Differential White Blood Cell Counts Research Articles

Changes in White Blood Cells, D-Dimer and Lactate Dehydrogenase Level in Covid-19 Patients A Comparative Study

Coronavirus is a new pandemic disease that began in Wuhan, China, and has since spread over the globe. The number of COVID-19 cases reported daily in Iraq has slowly increased. This study aims to investigate the effect of Covid-19 on the normal range of White Blood Cells (WBC), D-Dimer, and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH). This study looked at 65 patients who had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 using polymerase chain reaction analysis. Patients with mild symptoms and a normal CT scan for the chest were separated into three groups: those with mild symptoms and a normal CT scan for the chest, those with intermediate disease presenting with fever and cough, other respiratory symptoms, and those with severe disease. At the time of the study, all patients' data were collected from Al-Diwaniyah Teaching hospital admission for parameters of White blood cell count, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, and D-Dimer levels, from December 27, 2020, to April 1, 2021. The WBC count, D-Dimer, and LDH in the patients with COVID-19 were higher than that of the control group (8.15 X109/L versus 390 ng/ml and 593 U/L), respectively, and the difference was highly significant (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in WBC count and LDH among patients according to the severity (p > 0.05). A larger leukocyte count, D-Dimer, and LDH increased the risk of death. These signs can reliably predict a patient's prognosis while in the hospital. Our study's best lab marker was LDH.

PSVIII-9 Effect of Garlic Extracts on Galectin Protein Secretion in St. Croix Sheep Blood

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of garlic extract on the modulation of Galectin protein secretion in sheep blood. Dietary supplements can influence innate immunity. Garlic (Allium sativum) and its derivatives are eco-friendly non-antibiotic, growth-promoting dietary supplements known to modulate inflammation. Galectins (Gals) are a family of animal lectins that bind β-galactosides. Secreted Gal modulates pathological processes and inflammation. It is important to define potential targets of Garlic for its applications in sheep health. Clinically, healthy adult, age-matched non-pregnant St Croix sheep (n=12) from the NC A&T University farm were divided into treatment group (n=6) and control group (n=6). Treatment group 1 was drenched with 5 ml garlic juice (Garlic Barrier (Glendale, CA) concentrate at a rate of 10 ml diluted in sterile distilled water 1:1. The control group was drenched with 10ml sterile distilled water for four weeks. The body weight, body condition, and FAMACHA scores were measured weekly. Faecal egg count was evaluated using the modified McMaster technique. Total plasma protein was analyzed using the BCA assay. Secretion of Gals 1, 3, 9 was evaluated using ELISA kits (My BIOSOURCE). Data were analyzed using T-test where p≤0.05 (SAS9.4 SAS Institute Cary NC). Garlic had no significant effect on FAMACHA ©, body condition score, packed cell volume, differential white blood cell count. Fecal egg count decreased significantly in treated animals in weeks 1(p< 0.034) and 3 (p< 0.003). Total protein, GAL-1 and GAL-3 concentration increased (p< 0.004) in the treatment group. The concentration of Gal-9 decreased when compared to the control group. Garlic had no adverse effect and differentially modulated Gal secretion. Further studies are required to determine the health and production benefits of the observed Gal modulation using garlic in St Croix sheep.

Performance analysis of the compact haematology analyser Sight OLO.

Sight OLO is a compact full blood count (FBC) analyser that uses digital imaging techniques and artificial intelligence to count and assess cellular components of capillary or venous blood. It provides a FBC with a 5-part white blood cell differential count. Our aim was to evaluate its performance against our standard analyser and optical microscopy. Comparative studies for the FBC parameters were done between the Sight OLO and the Unicel DxH800 analyser (Beckman Coulter). Evaluation comprised also repeatability studies and reproducibility studies. The flagging efficiency of the Sight OLO was assessed against the reference method (optical microscopy). The SIGHT OLO showed a good comparability with the Unicel DxH800 analyser for most of the FBC parameters (r> 0.9). The biases recorded between both equipments were within the manufacturer's target specifications for all the FBC parameters. The standard deviation and coefficient of variation calculated per parameter for the precision studies were within the manufacturer's target specifications for all FBC parameters, for all the variation components tested. The five alert flags assessed showed an overall efficiency above 75%, however, high frequency of false negatives was noted for some of the flags assessed. The evaluation of the Sight OLO showed that it can produce accurate FBC results, making it a suitable option for integration in several setups. Its innovative methodology gives it further potential to refine its capabilities.

The role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in avoiding negative appendectomies

IntroductionThe neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inflammatory biomarker that is easily calculated with data from the differential white blood cell count. The aim of our study was to analyse the role of the NLR in the detection of negative appendectomies and to compare its usefulness with other clinical, sonographic and laboratory factors previously described. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study in patients aged less than 16 years who underwent appendectomy in our hospital between 2017 and 2020. We divided patients into 2 groups based on appendiceal histological findings: NA group (negative appendicitis: absence of appendiceal inflammation) and PA group (positive appendicitis: presence of inflammation in any layer of the appendiceal wall). We analysed demographic, clinical, sonographic and laboratory characteristics. ResultsWe included a total of 1269 patients, 1244 in the PA group and 25 in the NA group, with no differences between groups in demographic characteristics. The proportion of patients that presented with nausea and vomiting was significantly smaller in the NA group compared to the PA group (P < .001), and there were no other differences in symptoms. The appendiceal diameter on ultrasound was significantly smaller in the NA group (8.1 ± 2.1 vs. 9.7 ± 2.8 mm; P < .001). The white blood cell and neutrophil counts and the NLR were significantly higher in the PA group (P < .001), as was the level of C-reactive protein (18.6 vs. 2.6; P = .005). The ROC curve analysis revealed that the NLR was the parameter with the highest AUC (0.879) for the diagnosis of negative appendicitis, with a cut-off point of 2.65 for a maximum sensitivity of 84.2% and specificity of 83.8%. ConclusionThe NLR is the preoperative parameter that best discriminates patients without acute appendicitis. Values of less than 2.65 should make clinicians contemplate diagnoses other than appendicitis.

Clinical and laboratory comparison between End-Stage Kidney Disease patients with and without COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in a top referred hospital of West Nusa Tenggara

Background: The initial presentation of hospitalized End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) patients with and without coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is similar and can overlap. We aimed to compare clinical dan laboratory characteristics of the COVID-19 positive and negative patients to help clinicians screen and differentiate hospitalized ESKD patients. Methods: We reviewed data from the medical record of ESKD patients hospitalized between May 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021. The study comprised all suspected COVID-19 patients. The COVID-19 positive was based on results from RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2. The bivariate analysis was used to compare the positive and negative groups. The association of all characteristics and diagnosis of COVID-19 were then evaluated by multivariable analysis. Results: There was twenty-nine percent of confirmed COVID-19 in 176 ESKD patients. The proportion of dyspnea, pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, and cardiomegaly were lower in the COVID-19 positive group. Diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, white blood cell differential counts, and potassium were lower in the COVID-19 positive group. Using a multivariate analysis, eosinophil count &lt;0.04 x103µl (P&lt;0.001, OR 3.50, 95%CI:0.123-0.665), monocyte count &lt;0.69 x103µl (P=0.004, OR 2.54, 95%CI:0.166-0.931), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) &lt;3.13 (P=0.044, OR 3.18, 95%CI:0.102-0.968) were associated with the presence of COVID-19. Conclusions: Leukocyte differential count and chest x-ray should be evaluated as an initial screening of COVID-19 in hospitalized ESKD. Low levels of monocyte and eosinophil count and mild elevation of NLR were associated with COVID-19 in ESKD patients.

Subtype-specific pattern of white blood cell differential in endogenous hypercortisolism.

Endogenous hypercortisolism predisposes to impaired immune function and infections. To date, however, it is unknown whether there is a subtype-specific pattern in white blood cell (WBC) and WBC differential (WBCD) count. A retrospective monocentric cohort study was carried out in patients with overt endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) or adrenal incidentalomas and autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS), with WBC/WBCD analysis at initial diagnosis and after biochemical remission. Cut-offs were obtained by receiver-operating characteristics analysis. In total, 253 patients were analyzed (Cushing's disease (CD); n = 88; ectopic CS (ECS), n = 31; cortisol-producing adrenal adenomas (CPA), n = 40; ACS, n = 45; adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC), n = 49). Total leukocytes and neutrophils correlated positively with serum cortisol after 1-mg dexamethasone (r = 0.314 and r = 0.428), while a negative correlation was observed for lymphocytes and eosinophils (r = -0.374 and r= -0.380) (each P < 0.0001). Similar observations were made for 24 h-urinary free cortisol. CD and ECS differed in numbers of neutrophils and lymphocytes (P < 0.0001) and were well differentiated at a cut-off of 6.1 for the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (sensitivity 90.0%, specificity 89.4%, and areas under the curve (AUC) 0.918). For adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent CS, the best diagnostic outcome was obtained for the discrimination of CPA and ACC at a cut-off of 187.9 for the platelet/lymphocyte ratio (sensitivity 59.6%, specificity 80.6%, and AUC 0.713). For ECS, CPA, and CD, neutrophils decreased (delta -47.0, -29.7, and -26.2%) and lymphocytes increased (+123.2, +78.1, and +17.7%) already 3 months after remission. Most immune cells correlate with the degree of hypercortisolism and differ among CS subtypes. WBCD changes are already identified 3 months after remission from endogenous hypercortisolism.

Effects of physical restraint and endogenous adrenocorticotropin challenges on corticosterone levels and immunological indexes in the Broad-snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris)

In the wild, vertebrates face numerous unpredictable and harmful stressors such as storms, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, and others. A typical physiological response to a perceived stressor is the increased secretion of glucocorticoids. Such a response is adaptive in the short term and could modulate the cellular immune response. Our purpose in this study was to examine the effect of stimulation with adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) injection and physical restraint (PR) on plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels, and total and differential white blood cell counts in the Broad-snouted Caiman ( Caiman latirostris (Daudin, 1802)). Individuals under PR increased CORT levels over time. Otherwise, no differences were observed in the CORT concentration between individuals injected with ACTH and those injected with saline solution. High CORT concentrations in the PR caimans produced a biphasic profile on total white blood cell counts, as well as the lymphocyte and heterophil counts. This response to PR may represent a stress response with an increase in immune surveillance in organs.

Comparison of the Effect of Heparinized Normal Saline Solution Versus Saline Solutions in Arterial and Central Venous Catheters on Complete Blood Count After Cardiac Surgery.

Heparinized and saline solutions can prevent clot formation in arterial and central venous catheters. However, heparin can decrease the platelet count and induce thrombocytopenia. Patients undergoing cardiac surgeries are more likely to develop heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. This study aimed to investigate the effect of heparinized and saline solutions of arterial and central venous catheters on complete blood count (CBC) after cardiac surgery. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 100 participants. All subjects underwent cardiac surgery at Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical, and Research Center, Tehran, Iran. Patients were randomly divided into two groups intervention (A) for whom heparinized normal saline solution was used to maintain central arterial and venous catheters, and control (B) for whom normal saline solution was used. The CBC of subjects was monitored for three days (before surgery and the first and second days after surgery). In the present study, there were no significant differences between CBC, white blood cell differential count, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and international normalized ratio in groups A and B. However, we found significant differences in platelet count (P = 0.049), red blood cell count (P = 0.0001), hemoglobin (P = 0.0001), and hematocrit (P = 0.0001) between before surgery and the second day after surgery in group A. Platelet count (P = 0.027) and PTT (P = 0.0001) before and after surgery were significantly different in group B. According to the results of this study, normal saline solution catheters have fewer side effects and can be a suitable replacement for heparinized catheters.

Haematological profiles of pigs of different age in relation to the presence or absence of porcine reproductive and respiratory virus, porcine circovirus type 2 and hepatitis E virus

This study was aimed to assessing haematological parameters in pigs of different age categories from six farms differing in the presence or absence of selected pathogens. The following categories were included: 5 age groups of growers, fatteners and breeding sows. Individual blood samples for determining complete blood count and white blood cell differential count were taken. Group samples of oral fluid and faeces were collected from each farm and tested for detection of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Virus (PRRSV), Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2), and Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) using PCR, RT-PCR, and qRT-PCR protocols. On farms free of PRRSV, PCV2 and HEV, the age of pigs had significant effect on: white blood cell count (WBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, platelet count (PLT), percentage of neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils and absolute numbers of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils and ‘large unstained cells’ (LUCs). On positive farms all observed blood parameters except the percentage of LUCs were significantly affected by the age. The percentages of lymphocytes, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and haematocrit were significantly lowered by PRRSV, while WBC, PLT, percentage and absolute numbers of neutrophils, basophils and LUCs were increased. Nine-week-old pigs with PCV2 had significantly lower red blood cell count, PLT, percentage and absolute numbers of monocytes and LUCs, and significantly higher MCV, MCH, percentage of neutrophils and percentage and absolute number of eosinophils than 9-week-old pigs with PCV2 and HEV. Age-related changes in haematological parameters occurred in PCR negative and positive farms. HIGHLIGHTS Age-related changes in haematological parameters were present in PCR negative farms and in PCR positive farms in relation to selected pathogens. Values for several haematological parameters in 9-week-old pigs with a monoinfection differed significantly from those in pigs of the same age with two viral infections. To interpret results of haematological analyses correctly, it is important to consider the haematological analyser used, the pig age and, health history, and clinical data.

Influence of intraperitoneal implantation of 12 mm PIT on the welfare of juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta)

The influence of the implantation of 12 mm passive integrated transponders (PIT) tags on juvenile brown trout (fork length approximately 19 cm) for 28 days after tagging was analyzed. The fish were divided into three groups: control, sham (injected with a syringe without PIT tag insertion), PIT tagged. Biological data were collected on days 0 (initial sample), 7, 14, and 28 of the experiment. Growth performance, feeding effectiveness, PIT retention, implantation wound healing, and hematological, biochemical blood plasma (stress indicators, nutritional status), and phagocytic activity indicators were analyzed. On day 28, the implantation wounds were fully healed, and PIT retention was 97.5%. The treatment did not influence growth performance, feeding effectiveness, survival, or the majority of hematological indexes. After day 7, significant changes were noted in plasma cortisol levels (PIT and sham groups), white blood cell counts (all groups), hemoglobin levels, and differential leukocyte counts (PIT group), and cidal ability after day 14 (PIT and sham groups). After day 28, the physiological indicators in the control, sham, and PIT groups did not differ significantly. These results should be taken into consideration when stocking natural streams with juvenile brown trout tagged with PITs, e.g., the period that tagged fish are held prior to stocking.

Haematological profile, blood cell characteristic and serum biochemical composition of cultured brown trout, Salmo trutta fario with respect to sex

The purpose of this research is to see how sex affects several haematological, biochemical and blood cell morphology in cultured brown trout, Salmo trutta fario. Different haematological parameters, for instance haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit (Hct), red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and serum biochemical parameters such as glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), sodium, potassium and phosphorus were analysed. Throughout the study period, male fish had considerably greater Hb content, RBC count and Hct content than female fish, but insignificant (P > 0.05) difference in WBC count, differential leucocyte count, MCV, MCH and MCHC was seen between the two sexes of Salmo trutta fario. The majority of biochemical markers showed no significant (P > 0.05) difference, with the exception of AST, ALP, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, which showed a significant (P < 0.05) difference. Under light microscopy, RBC and differential leukocyte count (neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes) as well as thrombocytes were characterised and discriminated, revealing that the majority of the cells were normal and intact in shape. As a result of the foregoing findings, it is suggested that the data generated be used to identify the health state of fish and to determine the occurrence of various clinical and subclinical disorders, which might assist in enhancing the overall fish population production.

THE EFFECT OF DEXAMETHASONE ON HEMATOLOGIC PROFILES, HEMOSPORIDIAN INFECTION, AND SPLENIC HISTOLOGY IN HOUSE FINCHES (HAEMORHOUS MEXICANUS).

Research on host response to infectious disease often involves pharmacological induction of immunosuppression, frequently through administration of dexamethasone. Reports on the effect of dexamethasone in birds are largely restricted to poultry and pigeons. This study describes changes in white blood cell (WBC) differentials, hemoparasite counts, splenic histology, and splenic CD3 immunoreactivity in House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus). Experimental group birds (n=9) were treated with a daily intramuscular injection of 25 µg of dexamethasone for 8 d; a control group (n=9) received daily saline solution. Smears were made with blood collected immediately before the first dose (day 0) and on d 4, 8, and 9, and stained with modified Wright. The WBC differential counts were performed by three blinded observers, parasite counts by two blinded observers, and histology by one blinded observer. Dexamethasone-treated birds experienced relative heterophilia and lymphopenia on d 4 (P=0.008); heterophilia was also present at d 8 (P=0.018). Hemosporidian counts were significantly increased in dexamethasone-treated birds on d 4 and 8 (P=0.048 and P=0.031, respectively). In contrast with control birds, all dexamethasone-treated birds lacked histologically apparent splenic lymphoid follicles (P<0.001). No significant difference was observed in splenic CD3 immunoreactivity between groups. Our results indicate that dexamethasone has an effect on the hematologic profile of House Finches and suggest that it may be a useful method to induce immunosuppression in this species.

Plasma E-selectin and kallistatin as predictive markers of histologic chorioamnionitis in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes.

We aimed to assess the predictive potential of 12 plasma biomarkers to predict acute histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and to develop multi-biomarker panels based on these biomarkers in combination with widely used conventional laboratory markers. This was a retrospective cohort study involving 81 singleton pregnant women (24-34weeks of gestation) who delivered within 96 h of blood sampling. White blood cell (WBC) count, differential counts, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured at admission. The levels of DKK-3, Fas, haptoglobin, IGFBP-2, kallistatin, MIP-1α, MMP-2, MMP-8, pentraxin 3, progranulin, E-selectin, and P-selectin were evaluated by ELISA using stored plasma samples. The primary outcome measure was acute HCA. Multivariate analyses showed that low plasma E-selectin and kallistatin levels were independently associated with HCA occurrence after adjusting for gestational age. Using a stepwise regression analysis, a multi-biomarker panel comprising plasma E-selectin, serum CRP, and WBC was developed, which provided a good prediction of acute HCA in women with PPROM (area under the curve [AUC], 0.899), with a significantly higher AUC than that of any single variable included in the panel (P<0.05). The plasma levels of DKK-3, Fas, haptoglobin, IGFBP-2, MIP-1α, MMP-2, MMP-8, pentraxin 3, and P-selectin were not significantly associated with HCA occurrence. This study identified E-selectin and kallistatin as potential plasma biomarkers associated with acute HCA in women with PPROM. Their combined analysis with serum CRP and WBC counts significantly improved acute HCA diagnosis.

Participation of ecto-5′-nucleotidase in the inflammatory response in an adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) model

The ecto-5′-nucleotidase is an important source of adenosine in the extracellular medium. Adenosine modulation appears early in evolution and performs several biological functions, including a role as an anti-inflammatory molecule. Here, we evaluate the activity and mRNA expression of ecto-5′-nucleotidase in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using zebrafish as a model. Adult zebrafish were injected with LPS (10 μg/g). White blood cell differential counts, inflammatory markers, and ecto-5′-nucleotidase activity and expression in the encephalon, kidney, heart, and intestine were evaluated at 2, 12, and 24 h post-injection (hpi). At 2 hpi of LPS, an increase in neutrophils and monocytes in peripheral blood was observed, which was accompanied by increased tnf-α expression in the heart, kidney, and encephalon, and increased cox-2 expression in the intestine and kidney. At 12 hpi, monocytes remained elevated in the peripheral blood, while tnf-α expression was also increased in the intestine. At 24 hpi, the white blood cell differential count no longer differed from that of the control, whereas tnf-α expression remained elevated in the encephalon but reduced in the kidney compared with the controls. AMP hydrolysis in LPS-treated animals was increased in the heart at 24 hpi [72 %; p = 0.029] without affecting ecto-5′-nucleotidase gene expression. These data indicate that, in most tissues studied, inflammation does not affect ecto-5′-nucleotidase activity, whereas in the heart, a delayed increase in ecto-5′-nucleotidase activity could be related to tissue repair.

Role of Haemocytometry in Early Predicting COVID 19 Infections, a Comparison Study Between Non Vaccinated and Vaccinated Cases

Although the novel pandemic COVID-19 a primary respiratory tract infection, it is a multi-systemic illness, and has an important impact on the haemopoeitic cells. The purposes of this study is to concentrate on the possibility of utilizing the haemocytometric results in predicting the infected cases during epidemic periods. Methods: A total 220 cases included in this study, (118 males, 102 females), divided into 3 groups, 1st group represent those of second wave of pandemic COVID-19 in Iraq, 2nd group during period of third wave , and 3d group includes post vaccine infection. Using the 5 diff sysmex autonalayzer for complete blood count as a rapid, informative, cheap test. Results: About 1/3d of group 1 and 2 (37%, 33%) respectively are presented with leukocytosis while no one of vaccinated group, in opposite to leucopenia, more common in 3d group (25%),while in group 1and 2only few (8%, 11%) cases respectively. Thrombocytopenia is infrequent in all three groups. The differential white blood cell count is symmetrical in 1st and 2nd group, all patients presented with eosinopenia followed by high N/L ratio (84%, 92%) -whether due to neutrophilia and/or lymphopenia, or both within normal range-, this is not the finding in post-vaccinated group, eosinopenia presented in 25%, of cases and neutropenia is the most common finding 31% in 3d group, while lymphopenia is rare in third group.

Aerofloral studies and allergenicity of dominant pollen types in Taraba and Bauchi States of Northeastern Nigeria

Pollen and spores have been identified as major airborne bio-particles inducing respiratory disorders including allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis among hypersensitive individuals. The present study was conducted with a view to investigating monthly depositional rate of atmospheric palynomorphs to determine the influence of the immediate vegetation on airborne pollen distribution; allergenic activities of dominant atmospheric pollen types at selected study locations in Taraba and Bauchi States, Northeastern Nigeria. Bioaerosols were collected using Tauber-like pollen traps and subjected to standard palynological treatment procedures, microscopy and photomicrography. Plant enumeration within the surrounding vegetation revealed that some airborne pollen types were produced by local plants at the study locations. Spores of Nephrolepis sp., Pteris sp. and a trilete fern, as well as diatoms were also recovered. Crude protein contents of some dominant pollen types; Borreria verticillata (L.) G.F.W. Meyer and Panicum maximum Jacq. for Taraba State; Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit. and Terminalia catappa L. for Bauchi State, were quantified and extracted to sensitize Mus musculus mice for serology (ELISA) and haematology (differential and total white blood cell counts). Statistical significance was tested and recorded in the correlation between levels of serological and haematological parameters elicited by each test group; differences between levels of these parameters elicited by each test group and those of the control, as well as at varying sensitization periods. In the Leucaena leucocephala test group, swollen body and histopathological morbid features showing more extensive areas of inflammatory cells and alveoli filled with fluid in the lungs, were recorded in two dead M. musculus, respectively. The study revealed that all the tested pollen types are possible allergens at the study locations, establishing a complexity of interaction among allergy mediators at varied periods of mice sensitization and forming a paradigm of human immune response to the different pollen allergens.

Utilidad del índice neutrófilo-linfocito en la detección de apendicectomías negativas

IntroductionThe neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inflammatory biomarker that is easily calculated with data from the differential white blood cell count. The aim of our study was to analyse the role of the NLR in the detection of negative appendectomies and to compare its usefulness with other clinical, sonographic and laboratory factors previously described. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study in patients aged less than 16 years who underwent appendectomy in our hospital between 2017 and 2020. We divided patients into 2 groups based on appendiceal histological findings: NA group (negative appendicitis: absence of appendiceal inflammation) and PA group (positive appendicitis: presence of inflammation in any layer of the appendiceal wall). We analysed demographic, clinical, sonographic and laboratory characteristics. ResultsWe included a total of 1269 patients, 1244 in the PA group and 25 in the NA group, with no differences between groups in demographic characteristics. The proportion of patients that presented with nausea and vomiting was significantly smaller in the NA group compared to the PA group (P<.001), and there were no other differences in symptoms. The appendiceal diameter on ultrasound was significantly smaller in the NA group (8.1±2.1 vs. 9.7±2.8mm; P<.001). The white blood cell and neutrophil counts and the NLR were significantly higher in the PA group (P<.001), as was the level of C-reactive protein (18.6 vs. 2.6; P=.005). The ROC curve analysis revealed that the NLR was the parameter with the highest AUC (0.879) for the diagnosis of negative appendicitis, with a cut-off point of 2.65 for a maximum sensitivity of 84.2% and specificity of 83.8%. ConclusionThe NLR is the preoperative parameter that best discriminates patients without acute appendicitis. Values of less than 2.65 should make clinicians contemplate diagnoses other than appendicitis.

Combined Funtumia africana and Abutilon mauritianum Extract Improves Haematological and Antioxidant Parameters in Androgen-Induced Prostate Hyperplasia in Rats

This study assessed the effects of combined Funtumia africana and Abutilon mauritianum (CFAAM) leaves on haematological and antioxidant parameters of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) induced rats. The study was divided into 5 groups with 6 rats in each group. Group 1 contained the standard control, while group 2 comprised BPH-induced rats that received no treatment. Group 3 had BPH induced rats treated with 5 mg/kg finasteride, whereas groups 4 and 5 consisted of BPH induced rats treated with 200 and 600 mg/kg body weight of CFAAM, respectively. BPH in the rats was induced by daily subcutaneous administration of 5 mg/kg testosterone propionate over a period of 28 days, while treatments with either Finasteride or CFAAM were via the oral route. The obtained results showed a significant (P&lt;0.05) decline in the haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), and platelet counts in the BPH-induced untreated rats compared to the normal control. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities also declined significantly (P&lt;0.05) in the BPH-induced rats compared to the normal control. Further, treatment with CFAAM significantly reversed the observed haematological and antioxidant anomalies in the BPH induced rats, but their total white blood cell (WBC) and differential WBC count values were not significantly altered (P&gt;0.05). These findings suggested that CFAAM maintains a healthy haematological profile and improves the levels of antioxidant parameters under BPH conditions; furthermore, it may be of value in the search for new agents for inhibiting the development and progression of BPH.

Evaluation of Leukocyte Response due to Implant of a Controlled Released Drug Delivery System of Chitosan Hydrogel Loaded with Selenium Nanoparticle in Rats with Experimental Spinal Cord Injury

Introduction: Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the main injuries of the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate leukocyte changes following implantation of a controlled drug delivery system of chitosan hydrogel loaded with selenium nanoparticles in rats with spinal cord injury.&#x0D; Material and Methods: For this purpose, 60 adult female rats with experimental thoracic spinal cord compression were divided into three equal groups: control group (did not receive any medication), chitosan group (received chitosan hydrogels), and nanoselnium group (received chitosan hydrogels containing selenium nanoparticles). Total and differential white blood cell count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio were measured on days 3, 7, 21 and 28 after induction of spinal cord injury.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that the total white blood cells and lymphocytes in the control group was significantly higher than the chitosan and nanoselnium groups in the various times. In addition, it was found that although in the chitosan group, a decrease in neutrophil population was observed, but in the nanoselnium group, the decrease in neutrophil population was significantly more than the other groups. Significant reduction of neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio on the third day of the study was also observed in the nanoselenium group compared to the other two groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: Implantation of chitosan hydrogel loaded with selenium nanoparticles controls the leukocyte response after spinal cord injury and thus potentially has a neuroprotective effect on spinal cord injury by controlling the secretion of inflammatory cytokines from the leukocytes.

Land use, season, and parasitism predict metal concentrations in Australian flying fox fur

Urban-living wildlife can be exposed to metal contaminants dispersed into the environment through industrial, residential, and agricultural applications. Metal exposure carries lethal and sublethal consequences for animals; in particular, heavy metals (e.g. arsenic, lead, mercury) can damage organs and act as carcinogens. Many bat species reside and forage in human-modified habitats and could be exposed to contaminants in air, water, and food. We quantified metal concentrations in fur samples from three flying fox species (Pteropus fruit bats) captured at eight sites in eastern Australia. For subsets of bats, we assessed ectoparasite burden, haemoparasite infection, and viral infection, and performed white blood cell differential counts. We examined relationships among metal concentrations, environmental predictors (season, land use surrounding capture site), and individual predictors (species, sex, age, body condition, parasitism, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio). As expected, bats captured at sites with greater human impact had higher metal loads. At one site with seasonal sampling, bats had higher metal concentrations in winter than in summer, possibly owing to changes in food availability and foraging. Relationships between ectoparasites and metal concentrations were mixed, suggesting multiple causal mechanisms. There was no association between overall metal load and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio, but mercury concentrations were positively correlated with this ratio, which is associated with stress in other vertebrate taxa. Comparison of our findings to those of previous flying fox studies revealed potentially harmful levels of several metals; in particular, endangered spectacled flying foxes (P. conspicillatus) exhibited high concentrations of cadmium and lead. Because some bats harbor pathogens transmissible to humans and animals, future research should explore interactions between metal exposure, immunity, and infection to assess consequences for bat and human health.