Differential Leukocyte Counts Research Articles

Enhancing pneumonia prognosis in the emergency department: a novel machine learning approach using complete blood count and differential leukocyte count combined with CURB-65 score

BackgroundPneumonia poses a major global health challenge, necessitating accurate severity assessment tools. However, conventional scoring systems such as CURB-65 have inherent limitations. Machine learning (ML) offers a promising approach for prediction. We previously introduced the Blood Culture Prediction Index (BCPI) model, leveraging solely on complete blood count (CBC) and differential leukocyte count (DC), demonstrating its effectiveness in predicting bacteremia. Nevertheless, its potential in assessing pneumonia remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aims to compare the effectiveness of BCPI and CURB-65 in assessing pneumonia severity in an emergency department (ED) setting and develop an integrated ML model to enhance efficiency.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at a 3400-bed tertiary medical center in Taiwan. Data from 9,352 patients with pneumonia in the ED between 2019 and 2021 were analyzed in this study. We utilized the BCPI model, which was trained on CBC/DC data, and computed CURB-65 scores for each patient to compare their prognosis prediction capabilities. Subsequently, we developed a novel Cox regression model to predict in-hospital mortality, integrating the BCPI model and CURB-65 scores, aiming to assess whether this integration enhances predictive performance.ResultsThe predictive performance of the BCPI model and CURB-65 score for the 30-day mortality rate in ED patients and the in-hospital mortality rate among admitted patients was comparable across all risk categories. However, the Cox regression model demonstrated an improved area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.713 than that of CURB-65 (0.668) for in-hospital mortality (p<0.001). In the lowest risk group (CURB-65=0), the Cox regression model outperformed CURB-65, with a significantly lower mortality rate (2.9% vs. 7.7%, p<0.001).ConclusionsThe BCPI model, constructed using CBC/DC data and ML techniques, performs comparably to the widely utilized CURB-65 in predicting outcomes for patients with pneumonia in the ED. Furthermore, by integrating the CURB-65 score and BCPI model into a Cox regression model, we demonstrated improved prediction capabilities, particularly for low-risk patients. Given its simple parameters and easy training process, the Cox regression model may be a more effective prediction tool for classifying patients with pneumonia in the emergency room.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a surrogate marker of diabetic nephropathy

Background and objectives: Diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy are microvascular complications of diabetes. Nephropathy is clinically manifested as an increase in urine albumin excretion. Total white blood cell count is a crude but sensitive indicator of inflammation and studied in many cardiac and non-cardiac diseases as an inflammatory marker such as acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure. In this study, the association of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy. Methods: This was a prospective observational study performed on patients with diabetic nephropathy +/- retinopathy. A total of v104 subjects diagnosed with 3type 2 diabetes mellitus registered in this study. NLR was calculated by analyzing differential leukocyte count in complete blood picture. Spot Albuminuria was tested by immune turbidimetry method. Urine creatinine was tested by jaffe’s kinetic method by which spot urine microalbumin to creatinine ratio is calculated. ANOVA, Independent t-test, chi-square test, Karl Pearson correlation were applied to find significance. P&lt;0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Totally 104 diabetic subjects were registered, 52 subjects had DN and 52 had normal urine albumin. Mean±SD NLR for a normal group is 2.5±1.1 and in DN group is 3.4±1.4 which was highly significant (P =0.001). Conclusion: Our study showed that there was a significant relation between NLR and DN; and positive correlation between NLR and urine microalbumin to creatinine ratio. Therefore, NLR may be considered as a novel surrogate marker of DN.

Association between full blood count and urine steroid metabolome in patients with adrenal masses

Background: Endogenous hypercortisolism of adrenal origin is commonly associated with immune suppression. However, these patients also have signs characteristic of chronic inflammatory diseases. Better understanding of the mechanisms that alter the functioning of the immune system would allow for the development of a patient-centered approach to the treatment of corticotropin-independent endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS).&#x0D; Aim: To assess the association between full blood count and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based urinary steroid excretion in patients with adrenal masses depending on malignancy grade and presence of hypercortisolism.&#x0D; Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 42 patients with adrenal masses who had not received chemotherapy. The median age of the patients was 54 [Q25; Q75: 37; 63] years, and 76% of them were female. Preoperatively, all patients had hematology tests with differential leukocyte count. Steroid metabolome was assessed with Shimadzu GCMS-TQ8050 gas chromatography-mass spectrometer.&#x0D; Results: Twelve (12) patients had adrenocortical cancer (ACC) and CS, 9 patients had ACC without CS, 11 had adrenocortical adenomas (ACA) and CS, and 10 patients had ACA without CS. ACC patients had a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) than those with ACA: 3.35 [2.5; 6.3] vs 1.99 [1.41; 2.65] (р = 0.001). There was a linear correlation between NLR and serum cortisol levels after the 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (r = 0.41, p = 0.01), urinary excretion of 5β-tetrahydrocortisol (5β-THF) (r = 0.71, p 0.001) and 11β-hydroxyandrosterone (11β-OH-An) (r = 0.74, p 0.001). The ACC patients without CS had lower 5β-THF urinary excretion values, compared to ACA with CS patients: 931 [616; 1610] and 3139 [1480; 4375] mcg/24h, respectively (р = 0.007). 11β-OH-An urinary excretion in ACC patients without CS was higher than in ACA patients with CS: 1170 [806; 1266] и 602 [320; 739] mcg/24h (р = 0.007). The NLR cut-off value for adrenal mass malignancy in patients with CS exceeded 2.72 (sensitivity 90.0%, specificity 80.0%), and for the patients without hypercortisolism was above 1.92 (sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 100.0%).&#x0D; Conclusion: This is the first association identification between NLR, which is the marker of systemic inflammation, inflammation, and urinary excretion of 11β-OH-An, a metabolite of 11-hydroxyandrostenedione (a member of 11-oxygenated androgen family). This extends our understanding of the impact of hormonal activity of adrenal mass cells on the immune system.

Can blood eosinophil count be used as a predictive marker for the severity of COPD and concomitant cardiovascular disease? The relationship with the 2023 Version of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Staging.

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between eosinophil count and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the correlation between eosinophil count and the risk of exacerbations in COPD. The study included 405 patients who met the study inclusion criteria. Of the participants, 100 (25%) were classified as Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) A, 105 (26%) as GOLD B, and 200 (49%) as GOLD E. Routine blood tests (including leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count, hemoglobin, and platelet count) were carried out using an automated hematology analyzer. The eosinophil count and eosinophil percentage were significantly higher in 158 patients with COPD and concurrent CVD than in the COPD patients without concurrent CVD [2.95 (2.4), p=2.309e-11, 1.9 (2), p=5.02e-08, respectively). The prevalence of CVD was higher in the GOLD E group that experienced prominent exacerbations, and while the eosinophil count was also higher (p=.03) in this group, the eosinophil percentage did not differ significantly in this group of patients. The results of our study indicate a strong relationship between eosinophils and cardiovascular events in COPD subjects, particularly in subjects at high risk of exacerbations and cardiovascular complications.

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of associated papillary lung adenocarcinoma to canine distemper: case report

Lung neoplasms in dogs have a multifactorial etiology, and animals aged 10 or older are the most affected, with no sexual or racial predisposition. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of cancer and represent around 80% of the cases. The aim of this study was to describe a case of an 11-year-old dog of no defined breed (SRD) with papillary lung adenocarcinoma and canine distemper virus. Clinical examination revealed a body condition score (BCS: 5.0), normocardial, tachypneic, normothermic, mild dehydration (5 - 6%), hyporexia, hypocolored mucous membranes, normodipsia, normuria and normoquesia. Hematological tests (blood count, biochemistry) were carried out, initially showing leukocytosis and regenerative anemia. Imaging tests of the chest (x-ray) and computed tomography (CT) showed a nodule, with approximately 7cm in circumference in the ventral portion of the right caudal lung lobe. Treatment was by thoracotomy to excise the nodule. The excised material was sent for histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnosis, which confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. Infection with the distemper virus was confirmed by the identification of the Lentz corpuscle, which was found in the blood sample during the differential leukocyte count, when the animal was returned for re-evaluation. The animal did not respond to treatment and died 48 hours after the diagnosis of distemper, in response to cardiorespiratory arrest, 12 days after the removal of the nodule. Infection with the distemper virus led to an unfavorable prognosis and made post-surgical treatment impossible, culminating in the animal's death.

Haematological Profile and its Clinical Implications in Dengue Viral Infections

Introduction: Dengue fever is the most common arboviral disease in the world. Transmission to humans of dengue virus initiates a spectrum of illness, from inapparent to severe and sometimes lethal infections. Complete blood count (CBC) is an important part of diagnostic workup of patients. Comparison of various findings in CBC and peripheral blood film can help the physician in diagnosis, management and assessment of prognosis of the patients. Objectives: To find out the pattern of haematological findings in dengue infection. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out on 62 dengue cases in CMH Savar from May to October 2019. Diagnosis of dengue was based on clinical features, haematological and biochemical findings and confirmed by serological tests. Haematological parameters analyzed include haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit, total leucocyte count (TLC), differential leucocyte count (DLC), platelet count and peripheral blood film. Results: Important findings in haematological profile were haemoconcentration, raised haematocrit, low WBC count, early neutrophilia and late lymphocytosis, reactive lymphocytes in peripheral blood and thrombocytopenia. Haemoglobin ranged from 10.0-18.5gm/dl. Haematocrit was raised in 13(20.96%) cases. Thrombocytopenia (platelet count &lt;1.5 Lac/mm3) was observed in 59(95.16%) cases. Platelet count 1-1.5 Lac was seen in 4(6.45%) cases, 50,000-1 Lac in 25(40.32%) cases, 20,000-50,000 in 26(41.93%) cases and &lt; 20,000 in 4(6.45%) cases. Leucopenia (TLC&lt;4000/mm3) was seen in 46(74.19%) cases and &gt;11000mm3 in 2(3.22%) cases. On peripheral blood smear reactive lymphocytes including plasmacytoid lymphocytes were seen in almost all the cases. Conclusion: CBC examination gives enough clue for early diagnosis of dengue infection which can be confirmed by dengue serology. Serial CBC examination is also important in disease monitoring, treatment of the patient and prediction of prognosis. JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 19, No 1 (June) 2023:11-14

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SWEETENERS ON GLYCOGEN CONTENT OF BLOOD LEUKOCYTES AND DIFFERENTIAL LEUKOCYTE COUNTS IN C57BL/6 MICE

We studied the eff ect of stevia leaf extract, saccharinate and cyclamate in various dosages on the glycogen content of blood leukocytes in mice, as a necessary substrate for the realization of phagocytosis. An increase of glycogen content was found in all experimental groups which obtained sweeteners at a dosage of 10 mg/g of body weight. The eff ect of sweeteners on the diff erential leukocyte counts was found only for mice treated with stevia leaf extract at a dosage of 10 mg/g of body weight. They demonstrated increase of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. New data expand our understanding of the metabolism of sugar substitutes in the organism and their eff ect on physiological systems, in particular the hematopoietic and immune systems.

Association of inflammatory markers with clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients during the second wave in 100 bedded dedicated COVID MCH Hospital, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh State

Background: A novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]) was the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic 2019. SARS-CoV-2 affects respiratory tract and damages the tissue resulting in generation of inflammatory cells such as cytokines and chemokines such as IFN that damage the lung alveoli, causing severe acute respiratory syndrome. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to analyze the blood inflammatory markers of COVID-19 patients and association between clinical outcomes in COVID-19-positive patients with serum inflammatory markers during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in 100 bedded dedicated COVID MCH Raigarh CG. Materials and Methods: In this hospital-based cross-sectional observational study, 90 patients with COVID-19 were enrolled and categorized into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe. Blood inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ferritin, CK-Nac as well as hemogram total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count, and neutrophil: lymphocyte (N:L) were determined and analyzed. Results: The results of the oxygen saturation (SpO2) severity strength of association with multiple variables taken in the study through logistic regression analysis of COVID-19 patient’s inflammatory markers serum levels of LDH (P&lt;0.05, odds ratio [OR]=1.0146), ferritin (P&lt;0.05, OR=0.9788), N:L (P&lt;0.05, OR=4.1041), and other non-inflammatory parameters such as creatinine (P&lt;0.05, OR=17.8039) were significant. SpO2 severity of COVID-19 patient’s with inflammatory markers LDH, ferritin, CK-Nac, and TLC associated with all severe, moderate, and mild groups. There was no significant association in the serum levels of CRP between the severe, moderate, and mild groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the levels of LDH, ferritin, CK-Nac, and TLC could be used to predict the severity of COVID-19 disease.

Impact of subgingival instrumentation on systemic inflammation and serum bone resorption marker in premenopausal women with periodontitis: a prospective interventional study.

Inflammatory disorders including periodontitis have been investigated for their impact on systemic inflammation and bone health. The present study was conducted with an aim to evaluate impact of control of periodontal inflammation through subgingival instrumentation on serum interleukin 6 and serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) in premenopausal females with stage II and III periodontitis. In this single-arm prospective study, periodontal parameters, serum interleukin 6, serum CTX, and hematologic parameters (total leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count, platelet count, mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width) were assessed at baseline. Subgingival instrumentation was done, and oral hygiene instructions were given. At week 4, professional plaque control was performed, and oral hygiene instructions were reinforced. Serum and hematologic parameters were reassessed at 8 weeks after subgingival instrumentation, in individuals meeting the clinical endpoints (ie, bleeding on probing < 10%). There was significant reduction in serum interleukin 6 of 0.168 ± 0.164 pg/mL (P = .000), and serum CTX of 17.459 ± 4.363 pg/mL (P = .000) at 8 weeks after subgingival instrumentation. There was significant decrease in eosinophil count (P = .018) and mean platelet volume (P = .016) at 8 weeks after subgingival instrumentation; however, no significant change was found in other hematologic parameters. Following subgingival instrumentation, biomarkers of both systemic inflammation (interleukin 6) and bone turnover (CTX) were observed to reduce significantly. This finding hints towards a positive impact of periodontal intervention on bone health.

A comparison study between the Siemens ADVIA 120 and manual method for the differential white blood cell count in goats.

Although widely used, the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer has not been previously validated for determining the differential leukocyte count in goats. The aim of this study was to compare the differential leukocyte counts provided by the ADVIA 120 (A-diff) and the manual method (M-Diff) in goats. EDTA blood samples that were analyzed within 4 h of collection were used in the study. The following exclusion criteria were applied: inappropriately filled tubes or tubes containing clots, erroneous ADVIA peroxidase cytograms, and blood smears of poor quality. The A-Diff was compared with the M-Diff performed by two independent observers on 200 leukocytes. Forty samples were included after previously excluding eight samples. The correlation between the A-Diff and M-Diff was very strong for eosinophils (r = .870, p < .001) and strong for lymphocytes (r = .796, p < .001) and neutrophils (r = .730, p < .001), while no significant correlation was observed for monocytes (r = .026, p = .872). The Passing-Bablok regression analyses revealed statistically significant constant errors for neutrophils (5.83%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41%, 12.18%) and eosinophils (1.89%; 95% CI: 1.17%, 2.71%). Bland-Altman analyses showed a statistically significant negative bias for lymphocytes (-5.0%) and a statistically significant positive bias for eosinophils (2.2%). The very low basophil percentages precluded a meaningful method comparison. The ADVIA 120 overall demonstrated good performance for the differential WBC count in goats under the conditions of this study. Therefore, it can be considered suitable for routine hematologic screening in goats. Nonetheless, it should be emphasized that any abnormal result should be confirmed with a blood smear evaluation.

Parâmetros hematológicos de sardinhas brasileiras (Sardinella brasiliensis Steinachner, 1879) alimentadas com diferentes concentrações de ácidos graxos em sua dieta

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in the diet of Sardinella brasiliensis on their hematological parameters. A total of 375 fish were distributed in 15 experimental units to evaluate the effects of the diet on their blood for 45 days. The levels of n-3 PUFA added in the diet were 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2% of the lipid fraction. These values represent the total percentage of n-3 PUFA in the lipid fraction of the diet, and 0% n-3 PUFA was used as the negative control. Five fish from each experimental unit were sampled at the end of the experiment for hematological analysis, and the parameters measured include the total number of erythrocytes, hematocrit percentage, hemoglobin and glucose concentration and differential leukocyte count. Higher numbers of circulating eosinophils were observed in fish fed 0.3% and 1.2% n-3 PUFA. Although no significant differences were observed in several of the parameters, the results demonstrate that the health of the sardines was not affected by the addition of n-3 PUFA in their diet. It should be emphasized that this is the first study with emphasis on the blood analysis of S. brasiliensis.

Morphological abnormalities of peripheral blood cells among patients with COVID-19 disease

PurposeThe hematological changes in COVID-19 patients continue to receive great attention, especially in the field of public health. To our knowledge, coronavirus disease may be identified based on the severity of illness, and the study of peripheral blood smears may offer important information to facilitate the identification. Thus, we evaluated the morphological abnormalities (atypical and immature lymphocytes, lymphocytes with micronuclei, various nuclear abnormalities among erythrocytes) and quantitative changes in peripheral blood cells among 48 individuals with COVID-19 disease. MethodsThe present study is a retrospective analysis of 48 individuals, including 24 hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 disease. The blood smears of all patients were subjected to a hematological examination to identify various morphological abnormalities in white and red blood cells. In addition, a micronucleus test was conducted to assess the incidence of chromosomal damage in lymphocytes. Furthermore, the complete blood count (CBC) was performed to evaluate changes in peripheral blood cells, particularly the differential total leukocyte count, which could indicate the immune response against viral infection in COVID-19 patients. ResultsThe findings of the hematological study conducted on patients diagnosed with COVID-19 disease revealed neutrophilia, eosinophilia, mild monocytosis, decreased hematocrit level, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and immature leukocytes. It was observed that patients who were infected with coronavirus demonstrated mild thrombocytopenia. Furthermore, the micronucleus test indicated the presence of immature cells with micronuclei among lymphocytes and numerous nuclear abnormalities in red blood cells. These results help to shed light on the hematological changes that occur in COVID-19 patients, and could potentially contribute to the development of more effective treatments for the disease. ConclusionsThe examination of complete blood counts (CBCs) in conjunction with peripheral blood smears offers a potential means of identifying the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the hematopoietic and immune systems, thereby providing early indications of inflammation. Based on a study, it has been suggested that SARS-CoV-2 may affect red and white blood cells causing morphological alterations thereby establishing a corresponding relationship with disease severity.

AUTOMATED AND MANUAL LEUKOCYTE DIFFERENTIAL COUNTS IN HEALTHY EQUINES

The speed and convenience provided by automated cell counters are reasons for the increasing use of this technology in veterinary practice, with impedance methodology being one of the most commonly used in Brazil. In this regard, the objective of this study was to compare the automated differential leukocyte count obtained by impedance with the manual count obtained from the evaluation of blood smears in healthy horses. For this purpose, the automated differential leukocyte count using a veterinary cell counter (Abx Micros ESV 60, Horiba) was compared to the manual count using optical microscopy in 545 blood samples from healthy horses. Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon tests, Deming regression, Pearson or Spearman correlations, and Bland-Altman analysis were used, considering differences significant when p&lt;0.05. The automated method showed higher concentrations of segmented neutrophils and monocytes, and lower concentrations of lymphocytes and eosinophils compared to the manual method. The mean error of the automated count was -10.26% for segmented neutrophils, 11.04% for lymphocytes, -41.39% for monocytes, and -10.84% for eosinophils, ranging from -200% to 161.4% depending on the cell type. There was a significant correlation between the methodologies only for the counts of segmented neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils. In conclusion, the manual differential leukocyte count in healthy horses cannot be replaced by the automated method, and the analysis of blood smears remains a fundamental tool for the proper interpretation of the leukogram in horses.

Peripheral immunity and risk of incident brain disorders: a prospective cohort study of 161,968 participants

Whether peripheral immunity prospectively influences brain health remains controversial. This study aims to investigate the longitudinal associations between peripheral immunity markers with incident brain disorders. A total of 161,968 eligible participants from the UK Biobank were included. We investigated the linear and non-linear effects of peripheral immunity markers including differential leukocytes counts, their derived ratios and C-reactive protein (CRP) on the risk of dementia, Parkinson’s disease (PD), stroke, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder (BPAD), major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety, using Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic spline models. Linear regression models were used to explore potential mechanisms driven by brain structures. During a median follow-up of 9.66 years, 16,241 participants developed brain disorders. Individuals with elevated innate immunity markers including neutrophils, monocytes, platelets, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) had an increased risk of brain disorders. Among these markers, neutrophils exhibited the most significant correlation with risk of dementia (hazard ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.12), stroke (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.09), MDD (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.10–1.16) and anxiety (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.10). Subgroup analysis revealed age-specific and sex-specific associations between innate immunity markers with risk of dementia and MDD. Neuroimaging analysis highlighted the associations between peripheral immunity markers and alterations in multiple cortical, subcortical regions and white matter tracts, typically implicated in dementia and psychiatric disorders. These findings support the hypothesis that neuroinflammation is important to the etiology of various brain disorders, offering new insights into their potential therapeutic approaches.

Role of biomarkers in prognostication of moderate and severe COVID-19 cases.

COVID-19 pandemic demanded upgrading of laboratory medicine to limit morbidity, disability and mortality from moderate and severe SARS-COV-2 infections. To assess among moderate and severe COVID-19 patients, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), ferritin, D-dimer, interleukin 6 (IL-6), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total and differential leucocyte count (TLC and DLC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), absolute platelet count (APC), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and international normalized ratio (INR) to find their interdependence and role in prognosis. This open label analytical cross-sectional noninterventional study evaluated array of independent biochemical, haematological and coagulopathy markers, viz. CRP, PCT, ferritin, D-dimer, IL-6, LDH, TLC, DLC, NLR, absolute platelet count, PT, APTT and INR on consecutive 100 patients with diagnosis of moderate and severe COVID-19 from July to August 2021. In our study, on consecutive designated 100 cases (55 cases moderate and 45 cases severe), more severity were reported as the age progressed; gender difference was not noted. Among independent markers, CRP, PCT, ferritin, D-dimer, IL-6 and LDH had statistically significant relation in comparison with severity of the disease as Chi-square calculated value (P < 0.05). TLC, DLC and APC showed no significant relation in comparison with severity of the disease; NLR had highly significant relation. PT showed significant relation in comparison with severity, though APTT and INR did not show significant relation. Our research group felt that CRP, PCT, ferritin, D-dimer, IL-6, LDH and NLR should be in included in clinical practice guidelines to prognosticate COVID-19 cases. Furthermore, translational researches are needed at all levels of healthcare to improve validity for practices of primary care physicians.

Effect of Various Sweeteners on Glycogen Content of Blood Leukocytes and Differential Leukocyte Count in C57BL/6 Mice

Effect of Various Sweeteners on Glycogen Content of Blood Leukocytes and Differential Leukocyte Count in C57BL/6 Mice

Phytonutrients, Acute Toxicity and the Effect of Dichloromethane-Methanol Extract of Cymbopogon citratus (DC. ex Nees) Stapf (Poaceae) on Selected Haematological Parameters in Normal Healthy Albino Rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Dichloromethane-Methanol (DCM-MeOH) extract of Cymbopogon citratus on selected haematological parameters and to identify the phytochemical components present in the extract. The (DCM-MeOH) extract of the plant was obtained by 72 h cold maceration and was subjected to haematological screening. Four groups of rats were used; group 1 served as normal control which received distilled water, groups 2, 3, and 4 received daily administration of (DCM-MeOH) extract of C. citratus (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) for 21 days per oral. Haematological analyses were performed weekly for the red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV), and haemoglobin concentration (HB) with an absolute count of differential leucocyte were determined. The acute toxicity study on the extract did not produce any lethality up to 5000 mg/kg in mice. The result of the study showed a significant (P &lt; 0.05) effect to varying degrees in the weight and haemoglobin while the RBC, PCV, differential leucocyte count (DLC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) did not have significant (P &gt; 0.05) effect as compared with the normal control group and baseline values. The qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids and reducing sugars while protein, carbohydrate, fat and oil, glycosides and saponins were absent in the extract. However, quantitative phytochemical studies showed that the extract contained alkaloids (465.83 mg/100g), flavonoids (119.00 mg/100g), tannins (16.25 mg/100g), terpenoids (203.36), total phenols (1897.58). The findings from this study showed that DCM-MeOH extract of C. citratus does not have any significant effect on most haematological parameters in normal healthy albino rats.

Comparative evaluation of pinhole and section ligation release castration techniques in male dogs

The present study was carried out to compare two minimally invasive surgical in situ castration techniques in dogs. Male dogs (n-12) brought to the department for elective castration were randomly divided into two groups comprising six in each group. In Group I, pinhole (PH) castration, and section ligation release (SLR) castration in group II were performed. Physiological parameters, testicular dimensions, haemato-biochemical analysis, ultrasonographic examination and pain scores were recorded on 0th, 3rd, 14th and 28th day. Testicular tissue biopsy sample for histopathological examination were taken on 0th and 28th day. Physiological parameters, testicular breadth and height revealed non-significant variation, while significant difference was observed in testicular circumference and volume in both the groups. Non-significant difference was noted in haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total leucocyte count and differential leucocyte count within or in between the groups. Cortisol and MDA were significantly higher on 3rd day, whereas GSH was significantly lower on 3rd day in comparison to other time intervals in both the groups. Pain scores were significantly higher on 3rd day in both the groups and were also significantly more in group II. Testosterone levels were markedly reduced in both the techniques, but values were significantly lesser in group II as compared to group I. Ultrasonographic and histopathological examination revealed marked testicular degeneration in both the techniques. It was concluded that pinhole castration technique is minimally invasive, less time consuming, economical and has less post-operative complications in comparison to section ligation and release technique.

Production performance, haematological parameters, serum biochemistry, and expression of HSP-70 in broiler chickens fed dietary ascorbic acid during heat stress.

An experiment was carried out to assess the efficacy of supplemental ascorbic acid (AA) on broiler chicken production performance, blood haematological profile, biochemical profile, and carcass traits under heat stress conditions. A total of 192-day-old broiler chicks were divided into four groups, each with six replicates of eight each (4 × 6 × 8). Four corn-based dietary treatments were formulated: T1 (control diet), T2 (T1 + AA at 200mg/kg), T3 (T1 + AA at 400mg/kg), and T4 (T1 + AA at 600mg/kg) for a period of 42days. Despite the high temperature and humidity, the 600mg AA supplemental groups (T4) gained significantly (P ≤ 0.05) more body weight and had a higher feed intake and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the control group (T1). After 28days of feeding the three AA-supplemented diets, antibody titres (humoral immune response) were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05). The response to intradermally injected phyto-haemagglutinin (PHA-P), an index of the in vivo cell-mediated immune response, was found to be increased (P ≤ 0.05) in the 400 and 600mg AA-supplemented groups after 35days. Higher levels of AA (T4) supplementation significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved haematological values such as haemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), and differential leukocyte count (DLC), heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L) in comparison to the control group (T1). The supplemented group improved the serum biochemical profile of the birds, with an increase (P ≤ 0.05) in total serum protein, albumin, and globulin and a decrease in serum cholesterol and corticosterone levels in the T4 group compared to the control group. Heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) was gradually elevated after increasing the ascorbic acid concentration (P ≤ 0.05) at 14 and 21days. As a result, it can be concluded that supplementing ascorbic acid at 600mg/kg is beneficial for improving the performance, immunity, and blood haematological biochemical profile and upregulating the HSP-70 gene of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions.

Incubation in shaded hatcheries biases sex-determination but preserves Lepidochelys olivacea hatchling physiology

Some studies have associated ex situ conservation with cerebral and gonadal developmental delay, as well as decreased motor performance in Lepidochelys olivacea offspring. Ex situ management is also related to a more mature spleen and a differential leukocyte count in newly emerged Lepidochelys olivacea hatchlings. The physiological relevance of a more mature spleen is unknown in sea turtles, but studies in birds suggest an increased immune response. Because egg relocation to hatcheries is a common conservation practice, it is imperative to know its impact on hatchling physiology. Herein, plasma activity of superoxide dismutase, alkaline phosphatase and the alternative complement pathway, as well as total antioxidant capacity and hydrogen peroxide concentrations were quantified in hatchlings from in situ and ex situ nests under basal conditions at nest emergence. Toll-like receptor 4 (tlr4), heat shock proteins (hsp) 70 and hsp90 expression were quantified in the spleen and liver of the hatchlings. Hepatocyte density and nuclear area were quantified in histological sections of the liver and all turtles were sexed by histological sectioning of the gonads. Total antioxidant capacity and hydrogen peroxide concentrations in plasma were lower in turtles from ex situ nests, while tlr4 and hsp70 mRNA expression was higher in the spleen but not in the liver. Ex situ incubation produced 98% male hatchlings, whereas in situ incubation produced 100% females. There were no other differences in the attributes sampled between hatchlings emerging from ex situ and in situ treatments. The results suggest that ex situ relocated turtles may be less prone to oxidative stress than in situ incubated hatchlings and could have more mature splenic function. Together, the data suggest that ex situ relocation to shaded hatcheries biased sex determination but preserved the general physiological condition of sea turtle hatchlings.