BACKGROUND Insulin resistance is a cardiometabolic risk factor characterized by elevated insulin levels.It is associated with fatty liver disease and elevated liver function tests(LFT)in cross-sectional studies,but da...BACKGROUND Insulin resistance is a cardiometabolic risk factor characterized by elevated insulin levels.It is associated with fatty liver disease and elevated liver function tests(LFT)in cross-sectional studies,but data from cohort studies are scarce.AIM To investigate the association between insulin and pathological LFT,liver disease,and cirrhosis in a populationbased retrospective cohort study.METHODS Anthropometric and cardiometabolic factors of 857 men and 1228 women from prospective cohort studies were used.LFT were obtained at two time points 8 years to 24 years after baseline.Liver disease diagnoses were obtained from nationwide registries.The association between insulin levels and the development of elevated LFT or liver disease and cirrhosis was analyzed.RESULTS Total follow-up was 54054 person-years for women and 27556 person-years for men.Insulin levels were positively correlated with elevated LFT during follow-up,whereas physical activity and coffee consumption were negatively correlated.Individuals with both insulin levels in the upper tertile and alcohol consumption above MASLD thresholds had an increased risk for both liver disease,adjusted hazard ratio(aHR)of 4.3(95%CI:1.6-14.6)and cirrhosis(aHR=4.8,95%CI:1.6-14.6).CONCLUSION This population-based study provides evidence that high insulin levels are a risk factor for development of elevated liver enzymes and clinically manifest liver disease.The results support the concept of metabolic dysfunction associated liver disease.展开更多
Sperm function testing, once commonly performed for the infertile couple before employing assisted reproductive technology （ART）, has fallen out of favour in many reproductive medicine centers throughout the world. ...Sperm function testing, once commonly performed for the infertile couple before employing assisted reproductive technology （ART）, has fallen out of favour in many reproductive medicine centers throughout the world. Indeed, the most recent addition of the ＇World Health Organisation （WHO） Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Hu- man Semen＇ now groups many of these procedures into a section termed Research Procedures. In large part, this reflects the current clinical practice of bypassing the in-depth evaluation of the male partner, while assuming that if a spermatozoon can be found for intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）, it must be a healthy cell capable of achieving fertilization. Never- theless, sperm function testing can provide valuable clinical insights into defects causing male infertility. Admittedly, in some cases, functional sperm deficiencies can be overcome using an ART. In other cases, couples will be empowered by the knowledge of the cause of their infertility, and for some couples, perhaps even the likelihood of ICSI success （relative to the spermatozoa）. The knowledge allows them to make truly informed reproductive decisions, including （perhaps） the de- cision to seek donor insemination, to adopt or to remain childless. Knowledge of the cause of their infertility may provide closure for couples and a sense of confidence regarding their choice of reproductive treatment.展开更多
Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome of skeletal muscle injury with release of cellular constituents such as potassium,phosphate,urate and intracellular proteins such as myoglobin into the circulation,which may cause complica...Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome of skeletal muscle injury with release of cellular constituents such as potassium,phosphate,urate and intracellular proteins such as myoglobin into the circulation,which may cause complications including acute kidney injury,electrolyte disturbance and cardiac instability.Abnormal liver function tests are frequently observed in cases of severe rhabdomyolysis.Typically,there is an increase in serum aminotransferases,namely aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase.This raises the question of liver injury and often triggers a pathway of investigation which may lead to a liver biopsy.However,muscle can also be a source of the increased aminotransferase activity.This review discusses the dilemma of finding abnormal liver function tests in the setting of muscle injury and the potential implications of such an association.It delves into some of the clinical and experimental evidence for correlating muscle injury to raised aminotransferases,and discusses pathophysiological mechanisms such as oxidative stress which may cause actual liver injury.Serum aminotransferases lack tissue specificity to allow clinicians to distinguish primary liver injury from muscle injury.This review also explores potential approaches to improve the accuracy of our diagnostic tools,so that excessive or unnecessary liver investigations can be avoided.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Prognostic value of cortisol and thyroid function tests(TFTs) has previously been evaluated in medical ICUs. We aimed to evaluate prognostic efficacy of cortisol and TFTs in critically ill poisoned patient...BACKGROUND: Prognostic value of cortisol and thyroid function tests(TFTs) has previously been evaluated in medical ICUs. We aimed to evaluate prognostic efficacy of cortisol and TFTs in critically ill poisoned patients admitted to toxicology intensive care unit(ICU).METHODS: In a prospective study of consecutively enrolled subjects admitted to the toxicology ICU, lab analyses included TFTs(total T3 and T4 as well as TSH) and cortisol levels drawn between 8 am–10 am during period of the first 24 hours post-ingestion/exposure. Simplified Acute Physiology Score Ⅱ(SAPS Ⅱ) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ) were recorded. All scores were compared to detect the best prognostic factor. Type of poisoning was also included.RESULTS: In 200 patients evaluated, 129 were male and mean age was 31 years. In general, SAPS Ⅱ, T4, and cortisol could prognosticate death. After regression analysis, only cortisol had such efficacy(P=0.04; OR=1.06; 95%CI=1.05–1.08; cut-off=42 μg/d L; sensitivity=70%; specificity=82%). Between aluminium phosphide(ALP)-and non ALP-poisoned patients, level of consciousness, mean arterial pressure, and cortisol level could prognosticate death in ALP poisoning(all Ps<0.001 in both uni and multivariate analyses). Median(interquartile range; IQR) GCS was 7(6, 10) and 15(8, 15) in non-ALP and ALP-poisoned patients(P<0.003). SAPS Ⅱ and APACHE Ⅱ could not prognosticate death at all.CONCLUSION: Cortisol best prognosticated outcomes for subjects admitted to the toxicology ICU. Its level is higher in ALP-poisoned patients probably due to the higher stress while they remain conscious till the final stages of toxicity and are aware of deterioration of their clinical condition or may be due to their significantly lower blood pressures.展开更多
Hormone-stimulated pancreatic function tests (PFTs) are considered the gold standard for measuring pancreatic exocrine function. PFTs involve the administration of intravenous secretin or cholecystokinin, followed by ...Hormone-stimulated pancreatic function tests (PFTs) are considered the gold standard for measuring pancreatic exocrine function. PFTs involve the administration of intravenous secretin or cholecystokinin, followed by collection and analysis of pancreatic secretions. Because exocrine function may decline in the earliest phase of pancreatic fibrosis, PFTs are considered accurate for diagnosing chronic pancreatitis. Unfortunately, these potentially valuable tests are infrequently performed except at specialized centers, because they are time consuming and complicated. To overcome these limitations, endoscopic PFT methods have been developed which include aspiration of pancreatic secretions through the suction channel of the endoscope. The secretin endoscopic pancreatic function test (ePFT) involves collection of duodenal aspirates at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after secretin stimulation. A bicarbonate concentration greater than 80 mmol/L in any of the samples is considered a normal result. The secretin ePFT has demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity compared with various reference standards, including the "Dreiling tube" secretin PFT, endoscopic ultrasound, and surgical histology. Furthermore, a standard autoanalyzer can be used for bicarbonate analysis, which allows the secretin ePFT to be performed at any hospital. The secretin ePFT may complement imaging tests like endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the diagnosis of early chronic pancreatitis.This paper will review the literature validating the use of ePFT in the diagnosis of exocrine insufficiency and chronic pancreatitis. Newer developments will also be discussed, including the feasibility of combined EUS/ ePFT, the use of cholecystokinin alone or in combination with secretin, and the discovery of new protein and lipid pancreatic juice biomarkers which may complement traditional fluid analysis.展开更多
Aim: To evaluate the sperm function after vasovasostomy. Methods: Semen samples from 42 subjects aftervasovasostomy (Group A: 1-6 months, Group B: 6-12 months; Group C: 12-18 months after vasectomy rever-sal) were inv...Aim: To evaluate the sperm function after vasovasostomy. Methods: Semen samples from 42 subjects aftervasovasostomy (Group A: 1-6 months, Group B: 6-12 months; Group C: 12-18 months after vasectomy rever-sal) were investigated. Semen from 34 normal fertile men was used as controls. Sperm function tests, including hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), acridine orange (AO) fluorescence, acrosome reaction (triple-stain), cervical mucuspenetration test (CMPT), etc were done. Results: After vasectomy reversal, the percentage of HOST was signifi-cantly lower than that of the normal fertile men. In regard to AO, there were no significant differences between thethree vasovasostomy groups and between these 3 groups and the controls. With triple-stain, the percentage of normalacrosome reaction was significantly lower in Group A as compared with the controls, but not in Groups B and C. Therewere no significant differences in the results of CMPT between the vasovasostomy groups and the controls. However,the number of 'poor' type was significantly higher in Groups A and C than in the controls; the percentage of 'nega-tive' type were higher in Groups A and B than in the controls. Conclusion: After vasovasostomy a lower level ofHOST remained for one year and gradually recovered after one year. Six months after vasectomy reversal, the percent-age of acrosome reaction could be changed from lower level to normal range. The data of AO indicated that the geneticmaterial (double-stranded DNA) in spermatozoa was not affected by vasovasostomy. To evaluate the result of CMPTafter vasectomy reversal, not only the normal results but also the abnormal results ('poor' and 'negative' types)should also be considered.Aim: To evaluate the sperm function after vasovasostomy. Methods: Semen samples from 42 subjects aftervasovasostomy (Group A: 1-6 months, Group B: 6-12 months; Group C: 12-18 months after vasectomy rever-sal) were investigated. Semen from 34 normal fertile men was used as controls. Sperm function tests, including hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), acridine orange (AO) fluorescence, acrosome reaction (triple-stain), cervical mucuspenetration test (CMPT), etc were done. Results: After vasectomy reversal, the percentage of HOST was signifi-cantly lower than that of the normal fertile men. In regard to AO, there were no significant differences between thethree vasovasostomy groups and between these 3 groups and the controls. With triple-stain, the percentage of normalacrosome reaction was significantly lower in Group A as compared with the controls, but not in Groups B and C. Therewere no significant differences in the results of CMPT between the vasovasostomy groups and the controls. However,the number of 'poor' type was significantly higher in Groups A and C than in the controls; the percentage of 'nega-tive' type were higher in Groups A and B than in the controls. Conclusion: After vasovasostomy a lower level ofHOST remained for one year and gradually recovered after one year. Six months after vasectomy reversal, the percent-age of acrosome reaction could be changed from lower level to normal range. The data of AO indicated that the geneticmaterial (double-stranded DNA) in spermatozoa was not affected by vasovasostomy. To evaluate the result of CMPTafter vasectomy reversal, not only the normal results but also the abnormal results ('poor' and 'negative' types)should also be considered.Aim: To evaluate the sperm function after vasovasostomy. Methods: Semen samples from 42 subjects aftervasovasostomy (Group A: 1-6 months, Group B: 6-12 months; Group C: 12-18 months after vasectomy rever-sal) were investigated. Semen from 34 normal fertile men was used as controls. Sperm function tests, including hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), acridine orange (AO) fluorescence, acrosome reaction (triple-stain), cervical mucuspenetration test (CMPT), etc were done. Results: After vasectomy reversal, the percentage of HOST was signifi-cantly lower than that of the normal fertile men. In regard to AO, there were no significant differences between thethree vasov展开更多
It has been emphasized that the assessment of residual liver function is of paramount importance to determine the following： severity of acute or chronic liver diseases independent of etiology; long-term prognosis; s...It has been emphasized that the assessment of residual liver function is of paramount importance to determine the following： severity of acute or chronic liver diseases independent of etiology; long-term prognosis; step-bystep disease progression; surgical risk; and efficacy of antiviral treatment. The most frequently used tools are the galactose elimination capacity to asses hepatocyte cytosol activity, plasma clearance of indocyanine green to assess excretory function, and antipyrine clearance to estimate microsomal activity. However, a widely accepted liver test （not necessarily a laboratory one） to assess quantitative functional hepatic reserve still needs to be established, although there have been various proposals. Furthermore, who are the operators that should order these tests？ Advances in analytic methods are expected to allow quantitative liver function tests to be used in clinical practice.展开更多
The diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis （CP） is based on the detection of abnormal structure or function of the diseased pancreas. The pancreatic function tests more accurately determine the presence of CP than tests ...The diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis （CP） is based on the detection of abnormal structure or function of the diseased pancreas. The pancreatic function tests more accurately determine the presence of CP than tests of structure, especially for early stage disease. The function tests can be divided into two categories： non- invasive and invasive. The invasive ＂tube＂ tests can reliably detect mild, early CP, but are only available at a few referral centers and tend to be poorly tolerated by patients. The non-invasive tests are easy to obtain, but tend to perform poorly in patients with early, mild disease. Therefore, no one test is useful in all clinical situations, and a detailed understanding of the rational, pathophysiologic basis, strengths, and limitations of various tests is needed. This review highlights the role of various pancreatic function tests in the diagnosis of CP including fecal fat analysis, fecal elastase, fecal chymotrypsin, serum trypsin, the secretin stimulation test, the cholecystokinin （CCK） stimulation test, the combined secretin-CCK stimulation test, the intraductal and endoscopic secretin stimulation tests, and the functional magnetic resonance imaging of the pancreas after secretin stimulation.展开更多
BACKGROUND Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)is the commonest cause of abnormal liver function tests(LFTs).Current upper normal of limit(UNL)of LFTs was derived from a“healthy”population,where undiagnos...BACKGROUND Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)is the commonest cause of abnormal liver function tests(LFTs).Current upper normal of limit(UNL)of LFTs was derived from a“healthy”population,where undiagnosed MAFLD and viral hepatitis might be suspected.AIM To evaluated potential implications of changes in UNL of alanine aminotransferase(ALT)in MAFLD.METHODS We retrospectively assessed consecutive first referrals with a diagnosis of MAFLD from 2010 to 2017.The conventional UNL of ALT was 45 IU/L for men and 34 IU/L for women,while a low UNL of ALT was 30 IU/L for men and 19 IU/L for women.The UNL of aspartate aminotransferase(AST)was 40 IU/L.RESULTS Total 436 patients were enrolled;of these,288 underwent liver biopsy.Setting a lower UNL reduced the percentage of those with significant disease despite normal ALT;specifically,patients with advanced fibrosis(F≥F3)or definite“metabolic-associated steato-hepatitis(MASH)”(NAS≥5)within normal ALT decreased from 10%to 1%and from 28%to 4%respectively.However,the proportion of those with elevated ALT and no evidence of advanced fibrosis or“definite MASH”increased from 39%to 47%and from 3%to 19%.Overall,LFTs performed poorly in distinguishing“definite MASH”from simple steatosis(receiver operating characteristic areas under the curves 0.59 for ALT and 0.55 for AST).CONCLUSION Liver function tests might both under-and overestimate MASH-related liver disease.Reducing the UNL might not be beneficial and imply an increase in healthcare burden.Risk stratification in MAFLD should rely on a combination of risk factors,not on LFTs alone.展开更多
AIM:To investigate pulmonary involvement via pulmonary function tests (PFT) and high-resolution computed tomocjraphy (HRCT) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS:Thirty-four patients with...AIM:To investigate pulmonary involvement via pulmonary function tests (PFT) and high-resolution computed tomocjraphy (HRCT) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS:Thirty-four patients with chronic HCV infection without diagnosis of any pulmonary diseases and 10 healthy cases were enrolled in the study,PFT and HRCT were performed in all cases. RESULTS:A decrease lower than 80% of the predicted value was detected in vital capacity in 9/34 patients,in forced expiratory volume in one second in 8/34 patients,and in forced expiratory flow 25-75 in 15/34 patients,respectively.Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) was decreased in 26/34 patients.Findings of interstitial pulmonary involvement were detected in the HRCT of 16/34 patients.Significant difference was found between controls and patients with HCV infection in findings of HRCT (X^2=4.7,P=0.003).Knodell histological activity index (KHAI) of 28/34 patients in whom liver biopsy was applied was 9.0±4.7.HRCT findings,PFT values and DLCO were not affected by KHAI in patients with HCV infection.In these patients,all the parameters were related with age. CONCLUSION:We suggest that chronic hepatitis C virus infection may cause pulmonary interstitial involvement without evident respiratory symptoms.展开更多
AIM To study the influence of diet intake on the result of liver function test. METHODS Blood samples from liver diseases ( n =100) and non liver diseases ( n =100) were taken at 07:00 in the morning (fasting ...AIM To study the influence of diet intake on the result of liver function test. METHODS Blood samples from liver diseases ( n =100) and non liver diseases ( n =100) were taken at 07:00 in the morning (fasting state) and two hours after meal. Using Hitach 7150 automatic biochemistry analyser, ten liver function indexes (SB, TTT, ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, γ-GT, SP, A and G) were examined. RESULTS According to the SAS software system the differences were not significant between fasting state and after meal ( P =0 476-0 978). CONCLUSION Liver function test can be performed after meal.展开更多
Respiratory diseases,especially asthma,are common in children.While spirometry contributes to asthma diagnosis and management in older children,it has a limited role in younger children whom are often unable to perfor...Respiratory diseases,especially asthma,are common in children.While spirometry contributes to asthma diagnosis and management in older children,it has a limited role in younger children whom are often unable to perform forced expiratory manoeuvre.The development of novel diagnostic methods which require minimal effort,such as forced oscillation technique(FOT)is,therefore,a welcome and promising addition.FOT involves applying external,small amplitude oscillations to the respiratory system during tidal breathing.Therefore,it requires minimal effort and cooperation.The FOT has the potential to facilitate asthma diagnosis and management in preschool children by faciliting the objective measurement of baseline lung function and airway reactivity in children unable to successfully perform spirometry.Traditionally the use of FOT was limited to specialised centres.However,the availability of commercial equipment resulted in its use both in research and in clinical practice.In this article,we review the available literature on the use of FOT in childhood asthma.The technical aspects of FOT are described followed by a discussion of its practical aspects in the clinical field including the measurement of baseline lung function and associated reference ranges,bronchodilator responsiveness and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.We also highlight the difficulties and limitations that might be encountered and future research directions.展开更多
In order to deal with the limitations during the register transfer level verification, a new functional verification method based on the random testing for the system-level of system-on-chip is proposed.The validity o...In order to deal with the limitations during the register transfer level verification, a new functional verification method based on the random testing for the system-level of system-on-chip is proposed.The validity of this method is proven theoretically.Specifically, testcases are generated according to many approaches of randomization.Moreover, the testbench for the system-level verification according to the proposed method is designed by using advanced modeling language.Therefore, under the circumstances that the testbench generates testcases quickly, the hardware/software co-simulation and co-verification can be implemented and the hardware/software partitioning planning can be evaluated easily.The comparison method is put to use in the evaluation approach of the testing validity.The evaluation result indicates that the efficiency of the partition testing is better than that of the random testing only when one or more subdomains are covered over with the area of errors, although the efficiency of the random testing is generally better than that of the partition testing.The experimental result indicates that this method has a good performance in the functional coverage and the cost of testing and can discover the functional errors as soon as possible.展开更多
Tests of preoperative visual function and prediction of postoperative E chart visual acuity(ECVA) using laser interferometric visual acuity(LIVA) and electroretinogram(ERG) were performed in 16 cases(19 eyes) of catar...Tests of preoperative visual function and prediction of postoperative E chart visual acuity(ECVA) using laser interferometric visual acuity(LIVA) and electroretinogram(ERG) were performed in 16 cases(19 eyes) of cataract. The results showed that the coincident rate between preoperative LIVA and postoperative ECVA was 63.2%, and there was a parallel correlation between preoperative amplitude of photopic ERG b-wave and postoperative ECVA in 79.0% of the eyes. Comparing these two methods, the test of LIVA ...展开更多
An association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease has been repeatedly rep orted. Several studies have focused on levels of gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (...An association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease has been repeatedly rep orted. Several studies have focused on levels of gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in relation to cardiovascular outcomes. Evidence indicates that GGT may have a potential role for cardiovascular risk stratifi cation while the role of ALT for cardiac prognosis remains controversial. A conceptual framework that includes not only GGT and ALT but also markers of hepatocyte apoptosis such as cytokeratin-18 fragments should be developed.展开更多
Chronic pancreatitis(CP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas evolving in progressive fibrotic disruption of the gland with exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Although imaging features of CP are we...Chronic pancreatitis(CP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas evolving in progressive fibrotic disruption of the gland with exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Although imaging features of CP are well known, their correlation with exocrine pancreatic function tests are not obvious, particularly in the early stage of the disease. There are many clinical classification of CP, all suggested for better distinguish and manage different forms based on etiological and clinical factors, and severity of the disease. Recently, a new classification of CP has been suggested: the M-ANNHEIM multiple risk factor classification that includes etiology, stage classification and degree of clinical severity. However, more accurate determination of clinical severity of CP requires a correct determination of exocrine function of the pancreas and fecal fat excretion. Recently, Kamath et al demonstrated that the evaluation of exocrine pancreatic function by acid steatocrit and fecal elastase-1(EF-1) was helpful, but EF-1 was able to detect exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in more patients, upgrading some patients in higher stage of disease according to M-ANNHEIM classification. So, EF-1 is a more accurate test to determine exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and to stage chronic pancreatitis in the M-ANNHEIM classification. On the contrary, EF-1 determination shows low sensitivity in detecting exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in early stage of the disease.展开更多
The enhanced patch test proposed by Chen W J(2006) can be used to assess the convergence of the problem with non-homogeneous differential equations.Based on this theory,we establish the patch test function for axisymm...The enhanced patch test proposed by Chen W J(2006) can be used to assess the convergence of the problem with non-homogeneous differential equations.Based on this theory,we establish the patch test function for axisymmetric elements of conventional and couple stress theories,and reach an important conclusion that the patch test function for axisymmetric elements cannot contain non-zero constant shear.展开更多
Among many theories and categories in microstructures,rotation-displacement used as "independent" or "dependent" variables,is a noticeable topic. In FEM,it is called C0 and C1 theory. The convergen...Among many theories and categories in microstructures,rotation-displacement used as "independent" or "dependent" variables,is a noticeable topic. In FEM,it is called C0 and C1 theory. The convergence criteria of finite elements for microstructures are less mature than those for the conventional thin plate bending problem. In this paper,the patch test functions for assessing convergence of the C0 and C1 finite elements in microstructures is established based on the enhanced patch test theory. The author has further explored the C0 and C1 finite element theories and investigated the difference and correlation between their finite element formulations. Newly proposed finite element theories for microstructures are as follows:(1) the displacement-rotation dependent C1 element that requires the element function satisfying both C0 and C1 continuity;(2) the displacement-rotation independent C0 element which requires new convergence criteria,such as non-zero constant shear stress patch test and zero constant shear stress patch test for approximating C1 element.展开更多
AIM To compare high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT) findings between humoral primary immunodeficiencies(hPIDs) subtypes; to correlate these findings to pulmonary function tests(PFTs).METHODS We retrospectively id...AIM To compare high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT) findings between humoral primary immunodeficiencies(hPIDs) subtypes; to correlate these findings to pulmonary function tests(PFTs).METHODS We retrospectively identified 52 consecutive adult patients with hPIDs who underwent 64-row HRCT and PFTs at the time of diagnosis. On a per-patient basis, an experienced radiologist recorded airway abnormalities(bronchiectasis,airway wall thickening, mucus plugging, tree-in-bud, and air-trapping) and parenchymal-interstitial abnormalities(consolidations, ground-glass opacities,linear and/or irregular opacities, nodules, and bullae/cysts) found on HRCT.The chi-square test was performed to compare the prevalence of each abnormality among patients with different subtypes of hPIDs. Overall logistic regression analysis was performed to assess whether HRCT findings predicted obstructive and/or restrictive PFTs results(absent-to-mild vs moderate-tosevere).RESULTS Thirty-eight of the 52 patients with hPIDs showed common variable immunodeficiency disorders(CVID), while the remaining 14 had CVID-like conditions(i.e., 11 had isolated IgG subclass deficiencies and 3 had selective IgA deficiencies). The prevalence of most HRCT abnormalities was not significantly different between CVID and CVID-like patients(P > 0.05), except for linear and/or irregular opacities(prevalence of 31.6% in the CVID group and 0 in the CVID-like group; P = 0.0427). Airway wall thickening was the most frequent HRCT abnormality found in both CVID and CVID-like patients(71% of cases in both groups). The presence of tree-in-bud abnormalities was an independent predictor of moderate-to-severe obstructive defects at PFTs(Odds Ratio, OR, of 18.75, P < 0.05), while the presence of linear and/or irregular opacities was an independent predictor of restrictive defects at PFTs(OR = 13.00; P < 0.05).CONCLUSION CVID and CVID-like patients showed similar HRCT findings. Tree-in-bud and linear and/or irregular opacities predicted higher risks of, respectively,obstructive and restrictive defects at PFTs.展开更多
The study was planned with an objective to assess the level of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in the blood serum and seminal plasma of breeding cow bulls and their relationship with sperm function and fertility tests. ASA...The study was planned with an objective to assess the level of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in the blood serum and seminal plasma of breeding cow bulls and their relationship with sperm function and fertility tests. ASA was analyzed in blood serum and seminal plasma by SpermMar test, Immuno peroxidase assay (IPA) and Enzyme linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA). In SpermMar test, about 54% bulls were with >40% IgG in blood serum against sperm surface antigens, whereas none of the bulls were with >10% IgG in seminal plasma. More than 20% and >10% IgA against sperm surface antigens were detected in the blood serum and seminal plasma of 65.8% and 37% bulls, respectively. Out of 26 bulls, seminal plasma of 21 bulls reacted with spermatozoa both in IPA and IgA latex particles and that of only 12 bulls reacted with IgG. In IPA, about 50% of the bulls had >40% ASA against head surface antigens, whereas, there were 23% bulls with >10% ASA in seminal plasma. Also ELISA indicated a higher antibody titre in blood serum (3200 - 6400) and seminal plasma (40 - 80) of 50% and 42% bulls, respectively. There were 11 bulls with low values of HOST/in vitro acrosome reaction/cervical mucus penetration assay and higher level of either serum or seminal plasma ASA. Our study revealed that a significant level of ASA in serum or seminal plasma may have effect on the fertility of bulls by affecting the sperm function.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Insulin resistance is a cardiometabolic risk factor characterized by elevated insulin levels.It is associated with fatty liver disease and elevated liver function tests(LFT)in cross-sectional studies,but data from cohort studies are scarce.AIM To investigate the association between insulin and pathological LFT,liver disease,and cirrhosis in a populationbased retrospective cohort study.METHODS Anthropometric and cardiometabolic factors of 857 men and 1228 women from prospective cohort studies were used.LFT were obtained at two time points 8 years to 24 years after baseline.Liver disease diagnoses were obtained from nationwide registries.The association between insulin levels and the development of elevated LFT or liver disease and cirrhosis was analyzed.RESULTS Total follow-up was 54054 person-years for women and 27556 person-years for men.Insulin levels were positively correlated with elevated LFT during follow-up,whereas physical activity and coffee consumption were negatively correlated.Individuals with both insulin levels in the upper tertile and alcohol consumption above MASLD thresholds had an increased risk for both liver disease,adjusted hazard ratio(aHR)of 4.3(95%CI:1.6-14.6)and cirrhosis(aHR=4.8,95%CI:1.6-14.6).CONCLUSION This population-based study provides evidence that high insulin levels are a risk factor for development of elevated liver enzymes and clinically manifest liver disease.The results support the concept of metabolic dysfunction associated liver disease.
文摘Sperm function testing, once commonly performed for the infertile couple before employing assisted reproductive technology （ART）, has fallen out of favour in many reproductive medicine centers throughout the world. Indeed, the most recent addition of the ＇World Health Organisation （WHO） Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Hu- man Semen＇ now groups many of these procedures into a section termed Research Procedures. In large part, this reflects the current clinical practice of bypassing the in-depth evaluation of the male partner, while assuming that if a spermatozoon can be found for intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）, it must be a healthy cell capable of achieving fertilization. Never- theless, sperm function testing can provide valuable clinical insights into defects causing male infertility. Admittedly, in some cases, functional sperm deficiencies can be overcome using an ART. In other cases, couples will be empowered by the knowledge of the cause of their infertility, and for some couples, perhaps even the likelihood of ICSI success （relative to the spermatozoa）. The knowledge allows them to make truly informed reproductive decisions, including （perhaps） the de- cision to seek donor insemination, to adopt or to remain childless. Knowledge of the cause of their infertility may provide closure for couples and a sense of confidence regarding their choice of reproductive treatment.
文摘Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome of skeletal muscle injury with release of cellular constituents such as potassium,phosphate,urate and intracellular proteins such as myoglobin into the circulation,which may cause complications including acute kidney injury,electrolyte disturbance and cardiac instability.Abnormal liver function tests are frequently observed in cases of severe rhabdomyolysis.Typically,there is an increase in serum aminotransferases,namely aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase.This raises the question of liver injury and often triggers a pathway of investigation which may lead to a liver biopsy.However,muscle can also be a source of the increased aminotransferase activity.This review discusses the dilemma of finding abnormal liver function tests in the setting of muscle injury and the potential implications of such an association.It delves into some of the clinical and experimental evidence for correlating muscle injury to raised aminotransferases,and discusses pathophysiological mechanisms such as oxidative stress which may cause actual liver injury.Serum aminotransferases lack tissue specificity to allow clinicians to distinguish primary liver injury from muscle injury.This review also explores potential approaches to improve the accuracy of our diagnostic tools,so that excessive or unnecessary liver investigations can be avoided.
文摘BACKGROUND: Prognostic value of cortisol and thyroid function tests(TFTs) has previously been evaluated in medical ICUs. We aimed to evaluate prognostic efficacy of cortisol and TFTs in critically ill poisoned patients admitted to toxicology intensive care unit(ICU).METHODS: In a prospective study of consecutively enrolled subjects admitted to the toxicology ICU, lab analyses included TFTs(total T3 and T4 as well as TSH) and cortisol levels drawn between 8 am–10 am during period of the first 24 hours post-ingestion/exposure. Simplified Acute Physiology Score Ⅱ(SAPS Ⅱ) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ) were recorded. All scores were compared to detect the best prognostic factor. Type of poisoning was also included.RESULTS: In 200 patients evaluated, 129 were male and mean age was 31 years. In general, SAPS Ⅱ, T4, and cortisol could prognosticate death. After regression analysis, only cortisol had such efficacy(P=0.04; OR=1.06; 95%CI=1.05–1.08; cut-off=42 μg/d L; sensitivity=70%; specificity=82%). Between aluminium phosphide(ALP)-and non ALP-poisoned patients, level of consciousness, mean arterial pressure, and cortisol level could prognosticate death in ALP poisoning(all Ps<0.001 in both uni and multivariate analyses). Median(interquartile range; IQR) GCS was 7(6, 10) and 15(8, 15) in non-ALP and ALP-poisoned patients(P<0.003). SAPS Ⅱ and APACHE Ⅱ could not prognosticate death at all.CONCLUSION: Cortisol best prognosticated outcomes for subjects admitted to the toxicology ICU. Its level is higher in ALP-poisoned patients probably due to the higher stress while they remain conscious till the final stages of toxicity and are aware of deterioration of their clinical condition or may be due to their significantly lower blood pressures.
文摘Hormone-stimulated pancreatic function tests (PFTs) are considered the gold standard for measuring pancreatic exocrine function. PFTs involve the administration of intravenous secretin or cholecystokinin, followed by collection and analysis of pancreatic secretions. Because exocrine function may decline in the earliest phase of pancreatic fibrosis, PFTs are considered accurate for diagnosing chronic pancreatitis. Unfortunately, these potentially valuable tests are infrequently performed except at specialized centers, because they are time consuming and complicated. To overcome these limitations, endoscopic PFT methods have been developed which include aspiration of pancreatic secretions through the suction channel of the endoscope. The secretin endoscopic pancreatic function test (ePFT) involves collection of duodenal aspirates at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after secretin stimulation. A bicarbonate concentration greater than 80 mmol/L in any of the samples is considered a normal result. The secretin ePFT has demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity compared with various reference standards, including the "Dreiling tube" secretin PFT, endoscopic ultrasound, and surgical histology. Furthermore, a standard autoanalyzer can be used for bicarbonate analysis, which allows the secretin ePFT to be performed at any hospital. The secretin ePFT may complement imaging tests like endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the diagnosis of early chronic pancreatitis.This paper will review the literature validating the use of ePFT in the diagnosis of exocrine insufficiency and chronic pancreatitis. Newer developments will also be discussed, including the feasibility of combined EUS/ ePFT, the use of cholecystokinin alone or in combination with secretin, and the discovery of new protein and lipid pancreatic juice biomarkers which may complement traditional fluid analysis.
文摘Aim: To evaluate the sperm function after vasovasostomy. Methods: Semen samples from 42 subjects aftervasovasostomy (Group A: 1-6 months, Group B: 6-12 months; Group C: 12-18 months after vasectomy rever-sal) were investigated. Semen from 34 normal fertile men was used as controls. Sperm function tests, including hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), acridine orange (AO) fluorescence, acrosome reaction (triple-stain), cervical mucuspenetration test (CMPT), etc were done. Results: After vasectomy reversal, the percentage of HOST was signifi-cantly lower than that of the normal fertile men. In regard to AO, there were no significant differences between thethree vasovasostomy groups and between these 3 groups and the controls. With triple-stain, the percentage of normalacrosome reaction was significantly lower in Group A as compared with the controls, but not in Groups B and C. Therewere no significant differences in the results of CMPT between the vasovasostomy groups and the controls. However,the number of 'poor' type was significantly higher in Groups A and C than in the controls; the percentage of 'nega-tive' type were higher in Groups A and B than in the controls. Conclusion: After vasovasostomy a lower level ofHOST remained for one year and gradually recovered after one year. Six months after vasectomy reversal, the percent-age of acrosome reaction could be changed from lower level to normal range. The data of AO indicated that the geneticmaterial (double-stranded DNA) in spermatozoa was not affected by vasovasostomy. To evaluate the result of CMPTafter vasectomy reversal, not only the normal results but also the abnormal results ('poor' and 'negative' types)should also be considered.Aim: To evaluate the sperm function after vasovasostomy. Methods: Semen samples from 42 subjects aftervasovasostomy (Group A: 1-6 months, Group B: 6-12 months; Group C: 12-18 months after vasectomy rever-sal) were investigated. Semen from 34 normal fertile men was used as controls. Sperm function tests, including hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), acridine orange (AO) fluorescence, acrosome reaction (triple-stain), cervical mucuspenetration test (CMPT), etc were done. Results: After vasectomy reversal, the percentage of HOST was signifi-cantly lower than that of the normal fertile men. In regard to AO, there were no significant differences between thethree vasovasostomy groups and between these 3 groups and the controls. With triple-stain, the percentage of normalacrosome reaction was significantly lower in Group A as compared with the controls, but not in Groups B and C. Therewere no significant differences in the results of CMPT between the vasovasostomy groups and the controls. However,the number of 'poor' type was significantly higher in Groups A and C than in the controls; the percentage of 'nega-tive' type were higher in Groups A and B than in the controls. Conclusion: After vasovasostomy a lower level ofHOST remained for one year and gradually recovered after one year. Six months after vasectomy reversal, the percent-age of acrosome reaction could be changed from lower level to normal range. The data of AO indicated that the geneticmaterial (double-stranded DNA) in spermatozoa was not affected by vasovasostomy. To evaluate the result of CMPTafter vasectomy reversal, not only the normal results but also the abnormal results ('poor' and 'negative' types)should also be considered.Aim: To evaluate the sperm function after vasovasostomy. Methods: Semen samples from 42 subjects aftervasovasostomy (Group A: 1-6 months, Group B: 6-12 months; Group C: 12-18 months after vasectomy rever-sal) were investigated. Semen from 34 normal fertile men was used as controls. Sperm function tests, including hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), acridine orange (AO) fluorescence, acrosome reaction (triple-stain), cervical mucuspenetration test (CMPT), etc were done. Results: After vasectomy reversal, the percentage of HOST was signifi-cantly lower than that of the normal fertile men. In regard to AO, there were no significant differences between thethree vasov
文摘It has been emphasized that the assessment of residual liver function is of paramount importance to determine the following： severity of acute or chronic liver diseases independent of etiology; long-term prognosis; step-bystep disease progression; surgical risk; and efficacy of antiviral treatment. The most frequently used tools are the galactose elimination capacity to asses hepatocyte cytosol activity, plasma clearance of indocyanine green to assess excretory function, and antipyrine clearance to estimate microsomal activity. However, a widely accepted liver test （not necessarily a laboratory one） to assess quantitative functional hepatic reserve still needs to be established, although there have been various proposals. Furthermore, who are the operators that should order these tests？ Advances in analytic methods are expected to allow quantitative liver function tests to be used in clinical practice.
文摘The diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis （CP） is based on the detection of abnormal structure or function of the diseased pancreas. The pancreatic function tests more accurately determine the presence of CP than tests of structure, especially for early stage disease. The function tests can be divided into two categories： non- invasive and invasive. The invasive ＂tube＂ tests can reliably detect mild, early CP, but are only available at a few referral centers and tend to be poorly tolerated by patients. The non-invasive tests are easy to obtain, but tend to perform poorly in patients with early, mild disease. Therefore, no one test is useful in all clinical situations, and a detailed understanding of the rational, pathophysiologic basis, strengths, and limitations of various tests is needed. This review highlights the role of various pancreatic function tests in the diagnosis of CP including fecal fat analysis, fecal elastase, fecal chymotrypsin, serum trypsin, the secretin stimulation test, the cholecystokinin （CCK） stimulation test, the combined secretin-CCK stimulation test, the intraductal and endoscopic secretin stimulation tests, and the functional magnetic resonance imaging of the pancreas after secretin stimulation.
基金Supported by National Institute of Health Research(NIHR)Biomedical Research Centre based at Imperial College Healthcare
文摘BACKGROUND Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)is the commonest cause of abnormal liver function tests(LFTs).Current upper normal of limit(UNL)of LFTs was derived from a“healthy”population,where undiagnosed MAFLD and viral hepatitis might be suspected.AIM To evaluated potential implications of changes in UNL of alanine aminotransferase(ALT)in MAFLD.METHODS We retrospectively assessed consecutive first referrals with a diagnosis of MAFLD from 2010 to 2017.The conventional UNL of ALT was 45 IU/L for men and 34 IU/L for women,while a low UNL of ALT was 30 IU/L for men and 19 IU/L for women.The UNL of aspartate aminotransferase(AST)was 40 IU/L.RESULTS Total 436 patients were enrolled;of these,288 underwent liver biopsy.Setting a lower UNL reduced the percentage of those with significant disease despite normal ALT;specifically,patients with advanced fibrosis(F≥F3)or definite“metabolic-associated steato-hepatitis(MASH)”(NAS≥5)within normal ALT decreased from 10%to 1%and from 28%to 4%respectively.However,the proportion of those with elevated ALT and no evidence of advanced fibrosis or“definite MASH”increased from 39%to 47%and from 3%to 19%.Overall,LFTs performed poorly in distinguishing“definite MASH”from simple steatosis(receiver operating characteristic areas under the curves 0.59 for ALT and 0.55 for AST).CONCLUSION Liver function tests might both under-and overestimate MASH-related liver disease.Reducing the UNL might not be beneficial and imply an increase in healthcare burden.Risk stratification in MAFLD should rely on a combination of risk factors,not on LFTs alone.
文摘AIM:To investigate pulmonary involvement via pulmonary function tests (PFT) and high-resolution computed tomocjraphy (HRCT) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS:Thirty-four patients with chronic HCV infection without diagnosis of any pulmonary diseases and 10 healthy cases were enrolled in the study,PFT and HRCT were performed in all cases. RESULTS:A decrease lower than 80% of the predicted value was detected in vital capacity in 9/34 patients,in forced expiratory volume in one second in 8/34 patients,and in forced expiratory flow 25-75 in 15/34 patients,respectively.Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) was decreased in 26/34 patients.Findings of interstitial pulmonary involvement were detected in the HRCT of 16/34 patients.Significant difference was found between controls and patients with HCV infection in findings of HRCT (X^2=4.7,P=0.003).Knodell histological activity index (KHAI) of 28/34 patients in whom liver biopsy was applied was 9.0±4.7.HRCT findings,PFT values and DLCO were not affected by KHAI in patients with HCV infection.In these patients,all the parameters were related with age. CONCLUSION:We suggest that chronic hepatitis C virus infection may cause pulmonary interstitial involvement without evident respiratory symptoms.
文摘AIM To study the influence of diet intake on the result of liver function test. METHODS Blood samples from liver diseases ( n =100) and non liver diseases ( n =100) were taken at 07:00 in the morning (fasting state) and two hours after meal. Using Hitach 7150 automatic biochemistry analyser, ten liver function indexes (SB, TTT, ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, γ-GT, SP, A and G) were examined. RESULTS According to the SAS software system the differences were not significant between fasting state and after meal ( P =0 476-0 978). CONCLUSION Liver function test can be performed after meal.
文摘Respiratory diseases,especially asthma,are common in children.While spirometry contributes to asthma diagnosis and management in older children,it has a limited role in younger children whom are often unable to perform forced expiratory manoeuvre.The development of novel diagnostic methods which require minimal effort,such as forced oscillation technique(FOT)is,therefore,a welcome and promising addition.FOT involves applying external,small amplitude oscillations to the respiratory system during tidal breathing.Therefore,it requires minimal effort and cooperation.The FOT has the potential to facilitate asthma diagnosis and management in preschool children by faciliting the objective measurement of baseline lung function and airway reactivity in children unable to successfully perform spirometry.Traditionally the use of FOT was limited to specialised centres.However,the availability of commercial equipment resulted in its use both in research and in clinical practice.In this article,we review the available literature on the use of FOT in childhood asthma.The technical aspects of FOT are described followed by a discussion of its practical aspects in the clinical field including the measurement of baseline lung function and associated reference ranges,bronchodilator responsiveness and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.We also highlight the difficulties and limitations that might be encountered and future research directions.
基金supported by the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program) (2002AA1Z1490)Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education (20040486049)the University Cooperative Research Fund of Huawei Technology Co., Ltd
文摘In order to deal with the limitations during the register transfer level verification, a new functional verification method based on the random testing for the system-level of system-on-chip is proposed.The validity of this method is proven theoretically.Specifically, testcases are generated according to many approaches of randomization.Moreover, the testbench for the system-level verification according to the proposed method is designed by using advanced modeling language.Therefore, under the circumstances that the testbench generates testcases quickly, the hardware/software co-simulation and co-verification can be implemented and the hardware/software partitioning planning can be evaluated easily.The comparison method is put to use in the evaluation approach of the testing validity.The evaluation result indicates that the efficiency of the partition testing is better than that of the random testing only when one or more subdomains are covered over with the area of errors, although the efficiency of the random testing is generally better than that of the partition testing.The experimental result indicates that this method has a good performance in the functional coverage and the cost of testing and can discover the functional errors as soon as possible.
文摘Tests of preoperative visual function and prediction of postoperative E chart visual acuity(ECVA) using laser interferometric visual acuity(LIVA) and electroretinogram(ERG) were performed in 16 cases(19 eyes) of cataract. The results showed that the coincident rate between preoperative LIVA and postoperative ECVA was 63.2%, and there was a parallel correlation between preoperative amplitude of photopic ERG b-wave and postoperative ECVA in 79.0% of the eyes. Comparing these two methods, the test of LIVA ...
文摘An association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease has been repeatedly rep orted. Several studies have focused on levels of gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in relation to cardiovascular outcomes. Evidence indicates that GGT may have a potential role for cardiovascular risk stratifi cation while the role of ALT for cardiac prognosis remains controversial. A conceptual framework that includes not only GGT and ALT but also markers of hepatocyte apoptosis such as cytokeratin-18 fragments should be developed.
文摘Chronic pancreatitis(CP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas evolving in progressive fibrotic disruption of the gland with exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Although imaging features of CP are well known, their correlation with exocrine pancreatic function tests are not obvious, particularly in the early stage of the disease. There are many clinical classification of CP, all suggested for better distinguish and manage different forms based on etiological and clinical factors, and severity of the disease. Recently, a new classification of CP has been suggested: the M-ANNHEIM multiple risk factor classification that includes etiology, stage classification and degree of clinical severity. However, more accurate determination of clinical severity of CP requires a correct determination of exocrine function of the pancreas and fecal fat excretion. Recently, Kamath et al demonstrated that the evaluation of exocrine pancreatic function by acid steatocrit and fecal elastase-1(EF-1) was helpful, but EF-1 was able to detect exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in more patients, upgrading some patients in higher stage of disease according to M-ANNHEIM classification. So, EF-1 is a more accurate test to determine exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and to stage chronic pancreatitis in the M-ANNHEIM classification. On the contrary, EF-1 determination shows low sensitivity in detecting exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in early stage of the disease.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 10672032)
文摘The enhanced patch test proposed by Chen W J(2006) can be used to assess the convergence of the problem with non-homogeneous differential equations.Based on this theory,we establish the patch test function for axisymmetric elements of conventional and couple stress theories,and reach an important conclusion that the patch test function for axisymmetric elements cannot contain non-zero constant shear.
基金was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 10672032)
文摘Among many theories and categories in microstructures,rotation-displacement used as "independent" or "dependent" variables,is a noticeable topic. In FEM,it is called C0 and C1 theory. The convergence criteria of finite elements for microstructures are less mature than those for the conventional thin plate bending problem. In this paper,the patch test functions for assessing convergence of the C0 and C1 finite elements in microstructures is established based on the enhanced patch test theory. The author has further explored the C0 and C1 finite element theories and investigated the difference and correlation between their finite element formulations. Newly proposed finite element theories for microstructures are as follows:(1) the displacement-rotation dependent C1 element that requires the element function satisfying both C0 and C1 continuity;(2) the displacement-rotation independent C0 element which requires new convergence criteria,such as non-zero constant shear stress patch test and zero constant shear stress patch test for approximating C1 element.
基金funded by Department of Medicine, University of Udine (Udine, Italy) in accordance with Good Publication Practice (GPP3) guidelines (http://www.ismpp.org/gpp3)
文摘AIM To compare high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT) findings between humoral primary immunodeficiencies(hPIDs) subtypes; to correlate these findings to pulmonary function tests(PFTs).METHODS We retrospectively identified 52 consecutive adult patients with hPIDs who underwent 64-row HRCT and PFTs at the time of diagnosis. On a per-patient basis, an experienced radiologist recorded airway abnormalities(bronchiectasis,airway wall thickening, mucus plugging, tree-in-bud, and air-trapping) and parenchymal-interstitial abnormalities(consolidations, ground-glass opacities,linear and/or irregular opacities, nodules, and bullae/cysts) found on HRCT.The chi-square test was performed to compare the prevalence of each abnormality among patients with different subtypes of hPIDs. Overall logistic regression analysis was performed to assess whether HRCT findings predicted obstructive and/or restrictive PFTs results(absent-to-mild vs moderate-tosevere).RESULTS Thirty-eight of the 52 patients with hPIDs showed common variable immunodeficiency disorders(CVID), while the remaining 14 had CVID-like conditions(i.e., 11 had isolated IgG subclass deficiencies and 3 had selective IgA deficiencies). The prevalence of most HRCT abnormalities was not significantly different between CVID and CVID-like patients(P > 0.05), except for linear and/or irregular opacities(prevalence of 31.6% in the CVID group and 0 in the CVID-like group; P = 0.0427). Airway wall thickening was the most frequent HRCT abnormality found in both CVID and CVID-like patients(71% of cases in both groups). The presence of tree-in-bud abnormalities was an independent predictor of moderate-to-severe obstructive defects at PFTs(Odds Ratio, OR, of 18.75, P < 0.05), while the presence of linear and/or irregular opacities was an independent predictor of restrictive defects at PFTs(OR = 13.00; P < 0.05).CONCLUSION CVID and CVID-like patients showed similar HRCT findings. Tree-in-bud and linear and/or irregular opacities predicted higher risks of, respectively,obstructive and restrictive defects at PFTs.
文摘The study was planned with an objective to assess the level of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in the blood serum and seminal plasma of breeding cow bulls and their relationship with sperm function and fertility tests. ASA was analyzed in blood serum and seminal plasma by SpermMar test, Immuno peroxidase assay (IPA) and Enzyme linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA). In SpermMar test, about 54% bulls were with >40% IgG in blood serum against sperm surface antigens, whereas none of the bulls were with >10% IgG in seminal plasma. More than 20% and >10% IgA against sperm surface antigens were detected in the blood serum and seminal plasma of 65.8% and 37% bulls, respectively. Out of 26 bulls, seminal plasma of 21 bulls reacted with spermatozoa both in IPA and IgA latex particles and that of only 12 bulls reacted with IgG. In IPA, about 50% of the bulls had >40% ASA against head surface antigens, whereas, there were 23% bulls with >10% ASA in seminal plasma. Also ELISA indicated a higher antibody titre in blood serum (3200 - 6400) and seminal plasma (40 - 80) of 50% and 42% bulls, respectively. There were 11 bulls with low values of HOST/in vitro acrosome reaction/cervical mucus penetration assay and higher level of either serum or seminal plasma ASA. Our study revealed that a significant level of ASA in serum or seminal plasma may have effect on the fertility of bulls by affecting the sperm function.
