The ANAchoice Screen is a diagnostic test The ANAchoice Screen is a diagnostic test used to detect the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in the blood. ANAs are a group of antibodies that bind to certain contents of the nucleus of the cell and are often found in patients with certain autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others. (ANA) in the blood. ANAs are a group of antibodies that bind to certain contents of the nucleus of the cell and are often found in patients with certain autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others.

Anaerotruncus colihomonis (pronounced “an-AERO-trunk-us colly-HOM-in-iss”) is a newly described bacterial genus and species isolated from the stool specimens of children. Its clinical significance, however, is unknown.

The species is found only relatively infrequently in the human gut. It comes from the genus Anaerotruncus, which contains just this one species. The genus name comes from the Greek words “an” and “aero”, meaning respectively “without” and “air”, and the Latin word “truncus”, which means “stick”—making the overall name “a stick that lives without air”, since the cells of this bacterial genus are rod-like in shape and live in the absence of oxygen. The species name “colihominis” means “of the gut of man”.

The genus Anaerotruncus includes species Anaerotruncus colihominis and Anaerotruncus massiliensis.

A. colihominis hominis is a butyrate and acetate producer.

Abundance is associated with higher bacterial gene richness in the gut a.

A. colihominis is increased in healthy individuals and presumed to be anti-inflammatory.

There is an inverse correlation with high BMI and elevated serum triglycerides in older Amish adults.

There is an inverse relationship with A. colihominis abundance and cognitive function scores in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Anaerotruncus massiliensis is a newly identified strain similar to A. colihominis. They both ferment amino acids and carbohydrates and are mucin degraders.

The Anaplasma phagocytophilum Antibodies IFA (Indirect Fluorescent Antibody) Titre (IgG) marker is a critical serological assay used in the diagnosis of Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This test specifically measures the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in the patient's serum that are directed against A. phagocytophilum. IgG antibodies are a type of antibody that the immune system produces more slowly in response to an infection but which persists long-term, indicating either past exposure or a chronic infection.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA).

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tick-borne infection caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, a small bacterium infecting typically neutrophils transmitted by Ixodes ticks. Granulocytic anaplasmosis is the most widespread tick-borne infection in animals in Europe and both its geographic distribution and that of its tick vector, Ixodes ricinus complex (mainly Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus in Europe) are increasing in latitude and altitude. Individuals are at greatest risk when ticks are active during the spring through to autumn period.

Despite the increasing prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in animal hosts, human cases are not frequent, though probably they are underestimated due to the nonspecific clinical signs (flu-like symptoms). The USA strains have shown higher morbidity and mortality (< 1%) and until now no fatal case has been reported in humans in Europe.

Anastrozole is a medication that inhibits the enzyme aromatase to suppress testosterone conversion to estrogens.

Anastrozole is used in combination with other treatments for suppressing testosterone conversion to estrogens. It can be used in combination with other treatments, typically men using testosterone therapy to prevent conversion to estrogens; and in breast cancer and prostate cancer patients to inhibit endogenous estrogen production that could stimulate estrogen-sensitive tumor growth. It is most often used for hormone-receptive breast cancer.

It works by binding to the aromatase enzyme and blocking the conversion of androgens to estrogens in peripheral tissues. Off-label it is commonly used to decrease the production of estrogen in men and is also used as part of a treatment plan for women with endometriosis.

ANCA Screen includes evaluation for p-ANCA, c-ANCA and atypical p-ANCA. A positive ANCA screen reflexes to titer and pattern(s), e.g., cytoplasmic pattern (c-ANCA), perinuclear pattern (p-ANCA), or atypical p-ANCA pattern. c-ANCA and p-ANCA are observed in vasculitis, whereas atypical p-ANCA is observed in IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). Atypical p-ANCA is detected in about 55% to 80% of patients with ulcerative colitis but only 5% to 25% of patients with Crohn's disease.

The distribution of hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) is worldwide, with particular prevalence in rural areas of the moist tropics where there is inadequate sanitation and people walk barefoot. The two species produce indistinguishable thin-walled eggs that hatch in soil. Infection is usually acquired by walking barefoot in soil contaminated with human faeces. The larvae undergo several moults before infective larvae are produced.

The Andro/Etio ratio compares the levels of two key androgen metabolites, androsterone (Andro) and etiocholanolone (Etio), which are produced from DHEA and androstenedione through the 5α- and 5β-reductase pathways, respectively. This ratio provides insights into the balance of androgen metabolism and the activity of these two reductase enzymes.

• A higher Andro/Etio ratio reflects increased 5α-reductase activity, favoring the conversion of androgens into androsterone. Elevated 5α-reductase activity is often associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), androgen dominance, or metabolic syndrome.

• A lower Andro/Etio ratio suggests increased 5β-reductase activity, favoring the production of etiocholanolone. This may occur in conditions with altered androgen metabolism or impaired 5α-reductase function.

Evaluating the Andro/Etio ratio helps clinicians assess the enzymatic balance of androgen metabolism, identify potential hormonal imbalances, and tailor interventions to optimize androgen-related health outcomes.

The measurement of androstanediol, in addition to testosterone, is of interest for the evaluation of androgenic activity.

The measurement of androstanediol, in addition to testosterone, is of interest for the evaluation of androgenic activity.

The measurement of androstanediol, in addition to testosterone, is of interest for the evaluation of androgenic activity.

DHEA and androstenedione are made almost exclusively by the adrenal gland (although a smaller amount is made in the ovaries). These hormones appear in urine as DHEA-S (DHEA-Sulfate), androsterone and etiocholanolone.

Androstenedione is secreted predominantly by the adrenal gland and production is controlled, in part, by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It is also produced in the testes and ovaries from DHEA-S. It is a weak androgen and an intermediate in the biosynthesis of testosterone and estrone from DHEA. It has been found to have some estrogenic activity.

Androstenedione is converted to estrone by the action of aromatase in fat tissue.