AIM: The healthy ranges for serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT) levels are less well studied. The aim of this study was to define the upper limit of normal (ULN) for serum ALT levels, and to assess factors associated ...AIM: The healthy ranges for serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT) levels are less well studied. The aim of this study was to define the upper limit of normal (ULN) for serum ALT levels, and to assess factors associated with serum ALT activity in apparently healthy blood donors. METHODS: A total of 1 939 blood donors were included.ALT measurements were performed for all cases using the same laboratory method. Healthy ranges for ALT levels werecomputed from the population at the lowest risk for liver disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate associations between clinical factors and ALT levels.RESULTS: Serum ALT activity was independently associated with body mass index (BMI) and male gender, but not associated with age. Association of ALT with BMI was more prominent in males than in females. Upper limit of normal for non-overweight women (BMI of less than 25) was 34 U/L,and for non-overweight men was 40 U/L.CONCLUSION: Serum ALT is strongly associated with sex and BMI. The normal range of ALT should be defined for male and female separately.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the seroprevalence and molecular characteristics of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the illegal blood donors (IBDs) of central China in the early 1990s.
IntroductionMultiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplastic plasma cell dyscrasia char-acterized by anemia; a monoclonal protein(M-protein) in the serum and/or urine; abnormal bone radiographs and bone pain;hypercal-cemia; ...IntroductionMultiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplastic plasma cell dyscrasia char-acterized by anemia; a monoclonal protein(M-protein) in the serum and/or urine; abnormal bone radiographs and bone pain;hypercal-cemia; and renal insuf.ciency or failure.According to the results of immunoelectrophoresis, patients are separated to Ig type (IgG, IgA, IgD, IgE and IgM); light chain; nonsecretory.展开更多
PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell is a promising renewable energy source to a wide range of applications for its clean products and high power density. However, controlling its humidity is a challenging probl...PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell is a promising renewable energy source to a wide range of applications for its clean products and high power density. However, controlling its humidity is a challenging problem due to the interdependence of several phenomena contributing in membrane's water content. This work deals with efficiency improvement of PEM fuel cells via humidity control. An innovative strategy of control based on the model of Ref. [1] is proposed. It consists on regulating gas humidification rates according to the power demand so that to minimize power losses. The proposed control takes into consideration constraints related to humidification in order to avoid dry out or flooding of the membrane. Simulations results show that time-phasing between hydrogen and oxygen humidification rates plays an important role in minimizing power losses. The proposed control shows significant improvement in the fuel cell's efficiency up to 20%.展开更多
Antivenom is the most effective method currently available for the treatment of poisonous snake bite. Allergic reactions to antivenom have been reported in the past. Here we shared a case of allergic re- actions to an...Antivenom is the most effective method currently available for the treatment of poisonous snake bite. Allergic reactions to antivenom have been reported in the past. Here we shared a case of allergic re- actions to antivenom in an old male patient who was bitten twice by the same snake (probably same one) at the same biting site within a month whereas the patient did not show any allergic disorder in the first bitten. Envenomations twice in a short period time by the same kind of snake are very rare. Physician should be alert to the occurrence of allergic reactions in treating this type of patients with antivenom. The skin allergy test has a certain value in predicting the allergic response before the second use of antivenom. Desensitization may reduce the incidence of allergic reactions, but this is insufficient. Rather than non-lgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity, patients receiving the second treatment of antivenom may develop IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity. Once happened, the antivenom treatment should be stopped promptly and anti-allergy treatment should be given immediately.展开更多
文摘AIM: The healthy ranges for serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT) levels are less well studied. The aim of this study was to define the upper limit of normal (ULN) for serum ALT levels, and to assess factors associated with serum ALT activity in apparently healthy blood donors. METHODS: A total of 1 939 blood donors were included.ALT measurements were performed for all cases using the same laboratory method. Healthy ranges for ALT levels werecomputed from the population at the lowest risk for liver disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate associations between clinical factors and ALT levels.RESULTS: Serum ALT activity was independently associated with body mass index (BMI) and male gender, but not associated with age. Association of ALT with BMI was more prominent in males than in females. Upper limit of normal for non-overweight women (BMI of less than 25) was 34 U/L,and for non-overweight men was 40 U/L.CONCLUSION: Serum ALT is strongly associated with sex and BMI. The normal range of ALT should be defined for male and female separately.
基金Supported by The Natural Science Foundation of Maanshan,China (2008-40) (To Zhan SW and Zheng JX)
文摘AIM: To investigate the seroprevalence and molecular characteristics of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the illegal blood donors (IBDs) of central China in the early 1990s.
文摘IntroductionMultiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplastic plasma cell dyscrasia char-acterized by anemia; a monoclonal protein(M-protein) in the serum and/or urine; abnormal bone radiographs and bone pain;hypercal-cemia; and renal insuf.ciency or failure.According to the results of immunoelectrophoresis, patients are separated to Ig type (IgG, IgA, IgD, IgE and IgM); light chain; nonsecretory.
文摘PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell is a promising renewable energy source to a wide range of applications for its clean products and high power density. However, controlling its humidity is a challenging problem due to the interdependence of several phenomena contributing in membrane's water content. This work deals with efficiency improvement of PEM fuel cells via humidity control. An innovative strategy of control based on the model of Ref. [1] is proposed. It consists on regulating gas humidification rates according to the power demand so that to minimize power losses. The proposed control takes into consideration constraints related to humidification in order to avoid dry out or flooding of the membrane. Simulations results show that time-phasing between hydrogen and oxygen humidification rates plays an important role in minimizing power losses. The proposed control shows significant improvement in the fuel cell's efficiency up to 20%.
文摘Antivenom is the most effective method currently available for the treatment of poisonous snake bite. Allergic reactions to antivenom have been reported in the past. Here we shared a case of allergic re- actions to antivenom in an old male patient who was bitten twice by the same snake (probably same one) at the same biting site within a month whereas the patient did not show any allergic disorder in the first bitten. Envenomations twice in a short period time by the same kind of snake are very rare. Physician should be alert to the occurrence of allergic reactions in treating this type of patients with antivenom. The skin allergy test has a certain value in predicting the allergic response before the second use of antivenom. Desensitization may reduce the incidence of allergic reactions, but this is insufficient. Rather than non-lgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity, patients receiving the second treatment of antivenom may develop IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity. Once happened, the antivenom treatment should be stopped promptly and anti-allergy treatment should be given immediately.