{"title":"Triglyceride-Glucose Index As A Biomarker Of Insulin Resistance, Diabetes Mellitus, Metabolic Syndrome, And Cardiovascular Disease: A Review.","authors":"Liong Boy Kurniawan","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is one of the parameters that have been used in assessing insulin resistance. Triglycerides and fasting blood glucose are two low-cost, common laboratory indicators that are used to compute the TyG index. This article reviews the link between the TyG index and several aspects concerning insulin resistance-related disorders and cardiovascular disease, as well as the use of various TyG index cutoffs in the above conditions with sensitivity and specificity, respectively, in various populations in the world.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"35 1","pages":"44-51"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11063788/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140872487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Utilizing Data Analytics And Business Intelligence Tools In Laboratory Workflow.","authors":"Ibrahim Mansoor, Farhan Javed Dar","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A business intelligence (BI) tool in a laboratory workflow offers various benefits, including data consolidation, real-time monitoring, process optimization, cost analysis, performance benchmarking (quality indicators), predictive analytics, compliance reporting, and decision support. These tools improve operational efficiency, quality control, inventory management, cost analysis, and clinical decision-making. This write up reveals the workflow process and implementation of BI in a private hospital laboratory. By identifying challenges and overcoming them, laboratories can utilize the power of BI and analytics solutions to accelerate healthcare performance, lower costs, and improve care quality. We used navify (Viewics) as a BI platform which relies on an infinity data warehouse for analytics and dashboards. We applied it for pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic phases in laboratory. We conclude, digitalization is crucial for innovation and competitiveness, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and flexibility in future laboratories.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"35 1","pages":"34-43"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11063783/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140866076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Biochemistry Behind Cognitive Decline: Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease.","authors":"O Grari, D Elmoujtahide, E Sebbar, M Choukri","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia. Pathologically, the disease is marked by neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), which are aberrant accumulations of the tau protein that develop inside neurons, and extracellular plaque deposits of the amyloid β peptide (Aβ). These pathological lesions are present in the brain before the beginning of clinical manifestations. However, despite advancements in the comprehension of AD pathophysiology, timely and accurate clinical diagnosis remains challenging. Therefore, developing biomarkers capable of detecting AD during the preclinical phase holds enormous promise for precise diagnosis since detecting the disease early is crucial because it enables interventions when treatments may be more effective. This article intends to provide a comprehensive review of AD biomarkers, discussing their significance, classification, and recent developments in the field.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"34 4","pages":"276-283"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10828533/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139674051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mahroo Zehra Mz, Zaib Un Nisa Zn, Sibtain Ahmed Sa
{"title":"From Bench to Bytes: Utility of Social Media Platforms by Pathology Residents.","authors":"Mahroo Zehra Mz, Zaib Un Nisa Zn, Sibtain Ahmed Sa","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The rise of virtual media has expanded to various fields and the medical profession has not been immune to its influence. The purpose of our study was to analyse and evaluate the impact of virtual social networks, on the professional growth and career progression of Pathology residents.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was undertaken at the section of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi. An online, questionnaire based on google forms was sent via WhatsApp application to the Pathology residents (n = 30) from July to August 2023. The anonymity of the participants was maintained. The statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2019.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 25 (83%) Pathology residents participated in the survey. 72% of the participants were females and 28% were males. Chemical Pathology residents constituted the largest proportion at 44%, followed by 24% from Hematology, 24% from Microbiology and 8% from Histopathology. 60% of the trainees acknowledged using social media platforms routinely for professional development. The most used social media platforms were YouTube (48%), Twitter (36%), Facebook (12%) and Instagram (4%). Social media network was perceived the most useful in increasing understanding regarding the profession (60%), strengthening the proficiency in problem-solving (56%) and enhancing critical thinking abilities (52%) whereas it was regarded as somewhat useful in enhancing clinical/professional decision-making skills (52%) and clinical expertise (60%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Social media is gaining popularity in the realm of medicine and this survey reveals the perspective of Pathology residents on the social media networks and its growing impact on their professional growth.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"34 4","pages":"317-324"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10828540/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139674048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"POC Testing and Reporting of Sodium, and Other Small Molecules Need Modified IFCC Source/Type Designations to Improve Operational Efficacy and for Clinically Accurate, Unambiguous Reporting from LIMS and HIS.","authors":"Robert F Moran","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"34 4","pages":"271-275"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10828536/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139673058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hyperautomation in Healthcare: Perspectives from a Joint IFCC - EHMA Session.","authors":"Damien Gruson, Teresa Magalhaes, Anett Ruszanov, Claudia Granaldi, Sergio Bernardini, Sandra C Buttigieg","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"34 4","pages":"284-286"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10828537/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139674049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
B M Chaminda Rathnayake, Rasika Pawiththra Illeperuma, Sakunthala Jayasinghe, Tonks N Fawcett, Kalana Maduwage, W A Thilak Jayalath, Udaya Ralapanawa
{"title":"The Role of Serum NT-proBNP for Predicting Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Hospitalized Patients in Sri Lanka.","authors":"B M Chaminda Rathnayake, Rasika Pawiththra Illeperuma, Sakunthala Jayasinghe, Tonks N Fawcett, Kalana Maduwage, W A Thilak Jayalath, Udaya Ralapanawa","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aims: </strong>Only a few studies have addressed the role of NT-proBNP in identifying Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (LVSD) in South Asian populations. Therefore, the current study was aimed at assessing the use of serum NT-proBNP in predicting LVSD in a hospitalized population in Sri Lanka.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A random sample of 278 individuals referred for echocardiography at a major Teaching Hospital consented for venous blood samples to be collected for serum NT-proBNP assay by sandwich ELISA. Based on the ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening (FS), participants were differentiated as LVSD (LVEF<50%, FS≤ 29%) and non-LVSD individuals (LVEF>60%). According to inclusion/exclusion criteria, the final study sample consisted of 100 LVSD patients and 41 non-LVSD individuals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean ages of the LVSD and non-LVSD groups were 69.1 (±6.2 years) and 71.4 (±2.4 years) (p=0.066) respectively. The median NT-proBNP value (with IQR) among LVSD patients (528.2 pg/mL,355.2-924.2) was comparatively higher than that of non-LVSD individuals (207.3 pg/mL,177.5-343.0). Strong correlations of NT-proBNP level with LVEF (Spearman <i>rho=</i> -0.84, p<0.001) and FS (<i>rho=</i> -0.81, <i>p</i><0.001) suggested that serum NT-proBNP concentration increases in parallel to deteriorating left ventricular functions. The AUROC of serum NT-proBNP for differentiating LVSD was 0.859 (95% CI:0.79 - 0.92) and the optimal cut-off level for predicting LVSD was 265pg/mL, with 90% sensitivity and 70% specificity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Current Sri Lankan study revealed a considerable correlation of serum NT-proBNP level with LVSD and utilizing such an assay for screening will facilitate adequate evidence to rule-out LVSD among high-risk residents.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"34 4","pages":"287-296"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10828538/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139673059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
George Abdo, Uri Nir, Rasha Rawajdey, Wadie Abu Dahoud, Jammal Massalha, Taleb Hajouj, Mohammad H Assadi, Nseir William
{"title":"A Novel Score-Based Approach by Using Routine Laboratory Tests for Accurate Diagnosis of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) in Cirrhotic Patients.","authors":"George Abdo, Uri Nir, Rasha Rawajdey, Wadie Abu Dahoud, Jammal Massalha, Taleb Hajouj, Mohammad H Assadi, Nseir William","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) poses a significant risk to cirrhosis patients with ascites, emphasizing the critical need for early detection and intervention. This retrospective observational study spanning a decade aimed to devise predictive models for SBP using routine laboratory tests. Additionally, it aimed to propose a novel scoring system to aid SBP diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data analysis encompassed 229 adult cirrhotic patients hospitalized for ascites between 2012 and 2021. Exclusions eliminated cases of secondary ascites unrelated to liver cirrhosis. Patients were categorized into SBP-positive (n=110) and SBP-negative (n=119) groups. Comparative analysis of demographic details and various laboratory indicators (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Platelet (PLT), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Total Bilirubin (TB) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) was performed between the groups. The study presented effective SBP prediction models for prompt diagnosis and treatment: a multivariate logistic regression model and a simple scoring system.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The study advocates early diagnosis and rapid treatment for all cirrhotic patients with ascites, regardless of cirrhosis stage. Furthermore, it recommends initiating SBP treatment for patients scoring 2-3 in the proposed scoring system while excluding SBP findings for those scoring zero.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Combining age, sex, and specific laboratory tests (MPV, NLR, CRP, TB, and INR) within random forest models and a simple scoring system enables swift and accurate SBP diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"34 4","pages":"297-304"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10828535/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139673055","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Blessing Kenechi Myke-Mbata, Bruno Basil, Jeremiah John Oloche, Amarachukwu Igbom
{"title":"Pharmacological Considerations in the Interpretation of Biochemical Results in Diabetic Patients with Cardiovascular Complications.","authors":"Blessing Kenechi Myke-Mbata, Bruno Basil, Jeremiah John Oloche, Amarachukwu Igbom","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diabetes mellitus with cardiovascular diseases is often a multi-systemic disease that requires a multi-therapeutic approach which mostly poses a challenge to laboratory result interpretation. The non-availability of information on many patients due to poor referral, documentation and record keeping has resulted in isolated interpretation of laboratory result of diabetic patients with multisystemic complications. This has led to both analytical and post-analytical errors which has a negative impact on total quality of results. Therefore, this review showed the possible therapeutic treatment of a diabetic patient with cardiovascular disease and how their pharmacological role could affect laboratory result.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"34 4","pages":"305-316"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10828539/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139673057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aman Elwadhi, Neha Kc, Kamal Joshi, G Krishna Charan
{"title":"Suspect the Unexpected: A Rare Association of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia and Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis with Visceral Leishmaniasis: A Case Report and Review of Literature.","authors":"Aman Elwadhi, Neha Kc, Kamal Joshi, G Krishna Charan","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Visceral leishmaniasis is a common tropical infection presenting with a myriad of hematological abnormalities. We report an unusual case of an 11-year-old girl suffering from a febrile illness with hepatosplenomegaly and anemia. Laboratory findings included pancytopenia and hyperbilirubinemia. The leishmania antigen rK39 was positive and bone marrow examination revealed hemophagocytosis and amastigote forms of Leishmania donovani. Direct Coombs' test was positive (warm type, IgG) and LDH was elevated. Tests for other infections were negative. A diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (warm antibody type, IgG) with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis was made. Patient showed response with anti-leishmanial treatment with improvement in clinical condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":37192,"journal":{"name":"Electronic Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine","volume":"34 4","pages":"330-333"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10828534/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139674050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}