[Factors associated with normal leukocyte count and C-reactive protein in adults with acute appendicitis: a retrospective cohort study]. / Faktory, svyazannye s normal'nym kolichestvom leikotsitov i urovnem S-reaktivnogo belka u vzroslykh bol'nykh s ostrym appenditsitom: retrospektivnoe kogortnoe issledovanie.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with normal leukocyte count and C-reactive protein (CRP) in adults with acute appendicitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study included patients aged 18-60 years after surgeries for acute appendicitis. Convenience sampling was used to select medical records, and variables such as age, sex, weight, height, origin, self-medication, diabetes (DM2), high blood pressure (HBP), type of appendicitis, duration of illness, preoperative time, type of appendectomy, operative time, and hospital stay were analyzed. Patients were categorized into those with normal and abnormal inflammatory parameters. The SPSS version 28 software was used for analysis. RESULTS: We included 333 patients; 11.11% ones had normal inflammatory parameters. Both groups had mean age of approximately 33 years. Men comprised 56.76% and 57.43%in both groups, respectively. The abnormal group had shorter mean preoperative time, and catarrhal appendicitis was more common in the normal group. Multivariate analysis revealed that rural origin and self-medication were significantly associated with normal inflammatory parameters. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of normal inflammatory parameters in acute appendicitis patients was 11.11%. Rural origin, self-medication, shorter preoperative time, and catarrhal appendicitis were significantly associated with normal inflammatory parameters in this context.

A mystery revealed: an update on eosinophil and other blood cell morphology of the Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae).

Reptile white blood cell (WBC) morphological features are strikingly variable across species. In the Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae), red tegu (Salvator rufescens), and Savannah monitor (Varanus exanthematicus), previous reports described a WBC type with a single distinct, clear, linear- to ovoid- to crescent-shaped inclusion of presumptive monocytic origin. The objective of this study was to further investigate the origin of this unique WBC type with crescent-shaped inclusions. Blood samples from two Argentine black and white tegus, tegu 1, a 4-year-old female, and tegu 2, a 2-year-old presumed male, were submitted for routine hematological evaluation. Additional blood films were prepared and stained with these cytochemical stains: alkaline phosphatase (ALP; naphthol AS-MX phosphate substrate), alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase, alpha-chloroacetate esterase, myeloperoxidase, Periodic acid-Schiff, and Sudan black B. Blood films from tegu 1 were also stained with a second ALP stain (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoxyl-phosphate and nitroblue tetrazolium substrate), Luna, luxol fast blue, and toluidine blue. The blood from tegu 1 was cytocentrifuged to isolate and fix the buffy coat in glutaraldehyde 2.5% aqueous solution for transmission electron microscopy. Six morphologically distinct WBC types were identified from tegu 1, including heterophils, basophils, monocytes, azurophils, lymphocytes, and the unique WBC type, which were identified as eosinophils with inclusions. WBC types in tegu 2 were similar; however, eosinophils lacked a discernable inclusion. Proper WBC identification will be useful in obtaining accurate hemogram data for this species.

Nucleus segmentation of white blood cells in blood smear images by modeling the pixels' intensities as a set of three Gaussian distributions.

The precise segmentation of white blood cells (WBCs) within blood smear images is a significant challenge with implications for both medical research and image processing. Of particular importance is the often neglected task of accurately segmenting WBC nuclei, an aspect that currently lacks dedicated methodologies. This paper introduces a straightforward and efficient method designed to fill this critical gap, providing an effective solution for the efficient segmentation of WBC nuclei. In blood smear imagery, the distinctive coloration of WBCs contrasts with the hues of other blood components. The inherent obscurity of WBCs prompts their segmentation by isolating pixels with minimal intensities. To streamline this process, our proposed method employs the Laplacian pyramid technique to decorrelate pixels in blood smear images, thereby amplifying the contrast. Subsequently, the intensities of pixels constituting blood cells, encompassing WBCs and the background, are modeled using three Gaussian random variables. Capitalizing on this feature, we implement the Gaussian mixture model (GMM) clustering method to determine the optimal threshold value, facilitating a highly precise segmentation of WBC nuclei. The proposed method demonstrates the capability to process images containing a single WBC as well as effectively functioning with images containing multiple cells of this type. Evaluation of the method on the ALL-IDB, ALL-IDB2, CellaVision, and JTSC datasets yielded accuracy values of 0.9802, 0.9725, 0.9772, and 0.9730, respectively. Comparative analysis with state-of-the-art methods revealed a notably comparable performance, underscoring the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The method presented in this article is highly competitive for segmenting the nuclei of WBCs compared to state-of-the-art methods. The three main advantages of our method are its ability to process images containing one or more WBCs, the automatic calculation of threshold values for each processed image, eliminating the need for manual parameter adjustments. Lastly, the method is efficient, as its algorithmic complexity is approximately O ( n m ) .

Do Men and Women Differ in Hematological Adaptations to 24 Weeks of Crossfit® Training?

Regular exercise can modulate the immune system functioning through changes in the number and function of leukocytes as well as in red blood cells and other typical blood markers. High intensity exercise promotes increases in cytotoxic activity, phagocytic capacity, chemotaxis and cell apoptosis. The aim of the study was to compare the chronic effects of a 24-week training program using CrossFit® methodology on hematological variables of men vs. women. Twenty-nine CrossFit® athletes (35.3 ± 10.4 years, 175.0 ± 9.2 cm, 79.5 ± 16.4 kg) participated in the study. The blood count, the lipid profile and glucose markers were measured every two months during the study period. The erythrocyte count and hemoglobin concentrations increased in months 4 and 6 in men and women, respectively. Hematocrit levels increased in men in months 2, 4 and 6, while in women only in month 6. Red cell distribution width increased in men in month 6 when compared to the value in month 2. Segmented neutrophils increased in men in month 6 and eosinophil levels increased in women in month 6. Differences between the two sexes were observed in monocytes levels at baseline, as well as in months 2, 4 and 6. Cross-Fit® training increased red cell count indicators in both sexes, which may be related to increased erythropoiesis. Some white blood cell counts were altered and these differed between sexes. The number of lymphocytes remained stable throughout the experiment.

Hematology and serum biochemistry of broilers fed diets supplemented with chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates

The objective of this study was to evaluate the hematology and serum biochemistry of broilers fed diets supplemented with chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates. An experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement (three levels of chondroitin sulfate: 0, 0.05 and 0.10%; and three levels of glucosamine sulfate: 0, 0.15, and 0.30%), with each treatment involving six replicates of 30 birds. Hematology (red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, total plasma protein [TPP], thrombocytes, white blood cells, eosinophils, monocytes, heterophils, and lymphocytes) and serum biochemistry (totalinteraction between sulfates influenced (p < 0.05) total calcium by 21 days, ionic calcium by 21 and 42 days, and phosphorus, chlorides, and sodium by 42 days. Supplementation with chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates in the broilers' diet favored their immune system and mineral metabolism, increasing serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, and sodium. serum protein [TSP], albumin, globulins, aspartate aminotransferase [AST], gamma-glutamyltransferase [GGT], alkaline phosphatase [AP], total calcium, ionic calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and chlorides) variables were evaluated at 21 and 42 days. Data were subjected to analysis of variance. When the means differed significantly by the F-test, orthogonal analysis was performed to test the linear and quadratic effects of chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate levels. Glucosamine sulfate reduced the number of monocytes linearly, by 42 days (p = 0.0399). There was an interaction effect between the sulfates on total white blood cells (p = 0.0099) and lymphocytes (p = 0.0004) by 21 days. Chickens supplemented with 0.10% chondroitin sulfate showed a linear increase in white blood cells (p = 0.0287) and lymphocytes (p = 0.0144) with the addition of glucosamine sulfate. Chondroitin sulfate supplementation increased serum albumin linearly (p = 0.0099) and TSP quadratically (p = 0.0140), by 21 days. Glucosamine sulfate induced a quadratic response (p < 0.05) in albumin by 42 days, with the lowest value found with the inclusion of 0.06%. Glucosamine sulfate reduced chlorides linearly (p = 0.0237) by 21 days and increased calcium linearly (p = 0.0012) by 42 days. The interaction between sulfates influenced (p < 0.05) total calcium by 21 days, ionic calcium by 21 and 42 days, and phosphorus, chlorides, and sodium by 42 days. Supplementation with chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates in the broilers' diet favored their immune system and mineral metabolism, increasing serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, and sodium.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a hematologia e a bioquímica sérica de frangos de corte suplementados com sulfatos de condroitina e de glucosamina na ração. Foi conduzido um experimento em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3 (três níveis de sulfato de condroitina: 0; 0,05 e 0,10%; e três níveis de sulfato de glucosamina: 0; 0,15 e 0,30%), cada tratamento com seis repetições de 30 aves. Foram avaliadas as variáveis de hematologia (hemácias, hemoglobina, hematócrito, proteínas plasmáticas totais [PPT], trombócitos, leucócitos, eosinófilos, monócitos, heterofilos e linfócitos) e bioquímica sérica (proteínas séricas totais [PST], albumina, globulinas, aspartato aminotransferase [AST], gama glutamiltransferase [GGT], fosfatase alcalina [FA], cálcio total, cálcio iônico, fósforo, sódio, potássio e cloretos) aos 21 e 42 dias. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância. Quando as médias diferiram significativamente pelo teste F, a análise ortogonal foi realizada para testar os efeitos lineares e quadráticos dos níveis dos sulfatos de condroitina e de glucosamina. Observou-se efeito linear decrescente (p = 0,0399) do sulfato de glucosamina na quantidade de monócitos aos 42 dias. Houve interação dos sulfatos para leucócitos totais (p = 0,0099) e linfócitos (p = 0,0004) aos 21 dias. Frangos suplementados com 0,10% de sulfato de condroitina mostraram um aumento linear dos leucócitos (p = 0,0287) e dos linfócitos (p = 0,0144) com a inclusão de sulfato de glucosamina. A suplementação com sulfato de condroitina aumentou linearmente (p = 0,0099) a albumina sérica e afetou de forma quadrática (p = 0,0140) as PST aos 21 dias. O sulfato de glucosamina demonstrou um efeito quadrático (p < 0,05) sobre a albumina aos 42 dias, o menor valor foi encontrado para a inclusão de 0,06%, respectivamente. O sulfato de glucosamina reduziu linearmente (p = 0,0237) os cloretos aos 21 dias e aumentou linearmente (p = 0,0012) o cálcio total aos 42 dias. Verificouse interação (p < 0,05) dos sulfatos para cálcio total aos 21 dias, cálcio iônico aos 21 e 42 dias e para fósforo, cloretos e sódio aos 42 dias. A suplementação com os sulfatos de condroitina e de glucosamina na ração de frangos de corte favoreceram o sistema imune e o metabolismo de minerais, com aumento nas concentrações séricas de cálcio, fósforo e sódio.(AU)

Asociación entre la variación de glóbulos blancos y las manifestaciones clínicas, anticuerpos e infecciones en adultos con lupus eritematoso sistémico / White blood cells count variation in systemic lupus erythematosus: its association to disease manifestations, antibodies and risk of infections

Introducción: la asociación de leucopenia, linfopenia y neutropenia con la presencia de autoanticuerpos, manifestaciones clínicas e infecciones en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) no está bien establecida. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron analizar los cambios en los recuentos de leucocitos y linfocitos en pacientes con LES y su asociación con manifestaciones clínicas, autoanticuerpos y riesgo de infecciones. Materiales y métodos: se recolectaron retrospectivamente los valores de leucocitos, linfocitos y neutrófilos. Se agruparon a los pacientes en cinco categorías: recuento de glóbulos blancos normales, leucopenia (persistente o intermitente) y linfopenia (persistente o intermitente). Se registraron las manifestaciones clínicas, los autoanticuerpos acumulados, el daño, la mortalidad, las infecciones y los tratamientos inmunosupresores recibidos de cada paciente. Resultados: se incluyeron 89 pacientes. La linfopenia (89%) fue la anormalidad más frecuente. La leucopenia intermitente y la persistente se detectaron en el 44% y en el 11% de los pacientes, respectivamente. La linfopenia intermitente y la persistente se hallaron en el 44% y en el 45% de los casos. En el análisis univariado, la presencia de rash discoide se asoció a leucopenia (20,4 vs. 5,1; p=0,059) y el tratamiento con mofetil micofenolato a un recuento normal de leucocitos (p=0,046). El compromiso neurológico se asoció a recuento normal de linfocitos (22,2% vs. 0% y 7,5%; p=0,027); los pacientes con anti-RNP (anti ribonucleoproteína nuclear) presentaron más frecuentemente linfopenia persistente (47% vs. 15,4% y 20%; p=0,007). Ninguno de los grupos se asoció a una mayor prevalencia de infecciones. En el análisis multivariado, el mofetil micofenolato se asoció negativamente a leucopenia (OR 0.33 IC 95% 0,1-0,9; p=0,042) y el compromiso neurológico se asoció negativamente a linfopenia (OR 0.08; p=0,022). Conclusiones: en el análisis univariado, el rash discoide se asoció a leucopenia y el anti-RNP a linfopenia. Al ajustar por otras variables significativas, el tratamiento con mofetil micofenolato se asoció a un recuento normal de leucocitos, mientras que las manifestaciones neurológicas se relacionaron a linfocitos normales. No se demostró asociación de las infecciones con ninguno de los grupos.

Introduction: leukopenia, lymphopenia and neutropenia association to clinical manifestations and infections in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is not well defined. The objectives were to analize leucocytes and lymphocytes variations in SLE patients and their association to clinical manifestations, autoantibodies and infections risk. Materials and methods: total white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocyte, and neutrophils counts were collected retrospectively. Data were grouped into normal WBC cell count, persistent or intermittent leucopenia and lymphopenia. Disease manifestations, accumulated autoantibodies, damage, mortality, infections and immunosuppressants ever received were registered. Results: study sample included 89 patients. Lymphopenia (89%) was the most common abnormality. Intermittent and persistent leukopenia were detected in 44% and 11% cases. Intermittent and persistent lymphopenia were found in 44% and 45% cases. In univariate analysis, discoid rash was associated to leukopenia (20.4 vs 5.1 p=0.059) and mycophenolate treatment to normal leukocyte count (p=0.046). Patients with neurological disorder tended to have normal lymphocyte counts rather than intermittent or persistent lymphopenia (22.2% vs 0% and 7.5% p=0.027); patients with anti-RNP tended to belong to the persistent lymphopenia group (47% vs 15.4% and 20% p=0.007). Infections were not associated to any of the categories. In multivariate analysis mycophenolate was negatively associated to leukopenia (OR 0.33 95% CI 0.1-0.9 p=0.042) while neurological disorder was negatively associated to lymphopenia (OR 0.08 p=0.022). Conclusions: in univariate analysis, discoid rash was associated to leukopenia and anti-RNP to lymphopenia. When adjusted to other significant variables, mycophenolate was related to normal leukocyte while neurological manifestations were to normal lymphocyte counts. Infections were not associated to any of the categories.

BLOOD CELL MORPHOLOGY AND LEUKOCYTE DIFFERENTIAL OF MORELET'S CROCODILE (Crocodylus moreletii) (CROCODYLIDAE) / Morfología de células sanguíneas y recuento leucocitario del cocodrilo de Morelet (Crocodylus moreletii) (CROCODYLIDAE)

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to determine the morphological characteristics of peripheral blood cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, thrombocytes) and the leukocyte differential count (heterophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, azurophils) of captive Morelet's crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii) from Veracruz, Mexico. Peripheral blood from 80 apparently healthy farmed crocodiles (39 subadults [19 females, 20 males] and 41 adults [18 females, 23 males]) was examined for morphology through stained blood smears and manual count was used for the leukocyte differential. Blood was collected during the non-breeding (n = 42) and breeding (n = 38) seasons. Blood examination indicated similar morphological characteristics of blood cells in subadult and adult individuals and in females and males in both seasons. Erythrocytes were the largest blood cells and lymphocytes the smallest. The leukocyte differential count showed that lymphocytes were the most abundant leukocytes and basophils the least numerous. The percentages of some leukocytes showed difference by season (non-breeding and breeding) in subadult and adult males (p < 0.05) and by size (subadults and adults) in males and females but only in the non-breeding season (p < 0.05). The leukocytes that showed the greatest variation were lymphocytes, heterophils and eosinophils. The knowledge of blood cell morphology and the leukocyte differential count in healthy farmed Morelet's crocodiles will allow the accurate diagnosis of some diseases of captive and wild individuals.

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue determinar las características morfológicas de células sanguíneas periféricas (eritrocitos, leucocitos, trombocitos) y el conteo diferencial de leucocitos (heterófilos, eosinófilos, basófilos, linfocitos, monocitos, azurófilos) del cocodrilo de Morelet (Crocodylus moreletii) mantenido en cautiverio en Veracruz, México. Se examinó sangre periférica de 80 cocodrilos aparentemente sanos criados en granja (39 subadultos [19 hembras, 20 machos] y 41 adultos [18 hembras, 23 machos]) mediante frotis sanguíneos teñidos para determinar la morfología celular y mediante conteo manual para el diferencial de leucocitos. La sangre se recolectó durante las temporadas no reproductiva (n = 42) y reproductiva (n = 38). El examen sanguíneo indicó similar morfología de células sanguíneas en individuos subadultos y adultos, así como en hembras y machos, en ambas temporadas. Los eritrocitos fueron las células sanguíneas más grandes y los linfocitos las más pequeñas. El conteo diferencial de leucocitos mostró que los linfocitos fueron los leucocitos más abundantes y los basófilos los menos numerosos. Los porcentajes de algunos leucocitos mostraron diferencia por época (no reproductiva y reproductiva) en machos subadultos y adultos (p < 0,05) y por talla (subadultos y adultos) en machos y hembras sólo en temporada no reproductiva (p < 0,05). Los leucocitos que tuvieron la mayor variación fueron linfocitos, heterófilos y eosinófilos. El conocer la morfología de las células sanguíneas y el conteo diferencial de leucocitos en individuos sanos de cocodrilo de Morelet criados en granja permitirá diagnosticar con precisión algunas enfermedades de individuos manejados en cautiverio y también de individuos silvestres.

Effects of urbanisation and pollution on the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio in birds from Brazilian Cerrado.

Stressing agents can cause morphophysiological and behavioural changes in several animals, including birds, which are good study models for environmental biomonitoring. The heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (H/L) is an efficient indicator of chronic stresses in birds. In this study, we aimed to compare the H/L ratio of birds between the areas with different levels of urbanisation, anthropogenic noise and carbon monoxide (CO) emission rates. A total of 1288 birds were captured in six Cerrado forest fragments between 2013 and 2019, from which we took blood samples to produce blood smears. In each of these fragments, the noise level was measured with a sound pressure level metre. The CO rates were obtained from the National Institute for Space Research database (INPE-Brazil). There was a higher H/L ratio in individuals captured in urban areas or close to urbanisation with high anthropogenic noise levels and high CO rates, and a lower H/L ratio in individuals from preserved areas, far from urban environments with low noise levels and low CO rates. Six species (Antilophia galeata, Leoptopogon amaurocephalus, Cnemotriccus fuscatus, Lathrotriccus euleri, Turdus leucomelas and Eucometis penicillata) showed a significant difference between the areas and followed the pattern shown by the individuals. The present study showed that birds living in the urban and peri-urban sites have higher values of H/L ratio than birds from rural sites. These results suggest that the H/L ratio can be used as an environmental biomonitoring tool and an efficient parameter to assess chronic stress in birds in degraded environments.

Lead exposure does not affect baseline and induced innate immunity in quails.

Lead (Pb) is one of the most common metals found in ecosystems in elevated concentrations derived mainly from anthropogenic activities. Pb toxicity is of special concern in birds due to its capacity for bioaccumulation in the liver, bones, and kidneys causing physiological disruptions. Such disruptions can be lethal in a few days after Pb acute intoxication and they are associated with several million deaths of birds. Moreover, Pb may work as an immunosuppressant as it affects the cell-mediated and humoral immune responses, including components of the acute-phase response (APR). We (1) examined the effects of Pb contamination on the innate immune system, body mass, and food intake of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), and (2) evaluated the effects of Pb on its APR after exposing the animals to Pb acetate in drinkable water during 7 days. We found that Pb contamination increased the number of circulating white blood cells (WBCs), but no effect was found on body mass, food intake, the heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, and haptoglobin (Hp) concentration. When Pb-exposed birds were injected with lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli to activate the APR, they had a negative body mass ratio, reduced food intake, and increased the number of WBCs, the H/L ratio, and the Hp concentration. We conclude that Pb exposure at this dose did not affect baseline values of the constitutive response and that it did not affect the APR of quails, but commend for further studies testing the effect of different Pb doses.

An Efficient Multi-Level Convolutional Neural Network Approach for White Blood Cells Classification.

The evaluation of white blood cells is essential to assess the quality of the human immune system; however, the assessment of the blood smear depends on the pathologist's expertise. Most machine learning tools make a one-level classification for white blood cell classification. This work presents a two-stage hybrid multi-level scheme that efficiently classifies four cell groups: lymphocytes and monocytes (mononuclear) and segmented neutrophils and eosinophils (polymorphonuclear). At the first level, a Faster R-CNN network is applied for the identification of the region of interest of white blood cells, together with the separation of mononuclear cells from polymorphonuclear cells. Once separated, two parallel convolutional neural networks with the MobileNet structure are used to recognize the subclasses in the second level. The results obtained using Monte Carlo cross-validation show that the proposed model has a performance metric of around 98.4% (accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score). The proposed model represents a good alternative for computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) tools for supporting the pathologist in the clinical laboratory in assessing white blood cells from blood smear images.

Effects of yacon flour associated with an energy restricted diet on intestinal permeability, fecal short chain fatty acids, oxidative stress and inflammation markers levels in adults with obesity or overweight: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Yacon flour is rich in bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds and fructooligosaccharides (FOS)), and may therefore reduce the risk of diseases associated with excess body weight. However, its effect on fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFA), intestinal permeability, oxidative stress and inflammation markers has not been studied in adult humans with excess body weight. Thus, we evaluated the effect of the consumption of yacon flour on these variables. METHODS: Twenty-six excess body weight (30.4 ± 2.4 kg/m2) adults (31.3 ± 8.5y) were randomized to one of two groups (yacon flour or control; n = 13) on a double blind clinical trial. Subjects received a breakfast drink containing or not yacon flour (25g) associated with an energy restricted diet, for six weeks. The flour chemical characterization, FOS and total phenolics contents were evaluated. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo (plasma). Intestinal permeability, fecal SCFA, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers also were evaluated in vivo. RESULTS: Yacon flour was well tolerated. It presented an in vitro and in vivo antioxidant capacity, increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (ΔYAC: 49.16 (-4.20; 156.63)) and reduced protein carbonyl concentrations (ΔYAC: -0.98 (-1.54; -0.42)). A reduction in SCFAs was observed in both groups (Δacetic: -3.16 (-5.07; -0.95) vs. -1.05 (-2.65; 1.11); Δpropionic: -1.05 (-2.60;-0.38) vs. -0.41 (-2.08; 0.09); Δbutyric -0.75 (-1.38; -0.04) vs. -0.28 (-0.98; 0.11), for YAC and CON, respectively). Other variables did not change. CONCLUSION: The yacon flour increased the plasma antioxidant capacity, decreased oxidative stress and SCFAs in adults with obesity or overweight.

The Effects of Pre-Storage Leukoreduction on the Conservation of Bovine Whole Blood in Plastic Bags.

Leukoreduction (LR) is a technique that consists of reducing the number of leukocytes in whole blood or blood components that can contribute to decreasing storage lesions and the occurrence of post-transfusion complications. We propose that using a blood bag with pre-storage leukocyte filtration is sufficient for blood conservation under field conditions. Ten healthy Nelore cows were used. Whole blood was sampled from each animal and stored at 2 to 6 °C in CPD/SAG-M (citrate phosphate dextrose bag with a saline, adenine, glucose, mannitol satellite bag) triple bags (Control) and in CPD/SAG-M quadruple bags with a leukocyte filter (Filter). At baseline and after 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days (D0, D7, D14, D21, D28, D35, and D42, respectively), complete hematological, blood gas, and biochemical evaluations were determined. The filtered bag removed 99.3% of white blood cells from cattle blood, and the entire filtration process was performed in the field. There was a reduction in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) in both groups from D14 onward, with a decrease of 19.7% and 17.1% at D42 for the Control and Filter bags, respectively. The hemoglobin (Hb) concentration had variation in both groups. Potassium, pO2, pCO2, and sO2 increased, and sodium, bicarbonate, and pH decreased during storage. The filtered bag was efficient in removing white cells from cattle whole blood and could be used under field conditions. Blood stored after LR showed differences (p < 0.05) in blood gas analysis towards a better quality of stored blood (e.g., higher pH, lower pCO2, higher sO2). Further experimental studies are required to prove that blood without white cells results in a decrease in transfusion reactions in cattle.

Effects of yacon flour associated with an energy restricted diet on intestinal permeability, fecal short chain fatty acids, oxidative stress and inflammation markers levels in adults with obesity or overweight: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objectives Yacon flour is rich in bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds and fructooligosaccharides (FOS)), and may therefore reduce the risk of diseases associated with excess body weight. However, its effect on fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFA), intestinal permeability, oxidative stress and inflammation markers has not been studied in adult humans with excess body weight. Thus, we evaluated the effect of the consumption of yacon flour on these variables. Materials and methods Twenty-six excess body weight (30.4 ± 2.4 kg/m2) adults (31.3 ± 8.5y) were randomized to one of two groups (yacon flour or control; n = 13) on a double blind clinical trial. Subjects received a breakfast drink containing or not yacon flour (25g) associated with an energy restricted diet, for six weeks. The flour chemical characterization, FOS and total phenolics contents were evaluated. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo (plasma). Intestinal permeability, fecal SCFA, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers also were evaluated in vivo. Results Yacon flour was well tolerated. It presented an in vitro and in vivo antioxidant capacity, increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (ΔYAC: 49.16 (-4.20; 156.63)) and reduced protein carbonyl concentrations (ΔYAC: -0.98 (-1.54; -0.42)). A reduction in SCFAs was observed in both groups (Δacetic: -3.16 (-5.07; -0.95) vs. -1.05 (-2.65; 1.11); Δpropionic: -1.05 (-2.60;-0.38) vs. -0.41 (-2.08; 0.09); Δbutyric: -0.75 (-1.38; -0.04) vs. -0.28 (-0.98; 0.11), for YAC and CON, respectively). Other variables did not change. Conclusion The yacon flour increased the plasma antioxidant capacity, decreased oxidative stress and SCFAs in adults with obesity or overweight.

Association of baseline white blood cell counts with tuberculosis treatment outcome: a prospective multicentered cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading infectious cause of death in the world. Cheaper and more accessible TB treatment monitoring methods are needed. Here, we evaluated white blood cell (WBC) absolute counts, lymphocyte, and monocyte proportions during TB treatment, and characterized their association with treatment failure. METHODS: This multicentered prospective cohort study was based in Bangladesh, Georgia, Lebanon, Madagascar, and Paraguay. Adult, non-immunocompromised patients with culture-confirmed pulmonary TB were included and followed up after two months of treatment and at the end of therapy. Blood counts were compared to treatment outcome using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses. RESULTS: Between December 2017 and August 2020, 198 participants were enrolled, and 152 completed treatment, including 28 (18.5%) drug-resistant patients. The rate of cure at the end of treatment was 90.8% (138/152). WBC absolute counts decreased, and lymphocyte proportions increased throughout treatment. In multivariate analyses, baseline high WBC counts and low lymphocyte proportions were associated with positive sputum culture results at the end of treatment (WBC > 11,450 cells/mm3: p = 0.048; lymphocytes <16.0%: p = 0.039; WBC > 11,450 cells/mm3 and lymphocytes <16.0%: p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: High WBC counts and low lymphocyte proportions at baseline are significantly associated with the risk of TB treatment failure.

El efecto de la vitamina D3 y su relación. con el nivel de glóbulos blancos en las mujeres con aborto espontáneo, inyección intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides (ICSI) técnicao / The effect of vitamin D3 and its relationship with the level of white blood cells in women spontaneous miscarriage undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique

Women were studied undergoing ICSI for 84 who suffer non-pregnancy at the Fertility Center, Al-Sadr Medical Hospital in Najaf Governorate, Period between January 2019 and March 2020. WBC, Vitamin D3 and ß-hCG were measured, The pregnant women was divided into (Pregnancy Group, and spontaneous miscarriage) and then demonstrate the immunological effect on pregnancy of women after ICSI technique. Current resultsstudy showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in hormone level ß-hCG is evidence of the presence of high success rates for pregnancy in women who performed operations IVF, where the success rate at the beginning of the matter reached 61.9%, after which it decreased to 33.3% after the first three months due to the occurrence of spontaneous miscarriage of pregnant women due to various immunological and physiological reasons, a positive correlation between the level of ß-hCG and other parameters in the study (Vitamin D3 -WBC).Also The current resultsshowed a significant decrease in a groups (pregnancy failure) and the group (spontaneous miscarriage) compared with the control group (continued pregnancy) in relation to the level of vitamin D3 Also, The current results showed a significant increasein (pregnancy failure) and (spontaneous miscarriage) compared with control groups (continuation of pregnancy) in relation WBC numbers, and the present study founds a negative relationship between the level of vitamin D3 and WBC.

Negative Cultures for Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples taken from the Myelomeningocele Sac on the Day of Repair.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to evaluate the intraoperative laboratory analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) aspirated from the myelomeningocele (MMC) sac prior to the repair to determine if there was bacterial growth in the culture. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of the CSF cultures of 45 MMC patients operated on during the years of 2002 to 2013 at the University Pediatric Hospital. Before repairing the defect, the sac area was cleaned and three milliliters of CSF were drawn and sent for analysis for red blood cells, white blood cells, glucose level, protein level, chloride level, gram stain and culture. The CSF sample results were analyzed for irregularities in the values before proceeding with placement of a ventricular shunt. RESULTS: All the CSF samples that were studied had at least 1 abnormal value in their results, even though none grew any pathogens in the cultures analyzed. CONCLUSION: Upon CSF analysis, we found increased levels of CSF protein and other abnormal values in this population; however, none of the cultures grew any pathogens. This finding is an important tool in the evaluation of the possible etiologies of and therapeutic approaches for future shunt problems in this group of patients.

Inclusion of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Extract in the Diet of Growing Lambs: Effects on Blood Parameters, Animal Performance, and Carcass Traits.

This study aimed to evaluate levels of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) extract (YME), as a feed additive in the diets of growing lambs on serum biochemical parameters and hematological indices, animal performance, body metrics and carcass traits. Thirty-six entire (nine per treatment), male growing lambs, weighing 23.8 ± 3.7 kg, were fed the experimental diets which were treatments consisting of increasing levels of YME (0, 1, 2, and 4% inclusion on a dry matter [DM] basis) during an experimental period of 53 days. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, which initial body weight was used as blocking factor and the results were analyzed by orthogonal contrasts (linear, quadratic, and cubic). Yerba mate extract did not change the general health status of the animals; however, inclusions of up to 2% of the extract increased globulins (p = 0.05) and white blood cell count, as segmented neutrophils (p = 0.02) and lymphocytes (p = 0.04). Additionally, inclusion of up to 2% YME increased dry matter intake, final weight gain, total and daily gain (p < 0.05), also tended to increase ribeye area and reduce fat thickness (p < 0.10); however, YME above 2% of inclusion reduced animal productive parameters (p < 0.05). In conclusion, levels up to 2% of YME were beneficial to the health and productive parameters of growing lambs.

Methylation profiling in promoter sequences of ATM and CDKN2A (p14ARF/p16INK4a ) genes in blood and cfDNA from women with impalpable breast lesions.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the epigenetic changes occurring in early stages of breast cancer. The present study investigated the methylation profile of the ATM, p14ARF and p16INK4a promoters in total blood and plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from women with impalpable breast lesions compared with in total blood of a control cohort of women without breast lesions. The samples were evaluated using the methylation-specific PCR method. The Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate statistical significance between the methylation and clinical variables. A total of 111 women were evaluated, including 56 women with impalpable breast cancer (39/56 also had paired plasma cfDNA) and 55 women in the control cohort (55 blood DNA). For blood DNA from women with malignant impalpable breast lesions, p16INK4a exhibited the greatest percentage of methylation (48%), followed by ATM (37.5%) and p14ARF (27%) promoters, regardless of age variation. For plasma cfDNA, the methylation rates for ATM, p14ARF and p16INK4a were 26, 26 and 10%, respectively. The methylation rates for the blood DNA of controls were the lowest for ATM (9%), p14ARF (7%) and p16INK4a (7%). The women with impalpable breast lesions (benign and malignant lesions) exhibited the highest methylation rate, regardless of age, compared with the paired plasma cfDNA and controls. This epigenetic change was statistically significant for the promoters of ATM (P=0.009) and p16INK4a (P=0.001) (impalpable breast lesions vs. control). The present study demonstrated that epigenetic changes occurring in the ATM and CDKN2A genes detectable in liquid biopsy were associated with the development of impalpable breast lesions.

Leukocyte profile of the helmeted manakin, Antilophia galeata (Passeriformes: Pipridae) in a Cerrado forest fragment

Changes in the amounts and proportions of leukocytes, known as leucocyte profiles, have been documented for several bird species and have been used to measure stress levels in these animals. The present work ascertained the biological and ecological attributes that influence the leukocyte profile of Antilophia galeata (Lichtenstein, 1823), the helmeted manakin. This species has been deemed useful in ecological studies because it responds to environmental changes. Blood samples drawn from 89 individuals of A. galeata captured in a Cerrado forest fragment were subjected to analysis under optical microscopy to identify and quantify leukocytes and micronuclei. The number of lymphocytes was greater for males, non-reproductive individuals and individuals infected with ticks. None of the leukocyte components differed in relation to age, molting or body condition index. The amount of micronuclei was correlated with values for total leukocytes, H/L ratio, heterophils, basophils and monocytes. The results suggest that reproduction may be an immunosuppressive factor for the species, producing sexual differences in lymphocyte availability. In addition, biomarkers of genotoxic damage (micronuclei) were related to the amount of leukocytes, indicating that individuals may be sensitive to environmental disturbances. Leukocyte profiles can be considered a useful tool for addressing ecological questions that are relevant to the conservation of species in degraded environments.

Leukocyte profile of the helmeted manakin, Antilophia galeata (Passeriformes: Pipridae) in a Cerrado forest fragment

Changes in the amounts and proportions of leukocytes, known as leucocyte profiles, have been documented for several bird species and have been used to measure stress levels in these animals. The present work ascertained the biological and ecological attributes that influence the leukocyte profile of Antilophia galeata (Lichtenstein, 1823), the helmeted manakin. This species has been deemed useful in ecological studies because it responds to environmental changes. Blood samples drawn from 89 individuals of A. galeata captured in a Cerrado forest fragment were subjected to analysis under optical microscopy to identify and quantify leukocytes and micronuclei. The number of lymphocytes was greater for males, non-reproductive individuals and individuals infected with ticks. None of the leukocyte components differed in relation to age, molting or body condition index. The amount of micronuclei was correlated with values for total leukocytes, H/L ratio, heterophils, basophils and monocytes. The results suggest that reproduction may be an immunosuppressive factor for the species, producing sexual differences in lymphocyte availability. In addition, biomarkers of genotoxic damage (micronuclei) were related to the amount of leukocytes, indicating that individuals may be sensitive to environmental disturbances. Leukocyte profiles can be considered a useful tool for addressing ecological questions that are relevant to the conservation of species in degraded environments.(AU)