Toxicity assessment of the alcoholic leaves extract of Reinwardtia indica

The present study aimed to evaluate the safety of the alcoholic leaves extract of Reinwardtia indica in Charles foster rats through an acute and sub-acute oral administration.For assessment of acute oral toxicity test, ratswere orally treated with single dose of the alcoholic leaves extract of Reinwardtia indica at the doses of 50, 250, 500, 1000 2000 and 5000 mg/kg. In sub-acute toxicity study, using the OECD guidelines no. 407, the extract was administered at the doses of 50, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 mg/kg/day for 28 consecutive days and at the dose of 2000 mg/kg satellite group also used for 6 weeks.In acute toxicity above mentioned doses neither showed mortality nor exterior signs of toxicity. In sub-acute, study no significant changes found in haematological and biochemical level ofthe treated rat after 14 days and 28 days in comparison to control. The histopathology of rat brain, kidney, liver, and heart also showed the no cellular changes after extract treated rat.The alcoholic leaves extract of Reinwardtia indica was found non-toxic in single drug dose administration up to 5000 mg/kg (acute study) and in sub-acute administration up to 2000 mg/kg.

Identification of Raoultella spp.: Comparison of three methods

Background: Raoultella is a Gram-negative bacteria, which commonly occur in the natural environment such as water, soil and on plants. In recent years, Raoultella spp. gained more interest. There is also an increasing number of publications describing mainly clinical cases involving these bacteria. Identification of Raoultella spp. is difficult due to a phylogenetic relationship with Klebsiella spp. Purpose: Available biochemical tests do not always allow for their identification to species. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate selected methods of identification of Raoultella spp. and their differentiation from genus Klebsiella. Materials and Methods: In this evaluation three methods were used such as manual test ID32E (bioMérieux), automatic test VITEK2 Compact (bioMérieux) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) method (Bruker). Results: Good identification of the species was obtained for 81.4% of the strains in the ID32E test, 93.3% in VITEK2 Compact test, and 97.4% in MALDI-TOF MS method, respectively. Conclusion: It was established that MALDI-TOF MS method is reliable in identifying genus Raoultella.

Comparative analysis of biochemical test results between arterial and venous blood / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate whether there are differences in the detection of biochemical items such as electrolytes , total protein and urea between arterial plasma and venous plasma .Methods Self paired design was used to compare and study the biochemical results of different samples .70 samples ( 36 samples from male patients and 34 from female patients ) that were performed with both arterial blood gas analysis and biochemical item test of venous blood in Clinical Laboratory of Peking Union Medical College Hospital during the period from June to September of 2017 were collected.18 biochemical items like electrolytes in arterial blood and venous blood were synchronously detected by automatic biochemical analyzer.Statistic analyses were carried out by SPSS 18.00.Whether the deviation was of clinic significance was determined by National Health Standards ( WS/T 403-2012 ) and the total error admitted by Royal Society of Pathology of Australia .Regression analysis of Passing-Bablok was performed by MedCalc software . The difference between the results of different samples was investigated by drawing Bland -Altman diagram.Results The results of Ca, Cl, K, Na, P, TP, ALB, ALT, AST, LDH, Glu, Cr, Urea, TG, CHO, UA, CHE, TBA in the samples of arterial blood plasma were 2.46(2.25-2.56) mmol/L,(105.68 ±7.29)mmol/L, 3.81(3.54-4.03) mmol/L, 140.45(137.08-144.20) mmol/L, 0.97(0.77-1.11) mmol/L,(60.39 ±9.40)g/L,(31.23 ±6.81)g/L, 17.4(11.95 -30.05)U/L, 20.85(14.9 -34.03) U/L, 210.1(163.15-342.60) U/L, 7.58(5.95-10.04) mmol/L, 76.35(51.05-110.7) μmol/L, 6.94(3.98-11.08) mmol/L, 1.15(0.84-1.89) mmol/L, 3.31(2.73-4.35) mmol/L, 271.55(187.78-423.30) μmol/L,(4.71 ±2.17)KU/L, 2.19(1.09 -4.19) μmol/L,respectively, and 2.24(2.05-2.35) mmol/L,(103.98 ±7.32)mmol/L, 3.84(3.58 -4.19) mmol/L, 139.30(136.08 -142.33) mmol/L, 0.99(0.78-1.14) mmol/L,(60.37 ±9.67) g/L,(32.62 ±6.89) g/L, 17.6(12.75-31.2) U/L, 20.6(15.28-36.6) U/L, 233.95(176.48-363.75) U/L, 7.55(5.62-9.52) mmol/L, 77.15 (56.08-111.98) μmol/L, 6.94(3.97 -10.53) mmol/L, 1.13(0.83 -1.93) mmol/L, 3.23(2.71-4.37) mmol/L, 273.4(187.30-401.55) μmol/L,(4.74 ±2.21) KU/L, 2.29(1.02 -4.23) μmol/L respectively in the samples of venous blood plasma .The difference of results of TP、Glu、Cr、TG、CHE、TBA between two types of samples were of no statistic significance ( the values of t or Z were 0.121,-0.054,-0.269,-0.480,-1.730 and -1.843 respectively, P>0.05), among these items the difference of Glu was of notable clinical significance (>1/2 TE percentage:50％).The difference of results of Ca , Cl, K, Na, P, ALB, ALT, AST, LDH, Urea, CHO, UA between two types of samples were of statistic significance (the values of t or Z were -7.115,6.794,-2.119,-4.996,-3.483,-8.839,-2.419,-2.742,-3.833,-5.010,-2.060 and -2.467 respectively, P<0.05), among these items the difference of Urea, CHO, UA, Na, P and ALT was of no notable clinical significance ( >total TE percentage: 0％, 2.86％, 0％, 2.9％, 4.3％, 1.43％ respectively), while the difference of Ca, Cl, K, ALB, AST and LDH was of clinical significance (>total TE percentage:90％, 10％, 14.3％, 32.9％, 10.00％, 32.9％respectively).Conclusions The differences in the detected data of some biochemical items between venous plasma and arterial plasma demonstrated clinical significance .When detecting those biochemical items , clinicians should pay attention to the selection of arterial blood sample .It should be considered to establish a reference interval for related biochemical items of arterial blood when necessary .

Effects of different samples and methods on the determination of blood biochemical indexes in rats / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To compare the effects of two different samples and different test methods on blood biochemical indexes and blood glucose values in rats. Methods Glucose levels in the serum and plasma samples were detected with a blood glucometer, and the biochemical parameters in the serum and plasma were determined by routine blood biochemistry. The data were statistically compared and analyzed to determine if there are some significant differences. Results Among the 19 biochemical indexes of serum and plasma specimens, nine parameters, i. e. , ALB, TP, ALP, CHOL,URIC,GLU,Mg,LD,Ca showed significant differences(P< 0. 05),while the other 10 indexes showed no significant difference (P> 0. 05). Different samples and different methods had significant differences in the detection of blood glucose (P< 0. 05). Conclusions Different method and samples impact on the detection of blood glucose and some other serum and plasma biochemical indexes.

Study of interference and influence of blood specimen hemolysis in biochemical test results / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To study the interference and influence of blood specimen hemolysis in biochemical test results.Methods80 cases of personnel received physical examination in our hospital from May 2014 to May 2016 were selected, these personnel were divided into hemolytic group (n=40) and non hemolytic group (n=40) on the basis of blood specimen hemolysis occurred situations, 5mL morning fasting venous blood of the two groups was collected, they were placed in heparinized tubes, the blood of the hemolytic group was stirred by bamboo inducing hemolysis;The blood of the non hemolysis group was without the above treatment, directly at the rate 2500r/min 10min centrifugal separating serum, the K+, GLU, ALB, TP, CK, TBIL, BUN, ALT, AST, LDH levels of the two groups were detected by automatic biochemical reaction analyzer, and then the biochemical indicators levels of the two groups were statistically analyzed.ResultsThe level of GLU in the hemolysis group was significantly lower than that in the non hemolytic group (P<0.05), the K+, TP, CK, TBIL, AST, LDH levels in the hemolysis group were significantly higher than those in the non hemolytic group (P<0.05), but the differences of ALB, BUN, ALT levels between the two groups were not significant.ConclusionBlood specimen hemolysis can interfere and influence the biochemical tests results to some extent.

Effect of storage time on serum biochemical test of rats / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To observe the effect of different storage time on 14 blood biochemical indexes in rats. Methods Randomly selected 40 adult SD rats were included in this study. Fasting venous blood samples were collected, serum was separated, sealed, and stored in the refrigerator (4℃ and -20℃). The serum parameters were detected at 0 h,4 h,24 h,96 h and 7 d, respectively, using an automatic biochemical analyzer. A total of 14 blood biochemical indexes were detected, including alanine aminotransferase ( ALT ) , aspartate aminotransferase ( AST ) , alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), creatinine (CREA-J), uric acid (UA), urea nitrogen (UREA), blood glucose ( GLU) , total cholesterol ( TC) , triglyceride ( TG) , low density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C) , creatine kinase ( CK) and lactate dehydrogenase ( LDH) . The effects of serum storage time on blood biochemical results were compared. Results The trends of blood biochemical data in male and female rats were consistent. C ompared with the indexes of serum preserved at 4℃ for 0 h, the ALP was significantly reduced after storage for 4 h, 24 h, 96 h, and 7 d (P< 0. 05), ALB were significantly increased after 96 h and 7 d (P< 0. 01), CREA-J was significantly increased after 96 h, 7 d (P<0. 05), UA was significantly increased after 24 h, 9 h, and 7 d (P < 0. 01), and no significant changes in other indicators ( P> 0. 05 ) . Compared with the values of 0 h serum, the serum preserved at -20℃ showed that ALT was significantly increased after 7 d (P < 0. 01), AST significantly increased after 96 h and 7 d (P< 0. 05), TP significantly decreased after 4 h and 24 h ( P< 0. 05 ) , ALB significantly increased after 4 h, 24 h, 96 h, and 7 d ( P< 0. 01 ) , CREA-J significantly increased after 24 h, 96 h, and 7 d (P< 0. 01), UA significantly increased after 4 h, 24 h, 96 h, and 7 d (P< 0. 01), TC significantly increased after 4 h, 24 h, 96 h, and 7 d (P< 0. 01), TG significantly increased after 96 h and 7 d (P< 0. 05), CK significantly increased after 96 h and 7 d (P< 0. 05), LDH significantly increased after 96 h and 7 d ( P < 0. 05 ) , and no significant changes in other indicators ( P > 0. 05 ) . Conclusions The biochemical tests of rat serum should be immediately performed as they were collected, especially for ALP test. For the sera stored at 4℃, the test should be finished in different times:UA test in 4 hours, ALB and CREA-J test in 24 hours, and ALT, AST, TP, UREA, GLU, TC, TG, LDL-C, CK, and LDH test in 7 days.

Effects of different samples and methods on the determination of blood biochemical indexes in rats / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To compare the effects of two different samples and different test methods on blood biochemical indexes and blood glucose values in rats. Methods Glucose levels in the serum and plasma samples were detected with a blood glucometer, and the biochemical parameters in the serum and plasma were determined by routine blood biochemistry. The data were statistically compared and analyzed to determine if there are some significant differences. Results Among the 19 biochemical indexes of serum and plasma specimens, nine parameters, i. e. , ALB, TP, ALP, CHOL,URIC,GLU,Mg,LD,Ca showed significant differences(P< 0. 05),while the other 10 indexes showed no significant difference (P> 0. 05). Different samples and different methods had significant differences in the detection of blood glucose (P< 0. 05). Conclusions Different method and samples impact on the detection of blood glucose and some other serum and plasma biochemical indexes.

Exploration of the course construction of clinical biochemistry under the new medical model / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Clinical biochemical test course construction in the new medical model, first of all, requires a combination of subject characteristics of the course, and proceeds with the improvement from the teaching methods and evaluation system. Secondly, we should cultivate students' doctor-patient communication skills and humanities quality in the teaching process. Finally, we should establish the effective clinical biochemical test teaching mode to achieve both teaching and learning.

The study on the influence of blood specimen collection to the hospital inspection results / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the blood specimen collection site,inspection time and hemolysis influ-ence on biochemical test results.Methods The specimens of 2586 cases outpatients and hospitalized patients in our hospital who accepted blood routine and blood coagulation four check were analyzed.The hemolysis and qualified specimens of biochemical test results were compared.Results 2 586 specimens found unqualified blood samples in 18 cases,and the incidence rate was 0.70% (18 /2 586).Samples of different section and source were compared and found there were no significant difference (F =0.36,P >0.05).In 18 cases of unqualified blood samples due to technical problems and unqualified sample accounted for 88.89% (16 /18).The technical factors that lead to unqualified samples was significantly higher than that of the instrument factor or fixed factors,and the difference was statistically significant(χ2 =152.63,98.52,all P <0.05).In addition,hemolysis caused the most of the unqualified samples for the technical factors.To choose potassium infusion on the side ipsilateral to the site or from the opposite side of the site collected blood samples.Sodium,chlorine,creatinine,uric acid,glucose detection found in effect of blood on the same side of the infusion of the biochemical test results in varying degrees.Potassium,chlorine,sodium, creatinine decreased significantly,and uric acid,glucose and other indicators were significantly increased (t =4.51, 4.98,5.50,3.25,10.18,15.25,all P <0.05).Gamma transpeptidase,creatine kinase,sodium and uric acid and other index of hemolytic samples were significantly lower than those of normal samples,and alanine aminotransferase (ALT),direct bilirubin,potassium,phosphorus,serum creatinine and creatine kinase were significantly higher than those of the normal samples (t =14.85,21.21,7.15,4.86,10.33,4.02,3.11,8.20,7.54,5.11,all P <0.05).This may cause the depth in erythrocytes and some related substances.The time of collecting blood to sent to the room had obvious influence on the biochemical test results,alanine aminotransferase,aspartate amino transferase,glucose, creatine kinase and hydroxybutyrate and project them 1 h after submission were significantly lower than those of the standard inspection,and 1 hour after the submission of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase isoenzyme index were significantly higher than those of the standardize inspection means (t =2.95,4.82,2.88,5.44,4.05,3.98, 4.89,all P <0.05).Conclusion Sampling sites,hemolysis and inspection time had effect on blood specimen,so for the collection of blood samples must be strictly in accordance with the requirements of the operation.

Assess the nutritional status of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by SGA / 天津医药

Objective To explore the subjective global assessment (SGA) to evaluate the nutritional status of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Methods Patients with stable COPD (n=122) were included and divid?ed into three groups base on their SGA scores:SGA-A (n=21), SGA-B (n=57), SGA-C (n=44). Nutritional status of all pa?tients was assessed by SGA. Anthropometric measurement, biochemical test, pulmonary function test, COPD assessment test (CAT) and shuttle walking test (SWT) were studied between all three groups to search statistical significance and correlation with SGA. Results Body mass index(BMI), arm muscle circumference (AMC) and forced expiratory volume in the first sec?ond%of predicted (FEV1%Pred) were all lower in SGA-B and SGA-C than those in SGA-A(P<0.05),there were no statis?tical differences of these parameters between SGA-B and SGA-C. Triceps skin fold (TSF) was lower in SGA-C than that in SGA-B than that in SGA-A, while CAT score is the reverse order (P<0.05). The walking distance of incremental shuttle walking test (ISWI) and the endurance time of endurance shuttle walking test (ESWI) were lower in SGA-C than that in SGA-A (P<0.05). There were no statistical differences of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)/forced vital ca?pacity(FVC), biochemical parameters between all three groups. SGA scores correlated positively with CAT and negatively with anthropometric parameters, FEV1%Pred and SWT (P<0.05). However no correlations was deduced between SGA scores with FEV1/FVC and biochemical parameters. Conclusion SGA scores correlated with anthropometric parameters, FEV1%Pred, CAT and SWT. SGA is an effective method to assess the nutritional status in patients with stable COPD.

Preliminary Detection of Bacillus species in Commercial Honey.

Aim: This research is aimed at detecting the presence of Bacillus species in honey using morphological characteristics, biochemical tests and preliminary molecular studies. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Medical Research Yaba Lagos, Nigeria. The study was carried out from June to July 2012. Methodology: A total of 33 honey samples were used for this study, twenty- eight of the honey samples were of local origin while 5 were of international origin. Twenty-eight commercial honey samples were obtained from the six geographical regions in Nigeria from commercial retailers. The five foreign honey samples were obtained from the supermarkets namely: Friz fruit, Blossom, Forever, Aloe Vera and Rose honey, all of international origin. The honey samples were inoculated into sterile agar, blood and tryptone soy plates using the spread plate technique. Isolates obtained were purified and subjected to morphological tests, biochemical tests and further identification using polymerase chain reaction. Results: All the honey samples had microbial growth in them, higher counts were observed in the commercial honeys from retailers than the foreign honey samples. Forty isolates suspected to be Bacillus from biochemical tests were subjected to PCR, 14 from the 40 were confirmed to be Bacillus spp. Conclusion: Microorganisms in honey cannot be identified fully with morphological and biochemical examinations alone, but combine use of morphological, biochemical tests and PCR technique is more accurate and reliable method of identification.

A study of the interference and influence of sample hemolysis on biochemical test results and its the countermeasures / 重庆医学

Objective To observe the interference and influence of sample hemolysis on biochemical test results and to make cor-responding countermeasures based on the research results .Methods There were 58 cases of people who underwent physical exami-nation in the hospital .They were selected as study objects .Sample of venous blood was 5 mL in fasting .After natural coagulation and centrifugation ,K+ ,Na+ in blood were measured ,followed by the TP ,CK ,CK-MB ,AST ,ALB ,TG ,HDL ,LDH ,HBDH and other biochemical indexes .Then all indexes mentioned above were detected again after the sample hemolysis of serum ,and analysis results were compared between them .Results Of biochemical indicators detected before and after the determination of hemolysis , there were of statistical significance in the differences in K + ,Na+ ,TP ,CK ,CK-MB ,AST ,LDH and HBDH(P0 .05) .Through regression analysis ,biochemi-cal indicators such as K + ,Na+ ,TP ,CK ,CK-MB ,AST ,LDH and HBDH were found to be related to hemolysis .Conclusion Sample hemolysis has certain influences on the results of biochemical test in terms of K + ,Na+ ,TP ,CK ,CK-MB ,AST ,LDH and HBDH , which is of certain application value with the proofreading of serum Hb concentration .

Retrospective analysis of adrenal disease inspection results / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To analyze retrospectively the application of hormone biochemical test in the diagnosis of adrenal diseases,to provide theoretical guidance for the clinical diagnosis of adrenal diseases.Methods The clinical data of 110 cases of patients with adrenal diseases were analyzed retrospectively,the conventional inspection group and the hormone biochemiscal test group were divided according to the different testing methods.The efficiency in test results was compared between two groups.Results A total of 41 cases were effective,14 cases were ineffective,the efficiency was 74.5％(41/55) in the conventional inspection group,53 cases were effective,2 cases were invahd,the efficiency was 96.4％(53/55) in the hormone biochemical test group,the efficiency in the hormone biochemical test group was significantly better than that in the conventional inspection group by statistical analysis (P ＜ 0.05).Conchsions Compared with conventional inspection test,the hormone biochemical test group in the diagnosis of adrenal diseases result is more accurate,which can be used as an important supplementary mean of adrenal diseases diagnosis.

Evaluation on the capability of CHROMagar orientation medium combined with simple biochemical tests for identificaction of common oxidase-negtive gram-negative bacilli / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To evaluate the practicability of CHROMagar orientation medium combined with simple biochemical tests for identification of common oxidase-negtive gram-negative bacilli.Methods The CHROMagar orientation medium was used together with biochemical tests including indole test , ornithine decarboxylase test and lysine decarboxylase test for identification of common oxidase -negtive gram-negative bacilli.The sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, Youden index and Kappa value of the diagnostic assays were evaluated .McNemar test was performed to evaluate facticity, accuracy and cost of the method in com-parison with the Vitek-2 system as reference method .Results The identification of oxidase-negtive gram-negative bacilli from 318 bacterial strains showed that the sensitivities and specificities of CHROMagar orien-tation mediumm in combination with simple biochemical tests to Serratia marcescens, Stenotrophomonas mal-tophilia and Acinetobacter baumannii reached 100%, and for Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes and Klebsiella pneumoiae were above 90%.The specificities for identification of Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Citrobacter freundii and Proteus mirabilis were all above 90%, but the sensitivities were around 75%-90%.Kappa values of the assays were above 0.85, howerer, which was only 0.5947 for Citrobacter freundii.McNemar test showed that all P values were above 0.05, and cost of the assays was reduced by 90%.Conclusion CHROMagar orientation medium in combination with simple biochemical tests is a cost-effective assay for identification of common oxidase-negtive gram-negative bacilli .

Evaluation of the capability of three phenotypic tests used alone or in combination for identification of Staphylococcus aureus / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To evaluate the capability of three tests used alone or in combination for identification of Staphylococcus aureus.Methods Identification of Staphylococcus aureus by the detection of spa gene with PCR and the Vitek-2 system were selected as the reference methods.Comparison of three phenotypic tests including DNase,mannitol fermentation and tube coagulase test was carried out to analyze the sensitivity,specificity,positive/negative predictive value,positive/negative likelihood ratio and Youden index.The consistency,cost and related indexes of the assays were analyzed between the combined phenotypic tests and the reference methods.Results In the present study,324 isolates of Staphylococci,including 293 Staphylococcus aureus and 31 non-Staphylococcus aureus,were collected.Single biochemical test could not identify Staphylococcus aureus efficiently.Comparison between the reference methods and the combined three biochemical tests by Kappa statistic analysis indicated that an overall Kappa value was 0.9441,and the algorithm of combined test was less costly.The sensitivity and specificity of this algorithm were 100％ and 90.3％,respectively.Conclusion The cost-effective algorithm of combined DNase,mannitol fermentation and tube coagulase test could efficiently distinguish Staphylococcus aureus from other Staphylococcus species.

Efficacy of I-123/I-131 Metaiodobenzylguanidine Scan as A Single Initial Diagnostic Modality in Pheochromocytoma: Comparison with Biochemical Test and Anatomic Imaging / 핵의학분자영상

PURPOSE: We underwent this study to evaluate the diagnostic potential of I-123/I-131 metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy alone in the initial diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, compared with biochemical test and anatomic imaging. MATERIALS & METHODS: Twenty two patients (M:F=13:9, Age: 44.3+/- 19.3 years) having the clinical evaluation due to suspicious pheochromocytoma received the biochemical test, anatomic imaging modality (CT and/or MRI) and I-123/I-131 MIBG scan for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, prior to histopathological confirmation. MIBG scans were independently reviewed by 2 nuclear medicine physicians. RESULTS: All patients were confirmed histopathologically by operation or biopsy (incisional or excisonal). In comparison of final diagnosis and findings of each diagnostic modality, the sensitivities of the biochemical test, anatomic imaging, and MIBG scan were 88.9%, 55.6%, and 88.9%, respectively. And the specificities of the biochemical test, anatomic imaging, and MIBG scan also were 69.2%, 69.2%, and 92.3%, respectively. MIBG scan showed one false positive (neuroblastoma) and one false negative finding. There was one patient with positive MIBG scan and negative findings of the biochemical test, anatomic imaging. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that I-123/I-131 MIBG scan has higher sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy than those of biochemical test and anatomic imaging. Thus, we expect that MIBG scan is e tectively used for initial diagnosis of pheochromocytoma alone as well as biochemical test and anatomic imaging.

Factors associated with liver stiffness in chronic liver disease / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Transient elastography is a new noninvasive tool for measuring liver stiffness that accurately predicts significant fibrosis and cirrhosis. However, several studies have indicated that liver stiffness can be significantly influenced by major changes in aminotransferase in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. The aim of this study was to determine the factors influencing liver stiffness in patients with chronic liver disease. METHODS: We studied 158 patients with chronic liver disease who underwent transient elastography and liver biopsy sampling. Histologic findings on fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in the biopsy specimens were evaluated according to the Korean Society of Pathologists Scoring System. Routine biochemical tests were performed according to standard methods. RESULTS: Liver stiffness was strongly correlated with liver fibrosis stage (Spearman coefficient=0.636, P<0.001), lobular activity (Spearman coefficient=0.359, P<0.001), and portoperiportal activity grade (Spearman coefficient=0.448, P<0.001). Liver stiffness was significantly associated with serum levels of total bilirubin (P=0.025), direct bilirubin (P=0.049), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (P=0.014), platelet count (P=0.004), albumin (P<0.001), and international normalized ratio (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that fibrosis stage (B 3.50, P=0.009) and lobular activity grade (B 3.25, P=0.047) were independently associated with liver stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: Liver stiffness as measured by transient elastography is associated with the grade of necroinflammatory activity and the stage of fibrosis, irrespective of serum ALT levels.

Interpretation of Liver Function Tests / 대한소화기학회지

Liver function tests (LFT) are helpful screening tools to detect hepatic dysfunction. LFT are further used to categorize hepatic dysfunctions, to estimate the severity of hepatic disease, and for the follow-up of liver diseases. Since liver performs a variety of functions, no single test is sufficient alone to provide complete estimate of function of liver. Effective interpretation of the hepatic function panel requires knowledge of underlying pathophysiology and the characteristics of panel tests. This review includes a classification of liver diseases, which are commonly detected by routine LFT, a list of liver functions with appropriate tests for each function, and a guide to panel interpretation and further laboratory investigation.

Aplicación de RPC-PLFR en el diagnóstico de micobacterias no tuberculosas / Application of PCR-RFLP in the diagnosis of non-tuberculous mycobacteria

La amplificación por reacción de la polimersa en cadena (RPC) de un fragmento del gen hsp65, seguido del análisis del polimorfismo de la longitud de los fragmentos de restricción (PLFR) por las enzimas BstEll y Haelll, ha demostrado ser muy útil en la identificación de micobacterias no tuberculosas (MNT). En el presente trabajo se les realizó una batería de pruebas bioquímicas así como la RPC-PLFR a un total de 13 cepas de referencia y 46 cepas recibidas en el laboratorio. Los resultados de las pruebas bioquímicas estuvieron disponibles entre 4 a 6 semanas, a diferencia de la RPC-PLFR que requirieron de sólo 48 horas. En ambos métodos, las especies detectadas con mayor frecuencia fueron Mycobacetrium intracellulare, M. kansasii y M. fortuitum. La RPC-PLFR es un método rápido, sencillo y eficaz. Su aplicación en los Laboratorios de Referencia pudiera ser de gran utilidad para el diagnóstico de MNT.

The amplification of a fragment from hsp65 gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with BstEll and Haelll restriction enzymes has demonstrated to be very useful for identification of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM). The biochemical tests as well as the PCR-RFLP were carried out in 13 reference strains and 46 strains received in the laboratory. The results by biochemical tests were available in 4-6 weeks whereas the PCR-RFLP only required 48 hours. In both methods, Mycobacterium intracellulare, M. kansasii and M. fortuitum were the most frequently detected species. The PCR-RFLP method is fast, cheap and simple. Its application in Reference Laboratories could be very useful for diagnosis of NTM.

A study of Ni-resistant bacteria isolated from gingival crevicular fluid on the patients wearing Ni-Cr alloy prosthesis (In terms of molecular biological aspects) / 대한치과보철학회지

As a material of metal-ceramic prosthesis, nickel as a form of Ni-Cr alloy has been used for many dental prostheses in many cases. However, several problems in use of the alloy have been revealed (ex ; tissue stimulation, skin allergy, hypersensitivity, cytotoxicity and carcinogenecity). Little is known about nickel with respect to the relationship between Ni-prosthesis and gaining of Niresistance in oral microorganisms. The present study was undertaken to check whether use of Ni-prosthesis leads to occurrence of Ni-resistant microorganisms. So this study may suggest the possible relationships between the oral microorganisms and nickel-resistance in oral environment. Bacteria were isolated from the gingival crevicular fluid on the patients wearing Ni-Cr prosthesis. The isolated bacteria were tested for their Ni-resistance in nickel containing media at different concentration from 3mM to 110mM. E. coli HB101 was used as control. The Ni-resistant bacteria were isolated and biochemically identified. The Ni-resistant bacteria were tested several biochemical, molecular-biological tests. Performed tests were; measuring the growth curve, antibiotic test, growth ability test in liquid media, isolation of the chromosome and plasmid, digestion of DNA by restriction enzyme, electrophoresis of chromosome and plasmid DNA, identification of Ni-resistant genes by the DNA hybridization. The results were as follows: 1) The bacteria isolated from gingival crevicular fluid on the patients wearing Ni-Cr alloy prosthesis showed nickel-resistance. 2) The isolated microorganisms grew at nickel containing media of high concentrations (60mM-110mM). 3) Based on the biochemical tests, the isolated microorganisms were identified as E nterococcus faecalis(13 cases), Klebsiella pneumoniae(1 case) and Enterobacter gergoviae(1 case). 4) Enterococcus faecalis expressed not only nickel resistance but also the multi-drug resistance to several antibiotics; chloramphenicol, kanamicin, streptomycin, lincomycin, clindamycin. However, all strain showed the sensitivity against the tetracycline. 5) DNA hybridization result suggests that there is no homology between the previously known gene of nickel resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae and chromosomal DNA of Enterococcus faecalis.