Using probit regression to disclose the analytical performance of qualitative and semi-quantitative tests.

Background: The analytical performance of qualitative and semi-quantitative tests is usually studied by calculating the fraction of positive results after replicate testing of a few specimens with known concentrations of the analyte. We propose using probit regression to model the probability of positive results as a function of the analyte concentration, based on testing many specimens once with a qualitative and a quantitative test.

Methods: We collected laboratory data where urine specimens had been analyzed by both a urine albumin ('protein') dipstick test (Combur-Test strips) and a quantitative test (BN ProSpec System).

Bariatric surgery or lifestyle intervention? An exploratory study of severely obese patients' motivation for two different treatments.

Background: In the complex field of treating severe obesity, motivation is receiving increased attention. This explorative study aims to highlight what influences the preferences of severely obese patients deciding for either gastric bypass surgery or lifestyle treatment.

Methods: Patients awaiting laparoscopic gastric bypass were presented with an 18-week inpatient lifestyle programme alternative to gastric bypass.

Gut luminal microdialysis of glycerol as a marker of intestinal ischemic injury and recovery.

Objective: To evaluate microdialysis as a method to assess different degrees of intestinal damage and recovery during ischemia and reperfusion; to evaluate information obtained from microdialysis catheters in the peritoneum, the gut wall, and the gut lumen.

Design: Randomized, controlled animal experiment.

Setting: University laboratory animal center.

Validation of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula for estimating GFR with special emphasis on calibration of the serum creatinine assay.

Background: The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula is recommended by European and American guidelines for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR). However, the accuracy of the formula has been questioned in several studies. Our objective is to evaluate the performance of the MDRD formula with special emphasis on the possibility that interlaboratory calibration differences for serum creatinine reduce the accuracy of the formula.

Intestinal injury after thoracic aortic cross-clamping in the pig.

Background: The mucosal surface epithelium is an essential part of the functional intestinal barrier, but its structural response to ischemia/reperfusion is only partly characterized. The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed morphological evaluation of intestinal surface epithelium after aortic cross-clamping.

Material And Methods: Pigs were subjected to thoracic aortic cross-clamping for 60 min and subsequent reperfusion for 120 min.

Gut barrier dysfunction as detected by intestinal luminal microdialysis.

Objective: To evaluate the use of gut luminal microdialysis as a tool for monitoring ischaemic metabolites, particularly glycerol, as markers of intestinal dysfunction during and after intestinal ischaemia.

Design: A randomised, controlled animal experiment.

Setting: National laboratory animal centre.

Perfusion abnormalities in pulmonary embolism studied with perfusion MRI and ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy: an intra-modality and inter-modality agreement study.

Purpose: To compare perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy (V-P scan) in the study of perfusion abnormalities in pulmonary embolism (PE) and to compare the PE results to the findings previously reported for pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in terms of perfusion abnormalities.

Materials And Methods: Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR images and V-P scans of 20 patients with PE, 11 patients with acute pneumonia, and 13 patients with exacerbation of COPD were studied. Five categories of perfusion abnormalities within each imaging modality were defined.