Search

Background: Sample classification and registration have been recognized as important and time-consuming processes in laboratories. There is increasing pressure on laboratories to automate processes due to intense workload and reduce manual procedures and errors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the positive effects of an automatic tube registration and sorting system on specimen processing. Methods: An automatic tube registration and sorting system (H CTS2000 M K2, m-u-t AG, Wedel, Germany) was evaluated. Turnaround time (TAT), rate of sample rejection and unrealized tests were examined 12 months preand post-implementation of the automatic tube sorting and registration system. Results: The mean TAT of routine chemistry immunoassay, complete blood cell count (CBC) and coagulation samples were significantly improved (P< 0.001). The number of rejected samples and unrealized tests was insignificantly decreased post-implementation of the system (0.4% to 0.2% and 4.5% to 1.4%, respectively) (P> 0.05). Conclusions: By reducing delays and errors in the preanalytical processing and sorting of samples, significant improvements in specimen processing were observed after im - plementation of the system. These results suggest that an automatic tube registration and sorting system may also be used to improve specimen processing in a higher-volume core laboratory.

Background and Objectives: Because subclinical thyroid dysfunction may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, we evaluated the atherosclerosis tendency in subclinical hypothyroid (SCH) patients. Patients and Methods: Fifty-three subclinical hypothyroid patients (serum thyrotropin [TSH] concentrations >4.12 mU/L) were compared with a control group of 50 euthyroid subjects whose age, sex and body mass indices were similar to the patient group. We tested whether serum TSH concentrations were correlated with plasma total homocysteine concentration (tHcy), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG). Results: There was a significant statistical difference between the patient and control groups for normal free T4 (1.02±0.17 vs. 0.86±0.13, P< .001), TSH (1.64±1.02 vs. 6.62±2.61, P< .001), TC (185±39 vs. 206±42, P=.01),TG (103±54 vs. 132±85, P=.04), LDL-C (114±33 vs. 127±36, P=.04), and TC/HDL-C (3.81±106 vs. 4.19±1.02,P=.04), respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups for HDL-C, VLDL- C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and tHcy. Serum TSH was significantly correlated with plasma tHcy (r=0.55; P=.001), TC (r=0.52; P=.001), LDL-C (r=0.49; P=.001), TC/HDL-C (r=0.38; P=.002) and LDL-C/HDL-C (r=0.36; P=.004) across all participants. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the atherogenicity of SCH is not mediated by hyperhomocysteinemia. Associated hyperlipidemia may explain the observed increased risk of coronary artery disease in patients with SCH.

Abstract Background Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Heart type fatty acid binding protein (HFABP) has been found to be predictive for myocardial ischemia.Wet ested whether HFABP is the predictor for CVD in PCOS patients, who have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Methods This was a prospective, cross sectional controlled study conducted in a training and research hospital.The study population consisted of 46 reproductive-age PCOS women and 28 control subjects. We evaluated anthropometric and metabolic parameters, carotid intima media thickness and HFABP levels in both PCOS patients and control group. Results Mean fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, free testosterone, total testosterone, carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) levels were significantly higher in PCOS patients. Although HFABP levels were higher in PCOS patients, the difference did not reach statistically significant in early age groups. After adjustment for age and body mass index, HFABP level was positive correlated with hsCRP, free testosterone levels, CIMT and HOMA-IR. Conclusions Heart type free fatty acid binding protein appeared to have an important role in metabolic response and subsequent development of atherosclerosis in insulin resistant, hyperandrogenemic PCOS patients.

Abstract Background Heart type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) has been closely associated with acute coronary syndrome, cardiac abnormalities, stroke, and obstructive sleep disorder in previous studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the serum H-FABP levels and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) between patients with prediabetes and control subjects. Research design and methods We measured serum H-FABP levels in 58 prediabetic patients, 29 with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and 29 with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 28 age-, sex- and body mass index-matched control subjects using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and in order to measure CIMT, all participants underwent high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Results Serum H-FABP levels were significantly elevated in pre-diabetic patients when compared with that of control subjects (IFG: 32.5 ± 34.2 ng/dL, IGT: 45.4 ± 45.8 ng/dL, control: 16.8 ± 14.9 ng/dL; p = 0.011). The difference in means of H-FABP levels between patients with IGT or IFG and control subjects was significant (p = 0.010 and p = 0.009, respectively). CIMT was higher in the pre-diabetic groups compared with the control group (IFG: 0.6 ± 0.1, IGT: 0.6 ± 0.1, control: 0.5 ± 0.1; p < 0.001), and H-FABP level was positively correlated with CIMT (p < 0.001, rho = 0.626). Conclusion Our results indicate that patients with pre-diabetes are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. In addition, serum H-FABP levels could represent a useful marker for myocardial performance in patients with IFG and IGT.

Background/aim: To evaluate the effects of oxidant/antioxidant mechanisms and levels of trace elements on trauma-stimulated moderate pulmonary contusions after vitamin E administration., Materials and Methods: Sixty-three male Sprague Dawley rats were used. Animals were studied in 4 groups. Vitamin E (150 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 30 min after trauma and on the first and second days. Blood samples were obtained for nitric oxide (NO) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities. Zinc (Zn+2), copper (Cu+2), and iron (Fe+3) were measured in serum., Results: Lung contusion increased serum and tissue NO levels and SOD activities and decreased GSH-Px activities (P < 0.05). Vitamin E significantly (P < 0.05) decreased NO levels and SOD activities and increased GSH-Px. Serum Zn+2, Cu+2, and Fe+3 levels were statistically significantly influenced by the administration of vitamin E (P < 0.05). Group 4 had lower scores compared to Group 3 (P < 0.05) and no difference compared to Group 1 (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: These results suggest that treatment with vitamin E reduces lung oxidative stress and related mechanisms in isolated lung contusion as demonstrated by an experimental rat model.

Background and Aim: The incidence of acute pancreatitis is increasing recently. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) on experimental model of cerulein induced acute pancreatitis in rats., Materials and Methods: Forty Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups. Group 1: Sham (n = 8), Group 2: Control group (n = 8), Group 3: Treatment group (n = 8), Group 4: Prophylaxis group (n = 8), Group 5: Prophylaxis treatment group (n = 8). Any practice was not administered to Group 1. Rats were treated with either 1 ml ABS or 1 ml saline via intraperitoneal route before and after inducing acute pancreatitis. Pancreatic tissues were examined histopathologically. Amylase, cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β), and markers of apoptosis (M30 and M65) were also measured in blood samples. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with caspase 3 antibody., Results: We found a statistically significant improvement in histopathological scores in treatment group and prophylaxis group compared with controls. In treatment group, M30 and M65 levels were lower when compared with controls. In prophylaxis group, there was not a statistically significant difference in M30 levels, but M65 levels were lower when compared with controls., Conclusion: In this experimental acute pancreatitis model, we found high histopathological healing effects of ABS treatment and also prophylaxis. ABS treatment and prophylaxis reduced apoptosis.

Background/aim: To analyze the protective activity of vitamin C on the lungs by assessing biochemical and histopathological analysi after performing an experimental isolated lung contusion model., Materials and Methods: Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley male rats were used. The rats were randomly separated into 4 groups Vitamin C (200 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 30 min after trauma. Blood samples were obtained for myeloperoxidase (MPO) glutirthione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels Blood gas analysis and bronchoalveolar lavage was performed. The lung tissue was also extracted for histopathological examination., Results: The lung contusion enhanced MDA, SOD, CAT, and MPO and diminished GSH-Px. Vitamin C administration after th pulmonary contusion was found to diminish the level of MDA and the activities of SOD, CAT, and MPO and to enhance the level of GSH-Px (P < 0.05). Contusion-induced disrupted gas analysis and leukocyte infiltration were both resolved by the vitamin C., Conclusion: The present results indicate that vitamin C administration attenuated the oxidative damage and morphological change induced by pulmonary contusion in an experimental rat study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)., Material and Methods: During a 6-month period, 52 patients with PCOS were recruited for this cross-sectional study. The control group included 68 age-matched female volunteers. Serum free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-thyroperoxidase antibody (anti-TPO Ab), and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (anti-Tg Ab) were measured., Results: The TSH level in the PCOS patients and controls did not differ significantly (1.9±1.2 μIU/mL vs. 1.8±0.9 μIU/mL, p>0.05). Serum fT3 and fT4 levels in the controls were significantly lower than those in the PCOS patients (fT3: 2.7±0.3 pg/mL vs. 2.9±0.3 pg/mL, p=0.02; fT4: 1.0±0.1 ng/dL vs. 1.1±0.1 ng/dL, p=0.03). The Hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) level in the PCOS patients was significantly higher than in the controls (3.5±4.9 mg/L vs. 1.7±2.7 mg/L, p=0.03). A statistically significant relationship was observed between Hs-CRP and fT4 (r=0.245, p=0.015). However, NTIS was not observed in either group., Conclusion: Thyroid function abnormalities could be observed in PCOS; however, NTIS was not noted in the present study despite the inflammatory state of the PCOS patients.

Background: Apoptosis plays a role in epithelial and mucosal injury, which is 1 of the mechanisms in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. Apoptotic cells increase as a result of injured mucosa in ulcerative colitis and serum M 30 levels increase in epithelial cell apoptosis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relation between M 30 serum levels and ulcerative colitis activity., Methods: Eighty patients with ulcerative colitis and 40 healthy controls were enrolled into the study. The patient group consisted of 31 extensive colitis, 30 left-sided colitis, and 19 proctitis. The activity of ulcerative colitis was determined with clinical and endoscopic findings. Serum M 30 levels, acute phase reactants, and biochemical tests were analyzed in all subjects., Results: Serum M 30 levels in patients with active ulcerative colitis were significantly higher when compared with the healthy controls (165.6 ± 60.6 and 129.6 ± 37.4; P = 0.003). Serum M 30 levels in active left-sided colitis patients was significantly higher when compared with patients in remission phase (180.6 ± 58.5, 141.5 ± 35.4; P = 0.044). When we exclude patients with ulcerative proctitis, M 30 levels in active ulcerative colitis patients were significantly higher than that the patients in remission phase (174.0 ± 63.5, 135.0 ± 29.9; P = 0.017)., Conclusions: We found that M 30 levels increase in patients with active ulcerative colitis. Our findings support the role of apoptosis demonstrated by serum M 30 levels in the pathogenesis of active ulcerative colitis.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effect on renal functions of ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury models by renal scintigraphy and to investigate possible correlations among scintigraphic, biochemical and pathological findings., Methods: An experimental I-R injury was performed on the left kidneys of 40 Wistar rats: pedincular continuous clamping in Group 1 (n = 10), pedincular cyclic clamping in Group 2 (n = 10), arterial continuous clamping in Group 3 (n = 10) and arterial cyclic clamping in Group 4 (n = 10). A functional and morphological assessment was made by (99m)Tc-MAG3 scintigraphy, biochemical tests and histopathological examination in the late period of I-R injury. Data were analyzed statistically., Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the peak counting (C max), normalized residual activity (NORA), renal retention (RR), split renal function (SRF) and the time to the C max (T max) parameters between the right and left kidneys in each group (p < 0.001). In multiple group comparisons for the left kidney statistically significant differences were determined for C max (F = 4.75, df = 3, p < 0.05), NORA (F = 4.362, df = 3, p < 0.05), RR (F = 10.49, df = 3, p < 0.001) and SRF (F = 4.17, df = 3, p < 0.05) but not T max (F = 1.13, df = 3, p > 0.05). The total scores of Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were, respectively, found to be 18, 30, 20 and 24 by grading of renogram curves and 22, 28, 23 and 25 by pathological scoring system. There was a significant correlation among the two score data (r = 0.867, p < 0.001)., Conclusions: (99m)Tc-MAG3 scintigraphy was a reliable method to evaluate renal dysfunction in the late period of I-R injury. Cyclic clamping, especially pedincular type was compatible with higher tubular dysfunction and structural damage.

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the performance of a series of non-invasive tests to detect fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB)., Patients and Methods: Seventy-six patients with CHB, whose blood samples were collected and biopsies were done on the same day, were included in this study. Pre-treatment calculations of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), Forn's index, FIB-4, S-index, Shanghai Liver Fibrosis Group's index (SLFG) and Hepascore(®) were done and relations with mild and advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis were assessed. Post-treatment values of APRI, Forn's index, FIB-4, S-index with oral antiviral agents were also investigated., Results: APRI, S-index, SLFG, FIB-4, Forn's index and Hepascore(®) had 0.669, 0.669, 0.739, 0.741, 0.753, 0.780; retrospectively Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUROC) for significant fibrosis. APRI, Forn's index, S-index, FIB-4, SLFG, and Hepascore(®) had 0.681, 0.714, 0.715, 0.738, 0.747, 0.777 retrospectively AUROC for advanced fibrosis. APRI, SLFG, FIB-4, Forn's index, S-index, and Hepascore(®) had 0.741, 0.742, 0.768, 0.779, 0.792, 0.824 retrospectively AUROC for cirrhosis. APRI, Forn's index, FIB-4 and S-index were significantly lower in post-treatment group compared with pre-treatment group (P-values: <0.05, 0.001, 0.003, 0.018; respectively)., Conclusion: Hepascore(®) showed the best performance to predict significant fibrosis. Our study also suggests that the use of non-invasive test to predict fibrosis in patients with CHB may reduce the need for liver biopsy and may help to monitor the efficacy of treatment., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is independently associated with morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular diseases. RDW is elevated in hypertensive patients compared with normotensives. Based on the nocturnal course, hypertension classified as dipper and non-dipper. Non-dipper hypertension is associated with higher inflammation and worse prognosis. We aimed to investigate whether RDW and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) are elevated in non-dipper hypertensive patients compared with dippers. The study included total 247 essential hypertensive patients. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was performed for each patient. Thereafter patients were divided into the two groups on the basis of the results of 24-h ABPM: 127 dipper hypertensives and 120 non-dipper hypertensives. Complete blood count and biochemistry were measured by standard methods and hsCRP was assessed by using BN2 model nephelometer. Non-dippers had significantly higher RDW levels than dippers [14.6 (13.8-17.0) vs 13.0 (12.5-13.4), p < 0.001, respectively]. After adjustment for hemoglobin, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, sex, age and hs-CRP, mean RDW values were for dipper and non-dippers 13.4 (12.4-13.2) and 14.5 (13.7-16.8), respectively (p < 0.001). RDW was negatively correlated with the percentage decline of systolic and diastolic BP from day to night (r = - 0.392, p < 0.001 and r = - 0.294, p < 0.001, respectively). Serum hsCRP levels were also significantly higher in the non-dippers (p < 0.001) and it was significantly positively correlated with RDW (r = 0.403, p < 0.001). In receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cut-off value of RDW to predict non-dipping pattern was > 13.8%, with 80% sensitivity and 75% specificity. RDW is significantly increased in patients with non-dipper hypertension compared with the dipper hypertension. Inflammatory activity was closely related to RDW in non-dipper hypertensives. RDW, as easy and quick measurable tool, can predict non-dipping pattern in essential hypertension.

Both insulin resistance (IR) and vitamin D deficiency (VDD) are found to be associated with many cancer types. In this study, we evaluated the presence of IR and VDD in thyroid cancer patients based on controls. Total 344 papillary thyroid cancer and 116 controls were part of the study. Glucose, insulin, homeostasis model analysis-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (control group 2.12 ± 0.9 and patient group 3.6 ± 1.1; p < 0.0001), LDL were significantly high; HOMA-S and vitamin D3 levels (control group 19.11 ± 8 and patient group 17 ± 16; p = 0.004) were significantly low in the patient group. Vitamin D deficiency (64/108 in controls vs 166/235; p = 0.026) and insulin resistance (24/108; 115/235; p < 0.0001) were more frequent in papillary thyroid cancer patients. After regression analysis, tumor diameter showed significant association with log-HOMA-IR (B = 0.315; p = 0.017) and log-vitamin D3 (B = 0.207; p = 0.04). Vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance frequencies show no difference between micro- and macropapillary thyroid cancers. Receiver operating characteristic curve shows the best cutoff point for tumor diameter showing that the presence of lymph node metastasis was 0.65 cm with 81.2 % sensitivity and 52 % specificity. Best cutoff point for the capsular invasion tumor diameter was 0.75 cm with 83.3 % sensitivity and 60.4 % specificity. No difference between follicular and classical type papillary thyroid carcinomas has been yet discovered. As a result, thyroid cancer patients are more insulin resistant and vitamin D3 deficient. Vitamin D3 levels and HOMA-IR index may affect tumor diameter. Tumor size that is lower than 1 cm (0.65-0.75 cm) may be related with capsular invasion and lymph node involvement.

Background and Purpose: We aimed to underline the importance of serum S100B protein as a useful biochemical marker in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)., Material and Methods: Forty-three newly diagnosed patients with OSAS (median apnea-hypopnea index [AHI, events/ hour]: 37.5 [range 11.3-137]) and 25 subjects with AHI < 5 (median AHI: 4.4 [range 0.7-4.8]) were included in the study. Serum S100B protein level was tested in serum samples taken after polysomnography in both groups and the difference between OSAS patients and the control group regarding that level was assessed. In addition, the association of S100B protein serum level with age, body mass index, AHI, mean O2 saturation percentage during sleep, minimum O2 saturation value (%) at the end of the apneas, and the time spent at an O2 saturation less than 90% were analyzed in the OSAS patient group., Results: Median serum S100B protein level was 133.7 pg/ mL (range 20.97-230.70 pg/mL) in patients with OSAS and 16.1 pg/mL (range 10.1-22.9 pg/mL) in the control group (p < 0.005). Serum S100B protein level did not correlate with any studied variable (p > 0.05 for each correlation coefficient)., Conclusions: Serum S100B protein level is increased in patients with OSAS and may be a useful biochemical marker in those patients.