Measurement Of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Research Articles

Impact of preanalytical storage on the measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate using an infrared microphotometer system (TEST1)

This study examined the influence of temperature and time on the pre-analytical stability of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measured on a TEST1 system. The first experiment included 102 samples stored at room temperature and the second experiment included 112 subjects and investigated refrigerated (2–8 °C) storage. Our study showed a stable ESR results at room temperature (15–25 °C) up to 8 h (p = 0.512). Samples stored at 2–8 °C for 24 h were stable (p = 0.280) for 24 h.

HEMATOKRİTE GÖRE DÜZELTİLMİŞ ERİTROSİT SEDİMENTASYON HIZI, C-REAKTİF PROTEİN İLE DAHA İYİ BİR KORELASYONA SAHİPTİR

OBJECTIVE: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a laboratory marker widely used in clinical practice. It is affected primarily by two factors following: plasma proteins such as fibrinogen and some conditions associated with the erythrocytes such as hematocrit. Some formulas have been developed so as to interpret the ESR by eliminating the effect on the ESR of the hematocrit. The purpose of our research was to determine whether the formulas for ESR adjusted with hematocrit levels have a better correlation with C-reactive protein (CRP).MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data belong to February 2018 were obtained from database of our hospital. A total of 1206 patients’ results including ESR, CRP, and hematocrit, which had been measured in blood samples simultaneously obtained, were analyzed in terms of whether there is a correlation between these parameters. Hematocrit-adjusted ESR values were calculated by formulas following: (a) Hematocrit-adjusted sedimentation-1 (HA-ESR-1) = [(15)/(55-hematocrit)]X sedimentation, (b) Hematocrit-adjusted sedimentation-2 (HA-ESR-2) = (hematocrit/45)X sedimentation.RESULTS: While HA-ESR-2 had a better correlation with CRP compared to standard ESR measurements, HA-ESR-1 didn't make good the association between CRP and ESR.CONCLUSIONS: We found that HA-ESR-2 has significantly a better correlation with CRP than that of standard ESR. Therefore, this formula may be useful in clinical practice.

Pretreatment with low dose lipopolysaccharide promotes rapid decongestion of medullary capillaries

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common and has a mortality rate as high as 60%. Vascular congestion is a hallmark of AKI and is the aggregation of red blood cells (RBC) in the capillaries of the renal medulla following ischemia. Studies have shown that the severity of vascular congestion directly correlates with the recovery of renal function following ischemia. We recently reported that pretreatment with low dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) attenuates vascular congestion following ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) in rats. It remains unknown, however, if LPS prevents the formation of congestion or aids in the clearance of congestion following reperfusion. We hypothesized that ‘low dose LPS stimulates the clearance of RBC aggregates during early reperfusion’. To test this hypothesis, male WKY rats (10wks) were pretreated (i.p) with 1000μg/kg LPS (serotype O111:B4) or saline daily for 3 days. Following pretreatment, a 45‐minute warm, bilateral ischemia was performed. Rats were randomized to either 0, 1, 2, 6, 10, or 24 hour(s) of reperfusion (n=4/group). Following reperfusion, blood was collected for measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Congestion of the medullary vasa recta (VR) and peritubular (PT) capillaries was assessed in histological sections (blinded, scale: 0–5, 0=0% congestion, 5=100% congestion). Medullary VR congestion was not different between saline and LPS treated rats at time 0 (no reperfusion) with a score of 4 (80%) for both. Following reperfusion for 1, 2, 6, and 10 hours, VR congestion in saline treated rats remained elevated (average score: 4.09). In contrast, in LPS treated rats, VR congestion rapidly declined (within 1 hour), such that between 1–10 hours of reperfusion VR congestion averaged 1.89 (pTREATMENT<0.0001). PT congestion was minimal for both saline and LPS treated rats at time 0 (no reperfusion) but rapidly increased in saline treated rats to >60% at 6 hours. Conversely, in LPS treated rats PT congestion remained low (average 13.4%, pINTERACTION=0.0144) across the 24 hour reperfusion period. In saline treated rats, ESR, which is a marker of inflammation, was less than 2mm at 1–10 hours of reperfusion but increased to 7mm at 24 hours post‐ischemia. In LPS treated rats, ESR increased in a time dependent manner from 0mm at time 0 to 10mm at 24 hours (pTREATMENT<0.0001). We recently reported that pretreatment with LPS reduced vascular congestion 24 hours following ischemia‐reperfusion, however it was unclear whether LPS prevents the development of congestions or contributes to a quicker reperfusion. In this study, we tracked congestion following different hour(s) of reperfusion and found that LPS aids in flushing the VR following reperfusion which prevents the development of PT congestion. We speculate the early immune response evoked by LPS pretreatment, evident by ESR, is responsible for the rapid clearance of congestion in these animals. Understanding the mechanism by which LPS promotes this protective response to attenuate renal medullary congestion following ischemia may provide new methods to improve recovery and mortality rate from ischemic AKI.Support or Funding InformationNIH PO1HL134604 and DK099548

ESR temperature compensation algorithm based on BP neural network

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is an important medical test parameter, changes in ESR value can reflect changes in the condition,ESR measurements are susceptible to ambient temperature.This paper proposes a temperature compensation algorithm for ESR measurement based on BP neural network,temperature compensation can be ESR value detection result,to further improve the measurement accuracy erythrocyte sedimentation rate.Firstly, a neural network model of ESR temperature compensation is established. Secondly, learning training samples of the network are obtained and the sample data is pre-processed and network trained. Finally, the network prediction effect is tested to generate an optimal ESR temperature compensation network model.The algorithm proposed in this article can use the neural network method to correct the erythrocyte sedimentation measurement value, and can quickly and accurately achieve temperature compensation of the erythrocyte sedimentation value. This algorithm not only makes the accuracy of the compensation link within the measurement tolerance range, but also for the temperature without training Points have predictive compensation effects.

PH-Dependent Foam Formation Using Amphoteric Colloidal Polymer Particles.

Near-monodispersed micrometer-sized polystyrene (PS) particles carrying amidino and carboxyl groups on their surfaces were synthesized by soap-free emulsion polymerization using an amphoteric free radical initiator. The resulting amphoteric PS particles were characterized in terms of diameter, morphology, disperibility in aqueous media and surface charge using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy (OM), sedimentation rate and electrophoretic measurements. At pH 2.0, where the amidino groups are protonated (positively charged), and at pH 11.0, where the carboxyl groups are deprotonated (negatively charged), the PS particles were well dispersed in aqueous media via electrostatic repulsion. At pH 4.8, where the surface charges are neutral, the PS particles were weakly aggregated. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the PS particles can function as a pH-sensitive foam stabilizer: foamability and foam stability were higher at pH 2.0 and 4.8, where the PS particles can be adsorbed to the air–water interface, and lower at pH 11.0, where the PS particles tend to disperse in bulk aqueous medium. SEM and OM studies indicated that hexagonally close-packed arrays of PS particles were formed on the bubble surfaces and moiré patterns were observed on the dried foams. Moreover, the fragments of dried foams showed iridescent character under white light.

Evaluation of Incompatibility in Measurement of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Two Different Modes of Automated Analyzer and Surpassing This Problem With a Manipulation

Evaluation of Incompatibility in Measurement of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Two Different Modes of Automated Analyzer and Surpassing This Problem With a Manipulation

Grading of Metacarpophalangeal Rheumatoid Arthritis on Ultrasound Images Using Machine Learning Algorithms

The grading evaluation of metacarpophalangeal rheumatoid arthritis (RA) ultrasonic images is a diagnostic challenge that heavily relies on the expertise of trained sonographers. This study presents a grading method for detecting and estimating the geometric and texture features of synovium thickening and bone erosion. Unlike previous studies in this area, this work uses the metrics and texture features of region of interest (ROI). The highlighted feature of metacarpophalangeal bone and the dark feature of the synovial thickening are extracted simultaneously by the segmented method based on the Gaussian scale space. The segmented results are analyzed to extract three quantitative geometric parameters, which are combined with gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) statistic texture features to describe the ultrasonic image of metacarpophalangeal RA. To obtain the preferable ability of classification, we applied a support vector machine (SVM) and various feature descriptors, including GLCM, local binary patterns (LBP), and GLCM + LBP, to grade the ultrasonic image of metacarpophalangeal RA. Results show that the SVM, based on our feature descriptor, provides the highest accuracy of up to 92.50%, of the four descriptors. The SVM based on GLCM+LBP descriptor shows better accuracy (86.55%) than either SVM + LBP (85.43%) or SVM+GLCM (82.51%) for discriminating among four grade RA ultrasonic images. Overall, this methodology points to a significant grading of metacarpophalangeal RA ultrasound images without medical expert analysis or blood sample analysis, such as detecting C-reactive protein, measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and testing rheumatoid factor.

Transport of dispersed oil compounds to the seafloor by sinking phytoplankton aggregates: A modeling study

Up to 20% of the oil spilled as a result of the Deepwater Horizon explosion in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 was deposited as degraded oil compounds on the seafloor. Much of that deposition was likely due to dispersed oil compounds having been integrated into fast-sinking aggregates, which transported it effectively to depth. Understanding the details of this oil transport mechanism, and predicting its potential magnitude, is important for the management and mitigation of future oil spills.The 1-D model described here simulates a) a diatom bloom and the resulting formation of aggregates via coagulation of cells, b) the scavenging of dispersed oil compounds by these aggregates as they sink through the water column, c) the degradation of diatom carbon and oil carbon during transit, and d) the ultimate deposition of aggregates and oil compounds to the seafloor. The model is parameterized using primarily field- and laboratory-collected data and the model results are compared to sediment trap data. Specifically, one large diatom sedimentation event observed shortly after the Deepwater well was capped was modeled. The comparison of simulation results to field data assesses the model’s ability to explain the observed sedimentation event and tests our understanding of the main mechanisms driving such an event.The model results indicate that diatom carbon and oil compounds captured in the trap were linked to a sedimentation event that reached peak intensity just before the trap was deployed. The model simulations predict the measured sedimentation rates of oil compounds and organic carbon reasonably well, indicating that the key mechanisms driving this process were captured by the model. In the baseline case, which simulates the sedimentation of a large Skeletonema bloom in late August 2010, about 10% of the dispersed oil compounds lingering in the water were deposited to the seafloor. The ability of a sinking diatom bloom to scavenge dispersed oil compounds from the water column and deposit them to depth is a robust result of the model over a range of parameter variations. These results suggest that a model that combines satellite data on phytoplankton blooms with water column dispersed oil concentrations to estimate potential oil compound deposistion rates may be able to provide decision makers with guidance during an oil spill. However, additional, independent validation of the model is necessary before it can be adapted for use in an operational setting.

A portable rotating disc as blood rheometer.

Abnormalities in biophysical properties of blood are often strong indicators of life threatening infections. However, there is no existing device that integrates the sensing of blood hematocrit (or equivalently, packed cell volume), viscosity, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in a unified paradigm for point-of-care diagnostics. In an effort to develop a rapid, integrated, accurate, portable, and inexpensive sensing platform to diagnose the corresponding pathophysical parameters, we develop a simple and portable spinning disk capable of yielding these results in a few minutes instead of the traditional duration of hours. The device requires only 40 μl of unprocessed freshly drawn blood treated with an anticoagulant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, instead of the traditional requirement of 2 ml of blood for just the ESR measurement and still more for hematocrit determination. In contrast to the sophisticated instrumentation required to determine these parameters by the previously proposed microfluidic devices, our device requires minimal infrastructure. The measurement of hematocrit is accomplished by means of a simple 15 cm ruler. Additionally, a simple measurement of the blood flow rate enables the determination of the ESR value. The rapidity, ease, accuracy, portability, frugality, and possible automation of the overall measurement process of some of the most important parameters of blood under infection pinpoint its utility in extreme point-of-care settings.

Correlations of C-Reactive Protein and Folate with Smoking, Sport, Hematological Inflammation Biomarkers and Anthropometrics in Syrian University Female Students Cross-Sectional Study

In Syria, high-Sensitive C-Reactive (hsCRP), folate, and, other health risk data in young women are limited. This cross-sectional study evaluates hsCRP and folate levels along with anthropometric characteristics, lifestyle factors and some biomarkers linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in healthy female students (n = 207, 18–25 years old). Among participants, hsCRP level was at average or high risk of CVD in 20.7% and 2.5% respectively and it was significantly higher in participants who had high body mass index (BMI) (Nonparametric statistical tests, p value < 0.05). Unexpectedly, it did not vary significantly between smokers and nonsmokers. And, it correlated positively with anthropometric and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measurements. While folate level was low in 3.4% of participants, no association between hsCRP and folate levels was found. Finally, low hemoglobin level and habit of waterpipe smoking are spreading; and, sport practicing is shrinking. After reviewing similar works, this study suggests that the possible correlation between hsCRP and folate could be displayed in patients older than 30 years. Also, the marked decrease in hemoglobin level needs more attention. Finally, young females in Syria are advised to consider a lifestyle free of smoking and packed with physical activity.

Recent advances in the workup and management of Raynaud’s phenomenon

Raynaud phenomenon (RP) is defined as recurrent, reversible episodes of vasospasm involving peripheral small vessels, typically in the fingers and toes. Primary (idiopathic) RP is common (it occurrs in about 5% of the general population) and is usually benign. Secondary RP accounts for 10% to 20% of all RP cases and may be associated with complications such as tissue loss, ulcers, and gangrene. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) or, more rarely, other connective tissue diseases are the main underlying conditions. A detailed clinical history and careful physical examination may be helpful in identifying the cause. Routine investigations include a full blood count, measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‑reactive protein, antinuclear antibody levels, biochemical profile, thyroid function tests, protein electrophoresis, chest X‑ray, and nailfold capillaroscopy. Capillaroscopy can facilitate a very early diagnosis of SSc. Doppler ultrasound is recommended to evaluate the risk of pathologies in large to medium-sized arteries. Lifestyle modifications may be sufficient to control primary RP, but some patients, and most with secondary RP, require pharmacologic treatment. Several medications are proposed to manage RP and its complications, such as calcium channel blockers, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, intravenous prostanoids, and topical nitrates. However, scientific evidence for the use of these drugs is still weak to moderate. Despite the lack of efficacy of bosentan in RP treatment, this medication is approved for the secondary prevention of digital ulcers in patients with SSc. In conclusion, the management of RP still represents a challenge. Collaboration between healthcare professionals, patient organizations, and the society could encourage earlier medical assessment of people at risk of SSc.

The comparison of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) modify Westergren Caretium Xc-A30 and Westergren Manual in Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Sanglah General Hospital, Denpasar, Bali

 Background: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test is one of the most widely performed laboratory test to assess acute phase of inflammation, infection, autoimmune or malignancy. The reference method for ESR measurement was introduced by Westergren. This method is generally easy, un-expensive, yet, time consuming. Automatic instrument has been introduced to decrease the measurement time. Caretium XC-A30 is automatic instrument to measure ESR; it is used in Sanglah General Hospital Denpasar without previous research. Aim of this study was to assess comparison, correlation and agreement of Caretium XC- A30 to the reference method.Methods: A total of 35 samples in consecutive sampling were taken during August 2018 at Sanglah General Hospital, Denpasar. The samples were examined for ESR with Caretium XC-A30 and manual Westergren. Comparison, correlation and agreement were tested for both methods used.Results: The Westergren method was the reference method and Caretium XC-A30 was the tested method. Wilcoxon signed rank test showed no difference between two methods (p= 0.439). There was a very strong correlation and excellent agreement showed by Spearman coefficient correlation r= 0.989 and kappa coefficient 0.942. Conclusion: This study showed no difference between Caretium XC-A30 and Westergren as the reference method for ESR measurement, with very strong correlation and excellent agreement. Thus, Caretium XC-A30 has a potential use in performing ESR measurement with high throughput and lesser time than manual Westergren method.

SUN-171 PRETREATMENT WITH LOW DOSE LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE PREVENTS ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION INDUCED RENAL VASCULAR CONGESTION IN WKY RATS.

Our lab has previously shown red blood cell (RBC) congestion in the renal outer medulla is critical in determining the recovery of renal function following ischemia-reperfusion (IR). While pre-conditioning with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been reported to provide protection against IR-induced tubular injury, the effect of low dose LPS on renal medullary congestion has not been directly examined. We hypothesized prior exposure to low dose LPS would induce mild inflammation, promote rouleaux and increase RBC congestion following IR. Study 1: LPS dose response in 10wk old male Wistar-kyoto rats (WKY). Rats were injected (i.p.) with either 10 (n=3), 100 (n=3), 1000 (n=6) ug/kg LPS or saline (n=5) once daily for 7 days prior to IR. Low dose LPS concentrations are less than 1/10th of the dose reported to cause hemodynamic dysfunction. Study 2: Preconditioning vs acute low dose LPS in male WKY. Rats were treated with either 1) 1 injection (i.p) of LPS (1000ug/kg, n=3) or saline (n=3) 24h prior to IR, 2) daily injection of LPS (1000ug/kg, n=4) or saline (n=4) for 3 days prior to IR, or 3) daily injections of LPS (1000ug/kg, n=5) or saline (n=4) for 7 days prior to IR. Following pretreatment, all animals were anesthetized for 30min (Study 1) or 45min (Study 2) ischemia with 24h reperfusion, and humanely sacrificed. Kidneys were collected for histological analysis of RBC congestion (blinded scoring scale 0-5) and tubular injury (blinded, 0-100%). Blood was collected at baseline, pre-IR, and sacrifice for measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (SCr). Study 1: CRP and ESR measurements indicated modest inflammation and rouleaux formation in LPS (1000 ug/kg) pretreated animals (ESR: 5.9mm±1.2) compared to control (ESR: 3.2mm±1.4). Most striking, medullary peritubular congestion showed LPS pretreatment dose dependently attenuated congestion when compared to saline treated controls (Fig. 1). Study 2: Preconditioning with low dose LPS (1 injection daily for 3 or 7days) induced mild inflammation and reduced RBC congestion in the renal medulla (7 day congestion score: LPS 1.3±0.94, control 3.5±0.54). In these same animals, tubular injury showed no difference between LPS and control groups (p= 0.397). In contrast, a single, acute injection of low dose LPS 24h prior to IR demonstrated similar renal medullary RBC congestion as saline injected animals (Congestion score: LPS 3.2±0.83, control 2.2±1.09). We conclude that despite promoting inflammation, and rouleaux, 3-7days of pretreatment with low dose LPS attenuates RBC congestion in the renal medulla following IR. The effect appears to be largely independent of tubular injury, suggesting the phenomenon is not secondary to reduced parenchymal damage. As sustained congestion and hypoxia following IR may lead to progressive renal injury in the medulla after renal blood flow and GFR returns towards normal, understanding the mechanisms by which low dose LPS prevents renal congestion may lead to novel therapeutic approaches to improve recovery from ischemic acute kidney injury.

Epicardial adipose tissue thickness as a new risk factor for atherosclerosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

The aim of this study was to compare epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT), which is a novel cardiometabolic risk factor in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) with healthy controls to assess the relationship between these markers and disease activity. This study involved 38 patients with AS and 38 controls with no history of cardiovascular disease. CIMT was measured by Doppler ultrasound, and EATT by echocardiography, in all participants. Total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, thyroid stimulating hormone, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and hemogram measurements were performed in all subjects after 8 hours of fasting. In addition, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) scores of the patients with AS were recorded. EATT was significantly higher in patients with AS (0.45 ± 0.17 mm) compared with healthy (0.37 ± 0.10 mm) controls (p= 0.01). Significant positive correlations were detected between EAT thickness and BASFI, CIMT, and disease duration in patients with AS (p= 0.008, p= 0.024, and p= 0.012, respectively). Significant negative correlations were observed between EATT and TC and LDL cholesterol concentrations (p= 0.016 and p= 0.009, respectively). No significant difference was detected in CIMT between the patients (0.515 ± 0.08 mm) and the controls (0.517 ± 0.094 mm, p= 0.98). No significant correlation was observed between CIMT of the patients with AS and the BASDAI, BASFI, TC, HDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, or diastolic blood pressure values. Significant positive correlations were observed between CIMT and waist circumference, weight, body mass index, and LDL cholesterol in patients with AS and the controls. This study demonstrated increased EATT in patients with AS compared with a healthy population, which was positively correlated with disease duration and BASFI.

A retrospective review of 14 cases of malignant otitis externa

BackgroundMalignant otitis externa is an inflammatory condition of the external ear which has the propensity to spread to the skull base. It can be a difficult entity to treat as clinical presentation varies and response to treatment differs between patients. We reviewed cases of malignant otitis externa in our setup to document the epidemiology and outcome of management. MethodsThis is a retrospective case review observational study from January 2013–December 2017. Fourteen patients diagnosed with malignant otitis externa in our tertiary referral centre were included in the study. Based on hospital protocol, empiric treatment was started. After discharge, the patients follow up visits to the hospital were also documented. ResultsOtalgia was the most common symptom. Edema and congestion of the external auditory canal were observed in most cases. Diabetes was present in all patients. Three cases had associated facial palsy, and one patient had involvement of 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th cranial nerve. Two patients with facial palsy recovered. Pseudomonas aeuroginosa was the most common organism isolated (50%). ConclusionsIn our series, malignant otitis externa invariably presented with severe otalgia. Lower cranial palsies were also seen. Methods to evaluate complete eradication of disease should be centered on clinical symptoms and signs, but the measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate or radiological imaging may be used as a useful adjunct when there is uncertainty.

Evaluation of Chest Radiographic Patterns and Its Relationship with Hematological Parameters in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

Background: Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is a major public health challenge in Nigeria with an estimated prevalence of 616 cases per 100,000. The aim of this study was to identify chest radiographic patterns in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Lagos Metropolis and investigate the relationship between these patterns and hematological parameters. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross sectional study design was adopted in this study. All the investigations were performed using standard protocols and parameters by both Radiographers and Medical Laboratory Scientists with the necessary equipment’s such as static X-ray machine and SWELAB Haematology analyzer (Manufactured by Sysmex Corporation Kobe, Japan). The anthropometric variables (height, weight, and Body Mass Index BMI) for all the subjects were measured and documented. All confirmed TB subjects at the time of diagnosis were subjected to chest X-ray investigation, ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) measurement and full blood count analysis. The reports were recorded with the subject’s biodata and anthropometric variables. Results: Males were 131 (72.4%) with a mean age of 34.77 ± 9.23 years and 50 (27.6%) were females with a mean age of 32.16 ± 8.72 years. All the patients had increased Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and 98% had anaemia while about 71% of the patients presented with increased lymphocytes count. The radiographic patterns identified in this study were consolidation (57.5%) as highest and the least was pleural effusion (1.1%). The result of correlation analysis of ESR, WBC and PCV (Packed Cell Volume) showed no statistically significant correlation between ESR (r=-0.649, p=0.16), PCV (r=0.549, p=0.26), WBC (White Blood Cell) (r=-0.325, p=0.53) and the various chest radiographic patterns. Conclusion: This study revealed that the most predominant chest radiographic pattern is consolidation with pleural effusion as the least. There was no statistically significant relationship between the various chest radiographic patterns and hematological parameters in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Lagos Metropolis.

Assessment of neutrophil/lymphocyte percentage in bronchial asthma

Background Neutrophil/lymphocyte percentage is a helpful test for evaluation of systemic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate neutrophil/lymphocyte percentage as an evidence of control status in bronchial asthma. Patients and methods The study included 45 (20 males and 25 females) patients and 45 apparently healthy subjects. Full clinical evaluation, complete blood count (CBC) with differential white blood cell count, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and total IgE measurement were done for participants. Results Neutrophil/lymphocyte percentage and CRP were higher in asthmatics than controls (statistically significant difference), and they were significantly increased with uncontrolled asthma. Neutrophil/lymphocyte percentage could predict uncontrolled asthma with a sensitivity of 66.7%, specificity of 75.6%, positive predictive value of 73.2%, negative predictive value of 69.4% and accuracy of 71.1%. Neutrophil/lymphocyte percentage increased in asthmatics with asthma control test (ACT) less than 20 versus patients with ACT of at least 20 (statistically significant difference), whereas neutrophil/lymphocyte percentage did not differ significantly among the patients with asthma regarding sex and smoking. Neutrophil/lymphocyte percentage had direct proportional relation with CRP and ACT, whereas the relations between neutrophil/lymphocyte percentage and age, eosinophils, IgE, Forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1%), duration of the disease, or number of attacks per year were nonsignificant. No significant correlation was found between controlled and uncontrolled cases regarding total leukocyte count (TLC), duration, and onset of the disease. The number of attacks was significantly higher in uncontrolled cases than controlled ones. Conclusion Neutrophil/lymphocyte percentage could predict uncontrolled asthma with high sensitivity and specificity. Neutrophil/lymphocyte percentage is a rapid, inexpensive method with routine CBC analysis and could be a useful predictor of asthma control.

Differences in erythrocyte sedimentation rates using a modified Westergren method and an alternate method.

Worldwide laboratories have adopted the use of modified or alternate methods for measurement of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The iSED from Alcor Scientific is a novel, alternate ESR method based on photometric aggregometry which offers improved operator safety and reduced analysis time. This study evaluated the diagnostic utility of the iSED in a South African patient population with a range of inflammatory disorders. We compared the iSED with the predicate modified Westergren method (StaRRsed, Mechatronics, Zwaag, the Netherlands) measured at 60minutes. Analysis was performed on K2 EDTA samples at three ESR measurement ranges (<20, 20-80 and >80mm/h) in 120 pediatric and adult inpatients and outpatients over a 2-week period. Precision, stability, and carryover were performed in accordance with the revised International Council for Standardisation in Haematology guidelines. The iSED demonstrated acceptable imprecision with minimal carryover (2.86%). The correlation coefficients at the 3 ESR measurement ranges were r=0.58, r=0.71, and r=0.56, respectively. The y-intercepts were -10.74 (CI -29.17 to 7.69), -5.95 (CI -18.60 to 6.69) and 246.05 (CI 591.42-99.31). This indicated a difference of a constant nature with an overall mean difference of 7.99mm/h (CI 5.87-10.13) (P<0.001). iSED ESR measurements were stable up to 24hours when stored at room temperature or at 4-8°C. This study demonstrated differences in ESR results, predominantly at extremes of the analytical range, using an alternate method. Careful consideration and performance monitoring of these novel methods are advised.

Multiple and Periodic Measurement of RBC Aggregation and ESR in Parallel Microfluidic Channels under On-Off Blood Flow Control.

Red blood cell (RBC) aggregation causes to alter hemodynamic behaviors at low flow-rate regions of post-capillary venules. Additionally, it is significantly elevated in inflammatory or pathophysiological conditions. In this study, multiple and periodic measurements of RBC aggregation and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are suggested by sucking blood from a pipette tip into parallel microfluidic channels, and quantifying image intensity, especially through single experiment. Here, a microfluidic device was prepared from a master mold using the xurography technique rather than micro-electro-mechanical-system fabrication techniques. In order to consider variations of RBC aggregation in microfluidic channels due to continuous ESR in the conical pipette tip, two indices (aggregation index (AI) and erythrocyte-sedimentation-rate aggregation index (EAI)) are evaluated by using temporal variations of microscopic, image-based intensity. The proposed method is employed to evaluate the effect of hematocrit and dextran solution on RBC aggregation under continuous ESR in the conical pipette tip. As a result, EAI displays a significantly linear relationship with modified conventional ESR measurement obtained by quantifying time constants. In addition, EAI varies linearly within a specific concentration of dextran solution. In conclusion, the proposed method is able to measure RBC aggregation under continuous ESR in the conical pipette tip. Furthermore, the method provides multiple data of RBC aggregation and ESR through a single experiment. A future study will involve employing the proposed method to evaluate biophysical properties of blood samples collected from cardiovascular diseases.

Time Not Our Time: Physical Controls on the Preservation and Measurement of Geologic Time

Sadler's (1981) analysis of how measured sedimentation rate decreases with timescale of measurement quantified the vanishingly small fractional time preservation—completeness—of the stratigraphic record. Generalized numerical models have shown that the Sadler effect can be recovered, through the action of erosional clipping and time removal (the “stratigraphic filter”), from even fairly simple topographic sequences. However, several lines of evidence suggest that most of the missing time has not been eroded out but rather represents periods of inactivity or stasis. Low temporal completeness could also imply that the stratigraphic record is dominated by rare, extreme events, but paleotransport estimates suggest that this is not generally the case: The stratigraphic record is strangely ordinary. It appears that the organization of the topography into a hierarchy of forms also organizes the deposition into concentrated events that tend to preserve relatively ordinary conditions, albeit for very short intervals. Our understanding of time preservation would benefit from insight about how inactivity is recorded in strata; better ways to constrain localized, short-term rates of deposition; and a new focus on integrated time–space dynamics of deposition and preservation.