Hematocrit Count Research Articles

Hemoglobin as a predictor of hematocrit and red blood cell count according to age and sex in a population of Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru

Hemoglobin as a predictor of hematocrit and red blood cell count according to age and sex in a population of Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru

Identification of osteosarcoma m6A-related prognostic biomarkers using artificial intelligence: RBM15

Osteosarcoma has the worst prognosis among malignant bone tumors, and effective biomarkers are lacking. Our study aims to explore m6A-related and immune-related biomarkers. Gene expression profiles of osteosarcoma and healthy controls were downloaded from multiple public databases, and their m6A-based gene expression was utilized for tumor typing using bioinformatics. Subsequently, a prognostic model for osteosarcoma was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multivariate Cox regression analysis, and its immune cell composition was calculated using the CIBERSORTx algorithm. We also performed drug sensitivity analysis for these two genes. Finally, analysis was validated using immunohistochemistry. We also examined the RBM15 gene by qRT-PCR in an in vitro experiment. We collected routine blood data from 1738 patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma and 24,344 non-osteosarcoma patients and used two independent sample t tests to verify the accuracy of the CIBERSORTx analysis for immune cell differences. The analysis based on m6A gene expression tumor typing was most reliable using the two typing methods. The prognostic model based on the two genes constituting RNA-binding motif protein 15 (RBM15) and YTDC1 had a much lower survival rate for patients in the high-risk group than those in the low-risk group (P < 0.05). CIBERSORTx immune cell component analysis demonstrated that RBM15 showed a negative and positive correlation with T cells gamma delta and activated natural killer cells, respectively. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that these two genes showed varying degrees of correlation with multiple drugs. The results of immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression of these two genes was significantly higher in osteosarcoma than in paraneoplastic tissues. The results of qRT-PCR experiments showed that the expression of RBM15 was significantly higher in both osteosarcomas than in the control cell lines. Absolute lymphocyte value, lymphocyte percentage, hematocrit and erythrocyte count were lower in osteosarcoma than in the control group (P < 0.001). RBM15 and YTHDC1 can serve as potential prognostic biomarkers associated with m6A in osteosarcoma.

Ameliorative effects of piroxicam on perchloric acid-induced thyroid gland hormones disruption in male rats

BackgroundThe incidence of goitre has increased world-wide, with African countries responsible for over 28 % of the cases. The danger of perchloric acid among males working in the factories has been on the increase. Hence mitigating effects of piroxicam on perchloric acid-induced thyroid hormones disruption was studied in male Wister albino rats. MethodsA total of 19 rats (17 males; 2 females) that weighed 145.0 ± 20.5 g were used for the.study. Four rats were used for determination of median lethal dose (LD50) of perchloric acid, whereas 15 rats divided into three groups of five each, were used for induction of thyroid hormones disruption, using 100 mg/kg of perchloric acid for a period of two weeks. Thereafter group II and III rats were treated with 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg of piroxicam, respectively. Three millilitres of blood were collected from all the rats for determination of thyroid hormones, haematological and biochemical parameters. Brain, liver, spleen, lung, kidney and heart were harvested for allometry and histopathology. ResultsFindings have shown that LD50 of perchloric acid was 4207.5 ± 457.6 mg/kg body weight. Piroxicam significantly decreased (p < 0.05) thyroid stimulating hormone, but increased free triiodothyronine and thyroxine respectively. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and monocytes were increased significantly(p < 0.05). Urea, creatinine, haematocrit, erythrocytes, leucocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, platelets and eosinophils counts were decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Allometric parameters were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Histopathology revealed perivascular cuffs of brain, zenker’s necrosis with mononuclear cells infiltration of myocardium, congestion of central vein of liver, mononuclear cells infiltration of the kidney, lymphoid tissue aggregation of white pulp, congestion and thickness of the lungs were observed in the rats administered piroxicam. ConclusionHence piroxicam ameliorates thyroid hormones disruption, induces liver enzymes, modulates humoral immune system, enhances renal function and decreases allometric parameters of brain, lung and liver, as evidenced by histopathological lessons.

Leucocyte phagocytic activity of treatment-naïve HIV positive patients in Umuahia, Nigeria.

Objective: This study was conducted to determine white cell phagocytic activity in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Methods: One hundred HIV-positive patients were enrolled in this study while fifty apparently healthy seronegative individuals served as controls. The haemoglobin estimation, haematocrit, total white blood cell count (TWBC count), platelet count were analysed using conventional manual methods, the TWBC was repeated after incubation with carbonyl iron powder at 37oC to determine the phagocyte count, while CD4 count was analysed using Partec Cyflow counter. Results: The TWBC count of the test group before incubation with carbonyl iron powder (CIP) was 4839 ± 1686 (/mm3) while after incubation with CIP was 4451 ± 1657 (/mm3). The TWBC count of the control group before incubation with carbonyl iron powder (CIP) was 6096 ± 2196 (/mm3) while after incubation with CIP was 4074 ± 1745 (/mm3). The phagocyte count of test and control groups were 388±29 and 2022±451, with later being significantly higher than the former (p=0.001). Significant differences were observed in neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit and platelet count of the control 45 ±7.2 (%), 3 ± 1.2 (%), 4 ± 1.4 (%), 41 ± 12 (%),12 (g/dl), 38 ± 4 (%), 211 ±14 (x 109/L); when compared with the test 20.7 ± 11.0 (%), 1 ± 1.4 (%), 2 ± 1.7 (%), 28 ± 10(%), 9.2 (g/dl), 27 ± 09 (%), 90± 17 (x 109/L) (p&lt;0.05). There was equally a significant difference in the value of CD4 count of the controls 864 ± 266 cells/µL when compared with the test 420 ± 203 cells/ µL at p ‹ 0.05. Conclusion: The CD4 and phagocyte counts have a positive correlation with TWBC. All patients living with HIV should have their immune status monitored regularly to forestall inability of the system to perform phagocytosis.

3.Toxicity of methanol seed extract of Moringa Oleifera on Haematological indices of Albino Wistar rats.

Introduction: The effect of methanol extract of Moringa Oleifera seeds were determined in albino wistar rats, though several research works have been conducted on the Moringa Oleifera leaves extract however there is limited data available on the effect of the seeds extract on haematological parameters . This study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical, hematological and toxicological effect of extract of Moringa oleifera seeds in albino Wistar rats. Materials and Methods:: Thirty healthy albino wistar rats weighing between one hundred and twenty and one hundred and seventy grams randomized into five groups of six rats each and ad libitum with Moringa oleifera diets for fourteen days after two weeks of acclimatization in control. The groups were classified on varying concentrations of 25mg/kg,50mg/kg,100mg/kg ,125mg/kg and control for groups A,B,C,D,E respectively.The total white blood cells ,Red blood cells, Haemoglobin values, Haematocrit and Platelet count tests were carried out using Haematology auto-analyzer ,phytochemical and histological evaluations of any toxicities of Moringa oleifera seeds extract in albino Wistar rats were also investigated. Results:Phytochemicals such as tannins ,saponin,alkaloid/glucoside were found in low, moderate and high concentrations respectively in methanol extract of the Moringa oleifera seeds . The Red Blood Cells,Haemoglobin and Haematocrit values were significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) with decreased Total white cell count for group A on day eight of the administration when compared to the control group. The extract however did not significantly (p&gt;0.05) affect any parameter on day fifteen compared to the control group and day eight. Conclusion: Moringa oleifera seeds extract demonstrated dose and time dependent haemopoietic properties.

Calreticulin Mutations in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Patients Diagnosed in UKM Medical Centre

Introduction: Calreticulin (CALR) mutations are one of the molecular markers that has been incorporated for the diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) in the revised 2017 WHO Classification of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tumors. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of CALR mutations in patients with MPN diagnosed in UKMMC and to compare their demographics plus laboratory features with other MPN patients. Meth- ods: A total of 59 MPN patients who tested negative for JAK2V617Fmutation were selected and 21 MPN patients positive for JAK2V617F were included as controls. Screening for CALR exon 9 was done by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by Sanger sequencing. Results: A total of six JAK2 V617F negative MPN samples were found to be positive for CALR mutations. Out of these six, three patients with CALR mutations were of type I mutation, two were type II while one was a mutation in the stretch III region. None of the twenty one JAK2 V617F positive MPN samples were positive for CALR mutation. Clinical phenotypes for those positive for CALR were restricted to Essential Thrombocythemia (ET), Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF) and one case of atypical Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML). Conclusion: CALR mutations constituted 10.16% from the MPN patients who were negative for JAK2V617F mutation with no significant differences in platelet counts, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit and white cell counts as compared to MPN patients with JAK2 V617F mutations. Testing for CALR mutations among those who are negative for JAK2V617F within Malaysian population maybe worthwhile and require larger scale studies.

Abstract Number ‐ 167: Predictors of Incomplete Recanalization in Mechanical Thrombectomy

Introduction Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a highly effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients due to large vessel occlusion. Although many of these patients achieve successful recanalization, there remains a proportion of patients who fail to recanalize. Incomplete recanalization (defined as TICI 0–2a) has been associated with poor functional outcome; however, risk factors that may predispose these patients to incomplete recanalization remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate various demographic and procedural variables as predictors of incomplete recanalization. Methods AIS patients from 2019–2022 at our institution were reviewed. All patients who received MT for treatment were identified. Demographic characteristics including comorbidities, medications, thrombolytic use, ASPECTS, hematologic markers as well as procedural data including TICI score, time to clot, technique, occlusion location, and number of passes was assessed. Results One‐hundred eighty‐two patients received MT. Forty‐one patients had incomplete recanalization. History of tobacco use (aOR = 57.8, 95% CI = 5.75—581.2) and no history of HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitor use prior to hospital admission (aOR = 20.9, 95% CI = 1.58—277.1) were found to be predictors of incomplete recanalization. Baseline ASPECTS score, multiple passes with stent retriever, sex, LDL, and hematocrit count were also included in the multivariate analysis due to univariate association (p&lt; 0.10) with the primary outcome. Conclusions A history of tobacco use may indicate a predisposition to difficulty in recanalizing a large‐vessel occlusion with MT. These results may also indicate a protective mechanism of HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitor use in these patients that increases the likelihood of recanalization. While successful recanalization in AIS patients due to large‐vessel occlusion has been well established in recent years to predict improved functional outcome, further investigations evaluating the characteristics of those AIS patients who are unable to be recanalized with MT are warranted.

Effects of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) flour enriched with moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf powder on erythrocyte and leukocyte haematological parameters and liver and kidney histology of albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) in the Haut-Sassandra region Côte

Diabetes is a pandemic with expensive treatments. It would be interesting to use locally available and inexpensive plants. Sweet potato tubers and moringa leaves are among them. The aim is to evaluate the impact of sweet potato flour enriched with moringa leaf powder on the haematological and histological parameters of albino rats. Four formulations based on sweet potato flour enriched with 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% moringa leaf powder, respectively BBPM5, BBPM10, BBPM15 and BBPM20. A dose of 300 mg/kg bw of each of these formulations was administered daily by gavage to rats versus controls given distilled water for 28 days. Haematological parameters were determined using the automated system and the impact assessed from histological sections. A non-significant increase in haemoglobin, red blood cell count, haematocrit, GMV and blood platelet count was observed in all treated lots. In addition, a non-significant decrease in MCHF and MCHR was observed. The hepatic and renal cells of the rats remained intact with the absence of hyperchromatosis in all batches except the control and BBPM5. At the end of this work, haematological parameters, liver and kidney tissues were not affected. The BBPM15 formulation appears to be the most effective and should be recommended to diabetics.

Components of the Complete Blood Count as a Risk Predictor for Incident Hypertension in a Large Taiwanese Population Follow-up Study.

Previous studies investigating the relationship between hypertension (HT) and hematological parameters report inconsistent results, and most them included a small number of participants or only conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1 or 2 hematological factors. Moreover, no large cohort follow-up studies have investigated this topic. The aim of this longitudinal study was to explore associations between components of the complete blood count (CBC) and incident HT using data from a large Taiwanese biobank. Hematological parameters including white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin, hematocrit (HCT), and platelet count were evaluated. We included 21,293 participants who did not have HT at baseline and followed them for a mean period of 3.9 years. During follow-up, 3,002 participants with new-onset HT (defined as incident HT) were identified. Univariable analysis revealed that high WBC count, high RBC count, high hemoglobin, high HCT, and low platelet count were associated with incident HT. Multivariable analysis after adjusting potential confounding factors found high WBC count (odds ratio [OR], 1.057; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.028 to 1.087; P<0.001) and high HCT (OR, 1.023; 95% CI, 1.010 to 1.036; P<0.001) were still significantly associated with incident HT. High WBC count and high HCT were associated with incident HT.

Nutrition, Genital Tract Infection, Hematologic Values, and Premature Rupture of Membranes Among African American Women

Using a prospective comparative design, African American gravidae with and without genital tract infection were assessed with respect to dietary intakes, serum nutrient values, hematologic values, and pregnancy outcomes. Intakes of ascorbic acid, vitamin A, protein, and iron were the dietary variables while levels of ascorbic acid, protein, albumin, globulin, and ferritin were the variables measured in serum. The hematologic variables included hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red and white blood cell counts. Pregnancy outcome was defined on the basis of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), and infant birth weight, birth length, gestational age, and head circumference. The sample consisted of 335 nulliparous women who were between 16-35 years of age, 96 of whom had genital tract infection based on laboratory reports. Findings indicated no significant differences between the mean dietary intakes as well as serum values of the infected and non-infected women, and no difference in the incidence of PROM. However, non-infected women had a better mean hematologic profile than the infected gravidae during pregnancy. Also, for the non-infected group, there were significant relationships between head circumference and protein consumption (P = .015) and serum ferritin (P = .05). For the infected women, the relationship between the hemoglobin and hematocrit measurements obtained at the first prenatal visit and infant birth weight, birth length and head circumference were statistically significant.

Machine learning approach to stratify complex heterogeneity of chronic heart failure: A report from the CHART-2 study.

Current approaches to classify chronic heart failure (HF) subpopulations may be limited due to the diversity of pathophysiology and co-morbidities in chronic HF. We aimed to elucidate the clusters of chronic patients with HF by data-driven approaches with machine learning in a hospital-based registry. A total of 4649 patients with a broad spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the CHART-2 (Chronic Heart Failure Analysis and Registry in the Tohoku District-2) study were enrolled to this study. Chronic HF patients were classified using random forest clustering with 56 multiscale clinical parameters. We assessed the influence of the clusters on cardiovascular death, non-cardiovascular death, all-cause death, and free from hospitalization by HF. Latent class analysis using random forest clustering identified 10 clusters with four primary components: cardiac function (LVEF, left atrial and ventricular diameters, diastolic blood pressure, and brain natriuretic peptide), renal function (glomerular filtration rate and blood urea nitrogen), anaemia (red blood cell, haematocrit, haemoglobin, and platelet count), and nutrition (albumin and body mass index). All 11 significant clinical parameters in the four primary components and two disease aetiologies (ischaemic heart disease and valvular heart disease) showed statistically significant differences among the 10 clusters (P<0.01). Cluster 1 (26.7% of patients), which is characterized by preserved LVEF (<59%, 37% of the total) with lowest brain natriuretic peptide (>111.3pg/mL, 0.9%) and lowest left atrial diameter (>42mm, 37.4%), showed the best 5year survival rate of 98.1% for cardiovascular death, 95.9% for non-cardiovascular death, 92.9% for all-cause death, and 91.7% for free from hospitalization by HF. Cluster 10 (6.0% of the total), which is co-morbid disorders of all four primary components, showed the worst survival rate of 39.1% for cardiovascular death, 68.9% for non-cardiovascular death, 23.9% for all-cause death, and 28.1% for free from hospitalization by HF. These results suggest the potential applicability of the machine leaning approach, providing useful clinical prognostic information to stratify complex heterogeneity in patients with HF.

Evans Syndrome and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in Pregnancy: A Case Report

Evans syndrome is a combination of autoimmune hemolytic anemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Evans syndrome is a rare disease encountered in medical practice. Evans syndrome can also co-occur with other autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, although rare. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a condition that causes hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland cells are destroyed so that the thyroid hormone produced cannot meet the body's needs. This case report describes a pregnant female patient who has several autoimmune conditions, namely Evans Syndrome and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. The patient came to the hospital with bruises on the abdomen and waist and felt weak, tired, and lethargic. The previous examination showed that this patient had positive anti-platelet and anti-TPO test results, enlarged liver and spleen on ultrasound examination, and thyroid hormone examination, which showed hypothyroidism. A physical examination of the patient also showed minimal enlargement of the thyroid gland and bruising on the patient's body. The results of routine blood tests showed a decrease in hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocyte, and platelet counts. Morphological examination of the peripheral blood revealed the appearance of macroovalocytes and burr cells. During treatment in the ward, the patient was given therapies such as methylprednisolone, levothyroxine, and blood transfusions. During 9 days of treatment in the ward, the patient's clinical condition improved, and there was an increase in hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocyte, and platelet counts. The patient was discharged in good condition.

Hematological, Biochemical and Hemodynamic Changes during Operative Hysteroscopy using Consecutive Distension Media

ABSTRACT Background Hysteroscopy is a procedure for management of intrauterine pathology. Glycine 1.5% (200 mOsm/L) is one of the most commonly used distension media in hysteroscopy; but it carries risk of hypervolemia and dilutional hyponatremia. Objectives Studying effects of systemic absorption of irrigating fluids on hemodynamic parameters, detect fluid deficit impact on clinical outcome included biochemical, hematological parameters, conscious level, pulmonary congestion and/or edema postoperative bleeding and hospital stay. Methods Sixty patients ASA classes I & II aged between 20 and 40 years underwent elective operative hysteroscopy randomly assigned into two groups. The Study group (30 patients): where consequent saline 0.9% and glycine 1.5% were used as irrigating distension media. Control group (30 patients): where glycine 1.5% alone was used as a distension medium. Results Comparing study and control group regarding (MBP) and heart rate, they were significantly higher at recovery and 6 hours postoperatively in the control group. (CVP) readings, showed significantly higher reading in the control group at times (15 m, 30 m, 45 m after induction, six hours and after recovery). Thoracic electrical bioimpedance parameters showed that COP, Cardiac index, Stroke volume and Stroke index were significantly higher in the control group than study group at 6 hours postoperatively. Regarding serum sodium, it was significantly lower in the control group than study group at times (15 min, 30 min and 45 min intra operatively) compared to pre-induction value. Serum osmolality was lower at 6 hours in the control group. Hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet count was lower at 6 hours among control group. Conclusion The sequential use of saline 0.9% and glycine 1.5% decreased the amount of absorbed glycine 1.5% and hence the related side effects and complications. Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov. (NCT03166228)

Fetal anemia and elevated hepcidin in a mouse model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) impairs offspring growth and cognition, and this is worsened by concurrent iron deficiency. Alcohol disrupts fetal iron metabolism and produces functional iron deficiency, even when maternal iron status is adequate. We used a mouse model of moderate PAE to investigate the mechanisms underlying this dysregulated iron status. C57BL/6J female mice received 3 g/kg alcohol daily from embryonic day (E) 8.5-17.5 and were assessed at E17.5. Alcohol reduced fetal hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell counts, despite elevated erythropoietin production. Alcohol suppressed maternal hepcidin expression and the upstream iron-sensing BMP/SMAD pathway, consistent with its effects in the nonpregnant state. In contrast, alcohol elevated fetal hepcidin, although this was not accompanied by an upregulation of the BMP/SMAD or proinflammatory IL-6/STAT3 pathways. Fetal expression of hepatic genes contributing to hemoglobin synthesis and iron metabolism were unaffected by alcohol, whereas those affecting ribosome biogenesis were suppressed, suggesting a novel candidate effector for this fetal anemia. These data confirm and extend prior observations that PAE disrupts maternal and fetal iron metabolism and impairs the fetus's ability to regulate iron status. We propose this dysregulation increases gestational iron needs and represents a conserved response to PAE. Prenatal alcohol exposure causes a functional iron deficiency in a model that also impairs cognition in later life. Prenatal alcohol exposure causes fetal anemia. This fetal anemia is accompanied by elevated hepcidin and erythropoietin. Findings are consistent with prior observations that prenatal alcohol exposure increases maternal-fetal iron requirements during pregnancy.

A Novel Inflammatory Marker for the Diagnosis of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Platelet-Count-to-Lymphocyte-Count Ratio.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a chronic autoimmune thyroiditis that causes systemic inflammation in the body, leading to hypothyroidism and an enlargement of the thyroid gland. This study aims to reveal whether there is a relationship between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and the platelet-count-to-lymphocyte-count ratio (PLR), which is used as a new inflammatory marker. In this retrospective study, we compared the PLR of the euthyroid HT group and the hypothyroid-thyrotoxic HT group to the controls. We also evaluated the values of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4 (fT4), C-reactive protein (CRP), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count in each group. The PLR of the subjects with Hashimoto's thyroiditis was found to be significantly different from the control group (p < 0.001), with the rankings as follows: hypothyroid-thyrotoxic HT 177% (72-417) > euthyroid HT 137% (69-272) > control group 103% (44-243). In addition to the increased PLR values, an increase in CRP values was also observed, revealing a strong positive correlation between the PLR and CRP in the HT patients. In this study, we found out that the PLR was higher in the hypothyroid-thyrotoxic HT and euthyroid HT patients than in a healthy control group.

Culture of leukocyte-derived cells from human peripheral blood: Increased expression of pluripotent genes OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, self-renewal gene TERT and plasticity.

There are few stem cells in human peripheral blood (PB). Increasing the population and plasticity of stem cells in PB and applying it to regenerative medicine require suitable culture methods. In this study, leukocyte populations 250 mL of PB were collected using a blood separator before that were cultured in optimal cell culture medium for 4 to 7 days. After culturing, stemness characteristics were analyzed, and red blood cells were removed from the cultured cells. In our results, stemness markers of the leukocyte populations Sca-1+ CD45+, CD117+ CD45+, and very small embryonic-like stem cells CD34+ Lin- CD45- and CXCR4+ Lin- CD45- were significantly increased. Furthermore, the expression of stem cell genes OCT4 (POU5F1), NANOG, SOX2, and the self-renewal gene TERT was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in these cells, and it showed a significant increase. These cells could be candidates for multi-potential cells and were further induced using trans-differentiation culture methods. These cells showed multiple differentiation potentials for osteocytes, nerve cells, cardiomyocytes, and hepatocytes. These results indicate that appropriate culture methods can be applied to increase expression of pluripotent genes and plasticity. Leukocytes of human PB can be induced to trans-differentiate into pluripotent potential cells, which will be an important breakthrough in regenerative medicine.

The Association between Placental Abruption and Platelet Indices

Objective: Placental abruption (PA) is an obstetric emergency. This study investigated the use of platelet indices in PA in its early stages to determine if it could aid in diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two pregnant women with PA and 130 pregnant women who delivered due to idiopathic preterm delivery were included in this case-control study. Blood samples including platelet indices, biochemical, and coagulation parameters were obtained before cesarean section. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups as to hemoglobin, hematocrit, and white blood count. Platelet, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were significantly lower, platelet distribution width (PDW) was significantly higher in the PA patients. Conclusion: In the current study, MPV and PLR were lower and PDW was higher in PA patients. These parameters may be useful in assessment of PA.

Dissociation between physical capacity and daily physical activity in COPD patients. A population-based approach

BadkgroundPhysical capacity (PC) and daily physical activity (PA) are two crucial factors in the clinical course of COPD, although they do not always maintain a close relationship. The objectives were to evaluate the frequency of PC-PA dissociation in patients with COPD and subjects without airflow limitation (AL) and to identify its risk factors. MethodsA sample of 319 COPD patients and 399 subjects without AL was consecutively obtained from a population-based sample of 9092 subjects evaluated in the EPISCAN II study. Baseline evaluation included clinical questionnaires, lung function testing, blood analysis and low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan with evaluation of lung density and airway wall thickness. A distance walked in 6 min > 70% predicted was considered an indicator of normal PC, while a Yale Physical Activity Survey summary index score <51 was used to identify with sedentary lifestyle. Results166 COPD patients (52.0%) reported a sedentary lifestyle with evidence of preserved PC, while this phenomenon was present in 188 (47.1%) subjects without AL. In the COPD group, symptoms of chronic bronchitis, depression and elevated hematocrit and blood eosinophil count were identified as independent risk factors for PC-PA dissociation. In turn, in the subjects without AL, the risk factors for PC-PA dissociation were low fat-free mass, obesity and anxiety, as well as reduced levels of HDL-cholesterol and the absence of osteoporosis. ConclusionsAlmost half of COPD patients and subjects without airflow limitation with preserved PC maintain a sedentary lifestyle, with different risk factors for sedentarism between both groups.

Effects of bupleurum extract on the haematological, mineral, and hormonal profiles of heat-stressed dairy cows

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Bupleurum extract (BE) on the haematological profiles, the mineral and hormone levels of heat stressed dairy cows. Forty Holstein cows (75 ± 15 days in milk, 37.5 ± 1.8 kg of milk/d, and 1.7 ± 0.4 parity) with heat stress were randomly assigned to four treatments, which consisted of 0, 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 g BE/kg DM (Dry Matter). Compared with the control group, cows that were fed 0.5 g/kg BE had a higher red blood cell count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and white blood cell count. Compared with the control group, the supplementation of 0.25 and 0.5 g/kg BE decreased creatine kinase levels. Compared with the cows that were fed 0 or 1.0 g/kg BE, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and alkaline phosphatase activities were lower in those given 0.5 g/kg BE, while serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase was lower in those given 0.25 and 0.5 g/kg BE. Compared with the control group, the supplementation of 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg BE decreased sodium concentrations and increased potassium and calcium concentrations. In addition, the supplementation of 1.0 g/kg BE decreased phosphorus concentrations, while that of 0.5 g/kg BE increased chloride concentrations. As for hormone levels, triiodothyronine and prolactin levels increased in cows given 1.0 g/kg BE, while cortisol levels were lower in cows given 0.5 g/kg BE. Further, growth hormone levels were elevated in cows fed 0.25 g/kg BE. These findings suggest that supplemental BE at 0.5 g/kg could have positive effects on the blood metabolism of heat-stressed cows. HIGHLIGHTS Supplementation of 0.5 g/kg Bupleurum extract improved the haematological parameters of heat stressed dairy cows; Bupleurum extract can be used as a feed additive for cows.

Linking the Levels of Ferritin and Haematological Indices with Variations in Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference of Apparently Healthy Adults in Port Harcourt.

Background: The risk of some diseases associated with excessive adiposity and the impact it has on health care cost, makes it imperative for this study to aim at linking variations in body mass index and waist circumference to the levels of ferritin and some haematological indices in apparently healthy adult residents in Port Harcourt. We hypothesized therefore, that high body mass index and waist circumference might influence the amount of stored iron in the body. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and fifty adults aged 18- 50 years who were resident in Port Harcourt, Nigeria were recruited which includes 67 (53.60%) female and 58 (46.40%) males for test and control. 125 subjects with normal weight according to world health organization standard were used as control group, 56 overweight subjects, and 69 obese subjects were the test groups. Five milliliter blood sample was collected by standard venipuncture from each subject, 3mls was dispensed into plain tubes and spun to obtain the serum meant for ferritin assay using STAT FAX-2100 by awareness technology, 2mls of the blood was used for the analysis of complete blood count using automated haematology analyzer. Body Mass index and Waist Circumference were taken using a stadiometer (for height), weighing scale (for weight) and a measuring tape. A well-structured questionnaire was also used in this study. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the mean levels of mean corpuscular haemoglobin (p=0.3057) and mean corpuscular volume(p=0.4860) between the normal weight and overweight /obese subjects. Mean level of ferritin was higher in the overweight and obese subjects compared to normal weight but not statistically significant. However, the mean levels of haematocrit (p=0.0002), haemoglobin (p=0.0001) and red blood cell counts (p&lt;0.0001) were significantly higher in the overweight and obese group compared to the normal weight subject. The mean of waist circumference was significantly higher in the overweight and obese subjectscompared to control subjects p&lt;0.0001. Additionally, it was observed in this study that body mass index and waist circumference is associated with age. Conclusion: Based on this study, it may be stated that overweight, and obesity is increasing in Port Harcourt. Neither anaemia nor iron overload was observed in this study. Furthermore, normal ferritin level among overweight and obese people does not necessarily indicate normal iron storage, therefore, serum ferritin should be used in conjunction with haematological indices for the diagnosis and monitoring of iron deficiency anaemia or iron overload in obese people. Further research with larger sample size is recommended to study the correlation between serum ferritin, complete blood count, other Anthropometric indices, with body mass index in apparently healthy adults in Rivers State Nigeria