Basophil Levels Research Articles

Profiling of clinically relevant subgroups of asymptomatic or mild-symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients using PSA and testosterone levels and deep learning.

e17032 Background: The optimal time to begin therapy in mCRPC patients who have either no, or minimal symptoms is not defined yet. Estimating prognosis of these patients can avoid undertreatment or overtreatment and guide the follow-up intensity. This study has investigated the ability of a deep learning framework (DLF) to identify asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic mCRPC patients with high risk of disease progression and mortality using PSA and testosterone levels. Methods: Data from the control arm of the NCT00554229 trial was obtained from www.projectdatasphere.org . These mCRPC patients were treated with placebo alone. The dataset consisted of more than 150 clinical variables. We generated synthetic fingerprints (SF) for each patient through the integration of PSA values collected at baseline and during the first 90 days of follow-up and testosterone levels at baseline. These SF were then input into a DLF to identify subgroup of patients based on their similarities. The resultant subgroups were correlated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Feature contribution analysis identified the significant predictive clinical variables in each subgroup. Results: After discarding missing data, 189 patients were eligible for this exploratory study. Median PFS and OS for the total population were 8.7 months and 24.5 months, respectively. DLF identified two different subpopulations, SPA (n = 89) and SPB (n = 100), with significantly different survival outcome. Patients in SPA had a lower risk of progression (median PFS 12.2 months vs. 7.2 months; hazard ratio 0.54, 95% CI 0.41-0.71; p < .0001) and death (median OS not reached vs. 20.3 months; hazard ratio 0.33, 95% CI 0.21-0.52; p < .0001) compared to patients in SPB. SPA signature was significantly correlated to leuprolide treatment. These patients also had higher levels of haemoglobin, red blood cells, haematocrit, total bilirubin, Ca, phosphate, and K. Instead, SPB signature was significantly correlated with presence of > 3 bone metastasis, lack of energy or forced time to bed in the FACT-P and moderate problems in selfcare in the EQ-5D, and treatment with goserelin, tamsulosin, opioids and contact laxatives. In addition, these patients had higher levels of platelets, basophils, monocytes, ALP, AST, LDH, PSA, free PSA, Mg, Na, and specific gravity. Conclusions: DLF identifies mCRPC subtypes that correlate with higher risk of progression and death according to PSA and testosterone levels. Model predictions also suggest complex interactions among many clinical features that might be important modulators of key clinical traits and outcome. Further work is required to validate this approach to anticipate the clinical course of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic mCRPC patients and help to better decide when to start appropriate therapy.

Experimental Cyclic Heat Stress on Intestinal Permeability, Bone Mineralization, Leukocyte Proportions and Meat Quality in Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryRecently, our laboratory published a heat stress model to induce gastrointestinal leakage in broiler chickens. Nevertheless, the model describes continuous heat stress (HS) conditions from day 21 until 42 days of age. The current brief report intends to present an alternative model (12 h/day), particularly more in accordance with real-world conditions, to evaluate nutraceuticals or products that can reduce the severity of HS under experimental conditions. Results of this study confirm what has been extensively reported by numerous scientists. Cyclic HS increased leaky gut, reduced performance, bone mineralization, and meat quality in broiler chickens.The goal of this research was to assess cyclic heat stress on gut permeability, bone mineralization, and meat quality in chickens. Two separate trials were directed. 320 day-of-hatch Cobb 500 male chicks were randomly assigned to four thermoneutral (TN) and four cyclic heat stress (HS) chambers with two pens each, providing eight replicates per treatment in each trial (n = 20 chicks/replicate). Environmental conditions in the TN group were established to simulate commercial production settings. Heat stress chickens were exposed to cyclic HS at 35 °C for 12 h/day from days 7–42. Performance parameters, intestinal permeability, bone parameters, meat quality, and leukocyte proportions were estimated. There was a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in body weight (BW), BW gain, and feed intake, but the feed conversion ratio increased in chickens under cyclic HS. Moreover, HS chickens had a significantly higher gut permeability, monocyte and basophil levels, but less bone mineralization than TN chickens. Nevertheless, the TN group had significant increases in breast yield, woody breast, and white striping in breast fillets compared to HS. These results present an alternative model to our previously published continuous HS model to better reflect commercial conditions to evaluate commercially available nutraceuticals or products with claims of reducing the severity of heat stress.

Effects of anti-IL5 biological treatments on blood IgE levels in severe asthmatic patients: A real-life multicentre study (BIONIGE).

BackgroundMepolizumab and benralizumab are clinically effective biological treatments for severe eosinophilic asthmatic patients by hampering eosinophilic inflammation. The effects of these compound on the immunoglobulin (Ig)E T2 component are virtually unknown.ObjectivesTo evaluate the change in total IgE levels at 4 ± 2 months after initiation of the mepolizumab (primary outcome) or benralizumab. When available, the changes of blood inflammatory cell counts, lung function and asthma control test (ACT) were also assessed and correlated with changes in total IgE levels.MethodsObservational, retrospective, multicentre, cohort study. Severe eosinophilic atopic asthmatic patients treated with mepolizumab or benralizumab were included in the analysis.ResultsThree‐month treatment (on average) with mepolizumab (n = 104) or benralizumab (n = 82) resulted in significantly higher reduction of blood eosinophil and basophil levels in patients treated with benralizumab compared to mepolizumab. Mepolizumab did not significantly modified the levels of blood total IgE during the study period, whereas benralizumab significantly reduced (−35%, p < 0.001) total blood IgE levels. In patients treated with benralizumab the reduction of blood total Ig‐E levels correlated with the reduction of blood basophils (but not eosinophils) and weakly with the improvement of asthma control.ConclusionBenralizumab but not mepolizumab, treatment led to a significant reduction of circulating IgE level. The study provides different and specific mechanisms of action for anti‐IL5‐pathway treatments.

Клинико-лабораторные маркеры тяжести течения новой коронавирусной инфекции (COVID–19)

The aim of the research. To study clinical and laboratory features of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in order to develop a model that would allow, taking the publicly available research methods into account, to carry out early diagnosis of severe community-acquired pneumonia against the background of the new coronavirus infection. Material and methods. A total of 82 COVID-19 patients who complied with inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. Depending on the clinical severity, three study groups were formed: group 1 included 13 patients with uncomplicated COVID-19, group 2 consisted of 39 patients with non-severe forms of pneumonia that developed against COVID-19 and group 3 was comprised of 30 patients with COVID-19 complicated by severe pneumonia. The groups were comparable in age and gender. All patients underwent general clinical examination, laboratory tests, including general and biochemical blood analysis, as well as chest computed tomography. Results. The clinical picture in COVID-19 patients differed depending on the disease severity. Coughing and shortness of breath were more often observed in patients with severe pneumonia; sore throat, on the contrary, was more often noted in patients with uncomplicated COVID-19. On admission to the inpatient facility, patients with severe pneumonia had higher body temperature and respiratory rate, with simultaneous decrease in blood oxygen saturation. One half of the patients with severe pneumonia had hypertensive disease in medical history, and one third had ischaemic heart disease. As a rule, uncomplicated COVID-19 patients did not have ischaemic heart disease. It was found through laboratory analysis of blood that groups of patients significantly differed in the levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils and eosinophils. Conclusion. The use of such clinical and laboratory data as acute respiratory failure, fever, the levels of neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils makes it possible to identify patients with more severe pneumonia against the background of COVID-19 even before chest computed tomography.

Time course of changes in inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in lung tissue of mice induced by exposure to electronic cigarette aerosol

SignificanceElectronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become a popular way to smoke all over the world. Chronic exposure to e-cigarette aerosol may influence lung health. This study uses an animal model to explore the time course of the effect of exposure to e-cigarette aerosols on the lung. MethodsLung samples were collected after exposure of Balb/c mice to e-cigarette aerosols for 1 h/day (6 times/week) for 1, 2 and 4 weeks and compared to sham-exposed controls. Examined biomarkers including inflammatory cells, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). ResultsExposure of animals to e-cigarette aerosols induced significant increases (P < 0.05) in total inflammatory cells, eosinophils, macrophages and TNFα in the lung tissue after 1, 2 and 4 weeks of exposure. Furthermore, level of IL-10 significantly decreased, whereas levels of neutrophils and basophils significantly increased (P < 0.05) after 1 week of exposure. Exposure of animals to e-cigarette aerosol also induced significant decreases (P < 0.05) in the GSH/GSSG ratio, and GPx levels after 2 and 4 weeks of exposures. The activity of catalase was also reduced (P < 0.05) after 4 weeks of exposure. Level of TBARS showed a trend of elevation with time and it reached a significant elevation after 4 weeks (P < 0.01). ConclusionCurrent results indicate that inhalation of unflavored e-cigarette aerosol might be associated with inflammation in lung tissue that worsen as the duration of exposure increases. Further experiments including more time points, histopathology and pulmonary physiology experiments are needed to confirm the current results.

A Herbal Concoction of Cinnamomum cassia and Artemisa annua Extracts Ameliorates Allergic Rhinitis in OVA-Induced Balb/C Mice by Inhibiting Th2 Signaling

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory airway disease (IAD) that is characterized by itching, nasal obstruction, and sneezing. AR is induced by Th-2 inflammatory responses such as those mediated by IgE and IL-4. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of an herbal concoction, which is a combination of Cinnamomum cassia and Artemisa annua extracts (CIAR) against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis in a Balb/C mouse model. The effect of CIAR on the Th-2 mediated inflammatory response in the AR mouse model was studied by analyzing blood or nasal fluid samples. Experimental results revealed that OVA inhalation increased IgE, IL-4, IL-33, and TSLP levels, leading to Th2-type cytokine response. CIAR was found to significantly reduce the Th-2 response and levels of cytokines, including IL-4, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). CIAR also down-regulated eosinophil (EOS) and basophil (BASO) levels in the blood. Histological analyses demonstrated decreased OVA-induced thickness of the respiratory epithelium in the CIAR-treated group. Collectively, our results suggest that the herbal concoction CIAR can effectively ameliorate the development of allergic rhinitis through the inhibition of Th-2 mediated responses.

Characteristics of peripheral white blood cells in COVID-19 patients revealed by a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPeripheral hematological changes in severe COVID-19 patients may reflect the immune response during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Characteristics of peripheral white blood cells as early signals were needed to be investigated for clarifying its associations with the fatal outcomes in COVID-19 patients.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed and the hospitalized COVID-19 patients were recruited in wards of Sino-French New City Branch of Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. Characteristics of peripheral white blood cells in survivors and non-survivors were analyzed. Comparison among patients with different level of eosinophils was performed.ResultsOf 198 patients included in this study, 185 were discharged and 13 died. Levels of eosinophils, lymphocytes and basophils in non-survivors were significantly lower than those in survivors. Death rate in low eosinophils group was higher and no patient died in normal eosinophils group (16.7% vs 0, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients in low eosinophils group who used glucocorticoids was higher than in normal eosinophils group, but glucocorticoids usage was not an indicator for death in subgroup analysis in low eosinophils patients. Moreover, positive correlation was found between the counts of lymphocytes and eosinophils in patients with glucocorticoids use but not in patients without the treatment.ConclusionsHematological changes differed between survivors and non-survivors with COVID-19. Lymphopenia and eosinopenia could be predictors for poor prognosis of COVID-19 patients. Initial counts of eosinophils may guide us in usage of glucocorticoids for COVID-19 treatment.

MATERNAL LEUKOCYTOSIS AS DIAGNOSTIC MARKERS IN SPONTANEOUSLY DECLARED PRETERM BIRTH

Spontaneous preterm birth is the basic problem of perinatal mortality in Bulgaria. Pregnancy is characterized by physiological leukocytosis - determined by twice increased neutrophils levels, unchanged monocyte levels, and a reduction in the levels of lymphocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. The leukocytosis is particularly pronounced in the last trimester, due to physiological stress during pregnancy, and it is a result of the increased inflammatory response, a consequence of selective immune tolerance, immunosuppression, and fetus-immunomodulation.&#x0D; The objective of this study was to investigate and to appreciate maternal leukocytosis as potential diagnostic markers in spontaneously declared preterm birth and term birth declared cases.&#x0D; Methods: The case–control study was performed in UMBAL-City Hospital, Stara Zagora during 2017–2020. The study involved 200 patients, split into two groups: G1- the healthy pregnant women, n1=100 with а registered singleton pregnancy, at gestational age 37-39+6, gave birth on the term (TB); G2- the PTB patients, n2=100, confirmed clinically by cardiotocography for gestation &gt;32 weeks. The highly sensitive Leuko-TIC-ELISA-WBC (upper limit of the normal number of Leuc during pregnancy - 15x109 per L) test was used for investigation. Blood samples were taken by puncture of the v.cubitalis in an anticoagulant at the time of hospitalization and examined within 1 hrs. Patients with systemic chronic illness and infections were excluded from the study.&#x0D; The results showed statistically significant Leuc reduction in SPTB patients (14.31±2.66×109/L, p&gt;0.03), compared to the increased (14.67±3.21×109/L) (in normal-15x109L) Leuc values in the TB group.In conclusion, the results of the Leuc value confirm the presence of a systemic leukocytosis/oxidative inflammatory reaction at the time of declaring SPTB and TB.

Response of large white gilts to diets containing differing probiotic products

A study was carried out to ascertain the effects of three probiotic products (RE3, RE3 PLUS and a combination of RE3 and P3) on the growth performance, blood profile and gut E. coli count of growing-finishing gilts. Sixteen Large White gilts of an average initial weight of 41.66 ± 4.55 kg were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments (T1- Control, basal diet without probiotics, T2- 1 ml RE3 per kg feed, T3- 1 ml RE3 PLUS per kg feed and T4- 1 ml RE3 + 0.5 ml P3 per kg feed) in a randomized complete block design. Gilts were fed on 18% CP diet and the probiotics were added each day before feeds were offered. The growing-finishing gilts were offered 4% body weight of feed until they attained a body weight of 80 ± 2.5kg. However, water was provided ad libitum. Weighing was done weekly for gilts and feed offered was adjusted accordingly. Blood samples were taken from gilts at the start and end of the study for haematological, serum biochemical and immunological studies. Faecal samples were also taken from gilts for E. coli count at the end of the study. Results obtained indicated that the addition of the three different types of probiotics did not influence (p > 0.05) growth performance, economics of production, gut E. coli composition and immunological profile. Basophil level decreased (p < 0.05) significantly in probiotics-supplemented gilts at the end of the study but all values recorded were within the normal range. It was concluded that except basophils levels, the probiotics used did not seem to influence growth performance, blood profile and gut E. coli count of growing-finishing gilts.

Leucocytes, urea and glucose levels in Albino Wistar rats exposed to doses of isolated Achatina achatina snail lectin

There are five (5) types of mature White blood cells (WBC) or Leucocytes found in the peripheral blood viz, Neutrophils (NEU), Eosinophils (EOS) and Basophils (BAS) (granulocytes); Monocytes (MON) and Lymphocytes (LYM) (agranulocytes). Urea is an organic chemical compound, and is essentially the waste produced by the body after metabolizing protein. Urea levels can be used to detect diseases and disorders that affect the kidneys. A common disease related to irregular management of glucose is diabetes. Lectins are proteins that recognize specifically and bind reversibly the carbohydrate-containing molecules of foreign cells and that elicit diverse physiological responses in various organisms. A total of 120 samples of Nigeria Achatina achatina snail specie were collected, authenticated at the Zoology Department of University of Nigeria, Nsukka and 80mls of pooled crude Lectin extract was obtained. Purifications were performed on 20mls of the crude extract in three steps viz, Ammonium sulphate precipitation and Dialysis (Partial purifications), Con A Sepharose 4B affinity Chromatography column (Complete purification). The affinity purified Lectin was used for all the tests conducted in this research. The crude, partially and complete/affinity purified Lectin extracts were subjected to Haemagglutination tests. The Lectin was further assessed to determine its effects on Leucocytes, Urea and Glucose as follows: A total of Thirty-five (35) male Albino Wistar Rats weighing 101-180g and aged 2-3 months obtained from the Animal house of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, were used in this research. The animals were Grouped into 5 (A-E) and allowed for 2 weeks acclimatization. Graded doses of 0.04ml, 0.05ml and 0.06ml of the Affinity purified Lectin were injected intra-peritoneally into each of the Rats in Groups A-D (test groups) according to their body weights at intervals of 2 days for 1 week. Group E served as the control. Two (2) mls of blood was collected from each of the Rats before and 24 hours after the last day of Lectin Doses injections for the following tests: WBC-Total and Differential counts (using Sysmex Corporation, 1999 automated equipment), Urea and Glucose estimations (performed by means of Urease-Berthelot and GOD-PAP Randox Monza automated analyser methods respectively). The results of the research showed as follows: On complete/affinity purification, 15mls of pure sample containing only the high molecular weight Lectin was obtained. The haemagglutination tests conducted showed on standardization preferential agglutination with Blood group A type. Bar Charts statistics show that there was Post Lectin Doses injections mean increase in Total WBC, NEU, LYM and decrease in MON, EOS, BAS, Urea and Glucose levels. However, the differences in Pre and Post Lectin Doses injections mean values of these parameters were further subjected to One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test statistics to determine if statistically significant. The ANOVA statistics show that the effects of the Lectin on all the assessed Leucocytes parameters viz, Total WBC, and Differential LYM, NEU, MON, EOS, BAS, the Urea and Glucose levels were found to be statistically insignificant. However, the EOS values of only group A was statistically significant. This research has therefore succeeded in Assessment of Activities of the A. achatina snail Lectin on Leucocytes, Glucose and Urea levels.

Individual zinc finger domains of Ikaros have specific roles in regulating murine myeloid hematopoietic development

Abstract The Ikzf1 gene (encoding Ikaros) is essential for B cell development, but also plays important roles in the development of other hematopoietic lineages. Ikaros is a zinc finger (ZnF) transcription factor, with ZnF1 through ZnF4 involved in DNA binding, and ZnF5-ZnF6 required for dimerization. Previous work in our group has shown that germline deletion of the first or fourth ZnFs (ΔF1 and ΔF4 mice) resulted in different defects in lymphoid development. Here, we present our results from investigation of the roles of ZnF1 and ZnF4 in myeloid cell development. Flow cytometry analysis of bone marrow (BM), peritoneal cavity, lung and spleen cells show that ΔF1 and ΔF4 mice have significantly altered levels of eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and mast cells. Most importantly, the observed changes differ between the two mutants. Interestingly, we observed a systemic increase in eosinophils in all tissues investigated in one of our ZnF-mutant mice. When culturing BM cells ex-vivo, we see that cells from the mutant mice proliferate at a higher rate than that of wt, and respond more actively to cytokine stimulation. Furthermore, ex vivo differentiation assay displayed a ZnF-dependent defect in mast cell/basophil development, and skewing towards eosinophil development, supporting the finding that ZnF1 and ZnF4 of Ikaros differentially regulate granulocyte development. In addition to studying immune cell subsets and ex-vivo stimulation assays, we aim to sort granulocyte cell populations from the ΔF1 and ΔF4 mice and perform RNA-seq to investigate differential gene regulation. We conclude that Ikzf1 plays a role in the regulation of eosinophils, mast cells and basophils, and will present results to date.

Standard blood laboratory values as a clinical support tool to distinguish between SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative patients

Standard blood laboratory parameters may have diagnostic potential, if polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) tests are not available on time. We evaluated standard blood laboratory parameters of 655 COVID-19 patients suspected to be infected with SARS-CoV-2, who underwent PCR testing in one of five hospitals in Vienna, Austria. We compared laboratory parameters, clinical characteristics, and outcomes between positive and negative PCR-tested patients and evaluated the ability of those parameters to distinguish between groups. Of the 590 patients (20–100 years, 276 females and 314 males), 208 were PCR-positive. Positive compared to negative PCR-tested patients had significantly lower levels of leukocytes, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocytes, and thrombocytes; while significantly higher levels were detected with erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, C-reactive-protein, ferritin, activated-partial-thromboplastin-time, alanine-aminotransferase, aspartate-aminotransferase, lipase, creatine-kinase, and lactate-dehydrogenase. From all blood parameters, eosinophils, ferritin, leukocytes, and erythrocytes showed the highest ability to distinguish between COVID-19 positive and negative patients (area-under-curve, AUC: 72.3–79.4%). The AUC of our model was 0.915 (95% confidence intervals, 0.876–0.955). Leukopenia, eosinopenia, elevated erythrocytes, and hemoglobin were among the strongest markers regarding accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, positive and negative likelihood ratio, and post-test probabilities. Our findings suggest that especially leukopenia, eosinopenia, and elevated hemoglobin are helpful to distinguish between COVID-19 positive and negative tested patients.

The Levels of FoxO3a Predict the Failure of Imatinib Mesylate Therapy among Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients

INTRODUCTION: Forkhead Transcription Factor 3a (FoxO3a) has been proposed to have a high efficacy to predict the failure of imatinib mesylate (IM) therapy among Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) patients. However, the limited evidence had made this marker remained controversy.&#x0D; OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the correlation between the levels of FoxO3a and the risk of treatment failure of IM therapy in CML patients.&#x0D; METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out between February 2019 and February 2020 in Saiful Anwar Hospital, Malang, Indonesia. All CML patients treated with IM on our hospital during the study period were included. The levels of FoxO3a was determined using the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using Cusabio Biotech Kit (Cusabio Biotech Co., New York, USA). The treatment response was assessed using the European Leukemia criteria. The correlation and effect estimate between the levels of FoxO3a and treatment response of CML patients was assessed using multiple logistic regression.&#x0D; RESULTS: 53 CML patients receiving IM in our hospital were included, consisting of 29 patients with good response and 24 patients with non-response. Our study found that CML patients with lower levels of FoxO3a was associated with increased risk to develop treatment failure when treated with IM. Moreover, we also found that higher risk of treatment failure of IM therapy was also found in patients with increased levels of thrombocytes, basophils, and leukocytes, and lower levels of hemoglobin.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: We reveal that FoxO3a is the prominent marker to predict the treatment response of CML patients treated with IM.

Complete Blood Count Analysis on Beef Cattle Exposed to Fescue Toxicity and Rumen-Protected Niacin Supplementation.

Simple SummaryFescue toxicity results from cattle consuming fungal (Ergot spp.) endophyte-infected tall fescue. Ergot alkaloids like ergovaline produce vasoconstriction in cattle. Our objectives were to analyze changes in complete blood count and performance due to ergot alkaloid detoxification in growing beef cattle and the effect of selecting dams tolerant or susceptible to fescue toxicity based on their tolerance index, measured through a genetic test currently available for beef producers. Furthermore, rumen-protected niacin supplementation is proposed as a potential alleviator for vasoconstriction produced by fescue toxicity. Therefore, we assessed the effects of consuming endophyte-infected tall fescue seeds in addition to rumen-protected niacin supplementation in offspring performance and hematological parameters. Signs for anemia were noticed in susceptible heifer offspring that did not receive rumen-protected niacin, whereas inflammation or infection was detected in tolerant steers that received niacin in their diet. Typical symptoms of heat stress and intoxication with ergot alkaloids were noticed in offspring. Our results suggest that susceptible heifer offspring might have a more active detox metabolism when under fescue toxicity. Findings from this study could be utilized as a new tool to help beef cattle producers to dampen the adverse effects of fescue toxicity.Offspring born to dams genetically tested for resistance to fescue toxicity were separated in groups based on their dams’ resistance level (tolerant vs. susceptible). Rumen-protected niacin (RPN) is proposed as a potential alleviator for vasoconstriction produced by fescue toxicity. Complete blood count (CBC) analysis was utilized for detection of significant responses to treatments applied. Our objectives were as follows: (a) to analyze changes in CBC due to fescue toxicity, maternal resistance level, and RPN in growing offspring; and (b) to assess the effects of maternal resistance level when consuming endophyte-infected tall fescue seeds in addition to RPN in offspring performance. Body weight, average daily gain, or health status were not improved by RPN or the genetic test to detect fescue toxicity resistance. Typical signs of alkaloids intoxication and heat stress were noticed in offspring. Particularly, rectal temperature was greater for susceptible control heifers. Results showed that susceptible control offspring presented signs of anemia denoted by low mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). High levels of white blood cells (WBC) and basophils in combination to low neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio were the signs of infection or inflammation detected in the CBC analysis, especially in tolerant niacin steers. Furthermore, offspring of control heifers had a greater percentage of reticulocytes and RDW, denoting signs of anemia.

Basophil Blood Cell Count Is Associated With Enhanced Factor II Plasma Coagulant Activity and Increased Risk of Mortality in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease: Not Only Neutrophils as Prognostic Marker in Ischemic Heart Disease.

BackgroundWhite blood cell count, which is inexpensive and widely available in clinical practice, has been proposed to provide prognostic information in coronary artery disease (CAD). Elevated levels of white blood cell subtypes may play different roles in atherothrombosis and predict cardiovascular outcomes.Methods and ResultsThe association between white blood cell counts and mortality was evaluated in 823 subjects with angiographically demonstrated and clinically stable CAD in an observational–longitudinal study. The correlation among white blood cell counts and factor II plasma coagulant activity was analyzed in 750 subjects (554 CAD and 196 CAD‐free) not taking anticoagulant drugs. Subjects with overt leukocytosis or leukopenia were excluded. In the longitudinal study after a median follow‐up of 61 months, 160 (19.4%) subjects died, 107 (13.0%) of whom from cardiovascular causes. High levels of neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils were associated with an increased mortality rate. In multiadjusted Cox regression models, only neutrophils and basophils remained predictors of total and cardiovascular mortality. The associations remained significant after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and by including D‐dimer and the chemokine CXCL12 in the regression models. Neutrophils and basophils were also significant predictors of factor II plasma coagulant activity variability after adjustment for blood cell counts, age, sex, inflammatory markers, CAD diagnosis, and prothrombin G20210A polymorphism. Factor II plasma coagulant activity was similarly increased in subjects with high neutrophil and basophil counts and in carriers of the prothrombin 20210A allele.ConclusionsBoth high neutrophil and basophil blood counts may predict mortality in patients with clinically stable CAD and are associated with enhanced factor II plasma coagulant activity, thereby suggesting underlying prothrombotic mechanisms.

High intake of vegetables is linked to lower white blood cell profile and the effect is mediated by the gut microbiome

BackgroundChronic inflammation, which can be modulated by diet, is linked to high white blood cell counts and correlates with higher cardiometabolic risk and risk of more severe infections, as in the case of COVID-19.MethodsHere, we assessed the association between white blood cell profile (lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes and total white blood cells) as markers of chronic inflammation, habitual diet and gut microbiome composition (determined by sequencing of the 16S RNA) in 986 healthy individuals from the PREDICT-1 nutritional intervention study. We then investigated whether the gut microbiome mediates part of the benefits of vegetable intake on lymphocyte counts.ResultsHigher levels of white blood cells, lymphocytes and basophils were all significantly correlated with lower habitual intake of vegetables, with vegetable intake explaining between 3.59 and 6.58% of variation in white blood cells after adjusting for covariates and multiple testing using false discovery rate (q < 0.1). No such association was seen with fruit intake. A mediation analysis found that 20.00% of the effect of vegetable intake on lymphocyte counts was mediated by one bacterial genus, Collinsella, known to increase with the intake of processed foods and previously associated with fatty liver disease. We further correlated white blood cells to other inflammatory markers including IL6 and GlycA, fasting and post-prandial glucose levels and found a significant relationship between inflammation and diet.ConclusionA habitual diet high in vegetables, but not fruits, is linked to a lower inflammatory profile for white blood cells, and a fifth of the effect is mediated by the genus Collinsella.Trial registrationThe ClinicalTrials.gov registration identifier is NCT03479866.

Haemato-Biochemical Alterations in Dogs with Vomition

Vomition is a common clinical presentation in small animal practice and may be associated with gastrointestinal and systemic diseases. Fifty cases of vomition in dogs were studied at Veterinary Clinical Complex of the College in Anand during the period of six months for clinical and haemato-biochemical alterations in comparison to 8 normal healthy dogs. Among 50 dogs, the incidence of vomiting possibly due to Parvo viral infection, pyometra, renal disorders, encylostoma infection, pseudo-pregnancy, hepatic disorders, thrombocytopenia, neutrophilia and dietary abnormalities was in 44.0, 2.0, 14.0, 14.0, 2.0, 4.0, 2.0, 14.0 and 4.0 % cases, respectively. The levels of PCV, TLC and basophils were increased significantly (p less than 0.05) with decreased Hb in dogs suffering with vomiting as compared to healthy control group. The serum biochemical examinations revealed significantly (p less than 0.05) decreased mean serum albumin concentration and increased serum creatinine, BUN, ALT and AST values in dogs with vomiting as compared to healthy control group. However, TEC, lymphocyes, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes counts and serum total protein did not vary significantly between vomiting and healthy dogs.

Predictive values of immature granulocyte and other inflammatory parameters on disease severity of COVID‐19 patients

INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to compare the immature granulocyte (IG) count, IG-to-lymphocyte ratio (IGLR), complete blood count (CBC) values, and inflammatory parameters of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin level, and CRP-to-albumin ratio (CAR) measured at hospital admission in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and non-COVID-19 patients and to compare these parameters between subgroups according to disease severity. In addition, these parameters were evaluated for predictive value related to the severity of COVID-19. METHODS: The data of adult patients admitted with a suspected COVID-19 infection confirmed with real-time polymerase chain reaction testing of nasal and pharyngeal swab specimens were included in this retrospective study. Outpatient COVID-19-positive patients were enrolled in the mild group, hospitalized patients were classified in the moderate group, and patients admitted to the intensive care unit were categorized in the severe group. RESULTS: A total of 1213 COVID-19-positive patients and 1034 COVID-19-negative patients were included in the study. The IGLR, NLR, PLR, CRP, CAR, and ferritin levels were significantly higher, and the leukocyte, IG, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, basophil, and eosinophil levels were significantly lower in the COVID-19-positive group than the COVID-19-negative group (p<0.05 for all). The severe group had higher median IG, IGLR, neutrophil, NLR, PLR levels than the mild, moderate, and COVID-19-negative groups (p<0.05 for all). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an area under the curve value for IGLR, CAR, CRP, IG, NLR, and ferritin of 0.868, 0.860, 0.834, 0.848, 0.845, 0.841, and 0.827, respectively, which differentiated severe COVID-19 patients from mild and moderate COVID-19 patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the IGLR may be useful to distinguish severe COVID-19 patients at the time of admission. Further exploration is warranted to fully determine the potential value of the IGLR in disease monitoring.

Evaluation of Acute Toxicity of Ethanol Extract of Pirdot Leaf (Saurauia vulcani Korth.) in Rats

Traditionally pirdot leaves are used to treat various diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine determine the potential for acute toxicity of ethanolic extract of pirdot leaf (Saurauia vulcani Korth.) with value LD50 and hematological Parameters in rats. The acute toxicity of ethanolic extract of pirdot leaf was evaluated by OECD guidelines. The number of animals used in this research were 15 female rats. The control group was given Na CMC 0.5%, the treatment groups were given ethanolic extract of pirdot leaves with doses 2000 and 5000 mg/kg bw. The results showed that ethanolic extract of pirdot leaves with doses of 2000 and 5000 mg/kg bw did not show any toxicity signs. There was no mortality was observe. The ethanolic extract of pirdot leaves did not cause any changes in hematological parameters, these include red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet, white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils levels as compared to normal control (P&gt;0.05). It was estimated that LD50 of ethanolic extract of pirdot leaves was higher than 5000 mg/kg bw and the extract were practically non-toxic. The ethanolic extract of pirdot leaves did not cause any toxic effect on hematological parameters.

Dynamic hematological changes in patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy: a population-based cohort study

BackgroundThe clinical outcomes of patients who received distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (DPS) and spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) have been generally investigated. However, postoperative hematological changes after distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy are poorly understood.MethodsInformation from patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy (DP) between January 2014 and June 2019 at a single institution was reviewed. A linear mixed-effects model was used to compare dynamic hematological changes between different groups.ResultsA total of 302 patients who underwent DP were enrolled. In the long term, most postoperative hematological parameters remained significantly higher than preoperative levels in the DPS group, while postoperative lymphocyte, monocyte, basophil, and platelet levels returned to preoperative levels in the SPDP group. All postoperative hematological parameters except for red blood cell count and serum hemoglobulin level were significantly higher in the DPS group than in the SPDP group. There were no significant differences in hematological changes between the splenic vessel preservation (SVP) and Warshaw technique (WT) groups.ConclusionsPostoperative hematological changes were significantly different between the DPS and SPDP groups. Compared to DPS, SPDP reduced abnormal hematological changes caused by splenectomy. SVP and WT were comparable in terms of postoperative hematological changes.