White Blood Cell Values Research Articles

Determination of the effects of environmental pollution on the Balkan terrapin, Mauremys rivulata (Valenciennes, 1833).

The effects of environmental pollution on three populations of the Balkan terrapin [Mauremys rivulata (Valenciennes, 1833)] from the Bozcaada, Gökçeada and Dardanos regions were evaluated. The morphological parameters of Balkan terrapins collected on each site were measured and blood samples were taken for haematological analysis and micronucleus detection. The physicochemical, microbiological and microelement analyses of the water samples from each region were conducted by standard methods. The highest red blood cell, white blood cell and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration values were seen in the samples from Gökçeada. The highest haemoglobin value was found in the samples originating from Bozcaada, whereas the highest haematocrit and mean corpuscular volume values were found in the animals from Dardanos. Based on the microbiological analysis of the water samples, the most polluted site was Gökçeada. The microelement contents of the water and blood samples were different at the three sites, the lowest being in the Gökçeada area. It was revealed that the percentage of red blood cell micronuclei and other nucleus abnormalities in the M. rivulata blood samples was the lowest also in the animals living in the region of Gökçeada.

PREVALENCE AND EFFECT OF ASCARIS LUMBRICOIDES, ENTEROBIUS VERMICULARIS AND HYMENOLEPIS NANA ON THE ACCOMPANYING BLOOD PICTURE IN IBEN KOLDOON HOSPITAL, LAHAJ- YEMEN

Intestinal parasitic infections, are the most common infections worldwide. Various epidemiological studies in Yemen and the neighboring countries, indicate that the prevalence of intestinal parasites is high, especially in developing countries.This study was aims to investigate the prevalence of infection with Intestinal Parasites Worms (IPW), Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis and Hymenolepis nana and its impact on the blood picture among patients attending Ibn Khaldoon hospital in Lahaj governorate - Yemen.A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to October 2020, to assess the prevalence of infection parasites worms (IPW) and associated risk factors. This study included 645 patients from both sexes and different ages. Stool samples were examined microscopically using direct wet-mount, formal-ether concentration techniques and Saturated sodium chloride floatation technique. We analyzed the blood picture of the infected and uninfected people and focused on the three pictures of white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb) and eosinophil (E). A structured questionnaire, was used to obtain information regarding the associated risk factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.The results showed that (94.88%) were positive and 33 cases (5.12%) were negative. And among the (94.88%) positive cases, (59,53%) cases were positive with intestinal helminthes (IH). The infection rate for males (47.65%) cases and for females (42.97%) cases, and the statistical analysis showed a significant difference at the level of significance (P<0.05). Also, some hematological parameters of the blood picture taken from the patients showed significant differences compared to the control group, where the level of (Hb) decreased (10.19 g/dL) and a slight increase in the number of (WBC) 6990 cells/mm3 and a rise in (E) cells 671.74). cell/mm3.In conclusion, the necessity of spreading health education among members of the community and showing the danger of infection with IPW in particular and parasites in general. In relation with blood picture examinations showed a statistically significant difference (P=0.00) in the three age groups. Where the values of WBC 8.49 Mean and (E) 11.174 Mean were more elevated in the first age group, while they decreased in the second and third age groups, while the level of Hb was the most low (8.420 Mean). In the first, second and third age groups.

Prognostic marker for mortality of COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit: the delta neutrophil index

Aim: The Delta Neutrophil Index (DNI) shows the ratio of immature granulocytes in the circulation and increases in conditions of infection and inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of using DNI as a prognostic marker of mortality in COVID-19 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Material and Method: This retrospective study included 316 patients followed up in the ICU with a diagnosis of COVID-19. A record was made for each patient of demographic data, laboratory values, clinical results and mortality status. All the data of the patients were evaluated and compared between the two groups of surviving and non-surviving patients. Results: Mortality developed in 181 (57.27%) patients. The Glasgow Coma Scale score was lower and the APACHE II and SOFA scores were higher in the mortality group than in the surviving group (p<0.001 for all). The creatinine, procalcitonin, white blood cell, neutrophil count, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, lactate, interleukin -6 and C-reactive protein values were statistically significantly higher in the mortality group. In the comparison of DNI between the groups, a statistically significant difference was only determined on day 3 (p=0.026). For the DNI examined on day 3, the AUC value was 0.574 and the cutoff value was 1.35% for the prediction of mortality. Conclusion: DNI, which is low cost and simple to use, can be considered safe for use in the prediction of mortality of ICU patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The monitoring of increasing or decreasing trends by keeping regular records can be considered important for the clinical course.

IL-6 Serum Levels Can Enhance the Diagnostic Power of Standard Blood Tests for Acute Appendicitis.

Background: The diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) remains challenging, especially in pediatrics, because early symptoms are not specific, and the younger the patient the more difficult their interpretation is. There is a large degree of agreement between pediatric surgeons on the importance of an early diagnosis to avoid complicated acute appendicitis (CAA) and its consequences. The aim of this study is to assess if Interleukin 6 (IL-6) could enhance the sensitivity (Sn) and specificity (Sp) of the currently available and routinely performed diagnostic tools in case of suspected AA in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted including patients who underwent appendectomy between November 2020 and March 2022. We divided patients into three groups: not inflamed appendix (group NA), not complicated AA (group NCAA), and complicated AA (group CAA). We compared the mean values of white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, fibrinogen, ferritin, aPTT, INR, C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, and CRP between the three groups. Then we evaluated Sn, Sp, and odds ratio (OR) of IL-6 and CRP alone and combined. Results: We enrolled 107 patients operated on for AA (22 in Group NA, 63 in Group NCAA, and 21 in group CAA). CRP levels resulted in a significant increase when comparing CAA with NA (p = 0.01) and CAA with NCAA (p = 0.01), whereas no significance was found between NA and NCAA (p = 0.38). A statistically significant increase in average IL-6 levels was found when comparing NCAA with NA (p = 0.04), CAA with NA (p = 0.04), and CAA with NCAA (p = 0.02). Considering CRP alone, its Sn, Sp, and OR in distinguishing NA from AA (both NCAA and CAA together) are 86%, 35%, and 33,17, respectively. Similarly, Sn, Sp, and OR of IL-6 alone are 82%, 54%, and 56, respectively. Combining CRP and IL-6 serum levels together, the Sn increases drastically to 100% with an Sp of 40% and OR of 77. Conclusions: Our study may suggest an important role of IL-6 in the detection of AA in its early stage, especially when coupled with CRP.

Comparison of Thiol-Disulfide Hemostasis With Inflammatory Markers in the Inflammatory Process of Acute Appendicitis.

BackgroundAcute appendicitis is one of the events most frequently encountered by general surgeons. Despite the high incidence, serious problems are experienced in the diagnosis and clinical follow-up. In the pathogenesis of the disease, oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense mechanisms created in the body by this stress play an important role. As dynamic thiol-disulfide hemostasis is closely related to oxidative stress and is known to have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of oxidative stress, this study aimed to compare its value with other inflammatory markers in the diagnosis and follow-up of acute appendicitis.MethodologyThis study included cases admitted for surgery with a diagnosis of acute abdomen at Keçiören Research and Training Hospital General Surgery Clinic between April 2015 and July 2015 who were intraoperatively diagnosed with acute appendicitis and underwent routine appendectomy. In the preoperative period and after clinical healing before discharge, blood samples were obtained to examine white blood cell (WBC), mean platelet volume (MPV), total bilirubin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and thiol-disulfide balance, and the results were recorded.ResultsA total of 68 cases were operated on for acute appendicitis, and 59 were evaluated comprising 23 (39%) females and 36 (61%) males with a mean age of 35.6 years (range = 19-65 years). The mean duration of hospital stay was two days (range = 1-8 days). The results of the tests performed preoperatively and before discharge and their p-values were as follows: native thiol (-SH) 393.5 ± 9.4 µmol/L and 369.3 ± 9.5 µmol/L (p = 0.04), total thiol 434 ± 9.7 µmol/L and 396.7 ± 10.2 µmol/L (p = 0.03), disulfide (-S-S) 16.8 ± 0.7 µmol/L and 15.7 ± 0.9 µmol/L (p = 0.3), WBC 13.2 ± 0.5 × 10³/mL and 9.2 ± 0.4 × 10³/mL (p = 0.0), CRP 8.17 ± 1.24 mg/L and 7.84 ± 0.82 mg/L (p = 0.17), MPV 7.4 ± 0.37 fL and 7.97 ± 0.19 fL (p = 1.0), and total bilirubin 0.86 ± 0.08 mg/dL and 0.69 ± 0.06 mg/dL (p = 0.08).ConclusionsIn the clinical follow-up of acute appendicitis patients, the decrease in WBC, total thiol, and native thiol values can be helpful to clinicians as markers of clinical healing. However, CRP may not be a useful marker of clinical healing in acute appendicitis patients who are discharged early.

Applying spectrochemical analyses on venous disease patients treated by N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Ablation Surgery.

The venous disease of the legs is a common disease among adults that may lead to a deterioration in the structure and concentration of biomolecules. N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Ablation Surgery (NBCA) or cyanoacrylate embolization (CAE) technique to adhesive the saphenous vein is an alternative method for the treatment of venous disease. We aimed to show what kind of changes occurs after CAE surgery using FTIR spectroscopy combined chemometrics. We compared before and after surgery blood sera of patients to find whether a correlation between spectral data and laboratory indexes. We studied the blood sera of those who suffered from varicose veins and treated them by CAE technique. In order to examine the molecular profiles in blood sera who underwent the CAE technique of the great saphenous vein for the treatment we used Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy of blood samples of patients before and after surgery as a fast diagnostic technique. To obtain information about the spectra variation among the types of samples Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed for fingerprint, amide II with amide I regions. To find normality among variations Partial Least Square P-P plot of residual was performed. Absorbance values were statistically significant only in amide II, amide I, and OH vibrations. In the blood collected before surgery, higher peaks area of α-helix and β-harmonica were noticed. However, in both groups of samples, a higher amount of β-harmonica was visible. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the value of white blood cells (WBC) correlate with absorbance at 2858 cm-1 wavenumber. Moreover, a correlation between neutrophil (NEU) and OH vibrations, and between hematocrit (HCT) and 1082 cm-1, were found. Furthermore, a high correlation Platelets (PLT) and FTIR peak at 1165 cm-1, was noticed. This methodology suggests with PCA analysis CAE caused structural and quantitative chemical changes in blood samples of patients.

Economics and effect of replacing wheat offal with cassava peel meal on growth performance, nutrient digestibility of growing pigs

This study was carried out to determine the feeding value of Cassava Peel Meal (CPM) as replacement for wheat offal in growing pigs’ diets. Five treatment diets were formulated by replacing wheat offal with CPM at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% for treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. A total of 75 growing pigs of large white breed were allotted on weight equalization basis into the five dietary treatments with 15 pigs per treatment and 3 pigs per replicate in a completely randomized design. The pigs were allowed to acclimatize for two weeks before the commencement of the study which lasted for 14 weeks. Results indicated that wheat offal contained 16.25% crude protein (CP), 18.86% crude fibre (CF) and 1.18% ether extract. The values were higher than cassava peel meal’s 5.18% CP and 15.18% CF and was lower than 1.99% ether extract. The 25, 50, 75% CPM significantly (p<0.05) increased final live weight, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio compared to 100% CPM. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in feed intake. Total feed cost/Kg, feed cost/Kg weight gain and returns on investment significantly (p<0.05) decreased as the levels of cassava peel meal increased in the diets. The bled, scalded, eviscerated and dressed weights decreased as the level of CPM increased in the diets. The heart weight increased with the CPM level, while the liver and the kidney decreased with increase in CPM in the diets. Blood glucose and cholesterol increased with increasing levels of cassava peel meal in the diets while albumin and creatinine decreased as the level of cassava peel meal increased in the diets. The packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) and red blood cell (RBC) counts decreased (p<0.05) as the level of cassava peel meal increased in the diets. White blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte values were highest for pigs in T3 (50%) and T4 (75%). The study concluded that cassava peel meal could replace 75% of wheat offal in growing pig diets without deleterious effects on growth performance and economic benefit in terms of total feed cost, cost per kilogram and weight gain. Key words: Blood serum, cassava peel, carcass, haemotology, returns on investment

Systemic immune-inflammation index as a novel predictor of atrial fibrillation after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

SUMMARYOBJECTIVE:This study aims to examine the predictive role of systemic immune-inflammation index on postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.METHODS:A total of 722 patients undergoing elective off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting between January 2017 and September 2021 were included in this study and divided into two groups as the atrial fibrillation group (n=172) and the non-atrial fibrillation group (n=550). Both groups were compared in terms of patients’ baseline clinical features, operative and postoperative variables, and preoperative hematological indices derived from the complete blood count analysis. Multivariate logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to detect the independent predictors of postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation.RESULTS:The median age and length of hospital stay in the atrial fibrillation group were significantly higher than those in the non-atrial fibrillation group. The median values of white blood cell, platelet, neutrophil, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammation in the atrial fibrillation group were significantly greater than in those in the non- atrial fibrillation group. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, platelet, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammation were independent predictors of postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation. receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that systemic immune-inflammation of 706.7×103/mm3 constituted cut-off value to predict the occurrence of new-onset atrial fibrillation with 86.6% sensitivity and 29.3% specificity.CONCLUSION:Our study revealed for the first time that systemic immune-inflammation predicted new-onset atrial fibrillation after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Predictive value of immature granulocyte and delta neutrophil index in the diagnosis of complicated acute cholecystitis.

The complicated gallbladder disorders are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Thus, this study was aimed at evaluating the predictive value of immature granulocyte count and delta neutrophil index in the prediction of complicated cholecystitis. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent surgery for acute cholecystitis between January 2018 and April 2022. Overall, 351 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study. In all patients, demographic data, immature granulocyte count (IGC), delta neutrophil index (DNI), white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and albumin levels were recorded. Based on operative findings and histopathological examination, the patients were classified into 2 groups uncomplicated (group I) and complicated (e.g., perforation, gangrenous and emphysematous cholecystitis; group II) groups. The IBM SPSS version 26.0 (SPSS Corp, Armonk, NY, USA) was used to assess differences in blood parameters between groups. The predictive values of the parameters evaluated were estimated using ROC analysis. A p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Acute complicated cholecystitis was found in 138 of 351 patients. No significant difference was detected in age and gender distribution between groups (p=0.352 and p=0.214, respectively). When blood parameters were assessed, it was found that IGC, DNI, WBC, and CAR values were significantly higher in group II (p<0.001; p<0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.036, respectively), while there was no significant difference in CRP and albumin between groups (p=0.099 and p=0.53, respectively). In the ROC analysis, the highest AUC value was found for IG count and DNI (0.784 and 0.775, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity were found as 68.8% and 86.9% for IG count and 49.3% and 96.2% for DNI, respectively. The IG count and DNI are two novel parameters with strong predictive value in the early diagnosis of acute complicated cholecystitis, which may support clinical findings, imaging studies, and other laboratory parameters.

Neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratios as a biomarker in postoperative wound infections

Abstract Objectives We aimed to investigate retrospectively the association between the development of surgical wound infection after orthopedic surgery, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) obtained from complete blood count results. Methods A total of 120 patients who underwent orthopedic surgery between 2018 and 2020 were evaluated retrospectively in our study. Wound culture results, complete blood counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values, orthopedic surgery, and wound types were obtained from the laboratory data administration system. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software. Results A total of 70 patients who experienced surgical wound infection (66% males and 34% females) and 50 patients without wound infection (64% males and 36% females) were included in this study. The mean age was 46.8 ± 11.4 years for the patients with infection after surgery and 50.1 ± 11.7 years for the patients without infection. Preoperative CRP, NLR, and PLR, and post-operative white blood cell (WBC), neutrophils, ESR, CRP, NLR, and PLR values were significantly higher, and lymphocyte concentrations were significantly lower in the group with infection, in comparison with those without infection. In the postoperative period, CRP and ESR were high in patients with and without infection, while NLR was increased in only those with infection. A medium-level correlation was found between NLR and PLR, and CRP and ESR. Sensitivity was 66%, and specificity was 68% with a cut-off of &gt;3.5 for NLR, while sensitivity was 42% and specificity was 71% with a cut-off of &gt;135 for PLR. Conclusions We believe that the estimation of NLR and PLR values before the intervention in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery may be advantageous for identifying infection.

Linezolid in the treatment of severe intraabdominal infection: A STROBE-compliant retrospective study.

Safety concerns over bone marrow suppression and thrombocytopenia may inhibit the use of linezolid to treat intraabdominal infection (IAI). To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and prognosis of linezolid in the treatment of severe IAI (SIAI). Patients were divided into a linezolid group and nonlinezolid group according to whether linezolid was prescribed. Subgroup analysis (thrombocytopenia treated with linezolid group (I), and thrombocytopenia treated with nonlinezolid group (II) also was performed. We evaluated the effectiveness of linezolid by analyzing the changes in white blood cells (WBC) and procalcitonin, evaluated safety by analyzing the changes in platelet counts, and evaluated patient outcomes by analyzing the length of hospital stay, the length of ICU stay, and the rates of clinical improvement. Sixty-six adult SIAI patients were treated with anti-gram-positive (G+) bacteria drugs for more than 7 days from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2020. The length of hospital stay, the length of ICU stay, and the rates of clinical improvement were not significantly different between the linezolid group and nonlinezolid group. On the 15th day after anti-G + bacteria treatment, the WBC of the linezolid group was significantly lower than in the nonlinezolid group (9.00 ± 4.30 vs 13.1 ± 6.19, P < .05). The time for a statistical difference in the decrease of procalcitonin in the linezolid group was earlier than in the nonlinezolid group (day 6 vs day 7, P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference in the changes of platelet counts in the subgroup I (P > .05), but compared with the baseline data (day 0), the time for the statistical difference in the increase of platelets in thrombocytopenia treated with linezolid group was earlier (day 5 vs day 6, P < .05). There was no statistical difference in the changes of platelets in subgroup II (P > .05). In the treatment of severe intraabdominal infection in a single-center, retrospective study, linezolid was not inferior to other antibiotics in patient clinical outcomes or seral WBC and procalcitonin values. Linezolid also induced no evident bone marrow suppression or thrombocytopenia. Linezolid is a good choice for treatment of SIAI.

The Novel Use of Umbilical Cord Blood to Obtain Complete Blood Counts for Critical Neonatal Assessment.

Background: Neonates undergoing clinical evaluations are often subjected to potentially painful phlebotomy for laboratory tests. The use of cord blood laboratory values for admission has been suggested as a means to decrease the risk of painful venipuncture and anemia.Methods: Peripheral and umbilical cord blood complete blood count (CBC) results were obtained from infants who required a CBC. Results were compared using the Sysmex XN heme analyzer (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan).Results: White blood cell (WBC) and hemoglobin (HgB) values were significantly higher in peripheral samples than in cord samples. The mean cord WBC count was 14.1 × 103/mm3 versus 15.6 × 103/mm3 peripherally (p < 0.001). The mean cord HgB was 15.8 g/dL versus 16.8 g/dL peripherally (p < 0.001). Cord platelet (Plt) counts were, conversely, lower in peripheral samples than in cord samples (264.8 × 103/mm3 versus 242.3 × 103/mm3, respectively; p < 0.001). Although statistically different, the mean CBC values from both samples were within the reference ranges. Delayed cord clamping (DCC) increased peripheral versus cord HgB difference nearly threefold (0.6-1.7 g/dL; p = 0.01).Conclusions: Cord blood is an acceptable source for CBC blood sampling in newborn infants and can be used for clinical decisions. CBC laboratory values for cord blood remained within the peripheral blood reference range, with slight variability between the two samples.

Short-term prognostic value of clinical data in hospitalized patients with intermediate-risk acute pulmonary embolism

BackgroundIntermediate-risk acute pulmonary embolism (APE) patients are usually defined as hemodynamically stable, comprehending a great therapeutic dilemma. Although anticoagulation therapy is sufficient for most intermediate-risk APE patients, some patients can deteriorate and eventually require a systemic fibrinolytic agent or thrombectomy. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of differences in clinical data for the short-term prognosis of intermediate-risk APE patients.MethodsA retrospective cohort of 74 intermediate-risk APE patients confirmed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography was analyzed in the present study. Adverse clinical event outcomes included PE-related in-hospital deaths, critical systolic blood pressure consistently under 90 mmHg, refractory to volume loading and vasopressor infusion requirements, mechanical ventilation, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The APE patients were stratified into two groups: adverse outcome (n = 25) and control (n = 49) groups. Then, the clinical data of the two groups were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to explore the predictive value of white blood cell (WBC) counts and the right to left ventricular short-axis (RV/LV) ratio. Model calibration was assessed using the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit statistic.ResultsThe brain natriuretic peptide, WBC count, and the RV/LV ratio were higher in patients with adverse outcomes compared to controls. The APE patients with adverse outcomes presented significantly higher rates of syncope, Negative T waves (NTW) in V1–V3, intermediate-high risk, thrombolytic therapy, and low arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) compared to controls. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the SaO2 < 90%, [odds ratio (OR) 5.343, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.241–23.008; p = 0.024], RV/LV ratio (OR 7.429, 95% CI 1.145–48.209; p = 0.036), Syncope (OR 12.309, 95% CI 1.702–89.032; p = 0.013), NTW in V1–V3 (OR 5.617, 95% CI 1.228–25.683; p = 0.026), and WBC count (OR 1.212, 95% CI 1.035–1.419; p = 0.017) were independent predictors of in-hospital adverse outcomes among APE patients. The ROC curve analysis indicated that the RV/LV ratio can be used to predict adverse outcomes (AUC = 0.748, p < 0.01) and calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test, p = 0.070). Moreover, an RV/LV ratio > 1.165 was predictive of adverse outcomes with sensitivity and specificity of 88.00 and 59.20%, respectively. The WBC counts were also able to predict adverse outcomes (AUC = 0.752, p < 0.01) and calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test, p = 0.251). A WBC count > 9.05 was predictive of adverse outcomes with sensitivity and specificity of 68.00 and 73.50%, respectively.ConclusionOverall, a SaO2 < 90%, RV/LV ratio, Syncope, NTW in V1–V3, and WBC counts could independently predict adverse outcomes in hospitalized intermediate-risk APE patients.

Effects of DL and L-Methionine on Growth Rate, Feather Growth, and Hematological Parameters of Tetra-SL Layers from 1-28 Days of Age.

Simple SummaryMethionine is the first limiting amino acid and plays an important role in the growth and health status of chicks. Animal health status was easily detected by examining the hematological parameters. This study aimed to investigate the influence of methionine sources (L-methionine and DL-Methionine) at different supplementation levels (10% deficit, 100% and 10% surplus of the recommended) on growth performance and health status of chicks. The results of the feeding trial found no differences in the chicks’ growth performance and feather growth on neither methionine sources nor methionine levels. However, most of the hematology parameters were affected by the methionine sources and/or methionine levels, as well as their interaction being significant in some cases. Therefore, this trial showed that varying methionine by ±10% of the requirements does not adversely affect growth performance and feather growth.The study was carried out to determine whether sources or levels of methionine (Met) affect the health status of Tetra-SL (TSL) chicks by examining growth performance, feather growth, and hematological parameters. A total of ninety-six (96) day-old (44.2 ± 0.18 g lw) TSL chicks were randomly allotted to six treatment groups (three levels for each DL and L-Met source) with four replicates of four chicks each. Chicks were fed ad libitum diets supplemented with 90, 100, and 110% of methionine requirements for four weeks after hatch. The parameters examined are bodyweight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), feather length (FL), and hematological parameters, including: red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in the blood, hematocrit (Ht; %), number of white blood cells (WBC), platelet count, mean corpuscular volume of red blood cells (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), lymphocyte (LYM), mid-range (MID), and granulocyte (GRAN). There was no significant effect of Met sources and levels on BW, ADG, and FL of TSL chicks for the first four weeks of rearing. The RBC, Hb, Ht, WBC, LYM, MID, and GRAN values of TSL chicks were statistically influenced by dietary Met sources and Met levels (p < 0.05). Among the treatment groups, the number of white blood cells (WBC) on 90% DL–Met was the lowest. WBC, RBC, Hb, and Ht were higher from chicks that received 100% DL-Met than all other levels, regardless of the Met sources. The MCV, MCH, and MCHC values were not affected by either Met source or levels or their interactions. Met source and level interactively affected the Ht, WBC, LYM %, and GRAN values of TSL chicks (p < 0.05). The platelet number was affected by Met source only (p < 0.05) with chicks receiving L-Met source having more than twofold higher platelet values than DL-Met source. In conclusion, varying Met levels by ±10% of the requirement does not adversely affect the growth performance, feather growth, and hematological parameters of TSL chicks reared for up to four weeks of age. DL-Met increased the body weight and improved the white blood cells, red blood cells, and hematocrit at 28 days after hatch. DL-Met showed similar biological efficacy as L-Met for body weight and feather growth but not for the hematological parameters.

Mitochondrial RNAs as Potential Biomarkers of Functional Impairment in Diabetic Kidney Disease.

Type 2 diabetes and renal damage are strictly linked. The progressive increase in T2D incidence has stimulated the interest in novel biomarkers to improve the diagnostic performance of the commonly utilized markers such as albuminuria and eGFR. Through microarray method, we analyzed the entire transcriptome expressed in 12 serum samples of diabetic patients, six without DKD and six with DKD; the downregulation of the most dysregulated transcripts was validated in a wider cohort of 69 patients by qPCRs. We identified a total of 33 downregulated transcripts. The downregulation of four mitochondrial messenger RNAs (MT-ATP6, MT-ATP8, MT-COX3, MT-ND1) and other two transcripts (seysnoy, skerdo) was validated in patients with eGFR stage G3 versus G2 and G1. The four messenger RNAs correlated with creatinine and eGFR stages, while seysnoy and skerdo were associated with white blood cell values. All transcripts correlated also with Blood Urea Nitrogen. The four mitochondrial messenger RNAs had a high diagnostic performance in G3 versus G2 discrimination, with AUC values above 0.8. The most performant transcript was MT-ATP6, with an AUC of 0.846; sensitivity = 90%, specificity = 76%, p-value = 7.8 × 10−5. This study led to the identification of a specific molecular signature of DKD, proposing the dosage of RNAs, especially mitochondrial RNAs, as noninvasive biomarkers of diabetes complication.

The Relationship of Liver and Pancreas Density With Chest Computed Tomography Score Progression and Laboratory Findings in Patients With COVID-19.

Abdominal involvement of COVID-19 is a current issue. We aimed to evaluate hepatic and pancreatic density alterations on computed tomography (CT) and to analyze whether these alterations had a relationship with chest CT score and laboratory findings. Patients with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 from March 11, 2020, to February 6, 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into nonprogressive and progressive groups according to their chest CT scores. Liver and pancreas density, and liver-to-spleen (L/S) ratio were calculated. Laboratory findings, medication, intensive care unit stay, and survival were noted. There were 51 patients in the nonprogressive group and 123 patients in the progressive group. The median (minimum to maximum) L/S value of the nonprogressive group was 1 (0.28-1.53) at admission and 1.06 (0.33-1.83) at follow-up ( P < 0.001). In the progressive group, the median L/S value was 1.08 (0.35-1.51) at admission and 0.92 (0.33-1.75) at follow-up ( P < 0.001). A significant difference was found between the 2 groups at admission and follow-up ( P = 0.010 and P < 0.001, respectively). Pancreatic density measured at follow-up was significantly lower in the progressive group ( P = 0.045). In the progressive group, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, creatinine, urea, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and white blood cell values were higher; albumin and lymphocyte values were lower ( P < 0.05). Patients with COVID-19 with progressive CT scores may have a decrease in L/S values, and their pancreatic density is lower than nonprogressives. Aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, creatinine, urea, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and white blood cell values tend to be higher in patients with a high chest CT score.

Hematological Parameters Alteration in Thai Garlic Farmers Exposed to Mixed Pesticides

Fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides are commonly agrochemicals used to eliminate pests during garliccultivation. Occupational exposure to mixed pesticides can cause hematological abnormalities. The aim of thisstudy was toassess the adverse effects of chronic mixed pesticide exposure in the garlic farmers by using thehematological parameters. The blood sample was collected from 137 Thai farmers who chronically exposed tomixed pesticide and 59 control group who were not a history of exposure to mixed pesticide. Complete BloodCount (CBC) analysis was performed to investigate the hematological parameters alteration pattern of Thaifarmers. Statistical analysis also performed by using Mann-Whitney U test. Our investigations revealed thatthemean values of white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocyte, basophil, platelet distribution width, mean plateletvolume and platelet large cell ratio significantly decreased in the chronic exposed group but did not affect whencompared with the normal reference ranges. The results clearly demonstrated that chronic exposure to the mixedpesticides during garlic cultivation alters the hematological parameters. The farmers should be aware and checktheir health to prevent the adverse effects from pesticide intoxication.

Clinical Features of Aortic Dissection in the Emergency Department: A Single-center Experience from South China.

ObjectivesOur goal in this study was to determine 1) whether there are any differences in clinical characteristics between Chinese and Western patients with aortic dissection (AD), and 2) the mortality rate of AD patients in the emergency department (ED) and identify the risk predictors for death.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients who were diagnosed with AD and admitted to our ED between September 1, 2017–August 31, 2020. Data on age, gender, clinical manifestation, medical history, routine blood tests, liver and kidney function, coagulation, myocardial enzymology, and mortality were collected.ResultsWe enrolled 535 AD patients (422 men and 113 women) with a mean age of 54.7±14.1 years. Type A AD constituted 40% of the total number of AD cases, while type B AD constituted 60%. The proportion of those who were females, 10–92 years, with type A AD, and hypertension in the Chinese population was lower than that in the Western population (P <0.05 for all). Type A AD patients had a higher proportion of acute AD clinical manifestations than did patients with type B AD (P = 0.0084, P <0.05). The mortality rate of type A AD patients (10.75%) was higher than that of type B AD patients (1.87%) (P <0.0001) in the ED. Higher values of white blood cells, neutrophils, high-density lipoprotein, activated partial thromboplastin time, and D-dimer level with worsened hepatic and renal function were found in the deceased group, and multivariate logistic regression revealed that blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (P = 0.0031, P <0.05) were significantly associated with death.ConclusionIn South China, patients with AD had a mean age of 54.7 years, with 78.88% prevalence in males and 66.92% hypertension rate. Type A AD accounted for 40% of all AD cases, and 10.70% of patients with type A AD died in the ED. Elevated BUN levels may be a risk predictor for death in patients with type A AD.

Investigation of white blood cell characteristics in cerebrospinal fluid samples at pediatric brain tumor diagnosis.

The role of white blood cells (WBC) in the pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumor microenvironment is incompletely defined. We hypothesized that the WBC profile in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) correlates with the presence of tumor cells and prognosis in pediatric CNS tumors, as well as other patient and disease characteristics, and differs by tumor type, thus giving insight into the tumor immune response. We conducted a retrospective analysis of CSF WBC profiles at CNS tumor diagnosis in 269 patients at our institution. We examined total nucleated cell count, absolute counts, and percentages by WBC subtype. We compared CSF WBC values by tumor cell presence, patient vital status, tumor location, and the most common tumor types. Patients who died of their tumor had a lower CSF lymphocyte percentage and a higher absolute monocyte count in CSF at diagnosis. The presence of tumor cells in CSF was associated with fewer lymphocytes and monocytes. Ventricular tumors had higher CSF lymphocyte, monocyte, macrophage, and total nucleated cell counts than extraventricular tumors. Germ cell tumors, low-grade glioma, high-grade glioma, and ependymoma had lower macrophage counts or percentages compared to other tumor types. WBC profile in CSF at pediatric CNS tumor diagnosis correlates with patient prognosis and presence of metastatic cells, along with tumor type and other tumor characteristics like relationship to the ventricles. Prospective CSF profiling and study may be useful to future immunotherapy and other pediatric CNS tumor clinical trials.

D-dimer may aid in the diagnosis of pediatric musculoskeletal infections: a prospective study.

Musculoskeletal infections, including septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and soft tissue infections, are critical morbidity factors for children and adolescents. This study investigated the role of D-dimer levels for diagnosing childhood musculoskeletal infections. This single-center prospective study was initiated in April 2020 following approval from the local ethics committee. The study included 54 children, divided into the infection group ( n = 21), comprising patients who underwent surgical treatment for childhood musculoskeletal infections and had macroscopically visible purulent discharge during surgery, and the control group ( n = 33), comprising healthy children. In the infection group, the mean values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), plasma D-dimer, and white blood cell (WBC) were 39.42 ± 27.00 mm/h, 101.50 ± 76.90 mg/l, 2.34 ± 2.59 mg/l, and 15.55 ± 6.86 × 10 9 /l, respectively. On comparison, the infection group showed higher levels of WBC, CRP, ESR, D-dimer, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio than the control group. When the D-dimer cutoff value of 0.43 mg/l was taken, it was observed that it had 95.2% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity. The area under curve (AUC) of the above-mentioned parameters calculated via receiver operating characteristic curves showed CRP levels as the optimum predictor of childhood musculoskeletal infections, followed by the ESR, plasma D-dimer, and WBC levels in descending order (AUC: 0.999, 0.997, 0.986, and 0.935, respectively). D-dimer is another test, which in combination with other conventional established tests (CRP and ESR) can be helpful in diagnosis of pediatric infection. We recommend the addition of D-Dimer to ESR, CRP, and WBC as a first-line investigation in cases with suspected pediatric musculoskeletal infections.