Comparison of hematological parameters in mild and severe COVID-19 infected patients: A retrospective observational study

Introduction and Aim: With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic raging on, there is a need to identify clinical and laboratory predictors which predict progression towards severe and fatal forms of this illness. Our study aims to evaluate the ability of hematologic and biochemical biomarkers to discriminate between patients with and without severe or fatal forms of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 200 Covid positive patients;100 with mild disease and 100 with severe disease. Medical records were reviewed to collect demographic data and results of the following blood investigations were noted at admission: Hb, Platelet count, Total and Differential leukocyte count, CRP, AST, ALT, LDH, Ferritin and D-Dimer. Comparative analysis was performed between the 2 groups. Results: A significant difference in the basophil count (mean 2.35 and 5.92) among those with mild and severe disease respectively was noted as also with the eosinophil count (mean 6.88 and 1.79). The levels of CRP were higher in those with severe disease as compared to the mild disease group (mean 276.29 and 65.23). Ferritin levels were markedly increased severe disease patients (mean 1275.66 and 533.94). D-dimer was markedly increased in COVID-19 patients with severe disease (mean 3813.91 ng/ml) compared to those with mild disease group (mean 521.78 ng/ml). Conclusion: Hematological and biochemical markers positively correlate to the severity of covid infection, thus highlighting their role in the early diagnosis of the disease and can act as independent markers in predicting severity and prognosis of disease.

Hematological and Hematopoietic Effects of Bactericidal Doses of Trans-Cinnamaldehyde and Thyme Oil on Cyprinus carpio Juveniles

The effects of two potential antibacterial agents of plant origin: trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) and thyme oil (TO) on the peripheral blood parameters and cellular composition of hematopoietic tissue of Cyprinus carpio were studied. Both phytochemicals were used in the doses based on the bactericidal concentrations against Aeromonas spp. developed earlier in in vitro study. The fish were fed for 2 weeks on a commercial feed supplemented with 10 μl/kg of TC or 20 μl/kg of TO. Groups TC1 and TO1 were fed diets containing phytochemicals daily, while groups TC2 and TO2 every 2 days. Control group and groups TC2 and TO2 on the remaining days were fed plain feed. Peripheral blood and head kidney hematopoietic tissue were sampled from all the fish at the end of the experiment. In all the groups, hematological values were within the reference ranges for the healthy common carp juveniles. However, blood hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly lower in all the groups exposed to TC and TO, while MCH in TC1, TO1, and TO2 compared to the control. TC and TO did not affect leukocyte count [white blood cell (WBC)], differential leukocyte count, the oxidative activity of phagocytes [nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT)], or thrombocyte count (Thro). No significant alterations were observed in the hematopoietic tissue. The results showed that TC and TO exhibited no considerable hematotoxic effects and trials of their use in the treatment of fish infected with Aeromonas spp. may be undertaken.

Value of ultrasound-guided aspiration of hip arthroplasties performed in an orthopedic clinic by orthopedic surgeons

Background: Total joint arthroplasties continue to increase as do periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). Ultrasound-guided aspiration can yield useful synovial fluid for analysis while avoiding radiation exposure. This study presents a high-yield, ultrasound-guided technique with analysis of aspiration results. Methods: All consecutive ultrasound-guided aspirations of hip arthroplasties performed from May 2016 through to April 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographic information, component specifics, presence of draining sinus, and inflammatory markers were recorded. Results of aspiration including volume, appearance, lavage use, synovial fluid differential leukocyte count, synovial neutrophil percent, and culture results were recorded. Surgical results, specimen cultures, and surgeon description of purulence were recorded. Aspiration results were compared to the surgical specimen results in all patients who underwent reoperations. Results: Review of 349 hip aspirations demonstrated accuracy of 87 %, sensitivity of 83 %, specificity of 89 %, positive predictive value of 79 %, and negative predictive value 91 %. Surgical and aspiration cultures matched in 81 % of cases. Bloody aspirates and aspirates obtained after lavage had less accuracy at 69 % and 60 %, respectively. Specificity was 100 % for cultures obtained with lavage and 91 % for bloody aspirates. Synovial leukocyte count and neutrophil percentage was obtained in 85 % of aspirations, and cultures were obtained in 98 % of aspirates. Contamination rate was 2 %. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided aspirations aid in the diagnosis of PJI. The use of lavage to obtain fluid is helpful when aspiration cultures are positive. Bloody aspirates are less accurate but have high specificity. A low contamination rate and 88 % accuracy results with this meticulous technique.

Comparative Immunogenicity Evaluation of Two Commonly Used Infectious Bursal Disease Vaccines in Broiler Chickens in Ethiopia

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is one of the most endemic diseases of commercial poultry in Ethiopia. Vaccination has been practiced as the major means of IBD prevention and control. A study was conducted to determine and compare the immunogenicity of two commercially available IBD vaccines in broiler chicken with maternally derived antibody (MDA). Day-old chickens of 270 were randomly assigned to three groups, group 1 vaccinated with brand 1 vaccine at 7th and 19th days and group 2 with brand 2 vaccine at 15th and 22nd days while group 3 were kept as control. Six chickens were also randomly selected and bled on day 1 for differential leukocyte count (DLC) and determination of MDA. Representative chickens from each group were bled at 24th and 42nd days of age for antibody titration using the indirect ELISA test. DLC scores were determined in the 1st and 24th days. The result revealed highly significant differences (P = 0.001) between group 1 and group 2 in DLC at 24th days of age. Antibody titers against IBD were differed significantly (P = 0.02) at 24th and 42nd days of age in broilers vaccinated with brand 1 and brand 2 vaccines. It is concluded that although both brands of vaccine induce an adequate immunological response at the end of the experiment, brand 1 vaccine has shown significantly high antibody titers against the IBDV and DLC than brand 2.

Highly differential count of circulating and tumor infiltrating immune cells in patients with non-HCV/non-HBV hepatocellular carcinoma

Background Liver transplantation and liver resection are curative options for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The outcome is in part depended on the immunological response to the malignancy. In this study, we aimed to identify immunological profiles of non-HCV/non-HBV HCC patients. Methods Thirty-nine immune cell subsets were measured with multicolor flow cytometry. This immunophenotyping was performed in peripheral blood (PB) and tumor specimens of 10 HCC resection patients and 10 healthy donors. The signatures of the highly differential leukocyte count (hDIF) were analyzed using multidimensional techniques. Functional capability was measured using intracellular IFN-γ staining (Trial Registration DRKS00013567). Results The hDIF showed activation (subsets of T-, B-, NK- and dendritic cells) and suppression (subsets of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and T- and B-regulatory cells) of the antitumor response. Principal component analysis of PB and tumor infiltrating leukocytes (TIL) illustrated an antitumor activating gradient. TILs showed functional capability by secreting IFN-γ but did not kill HCC cells. Conclusions In conclusion, the measurement of the hDIF shows distinct differences in immune reactions against non-HBV/non-HCV HCC and illustrates an immunosuppressive gradient toward peripheral blood. Trial Registration DRKS00013567

Growth and blood parameters of soybean based milk replacer fed and naturally suckled Black Bengal kids

The present study was aimed to determine growth and blood parameters of soybean based milk replacer fed kids and naturally suckled counterparts in three villages of Mymensingh Sadar, Bangladesh. Twelve Black Bengal kids were allocated into two treatment groups; one group (n=6) was reared with milk replacer while the other (as control; n=6) was reared naturally keeping with their dam. Live weight and body measurement of kids were recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected from 8 weeks old kids to determine their red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and differential leukocyte count (DLC). The average initial live weight of the suckled and replacer fed kids did not show significant difference (p<0.05). The average final live weight was significantly (p<0.05) higher in artificially fed males (7.7±0.18 kg) than naturally suckled male (6.89±0.24 kg) kids. Body length, wither height and heart girth were significantly (p<0.05) higher in milk replacer fed male kids than naturally suckled counterparts. RBC count was significantly (p<0.05) higher in artificially fed group than naturally suckled kids. Hb, PCV and DLC did not differ significantly (p>0.05) between treatment groups. In conclusion, feeding with soybean based milk replacer enhanced growth of kids comparing naturally reared counterparts. Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2021. 50 (1):22-27

Hematological and Cytometrical Parameters of Japanese Quails Coturnix Coturnix Japonica, Temminck & Schlegel, 1848 as Per Sex and Different Stages of Growth

This study delineates influence of sex and age on haematological and cytometrical parameters in Japanese quail. Sixty birds were sampled, out of which 20 belong to each age-group (chicks, growers and adults). Haemoglobin, Total Erythrocyte Count, Packed Cell Volume, Erythrocyte indices, Total Leukocyte Count and Differential Leukocyte Count for all 3 age groups and cytometry of blood cells for chicks were analysed. Haemoglobin and packed cell volume of chicks differs significantly with other age-groups at p < 0.01. Significant differences at p = 0.01, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 observed in lymphocytes, monocytes and Heterophil to Lymphocyte ratio between chicks and growers. Length, length to breadth, nuclear length, breadth, area and Nucleus to Cytoplasm of erythrocytes, length and area of lymphocytes, breadth and area of heterophils also vary significantly at p < 0.01 between Japanese quail chick male and female. Moreover, breadth of erythrocyte and length of heterophil differs significantly at p < 0.05 between two groups. Thus, age and sex influence physiology and hence haematology and may therefore affect egg and meat production.

Comparing Chick and Grower Stages of Nine Breeds of Gallus gallus domesticus, Linnaeus, 1758 for RBC and WBC Parameters

The present study estimates haematological parameters of different breeds of chicken, viz., Aseel, Black Rock, Dahlem Red, Kadaknath, Naked-neck, Red Cornish, Rhode Island Red, Vanaraja and White Leghorn. Blood samples were collected from 40 unsexed birds of each breed, comprising 20 chicks (< 2 months) and 20 growers (2-8months). Erythrocytic parameters such as Haemoglobin, Total Erythrocyte Count, Packed Cell Volume and erythrocyte indices and leukocytic parameters such as Total Leukocyte Count and Differential Leukocyte Count were taken into account. The data were subjected to ANOVA followed by post-hoc analysis and significant differences were observed at p < 0.01 and p < 0.05. As a whole, Red Blood Cell and White Blood Cell parameters (except Total Leukocyte Count and Basophil percentage which are not significantly different) record significant differences at p < 0.01 among and between the breeds. But some birds also differ at p < 0.05 among and between themselves.

Does the Site of Blood Collection in Fish Affect Haematological and Blood Biochemical Results?

The values of haematological and selected blood plasma biochemical parameters of juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) were compared between blood samples taken from caudal vein and heart to evaluate the influence of blood sampling body site on the obtained results in two groups of fish of different blood sampling order: I – first by caudal and then by cardiac puncture, II – first by cardiac and then by caudal puncture. The obtained results revealed statistically significant (p<0.05) differences only in group I where red blood cell (RBC) count was higher in caudal vein blood, while haematocrit (Ht) value, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), total protein (TP) concentration, and magnesium (Mg) level were higher in cardiac blood samples. No statistically significant differences occurred in white blood cell (WBC) count, differential leukocyte count or erythrocyte morphology based on stained blood smears. The obtained results showed that blood sampling body site may affect the results of haematological and plasma biochemical analyses.

Delta Neutrophil Index as a Promising Biomarker for Placental Implantation Disorders

Objective We aimed to investigate the value of maternal serum delta neutrophil index (DNI) levels in predicting placenta accreta spectrum in patients with placenta previa. Methods The patients who were found to have placenta previa totalis were included in our study. Location of placental implantation and depth of myometrial invasion were defined by transabdominal and transvaginal 2D gray scale and Doppler sonography and confirmed during cesarean section and histopathological evaluation. Patients were subjected to complete blood counts, including prenatal hemoglobin level, total white blood cell count, differential leukocyte count, and platelet count. The following formula was used to calculate the DNI level: DNI (%)=(leukocyte subfraction analyzed by cytochemical reaction in the MPO channel) - (leukocyte subfraction analyzed using the nuclear lobularity channel with reflected light beam measurements). Results Placenta previa was detected in 295 patients; 31 of them had PAS. As the control group, 189 patients were evaluated. In the group with PAS, the DNI value was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the other groups. DNI value in the group with previa only was also significantly higher (p<0.05) than the control group. In the univariate model, a significant (p<0.05) effect of DNI value and number of cesarean sections was observed in separating patients with previa only and PAS. In the multivariate model, a significant independent (p>0.05) effect of the DNI value was observed in separating patients with previa only and PAS. Significant efficiency of DNI value [area under the curve 0.899 (0.814–0.984)] was observed in differentiating patients with previa only and PAS. Significant efficacy of DNI 5 cut-off value [area under the curve 0.858 (0.770–0.946)] was observed in distinguishing patients with previa only and PAS (sensitivity 80.0%, positive predictive value 64.9%, specificity 91.6%, negative predictive value 95.9%) Conclusion Maternal DNI values seem to be beneficial with respect to both previa and invasion prediction. Although more comprehensive studies are needed to test this proposition, prediction studies of this practical test should be done in different trimesters and its usability with respect to preventing maternal-fetal morbidity should be investigated.