White Blood Cell Count Count Research Articles

Effect of African Swine Fever Infection on Some Blood Parameters in Pigs from Selected Local Government Areas in Benue State, Nigeria

African swine fever (ASF) is a notifiable highly infectious lethal haemorrhagic diseasein domestic pigs. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). was carried out to detect antibodies against ASF virus and haematological investigations were also carried out on blood samples collected from one hundred and eighty seven pigs from various piggries and slaughter houses from selected Local Government Areas in Benue State Nigeria. Thirteen (6.95%) pigs were . positive to ELISA haematological investigations consisting of packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), and white blood cell count (WBC). The mean PCV, RBC and WBC values of pigs negative for ASF were 32.38 +10.94, 7.49 +5.32, 8.38 +10.64/ml. respectively while the values of pigs positive for ASF were 35.50 +11.35, 10.03 +4.05 and 9.10 +-6.-25/ml. respectively. It was observed that the mean PCV values (35.50+11.35) of the sero-positive pigs and sero-negative pigs (32.38+10.94) were not significantly different from the normal value; it was also observed that the sero-positive pigs had higher mean WBC count than the normal and also mean seronegative pigs. In conclusion, ASF infection caused increase in the mean values of PCV, RBC and WBC counts.

Abstract P602: Complete Blood Count Analysis in the Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal (RURAL) Cohort Study With a Point of Care Instrument

Background: The RURAL cohort study is a uniquely designed study using a Mobile Examination Unit (MEU) to study heart and lung disorders in rural counties in the southeastern US. Complete blood counts (CBC) are included in the participant baseline examination. We wanted to use an instrument in the MEU for onsite blood counts and chose the Pixcell Hemoscreen, a point-of-care instrument using a unique technology. Before using the Hemoscreen in the RURAL study, it was necessary to ensure that the CBC results would be comparable to laboratory generated results. Methods: We compared CBC results from the Hemoscreen to those from the Sysmex XN9000 at the University of Vermont Medical Center. CBC measurements include erythrocyte count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), hematocrit value (HCT), and platelet count (PLT). Blood from ten volunteers was analyzed on the Hemoscreen and the Sysmex. Statistics included average, standard deviation, and coefficient of variance (CV) for each of the parameters analyzed. Blood from ten volunteers was assayed on both the Hemoscreen and the Sysmex to compare for accuracy. Blood from three volunteers was analyzed ten times on the Hemoscreen to assess variability. Results: The Hemoscreen and Sysmex reported similar values for WBC, RBC, HCT, HGB and PLT counts, as shown in Figure 1. Between repeat measures conducted on the same sample on the Hemoscreen WBC, RBC, HCT, HGB and PLT showed little variance (%CV = 5.9, 2.7, 2.8, 2.7, and 4.0 respectively). Conclusions: The Hemoscreen data correlated with data generated in a hospital laboratory on the same samples. Variability between multiple measures of the same samples on the Hemoscreen showed acceptable variance. To date over 730 RURAL participants have been seen and the Hemoscreen has proven to be quick, accurate, and reliable.

Effects of interleukin-4-modified gold nanozymes on the full-thickness skin defects in diabetic mice

Effects of interleukin-4-modified gold nanozymes on the full-thickness skin defects in diabetic mice

The Value of Complete Blood Count Parameters in Predicting Complicated Acute Appendicitis; a Prognostic Accuracy Study.

Low accuracy of clinical variables can result in delayed diagnosis and increase the incidence of complicated appendicitis in some cases. This study aimed to determine the value of simple complete blood count (CBC) biomarkers in predicting complicated appendicitis. This is a single-center retrospective cross-sectional study, which was conducted on cases referred to emergency department following acute appendicitis who underwent appendectomy, to evaluate the accuracy of some cell blood count variables (white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil percent, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV)) in predicting complicated cases (gangrenous and ruptured appendicitis). There were 252 (68.3%) patients in the uncomplicated appendicitis group and 117 (31.7%) patients in the complicated appendicitis group. The mean age of patients was 34.1 ± 1.09 (Range: 18 -79) years (55.3% male). There were no differences between groups regarding the mean age (p = 0.053), gender distribution (p=0.07), Alvarado score (p = 0.055), platelet count (p =0.204), PLR (p = 0.115), and MPV (p = 0.205). The complicated appendicitis cases had longer onset of symptoms (p <0.001), higher WBC count (p = 0.011), higher neutrophil count (p < 0.001), and higher NLR (p < 0.001). Neutrophil count (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.56-0.66; p = 0.001) and NLR (AUC = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.60-0.69; p = 0.001) had higher level of accuracy in this regard. In contrast, the area under the curve of WBC count (AUC = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.52-0.63; p = 0.22), platelet count (AUC = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.38-0.49; p = 0.049), PLR (AUC = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.52-0.62; p = 0.026), and MPV (AUC = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.49-0.60; p = 0.193) showed low accuracy in predicting complicated acute appendicitis. Based on the findings of present study it seems that WBC, neutrophil percent, NLR, PLR, and MPV have failed to poor accuracy in predicting cases with complicated appendicitis in emergency department.

Effectiveness of Procalcitonin as a Diagnostic Marker vs Other Inflammatory Markers in Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Case-control Study

Introduction: Procalcitonin (PCT), is an amino acid protein precursor of calcitonin hormone, which is released by thyroid parafollicular cells or other body cells. Procalcitonin alone or along with other biomarkers of infection such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate( ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) can be used as a marker for diagnosing diabetic foot infection. Aim: To determine the effectiveness of PCT, as a marker for infected Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) in comparison with other inflammatory markers such as CRP, White Blood Cell count (WBC), and ESR. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted at Department of General Surgery, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India from January 2018 to December 2018. Total 90 patients were classified into three groups with 30 patients in each group: group I had patients with diabetes but without foot ulcers while group II patients having Non infected DFU (NIDFU) and group III patients having Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcer (IDFU) served as cases. The parameters assessed were demographic data, blood pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), diabetic complications like nephropathy, retinopathy and myocardial ischaemia and inflammatory markers. Results: The mean age in group I was 46.9±5.11 years., group II was 47.8±6.65 years and in group III was 49.3±7.83 years. The gender distribution were group I (male 19, female 11), group II (male 13, female 17), group III (male 14, female 16). Serum PCT levels were 1.43±0.52 ng/mL in group III versus 0.18±0.17 ng/mL and 0.08±0.05 ng/mL in group II and group I respectively, with a significant p-value of 0.001. The PCT levels was significantly higher in patients with IDFU compared with the traditional markers like CRP (53.8±16.4 mg/dL, p-value=0.001), ESR (49.0±9.24 mm/hr, p-value=0.034) and WBC (10.2±3.18×109 / dL, p-value=0.014). Conclusion: It was concluded that PCT, as a vital biochemical parameter, has an significant role to diagnose the infection in DFU as compared to CRP, WBC count and ESR.

Detection of human Metapneumovirus and respiratory Syncytial Virus associated with asthmatic patients using direct fluorescent assay and Real time – PCR

This study aimed to determine the incidence of human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and metapneumovirus (hMPV) occurrence in asthmatic patients in Wasit province. Blood samples were collected for measure the total and differential white blood cells count (WBCs). Correlation results of total and differential WBCs count for neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils count among studied groups were significant (P &lt;0.001). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique has been applied for detection of total-IgE antibodies. Results revealed that the highest total-IgE antibodies titer in sera were significantly difference (p &lt; 0.01). A total of 80 nasopharyngeal swabs were immediately dipped in transport media and stored until using for the detection of suspected hRSV and hMPV patients group by direct fluorescent assay the results appeared 13 (16.25 %) and 11 (13.75 %) samples were given positive results for hRSV and hMPV, respectively. Results of hRSV in asthmatic patients were subjected to real time – polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) appeared 15 samples out of 80 samples (18.75 %) were gave positive result for this test.

Anti-Inflammatory Action of Antidepressants: Investigating the Longitudinal Effect of Antidepressants on White Blood Cell Count

Introduction: Antidepressants have documented anti-inflammatory effects on pro-inflammatory biomarkers. However, the long-term effects of antidepressants on inflammatory markers and the effects of different antidepressant classes on pro-inflammatory biomarkers are largely unexplored. Here, we evaluate the short- and long-term effects of all antidepressant classes on a clinical immune marker, white blood cell count (WBC). Methods: Using a retrospective study design, we extracted WBC count and prescription medications from electronic health records at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. We created a longitudinal model to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of these medications on WBC count. We validated our longitudinal model using two known anti-inflammatory medications, biologic immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy, and one medication class without known immunomodulatory properties, contraceptives. We used the longitudinal model to determine the effects of antidepressant use on WBC count stratified by drug class. Results: Biologic immunosuppressant and chemotherapy use was associated with decreased WBC count, but contraceptive use did not associate with changes in WBC count, validating our longitudinal modeling approach. All antidepressant classes were associated with decreased WBC count in the long-term cohorts. SSRI and atypical use also associated with decreased WBC count in the short-term cohort. Conclusions: Using electronic health record data, we show all antidepressant classes exhibit anti-inflammatory effects on a clinical immune marker, WBC count. Additionally, our results indicate that in some cases the anti-inflammatory effects of antidepressants persist over at least a 1-year time frame. Our work contributes to the immunomodulatory knowledge of antidepressants and motivates future studies investigating alternative therapeutic routes for antidepressants.

Point-of-care self-testing for measuring total white blood cells and C-reactive protein – a pilot study for future home-monitoring of patients during antibiotic treatment at home

Background During home treatment with antibiotics, patients’ laboratory results of total white blood cell count (WBC) with neutrophil counts and C-reactive protein (CRP) are drawn and monitored at the hospital. The aim of the study was to examine the feasibility and analytical accuracy of hospitalized patients 18 years or older self-testing using two point-of-care tests (POCT). Methods The pilot study included 41 hospitalized patients. A subjective judgment of the patients’ ability to conduct the self-testing was made along with a comparison of the POCT measurements of WBC, neutrophil counts and CRP with standard laboratory measurements. Correlation between the POCTs and laboratorial values was assessed by coefficient of determination and the level of agreement between the means was assessed by Bland Altman test. Results Of the 38 patients conducting self-testing, 78% were men and the mean age was 61.8 years. 28 patients (73.7%) successfully performed self-testing on the first try while, 10 (26.3%) ‘HemoCue WBC DIFF’ measurements showed an error code. All the patients successfully performed the ‘QuickRead go CRP’ self-test. Comparison of the ‘HemoCue WBC DIFF’ results with the laboratory results of WBC and neutrophil counts showed good agreement. On the other hand, ‘QuickRead go CRP’ results showed a small but significant systematic disagreement compared to the laboratory results. Conclusion Our results showed that the POCTs can be used by some patients and factors influencing the patient participation included psychological and physical limitations. Both POCTs appeared to have an acceptable clinical level of accuracy.

Hematologic Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients with and without G6PD Deficiency: A Comparative Study.

Patients with multiple comorbidities who have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have high morbidity and mortality. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency has been shown to have an enhanced effect on coronavirus in an earlier study. We conducted this comparative observational study to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 disease on G6PD deficiency based on the hematologic parameters, COVID-19-related hospitalizations, and mortality in the state of Qatar between January 2020 and May 2020 at four designated COVID-19 facilities. We identified 41 patients with G6PD deficiency who had documented COVID-19 infection. We compared the results with 241 patients with COVID-19 infection who tested negative for G6PD deficiency.: Results: Comparing the COVID-19 positive G6PD deficient with COVID-19 positive G6PD normal activity showed that G6PD normal group had higher white blood cell count (WBC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), lymphocytes, eosinophils, and monocytes counts versus the G6PD deficient group (p<0.001). When compared with COVID-19 patients with normal G6PD, patients with COVID-19 infection and G6PD deficiency had lower total WBC, ANC, lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts. However, no evidence of increased hemolysis, thrombosis, morbidity, or mortality was observed in COVID-19 patients with G6PD deficiency.

Brown Recluse Spider Bite: A Case Report of Severe Hemolysis and Sepsis

Abstract Introduction/Objective The brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa, is commonly found in the southern and central United States and is known for its venomous bite. It has six eyes, uniformly colored abdomen and legs, is around 1 cm in length and prefers to live in warm, dark and dry places. Its bite in humans can cause skin necrosis as well as more severe manifestations including acute hemolytic anemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), rhabdomyolysis and renal failure. Methods/Case Report We present a case report of a 27 year old male with no known past medical history who was referred from another medical center with a critical hemoglobin of 3.6 g/dl and acute hemolytic anemia that was not responsive to packed red blood cell transfusion and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. He reported of having bitten by a brown recluse spider 8 days ago on the right scapular region. He started developing wound and pain in the area 2 days later when he was admitted to the hospital for a day and treated with antibiotics. His white blood cell count (WBC) at the time was mildly elevated with near normal hemoglobin and was incidentally found to have COVID 19 positivity. After being discharged, he developed fever with chills, dark urine, body ache, headache, nausea and vomiting. When presented to our hospital, laboratory review exhibited normocytic normochromic anemia with elevated bilirubin and decreased haptoglobin showing a hemolytic picture. The patient also displayed severe leukocytosis (WBC count: 53.50) with absolute neutrophilia, lymphocytosis, and monocytosis. Monocyte distribution width (MDW) was 30.02. These changes were attributed to be reactive to venom effect and sepsis. The patient showed significant improvement with plasmapheresis. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA. Conclusion The diagnosis of systemic loxoscelism is often difficult and delayed. Brown recluse spider bites may not always present with sharp stings to be noticed and reported by the patient. Presence of another infectious condition, like COVID 19 in this case, may divert the diagnosis. An elaborate patient history, physical examination for bite wound and patient education may help in identifying the cause early. Spider bites should be considered as a differential diagnosis in a patient with dermonecrosis and abrupt onset hemolysis or sepsis. Prompt treatment can prevent development of DIC, renal failure and life threatening conditions.

Impact of elevated first and second trimester white blood cells on prevalence of late-onset preeclampsia

ObjectiveIncreased white blood cell count (WBC) is known to be associated with preeclampsia (PE). This study aimed to determine whether WBC count >10×109/L had significant impact on late-onset PE (LOPE) during the first and second trimesters. MethodsThis prospective study was conducted in 600 pregnant women from Shanghai Pudong Hospital in China from July 2019 to August 2020. They were classified into four groups: Group 1: WBC count ≤10×109/L at 10th–12th week and 24th–26th week; Group 2, WBC count ≤10×109/L at 10th–12th week but WBC count >10×109/L at 24th–26th week; Group 3, WBC count >10×109/L at 10th–12th week but WBC count≤10×109/L at 24th–26th week; Group 4, WBC count >10×109/L at 10th–12th week and 24th–26th week. Complete blood count results from 10th–12th week and 24th–26th week were obtained for each patient. Maternal laboratory values including white blood cell (WBC) count were compared between the four groups. Results34 women were diagnosed with LOPE at predelivery. The estimated incidence rate of LOPE during pregnancy was 3.6% in Group 1, 5.8% in Group 2, 7.2% in Group 3, and 11% in Group 4 for the respective WBC level of Group 1, 2, 3 and 4. After adjusting for potential influencing factors of PE, the respective relative risks for LOPE was 1.0 (reference), 1.76 (95% CI 0.37, 8.30), 2.23 (0.85, 5.89), and 3.07 (1.34, 7.02) (P for trend = 0.048). ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that WBC count >10×109/L during the first and second trimesters is a risk of LOPE.

Role of biomarkers in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients

BackgroundInvasive aspergillosis is one of the important causes of infection in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to evaluate the roles of biomarkers in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis and their relationship with antifungal stewardship programs.Methods190 sera from 52 immunocompromised patients and volunteer individuals were included in this study. 18 immunocompromised volunteers without IA and 34 patients with probable and proven aspergillosis according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycoses Study Group consensus definitions were entered in this study. The respective sera were evaluated for procalcitonin, soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) levels; white blood cells count (WBC) count, C reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values. Demographic data and clinical characteristics of patients were extracted from their files.ResultsThe male-to-female ratio and mean age of patients were 22/12 and 38.9 years, respectively. The hematologic disorder was the most predisposing factor (29/34, 85.3%). Sensitivity of biomarkers for diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis was 70.6% (cut off value > 190 pg/mL for sTREM-1, 71% (cut off value > 260 pg/mL) for PCT, 85.3% (cut off value > 193 U/L) for LDH, 94.1% (cut off value > 8 mg/l) for CRP, 64.7% (cut off value < 5200 cells/ml) for WBC, and 85.3% (cut off value > 23 mm/h) for ESR. Twelve patients died, with significantly increased sTREM-1 levels and decreased WBC count in them.ConclusionAccording to our data, evaluation of the biomarkers can help in the diagnosis, management, and prediction of the severity of Aspergillus infection, and the rational use of antifungal agents in immunocompromised patients.

Fluoride exposure and blood cell markers of inflammation in children and adolescents in the United States: NHANES, 2013–2016

BackgroundIngestion of fluoride in drinking water has been shown to result in increased cellular markers of inflammation in rodent models. However, the approximately 5–10 × increase in water fluoride concentrations required in rat and mouse models to obtain plasma fluoride concentrations similar to those found in humans has made relevant comparisons of animal to human studies difficult to assess. As an increased white blood cell count (WBC) is a marker of inflammation in humans, we used available NHANES survey data to assess the associations between plasma fluoride levels in the U.S. and blood cell counts children and adolescents. MethodsMultiple linear regressions were done to determine the association of blood cell counts and plasma fluoride in publicly available NHANES survey data from the 2013–2014 and 2015–2016 cycles. Plasma fluoride concentration measurements were available only for children aged 6 to 19, inclusive, and therefore this subpopulation was used for all analyses. Covariate predictors along with plasma fluoride were age, ethnicity, gender, and Body Mass Index (BMI). ResultsPlasma fluoride was significantly positively associated with water fluoride, total WBC count, segmented neutrophils, and monocytes, and negatively associated with red blood cell count when adjusted for age, gender and BMI.ConclusionOur finding that neutrophils and monocytes are associated with higher plasma fluoride in U.S. children and adolescents is consistent with animal data showing fluoride related effects of increased inflammation. These findings suggest the importance of further studies to assess potential mechanisms that are involved in absorption and filtration of ingested fluoride, particularly in tissues and organs such as the small intestine, liver and kidney.

90Y-Labeled Gold Nanoparticle Depot (NPD) Combined with Anti-PD-L1 Antibodies Strongly Inhibits the Growth of 4T1 Tumors in Immunocompetent Mice and Induces an Abscopal Effect on a Distant Non-Irradiated Tumor.

The effectiveness and normal tissue toxicity of a novel nanoparticle depot (NPD) brachytherapy seed incorporating gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) labeled with β-particle emitting, 90Y (termed a "radiation nanomedicine"), were studied for the treatment of 4T1 triple-negative murine mammary carcinoma tumors in Balb/c mice and for inducing an abscopal effect on a distant non-irradiated tumor alone or combined with anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint antibodies. Balb/c mice with two subcutaneous 4T1 tumors─a primary tumor and a distant secondary tumor were implanted intratumorally (i.t.) in the primary tumor with NPD incorporating 3.5 MBq of 90Y-AuNPs (1 × 1014 AuNPs) or unlabeled AuNPs, alone or combined with systemically administered anti-PD-L1 antibodies (200 μg i.p. three times/week for 2 weeks) or received anti-PD-L1 antibodies alone or no treatment. The primary tumor was strongly growth-inhibited over 14 d by NPD incorporating 90Y-AuNPs but only very modestly inhibited by NPD incorporating unlabeled AuNPs. Anti-PD-L1 antibodies alone were ineffective, and combining anti-PD-L1 antibodies with NPD incorporating 90Y-AuNPs did not further inhibit the growth of the primary tumor. Secondary tumor growth was inhibited by treatment of the primary tumor with NPD incorporating 90Y-AuNPs, and growth inhibition was enhanced by anti-PD-L1 antibodies. Treatment of the primary tumor with NPD incorporating unlabeled AuNPs or anti-PD-L1 antibodies alone had no effect on secondary tumor growth. Biodistribution studies showed high uptake of 90Y in the primary tumor [516-810% implanted dose/g (%ID/g)] but very low uptake in the secondary tumor (0.033-0.16% ID/g) and in normal tissues (<0.5% ID/g) except for kidneys (5-8% ID/g). Very high radiation absorbed doses were estimated for the primary tumor (472 Gy) but very low doses in the secondary tumor (0.13 Gy). There was highdose-heterogeneity in the primary tumor with doses as high as 9964 Gy in close proximity to the NPD, decreasing rapidly with distance from the NPD. Normal organ doses were low (<1 Gy) except for kidneys (4 Gy). No normal tissue toxicity was observed, but white blood cell counts (WBC) decreased in tumor-bearing mice treated with NPD incorporating 90Y-AuNPs. Decreased WBC counts were interpreted as tumor response and not toxicity since these were higher than that in healthy non-tumor-bearing mice, and there was a direct association between WBC counts and 4T1 tumor burden. We conclude that implantation of NPD incorporating 90Y-AuNPs into a primary 4T1 tumor in Balb/c mice strongly inhibited tumor growth and combined with anti-PD-L1 antibodies induced an abscopal effect on a distant secondary tumor. This radiation nanomedicine is promising for the local treatment of triple-negative breast cancer tumors in patients, and these therapeutic effects may extend to non-irradiated lesions, especially when combined with checkpoint immunotherapy.

Does radiographic evaluation pulmonary edema score predict intensive care admission in COVID-19 patients presenting to the emergency department? A retrospective single-center observational study

Aim: COVID-19 disease can progress from pneumonia to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Performing computed tomography on all patients is expensive and exposes them to high radiation. The simple and reproducible Radiographic Evaluation Pulmonary Edema (RALE) score, used in ARDS and acute pulmonary edema in the emergency department, can predict the severity of the disease in COVID-19 patients. Material and Method: In our study, a total of 221 COVID-19 patients we followed up between July-November, 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into two as Intensive care hospitalization and no intensive care hospitalization. Results: Ninety-five (43%) patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. The mean age (p&amp;lt;.001), white blood cell count (WBC) (p=.001), neutrophil count (p&amp;lt;.001), RALE score, and the number of hospitalization days of the patients admitted to the intensive care unit were higher (p&amp;lt;.001). These findings were positively correlated with the RALE score (p&amp;lt;.001). Age (p&amp;lt;.001), RALE score (p=.022), WBC (p=.029), and neutrophil count (p=.004) were independent risk factors in the multivariate analysis of factors affecting intensive care admission. RALE score cut-off value in predicting intensive care unit admission was ≥10.5. In the analysis with an Area Under the Curve value of 0.716, the application of this threshold resulted in a sensitivity of 67.4% and a specificity of 69.8%. Conclusion: In conclusion, performing chest computed tomography in all patients admitted to the emergency department with COVID-19 disease increases the cost and exposure to radiation. The simple and recalculated RALE score can be used to predict intensive care admission in COVID-19 pneumonia.

Role of C-Reactive Protein, White Blood Cell Counts, and Serum Glucose Levels as Early Predictors of Infectious Complications After Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery for Colorectal Cancer.

The early detection of infectious complications of colorectal surgery leads to better patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess the role of C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), and serum glucose in the early prediction of infectious complications of laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery were included and stratified into two groups: infectious complication (IC) or no infectious complication (non-IC). Serum levels were measured on postoperative days (PODs) 2 and 4. Analysis of 224 patients (IC group: 27, Non-IC group: 197) revealed higher CRP levels in IC group on POD 2 (P = .001). On POD 4, CRP levels and WBC counts were higher in IC group (P<.001, P = .011, respectively). The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for CRP on PODs 2 and 4 were .743 and .907, respectively, and for WBC on POD 4 was .687. The cut-offs of CRP on PODs 2 and 4 were 156.2mg/L and 91.3mg/L, respectively; the cut-off of WBC was 7,220 cells/mm3. Sensitivity of CRP level ≥91.3mg/L or WBC count ≥7,220 cells/mm3 was 96.3%; (cf. 88.9% for CRP alone), and specificity of CRP level ≥91.3mg/L and WBC count ≥7,220 cells/mm3 was 93.4% (cf. 82.2% for CRP alone). The CRP level on postoperative day (POD) 2 and the combined CRP and WBC on POD 4 were meaningful in predicting infectious complications after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. However, serum glucose levels had a low predictive value for infectious complications.

Predictors of all-cause mortality for patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction

Abstract Background Risk assessment of TLE patients may be challenging due to incomplete knowledge about possible risk factors for post-TLE outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of 30-days and 1-year all-cause mortality including the novel parameter frailty in a large retrospective series of patients undergoing TLE at a high-volume centre. Methods Medical journals of 893 consecutive patients undergoing TLE between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018 were retrogradely analysed. Univariate logistic regression and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors. Results A total of 893 patients were identified. Local infection was the dominant indication (41.1%) and pacemaker was the most common device (49.4%). Mean age was 65±16 years and 73.0% were males. The median follow up was 3.9 years (IQR, 4.5 years). Within the systemic infection group, Staphylococcus aureus was the main microorganism in the positive blood cultures (44.4%) and 69.4% of the patients had vegetations. The 30-days and 1 year mortality rates were 2.5% and 9.7%, respectively. Per-procedural mortality occurred in 1 patient. Significant risk factors for 30-days all-cause mortality at univariate analysis were anaemia, systemic infection, clinical frailty scales (CFS) 5–7 and stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD). Age, CRT-P/D (vs ICD), reduced ejection fraction, anaemia, BMI &amp;lt;25 kg/m2, CFS 4–7 and CKD stages 3–5 were identified as significant predictors of 1-year all-cause mortality. Within the systemic infection subgroup, leucocytosis and white blood cell count (WBC) 8.8–15x109/L were associated with significant 30-days and 1-year all-cause mortality and CRP 200–300 mg/L and low WBC count correlated with 1-year all-cause mortality. Local infection patients with CRP 100–150 mg/L had an elevated risk for 1-year all-cause mortality. Multivariate analysis identified CKD 5, CFS 5–7 and systemic infection for 30-days all-cause mortality and age, CKD 5, CFS 5–7, systemic infection and BMI &amp;lt;25 kg/m2 for 1-year all-cause mortality as independent risk factors. Conclusions Patient-related characteristics, comorbidities and systemic infection independently predicted worse post-TLE prognosis. Several parameters need to be considered when assessing patients for TLE in order to risk stratify the patients and optimize the post-TLE care. Frailty is a novel parameter with significant influence on short and long-term outcome. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Internal funding

Cardiovascular complications and predictors of mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a cross-sectional study from the Indian subcontinent

BackgroundCOVID-19 has spread rapidly across the world, producing significant morbidity and mortality. We investigated the cardiovascular complications and association of laboratory parameters with severity and mortality predictors in COVID-19 hospitalized patients.MethodsBetween May 2020 and June 2021, 730 COVID-19 patients were included in this retrospective observational study in the Coastal Karnataka region of South India. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS), myocarditis, arrhythmias, and all-cause mortality were reported as cardiovascular consequences. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), serum creatinine, D-dimer, troponin T, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP), serum ferritin, and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were among the laboratory parameters measured.ResultsMost common electrocardiogram (ECG) changes were prolonged QTc interval (45.6%) followed by ST-T changes (40.7%) and sinus tachycardia (24.2%). 9.2% patients presented with ACS, with 38.8% having ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 61.2% having non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). In non-survivors, NLR (p < 0.001) and PLR (p = 0.001) were significantly higher. Multivariable regression analysis showed that age (OR:1.019, 95% CI 1.003–1.034; p = 0.017), acute kidney injury (OR:3.562, 95% CI 1.737–7.301; p = 0.001), white blood cell count (WBC) (OR = 1.100, 95% CI 1.035–1.169; p = 0.002), platelet count (OR = 0.994, 95% CI 0.990–0.997; p = 0.001), PLR (OR = 1.002, 95% CI 1.000–1.004; p = 0.023) and severe COVID-19 (OR = 9.012, 95% CI 3.844–21.129; p = 0.001) were independent predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients.ConclusionsAge, WBC count, neutrophil%, NLR, PLR, creatinine, D-dimer, ferritin, LDH, tachycardia, and lymphocytes% strongly correlated with the severity of the disease. Age, acute kidney injury, elevated WBC count, a greater PLR, low platelet count, and COVID-19 severity were independent predictors of mortality.

Expression and clinical significance of the m6A reader YTHDF2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients

As an important m6A reader, the YT521-B homology domain family 2 (YTHDF2) has been shown to regulate mRNA degradation and translation, and to be involved in inflammation. However, little is known about the role of YTHDF2 in the autoimmune-based inflammatory disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To begin to ascertain any role for this reader, 74 RA patients and 63 healthy controls (HC) were recruited for this study. Blood was collected from each subject and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated. Thereafter, mRNA expression of YTHDF2, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the cells was determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The harvested blood was also assessed for a variety of parameters, including levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR), white blood cell counts (WBC), neutrophils counts (N)/neutrophils percentages (N%), and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratios (NLR) - each markers of inflammation during RA. The results showed that YTHDF2 mRNA expression in RA patient PBMC was decreased significantly vs that in healthy control subject cells. Further, YTHDF2 mRNA expression in RA patient PBMC negatively-correlated with ESR, CRP levels, WBC counts, as well as neutrophils counts, percentages, and NLR values. In addition, it was seen that YTHDF2 mRNA expression in RA patient PBMC was associated with host serum RF levels and treatment. Moreover, it was found that mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα was increased in PBMC from RA patients relative to in control subject cells; however, only the increased IL-1β expression was seen to be negatively-correlated with decreased YTHDF2 mRNA expression. In conclusion, the present study illustrated that YTHDF2 expression might have some regulatory role in the underlying mechanisms associated with the autoimmune disease RA and that this m6A reader could at some point represent a potential target for regulating inflammatory responses that occur during RA.

Effect of hibiscus sabdariffa l., zingiber officinale roscoe and piper nigrum l. On the hematological parameters of alloxan induced diabetic wistar rats.

Background: Diabetes is a disease condition of metabolism clinically expressed by chronic hyperglycemia and protein disorder; it has a link to several complications that cause morbidity and mortality and native plants with antidiabetic properties can be used to avoid further progression of the disease&#x0D; Objective: To investigate the antidiabetic properties of combined extract of hibiscus sabdariffa l., zingiber officinale roscoe and piper nigrum l. as well as its effect on selected hematological parameters in alloxan induced diabetic wistar rats&#x0D; Methods: Thirty (30) male wistar rats aged between 8-10 weeks, weighing 130g to 138g were divided into five groups of six rats each and acclimatized for a week prior to the commencement of the treatments. Of the 5 groups, 4 were induced with 170mg/kg body weight of alloxan. Diabetic rats were treated with 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg of the combined extract as well as 500mg/kg of metformin. The last diabetic group was left untreated and served as the negative control. All treatments were administered for 21 days with blood glucose level and body weight of the experimental animals regularly measured during the course of the treatment. At the end of the treatments, experimental rats were sacrificed and the blood collected was used to carry out hematological analysis including White Blood Cell count(WBC), Red Blood Cell count (RBC), Hemoglobin concentration (Hb), Hematocrit (Hct) or Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Platelet (Plt). The results were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P˂0.05.&#x0D; Results: The combined plant extract was observed to cause a decrease in the blood sugar level and also helped to maintain the body weight of animals. Similarly, the level of the PCV and the HB significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) after administering the combined extract at the two selected doses. Also the WBC count was significantly (p&lt;0.05) lowered following the administration of the combined extract.&#x0D; Conclusion: The combined extracts of Hibiscus Sabdariffa and Zingiber Officinale and Piper Nigrum have potential in the management of hyperglycemia as well as in the improvement of hematological parameters in alloxan induced diabetic rats.