The action of lead on the enzyme -aminolaevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D; porphobilinogen synthase, EC 4.2.1.24) in erythrocytes is manifested by an apparent shift in the pH of maximum enzyme activity to lower pH values and by an overall decrease in enzyme activity (1). These effects are readily measurable. For the purpose of assessing exposure to lead, measurements are usually performed at pH 6.4...

UNLABELLED Until recently, Prothrombin Time/International Normalized Ratio (PT/INR) measurements have typically been used to monitor patients on warfarin through institutional laboratories via venous puncture. The Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) device has revolutionized the patient care process by allowing for laboratory testing outside of the central laboratory. OBJECTIVE To analyze humanistic...

S100B, a calcium-dependent protein produced by astroglial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and by chondrocytes, functions as both a neurotrophin and neurotoxin. It has a half-life in the systemic circulation of approximately six hours. We examined whether serum levels of S100B would be predictive of intracranial injury (ICI) in children, as detected by cranial computed tomography (CT),...

Preanalytical uncertainty is attributable to variations in blood sample collection and sample handling before analysis. The aim of this study was to establish a modelling framework for estimating preanalytical uncertainty. There is a need for standardization on which uncertainty sources that should be included, and how the preanalytical uncertainty should be estimated. In Paper I, an uncertaint...

Professionals discuss accompanying mothers' participation during painful procedures as a possibility of care to mother and child, but there is no consensus on this subject. To contribute to this topic, this study addresses the child's needs during venipuncture in a hospital environment and the mother's participation in this procedure, based on authors from psychoanalysis and mother-child bonding.