Blood Lymphocyte Counts Research Articles

Association of Altered Baseline Hematological Parameters with Adverse Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes

Tuberculosis (TB) treatment monitoring is an essential tool for effective TB treatment management. Identifying parameters that predict adverse TB treatment outcomes could significantly improve clinical management. The association of hematological parameters with poor TB treatment outcomes is not well defined. To study the relationship of hematological parameters with TB treatment outcomes, we examined data from pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients with successful (controls) and unsuccessful (cases) treatment outcomes. We enrolled 68 cases and 133 controls through a nested 1:2 case–control study, matching for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes status, alcohol and smoking. Hematological profiling showed significant difference in the absolute counts of white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes between cases and controls. In addition, increased neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NL) ratio and monocyte to lymphocyte (ML) ratio were present in cases in comparison to controls. Similarly, decreased hematocrit and red blood cell counts were detected in cases when compared with controls. Univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant association of absolute counts of WBC, neutrophils, monocytes, NL and ML ratios with poor treatment outcomes. The altered baseline hematological parameters are clearly associated with the poor TB treatment outcomes, showing potential for clinical prediction to enhance management of at-risk cases.

Assessment of Spinster homologue 2 (Spns2)-dependent transport of sphingosine-1-phosphate as a therapeutic target.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator (SRM) drugs suppress immune system function by disrupting lymphocyte trafficking, but SRMs are broadly immunosuppressive with on-target liabilities. Another strategy to modulate the immune system is to block S1P transport. This study tests the hypothesis that blockers of S1P transport (STBs) mediated by Spinster homologue 2 (Spns2) approximate the efficacy of SRMs without their adverse events. We have discovered and optimized STBs to enable investigations of S1P biology and to determine whether S1P transport is a valid drug target. The STB SLF80821178 was administered to rodents to assess its efficacy in a multiple sclerosis model and to test for toxicities associated with SRMs or Spns2-deficient mice. Further, potential biomarkers of STBs, absolute lymphocyte counts (ALCs) in blood and S1P concentrations in plasma and lymph, were measured. SLF80821178 resembles SRMs in that it is efficacious in a standard multiple sclerosis model but does not evoke bradycardia or lung leakage, common to the SRM drug class. Also, chronic SLF80821178 administration does not affect auditory responses in adult mice despite the neurosensorial hearing defect observed in Spns2-null mice. While both SRM and STB administration decrease ALCs, the maximal effect is less with an STB (45% vs. 90%). STBs have minimal effects on S1P concentration in plasma or thoracic duct lymph. We found nothing to invalidate Spns2-dependent S1P transport as a drug target. Indeed, STBs could be superior to SRMs as a therapy to modulate immune system function.

The immunomodulatory and antioxidative effects of curcumin-supplemented diets against the isolated Aeromonas hydrophila in Oreochromisniloticus.

Worldwide, Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) has become a significant foodborne pathogen, causing gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal infections in humans as well as severe economic losses in fish farms. Thus, we conducted this research in two experiments. The experiment 1 investigated the prevalence of A. hydrophila among Nile tilapia in different farms in Kafrelsheikh province and its pathogenicity by detecting some of its virulence genes before being used in the in vivo experiment. The experiment 2 was done to investigate the effect of dietary curcumin on growth performance, humoral immunity, antioxidants, and histopathology of Nile tilapia through a sixty-day feeding trial. Nile tilapia was divided into 3 groups, each in 3 replicates. Fish were given diets that included 0.0 (C, control), 1% (10g curcumin/kg diet; G1), and 2% curcumin/kg diet (20g curcumin/kg diet; G2). Moreover, the antibacterial effect of dietary curcumin against isolated bacteria in experiment 1 was investigated through experimental infection. The study's findings of experiment 1 indicated that the incidence of isolated A. hydrophila was 28%. Moreover, the virulence aerolysin (aerA) and haemolysin (hlyA) genes were found in 100% and 50% of the isolates, respectively. The experiment 2 outcomes demonstrated that the growth-modulating impacts of dietary curcumin were notably noticed in final weight, feed intake, weight gain%, and specific growth rate without pathological lesions in the different organs. In addition, the white blood cell and lymphocyte counts significantly (P<0.05) increased in Nile tilapia fed dietary curcumin. Similar improvements in humoral immunity (lysozyme and phagocytic activity) and antioxidants (catalase and superoxide dismutase) were seen in the 1% curcumin group (G1). The experimental infection with a virulent strain of A. hydrophila that was previously isolated in experiment 1 showed a significant decrease in the morbidity and mortality rates in the 1% curcumin treatment group (G1), followed by the 2% group (G2). The present study concluded that under current experimental conditions, dietary curcumin at a dose of 10g/kg diet proves effective, but the dose of 1% may not be optimal for tilapia.

Risk factors and machine learning prediction models for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

BackgroundIntrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a liver disorder that occurs in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and is associated with a significant risk of fetal complications, including premature birth and fetal death. In clinical practice, the diagnosis of ICP is predominantly based on the presence of pruritus in pregnant women and elevated serum total bile acid. However, this approach may result in missed or delayed diagnoses. Therefore, it is essential to explore the risk factors associated with ICP and to accurately identify affected individuals to enable timely prophylactic interventions. The existing literature exhibits a paucity of studies employing artificial intelligence to predict ICP. Therefore, developing machine learning-based diagnostic and severity classification models for ICP holds significant importance.MethodsThis study included ICP patients and some healthy pregnant women from Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital in China between July 2020 and October 2023. We collected clinical data during their pregnancies and selected the top 11 critical risk factors through univariable and lasso regression analysis. The dataset was randomly divided into training and testing cohorts. Thirteen machine learning techniques, including Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Artificial Neural Network, were employed. Based on their various classification performances on the training set, the top five models were selected for internal validation.ResultsThe dataset included 798 participants (300 normal, 312 mild, and 186 severe cases). Through univariable and lasso regression analysis, total bile acid, gamma-glutamyl transferase, multiple pregnancy, lymphocyte percentage, hematocrit, neutrophil percentage, prothrombin time, Aspartate aminotransferase, red blood cell count, lymphocyte count and platelet count were identified as risk factors of ICP. The AUCs of the selected top five models ranged from 0.9509 to 0.9614. The CatBoost model achieved the best performance, with an AUC of 0.9614 (95% confidence interval, 0.9377–0.9813), an accuracy of 0.9085, a precision of 0.8930, a recall of 0.9059, and a F1-score of 0.8981.ConclusionsWe identified risk factors for ICP and developed machine learning models based on these factors. These models demonstrated good performance and can be used to help predict whether pregnant women have ICP and the degree of ICP (mild or severe).

The lymphocyte levels of Hashimoto thyroiditis patients were significantly lower than that of healthy population

Background and purposeHashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disease without infectivity. We compared the differences of blood lymphocytes levels between HT patients and healthy people.Patients and methodsThis study included a total of 84 HT patients whose thyroid function was normal and 60 HT patients with abnormal thyroid function. A corresponding number of medical examination population in our hospital were randomly selected as the control groups. White blood cell count, neutrophil count, neutrophil percentage, lymphocyte count, and lymphocyte percentage were compared between HT patients and healthy population. The correlations between TSH, FT4 and above parameters were further tested.ResultsWe found significant differences between HT with normal thyroid function group and control group in lymphocyte count (P&amp;lt;0.001), lymphocyte percentage (P&amp;lt;0.001) and neutrophil percentage (P&amp;lt;0.001), but no differences in sex (P=0.134), age (P=0.200), white blood cell count (P=0.315) and neutrophil count (P=0.790). Significant differences were observed in neutrophil count (P=0.032), neutrophil percentage (P=0.010), lymphocyte count (P=0.010) and lymphocyte percentage (P&amp;lt;0.001) between HT with abnormal thyroid function group and control group, but not in sex (P=0.769), age (P=0.060) and white blood cell count (P=0.156) between the two groups. There were significant differences in white blood cell count (P=0.009) and neutrophil count (P=0.032) between HT patients in the normal thyroid function group and HT patients in the abnormal thyroid function group. Neither FT4 nor TSH was associated with lymphocyte levels or neutrophil levels.ConclusionsThe lymphocyte levels in HT patients were significantly lower than healthy population. The neutrophil count in HT patients with regular thyroid function was lower than those in abnormal thyroid function HT patients.

Diagnostic implications of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammatory index for gastric carcinoma.

The diagnosis of gastric carcinoma (GC) is essential for improving clinical outcomes. However, the biomarkers currently used for GC screening are not ideal. To explore the diagnostic implications of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) for GC. The baseline data of 133 patients with GC and 134 patients with precancerous gastric conditions admitted between January 2022 and December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The information on peripheral blood platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts in each patient was collected, and the NLR, PLR, and SII levels of both groups were calculated. Additionally, multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted, and the diagnostic implications of NLR, PLR, and SII in differentiating patients with precancerous gastric conditions, compared with those with GC, were analyzed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The data indicated that NLR, PLR, and SII had abnormally increased levels in the patients with GC. Gender and body mass index were risk factors for the occurrence of GC. ROC data revealed that the areas under the curve of three patients with precancerous gastric conditions, who were differentiated from those with GC, were 0.824, 0.787, and 0.842, respectively. NLR, PLR, and SII are all abnormally expressed in GC and have diagnostic implications, especially when used as joint indicators, in distinguishing patients with precancerous gastric conditions from those with GC.

First insight into eosinophils as a biomarker for the early distinction of COVID-19 from influenza A in outpatients.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and influenza A outbreaks have spread rapidly in China. It is difficult to accurately differentiate these two different respiratory tract infections on the basis of their similar early-stage symptoms and lymphocytopenia. In the present study, the age, sex and white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and eosinophil counts, as well as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of 201 outpatients with confirmed COVID-19 and 246 outpatients with influenza A were investigated and compared. A receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to determine the thresholds in distinguishing COVID-19 from influenza A Our study found that the monocyte count and NLR were significantly elevated, while the eosinophil count/percentage was higher in outpatients with COVID-19 than in those with influenza A (0.06±0.07 vs. 0.04±0.09, P=0.002; 0.95±1.12 vs. 0.56±0.95, P<0.001, respectively). Logit(P)=-1.11 + 1.29 x eosinophil percentage -12.07 x eosinophil count +1.10 x monocyte count, deduced from the eosinophil count/percentage and monocyte count, had the largest area under the curve at 0.67, with high specificity (80.1%) and a sensitivity of 47.3%. The present study demonstrated that a higher eosinophil count/percentage may be a potential biomarker to significantly differentiate early COVID-19 from influenza A.

P0815 Oral alpha 4 beta 7 (α4β7) integrin antagonist EA1080 (NSHO-101) demonstrates target engagement and α4β7 integrin receptor occupancy following once-daily administration in healthy volunteers

Abstract Background EA1080 (NSHO-101) is a selective, oral small molecule α4β7 integrin antagonist being advanced for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). EA1080 (NSHO-101) was safe and well tolerated and resulted in near complete inhibition of MAdCAM-1 binding to α4β7 integrin (receptor occupancy) on peripheral blood CD4+ T cells following twice-daily dosing with Formulation X in a healthy volunteer phase 1 study (DDW 2024: Su1789; NCT04223960). No effect on peripheral blood lymphocyte count was observed, confirming no specific engagement of α4β1 integrin. Here pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) results from a once-daily formulation are presented. Methods The PK and PD results from multiple ascending dose (MAD) cohorts with a formulation utilizing once-daily dosing were assessed in a healthy volunteer phase 1 study. Peripheral blood lymphocyte counts were assessed across the dosing period. Results Once-daily administration of EA1080 (NSHO-101) resulted in sustained, near-complete inhibition of MAdCAM-1 binding to α4β7 integrin on peripheral blood CD4+ T cells (≥95% receptor occupancy) across the dosing interval (24 hours). This correlated with plasma concentrations of active metabolite of EA1080 (EA1080-M) and approximated the level of receptor occupancy seen with twice-daily dosing with Formulation X. Plasma concentrations of EA1080-M reached steady-state levels within 3-4 days, and this correlated with maximal inhibition of MAdCAM-1 binding (receptor occupancy). No consistent trend in peripheral blood lymphocyte counts was observed across the dosing period. Conclusion These results demonstrate that once-daily oral administration of EA1080 (NSHO-101) results in near complete inhibition MAdCAM-1 binding to α4β7 integrin (≥95% receptor occupancy) across the dosing interval. No effect on peripheral blood lymphocyte counts was observed, confirming no specific engagement of α4β1. These results support continued development of a once-daily dosing formulation for future clinical studies.

FIRST DATA ON THE MOLECULAR GENETIC DIVERSITY OF HHV6B AND ITS IMPACT ON THE CLINICAL AND LABORATORY COURSE OF MONONUCLEOSIS-LIKE SYNDROME IN CHILDREN

Human herpes virus 6B (HHV6B) is a ubiquitous causative agent of mononucleosis-like syndrome (MLS) and other diseases. The diversity of HHV6B infection may be due to virus genetic polymorphism. Molecular genetic diversity of circulating HHV6B, as well as its impact on the clinical and laboratory features of HHV6B infection have not been studied. The aim of the work was to study the intraspecific diversity of HHV6B circulating among children in Nizhny Novgorod (Russia) region, and to investigate its effect on MLS clinical and laboratory features. Blood leukocytes and saliva DNA samples from healthy children and children with HHV6B infection were analyzed for HHV6B DNA detection. Original intraspecific HHV6B classification based on detecting signature nucleotide substitutions in the sequence of the U90 gene fragment, was used for virus typing. A relationship between HHV6B genovariant and clinical/laboratory MLS characteristics was studied using multivariate statistical methods. Circulation of four HHV6B genovariants was shown among children in Nizhny Novgorod region: HHV6B/GV2e, HHV6B/GV2b (dominant genovariants), HHV6B/GV1a and HHV6B/GV2a (minor genovariants). Children with MLS infected with HHV6B/GV2e genovariant were more likely to have laboratory signs of cytolysis and increased peripheral blood lymphocyte count. Children with MLS infected with the HHV6B/GV2b genovariant were more likely to have higher mature neutrophil level. An increase of HHV6B viral load in leukocytes was accompanied by aggravated intoxication symptoms. Co-infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) led to more severe symptoms of acute tonsillitis, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. Patients with EBV were more likely to have higher ALAT and lymphocyte level along with decreased mature neutrophil count. In children with MLS, EBV coinfection caused smaller HHV6B viral load in blood leukocytes (in children with HHV6B DNA 10 or more copies/105 cells) and lower HHV6B DNA detection frequency in saliva (in children with HHV6B DNA less than 10 copies/105 leukocytes). The results show the influence of genetic HHV6B polymorphism upon the clinical and laboratory features of MLS in children, and also demonstrate that HHV6B/GV2e and EBV cause similar disease symptoms.

Transient lymphocyte count decrease correlates with oncolytic adenovirus efficacy in humans: mechanistic and biomarker findings from TUNIMO phase I trial

BackgroundOncolytic viruses (OVs) are promising immunotherapeutics to treat immunologically cold tumors. However, research on the mechanism of action of OVs in humans and clinically relevant biomarkers is still sparse. To...

Prognostic Value of the Preoperative Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio for Postoperative Adverse Events in Patients with Acute Type a Aortic Dissection.

To investigate the prognostic value of the preoperative lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) for postoperative adverse events in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). A retrospective study of the clinical data collected in our hospital between March 2015 and January 2024 was performed on 290 patients diagnosed with ATAAD who underwent surgical treatment and met the inclusion criteria for patient selection. The included patients were divided into a low LMR group (<1.70, 50 cases) and a high LMR group (≥1.70, 51 cases). Clinical data, including white blood cell counts (WBCs), D-dimer (D-D) levels, lymphocyte count (LYM) and platelet count (PLT), were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis assessed the association between the preoperative LMR and postoperative adverse events. The high LMR group had lower WBCs and NEU than the low LMR group (P < 0.05). The high LMR group also had higher LYM than the low LMR group (P < 0.05). Within 30 days postoperative, the all-cause mortality rate was higher in the low LMR group than in the high LMR group (P = 0.047). Within 1 year postoperative, the incidence of aortic adverse events (AAEs) (P = 0.010), Re-intervention events (P = 0.011) and Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular adverse events (P < 0.001) has no difference between the high LMR group and the low LMR group. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the preoperative LMR was a significant prognostic marker for AAEs within 30 days and 1 year postoperative. The preoperative LMR is a prognostic indicator of all-cause mortality within 30 days and 1 year postoperative in patients with ATAAD.

Association between systemic inflammatory response index and cerebral small vessel disease.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (CSVD), focusing on its key imaging markers. We enrolled 344 patients admitted to the neurology department between January 2022 and September 2024, comprising 223 patients diagnosed with CSVD and 121 without CSVD. Baseline characteristics were compared between groups, and multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the impact of SIRI on CSVD risk. Further, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between SIRI and CSVD imaging markers, including White Matter Hyperintensity (WMH), lacunes, Perivascular Space (PVS), and Recent Small Subcortical Infarct (RSSI). Significant differences were observed between the CSVD and non-CSVD groups in terms of age, sex, history of hypertension, diabetes, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, homocysteine levels, and SIRI values. Multivariate analysis confirmed that elevated SIRI is independently associated with an increased risk of CSVD. Additionally, higher SIRI values were linked with more severe CSVD imaging features, including moderate-to-severe WMH, the presence of lacunes, and RSSI. These findings demonstrate that elevated SIRI is independently associated with both the occurrence of CSVD and the severity of key imaging markers such as WMH, lacunes, and RSSI. This suggests that SIRI could serve as a useful inflammatory marker for assessing CSVD risk and progression.

Whole blood concentrations of fingolimod and its pharmacologically active metabolite fingolimod phosphate obtained during routine health care of patients with multiple sclerosis.

Fingolimod is a first-in-class, orally administered drug indicated for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. It acts as an immunomodulator, is classified as a "disease-modifying therapy", and its main mechanism of action is the modulation of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors. In this prospective pilot study, whole blood concentrations of fingolimod and fingolimod phosphate obtained during routine health care were measured. In this study, we aimed to determine whether therapeutic monitoring of fingolimod and fingolimod phosphate concentrations can help personalise pharmacotherapy for patients with multiple sclerosis. The study group consisted of 73 patients treated with oral fingolimod (0.5 mg) once daily. Blood samples were collected between July 2021 and January 2022. The whole blood concentrations of fingolimod and fingolimod phosphate were analysed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The relationship between the measured concentrations and the absolute peripheral blood lymphocyte count was evaluated. Fingolimod concentrations ranged from 0.61 to 6.21 µg/L, and fingolimod phosphate concentrations from 0.48 to 4.28 µg/L. Significantly higher concentrations of the active metabolite, fingolimod phosphate, and a significantly higher fingolimod phosphate/fingolimod concentration ratio were observed in women. The sum of fingolimod and fingolimod phosphate concentrations was significantly higher in the subgroup of patients with a lower absolute peripheral blood lymphocyte count. Although all patients were treated with the same dose of fingolimod (0.5 mg orally daily), a 10-fold difference was observed in the achieved whole blood concentrations of fingolimod and fingolimod phosphate. This wide inter-individual variability may lead to potential toxicity or suboptimal concentrations, with the risk of further deterioration in the clinical condition of patients with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, fingolimod is a suitable candidate for therapeutic drug monitoring, including monitoring patient adherence to treatment.

The Role of HALP and Modified-HALP Scores in Predicting Critical Acute Bronchiolitis Patients

Background: HALP and modified-HALP (m-HALP) scores are novel indices combining albumin, hemoglobin, platelets, and lymphocytes, reflecting systemic inflammation and the physiological well-being of an individual. These scores provide information about a patient's prognosis. Objectives: In this study, we examined the prognostic effectiveness of HALP and m-HALP scores in patients with acute bronchiolitis for the first time. Method: This retrospective cross-sectional study, which was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Balikesir Ataturk City Hospital, Turkey, between January 2021 and January 2023, focused on children over 2 years of age diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis. Children who did not provide all necessary laboratory tests, were transferred to another center, or had comorbidities were excluded. HALP and m-HALP scores were calculated based on data obtained from patients’ blood samples, including albumin, hemoglobin, platelet, and lymphocyte counts. The primary outcome was defined by the necessity for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Secondary outcome measures included the need for intubation and the patients' clinical course. Results: A total of 344 pediatric patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 13.17 ± 9.28 months (range: 1 - 24 months). Of the participants, 40.9% were male, and 43.31% required hospitalization in the ICU. Statistically significant differences were observed in albumin, lymphocyte count, NLR, PLR, HALP, and m-HALP values when comparing patients based on service and ICU hospitalization. HALP and m-HALP scores were effective parameters for differentiating the need for ICU admission, the need for intubation, and the severity of bronchiolitis in pediatric patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic performance of HALP and m-HALP in predicting the need for ICU hospitalization. The optimal cut-off values were 50.54 and 7645023, respectively, and the area under the curve (AUC) values were 0.605 (95% CI: 0.544 - 0.667) and 0.631 (95% CI: 0.571 - 0.690), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the HALP score were 0.54 and 0.67, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity of the m-HALP score were 0.57 and 0.69, respectively. Conclusions: HALP and m-HALP scores are effective parameters for predicting poor prognosis in patients with bronchiolitis and may be useful for clinicians in patient follow-up and prognosis prediction.

Prognostic Role of Lymphocyte-to-C-Reactive Protein Ratio in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Background: Inflammation plays a critical role in the prognosis of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio (LCR), as a novel inflammatory marker, has not been studied in patients with PAH. The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of the LCR in patients with PAH. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 116 patients with PAH diagnosed in Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, from January 2014 to December 2018. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint that included lung transplantation, rehospitalization for PAH, and all-cause death. The LCR is the ratio of the blood lymphocyte count to the C-reactive protein concentration. Results: A total of 116 patients with PAH were included in this study, with an average age of 41.53 years; 92.2% were female, and the event rate was 57.8%. Restricted cubic spline analysis confirmed a linear association between the LCR and the risk of clinical worsening events. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that the LCR was significantly negatively associated with clinical worsening events, with hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals of 0.772 (0.614-0.970). The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that event-free survival decreased significantly when the LCR was less than 1.477. LASSO regression selected four potential predictors, including the LCR, to construct a nomogram. The nomogram had a high predictive strength, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.805 (0.713-0.896). The calibration curves and decision curve analysis indicated that the nomogram had good predictive performance and the ability to guide clinical management. Conclusions: The LCR is a valuable prognostic marker for predicting long-term clinical events in patients with PAH, and the nomogram incorporating the LCR could effectively stratify risk and guide clinical decision making.

Gouty arthritis patients’ diagnostic, biochemical, and hematological characteristics study: a single-center retrospective study

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the diagnostic, biochemical, and hematological characteristics of patients with gouty arthritis and analyze their correlations with baseline characteristics to guide clinical practice, develop personalized treatment strategies, and improve patient outcomes.MethodsA single-center retrospective analysis was conducted on 8,344 patients with acute gouty arthritis admitted to our hospital between January 2014 and December 2023. Baseline characteristics and laboratory data, including uric acid, blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, monocyte count, fibrinogen, and serum albumin, were collected. General linear and Pearson correlation analyses were performed to identify significant relationships.ResultsSignificant correlations were observed between baseline characteristics (age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and drinking status) and uric acid levels. High uric acid levels were positively correlated with inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, white blood cell count, and neutrophil count) and metabolic indicators (triglycerides, LDL-C, and creatinine) but negatively correlated with HDL-C. Notable differences in blood and biochemical indicators were identified across age, gender, and BMI groups.ConclusionThis study highlights key laboratory characteristics of gouty arthritis, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment strategies. Comprehensive interventions focusing on managing inflammation and metabolic disturbances in patients with elevated uric acid levels are critical for optimizing prognosis and improving quality of life.

Effects of fructo-oligosaccharides and Bacillus licheniformis on performance, nutrient digestibility, hematological properties, and organ development in weaned piglets

Context Weaning is a critical period for piglets, often associated with reduced growth performance and increased susceptibility to diseases. Dietary supplements such as fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Bacillus licheniformis (BL) may improve piglet health and performance during this transition. Aims To investigate the effects of dietary FOS and BL supplementation, individually and in combination, on growth performance, health status, nutrient digestibility, hematological parameters, and organ development in weaned piglets. Methods In total, 240 weaned piglets were allocated into the following six treatments: control, 0.2% FOS, 0.4% FOS, BL, 0.2% FOS + BL, and 0.4% FOS + BL. Growth performance, morbidity rates, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, and organ indices were evaluated over the experimental period. Key results The 0.4% FOS + BL group showed significant improvements in feed conversion ratio, reduced morbidity rates, enhanced nutrient digestibility (crude protein, crude fiber, and phosphorus), increased total protein, albumin, and albumin:globulin ratio, reduced blood urea nitrogen, improved white blood cell and lymphocyte counts, and enhanced spleen and pancreatic organ indices. BL supplementation distinctively influenced liver-enzyme profiles, suggesting metabolic adaptation rather than hepatic stress. Blood urea nitrogen was reduced in BL and 0.4% FOS + BL groups. Conclusions Dietary supplementation with 0.4% FOS and BL synergistically benefited weaned piglets by improving growth performance, enhancing feed efficiency, and reducing morbidity rates. This treatment also enhanced nutrient utilization, positively affected blood parameters, and promotes the development of spleen and pancreatic organs. Implications The combination of 0.4% FOS and BL shows potential as an effective feed-additive strategy to enhance growth and immune responses in weaned piglets, potentially reducing the need for antibiotics and promoting sustainable pig production.

BoLA-DRB3 alleles influence proviral load and peripheral blood lymphocyte distribution in bovine leukaemia virus-infected cattle.

Bovine leukaemia virus (BLV)-infected Holstein cattle carrying certain bovine leukocyte antigen (BoLA)-DRB3 alleles were previously shown to be resistant to BLV provirus multiplication, while those carrying other alleles were susceptible. This study aimed to determine whether the BoLA-DRB3 alleles carried by BLV-infected cattle could predict proviral load (PVL) and peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) count distribution (PVL/PBL distribution). Blood samples from Holstein cattle on four dairy farms were tested for the presence of BLV antibodies using a commercial ELISA. The PVL and PBL levels of the BLV-infected cattle were also measured, and genotyping was performed to identify the BoLA-DRB3 alleles they carried, impact of the various BoLA-DRB3 alleles on the PVL/PBL distribution was then investigated. Of the 316 cattle tested, 114 were positive for BLV. BLV-infected cattle carrying BoLA-DRB3 alleles DRB3*009:02, DRB3*002:01 and DRB3*014:01:01 were classified as resistant (n=43), those carrying DRB3*012:01 and DRB3*015:01 alleles were classified as susceptible (n=42) and the remaining cattle were classified as nonsusceptible/nonresistant (n=29). Multiple regression analysis revealed that PVL was positively correlated (p = 2.1×10-23) with PBL count and age was negatively correlated (p=1.9×10-6) with PBL count. Cattle with DRB3*014:01:01 tended to have a lower PBL count (p=0.031). The effects of the BoLA-DRB3 alleles DRB3*002:01, DRB3*009:02, DRB3*012:01 and DRB3*015:01 on PVL/PBL distribution were unclear due to the small numbers of BLV-infected animals carrying these alleles. The BLV transmission risk in cattle can be estimated by examining their BoLA-DRB3 alleles.

Enhanced Growth, Haematological and Biochemical Performance in Hybrid Catfish of Clarias gariepinus x Clarias cavernicola

This study evaluated the growth performance, haematological indices, and biochemical parameters of four catfish breeds, including two purebreds (Clarias cavernicola and Clarias gariepinus) and two hybrids (female C. cavernicola x male C. gariepinus and female C. gariepinus x male C. cavernicola). Over four months, growth was assessed by measuring body weight, total length, and standard length. Haematological and biochemical analyses were conducted to assess the health and immune status of the different breeds. The results indicated that the hybrid of female C. cavernicola x male C. gariepinus exhibited the highest growth performance, with significant increases in body weight and length compared to the other breeds. This hybrid also demonstrated the highest white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts, suggesting a stronger immune response, which was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) compared to the purebreds. Granulocyte levels were consistent across all breeds, while red blood cell (RBC) and platelet counts showed no significant differences, indicating stability in these parameters. Biochemical analysis revealed that the female C. cavernicola x male C. gariepinus hybrid had the highest total protein and globulin levels, which are indicative of better health and immune function. Albumin levels were higher in both hybrids compared to the purebreds, while cholesterol, creatinine, and glucose levels were similar across all breeds. The alleles associated with better immunity are likely present in the maternal line of C. cavernicola, leading to the superior vigour observed in the C. cavernicola (female) x C. gariepinus (male) hybrid. This enhanced vigour results in improved growth, hematological, and biochemical profiles. Compared to purebred breeds, this hybrid demonstrates better health, increased disease resistance, and a higher potential for productivity in aquaculture.

Efficacy of a hydrogen-oxygen generator in treating cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in rats.

Current treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common respiratory condition, include oxygen therapy and steroids for temporary relief. In this study, we established a rat model of cigarette smoke (CS)-induced COPD and investigated the benefits of a hydrogen-oxygen generator in this model. CS-exposed rats were treated using either a hydrogen-oxygen generator or a steroid. A hydrogen-oxygen generator reduced the neutrophil, lymphocyte, and eosinophil counts compared to natural recovery, whereas steroid treatment increased the total white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and eosinophil counts. Furthermore, the mean linear intercept and the mean alveolar number were 59.8%, and 188.3%, respectively, after treatment with the generator, compared to the values observed with natural recovery. Finally, the generator increased the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion values by 113.1% compared with the values in natural recovery. Our findings indicate successful establishment of a rat model of CS-induced COPD and demonstrate the potential benefits of using a hydrogen-oxygen generator for COPD patients.