Lower Percentage Of Neutrophils Research Articles

Risk factors of high somatic cell count and differential somatic cells in early lactation associated with selective dry cow therapy.

The routine use of intramammary antimicrobial products in all dairy cows at the beginning of the dry period is no longer allowed in European Union (EU) countries due to the new Regulation (EU) 2019/6 to reduce antimicrobial resistance. This study investigated the application of a selective dry cow therapy scheme and the risk factors of high individual milk somatic cell count (SCC) and individual neutrophil count in early lactation, as a response to the application of a selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) protocol. The study was carried out on three commercial farms, and a total of 243 lactating cows were monitored at the end of lactation and at the beginning of the next one, 91 of which were dried off without the use of antimicrobials (NoT) based on milk SCC, differential somatic cell count (DSCC), and the response of Vetscan DC-Q milk analyser, using a secret algorithm. The remaining 152 cows received antimicrobials (T). After calving, similar means were observed between the two treatment groups for SCC (4.8 vs 4.9 log10 cells/ml for T and NoT, respectively, P=0.5) and total milk leucocyte count (TLC) (5 vs 5.1 log10 cells/ml for T and NoT, respectively, P=0.7) in milk. However, the use of antimicrobials led to a lower DSCC (58 vs 64% for T and NoT, respectively, P=0.01) and lower percentage of neutrophils (59 vs 64% for T and NoT, respectively, P=0.05), although the levels of DSCC and percentage of neutrophils in cows dried off without antimicrobials remained lower than the risk threshold suggested by the international literature. A logistic regression was computed after the application of selective dry cow therapy to identify risk factors of high milk SCC (≥100000 cells/mL) at the beginning of lactation. Increased milk SCC after calving was related to high SCC at the end of lactation and abandonment of antimicrobial therapy at dry-off. Moreover, the length of the dry period, milk protein content, and flank cleanliness in the last test day before dry-off were other factors in the logistic regression. Neutrophil counts at the beginning of the next lactation were affected by the same factors that influenced SCC, together with milk production, TLC, and macrophages on the last test day. The results obtained in these studied farms showed that selective dry cow therapy may be applied without adversely affecting the next lactation.

Endotyping Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis in Children: A Cluster Analysis.

BackgroundSeasonal Allergic Rhinitis (SAR) is a heterogeneous inflammatory disease. We hypothesized that a cluster analysis based on the evaluation of cytokines in nasal lavage (NL) could characterize distinctive SAR endotypes in children.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 88 children with SAR. Detailed medical history was obtained by well-trained physicians. Quality of life and sleep quality were assessed through standardized questionnaires [Pediatric Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PRQLQ) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) respectively]. Children were grouped through K-means clustering using Interleukin (IL)-5, IL-17, IL-23, and Interferon (INF)-γ in NL.ResultsOut of the 88 patients enrolled, 80 were included in the cluster analysis, which revealed three SAR endotypes. Cluster 1 showed lower levels of IL-5 and IL-17 and intermediate levels of IL-23 and IFN-γ; Cluster 2 had higher levels of IL-5 and intermediate levels of IL-17, IL-23, and IFN-γ; Cluster 3 showed higher levels of IL-17, IL-23, and IFN-γ and intermediate levels of IL-5. Cluster 1 showed intermediate values of nasal pH and nasal nitric oxide (nNO), and a lower percentage of neutrophils at nasal cytology than Clusters 2 and 3. Cluster 2 had a lower level of nasal pH, a higher nNO, higher scores in the ocular domain of PRQLQ, and worse sleep quality than Clusters 1 and 3. Cluster 3 showed a higher percentage of neutrophils at nasal cytology than Clusters 1 and 2.ConclusionsOur study identified three endotypes based on the evaluation of cytokines in NL, highlighting that childhood SAR is characterized by heterogeneous inflammatory cytokines.

Effect Exposure of Mobile Phone Radiation on Blood Parameters in Rats

The aim of the research was to assess effects of short and long-period exposure to radiation from mobile phone on blood indices in experimental rats. In this study forty mature female rats were used; the animals were divided into two experimental group, each group consists of twenty animals. Short-period group of rats were exposed to cell phone radiation for different duration 30 m, 60 m, and 90 m per day for six weeks. Long-period group of rats were exposed to radiation from mobile phone for different duration 2h, 4h, and 6h per day for three months. The study noticed that there was significant (P≥0.05) elevation in total white blood cells and the study demonstrated significant increment (P≥0.05) in percentage of lymphocytes (71.1%) of rats which exposed to radiation from mobile phone for short-period in (90 minutes) compared to the control group (42.64%). While, the study revealed that there was a significantly (P≥0.05) lower percentage of neutrophils (15.36%) in rats that were exposed to mobile phone radiation for long-period in (6 hours) compared with the control group (52.12%).The study recorded that there was a significant (P≥0.05) elevation in total red blood corpuscles and packed cell volume of rats exposed to radiation from mobile phone for short and long-period in different times compared with control. On the other hand, the research indicated that there was a significant (p≤0.05) decrement in mean corpuscles volume (MCV), mean corpuscle hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscle hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell distribution width standard deviation (RDW-SD) of rats to radiation from mobile phone for short and long-period in different times than control group.

Biomarkers for predicting response to aspirin therapy in aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease

BackgroundAspirin desensitization followed by daily aspirin use is an effective treatment for aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).ObjectiveTo assess clinical features as well as genetic, immune, cytological and biochemical biomarkers that might predict a positive response to high‐dose aspirin therapy in AERD.MethodsWe enrolled 34 AERD patients with severe asthma who underwent aspirin desensitization followed by 52‐week aspirin treatment (650 mg/d). At baseline and at 52 weeks, clinical assessment was performed; phenotypes based on induced sputum cells were identified; eicosanoid, cytokine and chemokine levels in induced sputum supernatant were determined; and induced sputum expression of 94 genes was assessed. Responders to high‐dose aspirin were defined as patients with improvement in 5‐item Asthma Control Questionnaire score, 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) score and forced expiratory volume in 1 second at 52 weeks.ResultsThere were 28 responders (82%). Positive baseline predictors of response included female sex (p = .002), higher SNOT‐22 score (p = .03), higher blood eosinophil count (p = .01), lower neutrophil percentage in induced sputum (p = .003), higher expression of the hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase gene, HPGD (p = .004) and lower expression of the proteoglycan 2 gene, PRG2 (p = .01). The best prediction model included Asthma Control Test and SNOT‐22 scores, blood eosinophils and total serum immunoglobulin E. Responders showed a marked decrease in sputum eosinophils but no changes in eicosanoid levels.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceFemale sex, high blood eosinophil count, low sputum neutrophil percentage, severe nasal symptoms, high HPGD expression and low PRG2 expression may predict a positive response to long‐term high‐dose aspirin therapy in patients with AERD.

Deciphering the Formulation Secret Underlying Chinese Huo-Clearing Herbal Drink.

Herbal teas or herbal drinks are traditional beverages that are prevalent in many cultures around the world. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, an herbal drink infused with different types of medicinal plants is believed to reduce the ‘Shang Huo’, or excessive body heat, a status of sub-optimal health. Although it is widely accepted and has a very large market, the underlying science for herbal drinks remains elusive. By studying a group of herbs for drinks, including ‘Gan’ (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. Ex DC.), ‘Ju’ (Dendranthema morifolium (Ramat.) Tzvelev), ‘Bu’ (Microcos paniculata L.), ‘Jin’ (Lonicera japonica Thunb.), ‘Xia’ (Prunella vulgaris L.), and ‘Ji’ (Plumeria rubra L.), the long-term jargon is connected with the inflammation of modern immunology through a few pro-inflammatory markers. In vitro studies have indicated that cellular inflammation is lowered by Ju and Jin either individually or synergistically with Gan. Among all herbs, only Gan detoxicated cellular toxicity of Bu in a dose dependent manner. The synergistic formulation of Ju and Gan, or Jin and Gan, in a reduction of Shang Huo, was tested in vivo. Both combinations exhibited a lower percentage of neutrophils, monocytes, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio in the blood, as well as inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, body weight in the combinatory groups was more stable than treatments using single herbs. The combination of old traditional oriental methods with Western science logistics, has resulted in the formulation of different herbs into one concoction for the use of detoxification and synergism.

The distribution of blood eosinophils and the related clinical characteristics in chronic obCOPD patients

Objective: To analyze the distribution of blood eosinophils (EOS) in COPD patients in the community and outpatient clinics, and to study the clinical characteristics and influencing factors of COPD patients with high EOS counts. Methods: This study included 237 patients with stable COPD, of which the median age was 68 years and males accounted for 81.2%. There were 45 community patients from the China Pulmonary Health study conducted in 2012-2013 and another 192 outpatients who attended the Respiratory Department of Peking University Third Hospital from August 2013 to November 2014 or from September 2015 to May 2018. Taking 100 cells/μl as the cut-off value, it was divided into high EOS group (146 people, 61.6%) and low EOS group (91 people, 38.4%). We compared demographic characteristics, respiratory symptoms, acute exacerbation, lung function, inflammation, imaging and other indicators. Results: The median EOS count of community patients was 110.4 cells/μl, and that of outpatients was 110.0 cells/μl. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of blood EOS among community and outpatients. The median EOS count of the general population was 110.0 cells/μl, and the median percentage was 1.8%. EOS≥300 cells/μl accounted for 11.4%. In the high EOS group, the percentage of male gender was higher (85.6% vs 74.7%), the GOLD grade was more severe, and the percentage of neutrophils was lower (61.70% vs 64.70%) (P<0.05 for these three characteristics). After multivariate analysis, the high EOS group was closely related to older age (OR=1.035, 95%CI:1.004-1.067, P=0.029), heavier GOLD grade (P=0.015) and lower percentage of neutrophils (OR=0.956, 95%CI:0.923-0.991, P=0.015). Conclusion: The distribution of blood EOS of COPD patients between the community and the outpatient clinics is not significantly different. About 60% of COPD patients have blood EOS≥100 cells/μl, which is associated with advanced age, male, severe airflow limitation, and low neutrophils.

Effects of dietary Russian olive, Elaeagnus angustifolia, leaf extract on growth, hematological, immunological, and antioxidant parameters in common carp, Cyprinus carpio

In this study, the effects of dietary supplementation with Russian olive, Elaeagnus angustifolia, extract were evaluated on growth performance, antioxidant and immunological parameters of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Hot-water extract of Russian olive leaves (RO) was added to common carp (~ 45 g) diet at 0% (C), 1% (1RO), 2% (2RO), and 3% (3RO) and offered to triplicated groups of fish for eight weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, growth performance, hematological, biochemical, antioxidant, and immunological parameters of fish were studied. The results indicated that RO supplementation had no significant effects on the fish growth performance and survival rate at any concentration. Likewise, the RO-treated fish exhibited no significant differences in red blood cell numbers, hematocrit, hemoglobin, eosinophil percentage, and monocyte percentage, compared to C treatment. Significantly higher leukocyte count and lymphocyte percentage, as well as lower neutrophil percentage were observed in 1RO treatment, compared to the other treatments. There were significant elevations in plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in 3RO treatment, compared to the other treatments suggesting RO hepatotoxic effects at high concentrations. There were no significant effects of dietary RO supplementation on plasma albumin levels but 1RO treatment exhibited significantly higher plasma total protein, globulin, and lysozyme activity compared to the other treatments, suggesting an immunostimulant effect at 1% enrichment. 1RO treatment also displayed the lowest catalase activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels suggesting a positive effect against oxidative stress, however fish fed with 3RO displayed the highest catalase and MDA. Dietary RO supplementation exhibited no significant effects on plasma superoxide dismutase activity. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 1% RO is recommended for carp feed formulation, as it stimulates some immune and antioxidant parameters in common carp. However, higher levels of RO should be avoided as they might cause oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity.

Prognostic significance of serum inflammation indexes in different Lauren classification of gastric cancer.

BackgroundInflammatory indexes are considered to be potential prognostic biomarkers for patients with gastric cancer (GC). However, little evidence has defined the prognostic significance of inflammatory indexes for GC with different Lauren classification.MethodsA total of 852 patients with GC were randomly selected consecutively into intestinal type and diffuse/mixed type groups. Group bias was reduced by propensity score matching. The cutoff values of inflammatory indexes were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve. The Kaplan–Meier method and log‐rank test were used to analyze the overall survival (OS). The chi‐square test was used to analyze the association between inflammatory indexes and clinical characteristics. The independent risk factor for prognosis in each group was analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses based on logistic regression. The nomogram models were constructed by R studio.ResultsIntestinal type GC patients (p < 0.05) had a lower percentage of neutrophils in stage I, higher percentage of neutrophils and higher platelet count in stage Ⅲ (p < 0.05). Systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) (p < 0.001), pTNM stage (p < 0.001), and postoperative chemotherapy (p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for prognosis in the intestinal type group. Platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (p < 0.001) and pTNM stage (p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for prognosis in the diffuse/mixed type group. The area under the curve of the nomogram model in predicting 5‐year prognosis in the intestinal type group and diffuse/mixed type group were 0.807 and 0.788, respectively.ConclusionSII combined with postoperative chemotherapy and pTNM stage were used to construct a nomogram model to predict the prognosis of intestinal type GC. PLR combined with pTNM stage can be used to construct a nomogram model for diffuse/mixed type GC patients.

Prognostic value of baseline complete blood count components in advanced gastric cancer patients: A multicenter retrospective study.

e16528 Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent malignant types in the world and an aggressive disease with a poor 5-year survival. Pretreatment CBC-based biomarkers, including blood neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts; hemoglobin (Hb) levels; and their combinations, such as the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), have been reported to reflect systemic and local inflammation associated with cancer progression and prognosis. There has been growing interest in using CBC-based measures as biomarkers for GC. Methods: This chart-review study aimed to evaluate the effect of baseline levels of different components of routine CBC examination as well as other patients and disease characteristics on progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in metastatic gastric cancer patients. Total 135 metastatic gastric cancer patients who had diagnosed and treated in three oncology centers in Saudi Arabia from 2011 to 2016 were incorporated. Various potential prognostic factors had measured in univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: After a median follow up of 21.4 months, the median OS / PFS were 11.0 and 6.1 months, respectively. Higher albumin level ( &gt; 3g/dl), low neutrophil percentage ≤ 75%, high lymphocyte percentage &gt; 15%, neutrophil /lymphocyte ≤ 2.5, high eosinophil count &gt; 0.4 k/ml, and EOX/EOF chemotherapy vs. doublet chemotherapy were associated with better PFS in univariate analysis. Conversely, in multivariate analysis, only serum albumin and eosinophil levels were related to PFS. In univariate analysis, higher serum albumin (3 g/dl), low neutrophil percentage ≤ 75%, high lymphocyte percentage &gt; 15%, neutrophil/lymphocyte ≤2.5, high eosinophil count &gt; 0.4 k/ml, receiving 1st line chemotherapy vs. no chemotherapy, receiving &gt; 6 cycles of chemotherapy, receiving EOX/EOF chemotherapy vs. doublet chemotherapy, platelet count ≤450 k/ml, male gender were associated with better OS. In multivariate analysis, lower neutrophil percentage, higher serum albumin, male sex and higher number of chemotherapy cycles were independently associated with OS. Conclusions: Higher eosinophil level was associated with improved PFS while lower neutrophil percentage and higher number of chemotherapy cycles were independent predictors of OS. Higher albumin levels independently predicted better OS and PFS.

Examination of Factors Influencing the Success Rates of an In Vitro Chemosensitivity Test for Lung Cancer Using Collagen Gel Droplet-Embedded Cultures

Objective: We evaluated the success rates and factors influencing the success rates of the Collagen Gel Droplet-Embedded Culture Drug Sensitivity Test (CD-DST) for pleural effusate in lung cancer patients with carcinomatous pleurisy.Materials and methods: Thirty-two patients with lung cancer having carcinomatous pleurisy were enrolled in this study between January 2014 and May 2017. Their pleural effusions were analysed by CD-DST, and the subjects were classified into two groups: successful cases and unsuccessful cases, based on whether the test was able to successfully determine drug sensitivity. We investigated whether the properties of the pleural effusate might influence the success rate of CD-DST. We observed that the CD-DST tended to have good success rates in patients with higher pH, higher percentage of lymphocytes, higher cell counts, and lower percentage of neutrophils in their pleural effusate. The red blood cell count was higher in the effusate of unsuccessful than successful cases.Conclusion: Our results suggest that the diagnostic success rates of CD-DST for pleural effusion from patients with lung cancer might improve by appropriate sample selection.

Haematology of southern bent-winged bats (Miniopterus orianae bassanii) from the Naracoorte Caves National Park, South Australia

Haematology is an important tool for evaluating the health of both individuals and populations of animals, as it can provide evidence of subclinical disease. This is particularly important for endangered species as it provides a potential early warning system. The southern bent-winged bat (Miniopterus orianae bassanii) is a critically endangered bat whose population has declined over the past 50 years. As part of a larger investigation to determine if disease could be a contributing factor to the sub-species’ decline, complete blood counts were performed on southern bent-winged bats from the Naracoorte Caves National Park, South Australia, to determine their haematological characteristics. Erythrocyte and leucocyte morphologies were similar to other bat species. However, when compared with published results for Schreiber’s bent-winged bat (M. schreibersii), a closely related species, southern bent-winged bats had significantly fewer total white blood cells and a lower percentage of neutrophils, but a significantly greater percentage of lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils. Polychromophilus melanipherus, a haemosporidian parasite, was found in the blood of 28% of bats. This parasite was not associated with any pathological effects. This study highlights the importance of generating species-specific reference ranges as extrapolating from even closely related species can lead to errors in interpretation.

E3 ubiquitin ligase NKLAM/RNF19b regulates inflammatory cytokine production in a Sendai virus pneumonia model

Abstract Recent studies have shown that E3 ubiquitin ligases are important mediators of the innate immune response. Studies from our laboratory have defined a role for the ubiquitin ligase natural killer lytic-associated molecule (NKLAM) in mouse and human innate immunity. Here, we present novel data describing a role for NKLAM in regulating the immune response to Sendai virus (SeV)-induced respiratory infection in mice. We found that NKLAM−/− mice demonstrated significantly less weight loss than wild type mice during SeV infection. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the lungs of NKLAM−/− mice had less perivascular and peribronchial leukocyte accumulation than wild type mice. Using flow cytometry, we found the lungs of NKLAM−/− mice contained a lower percentage of neutrophils, macrophages and NK cells than wild type mice post-infection. The expression of several key pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines that are transcriptionally regulated by STAT1 and/or NFκB such as IL-6, IFNγ and MCP-1 was decreased in NKLAM−/− mice. Consistent with these findings, STAT1 and NFκB p65 phosphorylation were significantly lower in NKLAM−/− mice than in wild type mice. Collectively, our results suggest that NKLAM plays a role in orchestrating the innate immune response to SeV by regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

The Pros and Cons of Splenectomy in Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia Patient

▪IntroductionOne of the treatment modalities in transfusion dependent thalassemia (TDT) patient is splenectomy which aims to ameliorate red cell transfusion. However, not all thalassemia patients respond to splenectomy. Moreover, splenectomy may increase many unfavorable consequences. The study about the efficacy and complications after splenectomy is limited and the effect of splenectomy on iron overload is still unclear.This study aims to investigate the long-term efficacy of splenectomy, factor predicting a response to splenectomy, the consequences of splenectomy complications, CBC parameter changes and the effect on iron overload parameters after splenectomy.MethodsAll TDT patients (PRC transfusion ≥3 units/year), aged >15 years who had splenectomy were recruited from our hematology division data base. Clinical characteristics including age, sex, age at splenectomy, operation date, hemoglobin (Hb) typing were collected. PRC transfusion requirement (unit/year) and CBC were collected 1 year before splenectomy, 1 year and 5 year post splenectomy.In the complication cohort, TDT patients with intact spleen were recruited into control group. The sample size was calculated that at least 33 patients (66.6% from splenectomy group and 33.3% from non-splenectomy group) needed to be recruited to have 80% power to detect a difference in complication at an alpha level of 0.05.The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) was based on the echocardiogram performed by the cardiologist and using definition from the 2015 ESC guideline. The thrombosis events were collected from medical record. The iron overload was compared by serum ferritin, liver iron concentration (LIC) and cardiac iron concentration were assessed by MRI of liver and cardiac T2*.The associated factors of efficacy and complication for splenectomy were compared using Chi-squared test or Fisher exact test for categorical variables and T-test or Mann-Whitney test and repeated measure mixed model for continuous variables. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify relationships between variables with the level of significance was defined as P value <0.05.ResultsFifty TDT patients were included from the data base. In term of splenectomy efficacy, 21 patients (42%) has been changed from TDT to non-transfusion dependent thalassemia (NTDT) patients after splenectomy and 25 patients (50%) had 50% reduction in PRC transfusion. The significant factors associated with changing from TDT to NTDT were genotype of thalassemia (P=0.001). HbH disease and beta thalassemia/HbE (β/E) patients were the group who had higher response (28.57% and 52.38%, respectively) compared to HbH with CS (9.52%) and homozygous beta-thalassemia (9.51%). Lower percentage of neutrophils (<50%) was associated with lower response (P=0.02). Older age at the time of splenectomy (>10 year old) was associated with higher response after splenectomy (P = 0.005).CBC before splenectomy, 1 and 5 years after splenectomy were compared. Mean Hb level was increased from 6.0 to 8.2 and 7.7 g/dL (P<0.001) and platelet was increased from 234,866 to 714,473 and 675,579 cells/cu.mm. (P<0.001).Sixty-four patients were included in the complication cohort, (44 patients in splenectomy group and 20 patients in non-splenectomy group). The baseline characteristics including age, sex, Hb, ferritin were similar between 2 groups. The splenectomy group had significant higher tricuspid valve regurgitation velocity (TRV) compared to non-splenectomy group (2.54 m/s vs. 2.31 m/s, P=0.029). The prevalence of PHT and thrombosis were higher in splenectomy group (27.3% vs. 15% and 9.1% vs. 0%, respectively). Serum ferritin, LIC and cardiac T2* were not different between the 2 groups. From multivariable analysis, the only significant factor for predicting PHT was the longer duration after splenectomy (p=0.045).ConclusionSplenectomy had benefit in some TDT patients. Factors that predict a higher response to splenectomy were thalassemia type (HbH and β/E), higher neutrophil percentage and older age at the time at splenectomy. Hb and platelet was significantly increased after splenectomy.In term of complication, splenectomy group had significant higher TRV and tended to have more prevalence of PHT and thrombosis. The longer time post splenectomy was the only significant factor for developing PHT. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte Ratio and C-reactive Protein Level in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder Before and After Pharmacotherapy

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level are useful biomarkers of inflammation. This study aimed to assess NLR and CRP level in patients with major depressive disorder before and after pharmacotherapy to determine whether NLR or CRP could be used as biomarkers of severity of major depression and whether there was any sex difference. Patients with major depression who received no pharmacotherapy 1 month prior to the study were included. Their haemoglobin, total white blood cell count, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, NLR, and CRP levels were evaluated at baseline and 12 weeks post pharmacotherapy, as were the Montgomery Asberg Rating Scale for Depression, the Scale for Impact of Suicidality Management and Assessment and Planning of Care (SIS-MAP), and the Clinical Global Impression Scale - Severity. 24 male and 26 female patients were included. At 12 weeks after pharmacotherapy, males had a higher haemoglobin level (p = 0.025), higher total white blood cell count (p = 0.018), and lower percentage of neutrophils (p = 0.019) than females. There was no sex difference in NLR or CRP. From baseline to 12 weeks, males had no significant change in any blood parameter, but females had a significantly greater increase in the percentage of neutrophils (p = 0.0001) and decrease in the percentage of lymphocytes (p = 0.012), resulting in a significantly increased NLR (p = 0.001). Both males and females had significant improvement on all 3 scales (p < 0.001). At 12 weeks, in males, the increase in NLR positively correlated with CRP as well as the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the SIS-MAP, but not the Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale. In females, the increase in NLR did not correlate with CRP or any of the scales. In female patients, the NLR increased in response to antidepressant therapy while CRP remained unchanged. This indicated that inflammation has a role in the pathogenesis of major depression.

Dietary Bovine Lactoferrin Reduces Staphylococcus aureus in the Tissues and Modulates the Immune Response in Piglets Systemically Infected with S. aureus

BackgroundBovine lactoferrin (bLf) reduces Staphylococcus aureus infection in premature infants and promotes the growth of Bifidobacterium infantis, a predominant infant gut species. We hypothesized that bLf in combination with B. infantis would reduce the severity of systemic S. aureus infection. ObjectiveThe aim was to determine the effects of oral administration of bLf and B. infantis on the course of systemic S. aureus infection. MethodsColostrum-deprived piglets were fed formulas containing 4 g whey/L (CON group) or bLf (LF group). One-half of the piglets in each group were gavaged with B. infantis (109 colony-forming units/d), resulting in 2 additional groups (BI or COMB, respectively). On day 7, piglets were intravenously injected with S. aureus. Blood samples were collected preinfection and every 12 h postinfection for immune analyses. Tissue samples were collected on day 12 for analysis of bacterial abundance and gene expression. ResultsPreinfection, LF piglets had lower serum interleukin 10 (IL-10), a higher percentage of lymphocytes, and a lower percentage of neutrophils than BI or COMB piglets. After infection, dietary bLf increased piglet weight gain, reduced staphylococcal counts in the kidneys, and tended to lower staphylococcal counts in the lungs and heart. Dietary bLf also decreased kidney IL-10 and increased lung interferon γ (IFN-γ) mRNA. B. infantis increased splenic IFN-γ expression. Renal Toll-like receptor 2 was upregulated in BI piglets but not in COMB piglets. Postinfection, BI piglets had increased serum IL-10 and decreased memory T cell populations. LF and COMB piglets had fewer circulating monocytes and B cells than CON or BI piglets. ConclusionsDietary bLf and B. infantis produced independent and tissue-specific effects. Piglets fed bLf alone or in combination with B. infantis mounted a more effective immune response and exhibited lower bacterial abundance. This study provides biological underpinnings to the clinical benefits of bLf observed in preterm infants but does not support B. infantis administration during S. aureus infection.

MUC18 regulates IL-13-mediated airway inflammatory response

To evaluate the effects of MUC18 on IL-13-mediated airway inflammatory responses in human airway epithelial cells and in mice. Primary normal human tracheobronchial epithelial (HTBE) cells, wild-type (WT) and Muc18 knockout (KO) mice, and mouse tracheal epithelial cells (mTECs) were utilized. Cultured HTBE cells treated with MUC18 siRNA or MUC18 expressing lentivirus were incubated with IL-13 (10ng/mL) for 24h. Mice were intranasally instilled with 500ng of IL-13 for 3days. mTECs were treated with IL-13 (10ng/mL) for 3days. PCR was used to measure mRNA expression. Western Blot and ELISAs were used to quantify protein expression. Cytospins of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells were used to obtain leukocyte differentials. MUC18 siRNA reduced IL-13-mediated eotaxin-3 (183±44 vs. 380±59pg/mL, p<0.05), while MUC18 overexpression increased IL-13-mediated eotaxin-3 (95±3 vs. 58±3pg/mL, p<0.05) in HTBE cells. IL-13-treated Muc18 KO mice had a lower percentage of neutrophils in BAL than WT mice (25±3 vs. 35±3%, p=0.0565). These results implicate MUC18 as a potential enhancer of airway inflammation in a type 2 cytokine (e.g., IL-13) milieu.

A reduction in milking frequency and feed allowance improves dairy cow immune status

Twice-daily milking is the most common milking regimen used globally. A reduction in milking frequency to once daily, combined with a reduced feed allowance (FA), could reduce the physiological stress associated with the transition to peak milk production, and hence improve immune function. This study investigated how milking frequency and FA affect dairy cow immune status. Cows (n=48) were milked once a day (OAD) or twice a day (TAD) on 1 of 2 FA: high (HFA) or low (LFA), in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. After the mean calving date of March 11, HFA cows were offered ad libitum grass silage and 7kg of concentrates/cow per day until March 22, then 4kg of concentrates/cow per day until April 17, and thereafter allocated 31.3kg of dry matter (DM) grass/cow per day. The LFA cows were offered 4kg of concentrates/cow per day, 1kg of concentrates/cow per day, and allocated 19kg of DM grass/cow per day for the same respective periods. Milk yield was recorded daily and body condition score weekly, and somatic cell count was performed at approximately 2-wk intervals. Blood samples were collected prepartum (d −7 to −1) and at d 1 to 7, d 14 to 21, and d 42 to 49 postpartum. Total and differential leukocyte percentage, IFN-γ production in response to concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin, and cortisol, haptoglobin (Hp), and serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations were evaluated. Cows milked OAD had reduced milk yield and body reserve mobilization, but higher somatic cell counts. Milking frequency and diet had no effect on total leukocyte counts. Cows milked OAD had a higher lymphocyte percentage and lower monocyte percentage, and tended to have a lower neutrophil percentage than cows milked TAD. In addition, the LFA cows had a higher eosinophil percentage than cows fed the HFA. Milking frequency and diet had no effect on IFN-γ, Hp, SAA, or cortisol production. Utilization of strategies to reduce milk yield at the beginning of the lactation could not only reduce body reserve mobilization, but also help to maintain a functioning immune system, and thus improve cow welfare.

Pulsatile pulmonary perfusion with oxygenated blood ameliorates pulmonary hemodynamic and respiratory indices in low-risk coronary artery bypass patients☆

Acute lung injury still accounts for postoperative mortality after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The safety and the efficacy of pulsatile pulmonary perfusion (PPP) during CPB were analyzed. Preliminary results of the first PPP trial in human beings are reported. Thirty low-risk coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients were prospectively randomized to receive PPP with oxygenated blood during CPB and aortic cross-clamping (15 patients, PPP-group) or to conventional CPB (15 patients, control group). Alveolo-arterial oxygen gradient (A-aDO(2)) was set as the primary end point and collected preoperatively, at intensive care unit (ICU) arrival (T1), 3h postoperatively (T2), and post extubation (T3). Secondary end points were collected at the same time points and consisted of respiratory indices (partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired O(2) (PaO(2)/FiO(2)), lung compliance, mixed-venous partial pressure of oxygen (pO(2))) and hemodynamic pulmonary parameters (indexed pulmonary vascular resistances (PVRI), pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), and cardiac index (CI)). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was collected preoperatively, at ICU arrival (T1-BAL) and after 4h. There were no PPP-related complications. Patients undergoing PPP showed a better preserved A-aDO(2) (group-p=0.001) throughout the study period (group × time-p = 0.0001). PaO(2)/FiO(2) and lung compliance were better preserved by PPP (group-p and group × time-p ≤ 0.05 for all). Pulmonary hemodynamic status was positively influenced by PPP, as shown by the higher CI (group-p=0.0001, group × time-p = 0.0001), and the lower PVRI, PAP, and PCWP (group-p ≤0.001, group × time-p=0.0001 for all). Postoperative BAL specimens demonstrated a lower absolute count of white blood cells (group-p=0.0001), a higher percentage of monocytes/macrophages (group-p=0.027), and a lower percentage of neutrophils (group-p=0.015) after PPP. Oxygenated blood PPP proved safe and significantly ameliorated pulmonary hemodynamic parameters and respiratory indices in low-risk CABG.

Effects of a thromboxane-synthetase inhibitor in patients with chronic persistent coughing and no airwayhyperresponsiveness

We studied the effects of the thromboxane-synthetase inhibitor ozagrel in 22 patients with chronic persistent coughing who did not have airwayhyperresponsiveness. Treatment with ozagrel (400 mg/day for 2 weeks) reduced coughing in 12 patients. Sputum from the patients in whom ozagrel was effective had a higher percentage of lymphocytes and a lower percentage of neutrophils than did sputum from those in whom ozagrel was not effective. Furthermore, in the former group the capsaicin cough threshold increased but in the latter it did not change consistently. These data indicate that thromboxane A2 may contribute to coughing associated with lymphocytic airway inflammation.

In vivo evaluation of noble metal coatings

A nanotopographic noble metal (Ag, Au, Pd) coating has been applied on commercial urinary catheters and used in more than 80,000 patients, with good clinical results. We have previously evaluated the biocompatibility of different variations of this coating, showing high cellular viability and function in vitro. However, the reasons for good clinical and preclinical behavior are not known. This in vivo study aimed to investigate the soft tissue peri-implant reaction to five coatings with systematically altered noble metal ratios after 1, 3, and 21 days of implantation in rats. The results show that coatings of silver only, or silver with medium amounts of gold and low-medium palladium content were superior to other tested coatings. Such surfaces were during the first days after implantation associated with a decreased recruitment of inflammatory cells to implant close exudates, a lower percentage of neutrophils, higher cell viability, and lower production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), compared to the other coatings and uncoated silicone (PDMS) control. In contrast, the addition of higher concentrations of gold and palladium to silver induced a thicker soft tissue capsule. Coatings with high concentration of palladium induced the thickest fibrouscapsule after 21 days of implantation. The study demonstrates that by varying the noble metal ratio at implant surfaces it is possible to modulate inflammation and fibrosis in soft tissue.