Value Of Biochemical Parameters Research Articles

Sex variation in hematological and serum biochemical parameters of cultured Chinese silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Hematological parameters are essential for the evaluation of both physiological and pathological changes developed in fishes due to the involvement of endogenous and exogenous factors. Among the endogenous factors, sex plays a significant role in determining the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of fish. The aim of the present study was to obtain a basic knowledge about the variation in hematological and serum biochemical parameters of cultured silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix with respect to sex. In order to establish the information, a blood sample was collected from the fishes from March to June 2018 and were analyzed by using standard techniques. Hematological parameters such as hemoglobin concentration (Hb), total red blood (RBC), total white blood cell (WBC) counts, hematocrit value (Hct), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were estimated. Hb and Hct were analyzed by using cyanmethemoglobin and microhaematocrit methods, while total RBC and WBC counts were obtained by using the Neubauer hemocytometer. The biochemical parameters total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, cholesterol and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were analyzed by means of commercial kits. Data were subjected to statistical analysis which revealed that significant (P 0.05) differences were noted in ESR, MCH, MCHC and MCV values between the sexes. Likewise, no significant (P > 0.05) difference was recorded in serum biochemical parameter values in both male and female fish. Significantly (P < 0.05), higher values of AST were recorded in female fish compared to male fish. The information generated in the present study provides a basic reference value of hematological and biochemical parameters of this species, which will be useful in monitoring the health status of fish under captivity in order to increase overall production of this species.

Toxicological effects of trichlorfon on hematological and biochemical parameters in Cyprinus carpio L. following thermal stress

Trichlorfon is a moderately toxic organophosphate pesticide that is widely used in aquaculture. This study investigated the effects of trichlorfon on hematological parameters, biochemical factors, and stress reaction in Cyprinus carpio L. The fish were exposed to acute concentrations of trichlorfon (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg L−1) at 25 °C and 15 °C for 1 and 2 weeks, after which several parameters were evaluated to assess the effects of the pesticide. Significant decreases were observed in red blood cell (RBC) Count, hemoglobin (Hb) level, hematocrit (Ht), and plasma protein levels after each exposure period. In contrast, notable increases in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), calcium, and glucose levels were observed in the trichlorfon-treated groups. Additionally, there were significant increases in the plasma levels of glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) following the exposure to trichlorfon. Furthermore, the results showed a relationship between toxic stress and increment in HSP70 and cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) expression over time. Ht, MCV, MCH, and the value of other biochemical parameters were quite lower at 15 °C than their corresponding values were at 25 °C, which indicated the decreased physical activity at 15 °C. The results of the present work indicate that acute exposure to trichlorfon and thermal stimulus could damage erythropoietic tissue. Additionally, hepatocytes function and physiological mechanisms could be impaired. Ht, glucose, GOT, GPT, HSP70, and CYP1A levels might be useful biomarkers of trichlorfon toxicity in contaminated aquatic ecosystems.

The Prognostic Value of Left Bundle Branch Block and Biochemical Parameters in Alcoholic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is one of the main causes of dilated cardiomyopathy. The aim of this study was to review biochemical and electrocardiographic parameters on a group of patients diagnosed with alcoholic cardiomyopathy in order to see which correlates with a poor outcome. The analysis showed different degrees of hyponatremia, without a statistically significant correlation to outcome. We did not find a positive connection between the impaired renal function and severe evolution. On the other hand, LBBB presence was strongly correlated with the poor outcome (p[0.00001). We emphasize the importance of alcoholic dilated cardiomyopathy proportions in the study group and the prognostic value of LBBB presence for negative outcome.

Predictive Value of Baseline Biochemical Parameters for Clinical Response of Macular Edema to Bevacizumab in Eyes With Central Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Retrospective Analysis.

To evaluate the influence of baseline biochemical parameters on the improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and reduction in central foveal thickness (CFT) in patients treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB; Avastin, Genentech, Inc) for macular edema (ME) secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). A retrospective study. Seventy eyes of 70 participants with CRVO who underwent IVB for ME and had at least 1 month of follow-up after the last injection were studied. Demographic variables, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), BCVA, CFT measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and biochemical investigations [hemoglobin, fasting and postprandial blood sugar (FBS and PPBS), lipid profile, blood urea (BU), serum creatinine (SC), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)] at baseline were noted. IVB need at every visit was based on clinical and OCT parameters. Changes in BCVA (ΔBCVA) and CFT (ΔCFT) from baseline to last injection were estimated. After IVB, there was a statistically significant reduction in mean CFT (P < 0.01). The group of patients with normal BU and SC had more than 2 lines of improvement compared with those with elevated values (P = 0.043 and 0.009, respectively). Other parameters like FBS, PPBS, hemoglobin, HbA1c, and serum lipids were not associated with improvement of BCVA and reduction of CFT. Normal baseline renal parameters (BU and SC) predict better visual outcome after treatment for ME in CRVO and offer additional benefit over and above that obtained with ME reduction.

The diagnostic value of biochemical parameters in the prognosis of treatment of children with hemolytic-uremic syndrome

The diagnostic value of biochemical parameters in the prognosis of treatment of children with hemolytic-uremic syndrome

Rapid on-site evaluation of routine biochemical parameters to predict right ventricular dysfunction in and the prognosis of patients with acute pulmonary embolism upon admission to the emergency room.

Patients with acute pulmonary embolism(APE)who present with right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) have a worse prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the value of routine biochemical parameters in predicting RVD and 30-day mortality in patients with APE. We retrospectively collected the clinical data for 154 enrolled patients, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), D-dimer, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). We analyzed the correlation between RVD and the parameters and conducted a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to confirm the cut-off values for predicting RVD and 30-day mortality. Formulas were built with relevant parameters to predict RVD and 30-day mortality. Age, NLR, PLR, D-dimer, the ratio of cTnI (+), and NT-proBNP (+) were significantly higher in RVD (+) patients. The ratio of cTnI (+) and NT-proBNP (+) in 30-day mortality (+) patients was significantly higher than that in 30-day mortality (-) patients. According to the logistic regression analysis, NLR, cTnI (+), and NT-proBNP (+) correlated with RVD. The formula for the RVD risk score is 0.072×NLR+1.460×NT-proBNP (+)+2.113×cTnI (+), and the area under the curve (AUC)=0.890 (95% CI: 0.839-0.941, P=.001). The formula for the 30-day mortality risk score is 0.115×NLR + 2.046×NT-proBNP (+) + 1.946×cTnI (+) -0.016×PLR, and the AUC=0.903 (95% CI: 0.829-0.976, P=.001). The rapid on-site evaluation of routine biochemical parameters, including NLR, cTnI, and NT-proBNP levels, and the formula developed using these parameters are valuable for predicting RVD and 30-day mortality in patients with APE.

Prediction of bleeding and thrombosis by standard biochemical coagulation variables in haematological intensive care patients.

We assessed the value of standard biochemical coagulation parameters in predicting bleeding, thrombosis and mortality in adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients with haematological malignancies. We screened all patients with acute leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndrome admitted to a university hospital ICU during 2008-2012. Data were obtained from the clinical chemistry laboratory database and patient files. We graded bleeding according to the World Health Organisation (WHO)-system within 24-h, within 5-days and during the whole ICU stay. We analysed the predictive values of laboratory parameters using multiple logistic regression and receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves. As we previously have established that platelet count at admission was associated with bleeding, we focused on International Normalised Ratio (INR), activated pro-thrombin time (APTT), anti-thrombin, D-dimer and fibrinogen, and markers of infection (C-reactive protein, pro-calcitonin), kidney function (creatinine) and tissue damage (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)). We included 116 patients; 66 (57%) had at least one bleeding episode and 11 (9%) patients had at least one thrombotic event. The differences in coagulation values when bleeding compared to baseline values were minor. INR was the only variable we found associated with subsequent bleeding within 24 h from admission to ICU (odds ratio 2.91, 95% CI: 1.01-8.43, P = 0.048). ROC analyses did not show predictive value of any of the other variables with regards to bleeding and none of the variables were associated with thrombosis in adjusted analyses. Increased levels of LDH at admission were associated with increased 7-day and 30-day mortality. Increased INR at admission was associated with a higher rate of bleeding in ICU patients with haematological malignancies. No other biochemical coagulation or other parameter had any association with bleeding, thrombosis or mortality except increased LDH, which at ICU admission was associated with increased 30-day mortality.

The Effect of a 12-Week Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) Supplementation on Highly-Trained Combat Sports Athletes: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study.

The aim of this study was to verify the effect of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on physical capacity, body composition and the value of biochemical parameters in highly-trained combat sports athletes. Forty-two males highly-trained in combat sports were subjected to 12 weeks of supplementation with HMB and a placebo in a randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind crossover manner. Over the course of the experiment, aerobic and anaerobic capacity was determined, while analyses were conducted on body composition and levels of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, testosterone, cortisol and lactate. Following HMB supplementation, fat-free mass increased (p = 0.049) with a simultaneous reduction of fat mass (p = 0.016) in comparison to placebo. In turn, after HMB supplementation, the following indicators increased significantly in comparison to the placebo: the time to reach ventilatory threshold (p < 0.0001), threshold load (p = 0.017) and the threshold HR (p < 0.0001), as well as anaerobic peak power (p = 0.005), average power (p = 0.029), maximum speed (p < 0.001) and post-exercise lactate concentrations (p < 0.0001). However, when compared to the placebo, no differences were observed in blood marker levels. The results indicate that supplying HMB promotes advantageous changes in body composition and stimulates an increase in aerobic and anaerobic capacity in combat sports athletes.

Comparative study of haematological, serum electrolyte and nonelectrolyte parameters of male and female Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) brood stocks

Sturgeons are the most important principal market species in the Caspian Sea. In the present study, measurement of blood parameters was carried out with the aim of evaluating the normal value of hematological and serum biochemical parameters of brood stocks Acipenser persicus during spawning season. Blood samples were collected from 36 brood stocks of A. persicus (18 males and 18 females) during the spawning season. Higher value of red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit was observed in male breeders with significant differences between female breeders (p>0.05). Haemoglobin and haematocrit value in this study was within the range of 8.70 to 9.2 g/dL and 29.73% to 30.26%, respectively. The statistically significant differences between mean corpuscular volumes, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, lymphocyte and neutrophil percentages, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase were observed in the male and female brood stocks. It is concluded from this study, some of the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of male and female A. persicus breeders were significantly varied from each other. In comparative investigation with earlier reports, the values of red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit are highly varied due to age variations of fish. However, further studies are necessary to understand the impact of sexual, age, size, length, and season and habitat variation. Serum biochemical parameters can be used for confirming the maturity of A. persicus and monitoring any changes in the water quality parameters and soil.

Malignant pleural effusion biomarkers as predictors for chemical pleurodesis success

Background: 42-77% of exudative pleural effusions are due to malignant diseases (Marel et al., 1993) (1). This study aimed to evaluate the value of biochemical parameters of the pleural aspirate in predicting success of chemical pleurodesis in adult patients with malignant pleural effusion. Patients and methods: This prospective study included 30 adult patients with malignant pleural effusion diagnosed by clinical examination, Chest CT scanning and closed pleurocentesis. Patient ages were mean of 60.4 ± 7.8 years, multiple sessions of closed pleurocentesis were carried out followed by insertion of an intercostal tube. The pleural aspirate was then sent for chemical analysis to detect Glucose, pH, and LDH. Pleurodesis was then done either by using Tetracycline (group A), or Bleomycin (group B). All patients were then followed up for success of the pleurodesis process within one month. Results: Within one month of follow-up, rates of clinical response to treatment in group A (Tetracycline) were successful in 40%; versus group B (73.3%). Complete response (CR) occurred in group A cases (20%); versus 33.3% in group B; whereas partial response (PR) occurred in 3 cases of group A; versus 6 cases of group B; and treatment failure (TF) occurred in 9 of group A cases versus 4 of group B cases. None of our patients died. Morbidity occurred in the form of mild-to-moderate. The success of the pleurodesis was closely-associated with higher glucose and pH levels together

Contribution to diagnostics/prognostics of tuberculosis in children. II. Indicative value of metal ions and biochemical parameters in serum.

Newly introduced methods of assaying simultaneously copper and zinc and zinc alone in serum by flame atomic-absorption spectrometry are simple and economical, especially in saving the consumption of serum material. Along with biochemical parameters, they have been successfully applied to diagnostics/prognostics of tuberculosis in children, through analyses of sera from pediatric patients with lung tuberculosis or suspected tuberculosis, enabling the follow-up of therapeutic efficiency. The prognostic strength of Cu and Cu/Zn ratio together with C-reactive protein, complement components C3 and C4, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate have been documented.

Malignant pleural effusion biomarkers as predictor for chemical pleurodesis success

Background42–77% of exudative pleural effusions are due to malignant diseases (Marel et al., 1993) [1]. This study aimed to evaluate the value of biochemical parameters of the pleural aspirate in predicting success of chemical pleurodesis in adult patients with malignant pleural effusion. Patients and methodsThis prospective study included 30 adult patients with malignant pleural effusion diagnosed by clinical examination, Chest CT scanning and closed pleurocentesis. Patient ages were mean of 60.4±7.8years, multiple sessions of closed pleurocentesis were carried out followed by insertion of an intercostal tube. The pleural aspirate was then sent for chemical analysis to detect Glucose, pH, and LDH. Pleurodesis was then done either by using Tetracycline (group A), or Bleomycin (group B). All patients were then followed up for success of the pleurodesis process within one month. ResultsWithin one month of follow-up, rates of clinical response to treatment in group A (Tetracycline) were successful in 40%; versus group B (73.3%). Complete response (CR) occurred in group A cases (20%); versus 33.3% in group B; whereas partial response (PR) occurred in 3 cases of group A; versus 6 cases of group B; and treatment failure (TF) occurred in 9 of group A cases versus 4 of group B cases. None of our patients died. Morbidity occurred in the form of mild-to-moderate.The success of the pleurodesis was closely-associated with higher glucose and pH levels together with a low LDH level in the pleural fluid. ConclusionThe success of pleurodesis is usually higher when the pleural fluid pH and glucose levels are high & the LDH level is low in MPE.

Diagnostic Value of Biochemical Parameters in The Prognosis of Patients with Severe Burns

Objective: Prognosis in hospitalized burn patients and their arrival is important. The purpose of this study is to determine the diagnostic value of biochemical parameters in the prognosis of patients with severe burns. Material and Methods: In a cross-sectional study - an analysis of emergency department patients with burns in the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, the diagnostic value of biochemical parameters in the prognosis of patients with severe burns was studied. Results: Twenty-six patients were male and 24 were female. The mean age of males was 9.93±29.76 and of female patients was 13.34±31.63 years (p=0.616). The mean duration of hospitalization for men was 9.83±14.29 days and for females was 12.44±14.79 days (p=0.887). Average percentage of burn patients, male was 16.13±36.57 and the average percentage of female patients with burns was 16.77±43.05 percent (p=0.221). Alkaline levels (p=0.594), lactate (p≤0.001), creatine phosphokinase levels (p=0.403), amylase (p=0.139) and CRP (p-0.114) there was no significant difference in outcome levels. Conclusion: Lactate levels in the third phase is higher than in the second phase of the first stage. The amount of lactate levels are significantly different outcome (p<0.01) (JAEM 2014; 13: 15-7)

Prognostic Value of Biochemical and Hematological Parameters in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome

Background: Nephrotic syndrome causes a great morbidity and mortality among the children.Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare the biochemical and hematological parameters and their prognostic value in steroid resistant (SRNS), frequent relapse and steroid dependent (FRNS+SDNS) and infrequent relapse (IFRNS) groups.Methodology: A prospective study of 43 children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) selected randomly out of 480 children admitted with the disease at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka from January 2003 to January 2005. There were 24 steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) and 19 steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), of SSNS group 13 were infrequent relapse (IFRNS) and 11 were frequent relapse steroid dependent (FRNS+SDNS).Result: SRNS has low serum total protein (STP), albumin and hemoglobin compared to SSNS (P&lt;0.01, P&lt;0.001). SRNS also has high cholesterol, creatinine and urinary total protein (UTP) than SSNS (P&lt;0.01, P&lt;0.001). Higher difference was observed between SRNS and IFRNS (P&lt;0.001). High serum cholesterol, UTP and low hemoglobin were found in FRNS+SDNS compared to IFRNS (P&lt;0.01, P&lt;0.05).Conclusion: STP, albumin, creatinine were equally low in SRNS and FRNS+SDNS.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v5i2.20764J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2013;5(2):95-98

Usefulness of metabolic syndrome score in the prediction of angiographic coronary artery disease severity according to the presence of diabetes mellitus: relation with inflammatory markers and adipokines

BackgroundIt is a matter of debate whether metabolic syndrome (MS) improves cardiovascular risk prediction beyond the risk associated with its individual components. The present study examined the association of MS score with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), resistin, adiponectin, and angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD) severity according to the presence of DM. In addition, the predictive value of various clinical and biochemical parameters were analyzed, including the MS score for angiographic CAD.MethodsThe study enrolled 363 consecutive patients (196 men, 62 ± 11 years of age) who underwent coronary angiography for evaluation of chest pain. Blood samples were taken prior to elective coronary angiography. MS was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria, with MS score defined as the numbers of MS components. CAD was defined as > 50% luminal diameter stenosis of at least one major epicardial coronary artery. CAD severity was assessed using the Gensini score.ResultsOf the 363 patients studied, 174 (48%) had CAD and 178 (49%) were diagnosed with MS. When the patients were divided into 4 subgroups according to MS score (0–1, 2, 3, 4–5), IL-6 levels and the CAD severity as assessed by the Gensini score increased as MS scores increased. In contrast, adiponectin levels decreased significantly as MS scores increased. When subjects were divided into two groups according to the presence of DM, the relationships between MS score and IL-6, adiponectin, and Gensini score were maintained only in patients without DM. Age, smoking, DM, MS score, and adiponectin independently predicted angiographic CAD in the whole population. However, age is the only predictor for angiographic CAD in patients with DM.ConclusionsIn the presence of DM, neither adipokines nor MS score predicted angiographic CAD. However, in non-diabetic patients, IL-6 and adiponectin showed progressive changes according to MS score, and MS score was an independent predictor of CAD in patients without DM.

Food allergy and anaphylaxis – 2040. Nutritional status and dietary intake in children with cow’s milk allergy

This article was originally published online on 23 April 2013 Poor different acceptance of milk-free formulas in the diet of children with allergy to cows’ milk (CMA) poses the risk of nutritional deficiencies especially calcium, vitamin D and iron and also can lead to malnutrition. Sixty children aged 2-5 years were divided into two groups: group I - 40 children with CMA, group II –20 healthy controls. In children diagnosed with allergy to cow’s milk, milk free diet was recommended. Dietary intake and nutritional status were assessed at six-monthly intervals: at the beginning of the study and after 6 and 12 months of observation. Nutritional status of children was assessed with anthropometric traits and indices (i.e. Body Mass Index) and selected biochemical parameters were performed. Despite of differences in the average concentration in the serum of children with both groups of proteins, albumin and iron, their values ranged of standards for age, as well as the assessed value of other biochemical parameters. At the beginning of the study BMI z-score of 75% of children in group I and 80% in group II ranged between -1,0 to +1,0 whereas BMI z-score in 25% of group I and 20% of group II between -2,0 and -1,0. After 12 month follow–up in 91,5 % of children of group I and 88% of group II BMI z-score was between -1,0 to +1,0 while in 8,5% of children in group I and 12% in group II between -2,0 to -1,0. Nutritional status of children with CMA assessed by body mass index, and selected biochemical tests was normal. In children during 12 month of period of the study, positive changes in dietary habits were observed.

Myocardial gene expression profiles and cardiodepressant autoantibodies predict response of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy to immunoadsorption therapy

AimsImmunoadsorption with subsequent immunoglobulin G substitution (IA/IgG) represents a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) which leads to the improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, response to this therapeutic intervention shows wide inter-individual variability. In this pilot study, we tested the value of clinical, biochemical, and molecular parameters for the prediction of the response of patients with DCM to IA/IgG.Methods and resultsForty DCM patients underwent endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs) before IA/IgG. In eight patients with normal LVEF (controls), EMBs were obtained for clinical reasons. Clinical parameters, negative inotropic activity (NIA) of antibodies on isolated rat cardiomyocytes, and gene expression profiles of EMBs were analysed. Dilated cardiomyopathy patients displaying improvement of LVEF (≥20 relative and ≥5% absolute) 6 months after IA/IgG were considered responders. Compared with non-responders (n = 16), responders (n = 24) displayed shorter disease duration (P = 0.006), smaller LV internal diameter in diastole (P = 0.019), and stronger NIA of antibodies. Antibodies obtained from controls were devoid of NIA. Myocardial gene expression patterns were different in responders and non-responders for genes of oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction, hypertrophy, and ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. The integration of scores of NIA and expression levels of four genes allowed robust discrimination of responders from non-responders at baseline (BL) [sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 85.8–100%); specificity up to 100% (95% CI 79.4–100%); cut-off value: −0.28] and was superior to scores derived from antibodies, gene expression, or clinical parameters only.ConclusionCombined assessment of NIA of antibodies and gene expression patterns of DCM patients at BL predicts response to IA/IgG therapy and may enable appropriate selection of patients who benefit from this therapeutic intervention.

Biochemical and ultrasound parameters may help predict the need for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with a firm clinical and biochemical suspicion for choledocholithiasis

Background Prediction of the need for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with suspected choledocholithiasis (CDL) remains a challenging task. Aims We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of biochemical and ultrasound parameters and to create a corresponding model for prediction of the need for therapeutic ERCP. Methods 203 consecutive patients referred to our center due to a firm clinical and/or biochemical suspicion for CDL. All patients underwent ERCP. Biochemical and ultrasound variables were analyzed. Results The sample was divided into testing group (103; 50.7%) and validation group (100; 49.3%) which did not differ in their baseline characteristics. Elevated gamma glutamil transaminase (GGT), common bile duct (CBD) diameter and presence of hyperechoic structures in CBD were found to be significant predictors for presence of CBD stones on ERCP (p < 0.05) in the testing group. We used these variables to construct a predictive model for the presence of CBD stones on ERCP. The model was tested on a second, validation group of patients using ROC analysis with the area under the ROC curve of 0.81 (%95 CI = 0.75–0.86; p < 0.001). We identified a threshold (0.86) above which, patients had a high probability (93.1%) for the need for interventional ERCP. Conclusion Our predictive model may help predict the need for therapeutic ERCP in patients with a suspicion for choledocholithiasis.

Effect of Gestation and Season on the Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of gestation and season on the haematological and biochemical parameters in domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) to improve the conditions of breeding and conservation in Saudi Arbia. For this study. 30 nonpregnant and 30 pregnant rabbits on day 24 to 26 of gestation were examined. The animals weighed between 2.6 and 3.6 kg and were 1.8-2.6 years old. Blood samples were collected from pregnant and non–pregnant rabbits in January (winter season), April (spring season), July (summer season) and October (autumn season) for analyzing hematological and biochemical parameters. It was revealed for the study that the value of hematological parameters i.e., erythrocyte, leukocyte, lymphocyte numbers and haemoglobin concentrations of pregnant rabbits were significantly (p<0.05) decreased compared with non-pregnant rabbit. Whereas, mean corpuscular volume was significantly (p<0.05) increased in pregnant rabbits compared with non-pregnant ones. The value of biochemical parameters i.e., total protein, albumin, triglyceride, cholesterol, calcium, and phosphorus were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in pregnant rabbits compared with non-pregnant. Whereas, glucose level was significantly (p<0.05) increased in pregnant rabbits compared with non-pregnant rabbits. Most of hematological parameters significantly (p<0.05) decreased in July. In contrast only few

Mathematical analysis of the relationship between yang deficiency syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine and its objective indicators in clinical literature

The primary aim of this research is to systematically sort out and analyze available documents for yang deficiency syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine, providing innovative ideas and methods for statistical study of yang deficiency syndrome. Based on the China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) and Chongqing VIP databases, using "yang deficiency", "deficiency cold", and "patient" as keywords, we searched literature of clinical researches and used "ratio-comparison" and "integration-comparison" to analyze objective data after data preprocessing. Relative importance value of physiological and biochemical parameters were reflected by P value calculated by ratio-comparison or Q value by integration-comparison. With calculation of relative importance values of clinical indicators among various systems, we got the ranking of relative importance of different indexes. Triiodothyronine and urine 17-hydroxycorticosteroid of endocrine system, immunoglobulin A of immune system, and the ratio of cyclic adenosine monophosphate to cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which had great |P| (or |Q|) values and negative P (or Q) values, had a clearly lower level in yang deficiency patients than in the control; hemorheological indicators such as plasma viscosity, whole blood reduced viscosity and erythrocyte electrophoresis time had small |P| (or |Q|) values. These indicators, however, showed less importance for reflecting yang deficiency. Ratio-comparison method and integration-comparison method employed in this study have merits of efficiency and robustness. After detailed compiling and mining of all available data, we have made reasonable advice on the most relevant index of yang deficiency for further study of the essence of this syndrome.