Higher Test Values Research Articles

점농어 Lateolabrax maculatus의 성 성숙에 미치는 광주기의 영향

To investigate effect of on sexual maturation in spotted seabass, Lateolabrax maculatus the sexual maturation, photoperiods were established to natural photoperiod, 9L:15D, 11L:13D, 13L:11D and 15L:9D. After rearing for 90 days from August 11 to November 10, gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hormones were analyzed. In the female, GSI was in the natural photoperiod, in 9L:15D, while the GSI of male was in the natural photoperiod, in 9L:15D and in 15L:9D and the lowest in 15L:9D, respectively. The blood estradiol (E2) of female was in the natural photoperiod, and the highest value of in 9L:15D. The male was similar to the female with in the natural photo period and in 9L:15D. The testosterone (T) of male was in the natural photoperiod, but the hightest value of in 9L:15D. These results provide basic information from sexual maturation of spotted seabass.

Simultaneous and Longitudinal Comparison of Interferon Gamma Release Assay Data from Health Care Workers in Japan

Background: Tuberculosis is one of the serious occupational diseases among health care workers, especially those who work with patients suffering from respiratory disorders. It is important to assess latent tuberculosis infection status in such workers using interferon- release assays, including QuantiFERON-TB Gold and its successor, the QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-Tube test. Although the relative efficacies of these two methods have been evaluated in patients with tuberculosis, data from health care workers in Japan have not been extensively examined. Purpose: In the present study, we examined the utilities of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold and QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-Tube tests to detect latent tuberculosis infections in staff working in a respiratory disease hospital in Japan. We also longitudinally compared data from these subjects obtained using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold assay. Methods: We collected blood samples from 120 staff members and performed both the QuantiFERON-TB Gold and QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-Tube assays. A total of 58 subjects had previously been tested 5 years prior using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold assay, and we compared these data with our more recent information. Results: The QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-Tube test tended to yield higher test values than did the QuantiFERONTB Gold test, suggesting that the former test may be more sensitive when used to detect latent tuberculosis infection. In both tests, the results differed in 32 instances (26.7%), associated with significant difference (p<0.001, =0.55). In 94 subjects with negative QuantiFERON-TB Gold test results, 16 (17.0%) were intermediate and 11 (11.7%) positive by QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-Tube test. The longitudinal comparison confirmed this suggestion. The number of subjects rated “intermediate” in terms of tuberculosis status differed, with statistical significance, when the two datasets were compared. Conclusion: Health care workers should be screened for possible tuberculosis infections using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-Tube test, which is more sensitive than the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test.

A Tale of Five Kidneys and One Heart Transplants

Background: Idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) recurrence occurs in 20-30% of first renal transplant recipients and >80% after a re-transplant after a previous recurrence. Relapse often means graft failure. Case report: A 40-yr-old white female with primary, idiopathic FSGS diagnosed at the age of five years underwent a paired living donor kidney transplantation (her husband having blood group incompatibility). She had already received 4 previous kidney transplants at the age of 9 (mother's kidney), 11, 18 and 32 (cadaver kidneys) years old, the last one simultaneously with a heart transplant. Nephrotic syndrome was immediately diagnosed after the first, third and fourth transplantation, with consequent graft failure secondary to FSGS recurrence (histologically documented) at 6 months, 10 years and 7 years, respectively. The second transplant was lost 24-hour after surgery due to unclear reasons. Considering her past medical history, and the presence of a donor-specific antibody (DSA) (anti-DQ7, MFI 10,500) against the swapped donor (positive B-cell flow cytometry crossmatch, negative CDC crossmatch), we implemented a desensitization/preventive protocol including: plasmapheresis at day -7, -5, -4, -3 and -1 before the transplant; rituximab (375 mg/m2) at days -3, +4, +17; IVIg 1 g/kg at day -1, +1, +2, +3, +4 and +16; and occlusion of native renal arteries. Basiliximab was used for induction, and maintenance immunosuppression consisted of cyclosporine (doses adjusted to maintain C2 levels between 700-800 ng/ml), mycophenolate mofetil (2 g/die) and prednisone (5 mg/day). Serum creatinine was 0.4 mg/dl on day +3. The hightest value of proteinuria was 1.283 g/24h on day 3; the next values reduced progressively and proteinuria was 0.224 g/24h at discharge. The patient was discharged on p.o.d. 18. After 7 months of follow-up, the patient has normal renal function (creatinine level of 0.7 mg/dl), no proteinuria, and a very low titer anti-DQ7 antibody (MFI 1,800). Conclusion: This case reflects the possibility to perform a succesful fifth renal transplant in a patient with FSGS and DSA with a new immunosuppressive and surgical approach.

Foundation models in seismic areas: Four case studies near the city of Granada (Spain)

This paper presents four case studies of the geotechnical characteristics of foundation design under seismic conditions in towns located in the province of Granada (Spain). Much of this province is affected by seismic activity caused by active faults in the Betic Cordillera, the Alborán Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the area around the northern border of Africa from Morocco to Algeria. Although seismic activity in the region is moderate with peak accelerations of 2.4m/s2 for a return period of 475years, it is the region with the highest seismic risk in the Iberian Peninsula. The four study areas include the towns of Atarfe-Albolote, Fuente Vaqueros, Churriana de la Vega, and the district of La Chana (the NW sector of the city of Granada). Churriana de la Vega has a very homogeneous soil profile with a coarse granulometry, high relative density, high bearing capacity, high field-penetration test values, and a deep water table. In contrast, the other three areas have a seasonally shallow water table and extremely variable soil profiles in terms of bearing capacity. They are characterized by predominantly fine alluvial soils of low relative density and with low field-penetration test values. They are thus susceptible to seismic effects such as liquefaction and densification.Based on geotechnical reports, dynamic penetration tests, and direct shear and consolidation tests on disturbed samples, we first defined the basic mechanical properties of the soil under static conditions and determined the features related to bearing capacity and foundation design. The next step was to analyze the corresponding dynamic geotechnical parameters by using various empirical correlations between static and dynamic parameters. For this purpose, our research study took into account the definitions and criteria regarding bearing capacity under seismic conditions regulated by the Spanish (NSC-02) and European (Eurocode 8) technical codes. The results obtained led us to propose new foundation types, which would be capable of withstanding potential seismic action. These improved foundations have a better load distribution and higher stiffness, thanks to strip footing, reinforced concrete plates, and the occasional use of deep piling. The dynamic actions of the terrain and the associated settlement effects due to soil liquefaction or densification showed that the areas most in need of deep foundations were located around Albolote. As a result, a deeper foundation is necessary, such as the type found in Fuente Vaqueros, where geotechnical conditions are even more unfavorable.

Histological evaluation of osseointegration aroundtitanium implants in thyroidectomized rabbits(experimental study).

Background: Thyroid hormones are essential for linear growth and peak bone mass acquisition. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces less than the normal amount of thyroid hormones. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of hypothyroidism on osseointegration around the titanium implants screwed in rabbit's tibia. Materials and methods :Fifty four machined surface Iraqi implants were inserted in 27 male rabbits (2implants in each rabbit's tibia ).Eighteen of these rabbits were subjected to near total thyroidectomy to induce hypothyroidism three weeks before implantation surgery. While the remaining 9 rabbits were remain as a control group. Blood sample was taken from each animal at the beginning of this study in order to find the normal range of T3,T4,and TSH .And another blood sample was taken for experimental groups to find the levels of T3,T4,and TSH three weeks after thyroidectomy in order to assess the hypothyroidism status .After 2, 4, 6 weeks after implant surgery (6rabbits from experimental group and 3rabbits from the control group) were sacrificed. In the day of scarification, one of the screws was unscrewed with a torque meter, and the peak torque required to shear off the implant was recorded. Then the decalcified sections of the bone around the implants were studied histologically and histomorphometrically .The eye piece reticule was used for morphometrical studies, which were includes: number of osteocytes, number of osteoblasts, thickness and number of bone trabeculae, and thread width Results:The results showed that hypothyroid rabbits had delay in osseointegration, bone formation and maturation around implants in almost all rabbits in experimental groups. While the rabbits in the control groups showed improvement in osseointegration around titanium implant. Removal torque test illustrated higher torque test value in control animals than in experimental one. Moreover, there were increases in torque test values in both groups with time. Biochemical serum analysis revealed a decrease in T3, T4, and increase TSH levels in experimental animals. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there were low bone quality with a delay in bone healing around titanium implants in hypothyroidied rabbits compared with healthy one.

Reply to the correspondence letter by Dr. Giuseppe Indolfi “Spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus in vertically infected children. Any clue for treatment?”

We thank Giuseppe Indolfi for adding information on factors affecting the overall prognosis of vertical hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We fully agree that their work [1], which we refer to twice in our publication, as well as other studies provide valuable information on the course of HCV infections in children. However, neither of the published studies is population based. Therefore, cases with high liver function test (LFT) values are probably overrepresented, since they are discovered more easily, and the rate of clearance may be overestimated. Accordingly, the chance of spontaneous HCV clearance and hence the benefit of early treatment remains somewhat uncertain in the individual young child [2]. In our six patients, the combination of the longitudinal course of LFTs plus HCV gene copy number appeared to aid in predicting the chance of viral resolution. As mentioned in our paper, we concur that other features of HCV infection, such as viral genotype and IL28B polymorphisms, contribute to viral resolution in children [1, 3, 4]. Therefore, information on IL28B polymorphisms in our patients would have been interesting. Yet, given the small number of cases, it would not have allowed for sound conclusions on its role in clearance. Currently, the decision for early versus delayed treatment remains an individual one. Whereas treatment can be delayed until the age of 5 years in most patients, some children with HCV genotype 1a and persistently elevated LFTs without signs of viral clearance may benefit from earlier treatment, as suggested by the work of Bortolotti et al. [1]. Better treatment algorithms can only be developed in multicenter interventional studies of highest quality.

Determination of Resin Bond Strength to Zirconia Ceramic Surface Using Different Primers

Objective. To evaluate the effect of different primers on the bond strength of adhesive resin cement to zirconia ceramic surface in vitro. Material and methods. Thirty zirconia disk-shaped ceramic specimens (10×2 mm2) were divided into three equal groups for the application of different primers: Monobons-S, Clearfil Ceramic Primer and Signum Zirconia Bond. A further 10 specimens served as a control group. Forty composite resin blocks (6×2 mm2) were cemented (Panavia F 2.0) to zirconia ceramic specimens. Shear bond strengths were measured. Treated zirconia ceramic surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Results. One-way ANOVA showed that the application of different primers affected the shear bond strength of adhesive resin cement to zirconia ceramic. The highest test values were obtained with application of Signum Zirconia Bond, and the lowest values were obtained in the control group. Conclusion. Signum Zirconia Bond is effective for increasing the bond strength of adhesive resin cement to zirconia ceramic.

Compression testing to simulate real‐world stresses

AbstractUnit load testing of boxes reported in the literature typically uses empty boxes to explore the impact and interactions among box configurations, pallet support and other environmental parameters. However, this approach leads to failure in the weakest box in the unitized structure, while in the field, failure almost always occurs in the bottom box, which may or may not be the weakest. We find in this paper that mathematically, numerically and experimentally, forcing box failure to the bottom results in higher test values. While this occurs naturally for boxes in use in the field, it is an interaction which to date has been overlooked by researchers examining box performance in the lab. The impact on box estimation can be on the order of 5% or more, which can be as significant as some of the environmental factors we are working to quantify, and which can have significant cost implications. To improve the assessment used in the industry to account for the impact of a box's ‘in use environment’ on its performance, we need further testing on configurations where the boxes are loaded. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Usefulness of Procalcitonin in the Assessing the Severity of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Patient

Background: Thus far, research studies on community-acquired pneumonia (CA P) have focused on its clinical severity. Recently, it has been determined that procalcitonin ( PCT) level is correlated with severity of CAP. A retrospective study conducted at our hospital used risk predict ability and PCT to determine whether or no PCT is useful in assessing the severity of CAP.Methods: This study covered 92 CAP cases that were admitted to the resp iratory department at Changwon Fatima Hospital between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. All enrolled subjects were measured for infection markers and risk predictability.Results: Based on hospital admission data, enrolled subjects had Pneumo nia Severity Index (PSI) scores serving as risk predictors showed that both PCT and white blood cell (W BC) were statistically significant as infection markers (p=0.001, 0.037). Thus, this study used ROC curves in P SI for data analysis. As a result, it was determined that the area under curve (AUC) of PCT and WBC was 0.694 and 0. 593 respectively, indicating that PCT has a higher test value for WBC, when PCT was higher than 0.745 ng/mL . In addition, it was found that PCT levels higher than 0.745 ng/mL had higher PSI scores than the group wi th PCT lower than 0.745 ng/mL (p=0.032).Conclusion: In order to predict risk of pneumonia cases admitted due to sy mptoms of CAP, it is important to consider PCT as well as PSI, and follow-up monitoring of PCT ca ses.Key Words: Pneumonia; Community-Acquired Infections; Procalcitonin; Sever ity Illness Index

Fine Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci Affecting Female Fertility in Dairy Cattle on BTA03 Using a Dense Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Map

Fertility quantitative trait loci (QTL) are of high interest in dairy cattle since insemination failure has dramatically increased in some breeds such as Holstein. High-throughput SNP analysis and SNP microarrays give the opportunity to genotype many animals for hundreds SNPs per chromosome. In this study, due to these techniques a dense SNP marker map was used to fine map a QTL underlying nonreturn rate measured 90 days after artificial insemination previously detected with a low-density microsatellite marker map. A granddaughter design with 17 Holstein half-sib families (926 offspring) was genotyped for a set of 437 SNPs mapping to BTA3. Linkage analysis was performed by both regression and variance components analysis. An additional analysis combining both linkage analysis and linkage-disequilibrium information was applied. This method first estimated identity-by-descent probabilities among base haplotypes. These probabilities were then used to group the base haplotypes in different clusters. A QTL explaining 14% of the genetic variance was found with high significance (P < 0.001) at position 19 cM with the linkage analysis and four sires were estimated to be heterozygous (P < 0.05). Addition of linkage-disequilibrium information refined the QTL position to a set of narrow peaks. The use of the haplotypes of heterozygous sires offered the possibility to give confidence in some peaks while others could be discarded. Two peaks with high likelihood-ratio test values in the region of which heterozygous sires shared a common haplotype appeared particularly interesting. Despite the fact that the analysis did not fine map the QTL in a unique narrow region, the method proved to be able to handle efficiently and automatically a large amount of information and to refine the QTL position to a small set of narrow intervals. In addition, the QTL identified was confirmed to have a large effect (explaining 13.8% of the genetic variance) on dairy cow fertility as estimated by nonreturn rate at 90 days.

遺伝子組換えトウモロコシ（Ｍｏｎ８１０系統）の定量ＰＣＲ法を対象とした外部精度管理試験

A laboratory-performance study was carried out to investigate factors affecting the reliability of the quantitative PCR method to analyze an approved genetically modified (GM) maize (Mon810 line). Test maize powdered samples were prepared as blind samples containing a high (assigned value; 5.45%) or low (assigned value; 0.35%) concentration of the Mon810 line. After confirmation of their homogeneity, they were provided to 27 laboratories participating in the collaborative study. The data were collected from all laboratories and statistically analyzed. Two laboratories, which used a Roche LightCycler (LC), reported significantly high test values. A further examination showed that the LC method is greatly affected by the equipment itself or PCR reagents, resulting in poor repeatability. On the other hand, some laboratories, which used ABI quantitative PCR equipment, reported erroneous test values. In these laboratories, the errors appeared to have been due to inadequate quality and/or yield of DNA. To identify factors affecting the test values, analysis of the measured values for the taxon-specific gene will be useful. Furthermore, the modified silica-gel membrane DNA extraction method made it possible to extract the required amounts of DNA more easily and in a shorter time than before.

Sampling Techniques for Soil Fertility Evaluation: An Exercise in Understanding Variability

It is difficult to obtain a representative soil sample from fields with areas of very low to very high soil test values. This field exercise was developed to assist agricultural practitioners with understanding common sampling schemes and their limitations with highly variable soils. A 2.8-ha site with high variability in soil test P and K was selected for use at the University of Minnesota's Extension Field School. Instructors provided background site information including previous crops and yields, factors of soil formation, methodology used in obtaining a composite sample, a representative management zone sample, precision grid sample, and a soil survey map. Before the exercise, 36 soil samples were collected on a 30-m grid and analyzed for P, K, and pH. Each grid point was numbered and flagged. Participants were split into groups, assigned a sampling method, and conducted a site evaluation and determined which grid points to include in their sample(s). Each group was limited to choosing eight grid points to collect their sample. Although P deficiency was evident, approximately half of the groups recommended no fertilizer application due to inclusion of high testing areas in their samples. Overall the grid sampling method resulted in the highest fertilizer recommendation for the site. The management zone method recommended the least fertilizer overall but most of it was applied in low testing areas, and the composite method which often contained nonuniform areas within the sample resulted in fertilizer recommendations unrepresentative of the site.

Two-year follow-up of aspirin responder and aspirin non responder. A pilot-study including 180 post-stroke patients

Aspirin is proposed to be effective in stroke-prophylaxis because it completely inhibits the platelet prostanoid-pathway. In about 90% of stroke victims, increased platelet reactivity (PR) can be reduced to the normal range by aspirin. Twelve hours later, about one third of them show an enhanced PR again. These patients are called secondary aspirin non responders (SANR). In this study the potential pathogenetic and prognostic impact of this biological feature on stroke recurrence was evaluated. Before discharge from the hospital, PR was determined 12 hours after an oral administration of 500 mg aspirin in 180 patients aged 58 ± 15 years; 74 were female and 106 male. All had suffered a stroke in the internal carotid artery territory. Patients were treated with 3 × 500 mg aspirin/d and were followed up over a 24-month period. Major endpoints of this study were stroke, myocardial infarction or vascular death. On discharge from the hospital, 120 of the 180 patients showed a normal PR under aspirin treatment. High test values were found in 60 patients (SANR). Six patients were lost for follow-up. Because of side effects 36 (20%) of the 180 patients enrolled discontinued medication. Major endpoints occurred in 4 of these 36 patients (11%) and in 25 of the 138 remaining patients (18.1%); 19 patients died in consequence of a vascular event during the observation period. Major endpoints were seen in only 5 of 114 (4.4%) of the aspirin responders, but in 24 out of 60 SANR (40%, p<0.0001). It may be assumed that early identification of SANR's is a clinically useful tool to classify patients at high risk for recurrence of vascular events. This may be an important step to a more effective prevention in post-stroke patients.

Seed Quality Effect on Corn Performance under Conventional and No-Tillage Systems

In northern regions, no-tillage corn (Zea mays L.) planting often results in reduced and/or delayed seedling emergence and growth. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of seed quality on the performance of three commercially available corn hybrids grown with conventional-tillage (CT), no-tillage (NT), and no-tillage with in-row residue removed (NT-R). Field studies were conducted under the three tillage systems with seed lots having high (95–99%), medium (89–98%), and low (84–95%) warm and cold germination test values. Hybrids used were FR20A × FR31, LH74 × LH51, and A632 × LH39. The studies were conducted from 1986 to 1988 on Piano silt loam (fine, mixed, mesic Typic Arguidoll) soils near Arlington and Janesville, WI. There were also early (mid- to late April) and late (mid- to late May) planting dates at Arlington. Increased residue cover with NT and NT-R systems resulted in 2 to 4 °F cooler soil temperatures at planting compared to CT, which reduced average percentage corn emergence by 3%, delayed emergence by 2 to 5 d, reduced vegetative dry weight at 45 d after planting by 30 to 60%, delayed silking 5 to 7 d, and increased harvest grain moisture 1 to 5%. Average grain yields were also reduced by 9% under NT compared to CT. Compared to high quality seed, medium and/or low seed quality caused 4 to 6% lower emergence, delayed emergence less than 1 d, reduced vegetative dry weight by 10 to 15%, extended days to silking by 1 to 2 d, increased grain moisture about 1%, and decreased average grain yield by 4% (despite thinning to constant final stands). Seed quality effects were usually smaller than tillage system effects, and tillage system by seed quality interactions were infrequent. Special concern about seed quality under NT is unwarranted, but to optimize probability for high yields growers should plant high quality seed regardless of the tillage system used.

Design and operational testing on thyristor modules for the SVC Kemps Creek

The design and operational testing of valves for the SVC (static Var compensator) to be installed at Kemps Creek substation in Australia are discussed. The most important design principles and features of the thyristor modules are given. Operational tests carried out on the thyristor modules are described; for this test program, noteworthy test circuits have been set up to perform both TSR (thyristor switched reactor) and TSC (thyristor switched capacitor) fault current tests with high test values and special waveforms. Test results and test circuits are presented. >

Consequences of not fertilizing onions on organic soils with high soil test values

Abstract Two experiments of 4 year duration were conducted on organic soil sites which had accumulated P and K from several years of previous fertilization. There were no adverse consequences to an onion crop (Allium cepaL.) when P and K were omitted from the fertilizer program until the third year in one experiment. In the other there was no response to P and K even after 4 years of omission. Soil test levels declined substantially when P and K were not applied and also, although to a lesser degree, when they were applied at 112 and 168 kg/ha as P2O5and K2O respectively In contrast there were yield responses to N in most years. Nitrogen stimulated early development and always accelerated maturity as measured by the percentage of onion tops down in middle or later August. Concentrations of N, P and K in leaves or immature bulbs at midseason were always higher when these nutrients were applied indicating increased uptake even though yield responses did not always occur. When soil tests are relatively high,...

A análise de solo para discriminar respostas à adubação para a cultura do milho

Diversos parâmetros fornecidos pela análise de solo têm sido usados no Estado de São Paulo para discriminar as respostas à adubação de culturas. Neste trabalho foi avaliada a eficiência desses parâmetros como critério de interpretação, através de estudos de correlação entre resultados de análise de solo e respostas de milho à adubação com nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio em 25 ensaios. Nenhum critério se revelou eficaz para nitrogênio. O teor de fósforo solúvel em H2SO, 0,05N foi eficiente, não tendo havido melhora apreciável das correlações pela consideração dos teores de matéria orgânica, argila ou pH. O teor de potássio trocável revelou-se eficaz, não tendo sido observada melhoria da correlação pela consideração de cálcio e magnésio ou saturação de potássio. No trabalho são apresentadas curvas médias de resposta, bem como as eficiências fertilizantes de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio, em conjunto para o primeiro elemento e separadas em grupos de acordo com a análise de terra para os dois outros nutrientes.

The nitrobule tetrazolium (NBT) test in endemic benign (epidemic) nephropathy.

NBT test values in blood samples from 25 cases of endemic benign (epidemic) nephropathy (EBN) were high, i.e. more than 19% NBT-positive neutrophils, in 22 (88%) of the patients, intermediate, i.e. 13-19%, in two (8%) and normal in one patient (4%); in eight patients (32%) the NBT test values were 50% or more. The test values remained elevated, i.e. 13% or more, for more than one month after the onset of illness in three of ten patients on whom serial tests were performed. Among 18 patients with kidney diseases other than EBN and 16 with kidney transplant, high NBT test values, 20 and 22%, respectively, were found in two (5.9%), intermediate values in two and normal test values in 30 patients (88.2%). This paper is the first published report on NBT test values in cases of EBN. The test was rated to be of diagnostic value in patients in whom EBN might be suspected, highly elevated test values (larger than or equal to 50% NBT-positive neutrophils) lending support to the diagnosis.

The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test and white blood cell count in acute throat infections.

The clinical value of the NBT test and of leucocyte counts in the aetiological differentiation of acute throat infections was investigated. In our hands a frequency of less than 13% NBT positive neutrophils is considered as normal and a test value above 19% as "positive", i.e. indicating a bacterial infection. More than 19% or more than 1 800 NBT positive neutrophils per mm-3 blood were found in 10 of 18 patients with an infection caused by beta-haemolytic streptococci, in 1 of 2 patients with a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and in 1 patient with both a streptococcal and mycoplasmal infection, but in none of 19 patients with a viral infection. Since 8 of 18 patients with streptococcal throat infection had normal NBT test results, the NBT test apparently is of limited value in the early recognition of these infections. A high NBT test value would however support the diagnosis. The white blood cell and neutrophil counts were of little value in the differentiation between streptococcal and viral throat infection.

Computer evaluation of chemistry values: a reporting and diagnostic aid.

A simple computer program to display results and suggest diagnostic possibilities for 12 blood chemistry tests was developed. An SMA 12/60 Auto-Analyzer performs these tests. The program is simple because it does not seek a definitive diagnosis. A commercial computer, not otherwise connected with a hospital, can run the program. The technic compares the patient’s pattern of high and low test values with a pattern associated with each diagnostic possibility. The computer prints results in order of decreasing overlap of the patient’s pattern with the patterns stored in the table. The program helps physicians remember age- and sex-dependent normal ranges as well as test patterns for different diseases.