The Use of Glycated Albumin in the Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder in pregnancy and a cause of maternal and fetal morbidities and mortalities. The oral glucose tolerance test is the gold standard for diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus. Nevertheless, the oral glucose tolerance test is time-consuming and requires patient preparation. On the contrary, Glycated albumin does not require patient preparation or administration of any substance. Most studies on glycated albumin in pregnancy were among the non-African population, and black Americans have higher glycated albumin levels than Caucasians. This study determined the use of glycated albumin in diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women. The study was a prospective study of 160 pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. The diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus was based on the World Health Organization 2013 criteria. The diagnostic value of glycated albumin was determined using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve. The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus was 9.4% and the mean glycated albumin was 16.91% (±2.77). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for glycated albumin was 0.845 (95% CI 0.733 - 0.956;p = 0.0001). The optimal cut-off value of glycated albumin in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus was 18.9%. Glycated albumin was useful in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation.

How to Develop an Oral Test-Interview

Because of the difference and the particularity of oral test among reading,listening and writing,oral test should focus on the framework,the interviewer and the marking system.In addition,some instructions for oral interview and the training of assessors also play important roles in the test.In order to make the oral test-interview more successful,some other facts should be considered when having the test,such as the reliability,construct validity and authenticity.

Subchronic Oral Toxicity Evaluation of Lanthanum： A 90-day, Repeated Dose Study in Rats

Objective The present study was undertaken to evaluate the subchronic toxicity of lanthanum and to determine the no observed adverse effect level（NOAEL）,which is a critical factor in the establishment of an acceptable dietary intake（ADI）.Methods In accordance with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development（OECD） testing guidelines,lanthanum nitrate was administered once daily by gavage to Sprague-Dawley（SD） rats at dose levels of 0,1.5,6.0,24.0,and 144.0 mg/kg body weight（BW） per day for 90 days,followed by a recovery period of 4 weeks in the 144.0 mg/kg BW per day and normal control groups.Outcome parameters were mortality,clinical symptoms,body and organ weights,serum chemistry,and food consumption,as well as ophthalmic,urinary,hematologic,and histopathologic indicators.The benchmark dose（BMD） approach was applied to estimate a point of departure for the hazard risk assessment of lanthanum.Results Significant decreases were found in the 144.0 mg/kg BW group in the growth index,including body weight,organ weights,and food consumption.This study suggests that the NOAEL of lanthanum nitrate is 24.0 mg/kg BW per day.Importantly,the 95% lower confidence value of the benchmark dose（BMDL） was estimated as 9.4 mg/kg BW per day in females and 19.3 mg/kg BW per day in males.Conclusion The present subchronic oral exposure toxicity study may provide scientific data for the risk assessment of lanthanum and other rare earth elements（REEs）.

Changes of ghrelin following oral glucose tolerance test in obese children with insulin resistance

AIM： To characterize changes in ghrelin levels in response to oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） and to correlate changes in ghrelin levels with changes in insulin and glucose following OGTT in Chinese obese children of Tanner Ⅰ and Ⅱ stage with insulin resistance. METHODS： 22 obese children with insulin resistance state were divided into four groups according to their Tanner stage and gender： boys of Tanner Ⅰ （fir- Ⅰ ）, boys of Tanner Ⅱ（BT-Ⅱ ）, girls of Tanner Ⅰ （GT- Ⅰ ）, girls of Tanner Ⅱ （GT-Ⅱ）. Ghrelin, insulin and glucose were measured at 0, 30, 60 and 120 rain following OGTT. The control children with normal BMI were divided into control boys of Tanner Ⅰ （CBT- Ⅰ, n = 6）, control boys of Tanner Ⅱ （CBT-Ⅱ, n = 5）, control girls of Tanner Ⅰ （CGT- Ⅰ, n = 6）, control girls of Tanner Ⅱ （CGT-Ⅱ, n = 5）. Fasting serum ghrelin levels were analyzed. RESULTS： Ghrelin levels were lower in obese groups. Ghrelin levels of control group decreased in Tanner Ⅱ stage （CGT- Ⅰ vs CGT-Ⅱ t = -4.703, P = 0.001; CBT- Ⅰ vs CBT- Ⅱ t = -4.794, P = 0.001）. Basal ghrelin levels in fir-Ⅱ decreased more significantly than that in BT- Ⅰ group （t = 2.547, P = 0.029）. Ghrelin levels expressed a downward trend after OGTT among obese children. The decrease in ghrelin levels at 60 min with respect to basal values was 56.9% in BT- Ⅰ. Ghrelin concentrations at 0 min correlated directly with glucose level at 0 min in fir- Ⅰ （r = 0.898, P = 0.015）. There wasn＇t a significant correlation of ghrelin changes with glucose changes and insulin changes during OGTT in obese children with insulin resistance. CONCLUSION： In conclusion, in obese children with insulin resistance, ghrelin levels decreased with advancing pubertal stage. Ghrelin secretion suppression following OGTT was influenced by gender and pubertal stage. Baseline ghrelin levels and ghrelin suppression after OGTT did not significantly correlate with the degree of insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity.

The Washback Effect of a High-stakes Oral Test

In 2004,Guangzhou Education Bureau introduced an English oral test into its existing Guangzhou Senior Secondary School Entrance Examination(hereafter,SSSEE)with the intention of shifting from grammar-based English teaching at junior secondary school to a communication-based teaching approach.This paper presents preliminary research findings related to the washback effects of the oral test on teaching.The data were collected via focus groups and questionnaires.The nature of the washback effects of the SSSEE English oral test is discussed from six dimensions.The study shows that washback is a complex phenomenon and it can be conceptualised via a multidimensional model.

Oral glucose tolerance test in diabetes,the old method revisited

The oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)has been widely used both in clinics and in basic research for a long time.It is applied to diagnose impaired glucose tolerance and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus in individuals.Additionally,it has been employed in research to investigate glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity in animals.The main aim of each was quite different,and the details are also somewhat varied.However,the time or duration of the OGTT was the same,using the 2-h post-glucose load glycemia in both,following the suggestions of the American Diabetes Association.Recently,the use of 30-min or 1-h post-glucose load glycemia in clinical practice has been recommended by several studies.In this review article,we describe this new view and suggest perspectives for the OGTT.Additionally,quantification of the glucose curve in basic research is also discussed.Unlike in clinical practice,the incremental area under the curve is not suitable for use in the studies involving animals receiving repeated treatments or chronic treatment.We discuss the potential mechanisms in detail.Moreover,variations between bench and bedside in the application of the OGTT are introduced.Finally,the newly identified method for the OGTT must achieve a recommendation from the American Diabetes Association or another official unit soon.In conclusion,we summarize the recent reports regarding the OGTT and add some of our own perspectives,including machine learning and others.

Subchronic Oral Toxicity Evaluation of Sodium Dehydroacetate: A 90-day Repeated Dose Study in Rats

Objective The present study was undertaken to evaluate the subchronic oral toxicity of sodium dehydroacetate(DHA-Na)and to determine the point of departure(POD),which is a critical factor in the establishment of an acceptable dietary intake.Methods DHA-Na was administered once daily by gavage to Sprague–Dawley rats at dose levels of 0.0,31.0,62.0,and 124.0 mg/kg BW per day for 90 days,followed by a recovery period of 4 weeks in the control and 124.0 mg/kg BW per day groups.The outcome parameters were mortality,clinical observations,body weights,food consumption,hematology and clinical biochemistry,endocrine hormone levels,and ophthalmic,urinary,and histopathologic indicators.The benchmark dose(BMD)approach was applied to estimate the POD.Results Significant decreases were found in the 62.0 and 124.0 mg/kg BW groups in terms of the body weight and food utilization rate,whereas a significant increase was found in the thyroid stimulating hormone levels of the 124.0 mg/kg BW group.Importantly,the 95%lower confidence limit on the BMD of 51.7 mg/kg BW was modeled for a reduction in body weight.Conclusion The repeated-dose study indicated the slight systemic toxicity of DHA-Na at certain levels(62.0 and 124.0 mg/kg BW)after a 90-day oral exposure.

Responses to oral glucose challenge differ by physical activity volume and intensity: A pilot study

Background:One-hour postprandial hyperglycemia is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.Physical activity(PA)has short-term beneficial effects on post-meal glucose response.This study compared the oral glucose tolerance test results of 3 groups of people with habitually different levels of PA.Methods:Thirty-one adults without diabetes(age 25.9±6.6 years;body mass index 23.8±3.8 kg/m^2;mean±SD)were recruited and divided into 3 groups based on self-reported PA volume and intensity:low activity<30 min/day of moderate-intensity activity(n=11),moderately active≥30 min/day of moderate-intensity PA(n=10),and very active≥60 min/day of PA at high intensity(n=10).Participants completed an oral glucose tolerance test(50 g glucose)with capillary blood samples obtained at baseline,15 min,30 min,45 min,60 min,90 min,and 120 min post-ingestion.Results:There were no significant differences between groups for age or body fat percentage or glycated hemoglobin(p>0.05).The groups were significantly different in terms of baseline glucose level(p=0.003)and,marginally,for gender(p=0.053)and BMI(p=0.050).There was a statistically significant effect of PA on the 1-h postprandial glucose results(p=0.029),with differences between very active and low activity groups(p=0.008)but not between the moderately active and low activity groups(p=0.360),even when baseline glucose level and gender differences were accounted for.For incremental area under the curve there was no significant effect of activity group once gender and body fat percentage had been accounted for(p=0.401).Those in the low activity group took 15 min longer to reach peak glucose level than those in the very active group(p=0.012).Conclusion:The results suggest that high levels of PA have a beneficial effect on postprandial blood glucose profiles when compared to low and moderate levels of activity.

Utility of oral glucose tolerance test in predicting type 2 diabetes following gestational diabetes:Towards personalized care

BACKGROUND Women with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)are at a seven-fold higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes(T2D)within 7-10 years after childbirth,compared with those with normoglycemic pregnancy.Although raised fasting blood glucose(FBG)levels has been said to be the main significant predictor of postpartum progression to T2D,it is difficult to predict who among the women with GDM would develop T2D.Therefore,we conducted a cross-sectional retrospective study to examine the glycemic indices that can predict postnatal T2D in Emirati Arab women with a history of GDM.AIM To assess how oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)can identify the distinct GDM pathophysiology and predict possible distinct postnatal T2D subtypes.METHODS The glycemic status of a cohort of 4603 pregnant Emirati Arab women,who delivered in 2007 at both Latifa Women and Children Hospital and at Dubai Hospital,United Arab Emirates,was assessed retrospectively,using the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups(IADPSG)criteria.Of the total,1231 women were followed up and assessed in 2016.The FBG and/or the 2-h blood glucose(2hrBG)levels after a 75-g glucose load were measured to assess the prevalence of GDM and T2D,according to the IADPSG and American Diabetes Association(ADA)criteria,respectively.The receiver operating characteristic curve for the OGTT was plotted and sensitivity,specificity,and predictive values of FBG and 2hrBG for T2D were determined.RESULTS Considering both FBG and 2hrBG levels,according to the IADPSG criteria,the prevalence of GDM in pregnant Emirati women in 2007 was 1057/4603(23%),while the prevalence of pre-pregnancy T2D among them,based on ADA criteria,was 230/4603(5%).In the subset of women(n=1231)followed up in 2016,the prevalence of GDM in 2007 was 362/1231(29.6%),while the prevalence of prepregnancy T2D was 36/1231(2.9%).Of the 362 pregnant women with GDM in 2007,96/362(26.5%)developed T2D;142/362(39.2%)developed impaired fasting glucose;29/362(8.0%)developed impaired glucose tolerance,and the remaining 95/362(26.2%)had normal glycemia in 2016.The prevalence of T2D,based on ADA criteria,stemmed from the prevalence of 36/1231(2.9%)in 2007 to 141/1231(11.5%),in 2016.The positive predictive value(PPV)for FBG suggests that if a woman tested positive for GDM in 2007,the probability of developing T2D in 2016 was approximately 24%.The opposite was observed when 2hrBG was used for diagnosis.The PPV value for 2hrBG suggests that if a woman was positive for GDM in 2007 then the probability of developing T2D in 2016 was only 3%.CONCLUSION FBG and 2hrBG could predict postpartum T2D,following antenatal GDM.However,each test reflects different pathophysiology and possible T2D subtype and could be matched with a relevant T2D prevention program.

Repetitiveness of the oral glucose tolerance test in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND Data regarding the most suitable diagnostic method for the diagnosis of glucose impairment in asymptomatic children and adolescents are inconclusive.Furthermore,limited data are available on the reproducibility of the oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)in children and adolescents who are obese(OB).AIM To investigate the usefulness of the OGTT as a screening method for glucose dysregulation in children and adolescents.METHODS Eighty-one children and adolescents,41 females,either overweight(OW),OB or normal weight(NW)but with a strong positive family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),were enrolled in the present observational study from the Outpatient Clinic of Paediatric Endocrinology of the University Hospital of Patras in Greece.One or two 3-h OGTTs were performed and glucose,insulin and Cpeptide concentrations were measured at several time points(t=0 min,t=15 min,t=30 min,t=60 min,t=90 min,t=120 min,t=180 min).RESULTS Good repetitiveness was observed in the OGTT response with regard to T2DM,while low repetitiveness was noted in the OGTT response with regard to impaired glucose tolerance(IGT)and no repetitiveness with regard to impaired fasting glucose(IFG).In addition,no concordance was observed between IFG and IGT.During the 1st and 2nd OGTTs,no significant difference was found in the glucose concentrations between NW,OW and OB patients,whereas insulin and C-peptide concentrations were higher in OW and OB compared to NW patients at several time points during the OGTTs.Also,OW and OB patients showed a worsening insulin and C-peptide response during the 2nd OGTT as compared to the 1st OGTT.CONCLUSION In mild or moderate disorders of glucose metabolism,such as IFG and IGT,a diagnosis may not be reached using only one OGTT,and a second test or additional investigations may be needed.When glucose metabolism is profoundly impaired,as in T2DM,one OGTT is probably more reliable and adequate for establishing the diagnosis.Excessive weight and/or a positive family history of T2DM possibly affect the insulin and C-peptide response in the OGTT from a young age.

A Probe into College English Oral Test

As one part of the oral education,oral test plays an important role in improving the students’oral ability.This paper is a survey into status quo of oral tests in our country and thereafter offers some suggestions on how to organize the oral tests with high validity and reliability.

Subclinical abnormal glucose tolerance is a predictor of death in liver cirrhosis

AIM: To determine if subclinical abnormal glucose tolerance (SAGT) has influence on survival of non-diabetic patients with liver cirrhosis.

Prevalence and characteristics of MAFLD in Chinese adults aged 40 years or older:A community-based study

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) was recently proposed to be renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD) with the diagnostic criteria revised. We investigated the similarities and differences in the prevalence and clinical characteristics of MAFLD and NAFLD in Chinese adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 9980 Chinese individuals aged 40 years or older was performed between 2011 and 2012 using randomized, stratifed cluster sampling in Shanghai, China. A detailed questionnaire and the results of abdominal ultrasonography, a standardized 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and blood biochemical examinations were collected. Results: A total of 9927 subjects were included in this study. The prevalence of MAFLD(40.3%) was significantly higher than that of NAFLD(36.9%)( P < 0.05). MAFLD was highly prevalent in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)(53.8%), impaired fasting glucose(35.7%) and impaired glucose tolerance(40.9%). High risk of advanced fbrosis based on fbrosis-4 was highly prevalent(14.7%) in lean MAFLD with T2DM. Among 9927 subjects, 3481(35.1%) fulflled the diagnostic criteria for MAFLD and NAFLD(MAFLD + NAFLD +), 521(5.2%) MAFLD + NAFLD-, and 181(1.8%) MAFLD-NAFLD +. The MAFLD + NAFLD-group had more signifcant metabolic disorders than those in the MAFLD + NAFLD + group(all P < 0.05). Among MAFLD-NAFLD + subjects, 82.9% had metabolic disorders. Conclusions: The new defnition of MAFLD may better reflect the pathogenesis related to metabolism. Future research should focus on studying the natural history, pathogenesis and treatment effectivity of the overlap and non-overlap of NAFLD and MAFLD subjects.

Insulin Expression in Rats Exposed to Cadmium

To investigate the effects of cadmium exposure on insulin expression in rats. Methods Eighteen adult SD rats were administered cadmium subcutaneously （0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg bw）. The effects on endocrine of pancreas were assessed. The levels of cadmium and zinc in pancreas, blood and urine glucose, serum insulin and urine NAG （N-acyetyl-β-glucosaminidase） were determined. The gene expressions of metallothionein （MT） and insulin were also measured, and the oral glucose tolerance tests （OGTT） were carried out. Results The contents of cadmium in pancreas in cadmium-treated rats were higher than that in the control group, which was associated with slight increase of zinc in pancreas. Cadmium-exposed rats （1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg bw） demonstrated a marked glucose intolerance. But the levels of serum insulin did not change significantly after cadmium administration, and the UNAG had no change in Cd-treated group. The gene expression of insulin decreased in 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg bw cadmium-exposed groups, compared with the control group. The expression of MT-I was higher in the groups exposed to 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg bw cadmium while the expression of MT-II was higher in the group exposed to 2.0 mg/kg bw cadmium. Conclusions Cadmium may be accumulated in the pancreas, resulting in the change of the expression of insulin, MT-I and MT-Ⅱ genes. Cadmium can influence the biosynthesis of insulin, but does not induce the release of insulin. The dysfunction of pancreas occurs earlier than that of kidney after administration of cadmium.

Study on the correlation and predictive value of serum pregnancyassociated plasma protein A, triglyceride and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is a concern due to its rapid increase in incidence in recent years.AIM To investigate the correlation and predictive value of serum pregnancyassociated plasma protein A(PAPP-A),triglyceride(TG),and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25-(OH)D]with GDM in early pregnancy.METHODS A total of 99 patients in early pregnancy admitted to Peking University International Hospital from November 2015 to September 2017 were included,and underwent a fasting glucose test and oral glucose tolerance test screening at 24-28 wk of pregnancy.Of these cases with GDM,51 were assigned to group A and the remaining 48 cases without GDM were enrolled in group B.Serum PAPP-A,TG and 25-(OH)D in the two groups were compared and their correlation with blood sugar was analyzed.In addition,their diagnostic value in GDM was determined using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Group A had markedly lower serum PAPP-A and 25-(OH)D levels and a significantly higher serum TG level than group B,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Furthermore,Pearson analysis identified that PAPP-A and 25-(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose(FBG)levels(r=-0.605,P<0.001),(r=-0.597,P<0.001),while TG and FBG levels were positively correlated(r=0.628,P<0.001).The sensitivity,specificity,area under the curve(AUC)and optimal cut-off value of serum PAPP-A level in the diagnosis of GDM were 72.55%,82.35%,0.861 and 16.340,respectively,while the sensitivity of TG in diagnosing GDM was 86.27%,the specificity was 66.67%,the AUC was 0.813,with an optimal cut-off value of 1.796.The corresponding sensitivity,specificity,AUC and optimal cut-off value of serum 25-(OH)D were 64.71%,70.59%,0.721 and 23.140,respectively.Moreover,multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that FBG,vascular endothelial growth factor,Flt-1,serum PAPP-A,TG,and 25-(OH)D were related risk factors leading to GDM in patients.CONCLUSION Serum PAPP-A,TG,and 25-(OH)D levels are all correlated with blood glucose changes in GDM,and are independent factors affecting the occurrence of GDM and have certain value in the diagnosis of GDM.

24-hour esophageal pH-monitoring in children suspected of gastroesophageal reflux disease: Analysis of intraesophageal pH monitoring values recorded in distal and proximal channel at diagnosis

AIM: To assess values of 24-h esophageal pH-monitoring parameters with dual-channel probe (distal and proximal channel) in children suspected of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: 264 children suspected of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) were enrolled in a study (mean age χ = 20.78 ± 17.23 mo). The outcomes of this study, immunoallerrgological tests and positive result of oral food challenge test with a potentially noxious nutrient, enabled to qualify children into particular study groups. RESULTS: 32 (12.1%) infants (group 1) had physiological GER diagnosed. Pathological acid GER was confirmed in 138 (52.3%) children. Primary GER was diagnosed in 76 (28.8%) children (group 2) and GER secondary to allergy to cow milk protein and/or other food (CMA/FA) in 62 (23.5%) children (group 3). 32 (12.1%) of them had CMA/FA (group 4-reference group), and in remaining 62 (23.5%) children neither GER nor CMA/FA was confirmed (group 5). Mean values of pH monitoring parameters measured in distal and proximal channel were analyzed in individual groups. This analysis showed statistically significant differentiation of mean values in the case of: number of episodes of acid GER, episodes of acid GER lasting > 5 min, duration of the longest episode of acid GER in both channels, acid GER index total and supine in proximal channel. Statistically significant differences of mean values among examined groups, especially between group 2 and 3 in the case of total acid GER index (only distal channel) were confirmed. CONCLUSION: 24-h esophageal pH monitoring confirmed pathological acid GER in 52.3% of children with typical and atypical symptoms of GERD. The similar pH-monitoring values obtained in group 2 and 3 confirm the necessity of implementation of differential diagnosis for primary vs secondary cause of GER.

Repeat OGTT at 34 - 36 Weeks to Detect the Late Occurrence of GDM: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study Conducted at the Professorial Unit, Teaching Hospital Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Aim: Evaluation of the occurrence of glucose intolerance after 34 - 36 weeks in pregnant mothers attending the Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya. Materials & Method: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out from October 2017 to March 2018 among 183 pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinic at Teaching Hospital Peradeniya. After informed consent a repeat Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) was done among the pregnant mothers, at period of amenorrhoea of 34 - 36 weeks, whose initial OGTT values were normal. Gestational diabetes was diagnosed according to the NICE guideline cut off values and the percentage of late occurrence of Gestational diabetes (GDM) was analyzed. Results: Mean age of the population was 29.1 years and the age range in this group was 18 to 45 years and the majority (73.9%) of women were primipara. There were 3.3% of teenage pregnancies and 14% of mothers were over 35 years. Majority (59.7%) of mothers underwent repeat OGTT test at 34 weeks of gestation and the rest (40.3%) underwent test between 34 to 36 weeks of gestation. Although the mean BMI was 23.74, 9.7% of mothers were obese (>30 kg/m2), 30.3% of mothers were pre-obese (25.0 - 29.9 kg/m2). 8.2% of mothers were diagnosed with Gestational diabetes at 34 - 36 weeks whose initial OGTT values were normal. Conclusion: In view of reducing feto-maternal morbidity and mortality, considering a repeat OGTT at a later gestation (34 - 36 weeks of gestation) should be considered in mothers, whose initial OGTT values are normal as Sri Lanka is a high risk country for GDM. Clinical Significance: The study may play an important role in guideline alteration process and screening for gestational diabetes in Sri Lankan set-up.

Postprandial response of bone turnover markers in patients with Crohn's disease

AIM:To investigate the postprandial response of bone turnover markers in patients with Crohn’s disease(CD).METHODS:Fifty nine patients with CD aged 38±14years,and 45 healthy individuals matched for age and body mass index were included in the study.All participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)after an overnight fast and serum levels of the bone resorption marker C-terminal crosslinking telopeptide of type?Ⅰ?collagen(CTX-Ⅰ)and the bone formation marker procollagen type?Ⅰ?N propeptide were measured.Activity of the disease was assessed by calculation of the Crohn’s disease activity index(CDAI).RESULTS:Serum CTX-I was significantly higher in patients compared to controls(CTX-I:453±21 pg/mL vs 365±25 pg/mL,P=0.008),and values were significantly correlated with the activity of the disease(r=0.435,P=0.001).Results from OGTT-induced suppression of CTX-I showed two different trends.Patients with more active disease(assessed as CDAI>150)had a more excessive suppression of CTX-I compared to controls(55%vs 43%P<0.001),while patients on remission(assessed as CDAI<150)demonstrated an attenuated CTX-I suppression(30%vs 43%P<0.001).In line with this,CTX-I suppression after oral glucose load was significantly correlated with the activity of the disease(r=0.913,P<0.001).CONCLUSION:The physiological skeletal response of postprandial suppression of bone resorption is maintained in patients with CD and is strongly dependent to the activity of the disease.

Communicative Strategy Used by EFL Learners at Tertiary Level： A Perspective From a Teacher-Researcher

This paper presents the result of a qualitative research of the communicative strategies used by tertiary learners in the oral English test with a paired format. Data for the study were collected by recording and transcribing a whole session of oral English test. By noting down and classifying different types of communicative feature occurred in the recording, the research aims to locate the difficulties the learners have in managing smooth conversation, analyze the possible reasons and get enlightenment for oral English teaching from a teacher-researcher perspective.

Application of ARCS Motivation Model in CET-SET Examination

Based on Guangzhou Songtian Vocational College under the China Education Group,with the guidance of ARCS(attention,relevance,confidence,and satisfaction)motivational model,the scientific examination should not only be before the examination but also after the examination which can produce positive and negative factors for examinees.Through the data collected in the recent three years,it can be drawn that the CET-SET(College English Test-Spoken English Test)has a backwash effect on the examinees especially on the learning concepts,learning motivations,as well as guiding students to develop good oral learning strategies and habits.