Differential White Blood Cell Counts Research Articles

Camel milk inhibits pulmonary oxidative stress and inflammation in a rat model of COPD induced by cigarette smoke exposure

BackgroundOne of the main causes of death in the world is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with partially reversible airflow limitation, which is defined as a preventable and treatable pathological condition. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of camel milk (CM) were indicated previously. The effect of CM in cigarette smoke induced-COPD in rats was evaluated in this study. MethodsFive groups of rats including a) control, b) chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD, cigarette smoke exposed), c) COPD group treated with dexamethasone, d) COPD group treated with low dose of camel milk (CM) and e) COPD group treated with high dose of CM by gavage during the cigarette smoke exposure period (n = 7) were studied. ResultsIn the COPD group, total and differential white blood cells (WBC) count in the bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level in the lung tissue and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the BALF and lung tissue, lung pathological changes and tracheal responsiveness to methacholine were significantly increased, but catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and the level of thiol in the BALF and lung tissue were significantly decreased compared to the control group (all, p < 0.001). However, in the COPD groups treated with both doses of CM and dexamethasone, most variable did not achieved to the control levels and were significantly different with the control group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). In the COPD group treated with both doses of CM (dose dependently) and dexamethasone, almost all measured variables were significantly improved (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). ConclusionThe potential effect of CM on lung inflammation and oxidative stress in a rat model of COPD comparable to dexamethasone was demonstrated.

The inhibitory influence of carvacrol on behavioral modifications, brain oxidation, and general inflammation triggered by paraquat exposure through inhalation

The current study investigated how carvacrol (C) can prevent behavioral and brain oxidative changes, along with systemic inflammation caused by inhaled paraquat (PQ). Control rats exposed to saline solution, whereas six rat groups were subjected to PQ aerosols at a concentration of 54mg/m3 in 16 days. The PQ-exposed groups received saline (PQ group), C at dosages of 20 (C-L) and 80mg/kg/day (C-H), dexamethasone at a dosage of 0.03mg/kg/day, pioglitazone at dose of 5 and 10mg/kg/day (Pio-L and Pio-H), and a combination of C-L + Pio-L. Various parameters were assessed following the end of the treatment duration. There were marked elevation in total and differential white blood cell counts (WBCs), and malondialdehyde levels in the blood, hippocampus, and cerebral tissue but, thiol, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) exhibited a notable decrease (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The escape delay and traveled distance exhibited enhancement, however, on the probe day, the duration spent in the target quadrant and the time taken to enter the dark room at 3, 24, 48, and 72hours post an electrical shock, showed a reduction in the PQ group (P<0.05 to P<0.001). Inhaled PQ-induced changes were significantly improved in C, Pio, Dexa, and C-L + Pio-L treated groups (P<0.05 to P<0.001). The effects of C-L + Pio-L on most measured variables were higher than C-L and Pio-L (P<0.05 to P<0.001). C improved PQ-induced changes similar to dexamethasone and C-L showed additive effects when administered in combination with Pio.

Differential White Blood Cell Count and COVID-19 Hospital Length of Stay: A Post-hoc Analysis

Objective: To explore the association between differential white blood cell count and hospital length of stay (LOS) in COVID-19 patients.Methods: This study is a post-hoc analysis of two prospective cohort studies involving hospitalized COVID-19 patients who received standard therapy, including antiviral and supportive treatments at Persahabatan Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, during the Delta and Omicron dominant pandemic periods. Baseline differential white blood cell count before initiation of therapy were documented. LOS was categorized as ≤10 days and &gt;10 days.Result: Data from 463 subjects were included with most subjects were males (62.2%) with a median age of 54 (14–93) years. The average LOS for subjects was 12.7 (12.1–13.4) days. Bivariate tests showed that lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and neutrophil-monocyte ratio (NMR) had significant association (p &lt;0.05) to LOS. Logistic regression showed that higher monocyte counts were associated with shorter LOS (adjusted OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.840 - 0.943; p &lt; 0.001). ROC curve showed that higher monocyte counts (&gt;8.35 × 10^3/µL) at admission may predict shorter hospitalization (&lt;10 days).Conclusion: Monocyte count may serve as a potential marker for length of stay in COVID-19 patients, offering key insights for optimizing patient management and resource allocation.

A study of the prevalence of psoriasis in the city of Fallujah and its correlation with some immunological and hematological parameters

Psoriasis is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disease with associated systemic inflammation. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of psoriasis in the city of Fallujah on 859 patients visiting dermatology physician and also to determine the effect of psoriasis on the levels of some hematological parameters including total and differential white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin level, platelets count in 102 psoriatic patient and 62 people for control. The study concluded presence of mild prevalence of cutaneous psoriasis among patients visiting dermatologist physicians in Fallujah city which was abundant mostly in young adults (21-30) years and elevated incidence in males. Some hematological markers could be considered as a tool for differentiating cutaneous psoriasis from other cutaneous infections and have correlations with PASI system of diagnosis. WBCs count was elevated in psoriasis. The most abundant types in psoriasis are neutrophils and lymphocytes and platelets would be lower in psoriatic patients in correlation with severity of the disease.

The association of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls exposure with dyslipidemia and blood lipids: The mediating effect of white blood cell counts

Epidemiological evidence regarding the associations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) with lipid metabolism and its potential biological mechanisms remain largely unknown. We intended to explore the associations of OCPs and PCBs with dyslipidemia and blood lipid levels, and further evaluate the mediating role of total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts. We measured the blood lipid levels, the concentration of OCPs/PCBs and WBC counts in serum among 2036 adults in Wuhan city, China. In the multiple-pollutant models, the results showed that β-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), and PCB-153 were positively correlated with increased odds of dyslipidemia. p,p′-DDE and PCB-153 were correlated with elevated triglyceride (TG) and lowered high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). A positive relationship was observed between p,p′-DDE and total cholesterol (TC) as well. Meanwhile, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression analyses revealed that PCB and OCP mixtures were positively related to dyslipidemia risk and TG and negatively associated with HDL-c, to which p,p′-DDE was the major contributor. BMI, gender and age might modify the associations of OCPs and PCBs with dyslipidemia and TG. Furthermore, we found that WBC counts were significantly associated with dyslipidemia and blood lipid levels, and a positive correlation was also found between p,p′-DDE and lymphocyte count. Mediation analysis further indicated that lymphocyte count might mediate the associations of p,p′-DDE with dyslipidemia, TG, and TC. Accordingly, our results showed that OCPs and PCBs were related to abnormal lipid metabolism, which was partially mediated by WBC counts.

Assessment of the toxic influence of locally formulated pesticides on hepatic and renal biomarkers in male Wistar rats.

There is growing concern of the potential damage to vital organs after long term exposure to locally formulated pesticides in rural area of Nigeria. This study was designed to assessed the effects of the individual chemical compound and their combination on the kidney and liver of rats' model. Fifty-four rats divided into six groups and three sub-groups were exposed to 25, 50 and 75% dose of each of the pesticide's LD50 for 4h at 3days interval in an inhalation chamber for 28days. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TOT_BIL), creatinine and urea assay showed significant increase at the aforementioned doses in comparison to the control group. The red blood cell counts, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations were significantly altered in the rats administered varying doses of the pesticides when compared with the control. Similar result was obtained for the differential white blood cell counts. Histopathological examinations of the liver tissue of rats showed infiltrated sinusoids, traces of karypyknosis, vacuolar degeneration and microvesicular steatosis while that of the renal tissue showed glomeruli atrophy leading to widened Bowman's spaces as well as few shrunken glomeruli and varied level of degenerative tubular changes to tubular necrosis. This study established that individual pesticides and their mixture is toxic to the liver and kidney, as evidenced by the elevated markers of renal and liver functions and distortion of the structure of both organs as revealed by their photomicrographs. Therefore, it is a matter of public health significance to regularly monitor pesticide residues in foods and humans in order to assess the food safety risk and population exposure to pesticides.

Differential white blood cell count and epigenetic clocks: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundHuman aging and white blood cell (WBC) count are complex traits influenced by multiple genetic factors. Predictors of chronological age have been developed using epigenetic clocks. However, the bidirectional causal effects between epigenetic clocks and WBC count have not been fully examined.MethodsThis study employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to analyze summary statistics from four epigenetic clocks involving 34,710 participants, alongside data from the Blood Cell Consortium encompassing 563,946 individuals. We primarily explored bidirectional causal relationships using the random-effects inverse-variance weighted method, supplemented by additional MR methods for comprehensive analysis. Additionally, multivariate MR was applied to investigate independent effects of WBC count on epigenetic age acceleration.ResultsIn the two-sample univariate MR (UVMR) analysis, we observed that a decrease in lymphocyte count markedly accelerated aging according to the PhenoAge, GrimAge, and HannumAge metrics (all P < 0.01, β < 0), though it did not affect Intrinsic Epigenetic Age Acceleration (IEAA). Conversely, an increase in neutrophil count significantly elevated PhenoAge levels (β: 0.38; 95% CI 0.14, 0.61; P = 1.65E−03 < 0.01). Reverse MR revealed no significant causal impacts of epigenetic clocks on overall WBC counts. Furthermore, in multivariate MR, the impact of lymphocyte counts on epigenetic aging metrics remained statistically significant. We also identified a marked causal association between neutrophil counts and PhenoAge, GrimAge, and HannumAge, with respective results showing strong associations (PhenoAge β: 0.78; 95% CI 0.47, 1.09; P = 8.26E−07; GrimAge β: 0.55; 95% CI 0.31, 0.79; P = 5.50E−06; HannumAge β: 0.42; 95% CI 0.18, 0.67; P = 6.30E−04). Likewise, eosinophil cell count demonstrated significant association with HannumAge (β: 0.33; 95% CI 0.13, 0.53; P = 1.43E−03 < 0.01).ConclusionThese findings demonstrated that within WBCs, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts exert irreversible and independent causal effects on the acceleration of PhenoAge, GrimAge, and HannumAge. Our findings highlight the critical role of WBCs in influencing epigenetic clocks and underscore the importance of considering immune parameters when interpreting epigenetic age.

Evaluation of the protective effect of Curcuma longa and PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone on paraquat-induced lung injury in rats.

The inhalation of paraquat (PQ), one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, can result in lung injury. Curcuma longa (Cl) has long history in traditional and folk medicine for the treatment of a wide range of disorders including respiratory diseases. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the preventive effect of Cl on inhaled PQ-induced lung injury in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups (n = 7), one group exposed to saline (control) and other groups exposed to PQ aerosol. Saline (PQ), Cl extract, (two doses), curcumin (Cu), pioglitazone (Pio), and the combination of Cl-L + Pio and dexamethasone (Dex) were administered during the exposure period to PQ. Total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts, oxidant and antioxidant indicators in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF), interleukin (IL)-10, and tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α) levels in the lung tissues, lung histologic lesions score, and air way responsiveness to methacholine were evaluated. WBC counts (Total and differential), malondialdehyde level, tracheal responsiveness (TR), IL-10, TNF-α and histopathological changes of the lung were markedly elevated but total thiol content and the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were decreased in the BALF in the PQ group. Both doses of Cl, Cu, Pio, Cl-L + Pio, and Dex markedly improved all measured variables in comparison with the PQ group. CI, Pio, and Cl-L + Pio improved PQ-induced lung inflammation and oxidative damage comparable with the effects of Dex.

Hexaflumuron insecticide exposure induces behavior alterations, hemato-biochemical disorders, antioxidant-immune dysfunction, and histopathological alterations in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Hexaflumuron (HEX) insecticide is widely used in agriculture practices to fight crop insects. The toxicological effect of HEX on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was investigated in this study. Two hundred and forty fish (35.50 ± 1.45 g) were divided into six groups in four replicates (40 fish/group; 10 fish/replicate) and were exposed to six distinct HEX concentrations (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mg L-1) for 96-h. The 96-h lethal concentration 50 (96-h LC50) of HEX was calculated to be 7.19 mg L-1. The fish exhibited reduced surface and middle swimming, aggressiveness, and tail-spreading behaviors with increasing bottom swimming and resting patterns after HEX exposure. HEX exposure resulted in body bleeding and fin rot. The erythrogram (red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume %) was significantly reduced with increased mean corpuscular volume by HEX exposure. HEX exposure decreased the white blood cells (WBCs) and differential WBC counts. Acute HEX exposure raised 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine level while lowering brain acetylcholine esterase activity. HEX exposure caused hepato-renal dysfunction and increased stress-related parameters (glucose and cortisol). Exposure to HEX reduced the immune responses (lysozyme, nitric oxide, immunoglobulin M, and complement 3). A substantial decrease in the antioxidant variables (reduced glutathione content and catalase) with increasing the malondialdehyde was noted by HEX exposure. Moreover, histopathological changes resulted from HEX exposure in the gills, liver, kidney, and spleen. These results indicate that HEX exposure induced behavioral changes, hepato-renal dysfunction, and immune-antioxidant disruption, indicating a possible physiological disruption in O. niloticus.

Toxicological insight of metiram: immuno-oxidative, neuro-behavioral, and hemato-biochemical changes during acute exposure of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

BackgroundThe inappropriate use of pesticides including fungicides creates severe biological hazards that can endanger fish health and impede sustainable aquaculture.ObjectiveThis study investigated the negative impacts of metiram (MET), a fungicide on the health status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for a 96-hour duration as an acute exposure in a static renewal system.MethodsThree hundred fish (average body weight: 37.50 ± 0.22 g) were assigned into six groups (50 fish/group) with five replicates (10 fish/replicate). Fish were exposed to various six concentrations (0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, and 7.5 mg/L) of MET as a water exposure to for 96-hour without water exchange. The fish’s behavior, clinical signs, and mortalities were documented every day of the exposure period. Additionally, MET’s impact on blood profile, stress biomarkers, hepato-renal functions, immune-antioxidant status, and brain biomarker were closely monitored.ResultsThe lethal concentration (LC50) of MET estimated using Finney’s probit technique was 3.77 mg/L. The fish’s behavior was severely impacted by acute MET exposure, as clear by an increase in surfacing, loss of equilibrium, unusual swimming, laterality, abnormal movement, and a decline in aggressive behaviors. The survivability and hematological indices (white and red blood cell count, differential white blood cell count, hematocrit value, and hemoglobin) were significantly reduced in a concentration-dependent manner following MET exposure. Acute exposure to MET (1.5–7.5 mg/L) incrementally increased stress biomarkers (nor-epinephrine, cortisol, and glucose), lipid peroxides (malondialdehyde), and brain oxidative DNA damage biomarker (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine). A hepato-renal dysfunction by MET exposure (4.5–7.5 mg/L) was evidenced by the significant increase in the alanine and aspartate aminotransferases and creatinine values. Moreover, a substantial decline in the immune parameters (lysozyme, complement 3, serum bactericidal activity, and antiprotease activity) and antioxidant variables (total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) resulted from acute MET exposure.ConclusionAccording to these findings, the 96-hour LC50 of MET in Nile tilapia was 3.77 mg/L. MET exposure triggered toxicity in Nile tilapia, as seen by alterations in fish neuro-behaviors, immune-antioxidant status, hepato-renal functioning, and signifying physiological disturbances. This study emphasizes the potential ecological dangers provoked by MET as an environmental contaminant to aquatic systems. However, the long-term MET exposure is still needed to be investigated.

Associations of three differential white blood cell counts, platelet counts, and their derived inflammatory indices with cancer-related fatigue in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Inflammation is thought to be a vital element in the etiology of cancer-related fatigue (CRF), and circulating blood cell parameters could be important markers of inflammatory response. However, the associations of several major blood cell counts and their derived inflammatory indices with CRF are not well described. The present study aimed to establish whether a relationship exists between the counts of three white blood cell (WBC) types, platelets, and CRF and investigate whether several systemic inflammatory indices were associated with CRF in patients with breast cancer (BC). A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 824 patients with BC undergoing chemotherapy. The cancer fatigue scale was administered to assess CRF. Hematological indicators, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and platelets, were retrieved from routine blood test. Network analyses were used to examine the associations among them. Among 824 participants, the mean score of CRF was (27 ± 10), ranging from 0 to 57. The results of network models indicated that physical fatigue was negatively linked to lymphocyte counts (weight = - 0.161), and affective fatigue was positively associated with neutrophil counts (weight = 0.070). Additionally, physical fatigue was positively linked to the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (weight = 0.049). There were preliminary associations of counts of three WBC types, platelet counts, and systemic inflammatory indices, with distinct dimensions of CRF in patients with BC. Findings provide empirical support for the cellular basis of fatigue-associated inflammatory states.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Apigenin Obtained by Portulaca oleracea L in ‎Male Mice

This study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory effects of ‎‎apigenin, obtained from Portulaca oleracea L., using a male mouse model‎. A total of 56 ‎healthy BLAB/c albino male mice (Mus musculus) were used in two experiments. In the first experiment‎, ‎the xylene-induced ear edema, 28 male mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=7). ‎The negative control group received distilled water, while the positive control, apigenin-‎treated, and indomethacin-treated groups were exposed to xylene (0.03 mL applied to ‎the anterior and posterior surface of the right ear lobe) to induce inflammation. ‎Subsequently, the apigenin-treated group received orally 50 mg/kg BW apigenin, and ‎the indomethacin-treated group received orally 0.36 mg/kg BW indomethacin.‎ Ear weight ‎difference was calculated as an indicator ‎of anti-inflammatory. For the second experiment, the carrageenan-induced paw edema‎, a ‎similar experimental design was followed, but carrageenan (50 ‎mg/kg BW of 1% solution) ‎was ‎administered intra-dermally‎ in the right hindpaws.‎ Paw skin thickness difference ‎and differential white blood ‎cells (WBCs) count, along with the ‎quantification of prostaglandin E-2 ‎‎(PGE-2) and ‎interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum samples, were used as indicators of anti-inflammatory.‎ Results showed that xylene exposure led ‎to a significant ear weight increase, ‎indicative of ‎inflammation. Conversely, the ‎apigenin-treated group demonstrated a ‎reduction in ear ‎weight compared to the positive control group. Similarly, carrageenan ‎administration resulted ‎in a substantial ‎increase in paw skin thickness and elevated levels of ‎WBCs count, PGE-2, ‎and IL-6. ‎Apigenin treatment significantly mitigated these ‎inflammatory markers, ‎‎outperforming indomethacin in PGE-2 ‎and IL-6‎. This study provides evidence supporting the potential ‎of P. oleracea-derived ‎apigenin as an effective anti-inflammatory agent, showing ‎comparable or better ‎efficacy ‎than indomethacin‎‎‎‎‎.

A comparative study of blood cell count in four automated hematology analyzers: An evaluation of the impact of preanalytical factors.

Differential white blood cell counts are frequently used in diagnosis, patient stratification, and treatment selection to optimize therapy responses. Referral laboratories are often used but challenged with use of different hematology platforms, variable blood shipping times and storage conditions, and the different sensitivities of specific cell types. To extend the scientific literature and knowledge on the temporal commutability of blood samples between hematology analyzers, we performed a comparative ex-vivo study using four of the most utilized commercial platforms, focusing on the assessment of eosinophils given its importance in asthma management. Whole blood from healthy volunteers with and without atopy (n = 6+6) and participants with eosinophilic asthma (n = 6) were stored under different conditions (at 4, 20, 30, and 37°C, with or without agitation) and analyzed at different time points (3, 6, 24, 48 and 72h post-sampling) in parallel on the Abbott CELL-DYN Sapphire, Beckman Coulter DxH900, Siemens ADVIA 2120i and Sysmex XN-1000V. In the same blood samples, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), eosinophil activation and death markers were analyzed. All platforms gave comparable measurements of cell differentials on fresh blood within the same day of sampling. However, by 24 hours, significant temporal and temperature-dependent differences were observed, most markedly for eosinophils. None of the platforms performed perfectly across all temperatures tested during the 72 hours, showing that handling conditions should be optimized depending on the cell type of interest and the hematology analyzer. Neither disease status (healthy vs. asthma) nor agitation of the sample affected the cell quantification result or EDN release. The eosinophil activation markers measured by flow cytometry increased with time, were influenced by temperature, and were higher in those with asthma versus healthy participants. In conclusion, hematology analyzer, time window from sampling until analysis, and temperature conditions must be considered when analyzing blood cell differentials, particularly for eosinophils, via central labs to obtain counts comparable to the values obtained in freshly sampled blood.

Measurement uncertainty in manual white blood cell differential count

Measurement uncertainty in manual white blood cell differential count

Improving diagnostics using extended point-of-care testing during in-home assessments of older adults with signs of emerging acute disease: a prospective observational non-randomised pilot and feasibility study

BackgroundDelayed recognition of acute disease among older adults hinders timely management and increases the risk of hospital admission. Point-of-Care testing, including Focused Lung Ultrasound (FLUS) and in-home analysis of biological material, may support clinical decision-making in suspected acute respiratory disease. The aim of this study was to pilot test the study design for a planned randomised trial, investigate whether in-home extended use of point-of-care testing is feasible, and explore its’ potential clinical impact.MethodsA non-randomised pilot and feasibility study was conducted during September–November 2021 in Kolding Municipality, Denmark. A FLUS-trained physician accompanied an acute community nurse on home-visits to citizens aged 65 + y with signs of acute respiratory disease. The acute community nurses did a clinical assessment (vital signs, capillary C-reactive protein and haemoglobin) and gave a presumptive diagnosis. Subsequently, the physician performed FLUS, venipuncture with bedside analysis (electrolytes, creatinine, white blood cell differential count), nasopharyngeal swab (PCR for upper respiratory pathogens), and urine samples (flow-cytometry). Primary outcomes were feasibility of study design and extended point-of-care testing; secondary outcome was the potential clinical impact of extended point-of-care testing.ResultsOne hundred consecutive individuals were included. Average age was 81.6 (SD ± 8.4). Feasibility of study design was acceptable, FLUS 100%, blood-analyses 81%, PCR for upper respiratory pathogens 79%, and urine flow-cytometry 4%. In addition to the acute community nurse’s presumptive diagnosis, extended point-of-care testing identified 34 individuals with a condition in need of further evaluation by a physician.ConclusionOverall, in-home assessments with extended point-of-care testing are feasible and may aid to identify and handle acute diseases in older adults.

Utility of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width to Albumin Ratio and Hemoglobin to Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Ratio as Biomarkers in Pediatric Sepsis

Objectives − The objective was to compare these parameters in children with severe and non-severe sepsis and to evaluate their utility in predicting mortality. Material and Methods − A cross-sectional study conducted in the Pediatric Intensive Care of a dis- trict hospital in India. The hematological parameters of 54 children with severe sepsis and 55 with non-severe sepsis were analysed.Results − The children with severe sepsis had significantly lower HRR (Hemoglobin-RDW ratio) with higher RDW, plateletcrit and RAR as compared to those with non-severe sepsis. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the differential and total white blood cell counts or their ratios and other platelet indices. As compared to the survivors, non-survivors had significantly lower HRR with higher RDW and RAR. At a cut-off value of 3.845, RAR was 79.2% sensitive and 59% specific and at a cut-off value of 0.712 HRR was 77.8% sensitive and 60% specific in prediction of mortality.Conclusions − Children with severe sepsis had higher RAR and lower HRR when compared with children with non-severe sepsis. Significantly higher RAR and lower HRR were also noted among non-survivors as compared to survivors. The biomarkers RAR and HRR are readily available and useful in predicting mortality in children with sepsis.

The association of blood eosinophil counts and FEV1 decline: a cohort study.

Accelerated lung function decline is characteristic of COPD. However, the association between blood eosinophil counts and lung function decline, accounting for current smoking status, in young individuals without prevalent lung disease is not fully understood. This is a cohort study of 629 784 Korean adults without COPD or a history of asthma at baseline who participated in health screening examinations including spirometry and differential white blood cell counts. We used a linear mixed-effects model to estimate the annual change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (mL) by baseline blood eosinophil count, adjusting for covariates including smoking status. In addition, we performed a stratified analysis by baseline and time-varying smoking status. During a mean follow-up of 6.5 years (maximum 17.8 years), the annual change in FEV1 (95% CI) in participants with eosinophil counts <100, 100-199, 200-299, 300-499 and ≥500 cells·µL-1 in the fully adjusted model were -23.3 (-23.9--22.7) mL, -24.3 (-24.9--23.7) mL, -24.8 (-25.5--24.2) mL, -25.5 (-26.2--24.8) mL and -26.8 (-27.7--25.9) mL, respectively. When stratified by smoking status, participants with higher eosinophil count had a faster decline in FEV1 than those with lower eosinophil count in both never- and ever-smokers, which persisted when time-varying smoking status was used. Higher blood eosinophil counts were associated with a faster lung function decline among healthy individuals without lung disease, independent of smoking status. The findings suggest that higher blood eosinophil counts contribute to the risk of faster lung function decline, particularly among younger adults without a history of lung disease.

Assessment of CD4, CD8 and White Cell Parameters Amongst HIV Seronegative Pregnant Subjects in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Pregnancy involves maternal immunological adjustments to accommodate the fetus and maintain a strong immune defense against potential pathogens. The present study evaluated the changes in CD4, CD8, white blood cell (WBC) and total lymphocyte count (TLC) amongst HIV seronegative pregnant subjects in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A total of 302 female subjects (18-39 years) were recruited for the study. They consisted of 205 pregnant subjects and 97 non-pregnant subjects which served as the control. All subjects were screened for HIV type 1 and type 2 using standard test kits. Total and differential white blood cell counts were determined using a haematology auto analyzer while the total lymphocyte count (TLC) was obtained by multiplying total white blood cell count (TWC) with percentage lymphocyte count. The CD4 and CD8 cell counts were analyzed using the automated flow cytometry analyzer while the CD4:CD8 cell count ratio was obtained by dividing the CD4 cell count value by that of CD8. The result of the study shows a statistically significant decrease in CD4 and CD8 cell counts, lymphocyte and total lymphocyte counts and an increase in neutrophil count in all the trimesters of pregnancy when compared to the non-pregnant control (p&amp;lt;0.05). Also, there was a significant increase in WBC during the third trimester and a similar decrease in monocyte count in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. The evidence from the present study concludes that pregnancy modifies the maternal immune response to ensure fetal survival and the protection of the mother from invading pathogens as reported in the increase in total WBC, neutrophil and monocyte counts and a reduction in TLC, CD4 and CD8 counts. The study recommends routine assessments of these crucial cellular immune markers for pregnant women during antenatal visits.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte and Platelet-lymphocyte Ratios of Pregnant Women Living with HIV/AIDS

Background: Chronic inflammation, a factor for high mortality, persists throughout the pregnancy period of women living with human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).&#x0D; Aim: To determine whether pregnancy alone or the combined effects of HIV and pregnancy are the sources of the inflammation, this study evaluated the predictive variables for inflammation, lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A population of 128 women, aged 15-49 years were grouped into 4; Group A- 32 HIV positive and pregnant, Group B- 32 HIV negative and pregnant, Group C- 32 HIV positive not pregnant, Group D- 32 HIV negative not pregnant (control group). Differential white blood cell and platelet count methods were used to determine the neutrophil (N), Lymphocyte (L) and platelet (P) counts. The ratio calculation method was used to derive the NLR and PLR.&#x0D; Results: NLR was significantly higher for group A (2.62±0.41) compared to groups B (2.25 ± 0.18); C (0.95 ± 0.07); D (1.68 ± 0.19) at p ≤ 0.00. However, the NLR of groups A and B (p ≤ 0.05) were not significantly different, PLR was significantly higher for group A (9.86±1.12) compared to groups B (6.65 ± 1.12); C (5.35 ± 0.47); D (6.34 ± 0.43). There was no significant difference in blood pressure across the groups, significant difference was however observed in their Body Mass Index.&#x0D; Conclusion: Hence, Inflammation may have been caused by pregnancy alone.

Comparison of the Haematological Parameters of Indigenous and Exotic ‎Dogs in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Health status of dogs may be assessed with haematological parameters, but adaptation to environmental stress can lead to adjustment of these normal parameters. This study was designed to compare the haematological parameters of indigenous and exotic dogs in Maiduguri during the hot dry season. Forty apparently healthy indigenous (n = 20) and exotic(n = 20) dogs of both sexes and aged from 3-48 months were used. Blood sample (5 ml) was collected from the cephalic vein of each dog in EDTA bottles. Parameters were determined using microhaematocrit method for packed cell volume (PCV), haemocytometery for red blood cell (RBC) count and total white blood cell (TWBC) count, cyanmethemoglobin method for haemoglobin concentration (Hb), and examination of stained blood smear for relative differential white blood cell (WBC) count. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and absolute differential WBC counts were calculated. The TWBC and neutrophil counts were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in indigenousthan exotic dogs. Exotic females had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) lower MCHC and neutrophil count than indigenous females and all males. Age significantly (p &lt; 0.05) affected MCV, but the highest value was recorded in young exotic dogs. Adult indigenous dogs had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher neutrophil count than young indigenous and all exotic dogs. Monocyte count was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in young than adult exotic and all indigenous dogs. However, haematologicalvalueswere within standard reference intervals for dogs.