Thymol Turbidity Test Research Articles

The value of osteopontin in predicting fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C

Background. Diagnosis of an asymptomatic course of chronic viral hepatitis C (HCV) and the existing development of the fibrotic process by determining the marker capabilities of biochemical blood parameters (primarily osteopontin — OP) is an urgent issue in modern medicine. Purpose: to evaluate the prognostic value of biochemical blood markers for diagnosing an asymptoma­tic course of HCV and the existing fibrotic process. Materials and me­thods. Seventy-eight people were examined: 47 from the main group — 19 (40.4 %) women and 28 (59.6 %) men with chronic HCV, and 31 controls — 17 (54.8 %) women and 14 (45.2 %) men without chronic HCV. The median, as well as 25.0% and 75.0% quartiles and relative values were calculated for quantitative and qualitative measures, respectively. Predictors were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results. The data obtained by a univariate analysis indicate a significantly increased risk of develo­ping liver fibrosis on the background of chronic HCV, with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels increased by 1.037 times, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) by 1.051 times, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) by 1.017 times; thymol turbidity test by 1.424 times; total protein by 1.162 times and OP by 3.002 times. With increased levels of triglycerides and very low-density lipoproteins, a significant decrease in these risks was found, by 74.7 and 94.7 %, respectively. A multivariate analysis found significantly increased risks of deve­loping liver fibrosis on the background of chronic HCV, with higher levels of AST, total protein, and OP (by 1.028, 1.195 and 2.510 times, respectively). Conclusions. With a significant liver damage by a fibrotic process (stage 3–4), as compared to stage 0–2, there is a probable predominance of biochemical liver markers in the blood of patients with HCV: ALT, AST, GGT, total protein and OP. AST, total protein, and OP were identified as reliable predictors of liver fibrosis. The developed mathematical model has high sensitivity and specificity: 87.5 and 83.9 %, respectively.

Synthesis and In vivo Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Effects of Novel Sulfur-Containing 1,4-Dihydropyridines and 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydropyridines

Background: Hepatoprotectors, currently used in clinical practice, often show low efficacy. One of the promising goals in the therapy of liver diseases is the targeted synthesis of smallmolecule drugs with hepatoprotective activity. Some heterocycles, such as 1,4-dihydropyridines, are proven to be good hepatoprotectors. Objective: This study aimed to prepare and investigate the hepatoprotective effects of some dihydro- and tetrahydro pyridines using the experimental rat model of tetrachloromethane (CCl4)- induced acute liver damage. Methods: Several 1,4-dihydropyridines and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridines were synthesized by the reaction of cyanothioacetamide with carbonyl compounds and active methylene compounds, such as Meldrum’s acid, ethyl cyanoacetate or β-keto esters, followed by S-alkylation of intermediate pyridine-2-thiolates. In silico prediction studies were performed to explore the possible protein targets. Using virtual bioscreening tools, we selected the six most promising compounds from the library of new partially saturated pyridines. Six novel compounds were characterized by IR, 1H, 13C DEPTQ NMR spectroscopy, 2D NMR experiments (1H–13C HSQC, 1H–13C HMBC), HRMS (ESI), and elemental analysis. The hepatoprotective effects were studied in vivo on eighty white rats with CCl4-induced liver damage. Biochemical studies, including thymol turbidity test and measurements of levels of bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in the blood of rats, were performed. Results: Five of six studied compounds showed a good hepatoprotective effect on a rat model of tetrachloromethane (CCl4)-induced acute hepatitis. The blood of rats in the experimental groups revealed significantly lower levels of total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferases, aspartate aminotransferases, thymol turbidity and alkaline phosphatase compared to the control group of rats with acute toxic tetrachloromethane hepatitis. Conclusion: Our results suggests that compound, (benzyl 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-cyano-6-({2-[(3,4- dimethylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl}thio)-2-methyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3-carboxylate), can be considered as candidate for further preclinical studies. Moreover, as per our knowledge, this is the first report on the hepatoprotective effects of the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridine series.

Thymol turbidity test is associated with the risk of cyclops syndrome following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

BackgroundCyclops nodule formation is a serious complication after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether an increase in thymol turbidity test (TTT) values is involved in the development of cyclops nodule formation or cyclopoid scar formation following ACL reconstruction.MethodsBetween 2011 and 2014, 120 cases underwent outside-in ACL reconstruction. Forty-seven patients who had high TTT values were individually matched for age, sex, body mass index, and meniscus injury to a low TTT value group of 47 patients. The primary outcome was the occurrence of cyclops nodule formation or cyclopoid scar formation. All 94 patients were divided into 3 groups using surgical records and intra-operative video to enable a sub-analysis. The groups were a no-cyclops group, a cyclopoid group, and a cyclops group. Blood examinations, including TTT, and knee range of motion evaluations were performed before surgery, 3 months after surgery, and 1 year after surgery.ResultsThere were no differences in preoperative demographic data between the two groups. TTT values did not significantly influence cyclopoid scar formation (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 0.62 to 4.66; p = 0.362). However, patients with cyclops nodule formation showed significantly higher TTT values than the control patients. (OR, 9.34; 95% CI, 1.94 to 90.3; p = 0.002). Knee extension loss was observed in the cyclopoid and cyclops groups 3 months after reconstruction. In the cyclops group, arthroscopic resection of the cyclops nodule was performed 3 months after reconstruction. Eventually, almost full range of motion was restored in all patients.ConclusionsHigh TTT values before ACL reconstruction were an indicator of cyclops nodule formation. Furthermore, cyclopoid scar formations may not be the result of an individual’s immune reaction but that of extension loss in the early post-reconstruction phase.

SEPSIS AT HIV-POSITIVE PATIENTS

Septic implications at patients aren’t a rarity, especially in surgical, pediatric and obstetric practice now. However not enough attention, despite epidemic of this disease is paid to implication of a sepsis at patients with HIV infection now. Clinical laboratory implications of a sepsis at 36 patients with HIV infection are analysed. The main group is presented by patients with a lethal outcome (n = 18), control — with a positive outcome of a stationary stage of treatment (n = 18). Work is carried out on materials of the Infectious hospital No. 1 of D.M. Dalmatov of Omsk. At HIV-positive patients the stage of secondary diseases met most more often. Anti-retrovirus therapy was accepted only by 33% of patients in control group. At the died patients the hyperthermia arose after development of complaints from organs and systems and lasted less than 15 days. Low indicators of the CD4+ lymphocytes and a high virus load of HIV in a blood of patients with a lethal outcome became perceptible. In the general blood test thrombocytopenias, eosinopenias, monocytopenias, in the biochemical analysis — augmentation of the general bilirubin, thymol turbidity test, prothrombin ratio, urea were more often taped. At a bacteriological blood analysis various microflora with prevalence of S. aureus, sometimes in combination with Gram-negative flora was taped. Symptoms of an infectious endocarditis were taped at every second dead of the HIV-positive patient. Almost at all patients radiological changes in a pulmonary tissue were taped. Thus, clinical implications at patients with HIV infection are few symptoms and not typicalness that demands further studying.

Influence of In Vitro Hemolysis on 80 Different Laboratory Tests.

In vitro hemolysis is probably the most common pre-analytic problem in laboratory medicine. However, it introduces variation into results in unknown ways. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the quantitative effects of hemolysis on 80 different, routine laboratory tests. We examined the ratio of hemolysis in our hospital from January 1 to March 31, 2015. Next, to study the effect of in vitro hemolysis of whole blood, we added lysed erythrocytes to pooled specimens of serum or plasma to give hemoglobin concentrations of 0.9 to 8.1 g/L and 2.8 to 14 g/L, respectively, and a rating by colorimetry of 0 to 4+ hemolyzed. Then, 80 different laboratory tests were determined with a Hitachi 7700 autoanalyzer for biochemical tests and with AIA 2000, Cobas 6000, and Lumipulus G1200 machines for other tests. Hemolysis occurred in a total in 8.6% of the specimens in our hospital. Significant correlations with the hemolysis ratio were observed in 43 of 80 laboratory tests. At apparent hemolysis, 11 test levels increased and 7 test levels decreased due to hemolysis. Among the 11 tests, potassium, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, thymol turbidity test (TTT), zinc sulfate turbidity test (ZTT), and hyaluronic acid tests showed proportional increases due to hemolysis. Hemolysis is a common problem for accuracy in many routine laboratory tests. Although the quantitative effects of hemolysis can only be roughly estimated in this report, the approximate extent of change in specific laboratory tests is useful for establishing a baseline for future hemolytic studies.

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ КЛИНИЧЕСКИХ ИСПЫТАНИЙ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ И ФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНОЙ НАПРАВЛЕННОСТИ НОВОГО ЭНТЕРОСОРБЕНТА НА РАСТИТЕЛЬНОЙ ОСНОВЕ «ФИТОСОРБОВИТ»

The evidence of the effectiveness and functional orientation of the new plant-based type of enterosorbent which contains “Fitosorbovit” biologically active additive (BAA), the formulation of which consists of ingredients that have a synergistic action in respect of the claimed functional properties. The dietotherapy was carried out by the inclusion of a specialized product in the diet of trial subjects who suffer from vegetative-vascular dystonia. The biochemical status with determination of sugar in liver transaminases, thymol turbidity test, and total protein of blood is studied. A favorable effect of biologically active additives on cholesterol metabolism on the basis of the content of the free level and group value of this indicator is discovered. Overall health and physical activity improvement is shown, which gives evidence of positive changes in the quality of life. Normalization of the cerebral cortex function and higher nervous activity, which is manifested in the reduction of frequency of complaints, improvement of emotional status, muscle tone, improvement of initiatives and mental alertness is pointed out. The “Fitosorbovit” BAA improves motor-evacuation function of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and liver function, and has a mild laxative effect. Specialized product can be recommended as a preventive measure and complex treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, as well as to prevent a biliary dyskinesia.

Predictors, including blood, urine, anthropometry, and nutritional indices, of all-cause mortality among institutionalized individuals with intellectual disability

As the life expectancy of people with intellectual disability (ID) increases, it is becoming necessary to understand factors affecting survival. However, predictors that are typically assessed among healthy people have not been examined. Predictors of all-cause mortality, including blood, urine, anthropometry, and nutritional indices, were examined among institutionalized people with ID. This retrospective cohort study involved 316 participants (191 males, 125 females; mean age, 36.5 ± 10.5 years) at a public facility for people with ID in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. During the follow-up from the examination day in 1984-1992 through December 31, 2007 (mean follow-up, 18.6 years), 44 deaths occurred. Mean age at death was 47.1 ± 10.0 years (range, 22.3-65.3 years). Early deaths within three years (n = 4) were treated as censored cases. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of all-cause mortality. Sex- and age-adjusted analysis (p<0.15) revealed positive associations with mortality for high serum cholesterol, high thymol turbidity test (TTT), and glucosuria and negative associations with mortality for high serum albumin, high uric acid, high potassium, high calcium, and high systolic blood pressure. Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex (HR, 4.11; 95% CI, 1.59-10.59), high serum cholesterol (1.01; 1.00-1.02), high serum TTT (1.21; 1.03-1.41), and epilepsy significantly increased the mortality risk. The results indicate that the predictors of life expectancy for people with ID included both factors that are shared with healthy people (male sex, high serum cholesterol) and factors specific to people with disabilities (high serum TTT and epilepsy).

MIB-1 LIを用いた，肝細胞癌とその母地肝硬変の細胞増殖能に関する研究

The 23 hepatectomized patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were studied. Samples were biopsied from both cancerous portion and from non-cancerous cirrhotic portion at operation. MIB-1 LIs were measured in these biopsied samples. Then the relationships between MIB-1 LIs and pathologic feature, clinical data, and prognosis were investigated. LIs of the cancerous portion (10.2 +/- 6.8%, Mean +/- SE) were significantly (p < 0.001) greater than those of non-cancerous cirrhotic portion (3.8 +/- 2.1%). LIs of the cancerous portion in the patients who were dead with in 18 months after their hepatectomies, were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than those in the patients who survived more than 18 months after operations. LIs of the cancerous portion in the patients whose samples revealed Edmondson & Steiners classification grade III, were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than those in the patients whose samples revealed grade II. LIs of the cancerous portion in the patients whose serum AFP levels showed high level (> or = 100 ng/ml) were significantly (p < 0.005) greater than those in the patients whose serum AFP levels showed low level (< 100 ng/ml). And LIs of the non-cancerous portion in the patients whose thymol turbidity test (TTT) showed high level (> 5K-U), were significantly (p < 0.005) greater than those in the patients whose TTT levels showed within normal range. LIs of the non-cancerous potion in the patients whose zinc sulphate turbidity test (ZTT) showed high level (> 12K-U), were significantly (p < 0.01) greater than those in the patients whose ZTT levels showed within normal range. LIs of the non-cancerous portion in the patients whose PT levels were prolonged (14 sec <), were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than those in the patients whose PT levels were within range. MIB-1 LIs were proved to be a good marker for estimation of biological behaviour of HCC tumors.

Relationship between clinical features and blood levels of pentachlorodibenzofuran in patients with Yusho

Yusho is a form of food poisoning that occurred in 1968, as a result of consuming rice bran oil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and various dioxins such as polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). The victims of Yusho suffered from various dermatological, ophthalmological, and mucosal symptoms in addition to general fatigue, weight loss, anorexia, headache, paresthesia of the extremities, abdominal pain, cough and sputa, dysmenorrhea, and growth retardation in infants and children. We measured the blood levels of dioxins in the annual medical check-up of Yusho patients from 2001 to 2003. To analyze the relationship between the concentrations of PCDFs/PCBs and the subjective/objective/laboratory findings of patients with Yusho. We also compared the present clinical findings with those collected in 1988. The mean blood level of 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF) in 359 patients with Yusho was 177.50 pg/g lipids, which was much higher than that of normal controls (15.2 +/- 8.9 pg/g lipids). The blood levels of PeCDF were significantly correlated with total PCB levels, hexachlorobiphenyl levels, urinary sugar, 2-h erythrocyte sedimentation rate, thymol turbidity test, and sodium levels. A significant correlation was also noted with dermatological findings (acneform eruption and comedones), mucosal findings (oral pigmentation), constipation, numbness in the extremities, body weight loss, and abnormal abdominal ultrasonography. The incidence and severity of most of the dermatological and ophthalmological symptoms decreased from 1988 to 2001-2003. In conclusion, high amounts of PCBs and PeCDF are still present in a number of patients with Yusho. The patients still suffer from various mucocutaneous and subjective symptoms.

Combined effects of acetaminophen, isopropylantipyrine and caffeine on pregnant and nonpregnant liver.

The common effects of acetaminophen (APA), isopropylantipyrine (IPA) and caffeine on liver were examined in rats. The preparations were given in Tween-80 solution once daily, in a constant proportion of 5:3:1, during days 8 to14 of gestation (S1, S2, S3 groups) or between days 8 and 14 of the experiment in nonpregnant female Wistar rats (S1-NP, S2-NP, S3-NP groups). The administration was in three different doses: doses S1, S1-NP-3.5 mg/kg APA, 2.14 mg/ kg IPA, 0.7 mg/kg caffeine; doses S2, S2-NP were 10 times higher; and doses S3, S3-NP 100 times higher than doses S1, S1-NP There were two control groups (T, T-NP) with Tween-80. At day 21 of gestation/experiment blood was taken for determination of activity of alanine (ALA) and aspartate (AST) aminotransferase, lactate (LDH) and glutamate (GLDH) dehydrogenase, levels of bilirubin (BIL), urea (URE), total protein (TP) and thymol turbidity test (TTT). The liver sections were examined by light microscopy with four stains: hematoxylin and eosin (H+E), silver Gomori, van Gieson and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS). There was a statistically significant (P<0.05) increase in the GLDH (S3-NP, S2, S3 groups) and AST, LDH (S3 group) activity, a decrease in URE (S2, S3 groups) and decrease in TP (S3-NP, S2, S3 groups) compared to the corresponding control group. Significant differences were noted in activity of AST, GLDH, and levels of the URE and TP between pregnant and nonpregnant females. The treatment resulted in minimal reactive and degenerative changes in light microscopic pattern of liver.

Comparison of clinical laboratory liver tests between asymptomatic HBV and HCV carriers with persistently normal aminotransferase serum levels

We examined the clinicopathological state in asymptomatic hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers with persistently normal aminotransferase serum levels in comparison with asymptomatic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers. The findings showed that the thymol turbidity test (TTT) values and zinc sulfate turbidity test (ZTT) values were significantly higher in asymptomatic HCV carriers than in asymptomatic HBV carriers, whose values were within the normal limits. Multivariate analysis showed that the independent predictor of serum TTT and ZTT levels was the HCV infection. In clinical state, simple and cheap tests such as TTT and ZTT are useful for mass screening to detect HCV carriers in medical check-ups of healthy workers.

Inter-laboratory difference among eleven clinical laboratories in the Okayama City area.

The aim of the present study was to find the cause of inter-laboratory differences in laboratory test data and to examine whether control assessment helps to reduce inter-laboratory differences. Blood and serum samples of one healthy subject and one subject with liver cirrhosis were analyzed by 11 laboratories in the Okayama City area. No differences were found in the assay units of 26 tests surveyed. However, considerable differences were observed in test data, reference interval, and clinical level (CL), though most laboratories pointed out that the test data for the normal subject was within the reference intervals and those for the patient with liver cirrhosis showed abnormalities in tests for liver function. The difference in reference intervals was serious in the tests of direct bilirubin (D-Bil), thymol turbidity test (TTT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP) and choline sterase. Marked differences in CLs were found in the tests of D-Bil, TTT, ALP, GGTP, creatine phosphokinase, amylase, heavy density lipoprotein cholesterol and white blood cell count. However, three hepatologists independently suggested that such inter-laboratory differences would not seriously affect a clinical decision on the disease status of the cirrhotic patient. Most tests that showed a trend error in a recent quality control survey appeared to have the same trend in the present study. These results indicate that inter-laboratory differences occur at various levels and control assessment are helpful in establishing, and therefore reducing, the level of inter-laboratory differences.

慢性関節リウマチにおける血清こう質反応（ＴＴＴ，ＺＴＴ）について

We studied the Thymol Turbidity test (TTT) and Zinc Sulfate Turbidity test (ZTT) in the serum of 83 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). TTT or ZTT was high in 63 of 83 patients (75.9%) with RA. All patients were divided into two groups, according to high or low values for serum CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation reaction and Lansbury index. TTT and ZTT from the high group were higher compared to the low group. 21 or 27 patients. whose TTT or ZTT was not high, had a positive rheumatoid factor test. However TTT or ZTT were high in 7 patients, whose rheumatoid factors were negative. Most of these cases had high RA activity. It was suggested that TTT and ZTT are useful indices for RA activity although less significant compared to rheumatoid factor.

Influence of diet intake on liver function test.

To study whether dietary intake influences liver function test. Blood samples were obtained from patients liver diseases (n = 100) and controls (without liver diseases; n = 100) first at 07: 00 in the morning (fasting state) and then 2 h after a meal (fed state). The Hitachi-7150 automatic biochemistry analyzer was used to assess the following liver function indexes: Serum bilirubin, thymol turbidity test, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma glutamyl transferase, SP, A and G. Statistical significance of differences between inter-group values was determined using SAS software. None of the indexes showed statistically significant differences between the fasting state and the fed state (P = 0.476-0.978). Liver function test can be performed after a meal.

Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinomas Associated with Nonbiliary Cirrhosis

To determine the prevalence and clinicopathologic features of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) associated with nonbiliary cirrhosis, we performed a clinicopathologic study. Among the 5,563 autopsies in our laboratories during the past 14 years, 85 (1.5%) were CCs. Four (4.7%) were associated with cirrhosis, due to hepatitis B virus in one case and cryptogenic (probably non-A non-B hepatitis virus) in the remaining three. Clinically, patients with CC and cirrhosis were characterized by male preponderance, lower age, past history of liver injury, and elevated values of zinc sulfate and thymol turbidity tests. Pathologically, all CCs with cirrhosis were basically adenocarcinoma; other histologic features included adenocarcinoma resembling bile ductules without mucin (one case), adenocarcinoma with broad areas of signet ring cell carcinoma (one case), adenocarcinoma with extensive sarcomatoid transformation (one case), and adenocarcinoma associated with hepatoliths (one case). Immunohistochemically, immunophenotypes of carcinoma cells of CC with cirrhosis were not different from those of CC without cirrhosis. Carcinoembryonic antigens, CA19-9, DU-PAN-2, and biliary-type cytokeratins were positive and alpha-fetoprotein was negative, suggesting that our CCs are not hepatocellular neoplasms but true CCs. It must be stressed that there are actual CCs arising in nonbiliary cirrhotic livers.

Studies on the Relationship between Serum Colloidal Reactions (ZTT and TTT) and IgG Subclasses, Especially IgG1 and IgG2

The relationship between zinc sulfate turbidity test (ZTT and thymol turbidity test (TTT), and IgG subclasses, especially IgG1 and IgG2, was studied. Serum colloidal reactions of specimens from patients with IgG-myeloma usually show abnormally high values in ZTT and low values in TTT. But in some cases, values in ZTT and TTT are both low, and in a few cases both values are abnormally high. In order to see the reason why IgG-myelomas are classified into these three groups according to serum colloidal reactions. IgG subclasses of monoclonal proteins (MPs) isolated by zone electrophoresis were determined by immunodiffusion with anti IgG-subclasses. Results revealed that IgG1-myeloma showed high ZTT and low TTT and IgG2-myeloma showed low ZTT and TTT. Only two out of our 29 cases with IgG-myeloma showed high ZTT and TTT. MP from one of them belonged to IgG1-kappa and that from the other to IgG2-lambda. We checked the relationship between turbidity tests and electrophoretic mobility of MP and also that between these tests and L-chains' type of MP, but did not find any relationship between them. These findings suggest that IgG1 innately reacts with ZTT but not with TTT, while IgG2 does not react with any of these tests. MP from cases showing high values in both ZTT and TTT may have a special idiotype.

DIAGNOSIS OF FATTY LIVER

To determine the usefulness of imaging diagnosis for fatty liver, several image pictures obtained by ultrasonography and CT scan were compared with the histological degree of fatty liver. The 83 subjects of this study were underwent liver biopsy and the fatty infiltration ratio (FIR) was calculated. Fatty liver was diagnosed when FIR was above 30%. FIR was significantly correlated with cholesterol and triglyceride level in all patients investigated. Moreover, the correlation of FIR with thymol turbidity test, triglyceride and ICG and with triglyceride were observed in obese patients and patients with alcoholic liver disease, respectively. The fatty bandless sign on ultrasonographic examination was useful for the diagnosis of fatty liver (sensitivity, 97.9% ; specificity, 67.0% ; accuracy, 86.5%). The sign of deep attenuation also was useful for the diagnosis of fatty liver (sensitivity, 53.2% ; specificity, 97.2% ; accuracy, 72.9%). Furthermore, fatty score was calculated from liver-kidney contrast, vascular blurring and deep attenuation, which were ultrasonographic findings of fatty liver. The fatty score corresponded well to the diagnosis of fatty liver (sensitivity, 93.6% ; specificity, 75. 0% ; accuracy, 85.5%). By CT scan, fatty liver was below 0.83 in the ratio of the CT number of liver to those of spleen, and the diagnosis of fatty liver could be made by CT scan (sensitivity, 76.9% ; specificity, 90.9% ; accuracy, 81.1%). By combining the data of fatty score and CT scan, the diagnosis of fatty liver was improved to 96.2% sensitivity, 90.9% specificity and 94.6% accuracy. Therefore, this study suggested that combining ultrasonography and CT scan might be the most useful procedures for the diagnosis of fatty liver if liver biopsy is not performed.

組織プラスミノーゲンアクチベーター活性，抗原およびプラスミノーゲンアクチベーターインヒビター‐１抗原に対する諸種生化学検査値の影響についての統計学的検討

We determined tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity, antigen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) antigen levels, and performed the statistical analyses of correlation with biochemical parameters used for physical check up in 81 volunteers hospitalized for healthy examination. Transaminases (GOT, GPT), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP), zink sulfate turbidity test (ZTT), thymol turbidity test (TTT), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), uric acid (UA), calcium (Ca), creatinine (CRN), fasting blood sugar (FBS) had significant correlation with t-PA activity, antigen, and PAI-1 antigen. A canonical correlation coefficient was significant between the object variables (t-PA activity, antigen, index and PAI-1 antigen) and the explanatory variables (GOT, GPT, TC, TG, CRN, UA, γ-GTP, HDL, FBS). The results suggest that fibrinolytic balance (t-PA, PAI-1) in blood may be affected by the parameters of the liver function, the uricotelic metabolism, the hyperlipidemia, or the hyperglycemia.

Infectious mononucleosis in Japan: Comparison with acute viral hepatitis type A

AbstractIn order to clarify the characteristics of infectious mononucleosis hepatitis (IMH) in Japan, 20 cases with IMH treated at Kamo Hospital during the past 6 years (Group I) were analysed in comparison with cases of acute viral hepatitis, especially type A. The test for heterophil antibody was positive in only two cases. During the same period 209 cases were treated for acute viral hepatitis (type A: 77 cases = Group A; type B: 61 cases; type non‐A, non‐B: 71 cases). In Group I the common clinical symptoms and signs were headache, sore throat and lymph node swelling; jaundice was not as common as in Group A. GOT and GPT activities increased moderately in the acute stage, but they were significantly lower than those in Group A. LDH, AP, GGT and LAP activities were disproportionately higher to GPT activity in Group I. Liver biopsy in the convalescent stage showed that lipofuscin deposition and sinusoidal mononuclear cell infiltration were more prominent in Group I, while sinusoidal neutrocyte infiltration and focal necrosis at periportal areas were more common in Group A. Differential diagnosis of the two diseases could be made using these clinical features and histological findings. However, immunological differentiation is required for specific diagnosis because some features such as fever, prolonged elevation of thymol turbidity test, atypical lymphocytes in peripheral blod and predilection for young people were observed in both groups. Furthermore, the present study indicated that IMH is no longer rare and most cases do not demonstrate heterophil antibody in Japan.

台湾南部の野生スンクスと飼育スンクスの血清成分及び肝組織鏡検との比較

Serum constituents and liver of the wild male suncus as well as of those bred and fed in our laboratory were examined serologically and histologically. The following results were obtained: The serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transaminase, inorganic phosphate, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, and zinc turbidity test levels of wild suncus were higher than those of 4 and 8 week old fed suncus. The total cholesterol level of wild suncus was lower than those of 4 and 8 week old fed suncus. In wild suncus, the total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels were higher, and the Ca and albumin levels were lower than those of 4 week old fed suncus. However, no significant differences were observed between the wild and the 8 week old fed suncus. Although the alkaline phosphatese and thymol turbidity test levels of wild suncus were larger than those of 8 week old fed suncus, no significant differences were observed between the wild and the 4 week old fed suncus. The histological study revealed the presence of fatty droplets in only 2 of the 67 wild suncus examined while fatty droplets (grade +) were observed in almost all the fed suncus. In one case of the wild suncus, moderate round cell infiltration in interlobular connective tissue was found.