Decrease In Percentage Of Lymphocytes Research Articles

The relationship between peripheral immune cell markers and cognitive functions in patients with schizophrenia.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between peripheral immune cell markers and cognitive functions in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls. Thirty-five patients diagnosed with schizophrenia with a stable course and a control group of 35 individuals matched in terms of sex, education, and age were included in this cross-sectional study. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), and the Stroop Test were used for neuropsychological evaluation. Blood neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) values were calculated. The female patients exhibited significantly higher NLR and neutrophil percentages than the female controls and higher NLR, neutrophil percentage, and SII than the male patients. The increased neutrophil percentages and NLR and decreased lymphocyte percentages in the female patients were significantly correlated with worsening Stroop interference and RAVLT 1 scores. Additionally, a longer duration of illness was significantly correlated with elevated NLR, SII, and neutrophil percentage and a decreased lymphocyte percentage. A higher number of previous hospitalizations was correlated with elevated SII and decreased lymphocyte percentages. Regression analysis showed a significant association between neutrophil percentages and Stroop interference scores used to evaluate attentional functions in patients with schizophrenia. These study results suggest that gender and the course of the illness may affect NLR and SII values. An elevated neutrophil percentage may be one of the factors affecting attentional dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia. Prospective studies are now needed to verify these findings.

Values of White Blood Cell Count and C-Reactive Protein in Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis

Background and objectives. Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies. Accurate diagnosis of acute appendicitis is based on careful history, physical examination, and laboratory investigation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of white blood cells (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 350 files of patients who underwent appendectomy was conducted. Selected files were those patients who were admitted to ALmasara clinic Tripoli Libya between Aug 2011 to July 2023, ages of patients ranged from 18 to 80 years. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 software. A statistical procedure was implemented to compare the hematologic parameters in two groups (Males and Females) to determine if there was any significant difference between them. Means of WBC, Neutrophil, Lymphocyte and CRP were compared between two groups by an independent one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results. This study consisted of 350 participants who were diagnosed with appendicitis. The results showed that about (69.4%) of appendicitis patients exhibited a high white blood cell count (leukocytosis). Slightly over half (52.6%) of the participants had an elevated neutrophil percentage (neutrophilia). Approximately (64.3%) of the appendicitis patients had decreased lymphocyte percentage (lymphopenia). In relation to CRP values, the study showed that most participants (76.5%) had positive CRP results. Conclusion. Individuals with appendicitis have higher levels of leukocytes, neutrophils, and C-reactive protein, and decreased lymphocyte counts. Elevated WBC and CRP values together provide a better specificity and positive predictive value than individual markers.

Effect of two brooding systems and four stocking densities on immune response and stress indicators of broiler chicks during the brooding period

This experiment investigated the effects of the brooding system (BS) and stocking density (SD) on the immune response of 1-14-day-old broiler chicks. A 3672 one-day-old Cobb 500 chicks were raised in two BSs (conventional floor brooding system (CFBS) and the newly developed multi-tier closed brooding system (NDBS)) at four different SDs (30, 60, 90, and 120 chicks/m2), resulting in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. Immunity data on lymphoid organ weights, maternal antibody titres to IBV, IBDV, and NDV, and stress indicators were collected on days 6 and 12. The results showed that CFBS and NDBS had similar effects on the relative development of chick lymphoid organs (Bursa, spleen, and thymus), the durability of the maternal humoral immune response against IBDV, and the maintenance of normal levels of stress indicators. Birds in CFBS outperformed NDBS in terms of the durability of maternal immunity to IBV and NDV. Birds in NDBS had a higher liver weight percentage than CFBS. Maternal immunity, lymphoid organ weights %, glucose and cholesterol concentrations were not altered by SD. In contrast to relative weights, differences in absolute lymphoid weights (g) were attributed to differences in live weights. An increase in SD per area unit resulted in an increase in heterophils and a decrease in lymphocyte percentage resulted in an increase in the ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes(H:L). In conclusion, birds in the higher SD had lower live weights and higher H:L ratios. Smarter brooding systems are needed to usher in a new era for the poultry industry. Highlights The brooding system and/or stocking density accounted for the stress factors of the birds. Both brooding systems increased the relative development of chick lymphoid organs and the durability of the maternal humoral immune response to IBDV. Smarter brooding systems are needed to apply the critical control point standard and usher in a new era for the poultry industry. As stocking density per unit area increased, live and liver weights decreased, and the lymphocyte ratio increased.

Clinical features of children with coronavirus disease 2019 in different age groups during the epidemic of Omicron variant

To study the differences in the clinical features of children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in different age groups during the epidemic of Omicron variant. A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 211 children with COVID-19 who were admitted to the Department of General Pediatrics, Zhongshan People's Hospital, from December 9, 2022 to January 8, 2023. According to their age, they were divided into 4 groups: 1 month-<1 year (n=84), 1-<3 years group (n=64), 3-<5 years (n=29), and ≥5 years (n=34). The above groups were compared in terms of general status, clinical features, ancillary examination results, treatment, and outcome. The children aged <3 years accounted for 70.1% (148/211) of all hospitalized children with COVID-19, and the 3-<5 years group and the ≥5 years group had a significantly higher proportion of children with underlying diseases than the 1 month-<1 year group and the 1-<3 years group (P<0.05). Compared with the other three groups, the 1 month-<1 year group had significantly higher incidence rates of dyspnea, nasal congestion/nasal discharge, diarrhea and significantly lower incidence rates of convulsion and nervous system involvement (P<0.05). Moreover, compared with the other three groups, the 1 month-<1 year group had significantly higher incidence rates of increases in bile acid and creatine kinase isoenzyme and significantly lower incidence rates of decreased platelet count, increased neutrophil percentage, and decreased lymphocyte percentage (P<0.05). The 1 month-<1 year group had a significantly higher incidence rate of mild COVID-19 than the 1-<3 years group and a significantly lower incidence rate of severe/critical COVID-19 than the other three groups (P<0.05). Compared with the other three groups, the 1 month-<1 year group had a significantly higher proportion of children receiving oxygen inhalation therapy (P<0.05). Children with COVID-19 in different age groups have different clinical features during the epidemic of Omicron variant, especially between the children aged 1 month to <1 year and those aged ≥1 year.

Differences in clinical characteristics and chest CT findings between severe and critical H1N1 pneumonia.

Critical H1N1 pneumonia patients usually have one of the symptoms such as respiratory failure, septic shock, multiple organ dysfunction, or other need for intensive care management, which are associated with high risk of mortality. It is essential to differentiate the severity of H1N1 pneumonia and take corresponding target treatments. We aim to investigate the differences in clinical characteristics and chest computed tomography (CT) findings between severe and critical patients with H1N1 pneumonia. A total of 27 patients diagnosed with H1N1 pneumonia from October 2018 to March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, and the differences in clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, and chest CT findings between the severe group (15 patients) and the critical group (12 patients) were compared. Frequency of dyspnea at rest was higher in critical group than that in severe group (P= 0.019). The neutrophil percentage was higher (P= 0.014) and the lymphocyte percentage was lower (P= 0.025) in critical compared with severe group. Bilateral lung involvement was the predominant pattern in both severe and critical patients, whereas the number of involved lobes in critical patients was more than that in severe patients (P= 0.024). Peripheral distribution was the predominant pattern in severe patients (40%), whereas more diffuse involvement of the lungs was observed in critical patients (83.30%). Ground-glass opacities and consolidation were the main CT findings in both groups, and prevalence of consolidation was higher in critical relative to severe group (83.30%). Compared with severe patients, those with critical H1N1 pneumonia were more likely to present with dyspnea at rest and decreased lymphocyte percentage. Chest CT showed that diffuse bilateral involvement and higher prevalence of consolidation are associated with critical outcomes.

Temporal Evolution of White Blood Cell Count and Differential: Reliable and Early Detection Markers for Surgical Site Infection Following Spinal Posterior Decompression Surgery.

Introduction For early detection of surgical site infection (SSI) following spinal decompression surgery, we compared temporal changes in the values of laboratory markers that are not affected by operative parameters. Methods The study included 302 patients, which were divided into an SSI group (patients who developed deep SSI) and a non-SSI group for analysis. We reviewed data on C-reactive protein level, total white blood cell (WBC) count, and WBC differential percentage and count before spinal decompression, on postoperative day 1, and on postoperative day 4. We identified laboratory markers that are not affected by operative parameters (operating time, intraoperative blood loss, and number of operative segments). Laboratory markers with a significant difference observed between the peak or nadir value and the value in the subsequent survey day were considered as an indicator of SSI. We examined the utility of each indicator by calculating sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, we investigated the utility of the combination of all five indicators (wherein the recognition of one marker was considered positive). Results Temporal changes in five laboratory markers were considered indicators of SSI. The changes from postoperative day 1 to postoperative day 4 were as follows: (1) increased WBC count (42% sensitivity, 88% specificity), (2) increased neutrophil percentage (25% sensitivity, 96% specificity), (3) increased neutrophil count (25% sensitivity, 94% specificity), (4) decreased lymphocyte percentage (25% sensitivity, 95% specificity), and (5) decreased lymphocyte count (25% sensitivity, 85% specificity). The combination of these five markers showed a 50% sensitivity, 81% specificity, and 0.65 AUC. Conclusions Five markers were found to be reliable indicators of SSI following spinal decompression surgery because they were not affected by operative parameters. The combination of all five indicators had moderate sensitivity and high specificity. Therefore, this may be reliable and useful for the early detection of SSI.

Investigation of the relationship between lymphocyte subsets and intestinal parasites

We analyzed the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets of cancer patients infected with intestinal parasites, with an aim to find out the relationship between the levels of different types of lymphocytes with the prognosis of patients. 201 cancer patients aged 18 and over were included. Stool samples of the patients were examined using native-lugol, trichrome, modified trichrome (Weber's Trichrome stain), and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining methods. Microsporidia and Cryptosporidium parvum were investigated at the genus and species levels using PCR. Lymphocyte subsets were determined by flow cytometry in blood samples. One or more parasite species were detected in 115 (56.7%) patients. The most common parasite species were Microsporidia, Blastocystis and Entamoeba coli, respectively. The frequency of parasites was high in patients with low lymphocyte percentage, CD3+ T cell and CD3+ CD4+ T (Th) cell levels in blood samples studied by flow cytometry. Microsporidia infection was significantly higher in patients with low lymphocyte percentage and Th cell levels. Similarly, C. parvum infection was found to be significantly higher in patients with low T lymphocyte percentage and Th cell level. Finally, Blastocystis infection was significantly higher in patients with low lymphocyte percentage and CD4/CD8 ratio higher than 1. The decrease in lymphocyte percentage, CD3+ T cell and Th cell count, and low CD4/CD8 ratio in cancer patients increase the frequency of intestinal parasitic infections. Based on these results, lymphocyte subsets may help identify cancer patients at high risk of opportunistic parasites. We suggest that opportunistic parasitic infections affecting the clinical course of the disease should be considered by clinicians during the follow-up and treatment of patients.

CLINICAL ATTRIBUTES AND RISK FACTORS FOR MECHANICAL VENTILATION AMONG PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 IN A COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SETTING: A PROPENSITY-MATCHED ANALYSIS

TOPIC: Chest Infections TYPE: Original Investigations PURPOSE: Covid-19 caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 has emerged as a global health crisis with various clinical complications. Covid-19 related respiratory manifestations have been reported as mild, moderate to severe including acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome necessitating non-invasive forms of oxygenation to mechanical ventilation (MV). MV patients frequently undergo prolonged hospitalizations with substantial morbidity and mortality. We sought to evaluate risk factors for MV in our cohort. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted in our institution from March 1st to June 21st2020, to assess risk factors for Covid-19 related respiratory failure requiring MV. The original cohort encompassed 166 MV and 503 non MV patients. Information from our hospital medical records was extracted, which included demographics, presenting symptoms, past medical history, vital signals, and laboratory data and need for MV. We propensity matched 166 MV with a concurrent cohort of non MV patients in our institution. Covariates applied in matching included age, gender, race, and body mass index (BMI). The admission clinical attributes and laboratory parameters were analyzed, along with outcomes. RESULTS: The mean age of our matched cohort was 63.8 years. Mechanically Ventilated patients had a higher incidence of tachycardia (heart rate > 125) (p <.001), elevated respiratory rate > 24 cycles per minute (p <.001), fever > 97.8 F (Temperature > (p = .037), shortness of breath (p = .001), and headaches (p = .005). In addition, mechanically ventilated patients had a lower serum albumin (g/dl) ≤ 3 units (p <. 001), elevated serum creatinine (mg/dl) ≥ 1.135 units (p = .02), elevated serum CRP-HS ≥ 123 units (p = .005), HbA1C (%) > 6.6 units (p = .004), serum lactic acid (mmol/L) > 1.7 units (p = .003), serum LDH U/L > 465 U/L (p <.001), Procalcitonin (ng/ml) > .305 units (p <0.001), SGOT IU/L or AST IU/L ≥ 54 units (p < 0.001), SGPT or ALT IU/L ≥ 41 units (p = .021), and WBC count > 8.4 k/ul (p <.001). Furthermore, tachycardia (OR = 3.98, p = .001), HbA1C (OR = 2.36, p = .008), serum LDH (OR = 1.9, p = .041), and absolute lymphocyte percent ≤ 12 (OR = 1.98, p = .022) predicted mechanical ventilation in all matched patients in our institutional cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Our case series provides clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, and predictors for mechanical ventilation in matched patients with Covid-19. Elevated heart rate, HbA1C, serum LDH and decreased lymphocyte percentage were predictors for mechanical ventilation. Tachycardia had the highest odds of 3.98. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Several clinical and laboratory parameters can be utilized for evaluating and stratifying Covid-19 patients’ risk for mechanical ventilation. These risk factors will need further validation in other similar cohorts. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Olawale Akande, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Olga Badem, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Premila Bhat, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Utpal Bhatt, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Diego Castellon, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Bhargav Desai, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Basilides Fermin, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Shurovi Jafar, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by KELASH KUMAR, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Juan Martinez Zegarra, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Tanveer Mir, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Parvez Mir, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Luis Morón Mercado, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Beatriz Omeragic, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Maxine Orris, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Priyank Patel, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Giovanna Ramirez-Barbieri, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Luis Santana Alcantara, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Karthik Seetharam, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Jilan Shah, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Phanthira Tamsukhin, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Zeyar Thet, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Elbia Toribio, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Thinzar Wai, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Vamsi Yenugadhati, source=Web Response

Effect of Malus Domestica (Apple Peel) Extract on Peripheral Blood and Bone Marrow Cells of Prednisolone Treated Mice

Introduction: Apple peel is rich in many bioactive compounds and has been studied for its beneficial effects and protective role in multiple disorders, but its effect on blood cells and bone marrow needs to be investigated.&#x0D; Aims &amp; Objectives: To determine the effects of apple peel extract on peripheral blood and bone marrow cells of prednisolone treated mice.&#x0D; Place and duration of study: Pharmacology Department of Post Graduate Medical Institute and Pathology Department of Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore from June to September, 2016.&#x0D; Material &amp; Methods: Forty Swiss albino mice were randomized into five equal groups. Normal control group was given distilled water. Model group was given prednisolone 4 mg/kg orally. Experimental low, medium, and high dose groups were given 25 mg/kg, 50mg/kg and 100 mg/kg apple peel extract respectively along with prednisolone for 14 consecutive days by oral route. On 14th day, blood was analyzed for red blood cell, platelet, total leukocyte, and differential leukocyte count whereas, bone marrow was analyzed for erythropoiesis, megakaryocytes, myelopoiesis, lymphocyte and plasma cell count.&#x0D; Results: Prednisolone treatment group exhibited significantly raised neutrophil and decreased lymphocyte percentage, whereas anon-significant rise in RBC, WBC, and platelet count was noted as compared to the normal group. Bone marrow smear megakaryocytes, myelopoiesis, lymphocytes, and cellularity: fat ratio also increased non-significantly by prednisolone treatment. Low dose of apple peel extract enhanced these effects, making significant difference, while medium and high doses negated these effects in accordance with their dose.&#x0D; Conclusion: Apple peel extract in low dose complemented the effect of prednisolone on hematological parameters of mice peripheral blood and bone marrow, while high dose nullified these effects in a dose dependent manner.

Residual effects of short-term whole-body cold-water immersion on the cytokine profile, white blood cell count, and blood markers of stress

Background: One of the most challenging environmental extremes is immersion in cold/icy water, and consequent common assumption is that even a brief exposure to cold can lead to cold-related illnesses. The increase in the concentrations of the stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine (Epi), and norepinephrine (NE) in response to acute cold stress are thought to suppress the release of proinflammatory cytokines. No previous study has explored the residual consequences of whole-body short-term cold-water immersion (CWI; 14 °C for 10 min) on the immune response in healthy non-acclimated young adult men (aged 20–30 years). Materials and methods: In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that short-term acute whole-body CWI would induce high blood levels of cortisol, NE, and Epi, which in turn would increase circulating leukocyte numbers and delay the production of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and IL-6). Results: Short-term whole-body CWI produced a stressful physiological reaction, as manifested by hyperventilation and increased muscle shivering, metabolic heat production, and heart rate. CWI also induced the marked release of the stress hormones Epi, NE, and cortisol. The change in IL-6 concentration after CWI was delayed and TNF-α production was decreased, but IL-1β was not affected within 48 h after CWI. A delayed increase in neutrophil percentage and decrease in lymphocyte percentage occurred after CWI. Conclusion: These findings suggest that, even though CWI caused changes in stress and immune markers, the participants showed no predisposition to symptoms of the common cold within 48 h after CWI.

Clinical characteristics comparative analysis of imported and local cases with COVID-19 in Hainan

Objective To observe the epidemiology, clinical features, auxiliary examinations and prognosis of 69 cases with COVID-19 in Hainan province. Methods The epidemiological history, past history, clinical manifestations, laboratory examination results and imaging examination results of 69 patients with COVID-19 in Hainan People's Hospital from January 22 to March 7, 2020 were collected. They were divided into non severe group and severe group according to patients ' condition, and imported cases and indigenous cases according to the epidemiological history. And then we retrospectively analyzed their epidemiological and clinical data, further compared the differences between the two groups. Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test were used in statistical analysis. Results Among the 69 patients, 41 were male, and 28 were female, aged 28-83 years, and 30 had a history of underlying disease. The main clinical manifestations were cough (85.51%), fever (81.16%), asthenia (46.38%). Nasal obstruction and pharyngeal discomfort were rare. 9 cases had increased white blood cells, 25 cases had increased neutrophil percentage, 33 cases had decreased lymphocyte percentage, 42 cases had decreased lymphocyte absolute value, and 66 cases had lung inflammation by imaging examination. Clinical classification: 3 cases were mild, 54 cases were normal, 3 cases were severe, 9 cases were critical, i.e., 57 cases were non-severe (normal/mild), 12 cases were severe (critical / severe). Among 69 patients, 54 (78.26%) were imported cases and 15 were local cases. There was no significant difference between the two groups in clinical manifestations neither clinical typing( P >0.05). Conclusion The main clinical types of COVID-19 patients are moderate type and mild type. There is no difference in clinical manifestations and clinical types between imported cases and indigenous cases. 摘要：目的 观察、了解海南省69例新型冠状病毒肺炎患者的流行病学特征、临床特征、辅助检査和预后。 方法 收集海南省人民医院2020年1月22日至3月7日收治的69例新型冠状病毒肺炎患者的流行病学史、既往史、临 床表现、实验室检査结果和影像学检査结果进行归纳与分析。根据病情分为普通/轻症组, 危重/重症组, 根据流行病学 史分为输人病例与本地病例, 回顾性分析其流行病学特征及临床资料, 进一步对比两组间临床资料的差异。统计学处 理采用Mann-Whitney U 检验或 χ 2 检验。 结果 69例患者中, 男性41例, 女性28例, 年龄28~83岁, 30例既往有基础疾 病史。主要临床表现为咳嗽(85.51%)、发热（81.16%)、乏力(46.38%), 鼻塞、咽部不适少见。白细胞升髙者9例, 中性 粒细胞百分比升髙25例, 淋巴细胞百分比降低33例 , 淋巴细胞绝对值减少42例 , 影像学检査肺部有炎症者66例。临 床分型 : 轻型3例, 普通型54例, 重型3例, 危重型9例, 即非重症组(普通/轻型)57例, 重症组(危重/重型）12例。69例患 者, 输人病例54例, 78.26%, 本地病例15例, 两组临床表现与临床分型差异无统计学意义( P >0.05)。 结论 海南省COVID-19患者以普通型与轻型为主, 输人性病例与本土病例临床特征相似

Routine laboratory testing to determine if a patient has COVID-19.

Routine laboratory testing to determine if a patient has COVID-19.

Epidemiological and clinical based study on four passages of COVID-19 patients: intervention at asymptomatic period contributes to early recovery

BackgroundWith the worldwide spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus, scarce knowledge is available on the clinical features of more than two passages of patients. Further, in China, early intervention policy has been enacted since February. Whether early intervention contributes to swift recovery is still unknown. Hence, in this study, we focused on the patients from an isolated area, investigated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of four serial passages of the virus.MethodsFrom January 25 to February 29, 2020, all patient data on the SARS-CoV-2 passages in this isolated area were traced, and the patients were grouped according to the passaging of SARS-CoV-2. Clinical characteristics of patients, including laboratory, radiology, treatment and outcomes, were collected and analyzed.ResultsA total of 78 patients with four passages of virus transmission were included in this study. One patient transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to 8 patients (passage 2, P2), who next infected 23 patients (passage 3, P3), and then 46 patients (passage 4, P4). P2 received antiviral treatment when they had symptom, whereas P4 received antiviral treatment during their asymptomatic period. The incubation periods for P2, P3 and P4 patients were 7 days (IQR:2–12), 8 days (IQR:4–13) and 10 days (IQR:7–15), respectively. P2 patients showed lymphocytopenia (0.79 × 109/L), decreased lymphocyte percentages (12.15%), increased white blood cell count (6.51 × 109/L), increased total bilirubin levels (25% of P2 patients), increased C-reactive protein levels (100% of P2 patients) and abnormal liver function. By chest CT scans, all P2 patients (100%), 15 of P3 patients (65.22%) and 16 of P4 patients (34.78%) showed abnormality with typical feature of ground glass opacity. All of P2 patients (100%) received oxygen therapy, and in contrast, 19 of P4 patients (41.3%) received oxygen therapy. Further, significant decreased nucleic acid positive periods was found in P4 group (16 days, IQR: 10–23), compared with that of P2 group (22 days, IQR: 16–27). Moreover, the severity ratios were sharply decreased from 50% (P2 patients) to 4.35% (P4 patients), and the case fatality rate is zero.ConclusionsJudged from four passages of patients, early intervention contributes to the early recovery of COVID-19 patients.

Evaluation of 28-day repeated oral dose toxicity of aluminum chloride in rats

The present study investigated the potential adverse effects of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) following a 4-week repeated oral administration in Sprague-Dawley rats. The test article was administered once daily by gavage to male and female rats at dose levels of 0, 100, 300, and 900 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. After administration of AlCl3 at 900 mg/kg/day, treatment-related systemic toxicity manifested as significant increases in salivation incidence, neutrophil percentage, reticulocytes, serum triglyceride, adrenal gland and liver weights, and single-hepatocyte necrosis, as well as significant decreases in body weight gain, food intake, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), lymphocyte percentage, serum total protein and albumin, and thymus weight in male rats; and significant increases in salivation incidence, serum triglyceride, and liver weight, as well as a significant decrease in lymphocyte percentage in female rats. At 300 mg/kg/day, a significant decrease in MCHC was found in male rats, but not in female rats. However, this finding was not toxicologically significant because the reduction was minimal and was not accompanied by changes in any other parameters. No treatment-related effects were observed in the 100 mg/kg/day group of both genders. Under the experimental conditions of this study, the target organs of AlCl3 were determined to be the blood, liver, and thymus in rats. The no-observed-adverse-effect level was found to be 300 mg/kg/day in rats of both genders.

Impact on rats from acute intratracheal inhalation exposures to WTC dusts

Background: Studies have revealed the increased incidence of health disorders in First Responders (FR) who were at Ground Zero over the initial 72 hr after the World Trade Center (WTC) collapses. Previous studies in rats exposed to WTC dusts using exposure scenarios that mimicked FR mouthbreathing showed exposure led to altered expression of genes whose products could be involved in lung ailments. Nevertheless, it was uncertain if repeated exposures (as occurred in earliest days post-disaster) might have given rise to long-term changes in the lungs/other organs, in white blood cell (WBC) profiles, and/or systemic expression of select (mostly immune-related) proteins.Methods: To examine this, rats were exposed on 2 consecutive days (2 hr/d, intratracheal inhalation) to WTC dusts and then examined over a 1-yr period thereafter. At select times post-exposure, organ (lung, heart, liver, kidney, spleen) weights, WBC profiles, and blood levels of a variety of proteins were evaluated.Results: The study showed that over the 1-yr period, there were nominal effects on organ weights (absolute, index) as a result of the dust exposures. There were significant changes (relative to in naïve rats) in WBC profiles, with exposed rats having increased monocyte-macrophage and decreased lymphocyte percentages. The study also found that dust exposure led to significant systemic increases in many proteins, including MCP-1, RANTES, MMP-9, RAGE, and Galectin-3.Conclusions: These results provide further support for our longstanding hypothesis that the WTC dusts could potentially have acted as direct inducers of many of the health effects that have been seen in the exposed FR.

Auto-lysed yeast and yeast extract effects on dry matter intake, blood cells counts, IgG titer and gene expression of IL-2 in lactating dairy cows under heat stress

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of auto-lysed yeast and yeast extract on performance and immune responses of cows in hot climate in the early lactation period. Twenty five lactating dairy cows randomly assigned to 5 groups and 5 replicates. Cows received basal diet with or without auto-lysed yeast (20 or 40 g/d/head) or yeast extract (20 or 40 g/d/head) as on top-dressed. There were no differences for daily dry matter intake, milk production milk fat and the counts of red blood cells and white blood cells among treatments (p &gt; 0.05). There were significant differences among treatments for immunoglobulin G (IgG) level, lymphocyte and neutrophil percentages. Yeast extract had no effect on IgG level, but auto-lysed yeast increased IgG level and neutrophil percentage and decreased lymphocyte percentage (p &lt; 0.05). The highest relative interleukin-2 gene expression was for cows received auto-lysed yeast at the level of 40 g/d/head. Yeast extract had no significant effect on interleukin-2 gene expression as compared to the control group. It was concluded that auto-lysed yeast at the level of 40 g/d/head had no effect on performance, but it could positively influence on immune response of lactating dairy cows in hot climate during early period of lactation.

PARP-1 Targeted Alpha-emitting Radiotherapeutics: An Examination of Potential Toxicity

Radiolabeling poly-ADP ribose polymerase 1 (PARP-1) inhibitors potentially enables targeted delivery of alpha-emitting isotopes directly to cancer cells overexpressing PARP-1. However, there is concern for bone marrow toxicity due to its intrinsically high PARP-1 expression. Therefore, we examined bone marrow toxicity at therapeutically relevant doses of an astatine-211 labeled PARP-1 inhibitor, [211At]MM4. Male and female C57BL6 mice received 0, 12, 24, and 36 MBq/kg of [211At]MM4 and then were sacrificed after 24 hours, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. The red marrow-containing femur was harvested and was analyzed with colony formation assay, immunofluorescent (IF) microscopy, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Peripheral blood samples were analyzed for complete blood count (CBC). Additionally, we performed [211At]MM4 biodistribution assay on another set of 20 C57BL6 mice at post-injection time points of 5, 30, 60, 180, and 360 minutes. With the biodistribution data, OLINDA/EXM v1.1 was used for radiation dosimetry calculations in reference to human pediatric models. The CBC revealed significant lymphopenia only in the 2-week group treated with 24 MBq/kg. A slight decrease in lymphocyte percentage was observed in the 24 MBq/kg mice at 2 weeks and the 36 MBq/kg at 2 and 4 weeks. Significant neutrophilia was observed in all 2-week groups, as well as the 4-week group treated at 36 MBq/kg. Colony formation assay revealed no reduction, but rather significant increase in granulocyte, macrophage, and burst forming unit-erythroid colonies. Histopathology revealed maintained bone marrow cellularity across the treatment groups. IF and IHC demonstrated heterogeneous PARP-1 expression in the bone marrow. The biodistribution and subsequent dosimetry calculations found significantly higher, but nonlethal organ radiation dose per injected activity levels in the red bone marrow, spleen, and thyroid in both 1 and 5-year-old human models. Overall, the results suggest that doses up to 36 MBq/kg of [211At]MM4 can be administered to C57BL6 mouse models without producing significant systemic or bone marrow toxicity. These results provide promising developments for understanding toxicity associated with the alpha-emitting compound [211At]MM4 in vivo. Future studies using fractionated dosing regimens in pre-clinical tumor models will evaluate therapeutic efficacy and further evaluate associated toxicities.

PARP-1 Targeted Alpha-emitting Radiotherapeutics: An Examination of Potential Toxicity

Radiolabeling poly-ADP ribose polymerase 1 (PARP-1) inhibitors potentially enables targeted delivery of alpha-emitting isotopes directly to cancer cells overexpressing PARP-1. However, there is concern for bone marrow toxicity due to its intrinsically high PARP-1 expression. Therefore, we examined bone marrow toxicity at therapeutically relevant doses of an astatine-211 labeled PARP-1 inhibitor, [211At]MM4. Male and female C57BL6 mice received 0, 12, 24, and 36 MBq/kg of [211At]MM4 and then were sacrificed after 24 hours, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. The red marrow-containing femur was harvested and was analyzed with colony formation assay, immunofluorescent (IF) microscopy, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Peripheral blood samples were analyzed for complete blood count (CBC). Additionally, we performed [211At]MM4 biodistribution assay on another set of 20 C57BL6 mice at post-injection time points of 5, 30, 60, 180, and 360 minutes. With the biodistribution data, OLINDA/EXM v1.1 was used for radiation dosimetry calculations in reference to human pediatric models. The CBC revealed significant lymphopenia only in the 2-week group treated with 24 MBq/kg. A slight decrease in lymphocyte percentage was observed in the 24 MBq/kg mice at 2 weeks and the 36 MBq/kg at 2 and 4 weeks. Significant neutrophilia was observed in all 2-week groups, as well as the 4-week group treated at 36 MBq/kg. Colony formation assay revealed no reduction, but rather significant increase in granulocyte, macrophage, and burst forming unit-erythroid colonies. Histopathology revealed maintained bone marrow cellularity across the treatment groups. IF and IHC demonstrated heterogeneous PARP-1 expression in the bone marrow. The biodistribution and subsequent dosimetry calculations found significantly higher, but nonlethal organ radiation dose per injected activity levels in the red bone marrow, spleen, and thyroid in both 1 and 5-year-old human models. Overall, the results suggest that doses up to 36 MBq/kg of [211At]MM4 can be administered to C57BL6 mouse models without producing significant systemic or bone marrow toxicity. These results provide promising developments for understanding toxicity associated with the alpha-emitting compound [211At]MM4 in vivo. Future studies using fractionated dosing regimens in pre-clinical tumor models will evaluate therapeutic efficacy and further evaluate associated toxicities.

The use of probiotics to enhance immunity of broiler chicken against some intestinal infection pathogens

This study was conducted on120 one day old broiler chicks which were divided into six groups, 20 birds each. Group 1 (control), group 2 (supplemented with probiotic), group 3 (challenged with Salmonella and receive no probiotic), group 4 (challenged with E coli and receive no probiotic), group 5 (challenged with Salmonella and supplemented with probiotic), group 6 (challenged with E coli and supplemented with probiotic). The experiment extended for 30 days starting from one-day-old chicks. Body weights, clinical symptoms, haematological analysis and postmortem lesions were demonstrated on 8th, 15th and 30th day of the experiment. Also, histopathological studies of the intestinal mucosa, liver, spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius, as well as immunostaining of surface antigens (CD3A in the thymus and CD79A in the spleen and bursae of Fabricius), were also investigated. The current study revealed that supplementation of probiotic alone obviously improved weight gains as compared to the control group. Furthermore, probiotic supplementation decreased the colony forming a unit (CFU) of Salmonella enteritidis and E. coli (strain O2: H45) in the intestinal mucosa. Histopathologically, the intestinal mucosa showed an improvement which indicated by hyperplasia of the lining epithelium and abundance of goblet cells, but this local effect did not extend to other organs in the body that demonstrated mild to severe histopathological changes in challenged groups. The haematological analysis also verified that treatment with probiotics had no significant effect on most blood values (RBCs, WBCs and Hb). However, the differential leucocytic counts were significantly influenced by dietary treatment with probiotics which caused a highly significant decrease in lymphocyte percentage. In conclusion, probiotics obviously improved the growth performance and local immune response in the intestine, however no clear evidence of improvement of the general immune status of the experimental birds.

Risk factors for BK virus infection in living-donor renal transplant recipients: a single-center study from China

Objectives: BK virus (BKV) infection has become one of the main complications in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) with the arrival of newer potent immunosuppressive agents. However, reports on the epidemiology of BKV infection and risk factors in Chinese population after renal transplantation are scarce.Methods: From June 2015 to July 2016, living-donor renal transplant recipients (LDRTRs) who routinely received the quantitative BKV DNA testing of urine and plasma samples using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the first time after transplantation were selected, while dialysis patients and healthy living donors during that period served as controls. Potential variables were compared and analyzed using logistic regression model multivariate analysis to assess the BKV infection related factors in LDRTRs.Results: Among the 52 LDRTRs identified, BKV DNA was detected in 16 urine samples (30.8%), significantly higher than that of dialysis patients (6.3%) and healthy living donors (4.2%) (p < .001). Nevertheless, no statistically significant difference wax noted between the latter two groups in urine samples (p = .842). Meanwhile, BKV DNA detection in blood samples was all negative in the three groups. Univariate analysis shown tacrolimus (Tac) trough level and lymphocyte percentage were associated with BKV infection in LDRTRs. Multivariate regression analysis also showed Tac trough level (HR, 1.644; p = .03), lymphocyte percentage (HR, 0.878; p = .026) were associated with BKV infection in LDRTRs.Conclusions: In Chinese population, the incidence of BKV infection increased significantly after living-donor renal transplantation. Significantly increased Tac trough level and decreased lymphocyte percentage might be the risk factors for BKV infection in LDRTRs.