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The article reports on the interlocking worlds of the Anglo-Boer war in South Africa/India. It is posed that this war has changed lives and histories in various parts of the world. This war involved the forces of Great Britain and the Boer army. It is mentioned that the British were defeated in three important battles against the Boers. In retaliation, they captured Boer children and women and put them into concentration camps.

Focuses on medical-related issues in Great Britain. Criticism on the maternity services in both the medical and lay press; Shortage of cardiologists in the country; Occurrence of Pneumocystis carinii in therapeutically immunosuppressed patients.

Comments on several issues related to medical care in Great Britain. Information on beta-blockers in asthma; Effect of antiepileptic drugs on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis; Factors contributing to mortality in paracetamol-induced hepatic failure.

Comments on the issues related to medical care in Great Britain. Occurrence of Down's syndrome in babies; Reduction of nocturnal emergency surgery; Treatment of esophageal cancer.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including "Movember" in the October 2014 issue, an article about femoral fractures by John Kirkup in the November 2014 issue and "The trauma of war" by Seema Biswa also in the November 2014 issue.

Focusses on euphemisms. Medium for euphemistic language; Kinds of euphemisms; Citation of a cricket commentator using euphemism.

Abstract: The negative-parity yrast band of 110Ag has been extended significantly and the lifetimes of the high spin levels of this band have been measured. The experimentally observed level scheme and measured electromagnetic transition rates have been compared with the theoretical predictions of a model with two quasiparticles coupled to a triaxially deformed core. This calculation successfully reproduces the energy spectra and electromagnetic transition rates beyond . These observations indicate that the principal axis of rotation is responsible for the generation of high angular momentum states along the yrast cascade in 110Ag. In all the other lighter isotopes, these states are generated through titled axis rotation. Thus, 110Ag is the first nucleus where the boundary between tilted and principal axis rotation could be established. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC), guidelines, action plan, questionnaire. [Extracted from the article]

Background and Objective: Cerebrovascular accident is the major cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Elderly populations are more vulnerable to stroke. This study aims to assess awareness level of stroke signs, symptoms, risk factors and response to anticipatory stroke symptoms among a non-stroke elderly population attending a tertiary care centre in Eastern India. Methods: Patients ≥65 years, attending geriatric and medical outpatient departments (OPD), who had a Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥24, were included. The study subjects were asked to respond to a standardized pre-set questionnaire. Results: Out of a study population of 418, 57.2% were male and 42.8% were female. Among them 33.0% were unaware of any stroke symptoms and 49.8% were unaware of any stroke risk factors. On multiple regression analysis, higher income, Hindu religion and urban residence were associated with better knowledge of stroke symptoms; and male gender, higher education and higher income were associated with better knowledge of stroke risk factors. Close to two fifths of the respondents were reluctant to seek medical assistance in response to anticipatory stroke symptoms. Conclusion: There was lack of awareness of symptoms and risk factors of stroke among the elderly population in Eastern India, particularly among those with lower income and education, non-Hindus, rural and female populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context.—Ginsengs are widely used by the general population. These herbs interfere with serum digoxin measurement using the fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Objective.—To assess potential interference of different ginsengs (Asian, American, and Indian, also known as Ashwagandha) in vitro and in vivo in a mouse model by using a new enzyme-linked chemiluminescent immunosorbent digoxin assay and an existing turbidimetric assay. Comparisons were made with the fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Design.—Aliquots of drug-free serum pools were supplemented with ginseng and apparent digoxin concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked chemiluminescent immunosorbent digoxin assay, turbidimetric assay, and fluorescence polarization immunoassay digoxin assays. Mice were fed with different ginseng preparations and apparent digoxin concentrations were measured 1 and 3 hours later. In a separate experiment, aliquots of serum digoxin pools were further supplemented with ginsengs and the serum digoxin concentrations were measured again. Results.—A significant apparent digoxin concentration was observed both in vitro and in vivo using the fluorescence polarization immunoassay, but no apparent digoxin concentration was observed using enzyme-linked chemiluminescent immunosorbent digoxin assay and turbidimetric assay. No interference was observed with enzymelinked chemiluminescent immunosorbent digoxin assay and turbidimetric assay when digoxin serum pools were further supplemented with various ginsengs. Conclusions.—It was concluded that both enzymelinked chemiluminescent immunosorbent and turbidimetric digoxin assays are free from ginseng interferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health issue, ranking as the third leading cause of death worldwide. CKD diagnosis and management depend on clinical laboratory tests, necessitating consistency for precise patient care. Global harmonization of CKD testing through clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) is recommended. Prior to CPG development, assessing the current CKD testing landscape is crucial. In 2022, the European Federation of Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) conducted an online survey among European laboratories associated with EFLM, evaluating CKD testing practices, including new glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation methods. This report summarizes the 2022 survey findings and offers recommendations for improving CKD test standardization., Methods: An online survey was conducted in November 2022 using a questionnaire hosted on LimeSurvey sent to European laboratories affiliated with the EFLM. The survey results were recorded in Excel files and analysed., Results: The results highlight significant discrepancies among countries in unit expression, methods, cystatin C use, and GFR calculation equations. Additionally, limited attention to pediatric renal biology specifics, varied proteinuria and albuminuria result expressions, and limited awareness of GFR measurement methods through iohexol clearance are noted., Conclusions: In an effort to enhance the standardization of crucial biomarkers utilized in nephrology for evaluating renal function and diagnosing kidney injuries, the EFLM Task Group on CKD suggests nine practical recommendations tailored for European laboratories. The group is confident that implementing these measures will minimize result expression discrepancies, ultimately leading to enhanced patient care., (© 2023 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

Background: Tuberculosis of the adrenal glands may cause overt or subclinical adrenal insufficiency. An algorithm-based approach including assessment of paired basal cortisol and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), short Synacthen, and plasma renin activity assays could be useful to diagnose all forms of adrenal insufficiency., Methods: This cross-sectional study included consecutive, treatment-naive subjects diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculosis severity was classified by radiological criteria. Baseline parameters plus morning (8 am) serum cortisol and paired plasma ACTH were measured in all patients. Synacthen stimulation tests and plasma renin activity assays were performed as required., Results: Eighty-four treatment-naive consecutive cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were evaluated for adrenal insufficiency. Twenty-seven (32.14%) subjects had normal adrenocortical function and 8 (9.5%), 7 (8.3%), 40 (47.6%), and 2 (2.4%) subjects had stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, and stage 4 adrenal insufficiency, respectively. Serum cortisol was negatively correlated with radiological severity (P = .01) and duration of illness (P = .001). Adrenal dysfunction was present in 27.3%, 82.5%, and 80% of those with radiologically minimal, moderately advanced, and far-advanced disease, respectively. Mean cortisol was 19.74 ± 5.52, 17.42 ± 8.53, and 15.71 ± 7.14 (μg/dL) in the 3 groups, respectively (P = .042). Hyponatremia was present in 83.3% of the patients. Serum sodium was negatively correlated with severity but not with the duration of disease., Conclusion: The prevalence of overt and subclinical adrenal dysfunction in pulmonary tuberculosis was high and was correlated with disease severity and duration. An algorithmic approach may be useful to detect the same and may have important clinical implications., (Copyright © 2020 AACE. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Recently, Siemens Diagnostics released a new calcium assay (CA&#95;2) based on complex formation of calcium with Arsenazo III dye for use on the three automated, random access ADVIA Chemistry analyzers (1650, 2400, and 1200). We evaluated this method for analytical performance as well as potential interference from gadolinium-containing magnetic contrast agents. With Siemens Chemistry serum and urine controls, 2-levels each, the imprecision for the new method was (n=40 each): within-run and total CV of <2.2 and <3.8%, respectively, over all three platforms. The analytical range/linearity of the method (all three systems) was 1-16 mg/dl (serum or plasma) and 1-32 mg/dl (urine). The new method on all three platforms correlated well with a reference (Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy) method (n=61, range 4.03-10.30 mg/dl). The ADVIA 1650 CA&#95;2 method also correlated well with the Roche Modular system((R)) Calcium method. The new method showed <10% interference with unconjugated or conjugated bilirubin (50 mg/dl), hemoglobin (1,000 mg/dl), lipids (1,000 mg/dl), and two magnetic resonance contrast agents containing Gadolinium (OptiMARK((R)) 1 mmol/l and Omniscan 1.5 mmol/l). On the contrary, the Roche Calcium method showed significant negative interference with gadolinium-containing contrast agents. We conclude that the ADVIA Ca&#95;2 method can measure serum, plasma, or urine calcium concentrations accurately and is also free from interferences of gadolinium-containing agents.

A recent report indicates that hydroxyzine and its active metabolite cetirizine interfere with the particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay (PENTINA) carbamazepine assay. We studied potential interference of hydroxyzine and cetirizine with the turbidimetric carbamazepine immunoassay on ADVIA 1650 and ADVIA 2400 (Bayer Diagnostics, Tarrytown, NY) analyzers. Aliquots of drug-free serum pools were supplemented with various concentrations of hydroxyzine and cetirizine representing therapeutic, moderate toxic, as well as very toxic concentrations. These samples were assayed by the turbidimetric carbamazepine immunoassay on two analyzers. To study the interference in presence of the analyte, aliquots of a serum pool prepared from patients receiving carbamazepine were further supplemented with various amounts of hydroxyzine and or cetirizine and apparent carbamazepine concentrations were measured again in order to compare with the value of original pool. No apparent carbamazepine concentration was observed when aliquots of drug-free serum were supplemented with hydroxyzine or cetirizine. Moreover, in the carbamazepine pool, the original carbamazepine concentration compared well when aliquots of this serum pool were further supplemented with hydroxyzine or cetirizine. We conclude that the turbidimetric carbamazepine immunoassay is free from interference of hydroxyzine and cetirizine., ((c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Spironolactone and potassium canrenoate (aldosterone antagonist diuretics) are sometimes used in conjunction with digoxin for patient management. Spironolactone, potassium canrenoate, and their common metabolite canrenone interfere with serum digoxin measurement using various immunoassays. Recently a new enzyme-linked chemiluminescent immunosorbent digoxin assay (ECLIA-Digoxin) became commercially available for application on the ADVIA IMS 800i modular system (Bayer HealthCare, Tarrytown, NY). We investigated the potential interference of spironolactone and related compounds in this assay by comparing the results with the fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), which is known to have significant cross-reactivity with these compounds as well as a turbidimetric assay for digoxin with no known cross-reactivity with spironolactone and related compounds. Aliquots of drug free serum were supplemented with therapeutic and above therapeutic concentrations of spironolactone, canrenone, and potassium canrenoate, and apparent digoxin concentrations were measured. No apparent digoxin concentration was observed using the ECLIA-Digoxin or turbidimetric assay. When serum pools prepared from patients receiving digoxin were further supplemented with these compounds, we observed no significant change in digoxin concentrations in the presence of these compounds with the ECLIA-Digoxin. We conclude that this assay is virtually free from interferences from spironolactone, potassium canrenoate and their common metabolite canrenone.

Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant that requires careful therapeutic drug monitoring. Valproic acid is also used in psychiatric patients. Bayer Diagnostics (Tarrytown, NY) recently marketed a turbidimetric immunoassay for monitoring valproic acid concentrations in serum or plasma using the ADVIA 1650 analyzer. We evaluated the performance of this new assay by comparing it with a widely used fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) on the AxSYM analyzer (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL). The total coefficient of variation (CV) for the low control of this new assay was 6.8% (mean = 30.7, SD = 2.1 microg/mL, n = 44) while the corresponding CVs for the medium and high controls were 3.3% (mean = 81.0, SD = 2.7 microg/mL, n = 44) and 5.9% (mean = 142.9, SD = 8.4 microg/mL, n = 44), respectively. The assay is linear up to a serum valproic acid concentration of 170 microg/mL, and the detection limit is 4.4 microg/mL. We observed an excellent correlation between the FPIA of valproic acid and the turbidimetric assay using specimens from 52 different patients who were receiving valproic acid. Using the valproic acid concentrations obtained by the FPIA as the x-axis, and the corresponding valproic acid concentrations obtained by the turbidimetric assay as the y-axis, we developed the following regression equation: y = 1.03 x+1.55 (r = 0.98). With this new assay, high concentrations of bilirubin (unconjugated 30 mg/dL and conjugated 30 mg/dL) and gross hemolysis (4+, hemoglobin: 1,500 mg/dL) have no effect on measurements of valproic acid concentration. We conclude that the new turbidimetric assay for valproic acid can be used for routine therapeutic drug monitoring of valproic acid in clinical laboratories.

Salicylaldoxime-immobilized silica gel was characterized and used as a potential sorbent for heavy metal ions, viz. Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Zn(II). The experimental conditions were optimized both in batch and column processes to achieve the maximum efficiency. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters as well as isotherm constants were evaluated to test the feasibility of the process. The role of various metal ions and different anions were tested in order to monitor the process in case of real samples. The alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, and ammonium salts do not have any effect on the said process. This differential behavior can be effectively used for the decontamination of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, and ammonium salts from Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Zn(II) ions via solid phase extraction following AAS measurement. The purification of the salts was confirmed by voltammetric experiment.