Massachusetts: Baystate Medical Center Library (Baystate Health System), http://www.baystatehealth.com/1024/

•

Massachusetts: Boston University Medical Center Alumni Medical Library (Boston University Medical Center), http://med-libwww.bu.edu/library/lib.html

•

Massachusetts: Lowell General Hospital Health Sciences Library (Lowell General Hospital, Lowell), http://www.lowellgeneral.org/library/HomePageLinks/WWW.htm

•

Massachusetts: Paul E. Woodard Health Sciences Library (New England Baptist Hospital, Boston), http://www.nebh.org/health_lib.asp

•

Massachusetts: St. Luke’s Hospital Health Sciences Library (St. Luke’s Hospital, Southcoast Health System, New Bedford), http://www.southcoast.org/library/

•

Massachusetts: Treadwell Library Consumer Health Reference Center (Massachusetts General Hospital), http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/library/chrcindex.html

•

Massachusetts: UMass HealthNet (University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worchester), http://healthnet.umassmed.edu/

•

Michigan: Botsford General Hospital Library - Consumer Health (Botsford General Hospital, Library & Internet Services), http://www.botsfordlibrary.org/consumer.htm

•

Michigan: Helen DeRoy Medical Library (Providence Hospital and Medical Centers), http://www.providence-hospital.org/library/

•

Michigan: Marquette General Hospital - Consumer Health Library (Marquette General Hospital, Health Information Center), http://www.mgh.org/center.html

•

Michigan: Patient Education Resouce Center - University of Michigan Cancer Center (University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor), http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/learn/leares.htm

•

Michigan: Sladen Library & Center for Health Information Resources - Consumer Health Information (Detroit), http://www.henryford.com/body.cfm?id=39330

•

Montana: Center for Health Information (St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, Missoula)

•

National: Consumer Health Library Directory (Medical Library Association, Consumer and Patient Health Information Section), http://caphis.mlanet.org/directory/index.html

•

National: National Network of Libraries of Medicine (National Library of Medicine) provides library services for health professionals in the United States who do not have access to a medical library, http://nnlm.gov/

•

National: NN/LM List of Libraries Serving the Public (National Network of Libraries of Medicine), http://nnlm.gov/members/

Finding Medical Libraries

149

•

Nevada: Health Science Library, West Charleston Library (Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Las Vegas), http://www.lvccld.org/special_collections/medical/index.htm

•

New Hampshire: Dartmouth Biomedical Libraries (Dartmouth College Library, Hanover), http://www.dartmouth.edu/~biomed/resources.htmld/conshealth.htmld/

•

New Jersey: Consumer Health Library (Rahway Hospital, Rahway), http://www.rahwayhospital.com/library.htm

•

New Jersey: Dr. Walter Phillips Health Sciences Library (Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood), http://www.englewoodhospital.com/links/index.htm

•

New Jersey: Meland Foundation (Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood), http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/9360/

•

New York: Choices in Health Information (New York Public Library) - NLM Consumer Pilot Project participant, http://www.nypl.org/branch/health/links.html

•

New York: Health Information Center (Upstate Medical University, State University of New York, Syracuse), http://www.upstate.edu/library/hic/

•

New York: Health Sciences Library (Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park), http://www.lij.edu/library/library.html

•

New York: ViaHealth Medical Library (Rochester General Hospital), http://www.nyam.org/library/

•

Ohio: Consumer Health Library (Akron General Medical Center, Medical & Consumer Health Library), http://www.akrongeneral.org/hwlibrary.htm

•

Oklahoma: The Health Information Center at Saint Francis Hospital (Saint Francis Health System, Tulsa), http://www.sfh-tulsa.com/services/healthinfo.asp

•

Oregon: Planetree Health Resource Center (Mid-Columbia Medical Center, The Dalles), http://www.mcmc.net/phrc/

•

Pennsylvania: Community Health Information Library (Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey), http://www.hmc.psu.edu/commhealth/

•

Pennsylvania: Community Health Resource Library (Geisinger Medical Center, Danville), http://www.geisinger.edu/education/commlib.shtml

•

Pennsylvania: HealthInfo Library (Moses Taylor Hospital, Scranton), http://www.mth.org/healthwellness.html

•

Pennsylvania: Hopwood Library (University of Pittsburgh, Health Sciences Library System, Pittsburgh), http://www.hsls.pitt.edu/guides/chi/hopwood/index_html

•

Pennsylvania: Koop Community Health Information Center (College of Physicians of Philadelphia), http://www.collphyphil.org/kooppg1.shtml

•

Pennsylvania: Learning Resources Center - Medical Library (Susquehanna Health System, Williamsport), http://www.shscares.org/services/lrc/index.asp

•

Pennsylvania: Medical Library (UPMC Health System, Pittsburgh), http://www.upmc.edu/passavant/library.htm

•

Quebec, Canada: Medical Library (Montreal General Hospital), http://www.mghlib.mcgill.ca/

150

Blood Plasma

•

South Dakota: Rapid City Regional Hospital Medical Library (Rapid City Regional Hospital), http://www.rcrh.org/Services/Library/Default.asp

•

Texas: Houston HealthWays (Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library), http://hhw.library.tmc.edu/

•

Washington: Community Health Library (Kittitas Valley Community Hospital), http://www.kvch.com/

•

Washington: Southwest Washington Medical Center Library (Southwest Washington Medical Center, Vancouver), http://www.swmedicalcenter.com/body.cfm?id=72

151

ONLINE GLOSSARIES The Internet provides access to a number of free-to-use medical dictionaries. The National Library of Medicine has compiled the following list of online dictionaries: •

ADAM Medical Encyclopedia (A.D.A.M., Inc.), comprehensive medical reference: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia.html

•

MedicineNet.com Medical Dictionary (MedicineNet, Inc.): http://www.medterms.com/Script/Main/hp.asp

•

Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary (Inteli-Health, Inc.): http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/

•

Multilingual Glossary of Technical and Popular Medical Terms in Eight European Languages (European Commission) - Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish: http://allserv.rug.ac.be/~rvdstich/eugloss/welcome.html

•

On-line Medical Dictionary (CancerWEB): http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/omd/

•

Rare Diseases Terms (Office of Rare Diseases): http://ord.aspensys.com/asp/diseases/diseases.asp

•

Technology Glossary (National Library of Medicine) - Health Care Technology: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nichsr/ta101/ta10108.htm

Beyond these, MEDLINEplus contains a very patient-friendly encyclopedia covering every aspect of medicine (licensed from A.D.A.M., Inc.). The ADAM Medical Encyclopedia can be accessed at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia.html. ADAM is also available on commercial Web sites such as drkoop.com (http://www.drkoop.com/) and Web MD (http://my.webmd.com/adam/asset/adam_disease_articles/a_to_z/a).

Online Dictionary Directories The following are additional online directories compiled by the National Library of Medicine, including a number of specialized medical dictionaries: •

Medical Dictionaries: Medical & Biological (World Health Organization): http://www.who.int/hlt/virtuallibrary/English/diction.htm#Medical

•

MEL-Michigan Electronic Library List of Online Health and Medical Dictionaries (Michigan Electronic Library): http://mel.lib.mi.us/health/health-dictionaries.html

•

Patient Education: Glossaries (DMOZ Open Directory Project): http://dmoz.org/Health/Education/Patient_Education/Glossaries/

•

Web of Online Dictionaries (Bucknell University): http://www.yourdictionary.com/diction5.html#medicine

153

BLOOD PLASMA DICTIONARY The definitions below are derived from official public sources, including the National Institutes of Health [NIH] and the European Union [EU]. 1-Propanol: A colorless liquid made by oxidation of aliphatic hydrocarbons that is used as a solvent and chemical intermediate. [NIH] Abdomen: That portion of the body that lies between the thorax and the pelvis. [NIH] Abdominal: Having to do with the abdomen, which is the part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs. [NIH] Abdominal Pain: Sensation of discomfort, distress, or agony in the abdominal region. [NIH] Acceptor: A substance which, while normally not oxidized by oxygen or reduced by hydrogen, can be oxidized or reduced in presence of a substance which is itself undergoing oxidation or reduction. [NIH] Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine in vertebrates is the major transmitter at neuromuscular junctions, autonomic ganglia, parasympathetic effector junctions, a subset of sympathetic effector junctions, and at many sites in the central nervous system. It is generally not used as an administered drug because it is broken down very rapidly by cholinesterases, but it is useful in some ophthalmological applications. [NIH] Acoustic: Having to do with sound or hearing. [NIH] Acremonium: A mitosporic fungal genus with many reported ascomycetous teleomorphs. Cephalosporin antibiotics are derived from this genus. [NIH] Actin: Essential component of the cell skeleton. [NIH] Acute myelogenous leukemia: AML. A quickly progressing disease in which too many immature blood-forming cells are found in the blood and bone marrow. Also called acute myeloid leukemia or acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. [NIH] Acute myeloid leukemia: AML. A quickly progressing disease in which too many immature blood-forming cells are found in the blood and bone marrow. Also called acute myelogenous leukemia or acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. [NIH] Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia: A quickly progressing disease in which too many immature blood-forming cells are found in the blood and bone marrow. Also called acute myeloid leukemia or acute myelogenous leukemia. [NIH] Acyl: Chemical signal used by bacteria to communicate. [NIH] Adaptability: Ability to develop some form of tolerance to conditions extremely different from those under which a living organism evolved. [NIH] Adduct: Complex formed when a carcinogen combines with DNA or a protein. [NIH] Adenine: A purine base and a fundamental unit of adenine nucleotides. [NIH] Adenosine: A nucleoside that is composed of adenine and d-ribose. Adenosine or adenosine derivatives play many important biological roles in addition to being components of DNA and RNA. Adenosine itself is a neurotransmitter. [NIH] Adenosine Triphosphate: Adenosine 5'-(tetrahydrogen triphosphate). An adenine nucleotide containing three phosphate groups esterified to the sugar moiety. In addition to its crucial roles in metabolism adenosine triphosphate is a neurotransmitter. [NIH]

154

Blood Plasma

Adenovirus: A group of viruses that cause respiratory tract and eye infections. Adenoviruses used in gene therapy are altered to carry a specific tumor-fighting gene. [NIH] Adipose Tissue: Connective tissue composed of fat cells lodged in the meshes of areolar tissue. [NIH] Adjunctive Therapy: Another treatment used together with the primary treatment. Its purpose is to assist the primary treatment. [NIH] Adrenal Cortex: The outer layer of the adrenal gland. It secretes mineralocorticoids, androgens, and glucocorticoids. [NIH] Adrenal Glands: Paired glands situated in the retroperitoneal tissues at the superior pole of each kidney. [NIH] Adrenal Medulla: The inner part of the adrenal gland; it synthesizes, stores and releases catecholamines. [NIH] Adrenergic: Activated by, characteristic of, or secreting epinephrine or substances with similar activity; the term is applied to those nerve fibres that liberate norepinephrine at a synapse when a nerve impulse passes, i.e., the sympathetic fibres. [EU] Adsorption: The condensation of gases, liquids, or dissolved substances on the surfaces of solids. It includes adsorptive phenomena of bacteria and viruses as well as of tissues treated with exogenous drugs and chemicals. [NIH] Adsorptive: It captures volatile compounds by binding them to agents such as activated carbon or adsorptive resins. [NIH] Adverse Effect: An unwanted side effect of treatment. [NIH] Affinity: 1. Inherent likeness or relationship. 2. A special attraction for a specific element, organ, or structure. 3. Chemical affinity; the force that binds atoms in molecules; the tendency of substances to combine by chemical reaction. 4. The strength of noncovalent chemical binding between two substances as measured by the dissociation constant of the complex. 5. In immunology, a thermodynamic expression of the strength of interaction between a single antigen-binding site and a single antigenic determinant (and thus of the stereochemical compatibility between them), most accurately applied to interactions among simple, uniform antigenic determinants such as haptens. Expressed as the association constant (K litres mole -1), which, owing to the heterogeneity of affinities in a population of antibody molecules of a given specificity, actually represents an average value (mean intrinsic association constant). 6. The reciprocal of the dissociation constant. [EU] Age of Onset: The age or period of life at which a disease or the initial symptoms or manifestations of a disease appear in an individual. [NIH] Agonist: In anatomy, a prime mover. In pharmacology, a drug that has affinity for and stimulates physiologic activity at cell receptors normally stimulated by naturally occurring substances. [EU] Agrin: A protein component of the synaptic basal lamina. It has been shown to induce clustering of acetylcholine receptors on the surface of muscle fibers and other synaptic molecules in both synapse regeneration and development. [NIH] Akathisia: 1. A condition of motor restlessness in which there is a feeling of muscular quivering, an urge to move about constantly, and an inability to sit still, a common extrapyramidal side effect of neuroleptic drugs. 2. An inability to sit down because of intense anxiety at the thought of doing so. [EU] Alanine: A non-essential amino acid that occurs in high levels in its free state in plasma. It is produced from pyruvate by transamination. It is involved in sugar and acid metabolism, increases immunity, and provides energy for muscle tissue, brain, and the central nervous

Dictionary 155

system. [NIH] Albumin: 1. Any protein that is soluble in water and moderately concentrated salt solutions and is coagulable by heat. 2. Serum albumin; the major plasma protein (approximately 60 per cent of the total), which is responsible for much of the plasma colloidal osmotic pressure and serves as a transport protein carrying large organic anions, such as fatty acids, bilirubin, and many drugs, and also carrying certain hormones, such as cortisol and thyroxine, when their specific binding globulins are saturated. Albumin is synthesized in the liver. Low serum levels occur in protein malnutrition, active inflammation and serious hepatic and renal disease. [EU] Aldosterone: (11 beta)-11,21-Dihydroxy-3,20-dioxopregn-4-en-18-al. A hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that functions in the regulation of electrolyte and water balance by increasing the renal retention of sodium and the excretion of potassium. [NIH] Alertness: A state of readiness to detect and respond to certain specified small changes occurring at random intervals in the environment. [NIH] Algorithms: A procedure consisting of a sequence of algebraic formulas and/or logical steps to calculate or determine a given task. [NIH] Alkaline: Having the reactions of an alkali. [EU] Alkaloid: A member of a large group of chemicals that are made by plants and have nitrogen in them. Some alkaloids have been shown to work against cancer. [NIH] Allo: A female hormone. [NIH] Allylamine: Possesses an unusual and selective cytotoxicity for vascular smooth muscle cells in dogs and rats. Useful for experiments dealing with arterial injury, myocardial fibrosis or cardiac decompensation. [NIH] Alpha Particles: Positively charged particles composed of two protons and two neutrons, i.e., helium nuclei, emitted during disintegration of very heavy isotopes; a beam of alpha particles or an alpha ray has very strong ionizing power, but weak penetrability. [NIH] Alpha-1: A protein with the property of inactivating proteolytic enzymes such as leucocyte collagenase and elastase. [NIH] Alpha-helix: One of the secondary element of protein. [NIH] Alternative medicine: Practices not generally recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches and used instead of standard treatments. Alternative medicine includes the taking of dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, and herbal preparations; the drinking of special teas; and practices such as massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. [NIH] Amination: The creation of an amine. It can be produced by the addition of an amino group to an organic compound or reduction of a nitro group. [NIH] Amine: An organic compound containing nitrogen; any member of a group of chemical compounds formed from ammonia by replacement of one or more of the hydrogen atoms by organic (hydrocarbon) radicals. The amines are distinguished as primary, secondary, and tertiary, according to whether one, two, or three hydrogen atoms are replaced. The amines include allylamine, amylamine, ethylamine, methylamine, phenylamine, propylamine, and many other compounds. [EU] Amino Acid Sequence: The order of amino acids as they occur in a polypeptide chain. This is referred to as the primary structure of proteins. It is of fundamental importance in determining protein conformation. [NIH] Amino Acids: Organic compounds that generally contain an amino (-NH2) and a carboxyl (-

156

Blood Plasma

COOH) group. Twenty alpha-amino acids are the subunits which are polymerized to form proteins. [NIH] Amino Acids: Organic compounds that generally contain an amino (-NH2) and a carboxyl (COOH) group. Twenty alpha-amino acids are the subunits which are polymerized to form proteins. [NIH] Ammonia: A colorless alkaline gas. It is formed in the body during decomposition of organic materials during a large number of metabolically important reactions. [NIH] Ammonium Compounds: Inorganic and organic compounds that contain the hypothetical radical NH4. [NIH] Amnion: The extraembryonic membrane which contains the embryo and amniotic fluid. [NIH]

Amniotic Fluid: Amniotic cavity fluid which is produced by the amnion and fetal lungs and kidneys. [NIH] Amphetamine: A powerful central nervous system stimulant and sympathomimetic. Amphetamine has multiple mechanisms of action including blocking uptake of adrenergics and dopamine, stimulation of release of monamines, and inhibiting monoamine oxidase. Amphetamine is also a drug of abuse and a psychotomimetic. The l- and the d,l-forms are included here. The l-form has less central nervous system activity but stronger cardiovascular effects. The d-form is dextroamphetamine. [NIH] Amplification: The production of additional copies of a chromosomal DNA sequence, found as either intrachromosomal or extrachromosomal DNA. [NIH] Ampulla: A sac-like enlargement of a canal or duct. [NIH] Amyloid: A general term for a variety of different proteins that accumulate as extracellular fibrils of 7-10 nm and have common structural features, including a beta-pleated sheet conformation and the ability to bind such dyes as Congo red and thioflavine (Kandel, Schwartz, and Jessel, Principles of Neural Science, 3rd ed). [NIH] Amyloidosis: A group of diseases in which protein is deposited in specific organs (localized amyloidosis) or throughout the body (systemic amyloidosis). Amyloidosis may be either primary (with no known cause) or secondary (caused by another disease, including some types of cancer). Generally, primary amyloidosis affects the nerves, skin, tongue, joints, heart, and liver; secondary amyloidosis often affects the spleen, kidneys, liver, and adrenal glands. [NIH] Anabolic: Relating to, characterized by, or promoting anabolism. [EU] Anaerobic: 1. Lacking molecular oxygen. 2. Growing, living, or occurring in the absence of molecular oxygen; pertaining to an anaerobe. [EU] Anaesthesia: Loss of feeling or sensation. Although the term is used for loss of tactile sensibility, or of any of the other senses, it is applied especially to loss of the sensation of pain, as it is induced to permit performance of surgery or other painful procedures. [EU] Anal: Having to do with the anus, which is the posterior opening of the large bowel. [NIH] Analgesic: An agent that alleviates pain without causing loss of consciousness. [EU] Analog: In chemistry, a substance that is similar, but not identical, to another. [NIH] Analogous: Resembling or similar in some respects, as in function or appearance, but not in origin or development;. [EU] Analytes: A component of a test sample the presence of which has to be demonstrated. The term "analyte" includes where appropriate formed from the analyte during the analyses. [NIH]

Dictionary 157

Anatomical: Pertaining to anatomy, or to the structure of the organism. [EU] Anemia: A reduction in the number of circulating erythrocytes or in the quantity of hemoglobin. [NIH] Anemic: Hypoxia due to reduction of the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood as a result of a decrease in the total hemoglobin or an alteration of the hemoglobin constituents. [NIH] Anesthesia: A state characterized by loss of feeling or sensation. This depression of nerve function is usually the result of pharmacologic action and is induced to allow performance of surgery or other painful procedures. [NIH] Anesthetics: Agents that are capable of inducing a total or partial loss of sensation, especially tactile sensation and pain. They may act to induce general anesthesia, in which an unconscious state is achieved, or may act locally to induce numbness or lack of sensation at a targeted site. [NIH] Angina: Chest pain that originates in the heart. [NIH] Animal model: An animal with a disease either the same as or like a disease in humans. Animal models are used to study the development and progression of diseases and to test new treatments before they are given to humans. Animals with transplanted human cancers or other tissues are called xenograft models. [NIH] Anions: Negatively charged atoms, radicals or groups of atoms which travel to the anode or positive pole during electrolysis. [NIH] Annealing: The spontaneous alignment of two single DNA strands to form a double helix. [NIH]

Antagonism: Interference with, or inhibition of, the growth of a living organism by another living organism, due either to creation of unfavorable conditions (e. g. exhaustion of food supplies) or to production of a specific antibiotic substance (e. g. penicillin). [NIH] Antiarrhythmic: An agent that prevents or alleviates cardiac arrhythmia. [EU] Antibacterial: A substance that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or reproduction. [EU] Antibiotic: A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms. [NIH]

Antibodies: Immunoglobulin molecules having a specific amino acid sequence by virtue of which they interact only with the antigen that induced their synthesis in cells of the lymphoid series (especially plasma cells), or with an antigen closely related to it. [NIH] Antibody: A type of protein made by certain white blood cells in response to a foreign substance (antigen). Each antibody can bind to only a specific antigen. The purpose of this binding is to help destroy the antigen. Antibodies can work in several ways, depending on the nature of the antigen. Some antibodies destroy antigens directly. Others make it easier for white blood cells to destroy the antigen. [NIH] Anticoagulant: A drug that helps prevent blood clots from forming. Also called a blood thinner. [NIH] Anticonvulsant: An agent that prevents or relieves convulsions. [EU] Antidepressant: A drug used to treat depression. [NIH] Antiemetic: An agent that prevents or alleviates nausea and vomiting. Also antinauseant. [EU]

Antiepileptic: An agent that combats epilepsy. [EU] Antifungal: Destructive to fungi, or suppressing their reproduction or growth; effective against fungal infections. [EU]

158

Blood Plasma

Antigen: Any substance which is capable, under appropriate conditions, of inducing a specific immune response and of reacting with the products of that response, that is, with specific antibody or specifically sensitized T-lymphocytes, or both. Antigens may be soluble substances, such as toxins and foreign proteins, or particulate, such as bacteria and tissue cells; however, only the portion of the protein or polysaccharide molecule known as the antigenic determinant (q.v.) combines with antibody or a specific receptor on a lymphocyte. Abbreviated Ag. [EU] Anti-infective: An agent that so acts. [EU] Anti-inflammatory: Having to do with reducing inflammation. [NIH] Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Substances that reduce or suppress inflammation. [NIH] Antimetabolite: A chemical that is very similar to one required in a normal biochemical reaction in cells. Antimetabolites can stop or slow down the reaction. [NIH] Antineoplastic: Inhibiting or preventing the development of neoplasms, checking the maturation and proliferation of malignant cells. [EU] Antioxidant: A substance that prevents damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that often contain oxygen. They are produced when molecules are split to give products that have unpaired electrons. This process is called oxidation. [NIH] Antiplasmin: A member of the serpin superfamily found in human plasma that inhibits the lysis of fibrin clots which are induced by plasminogen activator. It is a glycoprotein, molecular weight approximately 70,000 that migrates in the alpha 2 region in immunoelectrophoresis. It is the principal plasmin inactivator in blood, rapidly forming a very stable complex with plasmin. [NIH] Antipsychotic: Effective in the treatment of psychosis. Antipsychotic drugs (called also neuroleptic drugs and major tranquilizers) are a chemically diverse (including phenothiazines, thioxanthenes, butyrophenones, dibenzoxazepines, dibenzodiazepines, and diphenylbutylpiperidines) but pharmacologically similar class of drugs used to treat schizophrenic, paranoid, schizoaffective, and other psychotic disorders; acute delirium and dementia, and manic episodes (during induction of lithium therapy); to control the movement disorders associated with Huntington's chorea, Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome, and ballismus; and to treat intractable hiccups and severe nausea and vomiting. Antipsychotic agents bind to dopamine, histamine, muscarinic cholinergic, a-adrenergic, and serotonin receptors. Blockade of dopaminergic transmission in various areas is thought to be responsible for their major effects : antipsychotic action by blockade in the mesolimbic and mesocortical areas; extrapyramidal side effects (dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, and tardive dyskinesia) by blockade in the basal ganglia; and antiemetic effects by blockade in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the medulla. Sedation and autonomic side effects (orthostatic hypotension, blurred vision, dry mouth, nasal congestion and constipation) are caused by blockade of histamine, cholinergic, and adrenergic receptors. [EU] Antispasmodic: An agent that relieves spasm. [EU] Antiviral: Destroying viruses or suppressing their replication. [EU] Anuria: Inability to form or excrete urine. [NIH] Anus: The opening of the rectum to the outside of the body. [NIH] Anxiety: Persistent feeling of dread, apprehension, and impending disaster. [NIH] Apheresis: Components plateletpheresis. [NIH]

being

separated

out,

as

leukapheresis,

plasmapheresis,

Apolipoproteins: The protein components of lipoproteins which remain after the lipids to which the proteins are bound have been removed. They play an important role in lipid

Dictionary 159

transport and metabolism. [NIH] Apoptosis: One of the two mechanisms by which cell death occurs (the other being the pathological process of necrosis). Apoptosis is the mechanism responsible for the physiological deletion of cells and appears to be intrinsically programmed. It is characterized by distinctive morphologic changes in the nucleus and cytoplasm, chromatin cleavage at regularly spaced sites, and the endonucleolytic cleavage of genomic DNA (DNA fragmentation) at internucleosomal sites. This mode of cell death serves as a balance to mitosis in regulating the size of animal tissues and in mediating pathologic processes associated with tumor growth. [NIH] Apyrase: A calcium-activated enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP to yield AMP and orthophosphate. It can also act on ADP and other nucleoside triphosphates and diphosphates. EC 3.6.1.5. [NIH] Aqueous: Having to do with water. [NIH] Arachidonic Acid: An unsaturated, essential fatty acid. It is found in animal and human fat as well as in the liver, brain, and glandular organs, and is a constituent of animal phosphatides. It is formed by the synthesis from dietary linoleic acid and is a precursor in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. [NIH] Arterial: Pertaining to an artery or to the arteries. [EU] Arteries: The vessels carrying blood away from the heart. [NIH] Arterioles: The smallest divisions of the arteries located between the muscular arteries and the capillaries. [NIH] Artery: Vessel-carrying blood from the heart to various parts of the body. [NIH] Artificial Eye: Usually made of artificial plastic material or glass to which small quantities of metallic oxides have been added in order to imitate the features and coloring of the various parts of t he human eye; a prosthesis made of glass, plastic, or similar material. [NIH] Artificial Limbs: Prosthetic replacements for arms, legs, and parts therof. [NIH] Artificial Organs: Devices intended to replace non-functioning organs. They may be temporary or permanent. Since they are intended always to function as the natural organs they are replacing, they should be differentiated from prostheses and implants and specific types of prostheses which, though also replacements for body parts, are frequently cosmetic (artificial eye) as well as functional (artificial limbs). [NIH] Ascites: Accumulation or retention of free fluid within the peritoneal cavity. [NIH] Ascorbic Acid: A six carbon compound related to glucose. It is found naturally in citrus fruits and many vegetables. Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient in human diets, and necessary to maintain connective tissue and bone. Its biologically active form, vitamin C, functions as a reducing agent and coenzyme in several metabolic pathways. Vitamin C is considered an antioxidant. [NIH] Aseptic: Free from infection or septic material; sterile. [EU] Aspartate: A synthetic amino acid. [NIH] Assay: Determination of the amount of a particular constituent of a mixture, or of the biological or pharmacological potency of a drug. [EU] Astringents: Agents, usually topical, that cause the contraction of tissues for the control of bleeding or secretions. [NIH] Asymptomatic: Having no signs or symptoms of disease. [NIH] Ataxia: Impairment of the ability to perform smoothly coordinated voluntary movements. This condition may affect the limbs, trunk, eyes, pharnyx, larnyx, and other structures.

160

Blood Plasma

Ataxia may result from impaired sensory or motor function. Sensory ataxia may result from posterior column injury or peripheral nerve diseases. Motor ataxia may be associated with cerebellar diseases; cerebral cortex diseases; thalamic diseases; basal ganglia diseases; injury to the red nucleus; and other conditions. [NIH] Atmospheric Pressure: The pressure at any point in an atmosphere due solely to the weight of the atmospheric gases above the point concerned. [NIH] Atrial: Pertaining to an atrium. [EU] Atrial Fibrillation: Disorder of cardiac rhythm characterized by rapid, irregular atrial impulses and ineffective atrial contractions. [NIH] Atrium: A chamber; used in anatomical nomenclature to designate a chamber affording entrance to another structure or organ. Usually used alone to designate an atrium of the heart. [EU] Atrophy: Decrease in the size of a cell, tissue, organ, or multiple organs, associated with a variety of pathological conditions such as abnormal cellular changes, ischemia, malnutrition, or hormonal changes. [NIH] Attenuated: Strain with weakened or reduced virulence. [NIH] Autoclave: Apparatus using superheated steam under pressure. [NIH] Autoimmune disease: A condition in which the body recognizes its own tissues as foreign and directs an immune response against them. [NIH] Autologous: Taken from an individual's own tissues, cells, or DNA. [NIH] Autosuggestion: Suggestion coming from the subject himself. [NIH] Bacteria: Unicellular prokaryotic microorganisms which generally possess rigid cell walls, multiply by cell division, and exhibit three principal forms: round or coccal, rodlike or bacillary, and spiral or spirochetal. [NIH] Bactericidal: Substance lethal to bacteria; substance capable of killing bacteria. [NIH] Bacterium: Microscopic organism which may have a spherical, rod-like, or spiral unicellular or non-cellular body. Bacteria usually reproduce through asexual processes. [NIH] Basal Ganglia: Large subcortical nuclear masses derived from the telencephalon and located in the basal regions of the cerebral hemispheres. [NIH] Basal Ganglia Diseases: Diseases of the basal ganglia including the putamen; globus pallidus; claustrum; amygdala; and caudate nucleus. Dyskinesias (most notably involuntary movements and alterations of the rate of movement) represent the primary clinical manifestations of these disorders. Common etiologies include cerebrovascular disease; neurodegenerative diseases; and craniocerebral trauma. [NIH] Base: In chemistry, the nonacid part of a salt; a substance that combines with acids to form salts; a substance that dissociates to give hydroxide ions in aqueous solutions; a substance whose molecule or ion can combine with a proton (hydrogen ion); a substance capable of donating a pair of electrons (to an acid) for the formation of a coordinate covalent bond. [EU] Basement Membrane: Ubiquitous supportive tissue adjacent to epithelium and around smooth and striated muscle cells. This tissue contains intrinsic macromolecular components such as collagen, laminin, and sulfated proteoglycans. As seen by light microscopy one of its subdivisions is the basal (basement) lamina. [NIH] Benign: Not cancerous; does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. [NIH]

Beta carotene: A vitamin A precursor. Beta carotene belongs to the family of fat-soluble vitamins called carotenoids. [NIH]

Dictionary 161

Beta-Alanine: Beta-Alanine. An amino acid formed in vivo by the degradation of dihydrouracil and carnosine. Since neuronal uptake and neuronal receptor sensitivity to beta-alanine have been demonstrated, the compound may be a false transmitter replacing GABA. A rare genetic disorder, hyper-beta-alaninemia, has been reported. [NIH] Beta-pleated: Particular three-dimensional pattern of amyloidoses. [NIH] Bile: An emulsifying agent produced in the liver and secreted into the duodenum. Its composition includes bile acids and salts, cholesterol, and electrolytes. It aids digestion of fats in the duodenum. [NIH] Bile Acids: Acids made by the liver that work with bile to break down fats. [NIH] Bile Acids and Salts: Steroid acids and salts. The primary bile acids are derived from cholesterol in the liver and usually conjugated with glycine or taurine. The secondary bile acids are further modified by bacteria in the intestine. They play an important role in the digestion and absorption of fat. They have also been used pharmacologically, especially in the treatment of gallstones. [NIH] Bile Pigments: Pigments that give a characteristic color to bile including: bilirubin, biliverdine, and bilicyanin. [NIH] Biliary: Having to do with the liver, bile ducts, and/or gallbladder. [NIH] Bilirubin: A bile pigment that is a degradation product of heme. [NIH] Binding agent: A substance that makes a loose mixture stick together. For example, binding agents can be used to make solid pills from loose powders. [NIH] Bioavailability: The degree to which a drug or other substance becomes available to the target tissue after administration. [EU] Biochemical: Relating to biochemistry; characterized by, produced by, or involving chemical reactions in living organisms. [EU] Bioengineering: The application of engineering principles to the solution of biological problems, for example, remote-handling devices, life-support systems, controls, and displays. [NIH] Biological response modifier: BRM. A substance that stimulates the body's response to infection and disease. [NIH] Biological Transport: The movement of materials (including biochemical substances and drugs) across cell membranes and epithelial layers, usually by passive diffusion. [NIH] Biomolecular: A scientific field at the interface between advanced computing and biotechnology. [NIH] Biopsy: Removal and pathologic examination of specimens in the form of small pieces of tissue from the living body. [NIH] Bioreactors: Tools or devices for generating products using the synthetic or chemical conversion capacity of a biological system. They can be classical fermentors, cell culture perfusion systems, or enzyme bioreactors. For production of proteins or enzymes, recombinant microorganisms such as bacteria, mammalian cells, or insect or plant cells are usually chosen. [NIH] Biosynthesis: The building up of a chemical compound in the physiologic processes of a living organism. [EU] Biotechnology: Body of knowledge related to the use of organisms, cells or cell-derived constituents for the purpose of developing products which are technically, scientifically and clinically useful. Alteration of biologic function at the molecular level (i.e., genetic engineering) is a central focus; laboratory methods used include transfection and cloning

162

Blood Plasma

technologies, sequence and structure analysis algorithms, computer databases, and gene and protein structure function analysis and prediction. [NIH] Bismuth: A metallic element that has the atomic symbol Bi, atomic number 83 and atomic weight 208.98. [NIH] Bladder: The organ that stores urine. [NIH] Blastocyst: The mammalian embryo in the post-morula stage in which a fluid-filled cavity, enclosed primarily by trophoblast, contains an inner cell mass which becomes the embryonic disc. [NIH] Bloating: Fullness or swelling in the abdomen that often occurs after meals. [NIH] Blood Cell Count: A count of the number of leukocytes and erythrocytes per unit volume in a sample of venous blood. A complete blood count (CBC) also includes measurement of the hemoglobin, hematocrit, and erythrocyte indices. [NIH] Blood Coagulation: The process of the interaction of blood coagulation factors that results in an insoluble fibrin clot. [NIH] Blood Component Transfusion: The transfer of blood components such as erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, and plasma from a donor to a recipient or back to the donor. This process differs from the procedures undertaken in plasmapheresis and types of cytapheresis (plateletpheresis and leukapheresis) where, following the removal of plasma or the specific cell components, the remainder is transfused back to the donor. [NIH] Blood Glucose: Glucose in blood. [NIH] Blood Platelets: Non-nucleated disk-shaped cells formed in the megakaryocyte and found in the blood of all mammals. They are mainly involved in blood coagulation. [NIH] Blood pressure: The pressure of blood against the walls of a blood vessel or heart chamber. Unless there is reference to another location, such as the pulmonary artery or one of the heart chambers, it refers to the pressure in the systemic arteries, as measured, for example, in the forearm. [NIH] Blood transfusion: The administration of blood or blood products into a blood vessel. [NIH] Blood vessel: A tube in the body through which blood circulates. Blood vessels include a network of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins. [NIH] Blood Volume: Volume of circulating blood. It is the sum of the plasma volume and erythrocyte volume. [NIH] Blood-Testis Barrier: Specialized nonfenestrated tightly-joined endothelial cells that form a transport barrier for certain substances between the testis capillaries and seminiferous epithelium. [NIH] Body Fluids: Liquid components of living organisms. [NIH] Bone Cements: Adhesives used to fix prosthetic devices to bones and to cement bone to bone in difficult fractures. Synthetic resins are commonly used as cements. A mixture of monocalcium phosphate, monohydrate, alpha-tricalcium phosphate, and calcium carbonate with a sodium phosphate solution is also a useful bone paste. [NIH] Bone Marrow: The soft tissue filling the cavities of bones. Bone marrow exists in two types, yellow and red. Yellow marrow is found in the large cavities of large bones and consists mostly of fat cells and a few primitive blood cells. Red marrow is a hematopoietic tissue and is the site of production of erythrocytes and granular leukocytes. Bone marrow is made up of a framework of connective tissue containing branching fibers with the frame being filled with marrow cells. [NIH] Bone Marrow Cells: Cells contained in the bone marrow including fat cells, stromal cells,

Dictionary 163

megakaryocytes, and the immediate precursors of most blood cells. [NIH] Bone metastases: Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to the bone. [NIH]

Bone scan: A technique to create images of bones on a computer screen or on film. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into a blood vessel and travels through the bloodstream; it collects in the bones and is detected by a scanner. [NIH] Boron: A trace element with the atomic symbol B, atomic number 5, and atomic weight 10.81. Boron-10, an isotope of boron, is used as a neutron absorber in boron neutron capture therapy. [NIH] Boron Neutron Capture Therapy: A technique for the treatment of neoplasms, especially gliomas and melanomas in which boron-10, an isotope, is introduced into the target cells followed by irradiation with thermal neutrons. [NIH] Bowel: The long tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. There is both a small and a large bowel. Also called the intestine. [NIH] Bowel Movement: Body wastes passed through the rectum and anus. [NIH] Brachytherapy: A collective term for interstitial, intracavity, and surface radiotherapy. It uses small sealed or partly-sealed sources that may be placed on or near the body surface or within a natural body cavity or implanted directly into the tissues. [NIH] Bradykinin: A nonapeptide messenger that is enzymatically produced from kallidin in the blood where it is a potent but short-lived agent of arteriolar dilation and increased capillary permeability. Bradykinin is also released from mast cells during asthma attacks, from gut walls as a gastrointestinal vasodilator, from damaged tissues as a pain signal, and may be a neurotransmitter. [NIH] Broad-spectrum: Effective against a wide range of microorganisms; said of an antibiotic. [EU] Bronchi: The larger air passages of the lungs arising from the terminal bifurcation of the trachea. [NIH] Bronchial: Pertaining to one or more bronchi. [EU] Bypass: A surgical procedure in which the doctor creates a new pathway for the flow of body fluids. [NIH] Caffeine: A methylxanthine naturally occurring in some beverages and also used as a pharmacological agent. Caffeine's most notable pharmacological effect is as a central nervous system stimulant, increasing alertness and producing agitation. It also relaxes smooth muscle, stimulates cardiac muscle, stimulates diuresis, and appears to be useful in the treatment of some types of headache. Several cellular actions of caffeine have been observed, but it is not entirely clear how each contributes to its pharmacological profile. Among the most important are inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases, antagonism of adenosine receptors, and modulation of intracellular calcium handling. [NIH] Calcium: A basic element found in nearly all organized tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. [NIH] Calibration: Determination, by measurement or comparison with a standard, of the correct value of each scale reading on a meter or other measuring instrument; or determination of the settings of a control device that correspond to particular values of voltage, current, frequency, or other output. [NIH]

164

Blood Plasma

Callus: A callosity or hard, thick skin; the bone-like reparative substance that is formed round the edges and fragments of broken bone. [NIH] Cannibalism: Eating other individuals of one's own species. [NIH] Capillary: Any one of the minute vessels that connect the arterioles and venules, forming a network in nearly all parts of the body. Their walls act as semipermeable membranes for the interchange of various substances, including fluids, between the blood and tissue fluid; called also vas capillare. [EU] Capillary Permeability: Property of blood capillary walls that allows for the selective exchange of substances. Small lipid-soluble molecules such as carbon dioxide and oxygen move freely by diffusion. Water and water-soluble molecules cannot pass through the endothelial walls and are dependent on microscopic pores. These pores show narrow areas (tight junctions) which may limit large molecule movement. [NIH] Capsules: Hard or soft soluble containers used for the oral administration of medicine. [NIH] Carbohydrate: An aldehyde or ketone derivative of a polyhydric alcohol, particularly of the pentahydric and hexahydric alcohols. They are so named because the hydrogen and oxygen are usually in the proportion to form water, (CH2O)n. The most important carbohydrates are the starches, sugars, celluloses, and gums. They are classified into mono-, di-, tri-, polyand heterosaccharides. [EU] Carbon Dioxide: A colorless, odorless gas that can be formed by the body and is necessary for the respiration cycle of plants and animals. [NIH] Carboxymethylcellulose: It is used as an emulsifier, thickener, suspending agent, etc., in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals; in research as a culture medium; in chromatography as a stabilizer for reagents; and therapeutically as a bulk laxative with antacid properties. [NIH] Carcinogen: Any substance that causes cancer. [NIH] Carcinogenic: Producing carcinoma. [EU] Carcinoid: A type of tumor usually found in the gastrointestinal system (most often in the appendix), and sometimes in the lungs or other sites. Carcinoid tumors are usually benign. [NIH]

Carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. [NIH]

Carcinoma in Situ: A malignant tumor that has not yet invaded the basement membrane of the epithelial cell of origin and has not spread to other tissues. [NIH] Cardiac: Having to do with the heart. [NIH] Cardiovascular: Having to do with the heart and blood vessels. [NIH] Cardiovascular disease: Any abnormal condition characterized by dysfunction of the heart and blood vessels. CVD includes atherosclerosis (especially coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks), cerebrovascular disease (e.g., stroke), and hypertension (high blood pressure). [NIH] Carotene: The general name for a group of pigments found in green, yellow, and leafy vegetables, and yellow fruits. The pigments are fat-soluble, unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons functioning as provitamins and are converted to vitamin A through enzymatic processes in the intestinal wall. [NIH] Carotenoids: Substance found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables and in dark green, leafy vegetables. May reduce the risk of developing cancer. [NIH] Carrier Proteins: Transport proteins that carry specific substances in the blood or across cell membranes. [NIH]

Dictionary 165

Catecholamines: A general class of ortho-dihydroxyphenylalkylamines derived from tyrosine. [NIH] Catheter: A flexible tube used to deliver fluids into or withdraw fluids from the body. [NIH] Cations: Postively charged atoms, radicals or groups of atoms which travel to the cathode or negative pole during electrolysis. [NIH] Caudal: Denoting a position more toward the cauda, or tail, than some specified point of reference; same as inferior, in human anatomy. [EU] Causal: Pertaining to a cause; directed against a cause. [EU] Cause of Death: Factors which produce cessation of all vital bodily functions. They can be analyzed from an epidemiologic viewpoint. [NIH] Celecoxib: A drug that reduces pain. Celecoxib belongs to the family of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. It is being studied for cancer prevention. [NIH] Cell: The individual unit that makes up all of the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells. [NIH] Cell Death: The termination of the cell's ability to carry out vital functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, responsiveness, and adaptability. [NIH] Cell Division: The fission of a cell. [NIH] Cell membrane: Cell membrane = plasma membrane. The structure enveloping a cell, enclosing the cytoplasm, and forming a selective permeability barrier; it consists of lipids, proteins, and some carbohydrates, the lipids thought to form a bilayer in which integral proteins are embedded to varying degrees. [EU] Cell proliferation: An increase in the number of cells as a result of cell growth and cell division. [NIH] Cell Size: The physical dimensions of a cell. It refers mainly to changes in dimensions correlated with physiological or pathological changes in cells. [NIH] Central Nervous System: The main information-processing organs of the nervous system, consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and meninges. [NIH] Central Nervous System Infections: Pathogenic infections of the brain, spinal cord, and meninges. DNA virus infections; RNA virus infections; bacterial infections; mycoplasma infections; Spirochaetales infections; fungal infections; protozoan infections; helminthiasis; and prion diseases may involve the central nervous system as a primary or secondary process. [NIH] Centrifugation: A method of separating organelles or large molecules that relies upon differential sedimentation through a preformed density gradient under the influence of a gravitational field generated in a centrifuge. [NIH] Cephalosporins: A group of broad-spectrum antibiotics first isolated from the Mediterranean fungus Acremonium (Cephalosporium acremonium). They contain the betalactam moiety thia-azabicyclo-octenecarboxylic acid also called 7-aminocephalosporanic acid. [NIH] Cerebellar: Pertaining to the cerebellum. [EU] Cerebral: Of or pertaining of the cerebrum or the brain. [EU] Cerebral Cortex: The thin layer of gray matter on the surface of the cerebral hemisphere that develops from the telencephalon and folds into gyri. It reaches its highest development in man and is responsible for intellectual faculties and higher mental functions. [NIH] Cerebrospinal: Pertaining to the brain and spinal cord. [EU]

166

Blood Plasma

Cerebrospinal fluid: CSF. The fluid flowing around the brain and spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in the ventricles in the brain. [NIH] Cerebrovascular: Pertaining to the blood vessels of the cerebrum, or brain. [EU] Cerebrum: The largest part of the brain. It is divided into two hemispheres, or halves, called the cerebral hemispheres. The cerebrum controls muscle functions of the body and also controls speech, emotions, reading, writing, and learning. [NIH] Cervical: Relating to the neck, or to the neck of any organ or structure. Cervical lymph nodes are located in the neck; cervical cancer refers to cancer of the uterine cervix, which is the lower, narrow end (the "neck") of the uterus. [NIH] Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: CIN. A general term for the growth of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix. Numbers from 1 to 3 may be used to describe how much of the cervix contains abnormal cells. [NIH] Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and vagina. [NIH] Chelation: Combination with a metal in complexes in which the metal is part of a ring. [EU] Chemical Warfare: Tactical warfare using incendiary mixtures, smokes, or irritant, burning, or asphyxiating gases. [NIH] Chemical Warfare Agents: Chemicals that are used to cause the disturbance, disease, or death of humans during war. [NIH] Chemoreceptor: A receptor adapted for excitation by chemical substances, e.g., olfactory and gustatory receptors, or a sense organ, as the carotid body or the aortic (supracardial) bodies, which is sensitive to chemical changes in the blood stream, especially reduced oxygen content, and reflexly increases both respiration and blood pressure. [EU] Chemotherapeutic agent: A drug used to treat cancer. [NIH] Chemotherapy: Treatment with anticancer drugs. [NIH] Chlorine: A greenish-yellow, diatomic gas that is a member of the halogen family of elements. It has the atomic symbol Cl, atomic number 17, and atomic weight 70.906. It is a powerful irritant that can cause fatal pulmonary edema. Chlorine is used in manufacturing, as a reagent in synthetic chemistry, for water purification, and in the production of chlorinated lime, which is used in fabric bleaching. [NIH] Chloroform: A commonly used laboratory solvent. It was previously used as an anesthetic, but was banned from use in the U.S. due to its suspected carcinogenecity. [NIH] Chloroquine: The prototypical antimalarial agent with a mechanism that is not well understood. It has also been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and in the systemic therapy of amebic liver abscesses. [NIH] Chlorpromazine: The prototypical phenothiazine antipsychotic drug. Like the other drugs in this class chlorpromazine's antipsychotic actions are thought to be due to long-term adaptation by the brain to blocking dopamine receptors. Chlorpromazine has several other actions and therapeutic uses, including as an antiemetic and in the treatment of intractable hiccup. [NIH] Cholestasis: Impairment of biliary flow at any level from the hepatocyte to Vater's ampulla. [NIH]

Cholesterol: The principal sterol of all higher animals, distributed in body tissues, especially the brain and spinal cord, and in animal fats and oils. [NIH] Cholesterol Esters: Fatty acid esters of cholesterol which constitute about two-thirds of the cholesterol in the plasma. The accumulation of cholesterol esters in the arterial intima is a

Dictionary 167

characteristic feature of atherosclerosis. [NIH] Cholinergic: Resembling acetylcholine in pharmacological action; stimulated by or releasing acetylcholine or a related compound. [EU] Chorea: Involuntary, forcible, rapid, jerky movements that may be subtle or become confluent, markedly altering normal patterns of movement. Hypotonia and pendular reflexes are often associated. Conditions which feature recurrent or persistent episodes of chorea as a primary manifestation of disease are referred to as choreatic disorders. Chorea is also a frequent manifestation of basal ganglia diseases. [NIH] Choroid: The thin, highly vascular membrane covering most of the posterior of the eye between the retina and sclera. [NIH] Chromatin: The material of chromosomes. It is a complex of DNA, histones, and nonhistone proteins (chromosomal proteins, non-histone) found within the nucleus of a cell. [NIH] Chromium: A trace element that plays a role in glucose metabolism. It has the atomic symbol Cr, atomic number 24, and atomic weight 52. According to the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP85-002,1985), chromium and some of its compounds have been listed as known carcinogens. [NIH] Chromosomal: Pertaining to chromosomes. [EU] Chromosome: Part of a cell that contains genetic information. Except for sperm and eggs, all human cells contain 46 chromosomes. [NIH] Chronic: A disease or condition that persists or progresses over a long period of time. [NIH] Chronic renal: Slow and progressive loss of kidney function over several years, often resulting in end-stage renal disease. People with end-stage renal disease need dialysis or transplantation to replace the work of the kidneys. [NIH] Chylomicrons: A class of lipoproteins that carry dietary cholesterol and triglycerides from the small intestines to the tissues. [NIH] CIS: Cancer Information Service. The CIS is the National Cancer Institute's link to the public, interpreting and explaining research findings in a clear and understandable manner, and providing personalized responses to specific questions about cancer. Access the CIS by calling 1-800-4-CANCER, or by using the Web site at http://cis.nci.nih.gov. [NIH] Clear cell carcinoma: A rare type of tumor of the female genital tract in which the inside of the cells looks clear when viewed under a microscope. [NIH] Clinical Medicine: The study and practice of medicine by direct examination of the patient. [NIH]

Clinical trial: A research study that tests how well new medical treatments or other interventions work in people. Each study is designed to test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. [NIH] Cloning: The production of a number of genetically identical individuals; in genetic engineering, a process for the efficient replication of a great number of identical DNA molecules. [NIH] Clot Retraction: Retraction of a clot resulting from contraction of platelet pseudopods attached to fibrin strands that is dependent on the contractile protein thrombosthenin. Used as a measure of platelet function. [NIH] Coagulation: 1. The process of clot formation. 2. In colloid chemistry, the solidification of a sol into a gelatinous mass; an alteration of a disperse phase or of a dissolved solid which causes the separation of the system into a liquid phase and an insoluble mass called the clot or curd. Coagulation is usually irreversible. 3. In surgery, the disruption of tissue by

168

Blood Plasma

physical means to form an amorphous residuum, as in electrocoagulation and photocoagulation. [EU] Coal Tar: A by-product of the destructive distillation of coal used as a topical antieczematic. It is an antipruritic and keratoplastic agent used also in the treatment of psoriasis and other skin conditions. Occupational exposure to soots, tars, and certain mineral oils is known to be carcinogenic according to the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP 85-002, 1985) (Merck Index, 11th ed). [NIH] Cobalt: A trace element that is a component of vitamin B12. It has the atomic symbol Co, atomic number 27, and atomic weight 58.93. It is used in nuclear weapons, alloys, and pigments. Deficiency in animals leads to anemia; its excess in humans can lead to erythrocytosis. [NIH] Coca: Any of several South American shrubs of the Erythroxylon genus (and family) that yield cocaine; the leaves are chewed with alum for CNS stimulation. [NIH] Cocaine: An alkaloid ester extracted from the leaves of plants including coca. It is a local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor and is clinically used for that purpose, particularly in the eye, ear, nose, and throat. It also has powerful central nervous system effects similar to the amphetamines and is a drug of abuse. Cocaine, like amphetamines, acts by multiple mechanisms on brain catecholaminergic neurons; the mechanism of its reinforcing effects is thought to involve inhibition of dopamine uptake. [NIH] Coenzyme: An organic nonprotein molecule, frequently a phosphorylated derivative of a water-soluble vitamin, that binds with the protein molecule (apoenzyme) to form the active enzyme (holoenzyme). [EU] Collagen: A polypeptide substance comprising about one third of the total protein in mammalian organisms. It is the main constituent of skin, connective tissue, and the organic substance of bones and teeth. Different forms of collagen are produced in the body but all consist of three alpha-polypeptide chains arranged in a triple helix. Collagen is differentiated from other fibrous proteins, such as elastin, by the content of proline, hydroxyproline, and hydroxylysine; by the absence of tryptophan; and particularly by the high content of polar groups which are responsible for its swelling properties. [NIH] Colloidal: Of the nature of a colloid. [EU] Colloids: Two-phase systems in which one is uniformly dispersed in another as particles small enough so they cannot be filtered or will not settle out. The dispersing or continuous phase or medium envelops the particles of the discontinuous phase. All three states of matter can form colloids among each other. [NIH] Colon: The long, coiled, tubelike organ that removes water from digested food. The remaining material, solid waste called stool, moves through the colon to the rectum and leaves the body through the anus. [NIH] Colorectal: Having to do with the colon or the rectum. [NIH] Combination chemotherapy: Treatment using more than one anticancer drug. [NIH] Communicable disease: A disease that can be transmitted by contact between persons. [NIH] Complement: A term originally used to refer to the heat-labile factor in serum that causes immune cytolysis, the lysis of antibody-coated cells, and now referring to the entire functionally related system comprising at least 20 distinct serum proteins that is the effector not only of immune cytolysis but also of other biologic functions. Complement activation occurs by two different sequences, the classic and alternative pathways. The proteins of the classic pathway are termed 'components of complement' and are designated by the symbols C1 through C9. C1 is a calcium-dependent complex of three distinct proteins C1q, C1r and

Dictionary 169

C1s. The proteins of the alternative pathway (collectively referred to as the properdin system) and complement regulatory proteins are known by semisystematic or trivial names. Fragments resulting from proteolytic cleavage of complement proteins are designated with lower-case letter suffixes, e.g., C3a. Inactivated fragments may be designated with the suffix 'i', e.g. C3bi. Activated components or complexes with biological activity are designated by a bar over the symbol e.g. C1 or C4b,2a. The classic pathway is activated by the binding of C1 to classic pathway activators, primarily antigen-antibody complexes containing IgM, IgG1, IgG3; C1q binds to a single IgM molecule or two adjacent IgG molecules. The alternative pathway can be activated by IgA immune complexes and also by nonimmunologic materials including bacterial endotoxins, microbial polysaccharides, and cell walls. Activation of the classic pathway triggers an enzymatic cascade involving C1, C4, C2 and C3; activation of the alternative pathway triggers a cascade involving C3 and factors B, D and P. Both result in the cleavage of C5 and the formation of the membrane attack complex. Complement activation also results in the formation of many biologically active complement fragments that act as anaphylatoxins, opsonins, or chemotactic factors. [EU] Complementary and alternative medicine: CAM. Forms of treatment that are used in addition to (complementary) or instead of (alternative) standard treatments. These practices are not considered standard medical approaches. CAM includes dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. [NIH] Complementary medicine: Practices not generally recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches and used to enhance or complement the standard treatments. Complementary medicine includes the taking of dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, and herbal preparations; the drinking of special teas; and practices such as massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. [NIH] Compliance: Distensibility measure of a chamber such as the lungs (lung compliance) or bladder. Compliance is expressed as a change in volume per unit change in pressure. [NIH] Computational Biology: A field of biology concerned with the development of techniques for the collection and manipulation of biological data, and the use of such data to make biological discoveries or predictions. This field encompasses all computational methods and theories applicable to molecular biology and areas of computer-based techniques for solving biological problems including manipulation of models and datasets. [NIH] Computed tomography: CT scan. A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computerized tomography and computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan. [NIH] Computerized axial tomography: A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called CAT scan, computed tomography (CT scan), or computerized tomography. [NIH] Concentric: Having a common center of curvature or symmetry. [NIH] Concomitant: Accompanying; accessory; joined with another. [EU] Cones: One type of specialized light-sensitive cells (photoreceptors) in the retina that provide sharp central vision and color vision. [NIH] Congestion: Excessive or abnormal accumulation of blood in a part. [EU] Congestive heart failure: Weakness of the heart muscle that leads to a buildup of fluid in body tissues. [NIH] Conjugated: Acting or operating as if joined; simultaneous. [EU]

170

Blood Plasma

Conjugation: 1. The act of joining together or the state of being conjugated. 2. A sexual process seen in bacteria, ciliate protozoa, and certain fungi in which nuclear material is exchanged during the temporary fusion of two cells (conjugants). In bacterial genetics a form of sexual reproduction in which a donor bacterium (male) contributes some, or all, of its DNA (in the form of a replicated set) to a recipient (female) which then incorporates differing genetic information into its own chromosome by recombination and passes the recombined set on to its progeny by replication. In ciliate protozoa, two conjugants of separate mating types exchange micronuclear material and then separate, each now being a fertilized cell. In certain fungi, the process involves fusion of two gametes, resulting in union of their nuclei and formation of a zygote. 3. In chemistry, the joining together of two compounds to produce another compound, such as the combination of a toxic product with some substance in the body to form a detoxified product, which is then eliminated. [EU] Connective Tissue: Tissue that supports and binds other tissues. It consists of connective tissue cells embedded in a large amount of extracellular matrix. [NIH] Connective Tissue: Tissue that supports and binds other tissues. It consists of connective tissue cells embedded in a large amount of extracellular matrix. [NIH] Connective Tissue Cells: A group of cells that includes fibroblasts, cartilage cells, adipocytes, smooth muscle cells, and bone cells. [NIH] Consciousness: Sense of awareness of self and of the environment. [NIH] Constipation: Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces. [NIH] Constrict: Tighten; narrow. [NIH] Constriction: The act of constricting. [NIH] Contamination: The soiling or pollution by inferior material, as by the introduction of organisms into a wound, or sewage into a stream. [EU] Contractile Proteins: Proteins which participate in contractile processes. They include muscle proteins as well as those found in other cells and tissues. In the latter, these proteins participate in localized contractile events in the cytoplasm, in motile activity, and in cell aggregation phenomena. [NIH] Contraindications: Any factor or sign that it is unwise to pursue a certain kind of action or treatment, e. g. giving a general anesthetic to a person with pneumonia. [NIH] Coordination: Muscular or motor regulation or the harmonious cooperation of muscles or groups of muscles, in a complex action or series of actions. [NIH] Coronary: Encircling in the manner of a crown; a term applied to vessels; nerves, ligaments, etc. The term usually denotes the arteries that supply the heart muscle and, by extension, a pathologic involvement of them. [EU] Coronary heart disease: A type of heart disease caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries that feed the heart, which needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients carried by the blood in the coronary arteries. When the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged by fat and cholesterol deposits and cannot supply enough blood to the heart, CHD results. [NIH] Coronary Thrombosis: Presence of a thrombus in a coronary artery, often causing a myocardial infarction. [NIH] Corpus: The body of the uterus. [NIH] Corpus Luteum: The yellow glandular mass formed in the ovary by an ovarian follicle that has ruptured and discharged its ovum. [NIH] Corticosteroids: Hormones that have antitumor activity in lymphomas and lymphoid

Dictionary 171

leukemias; in addition, corticosteroids (steroids) may be used for hormone replacement and for the management of some of the complications of cancer and its treatment. [NIH] Cortisol: A steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex as part of the body's response to stress. [NIH] Cortisone: A natural steroid hormone produced in the adrenal gland. It can also be made in the laboratory. Cortisone reduces swelling and can suppress immune responses. [NIH] Coumarin: A fluorescent dye. [NIH] Coumestrol: A coumarin derivative occurring naturally in forage crops which has estrogenic activity. [NIH] Cranial: Pertaining to the cranium, or to the anterior (in animals) or superior (in humans) end of the body. [EU] Craniocerebral Trauma: Traumatic injuries involving the cranium and intracranial structures (i.e., brain; cranial nerves; meninges; and other structures). Injuries may be classified by whether or not the skull is penetrated (i.e., penetrating vs. nonpenetrating) or whether there is an associated hemorrhage. [NIH] Creatine: An amino acid that occurs in vertebrate tissues and in urine. In muscle tissue, creatine generally occurs as phosphocreatine. Creatine is excreted as creatinine in the urine. [NIH]

Creatinine: A compound that is excreted from the body in urine. Creatinine levels are measured to monitor kidney function. [NIH] Criterion: A standard by which something may be judged. [EU] Crossing-over: The exchange of corresponding segments between chromatids of homologous chromosomes during meiosia, forming a chiasma. [NIH] Curare: Plant extracts from several species, including Strychnos toxifera, S. castelnaei, S. crevauxii, and Chondodendron tomentosum, that produce paralysis of skeletal muscle and are used adjunctively with general anesthesia. These extracts are toxic and must be used with the administration of artificial respiration. [NIH] Curative: Tending to overcome disease and promote recovery. [EU] Cutaneous: Having to do with the skin. [NIH] Cyclic: Pertaining to or occurring in a cycle or cycles; the term is applied to chemical compounds that contain a ring of atoms in the nucleus. [EU] Cysteine: A thiol-containing non-essential amino acid that is oxidized to form cystine. [NIH] Cystine: A covalently linked dimeric nonessential amino acid formed by the oxidation of cysteine. Two molecules of cysteine are joined together by a disulfide bridge to form cystine. [NIH]

Cytapheresis: Separation of one or more kinds of cells from whole blood with the return of other blood cell constituents to the patient or donor. This is accomplished with an instrument that uses centrifugation to separate the cells into different layers based on the differences in cell density (displacement) or drag coefficients in a current (elutriation). The procedure is commonly used in adoptive transfer to isolate NK cells, lymphocytes, or monocytes. [NIH] Cytogenetics: A branch of genetics which deals with the cytological and molecular behavior of genes and chromosomes during cell division. [NIH] Cytokines: Non-antibody proteins secreted by inflammatory leukocytes and some nonleukocytic cells, that act as intercellular mediators. They differ from classical hormones in that they are produced by a number of tissue or cell types rather than by specialized glands.

172

Blood Plasma

They generally act locally in a paracrine or autocrine rather than endocrine manner. [NIH] Cytomegalovirus: A genus of the family Herpesviridae, subfamily Betaherpesvirinae, infecting the salivary glands, liver, spleen, lungs, eyes, and other organs, in which they produce characteristically enlarged cells with intranuclear inclusions. Infection with Cytomegalovirus is also seen as an opportunistic infection in AIDS. [NIH] Cytoplasm: The protoplasm of a cell exclusive of that of the nucleus; it consists of a continuous aqueous solution (cytosol) and the organelles and inclusions suspended in it (phaneroplasm), and is the site of most of the chemical activities of the cell. [EU] Cytosine: A pyrimidine base that is a fundamental unit of nucleic acids. [NIH] Cytotoxic: Cell-killing. [NIH] Cytotoxicity: Quality of being capable of producing a specific toxic action upon cells of special organs. [NIH] Decarboxylation: The removal of a carboxyl group, usually in the form of carbon dioxide, from a chemical compound. [NIH] Decidua: The epithelial lining of the endometrium that is formed before the fertilized ovum reaches the uterus. The fertilized ovum embeds in the decidua. If the ovum is not fertilized, the decidua is shed during menstruation. [NIH] Decompression: Decompression external to the body, most often the slow lessening of external pressure on the whole body (especially in caisson workers, deep sea divers, and persons who ascend to great heights) to prevent decompression sickness. It includes also sudden accidental decompression, but not surgical (local) decompression or decompression applied through body openings. [NIH] Decontamination: The removal of contaminating material, such as radioactive materials, biological materials, or chemical warfare agents, from a person or object. [NIH] Degenerative: Undergoing degeneration : tending to degenerate; having the character of or involving degeneration; causing or tending to cause degeneration. [EU] Dehydration: The condition that results from excessive loss of body water. [NIH] Delavirdine: A potent, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor with activity specific for HIV-1. [NIH] Deletion: A genetic rearrangement through loss of segments of DNA (chromosomes), bringing sequences, which are normally separated, into close proximity. [NIH] Delirium: (DSM III-R) an acute, reversible organic mental disorder characterized by reduced ability to maintain attention to external stimuli and disorganized thinking as manifested by rambling, irrelevant, or incoherent speech; there are also a reduced level of consciousness, sensory misperceptions, disturbance of the sleep-wakefulness cycle and level of psychomotor activity, disorientation to time, place, or person, and memory impairment. Delirium may be caused by a large number of conditions resulting in derangement of cerebral metabolism, including systemic infection, poisoning, drug intoxication or withdrawal, seizures or head trauma, and metabolic disturbances such as hypoxia, hypoglycaemia, fluid, electrolyte, or acid-base imbalances, or hepatic or renal failure. Called also acute confusional state and acute brain syndrome. [EU] Dementia: An acquired organic mental disorder with loss of intellectual abilities of sufficient severity to interfere with social or occupational functioning. The dysfunction is multifaceted and involves memory, behavior, personality, judgment, attention, spatial relations, language, abstract thought, and other executive functions. The intellectual decline is usually progressive, and initially spares the level of consciousness. [NIH]

Dictionary 173

Denaturation: Rupture of the hydrogen bonds by heating a DNA solution and then cooling it rapidly causes the two complementary strands to separate. [NIH] Deoxyguanosine: A nucleoside consisting of the base guanine and the sugar deoxyribose. [NIH]

Deoxyribonucleic: A polymer of subunits called deoxyribonucleotides which is the primary genetic material of a cell, the material equivalent to genetic information. [NIH] Deoxyribonucleic acid: A polymer of subunits called deoxyribonucleotides which is the primary genetic material of a cell, the material equivalent to genetic information. [NIH] Deoxyribonucleotides: A purine or pyrimidine base bonded to a deoxyribose containing a bond to a phosphate group. [NIH] Depressive Disorder: An affective disorder manifested by either a dysphoric mood or loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities. The mood disturbance is prominent and relatively persistent. [NIH] DES: Diethylstilbestrol. A synthetic hormone that was prescribed from the early 1940s until 1971 to help women with complications of pregnancy. DES has been linked to an increased risk of clear cell carcinoma of the vagina in daughters of women who used DES. DES may also increase the risk of breast cancer in women who used DES. [NIH] Designer Drugs: Drugs designed and synthesized, often for illegal street use, by modification of existing drug structures (e.g., amphetamines). Of special interest are MPTP (a reverse ester of meperidine), MDA (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine), and MDMA (3,4methylenedioxymethamphetamine). Many drugs act on the aminergic system, the physiologically active biogenic amines. [NIH] Detoxification: Treatment designed to free an addict from his drug habit. [EU] Deuterium: Deuterium. The stable isotope of hydrogen. It has one neutron and one proton in the nucleus. [NIH] Device Removal: Removal of an implanted therapeutic or prosthetic device. [NIH] Dextroamphetamine: The d-form of amphetamine. It is a central nervous system stimulant and a sympathomimetic. It has also been used in the treatment of narcolepsy and of attention deficit disorders and hyperactivity in children. Dextroamphetamine has multiple mechanisms of action including blocking uptake of adrenergics and dopamine, stimulating release of monamines, and inhibiting monoamine oxidase. It is also a drug of abuse and a psychotomimetic. [NIH] Diabetes Mellitus: A heterogeneous group of disorders that share glucose intolerance in common. [NIH] Diagnostic Imaging: Any visual display of structural or functional patterns of organs or tissues for diagnostic evaluation. It includes measuring physiologic and metabolic responses to physical and chemical stimuli, as well as ultramicroscopy. [NIH] Diagnostic procedure: A method used to identify a disease. [NIH] Dialysate: A cleansing liquid used in the two major forms of dialysis--hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. [NIH] Dialyzer: A part of the hemodialysis machine. (See hemodialysis under dialysis.) The dialyzer has two sections separated by a membrane. One section holds dialysate. The other holds the patient's blood. [NIH] Diarrhea: Passage of excessively liquid or excessively frequent stools. [NIH] Diastolic: Of or pertaining to the diastole. [EU] Diathesis: A constitution or condition of the body which makes the tissues react in special

174

Blood Plasma

ways to certain extrinsic stimuli and thus tends to make the person more than usually susceptible to certain diseases. [EU] Diffusion: The tendency of a gas or solute to pass from a point of higher pressure or concentration to a point of lower pressure or concentration and to distribute itself throughout the available space; a major mechanism of biological transport. [NIH] Digestion: The process of breakdown of food for metabolism and use by the body. [NIH] Digestive system: The organs that take in food and turn it into products that the body can use to stay healthy. Waste products the body cannot use leave the body through bowel movements. The digestive system includes the salivary glands, mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, small and large intestines, and rectum. [NIH] Digestive tract: The organs through which food passes when food is eaten. These organs are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and rectum. [NIH] Dihydrotestosterone: Anabolic agent. [NIH] Dilution: A diluted or attenuated medicine; in homeopathy, the diffusion of a given quantity of a medicinal agent in ten or one hundred times the same quantity of water. [NIH] Dimethyl: A volatile metabolite of the amino acid methionine. [NIH] Dioxins: Chlorinated hydrocarbons containing heteroatoms that are present as contaminants of herbicides. Dioxins are carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic. They have been banned from use by the FDA. [NIH] Dipeptides: Peptides composed of two amino acid units. [NIH] Diphosphates: Inorganic salts of phosphoric acid that contain two phosphate groups. [NIH] Diploid: Having two sets of chromosomes. [NIH] Direct: 1. Straight; in a straight line. 2. Performed immediately and without the intervention of subsidiary means. [EU] Disease Progression: The worsening of a disease over time. This concept is most often used for chronic and incurable diseases where the stage of the disease is an important determinant of therapy and prognosis. [NIH] Disinfectant: An agent that disinfects; applied particularly to agents used on inanimate objects. [EU] Disinfection: Rendering pathogens harmless through the use of heat, antiseptics, antibacterial agents, etc. [NIH] Disorientation: The loss of proper bearings, or a state of mental confusion as to time, place, or identity. [EU] Dispenser: Glass, metal or plastic shell fitted with valve from which a pressurized formulation is dispensed; an instrument for atomizing. [NIH] Disposition: A tendency either physical or mental toward certain diseases. [EU] Dissociation: 1. The act of separating or state of being separated. 2. The separation of a molecule into two or more fragments (atoms, molecules, ions, or free radicals) produced by the absorption of light or thermal energy or by solvation. 3. In psychology, a defense mechanism in which a group of mental processes are segregated from the rest of a person's mental activity in order to avoid emotional distress, as in the dissociative disorders (q.v.), or in which an idea or object is segregated from its emotional significance; in the first sense it is roughly equivalent to splitting, in the second, to isolation. 4. A defect of mental integration in which one or more groups of mental processes become separated off from normal consciousness and, thus separated, function as a unitary whole. [EU]

Dictionary 175

Distal: Remote; farther from any point of reference; opposed to proximal. In dentistry, used to designate a position on the dental arch farther from the median line of the jaw. [EU] Disulphide: A covalent bridge formed by the oxidation of two cysteine residues to a cystine residue. The-S-S-bond is very strong and its presence confers additional stability. [NIH] Diuresis: Increased excretion of urine. [EU] Diuretic: A drug that increases the production of urine. [NIH] Diving: An activity in which the organism plunges into water. It includes scuba and bell diving. Diving as natural behavior of animals goes here, as well as diving in decompression experiments with humans or animals. [NIH] Dopamine: An endogenous catecholamine and prominent neurotransmitter in several systems of the brain. In the synthesis of catecholamines from tyrosine, it is the immediate precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine. Dopamine is a major transmitter in the extrapyramidal system of the brain, and important in regulating movement. A family of dopaminergic receptor subtypes mediate its action. Dopamine is used pharmacologically for its direct (beta adrenergic agonist) and indirect (adrenergic releasing) sympathomimetic effects including its actions as an inotropic agent and as a renal vasodilator. [NIH] Dorsal: 1. Pertaining to the back or to any dorsum. 2. Denoting a position more toward the back surface than some other object of reference; same as posterior in human anatomy; superior in the anatomy of quadrupeds. [EU] Dosage Forms: Completed forms of the pharmaceutical preparation in which prescribed doses of medication are included. They are designed to resist action by gastric fluids, prevent vomiting and nausea, reduce or alleviate the undesirable taste and smells associated with oral administration, achieve a high concentration of drug at target site, or produce a delayed or long-acting drug effect. They include capsules, liniments, ointments, pharmaceutical solutions, powders, tablets, etc. [NIH] Drug Industry: That segment of commercial enterprise devoted to the design, development, and manufacture of chemical products for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, disability, or other dysfunction, or to improve function. [NIH] Drug Interactions: The action of a drug that may affect the activity, metabolism, or toxicity of another drug. [NIH] Drug Resistance: Diminished or failed response of an organism, disease or tissue to the intended effectiveness of a chemical or drug. It should be differentiated from drug tolerance which is the progressive diminution of the susceptibility of a human or animal to the effects of a drug, as a result of continued administration. [NIH] Drug Tolerance: Progressive diminution of the susceptibility of a human or animal to the effects of a drug, resulting from its continued administration. It should be differentiated from drug resistance wherein an organism, disease, or tissue fails to respond to the intended effectiveness of a chemical or drug. It should also be differentiated from maximum tolerated dose and no-observed-adverse-effect level. [NIH] Duodenum: The first part of the small intestine. [NIH] Dyes: Chemical substances that are used to stain and color other materials. The coloring may or may not be permanent. Dyes can also be used as therapeutic agents and test reagents in medicine and scientific research. [NIH] Dyskinesia: Impairment of the power of voluntary movement, resulting in fragmentary or incomplete movements. [EU] Dysplasia: Cells that look abnormal under a microscope but are not cancer. [NIH]

176

Blood Plasma

Dystonia: Disordered tonicity of muscle. [EU] Edema: Excessive amount of watery fluid accumulated in the intercellular spaces, most commonly present in subcutaneous tissue. [NIH] Effector: It is often an enzyme that converts an inactive precursor molecule into an active second messenger. [NIH] Efficacy: The extent to which a specific intervention, procedure, regimen, or service produces a beneficial result under ideal conditions. Ideally, the determination of efficacy is based on the results of a randomized control trial. [NIH] Ejaculation: The release of semen through the penis during orgasm. [NIH] Elastin: The protein that gives flexibility to tissues. [NIH] Elective: Subject to the choice or decision of the patient or physician; applied to procedures that are advantageous to the patient but not urgent. [EU] Electrochemistry: The study of chemical changes resulting from electrical action and electrical activity resulting from chemical changes. [NIH] Electrocoagulation: Electrosurgical procedures used to treat hemorrhage (e.g., bleeding ulcers) and to ablate tumors, mucosal lesions, and refractory arrhythmias. [NIH] Electrode: Component of the pacing system which is at the distal end of the lead. It is the interface with living cardiac tissue across which the stimulus is transmitted. [NIH] Electrolyte: A substance that dissociates into ions when fused or in solution, and thus becomes capable of conducting electricity; an ionic solute. [EU] Electrons: Stable elementary particles having the smallest known negative charge, present in all elements; also called negatrons. Positively charged electrons are called positrons. The numbers, energies and arrangement of electrons around atomic nuclei determine the chemical identities of elements. Beams of electrons are called cathode rays or beta rays, the latter being a high-energy biproduct of nuclear decay. [NIH] Electrophoresis: An electrochemical process in which macromolecules or colloidal particles with a net electric charge migrate in a solution under the influence of an electric current. [NIH]

Electroporation: A technique in which electric pulses of intensity in kilovolts per centimeter and of microsecond-to-millisecond duration cause a temporary loss of the semipermeability of cell membranes, thus leading to ion leakage, escape of metabolites, and increased uptake by cells of drugs, molecular probes, and DNA. Some applications of electroporation include introduction of plasmids or foreign DNA into living cells for transfection, fusion of cells to prepare hybridomas, and insertion of proteins into cell membranes. [NIH] Elementary Particles: Individual components of atoms, usually subatomic; subnuclear particles are usually detected only when the atomic nucleus decays and then only transiently, as most of them are unstable, often yielding pure energy without substance, i.e., radiation. [NIH] Emboli: Bit of foreign matter which enters the blood stream at one point and is carried until it is lodged or impacted in an artery and obstructs it. It may be a blood clot, an air bubble, fat or other tissue, or clumps of bacteria. [NIH] Embolism: Blocking of a blood vessel by a blood clot or foreign matter that has been transported from a distant site by the blood stream. [NIH] Embolization: The blocking of an artery by a clot or foreign material. Embolization can be done as treatment to block the flow of blood to a tumor. [NIH] Embryo: The prenatal stage of mammalian development characterized by rapid

Dictionary 177

morphological changes and the differentiation of basic structures. [NIH] Embryogenesis: The process of embryo or embryoid formation, whether by sexual (zygotic) or asexual means. In asexual embryogenesis embryoids arise directly from the explant or on intermediary callus tissue. In some cases they arise from individual cells (somatic cell embryoge). [NIH] Emollient: Softening or soothing; called also malactic. [EU] Empirical: A treatment based on an assumed diagnosis, prior to receiving confirmatory laboratory test results. [NIH] Emulsion: A preparation of one liquid distributed in small globules throughout the body of a second liquid. The dispersed liquid is the discontinuous phase, and the dispersion medium is the continuous phase. When oil is the dispersed liquid and an aqueous solution is the continuous phase, it is known as an oil-in-water emulsion, whereas when water or aqueous solution is the dispersed phase and oil or oleaginous substance is the continuous phase, it is known as a water-in-oil emulsion. Pharmaceutical emulsions for which official standards have been promulgated include cod liver oil emulsion, cod liver oil emulsion with malt, liquid petrolatum emulsion, and phenolphthalein in liquid petrolatum emulsion. [EU] Enamel: A very hard whitish substance which covers the dentine of the anatomical crown of a tooth. [NIH] Encapsulated: Confined to a specific, localized area and surrounded by a thin layer of tissue. [NIH]

Endemic: Present or usually prevalent in a population or geographical area at all times; said of a disease or agent. Called also endemial. [EU] Endogenous: Produced inside an organism or cell. The opposite is external (exogenous) production. [NIH] Endometrium: The layer of tissue that lines the uterus. [NIH] Endothelial cell: The main type of cell found in the inside lining of blood vessels, lymph vessels, and the heart. [NIH] Endothelium: A layer of epithelium that lines the heart, blood vessels (endothelium, vascular), lymph vessels (endothelium, lymphatic), and the serous cavities of the body. [NIH] Endotoxin: Toxin from cell walls of bacteria. [NIH] End-stage renal: Total chronic kidney failure. When the kidneys fail, the body retains fluid and harmful wastes build up. A person with ESRD needs treatment to replace the work of the failed kidneys. [NIH] Energetic: Exhibiting energy : strenuous; operating with force, vigour, or effect. [EU] Enterovirus: A genus of the family Picornaviridae whose members preferentially inhabit the intestinal tract of a variety of hosts. The genus contains many species. Newly described members of human enteroviruses are assigned continuous numbers with the species designated "human enterovirus". [NIH] Environmental Health: The science of controlling or modifying those conditions, influences, or forces surrounding man which relate to promoting, establishing, and maintaining health. [NIH]

Environmental Pollutants: Substances which pollute the environment. Use environmental pollutants in general or for which there is no specific heading. [NIH]

for

Enzymatic: Phase where enzyme cuts the precursor protein. [NIH] Enzyme: A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body. [NIH] Enzyme Inhibitors: Compounds or agents that combine with an enzyme in such a manner

178

Blood Plasma

as to prevent the normal substrate-enzyme combination and the catalytic reaction. [NIH] Epidemic: Occurring suddenly in numbers clearly in excess of normal expectancy; said especially of infectious diseases but applied also to any disease, injury, or other healthrelated event occurring in such outbreaks. [EU] Epidemiological: Relating to, or involving epidemiology. [EU] Epidermal: Pertaining to or resembling epidermis. Called also epidermic or epidermoid. [EU] Epidermal Growth Factor: A 6 kD polypeptide growth factor initially discovered in mouse submaxillary glands. Human epidermal growth factor was originally isolated from urine based on its ability to inhibit gastric secretion and called urogastrone. epidermal growth factor exerts a wide variety of biological effects including the promotion of proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal and epithelial cells. [NIH] Epidermis: Nonvascular layer of the skin. It is made up, from within outward, of five layers: 1) basal layer (stratum basale epidermidis); 2) spinous layer (stratum spinosum epidermidis); 3) granular layer (stratum granulosum epidermidis); 4) clear layer (stratum lucidum epidermidis); and 5) horny layer (stratum corneum epidermidis). [NIH] Epidermoid carcinoma: A type of cancer in which the cells are flat and look like fish scales. Also called squamous cell carcinoma. [NIH] Epigastric: Having to do with the upper middle area of the abdomen. [NIH] Epinephrine: The active sympathomimetic hormone from the adrenal medulla in most species. It stimulates both the alpha- and beta- adrenergic systems, causes systemic vasoconstriction and gastrointestinal relaxation, stimulates the heart, and dilates bronchi and cerebral vessels. It is used in asthma and cardiac failure and to delay absorption of local anesthetics. [NIH] Epithelial: Refers to the cells that line the internal and external surfaces of the body. [NIH] Epithelial Cells: Cells that line the inner and outer surfaces of the body. [NIH] Epithelium: One or more layers of epithelial cells, supported by the basal lamina, which covers the inner or outer surfaces of the body. [NIH] Erythema: Redness of the skin produced by congestion of the capillaries. This condition may result from a variety of causes. [NIH] Erythrocyte Volume: Volume of circulating erythrocytes. It is usually measured by radioisotope dilution technique. [NIH] Erythrocytes: Red blood cells. Mature erythrocytes are non-nucleated, biconcave disks containing hemoglobin whose function is to transport oxygen. [NIH] Esophagus: The muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach. [NIH]

Estrogens: A class of sex hormones associated with the development and maintenance of secondary female sex characteristics and control of the cyclical changes in the reproductive cycle. They are also required for pregnancy maintenance and have an anabolic effect on protein metabolism and water retention. [NIH] Ethanol: A clear, colorless liquid rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. It has bactericidal activity and is used often as a topical disinfectant. It is widely used as a solvent and preservative in pharmaceutical preparations as well as serving as the primary ingredient in alcoholic beverages. [NIH] Ether: One of a class of organic compounds in which any two organic radicals are attached directly to a single oxygen atom. [NIH] Etodolac: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent with potent analgesic and antiarthritic

Dictionary 179

properties. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and in the alleviation of postoperative pain. [NIH] Evacuation: An emptying, as of the bowels. [EU] Evoke: The electric response recorded from the cerebral cortex after stimulation of a peripheral sense organ. [NIH] Excipients: Usually inert substances added to a prescription in order to provide suitable consistency to the dosage form; a binder, matrix, base or diluent in pills, tablets, creams, salves, etc. [NIH] Excitation: An act of irritation or stimulation or of responding to a stimulus; the addition of energy, as the excitation of a molecule by absorption of photons. [EU] Excrete: To get rid of waste from the body. [NIH] Exhaustion: The feeling of weariness of mind and body. [NIH] Exocrine: Secreting outwardly, via a duct. [EU] Exogenous: Developed or originating outside the organism, as exogenous disease. [EU] Expander: Any of several colloidal substances of high molecular weight. used as a blood or plasma substitute in transfusion for increasing the volume of the circulating blood. called also extender. [NIH] Extender: Any of several colloidal substances of high molecular weight, used as a blood or plasma substitute in transfusion for increasing the volume of the circulating blood. [NIH] Extensor: A muscle whose contraction tends to straighten a limb; the antagonist of a flexor. [NIH]

External-beam radiation: Radiation therapy that uses a machine to aim high-energy rays at the cancer. Also called external radiation. [NIH] Extracellular: Outside a cell or cells. [EU] Extracellular Matrix: A meshwork-like substance found within the extracellular space and in association with the basement membrane of the cell surface. It promotes cellular proliferation and provides a supporting structure to which cells or cell lysates in culture dishes adhere. [NIH] Extracellular Matrix Proteins: Macromolecular organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually, sulfur. These macromolecules (proteins) form an intricate meshwork in which cells are embedded to construct tissues. Variations in the relative types of macromolecules and their organization determine the type of extracellular matrix, each adapted to the functional requirements of the tissue. The two main classes of macromolecules that form the extracellular matrix are: glycosaminoglycans, usually linked to proteins (proteoglycans), and fibrous proteins (e.g., collagen, elastin, fibronectins and laminin). [NIH] Extracellular Space: Interstitial space between cells, occupied by fluid as well as amorphous and fibrous substances. [NIH] Extracorporeal: Situated or occurring outside the body. [EU] Extraction: The process or act of pulling or drawing out. [EU] Extrapyramidal: Outside of the pyramidal tracts. [EU] Exudate: Material, such as fluid, cells, or cellular debris, which has escaped from blood vessels and has been deposited in tissues or on tissue surfaces, usually as a result of inflammation. An exudate, in contrast to a transudate, is characterized by a high content of protein, cells, or solid materials derived from cells. [EU]

180

Blood Plasma

Eye Infections: Infection, moderate to severe, caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, which occurs either on the external surface of the eye or intraocularly with probable inflammation, visual impairment, or blindness. [NIH] Family Planning: Programs or services designed to assist the family in controlling reproduction by either improving or diminishing fertility. [NIH] Fat: Total lipids including phospholipids. [NIH] Fatigue: The state of weariness following a period of exertion, mental or physical, characterized by a decreased capacity for work and reduced efficiency to respond to stimuli. [NIH]

Fatty acids: A major component of fats that are used by the body for energy and tissue development. [NIH] Feces: The excrement discharged from the intestines, consisting of bacteria, cells exfoliated from the intestines, secretions, chiefly of the liver, and a small amount of food residue. [EU] Fetal Blood: Blood of the fetus. Exchange of nutrients and waste between the fetal and maternal blood occurs via the placenta. The cord blood is blood contained in the umbilical vessels at the time of delivery. [NIH] Fetus: The developing offspring from 7 to 8 weeks after conception until birth. [NIH] Fibril: Most bacterial viruses have a hollow tail with specialized fibrils at its tip. The tail fibers attach to the cell wall of the host. [NIH] Fibrin: A protein derived from fibrinogen in the presence of thrombin, which forms part of the blood clot. [NIH] Fibrinogen: Plasma glycoprotein clotted by thrombin, composed of a dimer of three nonidentical pairs of polypeptide chains (alpha, beta, gamma) held together by disulfide bonds. Fibrinogen clotting is a sol-gel change involving complex molecular arrangements: whereas fibrinogen is cleaved by thrombin to form polypeptides A and B, the proteolytic action of other enzymes yields different fibrinogen degradation products. [NIH] Fibrinolysis: The natural enzymatic dissolution of fibrin. [NIH] Fibrinolytic: Pertaining to, characterized by, or causing the dissolution of fibrin by enzymatic action [EU] Fibroblasts: Connective tissue cells which secrete an extracellular matrix rich in collagen and other macromolecules. [NIH] Fibronectin: An adhesive glycoprotein. One form circulates in plasma, acting as an opsonin; another is a cell-surface protein which mediates cellular adhesive interactions. [NIH] Fibrosis: Any pathological condition where fibrous connective tissue invades any organ, usually as a consequence of inflammation or other injury. [NIH] Filtration: The passage of a liquid through a filter, accomplished by gravity, pressure, or vacuum (suction). [EU] Flatus: Gas passed through the rectum. [NIH] Flecainide: A potent anti-arrhythmia agent, effective in a wide range of ventricular and atrial arrhythmias and tachycardias. Paradoxically, however, in myocardial infarct patients with either symptomatic or asymptomatic arrhythmia, flecainide exacerbates the arrhythmia and is not recommended for use in these patients. [NIH] Flow Cytometry: Technique using an instrument system for making, processing, and displaying one or more measurements on individual cells obtained from a cell suspension. Cells are usually stained with one or more fluorescent dyes specific to cell components of interest, e.g., DNA, and fluorescence of each cell is measured as it rapidly transverses the

Dictionary 181

excitation beam (laser or mercury arc lamp). Fluorescence provides a quantitative measure of various biochemical and biophysical properties of the cell, as well as a basis for cell sorting. Other measurable optical parameters include light absorption and light scattering, the latter being applicable to the measurement of cell size, shape, density, granularity, and stain uptake. [NIH] Flucytosine: A fluorinated cytosine analog that is used as an antifungal agent. [NIH] Fluorescence: The property of emitting radiation while being irradiated. The radiation emitted is usually of longer wavelength than that incident or absorbed, e.g., a substance can be irradiated with invisible radiation and emit visible light. X-ray fluorescence is used in diagnosis. [NIH] Fluorescent Dyes: Dyes that emit light when exposed to light. The wave length of the emitted light is usually longer than that of the incident light. Fluorochromes are substances that cause fluorescence in other substances, i.e., dyes used to mark or label other compounds with fluorescent tags. They are used as markers in biochemistry and immunology. [NIH] Fluorouracil: A pyrimidine analog that acts as an antineoplastic antimetabolite and also has immunosuppressant. It interferes with DNA synthesis by blocking the thymidylate synthetase conversion of deoxyuridylic acid to thymidylic acid. [NIH] Fluphenazine: A phenothiazine used in the treatment of psychoses. Its properties and uses are generally similar to those of chlorpromazine. [NIH] Fold: A plication or doubling of various parts of the body. [NIH] Forearm: The part between the elbow and the wrist. [NIH] Fractionation: Dividing the total dose of radiation therapy into several smaller, equal doses delivered over a period of several days. [NIH] Free Radicals: Highly reactive molecules with an unsatisfied electron valence pair. Free radicals are produced in both normal and pathological processes. They are proven or suspected agents of tissue damage in a wide variety of circumstances including radiation, damage from environment chemicals, and aging. Natural and pharmacological prevention of free radical damage is being actively investigated. [NIH] Fructose: A type of sugar found in many fruits and vegetables and in honey. Fructose is used to sweeten some diet foods. It is considered a nutritive sweetener because it has calories. [NIH] Fungicide: An agent that destroys fungi. [EU] Fungus: A general term used to denote a group of eukaryotic protists, including mushrooms, yeasts, rusts, moulds, smuts, etc., which are characterized by the absence of chlorophyll and by the presence of a rigid cell wall composed of chitin, mannans, and sometimes cellulose. They are usually of simple morphological form or show some reversible cellular specialization, such as the formation of pseudoparenchymatous tissue in the fruiting body of a mushroom. The dimorphic fungi grow, according to environmental conditions, as moulds or yeasts. [EU] Gadolinium: An element of the rare earth family of metals. It has the atomic symbol Gd, atomic number 64, and atomic weight 157.25. Its oxide is used in the control rods of some nuclear reactors. [NIH] Gallate: Antioxidant present in tea. [NIH] Gallbladder: The pear-shaped organ that sits below the liver. Bile is concentrated and stored in the gallbladder. [NIH] Gamma Rays: Very powerful and penetrating, high-energy electromagnetic radiation of

182

Blood Plasma

shorter wavelength than that of x-rays. They are emitted by a decaying nucleus, usually between 0.01 and 10 MeV. They are also called nuclear x-rays. [NIH] Ganglia: Clusters of multipolar neurons surrounded by a capsule of loosely organized connective tissue located outside the central nervous system. [NIH] Gangrene: Death and putrefaction of tissue usually due to a loss of blood supply. [NIH] Gas: Air that comes from normal breakdown of food. The gases are passed out of the body through the rectum (flatus) or the mouth (burp). [NIH] Gas exchange: Primary function of the lungs; transfer of oxygen from inhaled air into the blood and of carbon dioxide from the blood into the lungs. [NIH] Gastric: Having to do with the stomach. [NIH] Gastric Acid: Hydrochloric acid present in gastric juice. [NIH] Gastrin: A hormone released after eating. Gastrin causes the stomach to produce more acid. [NIH]

Gastrointestinal: Refers to the stomach and intestines. [NIH] Gastrointestinal tract: The stomach and intestines. [NIH] Gels: Colloids with a solid continuous phase and liquid as the dispersed phase; gels may be unstable when, due to temperature or other cause, the solid phase liquifies; the resulting colloid is called a sol. [NIH] Gene: The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein. [NIH]

Gene Expression: The phenotypic manifestation of a gene or genes by the processes of gene action. [NIH] Gene Therapy: The introduction of new genes into cells for the purpose of treating disease by restoring or adding gene expression. Techniques include insertion of retroviral vectors, transfection, homologous recombination, and injection of new genes into the nuclei of single cell embryos. The entire gene therapy process may consist of multiple steps. The new genes may be introduced into proliferating cells in vivo (e.g., bone marrow) or in vitro (e.g., fibroblast cultures) and the modified cells transferred to the site where the gene expression is required. Gene therapy may be particularly useful for treating enzyme deficiency diseases, hemoglobinopathies, and leukemias and may also prove useful in restoring drug sensitivity, particularly for leukemia. [NIH] Genetic Code: The specifications for how information, stored in nucleic acid sequence (base sequence), is translated into protein sequence (amino acid sequence). The start, stop, and order of amino acids of a protein is specified by consecutive triplets of nucleotides called codons (codon). [NIH] Genetic testing: Analyzing DNA to look for a genetic alteration that may indicate an increased risk for developing a specific disease or disorder. [NIH] Genetics: The biological science that deals with the phenomena and mechanisms of heredity. [NIH] Genital: Pertaining to the genitalia. [EU] Genotype: The genetic constitution of the individual; the characterization of the genes. [NIH] Germ Cells: The reproductive cells in multicellular organisms. [NIH] Gestation: The period of development of the young in viviparous animals, from the time of fertilization of the ovum until birth. [EU]

Dictionary 183

Gestational: Psychosis attributable to or occurring during pregnancy. [NIH] Gestational Age: Age of the conceptus. In humans, this may be assessed by medical history, physical examination, early immunologic pregnancy tests, radiography, ultrasonography, and amniotic fluid analysis. [NIH] Gland: An organ that produces and releases one or more substances for use in the body. Some glands produce fluids that affect tissues or organs. Others produce hormones or participate in blood production. [NIH] Glioma: A cancer of the brain that comes from glial, or supportive, cells. [NIH] Glomerular: Pertaining to or of the nature of a glomerulus, especially a renal glomerulus. [EU]

Glomerular Filtration Rate: The volume of water filtered out of plasma through glomerular capillary walls into Bowman's capsules per unit of time. It is considered to be equivalent to inulin clearance. [NIH] Glomerulus: A tiny set of looping blood vessels in the nephron where blood is filtered in the kidney. [NIH] Glucose: D-Glucose. A primary source of energy for living organisms. It is naturally occurring and is found in fruits and other parts of plants in its free state. It is used therapeutically in fluid and nutrient replacement. [NIH] Glucose Intolerance: A pathological state in which the fasting plasma glucose level is less than 140 mg per deciliter and the 30-, 60-, or 90-minute plasma glucose concentration following a glucose tolerance test exceeds 200 mg per deciliter. This condition is seen frequently in diabetes mellitus but also occurs with other diseases. [NIH] Glucose Oxidase: An enzyme of the oxidoreductase class that catalyzes the conversion of beta-D-glucose and oxygen to D-glucono-1,5-lactone and peroxide. It is a flavoprotein, highly specific for beta-D-glucose. The enzyme is produced by Penicillium notatum and other fungi and has antibacterial activity in the presence of glucose and oxygen. It is used to estimate glucose concentration in blood or urine samples through the formation of colored dyes by the hydrogen peroxide produced in the reaction. (From Enzyme Nomenclature, 1992) EC 1.1.3.4. [NIH] Glucose tolerance: The power of the normal liver to absorb and store large quantities of glucose and the effectiveness of intestinal absorption of glucose. The glucose tolerance test is a metabolic test of carbohydrate tolerance that measures active insulin, a hepatic function based on the ability of the liver to absorb glucose. The test consists of ingesting 100 grams of glucose into a fasting stomach; blood sugar should return to normal in 2 to 21 hours after ingestion. [NIH] Glucose Tolerance Test: Determination of whole blood or plasma sugar in a fasting state before and at prescribed intervals (usually 1/2 hr, 1 hr, 3 hr, 4 hr) after taking a specified amount (usually 100 gm orally) of glucose. [NIH] Glucuronic Acid: Derivatives of uronic acid found throughout the plant and animal kingdoms. They detoxify drugs and toxins by conjugating with them to form glucuronides in the liver which are more water-soluble metabolites that can be easily eliminated from the body. [NIH] Glucuronides: Glycosides of glucuronic acid formed by the reaction of uridine diphosphate glucuronic acid with certain endogenous and exogenous substances. Their formation is important for the detoxification of drugs, steroid excretion and bilirubin metabolism to a more water-soluble compound that can be eliminated in the urine and bile. [NIH] Glutamic Acid: A non-essential amino acid naturally occurring in the L-form. Glutamic acid

184

Blood Plasma

(glutamate) is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. [NIH]

Glutathione Peroxidase: An enzyme catalyzing the oxidation of 2 moles of glutathione in the presence of hydrogen peroxide to yield oxidized glutathione and water. EC 1.11.1.9. [NIH]

Glutathione Transferase: A transferase that catalyzes the addition of aliphatic, aromatic, or heterocyclic radicals as well as epoxides and arene oxides to glutathione. Addition takes place at the sulfur atom. It also catalyzes the reduction of polyol nitrate by glutathione to polyol and nitrite. EC 2.5.1.18. [NIH] Glycerol: A trihydroxy sugar alcohol that is an intermediate in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. It is used as a solvent, emollient, pharmaceutical agent, and sweetening agent. [NIH]

Glycerophospholipids: Derivatives of phosphatidic acid in which the hydrophobic regions are composed of two fatty acids and a polar alcohol is joined to the C-3 position of glycerol through a phosphodiester bond. They are named according to their polar head groups, such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. [NIH] Glycine: A non-essential amino acid. It is found primarily in gelatin and silk fibroin and used therapeutically as a nutrient. It is also a fast inhibitory neurotransmitter. [NIH] Glycols: A generic grouping for dihydric alcohols with the hydroxy groups (-OH) located on different carbon atoms. They are viscous liquids with high boiling points for their molecular weights. [NIH] Glycoprotein: A protein that has sugar molecules attached to it. [NIH] Glycosylation: The chemical or biochemical addition of carbohydrate or glycosyl groups to other chemicals, especially peptides or proteins. Glycosyl transferases are used in this biochemical reaction. [NIH] Goats: Any of numerous agile, hollow-horned ruminants of the genus Capra, closely related to the sheep. [NIH] Gossypol: Poisonous pigment found in cottonseed and potentially irritating to gastrointestinal tract. [NIH] Governing Board: The group in which legal authority is vested for the control of healthrelated institutions and organizations. [NIH] Graft: Healthy skin, bone, or other tissue taken from one part of the body and used to replace diseased or injured tissue removed from another part of the body. [NIH] Graft Rejection: An immune response with both cellular and humoral components, directed against an allogeneic transplant, whose tissue antigens are not compatible with those of the recipient. [NIH] Grafting: The operation of transfer of tissue from one site to another. [NIH] Granulocytes: Leukocytes with abundant granules in the cytoplasm. They are divided into three groups: neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. [NIH] Graphite: An allotropic form of carbon that is used in pencils, as a lubricant, and in matches and explosives. It is obtained by mining and its dust can cause lung irritation. [NIH] Growth factors: Substances made by the body that function to regulate cell division and cell survival. Some growth factors are also produced in the laboratory and used in biological therapy. [NIH] Guanine: One of the four DNA bases. [NIH] Habitual: Of the nature of a habit; according to habit; established by or repeated by force of

Dictionary 185

habit, customary. [EU] Haematuria: Blood in the urine. [EU] Haemophilia: A haemorrhagic diathesis occurring in two main forms: 1. Haemophilia A (classic haemophilia, factor VIII deficiency), an X-linked disorder due to deficiency of coagulation factor VIII; 2. Haemophilia B (factor IX deficiency, Christmas disease), also Xlinked, due to deficiency of coagulation factor IX. Both forms are determined by a mutant gene near the telomere of the long arm of the X chromosome (Xq), but a different loci, and are characterized by subcutaneous and intramuscular haemorrhages; bleeding from the mouth, gums, lips, and tongue; haematuria; and haemarthroses. [EU] Half-Life: The time it takes for a substance (drug, radioactive nuclide, or other) to lose half of its pharmacologic, physiologic, or radiologic activity. [NIH] Haptens: Small antigenic determinants capable of eliciting an immune response only when coupled to a carrier. Haptens bind to antibodies but by themselves cannot elicit an antibody response. [NIH] Headache: Pain in the cranial region that may occur as an isolated and benign symptom or as a manifestation of a wide variety of conditions including subarachnoid hemorrhage; craniocerebral trauma; central nervous system infections; intracranial hypertension; and other disorders. In general, recurrent headaches that are not associated with a primary disease process are referred to as headache disorders (e.g., migraine). [NIH] Headache Disorders: Common conditions characterized by persistent or recurrent headaches. Headache syndrome classification systems may be based on etiology (e.g., vascular headache, post-traumatic headaches, etc.), temporal pattern (e.g., cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, etc.), and precipitating factors (e.g., cough headache). [NIH] Heart attack: A seizure of weak or abnormal functioning of the heart. [NIH] Heart failure: Loss of pumping ability by the heart, often accompanied by fatigue, breathlessness, and excess fluid accumulation in body tissues. [NIH] Hematocrit: Measurement of the volume of packed red cells in a blood specimen by centrifugation. The procedure is performed using a tube with graduated markings or with automated blood cell counters. It is used as an indicator of erythrocyte status in disease. For example, anemia shows a low hematocrit, polycythemia, high values. [NIH] Hemodiafiltration: The combination of hemodialysis and hemofiltration either simultaneously or sequentially. Convective transport (hemofiltration) may be better for removal of larger molecular weight substances and diffusive transport (hemodialysis) for smaller molecular weight solutes. [NIH] Hemodialysis: The use of a machine to clean wastes from the blood after the kidneys have failed. The blood travels through tubes to a dialyzer, which removes wastes and extra fluid. The cleaned blood then flows through another set of tubes back into the body. [NIH] Hemodynamics: The movements of the blood and the forces involved in systemic or regional blood circulation. [NIH] Hemofiltration: Extracorporeal ultrafiltration technique without hemodialysis for treatment of fluid overload and electrolyte disturbances affecting renal, cardiac, or pulmonary function. [NIH] Hemoglobin: One of the fractions of glycosylated hemoglobin A1c. Glycosylated hemoglobin is formed when linkages of glucose and related monosaccharides bind to hemoglobin A and its concentration represents the average blood glucose level over the previous several weeks. HbA1c levels are used as a measure of long-term control of plasma glucose (normal, 4 to 6 percent). In controlled diabetes mellitus, the concentration of

186

Blood Plasma

glycosylated hemoglobin A is within the normal range, but in uncontrolled cases the level may be 3 to 4 times the normal conentration. Generally, complications are substantially lower among patients with Hb levels of 7 percent or less than in patients with HbA1c levels of 9 percent or more. [NIH] Hemoglobin C: A commonly occurring abnormal hemoglobin in which lysine replaces a glutamic acid residue at the sixth position of the beta chains. It results in reduced plasticity of erythrocytes. [NIH] Hemoglobinopathies: A group of inherited disorders characterized by structural alterations within the hemoglobin molecule. [NIH] Hemophilia: Refers to a group of hereditary disorders in which affected individuals fail to make enough of certain proteins needed to form blood clots. [NIH] Hemorrhage: Bleeding or escape of blood from a vessel. [NIH] Hemorrhaging: A copious discharge of blood from the blood vessels. [NIH] Heparin: Heparinic acid. A highly acidic mucopolysaccharide formed of equal parts of sulfated D-glucosamine and D-glucuronic acid with sulfaminic bridges. The molecular weight ranges from six to twenty thousand. Heparin occurs in and is obtained from liver, lung, mast cells, etc., of vertebrates. Its function is unknown, but it is used to prevent blood clotting in vivo and vitro, in the form of many different salts. [NIH] Hepatic: Refers to the liver. [NIH] Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver and liver disease involving degenerative or necrotic alterations of hepatocytes. [NIH] Hepatitis Viruses: Any of the viruses that cause inflammation of the liver. They include both DNA and RNA viruses as well viruses from humans and animals. [NIH] Hepatocellular: Pertaining to or affecting liver cells. [EU] Hepatocyte: A liver cell. [NIH] Hepatoma: A liver tumor. [NIH] Herbicides: Pesticides used to destroy unwanted vegetation, especially various types of weeds, grasses, and woody plants. [NIH] Hereditary: Of, relating to, or denoting factors that can be transmitted genetically from one generation to another. [NIH] Heredity: 1. The genetic transmission of a particular quality or trait from parent to offspring. 2. The genetic constitution of an individual. [EU] Heterogeneity: The property of one or more samples or populations which implies that they are not identical in respect of some or all of their parameters, e. g. heterogeneity of variance. [NIH]

Hexachlorobenzene: An agricultural fungicide and seed treatment agent. [NIH] Histamine: 1H-Imidazole-4-ethanamine. A depressor amine derived by enzymatic decarboxylation of histidine. It is a powerful stimulant of gastric secretion, a constrictor of bronchial smooth muscle, a vasodilator, and also a centrally acting neurotransmitter. [NIH] Histidine: An essential amino acid important in a number of metabolic processes. It is required for the production of histamine. [NIH] Homeostasis: The processes whereby the internal environment of an organism tends to remain balanced and stable. [NIH] Homologous: Corresponding in structure, position, origin, etc., as (a) the feathers of a bird and the scales of a fish, (b) antigen and its specific antibody, (c) allelic chromosomes. [EU]

Dictionary 187

Hormonal: Pertaining to or of the nature of a hormone. [EU] Hormone: A substance in the body that regulates certain organs. Hormones such as gastrin help in breaking down food. Some hormones come from cells in the stomach and small intestine. [NIH] Human growth hormone: A protein hormone, secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary, which promotes growth of the whole body by stimulating protein synthesis. The human gene has already been cloned and successfully expressed in bacteria. [NIH] Human papillomavirus: HPV. A virus that causes abnormal tissue growth (warts) and is often associated with some types of cancer. [NIH] Hyaluronidase: An enzyme that splits hyaluronic acid and thus lowers the viscosity of the acid and facilitates the spreading of fluids through tissues either advantageously or disadvantageously. [NIH] Hybrid: Cross fertilization between two varieties or, more usually, two species of vines, see also crossing. [NIH] Hybridoma: A hybrid cell resulting from the fusion of a specific antibody-producing spleen cell with a myeloma cell. [NIH] Hydration: Combining with water. [NIH] Hydrogel: A network of cross-linked hydrophilic macromolecules used in biomedical applications. [NIH] Hydrogen: The first chemical element in the periodic table. It has the atomic symbol H, atomic number 1, and atomic weight 1. It exists, under normal conditions, as a colorless, odorless, tasteless, diatomic gas. Hydrogen ions are protons. Besides the common H1 isotope, hydrogen exists as the stable isotope deuterium and the unstable, radioactive isotope tritium. [NIH] Hydrogen Peroxide: A strong oxidizing agent used in aqueous solution as a ripening agent, bleach, and topical anti-infective. It is relatively unstable and solutions deteriorate over time unless stabilized by the addition of acetanilide or similar organic materials. [NIH] Hydrolysis: The process of cleaving a chemical compound by the addition of a molecule of water. [NIH] Hydrophilic: Readily absorbing moisture; hygroscopic; having strongly polar groups that readily interact with water. [EU] Hydrophobic: Not readily absorbing water, or being adversely affected by water, as a hydrophobic colloid. [EU] Hydroxides: Inorganic compounds that contain the OH- group. [NIH] Hydroxyl Radical: The univalent radical OH that is present in hydroxides, alcohols, phenols, glycols. [NIH] Hydroxylysine: A hydroxylated derivative of the amino acid lysine that is present in certain collagens. [NIH] Hydroxyproline: A hydroxylated form of the imino acid proline. A deficiency in ascorbic acid can result in impaired hydroxyproline formation. [NIH] Hyperalgesia: Excessive sensitiveness or sensibility to pain. [EU] Hyperbilirubinemia: Pathologic process consisting of an abnormal increase in the amount of bilirubin in the circulating blood, which may result in jaundice. [NIH] Hyperglycemia: Abnormally high blood sugar. [NIH] Hyperlipidemia: An excess of lipids in the blood. [NIH]

188

Blood Plasma

Hypertension: Persistently high arterial blood pressure. Currently accepted threshold levels are 140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure. [NIH] Hypochlorous Acid: HClO. An oxyacid of chlorine containing monovalent chlorine that acts as an oxidizing or reducing agent. [NIH] Hypoglycaemia: An abnormally diminished concentration of glucose in the blood, which may lead to tremulousness, cold sweat, piloerection, hypothermia, and headache, accompanied by irritability, confusion, hallucinations, bizarre behaviour, and ultimately, convulsions and coma. [EU] Hypoglycemia: Abnormally low blood sugar [NIH] Hypokinesia: Slow or diminished movement of body musculature. It may be associated with basal ganglia diseases; mental disorders; prolonged inactivity due to illness; experimental protocols used to evaluate the physiologic effects of immobility; and other conditions. [NIH] Hypotension: Abnormally low blood pressure. [NIH] Hypotensive: Characterized by or causing diminished tension or pressure, as abnormally low blood pressure. [EU] Hypoxia: Reduction of oxygen supply to tissue below physiological levels despite adequate perfusion of the tissue by blood. [EU] Hysterectomy: Excision of the uterus. [NIH] Iatrogenic: Resulting from the activity of physicians. Originally applied to disorders induced in the patient by autosuggestion based on the physician's examination, manner, or discussion, the term is now applied to any adverse condition in a patient occurring as the result of treatment by a physician or surgeon, especially to infections acquired by the patient during the course of treatment. [EU] Ibuprofen: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent with analgesic properties used in the therapy of rheumatism and arthritis. [NIH] Idiocy: Is the most severe degree of mental defect. [NIH] Immune Complex Diseases: Group of diseases mediated by the deposition of large soluble complexes of antigen and antibody with resultant damage to tissue. Besides serum sickness and the arthus reaction, evidence supports a pathogenic role for immune complexes in many other systemic immunologic diseases including glomerulonephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and polyarteritis nodosa. [NIH] Immune response: The activity of the immune system against foreign substances (antigens). [NIH]

Immune system: The organs, cells, and molecules responsible for the recognition and disposal of foreign ("non-self") material which enters the body. [NIH] Immunity: Nonsusceptibility to the invasive or pathogenic microorganisms or to the toxic effect of antigenic substances. [NIH]

effects

of

foreign

Immunization: Deliberate stimulation of the host's immune response. Active immunization involves administration of antigens or immunologic adjuvants. Passive immunization involves administration of immune sera or lymphocytes or their extracts (e.g., transfer factor, immune RNA) or transplantation of immunocompetent cell producing tissue (thymus or bone marrow). [NIH] Immunoassay: Immunochemical assay or detection of a substance by serologic or immunologic methods. Usually the substance being studied serves as antigen both in antibody production and in measurement of antibody by the test substance. [NIH]

Dictionary 189

Immunodeficiency: The decreased ability of the body to fight infection and disease. [NIH] Immunodeficiency syndrome: The inability of the body to produce an immune response. [NIH]

Immunoelectrophoresis: A technique that combines protein electrophoresis and double immunodiffusion. In this procedure proteins are first separated by gel electrophoresis (usually agarose), then made visible by immunodiffusion of specific antibodies. A distinct elliptical precipitin arc results for each protein detectable by the antisera. [NIH] Immunofluorescence: A technique for identifying molecules present on the surfaces of cells or in tissues using a highly fluorescent substance coupled to a specific antibody. [NIH] Immunoglobulins: Glycoproteins present in the blood (antibodies) and in other tissue. They are classified by structure and activity into five classes (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM). [NIH] Immunologic: The ability of the antibody-forming system to recall a previous experience with an antigen and to respond to a second exposure with the prompt production of large amounts of antibody. [NIH] Immunology: The study of the body's immune system. [NIH] Immunosuppressant: An agent capable of suppressing immune responses. [EU] Immunosuppression: Deliberate prevention or diminution of the host's immune response. It may be nonspecific as in the administration of immunosuppressive agents (drugs or radiation) or by lymphocyte depletion or may be specific as in desensitization or the simultaneous administration of antigen and immunosuppressive drugs. [NIH] Immunosuppressive: Describes the ability to lower immune system responses. [NIH] Immunosuppressive therapy: Therapy used to decrease the body's immune response, such as drugs given to prevent transplant rejection. [NIH] Immunotherapy: Manipulation of the host's immune system in treatment of disease. It includes both active and passive immunization as well as immunosuppressive therapy to prevent graft rejection. [NIH] Impairment: In the context of health experience, an impairment is any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function. [NIH] Implant radiation: A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near the tumor. Also called [NIH] Implantation: The insertion or grafting into the body of biological, living, inert, or radioactive material. [EU] In vitro: In the laboratory (outside the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body). [NIH] In vivo: In the body. The opposite of in vitro (outside the body or in the laboratory). [NIH] Incision: A cut made in the body during surgery. [NIH] Incontinence: Inability to control the flow of urine from the bladder (urinary incontinence) or the escape of stool from the rectum (fecal incontinence). [NIH] Induction: The act or process of inducing or causing to occur, especially the production of a specific morphogenetic effect in the developing embryo through the influence of evocators or organizers, or the production of anaesthesia or unconsciousness by use of appropriate agents. [EU] Infarction: A pathological process consisting of a sudden insufficient blood supply to an area, which results in necrosis of that area. It is usually caused by a thrombus, an embolus, or a vascular torsion. [NIH] Infection: 1. Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, which may be

190

Blood Plasma

clinically unapparent or result in local cellular injury due to competitive metabolism, toxins, intracellular replication, or antigen-antibody response. The infection may remain localized, subclinical, and temporary if the body's defensive mechanisms are effective. A local infection may persist and spread by extension to become an acute, subacute, or chronic clinical infection or disease state. A local infection may also become systemic when the microorganisms gain access to the lymphatic or vascular system. 2. An infectious disease. [EU]

Inflammation: A pathological process characterized by injury or destruction of tissues caused by a variety of cytologic and chemical reactions. It is usually manifested by typical signs of pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. [NIH] Infusion: A method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. Also called intravenous infusion. [NIH] Ingestion: Taking into the body by mouth [NIH] Initiator: A chemically reactive substance which may cause cell changes if ingested, inhaled or absorbed into the body; the substance may thus initiate a carcinogenic process. [NIH] Insecticides: Pesticides designed to control insects that are harmful to man. The insects may be directly harmful, as those acting as disease vectors, or indirectly harmful, as destroyers of crops, food products, or textile fabrics. [NIH] Insight: The capacity to understand one's own motives, to be aware of one's own psychodynamics, to appreciate the meaning of symbolic behavior. [NIH] Insomnia: Difficulty in going to sleep or getting enough sleep. [NIH] Insulator: Material covering the metal conductor of the lead. It is usually polyurethane or silicone. [NIH] Insulin: A protein hormone secreted by beta cells of the pancreas. Insulin plays a major role in the regulation of glucose metabolism, generally promoting the cellular utilization of glucose. It is also an important regulator of protein and lipid metabolism. Insulin is used as a drug to control insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. [NIH] Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: A disease characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors are involved in the development of type I diabetes. [NIH] Interferon: A biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease). Interferons interfere with the division of cancer cells and can slow tumor growth. There are several types of interferons, including interferon-alpha, -beta, and gamma. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. [NIH] Interferon-alpha: One of the type I interferons produced by peripheral blood leukocytes or lymphoblastoid cells when exposed to live or inactivated virus, double-stranded RNA, or bacterial products. It is the major interferon produced by virus-induced leukocyte cultures and, in addition to its pronounced antiviral activity, it causes activation of NK cells. [NIH] Intermittent: Occurring at separated intervals; having periods of cessation of activity. [EU] Internal radiation: A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near the tumor. Also called brachytherapy, implant radiation, or interstitial radiation therapy. [NIH] Interstitial: Pertaining to or situated between parts or in the interspaces of a tissue. [EU] Intestinal: Having to do with the intestines. [NIH] Intestine: A long, tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of

Dictionary 191

digestion. There is both a large intestine and a small intestine. Also called the bowel. [NIH] Intoxication: Poisoning, the state of being poisoned. [EU] Intracellular: Inside a cell. [NIH] Intracellular Membranes: Membranes of subcellular structures. [NIH] Intraepithelial: Within the layer of cells that form the surface or lining of an organ. [NIH] Intrahepatic: Within the liver. [NIH] Intramuscular: IM. Within or into muscle. [NIH] Intraperitoneal: IP. Within the peritoneal cavity (the area that contains the abdominal organs). [NIH] Intravenous: IV. Into a vein. [NIH] Intrinsic: Situated entirely within or pertaining exclusively to a part. [EU] Invasive: 1. Having the quality of invasiveness. 2. Involving puncture or incision of the skin or insertion of an instrument or foreign material into the body; said of diagnostic techniques. [EU]

Involuntary: Reaction occurring without intention or volition. [NIH] Ion Exchange: Reversible chemical reaction between a solid, often an ION exchange resin, and a fluid whereby ions may be exchanged from one substance to another. This technique is used in water purification, in research, and in industry. [NIH] Ionization: 1. Any process by which a neutral atom gains or loses electrons, thus acquiring a net charge, as the dissociation of a substance in solution into ions or ion production by the passage of radioactive particles. 2. Iontophoresis. [EU] Ionizing: Radiation comprising charged particles, e. g. electrons, protons, alpha-particles, etc., having sufficient kinetic energy to produce ionization by collision. [NIH] Ions: An atom or group of atoms that have a positive or negative electric charge due to a gain (negative charge) or loss (positive charge) of one or more electrons. Atoms with a positive charge are known as cations; those with a negative charge are anions. [NIH] Irradiation: The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy) or from materials called radioisotopes. Radioisotopes produce radiation and can be placed in or near the tumor or in the area near cancer cells. This type of radiation treatment is called internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, interstitial radiation, or brachytherapy. Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. Irradiation is also called radiation therapy, radiotherapy, and x-ray therapy. [NIH] Ischemia: Deficiency of blood in a part, due to functional constriction or actual obstruction of a blood vessel. [EU] Isotonic: A biological term denoting a solution in which body cells can be bathed without a net flow of water across the semipermeable cell membrane. Also, denoting a solution having the same tonicity as some other solution with which it is compared, such as physiologic salt solution and the blood serum. [EU] Isozymes: The multiple forms of a single enzyme. [NIH] Jaundice: A clinical manifestation of hyperbilirubinemia, consisting of deposition of bile pigments in the skin, resulting in a yellowish staining of the skin and mucous membranes. [NIH]

Kallikrein-Kinin System: A system produced in the distal nephron of the kidney. Its

192

Blood Plasma

components are kallikrein, kinins, kininase I and II, and enkephalinase. It is involved in mediation and modulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, prostaglandins, vasopressins, and in the regulation of sodium-water balance, renal hemodynamics, and particularly blood pressure. The system participates in the control of renal functions and the physiopathology of renal diseases. [NIH] Kb: A measure of the length of DNA fragments, 1 Kb = 1000 base pairs. The largest DNA fragments are up to 50 kilobases long. [NIH] Keratin: A class of fibrous proteins or scleroproteins important both as structural proteins and as keys to the study of protein conformation. The family represents the principal constituent of epidermis, hair, nails, horny tissues, and the organic matrix of tooth enamel. Two major conformational groups have been characterized, alpha-keratin, whose peptide backbone forms an alpha-helix, and beta-keratin, whose backbone forms a zigzag or pleated sheet structure. [NIH] Kidney Disease: Any one of several chronic conditions that are caused by damage to the cells of the kidney. People who have had diabetes for a long time may have kidney damage. Also called nephropathy. [NIH] Kidney Failure: The inability of a kidney to excrete metabolites at normal plasma levels under conditions of normal loading, or the inability to retain electrolytes under conditions of normal intake. In the acute form (kidney failure, acute), it is marked by uremia and usually by oliguria or anuria, with hyperkalemia and pulmonary edema. The chronic form (kidney failure, chronic) is irreversible and requires hemodialysis. [NIH] Kidney Failure, Acute: A clinical syndrome characterized by a sudden decrease in glomerular filtration rate, often to values of less than 1 to 2 ml per minute. It is usually associated with oliguria (urine volumes of less than 400 ml per day) and is always associated with biochemical consequences of the reduction in glomerular filtration rate such as a rise in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine concentrations. [NIH] Kidney Failure, Chronic: An irreversible and usually progressive reduction in renal function in which both kidneys have been damaged by a variety of diseases to the extent that they are unable to adequately remove the metabolic products from the blood and regulate the body's electrolyte composition and acid-base balance. Chronic kidney failure requires hemodialysis or surgery, usually kidney transplantation. [NIH] Kinetic: Pertaining to or producing motion. [EU] Kringles: Triple-looped protein domains linked by disulfide bonds. These common structural domains, so-named for their resemblance to Danish pastries known as kringlers, play a role in binding membranes, proteins, and phospholipids as well as in regulating proteolysis. Kringles are also present in coagulation-related and fibrinolytic proteins and other plasma proteinases. [NIH] Labile: 1. Gliding; moving from point to point over the surface; unstable; fluctuating. 2. Chemically unstable. [EU] Lactate Dehydrogenase: A tetrameric enzyme that, along with the coenzyme NAD+, catalyzes the interconversion of lactate and pyruvate. In vertebrates, genes for three different subunits (LDH-A, LDH-B and LDH-C) exist. [NIH] Lactation: The period of the secretion of milk. [EU] Lag: The time elapsing between application of a stimulus and the resulting reaction. [NIH] Large Intestine: The part of the intestine that goes from the cecum to the rectum. The large intestine absorbs water from stool and changes it from a liquid to a solid form. The large intestine is 5 feet long and includes the appendix, cecum, colon, and rectum. Also called

Dictionary 193

colon. [NIH] Latent: Phoria which occurs at one distance or another and which usually has no troublesome effect. [NIH] Laxative: An agent that acts to promote evacuation of the bowel; a cathartic or purgative. [EU]

Lectin: A complex molecule that has both protein and sugars. Lectins are able to bind to the outside of a cell and cause biochemical changes in it. Lectins are made by both animals and plants. [NIH] Lens: The transparent, double convex (outward curve on both sides) structure suspended between the aqueous and vitreous; helps to focus light on the retina. [NIH] Lesion: An area of abnormal tissue change. [NIH] Leucocyte: All the white cells of the blood and their precursors (myeloid cell series, lymphoid cell series) but commonly used to indicate granulocytes exclusive of lymphocytes. [NIH]

Leukapheresis: The preparation of leukocyte concentrates with the return of red cells and leukocyte-poor plasma to the donor. [NIH] Leukemia: Cancer of blood-forming tissue. [NIH] Ligaments: Shiny, flexible bands of fibrous tissue connecting together articular extremities of bones. They are pliant, tough, and inextensile. [NIH] Ligands: A RNA simulation method developed by the MIT. [NIH] Lindane: An organochlorine insecticide that has been used as a pediculicide and a scabicide. It has been shown to cause cancer. [NIH] Linkages: The tendency of two or more genes in the same chromosome to remain together from one generation to the next more frequently than expected according to the law of independent assortment. [NIH] Lipid: Fat. [NIH] Lipid Peroxidation: Peroxidase catalyzed oxidation of lipids using hydrogen peroxide as an electron acceptor. [NIH] Lipophilic: Having an affinity for fat; pertaining to or characterized by lipophilia. [EU] Lipoprotein: Any of the lipid-protein complexes in which lipids are transported in the blood; lipoprotein particles consist of a spherical hydrophobic core of triglycerides or cholesterol esters surrounded by an amphipathic monolayer of phospholipids, cholesterol, and apolipoproteins; the four principal classes are high-density, low-density, and very-lowdensity lipoproteins and chylomicrons. [EU] Liposome: A spherical particle in an aqueous medium, formed by a lipid bilayer enclosing an aqueous compartment. [EU] Liquor: 1. A liquid, especially an aqueous solution containing a medicinal substance. 2. A general term used in anatomical nomenclature for certain fluids of the body. [EU] Lithium: An element in the alkali metals family. It has the atomic symbol Li, atomic number 3, and atomic weight 6.94. Salts of lithium are used in treating manic-depressive disorders. [NIH]

Liver: A large, glandular organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile. [NIH] Liver Cirrhosis: Liver disease in which the normal microcirculation, the gross vascular anatomy, and the hepatic architecture have been variably destroyed and altered with fibrous

194

Blood Plasma

septa surrounding regenerated or regenerating parenchymal nodules. [NIH] Liver scan: An image of the liver created on a computer screen or on film. A radioactive substance is injected into a blood vessel and travels through the bloodstream. It collects in the liver, especially in abnormal areas, and can be detected by the scanner. [NIH] Lobe: A portion of an organ such as the liver, lung, breast, or brain. [NIH] Localization: The process of determining or marking the location or site of a lesion or disease. May also refer to the process of keeping a lesion or disease in a specific location or site. [NIH] Localized: Cancer which has not metastasized yet. [NIH] Longitudinal study: Also referred to as a "cohort study" or "prospective study"; the analytic method of epidemiologic study in which subsets of a defined population can be identified who are, have been, or in the future may be exposed or not exposed, or exposed in different degrees, to a factor or factors hypothesized to influence the probability of occurrence of a given disease or other outcome. The main feature of this type of study is to observe large numbers of subjects over an extended time, with comparisons of incidence rates in groups that differ in exposure levels. [NIH] Low-density lipoprotein: Lipoprotein that contains most of the cholesterol in the blood. LDL carries cholesterol to the tissues of the body, including the arteries. A high level of LDL increases the risk of heart disease. LDL typically contains 60 to 70 percent of the total serum cholesterol and both are directly correlated with CHD risk. [NIH] Lubricants: Oily or slippery substances. [NIH] Lymph: The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infection and disease. [NIH] Lymph node: A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Also known as a lymph gland. Lymph nodes are spread out along lymphatic vessels and contain many lymphocytes, which filter the lymphatic fluid (lymph). [NIH]

Lymphatic: The tissues and organs, including the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes, that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease. [NIH] Lymphatic system: The tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that fight infection and other diseases. This system includes the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes and a network of thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood cells. These tubes branch, like blood vessels, into all the tissues of the body. [NIH] Lymphocytes: White blood cells formed in the body's lymphoid tissue. The nucleus is round or ovoid with coarse, irregularly clumped chromatin while the cytoplasm is typically pale blue with azurophilic (if any) granules. Most lymphocytes can be classified as either T or B (with subpopulations of each); those with characteristics of neither major class are called null cells. [NIH] Lymphoid: Referring to lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Also refers to tissue in which lymphocytes develop. [NIH] Lymphoma: A general term for various neoplastic diseases of the lymphoid tissue. [NIH] Lysine: An essential amino acid. It is often added to animal feed. [NIH] Macrophage: A type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates the action of other immune system cells. [NIH] Macula: A stain, spot, or thickening. Often used alone to refer to the macula retinae. [EU] Macula Lutea: An oval area in the retina, 3 to 5 mm in diameter, usually located temporal to

Dictionary 195

the superior pole of the eye and slightly below the level of the optic disk. [NIH] Macular Degeneration: Degenerative changes in the macula lutea of the retina. [NIH] Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Non-invasive method of demonstrating internal anatomy based on the principle that atomic nuclei in a strong magnetic field absorb pulses of radiofrequency energy and emit them as radiowaves which can be reconstructed into computerized images. The concept includes proton spin tomographic techniques. [NIH] Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: Spectroscopic method of measuring the magnetic moment of elementary particles such as atomic nuclei, protons or electrons. It is employed in clinical applications such as NMR Tomography (magnetic resonance imaging). [NIH] Malaria: A protozoan disease caused in humans by four species of the genus Plasmodium (P. falciparum (malaria, falciparum), P. vivax (malaria, vivax), P. ovale, and P. malariae) and transmitted by the bite of an infected female mosquito of the genus Anopheles. Malaria is endemic in parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, Oceania, and certain Caribbean islands. It is characterized by extreme exhaustion associated with paroxysms of high fever, sweating, shaking chills, and anemia. Malaria in animals is caused by other species of plasmodia. [NIH] Malaria, Falciparum: Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. This is the severest form of malaria and is associated with the highest levels of parasites in the blood. This disease is characterized by irregularly recurring febrile paroxysms that in extreme cases occur with acute cerebral, renal, or gastrointestinal manifestations. [NIH] Malaria, Vivax: Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax. This form of malaria is less severe than malaria, falciparum, but there is a higher probability for relapses to occur. Febrile paroxysms often occur every other day. [NIH] Malignancy: A cancerous tumor that can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. [NIH] Malignant: Cancerous; a growth with a tendency to invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. [NIH] Malignant tumor: A tumor capable of metastasizing. [NIH] Malnutrition: A condition caused by not eating enough food or not eating a balanced diet. [NIH]

Mammary: Pertaining to the mamma, or breast. [EU] Manic: Affected with mania. [EU] Mannitol: A diuretic and renal diagnostic aid related to sorbitol. It has little significant energy value as it is largely eliminated from the body before any metabolism can take place. It can be used to treat oliguria associated with kidney failure or other manifestations of inadequate renal function and has been used for determination of glomerular filtration rate. Mannitol is also commonly used as a research tool in cell biological studies, usually to control osmolarity. [NIH] Matrix metalloproteinase: A member of a group of enzymes that can break down proteins, such as collagen, that are normally found in the spaces between cells in tissues (i.e., extracellular matrix proteins). Because these enzymes need zinc or calcium atoms to work properly, they are called metalloproteinases. Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in wound healing, angiogenesis, and tumor cell metastasis. [NIH] Meat: The edible portions of any animal used for food including domestic mammals (the major ones being cattle, swine, and sheep) along with poultry, fish, shellfish, and game. [NIH]

Mediastinum: The area between the lungs. The organs in this area include the heart and its

196

Blood Plasma

large blood vessels, the trachea, the esophagus, the bronchi, and lymph nodes. [NIH] Mediate: Indirect; accomplished by the aid of an intervening medium. [EU] MEDLINE: An online database of MEDLARS, the computerized bibliographic Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System of the National Library of Medicine. [NIH] Melanin: The substance that gives the skin its color. [NIH] Melanocytes: Epidermal dendritic pigment cells which control long-term morphological color changes by alteration in their number or in the amount of pigment they produce and store in the pigment containing organelles called melanosomes. Melanophores are larger cells which do not exist in mammals. [NIH] Melanoma: A form of skin cancer that arises in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment. Melanoma usually begins in a mole. [NIH] Membrane: A very thin layer of tissue that covers a surface. [NIH] Membrane Lipids: Lipids, predominantly phospholipids, cholesterol and small amounts of glycolipids found in membranes including cellular and intracellular membranes. These lipids may be arranged in bilayers in the membranes with integral proteins between the layers and peripheral proteins attached to the outside. Membrane lipids are required for active transport, several enzymatic activities and membrane formation. [NIH] Membrane Proteins: Proteins which are found in membranes including cellular and intracellular membranes. They consist of two types, peripheral and integral proteins. They include most membrane-associated enzymes, antigenic proteins, transport proteins, and drug, hormone, and lectin receptors. [NIH] Memory: Complex mental function having four distinct phases: (1) memorizing or learning, (2) retention, (3) recall, and (4) recognition. Clinically, it is usually subdivided into immediate, recent, and remote memory. [NIH] Meninges: The three membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. [NIH] Menstrual Cycle: The period of the regularly recurring physiologic changes in the endometrium occurring during the reproductive period in human females and some primates and culminating in partial sloughing of the endometrium (menstruation). [NIH] Mental: Pertaining to the mind; psychic. 2. (L. mentum chin) pertaining to the chin. [EU] Mental Disorders: Psychiatric illness or diseases manifested by breakdowns in the adaptational process expressed primarily as abnormalities of thought, feeling, and behavior producing either distress or impairment of function. [NIH] Meperidine: 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-4-piperidinecarboxylic acid ethyl ester. A narcotic analgesic that can be used for the relief of most types of moderate to severe pain, including postoperative pain and the pain of labor. Prolonged use may lead to dependence of the morphine type; withdrawal symptoms appear more rapidly than with morphine and are of shorter duration. [NIH] Mercury: A silver metallic element that exists as a liquid at room temperature. It has the atomic symbol Hg (from hydrargyrum, liquid silver), atomic number 80, and atomic weight 200.59. Mercury is used in many industrial applications and its salts have been employed therapeutically as purgatives, antisyphilitics, disinfectants, and astringents. It can be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes which leads to mercury poisoning. Because of its toxicity, the clinical use of mercury and mercurials is diminishing. [NIH] Mercury Compounds: Inorganic compounds that contain mercury as an integral part of the molecule. [NIH] Mesenchymal: Refers to cells that develop into connective tissue, blood vessels, and

Dictionary 197

lymphatic tissue. [NIH] Mesolimbic: Inner brain region governing emotion and drives. [NIH] Metabolite: Any substance produced by metabolism or by a metabolic process. [EU] Metastasis: The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. Tumors formed from cells that have spread are called "secondary tumors" and contain cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural is metastases. [NIH] Metastatic: Having to do with metastasis, which is the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. [NIH] Mice Minute Virus: The type species of parvovirus prevalent in mouse colonies and found as a contaminant of many transplanted tumors or leukemias. [NIH] Micelles: Electrically charged colloidal particles or ions consisting of oriented molecules; aggregates of a number of molecules held loosely together by secondary bonds. [NIH] Microbe: An organism which cannot be observed with the naked eye; e. g. unicellular animals, lower algae, lower fungi, bacteria. [NIH] Microcirculation: The vascular network lying between the arterioles and venules; includes capillaries, metarterioles and arteriovenous anastomoses. Also, the flow of blood through this network. [NIH] Microdialysis: A technique for measuring extracellular concentrations of substances in tissues, usually in vivo, by means of a small probe equipped with a semipermeable membrane. Substances may also be introduced into the extracellular space through the membrane. [NIH] Microorganism: An organism that can be seen only through a microscope. Microorganisms include bacteria, protozoa, algae, and fungi. Although viruses are not considered living organisms, they are sometimes classified as microorganisms. [NIH] Microscopy: The application of microscope magnification to the study of materials that cannot be properly seen by the unaided eye. [NIH] Migration: The systematic movement of genes between populations of the same species, geographic race, or variety. [NIH] Mitosis: A method of indirect cell division by means of which the two daughter nuclei normally receive identical complements of the number of chromosomes of the somatic cells of the species. [NIH] Mitotic: Cell resulting from mitosis. [NIH] Mobility: Capability of movement, of being moved, or of flowing freely. [EU] Modeling: A treatment procedure whereby the therapist presents the target behavior which the learner is to imitate and make part of his repertoire. [NIH] Modification: A change in an organism, or in a process in an organism, that is acquired from its own activity or environment. [NIH] Molecular: Of, pertaining to, or composed of molecules : a very small mass of matter. [EU] Molecular Probes: A group of atoms or molecules attached to other molecules or cellular structures and used in studying the properties of these molecules and structures. Radioactive DNA or RNA sequences are used in molecular genetics to detect the presence of a complementary sequence by molecular hybridization. [NIH] Molecule: A chemical made up of two or more atoms. The atoms in a molecule can be the same (an oxygen molecule has two oxygen atoms) or different (a water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom). Biological molecules, such as proteins and DNA,

198

Blood Plasma

can be made up of many thousands of atoms. [NIH] Monitor: An apparatus which automatically records such physiological signs as respiration, pulse, and blood pressure in an anesthetized patient or one undergoing surgical or other procedures. [NIH] Monoamine: Enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the astrocytes and microglia. [NIH] Monoclonal: An antibody produced by culturing a single type of cell. It therefore consists of a single species of immunoglobulin molecules. [NIH] Monoclonal antibodies: Laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells wherever they are in the body. Many monoclonal antibodies are used in cancer detection or therapy; each one recognizes a different protein on certain cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies can be used alone, or they can be used to deliver drugs, toxins, or radioactive material directly to a tumor. [NIH] Monocyte: A type of white blood cell. [NIH] Mononuclear: A cell with one nucleus. [NIH] Morphine: The principal alkaloid in opium and the prototype opiate analgesic and narcotic. Morphine has widespread effects in the central nervous system and on smooth muscle. [NIH] Morphology: The science of the form and structure of organisms (plants, animals, and other forms of life). [NIH] Motion Sickness: Sickness caused by motion, as sea sickness, train sickness, car sickness, and air sickness. [NIH] Motor nerve: An efferent nerve conveying an impulse that excites muscular contraction. [NIH]

Movement Disorders: Syndromes which feature dyskinesias as a cardinal manifestation of the disease process. Included in this category are degenerative, hereditary, post-infectious, medication-induced, post-inflammatory, and post-traumatic conditions. [NIH] Mucins: A secretion containing mucopolysaccharides and protein that is the chief constituent of mucus. [NIH] Mucositis: A complication of some cancer therapies in which the lining of the digestive system becomes inflamed. Often seen as sores in the mouth. [NIH] Multidrug resistance: Adaptation of tumor cells to anticancer drugs in ways that make the drugs less effective. [NIH] Multiple Myeloma: A malignant tumor of plasma cells usually arising in the bone marrow; characterized by diffuse involvement of the skeletal system, hyperglobulinemia, Bence-Jones proteinuria, and anemia. [NIH] Muscle Contraction: A process leading to shortening and/or development of tension in muscle tissue. Muscle contraction occurs by a sliding filament mechanism whereby actin filaments slide inward among the myosin filaments. [NIH] Muscle Fibers: Large single cells, either cylindrical or prismatic in shape, that form the basic unit of muscle tissue. They consist of a soft contractile substance enclosed in a tubular sheath. [NIH] Muscle Proteins: The protein constituents of muscle, the major ones being ACTINS and MYOSIN. More than a dozen accessary proteins exist including troponin, tropomyosin, and dystrophin. [NIH] Muscle relaxant: An agent that specifically aids in reducing muscle tension, as those acting at the polysynaptic neurons of motor nerves (e.g. meprobamate) or at the myoneural junction (curare and related compounds). [EU]

Dictionary 199

Muscle Spindles: Mechanoreceptors found between skeletal muscle fibers. Muscle spindles are arranged in parallel with muscle fibers and respond to the passive stretch of the muscle, but cease to discharge if the muscle contracts isotonically, thus signaling muscle length. The muscle spindles are the receptors responsible for the stretch or myotactic reflex. [NIH] Muscle tension: A force in a material tending to produce extension; the state of being stretched. [NIH] Musculature: The muscular apparatus of the body, or of any part of it. [EU] Mutagenic: Inducing genetic mutation. [EU] Myelodysplasia: Abnormal bone marrow cells that may lead to myelogenous leukemia. [NIH]

Myelogenous: Produced by, or originating in, the bone marrow. [NIH] Myeloma: Cancer that arises in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. [NIH] Myocardial infarction: Gross necrosis of the myocardium as a result of interruption of the blood supply to the area; it is almost always caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, upon which coronary thrombosis is usually superimposed. [NIH] Myocardium: The muscle tissue of the heart composed of striated, involuntary muscle known as cardiac muscle. [NIH] Myoclonus: Involuntary shock-like contractions, irregular in rhythm and amplitude, followed by relaxation, of a muscle or a group of muscles. This condition may be a feature of some central nervous systems diseases (e.g., epilepsy, myoclonic). Nocturnal myoclonus may represent a normal physiologic event or occur as the principal feature of the nocturnal myoclonus syndrome. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp102-3). [NIH] Myoglobin: A conjugated protein which is the oxygen-transporting pigment of muscle. It is made up of one globin polypeptide chain and one heme group. [NIH] Myopia: That error of refraction in which rays of light entering the eye parallel to the optic axis are brought to a focus in front of the retina, as a result of the eyeball being too long from front to back (axial m.) or of an increased strength in refractive power of the media of the eye (index m.). Called also nearsightedness, because the near point is less distant than it is in emmetropia with an equal amplitude of accommodation. [EU] Myosin: Chief protein in muscle and the main constituent of the thick filaments of muscle fibers. In conjunction with actin, it is responsible for the contraction and relaxation of muscles. [NIH] Myotonic Dystrophy: A condition presenting muscle weakness and wasting which may be progressive. [NIH] Naphthalenes: Two-ring crystalline hydrocarbons isolated from coal tar. They are used as intermediates in chemical synthesis, as insect repellents, fungicides, lubricants, preservatives, and, formerly, as topical antiseptics. [NIH] Narcotic: 1. Pertaining to or producing narcosis. 2. An agent that produces insensibility or stupor, applied especially to the opioids, i.e. to any natural or synthetic drug that has morphine-like actions. [EU] Nasal Cavity: The proximal portion of the respiratory passages on either side of the nasal septum, lined with ciliated mucosa, extending from the nares to the pharynx. [NIH] Nasal Mucosa: The mucous membrane lining the nasal cavity. [NIH] Nausea: An unpleasant sensation in the stomach usually accompanied by the urge to vomit. Common causes are early pregnancy, sea and motion sickness, emotional stress, intense pain, food poisoning, and various enteroviruses. [NIH]

200

Blood Plasma

Necrosis: A pathological process caused by the progressive degradative action of enzymes that is generally associated with severe cellular trauma. It is characterized by mitochondrial swelling, nuclear flocculation, uncontrolled cell lysis, and ultimately cell death. [NIH] Neoplasia: Abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth. [NIH] Neoplasm: A new growth of benign or malignant tissue. [NIH] Nephron: A tiny part of the kidneys. Each kidney is made up of about 1 million nephrons, which are the working units of the kidneys, removing wastes and extra fluids from the blood. [NIH] Nephropathy: Disease of the kidneys. [EU] Nephrosis: Descriptive histopathologic term for renal disease without an inflammatory component. [NIH] Nervous System: The entire nerve apparatus composed of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and ganglia. [NIH] Networks: Pertaining to a nerve or to the nerves, a meshlike structure of interlocking fibers or strands. [NIH] Neural: 1. Pertaining to a nerve or to the nerves. 2. Situated in the region of the spinal axis, as the neutral arch. [EU] Neurodegenerative Diseases: Hereditary and sporadic conditions which are characterized by progressive nervous system dysfunction. These disorders are often associated with atrophy of the affected central or peripheral nervous system structures. [NIH] Neuroleptic: A term coined to refer to the effects on cognition and behaviour of antipsychotic drugs, which produce a state of apathy, lack of initiative, and limited range of emotion and in psychotic patients cause a reduction in confusion and agitation and normalization of psychomotor activity. [EU] Neuromuscular: Pertaining to muscles and nerves. [EU] Neuromuscular Junction: The synapse between a neuron and a muscle. [NIH] Neuronal: Pertaining to a neuron or neurons (= conducting cells of the nervous system). [EU] Neurons: The basic cellular units of nervous tissue. Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, and dendrites. Their purpose is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the nervous system. [NIH] Neurotoxic: Poisonous or destructive to nerve tissue. [EU] Neurotoxin: A substance that is poisonous to nerve tissue. [NIH] Neurotransmitter: Any of a group of substances that are released on excitation from the axon terminal of a presynaptic neuron of the central or peripheral nervous system and travel across the synaptic cleft to either excite or inhibit the target cell. Among the many substances that have the properties of a neurotransmitter are acetylcholine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, glycine, y-aminobutyrate, glutamic acid, substance P, enkephalins, endorphins, and serotonin. [EU] Neutrons: Electrically neutral elementary particles found in all atomic nuclei except light hydrogen; the mass is equal to that of the proton and electron combined and they are unstable when isolated from the nucleus, undergoing beta decay. Slow, thermal, epithermal, and fast neutrons refer to the energy levels with which the neutrons are ejected from heavier nuclei during their decay. [NIH] Neutrophil: A type of white blood cell. [NIH] Nevirapine: A potent, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used in combination

Dictionary 201

with nucleoside analogues for treatment of HIV infection and AIDS. [NIH] Niacin: Water-soluble vitamin of the B complex occurring in various animal and plant tissues. Required by the body for the formation of coenzymes NAD and NADP. Has pellagra-curative, vasodilating, and antilipemic properties. [NIH] Nimodipine: A calcium channel blockader with preferential cerebrovascular activity. It has marked cerebrovascular dilating effects and lowers blood pressure. [NIH] Nitrogen: An element with the atomic symbol N, atomic number 7, and atomic weight 14. Nitrogen exists as a diatomic gas and makes up about 78% of the earth's atmosphere by volume. It is a constituent of proteins and nucleic acids and found in all living cells. [NIH] Non-nucleoside: A member of a class of compounds, including delavirdine, loviride and nevirapine, that acts to directly combine with and block the action of HIV's reverse transcriptase. [NIH] Nuclear: A test of the structure, blood flow, and function of the kidneys. The doctor injects a mildly radioactive solution into an arm vein and uses x-rays to monitor its progress through the kidneys. [NIH] Nuclei: A body of specialized protoplasm found in nearly all cells and containing the chromosomes. [NIH] Nucleic acid: Either of two types of macromolecule (DNA or RNA) formed by polymerization of nucleotides. Nucleic acids are found in all living cells and contain the information (genetic code) for the transfer of genetic information from one generation to the next. [NIH] Nucleus: A body of specialized protoplasm found in nearly all cells and containing the chromosomes. [NIH] Occupational Exposure: The exposure to potentially harmful chemical, physical, or biological agents that occurs as a result of one's occupation. [NIH] Ointments: Semisolid preparations used topically for protective emollient effects or as a vehicle for local administration of medications. Ointment bases are various mixtures of fats, waxes, animal and plant oils and solid and liquid hydrocarbons. [NIH] Oliguria: Clinical manifestation of the urinary system consisting of a decrease in the amount of urine secreted. [NIH] Omeprazole: A highly effective inhibitor of gastric acid secretion used in the therapy of gastric ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The drug inhibits the H(+)-K(+)-ATPase (H(+)-K(+)-exchanging ATPase) in a pH-dependent manner. This ATPase is considered the proton pump in the secretory membrane of the parietal cell. [NIH] Oncogenes: Genes which can potentially induce neoplastic transformation. They include genes for growth factors, growth factor receptors, protein kinases, signal transducers, nuclear phosphoproteins, and transcription factors. When these genes are constitutively expressed after structural and/or regulatory changes, uncontrolled cell proliferation may result. Viral oncogenes have prefix "v-" before the gene symbol; cellular oncogenes (protooncogenes) have the prefix "c-" before the gene symbol. [NIH] Oncogenic: Chemical, viral, radioactive or other agent that causes cancer; carcinogenic. [NIH] Oncotic: Pertaining to, caused by, or marked by swelling. [EU] On-line: A sexually-reproducing population derived from a common parentage. [NIH] O-Phthalaldehyde: A reagent that forms fluorescent conjugation products with primary amines. It is used for the detection of many biogenic amines, peptides, and proteins in nanogram quantities in body fluids. [NIH]

202

Blood Plasma

Opiate: A remedy containing or derived from opium; also any drug that induces sleep. [EU] Opium: The air-dried exudate from the unripe seed capsule of the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, or its variant, P. album. It contains a number of alkaloids, but only a few morphine, codeine, and papaverine - have clinical significance. Opium has been used as an analgesic, antitussive, antidiarrheal, and antispasmodic. [NIH] Opportunistic Infections: An infection caused by an organism which becomes pathogenic under certain conditions, e.g., during immunosuppression. [NIH] Opsin: A protein formed, together with retinene, by the chemical breakdown of metarhodopsin. [NIH] Optic Nerve: The 2nd cranial nerve. The optic nerve conveys visual information from the retina to the brain. The nerve carries the axons of the retinal ganglion cells which sort at the optic chiasm and continue via the optic tracts to the brain. The largest projection is to the lateral geniculate nuclei; other important targets include the superior colliculi and the suprachiasmatic nuclei. Though known as the second cranial nerve, it is considered part of the central nervous system. [NIH] Organ Transplantation: Transference of an organ between individuals of the same species or between individuals of different species. [NIH] Organelles: Specific particles of membrane-bound organized living substances present in eukaryotic cells, such as the mitochondria; the golgi apparatus; endoplasmic reticulum; lysomomes; plastids; and vacuoles. [NIH] Orgasm: The crisis of sexual excitement in either humans or animals. [NIH] Orthostatic: Pertaining to or caused by standing erect. [EU] Osmolarity: The concentration of osmotically active particles expressed in terms of osmoles of solute per litre of solution. [EU] Osmotic: Pertaining to or of the nature of osmosis (= the passage of pure solvent from a solution of lesser to one of greater solute concentration when the two solutions are separated by a membrane which selectively prevents the passage of solute molecules, but is permeable to the solvent). [EU] Osteoarthritis: A progressive, degenerative joint disease, the most common form of arthritis, especially in older persons. The disease is thought to result not from the aging process but from biochemical changes and biomechanical stresses affecting articular cartilage. In the foreign literature it is often called osteoarthrosis deformans. [NIH] Ovary: Either of the paired glands in the female that produce the female germ cells and secrete some of the female sex hormones. [NIH] Ovum: A female germ cell extruded from the ovary at ovulation. [NIH] Oxalic Acid: A strong dicarboxylic acid occurring in many plants and vegetables. It is produced in the body by metabolism of glyoxylic acid or ascorbic acid. It is not metabolized but excreted in the urine. It is used as an analytical reagent and general reducing agent. [NIH] Oxidants: Oxidizing agents or electron-accepting molecules in chemical reactions in which electrons are transferred from one molecule to another (oxidation-reduction). In vivo, it appears that phagocyte-generated oxidants function as tumor promoters or cocarcinogens rather than as complete carcinogens perhaps because of the high levels of endogenous antioxidant defenses. It is also thought that oxidative damage in joints may trigger the autoimmune response that characterizes the persistence of the rheumatoid disease process. [NIH]

Oxidation: The act of oxidizing or state of being oxidized. Chemically it consists in the increase of positive charges on an atom or the loss of negative charges. Most biological

Dictionary 203

oxidations are accomplished by the removal of a pair of hydrogen atoms (dehydrogenation) from a molecule. Such oxidations must be accompanied by reduction of an acceptor molecule. Univalent o. indicates loss of one electron; divalent o., the loss of two electrons. [EU]

Oxidation-Reduction: A chemical reaction in which an electron is transferred from one molecule to another. The electron-donating molecule is the reducing agent or reductant; the electron-accepting molecule is the oxidizing agent or oxidant. Reducing and oxidizing agents function as conjugate reductant-oxidant pairs or redox pairs (Lehninger, Principles of Biochemistry, 1982, p471). [NIH] Oxidative Stress: A disturbance in the prooxidant-antioxidant balance in favor of the former, leading to potential damage. Indicators of oxidative stress include damaged DNA bases, protein oxidation products, and lipid peroxidation products (Sies, Oxidative Stress, 1991, pxv-xvi). [NIH] Oxides: Binary compounds of oxygen containing the anion O(2-). The anion combines with metals to form alkaline oxides and non-metals to form acidic oxides. [NIH] Palliative: 1. Affording relief, but not cure. 2. An alleviating medicine. [EU] Palpation: Application of fingers with light pressure to the surface of the body to determine consistence of parts beneath in physical diagnosis; includes palpation for determining the outlines of organs. [NIH] Pancreas: A mixed exocrine and endocrine gland situated transversely across the posterior abdominal wall in the epigastric and hypochondriac regions. The endocrine portion is comprised of the Islets of Langerhans, while the exocrine portion is a compound acinar gland that secretes digestive enzymes. [NIH] Pancreatic: Having to do with the pancreas. [NIH] Pancreatic cancer: Cancer of the pancreas, a salivary gland of the abdomen. [NIH] Papillomavirus: A genus of Papovaviridae causing proliferation of the epithelium, which may lead to malignancy. A wide range of animals are infected including humans, chimpanzees, cattle, rabbits, dogs, and horses. [NIH] Parietal: 1. Of or pertaining to the walls of a cavity. 2. Pertaining to or located near the parietal bone, as the parietal lobe. [EU] Parkinsonism: A group of neurological disorders characterized by hypokinesia, tremor, and muscular rigidity. [EU] Particle: A tiny mass of material. [EU] Parvovirus: A genus of the family Parvoviridae, subfamily Parvovirinae, infecting a variety of vertebrates including humans. Parvoviruses are responsible for a number of important diseases but also can be non-pathogenic in certain hosts. The type species is mice minute virus. [NIH] Pathologic: 1. Indicative of or caused by a morbid condition. 2. Pertaining to pathology (= branch of medicine that treats the essential nature of the disease, especially the structural and functional changes in tissues and organs of the body caused by the disease). [EU] Pathologic Processes: The abnormal mechanisms and forms involved in the dysfunctions of tissues and organs. [NIH] Pathophysiology: Altered functions in an individual or an organ due to disease. [NIH] Patient Compliance: Voluntary cooperation of the patient in following a prescribed regimen. [NIH] Patient Education: The teaching or training of patients concerning their own health needs.

204

Blood Plasma

[NIH]

Peptide: Any compound consisting of two or more amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Peptides are combined to make proteins. [NIH] Perfusion: Bathing an organ or tissue with a fluid. In regional perfusion, a specific area of the body (usually an arm or a leg) receives high doses of anticancer drugs through a blood vessel. Such a procedure is performed to treat cancer that has not spread. [NIH] Perinatal: Pertaining to or occurring in the period shortly before and after birth; variously defined as beginning with completion of the twentieth to twenty-eighth week of gestation and ending 7 to 28 days after birth. [EU] Peripheral blood: Blood circulating throughout the body. [NIH] Peripheral Nervous System: The nervous system outside of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system has autonomic and somatic divisions. The autonomic nervous system includes the enteric, parasympathetic, and sympathetic subdivisions. The somatic nervous system includes the cranial and spinal nerves and their ganglia and the peripheral sensory receptors. [NIH] Peritoneal: Having to do with the peritoneum (the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen). [NIH] Peritoneal Cavity: The space enclosed by the peritoneum. It is divided into two portions, the greater sac and the lesser sac or omental bursa, which lies behind the stomach. The two sacs are connected by the foramen of Winslow, or epiploic foramen. [NIH] Peritoneum: Endothelial lining of the abdominal cavity, the parietal peritoneum covering the inside of the abdominal wall and the visceral peritoneum covering the bowel, the mesentery, and certain of the organs. The portion that covers the bowel becomes the serosal layer of the bowel wall. [NIH] Peritonitis: Inflammation of the peritoneum; a condition marked by exudations in the peritoneum of serum, fibrin, cells, and pus. It is attended by abdominal pain and tenderness, constipation, vomiting, and moderate fever. [EU] Peroxidase: A hemeprotein from leukocytes. Deficiency of this enzyme leads to a hereditary disorder coupled with disseminated moniliasis. It catalyzes the conversion of a donor and peroxide to an oxidized donor and water. EC 1.11.1.7. [NIH] Peroxide: Chemical compound which contains an atom group with two oxygen atoms tied to each other. [NIH] Pesticides: Chemicals used to destroy pests of any sort. The concept includes fungicides (industrial fungicides), insecticides, rodenticides, etc. [NIH] Petrolatum: A colloidal system of semisolid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. It is used as an ointment base, topical protectant, and lubricant. [NIH] Phagocyte: An immune system cell that can surround and kill microorganisms and remove dead cells. Phagocytes include macrophages. [NIH] Pharmaceutical Solutions: Homogeneous liquid preparations that contain one or more chemical substances dissolved, i.e., molecularly dispersed, in a suitable solvent or mixture of mutually miscible solvents. For reasons of their ingredients, method of preparation, or use, they do not fall into another group of products. [NIH] Pharmacodynamic: Is concerned with the response of living tissues to chemical stimuli, that is, the action of drugs on the living organism in the absence of disease. [NIH] Pharmacokinetic: The mathematical analysis of the time courses of absorption, distribution, and elimination of drugs. [NIH]

Dictionary 205

Pharmacologic: Pertaining to pharmacology or to the properties and reactions of drugs. [EU] Phenolphthalein: An acid-base indicator which is colorless in acid solution, but turns pink to red as the solution becomes alkaline. It is used medicinally as a cathartic. [NIH] Phenotype: The outward appearance of the individual. It is the product of interactions between genes and between the genotype and the environment. This includes the killer phenotype, characteristic of yeasts. [NIH] Phenyl: Ingredient used in cold and flu remedies. [NIH] Phenylalanine: An aromatic amino acid that is essential in the animal diet. It is a precursor of melanin, dopamine, noradrenalin, and thyroxine. [NIH] Phenytoin: An anticonvulsant that is used in a wide variety of seizures. It is also an antiarrhythmic and a muscle relaxant. The mechanism of therapeutic action is not clear, although several cellular actions have been described including effects on ion channels, active transport, and general membrane stabilization. The mechanism of its muscle relaxant effect appears to involve a reduction in the sensitivity of muscle spindles to stretch. Phenytoin has been proposed for several other therapeutic uses, but its use has been limited by its many adverse effects and interactions with other drugs. [NIH] Pheresis: A procedure in which blood is collected, part of the blood such as platelets or white blood cells is taken out, and the rest of the blood is returned to the donor. Also called apheresis. [NIH] Phlebotomy: The letting of blood from a vein. Although it is one of the techniques used in drawing blood to be used in diagnostic procedures, in modern medicine, it is used commonly in the treatment of erythrocytosis, hemochromocytosis, polycythemia vera, and porphyria cutanea tarda. Its historical counterpart is bloodletting. (From Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 19th ed & Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology, 9th ed) Venipuncture is not only for the letting of blood from a vein but also for the injecting of a drug into the vein for diagnostic analysis. [NIH] Phosphates: Inorganic salts of phosphoric acid. [NIH] Phospholipids: Lipids containing one or more phosphate groups, particularly those derived from either glycerol (phosphoglycerides; glycerophospholipids) or sphingosine (sphingolipids). They are polar lipids that are of great importance for the structure and function of cell membranes and are the most abundant of membrane lipids, although not stored in large amounts in the system. [NIH] Phosphorus: A non-metallic element that is found in the blood, muscles, nevers, bones, and teeth, and is a component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP; the primary energy source for the body's cells.) [NIH] Phosphorylated: Attached to a phosphate group. [NIH] Photoallergy: Sensitization of the skin to light usually due to the action of certain substances or drugs, may occur shortly after exposure to a substance or after a latent period of from days to months. [NIH] Photocoagulation: Using a special strong beam of light (laser) to seal off bleeding blood vessels such as in the eye. The laser can also burn away blood vessels that should not have grown in the eye. This is the main treatment for diabetic retinopathy. [NIH] Photosensitivity: An abnormal cutaneous response involving the interaction between photosensitizing substances and sunlight or filtered or artificial light at wavelengths of 280400 mm. There are two main types : photoallergy and photoxicity. [EU] Photosensitization: The development of abnormally heightened reactivity of the skin to sunlight. [EU]

206

Blood Plasma

Photosensitizing Agents: Drugs that are pharmacologically inactive but when exposed to ultraviolet radiation or sunlight are converted to their active metabolite to produce a beneficial reaction affecting the diseased tissue. These compounds can be administered topically or systemically and have been used therapeutically to treat psoriasis and various types of neoplasms. [NIH] Physical Examination: Systematic and thorough inspection of the patient for physical signs of disease or abnormality. [NIH] Physical Therapy: The restoration of function and the prevention of disability following disease or injury with the use of light, heat, cold, water, electricity, ultrasound, and exercise. [NIH]

Physiologic: Having to do with the functions of the body. When used in the phrase "physiologic age," it refers to an age assigned by general health, as opposed to calendar age. [NIH]

Pigment: A substance that gives color to tissue. Pigments are responsible for the color of skin, eyes, and hair. [NIH] Pipette: Tube designed to measure liquids in drops. [NIH] Placenta: A highly vascular fetal organ through which the fetus absorbs oxygen and other nutrients and excretes carbon dioxide and other wastes. It begins to form about the eighth day of gestation when the blastocyst adheres to the decidua. [NIH] Placental tissue: The tissue intervening between fetal blood and maternal blood in the placenta; it acts as a selective membrane regulating the passage of substances from the maternal to the fetal blood. [NIH] Plants: Multicellular, eukaryotic life forms of the kingdom Plantae. They are characterized by a mainly photosynthetic mode of nutrition; essentially unlimited growth at localized regions of cell divisions (meristems); cellulose within cells providing rigidity; the absence of organs of locomotion; absense of nervous and sensory systems; and an alteration of haploid and diploid generations. [NIH] Plasma: The clear, yellowish, fluid part of the blood that carries the blood cells. The proteins that form blood clots are in plasma. [NIH] Plasma cells: A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. [NIH] Plasma Exchange: Removal of plasma and replacement with various fluids, e.g., fresh frozen plasma, plasma protein fractions (PPF), albumin preparations, dextran solutions, saline. Used in treatment of autoimmune diseases, immune complex diseases, diseases of excess plasma factors, and other conditions. [NIH] Plasma expander: Artificial plasma extender. [EU] Plasma protein: One of the hundreds of different proteins present in blood plasma, including carrier proteins ( such albumin, transferrin, and haptoglobin), fibrinogen and other coagulation factors, complement components, immunoglobulins, enzyme inhibitors, precursors of substances such as angiotension and bradykinin, and many other types of proteins. [EU] Plasma Volume: Volume of plasma in the circulation. It is usually measured by indicator dilution techniques. [NIH] Plasmapheresis: Procedure whereby plasma is separated and extracted from anticoagulated whole blood and the red cells retransfused to the donor. Plasmapheresis is also employed for therapeutic use. [NIH] Plasmids: Any extrachromosomal hereditary determinant. Plasmids are self-replicating circular molecules of DNA that are found in a variety of bacterial, archaeal, fungal, algal,

Dictionary 207

and plant species. [NIH] Plasmin: A product of the lysis of plasminogen (profibrinolysin) by plasminogen activators. It is composed of two polypeptide chains, light (B) and heavy (A), with a molecular weight of 75,000. It is the major proteolytic enzyme involved in blood clot retraction or the lysis of fibrin and quickly inactivated by antiplasmins. EC 3.4.21.7. [NIH] Plasminogen Activators: A heterogeneous group of proteolytic enzymes that convert plasminogen to plasmin. They are concentrated in the lysosomes of most cells and in the vascular endothelium, particularly in the vessels of the microcirculation. EC 3.4.21.-. [NIH] Plasticity: In an individual or a population, the capacity for adaptation: a) through gene changes (genetic plasticity) or b) through internal physiological modifications in response to changes of environment (physiological plasticity). [NIH] Platelet Activation: A series of progressive, overlapping events triggered by exposure of the platelets to subendothelial tissue. These events include shape change, adhesiveness, aggregation, and release reactions. When carried through to completion, these events lead to the formation of a stable hemostatic plug. [NIH] Plateletpheresis: The preparation of platelet concentrates with the return of red cells and platelet-poor plasma to the donor. [NIH] Platelets: A type of blood cell that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called thrombocytes. [NIH] Pleated: Particular three-dimensional pattern of amyloidoses. [NIH] Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs. [NIH] Poisoning: A condition or physical state produced by the ingestion, injection or inhalation of, or exposure to a deleterious agent. [NIH] Polioviruses: Species of enterovirus causing acute infection in humans and leading to nervous system damage in a minority of cases. Humans are the only natural host, but infection can also occur in non-human primates and experimentally in rodents. [NIH] Pollen: The male fertilizing element of flowering plants analogous to sperm in animals. It is released from the anthers as yellow dust, to be carried by insect or other vectors, including wind, to the ovary (stigma) of other flowers to produce the embryo enclosed by the seed. The pollens of many plants are allergenic. [NIH] Polychlorinated Biphenyls: Industrial products consisting of a mixture of chlorinated biphenyl congeners and isomers. These compounds are highly lipophilic and tend to accumulate in fat stores of animals. Many of these compounds are considered toxic and potential environmental pollutants. [NIH] Polyethylene: A vinyl polymer made from ethylene. It can be branched or linear. Branched or low-density polyethylene is tough and pliable but not to the same degree as linear polyethylene. Linear or high-density polyethylene has a greater hardness and tensile strength. Polyethylene is used in a variety of products, including implants and prostheses. [NIH]

Polymerase: An enzyme which catalyses the synthesis of DNA using a single DNA strand as a template. The polymerase copies the template in the 5'-3'direction provided that sufficient quantities of free nucleotides, dATP and dTTP are present. [NIH] Polymerase Chain Reaction: In vitro method for producing large amounts of specific DNA or RNA fragments of defined length and sequence from small amounts of short oligonucleotide flanking sequences (primers). The essential steps include thermal denaturation of the double-stranded target molecules, annealing of the primers to their complementary sequences, and extension of the annealed primers by enzymatic synthesis

208

Blood Plasma

with DNA polymerase. The reaction is efficient, specific, and extremely sensitive. Uses for the reaction include disease diagnosis, detection of difficult-to-isolate pathogens, mutation analysis, genetic testing, DNA sequencing, and analyzing evolutionary relationships. [NIH] Polymorphic: Occurring in several or many forms; appearing in different forms at different stages of development. [EU] Polypeptide: A peptide which on hydrolysis yields more than two amino acids; called tripeptides, tetrapeptides, etc. according to the number of amino acids contained. [EU] Polysaccharide: A type of carbohydrate. It contains sugar molecules that are linked together chemically. [NIH] Porosity: Condition of having pores or open spaces. This often refers to bones, bone implants, or bone cements, but can refer to the porous state of any solid substance. [NIH] Porphyria: A group of disorders characterized by the excessive production of porphyrins or their precursors that arises from abnormalities in the regulation of the porphyrin-heme pathway. The porphyrias are usually divided into three broad groups, erythropoietic, hepatic, and erythrohepatic, according to the major sites of abnormal porphyrin synthesis. [NIH]

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda: A form of hepatic porphyria (porphyria, hepatic) characterized by photosensitivity resulting in bullae that rupture easily to form shallow ulcers. This condition occurs in two forms: a sporadic, nonfamilial form that begins in middle age and has normal amounts of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase with diminished activity in the liver; and a familial form in which there is an autosomal dominant inherited deficiency of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase in the liver and red blood cells. [NIH] Porphyria, Hepatic: Porphyria in which the liver is the site where excess formation of porphyrin or its precursors is found. Acute intermittent porphyria and porphyria cutanea tarda are types of hepatic porphyria. [NIH] Posterior: Situated in back of, or in the back part of, or affecting the back or dorsal surface of the body. In lower animals, it refers to the caudal end of the body. [EU] Postoperative: After surgery. [NIH] Postprandial: Occurring after dinner, or after a meal; postcibal. [EU] Potassium: An element that is in the alkali group of metals. It has an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte and it plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the water-electrolyte balance. [NIH] Practice Guidelines: Directions or principles presenting current or future rules of policy for the health care practitioner to assist him in patient care decisions regarding diagnosis, therapy, or related clinical circumstances. The guidelines may be developed by government agencies at any level, institutions, professional societies, governing boards, or by the convening of expert panels. The guidelines form a basis for the evaluation of all aspects of health care and delivery. [NIH] Precancerous: A term used to describe a condition that may (or is likely to) become cancer. Also called premalignant. [NIH] Precipitation: The act or process of precipitating. [EU] Precursor: Something that precedes. In biological processes, a substance from which another, usually more active or mature substance is formed. In clinical medicine, a sign or symptom that heralds another. [EU] Predisposition: A latent susceptibility to disease which may be activated under certain conditions, as by stress. [EU]

Dictionary 209

Pregnancy Maintenance: Physiological mechanisms that sustain the state of pregnancy. [NIH]

Pregnancy Tests: Tests to determine whether or not an individual is pregnant. [NIH] Premalignant: A term used to describe a condition that may (or is likely to) become cancer. Also called precancerous. [NIH] Preoperative: Preceding an operation. [EU] Prevalence: The total number of cases of a given disease in a specified population at a designated time. It is differentiated from incidence, which refers to the number of new cases in the population at a given time. [NIH] Primary tumor: The original tumor. [NIH] Prion: Small proteinaceous infectious particles that resist inactivation by procedures modifying nucleic acids and contain an abnormal isoform of a cellular protein which is a major and necessary component. [NIH] Probe: An instrument used in exploring cavities, or in the detection and dilatation of strictures, or in demonstrating the potency of channels; an elongated instrument for exploring or sounding body cavities. [NIH] Procainamide: A derivative of procaine with less CNS action. [NIH] Procaine: A local anesthetic of the ester type that has a slow onset and a short duration of action. It is mainly used for infiltration anesthesia, peripheral nerve block, and spinal block. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1016). [NIH] Progeny: The offspring produced in any generation. [NIH] Progesterone: Pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione. The principal progestational hormone of the body, secreted by the corpus luteum, adrenal cortex, and placenta. Its chief function is to prepare the uterus for the reception and development of the fertilized ovum. It acts as an antiovulatory agent when administered on days 5-25 of the menstrual cycle. [NIH] Progression: Increase in the size of a tumor or spread of cancer in the body. [NIH] Progressive: Advancing; going forward; going from bad to worse; increasing in scope or severity. [EU] Proline: A non-essential amino acid that is synthesized from glutamic acid. It is an essential component of collagen and is important for proper functioning of joints and tendons. [NIH] Prone: Having the front portion of the body downwards. [NIH] Propanolol: Beta blocker. [NIH] Propantheline: A muscarinic antagonist used as an antispasmodic, in rhinitis, in urinary incontinence, and in the treatment of ulcers. At high doses it has nicotinic effects resulting in neuromuscular blocking. [NIH] Prophylaxis: An attempt to prevent disease. [NIH] Prospective study: An epidemiologic study in which a group of individuals (a cohort), all free of a particular disease and varying in their exposure to a possible risk factor, is followed over a specific amount of time to determine the incidence rates of the disease in the exposed and unexposed groups. [NIH] Prostaglandin: Any of a group of components derived from unsaturated 20-carbon fatty acids, primarily arachidonic acid, via the cyclooxygenase pathway that are extremely potent mediators of a diverse group of physiologic processes. The abbreviation for prostaglandin is PG; specific compounds are designated by adding one of the letters A through I to indicate the type of substituents found on the hydrocarbon skeleton and a subscript (1, 2 or 3) to

210

Blood Plasma

indicate the number of double bonds in the hydrocarbon skeleton e.g., PGE2. The predominant naturally occurring prostaglandins all have two double bonds and are synthesized from arachidonic acid (5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid) by the pathway shown in the illustration. The 1 series and 3 series are produced by the same pathway with fatty acids having one fewer double bond (8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid or one more double bond (5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid) than arachidonic acid. The subscript a or ß indicates the configuration at C-9 (a denotes a substituent below the plane of the ring, ß, above the plane). The naturally occurring PGF's have the a configuration, e.g., PGF2a. All of the prostaglandins act by binding to specific cell-surface receptors causing an increase in the level of the intracellular second messenger cyclic AMP (and in some cases cyclic GMP also). The effect produced by the cyclic AMP increase depends on the specific cell type. In some cases there is also a positive feedback effect. Increased cyclic AMP increases prostaglandin synthesis leading to further increases in cyclic AMP. [EU] Prostaglandins A: (13E,15S)-15-Hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-10,13-dien-1-oic acid (PGA(1)); (5Z,13E,15S)-15-hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-5,10,13-trien-1-oic acid (PGA(2)); (5Z,13E,15S,17Z)-15hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-5,10,13,17-tetraen-1-oic acid (PGA(3)). A group of naturally occurring secondary prostaglandins derived from PGE. PGA(1) and PGA(2) as well as their 19hydroxy derivatives are found in many organs and tissues. [NIH] Prostate: A gland in males that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra. It secretes a substance that liquifies coagulated semen. It is situated in the pelvic cavity behind the lower part of the pubic symphysis, above the deep layer of the triangular ligament, and rests upon the rectum. [NIH] Prostheses and Implants: Artificial substitutes for body parts, and materials inserted into tissue for functional, cosmetic, or therapeutic purposes. Prostheses can be functional, as in the case of artificial arms and legs, or cosmetic, as in the case of an artificial eye. Implants, all surgically inserted or grafted into the body, tend to be used therapeutically. Experimental implants is available for those used experimentally. [NIH] Protease: Proteinase (= any enzyme that catalyses the splitting of interior peptide bonds in a protein). [EU] Protein Binding: The process in which substances, either endogenous or exogenous, bind to proteins, peptides, enzymes, protein precursors, or allied compounds. Specific proteinbinding measures are often used as assays in diagnostic assessments. [NIH] Protein C: A vitamin-K dependent zymogen present in the blood, which, upon activation by thrombin and thrombomodulin exerts anticoagulant properties by inactivating factors Va and VIIIa at the rate-limiting steps of thrombin formation. [NIH] Protein Kinases: A family of enzymes that catalyze the conversion of ATP and a protein to ADP and a phosphoprotein. EC 2.7.1.37. [NIH] Protein S: The vitamin K-dependent cofactor of activated protein C. Together with protein C, it inhibits the action of factors VIIIa and Va. A deficiency in protein S can lead to recurrent venous and arterial thrombosis. [NIH] Protein-Energy Malnutrition: The lack of sufficient energy or protein to meet the body's metabolic demands, as a result of either an inadequate dietary intake of protein, intake of poor quality dietary protein, increased demands due to disease, or increased nutrient losses. [NIH]

Proteins: Polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. The specific sequence of amino acids determines the shape and function of the protein. [NIH] Proteinuria: The presence of protein in the urine, indicating that the kidneys are not working properly. [NIH]

Dictionary 211

Proteolytic: 1. Pertaining to, characterized by, or promoting proteolysis. 2. An enzyme that promotes proteolysis (= the splitting of proteins by hydrolysis of the peptide bonds with formation of smaller polypeptides). [EU] Prothrombin: A plasma protein that is the inactive precursor of thrombin. It is converted to thrombin by a prothrombin activator complex consisting of factor Xa, factor V, phospholipid, and calcium ions. Deficiency of prothrombin leads to hypoprothrombinemia. [NIH]

Proton Pump: Integral membrane proteins that transport protons across a membrane against a concentration gradient. This transport is driven by hydrolysis of ATP by H(+)transporting ATP synthase. [NIH] Protons: Stable elementary particles having the smallest known positive charge, found in the nuclei of all elements. The proton mass is less than that of a neutron. A proton is the nucleus of the light hydrogen atom, i.e., the hydrogen ion. [NIH] Protozoa: A subkingdom consisting of unicellular organisms that are the simplest in the animal kingdom. Most are free living. They range in size from submicroscopic to macroscopic. Protozoa are divided into seven phyla: Sarcomastigophora, Labyrinthomorpha, Apicomplexa, Microspora, Ascetospora, Myxozoa, and Ciliophora. [NIH] Protozoan: 1. Any individual of the protozoa; protozoon. 2. Of or pertaining to the protozoa; protozoal. [EU] Psoriasis: A common genetically determined, chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by rounded erythematous, dry, scaling patches. The lesions have a predilection for nails, scalp, genitalia, extensor surfaces, and the lumbosacral region. Accelerated epidermopoiesis is considered to be the fundamental pathologic feature in psoriasis. [NIH] Psychoactive: Those drugs which alter sensation, mood, consciousness or other psychological or behavioral functions. [NIH] Psychosis: A mental disorder characterized by gross impairment in reality testing as evidenced by delusions, hallucinations, markedly incoherent speech, or disorganized and agitated behaviour without apparent awareness on the part of the patient of the incomprehensibility of his behaviour; the term is also used in a more general sense to refer to mental disorders in which mental functioning is sufficiently impaired as to interfere grossly with the patient's capacity to meet the ordinary demands of life. Historically, the term has been applied to many conditions, e.g. manic-depressive psychosis, that were first described in psychotic patients, although many patients with the disorder are not judged psychotic. [EU] Psychotomimetic: Psychosis miming. [NIH] Public Policy: A course or method of action selected, usually by a government, from among alternatives to guide and determine present and future decisions. [NIH] Publishing: "The business or profession of the commercial production and issuance of literature" (Webster's 3d). It includes the publisher, publication processes, editing and editors. Production may be by conventional printing methods or by electronic publishing. [NIH]

Pulmonary: Relating to the lungs. [NIH] Pulmonary Artery: The short wide vessel arising from the conus arteriosus of the right ventricle and conveying unaerated blood to the lungs. [NIH] Pulmonary Edema: An accumulation of an excessive amount of watery fluid in the lungs, may be caused by acute exposure to dangerous concentrations of irritant gasses. [NIH]

212

Blood Plasma

Pulmonary Embolism: Embolism in the pulmonary artery or one of its branches. [NIH] Pulmonary Ventilation: The total volume of gas per minute inspired or expired measured in liters per minute. [NIH] Pulse: The rhythmical expansion and contraction of an artery produced by waves of pressure caused by the ejection of blood from the left ventricle of the heart as it contracts. [NIH]

Punctures: Incision of tissues for injection of medication or for other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Punctures of the skin, for example may be used for diagnostic drainage; of blood vessels for diagnostic imaging procedures. [NIH] Purines: A series of heterocyclic compounds that are variously substituted in nature and are known also as purine bases. They include adenine and guanine, constituents of nucleic acids, as well as many alkaloids such as caffeine and theophylline. Uric acid is the metabolic end product of purine metabolism. [NIH] Putrefaction: The process of decomposition of animal and vegetable matter by living organisms. [NIH] Pyridoxal: 3-Hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methyl-4- pyridinecarboxaldehyde. [NIH] Pyrimidines: A family of 6-membered heterocyclic compounds occurring in nature in a wide variety of forms. They include several nucleic acid constituents (cytosine, thymine, and uracil) and form the basic structure of the barbiturates. [NIH] Pyrogenic: Inducing fever. [EU] Quality of Life: A generic concept reflecting concern with the modification and enhancement of life attributes, e.g., physical, political, moral and social environment. [NIH] Quaternary: 1. Fourth in order. 2. Containing four elements or groups. [EU] Quercetin: Aglucon of quercetrin, rutin, and other glycosides. It is widely distributed in the plant kingdom, especially in rinds and barks, clover blossoms, and ragweed pollen. [NIH] Race: A population within a species which exhibits general similarities within itself, but is both discontinuous and distinct from other populations of that species, though not sufficiently so as to achieve the status of a taxon. [NIH] Radiation: Emission or propagation of electromagnetic energy (waves/rays), or the waves/rays themselves; a stream of electromagnetic particles (electrons, neutrons, protons, alpha particles) or a mixture of these. The most common source is the sun. [NIH] Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body in the area near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, or brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. Also called radiotherapy. [NIH] Radioactive: Giving off radiation. [NIH] Radioactivity: The quality of emitting or the emission of corpuscular or electromagnetic radiations consequent to nuclear disintegration, a natural property of all chemical elements of atomic number above 83, and possible of induction in all other known elements. [EU] Radiography: Examination of any part of the body for diagnostic purposes by means of roentgen rays, recording the image on a sensitized surface (such as photographic film). [NIH] Radiolabeled: Any compound that has been joined with a radioactive substance. [NIH] Radiological: Pertaining to radiodiagnostic and radiotherapeutic procedures, and

Dictionary 213

interventional radiology or other planning and guiding medical radiology. [NIH] Radiology: A specialty concerned with the use of x-ray and other forms of radiant energy in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. [NIH] Radiopharmaceuticals: Drugs containing a radioactive substance that are used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and in pain management of bone metastases. Also called radioactive drugs. [NIH] Radiotherapy: The use of ionizing radiation to treat malignant neoplasms and other benign conditions. The most common forms of ionizing radiation used as therapy are x-rays, gamma rays, and electrons. A special form of radiotherapy, targeted radiotherapy, links a cytotoxic radionuclide to a molecule that targets the tumor. When this molecule is an antibody or other immunologic molecule, the technique is called radioimmunotherapy. [NIH] Randomized: Describes an experiment or clinical trial in which animal or human subjects are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments. [NIH] Rationalize: To attribute one's actions to rational and creditable motives without adequate analysis of the true and unconscious motives. [NIH] Reagent: A substance employed to produce a chemical reaction so as to detect, measure, produce, etc., other substances. [EU] Receptor: A molecule inside or on the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance and causes a specific physiologic effect in the cell. [NIH] Recombinant: A cell or an individual with a new combination of genes not found together in either parent; usually applied to linked genes. [EU] Recombination: The formation of new combinations of genes as a result of segregation in crosses between genetically different parents; also the rearrangement of linked genes due to crossing-over. [NIH] Rectal: By or having to do with the rectum. The rectum is the last 8 to 10 inches of the large intestine and ends at the anus. [NIH] Rectum: The last 8 to 10 inches of the large intestine. [NIH] Red blood cells: RBCs. Cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Also called erythrocytes. [NIH] Red Nucleus: A pinkish-yellow portion of the midbrain situated in the rostral mesencephalic tegmentum. It receives a large projection from the contralateral half of the cerebellum via the superior cerebellar peduncle and a projection from the ipsilateral motor cortex. [NIH] Reductase: Enzyme converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. [NIH] Refer: To send or direct for treatment, aid, information, de decision. [NIH] Refraction: A test to determine the best eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct a refractive error (myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism). [NIH] Refractory: Not readily yielding to treatment. [EU] Regeneration: The natural renewal of a structure, as of a lost tissue or part. [EU] Regimen: A treatment plan that specifies the dosage, the schedule, and the duration of treatment. [NIH] Relaxant: 1. Lessening or reducing tension. 2. An agent that lessens tension. [EU] Renal failure: Progressive renal insufficiency and uremia, due to irreversible and progressive renal glomerular tubular or interstitial disease. [NIH] Renin: An enzyme which is secreted by the kidney and is formed from prorenin in plasma

214

Blood Plasma

and kidney. The enzyme cleaves the Leu-Leu bond in angiotensinogen to generate angiotensin I. EC 3.4.23.15. (Formerly EC 3.4.99.19). [NIH] Resection: Removal of tissue or part or all of an organ by surgery. [NIH] Respiration: The act of breathing with the lungs, consisting of inspiration, or the taking into the lungs of the ambient air, and of expiration, or the expelling of the modified air which contains more carbon dioxide than the air taken in (Blakiston's Gould Medical Dictionary, 4th ed.). This does not include tissue respiration (= oxygen consumption) or cell respiration (= cell respiration). [NIH] Respiratory distress syndrome: A lung disease that occurs primarily in premature infants; the newborn must struggle for each breath and blueing of its skin reflects the baby's inability to get enough oxygen. [NIH] Respiratory System: The tubular and cavernous organs and structures, by means of which pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange between ambient air and the blood are brought about. [NIH] Response rate: The percentage of patients whose cancer shrinks or disappears after treatment. [NIH] Rete Testis: The network of canals at the termination of the straight seminiferous tubules in the mediastinum testis. [NIH] Retina: The ten-layered nervous tissue membrane of the eye. It is continuous with the optic nerve and receives images of external objects and transmits visual impulses to the brain. Its outer surface is in contact with the choroid and the inner surface with the vitreous body. The outer-most layer is pigmented, whereas the inner nine layers are transparent. [NIH] Retinal: 1. Pertaining to the retina. 2. The aldehyde of retinol, derived by the oxidative enzymatic splitting of absorbed dietary carotene, and having vitamin A activity. In the retina, retinal combines with opsins to form visual pigments. One isomer, 11-cis retinal combines with opsin in the rods (scotopsin) to form rhodopsin, or visual purple. Another, all-trans retinal (trans-r.); visual yellow; xanthopsin) results from the bleaching of rhodopsin by light, in which the 11-cis form is converted to the all-trans form. Retinal also combines with opsins in the cones (photopsins) to form the three pigments responsible for colour vision. Called also retinal, and retinene1. [EU] Retinal pigment epithelium: The pigment cell layer that nourishes the retinal cells; located just outside the retina and attached to the choroid. [NIH] Retinol: Vitamin A. It is essential for proper vision and healthy skin and mucous membranes. Retinol is being studied for cancer prevention; it belongs to the family of drugs called retinoids. [NIH] Retroviral vector: RNA from a virus that is used to insert genetic material into cells. [NIH] Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors: Inhibitors of reverse transcriptase (RNA-directed DNA polymerase), an enzyme that synthesizes DNA on an RNA template. [NIH] Rheumatoid: Resembling rheumatism. [EU] Rheumatoid arthritis: A form of arthritis, the cause of which is unknown, although infection, hypersensitivity, hormone imbalance and psychologic stress have been suggested as possible causes. [NIH] Rhinitis: Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose. [NIH] Rhodopsin: A photoreceptor protein found in retinal rods. It is a complex formed by the binding of retinal, the oxidized form of retinol, to the protein opsin and undergoes a series of complex reactions in response to visible light resulting in the transmission of nerve

Dictionary 215

impulses to the brain. [NIH] Ribonucleic acid: RNA. One of the two nucleic acids found in all cells. The other is deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Ribonucleic acid transfers genetic information from DNA to proteins produced by the cell. [NIH] Ribose: A pentose active in biological systems usually in its D-form. [NIH] Ribosome: A granule of protein and RNA, synthesized in the nucleolus and found in the cytoplasm of cells. Ribosomes are the main sites of protein synthesis. Messenger RNA attaches to them and there receives molecules of transfer RNA bearing amino acids. [NIH] Risk factor: A habit, trait, condition, or genetic alteration that increases a person's chance of developing a disease. [NIH] RNA: Ribonucleic acid. One of the two types of nucleic acids found in cells. The other is DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). RNA plays a role in sending information from DNA to the protein-forming system of the cell. [NIH] Rodenticides: Substances used to destroy or inhibit the action of rats, mice, or other rodents. [NIH]

Rods: One type of specialized light-sensitive cells (photoreceptors) in the retina that provide side vision and the ability to see objects in dim light (night vision). [NIH] Ruminants: A suborder of the order Artiodactyla whose members have the distinguishing feature of a four-chambered stomach. Horns or antlers are usually present, at least in males. [NIH]

Rutin: 3-((6-O-(6-Deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy)-2-(3,4dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one. Found in many plants, including buckwheat, tobacco, forsythia, hydrangea, pansies, etc. It has been used therapeutically to decrease capillary fragility. [NIH] Saline: A solution of salt and water. [NIH] Saliva: The clear, viscous fluid secreted by the salivary glands and mucous glands of the mouth. It contains mucins, water, organic salts, and ptylin. [NIH] Salivary: The duct that convey saliva to the mouth. [NIH] Salivary glands: Glands in the mouth that produce saliva. [NIH] Sarcoplasmic Reticulum: A network of tubules and sacs in the cytoplasm of skeletal muscles that assist with muscle contraction and relaxation by releasing and storing calcium ions. [NIH] Satellite: Applied to a vein which closely accompanies an artery for some distance; in cytogenetics, a chromosomal agent separated by a secondary constriction from the main body of the chromosome. [NIH] Scabicide: An agent which has the power to destroy sarcoptes scabiei. [NIH] Scans: Pictures of structures inside the body. Scans often used in diagnosing, staging, and monitoring disease include liver scans, bone scans, and computed tomography (CT) or computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. In liver scanning and bone scanning, radioactive substances that are injected into the bloodstream collect in these organs. A scanner that detects the radiation is used to create pictures. In CT scanning, an x-ray machine linked to a computer is used to produce detailed pictures of organs inside the body. MRI scans use a large magnet connected to a computer to create pictures of areas inside the body. [NIH] Schizoid: Having qualities resembling those found in greater degree in schizophrenics; a person of schizoid personality. [NIH]

216

Blood Plasma

Schizophrenia: A mental disorder characterized by a special type of disintegration of the personality. [NIH] Schizotypal Personality Disorder: A personality disorder in which there are oddities of thought (magical thinking, paranoid ideation, suspiciousness), perception (illusions, depersonalization), speech (digressive, vague, overelaborate), and behavior (inappropriate affect in social interactions, frequently social isolation) that are not severe enough to characterize schizophrenia. [NIH] Scleroproteins: Simple proteins characterized by their insolubility and fibrous structure. Within the body, they perform a supportive or protective function. [NIH] Scoliosis: A lateral curvature of the spine. [NIH] Screening: Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. [NIH] Secondary tumor: Cancer that has spread from the organ in which it first appeared to another organ. For example, breast cancer cells may spread (metastasize) to the lungs and cause the growth of a new tumor. When this happens, the disease is called metastatic breast cancer, and the tumor in the lungs is called a secondary tumor. Also called secondary cancer. [NIH] Secretion: 1. The process of elaborating a specific product as a result of the activity of a gland; this activity may range from separating a specific substance of the blood to the elaboration of a new chemical substance. 2. Any substance produced by secretion. [EU] Secretory: Secreting; relating to or influencing secretion or the secretions. [NIH] Sediment: A precipitate, especially one that is formed spontaneously. [EU] Sedimentation: The act of causing the deposit of sediment, especially by the use of a centrifugal machine. [EU] Segmental: Describing or pertaining to a structure which is repeated in similar form in successive segments of an organism, or which is undergoing segmentation. [NIH] Segmentation: The process by which muscles in the intestines move food and wastes through the body. [NIH] Segregation: The separation in meiotic cell division of homologous chromosome pairs and their contained allelomorphic gene pairs. [NIH] Seizures: Clinical or subclinical disturbances of cortical function due to a sudden, abnormal, excessive, and disorganized discharge of brain cells. Clinical manifestations include abnormal motor, sensory and psychic phenomena. Recurrent seizures are usually referred to as epilepsy or "seizure disorder." [NIH] Selenium: An element with the atomic symbol Se, atomic number 34, and atomic weight 78.96. It is an essential micronutrient for mammals and other animals but is toxic in large amounts. Selenium protects intracellular structures against oxidative damage. It is an essential component of glutathione peroxidase. [NIH] Semen: The thick, yellowish-white, viscid fluid secretion of male reproductive organs discharged upon ejaculation. In addition to reproductive organ secretions, it contains spermatozoa and their nutrient plasma. [NIH] Seminal fluid: Fluid from the prostate and other sex glands that helps transport sperm out of the man's body during orgasm. Seminal fluid contains sugar as an energy source for sperm. [NIH] Seminiferous Epithelium: Specialized epithelium lining the seminiferous tubules containing developing and mature spermatozoa and Sertoli cells. [NIH] Seminiferous tubule: Tube used to transport sperm made in the testes. [NIH]

Dictionary 217

Senility: Old age; the physical and mental deterioration associated with old age. [EU] Sensibility: The ability to receive, feel and appreciate sensations and impressions; the quality of being sensitive; the extend to which a method gives results that are free from false negatives. [NIH] Sensor: A device designed to respond to physical stimuli such as temperature, light, magnetism or movement and transmit resulting impulses for interpretation, recording, movement, or operating control. [NIH] Septal: An abscess occurring at the root of the tooth on the proximal surface. [NIH] Septic: Produced by or due to decomposition by microorganisms; putrefactive. [EU] Septum: A dividing wall or partition; a general term for such a structure. The term is often used alone to refer to the septal area or to the septum pellucidum. [EU] Septum Pellucidum: A triangular double membrane separating the anterior horns of the lateral ventricles of the brain. It is situated in the median plane and bounded by the corpus callosum and the body and columns of the fornix. [NIH] Sequence Homology: The degree of similarity between sequences. Studies of amino acid and nucleotide sequences provide useful information about the genetic relatedness of certain species. [NIH] Sequencing: The determination of the order of nucleotides in a DNA or RNA chain. [NIH] Serine: A non-essential amino acid occurring in natural form as the L-isomer. It is synthesized from glycine or threonine. It is involved in the biosynthesis of purines, pyrimidines, and other amino acids. [NIH] Serologic: Analysis of a person's serum, especially specific immune or lytic serums. [NIH] Serology: The study of serum, especially of antigen-antibody reactions in vitro. [NIH] Serotonin: A biochemical messenger and regulator, synthesized from the essential amino acid L-tryptophan. In humans it is found primarily in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and blood platelets. Serotonin mediates several important physiological functions including neurotransmission, gastrointestinal motility, hemostasis, and cardiovascular integrity. Multiple receptor families (receptors, serotonin) explain the broad physiological actions and distribution of this biochemical mediator. [NIH] Serum: The clear liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed. [NIH] Serum Albumin: A major plasma protein that serves in maintaining the plasma colloidal osmotic pressure and transporting large organic anions. [NIH] Sex Characteristics: Those characteristics that distinguish one sex from the other. The primary sex characteristics are the ovaries and testes and their related hormones. Secondary sex characteristics are those which are masculine or feminine but not directly related to reproduction. [NIH] Shock: The general bodily disturbance following a severe injury; an emotional or moral upset occasioned by some disturbing or unexpected experience; disruption of the circulation, which can upset all body functions: sometimes referred to as circulatory shock. [NIH]

Side effect: A consequence other than the one(s) for which an agent or measure is used, as the adverse effects produced by a drug, especially on a tissue or organ system other than the one sought to be benefited by its administration. [EU] Silicon: A trace element that constitutes about 27.6% of the earth's crust in the form of silicon dioxide. It does not occur free in nature. Silicon has the atomic symbol Si, atomic

218

Blood Plasma

number 14, and atomic weight 28.09. [NIH] Silicon Dioxide: Silica. Transparent, tasteless crystals found in nature as agate, amethyst, chalcedony, cristobalite, flint, sand, quartz, and tridymite. The compound is insoluble in water or acids except hydrofluoric acid. [NIH] Skeletal: Having to do with the skeleton (boney part of the body). [NIH] Skeleton: The framework that supports the soft tissues of vertebrate animals and protects many of their internal organs. The skeletons of vertebrates are made of bone and/or cartilage. [NIH] Small intestine: The part of the digestive tract that is located between the stomach and the large intestine. [NIH] Smooth muscle: Muscle that performs automatic tasks, such as constricting blood vessels. [NIH]

Social Environment: The aggregate of social and cultural institutions, forms, patterns, and processes that influence the life of an individual or community. [NIH] Sodium: An element that is a member of the alkali group of metals. It has the atomic symbol Na, atomic number 11, and atomic weight 23. With a valence of 1, it has a strong affinity for oxygen and other nonmetallic elements. Sodium provides the chief cation of the extracellular body fluids. Its salts are the most widely used in medicine. (From Dorland, 27th ed) Physiologically the sodium ion plays a major role in blood pressure regulation, maintenance of fluid volume, and electrolyte balance. [NIH] Soft tissue: Refers to muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, or other supporting tissue of the body. [NIH] Solid tumor: Cancer of body tissues other than blood, bone marrow, or the lymphatic system. [NIH] Solvent: 1. Dissolving; effecting a solution. 2. A liquid that dissolves or that is capable of dissolving; the component of a solution that is present in greater amount. [EU] Somatic: 1. Pertaining to or characteristic of the soma or body. 2. Pertaining to the body wall in contrast to the viscera. [EU] Sorbitol: A polyhydric alcohol with about half the sweetness of sucrose. Sorbitol occurs naturally and is also produced synthetically from glucose. It was formerly used as a diuretic and may still be used as a laxative and in irrigating solutions for some surgical procedures. It is also used in many manufacturing processes, as a pharmaceutical aid, and in several research applications. [NIH] Space Flight: Travel beyond the earth's atmosphere. [NIH] Spasm: An involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles. Spasms may involve skeletal muscle or smooth muscle. [NIH] Specialist: In medicine, one who concentrates on 1 special branch of medical science. [NIH] Species: A taxonomic category subordinate to a genus (or subgenus) and superior to a subspecies or variety, composed of individuals possessing common characters distinguishing them from other categories of individuals of the same taxonomic level. In taxonomic nomenclature, species are designated by the genus name followed by a Latin or Latinized adjective or noun. [EU] Specificity: Degree of selectivity shown by an antibody with respect to the number and types of antigens with which the antibody combines, as well as with respect to the rates and the extents of these reactions. [NIH] Spectrometer: An apparatus for determining spectra; measures quantities such as

Dictionary 219

wavelengths and relative amplitudes of components. [NIH] Spectrophotometry: The art or process of comparing photometrically the relative intensities of the light in different parts of the spectrum. [NIH] Spectroscopic: The recognition of elements through their emission spectra. [NIH] Spectrum: A charted band of wavelengths of electromagnetic vibrations obtained by refraction and diffraction. By extension, a measurable range of activity, such as the range of bacteria affected by an antibiotic (antibacterial s.) or the complete range of manifestations of a disease. [EU] Sperm: The fecundating fluid of the male. [NIH] Spermatozoa: Mature male germ cells that develop in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. Each consists of a head, a body, and a tail that provides propulsion. The head consists mainly of chromatin. [NIH] Spinal cord: The main trunk or bundle of nerves running down the spine through holes in the spinal bone (the vertebrae) from the brain to the level of the lower back. [NIH] Spirochete: Lyme disease. [NIH] Spleen: An organ that is part of the lymphatic system. The spleen produces lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells. It is located on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach. [NIH] Spondylitis: Inflammation of the vertebrae. [EU] Sporadic: Neither endemic nor epidemic; occurring occasionally in a random or isolated manner. [EU] Sputum: The material expelled from the respiratory passages by coughing or clearing the throat. [NIH] Squamous: Scaly, or platelike. [EU] Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells resembling fish scales. Squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Also called epidermoid carcinoma. [NIH] Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells resembling fish scales. Squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Also called epidermoid carcinoma. [NIH] Squamous cells: Flat cells that look like fish scales under a microscope. These cells cover internal and external surfaces of the body. [NIH] Squamous Epithelium: Tissue in an organ such as the esophagus. Consists of layers of flat, scaly cells. [NIH] Stabilization: The creation of a stable state. [EU] Stabilizer: A device for maintaining constant X-ray tube voltage or current. [NIH] Staging: Performing exams and tests to learn the extent of the cancer within the body, especially whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. [NIH]

Steady state: Dynamic equilibrium. [EU] Stem Cells: Relatively undifferentiated cells of the same lineage (family type) that retain the ability to divide and cycle throughout postnatal life to provide cells that can become specialized and take the place of those that die or are lost. [NIH]

220

Blood Plasma

Stent: A device placed in a body structure (such as a blood vessel or the gastrointestinal tract) to provide support and keep the structure open. [NIH] Sterile: Unable to produce children. [NIH] Sterilization: The destroying of all forms of life, especially microorganisms, by heat, chemical, or other means. [NIH] Steroid: A group name for lipids that contain a hydrogenated cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring system. Some of the substances included in this group are progesterone, adrenocortical hormones, the gonadal hormones, cardiac aglycones, bile acids, sterols (such as cholesterol), toad poisons, saponins, and some of the carcinogenic hydrocarbons. [EU] Stimulant: 1. Producing stimulation; especially producing stimulation by causing tension on muscle fibre through the nervous tissue. 2. An agent or remedy that produces stimulation. [EU]

Stimulus: That which can elicit or evoke action (response) in a muscle, nerve, gland or other excitable issue, or cause an augmenting action upon any function or metabolic process. [NIH] Stomach: An organ of digestion situated in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen between the termination of the esophagus and the beginning of the duodenum. [NIH] Stool: The waste matter discharged in a bowel movement; feces. [NIH] Strand: DNA normally exists in the bacterial nucleus in a helix, in which two strands are coiled together. [NIH] Stress: Forcibly exerted influence; pressure. Any condition or situation that causes strain or tension. Stress may be either physical or psychologic, or both. [NIH] Stroke: Sudden loss of function of part of the brain because of loss of blood flow. Stroke may be caused by a clot (thrombosis) or rupture (hemorrhage) of a blood vessel to the brain. [NIH] Subacute: Somewhat acute; between acute and chronic. [EU] Subarachnoid: Situated or occurring between the arachnoid and the pia mater. [EU] Subclinical: Without clinical manifestations; said of the early stage(s) of an infection or other disease or abnormality before symptoms and signs become apparent or detectable by clinical examination or laboratory tests, or of a very mild form of an infection or other disease or abnormality. [EU] Subcutaneous: Beneath the skin. [NIH] Submaxillary: Four to six lymph glands, located between the lower jaw and the submandibular salivary gland. [NIH] Subspecies: A category intermediate in rank between species and variety, based on a smaller number of correlated characters than are used to differentiate species and generally conditioned by geographical and/or ecological occurrence. [NIH] Substance P: An eleven-amino acid neurotransmitter that appears in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is involved in transmission of pain, causes rapid contractions of the gastrointestinal smooth muscle, and modulates inflammatory and immune responses. [NIH]

Substrate: A substance upon which an enzyme acts. [EU] Suction: The removal of secretions, gas or fluid from hollow or tubular organs or cavities by means of a tube and a device that acts on negative pressure. [NIH] Sulfadoxine: A long acting sulfonamide that is used, usually in combination with other drugs, for respiratory, urinary tract, and malarial infections. [NIH]

Dictionary 221

Sulfur: An element that is a member of the chalcogen family. It has an atomic symbol S, atomic number 16, and atomic weight 32.066. It is found in the amino acids cysteine and methionine. [NIH] Superoxide: Derivative of molecular oxygen that can damage cells. [NIH] Superoxide Dismutase: An oxidoreductase that catalyzes the reaction between superoxide anions and hydrogen to yield molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. The enzyme protects the cell against dangerous levels of superoxide. EC 1.15.1.1. [NIH] Supplementation: Adding nutrients to the diet. [NIH] Suppression: A conscious exclusion of disapproved desire contrary with repression, in which the process of exclusion is not conscious. [NIH] Suppressive: Tending to suppress : effecting suppression; specifically : serving to suppress activity, function, symptoms. [EU] Surface Plasmon Resonance: A biosensing technique in which biomolecules capable of binding to specific analytes or ligands are first immobilized on one side of a metallic film. Light is then focused on the opposite side of the film to excite the surface plasmons, that is, the oscillations of free electrons propagating along the film's surface. The refractive index of light reflecting off this surface is measured. When the immobilized biomolecules are bound by their ligands, an alteration in surface plasmons on the opposite side of the film is created which is directly proportional to the change in bound, or adsorbed, mass. Binding is measured by changes in the refractive index. The technique is used to study biomolecular interactions, such as antigen-antibody binding. [NIH] Sympathomimetic: 1. Mimicking the effects of impulses conveyed by adrenergic postganglionic fibres of the sympathetic nervous system. 2. An agent that produces effects similar to those of impulses conveyed by adrenergic postganglionic fibres of the sympathetic nervous system. Called also adrenergic. [EU] Symptomatic: Having to do with symptoms, which are signs of a condition or disease. [NIH] Synapse: The region where the processes of two neurons come into close contiguity, and the nervous impulse passes from one to the other; the fibers of the two are intermeshed, but, according to the general view, there is no direct contiguity. [NIH] Synaptic: Pertaining to or affecting a synapse (= site of functional apposition between neurons, at which an impulse is transmitted from one neuron to another by electrical or chemical means); pertaining to synapsis (= pairing off in point-for-point association of homologous chromosomes from the male and female pronuclei during the early prophase of meiosis). [EU] Synovial: Of pertaining to, or secreting synovia. [EU] Synovial Fluid: The clear, viscous fluid secreted by the synovial membrane. It contains mucin, albumin, fat, and mineral salts and serves to lubricate joints. [NIH] Synovial Membrane: The inner membrane of a joint capsule surrounding a freely movable joint. It is loosely attached to the external fibrous capsule and secretes synovial fluid. [NIH] Syphilis: A contagious venereal disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. [NIH]

Systemic: Affecting the entire body. [NIH] Systemic disease: Disease that affects the whole body. [NIH] Systemic lupus erythematosus: SLE. A chronic inflammatory connective tissue disease marked by skin rashes, joint pain and swelling, inflammation of the kidneys, inflammation of the fibrous tissue surrounding the heart (i.e., the pericardium), as well as other problems.

222

Blood Plasma

Not all affected individuals display all of these problems. May be referred to as lupus. [NIH] Systemic therapy: Treatment that uses substances that travel through the bloodstream, reaching and affecting cells all over the body. [NIH] Systolic: Indicating the maximum arterial pressure during contraction of the left ventricle of the heart. [EU] Tachycardia: Excessive rapidity in the action of the heart, usually with a heart rate above 100 beats per minute. [NIH] Tardive: Marked by lateness, late; said of a disease in which the characteristic lesion is late in appearing. [EU] Telomere: A terminal section of a chromosome which has a specialized structure and which is involved in chromosomal replication and stability. Its length is believed to be a few hundred base pairs. [NIH] Teratogenic: Tending to produce anomalies of formation, or teratism (= anomaly of formation or development : condition of a monster). [EU] Testis: Either of the paired male reproductive glands that produce the male germ cells and the male hormones. [NIH] Testosterone: A hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics. [NIH] Thalamic: Cell that reaches the lateral nucleus of amygdala. [NIH] Thalamic Diseases: Disorders of the centrally located thalamus, which integrates a wide range of cortical and subcortical information. Manifestations include sensory loss, movement disorders; ataxia, pain syndromes, visual disorders, a variety of neuropsychological conditions, and coma. Relatively common etiologies include cerebrovascular disorders; craniocerebral trauma; brain neoplasms; brain hypoxia; intracranial hemorrhages; and infectious processes. [NIH] Therapeutics: The branch of medicine which is concerned with the treatment of diseases, palliative or curative. [NIH] Thermal: Pertaining to or characterized by heat. [EU] Threonine: An essential amino acid occurring naturally in the L-form, which is the active form. It is found in eggs, milk, gelatin, and other proteins. [NIH] Threshold: For a specified sensory modality (e. g. light, sound, vibration), the lowest level (absolute threshold) or smallest difference (difference threshold, difference limen) or intensity of the stimulus discernible in prescribed conditions of stimulation. [NIH] Thrombin: An enzyme formed from prothrombin that converts fibrinogen to fibrin. (Dorland, 27th ed) EC 3.4.21.5. [NIH] Thrombocytes: Blood cells that help prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called platelets. [NIH] Thrombocytopenia: A decrease in the number of blood platelets. [NIH] Thrombolytic: 1. Dissolving or splitting up a thrombus. 2. A thrombolytic agent. [EU] Thrombomodulin: A cell surface glycoprotein of endothelial cells that binds thrombin and serves as a cofactor in the activation of protein C and its regulation of blood coagulation. [NIH]

Thymidine: A chemical compound found in DNA. Also used as treatment for mucositis. [NIH]

Thymidine Phosphorylase: The enzyme catalyzing the transfer of 2-deoxy-D-ribose from

Dictionary 223

thymidine to orthophosphate, thereby liberating thymidine. EC 2.4.2.4. [NIH] Thymidylate Synthase: An enzyme of the transferase class that catalyzes the reaction 5,10methylenetetrahydrofolate and dUMP to dihydrofolate and dTMP in the synthesis of thymidine triphosphate. (From Dorland, 27th ed) EC 2.1.1.45. [NIH] Thymus: An organ that is part of the lymphatic system, in which T lymphocytes grow and multiply. The thymus is in the chest behind the breastbone. [NIH] Thyroid: A gland located near the windpipe (trachea) that produces thyroid hormone, which helps regulate growth and metabolism. [NIH] Thyroxine: An amino acid of the thyroid gland which exerts a stimulating effect on thyroid metabolism. [NIH] Tissue: A group or layer of cells that are alike in type and work together to perform a specific function. [NIH] Tissue Distribution: Accumulation of a drug or chemical substance in various organs (including those not relevant to its pharmacologic or therapeutic action). This distribution depends on the blood flow or perfusion rate of the organ, the ability of the drug to penetrate organ membranes, tissue specificity, protein binding. The distribution is usually expressed as tissue to plasma ratios. [NIH] Tolerance: 1. The ability to endure unusually large doses of a drug or toxin. 2. Acquired drug tolerance; a decreasing response to repeated constant doses of a drug or the need for increasing doses to maintain a constant response. [EU] Tomography: Imaging methods that result in sharp images of objects located on a chosen plane and blurred images located above or below the plane. [NIH] Tonicity: The normal state of muscular tension. [NIH] Topical: On the surface of the body. [NIH] Total hysterectomy: Surgery to remove the entire uterus. [NIH] Toxic: Having to do with poison or something harmful to the body. Toxic substances usually cause unwanted side effects. [NIH] Toxicity: The quality of being poisonous, especially the degree of virulence of a toxic microbe or of a poison. [EU] Toxicology: The science concerned with the detection, chemical composition, and pharmacologic action of toxic substances or poisons and the treatment and prevention of toxic manifestations. [NIH] Toxin: A poison; frequently used to refer specifically to a protein produced by some higher plants, certain animals, and pathogenic bacteria, which is highly toxic for other living organisms. Such substances are differentiated from the simple chemical poisons and the vegetable alkaloids by their high molecular weight and antigenicity. [EU] Trace element: Substance or element essential to plant or animal life, but present in extremely small amounts. [NIH] Trachea: The cartilaginous and membranous tube descending from the larynx and branching into the right and left main bronchi. [NIH] Tramadol: A narcotic analgesic proposed for severe pain. It may be habituating. [NIH] Transcriptase: An enzyme which catalyses the synthesis of a complementary mRNA molecule from a DNA template in the presence of a mixture of the four ribonucleotides (ATP, UTP, GTP and CTP). [NIH] Transcription Factors: Endogenous substances, usually proteins, which are effective in the

224

Blood Plasma

initiation, stimulation, or termination of the genetic transcription process. [NIH] Transcutaneous: Transdermal. [EU] Transfection: The uptake of naked or purified DNA into cells, usually eukaryotic. It is analogous to bacterial transformation. [NIH] Transferases: Transferases are enzymes transferring a group, for example, the methyl group or a glycosyl group, from one compound (generally regarded as donor) to another compound (generally regarded as acceptor). The classification is based on the scheme "donor:acceptor group transferase". (Enzyme Nomenclature, 1992) EC 2. [NIH] Transfusion: The infusion of components of blood or whole blood into the bloodstream. The blood may be donated from another person, or it may have been taken from the person earlier and stored until needed. [NIH] Translation: The process whereby the genetic information present in the linear sequence of ribonucleotides in mRNA is converted into a corresponding sequence of amino acids in a protein. It occurs on the ribosome and is unidirectional. [NIH] Transmitter: A chemical substance which effects the passage of nerve impulses from one cell to the other at the synapse. [NIH] Transplantation: Transference of a tissue or organ, alive or dead, within an individual, between individuals of the same species, or between individuals of different species. [NIH] Transurethral: Performed through the urethra. [EU] Trauma: Any injury, wound, or shock, must frequently physical or structural shock, producing a disturbance. [NIH] Trigger zone: Dolorogenic zone (= producing or causing pain). [EU] Triglyceride: A lipid carried through the blood stream to tissues. Most of the body's fat tissue is in the form of triglycerides, stored for use as energy. Triglycerides are obtained primarily from fat in foods. [NIH] Tropomyosin: A protein found in the thin filaments of muscle fibers. It inhibits contraction of the muscle unless its position is modified by troponin. [NIH] Troponin: One of the minor protein components of skeletal muscle. Its function is to serve as the calcium-binding component in the troponin-tropomyosin B-actin-myosin complex by conferring calcium sensitivity to the cross-linked actin and myosin filaments. [NIH] Troponin C: One of the three polypeptide chains that make up the troponin complex of skeletal muscle. It is a calcium-binding protein. [NIH] Trypsin: A serine endopeptidase that is formed from trypsinogen in the pancreas. It is converted into its active form by enteropeptidase in the small intestine. It catalyzes hydrolysis of the carboxyl group of either arginine or lysine. EC 3.4.21.4. [NIH] Tryptophan: An essential amino acid that is necessary for normal growth in infants and for nitrogen balance in adults. It is a precursor serotonin and niacin. [NIH] Tumor Necrosis Factor: Serum glycoprotein produced by activated macrophages and other mammalian mononuclear leukocytes which has necrotizing activity against tumor cell lines and increases ability to reject tumor transplants. It mimics the action of endotoxin but differs from it. It has a molecular weight of less than 70,000 kDa. [NIH] Tumour: 1. Swelling, one of the cardinal signs of inflammations; morbid enlargement. 2. A new growth of tissue in which the multiplication of cells is uncontrolled and progressive; called also neoplasm. [EU] Type 2 diabetes: Usually characterized by a gradual onset with minimal or no symptoms of metabolic disturbance and no requirement for exogenous insulin. The peak age of onset is 50

Dictionary 225

to 60 years. Obesity and possibly a genetic factor are usually present. [NIH] Tyrosine: A non-essential amino acid. In animals it is synthesized from phenylalanine. It is also the precursor of epinephrine, thyroid hormones, and melanin. [NIH] Ultrafiltration: The separation of particles from a suspension by passage through a filter with very fine pores. In ultrafiltration the separation is accomplished by convective transport; in dialysis separation relies instead upon differential diffusion. Ultrafiltration occurs naturally and is a laboratory procedure. Artificial ultrafiltration of the blood is referred to as hemofiltration or hemodiafiltration (if combined with hemodialysis). [NIH] Ultrasonography: The visualization of deep structures of the body by recording the reflections of echoes of pulses of ultrasonic waves directed into the tissues. Use of ultrasound for imaging or diagnostic purposes employs frequencies ranging from 1.6 to 10 megahertz. [NIH] Ultraviolet radiation: Invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. UV radiation can damage the skin and cause melanoma and other types of skin cancer. UV radiation that reaches the earth's surface is made up of two types of rays, called UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are more likely than UVA rays to cause sunburn, but UVA rays pass deeper into the skin. Scientists have long thought that UVB radiation can cause melanoma and other types of skin cancer. They now think that UVA radiation also may add to skin damage that can lead to skin cancer and cause premature aging. For this reason, skin specialists recommend that people use sunscreens that reflect, absorb, or scatter both kinds of UV radiation. [NIH] Umbilical Arteries: Either of a pair of arteries originating from the internal iliac artery and passing through the umbilical cord to carry blood from the fetus to the placenta. [NIH] Umbilical Cord: The flexible structure, giving passage to the umbilical arteries and vein, which connects the embryo or fetus to the placenta. [NIH] Umbilical cord blood: Blood from the placenta (afterbirth) that contains high concentrations of stem cells needed to produce new blood cells. [NIH] Unconscious: Experience which was once conscious, but was subsequently rejected, as the "personal unconscious". [NIH] Univalent: Pertaining to an unpaired chromosome during the zygotene stage of prophase to first metaphase in meiosis. [NIH] Uremia: The illness associated with the buildup of urea in the blood because the kidneys are not working effectively. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and mental confusion. [NIH] Urethra: The tube through which urine leaves the body. It empties urine from the bladder. [NIH]

Urinary: Having to do with urine or the organs of the body that produce and get rid of urine. [NIH] Urinary tract: The organs of the body that produce and discharge urine. These include the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. [NIH] Urinate: To release urine from the bladder to the outside. [NIH] Urine: Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra. [NIH] Urokinase: A drug that dissolves blood clots or prevents them from forming. [NIH] Uroporphyrinogen Decarboxylase: One of the enzymes active in heme biosynthesis. It catalyzes the decarboxylation of uroporphyrinogen III to coproporphyrinogen III by the

226

Blood Plasma

conversion of four acetic acid groups to four methyl groups. EC 4.1.1.37. [NIH] Urticaria: A vascular reaction of the skin characterized by erythema and wheal formation due to localized increase of vascular permeability. The causative mechanism may be allergy, infection, or stress. [NIH] Uterus: The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. This is the organ in which a fetus develops. Also called the womb. [NIH] Vaccine: A substance or group of substances meant to cause the immune system to respond to a tumor or to microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses. [NIH] Vagina: The muscular canal extending from the uterus to the exterior of the body. Also called the birth canal. [NIH] Vaginal: Of or having to do with the vagina, the birth canal. [NIH] Vascular: Pertaining to blood vessels or indicative of a copious blood supply. [EU] Vasoconstriction: Narrowing of the blood vessels without anatomic change, for which constriction, pathologic is used. [NIH] Vasodilator: An agent that widens blood vessels. [NIH] Vasopressins: Octapeptide antidiuretic hormones released by the neurohypophysis of all vertebrates (chemical composition varies with species). They control water metabolism and balance by regulating lung, gill, kidney, etc., and water loss, and also contract smooth muscle. They may also be neurotransmitters. Also included are synthetic vasopressin derivatives. Vasopressins are used pharmacologically as renal agents, vasoconstrictor agents, and hemostatics. [NIH] Vein: Vessel-carrying blood from various parts of the body to the heart. [NIH] Venereal: Pertaining or related to or transmitted by sexual contact. [EU] Venlafaxine: An antidepressant drug that is being evaluated for the treatment of hot flashes in women who have breast cancer. [NIH] Venous: Of or pertaining to the veins. [EU] Venous Thrombosis: The formation or presence of a thrombus within a vein. [NIH] Ventricles: Fluid-filled cavities in the heart or brain. [NIH] Ventricular: Pertaining to a ventricle. [EU] Venules: The minute vessels that collect blood from the capillary plexuses and join together to form veins. [NIH] Vestibular: Pertaining to or toward a vestibule. In dental anatomy, used to refer to the tooth surface directed toward the vestibule of the mouth. [EU] Vestibule: A small, oval, bony chamber of the labyrinth. The vestibule contains the utricle and saccule, organs which are part of the balancing apparatus of the ear. [NIH] Veterinary Medicine: The medical science concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in animals. [NIH] Vinblastine: An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of plant drugs called vinca alkaloids. It is a mitotic inhibitor. [NIH] Vinca Alkaloids: A class of alkaloids from the genus of apocyanaceous woody herbs including periwinkles. They are some of the most useful antineoplastic agents. [NIH] Viral: Pertaining to, caused by, or of the nature of virus. [EU] Viral Load: The quantity of measurable virus in the blood. Change in viral load, measured in plasma, is used as a surrogate marker in HIV disease progression. [NIH]

Dictionary 227

Virulence: The degree of pathogenicity within a group or species of microorganisms or viruses as indicated by case fatality rates and/or the ability of the organism to invade the tissues of the host. [NIH] Virus: Submicroscopic organism that causes infectious disease. In cancer therapy, some viruses may be made into vaccines that help the body build an immune response to, and kill, tumor cells. [NIH] Viscosity: A physical property of fluids that determines the internal resistance to shear forces. [EU] Vitreous: Glasslike or hyaline; often used alone to designate the vitreous body of the eye (corpus vitreum). [EU] Vitreous Body: The transparent, semigelatinous substance that fills the cavity behind the crystalline lens of the eye and in front of the retina. It is contained in a thin hyoid membrane and forms about four fifths of the optic globe. [NIH] Vitreous Detachment: Detachment of the corpus vitreum (vitreous body) from its normal attachments, especially the retina, due to shrinkage from degenerative or inflammatory conditions, trauma, myopia, or senility. [NIH] Vitro: Descriptive of an event or enzyme reaction under experimental investigation occurring outside a living organism. Parts of an organism or microorganism are used together with artificial substrates and/or conditions. [NIH] Vivo: Outside of or removed from the body of a living organism. [NIH] Void: To urinate, empty the bladder. [NIH] Wakefulness: A state in which there is an enhanced potential for sensitivity and an efficient responsiveness to external stimuli. [NIH] War: Hostile conflict between organized groups of people. [NIH] Warfarin: An anticoagulant that acts by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. Warfarin is indicated for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of venous thrombosis and its extension, pulmonary embolism, and atrial fibrillation with embolization. It is also used as an adjunct in the prophylaxis of systemic embolism after myocardial infarction. Warfarin is also used as a rodenticide. [NIH] Warts: Benign epidermal proliferations or tumors; some are viral in origin. [NIH] White blood cell: A type of cell in the immune system that helps the body fight infection and disease. White blood cells include lymphocytes, granulocytes, macrophages, and others. [NIH]

Windpipe: A rigid tube, 10 cm long, extending from the cricoid cartilage to the upper border of the fifth thoracic vertebra. [NIH] Withdrawal: 1. A pathological retreat from interpersonal contact and social involvement, as may occur in schizophrenia, depression, or schizoid avoidant and schizotypal personality disorders. 2. (DSM III-R) A substance-specific organic brain syndrome that follows the cessation of use or reduction in intake of a psychoactive substance that had been regularly used to induce a state of intoxication. [EU] Wound Healing: Restoration of integrity to traumatized tissue. [NIH] Xanthine: An urinary calculus. [NIH] Xenograft: The cells of one species transplanted to another species. [NIH] X-ray: High-energy radiation used in low doses to diagnose diseases and in high doses to treat cancer. [NIH]

228

Blood Plasma

X-ray therapy: The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy) or from materials called radioisotopes. Radioisotopes produce radiation and can be placed in or near the tumor or in the area near cancer cells. This type of radiation treatment is called internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, interstitial radiation, or brachytherapy. Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. X-ray therapy is also called radiation therapy, radiotherapy, and irradiation. [NIH] Yeasts: A general term for single-celled rounded fungi that reproduce by budding. Brewers' and bakers' yeasts are Saccharomyces cerevisiae; therapeutic dried yeast is dried yeast. [NIH] Zygote: The fertilized ovum. [NIH] Zymogen: Inactive form of an enzyme which can then be converted to the active form, usually by excision of a polypeptide, e. g. trypsinogen is the zymogen of trypsin. [NIH]

229

INDEX 1 1-Propanol, 106, 153 A Abdomen, 153, 162, 163, 178, 190, 193, 203, 204, 219, 220 Abdominal, 89, 126, 153, 191, 203, 204 Abdominal Pain, 153, 204 Acceptor, 153, 193, 203, 224 Acetylcholine, 11, 153, 154, 167, 200 Acoustic, 69, 153 Acremonium, 153, 165 Actin, 118, 153, 198, 199, 224 Acute myelogenous leukemia, 153 Acute myeloid leukemia, 56, 153 Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, 153 Acyl, 86, 153 Adaptability, 153, 165 Adduct, 86, 153 Adenine, 153, 212 Adenosine, 110, 153, 163, 205 Adenosine Triphosphate, 110, 153, 205 Adenovirus, 55, 154 Adipose Tissue, 38, 154 Adjunctive Therapy, 106, 107, 154 Adrenal Cortex, 154, 155, 171, 209 Adrenal Glands, 154, 156 Adrenal Medulla, 154, 178 Adrenergic, 154, 158, 175, 178, 221 Adsorption, 12, 13, 15, 22, 29, 36, 154 Adsorptive, 154 Adverse Effect, 113, 114, 154, 205, 217 Affinity, 10, 15, 49, 50, 116, 154, 193, 218 Age of Onset, 154, 224 Agonist, 116, 154, 175 Agrin, 11, 154 Akathisia, 154, 158 Alanine, 84, 154, 161 Albumin, 12, 24, 28, 35, 47, 49, 50, 51, 76, 155, 206, 221 Aldosterone, 155, 192 Alertness, 155, 163 Algorithms, 155, 162 Alkaline, 91, 155, 156, 163, 203, 205 Alkaloid, 155, 168, 198 Allo, 155, 184 Allylamine, 155 Alpha Particles, 155, 212 Alpha-1, 52, 155

Alpha-helix, 155, 192 Alternative medicine, 130, 155 Amination, 91, 155 Amine, 41, 155, 186 Amino Acid Sequence, 155, 157, 182 Amino Acids, 33, 46, 57, 91, 112, 155, 156, 182, 204, 208, 210, 215, 217, 221, 224 Ammonia, 70, 155, 156 Ammonium Compounds, 92, 156 Amnion, 156 Amniotic Fluid, 33, 59, 156, 183 Amphetamine, 57, 156, 173 Amplification, 23, 99, 108, 156 Ampulla, 156, 166 Amyloid, 30, 87, 156 Amyloidosis, 23, 156 Anabolic, 156, 174, 178 Anaerobic, 84, 156 Anaesthesia, 156, 189 Anal, 71, 156, 194 Analgesic, 101, 112, 115, 116, 156, 178, 188, 196, 198, 202, 223 Analog, 156, 181 Analogous, 89, 156, 207, 224 Analytes, 51, 122, 156, 221 Anatomical, 157, 160, 177, 189, 193 Anemia, 105, 157, 168, 185, 195, 198 Anemic, 105, 157 Anesthesia, 42, 157, 171, 209 Anesthetics, 157, 178 Angina, 113, 157 Animal model, 8, 9, 157 Anions, 155, 157, 191, 217, 221 Annealing, 157, 207 Antagonism, 157, 163 Antiarrhythmic, 33, 157 Antibacterial, 157, 174, 183, 219 Antibiotic, 157, 163, 219 Antibodies, 9, 12, 16, 38, 59, 81, 103, 114, 127, 157, 185, 189, 198, 206 Anticoagulant, 93, 157, 210, 227 Anticonvulsant, 157, 205 Antidepressant, 101, 112, 157, 226 Antiemetic, 112, 157, 158, 166 Antiepileptic, 23, 157 Antifungal, 157, 181 Antigen, 20, 61, 82, 94, 103, 154, 157, 158, 169, 186, 188, 189, 190, 217, 221

230

Blood Plasma

Anti-infective, 158, 187 Anti-inflammatory, 101, 112, 121, 158, 165, 178, 188 Anti-Inflammatory Agents, 158, 165 Antimetabolite, 158, 181 Antineoplastic, 158, 181, 226 Antioxidant, 16, 18, 19, 20, 32, 35, 37, 43, 52, 55, 107, 119, 158, 159, 181, 202, 203 Antiplasmin, 11, 158 Antipsychotic, 25, 54, 158, 166, 200 Antispasmodic, 112, 158, 202, 209 Antiviral, 7, 129, 158, 190 Anuria, 158, 192 Anus, 156, 158, 163, 168, 213 Anxiety, 42, 154, 158 Apheresis, 93, 158, 205 Apolipoproteins, 16, 20, 158, 193 Apoptosis, 5, 109, 159 Apyrase, 29, 159 Aqueous, 24, 67, 69, 83, 87, 118, 159, 160, 172, 177, 187, 193 Arachidonic Acid, 159, 209 Arterial, 41, 49, 70, 155, 159, 166, 188, 210, 222 Arteries, 159, 162, 170, 194, 199, 225 Arterioles, 159, 162, 164, 197 Artery, 77, 78, 113, 159, 170, 176, 212, 215, 225 Artificial Eye, 159, 210 Artificial Limbs, 159 Artificial Organs, 90, 159 Ascites, 89, 92, 159 Ascorbic Acid, 28, 34, 159, 187, 202 Aseptic, 114, 159 Aspartate, 41, 159 Assay, 5, 8, 15, 19, 22, 29, 30, 33, 47, 54, 88, 90, 106, 159, 188 Astringents, 159, 196 Asymptomatic, 36, 159, 180 Ataxia, 87, 159, 222 Atmospheric Pressure, 26, 160 Atrial, 160, 180, 227 Atrial Fibrillation, 160, 227 Atrium, 89, 160 Atrophy, 160, 200 Attenuated, 48, 160, 174 Autoclave, 92, 160 Autoimmune disease, 112, 160, 206 Autologous, 25, 40, 90, 160 Autosuggestion, 160, 188

B Bacteria, 92, 114, 153, 154, 157, 158, 160, 161, 170, 176, 177, 180, 187, 197, 219, 223, 226 Bactericidal, 160, 178 Bacterium, 160, 170 Basal Ganglia, 158, 160, 167, 188 Basal Ganglia Diseases, 160, 167, 188 Base, 101, 153, 160, 172, 173, 179, 182, 192, 204, 205, 222 Basement Membrane, 160, 164, 179 Benign, 99, 160, 164, 185, 200, 213, 227 Beta carotene, 21, 72, 126, 160 Beta-Alanine, 84, 161 Beta-pleated, 156, 161 Bile, 10, 161, 181, 183, 191, 193, 220 Bile Acids, 161, 220 Bile Acids and Salts, 161 Bile Pigments, 161, 191 Biliary, 161, 166 Bilirubin, 20, 48, 78, 155, 161, 183, 187 Binding agent, 101, 161 Bioavailability, 96, 106, 107, 161 Biochemical, 5, 10, 19, 30, 34, 35, 50, 51, 67, 68, 94, 158, 161, 181, 184, 192, 193, 202, 217 Bioengineering, 13, 20, 136, 161 Biological response modifier, 161, 190 Biological Transport, 161, 174 Biomolecular, 46, 161, 221 Biopsy, 110, 161 Bioreactors, 90, 161 Biosynthesis, 20, 159, 161, 217, 225 Biotechnology, 14, 16, 39, 69, 72, 90, 130, 137, 161 Bismuth, 20, 24, 162 Bladder, 61, 98, 99, 100, 162, 169, 189, 210, 225, 227 Blastocyst, 162, 206 Bloating, 126, 162 Blood Cell Count, 162, 185 Blood Coagulation, 162, 163, 222 Blood Component Transfusion, 114, 162 Blood Glucose, 11, 79, 162, 185, 190 Blood Platelets, 162, 217, 222 Blood pressure, 89, 126, 162, 164, 166, 188, 192, 198, 201, 218 Blood transfusion, 114, 162 Blood Volume, 81, 162 Blood-Testis Barrier, 73, 162 Body Fluids, 100, 162, 163, 201, 218 Bone Cements, 162, 208

231

Bone Marrow, 25, 37, 42, 47, 126, 153, 162, 182, 188, 194, 198, 199, 218 Bone Marrow Cells, 162, 199 Bone metastases, 163, 213 Bone scan, 163, 215 Boron, 25, 163 Boron Neutron Capture Therapy, 25, 163 Bowel, 156, 163, 174, 191, 193, 204, 220 Bowel Movement, 163, 174, 220 Brachytherapy, 163, 190, 191, 212, 228 Bradykinin, 22, 163, 206 Broad-spectrum, 163, 165 Bronchi, 163, 178, 196, 223 Bronchial, 163, 186 Bypass, 13, 80, 163 C Caffeine, 55, 163, 212 Calcium, 34, 49, 61, 159, 162, 163, 168, 195, 201, 211, 215, 224 Calibration, 41, 48, 163 Callus, 164, 177 Cannibalism, 88, 164 Capillary, 8, 12, 18, 51, 54, 78, 100, 120, 122, 163, 164, 183, 215, 226 Capillary Permeability, 120, 163, 164 Capsules, 102, 164, 175, 183 Carbohydrate, 36, 40, 164, 183, 184, 208 Carbon Dioxide, 164, 172, 182, 206, 214 Carboxymethylcellulose, 101, 164 Carcinogen, 153, 164 Carcinogenic, 164, 168, 174, 190, 201, 220 Carcinoid, 112, 164 Carcinoma, 61, 108, 164 Carcinoma in Situ, 108, 164 Cardiac, 16, 59, 105, 118, 155, 157, 160, 163, 164, 176, 178, 185, 199, 220 Cardiovascular, 4, 13, 19, 88, 100, 156, 164, 217 Cardiovascular disease, 4, 100, 164 Carotene, 27, 44, 72, 160, 164, 214 Carotenoids, 24, 27, 69, 160, 164 Carrier Proteins, 164, 206 Catecholamines, 20, 44, 49, 154, 165, 175 Catheter, 77, 78, 93, 165 Cations, 165, 191 Caudal, 165, 208 Causal, 105, 165 Cause of Death, 110, 165 Celecoxib, 121, 165 Cell Death, 5, 109, 159, 165, 200 Cell Division, 160, 165, 171, 184, 197, 206, 216

Cell membrane, 4, 161, 164, 165, 176, 191, 205 Cell proliferation, 11, 98, 165, 201 Cell Size, 165, 181 Central Nervous System Infections, 165, 185 Centrifugation, 94, 114, 116, 165, 171, 185 Cephalosporins, 71, 165 Cerebellar, 160, 165, 213 Cerebral, 68, 69, 112, 160, 165, 166, 172, 178, 179, 195 Cerebral Cortex, 160, 165, 179 Cerebrospinal, 4, 34, 87, 110, 165, 166 Cerebrospinal fluid, 4, 34, 87, 110, 166 Cerebrovascular, 160, 164, 166, 201, 222 Cerebrum, 165, 166 Cervical, 108, 166 Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, 108, 166 Cervix, 98, 108, 166 Chelation, 69, 166 Chemical Warfare, 166, 172 Chemical Warfare Agents, 166, 172 Chemoreceptor, 158, 166 Chemotherapeutic agent, 78, 110, 166 Chemotherapy, 110, 166 Chlorine, 166, 188 Chloroform, 44, 166 Chloroquine, 126, 166 Chlorpromazine, 166, 181 Cholestasis, 86, 166 Cholesterol, 53, 57, 78, 86, 107, 111, 161, 166, 167, 170, 193, 194, 196, 220 Cholesterol Esters, 86, 166, 193 Cholinergic, 158, 167 Chorea, 158, 167 Choroid, 167, 214 Chromatin, 159, 167, 194, 219 Chromium, 73, 167 Chromosomal, 156, 167, 215, 222 Chromosome, 167, 170, 185, 193, 215, 216, 222, 225 Chronic, 4, 12, 21, 47, 48, 50, 72, 93, 97, 112, 113, 116, 142, 167, 174, 177, 190, 192, 211, 220, 221 Chronic renal, 47, 50, 113, 167 Chylomicrons, 167, 193 CIS, 167, 214 Clear cell carcinoma, 167, 173 Clinical Medicine, 71, 167, 208 Clinical trial, 5, 127, 137, 167, 213 Cloning, 161, 167 Clot Retraction, 167, 207

232

Blood Plasma

Coagulation, 13, 19, 21, 30, 49, 88, 93, 162, 167, 185, 192, 206, 227 Coal Tar, 168, 199 Cobalt, 26, 168 Coca, 168 Cocaine, 37, 168 Coenzyme, 57, 69, 74, 106, 107, 159, 168, 192 Collagen, 11, 105, 160, 168, 179, 180, 195, 209 Colloidal, 76, 155, 168, 176, 179, 197, 204, 217 Colloids, 9, 168, 182 Colon, 112, 168, 192 Colorectal, 99, 100, 168 Combination chemotherapy, 110, 168 Communicable disease, 114, 168 Complement, 68, 168, 169, 206 Complementary and alternative medicine, 67, 74, 169 Complementary medicine, 67, 169 Compliance, 79, 96, 169 Computational Biology, 137, 169 Computed tomography, 169, 215 Computerized axial tomography, 169, 215 Concentric, 117, 169 Concomitant, 5, 169 Cones, 169, 214 Congestion, 158, 169, 178 Congestive heart failure, 113, 169 Conjugated, 33, 46, 70, 119, 161, 169, 170, 199 Conjugation, 116, 170, 201 Connective Tissue, 4, 159, 162, 168, 170, 180, 182, 194, 196, 221 Connective Tissue Cells, 170 Consciousness, 156, 170, 172, 174, 211 Constipation, 126, 158, 170, 204 Constrict, 94, 170 Constriction, 170, 191, 215, 226 Contamination, 27, 39, 43, 47, 81, 83, 122, 170 Contractile Proteins, 118, 170 Contraindications, ii, 170 Coordination, 38, 170 Coronary, 111, 113, 164, 170, 199 Coronary heart disease, 111, 164, 170 Coronary Thrombosis, 170, 199 Corpus, 170, 209, 217, 227 Corpus Luteum, 170, 209 Corticosteroids, 27, 170 Cortisol, 21, 42, 155, 171

Cortisone, 142, 171 Coumarin, 171 Coumestrol, 71, 171 Cranial, 171, 185, 202, 204 Craniocerebral Trauma, 160, 171, 185, 222 Creatine, 84, 171 Creatinine, 78, 171, 192 Criterion, 13, 171 Crossing-over, 171, 213 Curare, 171, 198 Curative, 171, 201, 222 Cutaneous, 171, 205 Cyclic, 163, 171, 210 Cysteine, 11, 45, 74, 171, 175, 221 Cystine, 171, 175 Cytapheresis, 162, 171 Cytogenetics, 171, 215 Cytokines, 114, 171 Cytomegalovirus, 47, 172 Cytoplasm, 100, 159, 165, 170, 172, 184, 194, 215 Cytosine, 172, 181, 212 Cytotoxic, 105, 172, 213 Cytotoxicity, 58, 155, 172 D Decarboxylation, 172, 186, 225 Decidua, 172, 206 Decompression, 172, 175 Decontamination, 92, 172 Degenerative, 172, 186, 195, 198, 202, 227 Dehydration, 83, 172 Delavirdine, 57, 172, 201 Deletion, 159, 172 Delirium, 48, 158, 172 Dementia, 70, 87, 158, 172 Denaturation, 173, 207 Deoxyguanosine, 19, 173 Deoxyribonucleic, 110, 173, 215 Deoxyribonucleic acid, 110, 173, 215 Deoxyribonucleotides, 173 Depressive Disorder, 173, 193 DES, 18, 173 Designer Drugs, 57, 173 Detoxification, 10, 173, 183 Deuterium, 173, 187 Device Removal, 84, 173 Dextroamphetamine, 156, 173 Diabetes Mellitus, 79, 113, 173, 183, 185 Diagnostic Imaging, 173, 212 Diagnostic procedure, 75, 130, 173, 205 Dialysate, 173 Dialyzer, 93, 173, 185

233

Diarrhea, 72, 76, 126, 173 Diastolic, 173, 188 Diathesis, 173, 185 Diffusion, 38, 46, 93, 161, 164, 174, 225 Digestion, 161, 163, 174, 191, 193, 220 Digestive system, 101, 112, 174, 198 Digestive tract, 174, 218, 219 Dihydrotestosterone, 174, 213 Dilution, 29, 54, 61, 88, 119, 174, 178, 206 Dimethyl, 107, 174 Dioxins, 44, 174 Dipeptides, 84, 174 Diphosphates, 159, 174 Diploid, 18, 174, 206 Direct, iii, 15, 27, 37, 42, 87, 106, 167, 174, 175, 213, 221 Disease Progression, 174, 226 Disinfectant, 174, 178 Disinfection, 92, 174 Disorientation, 172, 174 Dispenser, 95, 174 Disposition, 6, 9, 10, 174 Dissociation, 154, 174, 191 Distal, 175, 176, 191 Disulphide, 51, 175 Diuresis, 163, 175 Diuretic, 175, 195, 218 Diving, 85, 175 Dopamine, 156, 158, 166, 168, 173, 175, 198, 200, 205 Dorsal, 175, 208 Dosage Forms, 97, 101, 175 Drug Industry, 101, 175 Drug Interactions, 175 Drug Resistance, 7, 110, 175 Drug Tolerance, 175, 223 Duodenum, 161, 175, 220 Dyes, 156, 175, 181, 183 Dyskinesia, 158, 175 Dysplasia, 108, 175 Dystonia, 158, 176 E Edema, 77, 176 Effector, 119, 153, 168, 176 Efficacy, 12, 78, 107, 116, 176 Ejaculation, 176, 216 Elastin, 47, 168, 176, 179 Elective, 57, 176 Electrochemistry, 44, 79, 176 Electrocoagulation, 168, 176 Electrode, 44, 69, 79, 82, 176

Electrolyte, 94, 155, 172, 176, 185, 192, 208, 218 Electrons, 158, 160, 176, 191, 195, 202, 203, 212, 213, 221 Electrophoresis, 14, 18, 25, 49, 82, 176, 189 Electroporation, 82, 176 Elementary Particles, 176, 195, 200, 211 Emboli, 14, 176, 227 Embolism, 59, 176, 212, 227 Embolization, 176, 227 Embryo, 156, 162, 176, 177, 189, 207, 225 Embryogenesis, 11, 177 Emollient, 177, 184, 201 Empirical, 78, 177 Emulsion, 49, 50, 177 Enamel, 177, 192 Encapsulated, 101, 177 Endemic, 36, 177, 195, 219 Endogenous, 10, 27, 29, 42, 175, 177, 183, 202, 210, 223 Endometrium, 98, 172, 177, 196 Endothelial cell, 11, 162, 177, 222 Endothelium, 177, 207 Endotoxin, 177, 224 End-stage renal, 167, 177 Energetic, 13, 177 Enterovirus, 177, 207 Environmental Health, 25, 52, 136, 138, 177 Environmental Pollutants, 177, 207 Enzymatic, 43, 58, 79, 88, 163, 164, 169, 177, 180, 186, 196, 207, 214 Enzyme Inhibitors, 177, 206 Epidemic, 178, 219 Epidemiological, 6, 178 Epidermal, 23, 178, 196, 227 Epidermal Growth Factor, 23, 178 Epidermis, 178, 192 Epidermoid carcinoma, 178, 219 Epigastric, 178, 203 Epinephrine, 142, 154, 175, 178, 200, 225 Epithelial, 9, 161, 164, 172, 178 Epithelial Cells, 9, 178 Epithelium, 108, 160, 177, 178, 203, 216 Erythema, 178, 226 Erythrocyte Volume, 162, 178 Erythrocytes, 4, 32, 35, 43, 44, 80, 81, 82, 101, 114, 120, 157, 162, 178, 186, 213 Esophagus, 98, 174, 178, 196, 219, 220 Estrogens, 24, 33, 71, 178 Ethanol, 35, 101, 178 Ether, 14, 101, 178

234

Blood Plasma

Etodolac, 101, 178 Evacuation, 170, 179, 193 Evoke, 179, 220 Excipients, 101, 115, 179 Excitation, 166, 179, 181, 200 Excrete, 158, 179, 192 Exhaustion, 157, 179, 195 Exocrine, 179, 203 Exogenous, 10, 154, 177, 179, 183, 210, 224 Expander, 76, 179 Extender, 179, 206 Extensor, 179, 211 External-beam radiation, 179, 191, 212, 228 Extracellular, 10, 11, 35, 77, 99, 108, 110, 156, 170, 179, 180, 195, 197, 218 Extracellular Matrix, 11, 170, 179, 180, 195 Extracellular Matrix Proteins, 179, 195 Extracellular Space, 10, 179, 197 Extracorporeal, 120, 179, 185 Extraction, 23, 25, 33, 47, 51, 54, 57, 77, 78, 89, 90, 99, 179 Extrapyramidal, 154, 158, 175, 179 Exudate, 93, 179, 202 Eye Infections, 154, 180 F Family Planning, 137, 180 Fat, 16, 70, 73, 94, 154, 159, 160, 161, 162, 164, 170, 176, 180, 193, 207, 218, 221, 224 Fatigue, 85, 180, 185 Fatty acids, 40, 48, 52, 155, 180, 184, 209 Feces, 92, 170, 180, 220 Fetal Blood, 180, 206 Fetus, 180, 206, 225, 226 Fibril, 30, 180 Fibrin, 15, 28, 32, 48, 60, 88, 89, 91, 158, 162, 167, 180, 204, 207, 222 Fibrinogen, 12, 13, 48, 88, 91, 180, 206, 222 Fibrinolysis, 117, 180 Fibrinolytic, 11, 180, 192 Fibroblasts, 4, 18, 170, 180 Fibronectin, 11, 14, 180 Fibrosis, 29, 155, 180 Filtration, 7, 78, 80, 91, 114, 122, 180, 192 Flatus, 180, 182 Flecainide, 33, 180 Flow Cytometry, 17, 180 Flucytosine, 15, 181 Fluorescence, 10, 25, 26, 27, 48, 180, 181 Fluorescent Dyes, 180, 181 Fluorouracil, 40, 181 Fluphenazine, 30, 181

Fold, 110, 181 Forearm, 162, 181 Fractionation, 18, 40, 109, 181 Free Radicals, 158, 174, 181 Fructose, 45, 181 Fungicide, 181, 186 Fungus, 165, 181 G Gadolinium, 7, 181 Gallate, 67, 181 Gallbladder, 153, 161, 174, 181 Gamma Rays, 181, 212, 213 Ganglia, 153, 160, 182, 200, 204 Gangrene, 78, 182 Gas exchange, 182, 214 Gastric, 175, 178, 182, 186, 201 Gastric Acid, 182, 201 Gastrin, 182, 187 Gastrointestinal, 163, 164, 178, 182, 184, 195, 217, 220 Gastrointestinal tract, 178, 182, 184, 217, 220 Gels, 39, 182 Gene, 90, 98, 109, 110, 154, 162, 182, 185, 187, 201, 207, 216 Gene Expression, 98, 109, 110, 182 Gene Therapy, 90, 154, 182 Genetic Code, 182, 201 Genetic testing, 182, 208 Genetics, 34, 170, 171, 182, 197 Genital, 6, 7, 167, 182 Genotype, 15, 22, 182, 205 Germ Cells, 182, 202, 219, 222 Gestation, 9, 182, 204, 206 Gestational, 28, 183 Gestational Age, 28, 183 Gland, 9, 154, 171, 183, 194, 203, 210, 216, 220, 223 Glioma, 71, 183 Glomerular, 7, 183, 192, 195, 213 Glomerular Filtration Rate, 183, 192, 195 Glomerulus, 183 Glucose, 3, 8, 11, 13, 15, 54, 76, 78, 79, 126, 159, 162, 167, 173, 183, 185, 188, 190, 218 Glucose Intolerance, 173, 183 Glucose Oxidase, 79, 183 Glucose tolerance, 3, 8, 183 Glucose Tolerance Test, 183 Glucuronic Acid, 116, 183, 186 Glucuronides, 183 Glutamic Acid, 183, 186, 200, 209 Glutathione Peroxidase, 21, 184, 216

235

Glutathione Transferase, 41, 184 Glycerol, 83, 184, 205 Glycerophospholipids, 184, 205 Glycine, 35, 161, 184, 200, 217 Glycols, 184, 187 Glycoprotein, 98, 110, 158, 180, 184, 222, 224 Glycosylation, 53, 184 Goats, 87, 184 Gossypol, 72, 184 Governing Board, 184, 208 Graft, 114, 184, 189 Graft Rejection, 184, 189 Grafting, 184, 189 Granulocytes, 184, 193, 227 Graphite, 27, 51, 184 Growth factors, 184, 201 Guanine, 173, 184, 212 H Habitual, 21, 184 Haematuria, 185 Haemophilia, 106, 185 Half-Life, 112, 185 Haptens, 154, 185 Headache, 112, 163, 185, 188 Headache Disorders, 185 Heart attack, 164, 185 Heart failure, 77, 185 Hematocrit, 104, 105, 162, 185 Hemodiafiltration, 117, 185, 225 Hemodialysis, 36, 93, 117, 173, 185, 192, 225 Hemodynamics, 185, 192 Hemofiltration, 117, 185, 225 Hemoglobin, 12, 82, 105, 119, 157, 162, 178, 185, 186 Hemoglobin C, 105, 157, 186 Hemoglobinopathies, 182, 186 Hemophilia, 81, 142, 186 Hemorrhage, 171, 176, 185, 186, 220 Hemorrhaging, 113, 186 Heparin, 35, 89, 93, 186 Hepatic, 9, 10, 126, 155, 172, 183, 186, 193, 208 Hepatitis, 36, 82, 85, 106, 117, 119, 186 Hepatitis Viruses, 106, 186 Hepatocellular, 10, 186 Hepatocyte, 166, 186 Hepatoma, 70, 186 Herbicides, 174, 186 Hereditary, 126, 186, 198, 200, 204, 206 Heredity, 182, 186

Heterogeneity, 15, 110, 154, 186 Hexachlorobenzene, 27, 186 Histamine, 38, 158, 186 Histidine, 84, 186 Homeostasis, 10, 52, 87, 89, 186 Homologous, 10, 55, 171, 182, 186, 216, 221 Hormonal, 23, 160, 187 Hormone, 21, 35, 53, 56, 155, 171, 173, 178, 182, 187, 190, 196, 209, 214, 222, 223 Human growth hormone, 88, 187 Human papillomavirus, 108, 187 Hyaluronidase, 40, 187 Hybrid, 187 Hybridoma, 89, 187 Hydration, 13, 83, 101, 187 Hydrogel, 101, 187 Hydrogen Peroxide, 52, 71, 79, 183, 184, 187, 193, 221 Hydrolysis, 159, 187, 208, 211, 224 Hydrophilic, 114, 187 Hydrophobic, 13, 114, 184, 187, 193 Hydroxides, 187 Hydroxyl Radical, 86, 187 Hydroxylysine, 168, 187 Hydroxyproline, 33, 37, 168, 187 Hyperalgesia, 4, 187 Hyperbilirubinemia, 187, 191 Hyperglycemia, 12, 187 Hyperlipidemia, 58, 187 Hypertension, 41, 89, 164, 185, 188 Hypochlorous Acid, 71, 188 Hypoglycaemia, 172, 188 Hypoglycemia, 11, 188 Hypokinesia, 18, 21, 188, 203 Hypotension, 158, 188 Hypotensive, 112, 188 Hypoxia, 157, 172, 188, 222 Hysterectomy, 188 I Iatrogenic, 88, 188 Ibuprofen, 121, 188 Idiocy, 44, 188 Immune Complex Diseases, 188, 206 Immune response, 158, 160, 171, 184, 185, 188, 189, 220, 227 Immune system, 90, 188, 189, 194, 204, 226, 227 Immunity, 59, 154, 188 Immunization, 188, 189 Immunoassay, 89, 103, 188

236

Blood Plasma

Immunodeficiency, 15, 22, 38, 40, 42, 43, 82, 127, 189 Immunodeficiency syndrome, 127, 189 Immunoelectrophoresis, 158, 189 Immunofluorescence, 9, 17, 189 Immunoglobulins, 56, 189, 206 Immunologic, 76, 81, 183, 188, 189, 213 Immunology, 18, 25, 43, 154, 181, 189 Immunosuppressant, 181, 189 Immunosuppression, 189, 202 Immunosuppressive, 189 Immunosuppressive therapy, 189 Immunotherapy, 127, 189 Impairment, 70, 159, 166, 172, 175, 180, 189, 196, 211 Implant radiation, 189, 190, 191, 212, 228 Implantation, 78, 189 In vitro, 5, 12, 14, 18, 29, 38, 40, 182, 189, 207, 217 In vivo, 12, 14, 15, 42, 52, 70, 90, 107, 112, 113, 161, 182, 186, 189, 197, 202 Incision, 189, 191, 212 Incontinence, 189, 209 Induction, 114, 158, 189, 212 Infarction, 189 Inflammation, 112, 155, 158, 179, 180, 186, 190, 204, 207, 214, 219, 221 Infusion, 40, 84, 190, 224 Ingestion, 68, 79, 84, 88, 183, 190, 207 Initiator, 13, 190 Insecticides, 190, 204 Insight, 10, 190 Insomnia, 87, 190 Insulator, 79, 190 Insulin, 21, 40, 79, 105, 183, 190, 224 Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, 190 Interferon, 40, 190 Interferon-alpha, 40, 190 Intermittent, 126, 190, 208 Internal radiation, 190, 191, 212, 228 Interstitial, 10, 38, 78, 163, 179, 190, 191, 213, 228 Intestinal, 164, 177, 183, 190 Intestine, 72, 161, 163, 190, 192 Intoxication, 172, 191, 227 Intracellular, 5, 6, 77, 82, 85, 163, 190, 191, 196, 208, 210, 216 Intracellular Membranes, 191, 196 Intraepithelial, 108, 191 Intrahepatic, 10, 191 Intramuscular, 116, 185, 191 Intraperitoneal, 72, 191

Intravenous, 56, 72, 116, 126, 190, 191 Intrinsic, 13, 107, 154, 160, 191 Invasive, 8, 79, 110, 120, 188, 191, 195 Involuntary, 160, 167, 191, 199, 218 Ion Exchange, 116, 191 Ionization, 18, 26, 34, 191 Ionizing, 92, 155, 191, 213 Ions, 32, 83, 118, 160, 174, 176, 187, 191, 197, 211, 215 Irradiation, 92, 163, 191, 228 Ischemia, 71, 113, 160, 191 Isotonic, 60, 191 Isozymes, 34, 191 J Jaundice, 86, 187, 191 K Kallikrein-Kinin System, 47, 191 Kb, 136, 192 Keratin, 76, 192 Kidney Disease, 77, 136, 192 Kidney Failure, 77, 78, 87, 93, 177, 192, 195 Kidney Failure, Acute, 192 Kidney Failure, Chronic, 192 Kinetic, 15, 42, 46, 107, 191, 192 Kringles, 11, 192 L Labile, 85, 168, 192 Lactate Dehydrogenase, 41, 192 Lactation, 9, 28, 47, 192 Lag, 12, 192 Large Intestine, 174, 191, 192, 213, 218 Latent, 7, 193, 205, 208 Laxative, 164, 193, 218 Lectin, 193, 196 Lens, 27, 193, 227 Lesion, 98, 193, 194, 222 Leucocyte, 28, 80, 155, 193 Leukapheresis, 158, 162, 193 Leukemia, 17, 20, 56, 182, 193, 199 Ligaments, 170, 193 Ligands, 193, 221 Lindane, 25, 193 Linkages, 185, 193 Lipid Peroxidation, 34, 43, 46, 71, 193, 203 Lipophilic, 44, 107, 193, 207 Lipoprotein, 11, 15, 19, 28, 34, 36, 44, 85, 86, 111, 193, 194 Liposome, 58, 193 Liquor, 100, 193 Lithium, 29, 158, 193 Liver, 4, 9, 10, 16, 35, 70, 71, 76, 86, 90, 116, 120, 126, 153, 155, 156, 159, 161, 166,

237

172, 174, 177, 180, 181, 183, 186, 191, 193, 194, 208, 215 Liver Cirrhosis, 35, 193 Liver scan, 194, 215 Lobe, 187, 194, 203 Localization, 9, 194 Localized, 77, 98, 110, 156, 170, 177, 190, 194, 206, 226 Longitudinal study, 36, 194 Low-density lipoprotein, 193, 194 Lubricants, 194, 199 Lymph, 77, 166, 177, 194, 196, 220 Lymph node, 77, 166, 194, 196 Lymphatic, 10, 78, 177, 190, 194, 197, 218, 219, 223 Lymphatic system, 194, 218, 219, 223 Lymphocytes, 4, 18, 158, 171, 188, 193, 194, 219, 223, 227 Lymphoid, 157, 170, 193, 194 Lymphoma, 17, 99, 100, 194 Lysine, 186, 187, 194, 224 M Macrophage, 12, 15, 43, 194 Macula, 194, 195 Macula Lutea, 194, 195 Macular Degeneration, 5, 195 Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 7, 195, 215 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, 31, 58, 195 Malaria, 15, 43, 58, 195 Malaria, Falciparum, 195 Malaria, Vivax, 195 Malignancy, 31, 48, 98, 108, 195, 203 Malignant, 22, 29, 45, 98, 99, 108, 158, 164, 195, 198, 200, 213 Malignant tumor, 29, 164, 195, 198 Malnutrition, 155, 160, 195 Mammary, 9, 195 Manic, 158, 193, 195, 211 Mannitol, 45, 195 Matrix metalloproteinase, 11, 195 Meat, 84, 195 Mediastinum, 195, 214 Mediate, 10, 11, 175, 196 MEDLINE, 137, 196 Melanin, 196, 205, 225 Melanocytes, 196 Melanoma, 17, 163, 196, 225 Membrane Lipids, 196, 205 Membrane Proteins, 10, 196, 211 Memory, 11, 172, 196 Meninges, 165, 171, 196

Menstrual Cycle, 196, 209 Mental, iv, 5, 136, 138, 165, 172, 174, 180, 188, 196, 211, 216, 217, 225 Mental Disorders, 188, 196, 211 Meperidine, 35, 173, 196 Mercury, 92, 181, 196 Mercury Compounds, 92, 196 Mesenchymal, 178, 196 Mesolimbic, 158, 197 Metabolite, 25, 37, 72, 174, 197, 206 Metastasis, 11, 195, 197 Metastatic, 11, 98, 100, 110, 197, 216 Mice Minute Virus, 197, 203 Micelles, 52, 197 Microbe, 197, 223 Microcirculation, 193, 197, 207 Microdialysis, 17, 197 Microorganism, 197, 227 Microscopy, 9, 17, 160, 197 Migration, 11, 197 Mitosis, 159, 197 Mitotic, 197, 226 Mobility, 31, 197 Modeling, 6, 197 Modification, 45, 58, 114, 173, 197, 212 Molecular Probes, 176, 197 Molecule, 10, 91, 96, 103, 116, 158, 160, 164, 168, 169, 174, 176, 179, 186, 187, 193, 196, 197, 202, 203, 213, 223 Monitor, 60, 107, 171, 198, 201 Monoamine, 156, 173, 198 Monoclonal, 12, 18, 53, 68, 89, 98, 191, 198, 212, 228 Monoclonal antibodies, 18, 198 Monocyte, 12, 40, 198 Mononuclear, 6, 32, 198, 224 Morphine, 24, 116, 196, 198, 199, 202 Morphology, 93, 198 Motion Sickness, 198, 199 Motor nerve, 198 Movement Disorders, 158, 198, 222 Mucins, 198, 215 Mucositis, 198, 222 Multidrug resistance, 110, 198 Multiple Myeloma, 23, 54, 142, 198 Muscle Contraction, 118, 198, 215 Muscle Fibers, 154, 198, 199, 224 Muscle Proteins, 170, 198 Muscle relaxant, 112, 198, 205 Muscle Spindles, 199, 205 Muscle tension, 198, 199 Musculature, 188, 199

238

Blood Plasma

Mutagenic, 174, 199 Myelodysplasia, 56, 199 Myelogenous, 199 Myeloma, 187, 199 Myocardial infarction, 20, 41, 113, 118, 170, 199, 227 Myocardium, 16, 199 Myoclonus, 87, 199 Myoglobin, 78, 199 Myopia, 199, 213, 227 Myosin, 118, 198, 199, 224 Myotonic Dystrophy, 32, 199 N Naphthalenes, 44, 199 Narcotic, 196, 198, 199, 223 Nasal Cavity, 199 Nasal Mucosa, 96, 199 Nausea, 101, 126, 157, 158, 175, 199, 225 Necrosis, 159, 189, 199, 200 Neoplasia, 98, 99, 100, 108, 200 Neoplasm, 99, 110, 200, 224 Nephron, 183, 191, 200 Nephropathy, 192, 200 Nephrosis, 77, 200 Nervous System, 4, 88, 96, 112, 126, 153, 155, 156, 163, 165, 168, 173, 182, 184, 198, 199, 200, 202, 204, 207, 217, 221 Networks, 78, 200 Neural, 11, 44, 156, 200 Neurodegenerative Diseases, 87, 160, 200 Neuroleptic, 154, 158, 200 Neuromuscular, 153, 200, 209 Neuromuscular Junction, 153, 200 Neuronal, 161, 200 Neurons, 168, 182, 198, 200, 221 Neurotoxic, 27, 200 Neurotoxin, 11, 200 Neurotransmitter, 153, 163, 175, 184, 186, 200, 220 Neutrons, 155, 163, 191, 200, 212 Neutrophil, 4, 200 Nevirapine, 57, 200, 201 Niacin, 201, 224 Nimodipine, 34, 201 Nitrogen, 26, 155, 179, 192, 201, 224 Non-nucleoside, 57, 172, 200, 201 Nuclear, 8, 31, 50, 53, 160, 168, 170, 176, 181, 182, 200, 201, 212 Nuclei, 155, 170, 176, 182, 195, 197, 200, 201, 202, 211 Nucleic acid, 23, 82, 99, 108, 109, 110, 172, 182, 201, 209, 212, 215

Nucleus, 159, 160, 167, 171, 172, 173, 176, 182, 194, 198, 200, 201, 211, 220, 222 O Occupational Exposure, 34, 59, 201 Ointments, 175, 201 Oliguria, 192, 195, 201 Omeprazole, 26, 201 Oncogenes, 99, 201 Oncogenic, 108, 201 Oncotic, 76, 201 On-line, 32, 51, 151, 201 O-Phthalaldehyde, 57, 201 Opiate, 198, 202 Opium, 198, 202 Opportunistic Infections, 6, 202 Opsin, 202, 214 Optic Nerve, 202, 214 Organ Transplantation, 90, 202 Organelles, 165, 172, 196, 202 Orgasm, 176, 202, 216 Orthostatic, 158, 202 Osmolarity, 195, 202 Osmotic, 155, 202, 217 Osteoarthritis, 179, 202 Ovary, 98, 170, 202, 207 Ovum, 170, 172, 182, 202, 209, 228 Oxalic Acid, 28, 202 Oxidants, 34, 87, 202 Oxidation-Reduction, 86, 202, 203 Oxidative Stress, 32, 40, 107, 203 Oxides, 159, 184, 203 P Palliative, 78, 203, 222 Palpation, 4, 203 Pancreas, 22, 90, 98, 153, 174, 190, 203, 224 Pancreatic, 22, 99, 100, 203 Pancreatic cancer, 22, 203 Papillomavirus, 108, 203 Parietal, 201, 203, 204 Parkinsonism, 158, 203 Particle, 53, 86, 91, 103, 109, 120, 193, 203 Parvovirus, 85, 197, 203 Pathologic, 159, 161, 170, 187, 203, 211, 226 Pathologic Processes, 159, 203 Pathophysiology, 3, 203 Patient Compliance, 79, 97, 203 Patient Education, 142, 146, 148, 151, 203 Peptide, 10, 11, 24, 37, 89, 91, 96, 112, 192, 204, 208, 210, 211 Perfusion, 161, 188, 204, 223 Perinatal, 7, 204

239

Peripheral blood, 15, 20, 23, 37, 41, 42, 54, 56, 58, 190, 204 Peripheral Nervous System, 200, 204, 220 Peritoneal, 159, 173, 191, 204 Peritoneal Cavity, 159, 191, 204 Peritoneum, 204 Peritonitis, 47, 204 Peroxidase, 35, 79, 193, 204 Peroxide, 79, 87, 183, 204 Pesticides, 25, 186, 190, 204 Petrolatum, 177, 204 Phagocyte, 12, 202, 204 Pharmaceutical Solutions, 175, 204 Pharmacodynamic, 6, 204 Pharmacokinetic, 6, 68, 97, 112, 121, 204 Pharmacologic, 157, 185, 205, 223 Phenolphthalein, 177, 205 Phenotype, 110, 205 Phenyl, 196, 205 Phenylalanine, 205, 225 Phenytoin, 47, 205 Pheresis, 120, 205 Phlebotomy, 126, 205 Phosphates, 78, 85, 205 Phospholipids, 16, 48, 180, 192, 193, 196, 205 Phosphorus, 163, 205 Phosphorylated, 168, 205 Photoallergy, 205 Photocoagulation, 168, 205 Photosensitivity, 126, 205, 208 Photosensitization, 92, 205 Photosensitizing Agents, 78, 206 Physical Examination, 183, 206 Physical Therapy, 78, 206 Physiologic, 154, 161, 173, 185, 188, 191, 196, 199, 206, 209, 213 Pigment, 49, 161, 184, 196, 199, 206, 214 Pipette, 77, 206 Placenta, 42, 180, 206, 209, 225 Placental tissue, 98, 206 Plants, 155, 164, 168, 183, 186, 193, 198, 202, 206, 207, 215, 223 Plasma cells, 17, 23, 54, 58, 157, 198, 199, 206 Plasma Exchange, 57, 206 Plasma expander, 10, 76, 120, 206 Plasma protein, 18, 20, 22, 25, 49, 50, 52, 55, 72, 77, 78, 90, 93, 155, 192, 206, 211, 217 Plasma Volume, 83, 162, 206 Plasmapheresis, 90, 93, 120, 158, 162, 206

Plasmids, 176, 206 Plasmin, 116, 158, 207 Plasminogen Activators, 31, 207 Plasticity, 186, 207 Platelet Activation, 14, 207 Plateletpheresis, 158, 162, 207 Platelets, 13, 58, 60, 162, 205, 207, 222 Pleated, 192, 207 Pneumonia, 170, 207 Poisoning, 172, 191, 196, 199, 207 Polioviruses, 85, 207 Pollen, 207, 212 Polychlorinated Biphenyls, 44, 47, 207 Polyethylene, 12, 58, 87, 119, 207 Polymerase, 55, 207, 214 Polymerase Chain Reaction, 55, 207 Polymorphic, 34, 110, 208 Polypeptide, 155, 168, 178, 180, 199, 207, 208, 224, 228 Polysaccharide, 158, 208 Porosity, 83, 208 Porphyria, 126, 205, 208 Porphyria Cutanea Tarda, 126, 205, 208 Porphyria, Hepatic, 208 Posterior, 4, 117, 156, 160, 167, 175, 203, 208 Postoperative, 179, 196, 208 Postprandial, 58, 208 Potassium, 83, 155, 208 Practice Guidelines, 138, 208 Precancerous, 208, 209 Precipitation, 87, 208 Precursor, 89, 117, 159, 160, 175, 176, 177, 205, 208, 211, 224, 225 Predisposition, 110, 111, 208 Pregnancy Maintenance, 178, 209 Pregnancy Tests, 183, 209 Premalignant, 98, 99, 108, 110, 208, 209 Preoperative, 69, 209 Prevalence, 3, 209 Primary tumor, 100, 209 Prion, 87, 165, 209 Probe, 197, 209 Procainamide, 36, 209 Procaine, 209 Progeny, 170, 209 Progesterone, 70, 84, 209, 220 Progression, 4, 10, 78, 99, 108, 157, 209 Progressive, 87, 167, 172, 175, 192, 199, 200, 202, 207, 209, 213, 224 Proline, 33, 37, 48, 168, 187, 209 Prone, 110, 209

240

Blood Plasma

Propanolol, 102, 209 Propantheline, 33, 209 Prophylaxis, 6, 79, 209, 227 Prospective study, 17, 194, 209 Prostaglandin, 71, 209 Prostaglandins A, 210 Prostate, 210, 216 Prostheses and Implants, 159, 210 Protease, 13, 89, 117, 210 Protein Binding, 13, 28, 210, 223 Protein C, 12, 49, 53, 88, 118, 154, 155, 158, 192, 193, 198, 210, 224 Protein Kinases, 201, 210 Protein S, 162, 182, 187, 210, 215 Protein-Energy Malnutrition, 21, 210 Proteinuria, 198, 210 Proteolytic, 155, 169, 180, 207, 211 Prothrombin, 211, 222 Proton Pump, 201, 211 Protons, 45, 155, 187, 191, 195, 211, 212 Protozoa, 170, 197, 211 Protozoan, 165, 195, 211 Psoriasis, 30, 168, 206, 211 Psychoactive, 211, 227 Psychosis, 158, 183, 211 Psychotomimetic, 156, 173, 211 Public Policy, 137, 211 Publishing, 14, 211 Pulmonary, 77, 162, 166, 185, 192, 211, 212, 214, 227 Pulmonary Artery, 162, 211, 212 Pulmonary Edema, 166, 192, 211 Pulmonary Embolism, 212, 227 Pulmonary Ventilation, 212, 214 Pulse, 198, 212 Punctures, 122, 212 Purines, 212, 217 Putrefaction, 182, 212 Pyridoxal, 119, 212 Pyrimidines, 212, 217 Pyrogenic, 114, 212 Q Quality of Life, 81, 212 Quaternary, 71, 92, 212 Quercetin, 68, 70, 212 R Race, 197, 212 Radiation, 69, 90, 114, 176, 179, 181, 189, 190, 191, 212, 213, 215, 225, 227, 228 Radiation therapy, 90, 179, 181, 190, 191, 212, 228

Radioactive, 163, 172, 185, 187, 189, 190, 191, 194, 197, 198, 201, 212, 213, 215, 228 Radioactivity, 41, 212 Radiography, 183, 212 Radiolabeled, 12, 191, 212, 228 Radiological, 78, 212 Radiology, 213 Radiopharmaceuticals, 46, 213 Radiotherapy, 163, 191, 212, 213, 228 Randomized, 176, 213 Rationalize, 13, 213 Reagent, 76, 88, 94, 95, 103, 166, 201, 202, 213 Receptor, 11, 79, 112, 158, 161, 166, 175, 213, 217 Recombinant, 50, 161, 213 Recombination, 82, 170, 182, 213 Rectal, 116, 213 Rectum, 158, 163, 168, 174, 180, 182, 189, 192, 210, 213 Red blood cells, 39, 82, 104, 126, 178, 208, 213 Red Nucleus, 160, 213 Reductase, 107, 213 Refer, 1, 168, 194, 200, 208, 211, 213, 217, 223, 226 Refraction, 199, 213, 219 Refractory, 96, 176, 213 Regeneration, 154, 213 Regimen, 7, 111, 176, 203, 213 Relaxant, 205, 213 Renal failure, 87, 113, 172, 213 Renin, 192, 213 Resection, 35, 214 Respiration, 164, 166, 171, 198, 214 Respiratory distress syndrome, 77, 214 Respiratory System, 112, 214 Response rate, 6, 214 Rete Testis, 72, 214 Retina, 5, 167, 169, 193, 194, 195, 199, 202, 214, 215, 227 Retinal, 5, 11, 202, 214 Retinal pigment epithelium, 5, 214 Retinol, 214 Retroviral vector, 182, 214 Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors, 15, 42, 57, 214 Rheumatoid, 166, 179, 202, 214 Rheumatoid arthritis, 166, 179, 214 Rhinitis, 209, 214 Rhodopsin, 202, 214 Ribonucleic acid, 98, 110, 215

241

Ribose, 153, 215, 222 Ribosome, 215, 224 Risk factor, 3, 107, 209, 215 Rodenticides, 204, 215 Rods, 181, 214, 215 Ruminants, 184, 215 Rutin, 212, 215 S Saline, 76, 82, 93, 206, 215 Saliva, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24, 50, 54, 55, 59, 110, 215 Salivary, 172, 174, 203, 215, 220 Salivary glands, 172, 174, 215 Sarcoplasmic Reticulum, 118, 215 Satellite, 80, 215 Scabicide, 193, 215 Scans, 49, 215 Schizoid, 215, 227 Schizophrenia, 216, 227 Schizotypal Personality Disorder, 216, 227 Scleroproteins, 192, 216 Scoliosis, 39, 216 Screening, 8, 57, 81, 86, 167, 216 Secondary tumor, 197, 216 Secretion, 10, 178, 186, 190, 192, 198, 201, 216 Secretory, 201, 216 Sediment, 216 Sedimentation, 50, 165, 216 Segmental, 77, 78, 216 Segmentation, 216 Segregation, 213, 216 Seizures, 172, 205, 216 Selenium, 27, 39, 216 Semen, 23, 31, 176, 210, 216 Seminal fluid, 34, 216 Seminiferous Epithelium, 162, 216 Seminiferous tubule, 214, 216, 219 Senility, 217, 227 Sensibility, 156, 187, 217 Sensor, 11, 69, 94, 102, 217 Septal, 217 Septic, 29, 159, 217 Septum, 121, 122, 199, 217 Septum Pellucidum, 217 Sequence Homology, 18, 217 Sequencing, 208, 217 Serine, 117, 217, 224 Serologic, 188, 217 Serology, 81, 217 Serotonin, 158, 200, 217, 224 Serum Albumin, 35, 49, 50, 217

Sex Characteristics, 178, 217, 222 Shock, 29, 76, 119, 199, 217, 224 Side effect, 78, 90, 96, 97, 114, 121, 154, 158, 217, 223 Silicon, 40, 217, 218 Silicon Dioxide, 217, 218 Skeletal, 38, 118, 171, 198, 199, 215, 218, 224 Skeleton, 41, 153, 209, 218 Small intestine, 167, 175, 187, 191, 218, 224 Smooth muscle, 112, 155, 163, 170, 186, 198, 218, 220, 226 Social Environment, 212, 218 Sodium, 83, 101, 155, 162, 192, 218 Soft tissue, 162, 218 Solid tumor, 8, 218 Solvent, 13, 73, 92, 101, 153, 166, 178, 184, 202, 204, 218 Somatic, 177, 197, 204, 218 Sorbitol, 195, 218 Space Flight, 18, 33, 218 Spasm, 158, 218 Specialist, 143, 218 Species, 87, 96, 164, 171, 177, 178, 187, 195, 197, 198, 202, 203, 207, 212, 217, 218, 220, 224, 226, 227 Specificity, 10, 154, 218, 223 Spectrometer, 86, 112, 218 Spectrophotometry, 27, 219 Spectroscopic, 50, 111, 195, 219 Spectrum, 18, 86, 98, 219 Sperm, 167, 207, 216, 219 Spermatozoa, 216, 219 Spinal cord, 165, 166, 196, 200, 204, 219 Spirochete, 219, 221 Spleen, 156, 172, 187, 194, 219 Spondylitis, 179, 219 Sporadic, 88, 200, 208, 219 Sputum, 92, 219 Squamous, 108, 178, 219 Squamous cell carcinoma, 108, 178, 219 Squamous cells, 219 Squamous Epithelium, 108, 219 Stabilization, 205, 219 Stabilizer, 164, 219 Staging, 8, 215, 219 Steady state, 14, 219 Stem Cells, 219, 225 Stent, 122, 220 Sterile, 159, 220 Sterilization, 92, 220 Steroid, 161, 171, 183, 220

242

Blood Plasma

Stimulant, 156, 163, 173, 186, 220 Stimulus, 22, 176, 179, 192, 220, 222 Stomach, 98, 153, 174, 178, 182, 183, 187, 199, 204, 215, 218, 219, 220 Stool, 126, 168, 189, 192, 220 Strand, 207, 220 Stress, 83, 85, 105, 171, 199, 203, 208, 214, 220, 226 Stroke, 136, 164, 220 Subacute, 190, 220 Subarachnoid, 185, 220 Subclinical, 190, 216, 220 Subcutaneous, 96, 116, 176, 185, 220 Submaxillary, 178, 220 Subspecies, 218, 220 Substance P, 112, 197, 216, 220 Substrate, 10, 79, 100, 104, 114, 178, 220 Suction, 100, 180, 220 Sulfadoxine, 26, 220 Sulfur, 179, 184, 221 Superoxide, 35, 221 Superoxide Dismutase, 35, 221 Supplementation, 69, 72, 117, 221 Suppression, 221 Suppressive, 56, 221 Surface Plasmon Resonance, 14, 21, 221 Sympathomimetic, 156, 173, 175, 178, 221 Symptomatic, 180, 221 Synapse, 154, 200, 221, 224 Synaptic, 154, 200, 221 Synovial, 4, 60, 221 Synovial Fluid, 4, 60, 221 Synovial Membrane, 221 Syphilis, 15, 25, 221 Systemic, 4, 23, 77, 93, 156, 162, 166, 172, 178, 185, 188, 190, 191, 212, 221, 222, 227, 228 Systemic disease, 4, 221 Systemic lupus erythematosus, 166, 188, 221 Systemic therapy, 166, 222 Systolic, 188, 222 T Tachycardia, 105, 222 Tardive, 158, 222 Telomere, 185, 222 Teratogenic, 174, 222 Testis, 162, 214, 222 Testosterone, 213, 222 Thalamic, 160, 222 Thalamic Diseases, 160, 222 Therapeutics, 96, 222

Thermal, 27, 91, 92, 163, 174, 200, 207, 222 Threonine, 217, 222 Threshold, 8, 91, 188, 222 Thrombin, 34, 88, 89, 180, 210, 211, 222 Thrombocytes, 80, 114, 207, 222 Thrombocytopenia, 59, 222 Thrombolytic, 117, 222 Thrombomodulin, 210, 222 Thymidine, 110, 222, 223 Thymidine Phosphorylase, 110, 222 Thymidylate Synthase, 110, 223 Thymus, 188, 194, 223 Thyroid, 53, 223, 225 Thyroxine, 59, 155, 205, 223 Tissue Distribution, 9, 223 Tolerance, 3, 56, 126, 153, 183, 223 Tomography, 8, 49, 169, 195, 223 Tonicity, 176, 191, 223 Topical, 78, 159, 168, 178, 187, 199, 204, 223 Total hysterectomy, 7, 223 Toxic, iv, 7, 93, 170, 171, 172, 188, 207, 216, 223 Toxicity, 90, 175, 196, 223 Toxicology, 27, 31, 38, 39, 43, 47, 52, 138, 223 Toxin, 93, 177, 223 Trace element, 163, 167, 168, 217, 223 Trachea, 163, 196, 223 Tramadol, 37, 223 Transcriptase, 172, 200, 201, 214, 223 Transcription Factors, 201, 223 Transcutaneous, 78, 224 Transfection, 9, 161, 176, 182, 224 Transferases, 184, 224 Transfusion, 56, 114, 120, 142, 179, 224 Translation, 98, 224 Transmitter, 153, 161, 175, 224 Transplantation, 25, 90, 167, 188, 192, 224 Transurethral, 35, 224 Trauma, 10, 90, 122, 172, 200, 224, 227 Trigger zone, 158, 224 Triglyceride, 4, 16, 53, 58, 224 Tropomyosin, 198, 224 Troponin, 118, 198, 224 Troponin C, 118, 224 Trypsin, 224, 228 Tryptophan, 50, 168, 217, 224 Tumor Necrosis Factor, 4, 224 Tumour, 71, 224 Type 2 diabetes, 3, 224 Tyrosine, 11, 165, 175, 225

243

U Ultrafiltration, 77, 78, 93, 117, 185, 225 Ultrasonography, 183, 225 Ultraviolet radiation, 206, 225 Umbilical Arteries, 225 Umbilical Cord, 24, 42, 52, 225 Umbilical cord blood, 24, 52, 225 Unconscious, 157, 213, 225 Univalent, 187, 203, 225 Uremia, 192, 213, 225 Urethra, 210, 224, 225 Urinary, 20, 61, 189, 201, 209, 220, 225, 227 Urinary tract, 220, 225 Urinate, 225, 227 Urokinase, 11, 31, 225 Uroporphyrinogen Decarboxylase, 208, 225 Urticaria, 142, 226 Uterus, 166, 170, 172, 177, 188, 209, 223, 226 V Vaccine, 36, 92, 98, 226 Vagina, 7, 166, 173, 226 Vaginal, 84, 226 Vascular, 8, 56, 77, 112, 155, 167, 177, 185, 189, 190, 193, 197, 206, 207, 226 Vasoconstriction, 178, 226 Vasodilator, 163, 175, 186, 226 Vasopressins, 192, 226 Vein, 77, 78, 191, 201, 205, 215, 225, 226 Venereal, 221, 226 Venlafaxine, 101, 226 Venous, 162, 210, 226, 227 Venous Thrombosis, 226, 227 Ventricles, 166, 217, 226 Ventricular, 180, 226 Venules, 162, 164, 197, 226 Vestibular, 84, 226

Vestibule, 226 Veterinary Medicine, 137, 226 Vinblastine, 71, 226 Vinca Alkaloids, 226 Viral, 7, 34, 81, 108, 114, 201, 226, 227 Viral Load, 7, 226 Virulence, 160, 223, 227 Virus, 7, 15, 22, 38, 40, 42, 43, 81, 106, 127, 165, 187, 190, 214, 226, 227 Viscosity, 9, 17, 56, 187, 227 Vitreous, 117, 193, 214, 227 Vitreous Body, 214, 227 Vitreous Detachment, 117, 227 Vitro, 12, 14, 186, 227 Vivo, 12, 14, 90, 93, 227 Void, 94, 227 W Wakefulness, 172, 227 War, 119, 166, 227 Warfarin, 29, 227 Warts, 187, 227 White blood cell, 157, 194, 198, 199, 200, 205, 206, 227 Windpipe, 223, 227 Withdrawal, 79, 82, 172, 196, 227 Wound Healing, 195, 227 X Xanthine, 55, 227 Xenograft, 157, 227 X-ray, 169, 181, 182, 191, 201, 212, 213, 215, 219, 227, 228 X-ray therapy, 191, 228 Y Yeasts, 181, 205, 228 Z Zygote, 170, 228 Zymogen, 13, 210, 228

244

Blood Plasma

Blood Plasma - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

High Blood Pressure - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

High Blood Pressure - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Blood Clots - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Blood Tests - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Blood Gases - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Low Blood Pressure - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Low Blood Sugar: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References

Blood Transfusions - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Blood Typing: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References

Blood Pressure - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

White Blood Cells - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Blood Glucose - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Influenza A - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Hepatitis A Vaccine: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References

Foot and Mouth Disease - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Butternut Squash: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References

Facial Paralysis - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Wine - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Breast Augmentation - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Anagrelide: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References

Peanut Allergy: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References

Cauda Equina Syndrome - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Magnesium Citrate: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References

Lipomas - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Barbiturates - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Cephalexin - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References

Lymphedema - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Dermabrasion: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Blood Plasma - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

High Blood Pressure - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

High Blood Pressure - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Blood Clots - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Blood Tests - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Blood Gases - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Low Blood Pressure - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Low Blood Sugar: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References

Blood Transfusions - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Blood Typing: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References

Blood Pressure - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

White Blood Cells - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Blood Glucose - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Influenza A - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Hepatitis A Vaccine: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References

Foot and Mouth Disease - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Butternut Squash: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References

Facial Paralysis - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Wine - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Breast Augmentation - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Anagrelide: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References

Peanut Allergy: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References

Cauda Equina Syndrome - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Magnesium Citrate: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References

Lipomas - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Barbiturates - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Cephalexin - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, And Annotated Research Guide To Internet References

Lymphedema - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Dermabrasion: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Recommend Documents